JP3600391B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of providing an operator with information on toner consumption.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A copier, a facsimile machine, or the like, which forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductive photoconductor, develops the latent image with charged colored particles (toner), and transfers the toner image to recording paper; Printers and the like are widely used. In an image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic method, when toner is consumed from a developing unit, the toner is supplied to the developing unit. As a toner supply mode, there is a method of supplying toner to a toner hopper, but recently, in many cases, a toner cartridge, a toner bottle, and the like which are detachably provided to a developing device main body are replaced.
[0003]
FIG. 18 shows an example of a general toner cartridge. A spiral groove 5 is formed in a cylindrical cartridge body 4. The lid 1 is inserted into the mouth 7 of the cartridge, and seals the toner in the cartridge. Also, inside the cartridge, the shoulder near the mouth 7 is smoothed to form the guide 6, thereby facilitating toner discharge.
[0004]
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the lid 1 of the toner cartridge. As shown in this figure, the lid 1 has a flange 2. A detachable tab 3 is provided to protrude from the bottom center of the lid. When the toner cartridge sealed by the lid 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, a chuck (not shown) provided on the main body side extends and retracts by holding the tab 3 to open the cartridge. When the cartridge body 4 is driven to rotate, the toner in the cartridge is discharged by the action of the spiral groove 5 and supplied to the developing device.
[0005]
Incidentally, there is a conventional image forming apparatus configured to detect a toner end or a near end and display the detected end or near end on an operation unit or the like. The operator can prepare (arrange) a replacement toner cartridge (toner bottle) or perform an operation associated with toner replenishment (for example, discarding cleaning toner) by looking at the display.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, conventional image forming apparatuses do not provide more detailed information about toner consumption. For example, how many images are formed with a toner cartridge currently mounted in the apparatus, and how many more images are formed. However, there is a problem that detailed information such as when the cartridge can be replaced and when the cartridge needs to be replaced is not provided to the operator. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of people (such as a network printer), there is a possibility that many people may be troubled by running out of toner. Further, in a device having a facsimile or facsimile function, if the toner runs out at night or the like, the destination may be troublesome.
[0007]
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that solves the above-described problems in the conventional image forming apparatus and provides detailed information on toner consumption, thereby preventing problems caused by running out of toner beforehand. Make it an issue.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus configured to be capable of replenishing toner consumed during image formation with a detachable toner storage container with respect to a mounting portion according to the present invention. Mounting means for electrically connecting the storage element and the control means of the main body device to the toner storage container and the main body device, when the toner storage container is mounted to the mounting portion. Provided so that data can be read and written from and to the storage element, the toner container is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a toner discharge port on one end surface thereof, and a lid for sealing the discharge port. After the toner storage container is mounted on the mounting portion, the gripping member of the main body device grips and retracts the gripping portion provided at the center of the lid to open the container. The toner is discharged from the discharge port by the action of the spiral groove provided in the peripheral portion of the cylindrical container by being rotationally driven in the mounted state on the mounting portion, and the lid has a circuit board on which the storage element is mounted, and A circuit board is provided with a plurality of concentric conductive patterns, the conductive pattern is connected to the storage element, and a conductive connection member corresponding to the plurality of conductive patterns is disposed on the gripping member. The problem is solved by engaging the conductive pattern and the conductive connection member with the member holding the lid.
[0009]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus configured to be capable of replenishing toner consumed during image formation with a detachable toner storage container with respect to a mounting portion. A storage element is mounted on the storage container, and engagement means for electrically connecting the storage element and control means of the main body device is provided between the toner storage container and the main body device. The toner storage container is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a toner discharge port on one end surface thereof. After the toner storage container is mounted on the mounting portion, the gripping member of the main body device grips and retracts the gripping portion provided at the center of the lid to retract the container. Open In both cases, the toner is discharged from the discharge port by the action of the spiral groove provided in the peripheral portion of the cylindrical container by being rotationally driven in the mounted state on the mounted portion, and the toner is held in a state where the gripping member grips the lid. The lid is also rotatably supported when the storage container is driven to rotate, the lid has a circuit board on which the storage element is mounted, and a plurality of conductive connection terminals protruding from the circuit board are provided. A conductive connection terminal is connected to the storage element, conductive connection contacts corresponding to the plurality of conductive connection terminals are provided on the gripping member, and a lid gripped by the gripping member is rotated. It is proposed that the conductive connection terminal and the conductive connection contact engage with each other, and the engagement restricts rotation of the lid.
