Image forming device and setting method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus and setting method that can suppress bias in the frequency of use at multiple attachment points. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a plurality of mounting units on which a plurality of toner containers 7 containing toner of the same color are mounted, a supply processing unit that supplies toner from a toner container 7 mounted on a specific mounting unit among the plurality of mounting units to a printing device 4, a first detection processing unit that detects a state transition from a first state in which the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 7 mounted on the specific mounting unit exceeds a first threshold to a second state in which the remaining amount is less than or equal to the first threshold, and a first setting processing unit that, when the state transition is detected by the first detection processing unit, sets one of the plurality of mounting units as the specific mounting unit based on the setting status of the specific mounting unit up to the time of detection of the state transition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a setting method.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image using a developer such as toner and ink. There is also known the image forming apparatus including a plurality of mounting portions to which a plurality of developer accommodating portions that accommodate the developer of the same color are mounted (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the image forming apparatus including the plurality of mounting portions, the developer is supplied to the image forming unit from the developer accommodating portion mounted on a preset specific mounting portion among the plurality of mounting portions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, if there is a bias in the frequency of use of the plurality of mounting portions as the specific mounting portion, the amount of toner adhered in the developer supply path corresponding to the mounting portion with high use frequency increases compared to the other supply paths, which causes disadvantages such as an increase in the frequency of maintenance of the apparatus.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a setting method capable of suppressing the occurrence of bias in use frequency among a plurality of mounting portions.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an image forming unit, a plurality of mounting units, a supply processing unit, a first detection processing unit, and a first setting processing unit. The image forming unit forms an image using a developer. A plurality of developer storage units, each containing a developer of the same color, are mounted on the mounting unit. The supply processing unit supplies the developer from the developer storage unit mounted on one of the predetermined specific mounting units among the plurality of mounting units to the image forming unit. The first detection processing unit detects a state transition from a first state in which the remaining amount of the developer in the developer storage unit mounted on the specific mounting unit exceeds a predetermined first threshold to a second state in which the remaining amount is less than or equal to the first threshold. When the state transition is detected by the first detection processing unit, the first setting processing unit sets one of the plurality of mounting units as the specific mounting unit based on the setting status of the specific mounting unit up to the time of detection of the state transition.

[0008] A setting method relating to another aspect of the present invention is performed in an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit that forms an image using a developer, and a plurality of mounting units on which a plurality of developer storage units for storing a plurality of developers of the same color are mounted, and includes a supply step, a detection step, and a setting step. In the supply step, the developer is supplied to the image forming unit from the developer storage unit mounted on one of the plurality of mounting units that has been set in advance as a specific mounting unit. In the detection step, a state transition is detected from a first state in which the remaining amount of the developer in the developer storage unit mounted on the specific mounting unit exceeds a predetermined first threshold to a second state in which the remaining amount is less than or equal to the first threshold. In the setting step, if the state transition is detected by the detection step, one of the plurality of mounting units is set as the specific mounting unit based on the setting status of the specific mounting unit up to the time of detection of the state transition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the uneven distribution of usage frequency among multiple attachment points. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the toner supply unit in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cover member in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a specific mounting part setting process performed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the interruption process procedure performed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Configuration of the image forming apparatus 10] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is capable of forming an image on a sheet 9 (see Figure 1). The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1 is a printer. The image forming apparatus 10 may also be a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction device.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 comprises a main housing 1, a sheet storage unit 2, a transport device 3, a printing device 4, a toner supply unit 50, a control unit 8, an operating device 801, and a display device 802. The main housing 1 is a housing that houses the transport device 3, the printing device 4, the toner supply unit 50, and the control unit 8.

[0014] A conveying path 300, which is a passage for a sheet 9, is provided inside the main housing 1. 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 stored in the sheet storage portion 2 one by one to the conveying path 300. The plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 31 convey the sheet 9 along the conveying 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 conveying path 300 onto a discharge tray 1x (see FIG. 1).

[0015] The printing device 4 shown in FIG. 1 forms an image on the sheet 9 conveyed along the conveying path 300 by an electrophotographic method. As another embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may be an inkjet type image forming apparatus.

[0016] The printing device 4 forms an image using toner (an example of the developer of the present invention). The printing device 4 is an example of the image forming portion of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the 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 development colors. As another embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to a color printing apparatus, and may be a monochrome printing apparatus.

[0018] The printing device 4 shown in FIG. 1 includes four image forming units 4x respectively corresponding to the development colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk).

[0019] Each of the image forming units 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.

