JP6493278B2 - Image forming apparatus, method for canceling replacement regulation of developer container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for canceling the replacement restriction of a developer storage unit executed in the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus such as a printer is equipped with a developer container such as a toner container that stores a developer such as toner used for printing. In this type of image forming apparatus, the developer accommodating portion is replaced at any timing of the user. In addition, in order to reduce the remaining amount of the developer in the developer container at the time of replacement, the image forming apparatus includes a lock mechanism that regulates replacement of the developer container until the developer shortage in the developer container is detected. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-258941

  By the way, in an image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image, a plurality of developer accommodating portions are mounted. Here, when the restriction on replacement of the developer accommodating portion by the lock mechanism is individually released according to the detection of the developer shortage for each individual developer accommodating portion, the developer whose remaining amount of the developer is reduced Even if there are a plurality of accommodating portions, they cannot be exchanged at the same time. For this reason, the user's trouble of exchanging the developer container is increased.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce the remaining amount of developer in the developer accommodating portion at the time of replacement, and to reduce the trouble of the user who replaces the developer accommodating portion, and to restrict the replacement of the developer accommodating portion It is to provide a release method.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of mounting units, a plurality of locking mechanisms, an image forming unit, a first detection processing unit, a second detection processing unit, and a first release processing unit. And a second release processing unit. A developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer is attached to the attachment portion. The lock mechanism can regulate replacement of the developer accommodating portion attached to the attachment portion. The image forming unit performs a printing process using the developer supplied from each of the plurality of developer accommodating units mounted in the mounting unit. In the first detection processing unit, the remaining amount of the developer stored in the developer storage unit is less than a predetermined first reference amount for each developer storage unit mounted in the mounting unit. A certain first state is detected. In the second detection processing unit, the remaining amount of the developer stored in the developer storage unit is greater than or equal to the first reference amount for each of the developer storage units mounted in the mounting unit. A second state that is greater than the first reference amount and less than a predetermined second reference amount is detected. When the first state of any one of the developer accommodating portions is detected by the first detection processing portion, the first release processing portion is connected to the locking mechanism in the developer accommodating portion in the first state. Release restrictions on exchange. The second release processing unit detects the second state by the second detection processing unit when the restriction on replacement of the developer containing unit in the first state is released by the first release processing unit. When the developer accommodating portion is present, it is possible to cause the lock mechanism to release the restriction on replacement of the developer accommodating portion in the second state.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for restricting replacement of a developer accommodating portion, including a plurality of attachment portions to which a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer is attached, and the developer accommodating portion attached to the attachment portion. An image comprising: a plurality of lock mechanisms capable of restricting replacement; and an image forming unit that executes a printing process using the developer supplied from each of the plurality of developer accommodating units mounted in each of the mounting units. It is executed by the forming apparatus and includes the following first step, second step, third step, and fourth step. In the first step, the remaining amount of the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion is less than a predetermined first reference amount for each of the developer accommodating portions attached to the attaching portion. One state is detected. In the second step, for each of the developer accommodating portions attached to the attachment portion, the remaining amount of the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion is equal to or more than the first reference amount and the first A second state that is greater than the reference amount and less than a predetermined second reference amount is detected. In the third step, when the first state of any one of the developer accommodating portions is detected in the first step, the restriction of replacement of the developer accommodating portion in the first state by the lock mechanism is restricted. Canceled. In the fourth step, when the restriction on replacement of the developer accommodating portion in the first state is released by the third step, the developer accommodating portion in which the second state is detected by the second step May exist, the restriction on replacement of the developer accommodating portion in the second state by the lock mechanism may be released.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the amount of developer remaining in the developer accommodating portion at the time of replacement, and reducing the user's trouble of replacing the developer accommodating portion, and replacement regulation of the developer accommodating portion. The release method is realized.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the developing unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the mounting portion and the lock mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the replacement restriction cancellation process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the exchange restriction process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Schematic Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10]
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. In the following, the vertical direction of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is defined as the vertical direction D1 of the image forming apparatus 10, the horizontal direction of the paper surface is defined as the front-rear direction D2 of the image forming apparatus 10, and the depth direction of the paper surface is defined as the horizontal direction D3 of the image forming apparatus 10. To explain.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction machine having a print function for forming an image based on image data, and a plurality of functions such as a scan function, a facsimile function, and a copy function. The present invention is also applicable to image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimile machines, and copiers.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an ADF 1, an image reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, a control unit 5, and an operation display unit 6.

  The sheet feeding unit 4 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 3. For example, the sheet is a sheet material such as paper, coated paper, postcard, envelope, and OHP sheet.

  The control unit 5 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and EEPROM (registered trademark) (not shown). The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which information such as a control program for causing the CPU to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile storage unit, and the EEPROM is a non-volatile storage unit. The RAM and the EEPROM are used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU. In the control unit 5, various control programs stored in advance in the ROM are executed by the CPU. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 is comprehensively controlled by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 may be an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC), and is a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that controls the image forming apparatus 10 in an integrated manner. May be.

  The operation display unit 6 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various types of information in response to control instructions from the control unit 5, and an operation key or a touch panel that inputs various types of information to the control unit 5 in response to user operations. Has an operation unit. The operation display unit 6 is an example of the display unit in the present invention.

[Configuration of Image Forming Unit 3]
Next, the configuration of the image forming unit 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming unit 31. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the right side surface of the image forming apparatus 10. Note that the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 4 indicates the position of the opening 313M in the developing unit 313.