[0010]
Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the toner storage container is provided so that a lid without a storage element can be used in addition to a lid with the storage element, and a lid with the storage element mounted thereon. It is proposed that the data stored in the storage element is automatically read when the device is used, and that data can be written to the storage element by a predetermined operation from the main device.
[0011]
Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problems, the circuit board is detachably provided on the lid, and the circuit board is attached to the toner container to which the circuit board is not attached. It is proposed that data can be input / output to / from the storage element.
[0012]
Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problems, data relating to toner consumption accompanying image formation is stored in the storage element, and information relating to toner end is calculated and displayed based on the data. Suggest.
[0013]
Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention proposes that the storage element stores data relating to a toner type and data relating to replacement of the toner storage container.
[0014]
Furthermore, the present invention proposes to enable writing of data to the storage element from an operation panel of the main unit in order to solve the above-mentioned problem.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a lid of a toner cartridge mounted on an electrophotographic copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the basic configuration of the copying machine main body of the present embodiment is the same as that of a conventionally well-known one, and therefore, a description will be given focusing on portions related to the present invention.
[0017]
The lid 11 of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 1 is made of a flexible resin, and has a detachable tab 3 protruding from the bottom center. A circumferential groove 12 is formed in the peripheral portion of the bottom, and a circuit board 13 is press-fitted into the groove 12. A hole 14 for passing the tab 3 is provided in the center of the circuit board 13. On the back side of the substrate 13, an IC chip 15 is mounted.
[0018]
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a pattern of the circuit board 13. A total of six concentric conductive patterns 18 are printed on the connection terminal surface serving as the surface of the circuit board 13. Each conductive pattern 18 is connected to the back surface of the substrate 13 through a through hole 19. On the other hand, a conductive pattern 17 from a through hole 19 is printed on an IC component surface serving as a back surface of the substrate 13, and an IC chip 15 having a built-in storage element is mounted. The IC chip 15 has six terminals on the surface facing the substrate 13, and the conductive pattern 17 is connected to each terminal, and the IC chip 15 is connected to the conductive pattern 18 on the substrate surface. Note that the IC chip 15 is sealed with an insulating resin 20 and fixed to the substrate 13.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state where the toner cartridge is mounted on a copying machine main body (not shown). The configuration of the cartridge body 4 shown in this figure is the same as that of the conventional cartridge shown in FIG. When the toner cartridge is mounted at a predetermined position in the copying machine main body, the chuck 25 extends from the main body side, and holds the tab 3 of the lid 11 with the upper chuck 25a and the lower chuck 25b and retreats leftward in the drawing. . As a result, the toner cartridge is automatically opened, and the toner is supplied to the developing device by rotating the cartridge body 4.
[0020]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating electrical connection between the circuit board 13 provided on the lid 11 of the cartridge and the copying machine main body. As shown in this figure, a contact brush 26 is provided to protrude from the upper chuck 25a. Although only one contact brush 26 is shown in this figure to avoid complication of the figure, in the present embodiment, six contact brushes 26 are formed according to the six concentric patterns 18 of the circuit board 13. Have. When the chuck 25 grips the tab 3 of the lid 11, the contact brush 26 and the conductive pattern 18 come into contact with each other (see FIG. 3), and the copying machine main body and the circuit board 13 (IC chip 15) are electrically connected. . The contact brush 26 has elasticity, and is deformed in the direction of arrow U when the chuck 25 grips the tab 3, and the stable connection between the contact brush 26 and the circuit board 13 is maintained by the pressure to return to the original state. It is designed to drip. Reference numeral 16 denotes a connection terminal of the IC chip 15.
