JPH1165256A - Image forming device and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain the function capable of simply/easily warning a user of the exhausting of toner by calculating the total counter value corresponding to the next exhausting period of the toner based on the total counter value of image forming media on which toner image is transferred, thereby warning the user of the next exhausting period of the toner. SOLUTION: A main CPU 32 stores the count value of a counter 108 when a toner cartridge 103 is empty of the toner, as the total count value of the sheets of paper (image-formed mediums) on which copying is executed up to then, in a RAM 33. Then, the total counter value corresponding to the next exhausting period of the toner is calculated on the basis of the total counter value and the user is warned of the next exhausting period of the toner, based on the total counter value corresponding to the next exhausting period of the toner by the result of the calculation. In such a case, a toner empty display part in a pictograph display part flickers and a message display part is displayed by flickering.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus and method having a function of notifying a toner empty in a toner cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine has a cylindrical shape inside an unillustrated apparatus, is rotatably formed in a desired direction via a motor or the like, and is charged to a desired potential. The photosensitive drum has a photoelectric conversion element on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by changing a potential of a region irradiated with the light beam when the light beam is irradiated.

Around the photosensitive drum, a charger for giving a desired potential to the photosensitive drum, an image signal or a print signal from a reading means such as a scanner, that is, an image to be copied or output, is provided. A visualizing agent (developer), that is, a toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by a laser beam from a laser unit that outputs a laser beam (light beam) turned on / off according to information. A developing device for performing the development is provided.

Further, a transfer charger for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum developed through the developing device to a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit, and a transfer device for transferring the toner image transferred on the sheet A peeling charger that peels off the drum, a cleaner that removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and a static elimination lamp that erases a change in potential generated on the photosensitive drum for the next image formation are arranged in this order. I have.

Here, the cleaner and the static elimination lamp
A so-called cleaner unit is configured. In such an image forming apparatus, a developing device and a cleaner unit are integrally mounted and mounted inside or outside of the device, and a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier is supplied to the developing device. Some are intended to be loaded.

In this case, in an image forming apparatus using a toner hopper to supply toner as a developer,
By providing a toner sensor in the toner hopper and detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner hopper, a notice of toner empty in the toner hopper is given.

However, in an image forming apparatus that supplies toner as a developer using a toner cartridge, if a toner sensor is attached to the toner cartridge, it becomes impossible to recycle the toner cartridge, and the cost increases. Due to such reasons as connection, the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is not directly detected by attaching a toner sensor to the toner cartridge.

That is, in an image forming apparatus of a type in which toner as a developer is supplied using a toner cartridge, a toner sensor is not attached to the toner cartridge, and a two-component developer including a carrier and a toner is provided on a developing device side. The only difference is that the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is indirectly detected by detecting a decrease in density due to consumed toner by detecting the toner specific density.

Therefore, it is not intended to give a notice of toner empty in the toner cartridge. Also,
No toner empty history is stored for the advance notice of the toner empty in the toner cartridge.

[0010]

As described above, in an image forming apparatus of the type in which toner as a developer is supplied using a toner cartridge, if a toner sensor is attached to the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge can be recycled. For the reason that it becomes impossible and the cost is increased, the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge by attaching a toner sensor to the toner cartridge is not directly detected.

In an image forming apparatus of the type which supplies toner as a developer using this kind of toner cartridge, a two-component developing device comprising a carrier and toner is provided on the developing device side without attaching a toner sensor to the toner cartridge. The remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is only indirectly detected by detecting the decrease in concentration due to consumed toner by detecting the specific concentration of toner in the toner. No notification is made of the toner empty, and no toner empty history is stored for the notification of the toner empty in the toner cartridge.

This is because if an electric component such as a toner sensor is installed in a toner cartridge, it cannot be disassembled and cannot be recycled, and if the toner sensor is installed in a consumable toner cartridge,
This is because running costs increase.

Further, if a toner sensor is provided in the toner cartridge so that the toner cartridge can be recycled, the running cost is further increased.

In an image forming apparatus of the type in which toner as a developer is supplied using this type of toner cartridge, the user must write down the total counter value when the toner in the toner cartridge becomes empty. In addition, it is difficult to calculate the amount of toner consumption for the advance notice of the toner empty in the toner cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an image forming apparatus and method having a function of easily giving a notice of toner empty in a toner cartridge.

