JP2010186077A - Image forming system, developer container and method of manufacturing the developer container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system or the like that can properly use a developer up to its appropriate deterioration state according to an initial capacity of a developer container. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming system includes: a first developer container (developing cartridge 5C) configured to contain a developer (toner T); a second developer container (developing cartridge 5B) configured to contain the developer, wherein an amount of the developer contained in the second developer container is larger than that contained in the first developing container; and an image forming apparatus configured to detachably mount therein the first developer container and the second developer container at a same position. The first developer container is configured such that light reception time (time when a light-receiving element receives light having intensity equal to or above a prescribed value for a fixed time) obtained when the first developer container having a prescribed amount of developer remaining is mounted in the image forming apparatus is shorter than a light reception time obtained when the second developer container having the same prescribed amount of developer remaining is mounted in the image forming apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an image forming system including at least two types of developer containers having different initial capacities of developers, and an image forming apparatus in which each developer container can be attached and detached at the same position, and an image of the image forming system The present invention relates to a developer container mounted on a forming apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same.

  In general, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is detachably equipped with a cartridge (developer container) containing toner (developer) and supplies toner in the cartridge to a photoconductor to form an image. is there. In such an image forming apparatus, a cartridge is provided based on a light reception signal obtained by providing a pair of light transmission windows facing the side walls of the cartridge and detecting light incident from one light transmission window from the other light transmission window. A configuration for estimating the amount of toner in the toner may be used (see Patent Document 1).

  By the way, the toner in the cartridge gradually deteriorates (charging performance is lowered) by repeated stirring, and when the number of printed sheets exceeds a predetermined number of prints, the initial charging performance cannot be obtained and the quality of the formed image is lowered. To do. Therefore, in order to form a good image, it is necessary to leave a predetermined amount without using up all the toner in the cartridge.

JP 2001-005276 A

  On the other hand, a plurality of types of cartridges having different initial capacities of toner, for example, two types of large-capacity type and small-capacity type are set and are often sold. However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, it is determined that it is time to replace the cartridge when the amount of toner falls below a certain amount regardless of the initial toner capacity.

  Since the toner deterioration state roughly depends on the usage time of the cartridge, even with the same toner remaining amount, compared with the large-capacity type, the remaining toner of the small-capacity type has deteriorated so as to lower the image quality. Absent. For this reason, if it is determined that it is time to replace the toner when the amount of toner falls below a certain amount regardless of the initial capacity of the toner, the small-capacity type may be replaced with the replacement time even though the remaining toner can still withstand use. As a result, the toner cannot be used effectively.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described background, and an image forming system and a developer that allow a developer to be used to an appropriate deterioration state according to an initial capacity of a cartridge (developer container). It is an object of the present invention to provide a container and a method for manufacturing a developer container.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming system according to the present invention includes a first developer container that contains a developer and a second developer that contains more developer than the first developer container. An image forming system comprising: a developer container; and an image forming apparatus in which the first developer container or the second developer container is removable at the same position, wherein the first developer container and The second developer container includes a developer accommodating chamber that accommodates the developer, and a pair of light transmitting portions provided on opposite side walls of the developer accommodating chamber. A light-emitting element that emits light, a light-receiving element that receives light from the light-emitting element through the pair of light transmission parts, and a light-receiving time in which the light-receiving element receives light of a predetermined value or more during a certain period of time Of the developer container when the ratio of Determination means for determining that it is time, and a developer of the same amount as the predetermined amount than when the second developer container in which the predetermined amount of developer remains is attached to the image forming apparatus The first developer container is configured so that the light receiving time is shorter when the first developer container in which the remaining amount is attached to the image forming apparatus. .

  According to the image forming system of the present invention, the same amount of developer remains as compared with the case where the second developer container in which the predetermined amount of developer remains is attached to the image forming apparatus. The light receiving time is shorter when the first developer container is attached to the image forming apparatus. Thereby, when the developer in the second developer container reaches a predetermined remaining amount, the ratio of the light receiving time with respect to the fixed time exceeds the determination threshold, whereas the developer in the first developer container It is possible to create a situation in which the ratio of the light reception time does not exceed the determination threshold even when the predetermined remaining amount is reached.

  As a result, the determination means determines the replacement time when the developer reaches a predetermined remaining amount for the large-capacity type second developer container, whereas the determination unit determines the replacement time for the small-capacity type first developer container. Is determined to be the replacement time when the remaining amount is less than the predetermined remaining amount. For this reason, it is possible to use the developer in the first developer container of a small capacity type that could not be used effectively until a suitable deterioration state.