[0020] The exposure device 40 writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged photoreceptor 41 by scanning the surface of the charged 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.

[0021] The transfer device 44 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor 41 onto a sheet 9 conveyed along a conveyance path 300. In a tandem printing apparatus 4, the transfer device 44 includes an intermediate transfer belt 441, a plurality of primary transfer devices 442, a secondary transfer device 443, and a second cleaning device 444. The plurality of primary transfer devices 442 are provided corresponding to the plurality of image forming units 4x.

[0022] The intermediate transfer belt 441 rotates with a portion thereof along the plurality of image forming units 4x. The plurality of primary transfer devices 442 transfer the toner images on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 41 of the plurality of image forming units 4x onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 441. Accordingly, a color toner image obtained by combining the toner images of a plurality of colors is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 441.

[0023] The secondary transfer device 443 transfers the color toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 441 onto the sheet 9. The fixing device 46 fixes the color toner image onto the sheet 9 by heating and pressing the color toner image on the sheet 9. Note that the sheet 9 is a sheet-shaped image forming medium such as paper.

[0024] The toner supply section 50 supplies toner to the developing devices 43 of the plurality of image forming units 4x in the printing apparatus 4. The toner supply section 50 includes a plurality of mounting sections 5 (see FIG. 2). Each mounting section 5 is a portion to which a toner container 7 (see FIG. 2) is detachably mounted.

[0025] The toner supply section 50 supplies the toner in the plurality of toner containers 7 mounted on the plurality of mounting sections 5 to the developing devices 43 of the plurality of image forming units 4x for each development color. Each toner container 7 is an example of a developer storage section that stores developer.

[0026] The operating device 801 is a device that receives user input. For example, the operating device 801 includes one or both of a touch panel and / or operating buttons.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The control unit 8 provides overall control of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 8 comprises a CPU 81, ROM 82, RAM 83, and non-volatile memory 84. The CPU 81 is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM 82 is a non-volatile memory device in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU 81 to perform various operations is pre-stored. The RAM 83 is a volatile or non-volatile memory device used as temporary storage memory (work area) for various operations performed by the CPU 81. The non-volatile memory 84 is a non-volatile memory device. The CPU 81 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 10 by executing various control programs pre-stored in the ROM 82.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 8 may be a separate control unit from the main control unit that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 10. Also, the control unit 8 may be composed of electronic circuits such as an integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0031] In this embodiment, the toner supply unit 50 includes a pair of mounting units 5 for each of the multiple developing colors (see Figure 2). The toner supply unit 50 includes a pair of mounting units 5 for each of the four toner colors: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0032] In other words, the toner supply unit 50 has two mounting units 5, each equipped with two toner containers 7 containing toner of the same color. This makes it possible to ensure that no downtime occurs in the image forming apparatus 10 even when the toner containers 7 are being replaced.

[0033] The toner supply unit 50 is equipped with four sets of toner mounting units 5x (see Figure 2). Each of the four sets of toner mounting units 5x corresponds to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner. Yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are examples of developer colors.

[0034] Each of the four mounting unit sets 5x includes a pair of mounting units 5. Therefore, the toner supply unit 50 includes eight mounting units 5. In each of the four mounting unit sets 5x, two toner containers 7 of the same color are mounted on each pair of mounting units 5. In the following, one of the mounting units 5 included in the four mounting unit sets 5x may be referred to as the first mounting unit, and the other as the second mounting unit.

[0035] The four-package toner kit 5x includes one black toner kit 51 corresponding to black toner and three color toner kits 52 corresponding to three color toners: yellow, magenta, and cyan.

[0036] In the toner supply unit 50 shown in Figure 2, the pair of toner containers 7 installed in one set of black toner containers 51 has a larger toner capacity than each of the three pairs of toner containers 7 installed in three sets of color toner containers 52.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the toner supply unit 50 further comprises a supply mechanism 53, eight locking mechanisms 6 corresponding to eight mounting units 5, and eight toner sensors 5s.

[0038] As will be described later, for each of the four mounting unit sets 5x, one of the pair of mounting units 5 is selected as the specific mounting unit. In the following description, of the pair of toner containers 7 in each of the four mounting unit sets 5x, the one mounted on the specific mounting unit may be referred to as the specific container.

[0039] The supply mechanism 53 supplies toner from the specific container to the corresponding developing device 43 for each of the four mounting unit sets 5x. In other words, for each of the four mounting unit sets 5x, the specific container is the source of toner supplied by the supply mechanism 53.

