Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus including: a developer accommodating chamber; a photosensitive drum; a notification unit for making a notification to a user, and a control unit for controlling the notification unit. A replenishment container of the developer is detachably attached to the accommodating chamber. The notification unit makes a first notification indicating that the amount of developer in the accommodating chamber is a first state, a second notification indicating that the amount of developer is a second state smaller than the first state, and a third notification indicating that the amount of developer is a third state smaller than the second state. The image forming apparatus is operable in a first mode and a second mode. The notification unit makes a notification in order of the first notification, the second notification, and the third notification as the consumption of the developer proceeds.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Generally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum to a transfer material as a transfer medium. As a method for replenishing a developer, for example, a process cartridge type and a toner container replenishment type are known. The process cartridge type is a method in which a photosensitive drum and a developer container are integrated into a process cartridge, and the process cartridge is replaced with a new process cartridge when the developer runs out. On the other hand, the toner container replenishment type is a method in which toner is replenished from a toner container (such as a toner pack and a toner bottle) to a developer container when the toner runs out.

[0003] Conventionally, as a toner container replenishment type, a toner pack type has been proposed that prompts a user to replenish the toner when the amount of toner in the developer container is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount, so that the user supplies toner from a toner pack that has been refilled with toner contained therein to enable toner refilling (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-154302). In this case, the predetermined remaining amount state of the toner in the developer container is detected by detecting the presence / absence of the toner at a predetermined position in the developer container by a sensor provided as a detection component on the image forming device side, and a control component (sequence) for determining the timing of the predetermined remaining amount of the toner in the developer container based on the detection result is used. Summary of the invention

[0004] However, if a cycle of replenishing toner after the toner is used until the amount of toner in the developer container becomes equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-154302 is repeated, toner mist may occur at the end of the life of the main body.

[0005] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-154302, toner is replenished to a developer container in which degraded colorant remains, so that the average number of times each particle of the colorant in the developer container after the toner replenishment is rubbed (hereinafter referred to as the "number of frictions") is greater than the number of frictions of the toner in a brand new state. Therefore, when the predetermined remaining amount has been reached again, the toner remaining in the developer container is more degraded because the number of frictions is greater than the number of frictions in the previously predetermined remaining amount state. If the predetermined remaining amount state and toner replenishment are repeated, more degraded toner accumulates in the developer container, and as a result, the fogging caused by the deterioration of the toner may be worse.

[0006] In the one-component contact development system, when the toner on the developing roller passes through the developing blade pressing portion, the toner is rubbed, and toner degradation mainly proceeds at this time. In particular, when the user continuously prints only a large number of images with a low print percentage, the number of prints until the amount of toner reaches a predetermined remaining amount becomes large, and the number of frictions also increases accordingly. Therefore, toner degradation proceeds, and, for example, fogging caused by toner degradation is prone to occur.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for suppressing the occurrence of adverse effects on images caused by toner deterioration in an image forming apparatus of a toner container replenishing type.

[0008] The present invention provides an image forming device, comprising:

[0009] a housing chamber configured to accommodate a developer therein;

[0010] Photosensitive drum;

[0011] a developing roller configured to supply a developer from the containing chamber to a surface of the photosensitive drum;

[0012] a notification unit configured to make a notification to a user through an indication on the indicator; and

[0013] A control unit, the control unit being configured to control the notification unit, wherein:

[0014] A supply container is detachably attached, the supply container being configured to supply the developer to the accommodation chamber;

[0015] The control unit is capable of controlling the image forming device in a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode;

[0016] The control unit controls the notification unit to make a first notification indicating that the amount of the developer in the accommodation chamber is a first state, a second notification indicating that the amount of the developer is a second state smaller than the amount of the developer in the first state, and a third notification indicating that the amount of the developer is a third state smaller than the amount of the developer in the second state; and

[0017] The control unit controls the notification unit to make notifications in the order of the first notification, the second notification, and the third notification as consumption of the developer progresses in the first mode, and to make notifications in an order different from that in the first mode in the second mode.

[0018] The present invention also provides an image forming device, comprising:

[0019] a housing chamber configured to accommodate a developer therein;

[0020] Photosensitive drum;

[0021] a developing roller configured to supply a developer from the containing chamber to a surface of the photosensitive drum;

[0022] a notification unit configured to make a notification to a user through an indication on the indicator; and

[0023] A control unit, the control unit being configured to control the notification unit, wherein:

[0024] A supply container is detachably attached, the supply container being configured to supply the developer to the accommodation chamber;

[0025] The control unit is capable of controlling the image forming device in a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode;

[0026] The control unit controls the notification unit to make a first notification indicating that the amount of the developer in the accommodation chamber is a first state, a second notification indicating that the amount of the developer is a second state smaller than the amount of the developer in the first state, and a third notification indicating that the amount of the developer is a third state smaller than the amount of the developer in the second state; and

[0027] The control unit controls the notification unit to make the second notification when the remaining amount of developer becomes a first remaining amount in the first mode, and to make the second notification when the remaining amount of developer becomes a second remaining amount greater than the first remaining amount in the second mode.

[0028] The present invention can provide a technique for suppressing the occurrence of adverse effects on images due to toner degradation in a toner container replenishing type image forming apparatus.

[0029] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Example 1;

[0031] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are a perspective view and a front view illustrating a developer container and a toner pack, respectively;

[0032] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Along the Figure 2B A cross-sectional view taken along lines 40A and 40B;

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a toner package;

[0034] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are front views illustrating an example, a first modification, and a second modification of a toner package, respectively;

[0035] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the remaining amount of toner in the developer container;

[0036] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B are a cross-sectional view and a circuit diagram illustrating a toner remaining amount sensor, respectively;

[0037] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the light receiving time t of the toner remaining amount sensor and the remaining amount T of toner;

[0038] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a block diagram illustrating a control system in an image forming apparatus;

[0039] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C is a perspective view illustrating a toner remaining amount level and a toner remaining amount panel;

[0040] Fig.11 is a flowchart illustrating a toner replenishment process;

[0041] Fig.12 is a flowchart illustrating a toner remaining amount detection process;

[0042] Fig.13 is a perspective view illustrating an operating unit;

[0043] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view illustrating replenishment of toner from a toner pack;

[0044] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B is a graph illustrating the relationship between the durable printing number P and the remaining amount T of toner according to Example 1;

[0045] Fig.16 is a flowchart for determining switching to each mode according to Example 2;

[0046] Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating a modification of Example 2; and

[0047] Fig.18A and Fig.18B: is a graph illustrating the relationship between the durable printing number P and the remaining amount T of toner according to Example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] With reference to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. However, unless otherwise described, the size, material, shape, and relative arrangement of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to only the above. In the following description, unless otherwise described again, the material and shape of the components described once are the same as in the first description in the subsequent description. For configurations and steps that are not particularly illustrated or described, well-known techniques in the technical field or techniques known to the public can be applied. Repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted.

[0049] Recording materials used in image forming apparatuses include various sheet materials of different materials, for example, paper such as plain paper and heavy paper, plastic films such as sheets for overhead projectors, sheets having special shapes such as envelopes and index paper, and cloth.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] Overall configuration

[0052] First, Example 1 of the present invention is described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic overall diagram of an electrophotographic monochrome laser beam printer as an image forming apparatus 100 according to Example 1. The paper width size supported by the printer is A4 paper size and letter size. In the apparatus body M of the image forming apparatus 100, a direct transfer process unit 9 is installed. The process unit 9 has a photosensitive drum 1 and a charging roller 2, a developing device 20, a static eliminating device 11, and a brush member 12 disposed around the photosensitive drum 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the apparatus body M has a scanner unit 10 for irradiating the photosensitive drum 1 with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image. Furthermore, the apparatus body M has a transfer roller 13 for forming a transfer nip N1 between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 13 and transferring the toner image onto the recording material P at the transfer nip N1. The transfer roller 13 contacts the surface 1a of the photosensitive drum 1 to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 onto the recording material P.

[0054] Note that in this example, the processing unit 9 is detachably mounted to the apparatus body M, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the processing unit 9 may not be detachable from the apparatus body M. In the case of a full-color image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of (e.g., four; yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) processing units 9 may be provided for each color.

[0055] The photosensitive drum 1 as an image bearing member is a photosensitive member that can rotate around a rotation axis CP extending in the axial direction and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 1 in this example has a photosensitive layer formed by a negatively charged organic photosensitive member on a drum-shaped substrate made of aluminum. More specifically, the photosensitive drum 1 is a rigid body obtained by sequentially coating a resistance layer, a primer layer and a photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface of an aluminum cylinder with a diameter of 24 mm by a dip coating method, and the photosensitive layer has a charge generating layer and a charge transfer layer. The thickness of the charge transfer layer is 22 μm. The photosensitive drum 1 is driven to rotate around the rotation axis CP in the direction of the arrow L1 at a predetermined circumferential speed by a driving motor. The circumferential speed of the photosensitive drum 1 adjusts the speed of image formation of the image forming device 100, and is therefore also referred to as the "processing speed."

