Image forming apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a developing container; a developing roller; a detection unit configured to detect an amount of toner in the developing container; a display unit; and a control unit configured to control the detection unit to perform a first detection and a second detection. In a case where a detection result of the first detection is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, the display unit displays a first display, and in a case where the detection result of the first detection is less than the first threshold value, the display unit displays a second display different from the first display. In a case where a detection result of the second detection is greater than or equal to a second threshold value less than the first threshold value, the display unit displays the first display, and in a case where the detection result of the second detection is less than the second threshold value, the display unit displays the second display.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that form an image on a recording material. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus transfers a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum surface onto a transfer material as a transfer medium, thereby forming an image. Then, as a method for supplying a developer, for example, a process cartridge method and a toner supply method are known. The process cartridge method is a method for integrating a photosensitive drum and a developing container into a process cartridge, and if the developer is used up, the process cartridge is replaced with a new process cartridge.

[0003] On the other hand, the toner supply method is a method for resupplying a toner to a developing container in a case where the toner is used up. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-148768 discusses a configuration of a toner cartridge as a toner supply container that is attached to a process cartridge attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus, and that supplies a toner.

[0004] In recent years, users demand to use an image forming apparatus in various manners such as the process cartridge method and the toner supply method.

[0005] BIBLIOGRAPHIC LIST

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-148768 SUMMARY

[0008] According to an aspect of the present application, an image forming apparatus that performs image formation for forming a toner image on a recording material includes a photosensitive drum; a developing container configured to accommodate toner, the developing container being provided with a replenishment opening for supplying toner from outside of the image forming apparatus; a developing roller configured to supply the toner accommodated in the developing container to the photosensitive drum; a detection section configured to detect an amount of the toner accommodated in the developing container; a display section configured to perform display depending on a detection result of the detection section; and a control section configured to control the display section, wherein the control section controls the detection section to perform a first detection by the detection section that reflects, on the display of the display section, a decrease in the amount of the toner in the developing container due to the image formation, and to perform a second detection by the detection section that reflects, on the display of the display section, an increase in the amount of the toner in the developing container due to the toner supply, wherein the display section displays a first display in a case where a detection result of the first detection is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, and displays a second display different from the first display in a case where the detection result of the first detection is less than the first threshold value, and displays the first display in a case where a detection result of the second detection is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and displays the second display in a case where the detection result of the second detection is less than the second threshold value, and wherein the second threshold value is smaller than the first threshold value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] [ FIG. 1A ] is a sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0010] [ FIG. 1B ] is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus.

[0011] [ FIG. 2A ] is a sectional view showing the image forming apparatus.

[0012] [ FIG. 2B ] is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in a state where a top cover is opened.

[0013] [ FIG. 3 ] is a sectional view showing the image forming apparatus in a state where a process cartridge is detached.

[0014] [ FIG. 4A ] is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in a state where a platen of a reading device is closed.

[0015] [ FIG. 4B ] is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in a state where the platen is opened.

[0016] [FIG. 4C FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus in a state in which a reading device is opened.

[0017] [ FIG. 5A FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a developing container and a toner cartridge.

[0018] [ FIG. 5B FIG. 3 is a front view showing the developing container and the toner cartridge.

[0019] [ FIG. 6A FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of 4A-4A in FIG. 3. FIG. 5B [

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of 4B-4B in FIG. 3. FIG. 6B FIG. 5B [ FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge.

[0021] FIG. 7 [ FIG. 7 is a front view showing the toner cartridge.

[0022] FIG. 8A [ FIG. 8 is a front view showing a first modification of the toner cartridge.

[0023] FIG. 8B [ FIG. 9 is a front view showing a second modification of the toner cartridge.

[0024] FIG. 8C [ FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner remaining amount sensor.

[0025] FIG. 9A [ FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of C-C in FIG. 10.

[0026] FIG. 9B [ FIG. 9A FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a first toner remaining amount sensor and a second toner remaining amount sensor.

[0027] [ FIG. 10 FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the developing container in a state in which the toner remaining amount is small.

[0028] [ FIG. 11A FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the developing container in a state in which the toner remaining amount is large.

[0029] [ FIG. 11B FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus.

[0030] [ FIG. 12 FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a toner remaining amount panel when the toner remaining amount is at a near-out level.

[0031] [ FIG. 13A FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the toner remaining amount panel when the toner remaining amount is at a near-out level.

[0032] [​FIG. 13B ] is a perspective view showing the toner remaining amount panel when the toner remaining amount is at a low level.

[0033] [ FIG. 13C ] is a perspective view showing the toner remaining amount panel when the toner remaining amount is at an intermediate level.

[0034] [ FIG. 13D ] is a perspective view showing the toner remaining amount panel when the toner remaining amount is at a full level.

[0035] [ FIG. 14 ] is a graph showing the relationship between the capacity of the developing container and the toner remaining amount level.

[0036] [ FIG. 15 ] is a graph showing the relationship between the capacity of the developing container and the toner remaining amount level when toner is supplied.

[0037] [ FIG. 16 ] is a flowchart showing a control flow according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0038] [ FIG. 17A ] is a schematic diagram showing a display during replenishment according to the third exemplary embodiment. [ FIG. 17B ] is a schematic diagram showing another mode of display during replenishment according to the third exemplary embodiment.

[0039] [ FIG. 18 ] is a flowchart showing a control flow according to the third exemplary embodiment.

[0040] [ FIG. 19 ] is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a modification example.

[0041] [ FIG. 20A ] is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of an image forming apparatus.

[0042] [ FIG. 20B ] is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of an image forming apparatus.

[0043] [ FIG. 20C ] is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of an image forming apparatus.

[0044] [ FIG. 21 ] is a graph showing the relationship between the capacity of the developing container and the toner remaining amount level according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0045] [ FIG. 22 ] is a flowchart showing a control flow according to the fifth exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangement of components described in the following exemplary embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of a device to which the present application is applied or various conditions, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0047] (First Exemplary Embodiment)

[0048] FIG. 1A is a schematic view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material based on image information input from an external device. The recording material can be a sheet made of different materials, such as cloth, paper such as regular paper and thick paper, plastic film such as overhead projector sheet, and a sheet having a special shape such as an envelope and an index sheet.

[0049] [Overall Configuration]

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B , the image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer body 100 as a device main body, a reading device 200 supported openably and closably by the printer body 100, and an operation portion 300 attached to the outer surface of the printer body 100. The printer body 100 includes an image forming portion 10 that forms a toner image on a recording material, a feeding portion 60 that feeds the recording material to the image forming portion 10, a fixing portion 70 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming portion 10 to the recording material, and a discharge roller pair 80.

[0051] The image forming portion 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic process cartridge 20, and a transfer roller 12 that transfers a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum 21 of the process cartridge 20 onto a recording material. As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B , the process cartridge 20 includes the photosensitive drum 21, and a charging roller 22, a pre-exposure device 23, and a developing device 30 including a developing roller 31 placed around the photosensitive drum 21.

[0052] The photosensitive drum 21 is a photosensitive member formed in a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 21 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive member on a drum-shaped base formed of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 21 as an image bearing member is rotationally driven by a motor in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B ) at a predetermined process speed.

[0053] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined contact force of pressure, thereby forming a charging section. A desired charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 22 by a charging high-voltage power supply, whereby the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential. In the present exemplary embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller 22. In order to cause the charging section to perform stable discharging, the pre-exposure device 23 removes charges from the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 before the drum enters the charging section.

[0054] The scanner unit 11 as an exposure unit uses a polygon mirror to emit laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device or a reading device 200 to the photosensitive drum 21, thereby scanning and exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, and for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) exposure device including an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21 can be employed.

[0055] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 as a developer bearing member that bears a developer, a developing container 32 as a frame member of the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 that is capable of supplying the developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. The developing roller 31 is placed in an opening portion of the developing container 32 to oppose the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 is in rotatable contact with the developing roller 31, and applies toner housed in the developing container 32 as a developer to the surface of the developing roller 31 through the supply roller 33. The supply roller 33 is not essential, as long as a configuration capable of sufficiently supplying toner to the developing roller 31 is employed.

