JPH03200987A - Developing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a user to easily and securely replace a developer and to prevent the developer from leaking by enabling a developer cartridge, which has a shutter member for opening and closing the opening of a 1st developer storage chamber and the opening of a 2nd developer storage chamber, to be attached to and detached from an old/new developer replacement part on a developing device main body. CONSTITUTION:The cylindrical part 6A of the developer cartridge 6 is provided with the opening 18 opposite the 1st developer storage chamber 16 and the opening 19 opposite the 2nd developer storage chamber 17 respectively. Further, the shutter member 5 which has plural openings 5 is inserted into the inner peripheral part of the cylindrical part 6A. When a developer is replaced, the front cover of an image forming device is opened, the developer cartridge 6 is gripped in one hand, and the inner peripheral part of the cartridge-side shutter member 5 is fitted to the outer peripheral part of a developing-device side shutter member 4 to insert and load the developer cartridge 6. Consequently, the developer can easily and securely by replaced by the user and the developer is prevented from leaking.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a developing device that uses a developer cartridge to replace old and new developer.

[Conventional technology]

BACKGROUND ART In image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, facsimiles, and printers, so-called electrophotographic image forming apparatuses that form an electrostatic latent image on a latent image carrier have widely adopted dry type developing apparatuses. Among such developing devices, in a developing device that uses a two-component developer containing, for example, toner and carrier, the developer deteriorates over time, which leads to a decline in image quality. We are trying to exchange old and new items. If a developer cartridge is used for such development and agent replacement, this replacement work becomes easy and your hands do not get dirty with the developer.

Conventionally, an empty developer cartridge was prepared in advance, used developer was collected into it, and then new unused developer was introduced into the developing device from another developer cartridge. However, it takes 2 to replace the developer.
Since it requires two developer cartridges, it is very troublesome to handle.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Conventional devices have a problem in that the replacement work is complicated and the developer cannot be replaced by the user.

Therefore, in one developer cartridge, a first developer storage chamber that stores unused new developer and a second developer storage chamber that stores used old developer are provided, respectively.
If you collect the old developer into the latter developer storage chamber and then introduce the new developer into the developing device from the former developer storage chamber, one developer cartridge will be sufficient and its handling will be simplified. That is.

In addition, when replacing the developer, if the new developer in the first developer storage chamber is supplied to the developing device main body side at once, the characteristics of the unused new developer and the used developer may differ. For example, due to the difference in flow characteristics, the agent balance may be disrupted and deteriorated, which may cause density unevenness on the image.

Furthermore, if the developer is replaced during the copying operation of the image forming apparatus, which is required for the above-mentioned developing device, the copying operation must be interrupted, resulting in loss time. there were.

In addition, after the developer whose life has expired is collected into the second developer storage chamber, a new developer is supplied into the main body of the developing device from the first developer storage chamber, but during this time the user does not have to wait. There was a problem that a lot of wasted time was required.

Further, since the toner concentration of the developer stored in the first developer storage chamber is controlled before being shipped from the factory, the capacity per unit weight of the developer is equal. However, the toner concentration of the developer discharged from the developing device main body and collected into the second developer storage chamber is not necessarily constant.

This is because the developer in the main body of the developing device performs development while being controlled to a constant concentration, but is not necessarily at the initial developer concentration.

Therefore, when the concentration of the developer increases, the bulk density of the developer increases, and the developer cannot be collected in the second developer storage chamber, which is the same size as the first developer storage chamber. There was a problem that it could not be cut.

An object of the present invention is to enable the developer to be replaced simultaneously in one developer cartridge, so that the user can easily and reliably replace the developer, and also prevent leakage of the developer. Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing device that can prevent unnecessary deterioration of developer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing device that eliminates loss time in the main body of an image forming apparatus and allows smooth and efficient developer replacement.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a developing device that prevents the collected developer from overflowing from the second developer storage chamber and can shorten the waiting time for developer collection.

