JP2006058708A - Toner supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner supply device which prevents, without increases in the number of components and cost or the need for complex control, skipping of gear teeth or stepping out of a drive motor due to high load applied, for instance, when an image forming apparatus having a plurality of developing devices is installed. <P>SOLUTION: The toner supply device includes: the drive motor disposed for each of a plurality of toner conveying means and used for driving the toner conveying means; a detecting means for detecting whether a toner cartridge or toner cartridges have been replaced with new toner cartridges; and a control means for exerting control such that when the detecting means detects that two or more of the toner cartridges have been replaced, the drive motors of the toner conveying means fewer than the toner cartridges detected to have been replaced are driven at the same time, and toner is supplied to the corresponding developing devices. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine that employs an electrophotographic system, and more particularly to a toner supply device that is suitably used for a full-color image forming apparatus having a plurality of developing devices.

JP-A 61-022365 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 03-028871 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 03-111869 JP 05-076200 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-251973 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-120232 JP 2001-092317 A JP 2003-131539 A

  Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copier that employs this type of electrophotographic system, for example, 4 corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Each of the image forming units, and a toner image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) formed by each image forming unit is transferred to a drum-like or belt-like intermediate transfer member A so-called tandem type that is configured to form a full-color image by transferring and fixing onto a transfer sheet via a transfer belt, or by transferring and fixing multiple transfer sheets on a transfer sheet conveyed by a conveyor belt. Various image forming apparatuses have been proposed and actually manufactured.

  The image forming apparatus such as the printer or the copying machine includes a single photosensitive drum, and electrostatic latent image formation, development, and transfer processes are performed on the photosensitive drum using yellow (Y), By repeating the number of times corresponding to each color of magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum. The toner images of the respective colors (K) are transferred and fixed onto a transfer sheet via a belt-shaped or drum-shaped intermediate transfer member, or multiplexed on a transfer sheet carried on a drum-shaped sheet carrier. Various so-called four-cycle type image forming apparatuses configured to form a full-color image by transferring and fixing have been proposed and have been commercialized.

  In an image forming apparatus capable of forming these full-color images, it is necessary to develop the electrostatic latent image with toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Therefore, there are four developing devices, and a toner supply device that appropriately supplies toners of corresponding colors to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) developing devices. Is used.

  The toner supply device includes four toner conveying units provided corresponding to the developing devices of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Thus, toner of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is conveyed and supplied to the developing devices of the corresponding colors at a predetermined timing. Each of the toner conveying means is equipped with a drive motor such as a stepping motor for supplying the toner contained in the toner cartridge to the developing device.

  In an image forming apparatus including such a toner supply device, when a new image forming apparatus is installed in an office or home and started to be used, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black ( K) Toner is supplied from the toner cartridge containing the toner of each color to the developing device of the corresponding color, and the toner supplied into the developing device is sufficiently stirred with the carrier, and then the printing operation is started. The

  If the toner cartridge becomes empty while the image forming apparatus is continuously used, the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, and the toner is transferred from the new toner cartridge to the developing device of the corresponding color. After the toner is supplied and the toner supplied into the developing device is sufficiently stirred with a carrier or the like, the printing operation or the like is started.

  By the way, in the above-described image forming apparatus, when a new image forming apparatus is installed in an office or home and started to be used, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) It is necessary to supply toner from the toner cartridge of each color to the developing device of the corresponding color, and drive motors of all the toner supply devices of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are turned on. There is a first problem that it is necessary to drive the rotation at the same time and consume a lot of electric power.

  Further, when a new image forming apparatus is installed in an office or home and started to be used, since no toner is supplied to the toner conveying member of the toner supply device, the toner conveying member On the other hand, the toner cannot act as a lubricant, a large sliding resistance is generated in the toner conveying member, an excessive load is applied to the driving motor of the toner supply device, and the rotational driving force of the driving motor is used as the toner conveying member. There is a second problem that a so-called tooth skip occurs in the gear transmitted to the gear, the drive motor steps out, or the gear teeth are damaged in an extreme case.

  Therefore, in order to solve the problem caused by excessive load on the drive motor of the toner supply device when using a new image forming apparatus, it is also possible to use a drive motor with a large drive torque. In this case, however, a large drive motor is required, which causes a new third problem that increases the size and cost of the toner supply device.

  In the case of the toner supply device, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge becomes low, the printing operation is immediately stopped and the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one. Even when the remaining amount is low, a predetermined amount of toner usually remains in the toner conveyance path from the toner cartridge to the developing device.

  However, in the case of the above-described toner supply device, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge decreases, the printing operation is immediately stopped, so that the toner remaining between the toner cartridge and the developing device is removed. It also has a fourth problem that it cannot be effectively used for the developing operation.

  Therefore, as a technique that can solve the first to third problems, for example, JP-A-5-76200, JP-A-7-251973, JP-A-9-120232, or JP-A-2003-2003 As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 131539, etc., a configuration in which the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is detected to increase the rotational speed of the drive motor, or several process units are driven by one drive motor. There have already been proposed systems configured to perform drive load control and systems configured to increase torque by changing excitation of a stepping motor.

  Further, techniques that can solve the first to third problems are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-022365, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-028871, or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-1111869. In addition, one configured to change the number of rotations of the stirring member of the developing machine, one configured to change the number of rotations of the stirring member according to the remaining amount of toner (increase the number of rotations when the remaining amount decreases), In addition, a configuration in which a stirring member that detects the torque in the developer container and rotates it with a certain torque as a boundary has been proposed.

