JP2004333630A - Method of sticking developer amount detection member - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stick a developer amount detection member in a state where position accuracy is high and air bubbles or wrinkles are hardly caused. <P>SOLUTION: The developer amount detection member is stuck while it is attracted and fixed to a tool. The centers of a measuring electrode member and a sticking member are positioned with a single pin. While an attractive state is kept and a tension is applied, a reference electrode member is stuck to the back surface of the sticking member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a process cartridge, a developing cartridge, a method for mounting a developer amount detecting member used for the same, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method.
[0002]
Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, and the like), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.
[0003]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, a process cartridge system in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge and the cartridge is detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. Widely adopted.
[0004]
In such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the process cartridge type, since the user must replace the cartridge by himself / herself, means for notifying the user when the developer is consumed, that is, a developer amount detecting device is required.
[0005]
Conventionally, as a developer amount detecting device, there is a device which has two electrode rods in a developer container of a developing means and detects a developer by detecting a change in capacitance between the two electrode rods. is there.
[0006]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-100571 discloses a developer detection method in which two parallel electrodes arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval on the same plane instead of two electrode rods are combined in an uneven shape. There is disclosed a developer amount detecting device provided with an electrode member and provided with the developer detecting electrode member on a lower surface of a developer container. In this apparatus, a change in capacitance between parallel electrodes placed in a plane state is detected to detect the remaining amount of the developer.
[0007]
The above-mentioned developer amount detecting device detects the presence or absence of the developer in the developer container-and aims at detecting that the amount of the developer is small immediately before the developer is completely used up.
[0008]
On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the developer in the developer container can be sequentially detected, the user can know the usage state of the developer, and a new process cartridge can be prepared according to the replacement time. Very convenient for users.
[0009]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-303345 discloses a developer amount sequential detecting device using a developer detecting electrode member in which two parallel electrodes arranged on a same plane in parallel at a predetermined interval are combined in an uneven shape. Has been proposed.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described developer detecting sequential detection device, it is necessary to precisely arrange the pair of electrodes on the side in contact with the toner. Further, it is necessary to shut off from the outside so that toner or foreign matter does not adhere to the side not in contact with the toner.
[0011]
Therefore, by attaching the developer detection electrode member to the attaching member in advance, and providing the attaching member and the lid member covering the side not in contact with the toner in the developer accommodating container in a state of being integrally connected, The assemblability and position accuracy have been improved.
[0012]
However, when the developer detection electrode member is formed of a flexible printed board with an adhesive, the area of the adhesive is very thin and the area of the adhesive is widened. In addition, due to the mechanism of the developer detection electrode member, the position at which the developer detection electrode member is attached, bubbles at the time of attachment, and wrinkles also affect detection accuracy. Further, if the detection surface of the developer detection electrode member is directly touched with a hand, and there is contamination on the detection surface, the detection accuracy is reduced. Therefore, in the attaching step, in addition to the improvement of the assembling property, it is desired that the attaching position accuracy is improved, bubbles and wrinkles are suppressed as much as possible, and the detection surface is not touched as much as possible.
[0013]
The present invention provides an improved workability, improved positional accuracy, and a state of attachment of bubbles and wrinkles when assembling to an attachment member when the developer detection electrode member is formed of a flexible printed board with an adhesive. Method for adhering a developer detection electrode member which realizes improvement in the cleanliness of the detection surface, and a coupling container, a developer container, a process cartridge, and a process cartridge on which a detection member is adhered using such an adhesion method. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge can be attached and detached.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, it is possible to improve the workability, improve the position accuracy, and improve the bonding state such as bubbles and wrinkles by using a tool for sucking, sticking and pressing the developer detecting member. Become.
[0015]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input side and an output side which are provided for sequentially detecting an amount of a developer, are disposed at positions where the developer is in contact with the developer, and have at least a pair of juxtaposed portions arranged at a constant interval. A measurement electrode member provided with a side electrode and a reference electrode member provided with an input side electrode and an output side electrode having at least a pair of parts arranged side by side at a constant interval, which are arranged at positions not in contact with the developer. A developer amount detecting member having the measuring electrode member and the reference electrode member integrally formed of a flexible printed circuit board, having a detecting surface on one surface and an adhesive surface on the other surface. In the attaching method, by performing air suction on a detection surface of the developer amount detecting member with a tool, positioning and fixing are performed so that the adhesive surface is in a direction of contact with the attaching member, and a hole portion of the measurement electrode member is provided. And one The center of the hole of the sticking member formed in a plate shape is positioned using one pin of a tool, and the sticking member is fixed to the tool, and at the same time, the adhesive surface of the measuring electrode member is attached to the sticking member. And attaching the reference electrode member to the back surface of the attaching member by folding the reference electrode member while maintaining the suction state of the reference electrode member by the tool. It is.
[0016]
Since the positioning is performed by the concentric circle of one pin and the position is not shifted, the position is determined with high accuracy.
[0017]
Also, since the attaching member is plate-shaped and not complicated, it is easy to attach. Further, since the suction state is maintained, there is no displacement after positioning.
