JP2017138551A - Powder detection device, powder detection method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a powder detection device that can determine the presence/absence of toner in a sub hopper immediately after the power is turned on without storing the latest internal state of the sub hopper in a memory medium.SOLUTION: A powder detection device comprises: an oscillation part that outputs a signal of frequency; a vibration part that vibrates in a direction facing the oscillation part and is formed of a material effecting a magnetic flux; a vibration providing part that vibrates the vibration part; and a position detection part that detects the position of the vibration providing part. The powder detection device acquires, at a predetermined period, frequency related information, detects the vibration state of the vibration part on the basis of a change in the frequency related information changing according to the vibration of the vibration part, detects the internal state of the powder detection device on the basis of a result of the detection, controls the position of the vibration providing part on the basis of the detected internal state, and determines the internal state of the powder detection device immediately after the power is turned on according to the position of the controlled vibration providing part detected by the position detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder detection device, a powder detection method, and a program.

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. Among such image processing apparatuses, as an image formation output method, an electrophotographic method for performing image formation output by transferring an image formed by developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor onto a sheet. It has been known.

  In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a developer is supplied from a container which is a developer supply source to a developing device which is formed on a photoreceptor and develops an electrostatic latent image. As a method for detecting the presence or absence of the developer supplied in this way, for example, the vibration of the vibration part inside the sub hopper is detected by a magnetic flux sensor, and the frequency change of the oscillation signal by the oscillation circuit in the magnetic flux sensor is periodically detected. There is known a powder detection device that detects the presence or absence of a developer in a container.

  However, in the conventional powder detection device, the latest state of the toner presence / absence determination result needs to be saved in a memory medium or the like one by one, and a method of saving in a non-volatile memory as a memory medium has been taken. The problem is that there is a lifetime and this is the lifetime of the powder detection device itself. Another problem is that the presence / absence of toner cannot be determined until the vibration applying operation is completed immediately after the power is turned on without vibrating the vibration part inside the sub hopper.

  In order to solve such a problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that allows a replenished toner to reach a detection body without being disturbed by a stirring member and quickly and accurately detect that the toner has been replenished to a specified amount. ing.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, regarding a developing device that supplies a replenishment toner from a toner storage unit to a developer storage unit via a toner replenishment unit, the toner replenishment unit is uniformly filled with the replenishment toner without being dense and developer. There is disclosed a technique capable of stably supplying replenishment toner to a storage portion over time.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 includes a control method that can suppress the driving torque of the stirring member at the start of driving of the image forming apparatus and can prevent the stirring member of the image forming apparatus from being bent. A technique that can be controlled to stop at a position where torque becomes light is disclosed.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a technique that can detect the remaining amount without using a storage element such as an IC chip in the toner bottle.

  However, none of Patent Documents 1 to 4 has solved the conventional problem that the presence or absence of toner is not determined until the diaphragm applying operation inside the sub hopper immediately after the power is turned on. In addition, the latest toner presence / absence determination result in the sub hopper is stored in some kind of memory medium, and if the method of storing in the memory medium is used, the life of the medium becomes the life of the powder detection device itself. Therefore, the problem has not been solved in terms of cost and convenience.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to make it possible to determine the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper immediately after the power is turned on without storing the latest internal state of the sub hopper in the memory medium. A body detection device, a powder detection method, and a program are provided.

  The powder detection device according to the present invention is a powder detection device that detects the remaining amount of powder having fluidity in a container, and outputs a signal having a frequency corresponding to the state of magnetic flux passing through an opposing space. An oscillating unit, an oscillating unit disposed inside the container, facing the oscillating unit via the casing of the container, oscillating in a direction facing the oscillating unit, and formed of a material that affects magnetic flux, and Including a vibration applying unit that vibrates and a position detecting unit that detects a position of the vibration applying unit, and obtains frequency-related information related to the frequency of the oscillation signal of the oscillation unit at a predetermined period, and changes according to the vibration of the vibration unit Detecting processing means for detecting the vibration state of the vibration part based on the change in frequency related information, detecting the internal state of the powder detection device based on the detection result, and applying vibration based on the detected internal state Position to control the position of the part Control means and an internal state determination means for determining the internal state of the powder detection apparatus immediately after power-on according to the position detected by the position detection unit for the controlled vibration applying unit. And

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper without the operation of applying the diaphragm inside the sub hopper.

It is a general-view figure of the powder detection apparatus with which the magnetic flux sensor concerning this embodiment is mounted. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a toner supply configuration according to the exemplary embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of the powder detection apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the powder detection apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the sub hopper concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the sub hopper concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the reflection sensor concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the position detection range and position non-detectable range of a stirring member by the reflective sensor concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the circuit structure of the magnetic flux sensor concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the count aspect of the output signal of the magnetic flux sensor concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view showing an outline of a magnetic flux sensor concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the magnetic flux sensor concerning this embodiment, and a diaphragm. It is a figure which shows the effect | action at the time of a magnetic flux passing the diaphragm concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the oscillation frequency of the magnetic flux sensor according to the distance of the diaphragm concerning this embodiment, and a magnetic flux sensor. It is a perspective view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the diaphragm concerning this embodiment. It is a side view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the diaphragm concerning this embodiment, and a stirring member. It is a side view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the diaphragm concerning this embodiment, and a stirring member. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the diaphragm concerning this embodiment, and a stirring member. It is a side view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the diaphragm concerning this embodiment, and a stirring member. It is a top view which shows the vibration state of the diaphragm concerning this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a relationship between a vibration state of a diaphragm according to the present embodiment and toner. It is a figure which shows a time-dependent change of the count value according to the oscillation frequency of the magnetic flux sensor which changes according to attenuation | damping of the vibration of the diaphragm concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows switching to the position of the stirring member by the detection of the presence or absence of the toner concerning this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for determining the presence or absence of toner based on a stop position of a stirring member when a power source is turned on according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the position switching process (stops a stirring member to A area | region) by the operation process of the stirring paddle motor concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the switching process (stopping a stirring member in B area | region) of the position of the stirring member by the operation process of the stirring paddle motor concerning this embodiment. The position where the stirring member according to the present embodiment stops is shown in a circular shape. The position where the stirring member according to the present embodiment stops is shown in a circular shape. It is a figure which shows that the stirring member concerning this embodiment and the diaphragm are contacting. It is a flowchart which shows the process which controls the position of the stirring member by determination of the abnormal state concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of detecting the failure of reflection concerning this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, toner is supplied between a developing unit that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor and a container that is a supply source of toner that is a developer. The detection of the presence / absence of toner in the holding sub hopper will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a side view showing a mechanism for image forming output included in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a configuration in which image forming units 106 </ b> K to 106 </ b> Y of respective colors are arranged along a conveyance belt 105 that is an endless moving unit. It is said to be a tandem type. That is, along the transport belt 105, which is an intermediate transfer belt on which an intermediate transfer image for transfer onto a sheet (an example of a recording medium) 104 that is separated and fed from the sheet feed tray 101 by the sheet feed roller 102 is formed. A plurality of image forming units (electrophotographic process units) 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K (hereinafter collectively referred to as the image forming unit 106) are arranged in order from the upstream side of the transport direction of the transport belt 105.