  The above prior art will be further described. The stepping motor excitation drive system according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-76200 includes a first angular position corresponding to a stable point at the time of A-phase excitation of the stepping motor, and a B-phase. The predetermined member is reciprocally rotated between the second angular position corresponding to the stable point at the time of excitation by the A-phase and B-phase excitation switching, and the member is mechanically stopped at the second angular position. In the apparatus, the member is rotated from the first angular position to the second angular position by switching the excitation from the A phase to the B phase, and when the rotation is completed, the excitation of the B phase is stopped and this rotation is performed. The -A phase for obtaining a further stable point in the direction of is excited to give a predetermined torque to the member at the second angular position.

  Further, the electrophotographic recording apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-251973 transfers and records an image on a photoreceptor on which input image information is written and transferred to a recording sheet fed to a recording position. An electrophotographic apparatus comprising: an image recording means; and a recording paper feeding / discharging means for feeding a recording paper loaded on a paper feed tray to a recording position of the image recording means and discharging the recording paper to the outside of the apparatus And a stepping motor for driving the photosensitive member and the recording paper feeding / discharging means, and until the paper feed sensor detects the leading edge of the recording paper on the downstream side of the recording position of the stepping motor. Drive control means for driving with a larger torque than when writing image information on the photoconductor.

  The image forming apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-120232 has a detachable toner cartridge, drives an agitating means for agitating the toner in the toner cartridge, and feeds and feeds the photosensitive drum. In the image forming apparatus having a driving motor for driving the conveying roller and the fixing roller, the driving load of the driving motor is controlled in the initial sequence of the apparatus based on the unique information of the toner cartridge.

  Further, the image forming apparatus according to the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-131539 uses the toner image carrier on which the toner image is formed and carries the toner image, and the toner image carrier using the toner supplied to the inside. An image forming device that forms a toner image on the body, a toner cartridge in which toner supplied to the image forming device is stored, and the presence or absence of residual toner in the toner cartridge installed outside the toner cartridge A toner detector for detecting the presence of toner and the presence of residual toner by the toner detector, the toner stored in the toner cartridge is supplied from the toner cartridge to the image forming device with a predetermined supply capability. When the remaining toner is detected by the toner detector, the toner supply capacity is Is obtained by adapted and a toner supply unit that temporarily increased to a higher supply capacity than the supply capacity of the.

  Further, the image forming apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-022365 discloses an image in which a developer is agitated and charged, conveyed by a conveying means, and adhered to a latent image on an image carrier to form an image. In the forming apparatus, a driving unit that lowers the transport speed of the transport unit is provided at the initial stage of stirring of the developer.

  Further, the toner supply device according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-028771 is a toner supply device that supplies toner stored in a tank to a developing device via a brush roller. The toner remaining amount detection sensor and a control circuit that increases the rotational speed of the brush roller stepwise when the remaining amount of toner in the tank decreases are provided.

  Further, a developing device according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-111869 includes a developer storage chamber that stores a developer, and a developer carrier that is rotatably disposed in an opening in front of the developer storage chamber. And a developer agitating means that is rotatably disposed inside the developer accommodating chamber and agitates the developer in the developer accommodating chamber. The developer agitating means has a rotational torque. It is configured to rotate only when it is below the set value.

  On the other hand, as a technique capable of solving the fourth problem, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-92317, the life of the process unit and the life of the developer container are compared. However, what has been proposed to notify the exchange when life is reached has already been proposed.

  The image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-92317 has an image carrier and a developer container capable of replenishing the developer, and the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier is developed by the developer in the developer container. A process unit that develops an image and can be freely attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, an exposure unit that exposes the image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, and a new process unit are mounted. A first counter that counts the number of image formations after being performed, a second counter that counts the number of image formations after the developer is replenished to the developer accommodating portion, and the count value of the second counter is a set value If the count value of the first counter reaches the set value when the value reaches the notification value, a notification means for notifying that the process unit needs to be replaced is provided.

  However, the above prior art has the following problems. That is, in the case of the techniques disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 5-76200, 7-251973, 9-120232, 2003-131539, etc., the toner in the toner cartridge A system that detects the remaining amount to increase the rotational speed of the drive motor, a system that drives several process units with a single drive motor, that is configured to perform drive load control, and a stepping motor In these cases, an additional means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is required, resulting in an increase in the number of parts and an increase in cost. In order to change the excitation of the stepping motor, special excitation control is required, and the cost associated with the complicated configuration There is a problem that leads to-up and the like.

  In the case of the techniques described in JP-A-61-022365, JP-A-3-028771, and JP-A-3-111869, the rotational speed of the stirring member of the developing machine is changed. What is configured, what is configured to change the rotation speed of the stirring member according to the remaining amount of toner (the rotation speed is increased when the remaining amount decreases), and the torque in the developer container is detected and constant However, even in these cases, a detection means for detecting the remaining amount of toner and the torque in the developer container is newly required. In addition to increasing the number of points and cost, special speed control is required when changing the number of rotations of the stirring member of the developing machine, which also leads to an increase in cost due to the complexity of the configuration. It has a problem point.

  Further, in the case of the technique described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-92317, the life of the process unit is compared with the life of the developer container so that the replacement is notified when one reaches the life. However, there is still a problem that a predetermined amount of toner remaining between the toner cartridge and the developing device cannot be effectively used.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the first object thereof is to increase the number of parts, increase the cost, and require complicated control. Toner supply device that can prevent gear skipping, drive motor step-out, etc. during high loads such as when an image forming apparatus having a plurality of developing devices is installed There is to do.