[0056] The developing device 30 according to the present exemplary embodiment uses a contact developing method as a developing method. More specifically, a toner layer borne on the developing roller 31 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 in a developing section (developing region) in which the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 oppose each other. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 by a developing high-voltage power supply. Under the developing voltage, the toner borne on the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 in accordance with the potential distribution of the surface of the drum, whereby the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. In the present exemplary embodiment, a reverse developing method is employed. More specifically, toner is attached to a surface region of the photosensitive drum 21 at which the amount of charge is attenuated by charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 in a charging step and then exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 in an exposure step, thereby forming a toner image.

[0057] In the present exemplary embodiment, a toner having a particle size of 6 μm and a normal charge polarity of negative polarity is used. As the toner according to the present exemplary embodiment, a polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method is used as an example. The toner according to the present exemplary embodiment is a so-called non-magnetic single-component developer, which is a toner that does not contain a magnetic component and is carried on the developing roller 31 mainly by intermolecular force or electrostatic force (image force). However, a single-component developer containing a magnetic component may be used. There is a case where the single-component developer includes, in addition to the toner particles, an additive (for example, wax or silica particles) for adjusting the fluidity or charging properties of the toner. Alternatively, a two-component developer consisting of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may be used as the developer. In the case of using a magnetic developer, for example, a cylindrical developing sleeve in which a magnet is placed is used as a developer carrying member.

[0058] A stirring member 34 as a stirring unit is provided in the developing container 32. The stirring member 34 is driven by a motor M1 (see FIG. FIG. 12 ) is driven to rotate, thereby stirring the toner in the developing container 32 and feeding the toner to the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The stirring member 34 has the following functions: to circulate the toner that is not used in the development and is scraped off from the developing roller 31 in the developing container and to homogenize the toner in the developing container. The stirring member 34 is not limited to a stirring member 34 that rotates. For example, a stirring member 34 that swings can be used.

[0059] A developing blade 35 is placed in the opening of the developing container 32 in which the developing roller 31 is placed. The developing blade 35 regulates the amount of toner carried on the developing roller 31. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 is formed uniformly into a thin layer by passing through the portion facing the developing blade 35 as the developing roller 31 rotates, and is also charged to a negative polarity by friction charging.

[0060] like FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B As shown, the feeder 60 includes a front door 61, which is openably and closably supported by the printer body 100, a tray portion 62, an intermediate plate 63, a tray spring 64, and a pickup roller 65. The tray portion 62 forms the bottom surface of the recording material storage space that appears when the front door 61 is open. The intermediate plate 63 is supported by the tray portion 62, allowing it to be raised and lowered. The tray spring 64 pushes the intermediate plate 63 upward and presses the recording materials P stacked in the intermediate plate 63 against the pickup roller 65. When the front door 61 is closed relative to the printer body 100, the front door 61 blocks the recording material storage space. When the front door 61 is open relative to the printer body 100, the front door 61, the tray portion 62, and the intermediate plate 63 together support the recording materials P.

[0061] The fixing section 70 uses a heat fixing method for performing a process of fixing an image by heating and melting toner on a recording material. The fixing section 70 includes a fixing film 71, a fixing heater such as a ceramic heater that heats the fixing film 71, a thermistor that measures the temperature of the fixing heater, and a pressure roller 72 that is in pressure contact with the fixing film 71.

[0062] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is described. If an image forming command is input to the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming section 10 starts an image forming process based on image information input from an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus 1 or the reading device 200. The scanner unit 11 emits laser light to the photosensitive drum 21 based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 21 is preliminarily charged by the charging roller 22. The photosensitive drum 21 is irradiated with laser light, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21. Then, the developing roller 31 develops the electrostatic latent image, thereby forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0063] In parallel with the above-described image forming process, the pickup roller 65 of the feeding section 60 feeds the recording material P supported by the front door 61, the tray section 62, and the intermediate plate 63. The recording material P is fed by the pickup roller 65 to the registration roller pair 15, and hits the nip of the registration roller pair 15, thereby correcting skew of the recording material P. Then, the registration roller pair 15 is driven in synchronization with the transfer timing of the toner image, and the registration roller pair 15 conveys the recording material P to the transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0064] The toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the recording material P conveyed by the registration roller pair 15 by applying a transfer voltage to the transfer roller 12 as a transfer unit by a transfer high-voltage power supply. The recording material P to which the transferred toner image is conveyed to the fixing section 70, and the toner image is heated and pressurized when the recording material P passes through the nip between the fixing film 71 and the pressure roller 72 of the fixing section 70. This causes the toner particles to melt, and then the toner particles are firmly fixed, so that the toner image is fixed to the recording material P. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing section 70 is discharged to the outside (the outside of the apparatus) of the image forming apparatus 1 by the discharge roller pair 80 as a discharge unit, and is stacked on the discharge tray 81 as a stacking section formed in the upper portion of the printer main body 100.

[0065] The discharge tray 81 is inclined upward in the downstream in the discharge direction of the recording material. The recording material discharged to the discharge tray 81 slides down along the discharge tray 81, whereby the trailing end of the recording material is aligned by the adjustment surface 84.

[0066] As FIG. 4A and FIG. 4BAs shown, the reading device 200 includes a reading unit 201 having a built-in reading portion (not shown), and a pressure plate 202 openably and closably supported by the reading unit 201. A document table glass 203 is provided on the upper surface of the reading unit 201. The document table glass 203 transmits light emitted from the reading portion, and a document is placed on the document table glass 203.

[0067] To have the reading device 200 read an image of a document, the user places the document on the document table glass 203 with the pressure plate 202 open. The user then closes the pressure plate 202 to prevent the document from shifting on the document table glass 203 and, for example, operates the operating unit 300 to output a read command to the image forming apparatus 1. Once the reading operation begins, the reading unit in the reading unit 201 reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction, i.e., the left-right direction, while the user faces the operating unit 300 of the image forming apparatus 1. The reading unit illuminates the document with light from the light-emitting unit, receives light reflected from the document with the light-receiving unit, and performs photoelectric conversion on the light to read the document image. In the following description, the front-to-back direction, left-to-right direction, and up-to-down direction are defined based on the user facing the operating unit 300.

[0068] like FIG. 2B and FIG. 3 As shown, a first opening portion 101 that opens upward is formed in the upper portion of the printer body 100. The first opening portion 101 is covered by a top cover 82. The top cover 82, which serves as a stacking tray, is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the printer body 100 about a rotational axis 82c extending in the left-right direction. An ejection tray 81, which serves as a stacking surface, is formed on the upper surface of the top cover 82. When the reading device 200 is open relative to the printer body 100, the top cover 82 opens from the near side to the far side. The reading device 200 and the top cover 82 can be configured to be maintained in the open and closed states by a retaining mechanism such as a hinge mechanism.

[0069] For example, if the recording material causes a jam such as a paper jam in the transport path CP through which the recording material fed by the pickup roller 65 passes, the user opens the top cover 82 together with the reading device 200. Then, the user approaches the process cartridge 20 through the first opening portion 101 exposed when the top cover 82 is opened, and pulls out the process cartridge 20 along the cartridge guide 102. The cartridge guide 102 slides the process cartridge 20 into contact with a protrusion 21a (see FIG. 1 ) provided in the end portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 21 of the process cartridge 20. FIG. 5A ) to guide the processing box 20.

[0070] Then, the process cartridge 20 is pulled out to the outside through the first opening portion 101, thereby forming a space that enables the user to put his or her hand into the conveyance path CP. The user puts his or her hand into the printer body 100 through the first opening portion 101 and approaches the recording material jammed in the conveyance path CP, thereby being able to handle the jammed recording material.

[0071] In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 4C , the opening / closing member 83 is openably and closably provided in the top cover 82. In the discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82, a second opening portion 82a that is an upwardly opening opening portion is formed. The opening / closing member 83 is configured to be movable between a closed position in which the replenishment opening 32a is covered so that the toner cartridge 40 cannot be attached to the developing container 32 and an open position in which the replenishment opening 32a is exposed so that the toner cartridge 40 can be attached to the developing container 32. The opening / closing member 83 functions as a part of the discharge tray 81 in the closed position. The opening / closing member 83 is openably and closably supported by the top cover 82 about a rotation movement shaft 83a extending in the front-rear direction, and is opened in the left direction by the user hooking his or her finger in a groove portion 82b provided in the top cover 82. The opening / closing member 83 is formed in a substantially L shape along the shape of the top cover 82.