[0056] The charging roller 2 as a charging member contacts the photosensitive drum 1 with a predetermined contact force and forms a charging portion N2. By applying a charging voltage as a DC voltage from a charging voltage applying circuit (not shown), the charging roller 2 uniformly charges the surface 1a of the photosensitive drum 1 to a predetermined potential. The charging roller 2 in this example is applied with a charging voltage of -1400V so that the surface potential (pre-exposure potential VD) of the photosensitive drum 1 becomes -800V. In other words, the photosensitive drum 1 is charged to the pre-exposure potential VD by the charging roller 2 in the negative polarity direction that is the same as the polarity of the toner. The charging roller 2 has a core rod with a diameter of 6 mm, a base layer made of hydrin rubber, and a surface layer made of polyurethane, and is configured to have an outer diameter of 12 mm. The resistance of the charging roller 2 is 1×10 6 Ω or less, and its hardness is 70 degrees measured by an MD-1 hardness meter. Note that a DC voltage is used as the charging voltage in this example, but the voltage is not limited thereto. The charging voltage may be a voltage obtained by superimposing a DC voltage with an AC voltage.

[0057] The scanner unit 10 applies laser light corresponding to image data input from an external device to the photosensitive drum 1 by using a polygon mirror, thereby scanning and exposing the surface 1a of the photosensitive drum 1. By exposure, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface 1a of the photosensitive drum 1. The scanner unit 10 is a semiconductor laser, and applies laser light having a wavelength of 800 nm, and the light amount of the laser light can be changed. Note that the scanner unit 10 is not limited to a laser scanner device, and, for example, an LED exposure device having an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 may be employed.

[0058] The developing device 20 has a developer container 8 serving as a frame of the developing device 20, a developing roller 4, and a supply roller 5 for supplying toner to the developing roller 4. Inside the developer container 8 as a storage unit, a toner containing chamber 8a for storing toner (developer) therein and a developing chamber 8b having the developing roller 4 are formed. The developing roller 4 and the supply roller 5 are rotatably supported by the developer container 8. The developing roller 4 is disposed at the opening of the developer container 8 so as to be opposite to the photosensitive drum 1. The supply roller 5 rotatably contacts the developing roller 4. The supply roller 5 once peels off the toner that has not been developed on the photosensitive drum 1 at the developing portion N3 and remains on the surface of the developing roller 4, and coats the surface of the developing roller 4 with another toner stored in the developer container 8.

[0059] The developer container 8 before use is loaded with T0 [g] of toner, which is assumed to be able to print 5000 images with a print percentage of 4% according to ISO 19752. In other words, it is required to print at least 5000 or more images with a print percentage of 4% or less until the first toner replenishment.

[0060] The developing device 20 uses a contact developing system as a developing system. Specifically, the colorant layer carried by the developing roller 4 contacts the photosensitive drum 1 at the developing portion N3 where the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 4 are opposite to each other. In other words, the developing roller 4 as a developing member forms a developing portion N3 between the developing roller 4 and the photosensitive drum 1. A developing voltage as a DC voltage is applied to the developing roller 4 from a developing voltage applying unit (not shown). When the colorant carried by the developing roller 4 is transferred from the developing roller 4 to the surface 1a of the photosensitive drum 1 under the developing voltage according to the potential distribution of the surface 1a, the electrostatic latent image is developed on the colorant image. Note that this example adopts a reversal developing system. Specifically, after the photosensitive drum 1 is charged in the charging process, the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed in the exposure process, so that the colorant adheres to the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1 where the charge amount is reduced, resulting in the formation of a colorant image.

[0061] In addition, in this example, a toner having a particle size of 6 μm and a conventional charging polarity of negative is used. As the toner in this example, a polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method is used as an example. The toner in this example is a so-called non-magnetic single-component developer, which does not contain a magnetic component and is carried by the developing roller 4 mainly due to intermolecular force or electrostatic force (mirror force). However, a single-component developer containing a magnetic component can be used. In addition to the toner particles, the single-component developer may also contain additives (for example, wax or fine silica particles) for adjusting the fluidity and charging properties of the toner. In addition, a two-component developer configured by a non-magnetic toner and a carrier having magnetic properties can be used as a developer. When a developer having magnetic properties is used, as a developer carrying member, for example, a cylindrical developing sleeve in which a magnet is deployed is used. The developing device 20 may be a non-contact developing type, which is deployed to have a predetermined gap with the photosensitive drum 1.

[0062] The developing roller 4 is obtained by coating a base layer made of silicone rubber with a surface layer made of polyurethane rubber so as to have an outer diameter of 15 mm with respect to a core rod having a diameter of 6 mm. The resistance value of the developing roller 4 is 1×10 4 Up to 1×10 12 Ω. The supply roller 5 is a conductive elastic sponge roller obtained by forming a foamed layer on the outer periphery of a core rod having a diameter of 6 mm. The resistance value of the supply roller 5 is 1×10 4 Up to 1×10 8 Ω, and the hardness of the supply roller 5 can be measured by measuring the load when a plate having a longitudinal width of 50 mm enters the surface of the supply roller 5 by 1 mm, and in this example, the hardness is 200 gf.

[0063] A stirring member 7 is provided inside the developer container 8. The stirring member 7 is driven to rotate by a driving motor, and stirs the toner in the developer container 8 and sends the toner toward the developing roller 4 and the supplying roller 5. The stirring member 7 has a function of circulating the toner that has not been used for development and peeled off from the developing roller 4 in the developer container 8 so that the toner in the developer container 8 becomes uniform.

[0064] In the opening of the developer container 8 in which the developing roller 4 is disposed, a developing blade 6 for adjusting the amount of toner to be carried by the developing roller 4 is disposed. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 4 passes through the portion of the developing roller 4 opposite to the developing blade 6 as the developing roller 4 rotates in the direction of the arrow L2, so that the toner is uniformly thinned and charged to the negative polarity by friction charging.

[0065] The developing scraper 6 is a SUS plate made of metal having a thickness of 0.1 mm, and is disposed so that the free end of the developing scraper 6 contacts the developing roller 4 on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 4. The developing scraper 6 used in this example is obtained by cutting the distal end of the SUS plate from the contact surface side of the developing roller 4. The distal end portion of the developing scraper 6 is bent in the cutting direction by the cutting.

[0066] The transfer roller 13 as the transfer unit has a base layer made of ion conductive sponge so as to have an outer diameter of 15 mm relative to a core rod having a diameter of 6 mm. The resistance value of the transfer roller 13 is 4×10 7 Ω, and its hardness is 30 degrees (measured by Asker C hardness meter manufactured by KOBUNSHI KEIKI CO., LTD.) The width of the sponge portion of the transfer roller 13 is substantially equal to the width of letter paper (8.5 inches = 215.9 mm).

[0067] When an instruction for image formation is output to the image forming apparatus 100, an image forming process is started based on image data input from an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus 100. When the image forming process is started, the photosensitive drum 1 is driven by a driving source (not shown) and rotates at a predetermined process speed. Figure 1 In this example, the process speed of the photosensitive drum 1 is 140 rpm.

[0068] In the process unit 9, a static eliminator 11 for eliminating the charge of the photosensitive drum 1 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer nip N1 and the upstream side of the charging portion N2 in the rotation direction (the direction of the arrow L1) of the photosensitive drum 1. More specifically, the static eliminator 11 as a static eliminator unit is disposed between the brush member 12 and the charging roller 2 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1. In order to generate stable discharge at the charging portion N2, the static eliminator 11 eliminates the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 1 before reaching the charging portion N2.

[0069] The brush member 12 is supported by a supporting member (not shown) and is disposed at a fixed position relative to the photosensitive drum 1, and rubs the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 accompanying the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. The brush member 12 collects paper dust that has been transferred from the recording material P to the photosensitive drum 1 at the transfer nip N1, and reduces the amount of paper dust that moves to the charging portion N2 and the developing device 3 on the downstream side of the brush member 12 in the moving direction of the photosensitive drum 1. If the brush member 12 does not collect paper dust, the paper dust exists at the charging portion N2 to hinder charging and make the charging potential after passing through the charging portion N2 lower than the surrounding environment, so that the portion to which the paper dust adheres is unintentionally developed in black. This adverse effect appears, for example, as black spots on a pure white image. On the other hand, it is desirable to make the transfer residual toner that has remained on the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer nip N1 pass through the brush member 12 while adhering to the photosensitive drum 1. If the toner adheres to the brush member 12 and is deposited, the toner exists as a toner mass at the brush member 12, and the toner mass may be ejected from the brush member 12 onto the photosensitive drum 1 at an unintended timing to cause image failure. As can be seen from the above, the ideal function of the brush member 12 is to collect as much paper dust on the photosensitive drum 1 as possible and to pass as much toner as possible.