  A second object of the present invention is that when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is reduced, the toner remains between the toner cartridge and the developing device without immediately stopping the image forming operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a toner supply device capable of effectively using a predetermined amount of toner.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of developing devices, and corresponds to each of the plurality of toner cartridges containing at least toner and each of the plurality of toner cartridges. A toner supply device provided with toner conveying means arranged to convey and supply toner from the toner cartridge to a corresponding developing device;
A drive motor disposed in each of the plurality of toner conveying means and driving the toner conveying means;
Detecting means for detecting that the toner cartridge has been replaced with a new toner cartridge;
When the replacement of the plurality of toner cartridges is detected by the detection means, the drive motors of the toner transport means that are smaller than the number of toner cartridges detected to be replaced by the detection means are simultaneously driven, and the corresponding developing device is set. And a control unit that controls to supply the toner.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the control unit detects replacement of a plurality of toner cartridges, the control unit conveys toner corresponding to the toner cartridge detected by the detection unit. 2. The toner supply device according to claim 1, wherein the driving motors of the means are controlled to be individually driven one by one.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the control means controls the drive current to be increased more than usual when the drive motors of the toner conveying means are individually driven one by one. The toner supply device according to claim 2.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of toner cartridges corresponding to a plurality of developing devices, respectively, a plurality of toner cartridges containing at least toner, and a plurality of toner cartridges corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges, In a toner supply device comprising toner transport means for transporting and supplying toner from the toner cartridge to a corresponding developing device,
A drive motor disposed in each of the plurality of toner conveying means and driving the toner conveying means;
Detecting means for detecting that the toner cartridge has been replaced with a new toner cartridge;
When the detection unit detects the replacement of the toner cartridge, when the drive motor of the toner transport unit corresponding to the toner cartridge detected to be replaced by the detection unit is driven, the rotation speed of the drive motor is set for a predetermined time. And a control means for controlling the drive so as to be lowered.

  Further, in the invention described in claim 5, the drive motor is a stepping motor, and the control means changes the frequency for driving the stepping motor when the rotational speed of the drive motor is reduced by a predetermined time. The toner supply device according to claim 2, wherein the toner supply device is a toner supply device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of toner cartridges are provided corresponding to each of the developing devices, and are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges and the plurality of toner cartridges. In a toner supply device comprising toner transport means for transporting and supplying toner from a cartridge to a corresponding developing device,
Toner remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge;
Even when the remaining toner amount detecting means detects that the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is low, the toner remaining supplying operation for supplying the toner remaining in the toner conveying means to the developing device is performed. A toner supply device including a control unit to allow the toner supply device.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 7 is configured so that the control means can select whether or not to allow an extended supply operation of the toner. Device.

  According to the present invention, the gear tooth skipping at the time of high load such as when an image forming apparatus having a plurality of developing devices is installed without causing an increase in the number of parts and an increase in cost or requiring complicated control. Thus, it is possible to provide a toner supply device that can prevent the drive motor from stepping out.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge becomes low, the predetermined amount of toner remaining between the toner cartridge and the developing device is effectively used without immediately stopping the image forming operation. It is possible to provide a toner supply device that can be used for the above.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 2 shows a tandem type full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 shows the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 illustrates an image forming unit of a tandem type full-color printer as an applied image forming apparatus. In addition, the arrow in FIG. 3 has shown the rotation direction of each rotation member.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the full-color printer 01 includes photosensitive drums (image carriers) 11, 12, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Image forming units 1, 2, 3, 4 having 13, 14, and charging rolls (charging means) 21, 23, 24 for primary charging that are in contact with or close to these photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, 14 And writing an electrostatic latent image by irradiating laser beams 31, 32, 33, and 34 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively, as shown in FIG. Output Scanner) (exposure means) 03, development devices (development means) 41, 42, 43, 44, and two photosensitive drums 11, 12, among the above four photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, 14 A first primary intermediate transfer drum (intermediate transfer member) 51 that contacts the second primary intermediate transfer drum (intermediate member) 51 that contacts the other two photosensitive drums 13 and 14 ) 52, a secondary intermediate transfer drum (intermediate transfer body) 53 in contact with the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51, 52, and a transfer roll (transfer) in contact with the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 The main part is composed of the member 60).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are arranged in parallel to each other at a constant interval so as to have a common tangential plane M.sub.2. Further, the first primary intermediate transfer drum 51 and the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52 are surfaces whose rotational axes are parallel to the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 and have predetermined symmetry planes as boundaries. They are arranged in a symmetrical relationship. Further, the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is arranged so that the rotation axis thereof is parallel to the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14.

  Signals corresponding to image information for each color are rasterized by an image processing unit (not shown) and input to ROS03 shown in FIG. In this ROS03, laser beams 31, 32, 33, and 34 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are modulated according to image information, and the corresponding color photoconductors. The drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are irradiated to write an electrostatic latent image.

  Around each of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14, an image forming process for each color is executed by a well-known electrophotographic method. First, as the photoconductor drums 11, 12, 13, and 14, for example, photoconductor drums using an OPC photoconductor having a diameter of 24 mm are used. These photoconductor drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are, for example, It is rotationally driven at a rotational speed of 161 mm / sec. As shown in FIG. 3, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are applied with a DC voltage of about -800 V to charging rolls 21, 22, 23, and 24 as contact-type charging means. For example, it is charged to about -300V. The contact type charging means includes a roll type, a film type, a brush type, etc., but any type may be used. In this embodiment, a charging roll generally used in an electrophotographic apparatus in recent years is employed. Further, in order to charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14, in this embodiment, a charging method in which only DC is applied is used, but a charging method in which AC + DC is applied may be used.

  Thereafter, laser light 31 corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is applied to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 by ROS03 as an exposure unit. , 32, 33, and 34 are irradiated, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to input image information for each color is formed. When the electrostatic latent image is written by ROS03, the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are discharged to a surface potential of the image exposure portion of about −60 V or less.

  Further, the electrostatic latent images corresponding to the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are compatible. Are developed by the developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are provided on the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14, respectively. Visualized as a toner image.