[0072] The second opening portion 82a of the discharge tray 81 is opened so that the replenishment opening 32a for supplying toner formed in the upper portion of the developing container 32 is exposed. The opening / closing member 83 is opened, whereby the user can approach the replenishment opening 32a without opening the top cover 82. In the present exemplary embodiment, a method is employed in which, in a state in which the developing device 30 remains attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the user supplies toner from the toner cartridge 40 (see FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B ) filled with replenishment toner to the developing device 30 (direct supply method). Therefore, in a case in which the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge 20 is small, the work of taking out the process cartridge 20 from the printer body 100 and replacing the process cartridge 20 with a new one is not required. Therefore, the usability can be improved. Further, the method enables the toner to be supplied to the developing container 32 at a lower cost compared to a method of replacing the entire process cartridge 20. The direct supply method can reduce the cost because it is not necessary to replace various rollers and gears compared to a case in which only the developing device 30 of the process cartridge 20 is replaced. The image forming apparatus 1 and the toner cartridge 40 are included in an image forming system.

[0073] [Collection of transfer residual toner]

[0074] In the present exemplary embodiment, a cleanerless configuration is employed, in which transfer residual toner that is not transferred to the recording material P and remains on the photosensitive drum 21 is collected in the developing device 30 and reused. The transfer residual toner is removed by the following steps. The transfer residual toner includes a mixture of toner charged to a positive polarity and toner charged to a negative polarity but not having sufficient charge. The pre-exposure device 23 removes the charge from the photosensitive drum 21 after transfer, and the charge roller 22 uniformly discharges, thereby recharging the transfer residual toner to a negative polarity. With rotation of the photosensitive drum 21, the transfer residual toner that is recharged to a negative polarity by the charging section reaches the developing section. Then, the surface area of the photosensitive drum 21 that has passed through the charging section is exposed by the scanner unit 11, and an electrostatic latent image is written to the surface area in a state in which the transfer residual toner remains adhered to the surface.

[0075] The behavior of the transfer residual toner that reaches the developing section is described for the exposed section and the non-exposed section of the photosensitive drum 21, respectively. The transfer residual toner adhered to the non-exposed section of the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the developing roller 31 by a potential difference between the potential of the non-exposed section of the photosensitive drum 21 (dark section potential) and the developing voltage in the developing section, and is collected in the developing container 32. This is because, assuming that the normal charge polarity of the toner is negative, the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 31 has a positive polarity with respect to the potential of the non-exposed section. The toner collected in the developing container 32 is agitated and dispersed together with the toner in the developing container by the agitating member 34, and is carried on the developing roller 31, thereby being reused for the developing step.

[0076] On the other hand, the transfer residual toner adhered to the exposed section of the photosensitive drum 21 is not transferred from the photosensitive drum 21 to the developing roller 31 in the developing section, but remains on the surface of the drum. This is because, assuming that the normal charge polarity of the toner is negative, the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 31 has a more negative polarity than the potential of the exposed section (bright section potential). The transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the drum is carried on the photosensitive drum 21, and moves to the transfer section together with other toner to be transferred from the developing roller 31 to the exposed section, and is transferred to the recording material P in the transfer section.

[0077] As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, a cleanerless configuration is employed in which the transfer residual toner is collected in the developing device 30 and reused. Alternatively, a conventionally known configuration can be employed in which a cleaning blade that contacts the photosensitive drum 21 is used to collect the transfer residual toner. In this case, the transfer residual toner collected by the cleaning blade is collected in a collection container that is installed separately from the developing device 30. However, with the cleanerless configuration, the installation space for the collection container for collecting the transfer residual toner is not required, and the image forming apparatus 1 can be further miniaturized. It is also possible to reduce the printing cost by reusing the transfer residual toner.

[0078] [Configuration of developing container and toner cartridge]

[0079] Now, the configuration of the developing container 32 and the toner cartridge 40 will be described. FIG. 5A FIG. 6A is a perspective view that shows the developing container 32 and the toner cartridge 40. FIG. 5B FIG. 6B is a front view that shows the developing container 32 and the toner cartridge 40. FIG. 6A FIG. 6C is a 6A-6A sectional view of FIG. 6A. FIG. 5B FIG. 6D is a 6B-6B sectional view of FIG. 6B. FIG. 6B FIG. 6E is a 6C-6C sectional view of FIG. 6C. FIG. 5B FIG. 6F is a 6D-6D sectional view of FIG. 6D.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6A, the developing container 32 and the toner cartridge 40 are connected to each other by the connecting portion 34. The developing container 32 and the toner cartridge 40 are connected to each other by the connecting portion 34 in a manner that allows the developing container 32 and the toner cartridge 40 to be separated from each other. The developing container 32 and the toner cartridge 40 are connected to each other by the connecting portion 34 in a manner that allows the developing container 32 and the toner cartridge 40 to be separated from each other. FIG. 5A to FIG. 6BAs shown, the developer container 32 includes a conveying chamber 36 that accommodates the stirring member 34. The conveying chamber 36, which serves as a storage portion for accommodating toner, extends the entire length of the developer container 32 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction). The conveying chamber 36 rotatably supports the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 and accommodates the developer to be carried on the developing roller 31. The developer container 32 includes a first protrusion 37, which is a protrusion that protrudes upward from one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the conveying chamber 36 and communicates with the conveying chamber 36, and a second protrusion 38 that protrudes upward from the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the conveying chamber 36. In other words, the first protrusion 37 is provided at one end portion of the developer container 32 along the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 31, and protrudes further toward the discharge tray 81 in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis direction than the central portion of the developer container 32. The second protrusion 38 is provided in the other end portion of the developer container 32 in the direction of the rotation axis of the developer roller 31, and the second protrusion 38 protrudes further toward the discharge tray 81 in the intersecting direction than the central portion of the developer container 32. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first protrusion 37 is formed on the left side of the developer container 32, and the second protrusion 38 is formed on the right side of the developer container 32. An attachment portion 57 to which the toner pack 40 can be attached is provided in the upper end portion (front end portion) of the first protrusion 37. A supply opening 32a for supplying developer from the toner pack 40 to the conveying chamber 36 is formed in the attachment portion 57. The toner pack 40 can be attached to the attachment portion 57 in a state where the toner pack 40 is exposed to the outside of the device.

[0081] The first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38 extend obliquely upward from the conveying chamber 36 toward the near side of the apparatus. In other words, the first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38 protrude upward and toward the downstream side of the discharge direction of the discharge roller pair 80. Therefore, the supply opening 32a formed in the first protrusion 37 is placed on the near side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the work of supplying toner to the developing container 32 can be easily performed.

[0082] In particular, in the present exemplary embodiment, the reading device 200, which can be opened and closed around the distal side of the apparatus, is placed above the opening / closing member 83. Therefore, placing the supply opening 32a on the proximal side of the apparatus enables more efficient use of the space between the supply opening 32a and the reading device 200. Therefore, when supplying toner through the supply opening 32a, operability can be improved.

[0083] The upper portion of the first protrusion 37 and the upper portion of the second protrusion 38 are connected together by a handle portion 39 as a connection portion. Between the handle portion 39 and the transfer chamber 36, a laser passage space SP is formed as a gap from the scanner unit 11 (see FIG. FIG. 1A) emitted to the photosensitive drum 21 (see FIG. 1A ) can pass through the gap.

[0084] The handle portion 39 includes a knob portion 39a which a user can hold by hooking his or her fingers on the knob portion 39a. The knob portion 39a is formed to protrude upward from a top surface of the handle portion 39. An inside of the first protruding portion 37 is formed in a hollow shape, and a replenishment opening 32a is formed in an upper surface of the first protruding portion 37. The replenishment opening 32a is configured to be connectable with the toner cartridge 40.

[0085] The first protruding portion 37 in which the replenishment opening 32a is formed at a front end portion is disposed on one side in a longitudinal direction of the developing container 32, whereby a laser passage space SP through which the laser L emitted from the scanner unit 11 can pass can be secured. Thus, the image forming apparatus 1 can be downsized. Further, the second protruding portion 38 is disposed on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the developing container 32, and a handle portion 39 connecting the first protruding portion 37 and the second protruding portion 38 is also formed. Thus, the usability when the process cartridge 20 is taken out of the printer body 100 can be improved. The second protruding portion 38 can be formed in a hollow shape similar to the first protruding portion 37, or can be formed in a solid shape.