  In addition, a developer container according to the present invention includes a developer storage chamber that stores a developer, a pair of light transmission portions provided on opposite side walls of the developer storage chamber, and an interior of the developer storage chamber. And a light-blocking member that periodically blocks light passing through the pair of light transmission portions for a predetermined time, and has a small capacity with a different initial capacity of the developer initially stored in the developer storage chamber A developer container that can be set to at least two types, that is, a type and a large capacity type, and can be attached to and detached from the same position of one image forming apparatus. The light shielding member is formed long in the rotation direction.

  In addition, you may comprise as follows instead of forming a light shielding member long. In other words, the position of the small-capacity type light-shielding member relative to the conveying member is arranged at a position different from the large-capacity type light-shielding member in the rotation direction so that the light blocking time is longer than that of the large-capacity type light-shielding member. Also good. Further, for the small capacity type, more light shielding members may be provided than for the large capacity type.

  According to the developer container of the present invention, the small capacity type has a longer light blocking time than the large capacity type. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, the small capacity type has a light receiving time longer than the large capacity type. The developer can be shortened, and a small-capacity type developer can be used to an appropriate deterioration state.

The method for manufacturing the developer container described above may be performed as follows.
In the method of manufacturing a developer container in which the length of the light shielding member differs depending on the type, when manufacturing a small capacity type, a light shielding member formed longer in the rotation direction than the light shielding member used for the large capacity type may be used. Good.

  In addition, in the method of manufacturing a developer container in which the position of the light shielding member with respect to the conveyance member differs depending on the type, the small capacity light shielding member has a small capacity so that the light blocking time is longer than that of the large capacity type light shielding member. What is necessary is just to arrange | position a type of light shielding member in the position which is different in a rotation direction with respect to a conveyance member with respect to a large capacity type light shielding member.

  Further, in the method of manufacturing a developer container having a different number of light blocking members depending on the type, when a small capacity type is manufactured, more light blocking members may be provided than when a large capacity type is manufactured.

  According to the present invention, the first development in which the same amount of developer remains as compared with the case where the second developer container in which the predetermined amount of developer remains is attached to the image forming apparatus. When the developer container is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the light receiving time is shortened, so that the developer can be used to an appropriate deterioration state according to the initial capacity of the developer container.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a laser printer as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (a) showing a large-capacity type developing cartridge and an enlarged cross-sectional view (b) showing a small-capacity type developing cartridge. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2 showing the configuration around the developing cartridge. It is a time chart which shows the light reception signal of a light receiving element. (A)-(d) is sectional drawing for demonstrating the operation | movement of an agitator and the motion of a toner. It is a figure which shows the form which changes the position of a light-shielding member according to a type, and is an expanded sectional view (a) which shows a small capacity type developing cartridge, and an enlarged sectional view (b) which shows a large capacity type developing cartridge. It is a time chart which shows the light reception signal of the light receiving element in the form of FIG. It is a figure which shows the form which changes the number of light shielding members according to a type, and is an expanded sectional view (a) which shows a small capacity type developing cartridge, and an enlarged sectional view (b) which shows a large capacity type developing cartridge.

<Schematic configuration of laser printer>
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, the direction will be described with reference to the user who uses the laser printer. That is, the left side in FIG. 1 is “front”, the right side is “rear”, the front side is “right”, and the back side is “left”. Also, the vertical direction in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a laser printer 1 includes a paper feed unit 3 that supplies paper P, an exposure device 4, a process unit 5 that transfers a toner image onto the paper P, and a paper in a main body housing 2. It mainly includes a fixing device 6 that thermally fixes the toner image transferred onto P.

  The paper feed unit 3 is provided in the lower part of the main body housing 2, and includes a paper feed tray 31 that accommodates the paper P, a paper pressing plate 32 that lifts the front side of the paper P, a lift lever 33, a pickup roller 34, A paper roller 35, a paper feed pad 36, and a registration roller 37 are mainly provided. The paper P in the paper feed tray 31 is brought to the pickup roller 34 by the lift lever 33 and the paper pressing plate 32 and is sent out by the pickup roller 34. The fed paper P is separated one by one by the paper feed roller 35 and the paper feed pad 36, passes through the registration roller 37, and is conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 53.

  The exposure apparatus 4 is provided at an upper portion in the main body housing 2 and mainly includes a laser light emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror 41 that is rotationally driven, lenses 42 and 43, and reflecting mirrors 44 and 45. The laser light (refer to the chain line) based on the image data emitted from the laser emission unit is reflected or passed through the polygon mirror 41, the lens 42, the reflecting mirror 44, the lens 43, and the reflecting mirror 45 in this order, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Irradiated at high speed.