  In this embodiment, a magnetic brush contact type two-component development method is adopted as the developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44. However, the present invention is not limited to this development method. Of course, the present invention can be sufficiently applied to other development systems such as a contact development system.

The developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44 are filled with two-component developers including yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners and carriers, each having a different color. Has been. When the toner is replenished from the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04C, 04K shown in FIG. 2, these replenishing toners 41, 42, 43, 44 are supplied to the auger 404 as shown in FIG. Is sufficiently agitated with the carrier and triboelectrically charged. Inside the developing roll 401, a magnet roll (not shown) having a plurality of magnetic poles arranged at a predetermined angle is fixed. By the paddle 403 that conveys the developer to the developing roll 401, the amount of the developer conveyed to the vicinity of the surface of the developing roll 401 is regulated by the developer amount regulating member 402. In this embodiment, the amount of the developer is 30 to 50 g / m ² , and the charge amount of the toner existing on the developing roll 401 at this time is about −20 to 35 μC / g.

The toner used in the developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44 has a shape factor MLS2 defined by the following equation of 100 to 140, for example, MLS2 = 130, and an average particle size of 3 μm to 10 μm. So-called “spherical toner” is used.
MLS2 = {(absolute maximum length of toner particles) ² )}
/ {(Projection area of toner particles) × π × 1/4 × 100}

  The toner supplied onto the developing roll 401 is in the form of a magnetic brush composed of a carrier and toner by the magnetic force of the magnet roll, and this magnetic brush comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14. ing. A developing bias voltage of AC + DC is applied to the developing roll 401 to develop the toner on the developing roll 401 into an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14. It is formed. In this embodiment, the development bias voltage is about 4 kHz for AC, 1.5 kVpp, and about −230 V for DC.

  Next, the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are first primary images. The primary transfer is electrostatically performed on the intermediate transfer drum 51 and the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52. The yellow (Y) and magenta (M) color toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 11 and 11 are formed on the first primary intermediate transfer drum 51 and cyan (C ) And black (K) toner images are transferred onto the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52, respectively. Therefore, on the first primary intermediate transfer drum 51, the single color image transferred from either the photosensitive drum 11 or 12 and the two color toner images transferred from both the photosensitive drums 11 and 12 are superimposed. A double color image is formed. In addition, similar single-color images and double-color images are also formed on the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52 from the photosensitive drums 13 and 14.

  The surface potential necessary for electrostatically transferring the toner image from the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, 14 onto the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51, 52 is about +250 to 500V. It is. This surface potential is set to an optimum value depending on the charged state of the toner, the ambient temperature, and the humidity. As shown in FIG. 2, the ambient temperature and humidity are detected by an environmental sensor that detects the ambient temperature and humidity. As described above, when the charge amount of the toner is in the range of −20 to 35 μC / g and is in a normal temperature and humidity environment, the surface potential of the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 is + 380V is desirable.

The first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 used in this embodiment have an outer diameter of 42 mm, for example, and a resistance value of about 10 ⁸ Ω. The first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 are cylindrical rotating bodies having a single layer or a plurality of layers whose surfaces are flexible or elastic, and are generally made of Fe, Al, or the like. A low-resistance elastic rubber layer (R = 10 ² to 10 ³ Ω) typified by conductive silicone rubber or the like is provided on a metal pipe as a metal core to have a thickness of about 0.1 to 10 mm. Furthermore, the outermost surfaces of the first and second intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 are typically high release layers (R = 10 ⁵ to 10 ⁹ Ω) and bonded with a silane coupling agent-based adhesive (primer). What is important here is the resistance value and the releasability of the surface, and the resistance value of the high release layer is about R = 10 ⁵ to 10 ⁹ Ω. It is not limited.

  The single-color or double-color toner images formed on the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 in this way are electrostatically secondary-transferred onto the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53. Accordingly, a final toner image from a single color image to a quadruple color image of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is formed on the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53. Will be.

  The surface potential necessary for electrostatically transferring the toner image from the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 onto the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is about +600 to 1200V. This surface potential is the same as when the toner is transferred from the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, 14 to the first primary intermediate transfer drum 51 and the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52. Will be set to the optimum value. Further, since what is necessary for the transfer is a potential difference between the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 and the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53, the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 have different potentials. It is necessary to set the value according to the surface potential. As described above, the charge amount of the toner is in the range of −20 to 35 μC / g, and the surface potential of the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 is +380 V in a normal temperature and humidity environment. The surface potential of the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is about +880 V, that is, the potential difference between the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 and the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is + It is desirable to set it to about 500V.

The secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 used in this embodiment is formed to have the same outer diameter as that of the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52, for example, 42 mm, and the resistance value is set to about 10 ¹¹ Ω. . Similarly to the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52, the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is a cylindrical rotating body having a single layer or a plurality of layers whose surface is flexible or elastic. In general, a low resistance elastic rubber layer (R = 10 ² to 10 ³ Ω) typified by conductive silicone rubber or the like is formed on a metal pipe as a metal core made of Fe or Al. It is provided at about 0.1-10mm. Further, the outermost surface of the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is typically formed by forming a fluororubber in which fluororesin fine particles are dispersed as a high release layer having a thickness of 3 to 100 μm, and a silane coupling agent-based adhesive. (Primer). Here, the resistance value of the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 needs to be set higher than that of the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52. Otherwise, the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 will charge the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51, 52, making it difficult to control the surface potential of the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51, 52. Become. The material is not particularly limited as long as the material satisfies such conditions.

