Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To reduce the load of a motor for driving a plurality of process cartridges in order to drive a new process cartridge.SOLUTION: When the overloaded state of the motor 41 is detected while the initial installation operation is being performed in a state where at least two new cartridges are attached to the housing side 1a (CPU31), S56Y stops the initial installation operation (S57), determines at least one target station (S59), and executes a resolution operation of displaying, on the operation panel 42, information related to taking out at least one target station from the housing side 1a (S61), At least one target station is determined so that at least one new cartridge is left on the housing side 1a when at least one target station is taken out from the housing side 1a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, for example, an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which multiple process cartridges in a full-color printer are simultaneously driven by a single motor. Because such printers have a large number of process cartridges, the torque required by the motor when installing a new process cartridge is large, and depending on the transport and storage conditions, the toner inside the process cartridge may solidify, preventing the printer from operating. For example, Patent Document 2 proposes, to address such cases, a display that prompts the user to shake the process cartridge if the printer is unable to operate. By following the display and shaking the process cartridge, the user can dissolve the toner clumps inside the process cartridge, allowing the printer to operate normally when it is returned to the printer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-072457 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-197785 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a new process cartridge is installed and cannot be driven, it may be possible to drive the new process cartridge if the load on the motor can be reduced. An object of the present invention is to reduce the load on the motor that drives multiple process cartridges in order to drive the new process cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0006] (1) An image forming apparatus in which a plurality of cartridges are removably mounted and which is capable of performing an image forming operation on a recording medium, comprising: a housing in which the plurality of cartridges are removably mounted; a motor; a plurality of drive members driven by the motor, each of which is configured to engage with each of the plurality of cartridges and to drive each of the plurality of cartridges; and control means configured to control the motor, which, when at least one new cartridge is mounted in the housing, performs an initial operation of driving the plurality of drive members with the motor before the image forming operation is performed, and the control means is configured to store the same number of cartridges as the number of the plurality of drive members in the housing. and a second state in which a number of cartridges mounted in the housing is less than the number of the plurality of driving members, and when an overload state of the motor is detected while the initial operation is being performed with at least two new cartridges mounted in the housing, the image forming apparatus stops the initial operation, determines at least one target cartridge, and performs a resolution operation that displays on a display unit information related to removing the at least one target cartridge from the housing, and determines the at least one target cartridge so that at least one new cartridge will remain in the housing when the at least one target cartridge is removed from the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, since a new process cartridge is driven, the load on the motor that drives a plurality of process cartridges can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to first to fourth embodiments; [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration and control configuration of Examples 1 to 3. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a target station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a target station according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a target station according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a fourth embodiment and a diagram showing a modification example. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the process cartridge presence / absence detection process of the fourth embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference [Example]

[0010] <Configuration of image forming device> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus will be described using FIG. 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with removable process cartridges 6Y (yellow), 6M (magenta), 6C (cyan), and 6K (black) at stations corresponding to each color. These four cartridges have the same structure, but differ in that they form images using toners of different colors. Hereinafter, the letters Y, M, C, and K will be omitted unless necessary. The multiple process cartridges 6 are removably mounted in a housing (device body) 1a of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0011] The process cartridge 6 has a photosensitive drum 8 as a photosensitive member, a charging roller 9 as charging means, a developing roller 10, a toner supply roller 11, a sealing member 17, an agitating member 18, a toner container 20, and an authentication IC 19. The developing roller 10 applies toner to the photosensitive drum 8. The toner container 20 as a toner storage section stores toner to be applied to the photosensitive drum 8 by the developing roller 10. The sealing member 17 is attached to prevent toner in the toner container 20 from being supplied to the developing roller 10 when the process cartridge 6 is in a new state. In other words, the sealing member 17 seals the toner supply port from the toner container 20 to the developing roller 10 so that toner is not supplied from the toner container 20 to the developing roller 10.

[0012] The authentication IC 19 is a storage member (memory) that stores information related to each of the multiple process cartridges 6. One authentication IC 19 is attached to each process cartridge 6 (19Y, 19M, 19C, 19K), and the initial control unit 45 (described later) can write and read data via communication. The authentication IC 19 stores new product data, data indicating the toner color, data indicating the toner capacity of the process cartridge 6 in its new state, and other data. The new product data is 1-bit data, for example, where "1" indicates the new state of the process cartridge 6 and "0" indicates the state of a cartridge that has been driven at least once. The new product state data "1" is stored at the factory. The toner capacity in the new state can be, for example, high capacity, medium capacity, or small capacity. In the first embodiment, if the initial control unit 45 can access each authentication IC 19, it is determined that a process cartridge 6 is installed in each station. More specifically, if the authentication IC 19 can be accessed (is in a connected state), it is determined that a "process cartridge is installed," and if it cannot be accessed (is in a disconnected state), it is determined that a "process cartridge is not installed." Note that, hereinafter, a brand new process cartridge 6 will be referred to as a "new cartridge."

[0013] The agitating members 18 of each of the four process cartridges 6 are driven by a motor 41. The sealing members 17 of each of the four process cartridges 6 are opened by the driving force of the motor 41. That is, the motor 41 is the driving source that drives the four process cartridges 6. More specifically, the motor 41 has a plurality of driving members 46 (46Y, 46M, 46C, 46K), each of which engages with each of the process cartridges 6 and drives each of the process cartridges 6 (see FIG. 2). That is, the driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted to the agitating members 18 and the sealing members 17 via the driving members 46. The motor 41 may also drive the developing roller 10 and the toner supply roller 11. The motor 41 may also drive the photosensitive drum 8.

[0014] The agitator 18 driven by the motor 41 rotates to agitate the toner in the toner container 20 and supply the toner to the toner supply roller 11. The motor 41 is, for example, a DC brushless motor, and has a Hall element (not shown) as a sensor for detecting the rotor position (phase), and the Hall element outputs an FG pulse signal at a period proportional to the rotor rotation speed. This allows the CPU 31, which will be described later, to obtain the rotation speed (rpm) of the motor 41.