  The process unit 5 is disposed below the exposure apparatus 4 and is configured to be detachably attached to the main body housing 2 through an opening formed when the front cover 21 provided on the main body housing 2 is opened. Yes. The process unit 5 includes a photoconductor unit 5A and a developing cartridge 5B as an example of a developer container.

  The photoreceptor unit 5A mainly includes a photoreceptor drum 51, a charger 52, and a transfer roller 53 in the photoreceptor frame 50A. The developing cartridge 5B is configured to be detachably attached to the photoreceptor unit 5A, and a developing roller 54, a supply roller 55, and a layer thickness regulating blade 56 are mainly provided in the developing frame 50B. And a toner storage chamber 58 (developer storage chamber) that stores toner as an example of a developer.

  In the process unit 5, the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is uniformly charged by the charger 52 and then exposed by high-speed scanning of the laser light from the exposure device 4, whereby image data is transferred onto the photosensitive drum 51. An electrostatic latent image based on is formed. The toner in the toner storage chamber 58 is supplied to the developing roller 54 via the supply roller 55 and enters between the developing roller 54 and the layer thickness regulating blade 56 so as to form a thin layer having a constant thickness. Supported on.

  The toner carried on the developing roller 54 is supplied from the developing roller 54 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 51. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 51. Thereafter, the sheet P is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 53, whereby the toner image on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred onto the sheet P.

  The fixing device 6 is provided behind the process unit 5, and mainly includes a heating roller 61 and a pressure roller 62 that sandwiches the paper P between the heating roller 61. The toner image transferred onto the paper P is thermally fixed by the paper P being conveyed between the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62. The sheet P on which the toner image is thermally fixed is conveyed from the fixing device 6 to the discharge path 23 and is discharged from the discharge path 23 onto the discharge tray 22 by the discharge roller 24.

<Determination of developer cartridge replacement time>
Next, determination of the replacement timing of the developing cartridge 5B will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, first, the configuration of the developing cartridge 5B and the main body housing 2 related to the determination of the replacement time will be described, and then the determination of the replacement time of the present embodiment will be described.

(Configuration of developer cartridge)
The developing cartridge 5B that can be attached to the laser printer 1 is set to two types with different initial capacities of toner. Specifically, for example, a large-capacity type in which the number of printable sheets is set to 6000 and a small-capacity type in which the number of printable sheets is set to 3000 and the initial capacity of toner is smaller than that of the large-capacity type.

  Here, FIG. 2A shows a large-capacity developer cartridge 5B as an example of the second developer container, and FIG. 2B shows a small capacity as an example of the first developer container. The developing cartridge 5C is shown. In this embodiment, these two types of developing cartridges 5B and 5C and the above-described laser printer 1 in which these two types of developing cartridges 5B and 5C are attached and detached at the same position constitute an image forming system. .

  The developing cartridges 5B and 5C of the respective types have basically the same configuration because only the initial capacity of the toner T stored in the toner storage chamber 58 is different, but in this embodiment, the light shielding member 76 described later is used. 76C is greatly different. Hereinafter, the structure of each of the developing cartridges 5B and 5C will be described in detail including common parts.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each of the developing cartridges 5B and 5C includes a developing chamber 57 in which a supply roller 55 and the like are disposed by a developing frame 50B, and a toner storage chamber 58 in which toner T is stored. It is divided into and. The developing chamber 57 and the toner storage chamber 58 communicate with each other through a communication portion 59. The communication portion 59 is formed over substantially the entire width in the axial direction of the roller portion of the supply roller 55, and the toner T can go back and forth between the developing chamber 57 and the toner storage chamber 58 via the communication portion 59. It is like that.

  An agitator 70 that agitates the toner T by rotating is disposed in the toner storage chamber 58. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, light transmitting windows 60 as an example of a pair of transparent light transmitting portions facing in the left-right direction are formed on the side walls 50L, 50R facing each other of the toner storage chamber 58 (developing frame 50B). Is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the agitator 70 includes a rotation support shaft 71, a sheet attachment portion 72, a sheet member 73 as an example of a conveying member, a wiper attachment portion 74, a wiper 75, and a light shielding member 76 (or light shielding member). Member 76C).
The rotation support shaft 71 is an axis extending along the axial direction (left and right direction) of the developing roller 54 and the supply roller 55, and both ends thereof can rotate to the side walls 50L and 50R (only one is shown in FIG. 2) of the developing frame 50B. It is supported by.

The sheet attachment portion 72 is formed so as to extend radially outward from the rotation support shaft 71, and a sheet member 73 is fixed to the tip thereof by sticking or the like.
The sheet member 73 is a flexible sheet-like member that stirs the toner T while the front end is in sliding contact with the bottom wall of the toner storage chamber 58 by the rotation of the agitator 70 and further conveys the toner T toward the developing chamber 57.

