Image forming device and method, electronic equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses an image forming device and method, electronic equipment and a storage medium, and relates to the technical field of image forming. The device at least comprises a control unit which is used for independently judging whether the rotating direction of each powder supply motor is consistent with the last rotating direction of the powder supply motor or not when each powder supply motor operates in the positive direction or the negative direction and drives a corresponding carbon powder supply screw to convey carbon powder in a corresponding powder barrel to be supplied to each imaging unit; and if the rotation directions are inconsistent, the powder supply motor increases the transmission compensation time when driving the carbon powder supply screw to execute supply. The technical effect of solving the problem of light image color caused by substandard rotation angle of the carbon powder supply screw can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of image formation, and particularly to an image forming apparatus, method, electronic device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, when the toner supply motor rotates forward and then reverses (or when the toner supply motor rotates in reverse and then forward), due to the meshing interval problem between mechanical transmission components, the rotation angle of the toner supply screw (i.e., the powder supply screw) driven by the toner supply motor cannot reach the designed angle. If the rotation angle of the toner supply screw cannot reach the designed angle, it will lead to insufficient toner supply in the image forming apparatus, resulting in serious light color problems in the printed image. To this end, it is necessary to control the rotation of the toner supply motor to ensure that the rotation angle of the toner supply screw meets the designed angle;

[0003] In addition, during the imaging process of the image forming apparatus using two-component toner (a combination of toner + carrier), it is necessary to use a toner cartridge (powder cartridge unit) to supply toner to the developing cartridge (imaging unit). However, if the toner supply is not timely or the supplied amount is inappropriate, the quality of the formed image will be low and cannot meet the requirements of users. Therefore, it is necessary to control the toner supply process to solve the problem of low image quality.

[0004] In addition, the image forming device is provided with a detachable toner cartridge and a developing cartridge, and the toner cartridge and the developing cartridge are connected to a toner supply unit. The toner cartridge stores toner or toner and a small amount of carrier, the developing cartridge is used to consume toner for image development, and the toner supply unit performs the action of transporting the toner in the toner cartridge to the developing cartridge. The developing cartridge is provided with a toner concentration detection sensor for detecting the ratio of toner in the toner and carrier in the developing cartridge. However, if the toner concentration detection sensor malfunctions, the ratio of toner in the toner and carrier in the developing cartridge cannot be correctly detected. Therefore, a solution is needed to determine whether the toner concentration detection sensor malfunctions to avoid detection errors of the toner concentration detection sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aiming at the deficiencies of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, method, electronic device, and storage medium, which are at least used to solve one of the technical problems mentioned in the above background art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, including:

[0007] At least one imaging unit, the at least one imaging unit being configured to form a developer image;

[0008] A toner supply unit, comprising at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one powder supply motor, and at least two toner supply screws. The powder supply motor is drivingly connected to two corresponding toner supply screws. The toner supply screws are used to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to the imaging unit. When the powder supply motor rotates in the forward direction, it drives one of the toner supply screws to convey the toner in one of the toner cartridges to one of the imaging units. When the powder supply motor rotates in the reverse direction, it drives the other toner supply screw to convey the toner in the other toner cartridge to the other imaging unit;

[0009] A control unit, which is used to independently determine whether the rotation direction of each powder supply motor is the same as the previous rotation direction of the powder supply motor when each powder supply motor rotates in the forward or reverse direction and drives the corresponding toner supply screw to convey the toner in the corresponding toner cartridge to each imaging unit. If the rotation directions are not the same, the powder supply motor drives the toner supply screw to increase the transmission compensation time when performing the supply.

[0010] In some embodiments, the control unit is further used to, when the judgment result is that the rotation directions are the same, not increase the transmission compensation time when the powder supply motor drives the toner supply screw to perform the supply.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one powder supply motor includes:

[0012] A first powder supply motor, which is used to drive a first toner supply screw to supply toner of a first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and is used to drive a second toner supply screw to supply toner of a second color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction;

[0013] A second powder supply motor, which is used to drive a third toner supply screw to supply toner of a third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and is used to drive a fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of a fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the reverse direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control unit is further used to, when receiving a request for instructing each powder supply motor to start, judge which color of toner among the toner of the first color, the toner of the second color, the toner of the third color, and the toner of the fourth color is to be supplied based on the request, and control the corresponding powder supply motor to rotate in the forward or reverse direction to perform toner supply based on the color of toner to be supplied;

[0015] When it is determined that the toner of the first color needs to be supplied, it is determined whether the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start-up to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the toner of the first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start-up to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the toner of the first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction this time to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the toner of the first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased. Wherein, the request for instructing the start-up of each powder supply motor is the request for instructing the start-up of the first powder supply motor; or

[0016] When it is determined that the toner of the third color needs to be supplied, it is determined whether the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start-up to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the toner of the third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start-up to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the toner of the third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the second powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction this time to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the toner of the third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased. Wherein, the request for instructing the start-up of each powder supply motor is the request for instructing the start-up of the second powder supply motor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to, when it is determined that the toner of the second color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start-up to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the toner of the second color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the reverse direction this time to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the toner of the second color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased; or

[0018] When it is determined that the toner of the fourth color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start-up to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit, then starting the second powder supply motor to rotate in the reverse direction this time to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to control each of the powder supply motors to rotate alternately in the forward and reverse directions during imaging or non-imaging of the image forming apparatus, so as to drive the corresponding toner supply screw to supply different colors of toner.

[0020] In some embodiments, the image forming apparatus further includes a concentration detection sensor configured to detect the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in each of the imaging units and output a first signal;

[0021] The control unit is configured to generate a second signal for characterizing the toner supply amount according to the first signal, and generate a third signal for controlling the driving of each of the powder supply motors according to the second signal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to control the calculation of the third signal for driving each of the powder supply motors after at least one page is printed after the current page according to at least one of the first signal or the spot toner consumption amount.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to, during non-imaging of the image forming apparatus, determine whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a first preset range. If not, it is determined that the concentration detection sensor has failed.

[0024] In some embodiments, after each of the powder supply motors rotates to reach a preset driving number of times, the control unit is further configured to determine whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range. If so, the execution of the imaging operation is resumed; if not, an error is reported.

[0025] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to, according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, start sampling the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor, stop sampling the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor according to the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, calculate the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result, and control each of the corresponding powder supply motors to perform toner supply according to the first signal;

[0026] The control unit is further configured to, according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, perform the calculation of the third signal for driving each of the powder supply motors and start each of the powder supply motors.

[0027] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to increase or decrease the driving time of each of the powder supply motors according to at least one of the length, temperature, and humidity of the paper feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method applied to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes at least one imaging unit for forming a developer image; a toner supply unit including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one supply motor, and at least two toner supply screws. The supply motor is drivingly connected to two corresponding toner supply screws, and the toner supply screws are used to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to each imaging unit. When the supply motor rotates in the forward direction, it drives one of the toner supply screws to supply the toner in one of the toner cartridges to one of the imaging units. When the supply motor rotates in the reverse direction, it drives the other toner supply screw to supply the toner in the other toner cartridge to the other imaging unit. The method includes:

[0029] When each supply motor rotates in the forward or reverse direction and drives the corresponding toner supply screw to supply the toner in the corresponding toner cartridge to each imaging unit, independently determine whether the rotation direction of each supply motor is the same as the previous rotation direction of the supply motor. If the rotation directions are different, the supply motor drives the toner supply screw to increase the transmission compensation time when performing the supply.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method further includes: if the determination result is that the rotation directions are the same, the supply motor does not increase the transmission compensation time when driving the toner supply screw to perform the supply.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one supply motor includes:

[0032] A first supply motor for driving a first toner supply screw to supply toner of a first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and for driving a second toner supply screw to supply toner of a second color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction;

[0033] A second supply motor for driving a third toner supply screw to supply toner of a third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and for driving a fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of a fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0035] When receiving a request for instructing the start of each of the powder supply motors, determine, based on the request, which color of toner among the first color toner, the second color toner, the third color toner, and the fourth color toner is to be supplied, and control the corresponding powder supply motor to rotate in the forward or reverse direction based on the toner of the color to be supplied to perform toner supply;

[0036] When it is determined that the first color toner needs to be supplied, determine whether the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the first color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the first color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the first color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, then increase the transmission compensation time, where the request for instructing the start of each of the powder supply motors is the request for instructing the start of the first powder supply motor; or

[0037] When it is determined that the third color toner needs to be supplied, determine whether the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the third color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the third color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the second powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the third color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, then increase the transmission compensation time, where the request for instructing the start of each of the powder supply motors is the request for instructing the start of the second powder supply motor.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0039] When it is determined that the second color toner needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the second color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the reverse direction to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the second color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, then increase the transmission compensation time; or

[0040] When it is determined that the toner of the fourth color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit, then starting the second powder supply motor to rotate in the reverse direction this time to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit does not increase the transmission compensation time; otherwise, the transmission compensation time is increased.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further includes: controlling each of the powder supply motors to rotate in the forward and reverse directions alternately during the imaging or non-imaging period of the image forming apparatus to drive the corresponding toner supply screw to supply different colors of toner.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method further includes: generating a second signal for characterizing the toner supply amount according to a first signal output when a concentration detection sensor detects the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in each of the imaging units of the image forming apparatus, and generating a third signal for controlling the drive of each of the powder supply motors according to the second signal.

[0043] In some embodiments, the method further includes: controlling the calculation of the third signal for driving each of the powder supply motors after at least one page after printing the current page according to at least one of the first signal or the light spot toner consumption amount.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method further includes: during the non-imaging period of the image forming apparatus, determining whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a first preset range; if not, it is determined that the concentration detection sensor fails.

[0045] In some embodiments, the method further includes: after each of the powder supply motors rotates to reach a preset driving number, determining whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range; if so, resuming the execution of the imaging operation; if not, reporting an error.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method further includes: according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, starting to sample the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor, and according to the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, stopping sampling the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor, and calculating the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result and controlling each of the corresponding powder supply motors to perform toner supply according to the first signal;

[0047] According to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, perform the calculation of the third signal for driving each of the powder supply motors, and start the powder supply motor.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method further includes: increasing or decreasing the driving time of each of the toner supply motors according to at least one of the length, temperature, and humidity of the paper feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0049] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device, including:

[0050] at least one processor; and

[0051] a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,

[0052] the memory stores a computer program executable by the at least one processor, and the computer program is executed by the at least one processor so that the at least one processor can execute the image forming method according to any one of the second aspect of the claims.

[0053] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions for causing a processor to implement the image forming method according to any one of the second aspect when executed.

[0054] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided yet another image forming apparatus, including:

[0055] an imaging unit for forming a developer image;

[0056] a toner supply unit including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one toner supply motor, and at least one toner supply screw, the at least one toner supply motor being configured to drive the at least one toner supply screw to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to the imaging unit;

[0057] a concentration detection sensor for detecting the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in the imaging unit and outputting a first signal;

[0058] a control unit for generating a second signal for characterizing the toner supply amount according to the first signal, and generating a third signal for controlling the driving of each of the toner supply motors according to the second signal;

[0059] The control unit is configured to control the calculation of the third signal for driving each of the toner supply motors after printing at least one page after the current page according to at least one of the first signal and the light spot toner consumption.

[0060] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to determine whether the printing of the current page is completed according to the scanning start signal and the scanning end signal of the laser scanning unit, collect at least one of the first signal and the toner consumption of the light spot during the process of collecting the scanning start signal and the scanning end signal, and calculate the toner consumption required for printing at least one page after printing the current page based on at least one of the first signal and the toner consumption of the light spot.

[0061] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to calculate and generate a third signal for controlling the driving of at least one powder supply motor based on the toner consumption required for printing at least one page after printing the current page, and control the driving of at least one powder supply motor for toner supply based on the third signal.

[0062] In some embodiments, the control unit is specifically configured to calculate the toner supply amount required for printing the next page according to the toner consumption of the light spot during the printing of the previous page and the correction coefficient generated based on the first signal, and calculate the third signal based on the toner supply amount.

[0063] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to infer the current toner-to-carrier ratio according to the first signal and calculate and generate a third signal for driving at least one powder supply motor based on the toner-to-carrier ratio.