  Further, the sheet 104 fed from the sheet feeding tray 101 is stopped once by the registration roller 103 and is sent out to the image transfer position from the conveying belt 105 according to the image forming timing in the image forming unit 106.

  The plurality of image forming units 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K have the same internal configuration except that the colors of the toner images to be formed are different. The image forming unit 106K forms a black image, the image forming unit 106M forms a magenta image, the image forming unit 106C forms a cyan image, and the image forming unit 106Y forms a yellow image. In the following description, the image forming unit 106Y will be described in detail. However, the other image forming units are common to the image forming unit 106Y, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The conveying belt 105 is an endless belt, that is, an endless belt that is stretched between a driving roller 107 and a driven roller 108 that are rotationally driven. The drive roller 107 is driven to rotate by a drive motor (not shown), and the drive motor, the drive roller 107, and the driven roller 108 function as a drive unit that moves the conveyance belt 105 that is an endless moving unit. .

  During image formation, the first image forming unit 106Y transfers a black toner image to the conveyance belt 105 that is driven to rotate. The image forming unit 106Y includes a photoconductor drum 109Y as a photoconductor, a charger 110Y disposed around the photoconductor drum 109Y, an optical writing device 111, a developing device 112Y, a photoconductor cleaner 113Y, and the like. The optical writing device 111 is configured to irradiate light to each of the photosensitive drums 109Y, 109M, 109C, and 109K (hereinafter collectively referred to as “photosensitive drum 109”).

  In the image formation, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 109Y is uniformly charged by the charger 110Y in the dark, and then writing is performed by light from the light source corresponding to the yellow image from the optical writing device 111. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing device 112Y visualizes the electrostatic latent image with yellow toner, thereby forming a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 109Y.

  This toner image is transferred onto the conveyance belt 105 by the action of the transfer unit 115Y at a position (transfer position) where the photosensitive drum 109Y and the conveyance belt 105 come into contact or closest to each other. By this transfer, an image of yellow toner is formed on the conveyance belt 105. After the transfer of the toner image is completed, the photosensitive drum 109Y is wiped away with unnecessary toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface by the photoconductor cleaner 113Y, and then is neutralized by the static eliminator, and waits for the next image formation.

  As described above, the yellow toner image transferred onto the conveyance belt 105 by the image forming unit 106Y is conveyed to the next image forming unit 106M by driving the roller of the conveyance belt 105. In the image forming unit 106M, a magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 109M by the same process as the image forming process in the image forming unit 106Y, and the toner image is superimposed and transferred onto the already formed yellow image. Is done.

  The yellow and magenta toner images transferred onto the conveying belt 105 are further conveyed to the next image forming units 106C and 106K, and the cyan toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 109C and the photosensitive member are subjected to the same operation. The black toner image formed on the body drum 109K is superimposed and transferred on the already transferred image. Thus, a full-color intermediate transfer image is formed on the conveyance belt 105.

  The sheets 104 stored in the sheet feed tray 101 are sent out in order from the top, and the intermediate transfer image formed on the conveyance belt 105 is transferred at a position where the conveyance path is in contact with or closest to the conveyance belt 105. It is transferred onto the paper. As a result, an image is formed on the surface of the sheet 104. The sheet 104 on which the image is formed on the sheet surface is further conveyed, the image is fixed by the fixing device 116, and then fed to the outside of the image forming apparatus.

  A belt cleaner 118 is provided for the conveyor belt 105. As shown in FIG. 1, the belt cleaner 118 is a cleaning blade pressed against the conveyance belt 105 on the downstream side of the transfer position of the image from the conveyance belt 105 to the paper 104 and upstream of the photosensitive drum 109. And a developer remover that removes toner adhering to the surface of the conveyor belt 105.

  Next, a configuration for supplying toner to the developing device 112 will be described with reference to FIG. The toner supply configuration is generally the same for each color of CMYK, and FIG. 2 shows the supply configuration for one developing device 112. The toner is contained in the toner bottle 117, and as shown in FIG. 2, the toner is supplied from the toner bottle 117 to the sub hopper 200 via the toner bottle supply path 120.

  The sub hopper 200 temporarily holds the toner supplied from the toner bottle 117 and supplies the toner to the developing device 112 according to the remaining amount of toner in the developing device 112. Toner is supplied from the sub hopper 200 to the developing device 112 via the sub hopper supply path 119. It is possible to detect a state in which the toner in the toner bottle 117 runs out and no toner is supplied to the sub hopper 200 and the amount of toner in the sub hopper 200 is reduced.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the powder detection device according to the present embodiment. The powder detection device 100 executes a predetermined program, thereby realizing a CPU 1001 for realizing overall control of the powder detection device 100, and the CPU 1001 reads when the power of the powder detection device 100 is turned on. A FROM 1002 that is a memory for storing a program, an SRAM 1003 that is an access memory used as a work memory by the CPU 1001, and a record of various data can be held when the power of the powder detection apparatus 100 is cut off. NVRAM1004.

  In addition, the powder detection apparatus 100 controls operation based on data output from the sensor, including a sensor unit 1007 including a magnetic flux sensor 1012 that detects magnetic flux and a reflection sensor 1013 that detects reflection of light. TIMER 1005, I / O PORT 1006, transmission circuit 1010, stirring paddle motor 1011, vibration part 301, and vibration applying part 302 are provided. Details of each function will be described later.

