CN102880027A - Powder accommodating container and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a powder accommodating container and an image forming device equipped with the powder accommodating container. A toner container (32Y) is equipped with a cylindrical container body (33Y), rotates in the state of using a length direction as a rotating shaft, and transmits the powder body accommodated in the interior to an opening part at one end side of the length direction; and moreover, the container body (33Y) forms light transmission parts (33b1-33b3) respectively at the plurality of positions in the length leaving direction. A light field is radiated from exterior to interior, just when the position has no powder body, the light transmits outwards. The invention provides the powder accommodating container and the image forming device capable of detecting the powder residual left in the interior of the rotating container body directly.

Description

Powder collecting container and image processing system

Technical field

The present invention relates to be arranged on duplicating machine, printer, facsimile recorder, or the roughly tubular powder collecting container of the image processing system of its compounding machine etc., and the image processing system that this powder collecting container is set.

Background technology

In the past, in the image processing systems such as duplicating machine, mostly used and loaded and unloaded the tubular powder collecting container (toner bottle) (for example, with reference to patent documentation 1,2) that is arranged on freely in the image forming device body.

In patent documentation 1,2, be arranged on replaceably the powder collecting container (toner bottle) of image forming device body, the vessel (bottle body) that side face forms spiral groove is set.And, driving the vessel revolution by the drive motor that is arranged on image forming device body, the powder (toner) that is accommodated in the vessel transports towards peristome, and from the escape hole of peristome by cap, powder is discharged to the outside.

In the image processing system of the powder collecting container that this tubular is set, by totally driving the working time of the drive motor of vessel, indirectly ask for the powder residual that remains in powder collecting container inside.And, when the powder residual of powder collecting container inside becomes institute's definite value when following, carry out the warning expression, notice maybe needs to change near the replacing of powder collecting container period.

On the other hand, disclose following technology in patent documentation 3: mechanical switch is set, and whenever the powder collecting container revolution, this switch contacts with powder collecting container, according to the aggregate-value of the revolution number of times that detects with switch, indirectly ask for the powder residual that remains in powder collecting container inside.

In image processing system in the past, can not correctly detect the powder residual that remains in powder collecting container inside.

The main reason that produces this problem is that the vessel revolution is difficult to the powder residual that direct-detection flows towards peristome in vessel.

And if produce this problem, although do not need to change powder collecting container, warning shows the information that needs replacing, although or need to change powder collecting container, the information of not warning demonstration to change.

[patent documentation 1] Japanese kokai publication hei 4-1681 communique

No. 3347201 communique of [patent documentation 2] Jap.P.

[patent documentation 3] TOHKEMY 2009-265369 communique

Summary of the invention

The present invention puts forward in order to solve above-mentioned problem, and its purpose is, provides the energy direct-detection to remain in powder collecting container and the image processing system of the powder residual of rotating vessel inside.

To achieve these goals, the present invention proposes following technical scheme:

(1) a kind of powder collecting container, being set to relative image forming device body can load and unload, and it is characterized in that:

Described powder collecting container comprises the vessel of tubular, at a distolateral formation peristome of length direction, simultaneously, by turning round as turning round under the axial state with above-mentioned length direction, transports towards above-mentioned peristome being accommodated in inner powder;

The said vesse body forms respectively light transmissive portion in a plurality of positions that above-mentioned length direction leaves, and closes from the outside towards the internal irradiation light field, only when not having powder in this position, so that this light sees through towards the outside.

(2) in the described powder collecting container of technique scheme (1), it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion forms outer peripheral face from the said vesse body towards the outside, circumferentially protrudes convex.

(3) in the described powder collecting container of technique scheme (1), it is characterized in that:

A plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions form respectively outer peripheral face from the said vesse body towards the outside, protrude convex in circumferential same position.

(4) in the described powder collecting container of technique scheme (3), it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion from the sidewall of the both sides of the outstanding part of the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body, lays respectively on the imaginary line of the centre of gyration by the said vesse body when seeing with the cross section of above-mentioned length direction quadrature.

(5) in the described powder collecting container of technique scheme (3), it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion is when seeing with the cross section of above-mentioned length direction quadrature, sidewall from the both sides of the outstanding part of the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body, imagining center line is positioned at parallel position relatively respectively, above-mentioned imagining center line is in equidistant from above-mentioned sidewall, by the centre of gyration of said vesse body.

(6) in the described powder collecting container of technique scheme (3), it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion is when seeing with the cross section of above-mentioned length direction quadrature, and the part outstanding from the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body forms circular-arc.

(7) in each described powder collecting container of technique scheme (2)-(6), it is characterized in that:

Among a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions, at above-mentioned length direction, be arranged on above-mentioned one the first distolateral light transmissive portion, in the part of giving prominence to from the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body, light-reflecting components is set to relatively above-mentioned length direction and tilts;

Among a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions, except other light transmissive portion of above-mentioned the first light transmissive portion, in the part of giving prominence to from the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body, optical splitter is set to relatively above-mentioned length direction and tilts.

(8) in the described powder collecting container of technique scheme (1), it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion is in above-mentioned length direction both sides, from the outer peripheral face of said vesse body towards inside, circumferentially forms concavity.

(9) in each described powder collecting container of technique scheme (1)-(8), it is characterized in that, further comprise:

Axial region be arranged on the centre of gyration of said vesse body, and relatively rotating said vesse body is with non-rotating maintenance;

Cleaning part remains on above-mentioned axial region, and the said vesse body turns round relatively relatively, cleans above-mentioned light transmissive portion.

(10) in the described powder collecting container of technique scheme (9), it is characterized in that:

Corresponding with the above-mentioned lengthwise location that the forms above-mentioned light transmissive portion at least part of above-mentioned axial region is so that light transmission.

(11) a kind of image processing system is characterized in that:

Each described powder collecting container of technique scheme (1)-(10) is arranged on above-mentioned image forming device body.

(12) in the described image processing system of technique scheme (11), it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned image processing system comprises:

Single or multiple illuminating parts are installed at above-mentioned powder collecting container under the state of above-mentioned image forming device body, towards above-mentioned light transmissive portion, by input path irradiation light; And

Single or multiple light accepting parts, the light from the above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container sees through is subjected to light by penetrating light path;

According to the testing result that is detected by above-mentioned light accepting part, detect the residual of the powder that remains in the said vesse body interior.

(13) in the described image processing system of technique scheme (12), it is characterized in that:

Set optical splitter and light-reflecting components in above-mentioned input path or above-mentioned ejaculation light path.

(14) in technique scheme (12) or (13) described image processing system, it is characterized in that:

Set optical fiber in above-mentioned input path or above-mentioned ejaculation light path.

(15) in technique scheme (13) or (14) described image processing system, it is characterized in that:

Set above-mentioned optical splitter and above-mentioned light-reflecting components, so that see through a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions, arrive the light intensity difference difference of above-mentioned light accepting part by penetrating light path;

Above-mentioned light accepting part forms can judge the light intensity that is subjected to light.

(16) in each described image processing system of technique scheme (12)-(14), it is characterized in that:

Form so that the different light of the relatively a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions difference illumination wavelength of above-mentioned illuminating part;

Above-mentioned light accepting part forms can judge the light wavelength that is subjected to light.

(17) in each described image processing system of technique scheme (12)-(16), it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned illuminating part above-mentioned one distolateral irradiation light at above-mentioned length direction from other end side direction.

(18) in each described image processing system of technique scheme (12)-(17), it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned image forming device body comprises driving means, above-mentioned image forming device body detects directly or indirectly from above-mentioned powder collecting container powder is supplied to the amount of the powder of supplying with the destination, and above-mentioned driving means drives the revolution of said vesse body according to this testing result;

Above-mentioned driving means detects the powder residual that obtains remaining in the said vesse body interior according to the testing result of above-mentioned light accepting part, and control drives the revolution of said vesse body, replenishes.

(19) in each described image processing system of technique scheme (11)-(18), it is characterized in that:

The above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container forms outer peripheral face from the said vesse body towards the outside, circumferentially all or the part protrude convex;

Above-mentioned image forming device body comprises the receiving portion of the said vesse body that keeps pivotally above-mentioned powder collecting container;

The above-mentioned receiving portion of above-mentioned image forming device body forms along circumferential slot part in the position corresponding with a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container.