[0016]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a two-component developing device comprising an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image and a toner and a carrier is provided. A developing container having a developer, a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container, a developing unit for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, Transfer means for transferring the imaged toner image to the image forming medium; output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; It is determined that the toner in the toner cartridge has become empty, and the image to which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means when the toner empty in the toner cartridge has been determined. An image forming apparatus comprising: a toner empty notifying unit configured to calculate a total counter value corresponding to a next toner empty time based on a total medium counter value and to notify a next toner empty time of the next toner empty time. Is done.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a developing device having an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image and a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is provided. A container, a toner cartridge that supplies toner to the developing container, a developing unit that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, and a developing unit that is visualized by the developing unit. Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the image forming medium; output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner density of the developing container; and toner in the toner cartridge being empty by the voltage value output from the output means. Judge that it has become
Based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means when the toner empty in the toner cartridge is determined, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time is calculated. Means for notifying the next toner empty time, a total counter value of the image forming medium used for the notice calculation by the toner empty notifying means, and a total value corresponding to the next toner empty time. An image forming apparatus is provided that includes a storage unit that stores a counter value, a predetermined set value, and calculated value data.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a developing device having an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image and a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is provided. A container, a toner cartridge that supplies toner to the developing container, a developing unit that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, and a developing unit that is visualized by the developing unit. Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the image forming medium; output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner density of the developing container; and toner in the toner cartridge being empty by the voltage value output from the output means. Judge that it has become
Based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means when the toner empty in the toner cartridge is determined, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time is calculated. Means for notifying the next toner empty time, a total counter value of the image forming medium used for the notice calculation by the toner empty notifying means, and a total value corresponding to the next toner empty time. A storage unit for storing a counter value, a predetermined set value, and a calculated value data; and an initialization unit for initializing the storage unit. The initialization unit includes a first empty time, a period for displaying an empty notice. Forming an initial amount of toner consumption Location is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a developing device having an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image and a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is provided. A container, a toner cartridge that supplies toner to the developing container, a developing unit that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, and a developing unit that is visualized by the developing unit. Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the image forming medium; output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner density of the developing container; and toner in the toner cartridge being empty by the voltage value output from the output means. Judge that it has become
Based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means when the toner empty in the toner cartridge is determined, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time is calculated. And a toner empty notifying unit for notifying the next toner empty timing. An image forming apparatus is provided in which a toner empty notice is displayed when the next toner empty notice display time is exceeded.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a developing method having an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, and a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is provided. A container, a toner cartridge that supplies toner to the developing container, a developing unit that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, and a developing unit that is visualized by the developing unit. Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the image forming medium; output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner density of the developing container; and toner in the toner cartridge being empty by the voltage value output from the output means. Judge that it has become
Based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means when the toner empty in the toner cartridge is determined, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time is calculated. Means for notifying the next toner empty time, a total counter value of the image forming medium used for the notice calculation by the toner empty notifying means, and a total value corresponding to the next toner empty time. Storage means for storing a counter value, a predetermined set value and a calculated value data, wherein the toner empty notifying means performs a toner empty determination display as a process after the toner empty determination, and displays the current total counter value and Current total count An image forming apparatus for causing stored in the storage means determines the difference between previous total counter value as the toner consumption is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a developing device having an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image and a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is provided. A container, a toner cartridge that supplies toner to the developing container, a developing unit that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, and a developing unit that is visualized by the developing unit. Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the image forming medium; output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner density of the developing container; and toner in the toner cartridge being empty by the voltage value output from the output means. Judge that it has become
Based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means when the toner empty in the toner cartridge is determined, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time is calculated. Means for notifying the next toner empty time, a total counter value of the image forming medium used for the notice calculation by the toner empty notifying means, and a total value corresponding to the next toner empty time. Storage means for storing a counter value, a predetermined set value and a calculated value data, wherein the toner empty notice means adds an average value of the toner consumption of a plurality of times to the current total count value as an average toner consumption. Calculates the next toner empty time and stores the above An image forming apparatus characterized in that stored in the stage is provided.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a developing method comprising an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, and a two-component developer comprising a toner and a carrier. A container, a toner cartridge that supplies toner to the developing container, a developing unit that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, and a developing unit that is visualized by the developing unit. Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the image forming medium; output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner density of the developing container; and toner in the toner cartridge being empty by the voltage value output from the output means. Judge that it has become
Based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means when the toner empty in the toner cartridge is determined, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time is calculated. Means for notifying the next toner empty time, a total counter value of the image forming medium used for the notice calculation by the toner empty notifying means, and a total value corresponding to the next toner empty time. And a storage unit for storing the counter value, the predetermined set value, and the calculated value data.
Is added to the current total count value as an average toner consumption amount, and the next toner empty time is calculated and stored in the storage unit.
Is determined to be 2 or more, the previously input toner consumption is determined to be valid or invalid, the toner consumption and the two closest data in the past are fetched, and the three data are averaged together. And calculating the average toner consumption, and adding the current total counter value and the average toner consumption to calculate the next toner empty time, thereby providing an image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a developing method comprising an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, and a two-component developer comprising a toner and a carrier. A container, a toner cartridge that supplies toner to the developing container, a developing unit that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, and a developing unit that is visualized by the developing unit. Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the image forming medium; output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner density of the developing container; and toner in the toner cartridge being empty by the voltage value output from the output means. Judge that it has become
Based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means when the toner empty in the toner cartridge is determined, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time is calculated. Means for notifying the next toner empty time, a total counter value of the image forming medium used for the notice calculation by the toner empty notifying means, and a total value corresponding to the next toner empty time. And a storage unit for storing the counter value, the predetermined set value, and the calculated value data.
Is added to the current total count value as an average toner consumption amount, and the next toner empty time is calculated and stored in the storage unit.
Is determined to be greater than or equal to two, whether or not the current toner consumption is within the estimated range is determined, and the average toner consumption is compared with the current toner consumption. If it is larger than the consumption amount, the average toner consumption amount is set as the current toner consumption amount, and the next toner empty time is calculated by adding the current total counter value and the average toner consumption amount. An image forming apparatus is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a developing device having an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image and a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is provided. A container, a toner cartridge that supplies toner to the developing container, a developing unit that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, and a developing unit that is visualized by the developing unit. Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the image forming medium; output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner density of the developing container; and toner in the toner cartridge being empty by the voltage value output from the output means. The toner image is transferred by the transfer means when the determination means determines that the toner empty in the toner cartridge is empty. Storage means for storing a total counter value of the image forming medium; calculating means for calculating a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time based on the total counter value from the storage means; There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a toner empty notifying unit for notifying a next toner empty timing based on a total counter value corresponding to a toner empty timing.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a developing method having an image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image and a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is provided. A container, a toner cartridge that supplies toner to the developing container, a developing unit that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with the toner in the developing container, and a developing unit that is visualized by the developing unit. In an image forming method using an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit that transfers a toner image to an image forming medium and an output unit that outputs a voltage value corresponding to a toner concentration of the developing container. Judging that the toner in the toner cartridge is empty based on the voltage value of the toner cartridge, and determining whether the toner empty in the toner cartridge is empty. Storing a total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the image capturing means; calculating a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time based on the total counter value; Providing a notification of the next toner empty time based on a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an internal configuration of a main part of a copying machine as an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