[0040] The supply mechanism 53 includes a supply unit corresponding to each of the four mounting unit sets 5x. Each of the supply units includes a drive unit, a first individual supply path, a second individual supply path, a first common supply path, a second common supply path, and a transport member. The drive unit supplies driving force to the specific container. The specific container, upon receiving the driving force supplied from the drive unit, discharges the toner contained inside to the outside. The first individual supply path guides the toner discharged from the toner container 7 mounted on the first mounting unit vertically downward. The second individual supply path guides the toner discharged from the toner container 7 mounted on the second mounting unit vertically downward. The first common supply path guides the toner guided by the first individual supply path and the second individual supply path horizontally. The transport member transports the toner that has fallen into the first common supply path through the first individual supply path or the second individual supply path toward an outlet leading to the second common supply path. The second common supply passage extends vertically downward from the outlet of the first common supply passage to the developing device 43.

[0041] The eight locking mechanisms 6 are divided into four locking mechanism sets 6x, corresponding to four mounting set 5x (see Figure 2). The four locking mechanism sets 6x correspond to one black mounting set 51 and three colored mounting set 52. Each of the four locking mechanism sets 6x includes a pair of locking mechanisms 6 corresponding to a pair of mounting parts 5.

[0042] Furthermore, the eight locking mechanisms 6 can also be said to be four pairs of locking mechanisms 6 corresponding to four sets of mounting parts 5x. Similarly, the eight toner sensors 5s can also be said to be four pairs of toner sensors 5s corresponding to four sets of mounting parts 5x.

[0043] The eight toner sensors 5s are used to determine the presence or absence of toner in each of the eight toner containers 7 mounted on the eight mounting sections 5. For example, each toner sensor 5s is a magnetic permeability sensor that detects the remaining amount of toner in each of the toner containers 7.

[0044] Each toner sensor 5s may be a plurality of photosensors that detect the toner storage level of each toner container 7. Alternatively, each toner sensor 5s may be a load cell that measures the weight of each toner container 7. Furthermore, each pair of toner sensors 5s corresponding to each mounting unit set 5x may be a photosensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of toner falling through the first individual supply path and a photosensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of toner falling through the second individual supply path.

[0045] In the image forming apparatus 10, based on the detection result of each toner sensor 5s, it is determined whether each mounting unit 5 is in a mounted state with the toner container 7 mounted, or in an unmounted state with the toner container 7 not mounted.

[0046] In other words, each toner sensor 5s also serves as a mounting sensor that detects whether each mounting section 5 is in the mounted state or the unmounted state.

[0047] The toner supply unit 50 may also be equipped with eight mounting sensors corresponding to the eight mounting units 5, in addition to each of the toner sensors 5s.

[0048] Each of the locking mechanisms 6 is a mechanism that can change between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locked state of each of the locking mechanisms 6 makes it impossible to remove each toner container 7 from its corresponding mounting part 5. The unlocked state of each of the locking mechanisms 6 makes it possible to remove each toner container 7 from its corresponding mounting part 5.

[0049] In this embodiment, each locking mechanism 6 comprises a container cover 6a, a cover sensor 6b, and a cover locking mechanism 6c.

[0050] The container cover 6a has an opening that can be opened and closed, which leads to one of the eight mounting parts 5 in the main housing 1.

[0051] The cover locking mechanism 6c selectively switches between a state in which the container cover 6a is locked in the closed position and a state in which the container cover 6a is released, according to the input lock control signal. For example, the cover locking mechanism 6c includes a solenoid or the like whose state switches according to the lock control signal.

[0052] The state in which the cover locking mechanism 6c locks the container cover 6a in the closed position is the locked state of the locking mechanism 6. The state in which the cover locking mechanism 6c releases the locking of the container cover 6a is the released state of the locking mechanism 6.

[0053] The cover sensor 6b detects whether the container cover 6a is in the closed state or the open state. The closed state is when the container cover 6a is in the closed position. The open state is when the container cover 6a is not in the closed position.

[0054] The main housing 1 includes a cover member 1y as shown in Figure 3. The cover member 1y is opened and closed when the toner container 7 is replaced. When closed relative to the main housing 1, the cover member 1y forms a part of the outer surface of the main housing 1. When the cover member 1y is opened relative to the main housing 1, the eight container covers 6a located inside the main housing 1 are exposed to the outside.

[0055] When each toner container 7 is attached to or detached from its corresponding mounting section 5, the corresponding container cover 6a is opened. For example, the cover sensor 6b may be a non-contact photosensor or a contact microswitch.