(20) in each described image processing system of technique scheme (11)-(18), it is characterized in that:

The above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container forms respectively from the outer peripheral face of said vesse body towards the outside, protrudes convex in circumferential same position;

Above-mentioned image forming device body comprises the receiving portion of the said vesse body that keeps pivotally above-mentioned powder collecting container;

The above-mentioned receiving portion of above-mentioned image forming device body is in the position corresponding with a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container, formation is along the first circumferential slot part, in the position corresponding with the bottom of above-mentioned powder collecting container, form the second slot part along above-mentioned length direction.

The following describes effect of the present invention:

The present invention forms light transmissive portion in a plurality of positions of leaving of the length direction of rotating vessel, therefore, can provide direct-detection to remain in powder collecting container and the image processing system of the powder residual of rotating vessel inside.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is all pie graphs of the image processing system of expression the invention process form 1.

Fig. 2 is the sectional view that is expressed as picture section.

Fig. 3 is the mode chart that the expression toner container is arranged on the state of toner supply device.

Fig. 4 is the approximate three-dimensional map that represents toner container and illuminating part and light accepting part from the side.

Fig. 5 represents that the toner of toner container inside is consumed state.

Fig. 6 is the approximate three-dimensional map that the expression toner container is installed in the image forming device body state.

Fig. 7 represents to use the variation of light-reflecting components and optical splitter.

Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B represent the variation of toner container, and wherein, Fig. 8 A is approximate three-dimensional map, and Fig. 8 B is summary sectional view.

Fig. 9 is the skeleton diagram of the toner container of expression the invention process form 2.

Figure 10 is the skeleton diagram that the toner container of expression the invention process form 3 is arranged on the state of image forming device body.

Figure 11 is the skeleton diagram of the toner container of expression the invention process form 4.

Figure 12 is the approximate three-dimensional map that the toner container of expression Figure 11 is installed in the state of image forming device body.

Figure 13 is the summary sectional view of vessel of the toner container of expression Figure 11.

Figure 14 is the approximate three-dimensional map of variation of the image forming device body of expression toner container that Figure 11 is installed.

Figure 15 is the approximate three-dimensional map of the toner container of expression the invention process form 5.

Embodiment

Below, the example that present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying, in following example, although to inscape, kind, combination, the position, shape, quantity, configuration waits and has done various restrictions relatively,, these only exemplify, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

In each figure, identical or suitable parts represent that with same-sign repeat specification is suitably simplified or omitted.

[example 1]

Describe example 1 of the present invention in detail with reference to Fig. 1-Fig. 8.

Formation and the action of image processing system integral body at first are described.

As shown in Figure 1, toner container incorporating section 31 is positioned at the top of image forming device body 100, can load and unload in this toner container incorporating section 31 four toner container 32Y, the 32Ms as powder collecting container corresponding with (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) of all kinds, 32C, 32K (also can with reference to Fig. 3) be set (replaceable).

Below toner container incorporating section 31, set intermediate transfer unit 15.Imaging section 6Y, 6M, 6C, the 6K corresponding with the toner (powder) of (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) of all kinds are set up in parallel, with intermediate transfer belt 8 subtends of this intermediate transfer unit 15.

In the below of toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K (powder collecting container), set respectively toner supply device 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K (can with reference to Fig. 3, but in Fig. 3, only represent 60Y).And the toner as powder that is accommodated in toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K is supplied with (supply) in the developing apparatus of the 6Y of imaging section, 6M, 6C, 6K by toner supply device respectively.

With reference to Fig. 2, with the yellow corresponding 6Y of imaging section by photoconductor drum 1Y, be provided in the formations such as charging part 4Y around the photoconductor drum 1Y, developing apparatus 5Y (development section), cleaning section 2Y, the electric section that disappears (not illustrating).And, carrying out imaging processing (charging operation, exposure process, developing procedure, transfer printing process, cleaning process) at photoconductor drum 1Y, 1Y forms yellow image at photoconductor drum.

Other three 6M of imaging section, 6C, 6K are except the look difference of employed toner, and be roughly the same with the yellow corresponding 6Y of imaging section, the image that formation is with separately toner look corresponding.Below, the explanation of suitably omitting other three 6M of imaging section, 6C, 6K, only explanation and the yellow corresponding 6Y of imaging section.

With reference to Fig. 2, photoconductor drum 1Y does not turn round by Fig. 2 clockwise by there being illustrated drive motor to drive.And, in charging part 4Y position, so that photoconductor drum 1Y uniform surface charged (charging operation).

After this, photoconductor drum 1Y surface arrives the irradiation position of the laser L that sends from exposure device 7 (can with reference to Fig. 1), and the exposure scanning by in this position forms the electrostatic latent image (exposure process) corresponding with yellow.

After this, photoconductor drum 1Y surface arrives the position with developing apparatus 5Y subtend, in this position electrostatic latent image is developed, and forms Yellow toner picture (developing procedure).

After this, photoconductor drum 1Y surface arrives the subtend position with intermediate transfer belt 8 and the first transfer bias roller 9Y, and in this position, the toner image on the photoconductor drum 1Y is transferred to (primary transfer operation) on the intermediate transfer belt 8.At this moment, remaining a small amount of not transfer printing toner on photoconductor drum 1Y.

After this, photoconductor drum 1Y surface arrives the subtend position with cleaning section 2Y, and in this position, the not transfer printing toner that remains on the photoconductor drum 1Y reclaims (cleaning process) by cleaning balde 2a machinery.

At last, photoconductor drum 1Y surface arrives and the subtend position that does not have the illustrated electric section that disappears, and in this position, removes the residual electric potential on the photoconductor drum 1Y.

Like this, finish a series of imaging processing carried out at photoconductor drum 1Y.

Above-mentioned imaging processing is also carried out with the yellow imaging 6Y of section equally at other three 6M of imaging section, 6C, 6K.That is, send laser L based on image information from the exposure section 7 that is provided in imaging subordinate side, towards the photoconductor drum irradiation of each 6M of imaging section, 6C, 6K.In detail, exposure section 7 sends laser L from light source, drives the polygonal mirror revolution so that this laser L one scan edge, by a plurality of optical elements be radiated at photoconductor drum on one side.

After this, will be formed on the superimposed transfer printing of toner image of all kinds on each photoconductor drum on intermediate transfer belt 8 through developing procedure.Like this, form coloured image at intermediate transfer belt 8.

At this, with reference to Fig. 1, intermediate transfer unit 15 is made of intermediate transfer belt 8, four primary transfer bias voltage roller 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K, secondary transfer printing backing roll 12, a plurality of jockey pulley 13,14, intermediate transfer cleaning section 10 etc.Intermediate transfer belt 8 sets up supporting by a plurality of roller member 12-14, simultaneously, by driving 12 revolutions of a roller member, moves towards diagram direction of arrow ring-type.

Clip intermediate transfer belt 8 between four primary transfer bias voltage roller 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K and photoconductor drum 1Y, 1M, 1C, the 1K, form the primary transfer clamping part.And, to primary transfer bias voltage roller 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K applies and the opposite polarity transfer bias of toner.

And intermediate transfer belt 8 moves towards the direction of arrow, and order is by the primary transfer clamping part of each primary transfer bias voltage roller 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K.Like this, the toner image of all kinds on photoconductor drum 1Y, 1M, 1C, the 1K is superimposed on and carries out primary transfer on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

After this, intermediate transfer belt 8 arrival of the superimposed transfer printing of toner image of all kinds and the subtend position of secondary transfer roller 19.In this position, sandwich intermediate transfer belt 8 between secondary transfer printing backing roll 12 and the secondary transfer roller 19, form the secondary transfer printing clamping part.And four colour toners that are formed on intermediate transfer belt 8 look like to be transferred on the recording medium P that is transported to this secondary transfer printing clamping part position.At this moment, at the remaining not transfer printing toner that is not transferred on the recording medium P on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

After this, intermediate transfer belt 8 arrives the position of intermediate transfer cleaning section 10.And, in this position, reclaim the not transfer printing toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

Like this, end is in a series of transfer process of intermediate transfer belt 8 implementations.

At this, the recording medium P that is transported to secondary transfer printing clamping part position transports 28 etc. via paper feed roller 27 and registration roller from the sheet feed section 26 that is provided in device body 100 belows.

In more detail, take in many superimposed recording medium P such as transfer paper at sheet feed section 26.And, turn round towards counterclockwise shown in Figure 1 if drive paper feed roller 27, then uppermost recording medium P towards registration roller to 28 supplies.

