JP5492829B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a transfer material using toner.

  Some image forming apparatuses such as copiers, multifunction machines, and printers use toner to form an image on a sheet as a transfer material. Incidentally, in recent years, not only genuine toner (toner container (toner container)) is used but also non-genuine toner (toner container) is used in the image forming apparatus. When non-genuine toner (toner container) is used in an image forming apparatus, the performance of the image forming apparatus is inferior to that when a genuine product is used, and the image forming apparatus may break down. is there. For this reason, for example, an image forming apparatus has been proposed in which it is determined whether or not the toner (toner container) is a genuine product using a rib, and when it is determined that the toner is not a genuine product (not shown). (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-235934 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the rib used for determining whether or not it is a genuine product is provided on the outer surface of the toner container, there is a possibility that it is easily copied.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not a toner container is a genuine product.

  The present invention relates to a toner storage unit that stores toner, an engine unit that forms an image on a transfer material by using toner supplied from the toner storage unit, and an agitation formed at least in part by a magnetic material. A plurality of stirring members that stir the toner by rotating and moving in the toner containing portion; and the stirring member that is disposed outside the toner containing portion and is at least partially formed of a magnetic material. An image forming apparatus comprising: a detection unit that detects a magnetic permeability of each member; and a determination unit that determines whether the toner storage unit is a genuine product based on the magnetic permeability detected by the detection unit. .

  The determination unit compares the time interval at which the detection unit detects a magnetic permeability equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold with a reference time interval to determine whether the toner storage unit is a genuine product. It is preferable to determine whether or not.

  In addition, a plurality of reference time intervals are set according to the type of the toner storage unit, and the determination unit detects a time interval at which a magnetic permeability equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold is detected by the detection unit. However, it is preferable to determine the type of the toner storage unit based on which one of the plurality of reference time intervals coincides with.

  The image forming apparatus preferably further includes a rotation shaft to which the base ends of the plurality of stirring members are connected, and a drive unit that rotates the rotation shaft at a constant rotation speed.

  The toner stored in the toner storage unit includes a magnetic material, and the magnetic permeability of the magnetic material forming at least a part of the stirring member has a permeability when the toner stored in the toner storage unit is fully loaded. It is preferable that it is larger than the magnetic susceptibility.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not a toner container is a genuine product.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a copier according to an embodiment of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a copier. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an example of a toner container, a developing device, a control unit, and the like. 6 is a first flowchart for explaining the operation of the copier. It is a 2nd flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of a copier. It is a 3rd flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of a copier. It is a figure for demonstrating the voltage signal output from a magnetic permeability sensor.

  A copier according to an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the copy machine 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overall configuration of a copier 1 according to an embodiment of an image forming apparatus.

The copier 1 includes a document transport unit 10, a document reading unit 20, a paper transport unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a transfer unit 50, and a fixing unit 60.
The document transport unit 10 is an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), and includes a document placement unit 11, a first feed roller 12, a guide 13, a timing roller pair 14, and a document discharge unit 15. The first feed roller 12 supplies the document G placed on the document placement unit 11 to the timing roller pair 14 one by one in order. The timing roller pair 14 is a timing at which the document reading unit 20 reads an image of the document G and a timing at which the document G is supplied to a position where the image of the document G is read by the document reading unit 20 (a position where the guide 13 is disposed). In order to match, the conveyance of the original G or the conveyance stop of the original G is performed. The guide 13 guides the conveyed document G to a first reading surface 21a described later. The document discharge unit 15 discharges the document G whose image has been read by the document reading unit 20 (passed through the guide 13) to the outside of the copier body 2.
A document stacking unit 16 is formed outside the copying machine main body 2 in the document discharge unit 15. In the document stacking unit 16, the documents G discharged from the document discharge unit 15 are stacked and stacked.

  The document reading unit 20 includes a first reading surface 21a and a second reading surface 22a. The first reading surface 21 a is formed along the upper surface of the first contact glass 21 disposed to face the guide 13 and serves as a surface for reading an image of the document G. The second reading surface 22a is disposed adjacent to the first reading surface 21a (in the case shown in FIG. 1, over the most right side of the first reading surface 21a). The second reading surface 22 a is used when reading an image of the document G without using the document transport unit 10. The second reading surface 22a is formed along the upper surface of the second contact glass 22 on which the document G is placed, and serves as a surface for reading an image of the document G.