[Means to solve the problem]

The above purpose is to provide a first developer storage chamber for storing unused new developer, a second developer storage chamber for storing used old developer, and an opening of the first developer storage chamber. This is achieved by making the developer cartridge having a shutter member for opening and closing the opening of the second developer storage chamber detachable from the developer exchange section on the developing device main body side.

Further, the above purpose is to display the deterioration of the developer being used, then attach/detach the developer cartridge, collect the used developer into the second developer storage chamber, and provide new developer after collection. This is achieved by doing the following.

Further, the above purpose is to keep the developer cartridge always installed in the main body of the developing device, drive it when the life of the developer reaches the end of the life of the developer according to a control signal from the main body, and transfer the used developer to a second developer. This is achieved by providing a drive means for collecting the liquid in the storage chamber.

Further, the above object is distantly related by providing a control means for controlling the developer to be replaced gradually.

Further, the above object is distantly related to the fact that the developer is controlled to be replaced while the copying operation is stopped.

Further, the above object is distantly related to that by controlling the developer to be replaced every predetermined number of times of image formation.

Further, the above object is distantly related to the fact that the capacity of the second developer storage chamber is larger than the capacity of the first developer storage chamber.

[For production]

With the above means, the new and old developer can be exchanged by mounting the developer cartridge on the main body of the developing device and operating the shutter member.

Further, with the above means, the developer is supplied and collected little by little by the control means, so that there is no possibility of disrupting the developer balance compared to the case where fresh developer is supplied into the developing device main body at once.

Moreover, by the above means, it is possible to eliminate the loss time due to the interruption of the copying operation by replacing the developer while the image forming apparatus is stopping the copying operation, specifically after the copying operation is completed.

Further, with the above means, since the developer is replaced every predetermined number of times of image formation, it is possible to efficiently replace the developer in response to deterioration of the developer depending on the number of times of image formation.

Further, by the above means, the capacity of the second developer storage chamber is made larger than the capacity of the first developer storage chamber, so that an accident of overflowing of the collected developer from the second developer storage chamber can be prevented.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a first embodiment of a developing device according to the present invention, in which reference numeral 1 indicates the main body of the developing device, and 2 indicates a developing container containing a developer (not shown) inside. The developer container 2 is provided with a developer new/old developer exchange section 3 so as to protrude outward from the container. The developer exchange section 3 includes a cylindrical section 2A that projects from the developer container 2 and has an upper opening 2A and a lower opening 2Az, and a shutter member that is fitted into the cylindrical section 2A and has a gear 4A integrally formed therein. 4
It consists of etc.

Reference numeral 8 indicates a developer conveying rotating member provided inside the developer container 2, and one end of the rotating member extends to the inside of the cylindrical portion 2A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developer conveying rotary member, and the developer conveying rotary member 8 includes a hollow shaft 9 integrally formed with a plurality of developer pumping blades 9a as shown in FIG. A fixed external screw 1) or a shaft 12 in the aerial shaft 9
It is composed of an internal screw 13, etc., which is integrally provided with the main body.

When the aerial shaft 9 and the shaft 12 are rotated in the direction of arrow C, the developer in the developer container 2 is transferred to the external screw 1).
is carried in the direction of arrow a. During this time, the developer enters the hollow shaft 9 through the developer inlet 14 and is then conveyed by the internal screw 13 in the direction indicated by the arrow, which is different from the above direction.

Then, the developer flows out of the hollow shaft 9 through the developer outlet 15 and is transported again in the direction of arrow a. In this way, the developer circulates inside and outside the hollow shaft 9, and during this circulation,
When necessary, toner is replenished into the developer from a toner hopper (not shown) in the developer exchange section 3. While the developer is being conveyed in the direction of arrow a, the developer is drawn up by the lifting blade 9a and supplied to a developing sleeve (not shown), and the electrostatic potential formed on the sightseeing body (also not shown) is removed. Visualize the body.

In FIG. 1, assuming that the developer in the developer container 2 has deteriorated, when replacing the developer with a new one, the developer cartridge 6 is inserted and loaded into the outer periphery of the shutter member 4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge, FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of a part for exchanging old and new developer, and FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the developer cartridge. As shown in FIG. 7, the first developer accommodating chamber 16 for accommodating an unused new developer 101 is in the upper part, and the used old developer is in the lower part. A second developer accommodating chamber 17 for accommodating the developer is provided respectively.

