JP2011170218A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which accurately detects that a toner residual amount, in a toner storage container, such as a toner bottle and a toner hopper becomes the prescribed one, and precisely instructing a user to make preparations for exchange of the toner bottle or preparations for toner to be supplied. <P>SOLUTION: A light-emitting part S<SB>1</SB>and a light-receiving part S<SB>2</SB>of a photo sensor are arranged to be opposed to each other across the toner bottle 72. The photosensors S<SB>1</SB>and S<SB>2</SB>are provided to be movable nearly in parallel with a toner moving direction. By making the photosensors S<SB>1</SB>and S<SB>2</SB>come close to a toner supply port 723a, a toner residual amount detection time is delayed. By making the photosensors S<SB>1</SB>and S<SB>2</SB>away from the toner supply port 723a, the toner residual amount detection time becomes early. By having the photosensors S<SB>1</SB>and S<SB>2</SB>move, the toner residual amount detection time is adjusted, and the situation where the toner residual amount inside the toner bottle 72 reaches the prescribed one is accurately detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus provided with a detecting unit that detects a remaining amount of toner in a toner storage container.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, a printer, a copying machine, and a composite machine of these, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member is developed with a developing device with toner, and the developed toner image is transferred to a sheet or the like. It is fixed by heating and pressing. As described above, since the toner is consumed as the image is formed, it is necessary to sequentially replenish the toner to the developing device. Toner supply to the developing device is performed from, for example, a toner bottle or a toner hopper. When the toner in the toner bottle runs out, the toner bottle is replaced with a new one. When the toner in the toner hopper runs out, the hopper is replenished with toner.

  Normally, when the toner amount in the toner bottle or toner hopper is low, preparation for replacement of the toner bottle and preparation for replenishing toner are displayed on the display unit (near empty display). The user sees this display and prepares a new toner bottle and replenishment toner. The detection of the remaining amount of toner is performed by detection means such as a photo sensor or a reed switch (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-3957

  However, due to the mounting position accuracy of the detection means, the dimensional accuracy of the apparatus body, and the like, variation in the detection accuracy of the detection means inevitably occurs. If the detection accuracy varies, for example, a near empty display may be displayed even though there is still sufficient toner in the toner bottle or toner hopper. Conversely, even though the toner bottle and the toner hopper are almost free of toner, the near empty display is not displayed, and preparation of a new toner bottle or the like may not be in time until the toner is completely consumed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to detect with high accuracy that the remaining amount of toner in a toner storage container such as a toner bottle or a toner hopper has reached a predetermined amount. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of accurately instructing a user to prepare for replacement of a toner bottle and preparation of replenishment toner.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the object includes a toner storage container and a movable detection unit that detects a remaining amount of toner in the toner storage container, and the toner is moved by moving the detection unit. It is possible to adjust the detection time of the remaining amount.

  Here, it is possible to further include a supporting means that supports the detecting means and is movable.

  As said support means, what can move along a rail-like member or a shaft-like member is preferable. Moreover, while forming a recessed part or a convex part in the said rail-shaped member or the said shaft-shaped member at predetermined intervals, forming the convex part or the recessed part in the said supporting means, and engaging these, the said supporting means is made into the said rail. You may make it fix to a shaft-shaped member or the said shaft-shaped member.

  Further, the support means may be moved by the drive means.

  A toner supply port is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the toner storage container, and an urging means for urging the toner storage container upward is provided on the other end side so that the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage container is reduced. If the number is smaller, the other end side is raised so that the toner storage container is inclined, and the detection means for detecting the inclination of the toner storage container may be used. Here, as a means for detecting the inclination, a contact switch for detecting contact with the toner container may be used.

  In addition, when the detection unit detects that the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage container is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, a display unit may be further provided.

  A photo sensor or a reed switch may be used as the detection means.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the detection means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage container is movable, so that the detection timing of the remaining amount of toner can be adjusted for each apparatus, and the remaining toner amount in the toner storage container Can be detected with high accuracy, and the user can be properly instructed to replace the toner bottle and to prepare the replenishing toner.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of a toner bottle and a sub hopper. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining attachment positions of a toner bottle and a photo sensor. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a movement means for a photosensor. It is a top view which shows the example of another moving means for a photosensor. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the sub hopper which shows other embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the periphery of a toner bottle showing another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus main body 1 of the image forming apparatus mainly includes an image reader unit 10 that reads a document image and a printer unit 20 that prints the read image. The image reader unit 10 is a known unit that reads a document placed on a document glass plate (not shown) by moving a scanner. The original image is color-separated into three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), converted into an electrical signal by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor (not shown), and R, G, B Image data is obtained.