  The document reading unit 20 includes an illumination unit 23, a first mirror 24, a second mirror 25, a third mirror 26, an imaging lens 27, and an imaging unit 28 inside the copier body 2. . The illumination unit 23 and the first mirror 24 move in the sub-scanning direction X, respectively. The second mirror 25 and the third mirror 26 are disposed on the left side of the illumination unit 23 and the first mirror 24 in FIG. Further, the second mirror 25 and the third mirror 26 are the first reading surface 21 a or the second reading surface 22 a through the first mirror 24, the second mirror 25, the third mirror 26, and the imaging lens 27. To the imaging unit 28 while moving in the sub-scanning direction X while keeping the distance (optical path length) constant.

  The illumination unit 23 is a light source that irradiates the original G with light. The first mirror 24, the second mirror 25, and the third mirror 26 are mirrors for guiding the light reflected by the document G to the imaging lens 27 while keeping the optical path length constant. The imaging lens 27 focuses the light incident from the third mirror 26 on the imaging unit 28. The imaging unit 28 is an imaging device for obtaining image data based on an imaged optical image by converting incident light into an electrical signal. For example, the imaging unit 28 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary). It is an image sensor such as Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

The paper transport unit 30 includes a second feed roller 31, a third feed roller 32, a registration roller pair 33, and a paper discharge unit 34. The second feed roller 31 supplies the transfer unit 50 with the paper T (transfer material) stored in the paper feed cassette 36. The third feed roller 32 supplies the paper T (transfer material) placed on the manual feed tray 37 to the transfer unit 50. The registration roller pair 33 performs the conveyance of the paper T or the conveyance stop of the paper T in order to match the timing when the toner image reaches the transfer unit 50 and the timing when the paper T is supplied to the transfer unit 50. Further, the registration roller pair 33 performs skew (oblique feeding) correction of the paper T. The paper discharge unit 34 discharges the paper T on which the toner image is fixed to the outside of the copier body 2.
A paper discharge stacking unit 35 is formed outside the copier body 2 in the paper discharge unit 34. In the paper discharge stacking unit 35, the paper T discharged from the paper discharge unit 34 is stacked and stacked.

The image forming unit 40 is for forming a toner image, and includes a photosensitive drum 41, a charging unit 42, a laser scanner unit 43, a developing device 44, a cleaning unit 45, a toner container 46, 1 A next transfer roller 47, an intermediate transfer belt 48, and a counter roller 49 are provided.
The photoconductor drum 41 (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d) functions as a photoconductor or an image carrier in order to form toner images of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. Around each photosensitive drum 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 41, a charging unit 42, a laser scanner unit 43, a developing device 44, A cleaning unit 45 is disposed. The charging unit 42 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. The laser scanner unit 43 is arranged apart from the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 based on image data relating to the original G read by the original reading unit 20. As a result, the exposed portion of the charge is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing device 44 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. The cleaning unit 45 removes toner and the like remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 after the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 is neutralized by a static eliminator (not shown).
The toner container 46 stores toner of each color supplied to the developing device 44. The toner container 46 and the developing device 44 are connected by a toner supply path (not shown).
Details of the developing device 44 and the toner container 46 will be described later.

  The primary transfer rollers 47 (47a, 47b, 47c, 47d) are arranged on the opposite sides of the intermediate transfer belt 48 from the photosensitive drums 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, respectively. The intermediate transfer belt 48 is a belt that passes through the image forming unit 40 and the transfer unit 50. A part of the intermediate transfer belt 48 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drums 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d and the primary transfer rollers 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d, and the photosensitive drums 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d. The toner image formed on the surface is primarily transferred. The opposing roller 49 is a driving roller that is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 48 having an annular shape, and advances the intermediate transfer belt 48 in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG.

  The transfer unit 50 includes a secondary transfer roller 51. The secondary transfer roller 51 is disposed on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt 48 from the opposing roller 49, and a part of the intermediate transfer belt 48 is sandwiched between the opposing roller 49. Further, the secondary transfer roller 51 secondarily transfers the toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 48 onto the paper T.

  The fixing unit 60 includes a heating rotator 61 and a pressure rotator 62. The heating rotator 61 and the pressure rotator 62 sandwich the paper T on which the toner image is secondarily transferred, melt and pressurize the toner, and fix the toner to the paper T.