[0086] The toner cartridge 40 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the attachment portion 57 of the first protruding portion 37. The toner cartridge 40 includes a shutter member 41 which is disposed in the opening portion and is openable and closable, and a plurality of (three in the present exemplary embodiment) protrusions 42 which are formed in correspondence with a plurality of (three in the present exemplary embodiment) groove portions 32b formed in the attachment portion 57. The shutter member 41 is configured to be movable between an open position in which the opening portion is opened and a closed position in which the opening portion is closed. In order to supply toner to the developing container 32, a user positions the toner cartridge 40 such that the protrusions 42 of the toner cartridge 40 pass through the groove portions 32b of the attachment portion 57, and connects the toner cartridge 40 to the attachment portion 57. Then, if the toner cartridge 40 is rotated by 180 degrees in this state, the shutter member 41 of the toner cartridge 40 hits a hitting portion (not shown) of the attachment portion 57, whereby the shutter member 41 is rotated with respect to a main body of the toner cartridge 40 and is opened. Thus, the toner accommodated in the toner cartridge 40 falls out of the toner cartridge 40, and the toner which has fallen out passes through the replenishment opening 32a and enters the first protruding portion 37 which has a hollow shape. The shutter member 41 can be disposed on the replenishment opening 32a side.

[0087] The first protrusion 37 includes an inclined surface 37a at a position opposite to the opening of the replenishment opening 32a, and the inclined surface 37a is inclined downward toward the conveying chamber 36. Thus, the toner supplied through the replenishment opening 32a is guided to the conveying chamber 36 by the inclined surface 37a. The stirring member 34 includes a stirring shaft 34a extending in the longitudinal direction of the stirring member 34, and a blade portion 34b extending more radially outward of the stirring member 34 than the stirring shaft 34a.

[0088] By the rotation of the stirring member 34, the toner supplied through the replenishment opening 32a placed upstream of the conveying direction of the stirring member 34 is fed to the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The conveying direction of the stirring member 34 is a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the developing container 32. Although the replenishment opening 32a and the first protrusion 37 are placed in one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing container 32, the stirring member 34 is repeatedly rotated so as to diffuse the toner over the entire length of the developing container 32. Although the stirring member 34 includes the stirring shaft 34a and the scraper portion 34b in the present exemplary embodiment, a stirring shaft having a spiral shape can be used as a member for diffusing the toner over the entire length of the developing container 32.

[0089] In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8A , the toner pack 40 is composed of a bag member made of a plastic that is easily deformed. However, the toner pack 40 is not limited thereto. For example, the toner pack can be composed of a bottle container 40B having a substantially conical shape as shown in FIG. 8B , or can be composed of a paper container 40C made of paper as shown in FIG. 8C . In any case, the material and shape of the toner pack can be any material and shape. As a method of discharging toner from the toner pack, in the case where the toner pack 40 is composed of the paper container 40C, a method in which a user squeezes the toner pack with his or her finger is appropriate, while in the case of the bottle container 40B, a method in which a user makes the toner drop while vibrating the container by tapping the container is appropriate. A discharge mechanism can be provided in the bottle container 40B to discharge toner from the bottle container 40B. Further, the discharge mechanism can be configured to engage with the printer body 100 and receive a driving force from the printer body 100.

[0090] In either toner pack, the baffle member 41 can be omitted, or a sliding baffle member can be applied instead of the rotating baffle member 41. The baffle member 41 can be configured to be torn by being attached to the replenishment opening 32a by the toner pack or torn in the attached state by being rotated, or can have a removable cap structure such as a seal.

[0091] [Method of detecting toner remaining amount]

[0092] Now, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, a method for detecting the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 will be described. In the developing device 30 according to the present exemplary embodiment, a toner remaining amount sensor 51 (detection unit) that detects the remaining amount information according to the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 is installed.

[0093] The toner remaining amount sensor 51 includes a light emitting portion 51a and a light receiving portion 51b. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view that shows the toner remaining amount sensor 51. FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a C-C section in FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a C-C section in FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram that shows an example of the circuit configuration of the toner remaining amount sensor 51.

[0094] In the FIG. 10 , an LED is used as the light emitting portion 51a, and a phototransistor that is turned on by light from the LED is used as the light receiving portion 51b. However, the light emitting portion 51a and the light receiving portion 51b are not limited thereto. For example, a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp can be applied to the light emitting portion 51a, and a photodiode or an avalanche photodiode can be applied to the light receiving portion 51b. Between the light emitting portion 51a and a power supply voltage Vcc, a switch (not shown) is provided. The switch is turned on, whereby a voltage from the power supply voltage Vcc is applied to the light emitting portion 51a, and the light emitting portion 51a is turned on. On the other hand, between the light receiving portion 51b and the power supply voltage Vcc, a switch (not shown) is also provided. The switch is turned on, whereby the light receiving portion 51b is turned on by a current that depends on the amount of detected light.

[0095] The power supply voltage Vcc and a current limiting resistor Rl are connected to the light emitting portion 51a. The light emitting portion 51a emits light by a current determined by the current limiting resistor Rl. As shown in FIG. 9B , the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51a passes through an optical path Ql and is received by the light receiving portion 51b. The power supply voltage Vcc is connected to a collector terminal of the light receiving portion 51b. A detection resistor R2 is connected to its emitter terminal. The light receiving portion 51b, which is a phototransistor, receives the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51a, and outputs a signal (current) that depends on the amount of received light. The signal is converted into a voltage Vl by the detection resistor R2, and the voltage Vl is input to an analog-digital (A / D) conversion portion 95 of the control portion 90 (see FIG. 12 ).

[0096] Based on the level of the input voltage, the control section 90 (central processing unit (CPU) 91) determines whether the light receiving section 51b has received light from the light emitting section 51a. Based on the time length and light intensity of the light received when the light receiving section 51b detects each beam of light when the stirring member 34 stirs the toner in the developing container 32 for a certain period of time, the control section 90 (CPU 91) calculates the amount of toner (the amount of developer) in the developing container 32. More specifically, the read-only memory (ROM) 93 pre-stores a table that enables the output of the remaining amount of toner based on the light reception time and light intensity when the toner is conveyed by the stirring member 34. Based on the input to the A / D conversion section 95 and this table, the control section 90 estimates and calculates the remaining amount of toner.

[0097] More specifically, when FIG. 9A When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the stirring member 34 shown, the optical path Q1 of the remaining toner sensor 51 is arranged to intersect the rotation trajectory T of the stirring member 34. However, during one rotation of the stirring member 34, the time during which the optical path Q1 is blocked by the toner transported by the stirring member 34, that is, the time during which the light receiving portion 51b does not detect light from the light emitting portion 51a, varies depending on the remaining toner amount. The light intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion 51b also varies depending on the remaining toner amount.

[0098] In other words, when the amount of toner remaining is large, the optical path Q1 is likely to be blocked by the toner. Consequently, the light receiving portion 51b receives light for a short time, and the intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion 51b is low. Conversely, when the amount of toner remaining is small, the light receiving portion 51b receives light for a long time, and the intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion 51b is high. Thus, based on the light receiving time and intensity of the light receiving portion 51b, the control portion 90 determines the remaining toner level as described below.

[0099] For example, FIG. 11A As shown, if the amount of toner in the conveying chamber 36 of the developing container 32 is a small amount, the time for the light receiving portion 51b to receive light is long, and the light intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion 51b is large. Therefore, it is determined that the remaining amount of toner is small. On the other hand, as FIG. 11B As shown, if the amount of toner in the conveying chamber 36 of the developing container 32 is large, the time for the light receiving portion 51b to receive light is short and the light intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion 51b is small. Therefore, it is determined that the remaining amount of toner is large.

