JP2010156890A - Recovered amount management device, image forming apparatus, and recovered amount management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more accurately recognize a state of the inside a recovery container for recovering a surplus portion overflowing from a reservoir part of a developing device by replenishment with two-component developer than the case where such constitution is not employed. <P>SOLUTION: When the two-component developer is going to get over a partition 122 in the reservoir part 110, its amount is not always matched with (or directly proportional to) a replenishing amount because of its fluidity. The recovered amount of collected developer to the recovery container 116 that is a base, is set as a basic supply amount of new two-component developer supplied from toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 13C and 13K, therefore, and also a correction coefficient is set to each of temperature from a temperature sensor 112, humidity from a humidity sensor 114, and a driving state (flow speed of the two-component developer) of spiral auger. After calculating the basic supply amount, the correction coefficient is reflected therein, thereby correcting the error based on the condition in such a time (temperature, humidity and flow speed) of the discharge amount from the reservoir part 110. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a collection amount management apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a collection amount management program.

  In an image forming apparatus that uses toner as a developer and forms an image based on an original image, at least toner is applied in a state where an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photosensitive drum based on the original image (for example, image data). A toner image is generated by supplying a two-component developer containing the toner.

  The two-component developer is composed of toner and carrier. In the developing device using such a two-component developer, the toner is consumed by the development processing operation, while the carrier is not consumed and the storage unit of the developing device is consumed. Remain in.

  For this reason, the frequency with which the toner is circulated together with the toner in the developing device increases, and the carrier deteriorates.

  The deterioration of the carrier causes a decrease in image quality such as, for example, a decrease in resistance value and developer charging property, an excessive increase in developability, an increase in image density, and fogging.

  For this reason, when the toner is replenished, a new carrier is replenished to stabilize the image density. Toner replenishment and carrier replenishment increase the storage capacity of the developing device, so the storage part multiplies the circulation of the two-component developer for agitation and overflows the partition wall from the upper side and recovers it in the recovery container. To do. Such a method of stabilizing the image quality by supplementing and collecting the two-component developer may be referred to as a “trickle development method”.

  The two-component developer recovered in the recovery container needs to be properly discarded after recognizing the recovery amount of the recovery container.

  In Patent Document 1, the total number of replacement containers on the supply side of the two-component developer is counted, and after this count value reaches a predetermined number, the number of developer replenishment operations is measured, and when this reaches the predetermined value. Is disclosed to determine that the collection container is full.

  According to Patent Document 1, since the carrier discharge amount until the replenishment container becomes empty is stable, and the correlation between the developer replenishment amount and the collection amount is high, the collection amount of the collection container is equal to the total replacement number of the replenishment containers. Can be accurately grasped.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses that when the cumulative driving time of the toner replenishing means corrected based on the detection result of the toner density detecting means reaches a predetermined value, it is determined that the collection container is full.

According to Patent Document 2, fluidity increases when a toner density (hereinafter referred to as “TC”) of a developing device is higher than a target, and conversely, when TC is low, fluidity deteriorates. It is said that the collection amount can be accurately obtained by correcting the time.
JP 2006-17915 A JP 2008-76859 A

  The present invention is capable of accurately recognizing the state in the collection container that collects the excess overflowing from the storage unit of the developing device by replenishing the two-component developer as compared with the case without this configuration. The object is to obtain a management apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a collection amount management program.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for storing a fluid two-component developer containing at least toner in order to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier based on image information. A circulation means provided in the storage unit and circulating in the storage unit while flowing the stored two-component developer in a horizontal direction, and the development unit is in a state of the development process. Replenishing means for replenishing the two-component developer based on the recirculation path of the two-component developer by the circulation means, damming up the two-component developer in the storage section, and replenishing by the replenishing means A partition member that maintains the capacity of the two-component developer in the storage portion by overcoming the increased amount of the two-component developer according to the surface layer side, and the surplus two parts that overflow over the partition member A recovery amount calculation for calculating a recovery amount of the two-component developer recovered in the recovery container based on a recovery container for recovering the partial developer and a supply amount of the two-component developer supplied by the supply amount means Based on a calculation result of the recovery amount calculation means based on a prediction result of the means, a prediction means for predicting a surface level of the two-component developer in the vicinity of the partition member in the reservoir, and a prediction result by the prediction means Correction means for correcting an error in the collection amount.

  The invention according to claim 2 is calculated by the storage means storing the threshold value set based on the allowable volume of the recovery container in the invention according to claim 1, and the recovery amount calculation means, And comparison means for comparing the recovered amount of the two-component developer corrected by the correction means and a threshold value stored in the storage means, and notification means for notifying the result of comparison by the comparison means; It has further.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the collection container is provided with a receiving port for receiving a two-component developer that climbs over the partition wall, and is collected. Flow guide means for guiding the two-component developer so as to spread over the entire bottom surface is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the predicting means is a state of development processing, the temperature of the storage section or its vicinity, humidity, or the The fluidity of the two-component developer is determined based on at least one of the circulation rates of the circulation means, and the surface layer level of the two-component developer in the storage unit is predicted based on the determination result.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the two-component developer is based on at least one of the temperature or humidity in the recovery container or the vicinity thereof. The allowable capacity fluctuation in the recovery container according to the fluidity of the recovery container is determined, and the threshold value stored in the storage means is adjusted based on the determination result.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein a sensor for measuring the temperature or humidity in the storage section or the vicinity thereof, and a sensor for measuring the temperature or humidity in the recovery container or the vicinity thereof are provided. Are shared.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the recovery amount management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is used. The consumption state of the two-component developer based on the development processing is managed without actually measuring.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for storing a fluid two-component developer containing at least toner in order to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier based on image information. A circulation means provided in the storage unit and circulating in the storage unit while flowing the stored two-component developer in a horizontal direction, and the development unit is in a state of the development process. Replenishing means for replenishing the two-component developer based on the recirculation path of the two-component developer by the circulation means, damming up the two-component developer in the storage section, and replenishing by the replenishing means A partition member that maintains the capacity of the two-component developer in the storage portion by overcoming the increased amount of the two-component developer according to the surface layer side, and the surplus two parts that overflow over the partition member In the developing apparatus having a collecting container for collecting minute developer, a,
Based on the replenishment amount of the two-component developer replenished by the replenishment amount means, the recovery amount of the two-component developer recovered in the recovery container is calculated,
Predicting means for predicting the surface level of the two-component developer in the vicinity of the partition member in the reservoir, and based on the prediction result by the predicting means, the recovery amount based on the calculation result by the recovery amount calculating means This is a collection amount management program for causing a computer to correct an error.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the state in the collection container that collects the excess portion overflowing from the storage portion of the developing device by replenishing the two-component developer is recognized with higher accuracy than in the case without this configuration. can do.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to accurately notify that the collection container is full as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the surface layer surface of the recovery container can be made closer to the horizontal as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the fluidity of the two-component developer can be determined with higher accuracy than when the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to accurately notify that the collection container is full as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to invention of Claim 6, compared with the case where it does not have this structure, a number of parts can be reduced.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the state in the collection container that collects the surplus overflowing from the storage unit of the developing device by replenishing the two-component developer is more accurately compared to the case without this configuration. Can be recognized.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the state in the collection container that collects the surplus overflowing from the storage portion of the developing device by replenishing the two-component developer is more accurately compared to the case without this configuration. Can be recognized.