  In order to explain the details of each function, the present embodiment detects the internal state of the sub hopper 200, determines the internal state (with or without toner, etc.) from the detection result, and performs appropriate processing according to the determination result. Is to do. Hereinafter, a method for detecting the internal state of the sub-hopper 200 and determining the internal state will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The CPU 1001 is a calculation means, and performs powder detection control by performing calculations according to a program stored in the FROM 1002 or the like. The SRAM 1003 functions as a work area for the CPU 1001 to perform calculations.

  The NVRAM 1004 stores a reference value (for example, a determination threshold) necessary for performing a predetermined determination operation. To give a specific example of the reference value, for example, when an oscillation count value in contact between the vibration applying unit 302 and the vibration unit 301 is determined in advance, and the abnormality of the sensor is determined based on the determined oscillation count value. Can be used.

  Here, the I / O PORT 1006 functions as an interface for outputting detection results of various sensors to the CPU 1001 or the like. The I / O PORT 1006 is interlocked with the stirring paddle motor 1011 and the sensor unit 1007, and has a function of performing appropriate control based on the output result.

  The controller 1007 acquires a detection signal output from the magnetic flux sensor 1012 and converts the detection signal into information that can be processed in the controller 1007 or the number of signals to be subjected to vibration frequency calculation from the signal output from the magnetic flux sensor 1012. It also has a function as a counter that counts.

  The oscillation circuit 1010 is linked to the magnetic flux sensor 1012, and has a function of observing the vibration unit 301 and a magnetic flux sensor that changes according to the distance between the magnetic flux sensor 1012 as a change in the transmission frequency.

  The TIMER 1005 generates an interrupt signal and outputs it to the CPU 1001 every time the count value of the reference clock input from the transmission circuit 1010 reaches a predetermined value. The CPU 1001 outputs a read signal for acquiring the output value of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 in response to the interrupt signal input from the TIMER 1005. The oscillation circuit 1010 also oscillates a reference clock for operating a device (not shown) provided in the controller 1007.

  Next, the functional block diagram of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 shows functional blocks of the powder detection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. When the powder detection device 100 of the present embodiment is divided into a functional unit and a means unit, the functional unit includes an oscillation unit 300, a vibration unit 301, a vibration applying unit 302, and a position detection unit 303. As the means, detection processing means 401, position control means 402, and internal state determination means 403 are provided.

  The oscillation unit 300 of the powder detection apparatus 100 outputs a signal having a frequency corresponding to the state of magnetic flux passing through the facing space. In particular, in the present embodiment, it refers to the magnetic flux sensor 1012, and details will be described later.

  The vibration unit 301 of the powder detection device 100 is disposed inside the container of the powder detection device 100, faces the oscillation unit 300 through the casing of the container, vibrates in a direction facing the oscillation unit 300, and generates magnetic flux. It is made of a material that affects In particular, in the present embodiment, it refers to a diaphragm provided at a predetermined position, and details will be described later.

  The vibration applying unit 302 of the powder detection apparatus 100 vibrates the vibrating unit 301, that is, gives the vibrating unit 301 an opportunity to vibrate. In particular, in the present embodiment, the vibration applying unit 302 refers to a stirring member that stirs the inside of the container of the powder detection device 100, and details will be described later.

  The position detection unit 303 of the powder detection device 100 detects the position of the vibration applying unit 302. Various methods can be considered as the position detection method. In particular, in the present embodiment, a reflected light detection type sensor provided outside the sub hopper will be described, but details will be described later. explain.

  The detection processing unit 401 of the powder detection apparatus 100 acquires frequency related information related to the frequency of the oscillation signal of the oscillation unit 300 at a predetermined period, and based on the change of the frequency related information that changes according to the vibration of the oscillation unit 300. The vibration state of the vibration unit 301 is detected, and the internal state of the powder detection device 100 is detected based on the detection result.

  Here, the internal state of the powder detection device 100 indicates whether toner is present in the container in the sub hopper. For example, when the position of the vibration applying unit 302 is detected by the reflection sensor 1013. There may be a case where the sensor itself is out of order or a correct detection is not performed. It is also possible to detect including such abnormality detection.

  The position control unit 402 of the powder detection device 100 controls the position of the vibration applying unit 302 based on the detection result of the presence or absence of the detected powder or the presence or absence of abnormality of the powder detection device 100. When controlling, for example, based on a predetermined program, the CPU 1001 comprehensively vibrates from the detected position of the vibration applying unit 302 and information on the internal state of the powder detection apparatus 100 detected by the detection processing unit 401. The position of the applying unit 302 can be controlled.

Since it is possible to determine the presence / absence of toner when the power is turned on without having previously stored the presence / absence of toner in the device, which is a problem in this embodiment, in a storage device or the like, vibration is applied as a reference for determining the presence / absence of toner Information about where the unit 302 is located is required.
That is, the position of the vibration applying unit 302 can be controlled in order to determine the presence or absence of toner according to predetermined information.

  The internal state determination unit 403 of the powder detection apparatus 100 determines the internal state of the powder detection apparatus 100 immediately after power-on according to the position of the controlled vibration applying unit 302 detected by the position detection unit 303.

  It can be determined whether the toner is in the sub-hopper container of the powder detection device 100 based on the position of the vibration applying unit 302 controlled by the position control unit 402. Further, when the power is turned on, it is possible to instantaneously determine the presence or absence of toner or the presence or absence of abnormality of the powder detection device 100 based on the control of the position of the vibration applying unit 302 of the position control unit 402.

  Next, in the functions and means of this embodiment, a detailed description will be given with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an overview of the sub hopper 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, a magnetic flux sensor 1012 is attached to the outer wall of the casing constituting the sub hopper 200. In FIG. 5, the upper portion of the sub hopper 200 is an opening, and a cover in which the toner bottle supply path 120 is formed is attached to the opening.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the sub hopper 200. As shown in FIG. 6, a diaphragm 1014 is provided on the inner wall inside the sub hopper 200. The inner wall provided with the diaphragm 1014 is the back side of the outer wall to which the magnetic flux sensor 1012 is attached in FIG. Accordingly, the diaphragm 1014 is attached so as to face the magnetic flux sensor 1012.

  The diaphragm 1014 is a rectangular plate-like component, and is arranged in a cantilever state in which the longitudinal direction is once fixed to the housing of the sub hopper 200. In addition, a weight is disposed at the end of the diaphragm 1014 that is not fixed in the longitudinal direction. The weight has a function of adjusting the frequency when the diaphragm 1014 vibrates and a function of vibrating the diaphragm 1014.