[0064] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, another image forming method is provided. The method is applied to an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus includes an imaging unit for forming a developer image; a toner supply unit including at least one powder cartridge for storing toner, at least one powder supply motor, and at least one toner supply screw, where the at least one powder supply motor is configured to drive the at least one toner supply screw to supply the toner in the powder cartridge to the imaging unit; a concentration detection sensor configured to detect the ratio relationship between toner and carrier in the imaging unit and output a first signal. The method includes:

[0065] Generate a second signal for characterizing the toner supply amount according to the first signal, and generate a third signal for controlling the driving of each powder supply motor according to the second signal;

[0066] Control the calculation of the third signal for driving each powder supply motor after printing at least one page after printing the current page according to at least one of the first signal and the toner consumption of the light spot.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0068] Determine whether the printing of the current page is completed according to the scanning start signal and the scanning end signal of the laser scanning unit, collect at least one of the first signal and the toner consumption of the light spot during the process of collecting the scanning start signal and the scanning end signal, and calculate the toner consumption required for printing at least one page after printing the current page based on at least one of the first signal and the toner consumption of the light spot.

[0069] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0070] Calculate and generate a third signal for controlling the driving of at least one powder supply motor according to the toner consumption required for printing at least one page after printing the current page, and control the driving of at least one powder supply motor for toner supply based on the third signal.

[0071] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0072] Calculate the toner supply required for printing the next page according to the toner consumption of the light spot during the printing of the previous page and the correction coefficient generated based on the first signal, and calculate the third signal based on the toner supply.

[0073] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0074] Estimate the current toner-to-carrier ratio according to the first signal and calculate and generate the third signal for driving at least one powder supply motor based on the toner-to-carrier ratio.

[0075] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided another electronic device, including:

[0076] At least one processor; and

[0077] A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,

[0078] The memory stores a computer program executable by the at least one processor, and the computer program is executed by the at least one processor so that the at least one processor can execute the image forming method according to any one of the sixth aspects.

[0079] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided another computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions for causing a processor to execute the image forming method according to any one of the sixth aspects when executed.

[0080] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided another image forming apparatus, including:

[0081] An imaging unit for forming a developer image;

[0082] A toner supply unit including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one toner supply motor, and at least one toner supply screw, wherein the at least one toner supply motor is configured to drive the at least one toner supply screw to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to the imaging unit;

[0083] A concentration detection sensor for detecting the ratio relationship between toner and carrier in the imaging unit and outputting a first signal;

[0084] A control unit for determining whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range after each of the toner supply motors rotates to a preset driving number of times. If so, resume the execution of the imaging operation.

[0085] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to stop the execution of the imaging operation and report an error when it is determined that the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is not within the second preset range.

[0086] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to, before determining whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within the second preset range after each of the one toner supply motors rotates to a preset driving number of times, during the execution of the imaging operation, if it is detected that the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a third preset range, pause the execution of the imaging operation and drive the at least one toner supply motor a preset number of times.

[0087] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to obtain the first signal once for each page of the imaging operation during the execution of the imaging operation. When the multiple obtained first signals are all greater than the second preset range, drive the at least one toner supply motor a preset number of times for toner supply.

[0088] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to determine whether to drive the corresponding toner supply motor for toner supply based on the first signals output by the concentration detection sensors in the developing cartridges of the imaging units of different colors.

[0089] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided another image forming method, which is applied to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an imaging unit for forming a developer image;

[0090] A toner supply unit, comprising at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one powder supply motor, and at least one toner supply screw, wherein the at least one powder supply motor is configured to drive the at least one toner supply screw to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to the imaging unit; a concentration detection sensor configured to detect the ratio of toner to carrier in the imaging unit and output a first signal, and the method comprises:

[0091] Outputting a first signal based on the ratio of toner to carrier in the imaging unit detected by the concentration detection sensor;

[0092] After determining that each of the powder supply motors has rotated a preset number of driving times, determining whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range, and if so, resuming the execution of the imaging operation.

[0093] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0094] When it is determined that the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is not within the second preset range, stopping the execution of the imaging operation and reporting an error.

[0095] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0096] Before determining whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within the second preset range after determining that each of the powder supply motors has rotated a preset number of driving times, during the execution of the imaging operation, when it is detected that the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a third preset range, suspending the execution of the imaging operation and driving the at least one powder supply motor a preset number of times.

[0097] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0098] During the execution of the imaging operation, obtaining the first signal once for each page of the imaging operation printed, and when the multiple obtained first signals are all greater than the second preset range, driving the at least one powder supply motor a preset number of times to supply toner.

[0099] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0100] Based on the first signals output by the concentration detection sensors in the developing cartridges of the imaging units of different colors, determining whether to drive the corresponding powder supply motors to supply toner.

[0101] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided another electronic device, comprising:

[0102] At least one processor; and

[0103] A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,

[0104] The memory stores a computer program executable by the at least one processor, and when the computer program is executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor is enabled to execute the image forming method according to any one of the tenth aspect.

[0105] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided another computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing a processor to implement the image forming method according to any one of the tenth aspect when executed.

[0106] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided another image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0107] An imaging unit for forming a developer image;

[0108] A toner supply unit including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one toner supply motor, and at least one toner supply screw, the at least one toner supply motor being configured to drive the at least one toner supply screw to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to the imaging unit;

[0109] A concentration detection sensor configured to detect a ratio relationship between toner and a carrier in the imaging unit and output a first signal;

[0110] A control unit configured to start and end sampling of the first signal according to a job start signal and a job end signal of the image forming apparatus, calculate a potential level of the first signal according to a sampling result, and control the corresponding toner supply motors to perform toner supply according to the first signal.

[0111] In some embodiments, the control unit is specifically configured to:

[0112] According to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, start sampling of the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor, stop sampling of the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor according to the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, and calculate the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result; the control unit is further configured to perform calculation of a third signal driven by each toner supply motor according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus and start each toner supply motor.

[0113] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to start the toner supply motor during imaging based on a signal for characterizing the start of execution of an imaging job; the control unit is further configured to start the toner supply motor for toner supply during non-imaging based on the closing of a control signal of a clutch for controlling the operation of a primary transfer roller.

[0114] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to control the start or stop of sampling the first signal according to the signals for controlling the start of calibration and the stop of calibration of the sensor based on the image density.

[0115] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, another image forming method is provided. The method is applied to an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus includes: an imaging unit configured to form a developer image; a toner supply unit including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one toner supply motor, and at least one toner supply screw, the at least one toner supply motor being configured to drive the at least one toner supply screw to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to the imaging unit; a density detection sensor configured to detect the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in the imaging unit and output a first signal, and the method includes:

[0116] Outputting a first signal based on the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in the imaging unit detected by the density detection sensor;

[0117] Starting and ending the sampling of the first signal according to the job start signal and the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, calculating the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result, and controlling the corresponding toner supply motors to perform toner supply according to the first signal.

[0118] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0119] According to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, starting to sample the first signal output by the density detection sensor, and according to the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, stopping the sampling of the first signal output by the density detection sensor, and calculating the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result; according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, performing the calculation of the third signal driven by each toner supply motor, and starting each toner supply motor.

[0120] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0121] During imaging, starting the toner supply motor based on a signal indicating the start of the imaging operation; during non-imaging, starting the toner supply motor for toner supply based on the closing of the control signal of the clutch that controls the operation of the primary transfer roller.

[0122] In some embodiments, the method further includes: controlling the start or stop of sampling the first signal according to the signals for controlling the start of calibration and the stop of calibration of the sensor based on the image density.

[0123] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided another electronic device, including:

[0124] at least one processor; and

[0125] a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,

[0126] the memory stores a computer program executable by the at least one processor, and the computer program is executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to execute the image forming method according to any one of the fourteenth aspect.

[0127] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided another computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing a processor to implement the image forming method according to any one of the fourteenth aspect when executed.

[0128] Adopting the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0129] 1. By independently judging whether the rotation direction of each powder supply motor is consistent with the previous rotation direction of the powder supply motor, if the rotation direction is inconsistent, the powder supply motor drives the toner supply screw to increase the transmission compensation time when performing supply. By increasing the transmission compensation time, the rotation angle of the toner supply screw reaches the preset angle first to eliminate the meshing clearance, so that the rotation distance (number of turns / angle) of the screw driven by the powder supply motor due to the execution of the supply command is more accurate, avoiding the problem of light image caused by the rotation angle of the toner supply screw not reaching the standard.

[0130] 2. Controlling the toner supply process according to various factors (such as the powder supply motor rotates forward and backward alternately during imaging and non-imaging periods, calculating the third signal for driving the powder supply motor after at least one page after printing according to at least one of the first signal and the toner consumption of the light spot, etc.) can ensure the image quality formed to meet the imaging requirements.

[0131] 3. By judging whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within the first preset range during the non-imaging period of the image forming device, it is possible to accurately detect whether the toner concentration detection sensor is abnormal, thereby avoiding detection errors of the toner concentration detection sensor due to whether the toner concentration detection sensor is abnormal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0132] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0133] Figure 2The first cross-sectional view of the toner supply unit, toner cartridge unit, and developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0134] Figure 3 The second cross-sectional view of the toner supply unit, toner cartridge unit, and developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0135] Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0136] Figure 5 The structural diagram of the drive cartridge of the toner supply unit and the toner supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0137] Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the drive cartridge of the toner supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0138] Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the toner supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0139] Figure 8 The first perspective structural diagram of the powder feeding screw and the powder feeding screw gear according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0140] Figure 9 The second perspective structural diagram of the powder feeding screw and the powder feeding screw gear according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0141] Figure 10 The structural schematic diagram of the control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0142] Figure 11 The theoretical rotation value of the powder feeding screw rotating forward according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0143] Figure 12 The theoretical rotation value of the powder feeding screw rotating backward according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0144] Figure 13 The theoretical rotation value of the powder feeding screw rotating forward and then backward according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0145] Figure 14 The actual rotation value of the powder feeding screw rotating forward and then backward according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0146] Figure 15 The compensated rotation value of the powder feeding screw rotating forward and then backward according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0147] Figure 16 The control timing diagram of the powder supply motor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0148] Figure 17 The flowchart of the image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0149] Figure 18 Control flowchart of the toner supply motor in an image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0150] Figure 19 Control flowchart of the toner supply motor during imaging or non-imaging periods according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0151] Figure 20 Flowchart of the toner supply motor delaying toner supply by one page according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0152] Figure 21 Flowchart for fault judgment of the density detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0153] Figure 22 Specific flowchart for fault judgment of the density detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0154] Figure 23 Control flowchart of the toner supply motor in the toner supply mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0155] Figure 24 Specific flowchart for controlling the toner supply motor in the automatic toner supply mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0156] Figure 25 Specific flowchart for controlling the toner supply motor in the independent toner supply mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0157] Figure 26 Control flowchart of the toner supply motor according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0158] Figure 27 Flowchart for increasing or decreasing the driving time of the toner supply motor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0159] Figure 28 Schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of specific embodiments

[0160] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0161] An embodiment of the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, including but not limited to printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and multifunctional machines integrating functions such as printing, copying, faxing, scanning, etc., and its function is to print images or texts on an imaging medium. As Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit A and a paper feeding unit B provided below the image forming unit A; the paper feeding unit B includes a paper feed cassette 22 that houses a printing medium S, so as to supply the printing medium S in the paper feed cassette 22 to the image forming unit A. The image forming unit A transfers and fixes a developer image formed using toner of each of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) onto the printing medium S supplied by the paper feeding unit B.

[0162] The image forming unit A includes an intermediate transfer belt 25 disposed substantially along the horizontal direction. The intermediate transfer belt 25 is wound around a pair of transfer belt driving rollers 23 and 24 and is driven by a motor (not shown) to move in a circumferential direction as indicated by an arrow X.

[0163] The image forming unit A includes imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K provided below the intermediate transfer belt 25. The imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are distributed along the circumferential movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 25 so as to form a developer image using toner of each of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0164] The image forming unit A includes toner cartridge units 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K detachably mounted above the intermediate transfer belt 25 and corresponding to be located above the respective imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K with the intermediate transfer belt 25 interposed therebetween. The toner cartridge units 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K house toner of each of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner housed in the toner cartridge units 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K is supplied to the respective imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K through toner supply assemblies 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K.

[0165] The imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K respectively include photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K that face and are rotatable below the intermediate transfer belt 25. A photosensitive layer is provided on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and they can respectively rotate in the direction indicated by an arrow Z.

[0166] The imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K respectively include cleaning members 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K that sweep off the toner remaining on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and charging rollers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K that make the photosensitive layers of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K uniformly have a prescribed charging potential.

[0167] The laser scanning unit 28 below the image forming unit A irradiates the laser beams LY, LM, LC, and LK onto the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K that have been charged by the charging rollers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K.

[0168] The image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K respectively include detachable developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K. The developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K respectively use two-component developers of toner of each color of Y, M, C, and K and a magnetic carrier to develop the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive layers of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

[0169] The image forming unit A includes primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K above the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. Since the primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K are applied with transfer bias voltages, electric fields are formed between the primary transfer rollers and the corresponding photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. The respective developer images formed on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are affected by the electric fields respectively formed between the primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K and the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25.