  FIG. 1 shows a printer 10 as an image forming apparatus. The printer 10 is a digital printer that forms a full-color image or a monochrome image.

  Above the inside of the printer 10, toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K that contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners are replaceably provided. . In the following description, Y, M, C, and K are given to the reference numerals of the members corresponding to the colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (black) for distinction.

  One ends of toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K are connected to the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively. The toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K are formed of circular pipe members and are arranged downward along the side surface of the printer 10, but the intermediate paths are not shown. ing.

  In the center of the printer 10, four image forming units 12 (12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K) corresponding to Y, M, C, and K two-component developers are shown on the right in the front view of FIG. It arrange | positions in the state which overlapped mutually mutually diagonally downward.

  The image forming unit 12 includes a photoreceptor 28. Around the photoreceptor 28, a charging roll as an example of a charging device that contacts the surface of the photoreceptor 28 and uniformly charges the photoreceptor 28, and the exposure light L is formed on the photoreceptor 28. An example of a developing unit 31 (see FIG. 3) that develops an electrostatic latent image with a two-component developer (toner and carrier) of each color, and a static elimination device that performs static elimination by irradiating the surface of the photoreceptor 28 after transfer with light. And an erasing lamp and a cleaning unit for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive member 28 after static elimination.

  The two-component developer is a mixture of a non-magnetic type toner and a magnetic carrier. Here, the other ends of the toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K are connected to the storage units 110 (see FIG. 3) of the four image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, respectively. A small amount of carrier is supplied to each image forming unit 12. The mixing ratio of toner and carrier varies depending on the processing specifications of the printer 10, but is approximately toner: carrier = 9: 1. On the other hand, the mixing ratio of the toner and carrier of the two-component developer present in the developing unit 31 originally differs depending on the processing specifications of the printer 10, but is about toner: carrier = 1: 9.

  A transfer unit 14 is provided above the image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K. The transfer unit 14 is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 16 and the intermediate transfer belt 16, and four primary transfer members that multiplex-transfer the toner images of the image forming units 12 </ b> Y, 12 </ b> M, 12 </ b> C, and 12 </ b> K onto the intermediate transfer belt 16. Primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K, and a secondary transfer roll 20 that transfers the toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 16 onto the recording paper P.

  The intermediate transfer belt 16 includes a drive roll 22 that is driven by a motor (not shown), a tension roll 24 that adjusts the tension of the intermediate transfer belt 16, and a backup roll 26 that is disposed to face the secondary transfer roll 20. It is wound around the roller group with a constant tension, and is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow X (counterclockwise direction) in FIG.

  The primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K are disposed to face the photoreceptors 28 (28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K) of the respective image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K with the intermediate transfer belt 16 interposed therebetween. . The primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K are applied with a transfer bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the toner polarity (positive polarity in this embodiment as an example) by a power supply unit (not shown). Yes. The secondary transfer roll 20 is also applied with a transfer bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the toner polarity by the power supply unit.

  A cleaning device 30 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16 where the drive roll 22 is provided. The cleaning device 30 includes a cleaning brush 32 and a cleaning blade 34, and residual toner and paper dust on the intermediate transfer belt 16 are removed by the cleaning brush 32 and the cleaning blade 34.

  Further, a temperature sensor 112 and a humidity sensor 114 are attached in the vicinity of the outer side of the intermediate transfer belt 16 between the tension roll 24 and the backup roll 26, and the temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the image forming unit 12, especially in the vicinity of the image forming unit 12, are attached. measure. The temperature sensor 112 and the humidity sensor 114 are shared by various temperature or humidity control elements in the machine. In the present embodiment, it is used as an element for predicting the state of the two-component developer in the storage unit 110 and the recovery container 116, which will be described later.

  In the vicinity of the side surface of the printer 10 opposite to the conveyance path of the recording paper P, a control unit 36 that performs drive control of each part of the printer 10 is provided. An exposure unit that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the surface of the charged photoreceptor 28 with exposure light L (LY, LM, LC, LK) corresponding to each color on the lower side of the image forming unit 12. 40 is provided.

  The exposure unit 40 is composed of one unit common to the four image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, and modulates four semiconductor lasers (not shown) according to the color material gradation data of each color. Thus, the exposure light LY, LM, LC, LK is emitted from these semiconductor lasers according to the gradation data. The exposure unit 40 may be provided for each image forming unit 12 individually.

  The exposure unit 40 is hermetically sealed with a rectangular frame 38, and an fθ lens (not shown) for scanning each exposure light L in the main scanning direction and a polygon mirror 42 are provided therein. On the upper surface of the frame 38, glass windows 44Y, 44M, and 44C for emitting four exposure lights LY, LM, LC, and LK toward the photoreceptors 28 of the image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K. , 44K are provided.