[0018]
The second invention according to the present application is characterized in that, when peeling off the adhesive release paper of the developer amount detecting member, the measuring electrode member and the reference electrode member are on the same plane, and the reference electrode member is folded. Is a method for attaching a developer amount detecting member, wherein the reference electrode member is shifted by the thickness of the attaching member.
[0019]
This facilitates positioning of the developer amount detecting member and peeling off of the adhesive of the developer amount detecting member from the release paper, and securely folds along the ridge line of the attaching member with a simple mechanism, bubbles or the like at the time of folding. The generation of wrinkles can be prevented.
[0020]
A third invention according to the present application is to apply tension in a direction in which the reference electrode member is stretched toward an end portion from a folded portion extending over the front and back surfaces of the attaching member while maintaining the suction state of the reference electrode member. A method for attaching a developer amount detecting member, characterized in that a suction part of a reference electrode member goes around the back surface of the measurement electrode attachment surface and performs attachment.
[0021]
Tension is applied when the reference electrode member is adhered, and the suction portion of the reference electrode member goes around the back surface and adheres, which is very effective against bubbles and wrinkles. A fourth invention according to the present application is a method for attaching a developer amount detecting member, wherein the adhesive release paper of the developer amount detecting member is peeled off while being sucked by an attaching tool.
[0022]
Since the release paper is peeled off in the state of being fixed by suction, it is easy to peel off, and the possibility of accidentally touching the adhesive surface is reduced.
[0023]
A fifth invention according to the present application is a method of attaching a developer amount detecting member, comprising a step of pressing after an attaching step, wherein both sides are pressed at the same time.
[0024]
Due to the pressing, it adheres to the attaching member, and the variation in the capacitance is reduced.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(Example)
(Description of Process Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus Main Body)
Hereinafter, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0027]
The process cartridge A includes a photosensitive drum 1, a charging unit 2 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, a developing roller 3 as a developing unit disposed opposite to the photosensitive member 1, and a toner amount on the developing roller 3. Is provided on the developing container 11, and the cleaning unit 8 and the cleaning container 10 having the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging unit 2 are integrally formed.
[0028]
In the laser printer B, which is an image forming apparatus, a laser scanner 4 for irradiating a laser beam corresponding to image information is provided above the process cartridge A, and a transfer unit 5 facing the photoreceptor 1 is provided below. It is arranged. In the above configuration, image formation is performed as follows.
[0029]
First, the photoreceptor 1 is uniformly charged by the charging means 2 and its surface is scanned and exposed by laser light emitted from the laser scanner 4 to form an electrostatic latent image of target image information. The electrostatic latent image is visualized as an image by the action of the developing roller 3 with the developer T in the developing container 11 attached thereto. In this example, an insulating magnetic one-component developer was used. The image on the photoreceptor 1 is transferred by the transfer means 5 to the recording paper S fed and conveyed from the paper cassette 6.
[0030]
The recording paper S passes through the fixing means 7 to fix the image on the recording paper S, and is discharged to a discharge tray 9 outside the main body. After the transfer of the developer image onto the recording paper S, the developer T remaining on the photoconductor 1 is removed by the cleaning unit 8 and collected in the cleaning container C.
[0031]
The process cartridge A has a memory unit as a storage device mounted thereon. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an arrangement of the memory unit 99 mounted on the process cartridge A.
[0032]
The memory unit 99 is mounted on the side of the process cartridge A.
[0033]
(Overall system configuration)
Next, a system configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to a system block diagram of FIG.
[0034]
Reference numeral 50 denotes an engine controller that controls the system of the entire image forming apparatus. A central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) is provided inside the engine controller, and a series of system processing of the image forming apparatus is performed according to a program stored in the central processing unit in advance.
[0035]
Reference numeral 51 denotes a high-voltage power supply. A charging bias in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage is applied to the charging unit 2, a developing bias in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage is applied to the developing roller 3, a transfer bias which is a DC voltage in the transfer unit 5, and a fixing unit. 7, a fixing bias which is a DC voltage is generated. Reference numeral 52 denotes a driving unit including a motor, a solenoid and the like provided in the apparatus, 53 denotes a sensor group provided at a predetermined position inside the image forming apparatus, 54 denotes a display unit for displaying the state of the apparatus, and 49 and 55 denote process cartridges. This is a toner amount detection device that detects the electrostatic capacity of a developer detection member inside.
[0036]
Reference numeral 56 denotes a memory control circuit for controlling the memory unit 99 mounted on the process cartridge.
[0037]
(Description of memory unit)
Here, the memory unit 99 will be described.
[0038]
The memory unit 99 has a built-in nonvolatile storage element, and can perform data writing and data reading by performing data communication with the image forming apparatuses.
[0039]
All the control of the data communication is performed by the memory control circuit 56.
[0040]
Data communication is performed in a non-contact manner by magnetic coupling between an antenna provided in the memory unit 99 and an antenna (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus. When the process cartridge is mounted on the laser printer, the antenna section of the memory unit 99 and the antenna provided on the laser printer come close to each other, so that communication becomes possible.