Being transported to registration roller stops stopping the roller clamping part position of rotating registration roller to 28 for the moment to 28 recording medium P.Then, consistent with the coloured image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, drive registration roller to 28 revolutions, recording medium P is transported towards the secondary transfer printing clamping part.Like this, the desirable coloured image of transfer printing on recording medium P.

After this, the recording medium P in secondary transfer printing clamping part position transfer of color images transports towards photographic fixing section 20 positions.Then,, by heat and the pressure of fixing band and backer roll the coloured image of surface transfer is fixed on the recording medium P in this position.

After this, recording medium P is discharged to outside the device between exit roller is to 29 roller.Being discharged to the outer recording medium P of device by exit roller to 29 is placed in the section of banking up 30 as the output image sequence code.

Like this, a series of image formation that finishes image processing system is processed.

Describe formation and the action of the developing apparatus of imaging section in detail below with reference to Fig. 2.

Developing apparatus 5Y by with the developer roll 51Y of photoconductor drum 1Y subtend, with the scraper plate 52Y of developer roll 51Y subtend, be provided in that in the 53Y of developer receptacle section, the 54Y two transport spiral 55Y, the concentration detection sensor 56Y etc. that detect toner concentration in the developer consist of.Developer roll 51Y by be fixedly installed on inner magnet and around the magnet rotating cover etc. consist of.In the 53Y of developer receptacle section, 54Y, take in the two-component developing agent G that is consisted of by carrier and toner.The 54Y of developer receptacle section falls and transports path 64Y and be communicated with by opening and the toner that forms above it.

The developing apparatus 5Y that consists of like this is by following action.

The cover of developer roll 51Y turns round towards the direction of arrow shown in Figure 2.And the developer G that is positioned on the developer roll 51Y by the magnetic field that is formed by magnet moves along with cover turns round at developer roll 51Y.

At this, the developer G in the developing apparatus 5Y be adjusted into toner ratio (toner concentration) in the developer become decide in the scope.In detail, according to the toner consumption in the developing apparatus 5Y, the toner that is accommodated in toner container 32Y by toner supply device 60Y (can with reference to Fig. 3 etc.) to the 54Y of developer receptacle section supply.The formation of toner supply device and action describe in detail later.

After this, supply transports spiral 55Y to the toner one side in the 54Y of developer receptacle section by two and developer G is mixed together/stirs, on one side in two 53Y of developer receptacle section, 54Y circulations (movement along the paper vertical direction of Fig. 2).And, the toner among the developer G because of with the frictional electrification of carrier, be adsorbed on the carrier, be positioned on the developer roll 51Y with carrier by the magnetic force that is formed on the developer roll 51Y.

The developer G that is positioned on the developer roll 51Y transports along Fig. 2 direction of arrow, arrives scraper plate 52Y position.Then, the developer G on the developer roll 51Y in this position so that after an amount ofization of developer, be transported to the subtend position (developing regional) with photoconductor drum 1Y.Then, by being formed on the electric field of developing regional, toner is adsorbed on the sub-image that is formed on the photoconductor drum 1Y.After this, remain in developer G on the developer roll 51Y along with the revolution of cover arrives the top of the developer receptacle 53Y of section, break away from developer roll 51Y in this position.

Below, describe toner supply device 60Y in detail with reference to Fig. 3.

With reference to Fig. 3, be arranged on each toner container 32Y, 32M of the toner container incorporating section 31 of device body 100, the toner in 32C, the 32K, according to the toner consumption in the developing apparatus of all kinds, by the suitably supply in each developing apparatus of the toner supply device that arranges by each toner look.

Four toner supply device 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K and toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K are except the look difference of the toner that is used for imaging processing, other general configuration are identical, therefore, only explanation and yellow corresponding toner supply device 60Y and toner container 32Y, toner supply device 60M, 60C, 60K and toner container 32M, the 32C with other three looks corresponding, the explanation of 32K are suitably omitted.

With reference to Fig. 3, if toner container 32Y is installed to the toner container incorporating section 31 of device body 100, then with this installation action interlock, the gate part 34d that is arranged on cap 34Y below moves, open toner discharging port W, simultaneously, the toner replenishing mouth 73w of toner supply device 60Y and toner discharging port W are communicated with.Thus, the toner that is accommodated in the toner container 32Y is discharged from toner discharging port W, is stored in the toner tank 61Y of section from the toner replenishing mouth 73w of toner supply device 60Y.

At this, with reference to Fig. 3-Fig. 5, toner container 32Y as powder collecting container roughly is toner bottle cylindraceous, and mainly by with the non-rotating cap 34Y that remains on toner container incorporating section 31, and the vessel 33Y (bottle body) that gear 33c forms as one consists of.The relative cap 34Y of vessel 33Y keeps and can relatively turn round.And vessel 33Y is driven by driving means (by drive motor 91, driven wheel 81 formations such as grade), and length direction is turned round (driving towards the revolution of Fig. 3 direction of arrow) as the revolving shaft direction.And, turn round by vessel 33Y itself, be formed on the projection 33a of vessel 33Y inner peripheral surface because of spiral fashion, be accommodated in the inner toner of toner container 32Y (vessel 33Y) and be transported (from transporting of Fig. 3 right left) towards length direction, toner is discharged from the toner discharging port W of cap 34Y.That is, the vessel 33Y that drives toner container 32Y by driving means 81,91 suitably turns round, and toner is suitably supplied with the toner tank 61Y of section.(toner of taking in almost all is consumed when becoming electrical condenser) was replaced by new product when toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K arrived the life-span separately.

With reference to Fig. 3, toner supply device 60Y is transported the formations such as spiral (auger) 62Y, mixing component 65Y, toner exhaustion sensor 66Y, drive motor 91, driven wheel 81 by the toner tank 61Y of section, toner.

The toner tank 61Y of section is provided in the below of the toner discharging port W of toner container 32Y, stores the toner of discharging from the toner discharging port W of toner container 32Y.The bottom of the toner tank 61Y of section is connected with the upstream portion that toner transports spiral 62Y (toner transports the path).

At the wall (position of institute's take the altitude from the bottom) of the toner tank 61Y of section, arrange and detect the toner be stored in the toner tank 61Y of section and become the toner exhaustion sensor 66Y of institute below quantitatively again.Can use piezoelectric sensor etc. as toner exhaustion sensor 66Y.And, become institute's quantitatively following (detecting toner exhaustion) if detect the toner that is stored in the toner tank 61Y of section by toner exhaustion sensor 66Y by control part 90, then pass through the control of control part 90, by driving means (drive motor 91, driven wheel 81) the vessel 33Y revolution that drives toner container 32Y is fixed time, and the 61Y of section carries out toner replenishing to the toner tank.

The mixing component 65Y of the toner aggegation that prevents from being stored in the toner tank 61Y of section is set near the central authorities (the toner exhaustion sensor 66Y) of the toner tank 61Y of section again.Mixing component 65Y ties up to axial region the pliability parts is set, by turn round clockwise the toner in the agitation of toner tank 61Y of section by shown in Figure 3.Have, the front end of the pliability parts of mixing component 65Y slips with the detection faces of gyration period and toner exhaustion sensor 66Y again, suppresses toner and is cemented in the detection faces of toner exhaustion sensor 66Y so that the low undesirable condition of accuracy of detection.

Diagram is omitted, and toner transports the toner that is located in the spiral 62Y from the toner tank 61Y of section to developing apparatus 5Y and transports path 64Y, and the toner that is stored in the toner tank 61Y of section is transported towards developing apparatus 5Y.

Again, with reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 6 etc., be provided for keeping the receiving portion body 110 of toner container 32Y integral body in toner container incorporating section 31, be used for keeping pivotally the receiving portion 120 (bottle receiving portion) of the vessel 33Y of toner container 32Y, for detection of the illuminating part 85 of the toner residual of toner container 32Y inside and light accepting part 87 etc.

At this, with reference to Fig. 1, the section of banking up 30 that is arranged on device body 100 tops also has the function of the body cap that opens and closes centered by hinge part 30a.And the section 30 (body cap) of banking up turns round centered by hinge part 30a, and (receiving portion body 110) exposes under the state in toner container incorporating section 31, carries out the charge and discharge operations (replacing) of each toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K.In detail, with reference to Fig. 6, be made as under the horizontal direction state at the length direction with toner container 32Y, from the top of receiving portion body 110 (device body 100) toner container 32Y (Fig. 6 is along the movement of the direction of arrow) be set.At this moment, toner container 32Y is mobile downwards from the top, simultaneously, toner container 32Y is alongst mobile slightly towards length direction inboard (cap 34Y side), the gate part 34d of cap 34Y moves towards the direction of arrow of Fig. 3, open toner discharging port W, simultaneously, the toner replenishing mouth 73w of device body 100 and toner discharging port W are communicated with.And meanwhile, cap 34Y fixedly remains on receiving portion body 110.

