JP2019197151A - Image forming apparatus, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a program with which replacement of a storage container in which a developer remains can be prevented, and when the storage container is replaced while the developer remains, the probability that image formation is suspended can be reduced.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises image forming means that performs printing of image data on the basis of a print job by using a developer stored in a storage container. When determination means determines that a storage container taken out does not satisfy a replacement condition, the image forming apparatus causes display means to display guidance for urging re-attachment of the taken-out container, when the cumulative number of times of replacement of the storage container with a new storage container while the replacement condition is not satisfied is equal to or less than a predetermined number of times, permits, with control means, printing performed by the image forming means, and when the cumulative number of times exceeds the predetermined number of times, suspends, with the control means, the printing performed by the image forming means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a program in which a storage container for storing a developer is detachable.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image by developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor using a developer in a developing device. Since the amount of developer that can be accumulated in the developing device is limited, the developer is appropriately replenished to the developing device from a container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus.

  Since the amount of the developer in the container is limited, if the developer is exhausted in the container, the developer cannot be replenished from the container to the developing device. Therefore, when the developer in the storage container runs out, the image forming apparatus notifies the user of replacement of the storage container.

  However, there are cases where the user replaces the container even though the amount of the developer in the container is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Therefore, the conventional image forming apparatus displays a screen for warning that the developer remains in the storage container when the storage container is taken out before the storage container becomes empty, and the original storage container The image formation is suspended until is attached (Patent Document 1). According to this image forming apparatus, since it is notified to the user that it is not time to replace the storage container, it is possible to suppress replacement of the storage container in which the developer remains.

Japanese Patent No. 5813320

However, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.
If a replacement is performed while the power is turned off and no warning is given to the user, or if the warning is ignored, a user different from the exchanger cannot cancel the image formation suspension state.

  For example, when the replacement is performed while the power is off, the warning is notified at the next startup. If a user other than the exchanger activates to use the device, a warning is displayed and image formation remains pending. However, since this user is not the user who performed the exchange, it cannot be returned to the original container according to the display, and the image forming suspension state cannot be released. That is, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 may cause inconvenience that the user cannot use the apparatus when the user cannot return the original container.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems.
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to suppress replacement of a storage container in which developer remains, and to reduce the probability that image formation is suspended when replacement is performed with developer remaining. A forming apparatus, a control method, and a program are provided.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises the following arrangement.
An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that prints image data based on a print job using a developer stored in a storage container, and when the storage container is removed, the removed storage When the determination means for determining whether or not the container satisfies the replacement condition, the display means for displaying guidance, and the determination means determine that the taken out storage container does not satisfy the replacement condition, When the display unit displays guidance for prompting remounting of the taken out storage container, and the cumulative number of replacements of the storage container replaced with a new storage container without satisfying the replacement condition is less than a predetermined number of times, And a control unit that permits printing by the image forming unit and holds the printing by the image forming unit when the predetermined number of times is exceeded. Imaging instrumentation device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress replacement of the storage container in which the developer remains, and it is possible to reduce the probability that image formation is suspended when the storage container is replaced in a state where the developer remains. .

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a mounting unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a toner bottle. The principal part schematic of a rotation detection sensor. The timing chart of the output signal of a door opening / closing and the output signal of a sensor output detection circuit. The schematic diagram which shows the display content of a liquid crystal screen. 6 is a schematic diagram of a history of toner bottle identification information. FIG. The flowchart which shows the display control of the liquid crystal screen at the time of exchange on the way. The flowchart which shows the display control of the liquid crystal screen at the time of normal replacement | exchange.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the constituent elements described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.
In the following embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus.

(Description of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus 200. In the image forming apparatus 200, four image forming portions Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd that form toner images of respective color components are arranged side by side in the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer belt 7. The image forming unit Pa forms a yellow toner image, the image forming unit Pb forms a magenta toner image, the image forming unit Pc forms a cyan toner image, and the image forming unit Pd forms a black toner image To do.

  To the image forming apparatus 200, toner bottles Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td that are detachable from the image forming apparatus 200 are mounted. The toner bottle Ta contains yellow toner, the toner bottle Tb contains magenta toner, the toner bottle Tc contains cyan toner, and the toner bottle Td contains black toner. Yes. Each of the toner bottles Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td corresponds to a storage container that stores toner (developer as a consumable).

  In this embodiment, the case where the electrophotographic method is adopted as the image forming method of the printer engine and the dry toner is used as the developer contained in the toner bottle is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as an image forming method, an ink jet method in which ink is ejected to form an image on a sheet can be employed. In this case, the container is an ink cartridge. Further, a liquid developing method can be adopted as the image forming method. In this case, liquid toner is stored in the storage container. Hereinafter, a case where the developer contained in the cartridge is dry toner (hereinafter simply referred to as “toner”) will be described as an example.

  In this embodiment, the toner bottle and the image forming unit are illustrated as being mounted on the image forming apparatus 200 as different consumable parts, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a so-called process cartridge in which an image forming unit and a toner storage unit are integrated may be used.

  Since the image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd have the same configuration, the image forming unit Pa that forms a yellow toner image will be described below, and the configurations of the other image forming units Pb, Pc, and Pd The description about is omitted.

  The image forming section Pa includes a photosensitive drum 1a having a photosensitive layer that functions as a photosensitive member on the surface of a metal roller, a charger 2a that charges the photosensitive drum 1a, and a developing device 100a in which toner is accumulated. The direction of arrow A is the direction in which the photosensitive drum 1a rotates. After the photosensitive drum 1a is charged by the charger 2a, the laser exposure device 3a exposes the photosensitive drum 1a based on the yellow color component image data. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image of a yellow color component is formed on the photosensitive drum 1a.