[0056] However, if there is a bias in the frequency of use of the pair of mounting parts 5 as the specific mounting parts, the amount of toner deposited in the individual supply path corresponding to the mounting part 5 that is used more frequently will increase compared to the other individual supply paths, leading to inconveniences such as a higher frequency of device maintenance.

[0057] In contrast, the image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to suppress bias in the frequency of use of the pair of mounting parts 5, as described below.

[0058] [Functional configuration of control unit 8] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 8 will be described with reference to Figure 4.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 8 includes a supply processing unit 85, a first detection processing unit 86, a first setting processing unit 87, a second detection processing unit 88, an interruption processing unit 89, a notification processing unit 90, a second setting processing unit 91, and a switching processing unit 92.

[0060] Specifically, the ROM 82 of the control unit 8 contains pre-stored operation control programs that enable the CPU 81 to function as each of the aforementioned processing units. The CPU 81 then functions as each of the aforementioned processing units by executing the operation control programs stored in the ROM 82.

[0061] The operation control program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium and stored in a non-volatile storage device provided in the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 8 may be composed of electronic circuits. Also, the operation control program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as individual processing units included in the control unit 8.

[0062] In the following explanation, we will use the black mounting part set 51 as an example from among the four mounting part sets 5x. The following explanation also applies to each of the three colored mounting part sets 52.

[0063] The supply processing unit 85 supplies toner from the toner container 7 attached to one of the pair of mounting units 5 included in the black mounting unit set 51, which has been pre-configured, to the developing unit 43 corresponding to the black (Bk) developing color of the printing unit 4.

[0064] In the image forming apparatus 10, specific mounting part identification information for identifying which of the pair of mounting parts 5 included in the black mounting part set 51 is the specific mounting part is stored in a predetermined specific storage area in the non-volatile memory 84. For example, the specific mounting part identification information is information indicating either the first mounting part or the second mounting part.

[0065] During the image formation process in which an image is formed using the printing device 4, the supply processing unit 85 identifies the specific mounting unit using the specific mounting unit identification information when the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 43 corresponding to the black (Bk) developing color is below a predetermined third threshold. The supply processing unit 85 then supplies toner from the toner container 7 mounted on the specific mounting unit to the developing unit 43 corresponding to the black (Bk) developing color. The supply processing unit 85 can detect the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 43 using a toner remaining amount detection sensor (not shown) that can detect the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 43 corresponding to the black (Bk) developing color.

[0066] The first detection processing unit 86 detects a state transition from a first state in which the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 7 attached to the specific mounting unit exceeds a predetermined first threshold to a second state in which the remaining amount is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0067] Here, the first threshold is zero. That is, the first state is a state in which the toner container 7 attached to the specific mounting part is not empty. The second state is a state in which the toner container 7 attached to the specific mounting part is empty.

[0068] The first detection processing unit 86 detects the state transition by periodically detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 7 attached to the specific attached part using the toner sensor 5s corresponding to the specific attached part during the execution of the image forming process.

[0069] The first threshold may be a value greater than zero.

[0070] When the state transition is detected by the first detection processing unit 86, the first setting processing unit 87 sets one of the pair of mounting parts 5 included in the black mounting part set 51 as the specific mounting part, based on the setting status of the specific mounting part up to the time the state transition was detected.

[0071] Specifically, when the state transition is detected by the first detection processing unit 86, the first setting processing unit 87 sets a different mounting part 5 to the specific mounting part 5 than the one that was set to the specific mounting part during the previous setting of the specific mounting part. In other words, when the state transition is detected by the first detection processing unit 86, the first setting processing unit 87 switches the specific mounting part.

[0072] The modification of the specified installed part is achieved by rewriting the specified installed part identification information stored in the specified storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 84. As a result, the specified storage area stores information indicating the setting status of the specified installed part since the last setting of the specified installed part by the first setting processing unit 87.

[0073] The first setting processing unit 87 recognizes the attachment unit 5 that was set on the specific attachment unit during the previous setting of the specific attachment unit, based on the specific attachment unit identification information stored in the specific storage area.

[0074] The second detection processing unit 88 detects a third state in which the remaining amount of toner in the developing device 43 corresponding to the black (Bk) developing color is below a predetermined second threshold. The second threshold is a value lower than the third threshold. The third state is a state in which the image forming process cannot be continued due to a shortage of black toner.

[0075] Specifically, the second detection processing unit 88 detects the third state using the toner level detection sensor corresponding to the developing device 43, which corresponds to the black (Bk) developing color.

[0076] The interruption processing unit 89 interrupts the image forming process when the second detection processing unit 88 detects the third state.