[0021]
In the present embodiment, the conductive patterns 18 are arranged concentrically, and the contact brushes 26 are provided corresponding to the conductive patterns 18. Therefore, no matter how the toner cartridge is mounted on the copying machine main body (the cartridge is Regardless of the rotational position), the copier body and the IC chip 15 mounted on the lid 11 are securely connected. Further, even if the rotation of the cartridge is started before the lid 11 is opened after the cartridge is mounted, the copier body and the IC chip 15 can be reliably connected.
[0022]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the IC chip 15 mounted on the circuit board 13 provided on the lid 11. As shown in this figure, the IC element 15 made into one chip is composed of a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, an EEPROM 24 and the like. The CPU 21 is an 8-bit microcomputer that controls a memory, performs calculations, and communicates data. The RAM 22 is a readable and writable memory, and temporarily stores data used by the CPU 21. The ROM 23 is a memory that can only be read, and stores programs executed by the CPU 21 and fixed data in advance. The EEPROM 24 is a memory element capable of electrically rewriting and storing data, and mainly stores information of a toner cartridge in an initial state and reads it out, and writes updated data according to use (toner consumption). Can be. The memory capacity of the EEPROM 24 is 64K bits, and 8000 characters can be recorded as character data. The data communication of the IC chip 15 is performed by a bidirectional serial port in synchronization with a clock from the main body.
[0023]
In the present embodiment, the CPU 15 is provided in the chip 15 and has an arithmetic function, but the data (data relating to the toner cartridge) is stored in the main unit only by an EEPROM for storing and updating data and its communication circuit. Even if the configuration is accessed from the side, the object of the present invention can be sufficiently achieved. Also, instead of the EEPROM, an SRAM backed up by a battery can be used as the storage element. Alternatively, a ROM can be used for reading data only.
[0024]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the copying machine according to the present embodiment. The copy CPU 30 controls a copy mode and a copy engine, and the operation unit CPU 33 controls an operation panel of the copy machine. A clock signal from the real-time clock 31 is input to the copying CPU 30 so that the current date and time can be recognized. The operation unit data according to the mode is exchanged between the copy CPU 30 and the operation unit CPU 33 by half-duplex serial communication.
[0025]
The operation unit mainly includes an LCD 35 for displaying and input keys 36 for inputting. The display of the LCD 35 is controlled by the LCD controller 34. The input key 36 is read in a time-division manner by a key matrix circuit 37 wired in a matrix.
[0026]
The I / O port and the serial communication port of the copier main body control section including the copying CPU 30 are connected to the IC chip 15 via the connection terminals 32 (corresponding to the contact brush 26, the connection terminals 16 and the conductive pattern therebetween). The update is performed by reading and writing data from the copying machine body. FIG. 7 shows a display example of the toner consumption amount displayed on the LCD 35. In this example, the number of copies after mounting the toner cartridge is counted by the main body control unit, and the number of remaining toner copies (the number of copies that can be made by the remaining toner) is calculated and displayed. A signal of a copy counter or a signal for each copy is transmitted to the IC chip 15, and the IC chip 15 including the CPU 21 calculates (subtracts) the remaining toner copy number from the IC chip 15 to the copying machine body. Is also good.
[0027]
FIG. 8 shows signal types assigned to the respective connection terminals of the IC chip 15. That is, a circuit power supply (Vcc) is connected to the first terminal, a reset signal (RST) is supplied to the second terminal, and a clock signal (CLK) is supplied to the third terminal. The fourth terminal is a ground (GND). The fifth power supply (Vpp) is connected to the fifth terminal. The sixth terminal is assigned to a data signal (I / O). Vpp at the fifth terminal is a data write power supply for the EEPROM 24. Data communication is executed by the I / O of the sixth terminal, the clock of the third terminal and the reset signal of the second terminal, which are synchronous signals, and the I / O signal can perform bidirectional serial data communication.