That is, the copying machine shown in FIG. 1 has a cylindrical shape inside the apparatus and is formed so as to be rotatable in a desired direction via a motor or the like (not shown). The photosensitive drum 1 has a photoelectric conversion element on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by changing the potential of a region irradiated with the light beam by the irradiation of the beam.

Around the photosensitive drum 1, a charging charger 2 for applying a desired potential to the photosensitive drum 1 and an erasing L used for trimming, masking, frame erasing, etc.
An ED (light emitting element) 3 and a photosensitive drum 1 are turned on / off in accordance with an image signal or a print signal from a reading unit 101 such as a scanner, that is, image information to be copied or output.
By supplying a visualizing agent (developer), that is, a toner, to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by the laser beam from the laser unit 102 that outputs the turned off laser beam (light beam) 100 A transfer unit 5 for transferring a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 developed through the developing unit 4 to a sheet (image forming medium) fed from the sheet feeding unit 104;
The peeling charger 6 for peeling the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 1, the cleaner 7 for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and the change in the potential generated on the photosensitive drum 1 are as follows. In order to form an image, a charge removing lamp 8 for erasing (light removing) is arranged in order.

Here, the cleaner unit 9 is constituted by the cleaner 7 and the static elimination lamp 8. As such a device, a developing device 4 and a cleaner unit 9 are integrally mounted and installed in or removed from the device, and a two-component developer comprising a toner and a carrier is attached to the developing device 4. Is to be loaded.

The paper (image forming medium) peeled from the photosensitive drum 1 is transported by the fixing unit 1
After the toner image is fixed at step 06, the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge unit 108.

The paper discharge sensor 107 outputs a detection signal each time a paper (image forming medium) discharged from the fixing unit 106 to the paper discharge unit 108 is detected. The photosensitive drum 1 has a negative charge polarity, the developing device 4 of the developing bias V _B is applied, so that the normal development is performed.

A high voltage is applied to the transfer charger 5 by a DC power supply, and a positive high voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the photosensitive drum 1 is applied to the peeling charger 6 by an AC power supply and a DC power supply. Has become.

At this time, the sheet can be efficiently peeled off from the photosensitive drum 1 by superposing the AC voltage output of the peeling output with the DC voltage of the opposite polarity to the transfer output.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the developing device 4 has a magnet roller 11 as a developing sleeve and stirring members 12 and 13. The agent is moved in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure.