[0041]
A power supply circuit is provided inside the memory unit 99, and all the DC power used inside is supplied from the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit generates a DC voltage by rectifying a current generated in the antenna by magnetic coupling of the two antennas.
[0042]
The memory unit 99 stores information on the process cartridge and the like.
[0043]
(Configuration of process cartridge)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge.
[0044]
In FIG. 2, the process cartridge of this embodiment includes a developer container E for storing a developer, a developing container 11 for holding a developing unit, a cleaning container 10 for holding the photosensitive drum 1 and the cleaning unit 8, and a developer container E. It is composed of side covers 15, 16 for holding the cleaning container 10, and a cover member 23 for covering the second detecting member 21, and is made into a cartridge by connecting the containers. The developer container E has an outlet 22a for discharging the developer in the developer container 22 to the developer container 11, and a removable developer seal member 26 is attached to the outlet. Further, a detecting member 20 for detecting the amount of the developer in the developer container E is attached to the attaching member 19 and is arranged in a state of being partitioned by the partition member 18. Further, the developer accommodating container has rotatable stirring members 12, 13, and 14. After the stirring member and the detection member are assembled in the developer storage container, the developer storage lid 24 is welded to the developer storage container 22. Then, the developer T is filled from a filling port 22 b provided on a side surface of the developer accommodating container 22, and the developer T is sealed with a developer lid 27.
[0045]
In FIG. 3, the developer container E has a horizontally long shape in order to cope with an increase in capacity, and the bottom surface of the developer container E has three concave shapes. Three stirring members 12, 13, and 14 driven by a motor of a main body (not shown) correspond to the recesses of the developer accommodating container, and the developer T is stirred by stirring blade members 12a, 13a, and 14a provided on the stirring member. To the developing container D.
[0046]
By making the developer container E horizontally long, the self-weight of the developer T can be reduced, so that fading, deterioration of the developer, and increase in stirring torque can be reduced.
[0047]
A resin sheet member such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyphenylene sulfide is used for the stirring blade members 12a to 14a, and stirs and transports the developer T. The rotation radius of the tip of each of the stirring blade members 12 a to 14 a is larger than the radius of the bottom of the developer container 22, and the tip rubs against the bottom of the developer container 22. Thus, the developer T is transported laterally without leaving the developer T on the bottom surface of the developer storage container 22.
[0048]
(Outline of developer amount detecting member)
In FIG. 3, a first detection member 20 and a second detection member 21 are provided for sequentially detecting the amount of developer. The first detection member 20 is used to detect a region where the developer T is large, and the second detection member 21 is used to detect a region where the developer T is small. Specifically, the first detection member 20 detects the developer amount from about 50% to about 10% from the initial stage of use, and the second detection member 21 detects the developer amount from about 50% to 10%. Detection is performed until the developer runs out. Both the first detection member and the second detection member measure the developer by capacitance.
[0049]
FIGS. 4A to 4D show how the developer changes, and FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the developer amount and the capacitance. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the transfer from the first detection member to the second detection member is performed when the amount of the developer becomes about 20%. 4A to 4D correspond to FIGS. 5A to 5D.
[0050]
(A) When the developer amount is 100%, both the first detection member and the second detection member are buried in the developer. At this time, the output of the first detection member is X2. (B) As the developer is gradually consumed, the amount of the developer in the detection area of the first detection member changes. The output also changes as the area of the developer in contact with the surface of the first detection member changes. At this time, the output of the first detection member is X3. (C) The second detection member starts to operate around about 20% of the developer. At this time, the output of the second detection member is Y2. (D) Detection is performed until the developer becomes 0%. At this time, the output of the second detection member is Yl. Therefore, it is possible to sequentially detect all areas from the beginning to the end of using the process cartridge.
[0051]
(Principle and configuration of the first detection member)
Next, the operation principle of each detection member will be described. First, FIG. 6 shows the first detection member. FIG. 7 is a view seen from the opposite side of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a developed view of the first detection member 20.
[0052]
In FIG. 8, the first detection member has a measurement-side output electrode 20e, a reference-side output electrode 20c, and a common input electrode 20d. The combination of the measurement-side output electrode 20e and the common input electrode 20d is referred to as a measurement electrode 20a, and the combination of the reference-side output electrode 20c and the common input electrode 20d is referred to as a reference electrode 20b.
[0053]
6 and 7, the measurement electrode 20a is disposed at a position such as an inner side surface in the developer container that comes into contact with the developer. By measuring the capacitance between the paired electrodes 20e and 20d, it is possible to detect the change in the area of the developer that is in contact with the electrode surface and to know the amount of the developer in the developer container. I can do it. That is, since the developer has a higher dielectric constant than air, if the area of the surface of the detection member touched by the developer changes, the capacitance between the electrodes changes.
[0054]
The reference electrode 20b is arranged at a position inside the developer container but not in contact with the developer, and is designed so that a change in capacitance when environmental conditions are changed is the same as that of the measurement electrode 20a.
