Image forming device

Abstract

To determine a toner empty state at an appropriate timing in an image forming device mounted with a plurality of recording agent containers for storing a recording agent of the same color.SOLUTION: An image forming device 1 capable of mounting a plurality of ink containers 31 containing ink of the same color includes: a container loading unit 32 that detachably loads each ink container 31; a total residual amount calculation unit 101 for calculating a total residual amount of ink of the same color on the basis of respective residual amounts of ink in the ink container 31 loaded in the container loading unit 32; and a residual amount state determination unit 102 for determining whether or not the total residual amount of ink is in a residual amount warning state in which it has decreased to a predetermined lower limit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to ordering a recording material container that contains a recording material such as ink or toner. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming apparatus equipped with a recording agent container (e.g., an ink container) that stores recording agents such as ink or toner cannot print when the recording agent container becomes empty. For this reason, some image forming apparatuses have a function that automatically orders a new recording agent container when the recording agent in the recording agent container reaches a near-end state where there is little recording agent remaining. The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe detecting a toner air-end state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-079188 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-028349 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, dual-container image forming apparatuses equipped with multiple (e.g., two) recording material containers containing the same color of recording material have been proposed to reduce downtime caused by running out of consumables such as ink. Dual-container image forming apparatuses are suitable for commercial printing, which requires a large number of prints and long operating times. However, the automatic ordering function of conventional recording material containers is not applicable to dual containers.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to determine whether toner is empty at an appropriate time in an image forming apparatus that is equipped with multiple recording material containers that contain recording material of the same color. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using a recording agent; a container loading unit that detachably mounts a plurality of recording agent containers that hold recording agents of the same color; a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of recording agent in each of the recording agent containers loaded in the container loading unit; and a remaining amount status determination unit that determines, based on the remaining amount of recording agent in each of the recording agent containers detected by the remaining amount detection unit, whether the remaining amount of recording agent in each of the recording agent containers loaded in the container loading unit, or the total remaining amount of recording agent of the same color, is in a remaining amount warning state in which it has fallen to a predetermined lower limit value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether the toner is empty at an appropriate timing in an image forming apparatus that is equipped with a plurality of recording material containers that contain recording materials of the same color. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing the structure of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating the structure of a sub-device included in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a control unit in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a control unit in the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing the structure of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] The image forming system 11 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a post-processing device 4 connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device that combines multiple functions, such as a copy function and a printer function, and forms an image on recording paper as a recording medium using ink as a recording material by an inkjet method. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main device 2 that forms an image on recording paper, and a sub-device 3 that is equipped with ink containers 31 (ink containers 31A to 31H in FIG. 2) that contain ink and supplies the ink from the ink containers 31 to the main device 2. The ink containers 31 are an example of a recording material container in the claims.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic structure of the sub-device 3 included in the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 can be equipped with multiple ink containers (two in this example) containing ink of the same color. As shown in FIG. 2, the sub-device 3 includes container loading units 32A to 32H that detachably load ink containers 31A to 31H, indicated by dashed rectangles. The container loading units 32A and 32B load ink containers 31A and 31B containing black ink, the container loading units 32C and 32D load ink containers 31C and 31D containing cyan ink, the container loading units 32E and 32F load ink containers 31E and 31F containing magenta ink, and the container loading units 32G and 32H load ink containers 31G and 31H containing yellow ink.

[0012] The container loading units 32A to 32H are provided with container covers 321A to 321H that open and close the loading openings of the container loading units 32A to 32H, respectively. The ink containers 31A to 31H, container loading units 32A to 32H, and container covers 321A to 321H are also collectively referred to as ink containers 31, container loading units 32, and container covers 321.

[0013] 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic diagram of the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a document feeder 6, a document reader 5, an image forming unit 12, a container loading unit 32, an ink container 31, a paper feeder 14, an ink supply mechanism 33, an operation unit 47, a communication unit 9, and a storage unit 8.

[0014] The document feeder 6 is configured to be openable and closable by a hinge or the like (not shown) on the top surface of the document reading unit 5, and functions as a document pressing cover when reading a document placed on a platen glass (not shown). The document feeder 6 is also an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and is equipped with a document placement tray (not shown), and supplies documents placed on the document placement tray to the document reading unit 5 one by one.