  The image data for each color component obtained by the image reader unit 10 is subjected to various processes in the control unit 30 and reproduced in cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Converted to color image data.

  The image data is stored in the image memory 32 in the control unit 30 for each reproduction color, subjected to correction for positional deviation correction, and then read out for each scanning line in synchronization with the supply of the recording sheet. It becomes a drive signal for the light emitting diode.

  The recording sheets are picked up one by one from the paper feed tray 61 by a paper feed roller 62 and sent in time with an intermediate transfer belt 53 described later.

  The intermediate transfer belt 53 is stretched between the driving roller 51 and the driven roller 52, and the driven roller 52 is urged to the left in FIG. 1 by a spring (not shown), thereby applying tension to the intermediate transfer belt 53. It has been. Then, the drive roller 51 is rotated counterclockwise by the transfer motor 54 controlled by the apparatus main body control unit 31. A resin material such as polycarbonate, polyimide, or polyimide amide is used for the intermediate transfer belt 53.

  Below the intermediate transfer belt 53, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) image forming portions 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K are arranged at predetermined intervals. Transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are arranged at positions that face the photosensitive drums of the respective image forming units with the intermediate transfer belt 53 interposed therebetween. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 53 when the intermediate transfer belt 53 passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller. When the recording sheet pulled out from the paper feed tray 61 passes through the conveyance path indicated by the broken line A and passes through the nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 53 and the secondary transfer roller 55, the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 53 is removed. The image is secondarily transferred onto the recording sheet. Thereafter, the recording sheet is conveyed to the fixing unit 63 where it is heated and pressurized to fix the toner image on the recording sheet. Then, the recording sheet on which the toner image is fixed is discharged outside the apparatus. On the other hand, the residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 53 is collected by the transfer belt cleaner 101 and stored in the waste toner box 102.

  The developing units of the image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K are provided with sub hoppers 70Y, 70M, 70C, and 70K (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as “sub hoppers 70”) that supply a fixed amount of each color toner. From here, it is supplied to each developing unit via joints 71Y, 71M, 71C, 71K. Above the sub hopper 70, toner bottles 72Y, 72M, 72C, 72K (hereinafter, may be collectively referred to as “toner bottle 72”) are detachably provided. When the remaining amount of toner in the sub hopper 70 decreases, toner is supplied from the toner bottle 72 to the sub hopper 70. When the toner in the toner bottle 72 runs out, the toner bottle 72 is replaced with a new one.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sub hopper 70 and the toner bottle 72. The toner bottle 72 includes a bottle portion 722 that stores toner, a cap portion 723 in which a supply port 723a (shown in FIG. 3) is formed on the outer peripheral surface, and a shutter portion 725 that opens and closes the supply port 723a. The bottle part 722 and the cap part 723 are relatively rotatably attached. A knob 724 for rotating the toner bottle 72 is formed on the front side of the cap portion 723.

  On the back side of the toner bottle 72, a rotation driving unit 721 for rotating the bottle portion 722 is provided. When the bottle unit 722 is rotated by the rotation driving unit 721, the toner stored in the bottle unit 722 is guided to the supply port 723 a of the cap unit 723 by the spiral groove 727 formed on the peripheral surface of the bottle unit 722. . The toner is dropped and supplied from the supply port 723a to the sub hopper 70.

FIG. 3 shows an example of attachment of a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner bottle 72. The sensor shown in FIG. Is a separate type photosensor, a light emitting portion S ₁ so as to face each other across the toner bottle 72 and the light receiving section S ₂ is disposed. The bottle portion 722 of the toner bottle 72 is made of a translucent member. In the toner bottle 72, when the toner is present in the mounting position of the photo sensor, the light from the light emitting portion S ₁ of the photo sensor is blocked by the toner is not received by the light receiving section S _2, the toner in the mounting position of the photosensor if no, the light from the light emitting portion S ₁ of the photo sensor is received by the light receiving portion S _2. Once received by the light-receiving portion S _2, it is determined that the remaining amount of toner in the toner bottle 72 is small, the display unit 64 of the apparatus main body 1 (shown in Figure 1) prompts the preparation and exchange of a new toner bottle display Is done.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the photosensor is provided so as to be movable substantially in parallel with the toner moving direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3). When the photo sensor is brought closer to the toner supply port 723a, the detection timing of the remaining amount of toner is delayed. When the photo sensor is moved away from the toner supply port 723a, the detection timing of the remaining amount of toner is advanced. As described above, the detection timing of the remaining amount of toner can be adjusted by moving the photo sensor, and it can be detected with high accuracy that the remaining amount of toner in the toner bottle 72 has reached a predetermined amount. It is possible to accurately instruct the person to prepare for replacement of the toner bottle.