  Here, the exposure light LY, LM, LC, and LK emitted from the semiconductor laser of the exposure unit 40 is applied to the polygon mirror 42, and the light reflected from the polygon mirror 42 is deflected and scanned through the fθ lens. The exposure lights LY, LM, LC, and LK deflected and scanned by the polygon mirror 42 are scanned and exposed to exposure points on the photosensitive member 28 via an optical system (not shown) including an imaging lens and a plurality of mirrors. The

  On the other hand, a paper feed cassette 46 in which the recording paper P is stored is disposed below the exposure unit 40. A sheet conveyance path 50 for conveying the recording sheet P is provided vertically above the end of the sheet feeding cassette 46.

  In the sheet conveyance path 50, a sheet feeding roll 48 that feeds the recording sheet P from the sheet feeding cassette 46, a sheet separating and conveying roll pair 52 that feeds the recording sheet P one by one, and an image on the intermediate transfer belt 16. Is provided with a paper leading edge alignment roll 54 for adjusting the movement timing of the recording paper P and the conveyance timing of the recording paper P. Here, the recording paper P sequentially sent out from the paper feed cassette 46 by the paper feed roll 48 passes through the paper transport path 50 and is secondary to the intermediate transfer belt 16 by the paper tip alignment roll 54 that rotates intermittently. It is once transported to the transfer position and stopped.

  A fixing device 60 is provided above the secondary transfer roll 20. The fixing device 60 includes a heated heating roll 62 and a pressure roll 64 pressed against the heating roll 62. Here, the recording paper P on which the toner image of each color has been transferred by the secondary transfer roll 20 is fixed by heat and pressure at the pressure contact portion between the heating roll 62 and the pressure roll 64, and the recording paper P is transported downstream in the conveyance direction. A discharge roller 66 as an example of a discharge device provided in the printer 10 is discharged to a discharge unit 68 provided in the upper part of the printer 10. Residual toner, paper dust, and the like are removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16 after the secondary transfer process of the toner image by the cleaning device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 includes a main control unit 70. The main control unit 70 includes a CPU 72, a RAM 74, a ROM 76, an I / O (input / output unit) 78, and a bus 80 such as a data bus or a control bus for connecting them.

  Connected to the I / O 78 is a print control management unit 88 for controlling and managing each processing system such as a transport system in the printer 10, a scanning exposure system for image formation, and a development system.

  More specifically, the print control management unit 88 is connected to the conveyance control unit 100, the scanning exposure control unit 102, the development control unit 104, the transfer control unit 106, and the fixing control unit 108, and manages the control of each unit. .

  The print control management unit 88 may be configured to be directly connected to the bus 80 instead of the I / O 78. Here, the control related to printing is integrated in the print control management unit 88, but the main control unit 70 may execute the control.

  A UI (user interface) 82 is connected to the I / O 78. The UI 82 has a function of receiving an input instruction from the user and notifying the user of information related to image processing. Further, a hard disk 84 is connected to the I / O 78. The I / O 78 is connected to the communication line network 90 via the I / F 86.

  3A and 3B show the developing unit 31 that constitutes a part of the image forming unit 12. In addition, since each color has the same configuration, the reference for each color is omitted, and one developing unit 31 will be described as an example, and the description of the other developing units 31 will be omitted.

  The developing unit 31 is provided with a tray-shaped storage unit 110 that stores the two-component developer supplied from the toner supply path 13.

  A pair of spiral augers 118 and 120 are attached to the storage portion 110 so that the longitudinal direction (the axial direction of the photosensitive member 28) is an axial line. The pair of spiral augers 118 and 120 has a shape in which spiral blades are attached to the peripheral surface of the shaft rod, and has a role of causing the two-component developer to flow in the axial direction by a screw conveyor system by rotating. (See the chain line arrow in FIG. 3A). As shown in FIG. 3A, the two-component developer has a two-chamber storage section 110 so that it flows in a ring shape (track shape such as an athletic field) in a plan view.

  That is, the pair of spiral augers 118 and 120 are in the directions in which the flow promotion directions are opposite to each other, and the two-component developer is circulated and stirred in the storage unit 110.

  A partition wall 122 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the reservoir 110. As shown in FIG. 3B, the height of the partition wall 122 is set lower than the height of the reservoir 110 up to the opening edge.

  Here, when the two-component developer circulates by driving the spiral augers 118 and 120, the surface layer portion of the two-component developer is lower than the partition wall portion 122, so that it does not get over the partition wall portion 122. . However, when the two-component developer is supplied from the toner supply path 13, the two-component developer stored in the storage unit 110 naturally increases. As a result, the increased amount gets over the partition wall 122.

  The operation in which the two-component developer is discharged by the replenished increased amount while circulating in the storage unit 110 is newly performed with the deteriorated two-component developer (toner and carrier) staying in the storage unit 110. Since the replenished two-component developer (toner and carrier) is mixed and discharged, the deterioration degree of the two-component developer in the storage unit 110 is gradually reduced according to the replenishment operation. become.

  The two-component developer overflowing the partition wall 122 (hereinafter referred to as “collected developer” when distinguished from the two-component developer stored in the developing unit 31) passes through the collection guide path 124. , It is guided to the collection container 116.

  The recovery container 116 has a box-shaped space portion 126 having a predetermined volume. The collection container 116 is provided with an opening 128 on the side wall on one side in the longitudinal direction, and communicates with the collection guide path 124. Therefore, the collected developer guided to the collection guide path 124 flows into the space 126 through the opening 128 and is accumulated.

  A screw conveyor 130 is attached in the vicinity of the ceiling surface of the space 126. One end of the screw conveyor 130 faces the opening 128 and the other end faces the side wall on the other side in the longitudinal direction.

  The screw conveyor 130 is rotated by a driving force of a driving means (not shown), and promotes the flow of the collected developer flowing in from the opening 128 to the back side of the space 126 (the right end side in FIG. 3B). For this reason, the collected developer accumulates an amount of the collected developer corresponding to the volume of the space 126 without causing clogging in the vicinity of the opening 128.