Next, the functional configuration of the copy machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the copy machine 1.
The copier 1 includes the above-described components (the document transport unit 10, the document reading unit 20, the paper transport unit 30, the image forming unit 40, the transfer unit 50, and the fixing unit 60). The engine unit 3 is configured by the paper transport unit 30, the image forming unit 40, the transfer unit 50, and the fixing unit 60. Note that the description of the components described with reference to FIG. 1 is omitted.
Further, the copier 1 includes an operation unit 70, a storage unit 80, and a control unit 90 in addition to the functional configuration described above.

  The operation unit 70 includes a numeric keypad (not shown), a touch panel (not shown), a start key (not shown), and the like. The numeric keypad is operated to input numbers such as the number of copies to be printed. The touch panel displays a plurality of keys to which various functions (for example, a function for setting a print magnification and a function for allocating a plurality of pages to one sheet of paper T (such as 2 in 1)) are assigned. A key displayed on the touch panel is operated to cause the copier 1 to execute any of various functions. The start key is operated to execute printing. When any key is operated, the operation unit 70 supplies a signal indicating that this key has been operated to the control unit 90.

  The storage unit 80 includes a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, and the like. The storage unit 80 stores image data based on the document G read by the document reading unit 20. Further, the storage unit 80 stores a control program used in the copier 1, data used by the control program, and the like.

  The control unit 90 controls the document conveying unit 10, the document reading unit 20, the engine unit 3, the operation unit 70, and the like. Details of the control unit 90 will be described later.

  As described above, the copying machine 1 includes a toner container 46 (toner storage unit) that stores toner, and an engine that forms an image on a sheet T as a transfer material using the toner supplied from the toner container 46. Part 3 etc. are provided.

  Next, details of driving and control of the toner container 46 and the developing device 44 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the toner container 46, the developing device 44, the control unit 90, and the like.

The toner container 46 includes a stirring member 461, a rotation shaft 462, a toner supply roller 463, and a housing 464. The housing 464 accommodates the toner TN, the stirring member 461, and the rotating shaft 462.
The agitating member 461 agitates the toner TN by rotating in the housing 464. The stirring member 461 is formed from, for example, a plate-like member. Further, at least a part of the stirring member 461 is made of a magnetic material. It is preferable that at least the tip of the stirring member 461 is formed of a magnetic material. As an example, when the length of the stirring member 461 is 100%, the stirring member 461 is preferably formed of a magnetic material about 10% from the tip.

Here, if the toner TN contained in the toner container 46 includes a magnetic material, the magnetic material forming at least a part of the stirring member 461 has a magnetic permeability obtained when the toner TN is fully loaded in the housing 464. Has a high magnetic permeability.
A plurality of such agitating members 461 are provided along the rotation direction (circumferential direction) indicated by arrow B in FIG. In this embodiment, an example in which two stirring members 461 (a first stirring member 461a and a second stirring member 461b) are provided will be described.

A base end portion of each of the plurality of stirring members 461 is connected to the rotation shaft 462. Here, angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the stirring members 461 (the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b) are set to predetermined angles. The predetermined angle is set, for example, to determine whether or not the toner container 46 is a genuine product and to determine the type of the toner container 46 such as the destination and capacity. The rotation shaft 462 is rotated by a main motor 101 as a drive unit disposed outside the toner container 46.
The main motor 101 rotates the rotating shaft 462 at a constant rotation speed based on the control of the drive control unit 91 described later.

  The toner supply roller 463 is disposed in a hole (not shown) provided in the lower portion of the housing 464. The toner supply roller 463 rotates when supplying the toner TN accommodated in the toner container 46 to the developing device 44. As the toner supply roller 463 rotates, the toner TN accommodated in the toner container 46 is discharged from the hole of the housing 464. The toner supply roller 463 is rotated by the toner supply motor 102 disposed outside the toner container 46.

  The toner replenishment motor 102 rotates the toner replenishment roller 463 based on control of a drive control unit 91 described later. Specifically, the drive control unit 91 rotates the toner supply roller 463 by rotating the toner supply roller 463 in order to make the toner amount in the developing device 44 constant, so that the developer container 44 starts from the toner container 46. Is supplied with toner TN.