[0028]
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a data storage address map of the EEPROM 24 of the IC chip 15. As shown in this figure, data representing the production history such as the toner type, production lot, and production date of the toner cartridge is stored in the addresses from 1000h to 13FFh. This memory area is an area which is written in the IC memory (EEPROM 24) as shipping storage data by an operation at the time of manufacturing and shipping of the cartridge, and is exclusively for data reading and cannot be rewritten by an operation from the copying machine main body. For example, as for the toner type, the character "F8000" is converted into code data and stored, and is stored in a cartridge on an LCD (liquid crystal display) 35 of an operation panel by operating a SP (service program) mode of the copying machine body. “Toner Schului: F8000” is displayed as the type of the obtained toner. The part number of the cartridge may be stored in addition to the toner product name.
[0029]
From the address map 1400h to the address 1FFFh, the history of toner use (consumption) such as the number of toner used (the number of prints by the cartridge) and the number of remaining toners (the number of remaining prints by the cartridge) is stored. I do. This memory area is an area where both reading and writing can be performed from the copying machine main body, and is a storage area for data stored at the time of copying.
[0030]
The area after the address 2000h is a writable area in a special mode such as the SP mode, and is an area where a service person or the like inputs data from the operation panel at the time of arrival (during maintenance) and stores the data. For example, a telephone number, such as a toner ordering destination or a service contact, is stored, and the contact information at the time of toner end or machine failure is displayed on the LCD 35 on the operation panel of the copying machine main body. As the information to be stored, the department and name of the person in charge of the company undertaking the maintenance are also effective.
[0031]
The data in the EEPROM 24 is transmitted and received in accordance with an instruction from the copying machine main body. For example, when the display of the date of manufacture of the toner stored in the toner cartridge is instructed by an operation from the copying machine operation panel, the request is issued. The command is sent to the copy CPU 30 via the operation unit CPU 33, and then a request command is sent from the copy CPU 30 to the IC chip 15. The IC chip 15 (CPU 21) reads data from the storage address of the manufacturing date data in the EEPROM 24 and sends the data to the operation CPU 33 via the copy CPU 30. The operation CPU 33 converts the data into character information, and displays, for example, “Toner toner: 96/10” on the LCD 35.
[0032]
As described above, in the copying machine according to the present embodiment, the date of manufacture of the toner, the contact information of the toner ordering and service, or how many copies can be made later, and therefore, when the toner cartridge needs to be replaced Can provide the operator with detailed information on the toner contained in the toner cartridge, such as whether the toner will end up, or on the toner consumption, so that problems associated with the toner end can be prevented beforehand, and Accordingly, the necessary work can be smoothly prepared, and the unusable state of the apparatus can be reduced as much as possible.
[0033]
Further, in the present embodiment, the information regarding the toner and the toner consumption can be written and updated in the toner cartridge, so that the operability and usability of the apparatus can be further improved. Further, even when the toner cartridge is detached in the middle, the data of the cartridge or the toner can be retained and the cartridge can be conveniently used again when the toner cartridge is attached again.
[0034]
By the way, in the present embodiment, as the lid of the toner cartridge, a conventional lid as shown in FIG. 19 can be used instead of having a storage element. When a lid provided with a storage element is used for a cartridge, opening the lid automatically connects the copier body and the storage element of the lid, while the conventional lid (or lid 11 in FIG. 1) is connected. In this case, detailed information cannot be obtained, but it can be used in the same manner as in the related art, and a wide usage form according to the needs of the user is selected. It is possible. Therefore, in the case of a user who does not want to increase the cost of the toner cartridge, a cartridge using a conventional lid having no storage element (or a lid obtained by removing the circuit board 13 from the lid 11 in FIG. 1) may be used.
[0035]
In addition, since data can be additionally written, a serviceman can arbitrarily add a cartridge using a conventional lid having no storage element (or a lid obtained by removing the circuit board 13 from the lid 11 in FIG. 1) as necessary. It is possible to replace the lid or attach the circuit board at the time of (1) before use. Therefore, for example, a cartridge using a conventional lid (or a circuit board 13 removed from the lid 11 in FIG. 1) is mounted when the apparatus is shipped, and a serviceman replaces the lid or attaches the circuit board when the apparatus is delivered. To input and output data.