[0100] The method for detecting or estimating the remaining amount of toner is not limited to referring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9BThe described optical toner remaining amount detection system, and can employ methods of detecting or estimating the toner remaining amount using various known systems. For example, two or more metal plates or conductive resin sheets extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller can be placed on the inner wall of the developing container 32 as a frame member, the capacitance between the two metal plates or conductive resin sheets can be measured, and the remaining amount of toner can be detected or estimated. Alternatively, a load cell can be provided to support the developing device 30 from below, and the CPU 91 can subtract the weight of the developing device 30 without toner from the weight measured by the load cell, thereby calculating the remaining amount of toner.

[0101] [Control system of image forming apparatus]

[0102] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus 1. The control section 90 as a control unit of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 91 as a computing device, a random access memory (RAM) 92 serving as a work area of the CPU 91, and a ROM 93 storing various programs. The control section 90 further includes an input / output (I / O) interface 94 as an input / output port connected to external devices, and an A / D conversion section 95 that converts an analog signal into a digital signal.

[0103] The toner remaining amount sensor 51, the attachment sensor 53, and the opening / closing sensor 54 are connected to the input side of the control section 90. The attachment sensor 53 detects that the toner cartridge 40 is attached to the replenishment opening 32a of the developing container 32. For example, the attachment sensor 53 is provided in the replenishment opening 32a, and includes a pressure-sensitive switch that outputs a detection signal when pressed by the protrusion 42 of the toner cartridge 40. The opening / closing sensor 54 detects whether the opening / closing member 83 is open with respect to the top cover 82. The opening / closing sensor 54 includes, for example, a pressure-sensitive switch or a magnetic sensor.

[0104] The operation section 300, the image forming section 10, and the toner remaining amount panel 400 as a notification unit capable of providing information on the toner remaining amount are connected to the control section 90. The operation section 300 includes a display section 301 capable of displaying various setting screens, physical keys, and the like. The display section 301 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The image forming section 10 includes a motor M1 as a drive source of the driving photosensitive drum 21, the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, the stirring member 34, and the like. The photosensitive drum 21, the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the stirring member 34 can be configured to be driven by separate motors.

[0105] As FIG. 1BAs shown in Fig. 13, the toner remaining amount panel 400 is provided on the right side on the front surface of the housing of the printer main body 100, i.e., on the opposite side of the operation section 300 placed on the left side, and displays information on the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32. In the present exemplary embodiment, the toner remaining amount panel 400 is a panel member including a plurality of (three in the present exemplary embodiment) scales arranged vertically, and the scales correspond to the low level, the middle level, and the full level described below.

[0106] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, if only the lowest scale is lit and flickered, it indicates that the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 is close to the empty level, which is the fourth state. As shown in Fig. 15, if only the lowest scale is lit, it indicates that the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 is at the low level, which is the third state (third display). As shown in Fig. 16, if the lowest scale and the middle scale are lit, and the highest scale is turned off, it indicates that the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 is at the middle level, which is the second state. As shown in Fig. 17, if all the three scales are lit, it indicates that the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 is at the full level, which is the first state. FIG. 13A FIG. 13B FIG. 13C FIG. 13D

[0107] The toner remaining amount panel 400 is not limited to a liquid crystal panel, and can be constituted by a light source such as an LED or an incandescent lamp and a diffusing lens. Alternatively, a configuration can be employed in which the toner remaining amount panel 400 is not provided separately, and the remaining amount of toner can be displayed on the display of the operation section 300 using the scales as described in the present exemplary embodiment. Although a configuration in which four states are displayed using three scales is described in the present exemplary embodiment, the number of scales is not limited thereto, and can be set as appropriate in accordance with the configuration of the image forming apparatus. Although a display indicating the toner remaining amount is described in the example shown in Fig. 13, the toner remaining amount panel 400 is not limited thereto. For example, the display in Fig. 13 can be a display indicating that toner supply is required, FIG. 13A-13D FIG. 13B FIG. 13C FIG. 13D

[0108] [Toner supply processing]

[0109] 〈Display of toner remaining amount panel when toner is consumed〉

[0110] Now, the switching of the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 when toner is consumed according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 ​​​​​​​​is a schematic diagram showing thresholds for switching the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 for the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 and display modes of the toner remaining amount panel 400 when the toner is consumed.

[0111] As FIG. 14 shown, if the toner in the developing container 32 is consumed by the image forming operation, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched based on the detection result of the above-described toner remaining amount sensor 51. In other words, detection by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 (first detection) is performed to reflect the decrease in the amount of toner in the developing container 32 caused by the image forming operation on the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400. Specifically, if the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is greater than or equal to the threshold value D (first threshold value), the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the first state (first display) indicating the full level and all three scales are lit. If the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold value D as the toner is consumed, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the second state (second display) indicating the intermediate level and two scales are lit. In the present exemplary embodiment, the value of the threshold value D is set to 5.0K. The following various threshold values including the threshold value D can be appropriately set depending on the amount of toner to be supplied or various configurations of the image forming apparatus.

[0112] If the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold value C (2.5K in the present exemplary embodiment), the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the third state (third display) indicating the low level and one scale is lit. If the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold value B (0.5K in the present exemplary embodiment), the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the fourth state (fourth display) indicating the near-out level and one lowest scale is flickering. Then, if the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold value A (0K in the present exemplary embodiment), the control section 90 determines that the toner in the developing container 32 has run out, and then sets the display to the state where all three scales are extinguished.

[0113] More specifically, if the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is between 2.5K and 5.0K, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the second state. If the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is between 0.5K and 2.5K, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the third state. If the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is between 0K and 0.5K, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the fourth state. If it is determined that there is no toner remaining amount, the control section 90 sets the display to a state in which all the scales are extinguished.

[0114] The interval between the threshold value D and the threshold value C according to the present exemplary embodiment, i.e., the interval between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of the top scale, is set to the amount of supply corresponding to one toner cartridge 40. Similarly, the interval between the threshold value C and the threshold value A according to the present exemplary embodiment, i.e., the interval between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of the middle scale, is also set to the amount of supply corresponding to one toner cartridge 40. Therefore, the interval between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of the scales is set, whereby the user can easily recognize the number of toner cartridges 40 that can be supplied. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of the state in which toner can be supplied to the user.

[0115] On the other hand, in the case where the interval between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of a single scale is set to less than the amount of supply corresponding to one toner cartridge 40, depending on the setting range of the interval between the threshold values, the following problems occur. For example, if the interval between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of one scale is set to IK on the premise of the capacity of the toner cartridge 40 and the capacity of the developing container 32 according to the present exemplary embodiment, it is necessary to increase the number of scales so that the entire capacity of the developing container 32 can be displayed. This leads to an increase in cost. If the interval between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of one scale is set to IK without increasing the number of scales to avoid an increase in cost, the setting range of the toner volume in the developing container 32 becomes narrow. From these viewpoints, in the present exemplary embodiment, the interval between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of one scale is set to correspond to the amount of supply corresponding to one toner cartridge 40.

[0116] 〈Display of the toner remaining amount panel when toner is supplied〉

[0117] Now, the switching of the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 when toner is supplied according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the threshold values for switching the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 depending on the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 and the display mode of the toner remaining amount panel 400 when toner is supplied.

[0118] like FIG. 15 As shown, if a user supplies toner to the developer container 32 using the toner pack 40, the display of the remaining toner panel 400 switches based on the detection result of the remaining toner sensor 51 as described above. The remaining toner sensor 51 performs detection (second detection) to reflect the increase in the amount of toner in the developer container 32 due to the supply of toner on the display of the remaining toner panel 400. Specifically, if the remaining toner amount in the developer container 32 detected by the remaining toner sensor 51 is greater than or equal to the threshold value D' (second threshold value), the control unit 90 sets the display of the remaining toner panel 400 to the first state, indicating a full level with all three scales illuminated. If the remaining toner amount in the developer container 32 detected by the remaining toner sensor 51 is greater than or equal to the threshold value C' as toner is supplied, the control unit 90 sets the display of the remaining toner panel 400 to the second state, indicating an intermediate level with two scales illuminated.

[0119] In the present exemplary embodiment, the value of the threshold value for switching the display between the full level and the middle level is set to different values ​​between when the toner is supplied and when the toner is consumed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. FIG. 15 As shown, the threshold D' (3.5K in this exemplary embodiment) for lighting the top scale by supplying toner from the second state is set to a value smaller than the threshold D (5.0K) when the toner is consumed. Similarly, the threshold C' (2.0K in this exemplary embodiment) for lighting the middle scale by supplying toner from the third state is set to a value smaller than the threshold C (2.5K) when the toner is consumed. The display of the low level as the third state and the near-end level as the fourth state, as well as the thresholds B and A, are similar to those when the toner is consumed and will not be described again.