  There is no particular limitation on the method for mounting the photosensor so as to be movable, and a conventionally known method can be used. In addition, the photo sensor may be moved manually or by a driving unit.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment example of a case of moving the photo sensor S ₁ manually. In the exemplary embodiment shown in this figure, fitted with a photosensor S ₁ to the supporting plate (supporting means) 8a, it is a support plate 8a those movable. The support plate (support means) 8 a includes a rectangular substrate 81 and two side plates 82 and 83 extending vertically from opposite sides of the substrate 81, and the photosensor S ₁ is attached to the outer surface of the side plate 82. It has been. On the outer side surface of the other side plate 83, a ridge 831 is formed in parallel with the moving direction of the support plate 8a, and is movably engaged with an elongated guide hole 92 formed in the apparatus main body 1. Further, a convex portion (not shown) is formed on the lower surface of the side plate 83. The support plate 8 a is positioned and fixed to the apparatus body 1 by engaging the protrusions of the side plate 83 with the recesses 911 formed at predetermined intervals on the rail-like member 91 formed on the apparatus body 1. When moving the support plate 8a attached photosensors S _1, to release the engagement of the convex portion of the side plate 83 by lifting the support plate 8a (not shown) the recess 911 of the rail-like member 91, a desired position After the support plate 8a is moved, the convex portion (not shown) of the side plate 83 may be engaged with the concave portion 911 of the rail-shaped member 91.

Photosensor S ₂ be positioned opposite each other across the toner bottle 72 is also provided movably in the same structure. As described above, according to this embodiment, the support plate 8a is positioned and fixed by engaging the convex portion (not shown) of the support plate 8a with the concave portion 911 formed in the rail-shaped member 91. it is possible to mount accurately position facing the emitting portion S ₁ of the photo sensor and the light receiving portion S _2.

  As another mounting form of the photosensor, a hole is formed in one of the apparatus main body 1 and the support plate 8a at a predetermined interval, a protrusion is formed in the other, and the protrusion is inserted into the hole, thereby supporting the plate 8a. May be positioned and fixed.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment example of a case of moving the photo sensor S ₁ by a motor (drive means). In the exemplary embodiment shown in this figure, fitted with a photosensor S ₁ to the supporting plate (supporting means) 8b, the support plate 8b is intended to be moved by a motor. The support plate includes a rectangular substrate 84 and two side plates 85 and 86 extending perpendicularly from opposite sides of the substrate 84, and the photosensor S ₁ is attached to the outer surface of the substrate 84. A shaft member 93 is inserted through holes formed in the two side plates 85 and 86, and E-rings 94 a and 94 b are attached to the shaft member 93 so as to be in contact with the two side plates 85 and 86. A rack 95 is fixed between the two side plates 85 and 86 of the shaft member 93. A pinion 96 that is rotationally driven by a motor meshes with the rack 95.

When moving the support plate 8b mounted photosensors S _1, and the pinion 96 by normal and reverse rotation to move the shaft member 93 in the axial direction by the motor, a support plate 8b are fixed to the shaft member 93 Move it. In the case where the movement amount of the support plate 8b is precisely controlled, a drive transmission gear train may be appropriately provided between the motor and the pinion 96.

  FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in this figure is an embodiment in which the toner storage container is a sub hopper 70. A float member 704 that detects the upper surface level of the toner is provided in the sub hopper 70 so as to be swingable about a shaft 704a. A cam 702 that rotates together with the stirring shaft is provided below the float member 704, and the float member 704 swings up and down by the rotation of the cam 702. When the toner density in the developing unit (not shown) becomes low, the replenishing roller 703 of the sub hopper 70 rotates to replenish the developing unit with the toner so as to have a predetermined toner density.

The float member 704 moves up and down according to the upper surface level of the toner in the sub hopper 70. On the free end side of the float member 704, a magnet (detection means) 704b is provided. In addition, a reed switch (detecting means) S ₃ is disposed on the inner side surface of the sub hopper 70. When the toner in the sub hopper 70 inside is sufficient, since the magnet 704b is positioned above, reed switch _{S 3} is kept OFF '(FIG. 6 (a)). On the other hand, when the amount of toner in the sub hopper 70 is reduced, the upper surface of the toner is lowered and the magnet 704b is lowered downward ((b) in the figure). Then, the reed switch S ₃ is turned ON, it is determined that the remaining toner in the toner hopper 70 is small, the display prompting the preparation of the refill toner on the display 64 of the apparatus main body 1 (shown in FIG. 1) is performed.