  Next, the final toner image from the single color image to the quadruple color image formed on the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is tertiary transferred onto the transfer paper P passing through the paper transport path by the final transfer roll 60. The As shown in FIG. 2, the transfer paper P passes through a registration roller 90 through a paper feeding process from a paper feed cassette 05 and is fed into the nip portion between the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 and the transfer roll 60. After this final transfer process, the final toner image formed on the transfer paper P is fixed by heat and pressure by the fixing device 70 and discharged onto a discharge tray T provided on the upper part of the full-color printer 01. A series of image forming processes is completed.

The final transfer roll 60 has, for example, an outer diameter of 20 mm and a resistance value of about 10 ⁸ Ω. The final transfer roll 60 is configured, for example, by providing a coating layer made of urethane rubber or the like on a metal shaft and coating it as necessary. The optimum voltage of the voltage applied to the final transfer roll 60 varies depending on the ambient temperature, humidity, paper type (resistance value, etc.), and is about +1200 to 5000V. In this embodiment, a constant current method is employed, and a current of about +10 μA is applied in a normal temperature and humidity environment to obtain a substantially appropriate transfer voltage (+1600 to 2000 V).

  Further, when images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper P, as shown in FIG. 2, the transfer paper P on which the image is formed on one side is not directly discharged onto the discharge tray T, but is turned upside down. In this state, the transfer paper P is conveyed again to the transfer section via the double-sided paper conveyance path 07, and an image is formed on the back surface of the transfer paper P.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 08 denotes a paper feed roll for transporting the transfer paper P supplied from a manual feed tray (not shown), 09 denotes a control circuit, and 10 denotes a power supply circuit.

  By the way, in this embodiment, a plurality of toner cartridges are disposed corresponding to the plurality of developing devices, respectively, and are disposed respectively corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges and the plurality of toner cartridges. In a toner supply device including a toner transport unit that transports and supplies toner to a corresponding developing device, a drive motor that is disposed in each of the plurality of toner transport units and drives the toner transport unit, and the toner cartridge Detecting means for detecting that the toner cartridge has been replaced with a new toner cartridge, and when the replacement of the plurality of toner cartridges is detected by the detecting means, the number of toner cartridges is less than the number of toner cartridges detected by the detecting means. Corresponding by simultaneously driving the drive motor of the transport means And it is configured to include a control means for supplying toner to the image device.

  In this embodiment, when the detection unit detects replacement of a plurality of toner cartridges, the control unit drives the drive motor of the toner transport unit corresponding to the toner cartridge detected by the detection unit. Are controlled to be driven individually one by one.

  4 and 5 are perspective views showing the main part of the printer to which the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the toner supply device 110 according to this embodiment includes toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C that contain a developer in which toner of a predetermined color and a carrier are mixed. Toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114 for conveying toner and the like from the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C to the developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44 are provided. The toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114 are provided corresponding to the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C, respectively. These toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114 are integrated. It is configured.

  The toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C are horizontally arranged on the rear side of the printer main body 100 in a state of being arranged in parallel with each other, as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and at least toner is contained in the toner cartridge in the present embodiment. A developer mixed at a predetermined ratio is accommodated. The toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C are formed in a spiral shape for supplying toner while stirring the developer contained in the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C. An agitator (not shown) is rotatably arranged. Further, the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C are provided with a toner discharge port (not shown) at one end in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the toner discharge port is usually a shutter member (not shown). It is blocked by 4 and 5, after the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C are mounted on the toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114, the shutter members are connected to the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K. , 04C is configured to be opened in accordance with the operation of rotating in a predetermined direction.

  It should be noted that crumbs 115 Y, 115 M, and 115 K serving as old and new discriminating means that store usage histories and the like of the toner cartridges 04 Y, 04 M, 04 K, and 04 C are provided at the inner ends of the toner cartridges 04 Y, 04 M, 04 K, and 04 C. 115 C is attached, and information stored in the crumbs 115 Y, 115 M, 115 K, 115 C communicates with the crumbs 115 Y, 115 M, 115 K, 115 C in a non-contact state. The communication means 116 Y, 116 M, 116 K, and 116 C are configured to be read out.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114 correspond to the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). All are configured in the same manner, and here, the configuration will be described by taking the yellow (Y) toner conveying means 111 as an example. The toner conveying means 111 includes a mounting portion 117 to which the toner cartridge 04Y is mounted, a toner conveying portion 118 for conveying toner from the toner cartridge 04Y, and toner supplied by the toner conveying portion 118 for developing yellow color And an auger pipe 119 for conveying to the apparatus 41.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the mounting portion 117 of the toner conveying means 111 includes a concave portion 120 having a substantially semicircular cross section that is accommodated in a state in which the toner cartridge 04Y is fitted. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, a receiving portion 121 for receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port of the toner cartridge 04Y has a planar rectangular shape and a substantially semicircular cross section. It is formed to become. At the bottom of the receiving portion 121, a toner introduction port 122 is opened in a small plane rectangular shape. Inside the toner introduction port 122, a rectangular parallelepiped toner agitator having substantially the same planar shape as the toner receiving portion 121 is formed. A transport unit 123 is integrally provided. 7 and 12, reference numerals 155 Y to 155 K denote window plates for optically detecting the presence or absence of toner in the toner receiving portion 121.

  An agitator 124 for agitating the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 04Y is rotatably disposed above the toner agitating / conveying section 123, and below the toner agitator 124, the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 04Y is disposed. An auger 125 for conveying to the developing device 41 is rotatably arranged. A cylindrical toner supply port 126 for supplying toner to the developing device 41 is opened at a lower end portion of the toner agitating / conveying portion 123 at a position corresponding to the tip portion of the auger 125. An auger pipe 119 is connected to the outer periphery of the toner supply port 126.