  The developing device 100a develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1a using toner. As a result, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1a. The developing device 100a includes a toner density sensor 80a that detects the amount of toner in the developing device 100a. When the toner concentration sensor 80a detects that the amount of toner in the developing device 100a has decreased, the toner is supplied from the toner bottle Ta to the developing device 100a.

  The image forming unit Pa includes a primary transfer roller 4a that transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1a to the intermediate transfer belt 7. While the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1a passes through the primary transfer nip T1a in which the photosensitive drum 1a and the intermediate transfer belt 7 are pressed by the primary transfer roller 4a, the primary transfer roller 4a has a primary transfer roller 4a. A transfer voltage is applied. As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1a is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7. The image forming unit Pa also includes a drum cleaner 6a that removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1a.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 is wound around a secondary transfer counter roller 8, a driven roller 17, a first tension roller 18, and a second tension roller 19. The intermediate transfer belt 7 rotates in the direction of arrow B by the rotational drive of the secondary transfer counter roller 8. That is, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 is conveyed in the arrow B direction.

  A secondary transfer roller 9 is disposed on the opposite side of the secondary transfer counter roller 8 with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 7. In the secondary transfer nip T2 where the secondary transfer counter roller 8 and the intermediate transfer belt 7 are pressed against the secondary transfer roller 9 in response to the application of the secondary transfer voltage to the secondary transfer counter roller 8. Then, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 is transferred to the recording material (sheet) S. The belt cleaner 11 removes the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  The recording material S to which the toner image is transferred is accommodated in the cassette unit 60 and fed from the cassette unit 60 by a paper feed roller (not shown). The transport roller 61 transports the recording material S fed by the paper feed roller toward the registration roller 62. After the recording material S is conveyed to the registration roller 62, the registration roller 62 conveys the recording material S so that the recording material S comes into contact with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7.

After the toner image is transferred to the recording material S by the secondary transfer roller 9, the recording material S is conveyed to the fixing device 13. The fixing device 13 includes a fixing roller having a heater and a pressure roller, and fixes the toner image on the recording material S to the recording material S by the heat of the heater and the pressure of the fixing roller and the pressure roller. The recording material S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 13 is discharged from the image forming apparatus 200 by the discharge roller 64.
The image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd, the developing devices 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, the fixing device 13 and the like constitute image forming means for printing a printed material based on the image data of the print job by the image forming operation. To do.

(Image forming operation of image forming apparatus)
Next, an image forming operation in which the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment prints a printed material based on image data of a print job transferred from a PC (not illustrated), a scanner, or the like will be described.
The photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d start to rotate in the arrow A direction. The chargers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d uniformly charge the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. The laser exposure devices 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d expose the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d based on the image data.

  Thereby, electrostatic latent images for each color component of the image data are formed on the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. At this time, the feeding roller feeds the recording material S accommodated in the cassette unit 60, and the transport roller 61 starts transporting the recording material S toward the registration roller 62.

  Next, the developing devices 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d develop the electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, so that each color component on the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d is developed. A toner image is formed. The toner images on the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are conveyed to the primary transfer nip portions T1a, T1b, T1c, and T1d as the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d rotate in the direction of arrow A. Is done. In the primary transfer nip portions T1a, T1b, T1c, and T1d, the toner images of the respective color components on the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  The primary transfer rollers 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d transfer the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d to the intermediate transfer belt 7. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d is removed by the drum cleaners 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d.

  The registration roller 62 adjusts the timing at which the recording material S is conveyed to the secondary transfer nip T2 so that the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 is transferred to a desired position on the recording material S. The secondary transfer roller 9 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the recording material S at the secondary transfer nip T2. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 7 without being transferred to the recording material S at the secondary transfer nip T2 is removed by the belt cleaner 11.

  The recording material S carrying the toner image is conveyed to the fixing device 13, and the fixing device 13 melts and fixes the unfixed toner image on the recording material S to the recording material S. The recording material S that has passed through the fixing device 13 is discharged from the image forming apparatus 200 by a discharge roller 64. The image forming apparatus 200 can print a printed material based on the image data by the above-described image forming operation.

(Configuration of control unit of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 200 in this embodiment. In the following description, the toner bottles Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td are collectively referred to as a toner bottle T, and the developing devices 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are collectively referred to as a developing device 100. Similarly, the image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are collectively referred to as the image forming unit P, and the toner density sensors 80a, 80b, 80c, and 80d are collectively referred to as the toner density sensor 80.

The control unit 700 controls the entire image forming apparatus 200. The control unit 700 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 702, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 703. Furthermore, the control unit 700 includes a motor drive circuit 704 and a sensor output detection circuit 705.
The CPU 701 is a control circuit that controls each device of the image forming apparatus 200. The ROM 702 stores a control program for controlling various processes executed by the image forming apparatus 200. A RAM 703 is a system work memory used for the CPU 701 to execute a control program. Since the image forming unit P and the fixing device 13 have been described with reference to FIG. 1, description thereof will be omitted here.

  The toner concentration sensor 80 outputs a signal corresponding to the magnetic permeability that changes based on the amount of toner in the developing device 100, for example. The toner density sensor 80 is not limited to a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the magnetic permeability that changes based on the amount of toner in the developing device 100, and may be a sensor that can detect the amount of toner in the developing device 100. Any sensor may be used. The CPU 701 converts the output signal of the toner density sensor 80 into toner density based on a conversion table (not shown). The CPU 701 controls the supply of toner from the toner bottle T to the developing device 100 so that the toner density becomes the target density.