[0070] Then, the charging roller 2 uniformly charges the surface potential (pre-exposure potential VD) of the rotating photosensitive drum 1 to -800 V. The scanner unit 10 applies laser light toward the photosensitive drum 1 based on the input image data. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the uniformly charged surface 1a of the photosensitive drum 1. In this example, the amount of light applied by the scanner unit 10 is 0.45 μJ / cm 2 The laser causes the post-exposure potential VL of the photosensitive drum 1 to become -100V.

[0071] At this time, a toner layer having changed to a predetermined polarity is formed on the surface of the developing roller 4. Then, when a developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 4 from a developing voltage applying unit (not shown), the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed at the developing portion N3, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. In this example, a developing voltage of -400 V is applied to the developing roller 4.

[0072] In parallel with the above-mentioned image forming process, the recording material P stored in the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100 is fed. The recording material P is conveyed to the transfer nip N1 in synchronization with the timing at which the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 reaches the transfer nip N1. In addition, a transfer voltage as a DC voltage is applied from a transfer voltage applying circuit (not shown) to the transfer roller 13 in synchronization with the timing at which the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 reaches the transfer nip N1. In this way, the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the recording material P passing through the transfer nip N1. In this example, a transfer voltage of +1500V is applied to the transfer roller 13.

[0073] The recording material P on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 14. The fixing device 14 is a heat fixing type device for performing an image fixing process by heating and melting the toner on the recording material P. The fixing device 14 includes a fixing film 14a, and a pressure roller 14b to be brought into pressure contact with the fixing film 14a, the fixing film 14a including a ceramic heater for heating. When the recording material P passes between the fixing film 14a and the pressure roller 14b, the toner image is heated and pressurized. This operation melts the toner particles, and when the toner particles are fixed thereafter, the toner image is fixed to the recording material P. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing device 14 is discharged to the outside of the image forming device 100 by a discharge roller pair (not shown).

[0074] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 has an environment detection unit (not shown). The environment detection unit is disposed inside the image forming apparatus 100 to detect the surrounding temperature and humidity. Based on the detection results, the control of the bias voltage applied to the charging roller 2 and the developing roller 4 and the control of the scanner unit 10, the transfer roller 13 and the fixing device 14 are corrected.

[0075] Collection of transfer residual toner

[0076] The transfer residual toner that has not been transferred to the recording material P and remains on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed in the following process. The surface potential of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer process is reduced when the transfer current is applied while passing through the transfer nip N1. The surface potential of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer process in this example is -150V. After the transfer process, the charge of the photosensitive drum 1 is eliminated by the static eliminator 11 so that the remaining surface potential on the photosensitive drum 1 becomes 0V, and the photosensitive drum 1 rotates toward the charging portion N2. In the transfer residual toner, the toner that has been charged to the positive polarity and the toner that has been charged to the negative polarity but does not have sufficient charge are mixed. The transfer residual toner is charged to the negative polarity again by eliminating the charge of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer by the static eliminator 11 and generating uniform discharge by the charging roller 2. The transfer residual toner that has been charged to the negative polarity again at the charging portion N2 arrives at the developing portion N3 with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. Then, the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1 that has passed through the charging portion N2 is exposed by the scanner unit 10 while the transfer residual toner adheres to the surface so that an electrostatic latent image is written.

[0077] Now, the behavior of the transfer residual toner that has reached the developing portion N3 is described with respect to different portions: the exposed portion and the non-exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 1. The transfer residual toner that has adhered to the non-exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the developing roller 4 at the developing portion N3 due to the potential difference between the pre-exposure potential VD of the non-exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing voltage, and is collected in the developer container 8. This is because the normal charging polarity of the toner is negative, and the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 4 is positive relative to the pre-exposure potential VD at the non-exposed portion. Note that the toner collected in the developer container 8 is stirred and dispersed by the stirring member 7 together with the toner in the developer container 8, and is carried by the developing roller 4 and used again for the developing process.

[0078] On the other hand, the transfer residual toner that has adhered to the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 1 is not transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 to the developing roller 4 at the developing portion N3 but remains on the drum surface. This is because the normal charge polarity of the toner is negative, and the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 4 has a negative potential lower than the pre-exposure potential VD of the exposed portion. The transfer residual toner that has remained on the surface 1a of the photosensitive drum 1 is carried by the photosensitive drum 1 together with other toners transferred from the developing roller 4 to the exposed portion and moves to the transfer nip N1, and is transferred to the recording material P at the transfer nip N1.

[0079] In this way, in this example, the processing unit 9 has a cleaner-less configuration in which the transfer residual toner is collected to the developing device 20 and reused. Due to the cleaner-less configuration of the processing unit 9, there is no need for an installation space for a collection container for collecting the transfer residual toner, and the image forming apparatus 100 can be further miniaturized, and due to the reuse of the transfer residual toner, the printing cost can be reduced.

[0080] Configuration of developer container and toner pack

[0081] Next, the configurations of the developer container 8 and the toner pack 40 as a replenishing container are described. Figure 2A is a perspective view illustrating the developer container 8 and the toner pack 40, and Figure 2B 1 is a front view illustrating the developer container 8 and the toner package 40 . Figure 3A It is along Figure 2B A cross-sectional view taken along line 40A-40A in FIG. Figure 3B It is along Figure 2B A cross-sectional view taken along line 40B-40B in FIG.

[0082] like Figure 2A and 2B as well as Figure 3A and 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the developer container 8 has a housing chamber 8 a in which the stirring member 7 is disposed, and the housing chamber 8 a as a housing unit for housing the developer therein is oriented in the longitudinal direction ( Figure 2B In addition, the accommodating chamber 8a is integrally configured with a frame that rotatably supports the developing roller 4 and the supply roller 5, and accommodates the developer (toner) to be carried by the developing roller 4. In addition, the developer container 8 has a base 37 that exists at one end of the accommodating chamber 8a in the longitudinal direction, and a mounting portion 57 is provided at the base 37. At the upper end portion (distal end portion) of the base 37, a mounting portion 57 is provided to which the toner pack 40 can be mounted. In the mounting portion 57, a supply port 32a for supplying the developer from the toner pack 40 to the accommodating chamber 8a is formed. The toner pack 40 can be mounted to the mounting portion 57 while being exposed to the outside of the device.

[0083] The developer container 8 is configured so that the toner supplied from the supply port 32a reaches the stirring member 7 only by its weight. The phrase "only by its weight" as used herein means that although no member (transport member) that moves or slides to transport the toner is provided between the supply port 32a in the developer container 8 and the stirring member 7, the toner reaches the stirring member 7 by its weight. In the developer container 8, the stirring member 7 is a rotating body closest to the supply port 32a, and is disposed so that the toner in the accommodation chamber 8a reaches the developing roller 4 or the supply roller 5 when the stirring member 7 rotates.

[0084] The grip portion 39 has a handle portion 39a that can be gripped by a user by hooking with fingers, and the handle portion 39a is formed to protrude upward from the top surface of the grip portion 39. The base 37 is formed to be hollow inside, and a replenishing port 32a is formed at its top surface. The replenishing port 32a can be connected to the toner pack 40.

[0085] The toner pack 40 is detachably attached to the mounting portion 57 of the base 37. In addition, the toner pack 40 has an openable / closable shutter member 41 provided at the opening, and a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) protrusions 42 formed corresponding to a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) groove portions 32b formed in the mounting portion 57. In order to replenish the developer container 8 with toner, the user positions the protrusion 42 of the toner pack 40 so as to pass through the groove portion 32b of the mounting portion 57, thereby connecting the toner pack 40 to the mounting portion 57. Then, by rotating the toner pack 40 180 degrees in this state, the shutter member 41 of the toner pack 40 contacts a contact portion (not shown) of the mounting portion 57, and is rotated relative to the main body of the toner pack 40 so that the shutter member 41 is opened. In this way, the toner contained in the toner pack 40 drops from the toner pack 40, and the dropped toner enters the hollow-shaped base 37 through the supply port 32a. Note that a shutter member 41 may be provided on the supply port 32a side.

[0086] The base 37 has an inclined surface 37a at a position opposite to the opening of the supply port 32a, and the inclined surface 37a is inclined downward toward the accommodation chamber 8a. Therefore, the toner supplied from the supply port 32a is guided to the accommodation chamber 8a through the inclined surface 37a. Figure 3A and 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the stirring member 7 has a stirring shaft 7a extending in the longitudinal direction, and a blade portion 7b fixed to the stirring shaft 7a and extending to the outside of the stirring shaft 7a in its radial direction. The blade portion 7b is a flexible sheet. The stirring member 7 rotates around the stirring shaft 7a.