An automatic toner sensor 14 for detecting the concentration of the developer is provided below the stirring member 13.
A toner cartridge 103 for replenishing toner to the developing device 4 is provided above the agitator 12. The toner cartridge 103 includes a toner roller for toner replenishment rotated by a toner motor 41 described later. Is provided.

The auto toner sensor 14 detects a decrease in density due to consumed toner by detecting a toner specific density in a two-component developer composed of carrier and toner.

As shown in FIG. 3, the auto-toner sensor 14 includes a magnetic circuit 21 composed of a drive winding to which a high-frequency magnetic field is applied, and is connected to the magnetic circuit 21 to detect a change in the magnetic resistance of the developer. A high-frequency output from the detection winding 22 detected by the detection winding 22
A DC conversion circuit 23 converts the signal into a C signal, that is, an automatic toner output V _ATS and outputs the converted signal.

The auto-toner output V _ATS from the DC conversion circuit 23 of the auto-toner sensor 14 is supplied to the main CPU via an A / D converter 35 in the control unit 31 described later.
32.

Next, the main part of the control circuit will be described with reference to FIG. That is, a control section 31 for controlling the entire copying machine is provided, and the control section 31 is provided with a main CPU 32 for controlling the control section 31.

The main CPU 32 includes a memory (ROM) 38 for storing a control program, a memory (RAM) 33 for storing data, and a non-volatile memory (RAM or RAM) for storing setting values and the like described later. EEPRO
M) 39 and a control voltage signal (digital signal) from the main CPU 32 to the auto toner sensor 14 when a transfer / peeling adjustment mode as a maintenance process is selected by the operation panel 42 described later. A D / A converter 34 that outputs an analog signal) and an A / D converter that converts the auto toner output V _ATS (analog signal) from the DC conversion circuit 23 of the auto toner sensor 14 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the main CPU 32. 35, and a driver 36 for driving a toner motor 41 for rotating the toner roller
Is connected to a sub CPU 37 that controls the output of the main CPU 32 by a control signal from the main CPU 32. The main CPU 32 is connected to a paper discharge sensor 107, and has a counter 108 that counts a detection signal from the paper discharge sensor 107. It is connected.

Incidentally, as the counter 108, a counter in the main CPU 32 may be actually used.
An operation panel 42 is connected to the main CPU 32. The operation panel 42 includes various operation keys 420 for instructing various operations on the copier as shown in FIG. A pictogram display section 421 and a message display section 422 for displaying various states and the like are provided.

In the above, when the auto toner output V _ATS supplied from the auto toner sensor 14 becomes large, the main CPU 32 determines that the amount of toner with respect to the iron powder (carrier) in the developer has become smaller than the specified amount. The toner cartridge 41 is driven by driving the toner motor 41
Control is performed so that toner is supplied into the developing device 4 from 03.

At this time, when the value of the automatic toner output V _ATS does not change even when the toner motor 41 is driven, the main CPU 32 determines that toner empty in the toner cartridge 103 has occurred, and the main CPU 32 (FIG. 5B) , (C)
In addition to turning on the toner empty display section 421a in the pictogram display section 421 of the operation panel 42, the message display section 422 displays a message such as "Toner replacement time".

At this time, the main CPU 32 uses the count value of the counter 108 when the toner empty in the toner cartridge 103 occurs as a total count value of the sheets (mediums on which images are to be formed) copied so far.
33, and calculates the total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time based on the total counter value, and calculates the total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time based on the calculation result. As will be described later, a pictogram display unit 421 is provided to notify the next toner empty time.
And blinks the message display section 422, for example, "Toner replacement time".

Next, a function of notifying the toner empty in the toner cartridge 103 as a main part of the present invention in the above copying machine will be described. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for giving advance notice of toner empty timing in a copying machine that replenishes toner using a toner cartridge.

In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the total counter value Cn (0, 10,000, 20,000, 3000).
0...), And the vertical axis indicates the counter value (7800, 148) at the time of (1) toner empty determination from the top.
00,22100,22700,30000,3760
0 ...) (2) The period during which the notice of the toner empty is displayed (shaded area), and (3) the counter value (7500, 14300, 2130) when the notice of the toner empty is started
0,28700,29300,29200,36700
..), (4) the counter value (8000, 14800, 21800, 29800, 3) for estimating the toner empty
7200...).

That is, in FIG. 6, the estimated value (8000) of the first toner empty in (1) has no past record, and the amount of toner consumed for the first toner cartridge 103 is Non-volatile memory (EEPROM) is used in advance because the amount of toner contained in the developing device 4 is added as well as the amount of toner contained in the developing device 4.
39, and 8000 sheets are set by default.