  The image forming unit 3 can execute an image forming process (printing process) for forming a color or monochrome image by electrophotography based on the image data read by the image reading unit 2. The image forming unit 3 can also execute the printing process based on image data input from an information processing apparatus such as an external personal computer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 3 includes a plurality of image forming units 31 to 34, an optical scanning device 35, an intermediate transfer belt 36, a secondary transfer roller 37, a fixing device 38, and a paper discharge tray 39. .

  The image forming unit 31 corresponds to Y (yellow), the image forming unit 32 corresponds to C (cyan), the image forming unit 33 corresponds to M (magenta), and the image forming unit 34 corresponds to K (black). is there. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming units 31 to 34 are provided in the order of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black from the front of the image forming apparatus 10 along the front-rear direction D <b> 2 of the image forming apparatus 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 31 includes a photosensitive drum 311, a charging roller 312, a developing unit 313, a primary transfer roller 314, and a drum cleaning unit 315. Each of the image forming units 32 to 34 has the same configuration as that of the image forming unit 31. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming units 32 to 34 include developing units 323 to 343.

  The photosensitive drum 311 has an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface. The charging roller 312 charges the photosensitive drum 311.

  The developing unit 313 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 311 using a developer including toner (an example of the developer of the present invention) and a carrier. The developing unit 313 will be described in detail later.

  The primary transfer roller 314 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 311 by the developing unit 313 to the intermediate transfer belt 36.

  The drum cleaning unit 315 removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 311.

  The optical scanning device 35 forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum included in each of the image forming units 31 to 34.

  The intermediate transfer belt 36 is an endless belt member to which a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum included in each of the image forming units 31 to 34 is transferred. The intermediate transfer belt 36 moves along the front-rear direction D <b> 2 of the image forming apparatus 10 when the driving roller is rotationally driven by a driving force supplied from a power source (not shown).

  The secondary transfer roller 37 transfers the toner image attached to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 36 onto the sheet.

  The fixing device 38 melts and fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet by the secondary transfer roller 37 on the sheet.

  The sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 38 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 39.

  In the image forming unit 3, a color image is formed on the sheet supplied from the paper feeding unit 4 according to the following procedure, and the sheet after the image formation is discharged to a paper discharge tray 39.

  First, in the image forming unit 31, the photosensitive drum 311 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 312. Next, light based on image data is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 311 by the optical scanning device 35. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 311. Then, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 311 is developed (visualized) as a yellow toner image by the developing unit 313.

  Subsequently, the yellow toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 311 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 36 by the primary transfer roller 314. On the other hand, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 311 is removed by the drum cleaning unit 315. For example, in the drum cleaning unit 315, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 311 is removed by the cleaning member 315A. The toner removed by the cleaning member 315A is transported to a toner storage container (not shown) by the transport screw 315B and collected.

  Also in the image forming units 32 to 34, toner images of the respective colors are formed on the respective photosensitive drums provided in the image forming units 32 to 34 in the same processing procedure as that of the image forming unit 31, and yellow is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 36. , Cyan, magenta, and black are transferred in this order. Then, the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 36 is transferred to the sheet supplied from the paper feeding unit 4 by the secondary transfer roller 37. Thereafter, the toner image is fused and fixed on the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by the fixing device 38, and an image is formed.

  Next, the developing unit 313 will be described in detail. The configurations of the developing units 323 to 343 are the same as the configuration of the developing unit 313 described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the developing unit 313 includes a housing 313A, a first transport member 313B, a second transport member 313C, a magnet roller 313D, a development roller 313E, and a toner sensor 313N.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 313A accommodates a first transport member 313B, a second transport member 313C, a magnet roller 313D, and a developing roller 313E. The housing 313A houses the developer. Specifically, the housing 313A accommodates the developer in an internal space formed by the side wall and the bottom surface 313F.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 313A includes a first transport path 313H and a second transport path 313J through which the developer containing toner is transported. Specifically, a partition wall 313G is provided on the bottom surface 313F of the housing 313A, as shown in FIGS. A first transport path 313H through which the developer is transported is formed inside the housing 313A by the side wall, the bottom surface 313F, and the partition wall 313G of the housing 313A. Further, a second transport path 313J through which the developer is transported is formed inside the housing 313A by the side wall, the bottom surface 313F, and the partition wall 313G of the housing 313A.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first transport member 313B is provided in the first transport path 313H. The first transport member 313B transports the developer along the right direction D31 of the left-right direction D3 in the first transport path 313H, and charges the toner contained in the developer. Specifically, the first transport member 313B stirs the developer during transport of the developer and charges the toner contained in the developer. For example, the first conveying member 313B is a stirring screw.

  The second transport member 313C is provided in the second transport path 313J as shown in FIG. The second transport member 313C transports the developer along the left direction D32 of the left-right direction D3 in the second transport path 313J and charges the toner contained in the developer. Specifically, the second transport member 313C stirs the developer during transport of the developer and charges the toner contained in the developer. For example, the second transport member 313C is a stirring screw.

  A first connection portion 313K that connects the first conveyance path 313H and the second conveyance path 313J is provided on the downstream side of the partition 313G in the developer conveyance direction by the first conveyance member 313B. On the other hand, a second connection portion 313L that connects the first conveyance path 313H and the second conveyance path 313J is provided downstream of the partition 313G in the developer conveyance direction by the second conveyance member 313C. Thereby, the developer accommodated in the housing 313A is circulated and conveyed through the first conveyance path 313H and the second conveyance path 313J by the first conveyance member 313B and the second conveyance member 313C.