[0077] This makes it possible to avoid a decrease in the quality of the image formed in the image forming process due to insufficient toner remaining in the developing device 43 corresponding to the black (Bk) developing color.

[0078] Here, when the image forming process is interrupted by the interruption processing unit 89, the control unit 8 changes the state of each lock mechanism 6 included in the set of lock mechanism sets 6x corresponding to one set of black mounting parts 51 from the locked state to the unlocked state. This allows the user to replace the toner containers 7 mounted in the set of black mounting parts 51.

[0079] Furthermore, if the control unit 8 detects a closing operation on the cover member 1y (see Figure 3) after the interruption of the image forming process, it changes the state of each lock mechanism 6 included in the set of lock mechanism sets 6x corresponding to the set of black mounting parts 51 from the unlocked state to the locked state. In other words, in the image forming apparatus 10, if the closing operation is detected after the interruption of the image forming process, it is determined that the toner container 7 replacement work has been completed, and the replacement of the pair of toner containers 7 mounted on the set of black mounting parts 51 is prohibited. The control unit 8 can detect the closing operation using an open / close detection sensor (not shown) that can detect the open / closed state of the cover member 1y.

[0080] If the closing operation is detected after the interruption of the image forming process, and the toner container 7 is not mounted in the specified mounting unit, and the toner container 7 is mounted in a mounting unit 5 other than the specified mounting unit, the second setting processing unit 91 sets one of the mounting units 5 on which the toner container 7 is mounted as the specified mounting unit.

[0081] The switching processing unit 92 switches the function of the second setting processing unit 91 on or off according to the user's operation.

[0082] For example, the switching processing unit 92 displays a function setting screen on the display device 802, which is used to enable or disable the function of the second setting processing unit 91, in response to a predetermined user operation on the operating device 801. The function setting screen accepts the user's operation to select whether to enable or disable the function of the second setting processing unit 91. The switching processing unit 92 enables or disables the function of the second setting processing unit 91 in response to the user's operation on the function setting screen.

[0083] If the closing operation on the cover member 1y is detected after the interruption of the image forming process, and the toner container 7 is not mounted on the specified mounting part, and the toner container 7 is mounted on a mounting part 5 different from the specified mounting part, and the function of the second setting processing unit 91 is disabled, the notification processing unit 90 will notify that the toner container 7 is mounted on a mounting part 5 different from the specified mounting part.

[0084] Specifically, the notification processing unit 90 displays a second guidance screen on the display device 802, which includes a message indicating that the toner container 7 is mounted on a mounting unit 5 different from the specified mounting unit. The notification processing unit 90 may also use voice to inform the user that the toner container 7 is mounted on a mounting unit 5 different from the specified mounting unit.

[0085] [Specific Installation Part Setting Process] The setting method of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 5, along with an example of the procedure for the specific mounting part setting process executed by the control unit 8 in the image forming apparatus 10. Here, steps S11, S12, etc. represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 8. Note that the specific mounting part setting process is executed together with the image forming process when the image forming process is executed in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0086] In the image forming apparatus 10, during the execution of the image forming process, if the remaining amount of toner in the developing apparatus 43 corresponding to the black (Bk) developing color is below the third threshold, toner is supplied from the toner container 7 mounted on the specific mounting unit to the developing apparatus 43. This toner supply process is an example of the supply step of the present invention and is performed by the supply processing unit 85 of the control unit 8.

[0087] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the control unit 8 determines whether it has detected a state transition for the toner container 7 mounted on the specific mounting unit, from a first state in which the remaining amount of toner exceeds the first threshold to a second state in which the remaining amount of toner is less than or equal to the first threshold. The process of detecting the state transition is an example of the detection step of the present invention and is performed by the first detection processing unit 86 of the control unit 8.

[0088] If the control unit 8 determines that it has detected the state transition (Yes in S11), it proceeds to step S12. If it has not detected the state transition (No in S11), the control unit 8 proceeds to step S13.

[0089] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 8 switches the specific mounting part. That is, if the current specific mounting part is the first mounting part, the control unit 8 sets the specific mounting part to the second mounting part. Also, if the current specific mounting part is the second mounting part, the control unit 8 sets the specific mounting part to the first mounting part. The process in step S12 is an example of the setting steps of the present invention and is executed by the first setting processing unit 87 of the control unit 8.

[0090] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 8 determines whether it has detected the third state in which the remaining amount of toner in the developing device 43 corresponding to the black (Bk) developing color is below the second threshold. The process of detecting the third state is performed by the second detection processing unit 88 of the control unit 8.