[0015] During image formation in the image forming apparatus 1, a toner image of each color is formed on the photosensitive drum 8 by a typical electrophotographic process using a toner supply roller 11, a developing roller 10, a charging roller 9, a photosensitive drum 8, and a laser unit 7. The toner images of each color are superimposed (primary transfer) on an intermediate transfer belt 13 (on the intermediate transfer body) by a primary transfer roller 12, and the intermediate transfer belt 13 moves in the direction of arrow 28. A recording medium P is transported from a paper feed cassette 2 by a paper feed roller 3, a transport roller 4, and a registration roller (hereinafter referred to as a registration roller) 5, and the toner image formed and carried on the intermediate transfer belt 13 is transferred onto the recording medium P by a secondary transfer roller 14 (secondary transfer). Any unfixed toner image on the recording medium P is fixed by a fixing unit 15, and the recording medium P is then discharged by a discharge roller 16.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 has a control board 40, an operation panel 42, and a density sensor 30. The operation panel 42 serves as a display unit and can display various information to the user. For example, when the amount of toner remaining in the process cartridge 6 is low, an instruction to replace the cartridge with a new one is displayed on the operation panel 42. Note that an external device connected to the image forming apparatus 1 may be used as the display unit.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an opening / closing unit 26 (hatched portion) that pivots about a hinge 24 in the direction of arrow 25, and a cartridge tray 21 (tray) that supports the process cartridges 6 and has a handle 22 attached. The opening / closing unit 26 is movable between a closed position that covers an opening 27 and an open position that exposes the opening 27. When an instruction to replace the process cartridges 6 is displayed on the operation panel 42, the user opens the opening / closing unit 26, holds the handle 22, and pulls the cartridge tray 21 in the direction of arrow 23. This exposes the process cartridges 6 in the order of Y, M, C, and K through the opening 27, allowing them to be replaced. The open and closed states of the opening / closing unit 26 can be detected by a door sensor (not shown). The density sensor 30 is provided at a position where it can detect the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 13 or the four-color toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 13.

[0018] <Hardware configuration> The hardware configuration will be described using FIG. 2(a). A control board 40 serving as control means is equipped with a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a bus 34, and an input / output I / F 35. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 loads programs and various data from a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 and executes the programs by using a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 as a work area. The CPU 31 can access the input / output I / F 35 via the bidirectionally accessible bus 34. A motor 41, an operation panel 42, and an authentication IC 19 are connected to the input / output I / F 35. The CPU 31 controls these devices via the input / output I / F 35. The motor 41 drives each process cartridge 6 via each drive member 46. Note that the devices connected to the control board 40 are not limited to these devices.

[0019] <Initial installation of the process cartridge> The control configuration of the initial installation operation will be described with reference to Fig. 2(b). The initial control unit 45, the load state determination unit 43, and the remaining toner amount determination unit 44 are programs stored in the ROM 32. The CPU 31 loads the programs from the ROM 32 and executes them by using the RAM 33 as a working area.

[0020] The CPU 31 controls the motor 41 to perform an initial installation operation (initial operation) in which the motor 41 drives the plurality of drive members 46 before an image forming operation is performed when at least one new cartridge is installed in the housing 1a. The CPU 31 can perform the initial installation operation in a first state in which the same number of process cartridges 6 as the number of drive members 46 are installed in the housing 1a, and in a second state in which a number of process cartridges 6 fewer than the number of drive members 46 are installed in the housing 1a. When the image forming apparatus 1 is in the first state, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform an image forming operation on a recording medium P. In other words, the first state can be said to be a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is normally used. Meanwhile, the number of process cartridges 6 installed in the housing 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 is fewer when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the second state than when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the first state.

[0021] The CPU 31 can execute a resolution operation when an overload state, which will be described later, is detected while performing the initial installation operation in the first state, and when an overload state is detected while performing the initial installation operation in the second state. Here, the resolution operation is an operation in which at least one target cartridge, which will be described later, is determined, and the initial control unit 45 displays information related to removing at least one target cartridge from the housing 1a on the operation panel 42. The CPU 31 can execute a determination operation to determine whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in the first state, and when a resolution operation is executed, the determination operation can be executed after performing the initial installation operation.

[0022] When at least one process cartridge 6 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 and the opening / closing unit 26 is closed, the initial control unit 45 accesses the authentication IC 19 and confirms the new product data stored in the authentication IC 19. If the installed process cartridge 6 is new, the initial control unit 45 performs an initial installation operation. Specifically, the initial control unit 45 drives the motor 41 at 1000 rpm to drive the multiple drive members 46. The driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted via the drive members 46 to drive the agitator 18, which then agitates the toner in the toner container 20 (hereinafter referred to as the agitation operation). Furthermore, for a new process cartridge 6, the agitation operation and an unsealing operation to unseal the sealing member 17 are performed. After a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has elapsed, the initial control unit 45 stops the motor 41 and ends the initial installation operation. After the initial installation operation is completed, the initial control unit 45 updates the new product data stored in the authentication IC 19 from "1," indicating a new product, to "0," indicating a driven product.

[0023] If the motor 41 is overloaded during the initial installation operation, the initial control unit 45 safely stops the device to prevent damage to the process cartridge 6 or the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the load condition determination unit 43, which determines the load condition of the motor 41. The load condition determination unit 43 obtains, for example, by calculation, the speed of the motor 41 based on the period of the FG pulse signal output from the motor 41. If the speed of the motor 41 falls below 500 rpm for 100 msec consecutively during the initial installation operation—in other words, if it falls below a predetermined value consecutively—the load condition determination unit 43 determines that the motor 41 is overloaded and stops the motor 41. More specifically, if the CPU 31 detects an overload condition of the motor 41 during the initial installation operation with at least two new cartridges installed in the housing 1a, the CPU 31 stops the initial installation operation. When an overload state is detected with one new cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus 1, the initial control unit 45 notifies the operation panel 42 that the image forming apparatus 1 is out of order.

