JP6729805B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

In the image forming apparatus, a toner container filled with toner is removably provided in the main body (for example, Patent Document 1). The toner container described in Patent Document 1 has a stirring member and a conveying member. The stirring member stirs the toner. The transport member transports the toner from the toner container to the developing device.

JP, 2013-228482, A

However, there is a possibility that the toner may be biased to one side of the toner container and solidify due to vibration during transportation of the toner container. In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the toner container is used to replenish the toner from the toner container to the developing device, the stirring member and the conveying member of the toner container may be locked.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing locking of a stirring member and a conveying member of a toner container.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a mounting portion, a developing device, a driving portion, and a control portion. A replaceable toner container is mounted on the mounting portion. The control unit controls the drive unit. The toner container has a container, a stirring member, and a conveying member. Toner is stored in the storage unit. The stirring member stirs the toner. The transport member transports the toner to the developing device. The drive unit drives the stirring member and the transport member. When replenishing the developing device with the toner from the toner container, the control unit controls the drive unit so that the stirring member is driven before the transport member is driven.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the stirring member and the conveying member of the toner container from being locked.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows a supply part. It is a schematic diagram which shows a stirring member. It is a schematic diagram which shows a stirring member. It is a schematic diagram which shows a stirring member. 6 is a flowchart showing a stirring control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an operation panel. 6 is a flowchart showing a stirring control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference symbols and description thereof will not be repeated.

An embodiment of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a copying machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine. Hereinafter, as an example, a case where the image forming apparatus 100 is a monochrome multifunction machine having a printer function, a copying function, and a facsimile function will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 10, an image forming unit 20, a control unit 30, a storage unit 40, a communication unit 50, a replenishing unit 6, a document table 12, The document transport device 110, an operation panel 120, a paper feed cassette 130, a paper transport unit 140, and a paper discharge unit 170 are provided.

The image reading unit 10 reads the image formed on the document M and acquires the read image. More specifically, the image reading unit 10 reads an image formed on the original M conveyed by the original conveying device 110 or an image formed on the original M placed on the original table 12 and acquires the read image. ..

The image forming unit 20 forms an image on the recording medium P based on the read image read by the image reading unit 10.

The control unit 30 is a hardware circuit configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like. The control unit 30 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 by the processor reading and executing the control program stored in the storage unit 40.

The storage unit 40 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 40 may include an external memory. The external memory is a removable medium. The storage unit 40 includes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and an SD (Secure Digital) card as the external memory. The storage unit 40 stores various data and a control program for controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The control program is executed by the control unit 30.

The communication unit 50 can communicate with an electronic device equipped with a communication device that uses the same communication method (protocol). In the present embodiment, the communication unit 50 communicates with an external device via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit 50 is, for example, a communication module (communication device) such as a LAN board.

The image forming unit 20 executes an image forming process. Specifically, the image forming unit 20 forms an image (toner image) on the recording medium P using toner. The image forming unit 20 has a developing device 22. The image forming unit 20 further includes an exposure device, a charging device, a photosensitive drum, a cleaning device, a transfer device, and a fixing device. The image forming unit 20 forms an image by an electrophotographic method.

The replenishing unit 6 replenishes the image forming unit 20 with toner. The supply unit 6 includes a mounting unit 60. The toner container 70 is removably mounted on the mounting portion 60. The toner container 70 stores toner.

The operation panel 120 is used to allow a user to operate the image forming apparatus 100. The operation panel 120 has a display unit 122. An input screen for allowing the user to operate the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed on the display unit 122. The display unit 122 also displays a notification image. The notification image will be described later with reference to FIG.

A recording medium P for printing is stored in the paper feed cassette 130. When printing is performed, the recording medium P in the paper feed cassette 130 is conveyed by the paper conveyance unit 140 so as to be ejected from the paper ejection unit 170 via the image forming unit 20.

Subsequently, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 further includes a drive unit 80.

The toner container 70 has a container 71, a stirring member 72, and a conveying member 74. The toner CT is stored in the storage portion 71. The stirring member 72 stirs the toner CT. The transport member 74 transports the toner CT to the developing device 22.

The drive unit 80 drives the stirring member 72 and the transport member 74. The drive unit 80 is, for example, a motor.

The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the current value supplied to the drive unit 80 to control the drive unit 80.