[0015] The document reading unit 5 includes a scanner and the like, and reads the document fed from the document feeding unit 6 or reads the document placed on the platen glass. The document reading unit 5 is also capable of sequentially reading multiple document images sent from the document feeding unit 6.

[0016] The following describes the case where a document is read by the image forming apparatus 1. The document reading unit 5 optically reads an image of a document supplied to the document reading unit 5 by the document feeding unit 6 or a document placed on the platen glass, and generates image data. The image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored in an image memory (not shown) or the like.

[0017] The following describes an image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming unit 12 includes ink heads for ejecting ink droplets of each color (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow), a print transport unit, and a dry transport unit. The image forming unit 12 forms an image on recording paper, which serves as a recording medium and is fed from the paper feed unit 14, using ink stored in ink containers 31 loaded in a container loading unit 32, using an inkjet method, based on image data generated by a document scanning operation, image data stored in an image memory, etc., and image data received from a computer connected via a network.

[0018] The printing transport unit has an endless transport belt that is used to transport recording paper facing the ink head.Like the printing transport unit, the drying transport unit also has an endless transport belt that is used to transport recording paper on which an image has been formed and allow the ink adhering to the recording paper to dry naturally.

[0019] The recording paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 12 is transported via the sub-device 3 (Figure 1) to the post-processing device 4 (Figure 1), where post-processing such as stapling is performed, if necessary.

[0020] The paper feed unit 14 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes, and further includes a pickup roller that picks up recording paper from the paper feed cassettes and feeds it to the image forming unit 12, a transport roller, a transport path, and a rotation drive mechanism for each roller.

[0021] Each container loading section 32 is provided with a container cover 321, a cover open / close sensor 322, a container sensor 323, an empty sensor 324, and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader / writer 325. The cover open / close sensor 322 detects whether the container cover 321 is open or closed, and is, for example, a limit switch that turns on and off depending on whether the container cover 321 is open or closed.

[0022] The container sensor 323 detects the presence or absence of an ink container 31 loaded in the container loading section 32, and is, for example, a limit switch that turns on and off in response to the attachment or detachment of the ink container 31. The empty sensor 324 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink in the ink container 31 loaded in the container loading section 32 (empty state), and is, for example, an optical sensor.

[0023] The RFID reader / writer 325 reads and writes from an RFID tag (not shown) attached to the ink container 31 loaded in the container loading section 32. A unique product serial number, color information, expiration date information, etc. are written to the RFID tag, and at the time of shipping from the factory, an initial ink volume value is written as remaining ink amount information.

[0024] The control unit 100, which will be described later, reads the remaining ink amount information stored in the RFID tag, for example, via the RFID reader / writer 325. This enables the image forming apparatus 1 (control unit 100) to recognize the remaining ink amount in the ink container 31. Furthermore, when ink is used (during printing, maintenance, etc.), the control unit 100 detects the amount of ink consumed (for example, by counting the number of times ink liquid is ejected from the ink head to calculate the consumption amount), calculates the remaining ink amount in the ink container 31 from the detected ink consumption amount, and writes information indicating the calculated remaining ink amount to the RFID tag via the RFID reader / writer 325 as appropriate, thereby updating the remaining ink amount information stored in the RFID tag. The control unit 100 is also an example of a remaining ink amount detection unit as defined in the claims.

[0025] If the ink container 31 is a genuine product (a so-called genuine ink container manufactured for use with the image forming apparatus 1), the RFID reader / writer 325 performs appropriate wireless communication with the RFID tag. However, if the ink container 31 is not a genuine product (a non-genuine product), it may not be equipped with an RFID tag that can communicate with the RFID reader / writer 325. This may prevent appropriate wireless communication with the ink container 31 (RFID tag), making it impossible to obtain information about the remaining ink level in the ink container 31. The control unit 100 determines whether the ink container 31 is a genuine product based on the product serial number written on the RFID tag. For example, if the control unit 100 can read the product serial number from the RFID tag of the ink container 31 using the RFID reader / writer 325, the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31 is a genuine product. However, if the control unit 100 cannot read the product serial number from the RFID tag of the ink container 31, the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31 is a non-genuine product. Furthermore, the control unit 100 determines the expiration date of the ink container 31 from expiration date information read by the RFID reader / writer 325 from the RFID tag of the ink container 31 .