[0120] More specifically, in the configuration of the present exemplary embodiment, if the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 after the toner is supplied using the toner cartridge 40 is greater than or equal to 2.0 K, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the second state. If the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 after the toner is supplied using the toner cartridge 40 is greater than or equal to 3.5 K, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the first state. In other words, on the toner remaining amount panel 400, the amount of toner in the developing container 32 when the display is switched from the second state to the first state when the toner is supplied (when the second detection is performed) is less than the amount of toner in the developing container 32 when the display is switched from the first state to the second state when the toner is consumed (when the first detection is performed). Although the value of the threshold D' is set to 3.5 K and the value of the threshold C' is set to 2.0 K in the present exemplary embodiment, the thresholds are not limited thereto. The above thresholds can be appropriately set depending on the amount of toner to be supplied or various configurations of the image forming apparatus, as long as each threshold is at least set to a value less than the threshold when the toner is consumed.

[0121] The reason why the threshold D' and the threshold C' at the time of supplying the toner are different from the threshold D and the threshold C at the time of consuming the toner will be described in detail below.

[0122] As described above, the interval between the thresholds corresponding to the switching of the display of one scale, that is, the thresholds according to the present exemplary embodiment D' and the interval between the thresholds C' and the interval between the thresholds C' and the interval between the thresholds A' are each set to the supply amount corresponding to one toner cartridge 40. This enables the user to easily recognize the number of toner cartridges 40 that can be supplied. Thus, it is possible to improve the visibility of the state in which the user can be supplied with toner.

[0123] In a case where the interval between the thresholds corresponding to the switching of the display of one scale is set to a value greater than the supply amount corresponding to one toner cartridge 40, and when the user supplies the toner using the toner cartridge 40, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 can not change. In this case, even if the user supplies the amount corresponding to one toner cartridge 40, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 does not change. Thus, it is difficult to recognize whether the replenishment is successful. Therefore, as in the configuration of the present exemplary embodiment, it is desirable that the interval between the thresholds corresponding to the switching of the display of one scale be set to correspond to the supply amount corresponding to one toner cartridge 40.

[0124] If the method of detecting the toner remaining amount by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is used, a slight detection error can occur between the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 and the detection result, although the error is set within an acceptable range for each device. Further, in the toner supply configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment, since the user supplies toner using the toner pack 40, depending on the handling thereof by the user, a replenishment error, for example, an actual supply amount is less than a supposed supply amount, can occur. If the detection is affected by these errors, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 can not switch even if the user has supplied toner, whereby the user can have difficulty in recognizing whether the supply of toner was successful.

[0125] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the threshold value D' at the time of supplying toner and the threshold value C' are set to be smaller than the threshold value D and the threshold value C at the time of consuming toner. Therefore, even if the detection is affected by the detection error of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 or the handling error at the time of supplying toner by the user, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 can be appropriately switched at the time of supplying toner by the user. As a result, the user can be informed that toner is appropriately supplied. Therefore, the visibility of the toner supply state can be improved.

[0126] (Second Exemplary Embodiment)

[0127] Now, a second exemplary embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. 16 , with the difference from the first exemplary embodiment being that the timing of switching the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 after the toner supply is adjusted. The other operations and configurations of the image forming device are substantially the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same configurations and operations as those in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same symbols, and are not described again.

[0128] As described in the first exemplary embodiment, if the user completes the supply of toner, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched after the detection by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is performed. At this time, if toner is supplied to the detection result to be within a range close to the threshold value for switching the display, the scale of the toner remaining amount panel 400 can be switched immediately after the replenishment under the influence of the error of the detection by the toner remaining amount sensor 51. For example, a possible problem after the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 exceeds the threshold value D' by the supply of toner from the second state and the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched to the first state is described. In this case, depending on the error of the detection by the toner remaining amount sensor 51, the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 becomes less than the threshold value D soon after the image forming operation is started, whereby the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched to the second state.

[0129] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the timing of switching of the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is controlled based on the image formation information in the image forming operation after the toner is supplied. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control flow according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0130] like FIG. 16 As shown, in S51, if the user completes the supply of colorant, the display of the colorant remaining amount panel 400 is switched based on the detection result of the colorant remaining amount sensor 51. The case of supplying colorant from the intermediate level as the second state is described. Therefore, the threshold value X shown in S52 refers to the threshold value D'. Through the sequence in S52, the top scale is lit, and the display of the colorant remaining amount panel 400 is switched from the second state to the first state. Then, when the user completes the supply of colorant, as shown in S53, the count value starts to be recorded in the storage medium (not shown) built into the control section 90. In this exemplary embodiment, the presence or absence of the image signal for each pixel is counted and recorded at a predetermined frequency obtained from the image signal related to the image to be formed when image formation is performed. Then, the count is accumulated each time image formation is performed.

[0131] Then, if the toner in the developing container 32 is consumed during the image forming operation, the control section 90 determines whether the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold value D, as shown in S54. If the toner remaining amount is less than the threshold value D in S54 (Yes), the control section 90 determines whether the previously recorded count value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value in S55. If the toner remaining amount is not less than the threshold value D in S54 (No), the toner remaining amount detection in S54 is repeated at a predetermined timing until the toner remaining amount is less than the threshold value D.

[0132] If the count value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (Yes) in S55, the control unit 90 turns off the scale corresponding to the threshold value D in S56, that is, switches the display of the colorant remaining amount panel 400 from the first state to the second state. On the other hand, if the count value is less than the predetermined value (No) in S55, the determination of the count value is repeated in S55 until the count value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. In the present exemplary embodiment, the predetermined value used in the determination in S55 is set to a value corresponding to the number of pixels in the case of forming a predetermined image on 100 recording materials. However, the predetermined value is not limited to this. The predetermined value used in the determination of the count value can be appropriately set according to various structures or controls of the image forming apparatus.

[0133] Although the control is performed based on the count value of the result of counting the presence or absence of the image signal with respect to each pixel at a predetermined frequency in the present exemplary embodiment, the control is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration can be employed in which counting of the accumulated amount of the recording material on which image formation is performed is started in S53, and if the accumulated count value of the recording material is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount in S55, the scale corresponding to the threshold value X is turned off, thereby switching the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400. As the counting of the presence or absence of the image signal with respect to each pixel, a method of counting based on the image signal emitted from the pre-exposure device 23 to the photosensitive drum 21 can be used, or a method of counting based on the image information loaded in advance into the control section 90 can be used.

[0134] (Third Exemplary Embodiment)

[0135] Now, a third exemplary embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIGS. 17-17B and FIG. 18 The third exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is controlled when toner is supplied. However, the other operations and configurations of the image forming apparatus are substantially the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the configurations and operations that are the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same symbols, and are not described again.

[0136] FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are schematic diagrams showing the display mode of the toner remaining amount panel 400 when toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 40 to the developing container 32 by the user according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the control flow according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0137] As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched based on the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 after toner is supplied by the user. In contrast, in the present exemplary embodiment, display during replenishment is performed in which the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched as shown in FIG. 17A or FIG. 17B when the user supplies toner by attaching the toner cartridge 40 to the attachment portion 57 (the replenishment opening 32a). Then, after the toner supply is completed, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched based on the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51. Therefore, the display during replenishment is performed, whereby the user can be notified of the state that toner is currently being supplied when the user performs the replenishment operation. Therefore, the visibility of the replenishment state by the user can be improved.