[0087] The toner replenished from the replenishment port 32a disposed on the upstream side of the stirring member 7 in the conveying direction is sent toward the developing roller 4 and the supplying roller 5 along with the rotation of the stirring member 7. The conveying direction of the stirring member 7 is a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the developer container 8. The replenishment port 32a and the base 37 are disposed at one end of the developer container 8 in the longitudinal direction, and when the rotation of the stirring member 7 is repeated, the toner is dispersed over the entire length of the developer container 8. Note that in the present embodiment, the stirring member 7 is configured by the stirring shaft 7a and the blade unit 7b, but a spiral-shaped stirring shaft may be used as a configuration for dispersing the toner over the entire length of the developer container 8.

[0088] In this embodiment, the replenishing container is configured by a toner bag 40 made of a deformable plastic bag. Figure 4 and Figure 5A As shown in, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the toner pack may be configured by a bottle container 40B having a substantially conical shape, such as Figure 5B As shown in the first modification, and can be configured by a paper container 40C made of paper, such as Figure 5C As shown in the second modification in . In any case, the material and shape of the toner pack are not limited. As a method for discharging the toner from the toner pack, it is appropriate for the user to squeeze the toner pack 40 or the paper container 40C with fingers, and it is appropriate for the user to vibrate the bottle container 40B such as patting to make the toner fall. In order to discharge the toner from the bottle container 40B, a discharge mechanism may be provided in the bottle container 40B. In addition, the discharge mechanism may be configured to receive a driving force when engaged with the device body M.

[0089] Furthermore, in any type of toner pack, the shutter member 41 may be omitted, or a sliding type shutter member may be applied instead of the rotating type shutter member 41. The shutter member 41 may be configured to be broken when the toner pack is mounted to the supply port 32a or the toner pack is rotated in the mounted state, or may have a removable cover structure such as a seal.

[0090] Method for detecting remaining amount of toner

[0091] Next, refer to Fig. 6A and 6B as well as Figure 8 A method for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the developer container 8 is described below. Fig. 6A and 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , in the developer container 8 in the present embodiment, a toner remaining amount sensor 51 (detecting member) for detecting remaining amount information corresponding to the remaining amount of toner in the developer container 8 is disposed. Fig. 6Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a developer container in a state where the remaining amount of toner is small, and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a developer container in a state where the remaining amount of toner is large.

[0092] The toner remaining amount sensor 51 has a light emitting portion 51 a and a light receiving portion 51 b . Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the toner remaining amount sensor 51, and Fig. 6A Schematic diagram of the toner remaining amount sensor as seen in the direction of arrow B. Figure 7B is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of the remaining toner amount sensor 51 .

[0093] exist Figures 7A to 7B In the embodiment, an LED is used for the light emitting portion 51a, and a phototransistor which becomes an ON state by light from the LED is used for the light receiving portion 52b, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp may be applied to the light emitting portion 51a, and a photodiode or an avalanche photodiode may be applied to the light receiving portion 51b. Note that in Figure 7B In the embodiment, a switch (not shown) is provided between the light emitting portion 51a and the power supply voltage Vcc, and when the switch is turned to the ON state, the voltage from the power supply voltage Vcc is applied to the light emitting portion 51a, and the light emitting portion 51a becomes the conducting state. On the other hand, a switch (not shown) is also provided between the light receiving portion 51b and the power supply voltage Vcc, and when the switch is turned to the ON state, the light receiving portion 51b becomes the conducting state by the current corresponding to the detected light amount.

[0094] The power supply voltage Vcc and the current limiting resistor R1 are connected to the light emitting portion 51a, and the light emitting portion 51a emits light by the current determined by the current limiting resistor R1. The light emitted from the light emitting portion 51a passes through the optical path Q1, as shown in FIG. Fig. 7A , and is received by the light receiving portion 51b. The light receiving portion 51b has a collector terminal connected to the power supply voltage Vcc and an emitter terminal connected to the detection resistor R2. The light receiving portion 51b, which is a phototransistor, receives the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51a and outputs a signal (current) corresponding to the amount of light received. This signal is converted into a voltage V1 by the detection resistor R2 and is input to the control unit 90 (see Fig.9A ) in the A / D conversion unit 95.

[0095] The control unit 90 (CPU 91) determines whether the light receiving portion 51b has received light from the light emitting portion 51a based on the input voltage level. The control unit 90 (CPU 91) calculates the amount of toner (developer amount) in the developer container 8 based on the length of the time period during which the light receiving portion 51b detects each light and the intensity of the received light when the toner in the developer container 8 is stirred for a given time by the stirring member 7. Specifically, the ROM 93 has previously stored therein a table that can output the remaining amount of toner from the light receiving time and light intensity obtained when the stirring member 7 conveys the toner, and the control unit 90 predicts / calculates the remaining amount of toner based on the input to the A / D conversion unit 95 and the table.

[0096] More specifically, from Fig. 6A and 6B When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the stirring member 7 shown in , the optical path Q1 of the toner remaining amount sensor 51 is set to intersect with the rotation trajectory T of the stirring member 7. Then, the time period during which the toner conveyed by the stirring member 7 blocks the optical path Q1 during one rotation of the stirring member 7, that is, the time during which the light receiving portion 51b does not detect the light from the light emitting portion 51a, changes depending on the remaining amount of the toner. The received light intensity in the light receiving portion 51b also changes depending on the remaining amount of the toner.

[0097] In other words, when the remaining amount of toner is small Fig. 6A In the case where the remaining amount of toner is large, the time period during which the optical path Q1 is blocked by the toner is reduced and thus the time period during which the light receiving portion 51b receives light is increased, and the intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion 51b is increased. Figure 6B , the time period during which the light receiving portion 51b receives light is reduced, and the intensity of the light received by the light receiving portion 51b is reduced. Therefore, the control unit 90 can determine the remaining toner level based on the light receiving time or the received light intensity of the light receiving portion 51b in this way. As an example, Figure 8 The relationship between the light receiving time t[sec] and the remaining amount of the toner T[g] is illustrated. In the "normal mode" (first mode) which is a mode used by a normal user, when the control unit 90 detects that the remaining amount of the toner is B[g], the control unit 90 determines that the state of the remaining amount of the toner is low, and displays low on the toner remaining amount panel.

[0098] Note that the method for detecting / estimating the remaining amount of toner is not limited to the above referenced method. Fig. 6A and 6BThe method for detecting the optical remaining amount of the colorant is described, and various publicly known types of methods for detecting / estimating the remaining amount of the colorant may be adopted. For example, two or more metal plates or conductive resin sheets extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller may be disposed on the inner wall of the developer container 8 as a frame, and the electrostatic capacitance between the two metal plates or conductive resin sheets may be measured to detect / estimate the remaining amount of the colorant. Alternatively, a load sensor may be provided to support the developing device 30 from below, and the CPU 91 may calculate the remaining amount of the colorant by subtracting the weight of the developing device 20 with the toner empty from the weight measured by the load sensor. In addition, in the present example, the remaining amount of the colorant is detected by a single sensor of the optical toner remaining amount detection type, but the remaining amount of the colorant may be detected by a plurality of sensors.

[0099] The method for detecting the remaining amount of toner has been described above, but the remaining amount of toner can be determined by calculating the toner consumption amount from the pixel count described later and subtracting the consumption amount. In particular, the remaining amount of toner in the initial state corresponds to the toner loading amount at the time of factory shipment, and the remaining amount of toner is clear, so the method of estimating the remaining amount of toner by using the pixel count relative to the initial remaining amount of toner can expect high accuracy at least until the first toner replenishment.

[0100] Method for detecting print percentage

[0101] As a method for detecting the print percentage in the present embodiment, a measuring means (pixel counting) is used which can count the number of pixels emitting light from the scanner unit 10. The means for detecting the print percentage may be configured by the control unit 90, or may be provided separately from the control unit 90. The pixel counting is counting individual image signals of image dots forming an image to be formed. Fig. 9B An example in which the printing percentage detecting section is configured by the control unit 90 is illustrated. Fig. 9B Each block shown in the control unit in is configured by a program module and functions according to program instructions. The image data acquisition unit 98a acquires image data to be printed. The pixel counting unit 98b performs the above-mentioned pixel counting. Then, the printing percentage detection unit 98c detects the printing percentage based on the pixel count value.

[0102] As the amount of toner required for developing the image, the control unit 90 estimates the toner consumption x [%] used for printing one sheet from the number of pixels emitting light from the scanner unit 10. Specifically, when a pure black image is formed on the entire image forming area (letter size) on the recording material P, the printing percentage is 100%, and when no toner image is formed on the recording material P at all, the printing percentage is 0%.

[0103] Note that in this example, a printing percentage detection system using pixel count is used as a means for detecting the printing percentage, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the printing percentage can be detected from the detection result of the weight of the developer container at the previous toner replenishment timing, the detection result of the current weight of the developer container, and the number of sheets that have passed between these timings.