The supply unit 6 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the supply unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 3, the toner container 70 includes a container 71, a plurality of stirring members 72, a conveying member 74, a supply port 76, and a storage element 78. The plurality of stirring members 72 include a stirring member 72a, a stirring member 72b, and a stirring member 72c.

Each of the plurality of stirring members 72 has a rotation transmitting member 722, a rotating member 724, and a stirring blade 726. The stirring member 72 is, for example, a stirring paddle.

The rotation transmitting member 722 is rotatably attached to the housing portion 71. The rotation transmission member 722 transmits rotation to the rotation member 724. More specifically, the rotation transmitting member 722 is driven by the drive unit 80, so that the rotating member 724 rotates.

The rotating member 724 is rotatably supported by the housing portion 71.

The stirring blade 726 has a base end portion. The base end of the stirring blade 726 is supported by the rotating member 724. As the rotating member 724 rotates, the stirring blade 726 rotates. By rotating the stirring blade 726, the toner CT in the containing portion 71 is stirred. The stirring blade 726 is formed by using a resin film such as a polyethylene terephthalate film and a polyester film, and has flexibility.

The transport member 74 is rotatably supported by the housing portion 71. The transport member 74 is, for example, a transport screw. The toner CT is replenished to the developing device 22 through the replenishment port 76 by the rotation of the transport member 74.

The storage element 78 is, for example, a non-contact tag (electronic tag) such as an RF (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The storage element 78 stores information about the toner container 70. Hereinafter, the information about the toner container 70 will be referred to as “mounted component information”. The mounted component information includes manufacturer information indicating the manufacturer, model number information indicating the model number, and serial information indicating the serial number of the toner container 70.

The mounting unit 60 includes a component detection switch 62 and a component information reading unit 63.

The component detection switch 62 detects that the toner container 70 is mounted on the mounting portion 60.

The component information reading unit 63 reads the mounted component information from the storage element 78 and outputs a signal indicating the mounted component information. The component information reading unit 63 is, for example, a short-range wireless communication device such as an RF reader.

The control of the drive unit 80 when replenishing the toner CT will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the stirring member 72. 4A to 4C, the center C indicates the center of the rotation transmission member 722.

When replenishing the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the rotation direction of the stirring member 72 is alternately switched between the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction. Therefore, after the toner CT is loosened, the toner CT can be stirred. As a result, it is possible to prevent the stirring member 72 of the toner container 70 and the conveying member 74 from being locked.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in the initial state in which the toner container 70 is attached to the attachment portion 60, the tip of the stirring blade 726 faces downward.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the drive unit 80 drives the stirring member 72 in the rotation direction R1. The rotation direction R1 indicates the forward rotation direction. Here, the rotation angle θ is, for example, 20 degrees.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, the drive unit 80 drives the stirring member 72 in the rotation direction R2. The rotation direction R2 indicates the reverse rotation direction. The rotation direction R2 is opposite to the rotation direction R1. Here, the rotation angle θ is, for example, 20 degrees.

Further, it is preferable that the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the rotation angle θ of the stirring member 72 increases stepwise. Therefore, it is possible to stir the toner CT after gradually loosening the toner CT. As a result, it is possible to prevent the stirring member 72 of the toner container 70 and the conveying member 74 from being locked.

Further, it is preferable that the rotation speed of the stirring member 72 can be changed. Further, it is preferable that the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the rotation speed of the stirring member 72 increases stepwise. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is gradually loosened, and as a result, the stirring member 72 of the toner container 70 and the conveying member 74 can be prevented from being locked.

In addition, the control unit 30 determines whether the current value supplied to the drive unit 80 exceeds the threshold value, and when determining that the current value exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to drive the transport member 74. It is preferable to control. Therefore, it is possible to drive the conveying member 74 after the toner CT sufficiently loosens the toner CT by stirring the stirring member 72. As a result, locking of the transport member 74 of the toner container 70 can be suppressed.

The image forming apparatus 100 is shipped from the factory without the toner CT in the developing device 22. Therefore, it is necessary to supply the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22 before using the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on for the first time after the shipment from the factory, the process of supplying the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22 is performed. Hereinafter, the process of supplying toner from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22 when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on for the first time after factory shipment may be referred to as “toner installation process”.