The period of the toner empty notice display in (2) is set to 500 sheets, and the nonvolatile display is started in advance so that the notice display is started 500 sheets before the estimated toner empty value (7500 sheets for the first time). (RAM or EEPROM) 39 is stored and set.

However, the first set value 8 of this initial setting
The toner empty period 500 can be freely changed by a service person or the like. When the total counter value becomes 7500 due to this initial setting, the main CPU 32 displays a notice of toner empty (for example, blinking of the toner empty display section 421a or blinking of "Toner replacement time" on the message display section 422). Display).

Then, when copying is continued, the density of the developer is detected by the auto toner sensor 14. When the density becomes lower than a predetermined density, the main CPU 32 determines the toner empty and displays the toner empty (for example, the toner empty display). The unit 421a is turned on, and a message such as "Toner replacement time" is displayed on the message display unit 422) to interrupt copying.

Assuming that the counter at the time of toner empty determination in (1) is 7800, the advance notice display of the toner empty is performed in a period from 7500 to 7800 as indicated by the hatched portion in the figure.

After the toner empty is determined, the main CPU 32 stores the current total count value (C _N ) in the memory (RAM) 33, calculates 14800 of (1) as the next toner empty time, and calculates RA
M) 33, and the start of the next empty notice display is set to 14300 in (2).

FIG. 7 shows, in the form of a table, the set values and calculated values necessary for the operation of displaying the toner empty notice seven times (0 to 6) executed in the same manner as described above. Is shown.

In FIG. 7, C is displayed in the column of the empty history.
n is shown, and in the column of toner consumption (En), En =
The value of Cn-Cn-1 is indicated, the judgment result column indicates whether or not the judgment result is adopted, and the latest three toner consumption columns indicate the values of the consumption amounts R1, R2, and R3 of each time. In the column of average toner consumption (A), A = Ave (R1, R2, R3)
, And the value of S = Cn + A is shown in the column of the next empty estimated value (S).

In FIG. 7, the numerical values shown in parentheses are:
It indicates that it is a set value. In FIG. 7, the values of the consumption amounts R1, R2, and R3 in each of the three toner consumption amounts shown in the column of the latest three toner consumption amounts are indicated by arrows.
This indicates that the value has not been updated but has been slid from the previous time.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the initialization (EMP-INT) routine. That is, this initialization (EMP-I) is required when the copying machine is used for the first time or when the developer is exchanged.
NT) routine is executed.

In FIG. 8, in step S1, the main C
It is determined by the PU 32 whether or not the initialization has been performed. If not, N = 0, Co = 0, the first empty next period S1 =
8000, Toner empty notice display period D = 500,
Initial toner consumption R1 = R2 = R3 = 7000, average toner consumption A = 7000, and INT = 1 are set (input) in step S2.

That is, this initialization (EMP-INT)
In the routine, 80 in the _first empty time (S ₁ )
00, 500 is set in the empty notice display period (D), and 7000 is set in the initial toner consumption (A, R).

Here, the setting means that these set values are stored in a nonvolatile memory (RAM or EEPROM) 39. In addition, these setting values can be changed by a service person as needed.

FIG. 9 shows a toner empty notice display (EM
9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a (P-DSP) routine. This toner empty notice display (EMP
In the (DSP) routine, the main CPU 32 compares the current total counter value (T) with the next toner empty notice display time (SD), and determines the current total counter value (T) as the next toner empty notice display time. When the value exceeds (SD), a toner empty notice display (for example, blinking of the toner empty display section 421a,
The message display section 422 is blinked like "It is time to replace the toner" (steps S3 and S4).

When the main CPU 32 determines that the current total counter value (T) is equal to or less than the value of the next toner empty notice display time (SD), the toner empty notice display is canceled ( Step S
5).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the processing after toner empty determination (EMP-FIX) routine. In the process after the toner empty determination (EMP-FIX) routine, the toner empty determination display (for example, lighting of the toner empty display portion 421a or lighting-up display of the message display portion 422 such as "Toner replacement time") is performed. Perform (Step S
6).

Next, the main CPU 32 inputs the current total counter value (T) as C _N and stores it in the memory (RAM) 33, and stores the current total count value (C _N ) and the previous total count value (C _N ). The difference (C _N −C _N−1 ) between the counter values (C _{N −1} ) is the toner consumption amount (E
_N ) and stored in the memory (RAM) 33 (step S7).

Then, the next empty timing (S) is calculated by the calculation processing subroutine (EMP-CAL) in the next step S8, and a series of processing ends.