[0170] The image forming unit A includes a secondary transfer roller 26. The secondary transfer roller 26 is applied with a transfer bias voltage. By applying the transfer bias voltage, an electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25. When the printing medium S is transported from the paper feed cassette 22 along the printing medium transport path 21 to between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25, the developer image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 is affected by the electric field formed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25, and is secondarily transferred onto the printing medium S.

[0171] The image forming unit A includes a fixing device 30. The fixing device 30 includes a cooperating heating member 31 and a pressure roller 32. The heating member 31 can be composed of two combinations, namely a heating roller and a halogen lamp or a heating ceramic sheet and a fixing film. A heating lamp 33 is provided at the axial center of the heating member 31. The heating lamp 33 is used to heat the heating roller 31. In addition, heating can also be performed through the heating ceramic sheet. The unfixed developer image on the printing medium S is fixed due to being heated and pressurized during the period of passing through the fixing nip formed by the heating member 31 and the pressure roller 32. The printing medium S with the fixed developer image is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 23 through the paper discharge roller 24.

[0172] The image forming unit A further includes a control unit 41 for controlling the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K, the fixing device 30, the paper feeding control unit B, etc., and a control unit 42 of an MFP (multifunctional printer) for processing image data input from the operation panel, image data input via a network such as LAN from an external terminal device, etc.

[0173] As Figure 2 shown, the image forming unit A further includes toner supply unit drive cartridges 19A, 19B. The toner supply unit drive cartridges 19A, 19B, together with the toner supply assemblies 19Y, 19M, 19C, 19K, and the powder cartridge units 17Y, 17M, 17C, 17K, jointly constitute the toner supply unit 19. The toner supply unit drive cartridge 19A is used to drive the toner supply assemblies 19Y, 19M and the powder cartridge units 17Y, 17M. The toner supply unit drive cartridge 19B is used to drive the toner supply assemblies 19C, 19K and the powder cartridge units 17C, 17K. And there is only one rotation direction for the toner supply assemblies 19Y, 19M, 19C, 19K during the driving process. During the driving process, the powder cartridge units 17Y, 17M supply the toner stored in themselves to the toner supply assemblies 19Y, 19M. During the driving process, the powder cartridge units 17C, 17K supply the toner stored in themselves to the toner supply assemblies 19C, 19K. During the driving process, the toner supply assemblies 19Y, 19M, 19C, 19K supply the toner supplied from the powder cartridge units 17Y, 17M, 17C, 17K to the developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, 14K.

[0174] As Figure 3 and Figures 7 - 9As shown, the toner cartridge unit 17Y has a stirring rack 17Y1. The toner supply unit drive box 19A stirs the toner stored in the toner cartridge unit 17Y itself by driving the rotation of the stirring rack 17Y1, and supplies the stirred toner to the toner supply assembly 19Y. The toner supply assembly 19Y includes a housing 19Y1, a powder feeding screw (i.e., toner supply screw) 19Y2, a powder feeding screw gear 19Y3, and a connecting pipe 19Y4. The powder feeding screw 19Y2 is rotatably installed in the housing 19Y1. The powder feeding screw gear 19Y3 is installed at the end of the powder feeding screw 19Y2. The connecting pipe 19Y4 communicates the housing 19Y1 and the developing cartridge 14Y. The toner supply unit drive box 19A drives the powder feeding screw 19Y2 to rotate through the powder feeding screw gear 19Y3 of the toner supply assembly 19Y to supply the toner supplied by the toner cartridge unit 17Y to the developing cartridge 14Y. The structures of the other toner cartridge units 17M, 17C, and 17K are the same as that of the toner cartridge unit 17Y. The structures of the other toner supply assemblies 19M, 19C, and 19K are the same as that of the toner supply assembly 19Y. The process of the toner cartridge units 17M, 17C, and 17K supplying toner to the developing cartridges 14M, 14C, and 14K through the toner supply assemblies 19M, 19C, and 19K can refer to the process of the toner cartridge unit 17Y supplying toner to the developing cartridge 14Y through the toner supply assembly 19Y, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0175] As Figure 4 shown, the structures of the developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K are the same. Now, the specific structure of the developing cartridge 14Y will be described. The structures of the other developing cartridges 14M, 14C, and 14K can refer to that of the developing cartridge 14Y. The developing cartridge 14Y is provided with a magnetic roller (not shown), a concentration detection sensor 14Y1, a powder feeding screw 14Y2, a powder mixing screw 14Y3, and a developer 14Y4 (a mixture of toner and carrier). The powder mixing screw 14Y3 is used to stir the developer 14Y4 in the developing cartridge 14Y and supply the stirred developer 14Y4 to the powder feeding screw 14Y2, so that the powder feeding screw 14Y2 can supply the developer 14Y4 to a developing sleeve (not shown) provided on the outer circumference of the magnetic roller and rotatable around it. The concentration detection sensor 14Y1 is used to detect the ratio relationship of the developer 14Y4 in the developing cartridge 14Y (i.e., the ratio relationship between toner and carrier) and output a first signal. Among them, the output voltage corresponding to the first signal is inversely proportional to the toner concentration, that is, the larger the output voltage value, the lower the toner concentration, and vice versa, the smaller the output voltage value, the higher the toner concentration. Correspondingly, the concentration detection sensors of the developing cartridges 14M, 14C, and 14K will also detect the ratio relationship of the developer in the developing cartridges 14M, 14C, and 14K and output a first signal.

[0176] As Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the toner supply unit drive cartridge 19A includes a first powder supply motor (not shown). The first powder supply motor is used to supply toner of a first color when rotating forward (i.e., rotating in the positive direction, the same below), and to supply toner of a second color when rotating backward (i.e., rotating in the reverse direction, the same below). Among them, the color of the toner of the first color can be yellow (Y), and the corresponding color of the toner of the second color is magenta (M). Of course, the color of the toner of the first color can be replaced with magenta (M) in addition to yellow (Y). Correspondingly, the color of the toner of the second color is replaced with yellow (Y). The toner supply unit drive cartridge 19B includes a second powder supply motor (not shown). The second powder supply motor is used to supply toner of a third color when rotating forward, and to supply toner of a fourth color when rotating backward. Among them, the color of the toner of the third color can be cyan (C), and the corresponding color of the toner of the fourth color is black (K). Of course, the color of the toner of the third color can be replaced with black (K) in addition to cyan (C). Correspondingly, the color of the toner of the fourth color is replaced with cyan (C). The structures of the toner supply unit drive cartridges 19A and 19B are the same. Now, the specific structure of the toner supply unit drive cartridge 19A will be described. The structure of the toner supply unit drive cartridge 19B can refer to that of the toner supply unit drive cartridge 19A. Exemplarily, the toner supply unit drive cartridge 19A includes a first powder supply motor (not shown), a first powder supply motor gear 19A1, a first one-way clutch 19A2, a first driven gear 19A3, a first powder feeding screw (first toner supply screw) drive gear 19A4, a first agitator drive gear 19A5, a second driven gear 19A6, a second one-way clutch 19A7, a third driven gear 19A8, a second powder feeding screw (second toner supply screw) drive gear 19A9, and a second agitator drive gear 19A10. The first powder supply motor gear 19A1 is installed on the rotating shaft of the first powder supply motor. The first powder supply motor gear 19A1 is driven by the first powder supply motor to rotate forward or backward. The first one-way clutch 19A2 meshes with the first powder supply motor gear 19A1. The first one-way clutch 19A2 is driven by the first powder supply motor gear 19A1 and only allows movement in the positive direction (such as Figure 6In the clockwise direction shown in [reference], the first driven gear 19A3 meshes with the first one-way clutch 19A2 and is driven by the first one-way clutch 19A2. The first driven gear 19A3 meshes with the first lower powder screw driving gear 19A4 and drives the first lower powder screw driving gear 19A4 to rotate. The first lower powder screw driving gear 19A4 is drivingly connected to the lower powder screw gear 19Y3 of the powder supply assembly to drive the lower powder screw 19Y2 to rotate. The first driven gear 19A3 meshes with the first stirring frame driving gear 19A5 and drives the first stirring frame driving gear 19A5 to rotate. The first stirring frame driving gear 19A5 is mounted on the stirring frame 17Y1 and drives the stirring frame 17Y1. The second driven gear 19A6 meshes with the first powder supply motor gear 19A1 and is driven by the first powder supply motor gear 19A1. The second one-way clutch 19A7 meshes with the second driven gear 19A6. The second one-way clutch 19A7 is driven by the second driven gear 19A6 and only allows movement in the positive direction (such as Figure 6 the clockwise direction shown in [reference]). The third driven gear 19A8 meshes with the second one-way clutch 19A7 and is driven by the second one-way clutch 19A7. The third driven gear 19A8 meshes with the second lower powder screw driving gear 19A9 and drives the second lower powder screw driving gear 19A9 to rotate. The second lower powder screw driving gear 19A9 is drivingly connected to the lower powder screw gear of the toner supply assembly 19M to drive the lower powder screw to rotate. The third driven gear 19A8 meshes with the second stirring frame driving gear 19A10 and drives the second stirring frame driving gear 19A10 to rotate. The second stirring frame driving gear 19A10 is mounted on the stirring frame of the powder cartridge unit 17M and drives the stirring frame.

[0177] When the first powder feeding motor rotates forward, the first powder feeding motor gear 19A1 rotates forward, the first one-way clutch 19A2 does not rotate, and the gears meshing with it subsequently do not rotate; at this time, the second driven gear 19A6 rotates reversely, the second one-way clutch 19A7 rotates forward, the third driven gear 19A8 rotates reversely, and drives the second powder lowering screw driving gear 19A9 to rotate forward and the second stirring frame driving gear 19A10 to rotate forward; when the second powder lowering screw driving gear 19A9 rotates forward, the powder lowering screw gear 19Y3 rotates reversely, and the powder lowering screw 19Y2 follows the reverse rotation, and the toner supply assembly 19Y performs the toner supply movement. When the first powder supply motor rotates in the reverse direction, the first powder supply motor gear 19A1 rotates in the reverse direction, the second one-way clutch 19A7 does not rotate, and the gears subsequently meshing with it do not rotate; at this time, the first one-way clutch 19A2 rotates forward, the first driven gear 19A3 rotates in the reverse direction, and drives the first powder lowering screw drive gear 19A4 to rotate forward and the first stirring frame drive gear 19A5 to rotate forward; when the first powder lowering screw drive gear 19A4 rotates forward, the powder lowering screw gear of the toner supply assembly 19M rotates in the reverse direction, and the powder lowering screw of the toner supply assembly 19M rotates in the reverse direction, and the toner supply assembly 19M performs the toner supply action. Correspondingly, when the second powder supply motor rotates in the forward direction, the toner supply assembly 19C performs the toner supply action, and when the second powder supply motor rotates in the reverse direction, the toner supply assembly 19K performs the toner supply action.

[0178] The first powder supply motor is transmission-connected to the corresponding first toner supply screw and second toner supply screw, and the first toner supply screw and the second toner supply screw are used to supply the toner in the powder barrel to the imaging unit, wherein, when the first powder supply motor rotates in the positive direction, the first toner supply screw is driven to convey the toner in one powder barrel to one imaging unit (for example, the imaging unit 10Y corresponding to the Y color); when the first powder supply motor rotates in the reverse direction, the second toner supply screw is driven to convey the toner in the other powder barrel to the other imaging unit (the imaging unit 10M corresponding to the M color).

[0179] The second powder supply motor is transmission-connected to the corresponding third toner supply screw (not shown) and fourth toner supply screw (not shown). The third toner supply screw and the fourth toner supply screw are used to supply the toner in the powder barrel to the imaging unit. When the second powder supply motor runs in the positive direction, the third toner supply screw is driven to deliver the toner in one of the powder barrels to one of the imaging units (for example, the imaging unit 10C corresponding to the C color). When the second powder motor runs in the reverse direction, the fourth toner supply screw is driven to deliver the toner in the other powder barrel to the other imaging unit (the imaging unit 10K corresponding to the K color).

[0180] The principle of the second powder supply motor is similar to that of the first powder supply motor, and will not be described in detail here.