Generally, when the image forming apparatus is used for the first time after shipment from the factory, the toner may be biased to one side of the toner container and solidify due to vibration during transportation of the toner container. Therefore, during the toner installation process, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, and supplies the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Is preferred.

After the factory shipment, the installation automatic execution flag is set to the ON state before shipment. Data indicating the installation automatic execution flag is stored in the storage unit 40. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation automatic execution flag is in the ON state, the control unit 30 executes the toner installation process. When the toner installation process ends, the control unit 30 causes the installation automatic execution flag to transition from the ON state to the OFF state.

A method for controlling stirring according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a stirring control method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation panel 120. FIG. 5 shows a method of controlling stirring during toner installation processing. The stirring of the toner CT is controlled by executing the processes of steps S102 to S120 shown in FIG.

Step S102: The power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. The process proceeds to step S104.

Step S104: The control unit 30 determines whether or not the installation automatic execution flag is in the ON state. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation automatic execution flag is not in the ON state, that is, the installation automatic execution flag is in the OFF state (step S104: No), the process proceeds to step S116, and the normal startup process is performed. .. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation automatic execution flag is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S106.

Step S106: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to drive the stirring member 72. The stirring member 72 is driven for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 20 seconds. The predetermined time is preferably changeable. For example, the predetermined time can be selected from 10 seconds, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds. The process proceeds to step S108.

Step S108: The control unit 30 determines whether the stirring member 72 is locked. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is locked (step S108: No), the process proceeds to step S118. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is not locked (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110.

Step S110: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to drive the stirring member 72 and the transport member 74. Therefore, the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. The process proceeds to step S112.

Step S112: The control unit 30 determines whether the installation process is completed. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation process is not completed (step S112: No), the process returns to step S110. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation process is completed (step S112: Yes), the process proceeds to step S114.

Step S114: The control unit 30 changes the installation automatic execution flag to OFF. The process proceeds to step S116.

Step S116: The control unit 30 executes a normal startup process. The process ends.

Step S118: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to stop the stirring member 72. The process proceeds to step S120.

Step S120: As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 122 to display the notification image A. The notification image A is an image prompting the user to confirm the toner container 70. The notification image A is an image showing a notification text such as “please check the container”.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, during the toner installation process, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, Toner is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Therefore, when there is a high possibility that the toner will be biased to one side of the toner container 70 and solidify, the toner CT can be loosened before the toner CT is agitated. As a result, the agitating member 72 and the conveying member 74 of the toner container 70. It is possible to suppress the lock with.

Generally, when the toner container is stored in the same posture for a long time, the toner may be biased to one side of the toner container and harden. Therefore, when the toner container 70 is replaced, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, and the toner is transferred from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. It is preferable to replenish.

A method of controlling stirring according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C, 6 and 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a stirring control method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a method of controlling stirring when replacing the toner container. By executing the processes of steps S202 to S216 shown in FIG. 7, the stirring of the toner CT is controlled. The flowchart of FIG. 7 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 5 in that stirring control is performed depending on whether the toner container 70 has been replaced.

Step S202: The image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. Alternatively, the cover of the image forming apparatus 100 is opened/closed. The process proceeds to step S204.

Step S204: The control unit 30 determines whether the toner container 70 has been replaced. When the control unit 30 determines that the toner container 70 has not been replaced (step S204: No), the process proceeds to step S212, and the normal startup process is performed. When the control unit 30 determines that the toner container 70 has been replaced (step S204: Yes), the process proceeds to step S206.

Step S206: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so as to drive the stirring member 72. The stirring member 72 is driven for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 20 seconds. The predetermined time is preferably changeable. For example, the predetermined time can be selected from 10 seconds, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds. The process proceeds to step S208.

Step S208: The control unit 30 determines whether the stirring member 72 is locked. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is locked (step S208: No), the process proceeds to step S214. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is not locked (step S208: Yes), the process proceeds to step S210.

Step S210: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to drive the stirring member 72 and the transport member 74. Therefore, the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. The process proceeds to step S212.

Step S212: The control unit 30 executes a normal startup process. The process ends.

Step S214: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to stop the stirring member 72. The process proceeds to step S216.