[0036]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a lid of the toner cartridge used in the embodiment. The lid 51 shown in this figure includes a lid main body 51a and guide fins 51b. The lid body 51a has substantially the same configuration as the lid 11 of the embodiment shown in FIG. The difference is the configuration of the circuit board mounted on the lid 51. The circuit board will be described later.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 11, the configuration of the cartridge main body 4 into which the lid 51 is inserted is the same as in the above-described embodiment and the conventional example. After setting the toner cartridge in the copying machine main body, the toner cartridge is held by a chuck (not shown) and the lid 51 is opened. In the present embodiment, the guide fins 51b of the lid 51 are inserted into the mouth 7 of the cartridge in the opened state. When the cartridge body 4 is driven to rotate, the toner in the cartridge is transferred toward the opening 7 by the action of the spiral groove 5, and the toner is discharged from the gap between the guide fins 51b and supplied to the developing device. .
[0038]
The circuit board pressed into the lid 51 is configured as shown in FIGS. At the center of the disc-shaped circuit board 53, a hole 54 for passing the tab 3 is provided. The connection pins 52 are implanted on the substrate. The number of the connection pins 52 corresponding to the number of connection terminals of the IC chip 55 mounted on the back surface of the substrate 53 is provided on the substrate 53. That is, if the number of connection terminals of the IC chip 55 is six similarly to the IC chip of the embodiment, six connection pins 52 are provided. Each connection pin 52 penetrates to the back surface of the substrate 53, and is connected to a connection terminal of the IC chip 55 by a conductive pattern printed on the back surface of the substrate.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the lid 51 has the guide fins 51b. Therefore, when the cartridge body 4 is driven to rotate in the open state, the lid 51 is also rotated by the guide fins 51b inserted into the mouth 7. . The rotation of the lid 51 causes the connection pin 52 to move, and when the connection pin 52 comes into contact with a contact (contact brush) 57 supported by the support member 56, the rotation of the lid 51 is restricted, and the lid 51 stops and the contact is stopped. The connection between the brush 57 and the connection pin 52 (the connection between the copying machine main body and the IC chip 55) is maintained. In order to restrict the rotation of the lid 51, a stopper 58 may be provided as needed.
[0040]
The configuration and control of the IC chip 55 and the respective control units of the copying machine main body, the types and storage positions of information relating to toner, read / write control thereof, and the like. Also used when no storage element (circuit board) is mounted. Possible features are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the description is omitted.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, the connection pin 52 implanted at a specific position on the substrate 53 is electrically connected at a specific position engaged with the contact 57 on the main body side by the rotation of the lid 51. Thus, it is not necessary to provide a concentric pattern on the substrate surface as in the above, and the circuit shape can be reduced in size. Further, the connection between the main body of the copying machine and the circuit provided on the lid of the cartridge is more reliable.
[0042]
Next explained toner cartridge Does not rotate the cartridge body, but includes a toner conveying screw in the cartridge body. In the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 14, the cartridge main body 40 has a square shape. A toner discharge screw 43 is rotatably supported inside the cartridge body 40. One end of the screw 43 is connected to a drive shaft 45, and a gear 44 is fixed to the other end of the drive shaft. A toner outlet 42 is provided on the lower surface of the cartridge main body 40, and the slide lid 41 closes the outlet 42 when the cartridge is not mounted on the copying machine. When this cartridge is set at a predetermined position in the copying machine main body, the bent portion of the slide lid 41 comes into contact with the guide plate 61 on the main body side and slides. Emission is possible. When the cartridge is set at a predetermined position, the gear 44 is engaged with a drive gear (not shown) on the main body, and the toner discharge screw 43 is rotated by rotating the gear 44 by the drive mechanism on the main body. Toner is supplied.