[0104] Control system in image forming apparatus

[0105] Fig.9A 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control system in the image forming apparatus 100. A control unit 90 as a control section of the image forming apparatus 100 has a CPU 91 as an arithmetic device, a RAM 92 used as a work area of ​​the CPU 91, and a ROM 93 in which various programs are stored. Furthermore, the control unit 90 has an I / O interface 94 as an input / output port to be connected to an external device, and an A / D conversion unit 95 for converting an analog signal into a digital signal.

[0106] On the input side of the control unit 90, the toner remaining amount sensor 51 and the mounting sensor 53 are connected, and the mounting sensor 53 detects that the toner pack 40 is mounted to the supply port 32a of the developer container 8. For example, the mounting sensor 53 is configured by a pressure-sensitive switch that is provided at the supply port 32a and outputs a detection signal when pressed by the protrusion 42 of the toner pack 40.

[0107] In addition, the control unit 90 is connected to the operation unit 300, the image forming unit 60, and the colorant remaining amount panel 400 as a notification unit capable of notifying information about the remaining amount of the colorant, and the operation unit 300 has a display unit 301 and physical keys (buttons 302) capable of displaying various setting screens. Note that the button UI on the panel can be used instead of the physical keys. The display unit 301 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The image forming unit 60 has a motor M1 as a driving source for driving the photosensitive drum 1, the developing roller 4, the supply roller 5, and the stirring member 7. Note that the photosensitive drum 1, the developing roller 4, the supply roller 5, and the stirring member 7 can be driven by different motors.

[0108] like Figures 10A to 10CAs shown in , the colorant remaining amount panel 400 is provided at a part of the housing of the device body M of the image forming device 100. The colorant remaining amount panel 400 displays information about the remaining amount of the colorant in the developer container 8. In the present embodiment, the colorant remaining amount panel 400 is a panel member including marks 400a to 400c as a plurality of (in this case, three) indicators arranged side by side in the up and down direction. The mark 400a corresponds to the full (Full) level of the remaining amount of the colorant (the first state in which the remaining amount is large). The mark 400b corresponds to the middle (Mid) level (the second state in which the remaining amount is medium). The mark 400c corresponds to the low (Low) level (the third state in which the remaining amount is small). Fig. 10A : is a perspective view illustrating the toner remaining amount panel 400 (third notification) when the remaining amount of toner is at a low level. Fig. 10B It is a perspective view of the toner remaining amount panel (second notification) when the remaining amount of toner is at an intermediate level. Fig. 10C : is a perspective view of the toner remaining amount panel 400 (first notification) when the remaining amount of toner is at a full level.

[0109] Specifically, Fig. 10A As shown in FIG. 1 , when only the lower mark is turned on in the normal mode, the remaining amount of the toner of the developer container 8 indicates a low level. Fig. 10B As shown in FIG. 1 , when the lower and middle marks are turned on and the upper mark is turned off, the remaining amount of toner in the developer container 8 indicates an intermediate level. Fig. 10C As shown in , all three flags are turned on, and the remaining amount of toner in the developer container 8 indicates a full level. Fig. 10A The indication (notification) shown in corresponds to an indication (low level indication or toner empty indication) when the remaining amount of toner is the largest among the indication forms (notification forms) that the toner remaining amount panel 400 can display. Fig. 10A The indication shown in enables the user to recognize that toner needs to be replenished.

[0110] Furthermore, in the low consumption support mode (second mode) for use by a user assuming that toner consumption is small, the indications of the marks 400a to 400c may be performed in an order different from that in the normal mode (first mode). For example, as the consumption of the developer progresses, the indications may be performed from Fig. 10C The full level shown in the Fig. 10A The low level shown in Fig. 10Bstate. The remaining colorant amount at the switching timing from the full level to the low level in the low consumption support mode is the same as the remaining colorant amount at the switching timing from the full level to the middle level in the normal mode. Therefore, in the low consumption support mode, the low level is indicated in the state where a larger amount of toner remains than in the normal mode. In other words, the user is prompted to replenish the toner earlier than in the normal mode, so that the ratio of the newly replenished toner to the toner in the developer container 8 after the replenishment (the newly replenished developer ratio) becomes smaller than that in the normal mode. Therefore, the toner is replenished at an earlier timing, so that the progression of toner deterioration caused by the repetition of friction of the same toner can be reduced. Note that if the timing (the remaining amount of toner) for indicating the low level in the low consumption support mode is earlier than the timing for indicating the low level in the normal mode, then the effect of prompting the user to replenish the toner earlier can be obtained.

[0111] In addition, other variations may be provided for the marks 400a to 400c as indicators in the low consumption support mode. For example, as a variation, the initial state in the low consumption mode may be set to Fig. 10B The indication may change to an intermediate level as the developer is consumed. Fig. 10C As another variation, the indication may increase from 0 to 1 as the developer is consumed. Fig. 10C The full level shown in the figure changes to Fig. 10B The intermediate level shown in Fig. 10C In this case, in low consumption mode Fig. 10B In any case, in the low consumption mode, the user is notified earlier than in the normal mode that toner replenishment is required.

[0112] Toner replenishment process

[0113] Next, a toner replenishing process in which the user replenishes the developer container 8 with the toner in the toner pack 40 will be described. Fig.11 As shown in the flowchart in , when the toner replenishment process starts, the control unit 90 determines whether a replenishment operation start instruction has been made (step S1). In the present embodiment, the replenishment operation start instruction is an operation by the user using the operation unit 300. Specifically, when the user operates the operation unit 300 in a state where a message prompting the operation of the button 302 is displayed on the display unit 301 and pushes and operates the button 302, the replenishment operation start instruction is output.

[0114] Note that the replenishment operation start instruction is not limited to the push operation of the button 302, and the replenishment operation start instruction may be output in response to a touch operation on the display unit 301 or when the installation sensor 53 detects that the toner pack 40 is installed to the replenishment port 32a. In addition, a sensor for detecting that the shutter member 41 of the toner pack 40 is opened may be provided, and the replenishment operation start instruction may be output based on the detection result of the sensor. In addition, the replenishment operation may be started in response to an operation input from an external device such as a PC or a workstation.

[0115] When it is determined that the replenishment operation start instruction has been made ("Yes" in step S1), the control unit 90 initializes the parameters of the timers T1 and T2 described later to initial values ​​(e.g., zero) and starts the timers T1 and T2 (step S2). Then, the control unit 90 drives the motor M1 (step S3) to rotate the stirring member 7.

[0116] Next, the control unit 90 executes a toner remaining amount detection process (step S4). Fig.12 The flow of the subroutine in describes the toner remaining amount detection processing. First, the control unit 90 controls the light emitting portion 51a in the toner remaining amount sensor 51 to emit light (step S41). Then, the control unit 90 controls the A / D conversion unit 95 to convert the voltage V1 output by the light receiving portion 51b in the toner remaining amount sensor 51 into a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as "A / D conversion value" (step S42). Note that, in order to improve the calculation accuracy, it is also preferred that the processing in steps S41 and S42 is repeated multiple times (for example, five times) and the average value is calculated and output as the A / D conversion value.

[0117] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the A / D conversion value of the voltage V1 indicates that the light in the optical path Q1 is blocked (step S43). Whether the light in the optical path Q1 is blocked is determined by whether the light receiving time t drops below a threshold value. Note that the determination as to whether the light in the optical path Q1 is blocked can be based on whether the A / D conversion value exceeds a threshold value. When the A / D conversion value indicates that the light in the optical path Q1 is blocked ("Yes" in step S43), the control unit 90 controls the colorant remaining amount panel 400 to indicate that the remaining amount of the colorant is a full level (step S44). Specifically, as Fig. 10C As shown in FIG. 4 , all three marks of the toner remaining amount panel 400 are turned on.

[0118] On the other hand, when the A / D conversion value of the voltage V1 does not indicate that the light in the optical path Q1 is blocked ("No" in step S43), the control unit 90 calculates the remaining amount information about the toner in the developer container 8 based on the A / D conversion value of the voltage V1 (step S45). Then, the control unit 90 controls the toner remaining amount panel 400 to indicate that the remaining amount of the toner is a low level or an intermediate level based on the calculated remaining amount information about the toner (step S46). When step S44 or step S46 is completed, the toner remaining amount detection process is completed. Specifically, the toner remaining amount sensor 51 as a detection component outputs the remaining amount information corresponding to the amount of developer that has been accommodated in the developer container 8 during the operation of the stirring member 7.

[0119] Description Reference Fig.11 Continue. The control unit 90 determines whether the timer T1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α (step S5). The threshold value α is a preset value and corresponds to the driving time of the motor M1 and the stirring member 7 in the colorant replenishment process. When the timer T1 is less than the threshold value α ("No" in step S5), the process returns to step S4 and the remaining amount detection process is performed again. When the timer T1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α ("Yes" in step S5), the control unit 90 stops the driving of the motor M1 (step S6) and completes the colorant replenishment process. For example, when the threshold value α is set to 60 seconds, the time period from step S3 where the driving of the motor M1 starts to step S8 where the motor M1 stops is 60 seconds.