  In the sub hopper 200, a rotating shaft and a stirring member 1015 are provided as a configuration for stirring the toner inside. The rotation axis is an axis that rotates inside the sub hopper 200. An agitating member 1015 is fixed to the rotating shaft, and the agitating member 1015 rotates with the rotation of the rotating shaft, and the toner inside the sub hopper 200 is agitated.

  In addition to the toner stirring, the stirring member 1015 is provided on the vibration plate 1014 by rotation and has a function of flipping the weight. Accordingly, each time the stirring member 1015 rotates once, the weight is repelled to vibrate the diaphragm 1014. That is, the vibration plate 1014 functions as a vibration part, and the stirring member 1015 functions as a vibration applying part. By detecting the vibration of the vibration plate 1014, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper 200.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a reflection sensor 1013 is provided outside the sub hopper 200. The reflection sensor 1013 is a sensor that can control the rotation angle of the stirring paddle motor 1011 by detecting, for example, a detection hole 1016 formed in the stirring paddle motor 1011 of FIG. As a sensing method, referring to FIG. 5, it is a method in which light emitted from the reflection sensor 1013 passes through the detection hole 1016 and is bounced back to the opposite outer wall 1017. In the present embodiment, the reflection sensor 1013 functions as the position detection unit 303.

  The specific position of the stirring member 1015 can be specified by sensing with the reflection sensor 1013. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, consider which position the stirring member 1015 belongs to, the region A or the region B. When the reflection sensor 1013 detects the detection hole 1016, the stirring paddle motor 1011 determines that the stirring member 1015 is at an angle where the stirring member 1015 is positioned in the region A. When the reflection sensor 1013 cannot detect the detection hole 1016, the stirring paddle The motor 1011 determines that the angle is such that the stirring member 1015 is located in a region that is not A (region B in FIG. 6).

  In particular, in this embodiment, when it is determined that toner is present at the position of the stirring member 1015 for determining the presence or absence of toner, control is performed to the position of the region A, and when it is determined that there is no toner. Then, control is performed at the position of region B. That is, when detecting the presence or absence of toner based on the vibration of the vibration plate 1014, the reflection sensor 1013 monitors whether the stirring member 1015 belongs to the region A or the region B. When it is finally determined whether the toner is present or not, the stirring member 1015 is controlled to be moved to a predetermined position based on the determination result.

  Next, the internal configuration of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to this embodiment is an oscillation circuit based on a Colpitts LC oscillation circuit, and includes a planar pattern coil 11, a pattern resistor 12, a first capacitor 13, and a second capacitor 14. , Feedback resistor 15, unbuffers 16 and 17, and output terminal 18.

  The planar pattern coil 11 is a planar coil constituted by signal lines patterned in a planar shape on a substrate constituting the magnetic flux sensor 1012. As shown in FIG. 9, the planar pattern coil 11 has an inductance L obtained by the coil. In the planar pattern coil 11, the value of the inductance L changes due to the magnetic flux passing through the space facing the plane on which the coil is formed. As a result, the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to this embodiment is used as an oscillating unit that oscillates a signal having a frequency corresponding to the magnetic flux passing through the space where the coil surfaces of the planar pattern coil 11 face each other.

The pattern resistor 12 is a resistor configured by a signal line patterned in a planar shape on a substrate, like the planar pattern coil 11. The pattern resistor 12 according to the present embodiment is a pattern formed in a zigzag shape, thereby creating a state in which current does not flow more easily than a linear pattern. In other words, the zigzag folded shape is a shape folded so as to reciprocate a plurality of times in a predetermined direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the pattern resistor 12 has a resistance value R _P. As shown in FIG. 9, the planar pattern coil 11 and the pattern resistor 12 are connected in series.

  The first capacitor 13 and the second capacitor 14 are capacitors that together with the planar pattern coil 11 constitute a Colpitts LC oscillation circuit. Therefore, the first capacitor 13 and the second capacitor 14 are connected in series with the planar pattern coil 11 and the pattern resistor 12. A resonance current loop is constituted by a loop constituted by the planar pattern coil 11, the pattern resistor 12, the first capacitor 13 and the second capacitor 14.

  The feedback resistor 15 is inserted to stabilize the bias voltage. Due to the functions of the unbuffer IC 16 and the unbuffer 17, a change in potential of a part of the resonance current loop is output from the output terminal 18 as a rectangular wave corresponding to the resonance frequency.

With such a configuration, the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to this embodiment oscillates at a frequency f corresponding to the inductance L, the resistance R _P , and the capacitance C of the first capacitor 13 and the second capacitor 14. The frequency f can be expressed by the following formula (1).

  The inductance L also changes depending on the presence of the magnetic substance in the vicinity of the planar pattern coil 11 and its concentration. Therefore, the magnetic permeability in the space near the planar pattern coil 11 can be determined from the oscillation frequency of the magnetic flux sensor 1012.

  Further, as described above, the magnetic flux sensor 1012 in the sub hopper 200 according to the present embodiment is arranged to face the diaphragm 1014 via the housing. Accordingly, the magnetic flux generated by the planar pattern coil 11 passes through the diaphragm 1014. That is, the diaphragm 1014 affects the magnetic flux generated by the planar pattern coil 11 and affects the inductance L. As a result, the presence of the diaphragm 1014 affects the frequency of the oscillation signal of the magnetic flux sensor 1012. Details will be described later.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a count value aspect of the output signal of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to the present embodiment. If there is no change in the magnetic flux generated by the planar pattern coil 11 included in the magnetic flux sensor 1012, the magnetic flux sensor 1012 continues to oscillate at the same frequency in principle. As a result, the count value of the counter uniformly increases with time as shown in FIG. 10, and the timings of t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ , and t ₅ are shown in FIG. In, count values such as aaaah, bbbbh, cccch, ddddh, AAAAh are acquired.