[0026] The ink supply mechanism 33 supplies ink in the ink container 31 loaded in the container loading section 32 to the image forming section 12, and has, for example, a syringe pump, multiple pipes, a valve, and a coil spring, and connects the ink supply port of the ink container 31 to the syringe pump via a pipe, and connects the syringe pump to the image forming section 12 via a pipe. The ink supply port is opened and closed by a valve, and the valve is biased by a coil spring.

[0027] The operation unit 47 includes various hard keys that are operated by the user, and receives instructions from the user, such as an instruction to execute an image forming operation, regarding various operations and processes that the image forming apparatus 1 can execute in response to the operation of the hard keys.

[0028] The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays operation guides and the like to the operator. The operation unit 47 also receives input of instructions from the user based on the user's operation (touch operation) on the screen displayed on the display unit 473 via a touch panel that the display unit 473 has.

[0029] The display unit 473 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. When the operator touches a button or key displayed on the screen, the touch panel receives an instruction associated with the touched position. In this case, the touch panel functions as an operation unit.

[0030] The communication unit 9 is a communication interface that transmits and receives various data to and from external devices (for example, personal computers and servers) within a local area or on the Internet.

[0031] The storage unit 8 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various control programs and the like.

[0032] The control unit 10 includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a dedicated hardware circuit. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100, a total remaining amount calculation unit 101, and a remaining amount status determination unit 102.

[0033] The control unit 10 functions as a control unit 100, a total remaining amount calculation unit 101, and a remaining amount status determination unit 102 through operation by the processor in accordance with a control program stored in the storage unit 8. However, the control unit 100 and the like can also be configured by hardware circuits, without relying on operation in accordance with a control program by the control unit 10. Unless otherwise stated below, the same applies to each embodiment.

[0034] The control unit 100 is responsible for overall operational control of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 is connected to the document feed unit 6, document reading unit 5, image forming unit 12, container loading unit 32, ink container 31, paper feed unit 14, ink supply mechanism 33, operation unit 47, communication unit 9, and memory unit 8, and performs drive control of each of these units and executes various processes required for image formation by the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the image forming unit 12 to perform printing. In this case, the control unit 100 prioritizes, among multiple ink containers 31 containing ink of the same color, the ink container with the shortest expiration date or the ink with the least remaining amount of recording agent for printing.

[0035] The total remaining amount calculation unit 101 calculates the total remaining amount TR of ink of the same color (ink contained in each ink container 31 loaded in each container loading unit 32 that is set to load multiple (two in this embodiment) ink containers 31 that contain ink of the same color) based on the remaining amount R of ink in each ink container 31 loaded in the container loading unit 32. For example, the total remaining amount TR of black ink is found by adding up the remaining amount R of ink in each of the ink containers 31A and 31B.

[0036] The remaining amount status determination unit 102 determines whether the remaining amount R of ink in each ink container 31 loaded in the container loading unit 32, or the total remaining amount TR of ink of the same color, has dropped to a predetermined lower limit L, indicating a remaining amount warning state. Specific examples of the determination performed by the remaining amount status determination unit 102 will be explained below, divided into the two determination methods. The lower limit L may be set by the user. In this case, the remaining amount status determination unit 102 determines whether the remaining amount warning state has occurred based on the lower limit L set by the user and accepted by the operation unit 47.

[0037] In "Determination Method 1," the total remaining amount TR of ink of the same color is used to determine whether or not a low-level warning state has occurred. In "Determination Method 2," the remaining amount R of ink in each ink container 31 is used to determine whether or not a low-level warning state has occurred.

[0038] <Determination Method 1> When the black ink in the ink container 31A is being used, the control unit 100 detects the amount of ink consumed, and calculates the remaining amount of ink R in the ink container 31A from the amount of ink consumed.

[0039] The total remaining amount calculation unit 101 calculates the total remaining amount TR of black ink by adding up the remaining amount R of ink in the ink container 31A and the remaining amount R of ink in an ink container 31B that contains black ink and is separate from the ink container 31A. Information indicating the remaining amount R of ink in each of the ink containers 31A and 31B before use is recorded on the RFID tags, so the total remaining amount calculation unit 101 reads the remaining amount R of ink in each of the ink containers 31A and 31B before use from the RFID tags.