[0120] Figures 14A to 14C The movement of toner during toner replenishment is illustrated in FIG. Figures 14A to 14C The cross-sectional diagram in the figure indicates the Figure 3A and 3B A cross section taken along line 16A-16A in FIG. Fig.14A The figure shows a state where the toner pack 40 is installed in the supply port. Fig. 14B The figure shows a state where the toner starts to fall from the toner pack 40, and Fig. 14C The figure shows a state in which all the toner in the toner pack 40 has been replenished.

[0121] In the above-mentioned toner replenishing process, when the toner falls from the toner pack 40 into the developer container 8, as shown in FIG. Fig.14A As shown in FIG. 3 , the toner enters the accommodating chamber 8a through the base 37. The supply port 32a and the base 37 are disposed at one end portion of the developer container 8 in the longitudinal direction, and thus the toner is supplied to the accommodating chamber 8a intensively on one end portion side.

[0122] Consider a case where the stirring member 7 does not rotate when the toner is supplied to the accommodation chamber 8a. When the toner is dropped from the toner pack 40 into the developer container 8, if the stirring member 7 does not rotate in the accommodation chamber 8a for accommodating the toner therein, the dropped toner takes time to be dispersed over the longitudinal extent of the photosensitive drum 1. If the time increases, the user who performs the toner replenishment work takes time to confirm that the toner has been replenished in the accommodation chamber 8a, which reduces the usability.

[0123] In view of the above, in the present embodiment, in the toner replenishment process, the stirring member 7 is driven for a predetermined time (threshold value α) from the start of replenishment. Fig. 14B and 14C As shown in FIG. 1 , the toner supplied from the toner pack 40 to one end of the developer container 8 is uniformed earlier by the stirring member 7 over the entire length of the accommodation chamber 8a of the developer container 8 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the time period for the user to confirm that the toner has been replenished is shortened, which can improve usability. The toner accommodated in the developer container 8 is uniformed, so the accuracy of the detection of the remaining amount information about the toner by the toner remaining amount sensor 51 can be improved.

[0124] Then, during the toner replenishment process, the toner remaining amount sensor 51 detects information on the remaining amount of toner in the developer container 8 at predetermined intervals. Fig. 10A As shown in FIG. 4 , in a state where the toner remaining amount panel 400 indicates that the remaining amount of toner is at a low level, the user replenishes the developer container 8 with toner from the toner pack 40 .

[0125] Then, on the toner remaining amount panel 400, Fig. 10B After the remaining amount of the toner indicated in FIG. 1 is at an intermediate level, the remaining toner amount panel 400 is displayed as shown in FIG. Fig. 10C The remaining amount of the toner indicated in FIG. 8 is a full level. In this way, the user can reliably recognize that the developer container 8 has been replenished with toner from the toner pack 40, which can improve usability.

[0126] In some cases, a sensor may be deployed directly below the feed port 32a. In such a case, Fig. 14B As shown in , the replenished toner may deviate to the left side, and it takes time until the toner agent surface is uniformed in the entire longitudinal range of the photosensitive drum 1. In order to detect an accurate toner replenishment state, the toner agent surface needs to be uniformed in the entire longitudinal range of the photosensitive drum 1. However, in such a case, in this example, due to the rotation of the stirring member 7 during the replenishment of the toner, the toner agent surface is uniformed in the entire longitudinal range of the photosensitive drum 1 in a short period of time, which can improve usability.

[0127] Example 2

[0128] Also in this example, as the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100, in addition to the normal mode, a low consumption support mode assuming the use of a user with small toner consumption is prepared. In this case, in both the normal mode and the low consumption support mode, the Fig. 10C Full level indication in Fig. 10B The intermediate level indicator and Fig. 10C The notification is performed in the order of the low level indication in the control panel 400. Then, in the low consumption support mode, at a time point when the remaining amount of the toner is greater than A[g] of the normal mode, an indication of a low state is given to prompt the user to replenish the toner. On the other hand, in the normal mode, when the remaining amount of the toner reaches B[g], the indication on the toner remaining amount panel 400 switches to low to prompt the toner replenishment. In this case, A>B holds. In other words, when the remaining amount of the toner indicating a low level in the normal mode is referred to as a "first remaining amount" and the remaining amount of the toner indicating a low level in the low consumption mode is referred to as a "second remaining amount", the second remaining amount is greater than the first remaining amount. Therefore, in the low consumption mode, in a state where a larger amount of toner remains than in the normal mode, the user is prompted to replenish the toner.

[0129] Fig.15A and 15B The relationship between the number of prints P [sheets] and the remaining amount of toner T [g] in the normal mode and the low consumption support mode is illustrated respectively. The downward black triangles (Pn, Pw) indicate the toner replenishment timing. In the new developer container 8, T0 [g] of toner is contained, and the remaining amount of toner gradually decreases as the number of prints increases.

[0130] In the case of the normal mode, when the remaining amount of the toner reaches B[g], the indication on the remaining amount of the toner panel 400 switches to low to prompt the toner to be replenished. When the toner is replenished, the remaining amount of the toner increases to T0[g] again, and decreases again. Thereafter, consumption and replenishment are repeated. On the other hand, in the case of the low consumption support mode, at the time point when the remaining amount of the toner reaches A[g], the indication on the remaining amount of the toner panel 400 switches to low to prompt the toner to be replenished. When the toner is replenished, the remaining amount of the toner becomes greater than T0[g], and thereafter, consumption and replenishment are repeated.

[0131] As shown in Table 1, the relationship between the remaining amount of toner and the toner remaining amount panel 400 changes in the mode. Whether the user uses the low consumption support mode or the normal mode can be determined by the user himself / herself from the Fig.13 or the Printer Settings screen on a personal computer connected to the printer.

[0132] Table 1 indicates the relationship between the remaining toner amount T and the remaining toner amount panel in each mode (in this table, A>B).

[0133] [Table 1]

[0134]

[0135] As used herein, use with small toner consumption means that toner consumption is small relative to the number of prints and the number of rotations of the developing roller 4. For example, a user who frequently prints small-sized paper such as A5 size uses paper with a smaller printing area than a user who uses standard A4 paper, and thus the amount of toner consumption per sheet tends to be small. Even among users of A4 paper, users who continuously print images with an extremely low printing percentage (e.g., answer sections in tests and questionnaires) correspond to users with small toner consumption.

[0136] Evaluation Methodology

[0137] In this example, the durability test is performed in two modes of the normal mode and the low consumption support mode, and the number of prints in which image fogging due to toner deterioration occurs is evaluated. In the case of the normal mode, the durability test is performed on an image with a print percentage of 2.5% of A4 paper. Toner is replenished at a timing when it is determined that the remaining amount of toner is low. The durability is continued until 50,000 (50k) sheets corresponding to the normal life of the main body are printed, and the presence / absence of the occurrence of fogging is checked.

[0138] In the case of low consumption support mode, a durability test is performed on an image with a print percentage of 2.5% for A5 paper. The print percentage is 1.25% in accordance with A4 paper. In this example, the print percentage converted with reference to the A4 size is defined as "print percentage". Because the paper size is half the size of A4 paper, the amount of toner consumed is half when the print percentage is the same. Toner is replenished at a fixed time when it is determined that the remaining amount of toner is low. The durability continues until 50,000 prints corresponding to the normal life of the main body, and the presence / absence of the occurrence of fogging is checked. The evaluation is performed in an environment with a temperature of 15°C and a humidity of 10%.

[0139] The fogging is measured by using a reflection densitometer (green filter model TC-MOR-45, manufactured by TokyoDenshoku.co., Ltd.) to measure the reflectivity (%). As a determination criterion for the toner fogging, it is determined as × (fogging occurs) when fogging with a reflectivity of 5% or more occurs on the paper during durability, and is determined as ○ (no fogging) in other cases. In the measurement of the fogging, Post-it (registered trademark) is attached to a part of the sheet to be printed, and ordinary image formation is performed and the sheet is output. Then, the reflectivity at the part of the output sheet where the attached Post-it is removed is used as the reference reflectivity of the paper itself, and the fogging is measured. The reflectivity differs depending on the measurement part, so the measurement is performed on a sufficient number of multiple parts, and the difference between the measured value at the part with the smallest value and the measured value (reference reflectivity) at the part where the Post-it is attached is calculated as the fogging value. A smaller value of the measured fogging value indicates a smaller amount of fogging, which means that the image quality is satisfactory.

[0140] The results are shown in Table 2. In this example, in both the A4 paper durability performed in the normal durability mode and the A5 paper durability performed in the low consumption support mode, 50k sheets of printing corresponding to the life of the main body were achieved without causing fogging with a reflectivity of 5% or more. In addition, in the A4 paper durability and in the A5 paper durability, the number of prints until the first toner replenishment notification was 6500, which exceeded 5000 as the expected number of prints.