  The magnet roller 313D acquires the developer transported by the second transport member 313C. Then, the magnet roller 313D supplies the toner contained in the developer acquired from the second conveying member 313C to the developing roller 313E. The developing roller 313E develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 311 using the toner supplied from the magnet roller 313D.

  The developing method by the developing unit 313 is not limited to the two-component developing method using the developer including the toner and the carrier described above. For example, the developing method of the developing unit 313 may be a one-component developing method using only toner. Further, the developing unit 313 may be configured not to include the magnet roller 313D.

  An opening 313M is provided on the upstream side in the developer transport direction by the first transport member 313B in the first transport path 313H. For example, the opening 313M is provided on the upper surface of the housing 313A above the first transport path 313H, as shown in FIG. The opening 313M is used to carry in toner supplied from a toner container 316, which will be described later, to the first conveyance path 313H. Specifically, the toner supplied from the toner container 316 is carried into the carry-in position P1 (see FIG. 4) of the first conveyance path 313H via the opening 313M.

  The toner sensor 313N detects the amount of toner at a detection position P2 (see FIG. 4) downstream of the opening 313M in the first conveyance path 313H in the developer conveyance direction by the first conveyance member 313B. For example, the toner sensor 313N is provided at the bottom of the housing 313A as shown in FIG. For example, the toner sensor 313N is a magnetic permeability sensor including an LC oscillation circuit that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the magnetic permeability of the developer housed in the housing 313A.

  For example, in the image forming apparatus 10, the detection values detected by the toner sensor 313N are integrated during the detection period exceeding the toner conveyance time from the carry-in position P1 to the detection position P2 by the first conveyance member 313B, and the developing unit The remaining amount of the developer in 313 is acquired. For example, the detection period is a period in which the toner conveyed by the first conveying member 313B makes a round in the developing unit 313. The detection period may be longer or shorter than the period in which the toner conveyed by the first conveying member 313B makes a round in the developing unit 313.

  As shown in FIG. 1, toner containers 316 to 346 are attached to the image forming unit 3. The toner container 316 stores yellow toner supplied to the image forming unit 31. The toner container 326 contains cyan toner supplied to the image forming unit 32. The toner container 336 stores magenta toner supplied to the image forming unit 33. The toner container 346 stores black toner supplied to the image forming unit 34. The toner containers 316 to 346 have the same configuration other than the color of the toner to be accommodated. Therefore, only the toner container 316 will be described below.

  For example, the toner container 316 is a substantially cylindrical container that is long along the left-right direction D3. The toner container 316 includes a transport member (not shown) that transports toner inside the toner container 316 and an IC tag (not shown) that stores specific data related to the toner container 316. For example, the specific data includes identification information of the toner container 316, quality determination information, the color of toner to be stored, and the remaining amount of toner to be stored.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the image forming unit 3 further includes mounting units 317 to 347 and lock mechanisms 318 to 348. The mounting units 317 to 347 have the same configuration other than the mounted toner container. The lock mechanisms 318 to 348 have the same configuration other than the toner container that restricts replacement. Therefore, only the mounting portion 317 and the lock mechanism 318 will be described below.

  A toner container 316 is attached to the attachment portion 317. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the mounting unit 317 is provided in a long shape in the left-right direction D <b> 3 above the image forming unit 3. The mounting portion 317 is covered with a housing cover 10A as shown in FIG. Here, the toner container 316 is an example of a developer container in the present invention. The mounting portions 317 to 347 are an example of a plurality of mounting portions in the present invention.

  The housing cover 10 </ b> A is a cover member that can be opened and closed provided on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the housing cover 10 </ b> A is provided on the right side surface of the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the arrangement positions of the mounting portions 317 to 347. For example, the housing cover 10A is opened and closed by a hinge provided at any end in the front-rear direction D2. When any of the toner containers 316 to 346 is replaced, the housing cover 10A is opened and the mounting portions 317 to 347 are exposed to the outside. Note that an opening / closing detection switch (not shown) that detects opening / closing of the housing cover 10A is provided at the end of the housing cover 10A opposite to the end provided with the hinge. The open / close detection switch inputs an electrical signal corresponding to the open / closed state of the housing cover 10 </ b> A to the control unit 5.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a connecting portion 317 </ b> A is provided at the left end portion of the mounting portion 317 in the left-right direction D <b> 3. The connection portion 317A engages with the transport member provided in the toner container 316 attached to the attachment portion 317. For example, the connecting portion 317A is a gear. Further, the image forming unit 3 is provided with a driving unit 317B (see FIG. 2) such as a motor for supplying driving force to the conveying member of the toner container 316 mounted on the mounting unit 317 via the connection unit 317A. Yes. The toner is supplied from the toner container 316 to the image forming unit 31 by driving the conveying member by the driving force supplied from the driving unit 317B via the connection unit 317A.

  Further, the mounting unit 317 is provided with a data acquisition unit 317C (see FIG. 2) that acquires the specific data from the IC tag provided in the toner container 316. For example, the data acquisition unit 317C receives the specific data from the IC tag by performing wireless communication with the IC tag included in the toner container 316 mounted on the mounting unit 317.