The cylindrical portion 6A of the developer cartridge 6 has an opening 18 at a position corresponding to the first developer storage chamber 16, and a second opening 18 at a position corresponding to the first developer storage chamber 16.
Openings 19 are provided at positions corresponding to the developer storage chambers 17, respectively. Further, a shutter member 5 having a gear 5A integrally formed on the outer end thereof and a plurality of openings 5b is fitted into the inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 6A. Hereinafter, such a shutter member will be referred to as a cartridge-side shutter member, and the shutter member 4 will be referred to as a developing device-side shutter member.

When replacing the developer, first open the front cover of the image forming apparatus (not shown), grasp the developer cartridge 6 with one hand as shown in FIG. The developer cartridge 6 is inserted and loaded by fitting the inner circumferential portion thereof into the outer circumferential portion of the developing device side shutter member 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. 7th
The figure shows the state after this insertion and loading has been completed. Note that the first developer storage chamber 16 of the developer cartridge 6 to be inserted and loaded is filled with new developer in advance, whereas the second developer storage chamber 17 is empty. It becomes.

When inserting the developer cartridge 6, there is a groove 6B provided in the upper part of the developer cartridge 6 (FIG. 5).

(Fig. 7) is guided by a guide bar 21 protruding from the developer container 2.
The developer cartridge 6 is inserted and loaded so that the developer storage chamber 16 of the developer cartridge 6 is always placed on top.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, a guide bar 22 may be provided protruding from the side of the developer cartridge 6, and the guide bar 22 may be inserted into a hole (not shown) provided on the side of the developer container 2. function can be achieved.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the operator from setting the developer cartridge incorrectly.

After the developer cartridge 6 has been inserted and loaded, as shown in FIG.
The plurality of openings 5b are arranged to coincide with each other. Note that this match is based on the cartridge side shutter member 5.
The recess 5c provided on the end face of the developing device side shutter member 4
This is ensured by fitting into the protrusion 4C provided on the side.

Further, when the insertion and loading of the developer cartridge 6 is completed, the gear portion 5A meshes with the motor gear 23A that meshes with the gear portion 4A of the shutter member 4 on the developing device side.

When the developer cartridge 6 is set as described above and the front cover is closed or a developer exchange switch (not shown) is pressed manually after the front cover is closed, the motor 23 rotates, and both shutter members 4 are rotated. .5 rotates.

Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the shutter state when collecting old developer;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the shutter state when new developer is supplied;
FIG. 1O is an explanatory diagram of the shutter state when the developer is sealed, and the motor 23 is stopped when both shutter members 4.5 come to the rotational position shown in FIG. 8. Note that the motor 23 may be automatically rotated when the front cover is closed, without using the developer exchange switch as described above.

In the above position, the opening 2A4, the opening 4b, the opening 5b, and the opening 19 are all aligned, as shown in FIG.

In this state, when the developing device is operated and the developer transport rotating member 8 shown in FIG. 2 is rotated, the developer transported in the direction of arrow a (FIG. 1) passes through the series of matching openings. The developer drops through the developer storage chamber 17 and falls into the second developer storage chamber 17 . That is, the used and old developer in the developer container 2 is collected into the second developer storage chamber 17.

After collecting the old developer as described above, the motor 23 is rotated again, and when both shutter members 4.5 come to the rotational position shown in FIG. 9, the motor 23 is stopped. In order to accurately perform such a stop, it is effective to use a motor such as a servo motor or a step motor as the motor 23.

In the state shown in FIG. 9, both openings 4b and 5b are located at the top, and all four openings match. Therefore, the new developer 101 in the first developer storage chamber 16 passes through these openings and enters the cylindrical portion 2A. When the developing device is operated in this state, the developer that has entered the cylindrical portion 2A is carried by the developer conveying rotating member 8 (FIG. 1) and stored in the developer container 2.