FIG. 11 shows the calculation processing subroutine (E
3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of MP-CAL). In this example, the main CPU 32 calculates the average value of the three most recent toner consumptions as the average toner consumption (A).
In addition to the current total count value C _N , the next toner empty time (S) is calculated.

This calculation processing subroutine (EMP-CA
In L), the main CPU 32 first determines whether N is 2 or more (step S9). In the first case (N = 1), the initially set toner consumption (A) 7
Since 000 is used, the average consumption is not calculated, and the first toner consumption is not used as the next data.

This is because there is no data on the amount of toner consumption in the first time because there is no data on the amount of toner consumption in the first time, and the amount of toner in the developing device 4 in addition to the amount of toner in the toner cartridge 103 This is because the number is larger than that after the second time.

Next, the main CPU 32 determines whether the toner consumption (E _N ) input in step S7 is valid or invalid (step S10). In this example, the main CPU 32 controls the average toner consumption A
± 30%, that is, 0.7A ≦ E _N ≦ 1.3A.

This is because when the toner consumption is extremely small (here, 600, which is extremely small compared to the average of 7000) as in the case of N = 4 in FIG. 7, the consumption is determined to be abnormal. They are not used for calculations.

In this example, the range is ± 30%, but it can be set to ± 50% by past calculation, or can be set by a service person. And
If the toner consumption (E _N ) is valid, then the main C
The PU 32 captures the toner consumption (E _N ) and the two data that are closest in the past, and adds them to 3
An average toner consumption A is calculated by taking the average of the two (steps S11 and S12).

Next, the main CPU 32 calculates the next toner empty time (S) by adding the current total counter value (C _N ) and the average toner consumption amount A, and ends a series of processing. (Step S13).

Although the above description has been made by using the average of three recent data, it is possible to increase the three data to ten data, and from the second time. Use all the data,
It is also possible to use the minimum value of the past toner consumption.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the above-described calculation processing subroutine (EMP-CAL) when the minimum value of the past toner consumption is used.

That is, FIG. 12 differs from FIG. 11 in that the main CPU 32 executes step S1.
Toner consumption (E _N) it is determined whether the range of estimated 0'average toner consumption A and the toner consumption and (E _N) as compared with S11 ', if E _N <A A at S12 '
= E _N.

The data of the empty history and the toner consumption amount as described above may become invalid due to a change in the installation place of the copying machine or the user, and therefore, a serviceman may clear these data. it can.

At this time, the memories 38 and 39 are cleared as required, and the initialization routine (EMP-
INT) is executed. FIG. 13 shows, in the form of a table, the contents of the memory 38 in the copying machine storing the toner empty history in order to calculate the toner consumption.

When the main CPU 32 in the copying machine detects the toner empty level, the main CPU 32 suspends copying, fixes the toner empty, and displays an empty image. After that, the main CPU 32 stores the value (T) of the total counter at that time in the nonvolatile memory 39 as an empty history (C _N ).

At this time, if the main CPU 32 in the copying machine has a clock function, the date and time at that time are also stored in the non-volatile memory 39.
Store in Based on the toner consumption E _N The empty history calculated by the formula _{E N = C N -C N-} 1.

Here, the calculation of the toner consumption is performed by the main CPU 32 in the copying machine and stored in the memories 38 and 39. However, a personal computer (P) outside the copying machine is operated by an MMF (memory monitor function).
After the empty histories on the memories 38 and 39 in the copying machine are read by C) or the like, the calculation can be performed by a spreadsheet of a PC or the like.

An MMF connects a copying machine and a PC, and
C can freely read the contents of memories 38 and 39 in the copying machine /
This refers to a function that enables writing (READ / WRITE).

FIG. 14 shows an initialization routine (EMP2-I
9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the NT).
In this initialization routine (EMP2-INT), initialization such as setting the memory counter (N) to 0 is performed (steps S14 and S15).

FIG. 15 shows the calculation of toner consumption (EMP2-
14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a FIX) routine. This toner consumption calculation (EMP2-FIX)
In the routine, the process is performed when the toner empty is determined. The current total counter value (T) is stored in the memory (RAM) 38 as C _N , and the consumption E _N is calculated from the equation E _N = C _N −C _N−1. Calculate and memory (RAM) 3
8 (step S16).

The empty history on the memories (RAM) 38, 39 in the copying machine is stored in the PMF by the above-mentioned MMF.
By loading the data on the C side and calculating the required number of days as shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to predict when the serviceman will next replace the toner cartridge 103, and go to replace the toner cartridge in advance. After-sales service such as can be done.

According to the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to mount a toner sensor in the toner cartridge, and it is possible to display a notice of toner empty in the toner cartridge without increasing running costs. .

