Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To assist in the printing process by ensuring that multiple developer storage units, each containing a developer of the same color, are installed in a predetermined order in multiple mounting sections. [Solution] The control device 8 selects one target mounting unit from a plurality of mounting units 5, and selects a new target mounting unit in a predetermined order each time the detection state of the remaining amount detection device for the target storage unit mounted on the target mounting unit changes from a developer-filled state to an empty developer state. The mounting detection device 5b detects the mounting state in which each of the plurality of developer storage units 7 is mounted on each of the plurality of mounting units 5. The replacement operation detection device 6 detects a replacement operation of any of the plurality of developer storage units. When the replacement operation is detected, if the mounting detection condition in which the mounting state of the target mounting unit is detected by the mounting detection device 5b is not met, the control device 8 outputs a replacement error notification to the display device 802.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a plurality of developer storage units that store developers of the same color.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus includes one or more mounting portions on which a developer unit that stores a developer is mounted. For example, when the image forming apparatus is capable of performing color printing, it includes a plurality of mounting portions corresponding to a plurality of developing colors.

[0003] Also, there is known an image forming apparatus capable of mounting two toner containers for each of four colors of toner, namely yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Note that the toner is an example of a developer. The toner container is an example of the developer storage unit.

[0004] When the image forming apparatus includes two mounting portions for each developing color, even during the replacement of the developer storage unit, there is no downtime during which print processing cannot be performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, when the user of the image forming apparatus detects that the developer in each of the developer storage units is empty, the user replaces each of the developer storage units.

[0007] If the image forming apparatus has multiple attachment points for each developing color, there is a need to select the source of the developer for each developing color from the multiple attachment points in a predetermined order.

[0008] This ensures that each of the multiple mounting parts is used with equal frequency. As a result, a situation where some of the multiple mounting parts deteriorate significantly more than others is avoided.

[0009] On the other hand, there is a risk that the user may install each of the new developer storage units into each of the multiple mounting sections in the wrong order. In this case, the print process will be executed with each of the new developer storage units installed into each of the multiple mounting sections in the wrong order.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that assists in performing a printing process after multiple developer storage units, each containing a developer of the same color, are mounted in a predetermined order to multiple mounting sections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a printing apparatus, a plurality of mounting sections, a remaining amount detection device, a control device, a mounting detection device, and a replacement operation detection device. The printing apparatus forms an image on a sheet. The plurality of mounting sections are sections on which a plurality of developer storage units, each containing a developer of the same color supplied to the printing apparatus, can be mounted. The remaining amount detection device detects the remaining amount of the developer in each of the plurality of developer storage units mounted on the plurality of mounting sections. The control device selects one target mounting section which is the source of the developer supply from the plurality of mounting sections to the printing apparatus, and selects a new target mounting section in a predetermined order each time the detection state of the remaining amount detection device for the target storage unit mounted on the target mounting section changes from a developer-filled state to an empty developer state. The mounting detection device detects the mounting state in which each of the plurality of developer storage units is mounted on each of the plurality of mounting sections. The replacement operation detection device detects a replacement operation of any of the plurality of developer storage units in any of the plurality of mounting sections. When the replacement operation is detected, the control device outputs a replacement error notification to the display device if the mounting detection condition, which is that the mounting state of the target mounting part is detected by the mounting detection device, is not met. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that assists in performing a printing process after multiple developer storage units, each containing a developer of the same color, are mounted in a predetermined order to multiple mounting sections. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the toner supply unit in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of target selection processing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of container replacement confirmation processing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of container mounting guidance processing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a mounting target identification screen displayed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0015] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment is capable of executing a printing process for forming an image on the sheet 9. The image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a printer. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 may be a copier, a facsimile apparatus, a multifunction machine, or the like.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a main housing 1, a sheet storage unit 2, a conveyance device 3, a printing device 4, a toner supply unit 50, a control device 8, an operation device 801, and a display device 802.