[0141] Table 2 indicates the durability evaluation results in Examples and Comparative Examples.

[0142] [Table 2]

[0143]

[0144]

[0145] Comparative Example 1

[0146] In Comparative Example 1, both A4 paper durability and A5 paper durability were performed in the normal mode. Other conditions were all the same as in Example 1. The results are added in Table 2.

[0147] In Comparative Example 1, in A4 paper durability, fogging did not occur and the life of the main body was reached, but in A5 paper durability, fogging with a reflectivity of 5% or more occurred at 12,000 prints before reaching the first toner replenishment. The durability evaluation was ended at this point in time.

[0148] Comparative Example 2

[0149] In Comparative Example 2, both A4 paper durability and A5 paper durability were performed in the low consumption support mode. The results are added in Table 2. In both cases, the number of prints reached 50k corresponding to the life of the main body without causing fogging with a reflectivity of 5% or more. However, in the normal durability of A4 paper, the number of prints until the first toner replenishment notification was 3500, which was less than 5000 as the expected number of prints.

[0150] Discuss the above results. Consider the friction and degradation of the toner in the developing device 20. The toner on the developing roller 4 that has been rubbed by the developing blade 6 and has not yet been developed at the developing portion N3 is peeled off once by the supply roller 5 and collected in the developer container 8. On the other hand, in contrast, another toner is supplied to the developing roller 4 by the supply roller 5, and the toner is coated on the developing roller 4 while being rubbed and charged by the developing blade 6.

[0151] In the case of A4 paper durability, the amount of toner consumed per sheet is greater than that in the A5 paper durability, and the ratio of toner that has been rubbed once by the developing blade 6 to be developed onto the photosensitive drum 1 and discharged to the outside from the developing device 20 is greater than that in the A5 paper durability. On the other hand, in the case of A5 paper durability, the amount of toner consumed per sheet is small, so most of the toner on the rubbed developing roller 4 is not consumed. The toner is peeled off from the developing roller 4 by the supply roller 5, but remains in the developer container 8. Thereafter, as the durability progresses, the operation in which the toner that has been rubbed once is again supplied to the developing roller 4 by the supply roller 5, rubbed by the developing blade 6, and peeled off by the collecting roller is repeated. As a result, compared with the normal durability of A4, toner degradation progresses faster relative to the number of prints. In particular, at the timing when the amount of toner in the developer container 8 is reduced and immediately before new toner is replenished, toner deteriorates the most and the risk of fogging increases. On the contrary, if the amount of toner in the developer container 8 is large, the toner that has been rubbed once is applied to the developing roller 4 again and the probability of rubbing is reduced, thereby suppressing the progress of deterioration, which is advantageous.

[0152] As used herein, toner degradation refers to a state in which the toner is deformed due to friction load or an external additive is embedded in the toner matrix so that the toner loses its function and loses the fluidity and charging performance of the toner or the adhesion to each member increases. When the toner degradation progresses, the amount of charge of the toner decreases (or the charging polarity is reversed), and the force of controlling the toner by the electric field decreases. In addition, when the toner degradation progresses, the adhesion of the toner to the photosensitive drum 1 increases, so the toner adheres to the part of the photosensitive drum where the latent image has not yet been formed, which causes the occurrence of fogging. The toner with increased adhesion tends to adhere to the charging roller 2, which reduces the charging performance of the charging roller 2 and reduces the potential of the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. This also increases the risk of the occurrence of fogging.

[0153] In Example 2, in the durability of A5 paper in which toner degradation is prone to proceed, the durability is performed in the low consumption support mode, so new toner is replenished in a state where the remaining amount of toner in the developer container 8 is large (that is, a state before the degree of toner degradation becomes too large). In this way, by controlling the degree of toner degradation in the developer container 8 to be not equal to or greater than a given value, toner atomization can be suppressed. In addition, the overall toner amount is large after toner replenishment, so the probability that the same toner continuously receives a friction load on the developing roller 4 is reduced, and the progress of toner degradation is slowed down. In addition, the amount of toner consumption is small, so the number of prints until the first replenishment can be ensured.

[0154] On the other hand, in Example 1, in the A4 paper durability with large toner consumption, toner degradation with a remaining toner amount of B [g] in the normal mode is within a tolerable range, and the number of prints until the first replenishment can be ensured.

[0155] The A5 paper durability in Comparative Example 1 was performed in the normal mode, so the number of toner frictions increased and toner degradation progressed, and thus fogging due to toner degradation occurred before the remaining toner amount reached B [g] (before the first replenishment).

[0156] In Comparative Example 2, both durability tests were performed in the low consumption support mode, so fogging due to toner deterioration did not occur. However, toner was replenished at a point in time when the remaining amount of toner was greater than A[g] of the normal mode, so the number of prints until the first toner replenishment was as small as 3500. As a method for solving this problem, a method of increasing the toner loading amount to be greater than the current T0[g] from the beginning can be conceived, however, this increases the cost of the entire device.

[0157] From the above results, it is considered that the form in the example in which both A4 durability and A5 durability can be supported by the necessary and sufficient amount of toner and can print substantially the same predetermined number of sheets is superior. Therefore, it is found that only in Example 1 in which two modes of normal mode and low consumption mode are provided and switched depending on the durability condition, fogging due to toner degradation does not occur, and the desired number of sheets can be printed. In other words, in the present invention, in a printing mode with a low printing percentage, the indication on the toner remaining amount panel 400 can be changed to prompt replenishment at an appropriate timing. As a result, toner degradation can be reduced to reduce the occurrence of adverse effects on the image such as toner fogging caused by toner degradation.

[0158] Example 3

[0159] In the examples mentioned above, an example in which the user selects the normal mode or the low consumption mode by himself / herself has been described. In this example, an example in which the device automatically determines whether the normal mode or the low consumption mode is appropriate and switches the mode is described. Note that the description of the configuration and operation common to Example 1 is omitted.

[0160] In this example, the operation mode is determined using the average of the print percentages of images printed by the user from the initial state. As the print percentage, the print percentage according to A4 paper is used. In other words, the print percentage of A5 paper is 2.5%, which is 1.25% according to A4 paper.

[0161] Fig.16 A determination flowchart is illustrated. When the printing operation is started (step S81) and the number of prints exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit 90 calculates the average print percentage of past printing (step S82). The average print percentage is generally calculated by calculating the average of the print percentages at the time point when a predetermined number of sheets are printed. Note that in the case where toner is replenished after printing with a high print percentage continues, and then the image with a low print percentage continues to be printed, the probability that the average print percentage is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold is low. Also in such a case, control that enables setting to a low consumption support mode can be performed. For example, when the previous average print percentage exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 10%), a method of always resetting the average print percentage can be adopted, or a method of calculating the average print percentage without using a print percentage exceeding a predetermined value but using a small print percentage can be adopted.

[0162] From the start of using the device until the determination process described later, the operation mode is controlled to the normal mode. Next, the control unit 90 detects the remaining amount of the toner by using the remaining toner sensor 51 using the same method as in Example 1, and inputs the output voltage V1 to the A / D conversion unit 95 and calculates the remaining amount of the toner based on the input value and the table (step S83).

[0163] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the remaining amount of the toner is equal to or less than A+α[g] (step S84). In this case, the situation that "the remaining amount of the toner is A+α[g]" indicates that the current remaining amount of the toner is slightly larger than the remaining amount of the toner A[g] (which is the determination criterion in the low consumption support mode mentioned above). α[g] can be determined appropriately and is, for example, several grams (unit of grams). When the remaining amount of the toner is larger than A+α[g], the flow returns to the first step without changing the mode ("Yes" in S84).

[0164] On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than A+α[g] ("No" in S84), the control unit 90 determines whether the average print percentage when the user performs printing is 2% or less (step S85). When the average print percentage is 2% or less ("Yes" in S85), the control unit 90 selects the low consumption support mode (step S86). On the other hand, when the average print percentage is greater than 2% ("No" in S85), the control unit 90 continues the normal mode (step S87). Once the mode is determined, the mode continues until the life of the main body without any change.

[0165] In this example, in this way, the mode can be automatically switched to an appropriate mode without the need for the user to select the mode himself / herself. The durability test was performed similarly to Example 1. In the A4 paper durability test, the durability was performed in the normal mode, and in the A5 paper durability test, the mode was switched from 6000 sheets of printing to the low consumption support mode, and similar to Example 1, the remaining amount panel 400 indicated low at 6500 sheets of printing, and the toner was replenished. The durability test result was the same result as in Example 1.

[0166] In this example, the mode switching determination is performed based on the average printing percentage from the initial state until the remaining amount of toner is A+α. However, for example, the interval of the average printing percentage may be divided by determining the average printing percentage of the first 1000 prints until A+α.