[0181] The control unit 42 is communicatively connected to each concentration detection sensor. The control unit 42 is configured to generate a second signal for characterizing the toner supply amount of the developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K based on the first signals obtained by correspondingly detecting the developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K, and generate a third signal for controlling the driving of the powder supply motor according to the second signal. Specifically, as Figure 10 , the control unit 42 includes a toner supply amount calculator 421 (such as an MCU), a powder supply motor controller 422, and a storage module 423. The toner supply amount calculator 421 is configured to generate a second signal for characterizing the toner supply amount based on the first signal and send the second signal to the powder supply motor controller 422. The powder supply motor controller 422 calculates the rotation time and rotation direction of the powder supply motor according to the second signal, and generates a third signal for controlling the driving of the powder supply motor. Since the amount of toner supplied when the powder supply motor rotates forward or backward once is fixed, the number of rotations of the powder supply motor can be calculated based on the toner supply amount and the amount of toner supplied when the powder supply motor rotates forward or backward once, and the time for the powder supply motor to rotate forward or backward once can be calculated based on the rotation speed of the powder supply motor. That is, the control of the powder supply motor can be achieved by controlling the rotation time of the powder supply motor each time and the corresponding number of forward or backward rotations. For the rotation direction of the powder supply motor (i.e., the forward direction or the reverse direction), it can be determined which developing cartridge among the developing cartridges 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K corresponding to the second signal needs to be supplied with toner. When the developing cartridge 14Y needs to be supplied with toner, the powder supply motor controller 422 controls the first powder supply motor to rotate forward and generates a fourth signal. When the developing cartridge 14M needs to be supplied with toner, the powder supply motor controller 422 controls the first powder supply motor to rotate backward and generates a fifth signal. When the developing cartridge 14C needs to be supplied with toner, the powder supply motor controller 422 controls the second powder supply motor to rotate forward and generates a fourth signal. When the developing cartridge 14K needs to be supplied with toner, the powder supply motor controller 422 controls the second powder supply motor to rotate backward and generates a fifth signal.

[0182] After the powder supply motor of the image forming apparatus rotates forward and then rotates backward (or rotates backward and then rotates forward), the rotation angle of the powder feeding screw driven by the powder supply motor cannot reach the designed angle. This is because after the powder supply motor rotates forward / backward, when it rotates reversely the next time, it is caused by the meshing clearance problem between the mechanical transmission parts. For example, as Figure 11 shown, when the powder feeding screw (toner supply screw) 19Y2 does not rotate, the stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L0 position. When the powder feeding screw 19Y2 rotates in the positive direction (clockwise) (i.e., the first forward rotation), the theoretical stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L1 position. As Figure 12As shown, when the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is not rotating, the stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L0 position. When the powder feeding screw 19Y2 rotates in the reverse direction (counterclockwise), the theoretical stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L2 position; as Figure 13 shown, when the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is not rotating, the stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L0 position. When the powder feeding screw 19Y2 rotates in the forward direction first, the theoretical stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L3 position. When it rotates in the reverse direction later, the theoretical stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L4 position; however, due to the above problems, the actual stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is different from the theoretical stopping position, as Figure 14 shown, when the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is not rotating, the stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L0 position. When the powder feeding screw 19Y2 rotates in the forward direction first, the actual stopping area of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L5 area. When it rotates in the reverse direction later, the actual stopping area of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L6 area; from Figure 13 the L4 position shown in Figure 14 and the L6 area shown in

[0183] it can be seen that the actual reverse rotation angle of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is significantly smaller than the theoretical angle, that is, the powder feeding amount of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is reduced, resulting in less powder supply; the insufficient toner supply of the image forming device caused by the non-compliance of the rotation angle of the powder feeding screw will lead to serious light color problems in the printed image; if this problem is solved by mechanical means, the manufacturing cost of the printer will be greatly increased.To solve the above problems, when the powder supply motor drives the toner supply screw to perform supply, the control unit 42 increases the transmission compensation time. Specifically, when each powder supply motor rotates in the forward or reverse direction to drive the corresponding toner supply screw to supply the toner in the corresponding powder cartridge to the imaging unit, the control unit 42 independently determines whether the rotation direction of each powder supply motor is the same as the rotation direction of the powder supply motor last time. If the rotation directions are not the same, the powder supply motor drives the toner supply screw to perform supply and increases the transmission compensation time.Further, the control unit 42 is further configured to, when receiving a request for instructing each powder supply motor to start, determine which color of toner among the first color toner, the second color toner, the third color toner, and the fourth color toner is to be supplied, that is, first determine whether it is necessary to start the first powder supply motor (corresponding to the first color toner and the second color toner) or the second powder supply motor (corresponding to the third color toner and the fourth color toner), and then determine whether the first powder supply motor or the second powder supply motor rotates forward or backward. When the first powder supply motor (or the second powder supply motor) rotates forward, it is determined that the first color toner (or the third color toner) needs to be supplied. When the first powder supply motor (or the second powder supply motor) rotates backward, it is determined that the second color toner (or the fourth color toner) needs to be supplied; when it is determined that the first color toner needs to be supplied, it is determined whether the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the previous start to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the first color toner from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit. If it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the first color toner from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit, then when the first powder supply motor is started in the forward direction this time to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the first color toner from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit, the transmission compensation time is not increased. Otherwise, the transmission compensation time is increased. Among them, the request for instructing each powder supply motor to start is a request for instructing the first powder supply motor to start, that is, by determining whether the fourth signal was generated when the powder supply motor controller 422 controlled the first powder supply motor last time. If the powder supply motor controller 422 generated the fourth signal, it means that the first powder supply motor rotated forward during the previous start to supply the first color toner, and when the first powder supply motor is started in the forward direction this time to supply the first color toner, the rotation time of the first powder supply motor is not increased. Otherwise, it means that the fifth signal was generated when the powder supply motor controller 422 controlled the first powder supply motor last time, and the first powder supply motor rotated backward during the previous start to supply the second color toner. The toner supply amount calculator 421 calls the first compensation signal from the storage module 423 (that is, the first compensation signal is pre-stored in the storage module 423, and the first compensation signal can be generated by the toner supply amount calculator 421). When the first powder supply motor is started in the forward direction this time to supply the first color toner, the rotation time of the first powder supply motor is increased (that is, the toner supply amount calculator 421 controls the powder supply motor controller 422 to increase the forward rotation time of the first powder supply motor through the first compensation signal, and the increased forward rotation time is the first preset time, denoted as TMR_FET_Y), and the fifth signal and the first compensation signal are cleared. Among them, the request for instructing the powder supply motor to start is a request for instructing the first powder supply motor to start.

[0184] Further, the control unit 42 is further configured to, when it is determined that the toner of the second color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the toner of the second color from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit, then when the first powder supply motor is started to rotate in the reverse direction this time to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the toner of the second color from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit, the transmission compensation time is not increased. Otherwise, the transmission compensation time is increased. That is, when the control unit 42 determines that the toner of the first color does not need to be supplied, it means that the toner of the second color needs to be supplied this time. By determining whether a fifth signal was generated when the powder supply motor controller 422 controlled the first powder supply motor last time, if the powder supply motor controller 422 generated the fifth signal, it means that the first powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to supply the toner of the second color, and when the first powder supply motor is started to rotate in the reverse direction this time to supply the toner of the second color, the rotation time of the first powder supply motor is not increased. Otherwise, it means that the fourth signal was generated when the powder supply motor controller 422 controlled the first powder supply motor last time, and the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to supply the toner of the first color. The toner supply amount calculator 421 calls the second compensation signal from the storage module 423 (that is, the second compensation signal is pre-stored in the storage module 423, and the second compensation signal may be generated by the toner supply amount calculator 421). When the first powder supply motor is started to rotate in the reverse direction this time to supply the toner of the second color, the rotation time of the first powder supply motor is increased (that is, the toner supply amount calculator 421 controls the powder supply motor controller 422 to increase the reverse rotation time of the first powder supply motor through the second compensation signal, and the increased reverse rotation time is the second preset time, denoted as TMR_FET_M), and the fourth signal and the second compensation signal are cleared, where the request for instructing the start of the powder supply motor is the request for instructing the start of the first powder supply motor.

[0185] Further, when it is determined that the toner of the third color needs to be supplied, it is determined whether the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start-up to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the toner of the third color from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit. If it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the toner of the third color from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit during the last start-up, then when the second powder supply motor is started in the forward direction this time to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the toner of the third color from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit, the transmission compensation time is not increased. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased. Herein, the request for indicating the start-up of each powder supply motor is the request for indicating the start-up of the second powder supply motor, that is, by determining whether the powder supply motor controller 422 generated a fourth signal when controlling the second powder supply motor during the last time. If the powder supply motor controller 422 generated the fourth signal, it means that the second powder supply motor rotated forward during the last start-up to supply the toner of the third color, and when the second powder supply motor is started in the forward direction to supply the toner of the third color this time, the rotation time of the second powder supply motor is not increased. If not, it means that the powder supply motor controller 422 generated a fifth signal when controlling the second powder supply motor during the last time, and the second powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start-up to supply the toner of the fourth color. The toner supply amount calculator 421 calls a first compensation signal from the storage module 423 (that is, the first compensation signal is pre-stored in the storage module 423, and the first compensation signal can be generated by the toner supply amount calculator 421). When the second powder supply motor is started in the forward direction to supply the toner of the third color this time, the rotation time of the second powder supply motor is increased (that is, the toner supply amount calculator 421 controls the powder supply motor controller 422 to increase the forward rotation time of the second powder supply motor through the first compensation signal, and the increased forward rotation time is a third preset time, denoted as TMR_FET_C), and the fifth signal and the first compensation signal are cleared. Herein, the request for indicating the start-up of the powder supply motor is the request for indicating the start-up of the second powder supply motor.

[0186] Further, when it is determined that the toner of the fourth color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit, then when the second powder supply motor is started to rotate in the reverse direction this time to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from at least one toner cartridge to the imaging unit, the transmission compensation time is not increased; if not, the transmission compensation time is increased. That is, when the control unit 42 determines that the toner of the third color does not need to be supplied, it means that the toner of the fourth color needs to be supplied this time. By determining whether the fifth signal was generated when the powder supply motor controller 422 controlled the second powder supply motor last time, if the powder supply motor controller 422 generated the fifth signal, it means that the second powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to supply the toner of the fourth color, and when the second powder supply motor is started to rotate in the reverse direction to supply the toner of the fourth color this time, the rotation time of the second powder supply motor is not increased; if not, it means that the fourth signal was generated when the powder supply motor controller 422 controlled the second powder supply motor last time, and the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to supply the toner of the third color. The toner supply amount calculator 421 calls the second compensation signal from the storage module 423 (that is, the second compensation signal is pre-stored in the storage module 423, and the second compensation signal can be generated by the toner supply amount calculator 421). When the second powder supply motor is started to rotate in the reverse direction to supply the toner of the fourth color this time, the rotation time of the second powder supply motor is increased (that is, the toner supply amount calculator 421 controls the powder supply motor controller 422 to increase the reverse rotation time of the second powder supply motor through the second compensation signal, and the increased reverse rotation time is the fourth preset time, denoted as TMR_FET_K), and the fourth signal and the second compensation signal are cleared. Among them, the request for instructing the start of the powder supply motor is the request for instructing the start of the second powder supply motor.

[0187] After the control unit 42 compensates the rotation time of the powder supply motor, as Figure 15 shown, when the powder feeding screw 19Y2 does not rotate, the stopping position of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L0 position. When the powder feeding screw 19Y2 rotates in the forward direction first, the actual stopping area of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L7 area. Then, when the reverse compensation rotation is performed, the actual stopping area of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 is the L8 area. At this time, the actual stopping area L8 of the compensated powder feeding screw 19Y2 is closer to Figure 14 shown than the actual stopping area L6 of the uncompensated powder feeding screw 19Y2, Figure 13The theoretical residence position L4 of the powder feeding screw 19Y2 shown. Using this control scheme can effectively control the manufacturing cost of the printer, and solve the problem of light image color caused by the non-compliance of the rotation angle of the powder feeding screw. And by independently judging whether the rotation direction of each powder supply motor is the same as the previous rotation direction of the powder supply motor, if the rotation directions are not the same, then when the powder supply motor drives the toner supply screw to execute the supply, the transmission compensation time is increased. By increasing the transmission compensation time, the rotation angle of the toner supply screw reaches the preset angle first to eliminate the meshing clearance, so that the rotation distance (number of turns / angle) of the screw driven by the powder supply motor due to the execution of the supply command is more accurate, avoiding the problem of light image color caused by the non-compliance of the rotation angle of the toner supply screw.

[0188] In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to control each powder supply motor to rotate forward and reverse alternately during the imaging period or non-imaging period of the image forming apparatus to drive the corresponding toner supply screw to supply different colors of toner.

[0189] In this embodiment, the powder supply motors include a first powder supply motor and a second powder supply motor. The first powder supply motor is configured to drive a first toner supply screw to supply toner of a first color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating forward, and to drive a second toner supply screw to supply toner of a second color from at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction; The second powder supply motor is configured to drive a third toner supply screw to supply toner of a third color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating forward, and to drive a fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of a fourth color from at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction. The specific control methods for the first powder supply motor and the second powder supply motor have been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so they will not be repeated here.