  The operation unit 706 has a touch panel. The operation unit 706 functions as a display unit having a touch panel (screen). The touch panel of the operation unit 706 displays a home screen, an exchange screen, and a warning screen according to a signal from the CPU 701. Further, the touch panel notifies the user of the state of the image forming apparatus 200 by a signal from the CPU 701. The configuration for displaying the above-described screen is not limited to the touch panel, and may be, for example, a monitor of a PC that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 200 through a network.

  The drive motor 604 is a drive source that rotates the toner bottle T in order to supply toner from the toner bottle T to the developing device 100. The motor drive circuit 704 controls the current supplied to the drive motor 604 in order to control the drive motor 604. The CPU 701 sets a PWM value that is a control value indicating the time ratio per predetermined time of the current supplied to the drive motor 604. Thereby, the motor drive circuit 704 controls the current supplied to the drive motor 604 based on the PWM value. In this embodiment, a DC motor, for example, a DC brush motor is used as the drive motor 604. Therefore, the rotational speed of the drive motor 604 and the rotational driving force of the drive motor 604 change according to the time ratio per predetermined time of the current supplied to the drive motor 604.

  Note that the motor drive circuit 704 can supply current to the drive motor 604 while the CPU 701 outputs the ENB signal. That is, while the CPU 701 outputs the ENB signal, the motor drive circuit 704 supplies a current based on the PWM value to the drive motor 604, whereby the toner bottle T is rotationally driven. On the other hand, when the CPU 701 stops the ENB signal, the supply of current from the motor drive circuit 704 to the drive motor 604 is stopped accordingly, and the rotation of the toner bottle T is stopped.

  The rotation detection sensor 203 is an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit. While the predetermined area of the toner bottle T passes through the detection position of the rotation detection sensor 203, the amount of light received by the rotation detection sensor 203 decreases below the threshold (low level (logic 'L')). On the other hand, while the region other than the predetermined region of the toner bottle T passes through the detection position in the rotation direction in which the toner bottle T rotates, the amount of light received by the rotation detection sensor 203 is equal to or greater than a threshold (high level (logic 'H') ) A specific configuration of the rotation detection sensor 203 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 which is a schematic diagram (side view) of a main part of the toner bottle.

  Based on the output signal of the rotation detection sensor 203, the sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a low level (logic 'L') signal if the amount of light received by the rotation detection sensor 203 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the amount is less than the threshold, a high level signal is output. That is, the sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a high level (logic 'H') signal while a predetermined area of the toner bottle T passes the detection position, and detects an area other than the predetermined area of the toner bottle T. While passing through the position, a low level signal is output.

The reading unit 224 reads the replenishment information recorded in the memory 223 (FIG. 5) of the toner bottle T mounted at the mounting position of the image forming apparatus 200 and notifies the CPU 701 of the replenishment information. Further, the reading unit 224 can also write the replenishment information notified from the CPU 701 into the memory 223 of the toner bottle T.
The supply information includes, for example, the color of the toner bottle T, the manufacturing number of the toner bottle T, and the supply history of the toner bottle T. The supply history of the toner bottle T is, for example, the number of rotations of the toner bottle T (cumulative value of the number of rotations). The CPU 701 records information on the number of rotations of the toner bottle T in the memory 223 by the reading unit 224 every time the toner bottle T rotates once. The number of rotations of the toner bottle T corresponds to the number of replenishment of the toner bottle.

  The motor drive circuit 704, sensor output detection circuit 705, rotation detection sensor 203, bottle sensor (not shown), and reading unit 224 are provided for each color. The bottle sensor detects whether or not the toner bottle T is mounted at the mounting position of the image forming apparatus 200, and outputs the detection result to the CPU 701. A drive motor 604 is also provided for each color. However, the drive motor 604 may be configured to rotate a plurality of toner bottles T by one drive motor, for example. If the clutch is configured to be able to control whether the driving force can be transmitted from the driving motor 604 to the toner bottle T or not, the driving motor 604 can selectively rotate a plurality of toner bottles T. .

  The door opening / closing switch (SW) 27 outputs an opening / closing detection signal to the CPU 701 in response to opening / closing of the door 26 (FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 200. The open / close detection signal is, for example, a binary signal. If the open / close detection signal is a low level signal, the CPU 701 determines that the door 26 is closed. On the other hand, if the open / close detection signal is a high level signal, the CPU 701 determines that the door 26 is open. That is, the CPU 701 detects whether the door 26 is open or closed based on the open / close detection signal.

  Here, the door 26 of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 200 of FIG. In FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a door 26 that is opened and closed by the user in order to attach and detach the toner bottle T. Further, the door 26 is provided with a protrusion 26a. When the door 26 is closed, the protrusion 26a presses the door opening / closing SW27. When the door opening / closing SW 27 is pressed by the protrusion 26a, it outputs a low level signal. On the other hand, the door opening / closing SW 27 outputs a high level signal when the projection 26a releases the pressure. The door 26 may be a door that opens and closes only the mounting portion 310 (FIG. 4) to which the toner bottle T is mounted. Alternatively, the door 26 may be a door configured to open and close the entire one side surface of the image forming apparatus 200.

(Configuration of mounting portion of image forming apparatus)
With reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the mounting portion 310 provided in the image forming apparatus 200 to which the toner bottle T is mounted will be described. 4A is a partial front view of the mounting portion 310 as viewed from the front in the mounting direction of the toner bottle T, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing one end side of the mounting portion for explaining the inside of the mounting portion 310. FIG. The toner bottle T is attached to the attachment portion 310 in the arrow M direction as shown in FIG. This arrow M direction is parallel to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d of the image forming apparatus 200. Further, the direction in which the toner bottle T is removed from the mounting portion 310 is opposite to the M direction.