[0055]
In this embodiment, the electrode patterns of the measurement electrode 20a and the reference electrode 20b have the same shape. Therefore, by subtracting the value of the capacitance of the reference electrode 20b from the value of the capacitance of the measurement electrode 20a, it can be assumed that there is no change in the capacitance due to environmental conditions, and the detection accuracy can be improved. Becomes possible.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 8, the first detection member 20 is preferably provided with a measurement electrode 20a and a reference electrode 20b on one surface of a single bendable substrate such as a flexible printed substrate, It shall be arranged in a container. The edge or the entire back surface is fixed using an adhesive such as a double-sided tape so that the developer does not enter the back side of the measurement electrode 20a.
[0057]
(Arrangement of the first detection member)
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the developer container E. Although three agitating members 12, 13, and 14 are provided, the agitating member 13 is located at a position where the developer is fed into an operation area of a second detecting member, which will be described later. Is disposed on the drive side wall in the developer container E such that the first detection member 20 surrounds the periphery. By arranging at this position, the area of the first detection member 20 can be reduced while realizing the sequential detection, so that the component cost can be reduced. Further, the effect of the developing bias can be reduced by separating the developing roller from the developing roller.
[0058]
Since the sensitivity of the first detection member 20 in the vicinity of the surface of the detection member is extremely high, providing a surface wiping member as a means for removing the developer on the surface is effective in increasing the detection accuracy. At this time, it is preferable to provide a wiping member 13b on the developer stirring member 13 for simplifying the configuration. In this case, the first detection member 20 is arranged within a range in which the wiping member 13b functions, corresponding to the developer stirring area.
[0059]
(Configuration of wiping member)
Further, in this embodiment, the developer agitating member 13 is provided with the surface wiping member 13b of the first detecting member 20. The wiping member 13b is provided only on the stirring member 13 at the position where the first detection member 20 is provided (FIG. 9).
[0060]
The developer stirring member 13 includes a stirring bar member 13c, a stirring blade member 13a, a stirring blade holding member 13d, and a wiping member 13b. The stirring bar member 13c is rotatably supported by the developer container 22. The stirring blade member 13a is pressed against and fixed to the stirring bar member 13c by the stirring blade holder 13d. The stirring blade holder 13d is made of sheet metal or resin, and is fixed to the stirring bar 13c by heat staking, ultrasonic welding, bonding, or the like. The wiping member 13b is also fixed by a stirring blade holder 13d in the same manner as the stirring blade 13a. The stirring blade 13a is formed of a resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyphenylene sulfide. As the wiping member 13b, a sheet member made of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyphenylene sulfide can be used, or a rubber or foam member can be used. That is, as long as the material is suitable for wiping the surface of the first detection member 20, the function does not change.
[0061]
FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the first detection member in a state where the developer has been consumed to some extent. The attached developer T 'exists above the developer surface. The presence of the adhered developer T 'increases the capacitance of the measurement electrode 20a, causing a variation. Therefore, by wiping the first measurement electrode 20a with the wiping member 13b, the developer adhering above the developer surface can be removed, and the detection accuracy can be improved.
[0062]
(Structure of sticking container)
Next, the configuration of the sticking container F of the first detection member will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the measurement electrode 20a of the first detection member is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the developer. That is, the measurement electrode 20a is disposed toward the inside of the developer container. The reference electrode 20b that does not touch the developer is disposed at a position that does not touch the developer. For this purpose, in this embodiment, an attaching member 19 for attaching the measuring electrode 20a and the reference electrode 20b is used. The sticking member 19 has a plate shape as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, whereby the measuring electrode 20a is stuck on one surface 19c arranged inside the developing container using the reference 19a, and then folded back to form the sticking member 19. The reference electrode 20b is attached to the other surface 19d. At this time, the sticking member 19 is made of a plate material, and the measurement electrode 20a and the reference electrode 20b are connected at two ends of the connecting portions 20f and 20g, and the portion is folded back to reduce the inclination when the reference electrode 20b is attached. The attachment is easy, and the attachment position can be stabilized. Then, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the partition member 18 is attached so as to cover the reference electrode side 20b of the attaching member 19 to which the measurement electrode 20a and the reference electrode 20b are attached. Attaching member 19 and a partition member having concave portions 18d and 18e from which connection portions 20f and 20g between the measurement electrode and the reference electrode escape are used. It is possible to block toner entering the reference electrode 20b side (FIG. 16). Then, the attachment container F to which the first detection member 20 is attached is attached to the developer storage container 20. At this time, the positioning holes 18b and 18c (FIG. 15) provided in the partition member 18 are engaged with the positioning bosses 20b and 20c provided in the developer storage container 20 shown in FIG. Position.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 18, a seal member 25 such as a malt plane is attached to the developer accommodating lid 24 of the developer container E, and the connection portions 20f and 20g are fixed to the developer container. The developer can be prevented from invading the reference electrode by pressing and sealing with the seal member 25. Holes 18f and 19b are provided in the center of the affixing member 19 and the partitioning member 18 to enable rotation of the stirring gear 28 for transmitting and driving the developer stirring member 13 provided with the wiping member. . As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, a cylindrical rib 18a stands from the partition member 18, and the periphery of the hole 19b of the attaching member is welded or bonded to the rib to form a through hole through which toner cannot enter. It becomes possible. The driving force is transmitted by the stirring gear 28 to the stirring member 13 provided with the wiping member in this hole, so that the above-described attached developer T ′ can be removed.