[0190] During the imaging period: If it is necessary to supply toner of the first color and toner of the second color, the first powder supply motor rotates alternately (that is, forward and reverse alternately). If it is necessary to supply toner of the third color and toner of the fourth color, the second powder supply motor rotates alternately (that is, forward and reverse alternately). The control timing for the first powder supply motor and the second powder supply motor is as Figure 16As shown, the first toner supply motor rotates forward for a certain period of time (TMR-T) to supply toner of the first color. After the forward rotation reaches the predetermined time, the forward rotation of the first toner supply motor stops. After the first toner supply motor stops for a period of time (TMS-T / 2-TMR-T), it starts to rotate in the reverse direction for a certain period of time (TMR-T) to supply toner of the second color. After the reverse rotation reaches the predetermined time, the reverse rotation of the first toner supply motor stops. After the first toner supply motor stops for a period of time, it starts to rotate forward for a certain period of time to continue supplying toner of the first color, and continuously repeats the previous operation to achieve the alternating supply of toner of the first color and toner of the second color until the imaging process ends. The second toner supply motor rotates forward for a certain period of time (TMR-T) to supply toner of the third color. After the forward rotation reaches the predetermined time, the forward rotation of the second toner supply motor stops. After the second toner supply motor stops for a period of time (TMS-T / 2-TMR-T), it starts to rotate in the reverse direction for a certain period of time (TMR-T) to supply toner of the fourth color. After the reverse rotation reaches the predetermined time, the reverse rotation of the second toner supply motor stops. After the second toner supply motor stops for a period of time, it starts to rotate forward for a certain period of time to continue supplying toner of the third color, and continuously repeats the previous operation to achieve the alternating supply of toner of the third color and toner of the fourth color until the imaging process ends.

[0191] It should be noted that during the switching process between the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the first toner supply motor and the second toner supply motor, it may not be paused, that is, the first toner supply motor and the second toner supply motor immediately reverse after the forward rotation is completed, and immediately rotate forward after the reverse rotation is completed.

[0192] During the non-imaging period: If it is necessary to supply toner of the first color and toner of the second color, the first toner supply motor rotates alternately (that is, forward and reverse rotations alternate). If it is necessary to supply toner of the third color and toner of the fourth color, the second toner supply motor rotates alternately (that is, forward and reverse rotations alternate). The alternating rotation methods of the first toner supply motor and the second toner supply motor may only be different in terms of rotation time and rotation times from the alternating rotation method during the imaging period (that is, the duration of the forward or reverse rotation may be different, and the number of forward or reverse rotations may be different). Other than that, for the specific details, reference can be made to the above-mentioned alternating rotation method during the imaging period, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0193] For the powder supply motor, it rotates forward first and then reverses to supply powder both during imaging and non-imaging. However, the influencing factors for the rotation time / number of rotations of the powder supply motor in the two cases are different. Generally, controlling the rotation of the powder supply motor (stepping motor) is achieved by controlling the drive time of the powder supply motor within a single cycle and the number of drive cycles of the powder supply motor to control powder supply: The rotation time / number of rotations (or whether to supply powder) of the powder supply motor during imaging is determined by the toner consumption of the light points (i.e., the image coverage rate) and the output voltage value of the TC Sensor (concentration detection sensor); The rotation time / number of rotations (or whether to supply powder) of the powder supply motor during non-imaging is determined only by the output voltage of the TC Sensor; During the interval between printing one page, if the output voltage value of the TC Sensor is high (i.e., the toner concentration is low), powder supply is required. If the powder supply amount during the interval is insufficient, printing of the next page needs to be paused, and the powder supply continues after stopping until there is enough powder before starting to print (regardless of the coverage rate). By controlling at least one powder supply motor to rotate forward and reverse alternately during the imaging or non-imaging period of the image forming device to supply different colors of toner, the continuity of toner supply can be ensured, and sufficient toner supply can be guaranteed during both the imaging and non-imaging periods.

[0194] In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to calculate a third signal for driving at least one powder supply motor after printing at least one page (subsequent printing pages such as the next page or the page after the next page) based on at least one of the first signal or the toner consumption of the light points.

[0195] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to determine whether the printing of the current page is completed according to the scanning start signal and the scanning end signal of the laser scanning unit, collect at least one of the first signal and the toner consumption of the light points during the process of collecting the scanning start signal and the scanning end signal, and calculate the toner consumption required for printing at least one page after printing the current page based on at least one of the first signal and the toner consumption of the light points.

[0196] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to calculate and generate a third signal for controlling the driving of at least one powder supply motor based on the toner consumption required for printing at least one page after printing the current page, and control the driving of at least one powder supply motor to supply toner based on the third signal.

[0197] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to calculate the toner supply amount required for printing the next page based on the toner consumption of the light points during the previous page printing and the correction coefficient generated based on the first signal, and calculate the third signal based on the toner supply amount.

[0198] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to estimate the current toner-to-carrier ratio according to the first signal and calculate and generate at least one third signal for driving the powder supply motor based on the toner-to-carrier ratio.

[0199] In this embodiment, when printing the current page, at least one of the output voltage of the density detection sensor or the toner consumption of the light spot is collected to estimate the toner amount required for the next page. When printing subsequent pages such as the next page or the page after the next page, the estimated toner amount is used to calculate the third signal, thereby controlling the driving of the powder supply motor. Specifically, after receiving the VDIERO_TOD signal (i.e., the page synchronization signal of the LSU, which is the start signal of a page scan and the start signal of the laser scan unit), the control unit 42 calls the toner supply control logic to control the powder supply motor. The control process of the powder supply motor can refer to the above embodiment, so it will not be elaborated here. At the same time, the output voltage of the TC Sensor (density detection sensor) is collected until the CDIERO_DONE signal (i.e., the signal indicating the end of a page scan and the end signal of the laser scan unit) is received. According to the difference in the voltage values output by the density detection sensor corresponding to the time period between receiving the VDIERO_TOD signal and the CDIERO_DONE signal, the toner consumption for printing the current page can be calculated, and then the toner amount required for the next page can be estimated. When printing subsequent pages such as the next page or the page after the next page, the corresponding amount of toner is supplied. In addition, within the duration of receiving the VDIERO_TOD signal and the CDIERO_DONE signal, the number of light spots within this duration can be collected, thereby estimating the toner coverage rate. The toner consumption for printing the current page can also be calculated through the toner coverage rate, and then the toner amount required for the next page can be estimated. When printing subsequent pages such as the next page or the page after the next page, the corresponding amount of toner is supplied.

[0200] The following describes in detail the method for calculating the toner supply amount during the printing of each page job:

[0201] The image forming apparatus receives a print job to be printed;

[0202] The printing of the first page job starts. The laser scan unit (LSU) emits laser light, and the control unit 42 accumulates the number of laser lights (the value of the number of light spots) emitted by the laser scan unit (LSU). The density detection sensor of the developing cartridge outputs a corresponding first signal according to the toner-to-carrier ratio. The control unit 42 collects the first signal output by the density detection sensor and calculates the voltage value based on the first signal. The control unit 42 looks up a table based on the value of the number of light spots to obtain the toner consumption for printing this page. The control unit 42 looks up a table based on the output voltage signal to obtain the correction coefficient. The control unit 42 calculates the toner supply amount for printing the next page. The toner supply amount = toner consumption * correction coefficient 1. The printing of the first page job ends;

[0203] The printing of the second-page job starts; the control unit 42 calculates the rotation time of the powder supply motor and the number of starts of the powder supply motor based on the toner supply amount, and drives the toner supply unit to supply toner to the developing cartridge accordingly; after the toner supply operation is completed, the control unit 42 records the consumption amount into the chip of the toner cartridge unit (consumption amount = toner supply amount), and the printing of the second-page job ends;

[0204] The printing of the third-page job starts; the laser scanning unit (LSU) emits laser light, and the control unit 42 accumulates the number of laser lights emitted by the laser scanning unit (the number of light points value); the concentration detection sensor of the developing cartridge outputs a corresponding first signal according to the toner-to-carrier ratio, the control unit 42 collects the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor, and calculates the voltage value based on the first signal; the control unit 42 looks up the table based on the number of light points value to obtain the toner consumption amount for printing this page; the control unit looks up the table based on the output voltage signal to obtain the correction coefficient; the control unit 42 calculates the toner supply amount for printing the next page, toner supply amount = toner consumption amount * correction coefficient 1, and the printing of the second-page job ends;

[0205] The printing of the fourth-page job starts...

[0206] In this embodiment, the toner supply amount of the powder supply motor during the printing of the next-page job is calculated based on the sum of the toner consumption amount consumed during the printing of the previous-page job plus the correction coefficient, rather than directly based on the first signal representing the toner-to-carrier ratio output by the concentration detection sensor. In this embodiment, if the toner consumption amount consumed during the printing of the previous-page job is very small, even if the toner-to-carrier ratio in the current imaging unit is small, the generated toner supply amount is also small. In this embodiment, the driving parameters of the powder supply motor are directly determined according to the estimated toner consumption amount of the previous execution of the printing task. If the toner consumption amount of the previous printing task is large, the driving rate of the powder supply motor is increased accordingly. If the toner consumption amount of the previous printing task is small, the driving rate of the powder supply motor is decreased accordingly, and there is no direct corresponding relationship with the remaining amount of toner. Among them, the driving rate is the ratio of the driving time of the toner supply unit to the unit time or the driving speed of the toner supply unit.

[0207] In addition, the toner supply amount can be directly controlled based on the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor, that is, when the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is high, it represents that the current toner-to-carrier ratio is small and the driving rate of the powder supply motor needs to be increased to supply more toner.

[0208] In this embodiment, the toner supply amount can be calculated directly based on the toner consumption amount of the light points or based on the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor. In other embodiments, the toner supply amount can also be calculated based on both the toner consumption amount of the light points and the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor. This application does not limit this.

[0209] In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to determine whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a first preset range during the non-imaging period of the image forming apparatus. If not, it is determined that the density detection sensor has failed.

[0210] In this embodiment, as Figure 10 and Figure 22 shown, during the printer warm-up process (i.e., the imaging unit is preheated and stirred), the control unit 42 detects the output voltage of the density detection sensor, adjusts the control voltage of the density detection sensor, and then detects the output voltage of the density detection sensor to determine whether the density detection sensor is faulty. Specifically, during the preheating and stirring of the imaging unit, the control unit 42 invokes the density detection sensor fault diagnosis logic. The control unit 42 reads and calculates the current voltage output by the density detection sensor, and determines whether the current voltage is outside the first preset range (the first preset range is stored in the storage module 423). If not, it returns to the developing cartridge control logic; if so, it saves the control voltage of the density detection sensor for the current color toner, and determines whether the current voltage is greater than the threshold lower limit (i.e., the lower limit of the first preset range). If so, it increases the control voltage of the density detection sensor, reads the waveform output by the density detection sensor in sequence and recalculates the current voltage value, and determines whether the current voltage is outside the first preset range. If not, it restores the control voltage of the density detection sensor and returns to the developing cartridge control logic; if so, the printer stops immediately and outputs a first fault reminder (i.e., fault reminder 1); in addition, during the above process of determining whether the current voltage is greater than the threshold lower limit (i.e., the lower limit of the first preset range), if the determination result is no, it decreases the control voltage of the density detection sensor, reads the waveform output by the density detection sensor in sequence and recalculates the current voltage value, and determines whether the current voltage is outside the first preset range. If not, it restores the control voltage of the density detection sensor and returns to the developing cartridge control logic; if so, the printer stops immediately and outputs a first fault reminder (i.e., fault reminder 1). By using the output value of the existing density detection sensor to determine whether the developing cartridge is in an abnormal state and timely outputting a fault reminder, no additional cost is required.

[0211] In an alternative embodiment, after at least one powder supply motor rotates to reach a preset number of driving times, the control unit 42 is further configured to determine whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range. If so, it resumes the execution of the imaging operation.

[0212] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to stop the execution of the imaging operation and report an error when it is determined that the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is not within the second preset range.

[0213] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to, after determining that at least one powder supply motor has rotated a preset number of driving times, and before determining whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range, during the execution of the imaging operation, if it is detected that the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a third preset range, suspend the execution of the imaging operation and drive at least one powder supply motor a preset number of times.

[0214] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to obtain the first signal once for each page of the imaging operation during the execution of the imaging operation. When the multiple obtained first signals are all greater than the second preset range, drive at least one powder supply motor a preset number of times to supply toner.

[0215] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to determine whether to drive the corresponding powder supply motor to supply toner based on the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor in the developing cartridge of the imaging unit of different colors.