The mounting portion 310 includes a drive gear 300, a rotation restricting portion 311, a bottom portion 321, and a movement restricting portion 312 that restrict the rotation of the cap portion 222 (FIG. 5) of the toner bottle T according to the rotation of the toner bottle T. The movement restricting portion 312 restricts the movement of the cap portion 222 in the rotation axis direction by locking the cap portion 222 of the toner bottle T.
When the toner bottle T is attached to the bottom portion 321, the toner bottle T communicates with a discharge port (discharge hole) 211 (FIG. 5) of the toner bottle T and receives a toner discharged from the toner bottle T (reception hole). 313 is formed.

  The toner discharged from the discharge port 211 of the toner bottle T is supplied to the developing device 100 through the receiving port 313. In this embodiment, the diameter of the receiving port is the same as that of the discharge port 211, for example, about 2 [mm]. The drive gear 300 transmits the rotational driving force from the drive motor 604 to the toner bottle T attached to the attachment unit 310.

(Configuration of toner bottle)
The configuration of the toner bottle T will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is an external view of the toner bottle T attached to the attachment portion 310. FIG. FIGS. 5B and 5C are cross-sectional views showing the main part of the structure inside the cap portion 222 of the toner bottle T attached to the attachment portion 310.

  The toner bottle T includes a storage unit 207 that stores toner, a drive transmission unit 206 that receives rotational driving force from a drive motor 604, a discharge unit 212 that has a discharge port 211 that discharges toner, and discharges toner in the discharge unit 212. A pump unit 210 for discharging from the outlet 211 is provided. Further, the toner bottle T includes a reciprocating member 213 that expands and contracts the pump unit 210. The drive transmission unit 206 includes a convex portion 220, a detected portion 221 and a cam groove 214. The cam groove 214 is formed over the circumference of the drive transmission unit 206 in the rotation direction in which the drive transmission unit 206 of the toner bottle T rotates.

  The cam groove 214 and the convex portion 220 formed in the drive transmission unit 206 rotate integrally with the drive transmission unit 206. The drive motor 604 transmits the rotational driving force to the drive transmission unit 206 of the toner bottle T via the drive gear 300, whereby the drive transmission unit 206 of the toner bottle T and the storage unit 207 connected to the drive transmission unit 206 are Rotate. A convex portion 205 is formed in a spiral shape inside the storage portion 207, and conveys the toner in the storage portion 207 toward the discharge port 211 as the storage portion 207 rotates.

  On the other hand, since the rotation of the cap unit 222 is restricted by the mounting unit 310, the cap unit 222 does not rotate even if the drive transmission unit 206 rotates. The discharge port 211, the pump unit 210, and the reciprocating member 213 are also restricted so as not to rotate together with the cap unit 222. Even if the drive transmission unit 206 rotates, the discharge port 211, the pump unit 210, and the reciprocating member 213 rotate. do not do.

  A rotation restricting groove that restricts rotation of the reciprocating member 213 by rotation of the drive transmission portion 206 is formed inside the cap portion 222, and the reciprocating member 213 is engaged with the rotation restricting groove. . Further, the reciprocating member 213 is connected to the pump unit 210, and a claw portion (not shown) engages with the cam groove 214 of the drive transmission unit 206. Thus, in accordance with the rotation of the drive transmission unit 206, the reciprocating member 213 moves along the cam groove 214 in a state in which the rotation is restricted, so that the arrow X direction (the longitudinal direction of the toner bottle T) ).

  The reciprocating member 213 is connected to the pump unit 210. As the reciprocating member 213 reciprocates, the pump unit 210 alternately repeats expansion and compression. That is, when the reciprocating member 213 moves in the arrow X direction, the pump unit 210 extends. As the pump unit 210 extends, the internal pressure in the toner bottle T decreases, air is sucked from the discharge port 211, and the toner in the discharge unit 212 is released. Next, the reciprocating member 213 moves in the direction opposite to the arrow X direction, whereby the pump unit 210 is compressed. When the pump unit 210 is compressed, the pressure in the toner bottle T rises, and the toner accumulated in the discharge port 211 is supplied from the discharge port 211 to the developing device 100 through the toner conveyance path. As described above, the drive motor 604 functions as a drive unit that rotates the toner bottle T mounted on the mounting unit 310 and expands and contracts the pump unit 210 as the toner bottle T rotates.

  A memory 223 that records information about the toner bottle T is attached to the cap unit 222. The CPU 701 communicates with the memory 223 by the reading unit 224, reads the replenishment information of the toner bottle T, and stores it in the RAM 703, for example. The replenishment information includes identification information unique to the toner bottle T. For example, the CPU 701 executes toner bottle T identification processing based on the identification information stored in the memory 223. Further, the replenishment information includes the value of the number of rotations of the toner bottle T. The CPU 701 updates information on the number of rotations of the toner bottle T stored in the memory 223 every time the toner bottle T rotates 12 times.

  The cap unit 222 includes a seal member 222b that seals the discharge port 211. If the discharge port 211 is sealed by the seal member 222b, the toner in the toner bottle T can be prevented from leaking from the discharge port 211. Note that the user removes the seal member 222b before the toner bottle T is mounted on the mounting portion 310 (FIG. 4), whereby the discharge port 211 of the toner bottle T is opened.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the toner bottle T showing a state where the pump part 210 of the toner bottle T is extended to the maximum extent, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the toner bottle T showing a state where the toner bottle is compressed to the maximum. The pump unit 210 is a resin bellows-like pump whose volume varies with its own expansion and contraction. That is, the pump unit 210 is configured such that “mountain fold” portions and “valley fold” portions are alternately and repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the toner bottle T.
In this embodiment, the replenishment operation is performed twice while the toner bottle T rotates once. One toner replenishing operation starts from a state where the pump unit 210 is compressed to the maximum, expands the pump unit 210, is compressed thereafter, and ends with the pump unit 210 being compressed again.