[0138] As the display during replenishment, as shown inFIG. 17A As shown, a pattern in which the state of each of the three scales being turned on one by one is repeated, and a pattern in which the state of all three scales being turned off and the state of all three scales being turned on are repeated are possible. FIG. 17B As shown, a pattern in which the state of each of the three scales being turned on one by one is repeated, and a pattern in which the state of all three scales being turned off and the state of all three scales being turned on are repeated are possible. However, the display during the replenishment is not limited to these two patterns. For example, a pattern in which the first state to the fourth state are switched at random, such as a pattern in which the state of three scales being turned off one by one is repeated from the state of all three scales being turned on is also possible. As the display during the replenishment, a configuration in which, for example, the state of all three scales being turned off is displayed for a predetermined period of time, and then the state of each of the three scales being turned on one by one is displayed for a predetermined period of time can be employed. FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 At least two of the five states of the first state to the fourth state and the all-off state in which none of the scales is turned on shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D are repeatedly displayed. Thus, a display that does not correspond to any of the above five states can be made during the replenishment. Thus, the user can visually recognize that the toner is currently being supplied.

[0139] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the control according to the present exemplary embodiment. In S61, if the user attaches the toner cartridge 40 to the attachment portion 57 to supply toner, in S62, the control portion 90 determines whether the trigger for starting the replenishment is on. In the present exemplary embodiment, if a detection portion (not shown) detects that the toner cartridge 40 is connected to the attachment portion 57, the control portion 90 determines that the trigger is on. Then, if it is determined in S62 that the trigger is on (Yes), in S63, the control portion 90 starts the display during the replenishment by switching the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400. On the other hand, if it is determined in S62 that the trigger is not on (No), the determination in S62 is repeated until the trigger is on. The display during the replenishment is continued while the user is replenishing toner.

[0140] Then, in S64, it is determined whether the toner supply is completed. If it is determined that the toner supply is completed (Yes), in S65, the control portion 90 ends the display during the replenishment by switching the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400. In the present exemplary embodiment, if a detection portion (not shown) detects that the connection between the toner cartridge 40 and the attachment portion 57 is released, the control portion 90 determines that the toner supply is completed. If it is determined in S64 that the toner supply is not completed (No), the determination in S64 is repeated until the toner supply is completed. Then, in S66, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched based on the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51.

[0141] Although the determination of whether the toner supply is completed using the detection of the disconnection of the connection between the toner cartridge 40 and the attachment portion 57 in S64 in the present exemplary embodiment, the determination is not limited thereto. For example, the timing at which the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is obtained when the toner is supplied can be used as the determination of whether the toner supply is completed. In this case, regardless of whether the user completes the disconnection of the connection between the toner cartridge 40 and the attachment portion 57, the display during the replenishment period ends at the timing at which the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is obtained, and then the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is performed based on the detection result.

[0142] The determination of whether the toner supply is completed in S64 can be made consistent with the later one of the timing at which the disconnection of the connection between the toner cartridge 40 and the attachment portion 57 is detected and the timing at which the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is obtained when the toner is supplied. Alternatively, as the determination of whether the toner supply is completed in S64, the timing of a predetermined time after the detection of the toner remaining amount ends can be used. The timing of the operation for closing the opening / closing member 83 or the operation performed by the user on the operation portion 300 can be used. The time at which the toner remaining amount is detected depends on the toner amount in the developing container 32 to some extent. Therefore, for example, if the detection of the toner remaining amount ends earlier than the user ends the replenishment operation, the user can forget to perform the operation of detaching the toner cartridge depending on the situation. Therefore, as the timing at which the display during the replenishment period ends, a timing other than the above-described timing at which the toner remaining amount is detected can be used, whereby the user can be prevented from forgetting to perform the operation of detaching the toner cartridge and moving away from the image forming apparatus.

[0143] FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to a modification example of the present exemplary embodiment. In the first to third exemplary embodiments, the configuration in which the toner cartridge 40 is attached to the attachment portion 57 and the toner cartridge 40 rotates to supply the toner has been described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 19 , a configuration in which a lever portion 157a is provided in the attachment portion 157 and the lever portion 157a rotates after the toner cartridge 40 is attached to the attachment portion 157 to move the shutter member 41 from the closed position to the open position to supply the toner can be employed. In this case, as the determination of whether the trigger is on in S62 in the present exemplary embodiment, the rotation of the lever portion 157a can be used. Specifically, a lever sensor (not shown) that detects which one of the open position and the closed position the lever portion 157a is in is provided. Then, in FIG. 18 , the determination of whether the trigger is on is made based on the detection result of the lever sensor. FIG. 18In S62, the state where the lever portion 157a moves from the closed position to the open position can be detected by using a sensor. As a determination of whether the toner supply is completed in S64, an operation of rotating the lever portion 157a to return the lever portion 157a to the position before the toner pack 40 is attached can be used. Specifically, in FIG. 18 The state where the lever portion 157a moves from the open position to the closed position can be detected using the lever sensor in S64. Also in the configuration according to the modification, as the determination of whether the toner supply is completed in S64, various timings as described above can be used in combination.

[0144] Although the present exemplary embodiment has been described above with reference to the first exemplary embodiment, the invention according to the present exemplary embodiment may not be based on the first exemplary embodiment. The display during replenishment described in the present exemplary embodiment is performed while the user supplies toner, thereby improving the user's visibility of the toner supply status.

[0145] [other]

[0146] like FIG. 20A As shown, the operation unit 300E may be placed not in the printer body 100 but in the reading device 200, or may be placed on the right side of the device together with the toner remaining amount panel 400. Of course, both the operation unit 300E and the toner remaining amount panel 400 may be placed on the right side of the device. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. FIG. 20B As shown, the toner remaining amount panel 400F may be placed on the left side of the device, and the operation unit 300F may be placed on the right side of the device. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. FIG. 20C As shown, the operation portion 300G may be provided in the printer body 100, and the toner remaining amount panel 400G and the operation portion 300G may be placed on the same side of the apparatus.

[0147] Although the reading device 200 is disposed above the printer body 100 in any of the above embodiments, the image forming apparatus is not limited thereto. More specifically, the image forming apparatus may be a printer without a reading device. The reading device may be a reading device including an automatic document feeder (ADF) for feeding documents.

[0148] (Fourth Exemplary Embodiment)

[0149] [Toner Supply Process]

[0150] <Display of the Toner Remaining Amount Panel >

[0151] Now, the switching of the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 when toner is consumed and when toner is supplied according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described. The operation and configuration of the image forming apparatus are substantially the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same configurations and operations as those in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same symbols, and are not described again.

[0152] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the threshold for switching the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 depending on the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 and the display mode of the toner remaining amount panel 400.

[0153] As FIG. 21 indicated, if the toner in the developing container 32 is consumed by the image forming operation, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched based on the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 described above. Specifically, if the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is greater than or equal to the threshold D (first threshold), the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the first state indicating the full level and all three scales are lit. If the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold D as the toner is consumed, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the second state indicating the intermediate level and two scales are lit. In the present exemplary embodiment, the value of the threshold D is set to 3.5K. The following various thresholds including the threshold D can be appropriately set depending on the amount of toner to be supplied or various configurations of the image forming apparatus.

[0154] If the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold C (second threshold) as the toner is consumed, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the third state indicating the low level and one scale is lit. In the present exemplary embodiment, the value of the threshold C is set to 2.0K. If the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold B (0.5K in the present exemplary embodiment), the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the fourth state indicating the near-out level and one lowest scale is flickering. Then, if the detection result of the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold A (0K in the present exemplary embodiment), the control section 90 determines that the toner in the developing container 32 has run out, and then sets the display to the state where all three scales are extinguished.

[0155] More specifically, if the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is between 2.0K and 3.5K, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the second state. If the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is between 0.5K and 2.0K, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the third state. If the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is between 0K and 0.5K, the control section 90 sets the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 to the fourth state. If it is determined that there is no toner remaining amount, the control section 90 sets the display to a state in which all the scales are extinguished.

[0156] While the above has described the threshold when toner is consumed and the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400, when toner is supplied, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is also switched based on the threshold described with reference to FIG. 21 the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51. More specifically, when toner is supplied, the scale is lit based on the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51.

[0157] The interval (difference) between the threshold D (the amount of toner corresponding to the threshold D) and the threshold C (the amount of toner corresponding to the threshold C) according to the present exemplary embodiment, that is, the interval (difference) between the thresholds (the amount of toner corresponding to the thresholds) related to the switching of the display of the top scale is set to be smaller than the amount of supply corresponding to one toner cartridge 40. Similarly, the interval (difference) between the threshold C (the amount of toner corresponding to the threshold C) and the threshold A (the amount of toner corresponding to the threshold A) according to the present exemplary embodiment, that is, the interval (difference) between the thresholds (the amount of toner corresponding to the thresholds) related to the switching of the display of the middle scale is also set to be smaller than the amount of supply corresponding to one toner cartridge 40. The amount of supply corresponding to one toner cartridge 40 is the same as the amount of toner housed in the toner cartridge 40 in the unused state.