  One wiper mounting portion 74 is provided in the vicinity of both ends in the axial direction of the rotation support shaft 71 (see FIG. 3). The wiper mounting portion 74 is formed to extend radially outward from the rotation support shaft 71 at a position substantially perpendicular to the seat mounting portion 72 at the rear of the seat mounting portion 72 in the rotational direction when viewed from the side. ing. A wiper 75 is fixed to the wiper mounting portion 74 on the outer surface in the axial direction of the rotary support shaft 71 by sticking or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the wiper 75 is a member that is slidably contacted with the light transmission window 60 and wipes off the toner T adhering to the light transmission window 60, and is formed of a flexible material such as urethane rubber. FIG. 3 shows the position when the wiper 75 is in sliding contact with the light transmission window 60.

  The light shielding members 76 and 76 </ b> C are members that periodically block light passing through the pair of light transmission windows 60 (light path from the light emitting element 81 to the light receiving element 82, which will be described later) for a predetermined time, and between the sheet member 73 and the wiper 75. The sheet member 73 and the wiper 75 are provided so as to rotate together with the sheet member 73. Further, the light shielding members 76 and 76C are disposed at a position close to the side wall 50L of the developing frame 50B, that is, on the light emitting element 81 side. The light shielding member 76C provided in the small-capacity type developing cartridge 5C shown in FIG. 2B rotates in comparison with the light shielding member 76 provided in the large-capacity type developing cartridge 5B shown in FIG. It is long in the direction. As a result, the small-capacity type light shielding member 76C blocks light for a longer time than the large-capacity type.

  In order to manufacture such two types of developing cartridges 5B and 5C, when manufacturing a small capacity type, the light shielding member formed longer in the rotation direction than the light shielding member 76 used for the large capacity type. 76C may be used. As a specific manufacturing method, the light-shielding members 76 and 76C having different lengths are selected according to the type and fixed to the rotation support shaft 71, or the sheet attachment portion 72 and the rotation are rotated by a mold corresponding to two types. Examples include a method of integrally forming the support shaft 71, the light shielding member 76 (76C), and the wiper mounting portion 74.

  The agitator 70 configured as described above has a rotational driving force applied to the rotation support shaft 71 from the motor M provided in the main body housing 2 so that the inside of the toner storage chamber 58 is shown in FIG. The toner T rotates in the counterclockwise direction, and the toner T is stirred and conveyed by the sheet member 73. Further, the sheet member 73, the light shielding member 76 (76C), and the wiper 75 rotate integrally around the rotation support shaft 71, and sequentially pass through the light transmission window 60 in this order.

(Configuration of the main unit housing)
As shown in FIG. 3, the laser printer 1 includes a light emitting element 81, a light receiving element 82, a determination unit 110 for determining the replacement timing of the developing cartridges 5B and 5C, and a message to the user. And a notification means 300 for performing the above-described operation.

  The light emitting element 81 and the light receiving element 82 are arranged to face each other with the pair of light transmission windows 60 of the developing cartridges 5B and 5C attached to the main body housing 2 interposed therebetween. As such a light emitting element 81 and a light receiving element 82, a known optical sensor can be adopted.

  As shown by a broken line in FIG. 3, the light emitted from the light emitting element 81 enters the toner storage chamber 58 through one light transmission window 60 and is received by the light receiving element 82 through the other light transmission window 60. Is done. The light receiving element 82 is an element whose output voltage value changes in accordance with the intensity of the received light, and outputs a light reception signal as shown in FIG.

  Here, the light reception signal will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. In the present embodiment, a light receiving element 82 is employed in which the output voltage value is maximized when the intensity of received light is minimum, and the output voltage value is minimized when the intensity of received light is maximum. 4, the intensity of the received light decreases as the output voltage value increases, and the intensity of the received light increases as the output voltage value decreases. “V0” is an output value when the light receiving element 82 is not receiving light (an output value when the intensity of the received light is minimum). The waveform of FIG. 4 shows the waveform when the remaining amount of toner in the developing cartridges 5B and 5C has become somewhat small.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the process in which the sheet member 73 scrapes and contacts the bottom wall of the toner storage chamber 58 by the rotation of the agitator 70 and collects the toner T and conveys the toner T to the developing chamber 57 side, When the light transmission window 60 is completely covered, the light receiving element 82 is in a state of not receiving light substantially, so the output voltage value becomes the maximum value V0 (area SA in FIG. 4).

  When the sheet member 73 passes between the pair of light transmission windows 60 by the rotation of the agitator 70, the amount of toner T between the pair of light transmission windows 60 is reduced by being conveyed to the sheet member 73. The light passes between the light-shielding member 76 and the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving element 82 is increased (the first half portion of the broken line in the region SB in FIG. 4).