Similar to the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus of the present invention, substantially in parallel to movably provided with the reed switch S ₃ toner moving direction (vertical direction). Moving the reed switch S ₃ downward, the detection timing of the toner remaining amount becomes slow, is moved upward, the detection timing of the toner remaining amount becomes faster. By thus moving the reed switch S _3, can adjust the detection timing of the remaining toner amount, the toner remaining amount in the sub hopper 70 will be able to be detected with high accuracy that has reached a predetermined amount .

The moving mechanism of the reed switch S _3, a similar mechanism to that shown in the above embodiment can be used here.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in this figure, a form to detect the toner remaining amount in the toner bottle 72 in contact switch (detecting means) S _4. As in the toner bottle shown in FIG. 3, the toner bottle 72 shown in FIG. 3 is guided by the spiral groove 727 when the bottle portion 722 rotates, and enters the supply port 723 a of the cap portion 723. It is guided and supplied to the sub hopper. On the other hand, a push spring 87 as an urging means is provided at a lower portion on the rear end side of the toner bottle 72, and always urges the toner bottle 72 upward. Above the rear end side of the toner bottle 72, the contact switch S ₄ it is provided.

When toner is sufficiently present in the toner bottle 72, the toner bottle 72 maintains a substantially horizontal state against the urging force of the push spring 87 by the weight of the toner bottle 72 and the toner (FIG. 7A). ). As the remaining amount of toner in the toner bottle 72 decreases, the toner bottle 72 is gradually lifted upward by the urging force of the push spring 87. When the toner remaining amount in the toner bottle 72 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the rear end portion of the toner bottle 72 contacts the switch S ₄ is turned ON in contact with the contact switch S ₄ (FIG. (B)). When the contact switch S ₄ is turned ON, it is determined that the remaining amount of toner in the toner bottle 72 is small, the display unit 64 of the apparatus main body 1 (shown in Figure 1), the display prompting the preparation and exchange of a new toner bottle Done.

Contact switch S ₄ is substantially parallel movable with toner moving direction (lateral direction in FIG. 7), the closer the contact switch S ₄ to the toner supply port 723a, the detection timing of the toner remaining amount becomes slow, the toner supply When it is away from the mouth 723a, the detection time of the remaining amount of toner is advanced. Be moved contact switch S ₄ vertically adjustable detection timing of the similarly remaining toner. Thus, it is possible to adjust the detection timing of the toner remaining amount by moving the contact switch S _4, the amount of toner remaining in the toner bottle 72 is able to be detected with high accuracy that has reached a predetermined amount Thus, it is possible to accurately instruct the user to prepare for replacement of the toner bottle.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the detection time of the remaining amount of toner can be adjusted for each apparatus. This is useful because it can detect with high accuracy that the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage container has reached a predetermined amount.

1 apparatus body S ₁ emitting portion S ₂ receiving section S ₃ reed switch S ₄ contact switch 64 the display unit 72 the toner bottle 8a of the photosensor, 8b supporting plate 81, 84 substrate 82, 85 the side plates 83, 86 the side plates 87 push the photosensor Spring (biasing means)
91 Rail-shaped member 93 Shaft member 95 Rack 96 Pinion 723a Supply port 911 Recess

Claims (9)

A toner storage container, and movable detection means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage container;
An image forming apparatus characterized in that it is possible to adjust the detection timing of the remaining amount of toner by moving the detection means.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a support unit that supports the detection unit and is movable.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the supporting unit is movable along a rail-shaped member or a shaft-shaped member.   By engaging the protrusions or recesses formed on the support means with the recesses or protrusions formed at predetermined intervals on the rail-like member or the shaft-like member, the support means is moved to the rail-like member or the The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is fixed to the shaft member.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the supporting unit is moved by a driving unit.   A toner supply port is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the toner storage container, and an urging means for urging the toner storage container upward is provided on the other end side so that the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage container is reduced. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the number is smaller, the other end side is raised so that the toner storage container is inclined, and the detection unit detects an inclination of the toner storage container.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a message to the effect that the detection unit detects that the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage container has become a predetermined amount or less.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is a photosensor or a reed switch.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit is a contact switch that detects contact with the toner container.