  The lock mechanism 318 regulates replacement of the toner container 316 attached to the attachment unit 317. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the lock mechanism 318 includes a locking piece 318 </ b> A and a locking piece movable portion 318 </ b> B. As shown in FIG. 5, the locking piece 318 </ b> A is provided at the right end of the mounting portion 317 in the left-right direction D <b> 3. For example, the locking piece 318 </ b> A is provided to be movable along the vertical direction D <b> 1 between a blocking position where the right end portion of the mounting portion 317 is blocked and an open position where the right end portion of the mounting portion 317 is opened. The locking piece movable portion 318B moves the locking piece 318A between the blocking position and the opening position. For example, the locking piece movable portion 318B is a solenoid. For example, in the lock mechanism 318, the locking piece 318 </ b> A is held at one of the blocking position and the opening position depending on whether power is supplied to the locking piece movable unit 318 </ b> B from a power supply unit (not shown). The Here, the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 are an example of a plurality of lock mechanisms in the present invention.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, the toner by the lock mechanism 318 is detected when a first state (out of toner) in which the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner container 316 is less than a predetermined first reference amount is detected. The restriction on the replacement of the container 316 is released.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, when the first state is detected and the toner container 316 is replaced, the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 acquired by the toner sensor 313N exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Until this time, supply processing for supplying toner from the toner container 316 to the developing unit 313 is executed.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus 10, when the restriction of replacement of the toner containers 316 to 346 by the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 is individually released according to the detection of the first state for each toner container, the remaining toner Even when there are a plurality of toner containers having a reduced amount, they cannot be replaced simultaneously. This increases the time and labor of the user who replaces the toner containers 316 to 346.

  In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as will be described below, the remaining amount of toner in the toner containers 316 to 346 at the time of replacement is reduced and the toner containers 316 to 346 are replaced. It is possible to reduce the labor of the user.

  Specifically, the ROM of the control unit 5 has an exchange restriction release program for causing the CPU to execute an exchange restriction release process (see the flowchart in FIG. 6) and an exchange restriction process (see the flowchart in FIG. 7) described later. Is stored in advance. The replacement restriction cancellation program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or flash memory, and is read from the recording medium and installed in a storage unit such as the EEPROM of the control unit 5. It may be a thing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 5 includes a second detection processing unit 51, a notification processing unit 52, a first detection processing unit 53, a first release processing unit 54, a display processing unit 55, and a setting processing unit 56. , A second release processing unit 57, a supply processing unit 58, a determination processing unit 59, and a restriction processing unit 60. Specifically, the control unit 5 executes the replacement restriction cancellation program stored in the ROM using the CPU. Accordingly, the control unit 5 includes the second detection processing unit 51, the notification processing unit 52, the first detection processing unit 53, the first release processing unit 54, the display processing unit 55, the setting processing unit 56, and the second release processing unit 57. , Functions as a supply processing unit 58, a determination processing unit 59, and a restriction processing unit 60.

  In the second detection processing unit 51, for each toner container mounted on the mounting units 317 to 347, the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner container is greater than or equal to the first reference amount and greater than the first reference amount. A second state that is less than a predetermined second reference amount is detected.

  For example, the second detection processing unit 51 detects the second state of the toner container 316 based on the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 acquired by the toner sensor 313N. For example, the second detection processing unit 51 determines the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 acquired by the toner sensor 313N when toner is supplied from the toner container 316 to the developing unit 313 during execution of the printing process. The second state is detected based on the increasing speed.

  The second detection processing unit 51 calculates the toner consumption amount based on the printing rate of the image data printed in the printing process, and calculates the accumulated value of the toner consumption amount and the toner in the toner container 316. The second state may be detected by comparing the storage amount of the second state. Further, the second detection processing unit 51 calculates the amount of toner to be discharged from the toner container 316 based on the driving time of the conveying member by the driving unit 317B, and calculates the cumulative value of the amount of toner discharged and the toner container. The second state may be detected by comparing the amount of toner stored in 316.

  For example, in the image forming apparatus 10, status information indicating the status of each of the toner containers 316 to 346 is stored in a predetermined storage area of the EEPROM. For example, when the second state of any toner container is detected, the second detection processing unit 51 stores the content of the state information corresponding to the toner container in which the second state is detected in the toner container. The content indicating that the remaining amount of toner contained in the third state is equal to or greater than the second reference amount is rewritten to the content indicating the second state.

  When the second detection processing unit 51 detects the second state of any toner container, the notification processing unit 52 notifies the toner container in which the second state is detected.

  The first detection processing unit 53 detects the first state in which the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner container is less than the first reference amount for each toner container mounted on the mounting units 317 to 347.

  For example, similarly to the second detection processing unit 51, the first detection processing unit 53 detects the first state of the toner container 316 based on the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 acquired by the toner sensor 313N. To do. For example, the first detection processing unit 53 determines the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 acquired by the toner sensor 313N when toner is supplied from the toner container 316 to the developing unit 313 during execution of the printing process. The first state is detected based on the increasing speed.

  The first detection processing unit 53 calculates the toner consumption amount based on the printing rate of the image data printed in the printing process, and calculates the accumulated value of the toner consumption amount and the toner in the toner container 316. The first state may be detected by comparing the amount of the first state. Further, the first detection processing unit 53 calculates the amount of toner to be discharged from the toner container 316 based on the driving time of the conveying member by the driving unit 317B, and calculates the cumulative value of the amount of toner discharged and the toner container. The first state may be detected by comparing the amount of toner stored in 316.