[0043]
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the slide lid 41 of the toner cartridge in detail. As shown in this figure, a circuit board 46 is mounted on the upper surface of the slide lid 41. An IC chip 47 is mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board 46. A conductive pattern (not shown) is printed on the lower surface of the substrate 46, and the pattern and the connection terminals of the IC chip 47 are connected by a through hole or a conductive pattern (not shown). The slide lid 41 has a notch at a position corresponding to the conductive pattern provided on the lower surface of the substrate 46. On the other hand, on the copying machine main body side, a contact brush 63 held by a holding member 62 is provided. Then, by setting the cartridge 40 at a predetermined position, the contact brush 63 and the conductive pattern provided on the lower surface of the substrate 46 are joined, and the electrical connection between the copying machine main body and the IC chip 47 of the cartridge is established. Is
[0044]
The configuration and control of the IC chip 47 and each control section of the copying machine main body, or the type and storage position of information related to toner and read / write control thereof, and also used when no storage element (circuit board) is mounted The possible features are the same as those of the above embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted. This reference example In this case, even in a fixed or square toner cartridge, the toner and other information can be carried on the cartridge and can be read and written from the main unit.
[0045]
FIG. 16 shows another example of the mounting of the circuit board and the connection to the main body side in the fixed toner cartridge. In the example shown in this figure, a cover 40b is provided on the upper surface of a rectangular cartridge, and a circuit board 46 is arranged in the cover 40b. One end of the cover 40b is open, and when the cartridge is set at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body, the connector 64 provided on the main body enters the cover 40b, and the connector 64 holds one end of the substrate 46. It is configured as follows. Thus, the electrical connection between the copying machine main body and the toner cartridge (IC chip 47) is made.
[0046]
FIG. 17 shows the rotational speed of the cartridge (the rotational speed of the cartridge main body in the case of the cylindrical cartridge shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, and the rotational speed of the toner discharge screw in the case of the fixed type cartridge shown in FIGS. 14 and 16) in each of the above embodiments. 6 is a graph showing the amount of toner to be replenished for each case. If the relationship between the rotational speed of the cartridge (screw) and the toner supply amount as shown in this graph is stored in an IC chip mounted on the toner cartridge as an approximate expression, the toner supply status of the cartridge in the copying machine can be obtained. Can be grasped in detail, and information on the amount of toner used can be conveyed in detail to an operator or a service person before the toner end.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, since a storage element is mounted on the toner container and various kinds of information can be stored in the storage element, detailed information relating to the toner is provided to the operator or the service person. be able to. In addition, reliable connection is performed regardless of the position (rotational position) of the lid of the cartridge.
[0048]
According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, since a storage element can be mounted on the toner storage container and various kinds of information can be stored in the storage element, detailed information relating to the toner is provided to the operator or the service person. be able to. Further, the connection between the storage element mounted on the lid of the cartridge and the main unit is more reliably performed.
[0049]
According to the configuration of the third aspect, it is possible to select a wide usage form according to the needs of the user.
According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, more detailed information can be written by a service person, and more convenient usability can be provided to the user.
[0050]
According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, detailed information related to toner consumption is provided, and it is possible to prevent inconvenience caused by toner end.
According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, detailed information such as the toner type and the arrangement destination of the toner cartridge is provided, and the burden on the user when replacing the cartridge can be reduced.
According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, since various information can be input from the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, the data can be easily changed, and information according to the actual situation is provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a lid of a toner cartridge mounted on an electrophotographic copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan views showing a pattern of a circuit board mounted on a lid, wherein FIG. 2A shows a connection terminal surface, and FIG. 2B shows an IC component surface.
FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a state where a toner cartridge is mounted in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating electrical connection between the circuit board shown in FIG. 2 and a copying machine main body.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an IC chip mounted on the circuit board illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system of the copying machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows a display example of toner consumption displayed on the operation panel of the copying machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing signal types assigned to connection terminals of the IC chip shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a data storage address map of an EEPROM of the IC chip shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a lid of a toner cartridge used in another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state where the lid is inserted into the cartridge body.