  The toner conveying means 111 is provided with a driving means 127 for conveying the toner replenished from the toner cartridge 04Y to the developing device 41 as shown in FIGS. A total of four driving means 127 are provided corresponding to the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C for each color, and each of the driving means 127 includes a driving motor 128 that includes a stepping motor or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a drive gear 129 provided integrally with the rotation shaft of the drive motor 128 is engaged with a first agitator idler gear 130 and a first toner cartridge idler gear 131. The first agitator idler gear 130 includes a second agitator idler gear 132 and a third agitator idler gear 133 provided coaxially and integrally with the second agitator idler gear 132. An agitator 124 meshed with the gear 134 and having the agitator gear 134 attached to one end thereof is configured to be rotationally driven at a predetermined rotational speed.

  On the other hand, the first toner cartridge idler gear 131 is meshed with the auger gear 136 via a second toner cartridge idler gear 135 provided coaxially with the first toner cartridge idler gear 131. The auger 125 to which the auger gear 136 is attached at one end is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed.

  Further, the first toner cartridge idler gear 131 is meshed with the toner cartridge gear 138 via the third toner cartridge idler gear 137, and the toner cartridge gear 138 causes the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, An agitator (not shown) for stirring and supplying the toner provided inside 04C is configured to be driven to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the auger pipe 117 is provided with a pipe member 139 made of soft synthetic resin having flexibility, and inside the pipe member 139, as shown in FIG. In addition, a metal spiral agitator 140 connected to the tip of the transfer auger 125 is disposed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a hard synthetic resin connecting member 141 for mounting on the developing device 41 is provided at the tip of the auger pipe 119, and the connecting member 141 is attached to the auger pipe 119. By being inserted into the supply unit of the developing device 41, the toner conveyed through the auger pipe 119 is supplied to the inside of the developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44. The connecting member 141 is provided with a snap-fit portion 142 that prevents the connecting member 141 from coming off when the connecting member 141 is attached to the developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling the entire printer including the toner supply device configured as described above.

  In FIG. 1, 150 is a CPU as control means for controlling the entire printer including the toner supply device, 111 to 114 are toner supply devices, 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C are yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan ( C), toner cartridge containing toner of each color of black (K), 128 Y to 128 K are drive motors provided in the toner conveying means, and 115 Y to 115 C are replacements of toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C Numeral 151 indicates a density sensor for detecting the density of a toner patch transferred onto the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53, and 152 indicates an ESS for processing image data.

  The CPU 150 as a control means is configured to control the order of driving the drive motors 128 of the toner supply device 110, the drive current, etc., and the CPU 150 simultaneously drives the plurality of drive motors 128 of the toner supply device 110. Even if it is necessary to do so, the four drive motors 128 are not driven simultaneously, and preferably four or fewer drive motors 128 are individually driven one by one.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a drive system that drives each drive motor 128 of the toner supply device 110. In the figure, reference numeral 161 denotes a cartridge new / old recognition unit for recognizing whether the toner cartridge is new or old, and includes the above-described crumbs 115 Y, 115 M, 115 K, 115 C, communication means 116 Y, 116 M, 116 K, 116 C, and the like. Has been. Reference numeral 162 denotes an image pixel number detection unit. The image pixel number detection unit 162 detects the number of image pixels for each color based on image data and the like from the ESS 152. Further, reference numeral 163 denotes a machine initial installation detection unit. The machine initial installation detection unit 163 is based on the first power-on of the printer, information stored in the crumbs 115 Y, 115 M, 115 K, and 115 C. The printer is configured to detect whether the printer is a new printer. Reference numeral 164 denotes a current value changing circuit which controls to change the current value of the stepping motor. Reference numeral 165 denotes a drive circuit that generates a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency for driving the stepping motor and drives the stepping motor. Note that the image pixel number detection unit 162 and the current value change circuit 164 may be independently configured as hardware, but may be configured by software executed by the CPU 150.

  In the above configuration, the full-color printer to which the toner supply device according to this embodiment is applied has a plurality of components without increasing the number of parts, increasing the cost, or requiring complicated control as follows. It is possible to prevent occurrence of gear tooth skipping, drive motor step-out, and the like during high loads such as when an image forming apparatus having a developing device is installed.

  That is, when the full-color printer 01 according to this embodiment is used after installing a new printer in an office or home, the printer main body 100 is provided with yellow (Y), magenta ( M), cyan (C), and black (K) new toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C are mounted, and the toner supply device 110 causes yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), The toner of the color corresponding to the developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44 of each color of black (K) is supplied.

  At that time, the toner supply device 110 does not supply toner at all to the inside of the toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114 or to the auger pipe 119 at the start of use. Therefore, the sliding resistance between the pipe-like member 139 of the auger pipe 119 and the agitator 140 is high, and the drive provided individually for each toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114 is shown in FIG. If the motor 128 is driven at the same time, the gear provided in the drive system may be stepped out.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, when a new printer is installed or one or more toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C are replaced with new ones, the CPU 150 Whether the printer is new or old is discriminated (step 101). Whether the printer is new or old is determined based on a signal from a machine initial installation detection unit as shown in FIG. When the CPU 150 determines that the printer is not new and is already in use, the CPU 150 performs a normal operation (step 102).

  When the CPU 150 determines that the printer is new, the CPU 150 increases the current value for driving the drive motor 128 individually provided in each toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114 of the toner supply device 110 more than usual. (Step 103). Further, the CPU 150 causes the toner supply device 110 to use the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C to develop the corresponding developing devices 41, When supplying toner to 42, 43, 44, drive motors 128 individually provided in the toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114 are arranged in any order, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), In this order, cyan (C) and black (K) are independently driven one by one, and the four drive motors 128 are controlled not to be driven simultaneously (step 104). At that time, as described above, the CPU 150 increases the current value for driving the drive motor 128 more than usual.