[0024] <Regarding notification of instruction to remove the process cartridge> By reducing the number of process cartridges 6 simultaneously driven by the motor 41, the load on the motor 41 during the initial operation can be reduced. If an overload state is detected during the initial installation operation when multiple new cartridges are installed, removing some of the process cartridges 6 from the housing 1a may allow the process cartridges 6 remaining in the housing 1a to be driven by the motor 41. On the other hand, performing a stirring operation or an unsealing operation loosens the toner inside the process cartridges 6. Therefore, a process cartridge 6 that has undergone a stirring operation or an unsealing operation can be driven with less force than a process cartridge 6 that has not undergone these operations.

[0025] If the load of the process cartridge 6 remaining in the housing 1a is small, there is a high possibility that the motor 41 will be able to operate when the process cartridge 6 removed from the housing 1a is reattached to the housing 1a.

[0026] If an overload state is detected during the initial installation operation with multiple new cartridges installed, the initial control unit 45 determines the process cartridge 6 to be removed from the housing 1a in order to eliminate the overload state. Hereinafter, the process cartridge 6 to be removed from the housing 1a will be referred to as the target cartridge, and the station of the target cartridge will be referred to as the target station. Note that the target cartridge does not have to include a new cartridge.

[0027] The initial control unit 45 determines at least one target cartridge so that when at least one target cartridge is removed from the housing 1a, at least one new cartridge will remain in the housing 1a. The initial control unit 45 notifies the operation panel 42 of an instruction to the user to remove the cartridges. Then, the initial control unit 45 stores data indicating the presence of a target station in the RAM 33. Hereinafter, the data indicating the presence or absence of a target station will be referred to as "target station presence / absence data."

[0028] This maintains the state in which the initial installation operation must be performed with the process cartridge 6 removed, and prevents transition to other controls including the printing operation (image forming operation). When the initial control unit 45 confirms that the process cartridge 6 has been removed from the target station based on the inability to access the authentication IC 19, it performs the initial installation operation with the target cartridge of the target station removed.

[0029] <Determining the target station and initial installation operation> A specific operation flow will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3. In the first embodiment, in order to reduce the amount of pulling out of the cartridge tray 21 by the user when removing the process cartridge 6, the station closest to the opening / closing unit 26 is given priority as the target station. The initial control unit 45 determines at least one target cartridge such that the at least one target cartridge includes the process cartridge 6 located closest to the opening / closing unit 26.

[0030] The target station presence / absence data stored in the RAM 33 will be described as 4-bit data that can be set for each station, with "1" indicating that extraction is necessary and "0" indicating that extraction is not necessary.

[0031] In step (hereinafter referred to as S) 51, the initial control unit 45 reads new process cartridge 6 data from the authentication IC 19, and reads target station presence / absence data from RAM 33. In S52, the initial control unit 45 determines whether a target station exists and whether the process cartridge 6 has been removed from the target station. If either of the conditions is not met in S52, the initial control unit 45 advances the process to S53, and if it determines that a target station exists and the process cartridge 6 has not been removed, the process advances to S61.

[0032] In S53, the initial control unit 45 determines whether or not a new cartridge is present based on the new cartridge data. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S53 that a new cartridge is not present, the process proceeds to S66. In S66, the initial control unit 45 clears the target station presence / absence data stored in RAM 33 to "0." If the initial control unit 45 determines in S53 that a new cartridge is present, the process proceeds to S54. In S54, the initial control unit 45 drives the motor 41 at 1000 rpm to start the initial installation operation.

[0033] In S55, the initial control unit 45 determines, via the load state determination unit 43, whether the speed of the motor 41 is 500 rpm or less. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S55 that the speed of the motor 41 is not 500 rpm or less, the process proceeds to S63. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S55 that the speed of the motor 41 is 500 rpm or less, the process proceeds to S56. Here, the initial control unit 45 resets and starts a timer (not shown). In S56, the initial control unit 45 refers to the timer and determines whether the state of 500 rpm or less continued for 100 msec (whether the rpm remained at 500 rpm or less for 100 msec). In S56, if the load state determination unit 43 determines that the rotation speed has been 500 rpm or less for 100 msec consecutively, in other words, if it determines that an overload state exists, the initial control unit 45 advances the process to S57.

[0034] In S57, the initial control unit 45 stops the motor 41. In S58, the initial control unit 45 determines whether there is one new cartridge. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S58 that there is more than one new cartridge, the process proceeds to S59. In S59, the initial control unit 45 determines the station of the new cartridge closest to the opening / closing unit 26 as the target station. In S60, the initial control unit 45 updates the target station presence / absence data in RAM 33 and the process proceeds to S61. In S61, the initial control unit 45 displays an instruction to remove the process cartridge 6 from the target station on the operation panel and ends the process.

[0035] If the initial control unit 45 determines in S58 that there is one new cartridge, the process proceeds to S62, where it notifies the operation panel 42 of a malfunction of the image forming apparatus 1 and ends the process. That is, the initial control unit 45 executes a display operation to display information related to the malfunction of the motor 41 on the operation panel 42.

[0036] If the initial control unit 45 determines in S56 that the speed of the motor 41 has not fallen below 500 rpm for 100 msec consecutively, it proceeds to S63. In S63, the initial control unit 45 determines whether the initial installation operation has been completed. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S63 that the initial installation operation has not been completed, it returns the process to S55. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S63 that the initial installation operation has been completed, it proceeds to S64. In S64, the initial control unit 45 updates the new product data in the authentication IC 19 of the process cartridge 6 for which the initial installation operation has been completed to "0".