(Calculation of the amount of two-component developer discharged from the reservoir)
Incidentally, although the volume of the space portion 126 of the recovery container 116 is naturally determined, the recovery container 116 does not have a sensor or the like for detecting the accumulated amount of the collected developer accumulated in the space portion 126. . Therefore, in this embodiment, paying attention to the overflow from the partition wall 122 according to the replenishment amount supplied from the toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 1C, and 13K to the storage unit 110, the replenishment amount of the two-component developer Based on the above, the recovery state of the recovery container 116 (accumulated amount of recovered developer) is recognized.

  However, the recovered developer is known to change its fluidity depending on temperature and humidity due to its properties. In general, high temperature and high humidity are more difficult to flow than low temperature and low humidity. Further, depending on the fluidity depending on the driving state of the spiral auger (the flow rate of the two-component developer), the height of the wave generated in the surface layer portion of the two-component developer is different, and the amount of overcoming the partition wall portion 122 varies.

  That is, in the storage unit 110, when the two-component developer tries to get over the partition wall 122, it does not always match (or directly proportional to) the replenishment amount due to its fluidity.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, the recovered amount of the recovered developer to the basic recovery container 116 is set as the basic supply amount of the new two-component developer supplied from the toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 1C, and 13K. In addition, correction coefficients were set for the temperature from the temperature sensor 112, the humidity from the humidity sensor 114, and the driving state of the spiral auger (flow rate of the two-component developer).

  That is, after calculating the basic supply amount, the correction coefficient is reflected to correct the discharge amount from the storage unit 110 based on the conditions (temperature, humidity, flow rate) at that time.

(Adjustment of collection capacity of collection container)
In the collection container 116, the volume of the space 126 is fixed, so that the amount of collected developer collected does not change. However, the collected developer flowing from the opening 128 is not accumulated evenly in the longitudinal direction (the surface layer is horizontal) even if the flow toward the back side is promoted by driving the screw conveyor 130. .

  FIG. 4 shows the accumulation state of the collected developer in the collection container 116, where (A) is at high temperature / high humidity, (B) is at normal temperature / normal humidity, and (C) is at low temperature / low humidity.

  For example, let us consider a case where the volume (threshold value) of the collection container 116 is fixed on the basis of normal temperature / normal humidity in FIG.

  In this case, at the time of high temperature / high humidity in FIG. 4 (A), the collected developer does not reach the back side, so there is a possibility of exceeding the capacity (full state) earlier than expected.

  On the other hand, at the time of low temperature / low humidity in FIG. 4 (C), the collected developer smoothly flows to the far side, so that there is a possibility that a retrievable space may remain even if it exceeds the predicted volume (full state). is there.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the basic threshold value of the recovery container 116 is stored in the storage state at normal temperature / normal humidity (see FIG. 4B), and the temperature sensor 112 is used. The threshold value is adjusted based on the temperature from the sensor and the humidity from the humidity sensor 114, respectively.

  That is, by storing the threshold value at normal temperature / normal humidity and reflecting the correction coefficient, the recoverable volume (threshold value) of the recovery container 116 is changed to the conditions (temperature, humidity) at that time. Adjust only the error based on it.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram functionally illustrating the control related to “calculation of the two-component developer discharge amount from the storage unit” and “adjustment of the collection capacity of the collection container” described above in the print control management unit 88. Note that this block diagram is classified according to function to the last, and does not limit the hardware configuration of the print control management unit 88.

  The print control management unit 88 is provided with an image formation execution control unit 132, to which the conveyance control unit 100, the scanning exposure control unit 102, the development control unit 104, the transfer control unit 106, and the fixing control unit 108 are connected. .

  A job execution instruction is input to the image formation execution control unit 132. When a job execution instruction is input, the image formation execution control unit 132 controls the conveyance control unit 100, the scanning exposure control unit 102, the development control unit 104, the transfer control unit 106, and the fixing control unit 108 to form an image. Execute.

  The image formation execution control unit 132 takes into account that the toner is consumed according to the image formation process and the carrier is deteriorated according to the image formation process, and then from the toner supply path 13 to the development unit 31 at a predetermined cycle. A two-component developer (usually, it is sometimes referred to as “toner supply” because the blending ratio of the toner is much higher than that of the carrier).

  Supply amount information based on the two-component developer supply in the image formation execution control unit 132 is sent to the supply amount accumulating unit 134. The supply amount accumulation unit 134 accumulates the input supply amount and sends the accumulated value information to the collection container accumulation amount calculation unit 136.

  Here, the collection container accumulation amount is usually equal to the amount obtained by subtracting the image formation consumption amount based on the image data from the supply amount of the two-component developer.

  For this reason, image data and job end information are input from the image formation execution control unit 132 to the collection container accumulation amount calculation unit 136. The job completion information is used as a trigger to the collection container 116. The accumulated amount to be accumulated is calculated (collected container accumulated amount = accumulated value information−consumption amount for image data).

  The collection container accumulation amount calculation unit 136 is connected to the correction coefficient setting instruction unit 138 and the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140.

  The correction coefficient setting instruction unit 138 is connected to the temperature data capturing unit 144 of the temperature correcting unit 142, the humidity data capturing unit 148 of the humidity correcting unit 146, and the speed information capturing unit 152 of the speed correcting unit 150, respectively. To generate a correction coefficient.

(Temperature correction unit 142)
The temperature correction unit 142 has a temperature sensor 112 connected to the temperature data acquisition unit 144, and acquires the internal temperature based on the instruction signal from the correction coefficient setting instruction unit 138.

  The temperature data acquisition unit 144 is connected to the comparison unit 154 and sends the acquired temperature data to the comparison unit 154. A reference temperature data memory 156 is connected to the comparison unit 154. In the present embodiment, the reference temperature data memory 156 stores room temperature (for example, 21 to 25 ° C.) data stored in advance.