When toner container 32Y breaks away from from image processing system 100, action negative actuation when becoming with above-mentioned installation.

Below, describe toner container 32Y as powder collecting container in detail with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

Such as Fig. 4 and shown in Figure 5, toner container 32Y (powder collecting container) mainly is made of vessel 33Y (bottle body) and the cap 34Y (bottle cap) that is located at its head.

Vessel 33Y is cylindrical container roughly, length direction (left and right directions of a Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) distolateral formation peristome (being covered by cap 34Y).Again, at vessel 33Y side face, formation is towards the projection 33a (spiral groove) of internal helicoid shape projection, and vessel 33Y turns round length direction being made as under the axial state of revolution, is accommodated in inner toner (powder) and transports towards peristome.

The head of vessel 33Y (forming the peristome side), be provided with gear 33c with vessel 33Y integrated rotary (can with reference to Fig. 4) again.Peristome is located at the head of vessel 33Y, and the toner that is used for being accommodated in the vessel 33Y is discharged towards the space (cavity) in the cap 34Y.

Gear 33c meshes with the driven wheel 81 of the toner container incorporating section 31 that is located at device body 100, is used for driving so that vessel 33Y turns round centered by revolving shaft.In detail, gear 33c forms a week around peristome, and the centre of gyration of vessel 33Y forms a plurality of teeth radially relatively.And expose from the notch that is formed on cap 34Y (can with reference to Fig. 4) gear 33c part, exposes driven wheel 81 engagements of position and device body 100 at this.And driving force is delivered to gear 33c from driven wheel 81, and vessel 33Y is by the revolution of decide direction.In this example 1, driven wheel 81 and gear 33c are horizontal gear.

Again, at vessel 33Y, a plurality of positions that alongst separate are (in this example 1, be made as three positions), form respectively light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, close from the outside towards the internal irradiation light field, only when this position does not have toner, so that this light sees through towards the outside.This light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 forms from the outer peripheral face of vessel 33Y outstanding towards the exterior circumferential convex.That is, light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 external diameter container body 33Y (not forming the part of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3) external diameter is large, forms cylindric (ring-type) centered by the revolving shaft of vessel 33Y.And vessel 33Y also comprises the part that forms light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, forms with roughly the same wall thickness, and the part that forms light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 becomes concavity internal face (or convex internal face).Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, form the part of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 also according to the toner residual of this moment, toner suitably enters.

Again, light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 uses the high material of light transmission is formed.As the material of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, can use for example transparent acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, the resin materials such as polystyrene, or glass material etc.In vessel 33Y, except the part PET of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, the resin materials such as PE form.

The vessel 33Y that consists of like this can be by two looks be shaped integrally formed light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 and remainder, perhaps also can form except after the part of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 by reaction-injection moulding, by rear processing, engage light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 and form making.

On the other hand, in image forming device body 100, illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A-87C are set respectively, so that clamping is installed to the bottom of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 of the toner container 32Y of toner container incorporating section 31 (receiving portion body 110) state.

In detail, the first illuminating part 85A and light accepting part 87A are set, in order to be clamped in the bottom of the first light transmissive portion 33b1 that is formed on the most close cap 34Y (peristome) side among the vessel 33Y.Again, the second illuminating part 85B and light accepting part 87B are set, so that the bottom of the second light transmissive portion 33b2 clamping and the first light transmissive portion 33b1 adjacency, that form in the position away from cap 34Y (peristome).Again, the 3rd illuminating part 85C and light accepting part 87C are set, so that the bottom of the 3rd light transmissive portion 33b3 clamping and the second light transmissive portion 33b2 adjacency, that form in the position away from cap 34Y (peristome).

Illuminating part 85A-85C arranges the light-emitting components such as LED, LD, and the light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 towards the toner container 32Y that is installed in image forming device body 100 states shines light (by the input path irradiation light of linearity) respectively.

Light accepting part 87A-87C arranges the photo detectors such as photodiode, accepts respectively the light (the ejaculation light path by linearity is accepted light) that sees through from light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3.

Above-mentioned illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A 87C are arranged on not the position that joins with vessel 33Y, in order to do not harm the revolution that drives vessel 33Y, are arranged on to produce to light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 and carry out the position that light enters/penetrates.

And, according to the testing result that is detected by light accepting part 87A-87C, detect the toner residual (toner residual) that remains in vessel 33Y inside.

That is, in light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 separately, the light that sends from illuminating part 85A-85C is not closed by light field at light accepting part 87A-87C, and the state that is interdicted that sees through for the light that has toner in this position detects the toner residual until this position.In contrast, in light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 separately, the light that sends from illuminating part 85A-85C is closed by light field at light accepting part 87A-87C, and for not having toner in this position, that is, the light transmission state detects until this position does not have the toner residual.

Specifically, shown in Fig. 5 A, when the toner in the vessel 33Y fully exists, all have toner at three light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, the light that sends from illuminating part 85A-85C is not subjected to light at light accepting part 87A-87C.

Then, shown in Fig. 5 B, if the toner in the vessel 33Y is consumed to a certain degree, then at first do not have toner in the 3rd light transmissive portion 33b3 position, the light that only sends from the 3rd illuminating part 85C is subjected to light at light accepting part 87C.

Then, shown in Fig. 5 C, if the toner in the vessel 33Y further is consumed, then and then in the second light transmissive portion 33b2 position do not have toner, the light that sends from the second illuminating part 85B, the 3rd illuminating part 85C is subjected to light at light accepting part 87B, 87C respectively.If this state is by control part 90 identification, the toner residual that then is made as toner container 32Y tails off, and represents this information (approach and use up demonstration) at the display panel (not diagram) of image forming device body 100.Thus, it is few that the user is familiar with the inner toner quantitative change of toner container 32Y, near the replacing period of toner container 32Y.

At last, although do not illustrate, if the toner in the vessel 33Y further is consumed, then and then in the first light transmissive portion 33b1 position do not have toner, the light that sends from whole illuminating part 85A-85C is subjected to light at light accepting part 87A-87C respectively.If this state, then is made as use up (or being made as the state of using up that approaches) of toner container 32Y by control part 90 identifications, represent this information (toner exhaustion demonstration) at the display panel of image forming device body 100.Thus, the user is familiar with the inner toner exhaustion of toner container 32Y, needs to change toner container 32Y.

Detect in order to carry out such toner residual, among three light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, be related to the lengthwise location of the first light transmissive portion 33b1 of " toner exhaustion detection ", and the lengthwise location that is related to the second light transmissive portion 33b2 of " approach use up detection " is even more important.In this example 1, the quantity of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 is made as three, still, its quantity or position are not limited to example 1.

When not having toner, among the incident light, be not 100% the above-mentioned light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 of light transmission, but about light transmission of about 90%, therefore, by detect its light income (being subjected to light intensity) at light accepting part 87A-87C, also can detect the state (state is not set) that toner container 32Y is not arranged on image forming device body 100, as the state different from the toner exhaustion state.

Like this, in this example 1, the a plurality of positions that separate owing to the length direction at rotating vessel 33Y form light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, therefore, can direct-detection the toner residual of rotating vessel 33Y inside, can correctly detect toner residual (or toner exhaustion detect or approach use up detection).Therefore, although can suppress not need to change the information that toner container 32Y warns demonstration to change, although or need to change the undesirable condition that toner container 32Y does not warn the information that demonstration need to change.

At this, in this example 1, the toner residual of the vessel 33Y that detects based on the testing result by light accepting part 87A-87C, by driving means (by drive motor 91, driven wheel 81 formations such as grade) revisal is carried out in the revolution of driving vessel 33Y.If this is because the toner residual of vessel 33Y tails off, compare when then abundant with the toner residual, every decide gyration time, from the toning dosage minimizing of vessel 33Y (toner container 32Y) discharge.