[0037] In S65, the initial control unit 45 accesses the authentication IC 19 and displays information on the operation panel 42 urging the installation of a process cartridge 6 in a station where no process cartridge 6 is installed. In S66, the initial control unit 45 clears the target station presence / absence data to "0" and ends the processing. If even one process cartridge 6 is installed in a station where no process cartridge 6 is installed, the initial control unit 45 starts this operation flow again from S51, and if the installed process cartridge is a new process cartridge 6, performs the initial installation operation (S54). If at least one authentication IC changes from a non-connected state to a connected state, the initial control unit 45 determines that at least one process cartridge is installed.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the initial control unit 45 determines at least one target cartridge such that the at least one target cartridge includes a part of at least two new cartridges.

[0039] In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform the initial installation operation with the target cartridge removed and at least one new cartridge installed in the housing 1a. That is, the initial installation operation is performed in the second state. At this time, the number of process cartridges 6 driven by the motor 41 is small, so that the motor 41 is less likely to be overloaded.

[0040] Furthermore, by performing the initial installation operation in the second state, the load on the process cartridge 6 remaining in the housing 1a can be reduced. After the initial installation operation is performed in the second state, the initial control unit 45 displays information on the operation panel 42 regarding the re-installation of the target cartridge into the housing 1a. If the target cartridge includes a new cartridge, the initial installation operation is performed again with the target cartridge attached to the housing 1a. In other words, the operation flow shown in FIG. 3 is performed again. In other words, the initial installation operation is performed in the first state. At this time, the load on the process cartridge 6 has been reduced by the initial operation in the second state, so that an overload state of the motor 41 is less likely to occur in the initial installation operation in the first state that is performed after the initial installation operation in the second state.

[0041] <Example> [Table 1] Table 1 shows an example of the implementation status of the initial installation operation in the first embodiment.

[0042] Table 1 shows an example of the implementation status of the initial installation operation of the process cartridge 6 immediately after the replacement of the process cartridge 6 is notified on the operation panel 42 and the process cartridge 6 is replaced with a new cartridge by the user. In the case of Table 1, the initial installation operation has not been performed (not yet performed) for the process cartridges 6Y, 6C, and 6K, and the initial installation operation has been performed (completed) for the process cartridge 6M.

[0043] 3 is applied to the cases in Table 1, if the load state determination unit 43 detects an overload (Y in S56) and the motor 41 is stopped (S57), the following occurs: In S59, the new process cartridge 6Y closest to the opening / closing unit 26 becomes the target station.

[0044] After the process cartridge 6Y is removed and the opening / closing portion 26 is closed, the initial installation operation is carried out for the remaining process cartridges 6M, 6C, and 6K. At this time, since the initial installation operation for the process cartridge 6M has already been completed, the operation of opening the sealing member 17 has been completed, and the stirring operation is carried out.

[0045] Similarly, even when the process cartridge 6Y is removed, if the motor 41 stops due to an overload (S56Y, S57), the new process cartridge 6C closest to the opening / closing section 26 becomes the target station (S59).

[0046] After the process cartridge 6C is removed and the opening / closing portion 26 is closed, the initial installation operation is performed for the remaining process cartridges 6M and 6K. If it is determined that the load is still too high in this state, the only new cartridge is the process cartridge 6K, in other words, there is only one new cartridge (S58 Y), and therefore a malfunction of the image forming apparatus 1 is notified (S62).

[0047] As described above, according to the first embodiment, if an overload is detected during the initial installation operation, the user is notified to remove the process cartridge 6, and the remaining new cartridges 6 are driven after the new cartridge 6 in the target station has been removed. This allows the torque of the motor 41 to be reduced, making it possible to perform the initial installation operation even under load conditions such as high toner density.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the cartridge tray 21 with the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K lined up can be pulled out in order from the opening / closing portion 26, but this is not limiting. For example, the cartridge tray 21 may be configured so that the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K can be pulled out in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door.

[0049] Furthermore, although the load state determination unit 43 has determined whether or not the motor 41 is in an overload state based on the speed of the motor 41, this is not limiting. For example, the load state determination unit 43 may be configured to be able to detect the value of the current flowing through the motor 41, and may determine that the motor 41 is overloaded when the current value remains equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (predetermined value) for a predetermined consecutive period of time.

[0050] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load on the motor 41 that drives a plurality of process cartridges 6 in order to drive a brand new process cartridge 6. As a result, it is possible to drive a brand new process cartridge with a high toner density without increasing the size of the motor that drives the plurality of process cartridges. [Example]

[0051] In the first embodiment, a new process cartridge 6 was removed and the initial installation operation was performed. In contrast, in the second embodiment, if a process cartridge 6 that has been driven (initial installation operation performed) has a predetermined amount of remaining toner or more, a notification is issued to prompt the user to remove the driven process cartridge 6, and the initial installation operation is performed. A process cartridge 6 with a large amount of remaining toner requires a larger torque to rotate the agitator 18 than a process cartridge 6 with a small amount of remaining toner. Therefore, when a process cartridge 6 with a large amount of remaining toner is removed, the torque applied to the motor 41 is smaller than when a process cartridge 6 with a small amount of remaining toner is removed. This method reduces the frequency with which the initial installation operation is performed when a process cartridge 6 that has been removed by the user is re-installed. Details similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0052] ROM 32 stores a program for a toner remaining amount determination unit 44 that determines the amount of toner remaining in each process cartridge 6. The CPU 31 loads ROM 32 and executes the program by using RAM 33 as a working area. Information on the amount of toner consumed for image data is stored in ROM 32 in advance, and the toner remaining amount determination unit 44 determines the amount of toner remaining from the image data to be printed. The determination result by the toner remaining amount determination unit 44 is a value that changes depending on the amount of toner remaining, with the amount of toner remaining in a new product being 100%. Note that in the second embodiment, the amount of toner remaining is obtained based on the amount of toner consumed for image data, but this is not limiting. For example, other detection methods may be used, such as detecting the amount of toner remaining by disposing a detection unit in a container that contains toner.