  The magnetic permeability sensor 103 as a detection unit is arranged outside the toner container 46. Further, the magnetic permeability sensor 103 detects the magnetic permeability of each of the stirring members 461 at least partially formed of a magnetic material. That is, the magnetic permeability sensor 103 detects the magnetic permeability (first magnetic permeability) based on the magnetic material that constitutes the stirring member 461 when the stirring member 461 passes through the position facing the magnetic permeability sensor 103. Then, a voltage signal having a magnitude corresponding to the magnetic permeability (first magnetic permeability) is output. On the other hand, the permeability sensor 103 has a permeability smaller than the first permeability (second permeability) when the stirring member 461 moves in a position far from the position facing the permeability sensor 103. And a voltage signal having a magnitude corresponding to the second permeability is output.

  If the toner TN includes a magnetic material, the magnetic permeability sensor 103 is used to detect the amount of toner TN stored in the toner container 46. Therefore, if the toner TN includes a magnetic material, the magnetic permeability sensor 103 is disposed in advance in the copying machine 1 and therefore does not need to be newly disposed in order to carry out the present invention. That is, the copy machine 1 can suppress an increase in cost.

  The developing device 44 includes a mag roller 441 and a housing 442. The housing 442 forms the outer shape of the developing device 44. The developing device 44 supplies the toner TN to the photosensitive drum 41 via the mag roller 441.

The control unit 90 includes a drive control unit 91 and a determination unit 92.
The drive control unit 91 drives the main motor 101 and the toner supply motor 102 by independently controlling the main motor 101 and the toner supply motor 102. The drive control unit 91 receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the main motor 101 when the main motor 101 is driven by controlling the main motor 101 to be driven. The predetermined signal is a signal indicating that the main motor 101 is driven.

  The determination unit 92 determines whether the toner container 46 is a genuine product based on the magnetic permeability detected by the magnetic permeability sensor 103. That is, the determination unit 92 compares the time interval at which the magnetic permeability sensor 103 detects a magnetic permeability equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold with the reference time interval to determine whether the toner container 46 is a genuine product. Determine whether or not.

  More specifically, the magnetic permeability sensor 103 is used when one of the two stirring members 461 (461a and 461b) passes through the vicinity and when the other stirring member 461 passes through the vicinity. Outputs a voltage signal having a relatively larger voltage value. And the determination part 92 will determine whether the voltage value which the voltage signal shows is more than a predetermined threshold, if a voltage signal is received from the magnetic permeability sensor 103. FIG. When the stirring member 461 passes in the vicinity of the magnetic permeability sensor 103, the voltage value becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. The determination unit 92 starts measuring time when the voltage value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Next, when the voltage value becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 92 ends the time measurement and determines the time interval (time 2) at which the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. Let it begin. Further, the determination unit 92 then determines the time interval (time 3) at which the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold when the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

  Then, the determination unit 92 compares the reference time interval with a reference time interval set in advance for determining whether the toner container 46 is a genuine product for each of the time 2 and the time 3. When the time 2 and the time 3 match or substantially match the time interval, it is determined that the toner container 46 is a genuine product. On the other hand, in other cases, the determination unit 92 determines that the toner container 46 is not a genuine product and causes a notification unit (not shown) to perform a first notification. The first notification is, for example, outputting sound or sound from a speaker (notification unit) or displaying information indicating that the toner container 46 is not a genuine product on the touch panel (notification unit) described above.

  Further, the determination unit 92 is based on determining which one of the plurality of reference time intervals coincides with the time interval at which the magnetic permeability sensor 103 detects a magnetic permeability equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. The type of the toner container 46 is determined. Here, a plurality of reference time intervals are set according to the type of the toner container 46.

  That is, the determination unit 92 matches each of the reference time intervals among the plurality of reference time intervals set in accordance with the type of the toner container 46. The type of the toner container 46 is determined by determining whether or not they substantially match. If the determination unit 92 determines that the type of the toner container 46 is not the type of the toner container 46 corresponding to the copy machine 1 as a result of determining the type of the toner container 46, the notification unit described above. To perform the second notification. The second notification is, for example, outputting a sound or sound different from the first notification from a speaker, or displaying information indicating that the toner container 46 does not correspond to the copier 1 on the touch panel.

  Next, the operation of the copy machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4A is a first flowchart for explaining the operation of the copier 1. FIG. 4B is a second flowchart for explaining the operation of the copy machine 1. FIG. 4C is a third flowchart for explaining the operation of the copy machine 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a voltage signal output from the magnetic permeability sensor 103.