[0064]
(Capacitance detection method of first detection member)
Next, the capacitance detecting means of the first detecting member 20 will be described in detail.
[0065]
The first detection member 20 is connected to the toner amount detection device A55 in FIG. 19, and the capacitance of the first detection member 20 is detected.
[0066]
FIG. 20 is an internal circuit configuration diagram of the toner amount detection device A55.
[0067]
The terminal 59 is connected to the electrode 22b of the first detection member 20, and outputs a clock 1 for toner amount detection.
[0068]
Clock 1 is generated by a resistor 62, a resistor 63, and a transistor 64. The signal CLKA is a clock output from the engine controller 50 and is a rectangular wave having a frequency of fc = 50 KHz and a duty of 50%. The clock: CLKA is amplified by the transistor 64 to the amplitude = Vc and output from the terminal 59.
[0069]
The terminal 57 is connected to the electrode 22a of the first detection member. When the clock output from the terminal 59 is applied to the electrode 22b, an alternating current: I12 flows through the terminal 57 due to the capacitance: Ct between the electrode 22a and the electrode 22b. Here, the magnitude of the alternating current: I12 is a value corresponding to the capacitance value: Ct.
[0070]
The AC current: I12 is rectified by diodes 69 and 67 provided at the input of the terminal 57, and the rectified current: I13 is input to an integration circuit composed of an operational amplifier 72, a resistor 75, and a capacitor. Here, I13 is a one-way component current of the current I12 (hereinafter, referred to as a half-wave current).
[0071]
On the other hand, the terminal 58 is connected to the first detection member 22c. In response to the clock output from the terminal 59, a current I14 having a magnitude corresponding to the capacitance: Cr between the electrode 22b and the electrode 22c flows through the terminal 22b. The current: I14 is rectified by diodes 68 and 70 set in the opposite direction to the input section of the terminal 57, and the current: I15 is input to the integration circuit. I14 is a current: a half-wave current having a polarity opposite to that of I13.
[0072]
The current I13 and the current I15 input to the integration circuit are integrated, and a DC voltage Vdl corresponding to the average value of the total current of I13 and I15 is generated across the resistor 75. Assuming that the resistance value of the resistor 75 is Rsl, the voltage: Vdl can be approximated by the following equation.
[0073]
Vdl = Rsl × fc × Vc × (Ct−Cr) (1)
On the other hand, a predetermined reference voltage: Vtl is input to the positive input of the operational amplifier 72, and the output of the operational amplifier 72 has the following characteristics.
[0074]
Vsl = Vtl−Rsl × fc × Vc × (Ct−Cr) (Expression 2)
As shown in the above equation, the output voltage Vsl of the operational amplifier is the difference between the capacitance between the electrodes 22a and 22b on the measurement electrode side and the capacitance between the electrodes 22c and 22b on the reference electrode side, that is, in the process cartridge. Is a voltage value corresponding to the amount of developer. The output of the operational amplifier: Vsl is output from the output terminal 60.
[0075]
The terminal 60 is connected to an analog / digital conversion terminal of a central processing unit in the engine controller. The voltage level: Vsl according to the developer amount is converted into digital data, and is further converted into a developer amount: Tl in the process cartridge by comparing with a conversion table stored in the engine controller 50 in advance.
[0076]
(Configuration and arrangement of the second detection member)
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the developer container again, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the developer container as viewed from below. The second detection member 21 is provided outside the developer container E, and further has a cover member 23 outside. The second detection member 21 is formed by sheet metal over the entire longitudinal area along the concave shape of the bottom surface of the developer container E. The developing roller 3 and the developer regulating member 17 are electrically connected, and a change in capacitance between the second detecting member 21 and the developing roller 3 and the developer regulating member 17 is measured to detect the amount of developer. I do.
[0077]
The second detecting member 21 is fixed to the concave portion of the developer container E closest to the developing roller 3 by caulking or bonding, outside the developer container E. By providing it outside the developer container E, there is no need to pass the wiring up to the contact point connected to the image forming apparatus main body into the developer container, so that there is no fear of developer leakage.
[0078]
(Capacitance detection method of second detection member)
Next, the capacitance detecting means of the second detecting member 20 will be described in detail.
[0079]
The second detecting member 21 is connected to the toner amount detecting device B49 of FIG. 19, and detects the capacitance value between the second detecting member and the developing roller 3 and the developer regulating member 17.
[0080]
FIG. 21 is an internal circuit configuration diagram of the toner amount detection device B49.
[0081]
The terminal 80 is connected to the second detection member 21. When a developing AC bias generated by the high-voltage power supply 51 is applied to the developing roller, an AC current: Il is applied to the terminal 80 by the capacitance: Cs between the second detecting member and the developing roller 3 and the developer regulating member 17. Flows.
[0082]
Here, the magnitude of the current: Il is a value corresponding to the capacitance value: Cs.