By calculating the count value at each timing based on the periods T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ , and T ₄ shown in FIG. 10, the frequency in each period is calculated. For example, when a frequency is calculated by outputting an interrupt signal when a reference clock corresponding to 2 (msec) is counted, T ₁ and T shown in FIG. 10 are obtained by dividing the count value in each period by 2 (msec). ₂ , the oscillation frequency f (Hz) of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 in each of the periods T ₃ and T ₄ is calculated.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the upper limit of the count value of the counter is FFFFh, when calculating the frequency in the period T ₄ , the sum of the value obtained by subtracting ddddh from FFFFh and AAAAh is 2 (msec). The oscillation frequency f (Hz) can be calculated by dividing by.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the frequency of the signal oscillated by the magnetic flux sensor 1012 is acquired, and the event corresponding to the oscillation frequency is determined by the magnetic flux sensor 1012 based on the acquisition result. it can. In the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to the present embodiment, the inductance L changes according to the state of the diaphragm 1014 arranged to face the planar pattern coil 11, and as a result, the signal output from the output terminal 18 is changed. The frequency changes.

  As a result, in the controller 1007 that acquires the signal, it is possible to check the state of the diaphragm 1014 arranged to face the planar coil pattern 11. It is possible to determine the internal state of the sub hopper 200 based on the state of the diaphragm 1014 thus confirmed.

  As described above, the frequency is obtained by dividing the count value of the oscillation signal by the period. If the period for acquiring the count value is fixed, the acquired count value is used as a parameter for indicating the frequency. It is also possible to use it as it is.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an overview of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 7, the surface on which the planar pattern coil 11 and the pattern resistor 12 described in FIG. 5 are formed, that is, the detection surface facing the space where the magnetic permeability is to be detected is directed to the upper surface.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the pattern resistor 12 connected in series with the planar pattern coil 11 is patterned on the detection surface on which the planar pattern coil 11 is formed. As described with reference to FIG. 9, the planar pattern coil 11 is a signal line pattern formed in a spiral shape on a plane. The pattern resistor 12 is a signal pattern formed in a zigzag pattern on the plane, and the function of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 as described above is realized by these patterns.

  A portion formed by the planar pattern coil 11 and the pattern resistor 12 is a magnetic permeability detection unit in the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to the present embodiment. When the magnetic flux sensor 1012 is attached to the sub hopper 200, the detection unit is attached to face the diaphragm 1014.

  Next, the influence of the diaphragm 1014 on the oscillation frequency of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the surface on which the planar pattern coil 11 is formed in the magnetic flux sensor 1012 and the diaphragm 1014 are arranged to face each other with the housing of the sub hopper 200 interposed therebetween. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, a magnetic flux is generated around the center of the planar pattern coil 11, and the magnetic flux penetrates the diaphragm 1014.

The diaphragm 1014 is formed of, for example, a SUS plate, and an eddy current is generated in the diaphragm 1014 when the magnetic flux G ₁ penetrates the diaphragm 1014 as shown in FIG. This eddy current generates a magnetic flux G ₂ and acts to cancel the magnetic flux G ₁ generated by the planar pattern coil 11. By canceling out the magnetic flux G _{1 in} this way, the inductance L in the magnetic flux sensor 1012 decreases. As shown in the above equation (1), when the inductance L decreases, the oscillation frequency f increases.

  The strength of the eddy current generated inside the diaphragm 1014 upon receiving the magnetic flux from the planar pattern coil 11 is also generated by the distance between the planar pattern coil 11 and the diaphragm 1014 in addition to the strength of the magnetic flux. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the oscillation frequency of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 according to the distance between the planar pattern coil 11 and the diaphragm 1014.

  The strength of the eddy current generated inside the diaphragm 1014 is inversely proportional to the distance between the planar pattern coil 11 and the diaphragm 1014. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, as the distance between the planar pattern coil 11 and the diaphragm 1014 becomes narrower, the oscillation frequency of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 becomes higher. When the distance becomes narrower than a predetermined distance, the inductance L becomes too low and oscillation occurs. No longer.

  In the sub hopper 200 according to the present embodiment, the vibration of the diaphragm 1014 is detected based on the oscillation frequency of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 by utilizing the characteristics as shown in FIG. The gist of the present embodiment is to detect the toner amount inside the sub hopper 200 based on the vibration of the vibration plate 1014 thus detected. That is, the configuration for processing the output signal of the diaphragm 1014, the magnetic flux sensor 1012, and the magnetic flux sensor 1012 shown in FIG. 12 is used as the powder detection device according to this embodiment.

  The vibration of the diaphragm 1014 repelled by the stirring member 1015 is expressed by a natural frequency determined by the rigidity of the diaphragm 1014 and the weight of the weight, and a damping rate determined by an external factor that absorbs the vibration energy. As external factors that absorb vibration energy, in addition to the fixing factor of the fixing portion that fixes the vibration plate 1014 in a cantilever state and the fixing factor of air resistivity, the toner that contacts the vibration plate 1014 inside the sub hopper 200 There is a presence.

  The toner that contacts the vibration plate 1014 in the sub hopper 200 varies depending on the remaining amount of toner in the sub hopper 200. Accordingly, it is possible to detect the remaining amount of toner in the sub hopper 200 by detecting the vibration of the vibration plate 1014. For this reason, in the sub hopper 200 according to the present embodiment, the stirring member 1015 for stirring the internal toner repels the vibration plate 1014 and periodically vibrates the vibration plate 1014 according to the rotation.

  Next, the arrangement of components around the diaphragm 1014 in the sub hopper 200 and the configuration for the stirring member 1015 to play the diaphragm 1014 will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship around the diaphragm 1014. As shown in FIG. 15, the diaphragm 1014 is fixed to the housing of the sub hopper 200 via a fixing portion 201a.

  FIG. 16 is a side view showing a state before the stirring member 1015 comes into contact with the weight attached to the diaphragm 1014 as the rotating state of the rotating shaft 204. In FIG. 16, the rotating shaft 204 rotates the stirring member 1015 clockwise.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the weight has a shape that is inclined with respect to the plate surface of the diaphragm 1014 when viewed from the side. The inclined surface of the weight is a portion that is pushed by the stirring member 1015 when the stirring member 1015 repels and vibrates the diaphragm 1014. FIG. 17 is a side view showing a state where the stirring member 1015 is further rotated from the state shown in FIG.

  By further rotating the stirring member 1015 in contact with the weight, the diaphragm 1014 is pushed in along with the inclination provided on the weight. In FIG. 17, the positions of the diaphragm 1014 and the weight in a state where no external force is applied (hereinafter referred to as “steady state”) are indicated by broken lines. As shown in FIG. 17, the diaphragm 1014 and the weight are pushed by the stirring member 1015.