[0040] The remaining amount status determination unit 102 calculates the ratio RT1 of the total remaining amount TR of black ink to the total capacity (the sum of the initial capacity values ​​of the ink containers 31A and 31B), and determines whether the calculated ratio RT1 has fallen to a lower limit L (for example, 10%) to determine whether a remaining amount warning state has occurred. Note that the lower limit L is not limited to a relative value indicated by the ratio, but may also be an absolute value consisting of a predetermined ink amount value.

[0041] If an unauthorized ink container 31 is loaded in the container loading unit 32 (if the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31 is unauthorized), the remaining amount state determination unit 102 does not determine whether or not a remaining amount warning state is in effect for ink of the same color as the ink contained in the unauthorized ink container 31. This is because there is a possibility that accurate remaining ink information cannot be obtained from an unauthorized ink container 31.

[0042] <Determination Method 2> When the ink in the ink container 31A is being used, the control unit 100 detects the amount of ink consumed, and calculates the remaining amount of ink R in the ink container 31A from the amount of ink consumed.

[0043] The remaining amount status determination unit 102 calculates the ratio RT2 of the remaining ink amount R in the ink container 31 to the total capacity (initial capacity value of the ink container 31A), and determines whether or not a remaining amount warning state is present by determining whether or not the calculated ratio RT2 has fallen to a lower limit value L (e.g., 10%).

[0044] The remaining amount state determination unit 102 does not determine whether or not the ink in a container loading unit 32 that is not loaded with an ink container 31 is in a remaining amount warning state. The remaining amount state determination unit 102 also does not determine whether or not the ink in an unauthorized ink container 31 is in a remaining amount warning state. This is because, as described above, accurate remaining ink information may not be obtained from an unauthorized ink container 31.

[0045] When the remaining amount state determination unit 102 determines that the ink is in a remaining amount warning state, the control unit 100 executes a predetermined ordering process to order an ink container 31 containing ink of the same color as the ink in the remaining amount warning state.

[0046] For example, as the ordering process, the control unit 100 transmits information for ordering the ink container 31 to a server managed by the ink container delivery service business via the communication unit 9. Alternatively, as the ordering process, the control unit 100 controls the display of the display unit 473 to display information on the display unit 473 indicating that an order for the ink container 31 is required.

[0047] Next, an example of processing related to ordering ink containers 31 in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. This processing is performed when ink stored in the ink container 31 is used (for example, during printing or maintenance). Here, the case where the above-mentioned "Determination Method 1" is used will be described, and further, the case where black ink stored in the ink container 31A is used will be described as an example.

[0048] When the use of the ink contained in the ink container 31A starts, the control unit 100 determines whether or not at least one of the ink containers 31A and 31B containing black ink is an unauthorized product (S1).

[0049] If the control unit 100 determines that neither of the ink containers 31A, 31B are counterfeit (both are genuine) (NO in S1), it detects the amount of ink consumed by the ink container 31A (S2), calculates the remaining ink amount R of the ink containers 31A, 31B based on the detected amount of ink consumed (S3), and the total remaining amount calculation unit 101 adds up the remaining ink amounts R of the ink containers 31A, 31B to calculate the total remaining ink amount TR (S4).

[0050] In addition, if there is a container loading section 32 in which an ink container 31 is not loaded, the total remaining amount calculation section 101 calculates the total remaining amount TR by assuming that the remaining amount of printing agent in the printing agent container is loaded in the container loading section 32 as 0.

[0051] The remaining amount status determination unit 102 calculates the ratio RT1 of the total remaining amount of black ink TR to the total capacity (the sum of the initial capacity values ​​of the ink containers 31A and 31B) (S5), and determines whether the calculated ratio RT1 has fallen to a lower limit value L (e.g., 10%) (S6).

[0052] If the remaining amount state determining unit 102 determines that the ratio RT1 has not decreased to the lower limit L (NO in S6), the process returns to S2.

[0053] Furthermore, if the remaining amount status determination unit 102 determines that the ratio RT1 has fallen to the lower limit L (YES in S6), the control unit 100 executes an ordering process to order an ink container 31 containing black ink (S8). For example, if the lower limit L is set to about 10%, the control unit 100 executes an ordering process to order two black ink containers 31, since both are approaching empty. If the lower limit L is set to about 50%, the control unit 100 executes an ordering process to order one black ink container 31, since it is highly likely that one of the ink containers has sufficient ink remaining.