[0017] The main housing 1 is a housing that houses the conveyance device 3, the printing device 4, the toner supply unit 50, and the control device 8. A conveyance path 300, which is a path for the sheet 9, is also provided inside the main housing 1.

[0018] The conveying device 3 includes a sheet feeding mechanism 30 and a plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 31. The sheet feeding mechanism 30 feeds the sheets 9 accommodated in the sheet storage section 2 one by one into the conveyance path 300.

[0019] The plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 31 convey the sheet 9 along the conveyance path 300. One pair among the plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 31 discharges the sheet 9, on which an image has been formed by the printing device 4, from the conveyance path 300 onto the discharge tray 1x.

[0020] The printing device 4 executes the printing process on the sheet 9 conveyed along the conveyance path 300. The printing process is a process of forming an image on the sheet 9. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 4 executes the printing process by an electrophotographic method.

[0021] The electrophotographic printing device 4 includes an exposure device 40, one or more image forming units (4x), a transfer device 44, and a fixing device 46. The printing device 4 shown in FIG. 1 is a tandem type color printing device. In this case, the printing device 4 includes a plurality of image forming units 4x corresponding to a plurality of developing colors.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 4 includes four image forming units 4x corresponding to the developing colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0023] Each image forming unit 4x includes a photoreceptor 41, a charging device 42, a developing device 43, and a first cleaning device 45. The photoreceptor 41 rotates, and the charging device 42 charges the surface of the photoreceptor 41.

[0024] The exposure device 40 writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged photoreceptor 41 by scanning the surface of the photoreceptor 41 with laser light. The developing device 43 develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image by supplying toner to the surface of the photoreceptor 41.

[0025] The transfer device 44 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor 41 to the sheet 9 conveyed along the conveyance path 300.

[0026] In the tandem-type printing apparatus 4, the transfer apparatus 44 comprises an intermediate transfer belt 441, a plurality of primary transfer apparatuses 442, a secondary transfer apparatus 443, and a second cleaning apparatus 444. The plurality of primary transfer apparatuses 442 are provided corresponding to a plurality of image forming units 4x.

[0027] The intermediate transfer belt 441 rotates with a portion of it aligned with the multiple image forming units 4x. The multiple primary transfer devices 442 transfer the toner images on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 41 of the multiple image forming units 4x to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 441. As a result, a color toner image, formed by combining the toner images of multiple colors, is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 441.

[0028] The secondary transfer device 443 transfers the color toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 441 to the sheet 9. The fixing device 46 fixes the color toner image on the sheet 9 by heating and pressurizing it.

[0029] The toner supply unit 50 supplies toner to the developing units 43 of the multiple image forming units 4x in the printing device 4. The toner supply unit 50 includes multiple mounting units 5. Each of the multiple mounting units 5 is a part to which each of the multiple toner containers 7 is removably mounted.

[0030] The main housing 1 has an opening 1a that exposes multiple mounting parts 5 to the outside and a cover 1b that closes the opening 1a (see Figures 1 and 3). The cover 1b is supported so as to be movable between a closed position that closes the opening 1a and an open position that exposes the opening 1a.

[0031] When cover 1b is open, each of the mounting parts 5 can be accessed from outside the main housing 1. That is, when cover 1b is held in the open position, each of the toner containers 7 can be attached to and removed from each of the mounting parts 5.

[0032] The toner supply unit 50 supplies toner from multiple toner containers 7 mounted on multiple mounting units 5 to the developing devices 43 of multiple image forming units 4x, according to the developing color.

[0033] Sheet 9 is a sheet-like image-forming medium such as paper. Toner is an example of a developer. Each toner container 7 is an example of a developer storage unit that contains a developer.

[0034] The operating device 801 is a device that accepts human input. For example, the operating device 801 includes one or both of a touch panel and / or operating buttons.

[0035] The display device 802 is capable of displaying various types of information. For example, the display device 802 is a panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The control device 8 controls various electrical devices provided by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80, RAM (Random Access Memory) 81, secondary storage device 82, signal interface 83, and communication device 84, among others.