  Next, the CPU 150 cumulatively counts the pixels (number of pixels) of the image signal of each color based on the signal from the ESS 152 by the image pixel number detection unit shown in FIG. Compared with the threshold value X (step 105), if the pixel count value is less than the threshold value X, the process returns to step 105.

  When the CPU 150 determines that the pixel count value is equal to or greater than the threshold value X, the CPU 150 returns the current value for driving the drive motor 128 to a normal value and performs a normal operation that allows the four drive motors 128 to be driven simultaneously. Returning is made (step 106).

  Accordingly, when determining that the printer is new, the CPU 150 supplies toner to the developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44 by the toner supply device 110 for a predetermined period until the pixel count value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value X thereafter. When it is prohibited to drive the four drive motors 128 of the toner supply device 110 at the same time and it is necessary to drive a plurality of drive motors 128 at the same time, each of the drive motors 128 is individually Control to drive.

  Further, in the printer according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), as in the case where the printer is new. It is determined whether or not each toner cartridge 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C is new, that is, whether the toner cartridge 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C has been replaced with a new one (step 101). When it is determined that the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C are replaced with new ones, the current value is increased and the plurality of drive motors 128 are individually driven one by one.

  When only one toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, naturally, only the drive motor 128 corresponding to the replaced toner cartridge is driven. However, even in this case, the current value is increased. ing. Further, when a plurality of toner cartridges are simultaneously replaced with new ones, the above-described operation is executed as it is.

  As described above, in the toner supply device 110 according to the above-described embodiment, even when starting to use a new printer, the drive motor 128 provided individually for each toner transport unit 111, 112, 113, 114 is provided with 1 Since the drive is performed individually at different times, the low-voltage power supply (LVPS) for driving the drive motor 128 is not increased in size, and the drive motor 128 itself is not increased in size. It is possible to reliably supply the toner from the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C to the corresponding developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44 in a state in which the occurrence of 128 step-out is prevented.

  Further, in the toner supply device 110 according to this embodiment, it is only necessary to shift the drive timings of the drive motors 128 individually provided in the respective toner transport units 111, 112, 113, 114. No need to invite ups and complex controls.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 18 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals, and this second embodiment will be described with reference to a plurality of toner conveying means. A drive motor that is disposed and drives the toner conveying unit; a detection unit that detects that the toner cartridge has been replaced with a new toner cartridge; and a toner cartridge replacement detected by the detection unit, Control means for controlling to drive the drive motor of the toner conveying means corresponding to the toner cartridge whose replacement is detected by the detection means by reducing the rotation speed of the drive motor for a predetermined time. It is configured as follows.

  In this embodiment, the drive motor is a stepping motor, and the control means is configured to change a frequency for driving the stepping motor when the rotational speed of the drive motor is reduced by a predetermined time. Has been.

  That is, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, when a new printer is installed or when one or more new toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C are replaced with new ones, The CPU 150 determines whether the printer is new or old (step 201), and if the printer is an old product, normal operation is performed (step 202). In addition, when the printer is new, when the toner is supplied from the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C to the corresponding developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44, the rotation of the drive motor 128 that includes a stepping motor is performed. The number is configured to be driven at a lower rotational frequency by lowering the drive frequency (step 203). The drive motor 128 composed of the stepping motor increases the drive torque by reducing the rotational speed.

  Further, the CPU 150 causes the toner supply device 110 to use the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C to develop the corresponding developing devices 41, When supplying toner to 42, 43, 44, drive motors 128 individually provided in the toner conveying means 111, 112, 113, 114 are arranged in any order, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), In this order, cyan (C) and black (K) are driven independently one by one, and the four drive motors 128 are controlled so as not to be driven simultaneously (step 204). At that time, as described above, the CPU 150 reduces the rotational speed of the drive motor 128 more than usual.

  Next, the CPU 150 counts the pixels (number of pixels) of the image signal of each color based on the signal from the ESS 152. The pixel count value is compared with the threshold value X (step 205), and the pixel count value is calculated. Is less than the threshold value X, the process returns to step 204.

  Further, when the pixel count value is equal to or greater than the threshold value X, the CPU 150 returns the rotational speed of the drive motor 128 made of a stepping motor to the normal rotational speed (step 206).

  FIG. 19 is a graph showing the relationship between the driving frequency and the driving torque for determining the rotational speed of the driving motor 128 composed of the stepping motor used in the second embodiment, and at a normal rotating speed, the driving frequency is 500 pps. While being driven, the initial driving frequency is set to 300 pps. By doing so, it can be seen that the driving torque can be increased by about 50%.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, an increase in the number of parts, an increase in cost, and complicated control are not required, and at the time of high load such as when an image forming apparatus having a plurality of developing devices is installed. It is possible to prevent gear tooth skipping, step-out of the drive motor, and the like.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Embodiment 3
FIG. 20 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and the third embodiment corresponds to each developing device. A plurality of toner cartridges that contain at least toner, and a toner transport unit that is disposed corresponding to each of the plurality of toner cartridges and that transports and supplies toner from the toner cartridge to a corresponding developing device. And a toner remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge, and the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is detected by the remaining toner amount detecting means. Even in such a case, the control means is allowed to allow an extended supply operation of the toner that conveys the toner remaining in the toner conveying means to the developing device. And it is configured to include and.

  In this embodiment, the control means is configured to select whether or not to allow an extended toner supply operation.

  That is, in the third embodiment, the toner supply device 110 changes the corresponding color from the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C. Toner is supplied to the developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44, and the printing operation is executed. In the full color printer, the toner in each of the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C is consumed with the printing operation.

  Incidentally, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), cyan (C), on the secondary transfer drum 53 or the final transfer roll 60 at a predetermined timing. Patches for toner density control of each color of black (K) are formed at a predetermined timing, and the density of the toner density control patch is detected by the ADC sensor 151, whereby yellow (Y), magenta (M), The toner is appropriately supplied from the cyan (C) and black (K) toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C to the developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44 of the corresponding colors.