In detail, if carry out toner replenishing from toner container 32Y, detecting the toner residual is below the definite value A of institute (for example 100g is Fig. 5 C state), then from toner container 32Y towards supplying with as the toner tank 61Y of section that supplies with target ground, carry out the control of toner replenishing amount.As mentioned above, the toner exhaustion sensor 66Y (can with reference to Fig. 3) of the toning dosage that detects the toner tank 61Y of section is set at the toner tank 61Y of section (supply with target ground), according to this testing result, suitably drive vessel 33Y revolution by drive motor 91 (driving means).But if from toner container 32Y supply toner, the toner residual reduces to a certain degree, and then so that vessel 33Y revolution institute when fixing time, the toning dosage (toner replenishing amount) of discharging from toner container 32Y tails off gradually.Therefore, if detect this state, then control drives the revolution of the vessel 33Y that is undertaken by drive motor 91, carries out revisal control.Specifically, gyration time for the driving vessel 33Y that tries to achieve according to the testing result of toner exhaustion sensor 66Y, multiply by augmenting factor (being preseted by toner residual and toner replenishing the relationship between quantities by test), drive vessel 33Y revolution (increase driving time) by the resulting time.By this revisal control, even between long-term, also can stably carry out toner replenishing from toner container 32Y.

At this, with reference to Fig. 6, the image forming device body 100 of this example 1 is provided with receiving portion 120 at receiving portion body 110 (toner container incorporating section 31), keeps pivotally the vessel 33Y of toner container 32Y.In this receiving portion 120, alongst extend the setting circular-arc groove consistent with the shape of the outer peripheral face of vessel 33Y.And, in this receiving portion 120, with position corresponding to a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b of toner container 32Y (in Fig. 6, for simplicity, reducing light transmissive portion quantity), form along circumferential slot part 121.

By this formation, can with toner container 32Y 31 installations to the toner container incorporating section, simultaneously, can drive vessel 33Y revolution by driving means 81,91.That is, roughly be circular-arc slot part 121 by forming, the light transmissive portion 33b outstanding from vessel 33Y can not interfere with image forming device body 100, can drive vessel 33Y revolution.

Alongst be set up in parallel illuminating part 85 and light accepting part 87, in order to clip slot part 121.Again, at slot part 121, be provided with through hole, be used for guaranteeing from illuminating part 85 to light accepting part 87 light path.

In this example 1, use a plurality of illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A-87C to detect the toner residual, still, also can as shown in Figure 7, use odd number (one) illuminating part 85 and light accepting part 87 to detect the toner residual.At this moment, in the input path from the illuminating part to the light transmissive portion, and the ejaculation light path from the light transmissive portion to the light accepting part, set optical splitter and light-reflecting components.

Specifically, shown in Fig. 7 A, illuminating part 85 a distolateral irradiation light (from the irradiation of Fig. 7 right left) at length direction (Fig. 7 left and right directions) from other end side direction.Illuminating part 85 is positioned at the opposition side of cap 34Y at length direction, and vessel 33Y is arranged on the top relatively.And, along input path, with the position of the 3rd light transmissive portion 33b3 subtend, be provided as the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96B of optical splitter, with the position of the second light transmissive portion 33b2 subtend, be provided as the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A of optical splitter, with the position of the first light transmissive portion 33b1 subtend, be provided as the catoptron 95 of light-reflecting components.At this, catoptron 95 all sets as its reflecting surface relative length direction becomes 45 degree with the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96B and tilts the relative light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 approximate vertical incident of reflected light Z1-Z3/ejaculation.

Again, to be received in length direction (Fig. 7 left and right directions) distolateral towards another distolateral light that advances (advancing to right-hand light from Fig. 7 left) from one for light accepting part 87.Light accepting part 87 is positioned at the opposition side of cap 34Y at length direction, and vessel 33Y is arranged on the below relatively.And, along penetrating light path, with the position of the first light transmissive portion 33b1 subtend, be provided as the catoptron 97 of light-reflecting components, with the position of the second light transmissive portion 33b2 subtend, be provided as the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 98A of optical splitter, with the position of the 3rd light transmissive portion 33b3 subtend, be provided as the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 98B of optical splitter.At this, catoptron 97 and the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 98A, the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 98B set as its reflecting surface relative length direction becomes 45 degree, so that incident light Z1-Z3 is towards light accepting part 87 reflected in parallel alongst.

Catoptron 95,97, semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, 96B, 98A, 98B can use known products.Especially, catoptron 95,97 is the catoptron with about 100% reflection of incident light.Again, semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, 96B, 98A, 98B system reflects about 50% light among the incident light as reflected light, remains about 50% light and sees through towards the working direction equidirectional with incident light as seeing through light.

Like this, even illuminating part 85 and light accepting part 87 arrange respectively an occasion, set catoptron 95,97, semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, 96B, 98A, 98B, so that see through a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, different separately to the light intensity of light accepting part 87 through penetrating light path, therefore, can judge the light intensity (being subjected to light intensity) that is subjected to light at light accepting part 87, identical with this example 1, can detect the toner residual.

Specifically, if when not having toner, incide among the light of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, about 90% light transmission (ejaculation), then (1) has the toner occasion at three light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, among the light that sends from illuminating part 85, being subjected to the light of light at light accepting part 87 is 0% (not being subjected to light); (2) among three light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, only the first light transmissive portion 33b1, the second light transmissive portion 33b2 have the toner occasion, among the light that sends from illuminating part 85, are subjected to the light of light to be about 23% at light accepting part 87; (3) among three light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, only the first light transmissive portion 33b1 has toner occasion when using up (approach), among the light that sends from illuminating part 85, is subjected to the light of light to be about 28% at light accepting part 87; (4) among three light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, all there is not toner occasion (during toner exhaustion), among the light that sends from illuminating part 85, be subjected to the light of light to be about 34% at light accepting part 87.And the photo detector of light accepting part 87 (photodiode etc.) is according to the different output valve of the different outputs of this light income (being subjected to light intensity), and therefore, this output valve is sent to control part 90 (operational part), judges the toner residual.

When image forming device body 100 does not arrange toner container 32Y, by vessel 33Y, form light path Z1-Z3, therefore, among the light that sends from illuminating part 85, be subjected to the light of light to be about 38% at light accepting part 87.By detect this light income (being subjected to light intensity) at light accepting part 87, also can detect the state (state is not set) that toner container 32Y is not set in image forming device body 100.

Again, shown in Fig. 7 B, the reflected light path of optical element that yet can constitute the ejaculation light path that is arranged on light accepting part 87 sides is not superimposed mutually.In detail, with the position of the first light transmissive portion 33b1 subtend, the first catoptron 97A is set, with the position of the second light transmissive portion 33b2 subtend, the second catoptron 97B is set, with the position of the 3rd light transmissive portion 33b3 subtend, the 3rd catoptron 97C is set.At this, three catoptron 97A-97C set as the pitch angle of relative length direction different, simultaneously, are provided in the diverse location of above-below direction so that incident light Z1-Z3 towards light accepting part 87 with different respectively reflected light path reflections.

Even in this occasion, change (quantity that sees through the light transmissive portion 33 of light among three light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3) according to the toner residual, light income (being subjected to light intensity) is changed to 0%, about 45%, about 68%, about 91%, by detecting above-mentioned variation at light accepting part 87, can be identical with Fig. 7 A, detect the toner residual.

In the toner container 32Y of this example 1, in order to prevent that really toner is attached to the undesirable condition that light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, photopermeability reduce, can not correctly detect the toner residual, can be provided for preventing that toner is attached to the cleaning means 75,76 of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3.

In detail, as shown in Figure 8, the cleaning means are made of axial region 75, brush component 76 (cleaning part).Axial region 75 is arranged on the centre of gyration of vessel 33Y, and relatively rotating vessel 33Y is with non-rotating maintenance.Brush component 76 as cleaning part remains on axial region 75, does relatively revolution by relative vessel 33Y, cleaning light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3.Brush component 76 is fixedly installed on axial region 75, so that be located at the bristle of its front end and the internal face of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 slips.At this, axial region 75 is shown in Fig. 8 B, and brush component 76 is provided in the position of relative vertical and horizontal direction inclination, does not constitute the light Z that does not see through light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 because of brush component 76 blockings.

Again, with reference to Fig. 8 B, in axial region 75, in the part corresponding with the lengthwise location that forms light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, be provided with the 75a through section at least, also can form through light.This is in order as shown in Figure 7 illuminating part 85 and light accepting part 87 to be set, and the relative light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 of light vertically sees through occasion, in order to do not see through the light Z of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 because of axial region 75 blockings.Therefore, both can only form with the photopermeability material at axial region 75 counterparts, and also can only form through hole at axial region 75 counterparts, it is all perhaps also can to form axial region 75 with the photopermeability material.

As mentioned above, in this example 1, the a plurality of positions that separate at the length direction of rotating vessel 33Y form light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, therefore, can direct-detection to the residual of the toner (powder) that remains in rotating vessel 33Y inside.