  When the temperature data fetched from the temperature sensor 112 is input, the comparison unit 154 reads the reference temperature (normal temperature) data from the reference temperature data memory 156 and compares them.

  The comparison result in the comparison unit 154 is sent to the temperature correction coefficient HT determination unit 158.

  The temperature correction coefficient HT determination unit 158 is classified into, for example, five levels (five steps) based on the comparison result. This classification is an example, and in order to reduce the burden on the control system, it may be divided into three stages (“high temperature”, “normal temperature”, “low temperature”), and conversely to increase the accuracy. As an example of the fine classification, a temperature-correction coefficient LUT (lookup table) may be prepared, and the correction coefficient may be read based on the acquired speed data.

  The temperature correction coefficient HT determination unit 158 is connected to the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140 and sends the determined temperature correction coefficient HT to the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140.

(Humidity correction unit 146)
The humidity correction unit 146 has a humidity sensor 114 connected to the humidity data acquisition unit 148, and acquires the in-machine humidity based on an instruction signal from the correction coefficient setting instruction unit 138.

  The humidity data acquisition unit 148 is connected to the comparison unit 160 and sends the acquired humidity data to the comparison unit 160. A reference humidity data memory 162 is connected to the comparison unit 160. In the present embodiment, normal humidity (for example, 45 to 55% RH) data stored in advance is stored in the reference humidity data memory 162.

  When the humidity data captured from the humidity sensor 114 is input, the comparison unit 160 reads the reference humidity (normal humidity) data from the reference humidity data memory 162 and compares them.

  The comparison result in the comparison unit 160 is sent to the humidity correction coefficient HW determination unit 164.

  In the humidity correction coefficient HW determination unit 164, for example, the humidity correction coefficient HW determination unit 164 is classified into five stages (five steps) based on the comparison result. This classification is an example, and in order to reduce the burden on the control system, it may be classified into three stages (“high humidity”, “normal humidity”, “low humidity”), and conversely, the accuracy is increased. As an example of the fine classification, a humidity-correction coefficient LUT (lookup table) may be prepared, and the correction coefficient may be read based on the acquired speed data.

  The humidity correction coefficient HW determination unit 164 is connected to the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140, and sends the determined humidity correction coefficient HW to the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140.

(Speed correction unit 150)
In the speed correction unit 150, the image formation execution control unit 132 is connected to the speed data capturing unit 152, and based on an instruction signal from the correction coefficient setting instruction unit 138, the image formation execution control unit 132 performs image formation. The flow rate data of the two-component developer in the developing unit 31 at the time of processing is taken in.

  The speed information capturing unit 152 is connected to the comparison unit 166 and sends the captured speed data to the comparison unit 166. A reference speed data memory 168 is connected to the comparison unit 166. In the present embodiment, the reference totality data memory 168 stores reference two-component developer flow velocity data stored in advance.

  When the speed data is input, the comparison unit 166 reads the reference speed data from the reference speed data memory 168 and compares them.

  The comparison result in the comparison unit 160 is sent to the speed correction coefficient HW determination unit 170.

  The speed correction coefficient HW determination unit 170 is classified into, for example, five levels (five steps) based on the comparison result. This classification is merely an example, and in order to reduce the burden on the control system, it may be divided into three stages (“high speed”, “normal speed”, “low speed”), and conversely to increase accuracy. As an example of the fine classification, a flow velocity-correction coefficient LUT (lookup table) may be prepared, and the correction coefficient may be read based on the acquired velocity data.

  The speed correction coefficient HV determination unit 170 is connected to the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140, and sends the determined speed correction coefficient HV to the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140.

  Here, the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140 includes an accumulation amount accumulated in the normal (before correction) collection container 116 calculated by the collection container accumulation amount calculation unit 136 and three correction coefficients (temperature correction unit). 142, a humidity correction coefficient HW from the humidity correction unit 146, and a speed correction coefficient HV from the speed correction unit 150).

  As a result, in the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140, the amount of the collected developer that overcomes the partition wall part 122 that fluctuates according to the temperature, humidity, and flow rate in the development unit 31, that is, the true amount accumulated in the collection container 116. The accumulated amount is calculated (see equation (1)).

True accumulation amount = normal accumulation amount × HT × HW × HV (1)
(Adjustment of allowable accumulation amount in collection container 116)
Since the accumulated amount of the collected developer accumulated in the collection container 116 has an accumulation allowable amount in the collection container 116, it is necessary to recognize the full state as compared with a predetermined threshold value.

  In this case, the collection container 116 is a solid casing and is a space portion 126 whose volume does not change. Therefore, generally, an allowable amount of collected developer accumulated in the space portion 126 (that is, a threshold value). The full state may be recognized by comparing it with the calculated true accumulated amount without changing.

  By the way, the flowing developer in the collection container 116 has different fluidity depending on temperature and humidity, and therefore, the opening 128 may be blocked before reaching the entire space 126 of the collection container 116. is there. This is a development that can occur even if the flow is promoted to the screw conveyor 130.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the threshold value is adjusted based on the temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the collection container 116 to cancel the error in the allowable storage amount based on the temperature and humidity.

  The collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140 is connected to the threshold value reading unit 172, and sends the corrected true accumulation amount data to the threshold value reading unit 172. The threshold value reading unit 172 reads the threshold value using the input of the true accumulated amount data as a trigger.

  The read threshold value is a threshold value adjusted according to temperature and humidity.

  That is, the collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit 140 is connected to the temperature / humidity data acquisition unit 174. The temperature / humidity data capturing unit 174 is connected to the temperature sensor 112 and the humidity sensor 114 applied when the correction coefficient is determined in the temperature correction unit 142 and the humidity correction unit 146. In other words, the temperature sensor 112 and the humidity sensor 114 are used to correct the amount of the collected developer over the partition wall portion 122 (that is, the collection amount of the collection container) in the storage unit 110 and the threshold value indicating the accumulation allowable amount of the collection container 116. It is designed to be shared by both parties.

  The temperature / humidity data acquisition unit 174 is connected to the threshold value adjustment unit 176. The temperature / humidity data acquisition unit 174 sends the acquired temperature data and humidity data to the threshold value adjustment unit 176.