  In the full color printer, the CPU 150 counts the accumulated toner supply time from each toner cartridge 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C, that is, the accumulated drive time of each drive motor 128 of the toner supply device 110, and the accumulated toner. When it is determined that the remaining amount of toner in each of the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C has become low after the supply time reaches a predetermined warning time, a message is displayed to replace the corresponding toner cartridge with a new one. It is configured.

  When the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, the accumulated toner supply time is reset. In this state, the flag for detecting the empty state of the toner cartridge is “0”.

  When a message is displayed to replace the toner cartridge with a new one, the flag for detecting the empty state of the toner cartridge becomes “1”.

  Thereafter, in the full color printer, when the printing operation is continued, the remaining amount of toner in each of the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C approaches almost empty, and the detected value of the toner density control patch is as shown in FIG. It will vary greatly.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, when the CPU 150 detects that the detection value of the toner density control patch is lower than a predetermined value (near empty threshold), the toner supply device also in this case. As shown in FIG. 11, since a predetermined amount (for example, about 20 g) of toner remains in each of the auger pipes 119, it is possible to select an extension operation in which the toner is used for printing. It has become. This toner supply extension operation can be selected by an operation panel or the like.

  Normally, when the accumulated toner supply time reaches a predetermined shutdown time, the CPU 150 forcibly stops the printing operation and performs control so that the printing operation cannot be resumed unless the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one.

  However, in the third embodiment, when the above-described toner supply extension operation is selected, the CPU 150 allows the print operation to continue even if the accumulated toner supply time reaches a predetermined shutdown time, and controls the toner density. When the density of the toner patch falls below the Addmix threshold, the toner agitation supply operation is repeated n times, and the toner density control patch density exceeds the Addmix threshold even when the toner agitation supply operation is repeated n times. It is configured to shut down the machine for the first time when there is not.

  The CPU 150 determines whether the accumulated toner supply time reaches a predetermined shutdown time or the density of the toner density control patch does not exceed the Addmix threshold even if the toner agitation supply operation is repeated n times. The machine may be configured to shut down under the earlier condition.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge decreases, the predetermined amount of toner remaining between the toner cartridge and the developing device is immediately stopped without stopping the printing operation. It is possible to provide a toner supply device that can effectively use the toner.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control unit of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an image forming unit of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner supply device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 4 is a perspective configuration diagram showing the toner supply device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective configuration diagram showing the toner supply device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing toner conveying means of the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the toner conveying means of the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a right side view showing the toner conveying means of the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a left side view showing the toner conveying means of the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing one toner conveying means of the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the toner conveying means of the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a front view showing the toner conveying means of the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a left side view showing one toner conveying means of the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing one toner conveying means of the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an auger for toner conveyance. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a control unit of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 19 is a graph showing the relationship between the drive frequency and drive torque of the drive motor. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a control unit of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing the operation of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner supply apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

41, 42, 43, 44: developing device, 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C: toner cartridge, 110: toner supply device, 111-114: toner conveying means, 128: drive motor, 150: CPU (control means).

Claims (7)

A plurality of toner cartridges arranged corresponding to the plurality of developing devices, respectively, and a plurality of toner cartridges containing at least toner, and arranged corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges, respectively, to convey the toner from the toner cartridges to the corresponding developing devices. A toner supply device including toner supply means for supplying
A drive motor disposed in each of the plurality of toner conveying means and driving the toner conveying means;
Detecting means for detecting that the toner cartridge has been replaced with a new toner cartridge;
When the replacement of the plurality of toner cartridges is detected by the detection means, the drive motors of the toner transport means that are smaller than the number of toner cartridges detected to be replaced by the detection means are simultaneously driven, and the corresponding developing device is set. A toner supply device comprising: control means for controlling to supply toner. When the detection unit detects the replacement of a plurality of toner cartridges, the control unit individually drives the drive motors of the toner conveyance units corresponding to the toner cartridges detected by the detection unit one by one. The toner supply device according to claim 1, wherein the toner supply device is controlled as follows. The toner supply device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the drive current to be increased more than usual when the drive motors of the toner transport unit are individually driven one by one. A plurality of toner cartridges arranged corresponding to the plurality of developing devices, respectively, and a plurality of toner cartridges containing at least toner, and arranged corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges, respectively, to convey the toner from the toner cartridges to the corresponding developing devices. A toner supply device including toner supply means for supplying
A drive motor disposed in each of the plurality of toner conveying means and driving the toner conveying means;
Detecting means for detecting that the toner cartridge has been replaced with a new toner cartridge;
When the detection unit detects the replacement of the toner cartridge, when the drive motor of the toner transport unit corresponding to the toner cartridge detected to be replaced by the detection unit is driven, the rotation speed of the drive motor is set for a predetermined time. And a control means for controlling the drive so as to be lowered. The said drive motor consists of a stepping motor, The said control means changes the frequency which drives a stepping motor, when reducing the rotation speed of the said drive motor only for the predetermined time. Toner supply device. A plurality of toner cartridges arranged corresponding to the developing devices, respectively, and at least a plurality of toner cartridges containing toner, and arranged corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges, respectively, transporting toner from the toner cartridges to the corresponding developing devices. In a toner supply device comprising a toner conveying means for supplying,
Toner remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge;
Even when the remaining toner amount detecting means detects that the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge is low, the toner remaining supplying operation for supplying the toner remaining in the toner conveying means to the developing device is performed. A toner supply device comprising control means for allowing. The toner supply device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to select whether or not to allow an extended supply operation of the toner.

Images