  For example, when the first state of any toner container is detected, the first detection processing unit 53 displays the content of the state information corresponding to the toner container in which the first state is detected, as the second state. The content indicating the state is rewritten to the content indicating the first state.

  When the first state of any one of the toner containers is detected by the first detection processing unit 53, the first release processing unit 54 restricts the replacement of the toner container in the first state to the lock mechanisms 318 to 348. Release it.

  For example, when the first state of the toner container 316 is detected by the first detection processing unit 53, the first release processing unit 54 causes the power supply unit to supply power to the locking piece movable unit 318B. Accordingly, in the lock mechanism 318, the locking piece 318A is moved from the blocking position to the opening position and held in the opening position.

  The display processing unit 55 includes a toner container in which the second state is detected by the second detection processing unit 51 when the restriction on replacement of the toner container in the first state is released by the first release processing unit 54. In this case, the operation display unit 6 displays a release operation screen used for the release operation of the restriction of replacement of the toner container in the second state by the lock mechanisms 318 to 348.

  For example, the display processing unit 55 has a toner container in which the second state is detected by the second detection processing unit 51 when the first state of any of the toner containers is detected by the first detection processing unit 53. In this case, the cancel operation screen is displayed on the operation display unit 6.

  The setting processing unit 56 effectively sets the release function by the second release processing unit 57 in accordance with a predetermined setting operation. For example, the setting operation is an operation on the operation display unit 6. A configuration in which the setting processing unit 56 is not provided in the image forming apparatus 10 can be considered as another embodiment.

  The second release processing unit 57 is a toner container in which the second state is detected by the second detection processing unit 51 when the restriction of replacement of the toner container in the first state is released by the first release processing unit 54. Can be released, the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 can release the restriction on replacement of the toner container in the second state.

  For example, the second release processing unit 57 causes the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 to release the restriction on replacement of the toner container in the second state in response to the release operation on the release operation screen.

  Further, the second release processing unit 57, when the release function is enabled by the setting processing unit 56, when the first state of any toner container is detected by the first detection processing unit 53. When there is a toner container in which the second state is detected by the second detection processing unit 51, the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 release the restriction on replacement of the toner container in the second state.

  Further, when the restriction of replacement of the toner container in the second state is released by the lock mechanisms 318 to 348, the notification processing unit 52 notifies the toner container in the second state in which the restriction of replacement is released.

  When it is determined that the toner container whose replacement restriction has been canceled by the first release processing unit 54 or the second release processing unit 57 has been replaced, the supply processing unit 58 uses a toner sensor for each replaced toner container. The supply process for supplying the toner from the toner container to the developing unit is executed until the detected toner remaining amount in the developing unit exceeds the threshold value.

  For example, the supply processing unit 58 opens the housing cover 10 </ b> A by the opening / closing detection switch when the restriction on replacement of any toner container is released by the first release processing unit 54 or the second release processing unit 57. When the closing of the housing cover 10A is detected after the toner is detected, it is determined that the toner container whose replacement restriction has been released has been replaced. The supply processing unit 58 performs a predetermined operation on the operation display unit 6 when the restriction of replacement of any toner container is canceled by the first cancellation processing unit 54 or the second cancellation processing unit 57. If the toner container has been removed, it may be determined that the toner container whose replacement restriction has been released has been replaced.

  For example, the supply processing unit 58 determines that the toner container 316 has been replaced when the first release processing unit 54 or the second release processing unit 57 releases the restriction on replacement of the toner container 316. The supply process of supplying toner from the toner container 316 to the developing unit 313 is executed until the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 detected by the sensor 313N exceeds the threshold. Specifically, the supply processing unit 58 controls the driving unit 317B to drive the conveying member of the toner container 316.

  In addition, when the supply process is completed, the supply processing unit 58 changes the content of the status information corresponding to the toner container for which the supply process has been executed from the content indicating the first state. , The content is rewritten to indicate the third state.

  When the determination processing unit 59 determines that the toner container whose replacement restriction has been canceled by the first cancellation processing unit 54 or the second cancellation processing unit 57 has been replaced, the determination processing unit 59 is replaced for each replaced toner container. It is determined whether or not the toner container is a predetermined type of toner container. For example, the specific type of toner container is a toner container manufactured by one or more predetermined manufacturing entities.

  For example, when the restriction on the replacement of the toner container 316 is released by the first release processing unit 54 or the second release processing unit 57, the determination processing unit 59 determines that the data is changed when the toner container 316 is replaced. The acquisition unit 317C acquires the specific data from the IC tag of the toner container 316. Then, the determination processing unit 59 determines whether the toner container 316 attached to the attachment unit 317 is the specific type of toner container based on the identification information or the quality determination information included in the specific data. to decide.

  The restriction processing unit 60 causes the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 to restrict the replacement of the toner container for which the supply process has been executed.

  For example, when the determination processing unit 59 determines that the toner container for which the supply process has been performed is the specific type of toner container, the restriction processing unit 60 performs the supply process on the lock mechanisms 318 to 348. Restrict the replacement of toner containers.

  For example, when the determination processing unit 59 determines that the toner container 316 for which the supply processing has been performed is the specific type of toner container, the restriction processing unit 60 moves to the locking piece movable unit 318B. Stop the power supply. Thereby, in the locking mechanism 318, the locking piece 318A is moved from the open position to the blocking position and held at the blocking position.