Further, since there is no need to mount a toner sensor in the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge can be recycled. Further, since the actual toner consumption can be determined, the copy charge can be reduced.

For example, at least 7,000 copies can be made with one toner cartridge, and if the amount is 7000 yen, the copy charge is 1 sheet / 1 yen. Has one /
It can be 0.875 yen.

Further, since the serviceman can accurately know the next toner cartridge replacement time, the service such as bringing the cartridge in advance can be performed.

Further, the present invention shown in the above-described embodiment includes the following aspects. The toner consumption is regulated by estimating the next toner empty time based on the past toner consumption data and judging whether the toner consumption is valid or invalid when displaying the toner empty notice in advance. Is out of the range, the toner consumption is determined to be abnormal, and is not used in the calculation, so that an erroneous notice of toner empty is not displayed.

In particular, the first toner empty time (S) and the initial toner consumption (A) can be arbitrarily set. In particular, the first toner consumption is not used in the calculation because the amount of toner in the developing device increases due to the addition of the toner.

Further, the notice display period (D) can be arbitrarily set. Further, when the data used for calculating the notice display becomes invalid, the memory storing the data can be cleared.

Further, the value of the total counter when the toner empty is determined is stored in the memory (RAM). Also,
The value of the total counter and the date and time when the toner empty is determined are stored in a memory (RAM).

Further, the toner consumption is calculated based on the empty history and stored in the memory (RAM). Further, the required number of days from the previous toner empty determination date and time is calculated.

[0093]

Therefore, as described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and a method having a function of easily giving a notice of toner empty in a toner cartridge.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus for describing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a developing device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an automatic toner sensor.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a control circuit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for giving advance notice of toner empty timing in a copying machine that replenishes toner using a toner cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating setting values and calculated values required for the operation of displaying a toner empty notice in the form of a table corresponding to FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an initialization (EMP-INT) routine.

FIG. 9 is a toner empty notice display (EMP-DSP).
9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a routine.

FIG. 10 shows a process after toner empty determination (EMP-F
IX) A flowchart for explaining the operation of the routine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a calculation processing subroutine (EMP-CAL).