FIG. 12 is a partial side view showing a connection between a circuit board mounted on the lid and a copying machine main body.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are explanatory views showing the configuration of the lid, where FIG. 13A is a partial cross-sectional view, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a circuit board.
FIG. 14 Reference example FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner cartridge.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing the vicinity of a slide lid of the cartridge in detail.
FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of mounting a circuit board and connecting to a main body side in a fixed toner cartridge.
FIG. 17 is a graph showing a relationship between the number of rotations of a cartridge (screw) and a toner supply amount.
FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing an example of a conventional general toner cartridge.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the lid of the cartridge.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 11, 41, 51 Cartridge lid
4 Cartridge body
5 spiral groove
13, 46, 53 circuit board
15, 47, 55 IC chip
18 Conductive pattern
25 chuck
26, 57 Contact brush
52 connection pin

Claims (7)

In an image forming apparatus configured to be able to replenish toner consumed with image formation by a detachable toner storage container with respect to a mounted portion,
A storage element is mounted on the toner storage container, and engagement means for electrically connecting the storage element and control means of the main body device is provided between the toner storage container and the main body device. When mounted on the mounting portion, provided so that data can be read and written to the storage element,
The toner storage container is formed in a cylindrical shape, has a toner discharge port on one end surface thereof, and has a lid for sealing the discharge port. After the toner storage container is mounted on the mounting portion, the main body device is gripped. The member is provided on the peripheral edge of the cylindrical container by being rotatably mounted on the mounted portion while the container is opened by gripping and retracting the gripped portion provided at the center of the lid and protruding. The toner is discharged from the discharge port by the action of the spiral groove,
The lid has a circuit board on which the storage element is mounted, a plurality of concentric conductive patterns are provided on the circuit board, and the conductive pattern and the storage element are connected,
A conductive connection member corresponding to the plurality of conductive patterns is provided on the gripping member, and the conductive pattern and the conductive connection member are engaged with the gripping member gripping the lid. Characteristic image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus configured to be able to replenish toner consumed with image formation by a detachable toner storage container with respect to a mounted portion,
A storage element is mounted on the toner storage container, and engagement means for electrically connecting the storage element and control means of the main body device is provided between the toner storage container and the main body device. When mounted on the mounting portion, provided so that data can be read and written to the storage element,
The toner storage container is formed in a cylindrical shape, has a toner discharge port on one end surface thereof, and has a lid for sealing the discharge port. After the toner storage container is mounted on the mounting portion, the main body device is gripped. The member is provided on the peripheral edge of the cylindrical container by being rotatably mounted on the mounted portion while the container is opened by gripping and retracting the gripped portion provided at the center of the lid and protruding. The toner is discharged from the discharge port by the action of the spiral groove, and the lid is also rotatably supported when the toner container is rotated while the gripping member is gripping the lid,
The lid has a circuit board on which the storage element is mounted, and a plurality of conductive connection terminals protruding from the circuit board are provided, and the conductive connection terminal and the storage element are connected,
The conductive connection contacts corresponding to the plurality of conductive connection terminals are provided on the gripping member, and the conductive connection terminal and the conductive connection contact are formed by rotating a lid gripped by the gripping member. An image forming apparatus, wherein the engagement is performed, and the rotation of the lid is restricted by the engagement. The toner storage container is provided so that a lid without a storage element can be used in addition to the lid with the storage element, and is automatically stored in the storage element when the lid with the storage element is used. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is read, and data can be written to the storage element by a predetermined operation from a main body device. The circuit board is detachably provided on the lid, and by attaching the circuit board to the toner storage container to which the circuit board is not attached, data can be input / output to / from the storage element. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data relating to toner consumption associated with image forming is stored in the storage element, and information relating to toner end is calculated and displayed based on the data. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage element stores data relating to a toner type and data relating to replacement of the toner storage container. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data can be written to the storage element from an operation panel of the main body device.

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