In this example 1, also can or all set optical fiber at the local of the light path from illuminating part 85 (85A-85C) to light accepting part 87 (87A-87C) (input path and ejaculation light path).This occasion, the light that advances along light path be because optical fiber suppresses its diffusion, therefore, as illuminating part 85 (85A-85C) though light source use the low light source occasion of rectilinear propagation, also can be identical with this example 1, detect the toner residual.

Again, in image processing system shown in Fig. 7 A, Fig. 7 B, in input path and to penetrate ratio that light path uses reflected light and see through light be 1: 1 semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, 96B, 98A, 98B.But, also can be in contrast, in input path and penetrate the other optical splitter that ratio that light path arranges reflected light and see through light becomes ratio beyond 1: 1.

Again, as light-reflecting components, use the catoptron 95,97 of reflectivity about 100%, still, the high parts of other light reflective can be set also, replace above-mentioned catoptron 95,97.

[example 2]

Describe example 2 of the present invention in detail with reference to Fig. 9.

Fig. 9 is the skeleton diagram of the toner container of expression the invention process form 2, and is suitable with Fig. 7 of above-mentioned example 1.The toner container of this example 2 is mainly different from example 1 in the following areas: light-reflecting components and optical splitter are arranged on toner container self, and they are different from the above-mentioned example 1 that the optical elements such as light-reflecting components and optical splitter are arranged on image forming device body.

The toner container 32Y of this example 2 is also identical with above-mentioned example 1, mainly is made of the cap 34Y that fixedly remains on device body 100 and driven rotating vessel 33Y.And, at vessel 33Y, be provided with a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 in the spaced position of length direction.

At this, with reference to Fig. 9, the light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 of this example 2 is identical with above-mentioned example 1, from the outer peripheral face of vessel 33Y towards the outside, it is outstanding circumferentially to form convex, but they are different from above-mentioned example 1, form the dip plane in the cap 34Y of length direction side (Fig. 9 left).And, on this dip plane, catoptron 95 and semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, 96B are set circumferentially.

In detail, the first light transmissive portion 33b1 (being arranged on length direction near the i.e. distolateral light transmissive portion of peristome side) is set to from the outstanding part of the outer peripheral face of vessel 33Y, and catoptron 95 (light-reflecting components) relative length direction tilts.And except other light transmissive portion 33b2, the 33b3 of the first light transmissive portion 33b1 is set to respectively from the outstanding part of the outer peripheral face of vessel 33Y, semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, 96B (optical splitter) relative length direction tilts.

Further specifically, catoptron 95 is arranged on the dip plane of the first light transmissive portion 33b1, and the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A is arranged on the dip plane of the second light transmissive portion 33b2, and the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96B is arranged on the dip plane of the 3rd light transmissive portion 33b3.And catoptron 95 and the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96B are with vessel 33Y integrated rotary.

On the other hand, identical with Fig. 7 device in image forming device body 100, respectively one of illuminating part 85 and light accepting part 87 is set, detect the toner residual.That is, in this example 2, use the catoptron and the semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens that are arranged on toner container 32Y, replace being arranged among Fig. 7 catoptron and the semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens of image forming device body 100, detect the toner residual.

Specifically, illuminating part 85 a distolateral irradiation light (light advances towards left from Fig. 9 is right-hand) at length direction (Fig. 9 left and right directions) from other end side direction.Illuminating part 85 is positioned at the opposition side of cap 34Y at length direction, and vessel 33Y is arranged on the top relatively.

Again, to be received in length direction (Fig. 9 left and right directions) distolateral towards another distolateral light that advances (from Fig. 9 left towards right-hand irradiation) from one for light accepting part 87.Light accepting part 87 is positioned at the opposition side of cap 34Y at length direction, and vessel 33Y is arranged on the below relatively.

And, also identical with Fig. 7 device in this example 2, by judging the light intensity (being subjected to light intensity) that is subjected to light at light accepting part 87, detect the toner residual.

In this example 2, constitute at light transmissive portion 32b1-32b3, catoptron 95 and semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, 96B are arranged on circumferential universe.

In contrast, also can constitute at light transmissive portion 32b1-32b3, catoptron and semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens only are arranged on circumferential part.This occasion, above-mentioned optical element can be arranged on vessel 33Y so that a pair of catoptron 95 shown in Fig. 7 A, 97 and the whole optical element circumferential positions relations of a pair of the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, 98A and a pair of the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96B, 98B become equal.And, this occasion, catoptron and semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens and vessel 33Y turn round together, therefore, be subjected to light signal (arriving the output signal that the light of light accepting part 87 causes through penetrating light path) corresponding with the gyration period (1/2 cycle) of vessel 33Y what the light accepting part 87 of image forming device body 100 detected.And, identical with this example 2 devices by judging the size that is subjected to light signal (being subjected to light intensity) at light accepting part 87 in such cycle, can detect the toner residual.

As mentioned above, in this example 2, identical with above-mentioned example 1, the a plurality of positions that separate at the length direction of rotating vessel 33Y form light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, therefore, the energy direct-detection is to the residual of the toner (powder) that remains in rotating vessel 33Y inside.

[example 3]

Describe example 3 of the present invention in detail with reference to Figure 10.

Figure 10 A-Figure 10 D represents that respectively the toner container of the invention process form 3 is arranged on the skeleton diagram of image forming device body, and is suitable with Fig. 7 of above-mentioned example 1.The illuminating part of the image forming device body of this example 3 and light accepting part assortment, the assortment of light-reflecting components and optical splitter is different from above-mentioned example 1.

The toner container 32Y of this example 3 is identical with above-mentioned each example, mainly is made of the cap 34Y that fixedly remains on device body 100 and driven rotating vessel 33Y.And, at vessel 32Y, be provided with a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 in the spaced position of length direction.

At this, with reference to Figure 10, in this example 3, Fig. 5 of relatively above-mentioned example 1 and Fig. 7 form so that the assortment of illuminating part and light accepting part the differences such as assortment of light-reflecting components and optical splitter.

In detail, structure shown in Figure 10 A is the variation for Fig. 7 A structure, below vessel 33Y, the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96B, the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, catoptron 95 is set from illuminating part 85 along input path.And, and then thereunder, along the ejaculation light path towards light accepting part 87 catoptron 97, the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 98A, the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 98B are set.And shown in Fig. 7 A, the light that penetrates from illuminating part 85 sees through towards the vertical of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, and in contrast, shown in Figure 10 A, the light that penetrates from illuminating part 85 sees through towards the horizontal direction of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3.

And, by judging the light intensity that is subjected at light accepting part 87, detect the toner residual of toner container 32Y.

In Figure 10 A structure, in input path and ejaculation light path, set optical fiber 99, reduce the diffusion of the light of input path and ejaculation light path.

Structure shown in Figure 10 B arranges the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96B, the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 96A, catoptron 95 from illuminating part 85 along input path above vessel 33Y.And, below vessel 33Y, with three positions that light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 is corresponding, light accepting part 87A-87C is set respectively.And the light that penetrates from illuminating part 85 has or not according to the toner of separately light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, by vertical optical path Z1-Z3, is subjected to light (be subjected to light when not having toner, be not subjected to light when toner is arranged) at light accepting part 87A-87C.

And, according to the position (combination) of the light accepting part 87A-87C that is subjected to light, detect the toner residual of toner container 32Y.

Again, structure shown in Figure 10 C above vessel 33Y, with three positions that light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 is corresponding, the illuminating part 85A-85C send same intensity light is set respectively.And, below vessel 33Y, along the ejaculation light path towards light accepting part 87 catoptron 97, the first semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 98A, the second semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens 98B are set.And the light that penetrates from illuminating part 85A-85C has or not according to the toner of separately light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, sees through vertical optical path Z1-Z3, is subjected to light through penetrating light path at light accepting part 87.And, by judging the light intensity that is subjected at light accepting part 87, detect the toner residual of toner container 32Y.

At this, in Figure 10 C-structure, also can form three relative light transmissive portions of illuminating part 85A-85C and shine the separately different light of wavelength.This occasion by at light accepting part 87 wavelength selective filters being set, can be judged the light wavelength that is subjected to light, according to the light wavelength of judging at light accepting part 87, detects the toner residual of toner container 32Y.Even reduce through the light intensity that is penetrated by illuminating part 85A-85C between long-term, but light wavelength is roughly constant, therefore, even between long-term, also can stably detect the toner residual.