[0054] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the ink container 31A in use is empty or not based on the detection result of the empty sensor 324 (S9). If it determines that the ink container 31A in use is not empty (NO in S9), the control unit 100 determines whether the ink has been used up (S10). If it determines that the ink has been used up (YES in S10), this process ends. On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the ink has not been used up (NO in S10), the process returns to S9.

[0055] If the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31A currently in use is empty (YES in S9), it determines whether the ink container can be changed to an ink container 31B that contains the same black ink as the ink container 31A (whether ink can be supplied from the ink container 31B that contains the same black ink as the ink container 31A) (S11). For example, if the ink container 31B is not empty, the control unit 100 determines that the change is possible.

[0056] If the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31B cannot be changed in use (NO in S11), it controls the coil spring of the ink supply mechanism 33 to close the ink supply port of the ink container 31A, thereby halting its use and stopping printing (S12). Then, this process ends.

[0057] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31B can be used (YES in S11), it controls the coil spring of the ink supply mechanism 33 to close the ink supply port of the ink container 31A and open the ink supply port of the ink container 31B, thereby changing the ink container 31 to be used and continuing printing (S13). Then, the process returns to S9.

[0058] Furthermore, if it is determined in S1 that either the ink container 31A or 31B is an unauthorized product (YES in S1), the process proceeds to S9 (determining whether the ink container 31A in use is empty). This is because there is a risk that remaining ink amount information cannot be obtained from an unauthorized ink container 31.

[0059] According to this embodiment, when multiple ink containers 31 containing ink of the same color are installed, ordering is not performed immediately when any of the ink containers 31 containing ink of the same color becomes empty, but rather when both of the multiple ink containers 31 containing ink of the same color become empty, so that orders for multiple ink containers 31 can be placed collectively when the multiple ink containers 31 become empty, rather than during the relatively long period it takes for the multiple ink containers 31 to go from full to empty. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in an image forming apparatus equipped with multiple recording agent containers containing the same color, it is possible to take advantage of the long period it takes for the multiple ink containers 31 to go from full to empty, and to determine whether toner is empty at the appropriate time when ink replenishment is truly necessary.

[0060] Next, another example of processing for ordering ink containers 31 in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. Note that this processing, like the processing shown in Fig. 4, is processing that is performed when ink contained in the ink container 31 is used. Here, the case where the above-mentioned "Determination Method 2" is used will be described, and further, the case where black ink contained in the ink container 31A is used will be described as an example.

[0061] When the use of the ink contained in the ink container 31A is started, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the ink container 31A is an unauthorized product (S21).

[0062] If the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31A is not an unauthorized product (is an authorized product) (NO in S21), it detects the amount of ink consumed by the ink container 31A (S22) and calculates the remaining ink amount R in the ink container 31A based on the detected amount of ink consumed (S23).

[0063] The remaining amount status determination unit 102 calculates the ratio RT2 of the remaining ink amount R to the initial capacity of the ink container 31A (S24), and determines whether the calculated ratio RT2 has fallen to the lower limit L (S25).

[0064] If the remaining amount state determining unit 102 determines that the ratio RT2 has not decreased to the lower limit L (NO in S25), the process returns to S22.

[0065] If the remaining amount status determination unit 102 determines that the ratio RT2 has fallen to the lower limit L (YES in S25), the control unit 100 executes an ordering process to order an ink container 31 containing black ink (S27).

[0066] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the ink container 31A in use is empty or not based on the detection result of the empty sensor 324 (S28). If it determines that the ink container 31A in use is not empty (NO in S28), the control unit 100 determines whether the ink has been used up (S29). If it determines that the ink has been used up (YES in S29), this process ends. On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the ink has not been used up (NO in S29), the process returns to S28.

[0067] When the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31A in use is empty (YES in S28), it determines whether it is possible to change the ink container to use the ink container 31B, which contains the same black ink as the ink container 31A (S30).

[0068] If the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31B cannot be changed in use (NO in S30), it closes the ink supply port of the ink container 31A to discontinue its use and stop printing (S31), after which this process ends.

[0069] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the ink container 31 can be changed to the ink container 31B (YES in S30), it closes the ink supply port of the ink container 31A and opens the ink supply port of the ink container 31B, thereby changing the ink container 31 to be used and continuing printing (S32). Then, the process returns to S28.

[0070] Furthermore, if it is determined in S21 that the ink container 31A is an unauthorized product (YES in S21), the process proceeds to S28. This is because there is a possibility that accurate remaining ink amount information cannot be obtained from an unauthorized ink container 31.