  In the cam groove 214, two peak portions and two valley regions are formed in the order of valley → peak → valley → peak. While the position of the cam groove 214 with which the reciprocating member 213 engages changes from the valley to the peak, the pump unit 210 extends to the maximum. The pump unit 210 is compressed to the maximum while the position of the cam groove 214 with which the reciprocating member 213 is engaged changes from the peak to the valley. When the position of the cam groove 214 with which the reciprocating member 213 engages is a trough, the pump unit 210 maintains a compressed state as much as possible.

(Configuration of rotation detection sensor)
Next, the rotation detection sensor 203 provided in the image forming apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 which is a schematic diagram (front view) of a main part of the toner bottle. The rotation detection sensor 203 is an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit.
The flag 204 comes into contact with the drive transmission unit 206 (FIG. 5) of the toner bottle T by its own weight. Accordingly, the flag 204 is pushed by the convex portion 220 of the drive transmission unit 206 and swings about the rotation shaft 204a, thereby blocking the light from the light emitting unit. That is, the rotation detection sensor 203 can detect whether or not the flag 204 is in contact with the convex portion 220. Similarly, the rotation detection sensor 203 can detect whether or not the flag 204 is in contact with the detected part 221. Accordingly, the rotation detection sensor 203 can detect the rotation position (rotation angle) of the toner bottle T.

  FIG. 6A shows a state in which the detected part 221 is in contact with the flag 204 in the direction in which the toner bottle T is attached. The detected part 221 is an area that overlaps the area where the convex part 220 is formed, and is an area different from the convex part 220 in the rotation direction in which the drive transmission part 206 rotates. In this case, since the flag 204 is not located between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the light receiving unit can receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit. In this embodiment, if the flag 204 is not positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

  Here, the sensor output detection circuit 705 (FIG. 2) outputs a low-level signal if the amount of received light received by the light receiving unit is greater than or equal to a threshold value. That is, while the flag 204 is in contact with the detected part 221, the sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a low level signal to the CPU 701.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows a state where the flag 204 is in contact with the convex portion 220. In this case, since the flag 204 is located between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the light receiving unit cannot receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit. That is, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is less than the threshold value. The sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a high level signal if the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is less than a threshold value. That is, while the flag 204 is in contact with the convex portion 220, the sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a high level signal to the CPU 701.

  After the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 changes from the high level to the low level, the pump unit 210 of the toner bottle T starts to expand. While the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 is maintained at a low level, the pump unit 210 starts to be compressed through a state where it is extended to the maximum. Then, before the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 changes from the low level to the high level, the pump unit 210 shifts to a state where it is compressed to the maximum. That is, while the flag 204 is in contact with the detected part 221, the pump part 210 is expanded and contracted to supply the toner to the developing device 100.

(Toner bottle replacement detection process)
The toner bottle T replacement detection process will be described below.
When the toner bottle T is mounted on the mounting portion 310 at a predetermined rotation angle, the flag 204 is pushed up to the convex portion 220 (predetermined portion). That is, when the user attaches the toner bottle T to the attachment unit 310 at a predetermined rotation angle, the output signal of the rotation detection sensor 203 changes from high level to low level. Therefore, the CPU 701 can determine whether the toner bottle T is attached to the attachment unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 200 at a predetermined rotation angle based on the output of the rotation detection sensor 203.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the output timing of the output signal of the door opening / closing SW 27 and the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705. An operation for determining whether or not the toner bottle T is attached to the attachment portion 310 of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 7, when the toner supply operation is not executed, the toner bottle T is stopped at the home position (HP). At this time, the flag 204 is pushed up by the convex portion 220 of the toner bottle T. Therefore, the sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a high level signal. If the door 26 is not opened, the door opening / closing SW 27 outputs a low level signal (Low).

  In FIG. 7A, when the user replaces the toner bottle T, the user opens the door 26. If the door 26 is open, the door opening / closing SW 27 outputs a high level signal (Hi). Then, in response to the user removing the toner bottle T from the mounting unit 310, the sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a low level output signal (Low). This is because the flag 204 retreats from the optical path position between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the rotation detection sensor 203 by its own weight. Since the flag 204 moves to a position that does not block the optical path, the sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a low level signal.

  Thereafter, in response to the user mounting the toner bottle T on the mounting unit 310, the sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a high level output signal (Hi). In response to the user closing the door 26, the door opening / closing SW 27 outputs a low level output signal. If the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 changes from the high level to the low level and further from the low level to the high level while the door opening / closing SW 27 outputs a high level signal, the CPU 701 removes the toner bottle once. It is determined that it is installed after being attached.

  However, as shown in FIG. 7B, the door 26 may be closed while the sensor output detection circuit 705 outputs a low-level output signal. That is, when the door 26 is closed without the toner bottle T being attached to the attachment portion 310, the output signal relationship is as shown in FIG. In addition, when the toner bottle T is attached to the attachment unit 310, but the rotation angle of the toner bottle T is different from the predetermined rotation angle, the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 remains at a low level. The output signal relationship is as shown in FIG. That is, when the door opening / closing SW 27 and the sensor output detection circuit 705 output an output signal as shown in FIG. 7B, the CPU 701 cannot determine whether or not the toner bottle T is attached to the attachment portion 310. .