  18 is a top view showing the state shown in FIG. Since the diaphragm 1014 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing of the sub hopper 200 via the fixing portion 201a, the position on the fixing portion 201a side does not change. On the other hand, the end on the opposite side, which is provided with a weight and is a free end, moves to the side opposite to the side on which the rotating shaft 204 is provided by being pushed in by the stirring member 1015.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the stirring member 1015 according to the present embodiment is provided with a cut 205a between the portion that contacts the weight and the other portion. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the stirring member 1015 from being damaged by applying an excessive force when the stirring member 1015 pushes the weight.

  FIG. 19 is a side view showing a state where the stirring member 1015 is further rotated from the state shown in FIG. In FIG. 19, the position of the diaphragm 1014 in the steady state is indicated by a broken line, and the position of the diaphragm 1014 shown in FIG. 17 is indicated by a chain line. The position of the vibration plate 1014 that has been deflected to the opposite side when the vibration energy stored by being pushed in by the stirring member 1015 is released is indicated by a solid line.

  20 is a top view showing the state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, when the weight pressing by the stirring member 1015 is released, the end of the side on which the weight which is a free end is bent is bent to the opposite side by the bending energy stored in the diaphragm 1014. Move like

  In the state shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the diaphragm 1014 is away from the magnetic flux sensor 1012 facing through the housing of the sub hopper 200. Thereafter, the vibration plate 1014 vibrates to return to the steady state due to vibration attenuation while repeating the state closer to the magnetic flux sensor 1012 than the steady state and the state away from the steady state.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the state of toner held inside the sub hopper 200 with dots. As shown in FIG. 21, when the toner exists in the sub hopper 200, the vibration plate 1014 and the weight come into contact with the toner while vibrating. For this reason, the vibration of the diaphragm 1014 is attenuated faster than when no toner is present inside the sub hopper 200. The presence / absence of toner in the sub hopper 200 can be detected based on the change in vibration attenuation.

  Next, the detection result of the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper 200 is output, and the position of the stirring member 1015 is confirmed by the reflection sensor 103. The determination of the presence / absence of toner in the sub hopper 200 is made based on the vibration state of the vibration plate 1014, and therefore can be determined according to the vibration method.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a change in the count value of the oscillation signal of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 every predetermined time until the vibration of the diaphragm 1014 is attenuated and stopped after the weight is bounced by the stirring member 105. The count value of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 increases as the transmission frequency increases. Therefore, the vertical axis in FIG. 22 can be replaced with the transmission frequency instead of the count value.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the vibration member 1014 approaches the magnetic flux sensor 1012 when the stirring member 105 contacts the weight and pushes the weight at timing t ₁ . As a result, the oscillation frequency of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 increases and the count value for each predetermined period increases.

Then, at the timing t ₂ , the pressing of the weight by the stirring member 105 is released, and thereafter it vibrates with the vibration energy stored in the diaphragm 1014. When the vibration plate 1014 vibrates, a state where the distance between the vibration plate 1014 and the magnetic flux sensor 1012 is wider and narrower is repeated centering on the steady state. As a result, the frequency of the oscillation signal of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 vibrates with the vibration of the diaphragm 1014, and the count value for every predetermined time also vibrates in the same manner.

  The amplitude of vibration of the diaphragm 1014 becomes narrower as the vibration energy is consumed. That is, the vibration of the diaphragm 1014 attenuates with time. For this reason, the change in the distance between the diaphragm 1014 and the magnetic flux sensor 1012 also decreases with time, and the time change in the count value also changes as shown in FIG.

  Here, as described above, the vibration of the diaphragm 1014 attenuates faster as the amount of toner in the sub hopper 200 increases. Accordingly, by analyzing how the vibration of the oscillation signal of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 as shown in FIG. 22 is analyzed, it is recognized how the vibration of the diaphragm 1014 has been attenuated, thereby determining the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper 200. I can know.

  As described above, the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper 200 can be detected using the magnetic flux sensor 1012. Further, by detecting the position of the stirring member 1015 using the reflection sensor 1013, the position of the stirring member 1015 can be controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of toner, and the position of the stirring member 1015 can be set to any position. By determining whether to control, it is possible to instantaneously determine the presence or absence of toner.

  Next, the procedure of this embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 23 is a flowchart for determining the presence or absence of toner based on vibration detection of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 in the present embodiment.

  First, it is assumed that a request for detecting the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper is received. First, an operation for stirring the toner inside the sub hopper is executed (step 3101). Next, when the stirring member 1015 rotated for stirring the toner repels the vibration plate 1014, the vibration of the vibration plate 1014 is started. The generated vibration start waveform of the diaphragm 1014 is detected by the magnetic flux sensor 1012 (step 3102).

The presence / absence of toner is determined from the vibration characteristics detected by the magnetic flux sensor 1012 (step 3103). As a criterion for determining the presence or absence of toner, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, it is determined that there is no toner when the count value of the oscillation signal becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold C _n . If it is determined that toner is present (step 3104), the result of toner presence is output (step 3105). The position of the next stirring member is confirmed (step 3107). When the stirring member is not in the position A which is the range detectable by the reflection sensor 1013, the stirring member is switched to A, that is, the range detectable by the reflection sensor 1013 (step 3109). If the stirring member is at the position A, it is not necessary to perform switching.

  Next, when it is determined that there is no toner (step 3104), the determination result of toner is output (step 3016). Next, the position of the stirring member is confirmed (step 3108). If the stirring member is in the position A, which is a range that can be detected by the reflection sensor 1013, the stirring member is switched to B, that is, the position B that is outside the range that can be detected by the reflection sensor 1013 (step 3110). If the stirring member is at the position B, no particular switching is performed. The above is a series of operations by switching the position of the stirring member based on the determination of the presence or absence of toner.

  Next, it is assumed that the position of the stirring member is controlled in the flowchart of FIG. 23 and the power source of the powder detection apparatus 100 main body is turned off with the position of the stirring member determined according to the state inside the sub hopper 200. To do. Then, processing when the reflection sensor 1013 detects the position of the stirring member when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the power source of the powder detection apparatus 100 is turned on, the power source of the reflection sensor 1013 is turned on (step 3201). When the power source of the reflection sensor 1013 is turned on, position detection of the stirring member 1015 is started (step 3202). When the reflection sensor 1013 can detect the position of the stirring member 1015 (step 3203), it is determined that the stirring member 1015 is in the region A. When the stirring member 1015 is in the area A, it is determined that the toner is present as determined internally, and the result is output (step 3204).