[0216] In this embodiment, the developing cartridge preheating control logic enters the automatic toner supply mode, and the control unit 42 enters and exits the automatic toner supply mode according to a predetermined high-voltage timing sequence; during the imaging process, when it is detected that the automatic toner supply mode needs to be executed, after the image forming apparatus has completed the received print job, it immediately enters the automatic toner supply mode according to the predetermined high-voltage timing sequence (for example: when printing 100 sheets, it is detected that the automatic toner supply mode needs to be executed at the 50th sheet. At this time, the print engine has received the print tasks for the 51st, 52nd, and 53rd sheets. Then, after printing the 53rd sheet, the automatic toner supply mode starts. After the toner supply is completed, the remaining sheets are printed continuously); the target voltage (i.e., the first signal) calculation logic is called to obtain the target voltage value (the output value of the concentration detection sensor), which is pre-stored in the main body of the image forming apparatus and is used to judge the toner supply amount in combination with the number of light points; when entering the automatic toner replenishment mode (i.e., the automatic toner supply mode), the first read TC_LEVEL (i.e., the voltage value corresponding to the first signal) is read and saved and compared with the target voltage TC_TARGET_V. When TC_LEVEL - TC_TARGET_V > TC_LL3_V (the definition of TC_LL3_V is the judgment condition for whether toner supply is required in the automatic toner supply mode. If it is greater than this value, toner supply is required), that is, when automatic toner replenishment is required, calculate TC_DATEL_DLGF (the difference between the currently detected TC_LEVEL and the target TC_LEVEL in the automatic toner supply mode, which is used to find the number of toner supply times), and then look up the table to obtain the number of toner supply times SUPPLY_TIME_R, so that the difference between the first read TC_LEVEL and the second TC_LEVEL after toner supply is ≥ TC_LL4_V (i.e., the second preset range, which is stored in the storage module 423. TC_LL4_V is the judgment condition for triggering the toner supply FE error in the automatic toner supply mode, and FE is the error code). Finally, until TC_LEVEL - TC_TARGET_V > TC_LL3_V, reaching the agitation time for the end of the automatic toner supply mode, the toner supply amount calculated based on the number of light points is used to clear the number of times the toner supply motor starts (DA_M) and the cumulative value of the number of light points (DOT_R) calculated during the previous page printing. Finally, return to the ready state of the overall developing cartridge preheating control process; if there is paper inside the printer and the judgment result of TC_LL4 (the judgment condition for triggering the toner supply FE error in the automatic toner supply mode) is NO, the paper inside the printer is discharged, and the error is reported to the error interface TCS6 (i.e., a fault reminder 2).

[0217] In this embodiment, after at least one powder supply motor rotates to reach a preset number of driving times, the control unit 42 is further configured to determine whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range. If so, the execution of the imaging operation is resumed. If not, an error is reported. The control unit 42 is also used for controlling the powder supply motor during the non-imaging stage (color correction call), the developing cartridge preheating process, and the imaging process. During the non-imaging stage, after the powder supply motor supplies toner multiple times, if the output voltages continuously detected by the concentration detection sensor do not belong to the threshold range (i.e., the second preset range, which is stored in the storage module 423), an error is reported and the independent powder supply mode is exited. During the developing cartridge preheating process, the output voltage value of the concentration detection sensor is detected multiple times. If the output voltage value is higher than the threshold range once or multiple times, the independent powder supply mode is entered. During the imaging process, the output voltage value of the concentration detection sensor is detected once for each page printed. If the voltage values are continuously higher than the threshold range multiple times, the independent powder supply mode is entered. After entering the independent powder supply mode, first, the output voltage value of the concentration detection sensor is detected. If the output voltage value of the concentration detection sensor belongs to or is lower than the threshold range, the independent powder supply mode is exited. If the output voltage of the concentration detection sensor is higher than the threshold range, the powder supply motor is started to supply a predetermined amount of toner to the developing cartridge of the color lacking toner. If the output voltages continuously detected by the concentration detection sensor do not belong to the threshold range multiple times, it is determined that the toner has not been supplied to the developing cartridge, the independent powder supply mode is exited, and an error is reported. Specifically, during the developing cartridge preheating control logic / imaging powder supply control logic / color correction call process, the TC_TARGET acquisition logic is called to obtain the target voltages of the four colors (i.e., the target voltages of the concentration detection sensors in the four-color developing cartridges), the output voltage of the TCR_SENSOR is read in sequence (i.e., the current output voltage of the concentration detection sensors in the four-color developing cartridges), and the current output voltage is calculated. The current output voltage is compared with the target voltage (i.e., the current output voltage - coefficient > the target voltage). If so (i.e., the current output voltage - coefficient > the target voltage is satisfied), the corresponding color developing cartridge is marked as needing to supply toner, and it is determined whether the marking times have reached the upper limit. If the upper limit is reached, it means that the toner cartridge unit can no longer supply toner, the toner replenishment amount is cleared, the cumulative number of pages without toner supply is cleared, the image forming apparatus is stopped urgently, and a warning is given that the toner cartridge unit of the marked color lacks toner (i.e., the control unit 42 outputs a fault reminder 2). If the current output voltage - coefficient > the target voltage is not satisfied, or the marking times have not reached the upper limit, it is determined whether none of the four colors are marked. If so, the toner cartridge unit is stirred for the set time, the toner replenishment amount is cleared, and the cumulative number of pages without toner supply is cleared, and the process returns to the developing cartridge preheating control logic or printing is executed. If not, the powder supply motor corresponding to the marked color rotates for a fixed rotation time to supply the toner of the marked color.

[0218] It should be noted that there is a corresponding relationship between the output voltage of the concentration detection sensor and the toner concentration in the developing cartridge. If the output voltage of the concentration detection sensor is large, it represents a low toner concentration. Therefore, the toner concentration can be judged according to the voltage output by the concentration detection sensor, and then toner can be supplied. Among them, the number of markings is the number of times of supplying toner. The toner that can be supplied in the toner cartridge unit is limited. For example, if the number of times that can be supplied is 100 times, then when the number of times reaches 100 times, no more toner can be supplied. If the number of markings reaches the upper limit, toner supply cannot be performed, and printing cannot be performed. A message will be provided on the panel to inform the user that the toner cartridge unit is out of toner and the image forming apparatus needs to be restarted or the toner cartridge unit needs to be replaced. If there are no markings for all four colors, it means that no toner has been supplied to all four toner cartridge units. At this time, the toner cartridge unit rotates, and the developing assembly idles to adjust the distribution of the developer. Independent toner supply is to make up for the situation where the toner consumption is greater than the supply. Toner supply is performed according to the relationship between the output voltage of the concentration detection sensor and the target voltage. The toner supply time and number of times are set according to the actual situation. For example, the preset toner supply time is 100 ms, and it repeats 5 times. Through the existing concentration detection sensor and the toner supply motor, when the toner in the toner cartridge unit is consumed, an error detection means that can be immediately detected is used, without increasing additional costs, and toner can be supplied in a timely and appropriate manner.

[0219] In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to start sampling the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, stop sampling the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor according to the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, and calculate the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result; the control unit 42 is further configured to perform the calculation of the third signal for driving each toner supply motor according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, and start each toner supply motor.

[0220] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to start the toner supply motor based on the signal indicating the start of the imaging operation during imaging; the control unit is further configured to start the toner supply motor to supply toner based on the closing of the control signal of the clutch that controls the operation of the primary transfer roller during non-imaging.

[0221] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to control the start or stop of sampling the first signal according to the signal indicating the start of calibration and the signal indicating the stop of calibration of the image concentration control sensor.

[0222] In this embodiment, the toner supply motor includes a first toner supply motor and a second toner supply motor. The first toner supply motor is configured to drive a first toner supply screw to supply toner of a first color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the image forming units when rotating in the forward direction, and to drive a second toner supply screw to supply toner of a second color from at least one toner cartridge to the other image forming unit when rotating in the reverse direction. The second toner supply motor is configured to drive a third toner supply screw to supply toner of a third color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the image forming units when rotating in the forward direction, and to drive a fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of a fourth color from at least one toner cartridge to the other image forming unit when rotating in the reverse direction. The specific control methods for the first toner supply motor and the second toner supply motor have been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so they will not be elaborated here.

[0223] During the imaging process and the non-imaging process, the starting criteria for the toner supply motor are different, and the start of the toner supply motor is also related to the start of the IDC (Image Density Control) sensor calibration. The IDC sensor is located on the intermediate transfer belt and is used to detect the density / position offset of the test image formed on the intermediate transfer belt for color calibration. The specific relationship is as follows:

[0224] During imaging: After the TOD / LSU Video signal is turned on, the toner supply motor starts to supply toner. Among them, the TOD signal is a virtual signal, similar to the Video (image) signal of the LSU (Laser Scanning Unit).

[0225] During non-imaging: After the TR1 Clutch signal is turned off, the toner supply motor starts to supply toner. Among them, the TR1 Clutch signal is a control signal for a clutch that controls the operation of four primary transfer rollers. This clutch is located outside the intermediate transfer belt.

[0226] The start of the IDC calibration signal and the toner supply timing of the toner supply motor: First, trigger the IDC calibration, then trigger the reading of the output voltage value of the TC Sensor (i.e., according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, start the first signal sampling of the output of the density detection sensor, and calculate the potential level of the first signal based on the sampling result), and then control the toner supply motor to supply toner. Similarly, when the IDC calibration signal stops, stop triggering the reading of the output voltage value of the TC Sensor (i.e., according to the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, stop the first signal sampling of the output of the density detection sensor). It should be noted that here, the imaging period and the non-imaging period are not distinguished because the IDC calibration will be triggered when the printer is first turned on or when the printer is in an environment from low temperature to high temperature, so the imaging period and the non-imaging period are not distinguished.

[0227] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to execute the calculation of the third signal for driving each powder supply motor according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, and start each powder supply motor. Specifically, the voltage output by the concentration detection sensor can be compared with a third preset range (the third preset range can be stored in the storage module 423 in advance). When the voltage output by the concentration detection sensor is within the third preset range value, it is determined that the toner concentration is within the specification, and the powder supply motor is started by using the driving method within the specification. Otherwise, it is determined that the toner concentration is outside the specification, and the powder supply motor is started by using the driving method outside the specification.

[0228] For the rotation mode of the powder supply motor: taking the cycle as the unit, controlling the rotation of the powder supply motor, and the rotation speed of the powder feeding screw is 84.5° / cycle; the number of rotation cycles of the powder supply motor is related to the image coverage rate; the number of rotation cycles of the powder supply motor - the coverage rate (in the same environment) is 0% to 20% coverage rate, rotating 0 to 5 cycles, and when the coverage rate is 50% to 100%, rotating 5 to 20 cycles.

[0229] When it is determined that the toner concentration is outside the specification, for the rotation mode of the powder supply motor: the number of rotation cycles is fixed at 5; this control mode only appears during intermittent printing and the printer is in a paperless state. At this time, the TC LEVEL is at a relatively high feedback potential Vmax = 3.26V to Vmin = 2.78V (the normal value is Vmax = 2.06V to 1.62V), and this voltage parameter is the second peak and trough of the TC LEVEL waveform; after the powder supply motor appears this control mode, it is accompanied by long-term continuous powder supply and stirring.

[0230] In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 42 is further configured to increase or decrease the driving time of each powder supply motor according to at least one of the length, temperature, and humidity of the paper feed direction of the printing medium.

[0231] In this embodiment, a correlation table (not shown) of the environmental temperature, humidity, and paper feed length (i.e., the paper feed length, and the paper feed length is the length of one piece of paper) with the maximum toner supply amount and the maximum rotation time of the powder supply motor can be stored in the storage module 423 in advance.

[0232] When controlling the powder supply motor, the control unit 42 can determine the maximum toner supply amount or the maximum rotation time of the powder supply motor by obtaining three pieces of information, namely the ambient temperature, humidity, and paper feed length, and substituting them into a pre-stored association table, so as to increase or decrease the driving time of the powder supply motor. Among them, the greater the paper feed length, the longer the maximum rotation time of the powder supply motor; the number of rotations (rotation time) of the powder supply motor = the amount of toner to be replenished / the toner supply amount per start of the powder supply motor, and the amount of toner to be replenished is the value consumed in the previous page; in some special cases, the amount of toner to be replenished = the maximum toner supply amount. Therefore, the maximum rotation time of the powder supply motor is related to the paper feed length, that is, the longer the paper feed length, the greater the maximum toner supply amount. For example, if the printed paper is A4, it can rotate for 2s, and the toner amount for full-load printing for 2s.