FIG. 12 shows the above-described calculation processing subroutine (EMP-CAL) when the minimum value of the past toner consumption is used.
5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing, in a table format, contents in which a memory 38 in a copying machine stores a toner empty history in order to calculate a toner consumption amount.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an initialization routine (EMP2-INT).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a toner consumption calculation (EMP2-FIX) routine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photoreceptor drum, 2 ... Charger, 3 ... LED (light emitting element) for erasing, 101 ... Reading means, 100 ... Laser beam (light beam), 102 ... Laser unit, 4 ... Developing device, 104 ... Paper supply Sending unit, 5: Transfer charger, 6: Peeling charger, 7: Cleaner, 8: Static elimination lamp, 9: Cleaner unit, 105: Conveying unit, 106: Fixing unit, 108: Discharge unit, 107: Discharge sensor, 108 ... Paper discharge section, 11 ... magnet roller, 12, 13 ... stirring body, 14 ... auto toner sensor 21 ... magnetic circuit, 22 ... detection winding, 23 ... DC conversion circuit, 31 ... control section, 32 ... main CPU, 38 ... Memory (ROM), 33 ... Memory (RAM), 39 ... Non-volatile memory (EEPROM), 42 ... Operation panel, 34 ... D / A converter, 3 5: A / D converter, 41: Toner motor, 36: Driver, 37: Sub CPU, 107: Discharge sensor, 108: Counter, 420: Operation key, 421: Pictogram display section, 422: Message display section, 103: Toner cartridge.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; Output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; and determining that the toner in the toner cartridge has become empty based on the voltage value output from the output means. The next toner empty is determined based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit when the toner empty is determined. An image forming apparatus configured to calculate a total counter value corresponding to an empty timing and to notify a toner empty notifying unit of a next toner empty timing. 2. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; Output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; and determining that the toner in the toner cartridge has become empty based on the voltage value output from the output means. The next toner empty is determined based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit when the toner empty is determined. A toner empty notifying means for calculating a total counter value corresponding to the empty time and notifying the next toner empty time; and a total counter of the image forming medium used for the advance calculation by the toner empty notifying means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores a value, a total counter value corresponding to a time when the next toner empty occurs, a predetermined set value, and calculated value data. 3. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; Output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; and determining that the toner in the toner cartridge has become empty based on the voltage value output from the output means. The next toner empty is determined based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit when the toner empty is determined. A toner empty notifying means for calculating a total counter value corresponding to the empty time and notifying the next toner empty time; and a total counter of the image forming medium used for the advance calculation by the toner empty notifying means. Storage means for storing a value, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time, a predetermined set value, and calculated value data; and initialization means for initializing the storage means. An image forming apparatus for setting a first empty time, a period for displaying an empty notice, and an initial toner consumption amount. 4. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; Output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; and determining that the toner in the toner cartridge has become empty based on the voltage value output from the output means. The next toner empty is determined based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit when the toner empty is determined. And a toner empty notifying means for calculating a total counter value corresponding to the empty time and for announcing a next toner empty time. The toner empty notifying means includes a current total counter value and a next toner empty time. An image forming apparatus comprising: comparing an advance notice display time; and performing a toner empty notice display when a current total counter value exceeds a value of a next toner empty notice display time. 5. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; Output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; and determining that the toner in the toner cartridge has become empty based on the voltage value output from the output means. The next toner empty is determined based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit when the toner empty is determined. A toner empty notifying means for calculating a total counter value corresponding to the empty time and notifying the next toner empty time; and a total counter of the image forming medium used for the advance calculation by the toner empty notifying means. Storage means for storing the data, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time, a predetermined set value, and calculated value data. The toner empty notifying means includes a toner empty as a process after the toner empty is determined. An image forming apparatus, wherein a final display is performed, and a current total counter value and a difference between the current total count value and the previous total counter value are obtained as toner consumption and stored in the storage unit. 6. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; Output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; and determining that the toner in the toner cartridge has become empty based on the voltage value output from the output means. The next toner empty is determined based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit when the toner empty is determined. A toner empty notifying means for calculating a total counter value corresponding to the empty time and notifying the next toner empty time; and a total counter of the image forming medium used for the advance calculation by the toner empty notifying means. Storage means for storing data, a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time, a predetermined set value, and calculated value data, wherein the toner empty notification means is an average of a plurality of toner consumptions. The average toner consumption is added to the current total count value, the next toner empty time is calculated and stored in the storage unit. 7. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; Output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; and determining that the toner in the toner cartridge has become empty based on the voltage value output from the output means. The next toner empty is determined based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit when the toner empty is determined. A toner empty notifying means for calculating a total counter value corresponding to the empty time and notifying the next toner empty time; and a total counter of the image forming medium used for the advance calculation by the toner empty notifying means. A total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time, a predetermined set value, and a storage unit for storing calculated value data. The toner empty notification unit is configured to execute the toner consumption multiple times (N). Is added to the current total count value as the average toner consumption, and the next toner empty time is calculated and stored in the storage means. Determine whether the toner consumption is valid or invalid, and take the two data that are closest to the toner consumption in the past. In addition, the three toners are averaged together to calculate the average toner consumption, and the current total counter value and the average toner consumption are added to calculate the next toner empty time. Image forming device. 8. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; Output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; and determining that the toner in the toner cartridge has become empty based on the voltage value output from the output means. The next toner empty is determined based on the total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit when the toner empty is determined. A toner empty notifying means for calculating a total counter value corresponding to the empty time and notifying the next toner empty time; and a total counter of the image forming medium used for the advance calculation by the toner empty notifying means. A total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time, a predetermined set value, and a storage unit for storing calculated value data. The toner empty notification unit is configured to execute the toner consumption multiple times (N). Is added to the current total count value as the average toner consumption, and the next toner empty time is calculated and stored in the storage means. It is determined whether or not N is 2 or more. It is determined whether the amount is within the estimated range, and the average toner consumption is compared with the current toner consumption. If the toner consumption is larger than the current toner consumption, the average toner consumption is set as the current toner consumption, and the current total counter value and the average toner consumption are added, so that the next toner empty time is set. An image forming apparatus, wherein the calculation is performed. 9. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; Output means for outputting a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container; determining means for determining that the toner in the toner cartridge is empty based on the voltage value output from the output means; Means for storing a total counter value of the image forming medium onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer means when the toner empty in the toner cartridge is determined by the means. Storage means; calculating means for calculating a total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time based on the total counter value provided by the storage means; total counter corresponding to the next toner empty time by the calculating means An image forming apparatus comprising: a toner empty notifying unit for notifying a next toner empty timing based on the value. 10. An image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an output image, a developing container having a two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, and a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing container Developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with toner in the developing container; transfer means for transferring the toner image visualized by the developing means to an image forming medium; An output unit that outputs a voltage value corresponding to the toner concentration of the developing container, wherein the toner in the toner cartridge is empty by the voltage value output from the output unit. Determining that the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit when the toner empty in the toner cartridge is determined. Storing the total counter value of the image forming medium; calculating the total counter value corresponding to the next toner empty time based on the total counter value; and corresponding to the next toner empty time Notifying the next toner empty time based on the total counter value.