[0037] The CPU 80 performs various control and data processing by executing computer programs. The RAM 81 temporarily stores the computer programs and various data executed by the CPU 80.

[0038] The secondary storage device 82 is a computer-readable, non-volatile storage device. The secondary storage device 82 stores the computer program executed by the CPU 80 and various data. For example, flash memory, a hard disk drive, or both may be used as the secondary storage device 82.

[0039] The signal interface 83 converts detection signals from various sensors into digital detection data. This detection data is transmitted to the CPU 80.

[0040] The communication device 84 performs communication with multiple external devices, including one or more host devices, via a network. The CPU 80 performs communication with each of the external devices via the communication device 84. The host device is an information processing device that requests the image forming apparatus 10 to perform the print processing.

[0041] The CPU 80 includes a plurality of processing modules that are realized by executing the computer program. These plurality of processing modules include a main control unit 8a, a state determination unit 8b, a print control unit 8c, and a supply control unit 8d (see Figure 2).

[0042] The main control unit 8a performs processing to receive various requests and controls other modules to execute processing in response to those requests. For example, the main control unit 8a receives a print request through the operating device 801 or the communication device 84. Furthermore, the main control unit 8a causes the print control unit 8c to execute processing in response to the print request.

[0043] The state determination unit 8b determines various states of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the detection status of various sensors and the operating status of various devices in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0044] The print control unit 8c controls the transport device 3 and the print device 4. The print control unit 8c causes the transport device 3 to transport the sheet 9 while the print device 4 performs the printing process.

[0045] The supply control unit 8d controls the supply of toner from the toner supply unit 50 to the printing device 4 by controlling the toner supply unit 50. The supply control unit 8d also performs processing related to the replacement of each toner container 7.

[0046] In this embodiment, the toner supply unit 50 has two mounting units 5 for each of the multiple developing colors (see Figure 3). The toner supply unit 50 has two mounting units 5 for each of the four toner colors: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0047] In other words, the toner supply unit 50 can be fitted with two toner containers 7, each containing toner of the same color supplied to the printing device 4. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 does not experience any downtime even when one of the two toner containers 7 is being replaced for each development color.

[0048] Specifically, the toner supply unit 50 is equipped with four sets of mounting parts 5x (see Figure 3). Each of the four mounting parts 5x corresponds to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner. Yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are examples of developer colors.

[0049] Each of the four mounting unit sets 5x contains two mounting units 5. Therefore, the toner supply unit 50 contains eight mounting units 5. In each of the four mounting unit sets 5x, two mounting units 5 are each fitted with two toner containers 7 that contain toner of the same color.

[0050] The four toner cartridge sets 5x include one black toner cartridge set 51 corresponding to the black toner and three color toner cartridge sets 52 corresponding to the three color toners (see Figure 3). The three color toner cartridge sets 52 correspond to yellow, magenta, and cyan.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 3, the two toner containers 7 installed in one set of black toner units 51 have a larger toner capacity than each of the three pairs of toner containers 7 installed in the three sets of color toner units 52.

[0052] The toner supply unit 50 further comprises a supply mechanism 53, eight remaining toner sensors 5a corresponding to eight mounting units 5, and eight mounting sensors 5b corresponding to eight mounting units 5 (see Figure 3).

[0053] As described later, for each of the four mounting unit sets 5x, one of the two mounting units 5 is selected as the target mounting unit. In the following description, one of the two toner containers 7 in each of the four mounting unit sets 5x that is mounted on the target mounting unit will be referred to as the target container. The target container is an example of a target storage unit.

[0054] The supply mechanism 53 supplies toner from the target container to the corresponding developing device 43 for each of the four mounting unit sets 5x. That is, in each of the four mounting unit sets 5x, the target mounting unit is the source of toner supply to the printing device 4.