  A collection container accumulation amount threshold value memory 178 is connected to the threshold value adjustment unit 176.

  When the temperature data and the humidity data are input, the threshold adjustment unit 176 reads a threshold stored in advance from the collection container accumulation amount threshold memory 178, and based on the temperature data and the humidity data. The adjusted threshold value is sent to the threshold value reading unit 172.

  In the threshold value reading unit 172, when the true accumulation amount is input and the adjusted threshold value is read, these values are sent to the comparison unit 179. The comparison unit 179 compares the true accumulation amount with the adjusted threshold value, and sends the comparison result to the determination unit 180.

  In the determination unit 180, it is determined whether or not the true accumulation amount exceeds the allowable threshold value of the collection container. The determination unit 180 is connected to the notification control unit 182. For example, the notification control unit 182 sends a notification instruction signal to the notification control unit 182 when the true accumulation amount exceeds the allowable threshold value of the collection container in the determination result of the determination unit 180. As a result, the notification control unit 182 performs notification that prompts the replacement of the collection container 116 or the like through vision or hearing, such as a display or a buzzer.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

(Image formation procedure)
The image data is further converted into color material gradation data of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) and sequentially output to the exposure unit 40. In the exposure unit 40, each exposure light L is emitted according to the color material gradation data of each color, and each photoconductor 28 is scanned and exposed to form a latent image (electrostatic latent image).

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 28 is visualized as a toner image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) by the developing unit (development). ). The toner images of the respective colors sequentially formed on the photoreceptors 28 of the image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are sequentially multiplexed on the intermediate transfer belt 16 by the four primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K. Transcribed.

  The respective color toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 16 are secondarily transferred onto the conveyed recording paper P by the secondary transfer roll 20. Then, the toner images of the respective colors on the recording paper P are fixed by the fixing device 60, and the recording paper P after fixing is discharged to the discharge tray 68.

  Residual toner, paper dust, and the like are removed from the surface of the photoreceptor 28 after the toner image transfer process is completed by the cleaning unit 76. Further, residual toner, paper dust, and the like on the intermediate transfer belt 16 are removed by the cleaning device 30.

(Recovery container accumulation amount monitoring control)
FIGS. 6 to 9 show the collection container accumulation amount monitoring control for determining the collection state (accumulation amount) of the two-component developer (collected developer) collected in the collection container 116 and notifying the full state. ing.

  FIG. 6 is a main routine of the collection container accumulation amount monitoring control.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in step 200, it is determined whether or not a job execution instruction has been issued. If the determination is negative, this routine ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step 200, the process proceeds to step 202 to determine whether or not the two-component developer has been supplied. In this embodiment, the two-component developer is periodically and quantitatively supplied in accordance with job execution.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 202, the process proceeds to step 204, where the supply amount is cumulatively calculated based on the supply information, and the process proceeds to step 206.

  In step 206, in accordance with the supply of the two-component developer, the amount of the collected developer overflowing from the storage unit 110, that is, the normal accumulated amount VCC accumulated in the collection container 116 is calculated, and the routine proceeds to step 208. . Note that if a negative determination is made in step 202, the process also proceeds to step 208.

  The accumulated amount VCC is disposed over the partition wall 122 due to the structure of the storage unit 110, and is normally the same amount as the supplied two-component developer. Here, this normal accumulation amount VCC is calculated.

  In the next step 208, it is determined whether or not it is the collected developer monitoring time. If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 202 and the above process is repeated.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 208, the process proceeds to step 210 to instruct the setting of the temperature correction coefficient HT, and the process proceeds to step 212. Based on this instruction, a flowchart of FIG.

  In step 212, setting of the humidity correction coefficient HW is instructed, and the routine proceeds to step 214. Based on this instruction, a flowchart of FIG.

  In step 214, the setting of the totality correction coefficient HV is instructed, and the process proceeds to step 216. Based on this instruction, a flowchart of FIG.

  In the next step 216, the results (correction coefficients HT, HW, HV) based on the respective correction coefficient setting processes executed by instructing in each of steps 210, 212, 214 are fetched, and the process proceeds to step 218.

  In step 218, the normal accumulation amount VCC calculated in step 206 is corrected based on the temperature correction coefficient HT, the humidity correction coefficient HW, and the speed correction coefficient HV obtained by instructing in each of steps 210, 212, and 214. The true accumulation amount VC is calculated.

  In the next step 220, the temperature and humidity from the temperature sensor 112 and the humidity sensor 114 are captured. As the temperature and humidity, the temperature and humidity captured in the respective correction coefficient setting processes executed based on the instructions in step 210 and step 212 may be used.

  In the next step 222, the threshold value of the volume that can be collected in the space 126 of the collection container 116 is read out, and the process proceeds to step 224. This threshold value is set and stored in advance at normal temperature and normal humidity. When the temperature and humidity change, the fluidity of the collected developer changes. Therefore, in step 224, the stored threshold value is adjusted based on temperature and humidity (hereinafter, the adjustment threshold value is referred to as “SC”).

  In the next step 226, the true accumulation amount VC is compared with the adjustment threshold value SC, and if it is determined that VC ≦ SC, there is still a margin for accumulating the collected developer in the space portion 126 of the collection container 116. This routine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step 226 that VC> SC, it is determined that there is no room for storing the collected developer in the space 126 of the collection container 116 (that is, full), and the process proceeds to step 228 for notification. Processing is executed and this routine ends.

  In the notification process, for example, visual notification such as displaying a message on a display panel or the like, lighting or blinking a lamp, and auditory notification such as sounding an alarm such as a buzzer are mainly performed. In addition, as an alerting | reporting form, you may replace with another alerting | reporting form etc., such as contacting by an operator by communication, or stopping operation | movement of an apparatus, or you may add.

(Temperature correction coefficient HT setting instruction control)
FIG. 7 is a temperature correction coefficient HT setting control routine that is started when instructed in step 210 of FIG.