  Here, the region SB is a time region from when the sheet member 73 passes through the light transmission window 60 to when the wiper 75 wipes off the light transmission window 60. Therefore, in the region SB, the light transmission window 60 is not wiped off by the wiper 75 (because the toner T is attached to the light transmission window 60), so that the light has a slightly weaker intensity than the maximum value. ing.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the light between the light emitting element 81 and the light receiving element 82 is completely blocked by the light shielding member 76, the output voltage value becomes the maximum value V0 again (region SB in FIG. 4). The middle part of the broken line in FIG. Thereafter, when the light shielding member 76 moves out of the light path, the light passes between the light shielding member 76 and the wiper 75, and the intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 82 increases (the second half of the broken line in the region SB in FIG. 4). portion).

  The broken line waveform in the region SB corresponds to the large-capacity type light shielding member 76. On the other hand, in the small capacity type, since the light shielding member 76C is formed longer in the rotation direction than in the large capacity type, light is continuously shielded by the light shielding member 76C in the region SB as shown by the solid line in FIG. The output voltage value is maintained at a substantially maximum value V0.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, when the toner T adhering to the light transmission window 60 is wiped off by the wiper 75, the intensity of light received by the light receiving element 82 is maximized as shown in FIG. The output voltage value is minimized (region SC).

  In the process of FIGS. 5A to 5C, the toner T is accumulated in the developing chamber 57. However, as shown in FIG. 5D, the toner T passes through the communication portion 59 as a part of the toner T collapses. Then, it flows into the toner storage chamber 58. The toner T that has flowed in covers at least a part of the light transmission window 60, whereby the intensity of light received by the light receiving element 82 decreases, and the output voltage value increases (area SD).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, while the sheet member 73 is in sliding contact with the upper wall and the front wall of the toner storage chamber 58, the amount of movement of the toner T in the vicinity of the light transmission window 60 is small, so that the output voltage value is approximately. It changes at a certain level (area SE). Then, the sheet member 73 enters the toner T accumulated on the bottom wall of the toner storage chamber 58, gradually scrapes the toner T while being in sliding contact with the bottom wall of the toner storage chamber 58, and conveys the toner T to the developing chamber 57 side. Since the light transmission window 60 is gradually covered by T, the output voltage value increases (area SF), and when the light transmission window 60 is completely covered, the output voltage value becomes maximum (area SA).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the determination unit 110 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output circuit, and the like (not shown). The determination unit 110 determines the replacement timing of the developing cartridges 5B and 5C based on the program and data stored in the ROM, the output from the light receiving element 82, and the like.

  The basic flow of the determination of the replacement time will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 4, the determination means 110 first includes one or a plurality of cycles (one cycle is a time for which the agitator 70 makes one rotation). The time during which the output voltage value exceeds a preset light receiving reference value V1 within a certain time (the time during which the output voltage value falls below V1 in FIG. 4) is calculated. Here, the time exceeding the light reception reference value V1 means a time during which light having an intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value is received, and is also referred to as “light reception time” for convenience in the following description. Next, the determination unit 110 calculates the ratio of the light receiving time during a certain time. Then, the determination unit 110 determines that the developing cartridges 5B and 5C are at the replacement time when the calculated ratio exceeds the determination threshold, as compared with a predetermined determination threshold.

  In addition, the determination method whether the output voltage value exceeded the light reception reference value V1 is not specifically limited. For example, the received light signal within a certain time may be divided into minute times to determine whether the output voltage value exceeds the received light reference value V1 every unit time, or the received light signal within a certain time may be continuously monitored. Then, it may be determined whether or not the output voltage value exceeds the light reception reference value V1. Also, from the received light signal within a certain time, the output voltage value is obtained as a point at every predetermined time (sampling), and it is determined whether the output voltage value at each predetermined time (each sampling point) exceeds the light reception reference value. May be. In this case, the ratio of the number of sampling points exceeding the determination reference value in the total number of sampling points is calculated, and the replacement time can be determined based on whether this ratio exceeds the determination threshold.

  The notification unit 300 notifies the user who uses the laser printer 1 of a message. In the present embodiment, when the determination unit 110 determines that it is the time to replace the developing cartridges 5B and 5C, the notification unit 300 notifies the user of a message to that effect. As such notification means 300, for example, a liquid crystal display that notifies a message with characters or pictures, a speaker that notifies a message with sound, a lamp that notifies a message with blinking light, or the like can be adopted. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the alerting | reporting means which combined two or more liquid crystal displays, speakers, lamps, etc.