[0167] Furthermore, in this example, the mode once determined is controlled to be the same until the life of the main body, but at a point in time when the remaining amount of toner reaches A+α again after toner replenishment, which of the modes to use can be determined again and the mode can be switched.

[0168] Revise

[0169] As a modification of the mode determination method in this example, you can use Fig.17 The method shown in . Fig.17 1 is a diagram in which the horizontal axis represents the number of prints and the vertical axis represents the remaining amount of toner, and illustrates the transition of the remaining amount of toner during printing. In the present modification, the control unit 90 continuously monitors the relationship between the number of prints and the remaining amount of toner. Then, when the remaining amount of toner corresponding to the number of prints is less than Fig.17 When the predetermined relationship indicated by Cth is large (for example, Fig.17 The control unit 90 determines that the user uses a small amount of toner, and sets the operation mode to the low consumption support mode. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner transitions to a region lower than Cth (for example, Fig.17 Cb), the control unit 90 sets the operation mode to the normal mode. The determination is performed when the remaining amount of the toner is (A+α)[g] or more. Fig.17 In FIG. 5 , the horizontal axis represents the number of prints, but may be the rotation distance of the developing roller 4. The remaining amount of toner may be estimated from the value of the toner remaining amount sensor 51, or may be calculated from the pixel count.

[0170] In addition, the average print percentage is used as the mode determination method in this example, but it is possible to detect whether a larger number of A4 sheets or a larger number of A5 sheets are printed, and when a larger number of A4 sheets are printed, the mode can be switched to the normal mode, and when a larger number of sheets smaller than A4 are printed, the mode can be switched to the low consumption mode. As the detection method, a method in which size information about the medium specified by a user is used, a method in which the paper size is detected from a paper width sensor or a registration sensor provided in a paper conveying path, a method in which the size is detected from a light emission time or a light emission area of ​​the scanner unit 10, or a method in which the size is determined from an image size after image processing can be used.

[0171] Furthermore, in each example, when the user's usage situation has changed, such as when a user who has printed a large amount of A5 paper then prints a large amount of A4 paper, the mode may be switched from the low consumption support mode to the normal mode midway. The opposite situation is possible.

[0172] Furthermore, in each example, two modes of the normal mode and the low consumption support mode are switched, but three or more modes may be provided and switched depending on the printing percentage and the usage status.

[0173] Furthermore, in each example, the remaining amount of toner is detected from the value of the remaining toner amount sensor, but a method may be used in which the toner consumption amount is calculated from the pixel count value and subtracted from the initial toner amount T0 to calculate the remaining amount of toner. As long as the amount replenished from the toner pack is constant even after toner replenishment, the remaining amount of toner can be calculated from the pixel count value, and thus control can be performed based on the calculation result.

[0174] In addition, A[g] in each example can be appropriately set in consideration of the durability of the toner, the assumed printable number of prints, and the initial toner amount T0[g]. Fig.15A and 15B As shown in , Bm is substantially located in the middle between T0 and B, and A[g] is set to a slightly smaller amount than Bm. With this setting, substantially the same number of prints is obtained when printing images with the same print percentage on A4 paper and A5 paper in the normal mode and the low consumption support mode, respectively. This is because the amount of toner consumed by A5 paper is half the amount of toner consumed by A4 paper. However, for A[g] for prompting toner replenishment, Bm=A may be set.

[0175] Furthermore, there may be provided a method in which the user manually specifies a mode as in Example 1 and a method in which the device automatically determines a mode as in Example 2. If determinations in the methods conflict, the user may be made to check on the operation panel, and finally the mode specified by the user may be used.

[0176] Note that the toner remaining amount panel 400 is not limited to a liquid crystal panel, and may be configured by a light source such as an LED or an incandescent lamp and a diffusion lens. Figures 10A to 10C In the example shown in , the toner remaining amount panel 400 has been described as a notification unit indicating the remaining amount of toner, but the configuration is not limited thereto. Fig. 10A The indication in may be an indication that the toner needs to be replenished, Fig. 10B The indication in may be an indication that toner does not need to be replenished, and Fig. 10C The indication in may be an indication that sufficient toner has been replenished.

[0177] Example 4

[0178] In this example, an example is described in which the remaining amount of toner is different between the normal mode and the low consumption support mode when the intermediate level is displayed (second notification). Fig.18A is normal mode and Fig.18BThe figure below is a low consumption support mode, and each diagram shows the relationship between the number of prints P [sheets] and the remaining amount of toner T [g]. The downward black triangles (Pn, Pw) indicate the toner replenishment timing. In a new developer container 8, T0 [g] of toner is contained, and as the number of prints increases, the remaining amount of toner gradually decreases.

[0179] exist Fig.18B In the low consumption support mode in , first, when the remaining amount of toner reaches A[g], the indication on the remaining amount of toner panel 400 switches to the middle. In the low consumption support mode in this example, the toner replenishment is prompted by the indication of the middle level. Therefore, the toner is replenished at the timing Pw1, and the indication switches to the full level.

[0180] In addition, in this example, when the remaining amount of toner becomes T0[g] thereafter, the intermediate level is indicated. Specifically, toner replenishment is prompted at each timing Pw, and when the toner is replenished, the indication switches to the full level. With the configuration in this example, toner replenishment can be prompted at an earlier timing in the low consumption support mode, so that the occurrence of adverse effects on the image due to toner deterioration can be suppressed.

[0181] Revise

[0182] The content of the notification can be changed from Example 2, where the supplementary time is from Fig. 15B No change. For example, when the remaining amount of toner reaches A[g], the indication on the toner remaining amount panel 400 can be set to an intermediate level. In the low consumption support mode in this modification, toner replenishment is prompted by the intermediate level indication. Therefore, toner is replenished at the timing Pw, and the indication switches to the full level.

[0183] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming device, comprising: a housing chamber configured to accommodate a developer therein; Photosensitive drum; a developing roller configured to supply a developer from the containing chamber to a surface of the photosensitive drum; a notification unit configured to notify a user through an indication on the indicator; as well as A control unit, the control unit being configured to control the notification unit, wherein: A supply container is detachably attached, the supply container being configured to supply the developer to the accommodation chamber; The control unit is capable of controlling the image forming device in a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode; The control unit controls the notification unit to make a first notification indicating that the amount of the developer in the accommodation chamber is a first state, a second notification indicating that the amount of the developer is a second state smaller than the amount of the developer in the first state, and a third notification indicating that the amount of the developer is a third state smaller than the amount of the developer in the second state; and The control unit controls the notification unit to make notifications in the order of the first notification, the second notification, and the third notification as consumption of the developer progresses in the first mode, and to make notifications in an order different from that in the first mode in the second mode. 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to make notifications in the second mode in the order of the first notification and the third notification as consumption of the developer progresses. 3 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the third notification is an instruction to prompt a user to replenish developer. 4 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to make notifications in the second mode in the order of the first notification and the second notification as consumption of the developer progresses. 5 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to make notifications in the second mode in the order of the second notification and the third notification as consumption of the developer progresses. 6 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second mode is a mode in which consumption of developer is smaller than that of the first mode. 7 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the second mode is a mode in which a printing percentage in image formation is lower than that in the first mode.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a detection unit for detecting a printing percentage based on image data for forming an image, Whether the image forming apparatus operates in the first mode or the second mode is determined based on an output from the detection component. 9 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the second mode is a mode in which a recording material having a size smaller than that of the first mode is used. 10 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein whether the image forming apparatus operates in the first mode or the second mode is determined based on an instruction from a user.

11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: In the case where the developer is supplied from the supply container to the containing chamber, when the ratio of the developer newly supplied to the containing chamber to the developer existing in the containing chamber is called the newly supplied developer ratio, the newly supplied developer ratio in the first mode is greater than the newly supplied developer ratio in the second mode.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: In the first mode and the second mode, the same amount of developer is replenished by the replenishing container.

13. An image forming device comprising: a housing chamber configured to accommodate a developer therein; Photosensitive drum; a developing roller configured to supply a developer from the containing chamber to a surface of the photosensitive drum; a notification unit configured to notify a user through an indication on the indicator; as well as A control unit, the control unit being configured to control the notification unit, wherein: A supply container is detachably attached, the supply container being configured to supply the developer to the accommodation chamber; The control unit is capable of controlling the image forming device in a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode; The control unit controls the notification unit to make a first notification indicating that the amount of the developer in the accommodation chamber is a first state, a second notification indicating that the amount of the developer is a second state smaller than the amount of the developer in the first state, and a third notification indicating that the amount of the developer is a third state smaller than the amount of the developer in the second state; and The control unit controls the notification unit to make the second notification when the remaining amount of developer becomes a first remaining amount in the first mode, and to make the second notification when the remaining amount of developer becomes a second remaining amount greater than the first remaining amount in the second mode.

Images