  In step ST10 shown in FIG. 4A, the drive control section 91 determines whether or not the rotation shaft 462 is rotating as the main motor 101 rotates. That is, the drive control unit 91 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the main motor 101 is driven is received when the main motor 101 is controlled to be driven. If the main motor 101 is not driven (No), the determination in step ST10 is performed again. If the main motor 101 is being driven (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST11.

  In step ST <b> 11, the determination unit 92 starts measuring time 1.

  In step ST <b> 12, the determination unit 92 determines whether or not the detection value of the magnetic permeability sensor 103 exceeds the detection threshold value of the stirring member 461. That is, the determination unit 92 samples the voltage signal received from the magnetic permeability sensor 103, and determines whether or not the voltage value indicated by the voltage signal exceeds the threshold th (see FIG. 5). If the voltage value does not exceed the threshold th (No), the process proceeds to step ST27 shown in FIG. 4C. If the voltage value exceeds the threshold th (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST13.

  In step ST27 shown in FIG. 4C, the determination unit 92 determines whether or not the time 1 has exceeded a predetermined time. The predetermined time is a time for the stirring member 461 to make one round. If time 1 does not exceed the predetermined time (No), the process returns to step ST12 shown in FIG. 4A. If time 1 exceeds the predetermined time (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST28.

  In step ST28, the determination unit 92 determines that the toner container 46 disposed in the copier 1 is not a genuine product (a non-genuine product). In this case, the determination unit 92 can cause the above-described notification unit to output a warning indicating that the toner container is not a genuine product.

  On the other hand, in step ST13 shown in FIG. 4A, the determination unit 92 starts measuring time 2 (see FIG. 5).

  In step ST14, the determination unit 92 determines again whether or not the detection value of the magnetic permeability sensor 103 exceeds the detection threshold value of the stirring member 461. That is, the determination unit 92 samples the voltage signal received from the magnetic permeability sensor 103, and determines whether or not the voltage value indicated by the voltage signal exceeds the threshold th (see FIG. 5). If the voltage value does not exceed the threshold th (No), the determination in step ST14 is performed again. If the voltage value exceeds the threshold th (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST15.

  In step ST15, the determination unit 92 determines time 2 and starts measuring time 3 (see FIG. 5).

  In step ST <b> 16, the determination unit 92 determines again whether or not the detection value of the magnetic permeability sensor 103 exceeds the detection threshold value of the stirring member 461. That is, the determination unit 92 samples the voltage signal received from the magnetic permeability sensor 103, and determines whether or not the voltage value indicated by the voltage signal exceeds the threshold th (see FIG. 5). If the voltage value does not exceed the threshold th (No), the determination in step ST16 is performed again. If the voltage value exceeds the threshold th (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST17.

  In step ST17, the determination unit 92 determines time 3. After step ST17, the process proceeds to step ST18 shown in FIG. 4B.

  In step ST18, the determination unit 92 determines which of the time 2 determined in step ST15 and the time 3 determined in step ST17 is longer. That is, the determination unit 92 determines whether or not time 2 <time 3 is satisfied. When time 3 is longer than time 2 (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST19. When time 3 is shorter than time 2 (No), the process proceeds to step ST20.

  In step ST <b> 19, the determination unit 92 determines whether each of the time 2 and the time 3 matches or substantially matches the reference time interval for the type 1. That is, the determination unit 92 detects the lower limit value a1L from when one stirring member 461 is detected until the other stirring member 461 is detected, and the other stirring member 461 detects after one stirring member 461 is detected. It is determined whether or not the time 2 enters between the upper limit value a1H and the lower limit value b1L until the one stirring member 461 is detected after the other stirring member 461 is detected, and the other It is determined whether or not the time 3 is between the first stirring member 461 and the upper limit b1H from which the first stirring member 461 is detected. When a1L <time 2 <a1H and b1L <time 3 <b1H (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST21. When a1L <time 2 <a1H and b1L <time 3 <b1H are not satisfied (No), the process proceeds to step ST22.

  Here, when a1L <time 2 <a1H and b1L <time 3 <b1H, the determination unit 92 determines that the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are , It is determined that the angle corresponding to the type 1 (genuine product) is set. On the other hand, when a1L <time 2 <a1H and b1L <time 3 <b1H are not satisfied, the determination unit 92 determines that the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are It is determined that the angle corresponding to type 1 (genuine product) is not set.