[0091] If the control unit 8 determines that it has detected the third state (Yes in S13), it proceeds to step S14. If it has not detected the third state (No in S13), the control unit 8 proceeds to step S15.

[0092] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 8 executes the interruption process described later.

[0093] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 8 determines whether the image forming process has been completed.

[0094] If the control unit 8 determines that the image forming process is complete (Yes in S15), it terminates the specific mounting part setting process. If the image forming process is not complete (No in S15), the control unit 8 proceeds to step S11.

[0095] [Interruption Process] Next, with reference to Figure 6, an example of the procedure for the interruption process performed in step S14 of the specific mounting part setting process will be described.

[0096] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the control unit 8 interrupts the image forming process. The process in step S21 is executed by the interruption processing unit 89 of the control unit 8.

[0097] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 8 causes the display device 802 to display a predetermined first guidance screen. The first guidance screen includes a message indicating that the image forming process has been interrupted due to a shortage of black toner. The first guidance screen also includes a message prompting the user to install a new toner container 7 into the specific mounting area. The first guidance screen also includes an image indicating the location of the specific mounting area.

[0098] In the image forming apparatus 10, when one or two toner containers 7 mounted on a set of black mounting parts 51 are replaced, the new toner container 7 may be mounted on only one of the pair of mounting parts 5 included in the set of black mounting parts 51. In this case, the user may mount the new toner container 7 on a mounting part 5 other than the specified mounting part. In other words, the user may mount the new toner container 7 in the wrong location.

[0099] In contrast, during the interruption process, as described later, if the user installs the new toner container 7 in the wrong location and the function of the second setting processing unit 91 is disabled, the user is notified of this fact. Also, during the interruption process, if the user installs the new toner container 7 in the wrong location and the function of the second setting processing unit 91 is enabled, the specific installation unit is switched.

[0100] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 8 changes the state of each locking mechanism 6 included in the set of locking mechanism sets 6x corresponding to the set of black mounting parts 51 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0101] <Step S24> In step S24, the control unit 8 determines whether or not it has detected the closing operation on the cover member 1y (see Figure 3).

[0102] If the control unit 8 determines that it has detected the closing operation (Yes side of S24), it proceeds to step S25. If it has not detected the closing operation (No side of S24), the control unit 8 waits for the detection of the closing operation in step S24.

[0103] <Step S25> In step S25, the control unit 8 changes the state of each locking mechanism 6 included in the set of locking mechanism sets 6x corresponding to the set of black mounting parts 51 from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0104] <Step S26> In step S26, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the toner container 7 is installed in the specified installation area. The control unit 8 can determine whether or not the specified installation area is in the installed state by using the toner sensor 5s corresponding to the specified installation area as the installation sensor.

[0105] If the control unit 8 determines that the toner container 7 is installed in the specified installation area (Yes side of S26), it proceeds to step S31. If the toner container 7 is not installed in the specified installation area (No side of S26), the control unit 8 proceeds to step S27.

[0106] <Step S27> In step S27, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the toner container 7 is mounted on a mounting unit 5 different from the specified mounting unit.

[0107] Here, if the control unit 8 determines that the toner container 7 is mounted on a mounting part 5 other than the specified mounting part (Yes side of S27), it moves the process to step S28. If the toner container 7 is not mounted on a mounting part 5 other than the specified mounting part (No side of S27), the control unit 8 moves the process to step S23.

[0108] <Step S28> In step S28, the control unit 8 determines whether the function of the second setting processing unit 91 is disabled.

[0109] If the control unit 8 determines that the function of the second setting processing unit 91 is disabled (Yes in S28), it proceeds to step S29. If the function of the second setting processing unit 91 is not disabled (No in S28), the control unit 8 proceeds to step S30.

[0110] <Step S29> In step S29, the control unit 8 causes the display device 802 to display the second guidance screen, which includes a message indicating that the toner container 7 is mounted on a mounting unit 5 different from the specified mounting unit. The processing in step S29 is performed by the notification processing unit 90 of the control unit 8.

[0111] This makes it possible to make the user aware that the mounting section 5 to which the new toner container 7 is mounted is not the designated mounting section, in the event that the user has installed the new toner container 7 in the wrong location.

[0112] <Step S30> In step S30, the control unit 8 sets the mounting section 5 on which the toner container 7 is mounted (a mounting section 5 different from the specified mounting section) as the specified mounting section. The process in step S30 is performed by the second setting processing unit 91 of the control unit 8.