[0055] The eight battery level sensors 5a can also be described as four pairs of battery level sensors 5a corresponding to four sets of mounting parts 5x.

[0056] The eight toner level sensors 5a detect the remaining amount of toner in each of the eight toner containers 7 mounted on the eight mounting sections 5. For example, each of the toner level sensors 5a is a magnetic permeability sensor.

[0057] Each of the remaining toner sensors 5a may be a photosensor that detects the toner level in each of the toner containers 7. Alternatively, each of the remaining toner sensors 5a may be a load cell that measures the weight of each of the toner containers 7.

[0058] Each of the pair of remaining-weight sensors 5a corresponding to each of the mounting unit sets 5x, the two sets of photosensors corresponding to each of the mounting unit sets 5x, and the two load cells corresponding to each of the mounting unit sets 5x are examples of multiple remaining-weight detection devices.

[0059] The state determination unit 8b determines the remaining toner amount in each toner container 7 installed in each mounting unit 5 based on the detection results of each remaining amount sensor 5a. In this embodiment, the state determination unit 8b determines whether each toner container 7 is in a toner-empty state or a toner-filled state.

[0060] The "toner present" state refers to a state where toner remains in the toner container 7. On the other hand, the "toner empty" state refers to a state where no toner remains in the toner container 7. The "toner present" state is an example of a "developer present" state, and the "toner empty" state is an example of a "developer empty" state.

[0061] In the following description, one of the four pairs of remaining-weight sensors 5a that corresponds to the target mounting portion will be referred to as the target remaining-weight sensor.

[0062] The supply control unit 8d, on the condition that the toner level is detected as present by the target remaining amount sensor, causes the supply mechanism 53 to supply toner from the target container to the developing device 43.

[0063] In other words, the supply mechanism 53 performs the operation of supplying toner from the target container to the developing device 43, provided that the toner-containing state of the target container is detected.

[0064] The toner supply unit 50 is equipped with two mounting sensors 5b for each of the four mounting unit sets 5x. Each of the eight mounting sensors 5b is an example of a mounting detection device that detects whether each of the eight mounting units 5 is in a mounted state or an unmounted state.

[0065] The "mounted" state for each mounting section 5 is a state in which each mounting section 5 has a toner container 7 mounted on it. The "unmounted" state for each mounting section 5 is a state in which each mounting section 5 does not have a toner container 7 mounted on it.

[0066] For example, each of the mounting sensors 5b is a reflective photosensor that irradiates light onto each of the toner containers 7 mounted on each of the mounting sections 5 and detects the reflected light.

[0067] Alternatively, each mounting sensor 5b may be a contact-type microswitch that detects each toner container 7 by making contact with each toner container 7 on each mounting part 5.

[0068] By the way, when the toner-empty state is detected in each of the toner containers 7, the user of the image forming apparatus 10 replaces each of the toner containers 7.

[0069] If the image forming apparatus 10 has multiple mounting units 5 for each of the developing colors, there is a need to select the toner supplier for each developing color from the multiple mounting units 5 in a predetermined order.

[0070] This ensures that each of the multiple mounting parts 5 is used with an even frequency. As a result, a situation where some of the multiple mounting parts 5 deteriorate significantly more than others is avoided.

[0071] On the other hand, the user may install new toner containers 7 into each of the multiple mounting units 5 in the wrong order for each of the developing colors.

[0072] In this embodiment, the supply control unit 8d performs processing to support the printing process so that multiple toner containers 7 containing toner of the same color are mounted in a predetermined order to multiple mounting units 5 before the printing process is carried out.

[0073] Specifically, the supply control unit 8d performs target selection processing and container exchange confirmation processing (see Figures 4 and 5). Furthermore, the supply control unit 8d also performs container mounting guidance processing (see Figure 6).

[0074] The supply control unit 8d starts the target selection process, the container exchange confirmation process, and the container mounting guidance process, respectively, when the image forming apparatus 10 is started up.