  Further, when the determination processing unit 59 determines that the toner container for which the supply process has been performed is not the specific type of toner container, the notification processing unit 52 notifies the fact.

  The restriction processing unit 60 also executes the supply process on the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 when the determination processing unit 59 determines that the toner container for which the supply process has been performed is not the specific type of toner container. The replacement of the used toner container may be regulated.

[Replacement restriction release processing]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the replacement restriction release process executed by the control unit 5 in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, steps S11, S12,... Represent the numbers of processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 5.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the release function by the second release processing unit 57 is effectively set in the image forming apparatus 10 by performing the setting operation in advance by the user.

<Step S11>
First, in step S11, the control unit 5 determines whether the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner container is greater than or equal to the first reference amount for any of the toner containers mounted on the mounting units 317 to 347. It is determined whether the second state that is less than 2 reference amounts has been detected. Here, the process of step S11 is an example of the second step in the present invention, and is executed by the second detection processing unit 51 of the control unit 5.

  For example, the control unit 5 detects the second state of the toner container 316 based on the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 acquired by the toner sensor 313N. For example, when the toner is supplied from the toner container 316 to the developing unit 313 during execution of the printing process, the control unit 5 increases the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 acquired by the toner sensor 313N. Based on this, the second state is detected.

  If the control unit 5 determines that the second state of any toner container has been detected (Yes in S11), the control unit 5 displays the content of the state information corresponding to the toner container in which the second state is detected. The content indicating the third state is rewritten to the content indicating the second state, and the process proceeds to step S12. If the second state of the toner container is not detected (No in S11), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S13.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the control unit 5 notifies the toner container in which the second state is detected in step S11. Here, the process of step S <b> 12 is executed by the notification processing unit 52 of the control unit 5.

  For example, when the second state of the toner container 316 is detected in step S11, the control unit 5 causes the operation display unit 6 to display a message indicating that the second state of the toner container 316 has been detected. As a result, the user can recognize that the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 316 has decreased, and can prepare a new toner container 316 before the toner in the toner container 316 runs out.

<Step S13>
In step S <b> 13, the control unit 5 sets the first state in which the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner container is less than the first reference amount for any of the toner containers mounted on the mounting units 317 to 347. It is determined whether or not it has been detected. Here, the process of step S13 is an example of the first step in the present invention, and is executed by the first detection processing unit 53 of the control unit 5.

  For example, the control unit 5 detects the first state of the toner container 316 based on the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 acquired by the toner sensor 313N, as in step S11. For example, when the toner is supplied from the toner container 316 to the developing unit 313 during execution of the printing process, the control unit 5 increases the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 acquired by the toner sensor 313N. Based on this, the first state is detected.

  If the control unit 5 determines that the first state of any toner container has been detected (Yes in S13), the control unit 5 displays the content of the state information corresponding to the toner container in which the first state is detected. The content indicating the second state is rewritten to the content indicating the first state, and the process proceeds to step S14. If the first state of the toner container is not detected (No side in S13), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S11, and the second state or the first of any toner container. Wait for state detection.

<Step S14>
In step S <b> 14, the control unit 5 restricts execution of the printing process by the image forming unit 3.

  For example, the control unit 5 interrupts the printing process being executed when the printing process is being executed. The control unit 5 prohibits the execution of the printing process when the printing process is not executed. Note that the control unit 5 may interrupt the printing process after outputting a predetermined number of printed materials when the printing process is being executed. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10, it is possible to avoid the output of a printed matter having a reduced print density.

<Step S15>
In step S15, the control unit 5 determines whether there is a toner container in which the second state is detected in step S11. For example, the control unit 5 determines whether there is a toner container in which the second state is detected based on the state information of each of the toner containers 316 to 346 stored in the storage area of the EEPROM. To do.

  Here, when the control unit 5 determines that there is a toner container in which the second state is detected (Yes in S15), the control unit 5 shifts the processing to step S16. If the toner container in which the second state is detected does not exist (No side in S15), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S161.

<Step S161>
In step S161, the control unit 5 causes the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 to release the restriction on replacement of the toner container in which the first state is detected in step S13. Here, the process of step S15 is an example of a third step in the present invention, and is executed by the first release processing unit 54 of the control unit 5.

  For example, when the first state of the toner container 316 is detected in step S13, the control unit 5 causes the power supply unit to supply power to the locking piece movable unit 318B. Accordingly, in the lock mechanism 318, the locking piece 318A is moved from the blocking position to the opening position and held in the opening position. Therefore, the toner container 316 can be replaced.

<Step S16>
In step S16, the control unit 5 causes the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 to release the restriction of replacement of the toner container in which the first state is detected in step S13, and the toner container in which the second state is detected in step S11. To remove the restrictions on the exchange. Of the processes in step S16, the process of canceling the restriction on replacement of the toner container in which the second state is detected in step S11 is an example of the fourth step in the present invention. 2 is executed by the release processing unit 57. Of the processes in step S16, the process of canceling the restriction on replacement of the toner container in which the first state is detected in step S13 is an example of the third step in the present invention. It is executed by the release processing unit 54.

  Accordingly, the user can detect the toner container in which the second state is detected together with the toner container in which the first state is detected at the timing when the first state (out of toner) is detected in any of the toner containers. It is possible to exchange.