[0053] <Determining target stations> The initial installation operation of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the method of determining the target station (S59 in the flowchart of FIG. 3). The method of determining the target station is determined using the flowchart of FIG. 4. If it is determined in S58 of FIG. 3 that there are multiple process cartridges 6, the process of S70 of FIG. 4 is executed.

[0054] In S70, the initial control unit 45 determines whether or not there is a driven process cartridge 6 (a driven product) that has a toner remaining amount of 80% or more and has already been driven (initial installation operation completed) using the toner remaining amount determination unit 44. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S70 that there is a driven product, the process proceeds to S71. In S71, the initial control unit 45 determines the station closest to the opening / closing unit 26, in which a driven product with a toner remaining amount of 80% or more is installed, as the target station, and ends the process. After this, S60 and subsequent steps in FIG. 3 are executed.

[0055] If the initial control unit 45 determines in S70 that there is no driven process cartridge 6 with a remaining toner amount of 80% or more, the process proceeds to S72. In S72, the initial control unit 45 determines the station nearest to the opening / closing unit 26 in which a new cartridge is installed as the target station, and ends the process. After this, S60 and subsequent steps in FIG. 3 are executed. In the second embodiment, the initial control unit 45 determines at least one target cartridge so that the at least one target cartridge includes a part of cartridges that have completed the initial installation operation and have a predetermined amount or more of remaining toner.

[0056] <Example> [Table 2] Table 2 shows the relationship between the implementation status of the initial installation operation and the remaining amount of toner in the second embodiment.

[0057] Table 2 shows an example of the status of the initial installation operation and the remaining toner amount of the process cartridge 6 immediately after the operation panel 42 notifies the user that the process cartridge 6 needs to be replaced and the user replaces it with a new cartridge. In the case of Table 2, the initial installation operation has not been performed (not yet performed) for process cartridges 6Y and 6C, and the remaining toner amount is 100%. The initial installation operation has been performed (completed) for process cartridge 6M, and the remaining toner amount is 80%. The initial installation operation has been performed (completed) for process cartridge 6K, and the remaining toner amount is 40%.

[0058] When the flowchart in FIG. 4 is applied to the cases in Table 1, if the load status determination unit 43 detects an overload (FIG. 3, S56, Y) and the motor 41 is stopped (FIG. 3, S57), the following occurs: The remaining toner amount determination unit 44 determines the M station, which has a driven cartridge with a toner remaining amount of 80% or more, as the target station (S70, Y, S71). After the process cartridge 6M is removed, the initial installation operation is performed for the remaining process cartridges 6Y, 6C, and 6K. If the initial installation operation can be completed in this state, the two process cartridges 6Y and 6C, for which the initial installation operation has not yet been performed, have also been performed, and all of the installed process cartridges 6Y, 6C, and 6K have been performed (driven cartridges). Therefore, there is no need to perform an additional initial installation operation after the removed process cartridge 6M (driven cartridge) is reinserted.

[0059] If the load state determination unit 43 determines that an overload is occurring, the station Y, which is the next closest to the opening / closing unit 26 and has a new cartridge installed, is determined to be the target station (S70, S72). After the process cartridge 6Y is removed, the initial installation operation is performed for the remaining process cartridges 6C and 6K. In this case, the initial installation operation is additionally performed after the removed new cartridge 6Y is installed.

[0060] As described above, according to Example 2, by notifying the user to remove a process cartridge 6 that has been driven and has a predetermined amount of remaining toner or more, and performing the initial setup operation, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the initial setup operation is performed when a process cartridge 6 that has been removed once is re-installed.

[0061] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load on the motor 41 that drives a plurality of process cartridges 6 in order to drive a brand new process cartridge 6. As a result, it is possible to drive a brand new process cartridge with a high toner density without increasing the size of the motor that drives the plurality of process cartridges. [Example]

[0062] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a notification is given to remove new process cartridges 6 in descending order of toner capacity. When process cartridges 6 with large, medium, and small toner capacities are available, the torque required to rotate the agitator 18 for the large-capacity cartridge is greater than that required for the other two types. Therefore, the torque applied to the motor 41 when one large-capacity process cartridge 6 is removed is smaller than that required when one of the other two types is removed. As a result, the probability that the torque will fall within the output torque range of the motor 41 increases, reducing the frequency of removing additional process cartridges 6 and performing the initial installation operation. Details similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0063] <Determining target stations> The initial installation operation of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the method of determining the target station (S59 in the flowchart of FIG. 3). The method of determining the target station is determined using the flowchart of FIG. 5. If it is determined in S58 of FIG. 3 that there are multiple process cartridges 6, the process of S80 of FIG. 5 is executed.

[0064] In S80, the initial control unit 45 reads data indicating the toner capacity stored in the authentication IC 19 and determines whether or not a large-capacity process cartridge 6 is present. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S80 that a large-capacity process cartridge 6 is present, the process proceeds to S81. In S81, the initial control unit 45 determines the station in which the large-capacity process cartridge (large-capacity product) closest to the opening / closing unit 26 is installed as the target station, and ends the process. After this, S60 and subsequent steps in FIG. 3 are executed.