[0233] In addition, according to the pre-stored association table, when the paper feed length (the paper feed length is the length of one piece of paper) and the ambient temperature are the same, the greater the ambient humidity, the greater the allowable maximum toner supply amount. For example, when the paper feed length is 297mm, when the relative humidity is less than 50%, the corresponding maximum toner supply amount is 500mg, and the maximum rotation time of the powder supply motor is 1800ms. When the relative humidity is greater than 50%, the corresponding maximum toner supply amount is 550mg, and the maximum rotation time of the powder supply motor is 1800ms. The reason is that toner will adhere to water droplets. When the ambient humidity rises, the number of water droplets carried by the toner will increase, resulting in an increase in the adhesion degree between the toner particles; so under the same toner supply time, the toner supply amount in a high-humidity environment is greater.

[0234] An embodiment of the present invention provides an image forming method, which can be applied to the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, such as Figure 17 shown, including:

[0235] S100: When each powder supply motor rotates in the forward or reverse direction to drive the corresponding toner supply screw to supply the toner in the corresponding powder cartridge to each imaging unit, independently determine whether the rotation direction of each powder supply motor is the same as the rotation direction of the powder supply motor last time. If the rotation direction is different, the powder supply motor increases the transmission compensation time when driving the toner supply screw to perform the supply;

[0236] In this embodiment, the powder supply motor includes a first powder supply motor and a second powder supply motor. The first powder supply motor is configured to drive a first toner supply screw to supply toner of a first color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and to drive a second toner supply screw to supply toner of a second color from at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction. The second powder supply motor is configured to drive a third toner supply screw to supply toner of a third color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and to drive a fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of a fourth color from at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction. Before determining whether the rotation direction of each powder supply motor is the same as the previous rotation direction of the powder supply motor, first determine which color of toner, i.e., toner of the first color, the second color, the third color, or the fourth color, is to be supplied according to the request for instructing the start of each powder supply motor. There are the following four cases:

[0237] Case 1: When it is determined that toner of the first color needs to be supplied, determine whether the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the previous start to drive the first toner supply screw to supply toner of the first color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the first toner supply screw to supply toner of the first color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction to drive the first toner supply screw to supply toner of the first color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units this time does not increase the transmission compensation time.

[0238] Case 2: When it is determined that toner of the third color needs to be supplied, determine whether the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the previous start to drive the third toner supply screw to supply toner of the third color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the third toner supply screw to supply toner of the third color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the second powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction to drive the third toner supply screw to supply toner of the third color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units this time does not increase the transmission compensation time.

[0239] Case 3: When it is determined that toner of the second color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the previous start to drive the second toner supply screw to supply toner of the second color from at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the reverse direction to drive the second toner supply screw to supply toner of the second color from at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit this time does not increase the transmission compensation time.

[0240] Case 4: When it is determined that toner of the fourth color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the second toner supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the previous start-up to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of the fourth color from at least one toner cartridge to another image forming unit, then when the second toner supply motor is started to rotate in the reverse direction this time to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of the fourth color from at least one toner cartridge to another image forming unit, the transmission compensation time is not increased.

[0241] The implementation method of the above process has been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0242] S200: If the determination result is that the rotation directions are the same, then when the toner supply motor drives the toner supply screw to perform the supply, the transmission compensation time is not increased.

[0243] In this embodiment, step S200 further includes that if the determination result is that the rotation directions are the same, then the rotation time of each toner supply motor is not increased; among them, the above four cases respectively correspond to the following four control methods:

[0244] Control 1 (corresponding to Case 1): When it is determined that toner of the first color needs to be supplied, determine whether the first toner supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the previous start-up to drive the first toner supply screw to supply toner of the first color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the image forming units. If it is determined that the first toner supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the first toner supply screw to supply toner of the first color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the image forming units, then when the first toner supply motor is started to rotate in the forward direction this time to drive the first toner supply screw to supply toner of the first color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the image forming units, the transmission compensation time is not increased. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased, where the request for instructing the start-up of each toner supply motor is the request for instructing the start-up of the first toner supply motor;

[0245] Control 2 (corresponding to Case 2): When it is determined that toner of the third color needs to be supplied, determine whether the second toner supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the previous start-up to drive the third toner supply screw to supply toner of the third color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the image forming units. If it is determined that the second toner supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the third toner supply screw to supply toner of the third color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the image forming units, then when the second toner supply motor is started to rotate in the forward direction this time to drive the third toner supply screw to supply toner of the third color from at least one toner cartridge to one of the image forming units, the transmission compensation time is not increased. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased, where the request for instructing the start-up of each toner supply motor is the request for instructing the start-up of the second toner supply motor.

[0246] Control three (corresponding to case three): When it is determined that toner of the second color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the previous start-up to drive the second toner supply screw to supply toner of the second color from at least one toner cartridge to another imaging unit, then when the first powder supply motor is started in the reverse direction this time to drive the second toner supply screw to supply toner of the second color from at least one toner cartridge to another imaging unit, the transmission compensation time is not increased; otherwise, the transmission compensation time is increased.

[0247] Control four (corresponding to case four): When it is determined that toner of the fourth color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the previous start-up to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of the fourth color from at least one toner cartridge to another imaging unit, then when the second powder supply motor is started in the reverse direction this time to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of the fourth color from at least one toner cartridge to another imaging unit, the transmission compensation time is not increased; otherwise, the transmission compensation time is increased.

[0248] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 18 shown, the control method for the powder supply motor in this image forming method includes:

[0249] S1: Receive a powder supply motor start request and enter step S2;

[0250] S2: Determine whether it is to supply the fourth (second) toner; if so, enter step S3, or if not, enter step S6;

[0251] S3: Determine whether the second (first) powder supply motor's previous start was to supply the fourth (second) toner, that is, whether the rotation direction of the second (first) powder supply motor is the same as the rotation direction during the previous start-up; if so, enter step S4, or if not, enter step S5;

[0252] S4: Do not increase the rotation time when starting the second (first) powder supply motor this time, and enter step S9;

[0253] S5: Increase the rotation time of the second (first) powder supply motor by the fourth preset time (second preset time) when starting it this time, and enter step S9;

[0254] S6: Determine whether the second (first) powder supply motor's previous start was to supply the third (first) toner, that is, whether the rotation direction of the second (first) powder supply motor is the same as the rotation direction during the previous start-up; if so, enter step S7, or if not, enter step S8;

[0255] S7: Do not increase the rotation time when starting the second (first) powder supply motor this time, and enter step S9;

[0256] S8: This time, start the second (first) powder supply motor and increase the rotation time by a third preset time (first preset time), then proceed to step S9;

[0257] S9: Wait for the next start of the powder supply motor.

[0258] The implementation methods for each step have been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so they will not be elaborated here.

[0259] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 19 shown, it further includes step S300: During the imaging or non-imaging period of the image forming apparatus, control each powder supply motor to rotate forward and reverse alternately to supply toner of different colors.

[0260] The implementation method for this mode has been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0261] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 20 shown, it further includes step S400: Control the calculation of the third signal driven by each powder supply motor after at least one page is printed according to at least one of the first signal or the light spot toner consumption.

[0262] By calculating the third signal with a one-page delay for toner supply, it can ensure timely toner supply and solve the problem that if the toner supply is not timely or the amount supplied is inappropriate, the quality of the formed image will be low and cannot meet the user's requirements.

[0263] The implementation method for this mode has been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0264] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 21 shown, it further includes step S500: During the non-imaging period of the image forming apparatus, determine whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within the first preset range. If not, it is determined that the density detection sensor has failed.

[0265] Specifically, as Figure 22 shown, step S500 includes:

[0266] S501: When the imaging unit preheats and stirs, call the density detection sensor fault diagnosis logic, then proceed to step S502;

[0267] S502: Read and calculate the current voltage output by the density detection sensor, then proceed to step S503;

[0268] S503: Determine whether the current voltage is outside the threshold range (first preset range). If not, proceed to step S504; if so, proceed to step S505.

[0269] S504: Return to the developing cartridge control logic;

[0270] S505: Save the control voltage of the concentration detection sensor for the current color toner, and proceed to step S506;

[0271] S506: Determine whether the current voltage is greater than the lower threshold (i.e., the lower limit of the first preset range). If so, proceed to step S507; if not, proceed to step S512;

[0272] S507: Increase the control voltage of the concentration detection sensor, and proceed to step S508;

[0273] S508: Read the waveform output by the concentration detection sensor according to the timing and recalculate the current voltage value, and proceed to step S509;

[0274] S509: Determine whether the current voltage is outside the first preset range. If not, proceed to step S510; if so, proceed to step S511;

[0275] S510: Restore the control voltage of the concentration detection sensor, and proceed to step S504;

[0276] S511: Immediately stop the printer and output the first fault reminder (i.e., fault reminder 1);

[0277] S512: Decrease the control voltage of the concentration detection sensor, and proceed to step S513;

[0278] S513: Read the waveform output by the concentration detection sensor according to the timing and recalculate the current voltage value, and proceed to step S514;

[0279] S514: Determine whether the current voltage is outside the first preset range. If not, proceed to step S510; if so, proceed to step S515;

[0280] S515: Immediately stop the printer and output the first fault reminder (i.e., fault reminder 1).

[0281] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 23 shown, it further includes step S600: After each powder supply motor rotates to reach the preset driving times, determine whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within the second preset range. If so, resume the execution of the imaging operation; if not, report an error.

[0282] Specifically, as Figure 24 shown, step S600 includes:

[0283] S601: Enter the automatic toner supply mode, and proceed to step S602;

[0284] S602: Call the target voltage calculation logic and proceed to step S603;

[0285] S603: Read and save the first TC_LEVEL according to the timing sequence of the automatic toner supply mode, and proceed to step S604;

[0286] S604: Determine whether TC_LEVEL - TC_TARGET_V < TC_LL3_V holds. If it does not hold, proceed to step S605; if it holds, proceed to step S613;

[0287] S605: Calculate the LEVEL difference;

[0288] TC_DATEL_DLGF = TC_LEVEL - TC_TARGET_V, and proceed to step S606;

[0289] S606: Look up the table to obtain the toner supply times SUPPLY_TIME_R, and proceed to step S607;

[0290] S607: Start the toner supply motor according to the timing sequence of the automatic toner supply mode, and proceed to step S608;

[0291] S608: Determine whether the number of executions is two. If not, proceed to step S609; if so, proceed to step S613;

[0292] S609: Read and save the second TC_LEVEL according to the timing sequence of the automatic toner supply mode, and proceed to step S610;

[0293] S610: After entering the toner replenishment mode, determine whether the first TC_LEVEL - the second TC_LEVEL ≥ TC_LL4_V holds. If it does not hold, proceed to step S611; if it holds, proceed to step S604;

[0294] S611: DOT_R = 0, DA_M = 0, clear the number of executions, and proceed to step S612;

[0295] S612: Report an error to the error reporting interface TCS6;

[0296] S613: Reach the stirring time at the end of the automatic toner supply mode, and proceed to step S614;

[0297] S614: DOT_R = 0, DA_M = 0, clear the number of executions, and proceed to step S615;

[0298] S615: Return to the ready state of the overall process of developing cartridge preheating control.

[0299] The implementation method of this method has been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0300] In addition, as Figure 25 shown, step S600 further includes:

[0301] A601: Enter the developing cartridge preheating control logic / imaging toner supply control logic / color correction call, and enter step A602;

[0302] A602: Call the TC_TARGET acquisition logic to acquire the target voltages of the four colors, and enter step A603;

[0303] A603: Read the output voltage of the TCR_SENSOR in sequence and calculate the current output voltage, and enter step A604;

[0304] A604: Compare the current output voltage with the target voltage (i.e., current output voltage - coefficient > target voltage). If so, enter step A605. If not, enter step A608;

[0305] A605: Mark that the corresponding color developing cartridge needs to supply toner, and determine whether the marking times reach the upper limit. If the upper limit is reached, it means that the toner cartridge unit can no longer supply toner, and enter step A606. If the upper limit is not reached, enter step A608;

[0306] A606: Clear the toner replenishment amount and clear the accumulated number of pages without toner supply, and enter step A607;

[0307] A607: The printer stops urgently, and a reminder that the toner cartridge of the marked color is short of toner is given (i.e., the control unit 42 outputs a fault reminder 2);

[0308] A608: Determine whether none of the four colors are marked. If so, enter step A609. If not, enter step A612;

[0309] A609: Stir the toner cartridge unit for the set time, and enter step A610;

[0310] A610: Clear the toner replenishment amount and clear the accumulated number of pages without toner supply, and enter step A611;

[0311] A611: Return to the developing cartridge preheating control logic / printing;

[0312] A612: For the marked color, the toner supply motor rotates for a fixed rotation time to supply the toner of the marked color, and return to step A603.