[0075] The image forming apparatus 10 further includes a cover sensor 6 (see Figure 3). The cover sensor 6 is an example of a cover closed state detection device that detects the cover closed state when the cover 1b is in the closed position.

[0076] For example, the cover sensor 6 is a reflective photosensor that irradiates light onto the cover 1b in the closed position and detects the reflected light. Alternatively, the cover sensor 6 may be a contact-type microswitch that detects the cover 1b in the closed position by contacting it.

[0077] The status determination unit 8b executes a toner empty notification process when the toner empty state is detected by any of the eight remaining amount sensors 5a. The toner empty notification process is a process that displays information on the display device 802 that identifies some or all of the eight mounting units 5 that have detected the toner empty state.

[0078] When the toner empty notification process is executed, the user opens cover 1b and replaces some or all of the eight toner containers 7 corresponding to the empty toner state. The user then closes cover 1b.

[0079] Therefore, closing the cover 1b indicates that a replacement operation has been performed on one of the eight toner containers 7 in any of the eight mounting sections 5. That is, the replacement operation is the operation of moving the cover 1b from the open position to the closed position.

[0080] In this embodiment, the cover sensor 6 is an example of a replacement operation detection device that detects the replacement operation. The change in the state of the cover sensor 6 from not detecting the cover closed state to detecting the cover closed state indicates that the replacement operation has been detected.

[0081] The supply control unit 8d selects one of the target mounting parts 5 from the two mounting parts 5 for each of the four mounting part sets 5x.

[0082] In the following description, of the two toner containers 7 in each mounting unit set 5x, the one mounted on the target mounting unit will be referred to as the target container. In each mounting unit set 5x, the target container becomes the source of toner supplied by the supply mechanism 53.

[0083] [Target selection process] Below, we will explain an example of the procedure for the target selection process, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 4.

[0084] The supply control unit 8d performs the target selection process for each of the four mounting unit sets 5x.

[0085] In the following description, S101, S102, ... represent identification codes for multiple steps in the target selection process. In the target selection process, the process of step S101 is executed first.

[0086] <Process S101> In step S101, the supply control unit 8d selects the next process depending on whether the target mounting unit has already been selected or has not yet been selected.

[0087] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S102 if the target mounting unit has not yet been selected. On the other hand, the supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S103 if the target mounting unit has already been selected.

[0088] <Process S102> In step S102, the supply control unit 8d selects an initial candidate from among the two mounting parts 5 in each mounting part set 5x as the target mounting part. The initial candidate is a predetermined first selection candidate from among the two mounting parts 5 for each mounting part set 5x.

[0089] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of process S102, and then executes the process of process S103.

[0090] <Process S103> In step S103, the supply control unit 8d monitors the detection state of the target remaining amount sensor until the detection state of the target remaining amount sensor changes from the toner-filled state to the toner-empty state.

[0091] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S104 when the detection state of the target remaining amount sensor changes from the toner-filled state to the toner-empty state.

[0092] <Process S104> In step S104, the supply control unit 8d selects the following candidate from the two mounting parts 5 in each mounting part set 5x in a predetermined order as the new target mounting part.

[0093] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of process S104, and then executes the process of process S103.

[0094] As shown above, the supply control unit 8d selects one of the target mounting units for each mounting unit set 5x, which is the source of toner supply from the two mounting units 5 to the printing device 4 (see step S101).

[0095] Furthermore, the supply control unit 8d selects a new target mounting unit in the predetermined order each time the detection state of the target remaining amount sensor changes from the toner-filled state to the toner-empty state (see steps S103 to S104).

[0096] [Container exchange confirmation process] Next, an example of the procedure for the container exchange confirmation process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 5.

[0097] In the following description, S201, S202, ... represent identification codes for multiple steps in the container exchange confirmation process. In the container exchange confirmation process, the process of step S201 is executed first.

[0098] <Process S201> In step S201, the supply control unit 8d monitors the detection state of the cover sensor 6 until it changes from a state in which the cover sensor 6 does not detect the cover closed state to a state in which it detects the cover closed state.