  Further, when the reflection sensor 1013 cannot detect the position of the stirring member 1015 (step 3203), it is determined that the stirring member 1015 is in the region B instead of the region A. When the agitating member 1015 is in the region B, it is determined that the toner is not present as determined in advance, and the result is output (step 3205).

  Through the above processing, even when the information on the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper is not stored in a storage medium or the like in advance, information when the vibration unit 301 vibrates is detected by the magnetic flux sensor 1012, and based on the detection result. By controlling the position of the stirring member and detecting the position information of the stirring member when the power is turned on, it is possible to instantaneously output information on the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper.

  Next, regarding the switching of the position of the stirring member 1015, details of the operation process of the stirring paddle motor 1011 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. This is a process for preventing the rotation operation of the stirring paddle motor 1011 from being stopped during stirring when the stirring member 1015 operates as an operation mechanism.

  First, it is assumed that the process of switching the position of the stirring member 1015 is started in Step 3109 of FIG. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the stirring paddle motor 1011 is OFF (step 3301). When the agitation paddle motor 1011 is OFF, a process of switching to ON is performed (step 3302). At this time, when the reflection sensor 1013 is in an OFF state, that is, when the stirring member 1015 is in the position of the region B that cannot be detected, the stirring paddle motor 1011 is moved until the reflection sensor 1013 is turned ON to rotate the stirring member ( Step 3303). After confirming that the reflection sensor 1013 is turned on, the stirring paddle motor 1011 is turned off to stop the rotation of the stirring member 1015 (step 3304).

  In addition, although the above operation | movement assumes the operation | movement which switches the position of a stirring member to the A area | region which is a range which can be detected with the reflective sensor 1013, it switches to the B area | region which is outside the range which the reflective sensor 1013 can detect. The process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The processing in steps 3401 and 3402 in FIG. 26 is the same as that in steps 3301 and 3302 in FIG. When the reflection sensor 1013 is positioned in the region B where the position of the stirring member 1015 cannot be detected due to the rotation of the stirring member 1015 (step 3403), if it is confirmed that the position is in the region B, the rotation of the stirring member 1015 is stopped ( Step 3404).

  As described above, by the operation of the stirring paddle motor 1011, the stirring member can be positioned at both positions of the region A that is the detectable range of the reflection sensor 1013 and the region B that is outside the detectable range. The above operation can be realized by, for example, incorporating a predetermined program in the controller 1007, the FROM 1002, or the like.

  Next, as a method for reliably detecting the internal state of the sub hopper 200, the position where the stirring member 1015 is stopped covers a wide range such as “somewhere in the region A” and “somewhere in the region B”. Instead, the process of reliably stopping the stirring member 1015 at a specific position so that the reflection sensor 1013 does not erroneously detect the position of the stirring member 1015 will be described.

  In the present invention, the presence / absence of toner is determined based on the position of the stirring member 1015. Therefore, for example, when the stirring member 1015 stops near the boundary between the region A and the region B, there is a possibility of erroneous detection. is there. In order to describe a specific image of processing, FIG. 27 is referred to. In FIG. 27, the range where the stirring member 1015 stops is drawn in a circle, and the painted area is an area A where the reflection sensor 1013 can detect.

  Here, let us consider a case where it is desired to stop in the area B where the absence of toner is determined based on a predetermined process. Referring to FIG. 27, when the current position of the stirring member is within the sensor detection range, the stirring member 1015 is operated to a position that is not the A area (filled), and the time when the stirring member 1015 is removed from the A area (filled). However, if the stirring member 1015 stops at the boundary between the area A (filled) and the area B, it may be difficult to determine the presence or absence of toner.

  Therefore, it is possible to perform control so that the position to be stopped is stopped at a designated position in the B region, here, a position opposite to the position detected by the current reflection sensor 1013 (180 ° in terms of angle). As a method, using a timer or the like, a predetermined time is determined from the region A (filled) that is the detection range, that is, the time for the stirring member 1015 to move from the region A (filled) that is the detection range to the opposite position. When it is desired to stop the stirring member 1015, the stirring member 1015 is stopped at the position to be stopped using the time determined by the timer. Even when the position of the stirring member 1015 where the position to be stopped is determined in the A region (filled) and the B region is determined is not in the A region (filled) but in the B region, The stirring member 1015 can be stopped at the position. By the method as described above, it is possible to suppress the stop at the stop position where an erroneous detection may occur, and it is possible to make a proper determination of the presence or absence of toner. For example, the timer can be used with the TIMER 1005 having a function.

  Next, as a second method for reliably stopping the stirring member 1015 at a specific position, a method using vibration detection of the diaphragm 1014 will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the detectable range of the diaphragm 1014 and the reflection sensor 1013 has the relationship shown in FIG. If it is determined that the stirring member 1015 is to be stopped in the B region at a position within the sensor detection range, the stop position in the B region is moved until the diaphragm 1014 is flipped when the stirring member is rotated. And set in advance.

  As a fine setting, for example, “stopping after ◯ sec from playing the diaphragm 1014” can be considered, but anyway, it is possible to control the diaphragm 1014 to stop at the timing when the vibration can be detected. Become. That is, when the stirring paddle motor 1011 is turned ON, vibration detection information of the diaphragm 1014 is received from the magnetic flux sensor 1012, the stirring paddle motor 1011 is stopped based on the vibration detection information, and the stirring member 1015 is stopped.

  Next, control of the stop position of the stirring member when an abnormal state occurs based on the detection result of the magnetic flux sensor 1012 detected based on the vibration of the diaphragm 1014 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 assumes that the stirring member 1015 is in contact with the diaphragm 1014. It is assumed that the position of the stirring member at that time is determined as L.

  Normally, while the stirring member 1015 is rotating, the diaphragm 1014 oscillates by contact with the stirring member 1015 by a predetermined time (for example, a period in which the stirring member makes one round of the driving range), and the oscillation result Can be detected by the magnetic flux sensor 1012, but when the vibration of the diaphragm 1014 cannot be detected by a predetermined time, it can be determined that the state is abnormal.

  When such an abnormal state occurs, control can be performed so that the stirring member 1015 is stopped at the position L in contact with the diaphragm 1014. The position L is an example, and other positions may be determined.