[0083]
The current: Il is rectified by diodes 86 and 88 provided at the input of the terminal 80, and the rectified current: I2 is input to an integrating circuit composed of an operational amplifier 91, a resistor 93, and a capacitor 94. Here, I2 is a half-wave current of the current: I2.
[0084]
On the other hand, the terminal 81 is connected to a developing bias output section (not shown) inside the high voltage power supply 51. That is, the same developing bias as that of the developing roller 3 is applied to the terminal 81. A capacitor 85 having a capacitance of Ck is connected to an input portion of the terminal 81. When a developing AC bias is applied, an AC current I3 having a magnitude corresponding to the capacitance: Ck flows. The capacitor 85 is a reference capacitor serving as a measurement reference, and the capacitance value: Ck is the electrostatic capacitance between the second detection member when there is no developer in the process cartridge and the developing roller 3 and the developer regulating member 17. Set to the capacitance value.
[0085]
The current: I13 is rectified by diodes 87 and 89 set in the opposite direction to the input section of the terminal 81, and the current: I4 is input to the integration circuit. The current: I4 is a half-wave current having a polarity opposite to that of the current: I2.
[0086]
The current: I2 and the current I4 input to the integration circuit are integrated, and a DC voltage: Vd2 corresponding to the average value of the total current of I2 and I4 is generated across the resistor 93. Assuming that the frequency of the developing AC bias is fd and the amplitude is Vp and the resistance value of the resistance 93 is Rs2, Vd2 can be approximated by the following equation.
[0087]
Vdd = Rs2 × fd × Vp × (Cs−Ck) (Equation 3)
On the other hand, a predetermined reference voltage: Vt2 is input to the positive input of the operational amplifier 72, and the output of the operational amplifier 91 has the following characteristics.
[0088]
Vs2 = Vt2−Rs2 × fd × Vp × (Cs−Ck) (Equation 4)
As shown by the formula, the output voltage of the operational amplifier: Vs2 is the difference between the capacitance between the second detecting member and the developing roller 3 and the developer regulating member 17 and the capacitance of the reference capacitor 85, that is, the developer in the process cartridge. It becomes a voltage value according to the amount. The output of the operational amplifier: Vs2 is output from the output terminal 82.
[0089]
The terminal 82 is connected to an analog / digital conversion terminal of a central processing unit in the engine controller. The first voltage level Vs2 corresponding to the developer amount is converted into digital data, and is further converted into a developer amount T2 in the process cartridge by comparing with a conversion table stored in the engine controller 50 in advance. The developer amount: Tl detected by the detecting member 20 and the developer amount: T2 detected by the second detecting member 21 are compared inside the engine controller 50, and the developer amount: Tl or the developer amount: T2 Is displayed on the display unit 54 to notify the user. Further, the detected value of the detected amount of the developer is stored in the process cartridge memory.
[0090]
(Attaching method of the first detection member)
As described above, the first detecting member is incorporated in the sticking container, but it is difficult to stick the first detecting member with high positional accuracy because the thickness is as small as about 0.1 mm. Therefore, by performing the pasting by the method described below, accurate pasting can be realized. FIG. 23 shows a front view, partly in cross section, of the folding device of the present invention, FIG. 24 is a top view, and FIG. 25 is a side view. Reference numerals 100 and 101 denote suction portions of the developer amount detecting member 20. Reference numeral 101 denotes a movable portion in the left and right direction in the drawing. A thin rubber sheet (not shown) is stuck on the upper surface, and a plurality of suction holes for suction are provided. It is provided through the rubber sheet. Reference numeral 102 denotes a first reference pin for positioning the measurement electrode member 20a at the notch hole 20i, reference numeral 102a denotes a second reference pin for positioning the attachment member 19 at the center hole 19b, and reference numerals 102 and 102a are the same. It is formed integrally with the member. Reference numeral 103 denotes a reference pin for positioning the reference electrode member 20b at the center hole 20h. Reference numeral 104 denotes a clamp pawl for positioning and fixing the attaching member 19, and reference numeral 108 denotes a roller for closing the open clamp pawl 104 (fixing the attaching member 19). Reference numeral 105 denotes a spring for applying a tension to the connection portions 20f and 20g of the sucked reference electrode member 20b. Reference numeral 106 denotes a movable base in which the suction unit 101 is incorporated, and 107 denotes a slide base for moving the movable base 106 in the vertical direction. Reference numeral 109 denotes a guide cylinder for moving the reference pins 102 and 102a and the clamp pawl 104 up and down. 110 and 111 are connection joints for supplying driving air to the cylinder 109, and 112 and 113 are connection joints for suctioning the measurement electrode member 20a and the reference electrode member 20b. Reference numeral 114 denotes a rotation center at the time of turning back. Reference numeral 115 denotes a guide cylinder for moving the reference pin 103 up and down, and reference numerals 116 and 117 denote connection joints for supplying driving air.
[0091]
Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.
[0092]
(A) The developer amount detecting member 20 is set on the suction units 100 and 101 with the release paper facing upward with the reference pin 102 raised. The notch hole 20i is positioned in the measurement electrode member 20a at the outer diameter portion of the first reference pin 102, and the reference electrode member 20b is positioned in the center hole 20h using the reference pin 103. The developer amount detecting member 20 is sucked by suction from the connection joints 112 and 113 by a vacuum pump (not shown) or the like. Here, the release paper of the developer amount detecting member 20 is manually peeled off. Since the suction portions 100 and 101 are on the same plane, they can be easily set, and the release paper can be easily peeled off.