Again, structure shown in Figure 10 D above vessel 33Y, with three positions that light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 is corresponding, illuminating part 85A-85C is set respectively.And, below vessel 33Y, with three positions that light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 is corresponding, light accepting part 87A-87C is set respectively.And the light that penetrates respectively from illuminating part 85A-85C has or not according to the toner of separately light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, and by vertical optical path Z1-Z3,87A-87C is subjected to light at light accepting part.

And, according to the position (combination) of the light accepting part 87A-87C that is subjected to light, detect the toner residual of toner container 32Y.

As mentioned above, in this example 3, identical with above-mentioned each example, the a plurality of positions that separate at the length direction of rotating vessel 33Y form light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, therefore, the energy direct-detection is to the residual of the toner (powder) that remains in rotating vessel 33Y inside.

[example 4]

Describe example 4 of the present invention in detail with reference to Figure 11-Figure 14.

Figure 11 is the skeleton diagram of the toner container of expression the invention process form 4, and is suitable with Fig. 7 of above-mentioned example 1.Figure 12 is the approximate three-dimensional map that the expression toner container is installed in the state of image forming device body.Figure 13 A-Figure 13 C is respectively that expression is as the summary sectional view of the vessel of the toner container of variation.Figure 14 is the approximate three-dimensional map of the variation of expression image forming device body that toner container is installed.

The light transmissive portion of the toner container of this example 4 only is formed on the circumferential part of vessel, and the structure of above-mentioned example 1 of circumferential universe that this point and light transmissive portion are formed on vessel is different.

The toner container 32Y of this example 4 is also identical with above-mentioned each example, mainly is made of the cap 34Y that fixedly remains on device body 100 and driven rotating vessel 33Y.And, at vessel 32Y, be provided with a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 in the spaced position of length direction.

At this, with reference to Figure 11 and Figure 12, the toner container 32Y of this example 4 is different from the structure of above-mentioned example 1, and a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 form respectively from the outer peripheral face of vessel 33Y and protrude convex towards the outside in circumferential same position.In other words, when when seeing with the face of the revolving shaft quadrature of vessel 33Y (when seeing along the revolving shaft direction), a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 form in circumferential superimposed position.Therefore, along with the driven revolution of vessel 33Y, the circumferential also displacement of (gyratory directions) position of three light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 of vessel 33Y.

On the other hand, in image forming device body 100, below at the toner container 32Y that is installed in toner container incorporating section 31 (receiving portion body 110) state, illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A-87C are set respectively, the light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 when being positioned at the below for clamping because of revolution.

And, in this example 4, also according to the testing result that is detected by light accepting part 87A-87C, detect the toner residual that remains in vessel 33Y inside.

At this, in this example 4, different from above-mentioned example 1, light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 turns round with vessel 33Y, the change in location of gyratory directions, therefore, between illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A-87C, light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 occurred in the gyration period of each vessel 33Y.Therefore, being subjected among the light signal that light accepting part 87A-87C detects, except between illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A-87C, the time detecting that does not have light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 to be subjected to light signal, only use between illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A-87C, the time detecting that has light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 to be subjected to light signal, according to the position (combination) of the light accepting part 87A-87C that is subjected to light, detect the toner residual of toner container 32Y.

At this, with reference to Figure 12, in the image forming device body 100 of this example 4, also keep pivotally the receiving portion 120 of the vessel 33Y of toner container 32Y receiving portion body 110 (toner container incorporating section 31) setting.In this receiving portion 120, the circular-arc groove consistent with the outer peripheral face shape of vessel 33Y alongst extends setting.And, in receiving portion 120, with position corresponding to a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b of toner container 32Y (in Figure 12, in order to simplify, diagram reduces the quantity of light transmissive portion), form along circumferential roughly circular-arc the first slot part 121.In receiving portion 120, in the position corresponding with the bottom (below) of toner container 32Y, form the second slot part 122 of essentially rectangular shape alongst.

By this formation, as the loading and unloading direction, relatively toner container incorporating section 31 loading and unloading simultaneously, can drive vessel 33Y by driving means 81,91 and turn round with the length direction of toner container 32Y.That is, by forming the first roughly circular-arc slot part 121 and along the second slot part 122 of installation direction, the light transmissive portion 33b outstanding from vessel 33Y can not interfere with image forming device body 100, can handling cask body 33Y and drive its revolution.

In this example 4, front side (the paper vertical direction front side of Fig. 1) in image forming device body 100, can be opened and closed to be provided for exposing the body cap (not diagram) of receiving portion body 110, along with the on-off action of body cap, carry out the length direction of the toner container 32Y charge and discharge operations (Figure 12 direction of arrow is for installing) as installation direction.Carry out under the state of the fitting operation of toner container 32Y below light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 is positioned at again.

Again, with reference to Figure 12, illuminating part 85 and light accepting part 87 with the second slot part 122 hands-off positions, alongst be set up in parallel clamping the first slot part 121.In order to ensure 87 the light path from illuminating part 85 to light accepting part, be provided with through hole at the first slot part 121 again.

At this, the cross sectional shape (shape when seeing with the cross section of length direction quadrature) as the light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 that is located at vessel 33Y outer peripheral face part can use various shapes shown in Figure 13 A-Figure 13 C.

Specifically, light transmissive portion 33b shown in Figure 13 A is when seeing with the cross section of length direction quadrature, form from the respectively relative imaginary centres line parallel of both sides sidewall 33b10 of the outer peripheral face outshot of vessel 33Y, described imagining center line leave above-mentioned sidewall 33b10 be in equidistant, by the centre of gyration of vessel 33Y.

Form like this light transmissive portion 33b occasion, as shown in figure 12, when with length direction as installation direction, when toner container 32Y is installed, the second slot part 122 that relatively alongst extends, with the sidewall 33b10 of light transmissive portion 33b as spigot surface, while the stably installation of sliding.

Again, the light transmissive portion 33b shown in Figure 13 B lays respectively at from the both sides sidewall 33b10 of the outer peripheral face outshot of vessel 33Y on the imaginary line of the centre of gyration by vessel 33Y when seeing with the cross section of length direction quadrature.

Form like this light transmissive portion 33b occasion, even the above-below direction relative position of illuminating part 85 and light accepting part 87 relative light transmissive portion 33b is offset for the target location, in the gyration period of vessel 33Y, the time (passing through the time of two arrow scopes among Figure 13 B) that light transmissive portion 33b crosses between illuminating part 85 and the light accepting part 87 is identical, therefore, only use the time detecting that between illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A-87C, has light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 to be subjected to light signal, can improve the accuracy of detection at light accepting part 87A-87C.

Again, the light transmissive portion 33b shown in Figure 13 C is when seeing with the cross section of length direction quadrature, and the part outstanding from the outer peripheral face of vessel 33Y forms circular-arc.The internal face of the relative vessel of internal face of the light transmissive portion 33b that this is circular-arc (internal face of part beyond the light transmissive portion 33b) is with milder angular cross.

Form like this light transmissive portion 33b occasion, as above-mentioned Fig. 8 illustrates, cleaning means (brush component 76 and the axial region 75) occasion of cleaning light transmissive portion 33b is set, and the bristle of brush component 76 easily slips with the internal face of light transmissive portion 33b equably, can improve its cleaning performance.

In this example 4, in the receiving portion 120 of image forming device body 100, be provided with the first slot part 121 and the second slot part 122, image forming device body 100 is carried out the fitting operation of length direction as the toner container 32Y of installation direction relatively.

In contrast, identical with above-mentioned example 1, when relative image forming device body 100 toner container 32Y occasion is installed from the top, as shown in figure 14, can in receiving portion 120, the first slot part 121 only be set.

Again, as this example 4, illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A-87C are made as identical with light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 quantity respectively number, still, also can not be above-mentioned like that, the quantity of illuminating part and light accepting part is made as odd number.

For example, as shown in figure 14, be provided with the different a plurality of illuminating parts 85 of luminous intensity (in Figure 14, for for simplicity, illustrate two illuminating parts 85), the catoptron 95 (or semi-transparent semi-reflecting lens) that in penetrating light path, disposes respectively in the position corresponding with a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b, a light accepting part 87, be subjected to light intensity by judging at light accepting part 87, also can detect the toner residual of toner container 32Y.

As mentioned above, in this example 4, identical with above-mentioned each example, the a plurality of positions that separate at the length direction of rotating vessel 33Y form light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, therefore, the energy direct-detection is to the residual of the toner (powder) that remains in rotating vessel 33Y inside.