  In step ST <b> 20, the determination unit 92 determines whether each of the time 2 and the time 3 matches or substantially matches the reference time interval for the type 1. That is, the determination unit 92 determines whether or not a1L <time 3 <a1H and b1L <time 2 <b1H. When a1L <time 3 <a1H and b1L <time 2 <b1H (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST21. When a1L <time 3 <a1H and b1L <time 2 <b1H are not satisfied (No), the process proceeds to step ST22.

  Here, when a1L <time 3 <a1H and b1L <time 2 <b1H, the determination unit 92 determines that the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are , It is determined that the angle corresponding to the type 1 (genuine product) is set. On the other hand, when a1L <time 3 <a1H and b1L <time 2 <b1H are not satisfied, the determination unit 92 determines that the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are It is determined that the angle corresponding to type 1 (genuine product) is not set.

  In step ST21, the determination unit 92 determines that the toner container 46 disposed in the copier 1 is a genuine product of type 1.

  In step ST22, the determination unit 92 determines which of the time 2 determined in step ST15 and the time 3 determined in step ST17 is longer. That is, the determination unit 92 determines whether or not time 2 <time 3 is satisfied. When time 3 is longer than time 2 (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST23. When time 3 is shorter than time 2 (No), the process proceeds to step ST24.

  In step ST <b> 23, the determination unit 92 determines whether each of the time 2 and the time 3 matches or substantially matches the reference time interval for the type 2. That is, the determination unit 92 detects the lower limit value a2L from when one stirring member 461 is detected until the other stirring member 461 is detected, and the other stirring member 461 detects after one stirring member 461 is detected. It is determined whether or not the time 2 is between the upper limit value a2H and the lower limit value b2L until the one stirring member 461 is detected after the other stirring member 461 is detected, and the other It is determined whether or not the time 3 is between the first stirring member 461 and the upper limit b2H from which the first stirring member 461 is detected. If a2L <time 2 <a2H and b2L <time 3 <b2H (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST25. If a2L <time 2 <a2H and b2L <time 3 <b2H are not satisfied (No), the process proceeds to step ST26.

  Here, when a2L <time 2 <a2H and b2L <time 3 <b2H, the determination unit 92 determines that the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are , It is determined that the angle corresponding to type 2 (genuine product) is set. On the other hand, when a2L <time 2 <a2H and b2L <time 3 <b2H are not satisfied, the determination unit 92 determines that the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are It is determined that the angle corresponding to type 2 (genuine product) is not set.

  In step ST <b> 24, the determination unit 92 determines whether each of the time 2 and the time 3 matches or substantially matches the reference time interval for the type 2. That is, the determination unit 92 determines whether or not a2L <time 3 <a2H and b2L <time 2 <b2H. When a2L <time 3 <a2H and b2L <time 2 <b2H (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST25. If a2L <time 3 <a2H and b2L <time 2 <b2H are not satisfied (No), the process proceeds to step ST26.

  Here, when a2L <time 3 <a2H and b2L <time 2 <b2H, the determination unit 92 determines that the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are , It is determined that the angle corresponding to type 2 (genuine product) is set. On the other hand, when a2L <time 3 <a2H and b2L <time 2 <b2H are not satisfied, the determination unit 92 determines that the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are It is determined that the angle corresponding to type 2 (genuine product) is not set.

  In step ST25, the determination unit 92 determines that the toner container 46 disposed in the copier 1 is a genuine product of type 2.

  In step ST <b> 26, the determination unit 92 determines that the toner container 46 disposed in the copier 1 is not a genuine product (a non-genuine product). That is, the determination unit 92 determines that the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are not set to angles corresponding to types 1 and 2 (genuine products). 46 is determined to be a non-genuine product.

  In the description of the operation of the copying machine 1 described above, the case where it is determined whether the toner container 46 is either type 1 or type 2 has been described. However, the types of toner containers 46 to be determined are not limited to two, and may be three or more.

As described above, according to the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects are produced.
The copier 1 of the present embodiment can determine whether the toner container 46 is a genuine product based on the magnetic permeability detected by the magnetic permeability sensor 103. In other words, the copying machine 1 compares the time interval at which the magnetic permeability sensor 103 detects a magnetic permeability equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold with the reference time interval, so that the toner container 46 is a genuine product. It can be determined whether or not there is.