[0099] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S202 when the cover sensor 6 changes from a state in which it does not detect the cover closed state to a state in which it detects the cover closed state. In other words, the supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S202 when the replacement operation is detected by the cover sensor 6.

[0100] <Process S202> In step S202, the supply control unit 8d selects the following process for each mounting unit set 5x depending on whether the mounting detection condition is met or not.

[0101] The aforementioned mounting condition is that the mounting state of the target mounting part is detected by one of the two mounting sensors 5b in each mounting part set 5x.

[0102] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S203 if the mounting conditions are met, and executes the process of step S205 if the mounting conditions are not met.

[0103] <Process S203> In step S203, the supply control unit 8d selects the following process depending on whether or not the toner-containing state is detected by the target remaining amount sensor in each of the mounting unit sets 5x.

[0104] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S204 when the toner presence is detected by the target remaining amount sensor in each of the mounting unit sets 5x. On the other hand, the supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S207 when the toner presence is not detected by the target remaining amount sensor in each of the mounting unit sets 5x.

[0105] <Process S204> In step S204, the supply control unit 8d enables the printing process by the printing device 4 if it is currently prohibited.

[0106] As will be described later, the printing process may be prohibited in process S206 or process S208.

[0107] The supply control unit 8d executes the processes from step S201 onward if the printing process by the printing device 4 is not prohibited, or if the printing process is permitted.

[0108] <Process S205> Meanwhile, in process S205, the supply control unit 8d outputs a replacement error notification to the display device 802.

[0109] The aforementioned replacement error notification indicates that the container replacement at the target mounting part of each of the mounting part sets 5x has not been properly performed.

[0110] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of process S205, and then executes the process of process S206.

[0111] <Process S206> In step S206, the supply control unit 8d prohibits the printing process by the printing device 4. After executing the process in step S206, the supply control unit 8d executes the processes from step S202 onward.

[0112] As the process in step S206 is executed, the printing process by the printing device 4 will not be performed until the mounting detection condition is met.

[0113] <Process S207> Meanwhile, in process S207, the supply control unit 8d outputs a toner empty error notification to the display device 802.

[0114] The toner empty error notification indicates that there is no toner remaining in the target container mounted on the target mounting part of each of the mounting part sets 5x.

[0115] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of process S207, and then executes the process of process S208.

[0116] <Process S208> In step S208, the supply control unit 8d prohibits the printing process by the printing device 4, similar to step S206. After executing the process in step S208, the supply control unit 8d executes the processes from step S202 onward.

[0117] As process S208 is executed, the printing process by the printing device 4 will not be performed until a container filled with toner is attached to the target mounting part of each of the mounting part sets 5x.

[0118] As described above, if the replacement detection condition is not met when the replacement operation is detected, the supply control unit 8d prohibits the operation of the printing device 4 until the replacement detection condition is met at least (see steps S205 to S206).

[0119] Furthermore, even if the replacement detection condition is met when the replacement operation is detected, the supply control unit 8d prohibits the operation of the printing device 4 until the target container, which is detected to have toner in it, is mounted on the target mounting unit in each of the mounting unit sets 5x (see steps S207 to S208).

[0120] The container replacement confirmation process is an example of a process that assists in ensuring that two toner containers 7 containing the same color toner are installed in the two mounting units 5 in the predetermined order for each mounting unit set 5x before the print process is performed.

[0121] [Container loading guidance process] Next, an example of the procedure for the container loading guidance process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0122] In the following description, S301, S302, ... represent identification codes for multiple steps in the container loading guidance process. In the container loading guidance process, the process of step S301 is executed first.

[0123] <Process S301> In step S301, the supply control unit 8d monitors the detection state of the cover sensor 6 until the cover sensor 6 no longer detects the cover closed state, if the cover sensor 6 has detected the cover closed state.