<Determination method for developing cartridge replacement time>
Next, a method for determining the replacement timing of the developing cartridge will be described.
When the large-capacity type developing cartridge 5B in which a predetermined amount of toner T remains is attached to the laser printer 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the broken line is shown in the area SB and the solid line is shown in the other areas. A waveform of the output voltage value is obtained. On the other hand, when a small-capacity type developing cartridge 5C in which the same amount of toner T as the predetermined amount remains is attached to the laser printer 1, as shown in FIG. A waveform of the output voltage value is obtained.

  Therefore, in the large capacity type, it takes time for the output voltage value to exceed the light reception reference value V1 in the region SB. However, in the small capacity type, the output voltage value does not exceed the light reception reference value V1 in the region SB. . That is, as compared with the case where the large-capacity type developing cartridge 5B in which the predetermined amount of toner T remains is attached to the laser printer 1, the small-capacity type developing cartridge in which the same amount of toner T remains as the predetermined amount. When 5C is attached to the laser printer 1, the light receiving time (time exceeding the light receiving reference value V1) is shortened.

  As a result, when the toner T in the large-capacity type developing cartridge 5B reaches a predetermined remaining amount, the ratio of the light receiving time with respect to a certain time (for example, 13/100) exceeds the determination threshold (for example, 12%) Even when the toner T in the small-capacity type developing cartridge 5C reaches the predetermined remaining amount, it is possible to create a situation in which the ratio of the light receiving time (for example, 11/100) does not exceed the determination threshold.

  As a result, the determination unit 110 determines the replacement time when the toner T reaches the predetermined remaining amount for the large-capacity type developing cartridge 5B, while the predetermined remaining amount for the small-capacity type developing cartridge 5C. When it is less than the remaining amount, it is determined that the replacement time is reached. Therefore, it is possible to use the toner T in the small-capacity type developing cartridge 5C, which could not be used effectively conventionally, to an appropriate deterioration state.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the small-capacity type toner T can be used effectively, so that the number of printable sheets of the small-capacity type can be increased. Further, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner T accommodated in the small-capacity type (the initial capacity of the toner T) by keeping the number of printable sheets, for example, 3000 sheets.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. About a concrete structure, it can change suitably in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  In the embodiment, the length of the light shielding member is changed according to the type, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the light shielding member 76 is changed according to the type. The position may be changed. Specifically, the position of the small capacity type light shielding member 76 shown in FIG. 6A with respect to the sheet member 73 is longer than the large capacity type light shielding member 76D shown in FIG. In addition, it may be arranged at a position different from the large-capacity type light shielding member 76D in the rotation direction. Here, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the large-capacity type developing cartridge 5B of the above embodiment is used as a small-capacity type, and the position of the light shielding member 76 of the developing cartridge 5B is changed to be a large-capacity type developing cartridge 5D. .

  In order to manufacture such two types of developing cartridges 5B and 5D, the small-capacity type light shielding member 76 is small so that the time for blocking the light is longer than that of the large-capacity type light shielding member 76D. The capacity type light shielding member 76 may be disposed at a position different from the large capacity type light shielding member 76D in the rotation direction with respect to the sheet member 73. Further, as a method of arranging the light shielding members 76 and 76D at different positions, there are two methods including a method of fixing the light shielding members 76 and 76D to the rotation support shaft 71 while measuring the angle with respect to the sheet mounting portion 72 with a jig. A method of integrally forming the sheet attachment portion 72, the rotation support shaft 71, the light shielding member 76 (76D), and the wiper attachment portion 74 according to a corresponding mold may be used.

  More specifically, in the small-capacity type developing cartridge 5B shown in FIG. 6A, the light shielding member 76 is disposed between the sheet member 73 and the wiper 75 as in the above embodiment. On the other hand, in the large-capacity type developing cartridge 5D shown in FIG. 6B, a position where the light blocking function is not exhibited so much, for example, a position overlapping the toner T conveyed by the sheet member 73 (sheet). The light shielding member 76D is disposed at a position protruding from the member 73 forward in the rotational direction.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, in the small capacity type, the same waveform as the large capacity type of the above embodiment, that is, the waveform indicated by the solid line (the waveform in which the light is blocked by the light shielding member 76 in the region SB for a predetermined time). Is obtained. On the other hand, in the large-capacity type, the period during which the light is blocked by the light shielding member 76D overlaps the period during which the light is blocked by the toner T conveyed by the sheet member 73 (area SA). In contrast, an output voltage value smaller than V0 is always obtained (a zigzag waveform including a solid line and a broken line).