A specific processing procedure will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 30 shows a process for controlling the position of the stirring member 1015 based on the determination of the abnormal state. First, the position of the stirring member immediately after the power is turned on is confirmed (step 5001). When the stirring member 1015 is at the position L, that is, the position where the stirring member 1015 and the vibration plate 1014 are in contact with each other (step 5002), the stirring member 1015 makes the drive range once around the stirring member 1015, and the change of the oscillation count value is confirmed It is confirmed that the oscillation count value is not less than a predetermined value (for example, C _n value in FIG. 22) (step 5004). The operation of the stirring member 1015 at this time can be activated as a test mode by incorporating it in a program such as FROM in advance as a test mode.

  If the oscillation count value is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that the oscillation count value does not increase even though the stirring member 1015 and the vibration plate 1014 are in contact with each other (step 5005). At this time, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the internal state of the sub hopper 200, and the abnormal state is output (step 5006). In this process, the determination of the presence / absence of toner due to an abnormal state is determined as having toner.

  Next, processing when it is determined that a problem has occurred in position detection in the reflection sensor 1013 and the reflection sensor 1013 has failed will be described. For example, when the agitation paddle motor 1011 rotates the agitation member 1015, the output result from the reflection sensor 1013 has not changed during the period until the drive range makes one revolution, that is, the position of the agitation member 1015 cannot be detected. Determines that the reflection sensor 1013 is out of order. It should be noted that during the period until the drive range makes one turn, the time may be managed by turning on the timer simultaneously with turning on the stirring paddle motor 1011.

  A specific processing procedure will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 31 is a flowchart of processing when a failure of the reflection sensor 1013 is detected. First, it is assumed that the process of switching the position of the stirring member 1015 has started. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the stirring paddle motor 1011 is OFF (step 3301). When the agitation paddle motor 1011 is OFF, a process of switching to ON is performed (step 3302). At this time, the timer is also turned on at the same time (step 6001).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the reflection sensor 1013 has detected the position of the stirring member, and if no output is made by position detection, the passage of a predetermined period is confirmed (step 6002). Here, the predetermined period is a period until the drive range makes one round when the stirring paddle motor 1011 rotates the stirring member 1015. Here, when it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed, an abnormality occurrence notification of the reflection sensor 1013 is output (step 6003). The stirring paddle motor 1011 is stopped based on the abnormality notification (step 3304).

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of toner in the sub hopper immediately after the power is turned on without storing the latest internal state of the sub hopper in the memory medium.

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 300 Oscillation part 301 Vibration part 302 Vibration provision part 303 Position detection part 401 Detection processing means 402 Position control means 403 Internal state determination means

JP 2012-198368 A JP 2009-300906 A JP 2009-092827 A JP 2013-015804 A

Claims (7)

A powder detection device for detecting the remaining amount of powder having fluidity in a container,
An oscillating unit that outputs a signal having a frequency according to the state of magnetic flux passing through the opposing space;
A vibrating portion disposed inside the container, facing the oscillating portion via the housing of the container, vibrating in a direction facing the oscillating portion, and formed of a material that affects magnetic flux;
A vibration applying unit that vibrates the vibrating unit;
A position detection unit for detecting the position of the vibration applying unit;
Including
Obtaining frequency-related information related to the frequency of the oscillation signal of the oscillating unit at a predetermined cycle, detecting a vibration state of the oscillating unit based on a change in the frequency-related information that changes according to the vibration of the oscillating unit; Detection processing means for detecting the internal state of the powder detection device based on a detection result;
Position control means for controlling the position of the vibration applying unit based on the detected internal state;
An internal state determination means for determining the internal state of the powder detection apparatus immediately after power-on according to the position detected by the position detection unit, the controlled vibration applying unit;
Comprising
The powder detection apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The internal state determination means determines the presence / absence of the powder in the container of the powder detection device immediately after power-on according to the position detected by the position detection unit for the controlled vibration applying unit. ,
The powder detection apparatus according to claim 1. The position detection unit detects the position of the vibration applying unit at a position opposite to the position of the vibration unit;
The powder detection device according to claim 1, wherein the powder detection device is a powder detection device. The internal state determination means determines the presence or absence of abnormality of the powder detection device immediately after power-on, according to the position detected by the position detection unit, the controlled vibration applying unit.
The powder detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The position control means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the position detection unit when the position of the vibration applying unit is not recognized for a predetermined period;
The powder detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein A powder detection method of a powder detection device for detecting the remaining amount of powder having fluidity in a container,
A signal with a frequency corresponding to the state of the magnetic flux passing through the opposing space is output by the oscillation unit,
The vibration applying unit is disposed inside the container and faces the oscillating unit through the casing of the container, and vibrates in a direction facing the oscillating unit, and is formed by a material that affects magnetic flux. Vibrate,
Detecting the position of the vibration applying unit,
Obtaining frequency-related information related to the frequency of the oscillation signal of the oscillating unit at a predetermined cycle, detecting a vibration state of the oscillating unit based on a change in the frequency-related information that changes according to the vibration of the oscillating unit; Detecting the internal state of the powder detection device based on the detection result,
Controlling the position of the vibration applying unit based on the detected internal state;
Determining the internal state of the powder detection device immediately after power-on according to the detected position of the controlled vibration applying unit;
The powder detection method characterized by the above-mentioned. A program for causing a computer to execute a powder detection method for detecting the remaining amount of powder having fluidity in a container,
A process of outputting a signal of a frequency according to the state of the magnetic flux passing through the facing space by the transmitter;
The vibration applying unit is disposed inside the container and faces the oscillating unit through the casing of the container, and vibrates in a direction facing the oscillating unit, and is formed by a material that affects magnetic flux. Processing to vibrate,
Processing for detecting the position of the vibration applying unit;
Obtaining frequency-related information related to the frequency of the oscillation signal of the oscillating unit at a predetermined cycle, detecting a vibration state of the oscillating unit based on a change in the frequency-related information that changes according to the vibration of the oscillating unit; Processing for detecting the internal state of the powder detection device based on the detection result;
Processing for controlling the position of the vibration applying unit based on the detected internal state;
A process of determining the internal state of the powder detection device immediately after the power is turned on according to the detected position of the controlled vibration applying unit;
To run on a computer,
A program characterized by that.

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