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment detects the presence or absence of the toner bottle T when the door opening / closing SW 27 and the sensor output detection circuit 705 output an output signal having a relationship as shown in FIG. Then, the toner bottle T is rotated by the drive motor 604. If the toner bottle T is attached to the attachment part 310, the convex part 220 of the rotating toner bottle T is detected by the rotation detection sensor 203. Therefore, the CPU 701 rotates the toner bottle T by the drive motor 604 and determines that the toner bottle T is attached to the attachment unit 310 in response to the output signal of the rotation detection sensor 203 changing from the high level to the low level. That is, it is determined that the toner bottle T is attached to the attachment unit 310 in response to the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 changing from the low level to the high level.

(Screen display control)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a screen example displayed on the liquid crystal screen 707 which is a display unit (display unit) of the present embodiment. FIG. 8A shows a warning screen 1 displayed on the liquid crystal screen 707 in response to the toner bottle T being removed from the mounting unit 310 with a predetermined amount or more of toner remaining in the toner bottle T. The warning screen 1 displays information regarding the color of the toner in the extracted toner bottle T and a message for prompting the user to remount the removed toner bottle T in the mounting unit 310.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from replacing the toner bottle T remaining by a predetermined amount or more by mistake. The warning screen 1 corresponds to guidance for prompting the user to remount the toner bottle T taken out from the mounting unit 310. In the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the warning screen 1 is not displayed even if the toner bottle T is removed from the mounting unit 310 if the amount of toner in the toner bottle T is less than a predetermined amount.

  In FIG. 8B, when the toner bottle T is replaced with another toner bottle T ′ in a state where a predetermined amount or more of toner remains (hereinafter referred to as intermediate replacement), the number of intermediate replacements is determined in advance. This is a warning screen 2 (first guidance) displayed on the liquid crystal screen 707 when it is equal to or less than the threshold value. In the warning screen 2, information on the color of the toner in the toner bottle T that has been replaced in a state where a predetermined amount or more of toner remains, the toner bottle T ′ mounted on the mounting unit 310 is replaced with the toner bottle T that was previously removed A message prompting the user to do so is displayed. Further, a message for suggesting (notifying) to the user that image formation may be suspended when the next (again) exchange is performed is displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of user inconvenience due to the suspension of image formation while notifying the user that a predetermined amount or more of toner remains in the replaced toner bottle T.

  FIG. 8C shows a warning screen 3 (second display) displayed on the liquid crystal screen 707 when the number of intermediate replacements (also referred to as cumulative replacements) exceeds a predetermined threshold when the intermediate replacement is performed. Guidance). The warning screen 3 includes information on the color of the toner in the toner bottle T that has been replaced in a state where a predetermined amount or more of toner remains, and the toner bottle T that has been previously taken out of the toner bottle T ′ attached to the attachment unit 310. A message is displayed to prompt the user to replace the item. Further, in this case, image formation is suspended. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user that a predetermined amount or more of toner remains in the replaced toner bottle T.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a history example of identification information stored in the RAM 703. The CPU 701 acquires identification information of the toner bottle T from the memory 223 after the toner bottle T is mounted on the mounting unit 310. The CPU 701 stores this identification information in the RAM 703 (FIG. 9A). Next, the CPU 701 stores in the RAM 703 identification information (for example, Y0000085) of the toner bottle T ′ attached to the attachment unit 310 after the toner bottle T is taken out with a predetermined amount or more of the toner remaining, and the RAM 703. The identification information (FIG. 9A) is compared. As a result of the comparison, the CPU 701 detects that another toner bottle T ′ has been installed. If the identification information of the newly installed toner bottle is different from the identification information stored in the RAM 703 as described above, the CPU 701 can determine that the toner bottle has been replaced halfway. In that case, the CPU 701 stores the identification information (Y0000085) of the toner bottle T ′ in the RAM 703 (FIG. 9B).

Next, screen display control of the liquid crystal screen 707 in the present embodiment will be described based on the control block diagram of FIG. 2 and the flowcharts of FIGS.
The screen display control shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is executed when the CPU 701 shown in FIG. 2 reads out the program stored in the ROM 702.

  After the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 200 is turned on, the CPU 701 acquires supply information of the toner bottle T attached to the attachment unit 310 using the reading unit 224. The supply information includes, for example, the color of the toner stored in the toner bottle T, the identification number of the toner bottle T, and the supply history of the toner bottle T. The CPU 701 stores supply information in the RAM 703.

  When the amount of toner in the toner bottle T is a predetermined amount or more and the door 26 is opened and the open / close detection signal of the door open / close SW 27 changes from low level to high level, the CPU 701 starts screen display control. Note that the CPU 701 determines whether or not the amount of toner in the toner bottle T is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount based on, for example, the number of rotations of the toner bottle T.

  In the toner bottle T of this embodiment, the amount of toner discharged from the toner bottle T in one replenishment operation is determined. Therefore, the remaining amount of toner in the toner bottle T can be determined based on the number of rotations of the toner bottle T. Accordingly, the CPU 701 determines whether the toner bottle T attached to the attachment unit 310 satisfies the replacement condition based on the number of rotations. That is, the CPU 701 determines that the amount of toner in the toner bottle T is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount if the number of rotations of the toner bottle T (cumulative value of the number of rotations) is less than the predetermined number. Therefore, the CPU 701 determines that the replacement condition is satisfied if the rotation number of the toner bottle T is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, and determines that the replacement condition is not satisfied if the rotation number of the toner bottle T is less than the predetermined number.

The flowchart in FIG. 10 is control when the toner bottle T is replaced with a new (other) toner bottle in a state where the replacement condition of the toner bottle T is not satisfied. In the following description, the symbol S indicates a step.
In step S100, the CPU 701 determines whether the toner bottle T has been removed. In step S100, when the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 changes from the high level to the low level while the drive motor 604 is stopped, the CPU 701 determines that the toner bottle T has been taken out.