[0113] This prevents the burden on the user of having to remove the new toner container 7 from the current mounting unit 5 and install it in the specific mounting unit if the user installs the new toner container 7 in the wrong location.

[0114] <Step S31> In step S31, the control unit 8 restarts the image forming process.

[0115] In this way, when the image forming apparatus 10 detects a state transition, one of the pair of mounting parts 5 is set to the specific mounting part based on the setting status of the specific mounting part up to the time the state transition was detected. This makes it possible to suppress any bias in the frequency of use of the pair of mounting parts 5.

[0116] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, when the state transition is detected, a different mounting part 5 than the one set for the specified mounting part during the previous setting of the specified mounting part is set for the specified mounting part. In other words, the pair of mounting parts 5 alternately become the specified mounting part. This makes it possible to suppress bias in the frequency of use of the pair of mounting parts 5 with a simple configuration.

[0117] The control unit 8 does not necessarily have to include a switching processing unit 92. In this case, the function of the second setting processing unit 91 is enabled until the number of times the specific mounting unit is set by the second setting processing unit 91 exceeds a predetermined reference number, and the function of the second setting processing unit 91 is disabled after the number of times the specific mounting unit is set by the second setting processing unit 91 exceeds the reference value. This makes it possible to suppress a large bias in the frequency of use of the pair of mounting units 5.

[0118] Furthermore, the control unit 8 does not necessarily have to include both the switching processing unit 92 and the second setting processing unit 91. In this case, when the closing operation on the cover member 1y is detected after the interruption of the image forming process, and the toner container 7 is not mounted on the specific mounting unit, and the toner container 7 is mounted on a mounting unit 5 different from the specific mounting unit, the notification processing unit 90 only needs to notify that the toner container 7 is mounted on a mounting unit 5 different from the specific mounting unit.

[0119] Furthermore, one set of mounting parts 5x may comprise three or more mounting parts 5. In this case, instead of the specific mounting part identification information, the specific storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 84 may store information indicating the setting status of the specific mounting part from a predetermined reference time, such as when the image forming apparatus 10 is shipped from the factory or when the system is reset. For example, the specific storage area may store the number of times each mounting part 5 included in one set of mounting parts 5x has been set as the specific mounting part. The first setting processing unit 87 may set any of the multiple mounting parts 5 included in one set of mounting parts 5x that has been set as the specific mounting part with the fewest number of times it has been set as the specific mounting part.

[0120] [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.

[0121] <Note 1> An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image using a developer; a plurality of mounting units on which a plurality of developer storage units for storing a developer of the same color are mounted; a supply processing unit that supplies the developer from a developer storage unit mounted on one of the plurality of mounting units that has been set in advance to a specific mounting unit; a first detection processing unit that detects a state transition from a first state in which the remaining amount of the developer in the developer storage unit mounted on the specific mounting unit exceeds a predetermined first threshold to a second state in which the remaining amount is less than or equal to the first threshold; and a first setting processing unit that, when the state transition is detected by the first detection processing unit, sets one of the plurality of mounting units to the specific mounting unit based on the setting status of the specific mounting unit up to the time of detection of the state transition.

[0122] <Note 2> The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the number of mounting parts is two, and the first setting processing unit, when the state transition is detected by the first detection processing unit, sets a mounting part different from the mounting part that was set in the specified mounting part during the previous setting of the specified mounting part.

[0123] <Note 3> The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, comprising: a cover member that is opened and closed when the developer storage unit is replaced; a second detection processing unit that detects a third state in which the remaining amount of the developer in the image forming unit is less than or equal to a predetermined second threshold; an interruption processing unit that interrupts the image forming process in which an image is formed using the image forming unit when the third state is detected by the second detection processing unit; and a notification processing unit that, when a closing operation is detected on the cover member after the interruption of the image forming process, the developer storage unit is not mounted on the specific mounting unit and the developer storage unit is mounted on a mounting unit other than the specific mounting unit, notifies that the developer storage unit is mounted on a mounting unit other than the specific mounting unit.

[0124] <Note 4> The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 3, further comprising: a second setting processing unit which sets one of the mounting units to which the developer container is attached as the specific mounting unit when the closing operation is detected after the interruption of the image forming process, and the developer container is not attached to the specific mounting unit and the developer container is attached to a mounting unit other than the specific mounting unit; and a switching processing unit which switches the function of the second setting processing unit on or off according to user operation, wherein the notification processing unit which notifies that the developer container is attached to a mounting unit other than the specific mounting unit when the closing operation to the cover member is detected after the interruption of the image forming process, and the developer container is not attached to the specific mounting unit and the developer container is attached to a mounting unit other than the specific mounting unit and the function of the second setting processing unit is disabled.