  In addition, the copying machine 1 uses the time interval when the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b pass in the vicinity of the magnetic permeability sensor 103, that is, the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member. Whether it is a genuine product is determined according to the angle formed by the member 461b and the rotational speed of the stirring member 461. Since the first stirring member 461a and the second stirring member 461b are provided inside the housing 464 of the toner container 46, the angle formed by the stirring members 461 is not easily understood. Therefore, the toner container 46 is difficult to be copied.

  Further, the copying machine 1 is based on determining which of the plurality of reference time intervals the time interval at which the magnetic permeability sensor 103 detects a magnetic permeability equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold matches. The type of the toner container 46 can be determined.

  Further, the copying machine 1 causes the main motor 101 to rotate the rotating shaft 462 to which the base ends of the plurality of stirring members 461 are connected at a constant rotation speed. As a result, the copying machine 1 causes the magnetic permeability sensor 103 to detect the magnetic permeability of the magnetic material constituting the stirring member 461, and determines whether the toner container 46 is a genuine product based on the detected magnetic permeability. In addition to the determination, the type of the toner container 46 can be determined.

  Further, in the copier 1, the magnetic permeability of at least a part of the stirring member 461 is greater than the magnetic permeability when the toner TN stored in the toner container 46 is fully loaded. When the magnetic material is included in the toner TN, the copier 1 is provided with a magnetic permeability sensor 103 for measuring the amount of toner TN stored in the toner container 46. That is, the copying machine 1 does not need to newly arrange the magnetic permeability sensor 103 in order to detect the magnetic material of the stirring member 461. Therefore, the copy machine 1 can suppress an increase in cost.

In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, It can implement with a various form.
Although the number of the agitating members 461 is two in the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of the agitating members 461 may be three or more without being limited to this form.
Further, the magnetic body constituting at least a part of the stirring member 461 may be different for each stirring member 461. In this case, the magnetic permeability of the magnetic body constituting the stirring member 461 detected by the magnetic permeability sensor 103 differs for each stirring member 461. Therefore, the determination unit 92 may determine the type of the toner container 46 based on the magnetic permeability that is different for each stirring member 461 by setting a predetermined threshold value that is set to a different value.

The copier 1 of the present embodiment is a color copier, but is not limited to this form and may be a monochrome copier.
In the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment, the toner image is transferred to the paper T via the intermediate transfer belt 48 (indirect transfer method). However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and is formed on the photosensitive drum. The transferred toner image may be directly transferred to the paper T (direct transfer method).
The copier 1 of the present embodiment is configured to print one side of the paper T, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to print both sides of the paper.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the copying machine 1 described above. In other words, the image forming apparatus of the present invention may be a multi-function machine having a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function, or may be a facsimile or a printer.
The transfer material on which the toner image is fixed by the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the paper T, and may be a film sheet such as an OHP (overhead projector) sheet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Copy machine (image forming apparatus), 3 ... Engine part, 46 ... Toner container (toner accommodating part), 461 ... Stirring member, 462 ... Rotating shaft, 92 ... Determination part, 101 ... Main motor (drive part), 103 ... Permeability sensor (detector)

Claims (5)

A toner container for containing toner;
An engine unit that forms an image on a transfer material by using toner supplied from the toner storage unit;
A plurality of stirring members that stir the toner by rotating and moving in the toner container, wherein the stirring members are at least partially formed of a magnetic material;
A detection unit that is disposed outside the toner storage unit and detects the magnetic permeability of each of the stirring members formed at least in part by a magnetic material;
A determination unit that determines whether the toner storage unit is a genuine product based on the magnetic permeability detected by the detection unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The determination unit compares whether the detection unit detects a magnetic permeability equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold with a reference time interval to determine whether the toner storage unit is a genuine product. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined. A plurality of reference time intervals are set according to the type of the toner container,
The determination unit is configured to determine whether the time interval at which the magnetic permeability equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is detected by the detection unit coincides with one of the plurality of reference time intervals. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the type of the accommodating portion is determined. A rotating shaft to which proximal ends of the plurality of stirring members are connected;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive unit that rotates the rotation shaft at a constant rotation speed. The toner stored in the toner storage unit includes a magnetic material,
5. The magnetic material according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic material forming at least a part of the stirring member has a magnetic permeability greater than a magnetic permeability when the toner stored in the toner storage unit is fully loaded. Image forming apparatus.

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