  Therefore, in the large-capacity type, the light reception time is longer than that in the small-capacity type by the time when the waveform indicated by the broken line in the region SB exceeds the light reception reference value V1. Therefore, in the form shown in FIG. 6 as well, in the small-capacity type, the toner T can be used up to the remaining amount less than in the large-capacity type, and the toner T is in an appropriate deterioration state. Sometimes can be exchanged.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the number of light shielding members 76 may be changed according to the type. Specifically, the large-capacity type developing cartridge 5B shown in FIG. 8B is provided with only one light shielding member 76 as in the above-described embodiment, and the small-capacity type developing cartridge shown in FIG. In 5E, more light shielding members 76 (two in FIG. 8) than the large capacity type may be provided in a rotational direction so that the light blocking time is longer than that of the large capacity light shielding member 76. .

  In order to manufacture such two types of developing cartridges 5B and 5E, when the small capacity type is manufactured, more light shielding members 76 may be provided than when the large capacity type is manufactured. . In addition, as a method of changing the number of light shielding members according to the type, a method in which an operator appropriately selects the number of light shielding members 76 according to the type and fixes the light shielding members 76 to the rotation support shaft 71, or two types are supported. For example, a method of forming an agitator 70 in which the number of light shielding members 76 is different depending on the mold to be used.

  According to this, by increasing the number of light shielding members 76 in the small capacity type, the same effect as providing the light shielding member 76C that is long in the rotation direction as shown in FIG. 2B can be obtained. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, in the small capacity type (solid line) in the region SB, light is blocked by the two light shielding members 76 for a longer time than in the large capacity type (broken line). Shorter. Therefore, also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the toner T can be used up to the remaining amount less than the large-capacity type in the small-capacity type as in the above-described embodiment, and the toner T is in an appropriately deteriorated state. Sometimes can be exchanged.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the number of large-capacity type light-shielding members 76 is “1” and the number of small-capacity light-shielding members 76 is “2”. It is only necessary that the type has more light shielding members than the large capacity type. For example, the number of large capacity type light shielding members 76 may be “0”, and the number of small capacity type light shielding members 76 may be “1”.

  In the above-described embodiment, a structure in which the transparent light transmission window 60 is provided as the light transmission portion in the colored development frame 50B is adopted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a portion of the transparent development frame through which light passes is light. It may be a transmission part.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which two types of developing cartridges that can be mounted on the laser printer 1 are shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, three or more types may be set.

  In the above-described embodiment, the light receiving element 82 has the maximum output voltage value when the received light intensity is minimum and the output voltage value is minimum when the received light intensity is maximum. It is not limited to this. For example, a light receiving element may be employed in which the output voltage value is minimized when the intensity of received light is minimum and the output voltage value is maximized when the intensity of received light is maximum.

  In the embodiment, the developing cartridge 5B having the developing roller 54, the supply roller 55, and the toner storage chamber 58 is adopted as an example of the developer container. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a toner cartridge mainly having a toner storage chamber may be employed, or a process unit (process cartridge) in which the photosensitive unit 5A and the developing cartridge 5B of the above-described embodiment are integrated (not removable) is employed. May be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the laser printer 1 is employed as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a copying machine or a multifunction machine may be employed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Laser printer 5B Developer cartridge 5C Developer cartridge 50L, 50R Side wall 58 Toner storage chamber 60 Light transmission window 70 Agitator 71 Rotating spindle 72 Sheet attachment part 73 Sheet member 74 Wiper attachment part 75 Wiper 76 Light shielding member 76C Light shielding member 81 Light emitting element 82 Light receiving element 110 Determination means T Toner V1 Light receiving reference value

Claims (10)