[0124] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S302 when the cover sensor 6 does not detect the cover closed state.

[0125] <Process S302> In step S302, the supply control unit 8d displays the mounting target identification screen G1 on the display device 802 (see Figure 7).

[0126] The mounting target identification screen G1 includes a schematic image of the mounting part G11, which shows a schematic diagram of the two mounting parts 5 of each of the four sets of mounting parts 5x, and a mounting target mark G12 (see Figure 7).

[0127] The mounting target mark G12 is a mark that identifies the specific mounting part among the two mounting parts 5 in each mounting part set 5x that is the target for mounting of the new toner container 7.

[0128] In this embodiment, the specific mounting unit is the target mounting unit in each of the mounting unit sets 5x on which the target container, whose toner-empty state has been detected, is mounted.

[0129] The schematic image of the mounting part G11 and the mark of the target mounting part G12 are examples of information that can identify the target mounting part among the two mounting parts 5 in each mounting part set 5x.

[0130] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of process S302, and then executes the process of process S303.

[0131] <Process S303> In step S303, the supply control unit 8d monitors the detection state of the cover sensor 6 until the cover sensor 6 detects the cover closed state.

[0132] The supply control unit 8d executes the process of step S304 when the cover sensor 6 detects the cover closed state.

[0133] <Process S304> In step S304, the supply control unit 8d terminates the display of the mounting target identification screen G1 on the display device 802.

[0134] The supply control unit 8d executes the processing of process S304, and then executes the processing from process S301 onwards.

[0135] As described above, when the cover sensor 6 does not detect the cover closed state, the supply control unit 8d outputs information to the display device 802 that allows identification of the target mounting part among the two mounting parts 5 in each mounting part set 5x.

[0136] The display device 802 is an example of an information output device. The mounting target identification screen G1 may include a mounting target mark G12 corresponding to the target mounting part in each of the mounting part sets 5x, regardless of the remaining toner amount in the target container.

[0137] The container mounting guidance process is an example of a process that assists in mounting two toner containers 7 containing toner of the same color to each mounting unit set 5x to the two mounting units 5 in the predetermined order.

[0138] [First variation] Next, a first modified example of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0139] In this modified example, the processing of the supply control unit 8d is applied to an inkjet-type image forming apparatus. That is, in this modified example, the printing apparatus 4 performs the printing process using an inkjet method.

[0140] In this modified example, the image forming apparatus can be fitted with eight ink tanks, each containing ink, instead of the eight toner containers 7. The ink is an example of a developer. The eight ink tanks are an example of a plurality of developer storage units.

[0141] The image forming apparatus in this modified example comprises four sets of mounting parts 5x, each of which is fitted with eight ink tanks.

[0142] Even when this modified configuration is adopted, the same effects as when the image forming apparatus 10 is used can be obtained.

[0143] Furthermore, the processing performed by the supply control unit 8d may be applied to an electrophotographic monochrome image forming apparatus or an inkjet monochrome image forming apparatus.

[0144] [Second variation] Next, a second modified example of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0145] In this modified example, the image forming apparatus has a mounting set 5x, each containing three or more mounting parts 5. In this modified example, the supply control unit 8d selects one of the target mounting parts from the three or more mounting parts 5 for each mounting set 5x.

[0146] Even when this modified configuration is adopted, the same effects as when the image forming apparatus 10 is used can be obtained.

[0147] [Third variation] Next, a third modified example of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0148] The image forming apparatus in this modified example comprises eight light-emitting elements arranged in eight mounting sections 5. For example, each of the light-emitting elements is an LED element.

[0149] In this modified example, the supply control unit 8d performs a lighting process in step S302 of the container mounting guidance process, which involves lighting or blinking one of the two light-emitting elements corresponding to the specific mounting part in each of the two mounting parts 5x in the mounting part set 5x.

[0150] For example, the supply control unit 8d may perform the lighting process instead of the process of displaying the mounting target identification screen G1 on the display device 802. Alternatively, the supply control unit 8d may perform both the process of displaying the mounting target identification screen G1 on the display device 802 and the lighting process.