(B) The attachment member 19 is positioned at the outer diameter of the second reference pin 102a in the center hole 19b, and is set at the base of the second reference pin 102a as indicated by a broken line.
[0093]
(C) Supply air to the connection joints 110 and 116 of the guide cylinders 109 and 115. The reference pins 102, 102a and 103 and the clamp claws 104 are lowered. The roller 108 closes the clamp claw 104 with the downward movement, and the rotation direction of the sticking member 19 is regulated by the clamp claw 104 and is pulled down to be fixed on the measurement electrode member 20a. The suction portion 101 that has sucked the reference electrode member 20b is pulled rightward in the figure by the spring 105 when the reference pin 103 comes off, and a tension is applied to the connection portions 20f and 20g of the developer amount detection member 20. At this time, since a thin rubber sheet is stuck on the upper surface of the suction portion, the frictional force is improved on the reference electrode member 20b by the suction, and the trouble that the reference electrode member 20b slips on the suction portion 101 does not occur.
[0094]
(D) When the slide base 107 is pushed in the left direction in the figure, the movable base 106 is shifted upward by the roller 107a incorporated in the slide base and the tapered portion 106a provided on the movable base 106.
[0095]
Here, the reason for shifting the movable base 106 upward will be described with reference to FIGS. 27, 28, and 29. FIG. Normally, when the reference electrode member 20b sucked on the upper surface of the suction portion 101 is stuck on the upper part 122 of the sticking member 19, as shown in FIG. You just have to bring it. However, as shown in FIG. 28, when rotated about the rotation center 118, the angle α between the end portion 119 of the suction portion 101 and the rotation center 120 of the connection portions 20f and 20g and the angle β formed by the suction portion upper surface are α <Β occurs. This means that, since tension is applied to the connection portions 20f and 20g by the spring 105, a force acts to peel the reference electrode member 20b sucked on the suction portion 101 in a direction perpendicular to the suction portion. . If the tension of the spring is weakened, the connecting portions 20f and 20g cannot be stuck and adhered along the ends 121 and 122 of the sticking member 19. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 29, by rotating the suction portion 101 upward by the thickness L of the bonding member 19 and then rotating the suction portion 101 at the end 114 of the bonding member 19 as the center of rotation, α> β is satisfied. The relationship can be maintained, and the reference electrode member 20b and the connecting portions 20f and 20g can be stuck and adhered along the ends 121 and 122 of the sticking member 19.
[0096]
(E) Holding the right end of the slide base 107, rotate the sticking member 19 in the direction of → with the upper end 114 of the sticking member 19 as the center of rotation. Also at this time, tension is applied to the connecting portions 20f and 20g of the developer amount detecting member 20 by the spring 105.
[0097]
(F) Further rotate in the direction →. The connecting portions 20 f and 20 g are attached along the end of the attaching member 19.
[0098]
(G) When the reference electrode member 20b is further rotated by 180 degrees, the reference electrode member 20b is pressed against the upper surface of the bonding member 19, and the bonding is completed. Since a thin rubber sheet is stuck on the suction parts 100 and 101, the elasticity of the thin rubber sheet allows the developer amount detecting member 20 and the sticking member 19 to be in close contact with each other. Thereafter, all the suction is released, the slide base and the movable base are returned to the original state, and the attaching member on which the developer amount detecting member 20 is attached is removed.
[0099]
Depending on the thickness of the rubber sheet, there is a case where the adhesion is insufficient only by pressing the developer amount detecting member 20 and the attaching member 19. Therefore, in order to further increase the adhesion, a pressing step may be separately provided.
[0100]
FIG. 30 shows a schematic diagram of the pushing device. The developing material amount detecting member 20 and the attaching member 19 are adhered by the attaching device and placed on the guide 151 and pressed in the direction of the arrow to be pressed between the two provided rollers 150. Since the roller is an elastic body and the gap of the roller is smaller than the thickness of the attaching member, pressure is reliably applied. As a result, the adhesion is increased and the state of attachment is improved.
[0101]
The measurement electrode member 20a and the reference electrode member 20b are fixed by suction by the suction portions 100 and 101, respectively, and tension is applied to the connection portions 20f and 20g. It became possible to realize improvement.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, by using the present invention, when assembling to the attaching member when the developer detecting electrode member is formed of a flexible printed circuit board with an adhesive, the workability is improved and the positional accuracy is improved. Thus, it is possible to improve the state of sticking such as air bubbles and wrinkles, thereby reducing the work cost and improving the accuracy of detecting the amount of developer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a process cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a process cartridge according to the present invention.
FIGS. 4A to 4D are cross-sectional views of the developer container showing how the developer is consumed.
FIG. 5 is a graph showing a relationship between a developer amount and a capacitance in the developer amount detection device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first detection member according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first detection member according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a development view of a first detection member according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a developer container according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state of a wiping member according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a process cartridge for explaining a second detection member according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a place where a second detection member according to the present invention is disposed, as viewed from below the process cartridge.