[0065] If the initial control unit 45 determines in S80 that a large-capacity process cartridge 6 is not present, the process proceeds to S82. In S82, the initial control unit 45 determines whether or not a medium-capacity process cartridge 6 is present. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S82 that a medium-capacity process cartridge 6 is present, the process proceeds to S83. In S83, the initial control unit 45 determines the station closest to the opening / closing unit 26 in which a medium-capacity process cartridge (medium-capacity product) is installed as the target station, and the process ends. After this, S60 and subsequent steps in FIG. 3 are executed. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S82 that a medium-capacity process cartridge 6 is not present, the process proceeds to S84. In S84, the initial control unit 45 determines the station closest to the opening / closing unit 26 in which a small-capacity product is installed as the target station, and the process ends. After this, S60 and subsequent steps in FIG. 3 are executed. In the third embodiment, the initial control unit 45 determines at least one target cartridge so that the at least one target cartridge includes the cartridge with the largest toner capacity among the new cartridges attached to the housing 1a.

[0066] <Example> [Table 3] Table 3 shows the relationship between the implementation status of the initial installation operation and the toner capacity in the third embodiment.

[0067] Table 3 shows an example of the implementation status of the initial installation operation and toner capacity of the process cartridge 6 immediately after the user has replaced the process cartridge 6 with a new cartridge after the operation panel 42 notifies the user that the process cartridge 6 needs to be replaced. In the case of Table 3, the process cartridges 6Y and 6C have a medium toner capacity, the process cartridge 6M has a small toner capacity, and the process cartridge 6K has a large toner capacity.

[0068] 5 is applied to the cases shown in Table 3, when the load state determination unit 43 detects an overload (FIG. 3, S56, Y) and the motor 41 is stopped (FIG. 3, S57), the following occurs: First, the station to which the large-capacity process cartridge 6K is attached is determined to be the target station (S80, Y, S81). After the process cartridge 6K is removed, the initial installation operation is performed for the remaining process cartridges 6Y, 6M, and 6C.

[0069] If the load condition determination unit 43 determines that an overload has occurred with the process cartridge 6K removed, then the Y station, which is closest to the opening / closing unit 26 and has a medium-capacity product installed, is determined to be the target station (S80 N, S82 Y, S83). Once the process cartridge 6Y has been removed, the initial installation operation is performed with the remaining process cartridges 6M and 6C. If the process cartridges 6Y and 6K have been removed and an overload has occurred, then the C station, which is closest to the opening / closing unit 26 and has a medium-capacity product installed, is determined to be the target station (S80 N, S82 Y, S83). Once the process cartridge 6C has been removed, then the initial installation operation is performed with only the remaining process cartridge 6M.

[0070] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the process cartridges 6 are removed in descending order of toner capacity, thereby further reducing the torque applied to the motor 41 when one process cartridge 6 is removed. As a result, the probability that the output torque of the motor 41 will fall within the output torque range of the motor 41 increases, and therefore the frequency of removing additional process cartridges 6 and performing the initial installation operation can be reduced.

[0071] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load on the motor 41 that drives a plurality of process cartridges 6 in order to drive a brand new process cartridge 6. As a result, it is possible to drive a brand new process cartridge with a high toner density without increasing the size of the motor that drives the plurality of process cartridges. [Example]

[0072] In the fourth embodiment, control of process cartridge presence / absence detection will be described in the case where there is a station where information cannot be read from the authentication IC 19 after the initial installation operation described in the first to third embodiments is performed. The process cartridge presence / absence detection is performed to detect whether or not the process cartridge 6 is inserted in the case of a process cartridge to which the authentication IC 19 is not attached. In the fourth embodiment, the determination operation can be an operation to determine the presence or absence of the process cartridge 6 using the concentration sensor 30 or a current detection circuit 51 described later. The initial control unit 45 executes a cancellation operation, and does not execute this determination operation when the initial installation operation is performed in the second state.

[0073] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a density sensor 30 that detects the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 13. If, after the initial installation operation, there is a station from which information cannot be read from the authentication IC 19, the initial control unit 45 forms a toner image (hereinafter referred to as a pattern image) on the photosensitive drum 8 of that station to detect the process cartridge 6. The initial control unit 45 then executes an operation to transfer the pattern image that should have been formed on the photosensitive drum 8 onto the intermediate transfer belt 13. The initial control unit 45 measures the amount of reflected light from the pattern image that should have been formed on the intermediate transfer belt 13 using the density sensor 30. Here, because the amount of reflected light differs depending on whether a pattern image is present or absent on the intermediate transfer belt 13, the initial control unit 45 can detect the presence or absence of a pattern image using the density sensor 30. Based on the measurement result, the initial control unit 45 can detect whether a process cartridge is installed even in a station from which information cannot be read from the authentication IC 19.

[0074] <Hardware configuration> Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the fourth embodiment. The concentration sensor 30 and the current detection circuit 51 are connected to the input / output I / F 35, and the CPU 31 is able to control the concentration sensor 30 and the current detection circuit 51 via the input / output I / F 35. The CPU 31 can also determine whether or not the process cartridge 6 is installed based on the detection results of the concentration sensor 30 and the current detection circuit 51. The other configurations are the same as those shown in Fig. 2(a) of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] <Process cartridge presence detection> 7 is a flowchart for detecting the presence or absence of a process cartridge when there is a station from which information cannot be read from the authentication IC 19. In S100, the initial control unit 45 determines whether there is a station from which information cannot be read from the authentication IC 19. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S100 that information has been read from all stations, the flow ends.

[0076] If the initial control unit 45 determines in S100 that there is at least one station from which information cannot be read from the authentication IC 19, it advances the process to S101. In S101, the initial control unit 45 determines whether or not an instruction to remove the process cartridge 6 (S61 in FIG. 3) has been given. Note that in the fourth embodiment, the initial control unit 45 also determines that an instruction to remove the process cartridge 6 has been given if the target station presence / absence data is "1". If the initial control unit 45 determines in S101 that an instruction to remove the process cartridge 6 has been given, it advances the process to S105. In S105, the initial control unit 45 sets the station from which data cannot be read to "no process cartridge" and ends the flow.