  In step 250, temperature data is acquired from the temperature sensor 112, and then the process proceeds to step 252, where it is determined whether or not the acquired temperature data has changed compared to the previous time. As for the presence / absence of fluctuation, for example, an allowable error range (for example, ± 2 ° C.) may be set, and “with no fluctuation” may be set within this range, and “with fluctuation” may be set when deviating from the range.

  If it is determined in step 252 that there is no change, it is not necessary to change the temperature correction coefficient HT. Therefore, the routine proceeds to step 254, the temperature correction coefficient HT is maintained, and this routine ends. In the initial determination stage, normal temperature is used as a reference.

  If it is determined in step 252 that “there is variation”, the process proceeds to step 256 to determine whether or not the variation is increased.

  If an affirmative determination (“rise”) is made in step 256, the process proceeds to step 258 to determine the degree of increase. The degree of the increase may be a slope (differential value) or may be compared with an absolute value threshold.

  If it is determined in step 258 that the degree of increase is “low”, the routine proceeds to step 260 where the temperature correction coefficient HT is increased by one predetermined step, and this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 258 that the degree of increase is “high”, the routine proceeds to step 262, where the temperature correction coefficient HT is increased by two predetermined steps, and this routine ends.

  Next, when a negative determination (“not an increase”) is determined in step 256, the process proceeds to step 264 to determine the decrease degree of the temperature correction coefficient HT. The degree of decrease may be a slope (differential value) or may be compared with an absolute value threshold.

  If it is determined in step 264 that the degree of lowering is “low”, the routine proceeds to step 266, where the temperature correction coefficient HT is decreased by one predetermined step, and this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 264 that the degree of lowering is “high”, the routine proceeds to step 268, where the temperature correction coefficient HT is lowered by two predetermined steps, and this routine ends.

(Humidity correction coefficient HW setting instruction control)
FIG. 8 is a humidity correction coefficient HW setting control routine that is started when instructed in step 212 of FIG.

  In step 300, humidity data is acquired from the humidity sensor 114, and then the process proceeds to step 302 to determine whether or not the acquired humidity data has changed compared to the previous time. For example, an allowable error range (for example, ± 3% RH) may be set for the presence / absence of fluctuation, and “no fluctuation” may be set within this range, and “with fluctuation” may be set outside the range.

  If it is determined in step 302 that “no change”, it is not necessary to change the humidity correction coefficient HT. Therefore, the routine proceeds to step 304, the humidity correction coefficient HW is maintained, and the routine ends. In the initial determination stage, normal humidity is used as a reference.

  If it is determined in step 302 that there is “variation”, the process proceeds to step 306 to determine whether or not the variation is increased.

  If the determination in step 306 is affirmative (“rise”), the process proceeds to step 308 to determine the degree of increase. The degree of the increase may be a slope (differential value) or may be compared with an absolute value threshold.

  If it is determined in step 308 that the degree of increase is “low”, the routine proceeds to step 310 where the humidity correction coefficient HW is increased by one predetermined step, and this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 308 that the degree of increase is “high”, the routine proceeds to step 312 where the humidity correction coefficient HW is increased by two predetermined steps, and this routine ends.

  Next, in step 306, if a negative determination (“not an increase”) is determined, the process proceeds to step 314 to determine the decrease degree of the humidity correction coefficient HW. The degree of decrease may be a slope (differential value) or may be compared with an absolute value threshold.

  If it is determined in step 314 that the degree of lowering is “low”, the routine proceeds to step 316, where the humidity correction coefficient HW is decreased by one predetermined step, and this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 314 that the degree of lowering is “high”, the routine proceeds to step 318, where the humidity correction coefficient HW is decreased by two predetermined steps, and this routine ends.

(Speed correction coefficient HV setting instruction control)
FIG. 9 is a speed correction coefficient HV setting control routine that is started when instructed in step 214 of FIG.

  In step 350, speed data is acquired from the image formation execution control unit 132 (see FIG. 5), and then the process proceeds to step 352, where it is determined whether or not the acquired speed data has changed compared to the previous time. For example, an allowable error range (for example, ± 10 mm / sec) may be set for the presence / absence of variation, and “no variation” may be set within this range, and “variation” may be set when deviating from the range.

  If it is determined in step 352 that “no change”, it is not necessary to change the speed correction coefficient HV. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 354, the speed correction coefficient HV is maintained, and the routine ends. In the initial determination stage, normal humidity is used as a reference.

  If it is determined in step 352 that there is “variation”, the process proceeds to step 356 to determine whether or not the variation is increased.

  If it is determined as affirmative (“rise”) in step 356, the process proceeds to step 358 to determine the degree of increase. The degree of the increase may be a slope (differential value) or may be compared with an absolute value threshold.

  If it is determined at step 358 that the degree of increase is “low”, the routine proceeds to step 360 where the speed correction coefficient HV is increased by one predetermined step, and this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 358 that the degree of increase is “high”, the routine proceeds to step 362 where the speed correction coefficient HV is increased by two predetermined steps, and this routine ends.

  Next, when a negative determination (“not an increase”) is determined in step 356, the process proceeds to step 364 to determine the decrease degree of the speed correction coefficient HV. The degree of decrease may be a slope (differential value) or may be compared with an absolute value threshold.

  If it is determined in step 364 that the lowering degree is “low”, the process proceeds to step 366, where the speed correction coefficient HV is decreased by one predetermined step, and this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 364 that the descending degree is “high”, the routine proceeds to step 368, where the speed correction coefficient HV is decreased by two predetermined steps, and this routine ends.

  In this embodiment, all the correction coefficients of the temperature correction coefficient HT, the humidity correction coefficient HW, and the speed correction coefficient HV are used as elements for correcting the accumulated amount. However, unnecessary correction coefficients are reference values (integral coefficients). “1” for the case of “0”, and “0” for the addition of the coefficient.