FIG. 13 is a front view in which a first detection member is attached to an attachment member according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view in which a first detecting member is attached to an attaching member according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a partition member according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the sticking container according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an assembly portion of the sticking container of the developer accommodating container in the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a developer container according to the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a system block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 20 is an internal circuit diagram of the toner amount detection device A according to the present invention.
FIG. 21 is an internal circuit diagram of a toner amount detection device B according to the present invention.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement of a memory unit in the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a front view of a device for attaching a developer amount detecting member according to the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a top view of a device for attaching a developer amount detecting member according to the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a side view of a mechanism of the sticking device for a developer amount detecting member according to the present invention.
FIGS. 26A to 26G are explanatory views of a procedure for attaching a developer amount detecting member in the present invention.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram relating to the mechanism of the attaching device according to the present invention.
FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram related to the mechanism of the attaching device according to the present invention.
FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram relating to the mechanism of the attaching device according to the present invention.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of a pressing step of the attaching device according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
A process cartridge
B image forming device
E Developer container
F sticking container
T developer
S recording paper
1 Photoconductor drum
2 Charging means
3 Developing roller
4 Laser scanner
5 transfer means
6 Paper cassette
7 Fixing means
8 Cleaning means
9 Output tray
12-14 Developer stirring member
12 (a), 13 (a), 14 (a) Stirring blade
13 (b) Wiping sheet
17 Supporting member for developer regulating member
18 Partition member
19 Pasting member
20 First detecting member
20a measuring electrode
20b Reference electrode
21 Second detection member
22 Developer storage container
23 Cover member
24 Developer storage lid
25 Seal member
49 Toner Amount Detector A
50 Engine controller
54 Display
55 Toner amount detection device B
56 Memory control circuit
64 transistors
72 operational amplifier
99 memory unit
100 to 101 suction unit
102, 102a, 103 Reference pin
104 clamp claw
105 spring
106 movable base
107 slide base
108 rollers
109, 115 cylinder
110-113, 116, 117 connection joint
114, 118, 120 Center of rotation
119, 121, 122 end

Claims (9)

Provided to sequentially detect the amount of developer,
A measurement electrode member provided with an input side electrode and an output side electrode having at least a pair of parts arranged side by side at a constant interval, which is arranged at a position in contact with the developer,
A reference electrode member having an input electrode and an output electrode having at least a pair of parts arranged side by side at a fixed interval, which is arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the developer,
The developer electrode detection member, in which the measurement electrode member and the reference electrode member are integrally formed of a flexible printed circuit board and have a detection surface on one surface and an adhesive surface on the other surface, is a single plate. In the attaching method of attaching the measurement electrode member and the reference electrode member to the front and back surfaces of the attaching member formed in a shape,
A first fixing surface of a sticking tool for positioning and fixing the detection surface of the measurement electrode member such that the adhesive surface is in a direction in which the surface of the adhesive member comes into contact with the surface of the sticking member; and a detection surface of the reference electrode member. A second fixing surface of the pasting tool that performs positioning and fixing so that the adhesive surface is in a direction in which the back surface of the pasting member is in contact with the back surface of the pasting member, and is configured to be folded back.
In a state where the hole of the measuring electrode member and the hole of the attaching member are positioned using pins protruding from the first fixing surface, the surface of the attaching member and the adhesive surface of the measuring electrode member are attached. Attached
A step of folding back the reference electrode member with respect to the measurement electrode member and attaching the reference electrode member to the back surface of the attachment member while holding the fixed state of the reference electrode member by the second fixing surface of the attaching tool. A method for attaching a developer amount detecting member, the method comprising: When peeling off the release paper of the adhesive of the developer amount detecting member, the measuring electrode member and the reference electrode member are on the same plane, and when the reference electrode member is folded, the reference electrode member is attached to the attaching member. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the member is shifted by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the developer. The measurement electrode member and the reference electrode member hold the fixed state by suction with respect to the first fixed surface and the second fixed surface, and the reference electrode member is folded from the folded portion over the front and back of the attaching member. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein a tension is applied in a direction of stretching toward an end portion, and the second fixing surface of the application tool is wrapped around a back surface of the measurement electrode application surface to perform application. The method of attaching the developer amount detecting member of the above. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the release paper of the adhesive of the developer amount detecting member is peeled off while being sucked by a tool. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a pressing step after the adhering step, wherein the pressing is performed on both surfaces simultaneously. In a coupling container in which a sticking member that pastes the measurement electrode member and a lid member that covers the reference electrode member are integrally joined,
A coupling container having an attaching member attached by the method according to claim 1. A developer container for storing the developer,
A developer container comprising the coupling container according to claim 6. In a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
(A) an electrophotographic photosensitive member, (b) a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and (c) the developer container according to claim 7;
A process cartridge comprising: In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
(A) an electrophotographic photoreceptor;
(B) an electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
(C) the developer container according to claim 7 or the process cartridge according to claim 8,
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising:

Images