[0077] For example, if the initial installation operation fails and the process cartridge 6Y is removed and the initial installation operation is performed with the remaining process cartridges 6M, 6C, and 6K, the flow chart of Figure 7 will proceed as follows: That is, the process of detecting the presence or absence of a process cartridge in step S102 can be skipped. This reduces the time required to detect the presence or absence of a process cartridge.

[0078] If the initial control unit 45 determines in S101 that an instruction to remove the process cartridge 6 has not been issued, the process proceeds to S102. In S102, the initial control unit 45 detects the presence or absence of a process cartridge. The initial control unit 45 forms a pattern image from a station from which information cannot be read. In S103, the initial control unit 45 determines whether or not the pattern image has been measured by the density sensor 30, i.e., whether or not a process cartridge 6 is present in a station from which data cannot be read.

[0079] If the initial control unit 45 determines in S103 that a process cartridge 6 is present in the station from which data cannot be read, the process proceeds to S104. In S104, the initial control unit 45 sets that station to have a process cartridge. If the initial control unit 45 determines in S103 that a process cartridge 6 is not present in the station from which data cannot be read, the process proceeds to S105. In S105, the initial control unit 45 sets the station from which data cannot be read to have no process cartridge, and the flow ends.

[0080] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load on the motor 41 that drives a plurality of process cartridges 6 in order to drive a brand new process cartridge 6. Furthermore, if the initial installation operation fails and the initial installation operation is performed again with the process cartridge 6 removed, the time required to detect the presence or absence of a process cartridge can be reduced by skipping the process cartridge presence or absence detection.

[0081] (Variation) In the fourth embodiment, the density sensor 30 is used to detect the presence or absence of a process cartridge. However, the detection of the presence or absence of a process cartridge in step S102 is not limited to this. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of the main components, showing the charging circuit 50 as an application means and the current detection circuit 51 as a current detection means. The charging circuit 50 applies a voltage to the charging roller 9. The current detection circuit 51 detects the current flowing through the photosensitive drum 8. With this configuration, the presence or absence of a process cartridge may be detected by the current detection circuit 51, which detects the current value of the photosensitive drum 8. That is, the charging circuit 50 applies a voltage for detecting a process cartridge to the charging roller 9, and the charging roller 9 applies a voltage to the photosensitive drum 8, thereby uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 8. The presence or absence of a process cartridge 6 can be detected based on whether the current detection circuit 51 can detect a current value equivalent to that voltage.

[0082] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0083] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus in which a plurality of cartridges are removably mounted and capable of performing an image forming operation on a recording medium, a housing to which the plurality of cartridges are removably attached; A motor; a plurality of drive members driven by the motor, each drive member configured to engage with and drive a respective one of the plurality of cartridges; a control unit configured to control the motor, the control unit executing an initial operation of driving the plurality of driving members with the motor before the image forming operation is performed in a state where at least one new cartridge is mounted in the housing; and Equipped with The control means the initial operation can be performed in a first state in which the same number of cartridges as the number of the plurality of drive members is mounted in the housing, and in a second state in which a number of cartridges less than the number of the plurality of drive members is mounted in the housing; When an overload state of the motor is detected while the initial operation is being performed with at least two new cartridges attached to the housing, a resolution operation is performed to stop the initial operation, determine at least one target cartridge, and display information related to removing the at least one target cartridge from the housing on a display unit; An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the at least one target cartridge is determined so that when the at least one target cartridge is removed from the housing, at least one new cartridge is left in the housing. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the control means is capable of executing the resolving operation when the overload state is detected while the initial operation is being performed in the first state, and when the overload state is detected while the initial operation is being performed in the second state. (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus described in configuration 1 or 2 is characterized in that, when an overload state of the motor is detected while the initial operation is being performed with the at least two new cartridges and a cartridge that has completed the initial operation attached to the housing, the control means determines the at least one target cartridge so that the at least one target cartridge includes a portion of the at least two new cartridges. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means determines the at least one target cartridge so that the at least one target cartridge includes a portion of cartridges that have completed the initial operation and have a toner remaining amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. (Configuration 5) an opening for attaching and detaching the plurality of cartridges; an opening / closing unit that is movable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; a tray that supports the plurality of cartridges and allows the plurality of cartridges to be pulled out from the opening in the order of their proximity to the opening; Equipped with The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the control means determines the at least one target cartridge so that the at least one target cartridge includes the cartridge closest to the opening / closing portion. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the control means determines the at least one target cartridge so that the at least one target cartridge includes at least one cartridge in descending order of toner capacity among new cartridges installed in the housing. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that, when the at least one target cartridge includes a part of the at least two new cartridges, the control means performs the initial operation with the at least one target cartridge removed from the housing, then displays information on the display unit regarding installing a part of the at least two new cartridges in the housing, and performs the initial operation with a part of the at least two new cartridges attached to the housing. (Configuration 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the overload state is detected when the number of rotations of the motor is less than a predetermined value for a predetermined consecutive period of time. (Configuration 9) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the overload state is detected when a current value flowing through the motor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value for a predetermined consecutive period of time. (Configuration 10) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the control unit executes a display operation to display information related to a failure of the motor on the display unit when an overload state of the motor is detected while the initial operation is being performed with a new cartridge attached to the housing. (Configuration 11) Each of the plurality of cartridges includes a photosensitive body, a developing roller that applies toner to the photosensitive body, a toner storage section that stores the toner to be applied to the photosensitive body by the developing roller, and a sealing member that seals a toner supply port from the toner storage section to the developing roller so that toner is not supplied from the toner storage section to the developing roller, 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the initial operation includes an unsealing operation of unsealing the sealing member by transmitting the driving force of the motor. (Configuration 12) the cartridge has an agitating member that agitates the toner contained in the toner containing portion, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 11, wherein the initial operation includes a stirring operation in which, when a new cartridge is installed in the housing, the drive of the motor is transmitted to stir the toner contained in the toner containing section by the stirring member. (Configuration 13) the control unit is capable of executing a determination operation to determine whether the image forming apparatus is in the first state, 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein, when the resolution operation is performed, the control unit performs the initial operation and then the determination operation. (Configuration 14) an intermediate transfer body onto which a toner image carried on the photosensitive body is transferred; a sensor for detecting the intermediate transfer body or a toner image on the intermediate transfer body; Equipped with the control means executes an operation of forming a toner image on the intermediate transfer body, and is capable of executing a determination operation of determining the presence or absence of a cartridge by detecting the surface of the intermediate transfer body with the sensor; 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein if the resolving operation is performed, the determining operation is not performed. (Configuration 15) a charging means for uniformly charging the photosensitive member; an application means for applying a voltage to the charging means; a current detection means for detecting a current flowing through the photosensitive member; Equipped with the control means is capable of executing a determination operation for determining the presence or absence of a cartridge by applying a voltage to the charging means and detecting a current by the current detection means; 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein if the resolving operation is performed, the determining operation is not performed. (Configuration 16) 16. The image forming apparatus of any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein each of the plurality of cartridges has a storage member that stores information related to each of the plurality of cartridges. (Configuration 17) 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the storage member stores information relating to whether each of the plurality of cartridges is new or not. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1. Image forming device 1a Housing 6 Process cartridge 31 CPU 41 Motor 42 Operation Panel 46 Driving member