  In step S16, the control unit 5 causes the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 to release the restriction on replacement of the toner container in which the first state is detected in step S13, and displays the release operation screen used for the release operation. You may display on the operation display part 6. FIG. In this case, the control unit 5 causes the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 to release the restriction on the replacement of the toner container in which the second state is detected in step S11 in accordance with the release operation on the release operation screen.

<Step S17>
In step S17, the control unit 5 notifies the toner container in which the first state is detected in step S13. Here, the process of step S <b> 17 is executed by the notification processing unit 52 of the control unit 5.

  For example, when the first state of the toner container 316 is detected in step S13, the control unit 5 causes the operation display unit 6 to display a message indicating that the first state of the toner container 316 has been detected. As a result, the user can recognize that the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 316 has run out and can replace the toner container 316.

  In addition, when the restriction on the replacement of the toner container in the second state by the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 is released in step S16, the control unit 5 notifies the toner container in the second state in which the restriction on the replacement is released. To do.

  For example, when the second state of the toner container 326 is detected in step S11 and the restriction on the replacement of the toner container 326 by the lock mechanism 328 is released in step S16, the control unit 5 replaces the toner container 326. A message indicating that the restriction is released is displayed on the operation display unit 6. As a result, the user can recognize that the toner container 326 can be replaced and can perform the replacement operation of the toner container 326.

<Step S18>
In step S <b> 18, the control unit 5 executes the exchange restriction process described below.

[Exchange restriction processing]
Here, an example of the procedure of the exchange restriction process executed in step S18 of the exchange restriction release process will be described with reference to FIG.

<Step S21>
First, in step S21, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the toner container whose replacement restriction has been released in step S16 or step S161 of the replacement restriction release process has been replaced. For example, when the closing of the housing cover 10A is detected after the opening / closing detection switch detects the opening of the housing cover 10A, the control unit 5 determines that the toner container whose replacement restriction has been removed has been replaced. to decide.

  Here, when the control unit 5 determines that the toner container for which the restriction on replacement has been released has been replaced (Yes in S21), the control unit 5 shifts the processing to step S22. If the toner container for which the restriction on replacement has been released has not been replaced (No in S21), the control unit 5 waits for the replacement of the toner container for which the restriction on replacement has been released in step S21.

<Step S22>
In step S22, the control unit 5 causes the data acquisition unit to acquire the specific data from the IC tag of the toner container for each toner container determined to have been replaced in step S21. For example, when it is determined in step S21 that the toner container 316 has been replaced, the control unit 5 causes the data acquisition unit 317C to acquire the specific data from the IC tag of the toner container 316.

<Step S23>
In step S23, for each toner container determined to have been replaced in step S21, the control unit 5 supplies toner from the toner container to the developing unit until the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit detected by the toner sensor exceeds the threshold value. The supply process to be supplied is executed. Here, the process of step S <b> 23 is executed by the supply processing unit 58 of the control unit 5.

  For example, when it is determined in step S21 that the toner container 316 has been replaced, the control unit 5 develops from the toner container 316 until the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 313 detected by the toner sensor 313N exceeds the threshold. The supply process for supplying the toner to the unit 313 is executed. Specifically, the control unit 5 controls the driving unit 317B to drive the conveying member of the toner container 316.

  In addition, when the execution of the supply process ends, the control unit 5 changes the content of the state information corresponding to the toner container for which the supply process has been executed from the content indicating the first state. The content is rewritten to indicate the third state. Then, when the supply process for each toner container determined to have been replaced in step S21 is completed, the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S24.

<Step S24>
In step S24, the control unit 5 releases the restriction on the execution of the printing process by the image forming unit 3 in step S14 of the replacement restriction cancellation process. For example, when the printing process being executed in step S14 of the replacement restriction releasing process is interrupted, the control unit 5 resumes the execution of the interrupted printing process. In addition, when the execution of the printing process is prohibited in step S14 of the replacement restriction cancellation process, the control unit 5 cancels the prohibition of the execution of the printing process.

<Step S25>
In step S25, the controller 5 determines, for each toner container determined to have been replaced in step S21, whether the replaced toner container is the specific type of toner container. Here, the process of step S25 is executed by the determination processing unit 59 of the control unit 5.

  For example, when it is determined in step S21 that the toner container 316 has been replaced, the control unit 5 installs the mounting unit based on the identification information or the quality determination information included in the specific data acquired in step S22. It is determined whether the toner container 316 attached to 317 is the specific type of toner container.

  If the control unit 5 determines that the replaced toner container is the specific type of toner container (Yes in S25), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S26. If the replaced toner container is not the specific type of toner container (No in S25), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S251.

  When the controller 5 determines that there are a plurality of toner containers that have been replaced in step S21 and only a part of the replaced toner containers is the specific type of toner container, The process of step S26 is executed for the toner container determined to be the specific type of toner container, and the process of step S251 is executed for the toner container determined not to be the specific type of toner container.

<Step S26>
In step S26, the control unit 5 causes the lock mechanisms 318 to 348 to restrict the replacement of the toner container determined to be the specific type of toner container in step S25. Here, the process of step S <b> 26 is executed by the restriction processing unit 60 of the control unit 5.

  For example, when it is determined in step S25 that the toner container 316 is the specific type of toner container, the control unit 5 causes the power supply unit to stop supplying power to the locking piece movable unit 318B. Thereby, in the locking mechanism 318, the locking piece 318A is moved from the open position to the blocking position and held at the blocking position. Therefore, replacement of the toner container 316 is prohibited.