[0125] <Note 5> A setting method performed in an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image using a developer; and a plurality of mounting units on which a plurality of developer storage units for storing a plurality of developers of the same color are mounted, the setting method comprising: a supply step of supplying the developer from the developer storage unit mounted on one of the plurality of mounting units that has been set in advance to a specific mounting unit to supply the developer to the image forming unit; a detection step of detecting a state transition from a first state in which the remaining amount of the developer in the developer storage unit mounted on the specific mounting unit exceeds a predetermined first threshold to a second state in which the remaining amount is less than or equal to the first threshold; and a setting step of setting one of the plurality of mounting units to the specific mounting unit based on the setting status of the specific mounting unit up to the time the state transition is detected by the detection step. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1: Main enclosure 1y: Cover component 2: Seat storage section 3: Conveying device 4: Printing device 4x: Image forming unit 5: Mounting part 5s: Toner sensor 5x: Mounting parts set 6: Locking mechanism 7: Toner container 8: Control Unit 10: Image forming apparatus 40: Exposure equipment 41: Photoreceptor 42: Charging device 43: Developing equipment 44: Transfer device 45: First cleaning device 46: Fixing device 50: Toner supply unit 51: Black mounting part set 52: Painted parts set 53: Supply mechanism 81: CPU 82 :ROM 83: RAM 84: Non-volatile memory 85: Supply Processing Unit 86: First detection processing unit 87: First setting processing unit 88: Second detection processing unit 89: Interruption Processing Unit 90: Notification Processing Unit 91: Second setting processing unit 92: Switching Processing Unit 801: Operating device 802:Display device

Claims

1. An image forming unit that forms an image using a developer, Multiple mounting sections are fitted with multiple developer storage sections, each containing a developer of the same color. A supply processing unit that supplies the developer from the developer storage unit attached to one of the predetermined specific mounting units among the multiple mounting units to the image forming unit, A first detection processing unit that detects a state transition from a first state in which the remaining amount of developer in the developer storage unit attached to the specified mounting unit exceeds a predetermined first threshold to a second state in which the remaining amount is less than or equal to the first threshold, When the state transition is detected by the first detection processing unit, the first setting processing unit sets one of the plurality of mounting units as the specific mounting unit based on the setting status of the specific mounting unit up to the time of detection of the state transition, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

2. The number of mounting parts is two, When the state transition is detected by the first detection processing unit, the first setting processing unit sets a different mounting part to the specified mounting part than the mounting part that was set to the specified mounting part during the previous setting of the specified mounting part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A cover member that is opened and closed when the developer storage section is replaced, A second detection processing unit detects a third state in which the remaining amount of developer in the image forming unit is below a predetermined second threshold, When the second detection processing unit detects the third state, an interruption processing unit interrupts the image forming process that forms an image using the image forming unit, When a closing operation on the cover member is detected after the interruption of the image forming process, and the developer container is not mounted on the specified mounting portion and the developer container is mounted on a mounting portion other than the specified mounting portion, a notification processing unit provides notification that the developer container is mounted on a mounting portion other than the specified mounting portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. If the closing operation is detected after the interruption of the image forming process, and the developer container is not mounted on the specified mounting part and the developer container is mounted on a mounting part other than the specified mounting part, a second setting processing unit sets one of the mounting parts on which the developer container is mounted as the specified mounting part, A switching processing unit that enables or disables the function of the second setting processing unit in response to user operation, Equipped with, The notification processing unit shall, when a closing operation on the cover member is detected after the interruption of the image forming process, notify that the developer container is mounted on a mounting part other than the specified mounting part, and the function of the second setting processing unit is disabled, that the developer container is mounted on a mounting part other than the specified mounting part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. A setting method performed in an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit that forms an image using a developer, and a plurality of mounting units on which a plurality of developer storage units for storing a plurality of developers of the same color are attached, A supply step of supplying the developer from the developer storage unit attached to one of the predetermined specific mounting units among the plurality of mounting units to the image forming unit, A detection step for detecting a state transition from a first state in which the remaining amount of developer in the developer storage unit attached to the specified mounting unit exceeds a predetermined first threshold to a second state in which the remaining amount is less than or equal to the first threshold, If the state transition is detected by the detection step, a setting step is performed to set one of the plurality of mounting parts as the specific mounting part based on the setting status of the specific mounting part up to the time the state transition was detected, A configuration method that includes the following features.

Images