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus in which a plurality of cartridges are removably mounted and capable of performing an image forming operation on a recording medium, a housing to which the plurality of cartridges are removably attached; A motor; a plurality of drive members driven by the motor, each drive member configured to engage with and drive a respective one of the plurality of cartridges; a control unit configured to control the motor, the control unit executing an initial operation of driving the plurality of driving members with the motor before the image forming operation is performed in a state where at least one new cartridge is mounted in the housing; and Equipped with The control means the initial operation can be performed in a first state in which the same number of cartridges as the number of the plurality of drive members is mounted in the housing, and in a second state in which a number of cartridges less than the number of the plurality of drive members is mounted in the housing; When an overload state of the motor is detected while the initial operation is being performed with at least two new cartridges attached to the housing, a resolution operation is performed to stop the initial operation, determine at least one target cartridge, and display information related to removing the at least one target cartridge from the housing on a display unit; An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the at least one target cartridge is determined so that when the at least one target cartridge is removed from the housing, at least one new cartridge is left in the housing.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means is capable of executing the resolving operation when the overload state is detected while the initial operation is being performed in the first state, and when the overload state is detected while the initial operation is being performed in the second state.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when an overload condition of the motor is detected while the initial operation is being performed with the at least two new cartridges and a cartridge that has completed the initial operation attached to the housing, the control means determines the at least one target cartridge so that the at least one target cartridge includes a portion of the at least two new cartridges.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means determines the at least one target cartridge so that the at least one target cartridge includes a portion of cartridges that have completed the initial operation and have a toner remaining amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

5. an opening for attaching and detaching the plurality of cartridges; an opening / closing unit that is movable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; a tray that supports the plurality of cartridges and allows the plurality of cartridges to be pulled out from the opening in the order of their proximity to the opening; Equipped with 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the at least one target cartridge such that the at least one target cartridge includes the cartridge located closest to the opening / closing portion.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines the at least one target cartridge so that the at least one target cartridge includes at least one cartridge with the largest toner capacity among the new cartridges installed in the housing.

7. An image forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the at least one target cartridge includes part of the at least two new cartridges, the control means performs the initial operation with the at least one target cartridge removed from the housing, then displays information on the display unit regarding installing part of the at least two new cartridges in the housing, and performs the initial operation with part of the at least two new cartridges attached to the housing.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the overload state is detected when the number of rotations of the motor is less than a predetermined value for a predetermined consecutive period of time.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the overload state is detected when a current value flowing through the motor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when an overload condition of the motor is detected while the initial operation is being performed with a new cartridge installed in the housing, the control means executes a display operation to display information related to a failure of the motor on the display unit.

11. Each of the plurality of cartridges includes a photosensitive body, a developing roller that applies toner to the photosensitive body, a toner storage section that stores the toner to be applied to the photosensitive body by the developing roller, and a sealing member that seals a toner supply port from the toner storage section to the developing roller so that toner is not supplied from the toner storage section to the developing roller, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the initial operation includes an unsealing operation in which the sealing member is unsealed by transmitting the driving force of the motor.

12. the cartridge has an agitating member that agitates the toner contained in the toner containing portion, 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the initial operation includes a stirring operation in which, when a new cartridge is installed in the housing, the drive of the motor is transmitted to the stirring member to stir the toner contained in the toner containing section.

13. the control unit is capable of executing a determination operation to determine whether the image forming apparatus is in the first state, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the resolving operation is performed, the control unit performs the initial operation and then the determining operation.

14. an intermediate transfer body onto which a toner image carried on the photosensitive body is transferred; a sensor for detecting the intermediate transfer body or a toner image on the intermediate transfer body; Equipped with the control means executes an operation of forming a toner image on the intermediate transfer body, and is capable of executing a determination operation of determining the presence or absence of a cartridge by detecting the surface of the intermediate transfer body with the sensor; 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the determination operation is not executed when the resolution operation is executed.

15. a charging means for uniformly charging the photosensitive member; an application means for applying a voltage to the charging means; a current detection means for detecting a current flowing through the photosensitive member; Equipped with the control means is capable of executing a determination operation for determining the presence or absence of a cartridge by applying a voltage to the charging means and detecting a current by the current detection means; 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the determination operation is not executed when the resolution operation is executed.

16. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cartridges has a storage member for storing information relating to each of the plurality of cartridges.

17. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the storage member stores information relating to whether each of the plurality of cartridges is new or not.

Images