[0071] According to the above embodiment, when multiple ink containers 31 containing ink of the same color are installed, the ordering process is performed when any of the ink containers 31 containing ink of the same color becomes empty. Therefore, when one ink container 31 becomes empty, a new ink container 31 that is full of ink can be obtained early and used to refill the container filling section 32 with that ink container 31 at an early stage. This shortens the period during which printing is performed while one of the ink containers 31 remains empty, further reducing the risk of both ink containers 31 becoming empty. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in an image forming device 1 equipped with multiple ink containers 31, it is possible to determine whether toner is empty at the appropriate time when ink replenishment is required.

[0072] The user may be able to set whether to use the above-mentioned "Determination Method 1: Total Remaining Amount" or "Determination Method 2: Individual Remaining Amount" to determine whether or not the remaining amount warning state is in effect. In this case, the remaining amount status determination unit 102 determines whether or not the remaining ink amount R in each ink container 31 has fallen to the lower limit L (Determination Method 2), or whether or not the total remaining ink amount RT of the same color has fallen to the lower limit L, in accordance with instructions from the user received by the operation unit 47 (Determination Method 2).

[0073] In addition, the control unit 100 may control the display of the display unit 473 to appropriately display information on the opening / closing state of the container cover 321 obtained from the cover opening / closing sensor 322, information on the presence or absence of the ink container 31 obtained from the container sensor 323, empty information obtained from the empty sensor 324, and remaining ink amount information obtained from the RFID tag, thereby informing the user.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the configuration and processing shown in the above embodiment using Figures 1 to 5 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is not intended that the present invention be limited to these configurations and processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Image forming device 12 Image forming unit 31 Ink container 32 Container loading section 47 Control section 100 control section 101 Total remaining amount calculation unit 102 remaining amount state determination unit

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using a recording material; a container loading section that detachably mounts a plurality of recording material containers that contain recording materials of the same color; a remaining amount detecting unit that detects the remaining amount of the recording agent in each of the recording agent containers loaded in the container loading unit; an amount remaining state determination unit that determines whether the remaining amount of each recording agent in the recording agent container loaded in the container loading unit, or the total remaining amount of recording agent of the same color, has fallen to a predetermined lower limit and is in a remaining amount warning state, based on the remaining amount of recording agent in each recording agent container detected by the remaining amount detection unit.

2. a total remaining amount calculation unit that calculates a total remaining amount of the recording agent of the same color based on the remaining amount of the recording agent in each of the recording agent containers loaded in the container loading unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount state determining unit determines whether the remaining amount warning state is present based on the total remaining amount calculated by the total remaining amount calculating unit.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when there is a container loading section in which the recording agent container is not loaded, the total remaining amount calculation section calculates the total remaining amount by setting the remaining amount of recording agent in the recording agent container as 0 if the recording agent container is loaded in the container loading section.

4. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when an irregular recording agent container is loaded in the container loading section, the remaining amount state determination section does not determine whether or not a recording agent of the same color as the recording agent contained in the irregular recording agent container is in the remaining amount warning state.

5. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount state determination unit determines whether or not the remaining amount warning state is in effect for each of the recording agents in the recording agent containers, and does not determine whether or not the remaining amount warning state is in effect for the recording agent in the container loading unit in which the recording agent container is not loaded.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount state determination unit determines whether or not the remaining amount warning state is in effect for each of the recording agents in the recording agent containers, and does not determine whether or not the remaining amount warning state is in effect for recording agents in non-compliant recording agent containers.

7. further comprising an operation unit for receiving input of instructions from a user; the operation unit accepts a user setting of the lower limit value; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount state determining unit determines whether the remaining amount warning state is present based on the lower limit value set by the user and received by the operation unit.

8. further comprising an operation unit for receiving input of instructions from a user; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount status determination unit determines whether the remaining amount of each recording agent in the recording agent container has fallen to the lower limit value, or whether the total remaining amount of recording agents of the same color has fallen to the lower limit value, in accordance with instructions received by the operation unit.

9. a control unit that controls the operation of the image forming unit to perform printing; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the remaining amount state determination unit determines that the remaining amount warning state is in effect, the control unit executes a predetermined ordering process to order the recording agent container containing the recording agent of the same color as the recording agent in the remaining amount warning state.

Images