In response to the change in the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 from the high level to the low level in step S100, the CPU 701 proceeds to step S101. Note that the CPU 701 ends the screen display control when the door 26 is closed without the toner bottle T being taken out.
In step S101, the CPU 701 displays the warning screen 1 on the liquid crystal screen 707. That is, when the toner bottle T is removed in a state where the amount of toner is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, the CPU 701 displays the warning screen 1 on the liquid crystal screen 707. Next, the CPU 701 moves the process to step S102.

  In step S102, it is determined whether or not a new toner bottle T is attached to the attachment unit 310. In step S102, the CPU 701 determines that a new toner bottle T has been mounted in response to the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 changing from a low level to a high level. In response to the installation of a new toner bottle T, the CPU 701 moves the process to step S103.

  In step S103, the CPU 701 erases the warning screen 1 displayed on the liquid crystal screen 707, that is, hides the warning screen 1. If the CPU 701 detects that the toner bottle T is attached, the CPU 701 hides the warning screen 1 even if the door 26 is open. In step S103, the CPU 701 may display another similar screen different from the warning screen 1 on the liquid crystal screen 707. Thereafter, the CPU 701 moves the process to step S104.

In step S104, the CPU 701 reads supply information from the memory 223 of the newly installed toner bottle T using the reading unit 224. The supply information includes identification information. Next, the CPU 701 proceeds to step S105 in order to perform identification processing.
In step S105, the CPU 701 determines whether the toner bottle T newly attached to the attachment unit 310 is the same as the toner bottle used in the past. That is, the CPU 701 determines whether or not the identification information read in step S105 is the same as the identification information in the identification information history (FIG. 9A) stored in the RAM 703.

If the CPU 701 determines in step S105 that the read identification information is the same as the identification information in the history, the process proceeds to step S106. In other words, the CPU 701 determines that a previously taken out toner bottle that has been used so far has been reattached, and proceeds to step S106 without displaying a warning screen.
In step S106, if any warning screen is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 707, the CPU 701 turns off the warning screen. Thereafter, the CPU 701 ends the process.

On the other hand, if the identification information does not match that in the history in step S105, CPU 701 determines that a new toner bottle that has not been used so far has been installed, and the process proceeds to step S107.
In step S107, the CPU 701 determines whether or not the number of midway replacements X stored in the RAM 703 is equal to or less than a preset threshold value C. The number of midway exchanges X is the number of midway exchanges. The threshold C is the number of times that image formation is not suspended even if the replacement is performed halfway. In this embodiment, for example, C = 3. Note that the setting value of the threshold C is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. If the number of midway replacements X is equal to or less than the threshold value C in step S107, the CPU 701 allows midway replacement and proceeds to step S108 without suspending image formation.

  In step S108, the CPU 701 adds the identification information read in step S104 to the history of identification information stored in the RAM 703 (FIG. 9B). Next, the CPU 701 proceeds to step S109, counts up the number of intermediate exchanges X, that is, adds 1 to the number of intermediate exchanges X. The CPU 701 moves the process to step S110 and displays the warning screen 2 on the liquid crystal screen 707. That is, even if an intermediate replacement is performed, if the number of intermediate replacements X is equal to or less than the threshold value C, the CPU 701 does not hold image formation and displays the warning screen 2 on the liquid crystal screen 707. Thereafter, the CPU 701 ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 701 determines in step S107 that the number of intermediate replacements X exceeds the threshold value C, the CPU 701 proceeds to step S111 and suspends (prohibits) image formation. Next, the CPU 701 proceeds to step S112 and displays the warning screen 3 on the liquid crystal screen 707. That is, if the number of intermediate replacements X exceeds the threshold C when the intermediate replacement is performed, the CPU 701 suspends image formation and displays the warning screen 3 on the liquid crystal screen 707. Thereafter, the CPU 701 ends the process.

The flowchart in FIG. 11 is control when the toner bottle T is replaced with a new (other) toner bottle in a state where the replacement condition of the toner bottle T is satisfied.
In step S200, the CPU 701 determines whether or not the toner bottle T has been removed in a state where the amount of toner is less than a predetermined amount. In step S200, when the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 changes from the high level to the low level while the drive motor 604 is stopped, the CPU 701 determines that the toner bottle T has been taken out.

If the CPU 701 determines in step S200 that the toner bottle T has been taken out with the amount of toner less than the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S201. Note that the CPU 701 ends the screen display control when the door 26 is closed without the toner bottle T being taken out.
In step S201, it is determined whether or not a toner bottle T ′ is newly attached to the attachment unit 310. In step S201, the CPU 701 determines that a toner bottle T ′ is newly attached in response to the output signal of the sensor output detection circuit 705 changing from the low level to the high level. In response to the newly installed toner bottle T ′, the CPU 701 moves the process to step S202.

In step S202, the CPU 701 uses the reading unit 224 to read replenishment information from the memory 223 of the attached toner bottle T ′. The supply information includes identification information. Next, the CPU 701 proceeds to step S203 in order to perform the identification process.
In step S203, the CPU 701 determines whether the amount of toner in the toner bottle T ′ attached to the attachment unit 310 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

In step S203, if the amount of toner in the attached toner bottle T ′ is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount, the CPU 701 proceeds to step S204. That is, when the toner bottle T having the toner amount less than the predetermined amount is replaced with the toner bottle T ′ having the toner amount equal to or larger than the predetermined amount, the CPU 701 proceeds to step S204 without displaying a warning screen.
In step S <b> 204, the CPU 701 clears the halfway exchange count X stored in the RAM 703. Then, the CPU 701 moves the process to step S205.