[example 5]

Describe example 5 of the present invention in detail with reference to Figure 15.

Figure 15 is the approximate three-dimensional map of the toner container of expression the invention process form 5, and is suitable with Fig. 4 of above-mentioned example 1.The relative vessel outer peripheral face of the light transmissive portion of the toner container of this example 5 forms concavity, and the structure of above-mentioned example 1 that the relative vessel outer peripheral face from light transmissive portion of this point forms convex is different.

The toner container 32Y of this example 5 is also identical with above-mentioned each example, mainly is made of the cap 34Y that fixedly remains on device body 100 and driven rotating vessel 33Y.And, at vessel 32Y, be provided with a plurality of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 in the spaced position of length direction.

At this, with reference to Figure 15, the light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 of the toner container 32Y of this example 5 is different from the structure of above-mentioned example 1, and the length direction both sides circumferentially form concavity from the outer peripheral face of vessel 33Y towards inside.

In detail, the central portion of light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3 is identical with vessel 33Y external diameter, forms with the photopermeability material, at two side positions of its central portion of clamping, forms the little concavity section of container body 33Y external diameter.

On the other hand, in image forming device body 100, below at the toner container 32Y that is installed in toner container incorporating section 31 (receiving portion body 110) state, illuminating part 85A-85C and light accepting part 87A-87C are set respectively, enter concavity section with contactless state, so that the central portion of clamping light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3.

And, in this example 5, according to the testing result that is detected by light accepting part 87A-87C, detect the toner residual that remains in vessel 33Y inside.

Use this toner container 32Y occasion, there is no need to form the illustrated slot part 87 of above-mentioned Fig. 6 in receiving portion 120.

As mentioned above, in this example 5, identical with above-mentioned each example, the a plurality of positions that separate at the length direction of rotating vessel 33Y form light transmissive portion 33b1-33b3, therefore, the energy direct-detection is to the residual of the toner (powder) that remains in rotating vessel 33Y inside.

In above-mentioned each example, in as toner container 32Y, the 32M of powder collecting container, 32C, 32K, only take in toner as powder, but, for being supplied with suitably by the two-component developing agent that toner and carrier form the image processing system of developing apparatus, also two-component developing agent can be taken in powder collecting container, as powder.。

Again, in above-mentioned each example, also can be with part or all of the 6Y of imaging section, 6M, 6C, 6K as cartridge processing.

Even in above-mentioned occasion, also can obtain the effect identical with above-mentioned each example again.

The above is with reference to the accompanying drawings of example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to above-mentioned example.Can do all changes in the technology of the present invention thought range, they all belong to protection scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. powder collecting container, being set to relative image forming device body can load and unload, and it is characterized in that:

Described powder collecting container comprises the vessel of tubular, at a distolateral formation peristome of length direction, simultaneously, by turning round as turning round under the axial state with above-mentioned length direction, transports towards above-mentioned peristome being accommodated in inner powder;

The said vesse body forms respectively light transmissive portion in a plurality of positions that above-mentioned length direction leaves, and closes from the outside towards the internal irradiation light field, only when not having powder in this position, so that this light sees through towards the outside.

2. powder collecting container according to claim 1 is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion forms outer peripheral face from the said vesse body towards the outside, circumferentially protrudes convex.

3. powder collecting container according to claim 1 is characterized in that:

A plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions form respectively outer peripheral face from the said vesse body towards the outside, protrude convex in circumferential same position.

4. powder collecting container according to claim 3 is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion from the sidewall of the both sides of the outstanding part of the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body, lays respectively on the imaginary line of the centre of gyration by the said vesse body when seeing with the cross section of above-mentioned length direction quadrature.

5. powder collecting container according to claim 3 is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion is when seeing with the cross section of above-mentioned length direction quadrature, sidewall from the both sides of the outstanding part of the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body, imagining center line is positioned at parallel position relatively respectively, above-mentioned imagining center line is in equidistant from above-mentioned sidewall, by the centre of gyration of said vesse body.

6. powder collecting container according to claim 3 is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion is when seeing with the cross section of above-mentioned length direction quadrature, and the part outstanding from the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body forms circular-arc.

7. any described powder collecting container according to claim 2-6 is characterized in that:

Among a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions, at above-mentioned length direction, be arranged on above-mentioned one the first distolateral light transmissive portion, in the part of giving prominence to from the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body, light-reflecting components is set to relatively above-mentioned length direction and tilts;

Among a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions, except other light transmissive portion of above-mentioned the first light transmissive portion, in the part of giving prominence to from the above-mentioned outer peripheral face of said vesse body, optical splitter is set to relatively above-mentioned length direction and tilts.

8. powder collecting container according to claim 1 is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned light transmissive portion is in above-mentioned length direction both sides, from the outer peripheral face of said vesse body towards inside, circumferentially forms concavity.

9. any described powder collecting container is characterized in that according to claim 1-6, further comprises:

Axial region be arranged on the centre of gyration of said vesse body, and relatively rotating said vesse body is with non-rotating maintenance;

Cleaning part remains on above-mentioned axial region, and the said vesse body turns round relatively relatively, cleans above-mentioned light transmissive portion.

10. powder collecting container according to claim 9 is characterized in that:

Corresponding with the above-mentioned lengthwise location that the forms above-mentioned light transmissive portion at least part of above-mentioned axial region is so that light transmission.

11. an image processing system is characterized in that:

The powder collecting container of any record is arranged on above-mentioned image forming device body among the claim 1-10.

12. image processing system according to claim 11 is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned image processing system comprises:

Single or multiple illuminating parts are installed at above-mentioned powder collecting container under the state of above-mentioned image forming device body, towards above-mentioned light transmissive portion, by input path irradiation light; And

Single or multiple light accepting parts, the light from the above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container sees through is subjected to light by penetrating light path;

According to the testing result that is detected by above-mentioned light accepting part, detect the residual of the powder that remains in the said vesse body interior.

13. image processing system according to claim 12 is characterized in that:

Set optical splitter and light-reflecting components in above-mentioned input path or above-mentioned ejaculation light path.

14. according to claim 12 or 13 described image processing systems, it is characterized in that:

Set optical fiber in above-mentioned input path or above-mentioned ejaculation light path.

15. image processing system according to claim 13 is characterized in that:

Set above-mentioned optical splitter and above-mentioned light-reflecting components, so that see through a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions, arrive the light intensity difference difference of above-mentioned light accepting part by penetrating light path;

Above-mentioned light accepting part forms can judge the light intensity that is subjected to light.

16. according to claim 12 or 13 described image processing systems, it is characterized in that:

Form so that the different light of the relatively a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portions difference illumination wavelength of above-mentioned illuminating part;

Above-mentioned light accepting part forms can judge the light wavelength that is subjected to light.

17. according to claim 12 or 13 described image processing systems, it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned illuminating part above-mentioned one distolateral irradiation light at above-mentioned length direction from other end side direction.

18. according to claim 12 or 13 described image processing systems, it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned image forming device body comprises driving means, above-mentioned image forming device body detects directly or indirectly from above-mentioned powder collecting container powder is supplied to the amount of the powder of supplying with the destination, and above-mentioned driving means drives the revolution of said vesse body according to this testing result;

Above-mentioned driving means detects the powder residual that obtains remaining in the said vesse body interior according to the testing result of above-mentioned light accepting part, and control drives the revolution of said vesse body, replenishes.

19. any described image processing system according to claim 11-13 is characterized in that:

The above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container forms outer peripheral face from the said vesse body towards the outside, circumferentially all or the part protrude convex;

Above-mentioned image forming device body comprises the receiving portion of the said vesse body that keeps pivotally above-mentioned powder collecting container;

The above-mentioned receiving portion of above-mentioned image forming device body forms along circumferential slot part in the position corresponding with a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container.

20. any described image processing system according to claim 11-13 is characterized in that:

The above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container forms respectively from the outer peripheral face of said vesse body towards the outside, protrudes convex in circumferential same position;

Above-mentioned image forming device body comprises the receiving portion of the said vesse body that keeps pivotally above-mentioned powder collecting container;

The above-mentioned receiving portion of above-mentioned image forming device body is in the position corresponding with a plurality of above-mentioned light transmissive portion of above-mentioned powder collecting container, formation is along the first circumferential slot part, in the position corresponding with the bottom of above-mentioned powder collecting container, form the second slot part along above-mentioned length direction.

Images