A first developer container for accommodating the developer;
A second developer container that contains more developer than the first developer container;
An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus in which the first developer container or the second developer container is detachable at the same position;
The first developer container and the second developer container are
A developer storage chamber for storing the developer;
A pair of light transmission portions provided on side walls facing each other of the developer storage chamber,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A light emitting element that emits light;
A light receiving element that receives light from the light emitting element through the pair of light transmission parts;
A determination means for determining that it is time to replace the developer container when the ratio of the light reception time during which the light receiving element receives light having an intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value during a predetermined time exceeds a determination threshold; With
The first developer container in which the same amount of developer remains as the second developer container in which the predetermined amount of developer remains is attached to the image forming apparatus. The image forming system, wherein the first developer container is configured so that the light receiving time is shorter when the apparatus is attached to the apparatus. The first developer container and the second developer container are
A light shielding member that is rotatably provided inside the developer storage chamber and periodically blocks a light path from the light emitting element to the light receiving element;
The light shielding member of the first developer container is formed longer in the rotation direction than the light shielding member of the second developer container so as to block the optical path for a longer time than the light shielding member of the second developer container. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The first developer container and the second developer container are
A conveying member that is rotatably provided inside the developer accommodating chamber and conveys the developer in the developer accommodating chamber;
A light shielding member that is rotatably provided inside the developer storage chamber and periodically blocks a light path from the light emitting element to the light receiving element;
The light shielding member of the first developer container is positioned with respect to the transport member so as to block the optical path for a longer time than the light shielding member of the second developer container. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the two are arranged so as to be different in a rotation direction. The first developer container and the second developer container are
A light shielding member that is rotatably provided inside the developer storage chamber and periodically blocks a light path from the light emitting element to the light receiving element;
The first developer container is provided with more light shielding members than the second developer container so as to block the optical path for a longer time than the light shielding member of the second developer container. The image forming system according to claim 1. A developer storage chamber for storing the developer;
A pair of light transmission portions provided on opposite side walls of the developer storage chamber;
A light shielding member that is rotatably provided inside the developer storage chamber and periodically blocks light passing through the pair of light transmission portions for a predetermined time;
A developer that can be set in at least two types, a small capacity type and a large capacity type, in which the initial capacity of the developer initially accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber is different, and is detachable at the same position of one image forming apparatus A container,
The developer container, wherein the light-shielding member is formed longer in the rotation direction in the small-capacity type than in the large-capacity type. A developer storage chamber for storing the developer;
A pair of light transmission portions provided on opposite side walls of the developer storage chamber;
A conveying member that is rotatably provided inside the developer accommodating chamber and conveys the developer in the developer accommodating chamber;
A light shielding member that is rotatably provided inside the developer storage chamber and periodically blocks light passing through the pair of light transmission portions for a predetermined time;
A developer that can be set in at least two types, a small capacity type and a large capacity type, in which the initial capacity of the developer initially accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber is different, and is detachable at the same position of one image forming apparatus A container,
The small-capacity light-shielding member is disposed at a position different from the large-capacity light-shielding member in the rotational direction so that the light blocking time is longer than that of the large-capacity light-shielding member. A developer container. A developer storage chamber for storing the developer;
A pair of light transmission portions provided on opposite side walls of the developer storage chamber;
A light shielding member that is rotatably provided inside the developer storage chamber and periodically blocks light passing through the pair of light transmission portions for a predetermined time;
A developer that can be set in at least two types, a small capacity type and a large capacity type, in which the initial capacity of the developer initially accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber is different, and is detachable at the same position of one image forming apparatus A container,
The small-capacity type has a larger number of light-shielding members than the large-capacity type so that the light blocking time is longer than that of the large-capacity type light-shielding member. . A developer storage chamber for storing the developer;
A pair of light transmission portions provided on opposite side walls of the developer storage chamber;
A light shielding member that is rotatably provided inside the developer storage chamber and periodically blocks light passing through the pair of light transmission portions for a predetermined time;
A developer that can be set in at least two types, a small capacity type and a large capacity type, in which the initial capacity of the developer initially accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber is different, and is detachable at the same position of one image forming apparatus A method of manufacturing a container,
When manufacturing the said small capacity type, the manufacturing method of the developer container characterized by using the light shielding member formed in the rotation direction longer than the light shielding member used for the said large capacity type. A developer storage chamber for storing the developer;
A pair of light transmission portions provided on opposite side walls of the developer storage chamber;
A conveying member that is rotatably provided inside the developer accommodating chamber and conveys the developer in the developer accommodating chamber;
A light shielding member that is rotatably provided inside the developer storage chamber and periodically blocks light passing through the pair of light transmission portions for a predetermined time;
A developer that can be set in at least two types, a small capacity type and a large capacity type, in which the initial capacity of the developer initially accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber is different, and is detachable at the same position of one image forming apparatus A method of manufacturing a container,
The small-capacity type light-shielding member is defined as the large-capacity-type light-shielding member with respect to the conveying member so that the time required for the small-capacity type light-shielding member to block light is longer than the large-capacity type light-shielding member A method for producing a developer container, wherein the developer container is arranged at different positions in the rotation direction. A developer storage chamber for storing the developer;
A pair of light transmission portions provided on opposite side walls of the developer storage chamber;
A light shielding member that is rotatably provided inside the developer storage chamber and periodically blocks light passing through the pair of light transmission portions for a predetermined time;
A developer that can be set in at least two types, a small capacity type and a large capacity type, in which the initial capacity of the developer initially accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber is different, and is detachable at the same position of one image forming apparatus A method of manufacturing a container,
When manufacturing the small-capacity type, more light-blocking members are provided than when manufacturing the large-capacity type so that the time for blocking light is longer than that of the large-capacity type light-blocking member. A method for producing a developer container.

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