[0313] The implementation method of this method has been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0314] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 26 shown, it further includes step S700: starting to sample the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, stopping sampling the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor according to the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, and calculating the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result; performing calculation of the third signal driven by each powder supply motor according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, and starting each powder supply motor.

[0315] Adopting at least one of the above embodiments can solve at least one problem proposed in the background art and does not require additional costs. The implementation of this method has been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0316] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 27 shown, it further includes step S800: increasing or decreasing the driving time of each powder supply motor according to at least one of the length, temperature, and humidity in the paper feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0317] The implementation of this method has been described in detail in the above image forming apparatus, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0318] An embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, as Figure 28 shown, Figure 28 The electronic device shown is only an example and should not impose any limitations on the functions and usage scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0319] As Figure 28 shown, the electronic device is presented in the form of a general computing device. The components of the electronic device may include but are not limited to: one or more processors 910, a memory 930, and a communication bus 940 connecting different system components (including the memory 930 and the processor 910).

[0320] The communication bus 940 represents one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, a processor, or a local bus using any of the various bus structures. By way of example, these architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) bus, Enhanced ISA bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnection (PCI) bus.

[0321] An electronic device typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by the electronic device, including volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0322] The memory 930 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The electronic device may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / nonvolatile computer system storage media. Although Figure 28 not shown in the figure, a disk drive for reading and writing to a removable nonvolatile magnetic disk (such as a "floppy disk"), and an optical disk drive for reading and writing to a removable nonvolatile optical disk (such as a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Digital Video Disc Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM), or other optical media) may be provided. In these cases, each drive may be connected to the communication bus 940 through one or more data media interfaces. The memory 930 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0323] A program / util utility having a set (at least one) of program modules can be stored in the memory 930. Such program modules include, but are not limited to, an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules generally execute the functions and / or methods in the embodiments described in the present invention.

[0324] The electronic device can also communicate with one or more external devices, and can also communicate with one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the electronic device, or communicate with any device that enables the electronic device to communicate with one or more other computing devices (such as a network card, a modem, etc.). Such communication can be carried out through the communication interface 920. And, the electronic device can also communicate with one or more networks (such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), and / or a public network, such as the Internet) through a network adapter ( Figure 28 not shown in the figure). The above network adapter can communicate with other modules of the electronic device through the communication bus 940. It should be understood that although Figure 28 not shown in the figure, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in combination with the electronic device, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, Redundant Arrays of Independent Drives (RAID) systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems, etc.

[0325] The processor 910 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the programs stored in the memory 930, such as implementing the image forming apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present invention.

[0326] The embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium. The above computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and the above computer instructions cause the above computer to execute the image forming apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present invention.

[0327] The above computer-readable storage medium may adopt any combination of one or more computer-readable media. The computer-readable media may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may, for example, be an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination of the foregoing, but is not limited thereto. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or a flash memory, an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In this document, the computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program, and the program may be used by or in combination with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0328] The computer-readable signal medium may include a data signal propagated in a baseband or as part of a carrier wave, which carries the computer-readable program code. Such a propagated data signal may take various forms, including but not limited to an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The computer-readable signal medium may also be any computer-readable medium other than the computer-readable storage medium, and the computer-readable medium may send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in combination with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0329] The program code contained on the computer-readable medium may be transmitted by any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wire, optical fiber cable, radio frequency (RF), etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0330] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, Comprising: At least one imaging unit configured to form a developer image; A toner supply unit including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one toner supply motor, and at least two toner supply screws. The toner supply motor is drivingly connected to the corresponding two toner supply screws. The toner supply screws are configured to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to each of the imaging units. When the toner supply motor rotates in the forward direction, it drives one of the toner supply screws to supply the toner in one of the toner cartridges to one of the imaging units. When the toner supply motor rotates in the reverse direction, it drives the other toner supply screw to supply the toner in the other toner cartridge to the other imaging unit; A control unit configured to independently determine whether the rotation direction of each toner supply motor is the same as the previous rotation direction of the toner supply motor when each toner supply motor rotates in the forward or reverse direction and drives the corresponding toner supply screw to supply the toner in the corresponding toner cartridge to each imaging unit. If the rotation directions are not the same, the toner supply motor drives the toner supply screw to increase the transmission compensation time when performing the supply.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit is further configured to, when the determination result is that the rotation directions are the same, not increase the transmission compensation time when the toner supply motor drives the toner supply screw to perform the supply.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The at least one toner supply motor includes: A first toner supply motor configured to drive a first toner supply screw to supply toner of a first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and to drive a second toner supply screw to supply toner of a second color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction; A second toner supply motor configured to drive a third toner supply screw to supply toner of a third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and to drive a fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of a fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the reverse direction.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit is further configured to, when receiving a request for instructing each toner supply motor to start, determine, based on the request, which color of toner among the toner of the first color, the toner of the second color, the toner of the third color, and the toner of the fourth color needs to be supplied, and control the corresponding toner supply motor to rotate in the forward or reverse direction to perform the toner supply based on the color of toner to be supplied; When it is determined that the toner of the first color needs to be supplied, it is determined whether the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the toner of the first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the toner of the first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the toner of the first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased. Wherein, the request for instructing the start of each powder supply motor is the request for instructing the start of the first powder supply motor; or When it is determined that the toner of the third color needs to be supplied, it is determined whether the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the toner of the third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the toner of the third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the second powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the toner of the third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased. Wherein, the request for instructing the start of each powder supply motor is the request for instructing the start of the second powder supply motor.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The control unit is further configured to, when it is determined that the toner of the second color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the toner of the second color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the reverse direction to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the toner of the second color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased; or When it is determined that the toner of the fourth color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit, then starting the second powder supply motor to rotate in the reverse direction to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. If not, the transmission compensation time is increased.

6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus further includes a density detection sensor, and the density detection sensor is configured to detect the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in each imaging unit and output a first signal; The control unit is configured to generate a second signal for characterizing the toner supply amount according to the first signal, and generate a third signal for controlling the driving of each of the toner supply motors according to the second signal.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The control unit is further configured to control the calculation of the third signal for driving each of the toner supply motors after at least one page is printed after the current page according to at least one of the first signal or the light spot toner consumption amount.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein After each of the toner supply motors rotates to reach a preset driving number of times, the control unit is further configured to determine whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range. If so, resume the execution of the imaging operation; if not, report an error.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The control unit is further configured to start sampling the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, stop sampling the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor according to the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, calculate the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result, and control each of the corresponding toner supply motors to perform toner supply according to the first signal; The control unit is further configured to perform the calculation of the third signal for driving each of the toner supply motors according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, and start each of the toner supply motors.

10. An image forming method, which is applied to an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including at least one imaging unit for forming a developer image; a toner supply unit including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one toner supply motor, and at least two toner supply screws, the toner supply motor being drivingly connected to the corresponding two toner supply screws, the toner supply screws being configured to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to each of the imaging units, wherein, When the toner supply motor rotates in the forward direction, it drives one of the toner supply screws to supply the toner in one of the toner cartridges to one of the imaging units. When the toner supply motor rotates in the reverse direction, it drives the other toner supply screw to supply the toner in the other toner cartridge to the other imaging unit. The method is characterized in that it includes: When each of the toner supply motors rotates in the forward or reverse direction and drives the corresponding toner supply screw to supply the toner in the corresponding toner cartridge to each of the imaging units, independently determine whether the rotation direction of each of the toner supply motors is the same as the previous rotation direction of the toner supply motor. If the rotation directions are not the same, the toner supply screw driven by the toner supply motor increases the transmission compensation time when performing the supply.

11. The image forming method according to claim 10, wherein, The method further includes: if the determination result is that the rotation directions are the same, the toner supply screw driven by the toner supply motor does not increase the transmission compensation time when performing the supply.

12. The image forming method according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one toner supply motor includes: A first toner supply motor, configured to drive a first toner supply screw to supply toner of a first color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and drive a second toner supply screw to supply toner of a second color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction; A second toner supply motor, configured to drive a third toner supply screw to supply toner of a third color from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units when rotating in the forward direction, and drive a fourth toner supply screw to supply toner of a fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit when rotating in the reverse direction.

13. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein, The method further includes: When receiving a request for instructing the start of each of the powder supply motors, based on the request, determine which color of toner among the first color toner, the second color toner, the third color toner, and the fourth color toner is to be supplied, and control the corresponding powder supply motor to rotate in the forward or reverse direction based on the toner of the color to be supplied to perform powder supply; When it is determined that the first color toner needs to be supplied, determine whether the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the first color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the first color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction to drive the first toner supply screw to supply the first color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. Otherwise, increase the transmission compensation time, where the request for instructing the start of each of the powder supply motors is a request for instructing the start of the first powder supply motor; or When it is determined that the third color toner needs to be supplied, determine whether the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction during the last start to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the third color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units. If it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the forward direction to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the third color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units, then starting the second powder supply motor to rotate in the forward direction to drive the third toner supply screw to supply the third color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to one of the imaging units this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. Otherwise, increase the transmission compensation time, where the request for instructing the start of each of the powder supply motors is a request for instructing the start of the second powder supply motor.

14. The image forming method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: When it is determined that the second color toner needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the first powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the second color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit, then starting the first powder supply motor to rotate in the reverse direction to drive the second toner supply screw to supply the second color toner from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit this time does not increase the transmission compensation time. Otherwise, increase the transmission compensation time; or When it is determined that the toner of the fourth color needs to be supplied, if it is determined that the second powder supply motor rotated in the reverse direction during the last start to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit, then starting the second powder supply motor to rotate in the reverse direction this time to drive the fourth toner supply screw to supply the toner of the fourth color from the at least one toner cartridge to the other imaging unit does not increase the transmission compensation time; otherwise, the transmission compensation time is increased.

15. The image forming method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: generating a second signal for characterizing the toner supply amount according to a first signal output when a concentration detection sensor detects the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in each of the imaging units of the image forming apparatus, and generating a third signal for controlling the driving of each powder supply motor according to the second signal.

16. The image forming method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: controlling the calculation of the third signal for driving each powder supply motor after at least one page is printed according to at least one of the first signal or the toner consumption of the light spot.

17. The image forming method according to claim 15, wherein The method further includes: after each powder supply motor rotates to reach a preset driving number of times, determining whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range; if so, resuming the execution of the imaging operation; if not, reporting an error.

18. The image forming method according to claim 15, wherein The method further includes: according to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, starting to sample the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor, and according to the job end signal of the image forming apparatus, stopping sampling the first signal output by the concentration detection sensor, and calculating the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result and controlling the corresponding powder supply motors to perform toner supply according to the first signal; According to the job start signal of the image forming apparatus, performing the calculation of the third signal for driving each powder supply motor and starting each powder supply motor.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that, Including: At least one processor; And A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores a computer program executable by the at least one processor, and when the computer program is executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor is enabled to execute the image forming method according to any one of claims 10-18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions for causing a processor to execute the image forming method according to any one of claims 10-18 when executed.

21. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, Including: An imaging unit for forming a developer image; A toner supply unit including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one powder supply motor, and at least one toner supply screw, wherein the at least one powder supply motor is used to drive the at least one toner supply screw to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to the imaging unit; A concentration detection sensor for detecting the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in the imaging unit and outputting a first signal; A control unit, configured to generate a second signal for characterizing the toner supply amount according to the first signal, and generate a third signal for controlling the driving of each of the powder supply motors according to the second signal; The control unit is configured to control the calculation of the third signal for driving each of the powder supply motors after at least one page is printed after the current page according to at least one of the first signal and the toner consumption of the light spot toner.

22. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, Comprising: An imaging unit, configured to form a developer image; A toner supply unit, including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one powder supply motor, and at least one toner supply screw, wherein the at least one powder supply motor is configured to drive the at least one toner supply screw to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to the imaging unit; A concentration detection sensor, configured to detect the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in the imaging unit and output a first signal; a control unit, configured to determine whether the voltage value corresponding to the first signal is within a second preset range after each of the powder supply motors rotates to a preset driving number of times, and if so, resume the execution of the imaging operation.

23. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, Comprising: An imaging unit, configured to form a developer image; A toner supply unit, including at least one toner cartridge for storing toner, at least one powder supply motor, and at least one toner supply screw, wherein the at least one powder supply motor is configured to drive the at least one toner supply screw to supply the toner in the toner cartridge to the imaging unit; A concentration detection sensor, configured to detect the ratio relationship between the toner and the carrier in the imaging unit and output a first signal; A control unit, configured to start and end the sampling of the first signal according to the operation start signal and the operation end signal of the image forming apparatus, calculate the potential level of the first signal according to the sampling result, and control each of the corresponding powder supply motors to perform toner supply according to the first signal.

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