1 is a schematic diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the control unit in the printer which concerns on this Embodiment. (A) is a top view of the storage part of a development part, (B) is a side view which shows the relationship between the storage part of a development part, and a collection container. It is a side view which shows the relationship between the storage part of a image development part, and a collection container, (A) is the flow state of the developer in the collection container at the time of high temperature / high humidity, (B) is the developer at normal temperature / normal humidity. (C) shows the flow state in the developer collection container at low temperature / low humidity. FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally illustrating control related to “calculation of a two-component developer discharge amount from a storage unit” and “adjustment of a collection capacity of a collection container” executed by a print control management unit according to the present embodiment. is there. This is a main routine of collection container accumulation amount monitoring control for monitoring the accumulated amount of collected developer collected in the collection container. FIG. 7 is a control routine for setting a temperature correction coefficient HT, which is executed in response to an instruction in step 210 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a control routine for setting a humidity correction coefficient HW that is executed in accordance with an instruction in step 212 of FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 7 is a control routine for setting a temperature correction coefficient HV, which is executed in accordance with an instruction in step 214 in FIG. 6.

Explanation of symbols

P Recording paper 10 Printer (image forming device)
12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K Image forming unit 13 Toner supply path (replenishment means)
28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K Photoconductor 36 Control unit 40 Exposure unit 70 Main control unit 72 CPU
74 RAM
76 ROM
78 I / O
88 Print control management unit 100 Conveyance control unit 102 Scanning exposure control unit 104 Development control unit 106 Transfer control unit 108 Fixing control unit 112 Temperature sensor 114 Humidity sensor 110 Storage unit 118, 120 Spiral auger (circulation means)
122 Partition part (partition member)
124 collection guide path 126 space 126
116 collection container 128 opening 130 screw conveyor 132 image formation execution control unit 134 supply amount accumulation unit 136 collection container accumulation amount calculation unit (collection amount calculation means)
138 Correction coefficient setting instruction unit 140 Collection container accumulation amount correction calculation unit (correction means)
142 Temperature correction unit (prediction means)
144 Temperature data acquisition unit 146 Humidity correction unit (prediction means)
148 Humidity data acquisition unit 150 Speed correction unit (prediction means)
152 Speed information fetch unit 154 Comparison unit 156 Reference temperature data memory 158 Temperature correction coefficient HT determination unit 160 Comparison unit 162 Reference humidity data memory 164 Humidity correction coefficient HW determination unit 166 Comparison unit 168 Reference speed data memory 170 Speed correction coefficient HW determination Unit 172 Threshold value reading unit 174 Temperature / humidity data taking-in unit 176 Threshold value adjusting unit 178 Collection container accumulation amount threshold value memory 179 Comparison unit 180 Determination unit 182 Notification control unit

Claims (8)

In order to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier based on the image information, a storage unit that stores a fluid two-component developer containing at least toner,
A circulation unit provided in the storage unit, and circulating in the storage unit while flowing the stored two-component developer along a horizontal direction;
Replenishment means for replenishing the two-component developer based on the state of the development processing to the storage unit;
Provided in the middle of the circulation path of the two-component developer by the circulation means, dams up the two-component developer in the storage section, and increases the amount of the two-component developer according to the supply by the supply means. A partition member for maintaining the capacity of the two-component developer in the reservoir by overcoming from the side;
A collection container for collecting excess two-component developer overflowing over the partition member;
A recovery amount calculating means for calculating a recovery amount of the two-component developer recovered in the recovery container based on a supply amount of the two-component developer supplied by the supply amount means;
Predicting means for predicting the surface level of the two-component developer in the vicinity of the partition member in the reservoir;
Correction means for correcting an error in the collection amount based on the calculation result in the collection amount calculation means based on the prediction result by the prediction means;
A collection amount management device having Storage means for storing a threshold value set based on an allowable volume of the recovery container;
A comparison unit that compares the recovery amount of the two-component developer calculated by the recovery amount calculation unit and corrected by the correction unit, and a threshold value stored in the storage unit;
An informing means for informing a result of comparison by the comparing means;
The recovery amount management device according to claim 1, further comprising: The collection container is
2. A receiving means for receiving a two-component developer overcoming from the partition wall is provided in a side wall, and flow guide means is provided for guiding the collected two-component developer so as to spread over the entire bottom surface. Item 3. A recovery amount management apparatus according to item 2.   The predicting means determines the fluidity of the two-component developer based on at least one of the state of development processing, the temperature or humidity in the vicinity of the reservoir, or the circulation rate of the circulating means, and the determination The collection amount management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a surface layer level of the two-component developer in the storage unit is predicted based on a result.   Based on at least one of the temperature or humidity in the recovery container or its vicinity, an allowable capacity fluctuation in the recovery container is determined according to the fluidity of the two-component developer, and the storage is performed based on the determination result. The collection amount management apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the threshold value stored in the means is adjusted.   The collection amount management device according to claim 5, wherein a sensor that measures temperature or humidity in the storage unit or the vicinity thereof and a sensor that measures temperature or humidity in the collection container or the vicinity thereof are shared.   An image forming apparatus that manages the consumption state of the two-component developer based on development processing without actually measuring, using the collection amount management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. In order to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier based on the image information, the storage unit stores a fluid two-component developer containing at least toner, and the storage unit is provided. Circulating means for circulating the stored two-component developer in the horizontal direction while flowing in the horizontal direction, and supplying the two-component developer to the storage portion based on the state of the development processing A replenishing unit that is provided in a circulation path of the two-component developer by the circulation unit, blocks the two-component developer in the storage section, and also supplies the two-component developer according to the replenishment by the replenishing unit. A partition member that maintains the capacity of the two-component developer in the storage unit by overcoming the increased amount from the surface layer side, and a recovery that collects excess two-component developer that overflows over the partition member In the developing apparatus having a vessel, a,
Based on the replenishment amount of the two-component developer replenished by the replenishment amount means, the recovery amount of the two-component developer recovered in the recovery container is calculated,
Predicting means for predicting the surface level of the two-component developer in the vicinity of the partition member in the reservoir, and based on the prediction result by the predicting means, the recovery amount based on the calculation result by the recovery amount calculating means A collection amount management program that causes a computer to correct an error.

Images