<Step S251>
In step S251, the control unit 5 notifies that the toner container determined to have been replaced in step S21 is not the specific type of toner container. Here, the process of step S251 is executed by the notification processing unit 52 of the control unit 5.

  For example, if it is determined in step S25 that the toner container 316 is not the specific type of toner container, the control unit 5 indicates that the toner container 316 mounted on the mounting unit 317 is not the specific type of toner container. Is displayed on the operation display unit 6. This prompts the user to replace the toner container 316 mounted on the mounting unit 317 with the specific type of toner container.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10, when the restriction on replacement of the toner container in the first state is released, the toner in the first state is present when there is a toner container in which the second state is detected. The restriction on the replacement of the container is released, and the restriction on the replacement of the toner container in the second state is released. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the toner containers 316 to 346 at the time of replacement, and to reduce the trouble of the user who replaces the toner containers 316 to 346.

1 ADF
2 image reading unit 3 image forming unit 31 to 34 image forming unit 313 to 343 developing unit 316 to 346 toner container 317 to 347 mounting unit 318 to 348 lock mechanism 4 paper feeding unit 5 control unit 51 second detection processing unit 52 notification processing Unit 53 first detection processing unit 54 first cancellation processing unit 55 display processing unit 56 setting processing unit 57 second cancellation processing unit 58 supply processing unit 59 determination processing unit 60 regulation processing unit 6 operation display unit 10 image forming apparatus

Claims (5)

A plurality of mounting portions on which developer storage portions for storing the developer are mounted;
A plurality of lock mechanisms capable of restricting replacement of the developer accommodating portion attached to the attachment portion;
An image forming unit that executes a printing process using the developer supplied from each of the plurality of developer accommodating units mounted in each of the mounting units;
A restriction processing unit for restricting the replacement of the developer storage unit after replacement by the lock mechanism when the developer storage unit mounted on the mounting unit is replaced;
A first state is detected in which the remaining amount of the developer stored in the developer storage unit is less than a predetermined first reference amount for each of the developer storage units mounted in the mounting unit. 1 detection processing unit;
For each of the developer accommodating portions attached to the attachment portion, the remaining amount of the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion is determined in advance to be greater than or equal to the first reference amount and greater than the first reference amount. A second detection processing unit for detecting a second state that is less than the second reference amount,
A first mechanism for causing the lock mechanism to release a restriction on replacement of the developer container in the first state when the first state of any of the developer containers is detected by the first detection processing unit; A release processing unit;
In no event where the second detection processing said developer accommodating portion in which the second state is detected by the unit is present, the by the first detection processing unit for different said developer accommodating portion with the developer accommodating section When the first state is detected, it is possible to cause the lock mechanism to release the restriction on replacement of the developer containing portion in the second state, and the developer containing portion different from the developer containing portion When the first state is not detected by the first detection processing unit, a second release processing unit that does not cause the lock mechanism to release the restriction on replacement of the developer containing unit in the second state ;
An image forming apparatus comprising: In no event where the second detection processing said developer accommodating portion in which the second state is detected by the unit is present, the by the first detection processing unit for different said developer accommodating portion with the developer accommodating section When the first state is detected , the display device further includes a display processing unit that displays on the display unit a release operation screen that is used to release the restriction of replacement of the developer containing unit in the second state by the lock mechanism.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second release processing unit causes the lock mechanism to release a restriction on replacement of the developer containing unit in the second state in response to the release operation on the release operation screen. A setting processing unit for effectively setting the release function by the second release processing unit according to a predetermined setting operation;
The second release processing unit causes the lock mechanism to release the restriction on replacement of the developer containing unit in the second state when the release function is set to be effective by the setting processing unit. The image forming apparatus according to 2.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a notification processing unit that notifies the lock mechanism when the restriction on replacement of the developer containing unit in the second state is released. A plurality of mounting portions on which a developer storage portion for storing a developer is mounted, a plurality of lock mechanisms capable of restricting replacement of the developer storage portion mounted on the mounting portion, and mounted on each of the mounting portions. An image forming unit that executes a printing process using the developer supplied from each of the plurality of developer accommodating units, and a method for canceling the developer accommodating unit replacement restriction executed in the image forming apparatus. And
A regulation step for restricting the replacement of the developer accommodating portion after the replacement by the lock mechanism when the developer accommodating portion attached to the attaching portion is replaced;
A first state is detected in which the remaining amount of the developer stored in the developer storage unit is less than a predetermined first reference amount for each of the developer storage units mounted in the mounting unit. One step,
For each of the developer accommodating portions attached to the attachment portion, the remaining amount of the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion is determined in advance to be greater than or equal to the first reference amount and greater than the first reference amount. A second step of detecting a second state that is less than the second reference amount provided;
A third step for causing the lock mechanism to release the restriction on replacement of the developer accommodating portion in the first state when the first state of any one of the developer accommodating portions is detected by the first step; ,
In no event the said developer accommodating portion in which the second state is detected by the second step is present, said first state by said first step for different said developer accommodating portion with the developer accommodating section When detected, the lock mechanism can release the restriction on replacement of the developer container in the second state, and the first developer container is different from the developer container. A fourth step in which if the first state is not detected by the step, the lock mechanism does not release the restriction on replacement of the developer accommodating portion in the second state ;
For canceling the replacement regulation of the developer containing portion.

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