Step S216: As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 122 to display the notification image A. The notification image A is an image prompting the user to confirm the toner container 70. The notification image A is an image showing a notification text such as “please check the container”.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C, 6 and 7, when the toner container 70 is replaced, the control unit 30 controls the stirring member 72 to be driven before the conveyance member 74 is driven. The drive unit 80 is controlled to supply the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Therefore, when the toner CT is likely to be biased to one side of the toner container 70 and hardened, the toner CT can be loosened and then the toner CT can be agitated. As a result, the agitating member 72 of the toner container 70 and the conveying member. Locking with 74 can be suppressed.

The control unit 30 may detect the torque value of the drive unit 80 and control the stirring of the stirring member 72 according to the torque value of the drive unit 80. For example, when the torque value is equal to or more than the threshold value, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, and the toner is transferred from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. CT may be supplied. Alternatively, the rotation angle θ of the stirring member 72 may be changed according to the torque value. For example, the stirring member 72 may be rotated half a turn, that is, the rotation angle θ may be 180 degrees, depending on the torque value.

Further, the control unit 30 counts the time during which the image forming apparatus 100 is not operating after the toner container 70 is mounted, and if the time during which the image forming apparatus 100 is not operating exceeds a threshold value, the control unit 30 The driving unit 80 may be controlled so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, and the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22.

Further, according to the time zone, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, and supplies the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. You may do it. For example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is used for the first time in the morning, the drive unit 80 may be controlled to drive the stirring member 72 so that the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. ..

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 7). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be carried out in various modes within the scope not departing from the gist thereof (for example, (1) and (2) shown below). For easy understanding, the drawings mainly show the respective constituent elements, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of the respective constituent elements shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones for the convenience of drawing the drawing. .. Further, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of the respective constituent elements shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without departing substantially from the effects of the present invention. is there.

(1) As described with reference to FIG. 1, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 is a monochrome multifunction peripheral, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a scanner or a color copying machine.

(2) As described with reference to FIG. 3, the toner container 70 includes a plurality of stirring members 72, but the present invention is not limited to this. The toner container 70 may include one stirring member 72.

Claims (9)

A mounting part in which a replaceable toner container is mounted,
A developing device,
Drive unit,
A control unit for controlling the drive unit,
The toner container is
A storage unit for storing toner,
A stirring member for stirring the toner;
A carrying member for carrying the toner to the developing device,
The drive unit drives the stirring member and the transport member,
Wherein, when replenishing the toner to the developing device from the toner container, so that the stirring member is driven prior to the conveying member is driven, and controls the driving portion,
The image forming apparatus , wherein the control unit controls the drive unit so that the rotation angle of the stirring member increases stepwise . A mounting part in which a replaceable toner container is mounted,
A developing device,
Drive unit,
A control unit for controlling the drive unit,
Equipped with
The toner container is
A storage unit for storing toner,
A stirring member for stirring the toner;
A carrying member for carrying the toner to the developing device,
Have
The drive unit drives the stirring member and the transport member,
When replenishing the toner from the toner container to the developing device, the control unit controls the drive unit so that the stirring member is driven before the transport member is driven,
The rotation speed of the stirring member can be changed,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit so that the rotation speed increases stepwise. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit so that a rotation direction of the stirring member is alternately switched between a forward rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction. The control unit controls a current value supplied to the drive unit,
The control unit determines whether the current value exceeds a threshold value,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit to drive the transport member when it is determined that the current value exceeds a threshold value. During the toner installation process, the control unit controls the drive unit so that the stirring member is driven before the transport member is driven, and replenishes the toner from the toner container to the developing device.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the toner installation process is a process of supplying the toner from the toner container to the developing device when the power is turned on for the first time. The control unit determines whether the toner container has been replaced,
When the control unit determines that the toner container has been replaced, the control unit controls the drive unit so that the stirring member is driven before the transport member is driven, and the toner container transfers the toner to the developing device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, which replenishes the image forming apparatus. The control unit detects a torque value of the drive unit, and when the torque value is equal to or more than a threshold value, controls the drive unit so that the stirring member is driven before the transport member is driven, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 . The control unit counts the time during which the image forming apparatus is not operating after mounting the toner container, and when the time during which the image forming apparatus is not operating exceeds a threshold value, before the conveyance member is driven. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit is controlled so that the stirring member is driven. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit so that the stirring member is driven before the transport member is driven, according to a time zone.

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