[0158] The reason for this is described in detail below.

[0159] In a case where the interval between the thresholds corresponding to the switching of the display of one scale is set to a value larger than the amount of supply corresponding to one toner cartridge 40, and when the user supplies toner using the toner cartridge 40, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 can not change. In this case, even if the user supplies the amount corresponding to one toner cartridge 40, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 does not change. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether the replenishment was successful.

[0160] If the method of detecting the toner remaining amount by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is used, a slight detection error can occur between the toner remaining amount in the developing container 32 and the detection result, although the error is set within an acceptable range of each device. Further, in the toner supply configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment, since the user supplies toner using the toner pack 40, depending on the handling thereof by the user, a replenishment error, for example, a case where the actual supply amount is smaller than the assumed supply amount, can occur. If the detection is affected by these errors, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 can not switch even if the user has supplied toner, whereby the user can have difficulty in recognizing whether the supply of toner is successful.

[0161] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the interval between the threshold values corresponding to the switching of the display of one scale is set to be smaller than the supply amount corresponding to one toner pack 40. Therefore, even if the detection is affected by the detection error of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 or the handling error when the toner is supplied by the user, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 can be appropriately switched when the toner is supplied by the user. As a result, the user can be informed that the toner is appropriately supplied. Therefore, the visibility of the toner supply state can be improved.

[0162] In the case where the interval (difference) between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of a single scale is set to be smaller than the supply amount corresponding to one toner pack 40, and if the setting range of the interval between the threshold values is set too small, the following problem occurs. For example, if the threshold values having a range smaller than or equal to half of one toner pack 40 are set, and when one toner pack 40 is supplied, two scales in the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 can be lit. From the viewpoint of the visibility of the supply state by the user, it is desirable that the replenishment of one toner pack 40 corresponds to one scale. Therefore, the interval between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of one scale is set to be smaller than the supply amount corresponding to one toner pack 40 and greater than or equal to half of the supply amount corresponding to one toner pack 40. However, in order to obtain the effect of the present exemplary embodiment, it is only necessary to set the interval between the threshold values related to the switching of the display of one scale to be smaller than the supply amount corresponding to one toner pack 40, and it is not necessary to set the interval between the threshold values to be greater than or equal to half of the supply amount corresponding to one toner pack 40.

[0163] (Fifth Exemplary Embodiment)

[0164] Now, referring to FIG. 22, a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present application is described. The fifth exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the timing of switching of the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 after the toner supply is adjusted. However, the other operations and configurations of the image forming apparatus are substantially the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same configurations and operations as those in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same symbols, and are not described again.

[0165] As described in the first exemplary embodiment, if the user completes the toner supply, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched after the detection by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is performed. At this time, if the toner is supplied to a range in which the detection result approaches the threshold value for switching the display, the scale of the toner remaining amount panel 400 can be switched immediately after the replenishment under the influence of the error of the detection by the toner remaining amount sensor 51. For example, a possible problem is described after the detection result by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 exceeds the threshold value D' by the toner supply from the second state and the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched to the first state. In this case, depending on the error of the detection by the toner remaining amount sensor 51, the detection result by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 becomes smaller than the threshold value D soon after the image forming operation is started, whereby the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched to the second state.

[0166] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the timing of switching of the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is controlled based on the image forming information in the image forming operation after the toner is supplied. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a control flow according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0167] As FIG. 22 shown in S51, if the user completes the toner supply, the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched based on the detection result by the toner remaining amount sensor 51. A case in which the toner is supplied from the intermediate level as the second state is described. Therefore, the threshold value X shown in S52 refers to the threshold value D'. By the sequence in S52, the top scale is lit, and the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 is switched from the second state to the first state. Then, when the user completes the toner supply, as shown in S53, recording of the count value in a storage medium (not shown) built in the control section 90 is started. In the present exemplary embodiment, the presence or absence of the image signal with respect to each pixel is counted and recorded at a predetermined frequency obtained from the image signal related to the formed image when the image forming is performed. Then, the count is accumulated each time the image forming is performed.

[0168] Then, if the toner in the developing container 32 is consumed in the image forming operation, the control section 90 determines whether the detection result of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is less than the threshold value D as shown in S54. If the toner remaining amount is lower than the threshold value D in S54 (Yes), the control section 90 determines whether the count value recorded previously is greater than or equal to a predetermined value in S55. If the toner remaining amount is not lower than the threshold value D in S54 (No), the detection of the toner remaining amount is repeated at a predetermined timing in S54 until the toner remaining amount is lower than the threshold value D.

[0169] If the count value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value in S55 (Yes), the control section 90 turns off the scale corresponding to the threshold value D, that is, switches the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400 from the first state to the second state in S56. On the other hand, if the count value is less than the predetermined value in S55 (No), the determination of the count value is repeated in S55 until the count value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. In the present exemplary embodiment, the predetermined value used in the determination in S55 is set to a value corresponding to the number of pixels in the case where a predetermined image is formed on 100 recording materials. However, the predetermined value is not limited thereto. The predetermined value used in the determination of the count value can be appropriately set depending on various configurations or controls of the image forming apparatus.

[0170] Although the control is performed based on the count value of the result of counting the presence or absence of the image signal with respect to each pixel at a predetermined frequency in the present exemplary embodiment, the control is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration can be employed in which the count of the cumulative number of recording materials on which image formation is performed is started in S53, and if the cumulative count value of the recording materials is greater than or equal to a predetermined number in S55, the scale corresponding to the threshold value X is turned off, thereby switching the display of the toner remaining amount panel 400. As the count of the presence or absence of the image signal with respect to each pixel, a counting method based on the image signal emitted from the pre-exposure device 23 to the photosensitive drum 21 can be used, or a counting method based on image information loaded in advance into the control section 90 can be used.

[0171] The present application is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and can be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to inform the public of the scope of the present application.

[0172] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-129008 filed on July 30, 2020, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-129009 filed on July 30, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that performs image formation for forming a toner image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising: Photosensitive drum; a developing container configured to accommodate toner, the developing container being provided with a supply opening for supplying toner from outside the image forming apparatus; a developing roller configured to supply toner contained in a developing container to the photosensitive drum; a detecting portion configured to detect an amount of toner accommodated in the developing container; a display unit configured to display a detection result of the detection unit; and a control unit configured to control the display unit, wherein the control section controls the detection section to perform a first detection to reflect a decrease in the amount of toner in the developing container due to the image formation on a display on the display section, and to perform a second detection to reflect an increase in the amount of toner in the developing container due to the toner supply on a display on the display section, Wherein, the display unit, If the detection result of the first detection is greater than or equal to a first threshold, a first display is displayed, and if the detection result of the first detection is less than the first threshold, a second display different from the first display is displayed, and If the detection result of the second detection is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the first display is displayed, and if the detection result of the second detection is less than the second threshold, the second display is displayed, and The second threshold is smaller than the first threshold.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The display unit includes a plurality of scales, each scale being configured to light up or turn off according to the detection result, and The number of illuminated scales in the first display is greater than the number of illuminated scales in the second display.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, in, Equipped with three scales, and The first display is a display in which all three scales are illuminated, and the second display is a state in which two adjacent scales among the three scales are illuminated.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, in, The scale includes a first scale and a second scale different from the first scale, the first display is a display in which the first scale and the second scale are lit, and the second display is a display in which either the first scale or the second scale is lit, and Wherein, while supplying colorant to the developing container through the supply opening, the display portion repeatedly displays at least two of three displays, the three displays including the first display, the second display and the third display, and in the third display, the first scale and the second scale are turned off.

5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: When the image formation is started after the detection result based on the second detection is displayed, the display unit is controlled to continue displaying the detection result based on the second detection until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the display of the detection result based on the second detection is switched to the display of the detection result based on the first detection. Here, the predetermined condition is that a count number that is a cumulative number of pixels consuming toner in image data used in the image formation reaches a predetermined count number.

Images