[0151] In this modified example, the supply control unit 8d turns off the two light-emitting elements corresponding to the two mounting parts 5 in each mounting part set 5x during step S304 of the container mounting guidance process.

[0152] In this modified example, the two light-emitting elements in each of the mounting set 5x are an example of an information output device.

[0153] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0154] <Note 1> A printing device that forms an image on a sheet, Multiple mounting sections, each capable of mounting multiple developer storage units containing the same color developer supplied to the printing device, A remaining amount detection device for detecting the remaining amount of developer in each of the plurality of developer storage units attached to the plurality of mounting parts, A control device that selects one target mounting unit from the plurality of mounting units which is the source of the developer supply to the printing device, and selects a new target mounting unit in a predetermined order each time the detection state of the remaining amount detection device for the target storage unit mounted on the target mounting unit among the plurality of developer storage units changes from a developer-filled state to a developer-empty state, A mounting detection device for detecting the mounting state in which each of the plurality of developer storage units is mounted on each of the plurality of mounting sections, The system includes a replacement operation detection device that detects the replacement operation of any of the plurality of developer storage units in any of the plurality of mounting sections, The control device outputs a replacement error notification to a display device when the replacement operation is detected and the mounting detection condition is not met, in which the mounting detection device detects the mounting state of the target mounting part.

[0155] <Note 2> The housing comprises the printing device and the plurality of mounting parts, and has an opening that opens the plurality of mounting parts to the outside, and a cover that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, The replacement operation detection device is a cover closing detection device that detects the cover closed state, where the cover is in the closed position. The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the replacement operation is an operation to move the cover from the open position to the closed position.

[0156] <Note 3> The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 2, wherein the control device outputs information to an information output device that can identify the target mounting part among the plurality of mounting parts when the cover closing detection device has not detected the cover closing state.

[0157] <Note 4> The image forming apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the control device prohibits the operation of the printing device at least until the replacement detection condition is met when the replacement operation is detected but the replacement detection condition is not met. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] 1: Main enclosure 1a:Aperture 1b: Cover 3: Conveying device 4: Printing device 5: Mounting part 5a: Battery level sensor 5b: Mounting sensor 5x: Mounting parts set 6: Cover sensor 7: Toner container 8: Control device 10: Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. A printing device that forms an image on a sheet, Multiple mounting sections, each capable of mounting multiple developer storage units containing the same color developer supplied to the printing device, A remaining amount detection device for detecting the remaining amount of developer in each of the plurality of developer storage units attached to the plurality of mounting parts, A control device that selects one target mounting unit from the plurality of mounting units which is the source of the developer supply to the printing device, and selects a new target mounting unit in a predetermined order each time the detection state of the remaining amount detection device for the target storage unit mounted on the target mounting unit among the plurality of developer storage units changes from a developer-filled state to a developer-empty state, A mounting detection device for detecting the mounting state in which each of the plurality of developer storage units is mounted on each of the plurality of mounting sections, The system includes a replacement operation detection device that detects the replacement operation of any of the plurality of developer storage units in any of the plurality of mounting sections, The control device outputs a replacement error notification to a display device when the replacement operation is detected and the mounting detection condition is not met, in which the mounting detection device detects the mounting state of the target mounting part.

2. The housing comprises the printing device and the plurality of mounting parts, and has an opening that exposes the plurality of mounting parts to the outside, and a cover that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that exposes the opening, The replacement operation detection device is a cover closing detection device that detects the cover closed state, where the cover is in the closed position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replacement operation is an operation to move the cover from the open position to the closed position.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control device outputs information to an information output device that can identify the target mounting portion among the plurality of mounting portions when the cover closing detection device has not detected the cover closing state.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device prohibits the operation of the printing device at least until the replacement detection condition is met when the replacement operation is detected but the replacement detection condition is not met.

Images