In step S205, the CPU 701 erases the history of identification information stored in the RAM 703. Then, the CPU 701 proceeds to step S206.
In step S206, the CPU 701 stores identification information of the currently installed toner bottle T ′ in the RAM 703. Then, the CPU 701 moves the process to step S207.
In step S207, if any warning screen is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 707, the CPU 701 turns off the warning screen. In other words, when the currently installed toner bottle is replaced after being used to a predetermined amount or less, it is determined that no toner remains in the toner bottle, and all the replacement history is initialized.

  In this embodiment, if it is determined in step S203 that the toner bottle T having the toner amount less than the predetermined amount has been replaced with the toner bottle T ′ having the toner amount equal to or larger than the predetermined amount, that is, the toner bottle is normally discharged. When the exchange was performed, the clear process was done. Specifically, the number X of intermediate exchanges stored in the RAM 703 in step S204 is cleared, and the identification information history is deleted in step S205. Here, with respect to the history of identification information stored in the RAM 703, only the identification information of the toner bottle T with the removed toner amount less than a predetermined amount may be deleted.

  Similarly, in FIG. 10, when the identification information of the toner bottle T ′ attached to the attachment unit 310 matches the identification information history stored in the RAM 703 in step S105, the identification information stored in the RAM 703 is stored. The history and the number of replacements may be cleared. In this case, only the identification information of the matching toner bottle T ′ may be deleted from the history of identification information.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment uses the developer stored in the storage container, and the image forming means (Pa to Pd, 100a to 100d, 13) that prints the image data based on the print job. ). Further, when the storage container is taken out, the image forming apparatus includes determination means (701, S100, S101, S203) for determining whether or not the taken out storage container satisfies the replacement condition, and guidance (FIG. 8). Display means (707) for displaying. Further, the image forming apparatus controls the display unit (701) to display guidance for prompting remounting of the taken out container when the judging unit determines that the taken out container does not satisfy the replacement condition. , S101, S110, S112). The control unit permits printing by the image forming unit when the cumulative number of replacement of the storage container that has been replaced with a new storage container without satisfying the replacement condition is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times, and when exceeding the predetermined number of times, the image forming unit The printing by is suspended (S111).

  According to the present invention, even if the user replaces a toner bottle that does not satisfy the replacement condition (intermediate replacement), if the number of intermediate replacements is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the user does not hold the image formation. Re-installation of the container taken out in As a result, the probability of inconvenience that image formation is suspended is reduced for a user who is different from the user who performed the replacement on the way, and the toner bottle is replaced when the developer remains. It becomes possible to suppress as much as possible.

<Modification>
In the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus that prints an image on a sheet using a developer such as toner is exemplified, but the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to notification of the remaining amount of consumable material in an image forming apparatus such as a 3D printer that generates a three-dimensional object using consumable material such as resin or metal accommodated in a container.

<Other examples>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read the program. It can also be realized by processing to be executed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC or FPGA) that realizes one or more functions.

200 Image forming device
Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd Image forming part
Ta, Tb, Tc, Td Toner bottle
80 Toner density sensor
706 Operation unit

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that prints image data based on a print job using a developer stored in a storage container,
When the storage container is taken out, determination means for determining whether or not the taken out storage container satisfies a replacement condition;
Display means for displaying guidance;
When the determination means determines that the removed storage container does not satisfy the replacement condition, the display means displays on the display means a prompt to reattach the extracted storage container, and the replacement condition is When the cumulative number of exchanges of the storage container that has not been satisfied and replaced with a new storage container is less than or equal to the predetermined number, printing by the image forming unit is permitted, and when the predetermined number of times is exceeded, printing by the image forming unit is suspended. And an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: Furthermore, it has a detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the developer in the storage container installed,
When the determination unit determines that the remaining amount of developer in the storage container detected by the detection unit when the storage container is taken out is less than a predetermined amount, the storage container satisfies the replacement condition. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination is performed.   When the determination unit determines that the replacement of the container does not satisfy the replacement condition, the control unit gives a first guidance to the display unit when the cumulative number of replacements is less than the predetermined number. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second guidance is displayed when the cumulative number of times of replacement exceeds a predetermined number. 4.   The display means has a screen for displaying the guidance, and the first guidance prompts the user to remount the taken out container and prints when the container that does not satisfy the replacement condition is replaced next time. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second guidance prompts the user to reattach the taken-out storage container. 5.   5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, when the determination unit determines that the replacement of the storage container does not satisfy the replacement condition, the control unit counts up the cumulative number of replacements. The image forming apparatus described in the item.   6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that replacement of the container satisfies the replacement condition, the control unit clears the cumulative number of replacements. The image forming apparatus described.   The control means, when it is determined by the determination means that the replacement of the storage container does not satisfy the replacement condition, the accumulation is performed when the storage container taken out before the replacement of the storage container is remounted. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of exchanges is cleared.   The control means determines remounting of the storage container by comparing identification information unique to the removed storage container with identification information specific to the newly mounted storage container. Item 8. The image forming apparatus according to Item 7. A control method for an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that prints image data based on a print job and a display unit that displays guidance using a developer stored in a storage container,
When the storage container is taken out, a determination step for determining whether or not the taken out storage container satisfies a replacement condition;
When it is determined by the determination step that the taken out storage container does not satisfy the replacement condition, guidance for prompting remounting of the taken out storage container is displayed on the display means, and the replacement condition is set. When the cumulative number of exchanges of the storage container that has not been satisfied and replaced with a new storage container is less than or equal to the predetermined number, printing by the image forming unit is permitted, and when the predetermined number of times is exceeded, printing by the image forming unit is suspended. And a control process.   The program for functioning a computer as each means as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.