The developer is replaced in this way, but after this, the motor 23 rotates again and the openings 2A+, 2Az
When both shutter members 4.5 are rotated to a rotational position in which the motor 2 is closed, for example, to the rotational position shown in FIG.
3 is now stopped.

In this state, the developer cartridge 6 is pulled out from the outer periphery of the developing device side shutter member 4 together with the cartridge side shutter member 5, but since the opening 2A+2Az is already closed on the developing device side shutter member 4, There is no risk of the developer inside leaking out.

Note that when the cartridge-side shutter member 5 rotates together with the developing device-side shutter member 4, the developer cartridge 6 itself tends to rotate accordingly. However, the groove 6B (FIG. 7) of the developer cartridge is not aligned with the guide bar 21.
(Fig. 1), such twisting is prevented. In this embodiment, the shutter member 4.degree. 5 is rotated to open and close the shirt cod, but it is not necessary to use a rotary type, or the developer cartridge 6 may be configured to be rotatable. It is also possible to configure the shutter to open and close by rotating the cartridge 6.

In addition, after the developer replacement is completed, a message to that effect is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, and after seeing this display, remove the developer cartridge 6 and replace it. Discard.

If you do not discard the developer cartridge that you have taken out after replacing the developer (hereinafter referred to as the old developer cartridge) and mix it up with a new developer cartridge, you may accidentally remove the old developer cartridge. It may happen that the developer cartridge is inserted and loaded when the next developer is replaced. If such a situation were to occur, since the recovered developer is already contained in the second developer storage chamber 17, the developer to be recovered would overflow and become impossible to recover. Furthermore, since the first developer storage chamber 16 is empty, new developer cannot be supplied.

Furthermore, if the guide bar 21, groove 6B, etc. are not provided, the developer cartridge may be loaded upside down, and the collected developer in the second developer storage chamber 17 may not enter the developing device. Sometimes I get lost. In this case, the deteriorated developer is used for development as it is, so
The image quality remains degraded.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, an electrically conductive member 24 is provided on the side of the developer cartridge 6 so that electrical conduction is interrupted when the developer cartridge is inserted and loaded. In the present example, a fuse is used as such a member, and is immovably held on the side of the developer cartridge 6 by a holder 26.

Further, the developer cartridge 6 is provided with a protrusion 26,
When the developer cartridge 6 is inserted and loaded, its protrusion 26
As shown in FIG. 3, the contact 29 enters the hole 27 provided on the side of the developer container 2 and pushes the conduction spring 28 to close the contact 29. Further, both ends of the fuse 24 are connected to both electrical terminals 32.degree. 32 on the developer container 2 side shown in FIG.

With the contact 29 closed, via the electrical control section 31,
A message indicating that the developer cartridge 6 has been set is displayed on the operation panel (not shown) of the image forming apparatus, and after the contact is closed, it is displayed for a certain period of time necessary for collecting old developer and supplying new developer. Current flows through the fuse 24 so that the fuse is automatically blown. In other words, regarding the developer cartridge taken out after developer replacement,
The fuse 24 is always blown.

When the fuse 24 is blown, even if the developer cartridge 6 is loaded into the main body of the developing device as described above, no power is supplied to the motor 23 and the motor 23 does not operate.

By providing the developer cartridge 6 with an electrically conductive member such as a fuse that blows when it is inserted and loaded, the above-mentioned problems can occur if the old developer cartridge is accidentally reloaded. can be prevented.

For example, when a new developer cartridge is inserted and loaded, current flows through the fuse 24, and when an old developer cartridge is inserted and loaded, current no longer flows through the fuse 24.Due to this difference, the "Old A message such as "The developer cartridge has been set" can be displayed, and at the same time, it is also possible to prevent the developing device from operating.

This prevents the developer from being replaced using the old developer cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the developer from being impossible to recover, from being unable to supply new developer into the developing device, and from supplying old developer into the developing device. In this way, even a general user can easily replace the developer.

In addition to electrically conductive members that can be cut by the heat generated by the flow of current, electrical terminals 32.32
(Fig. 4) It is possible to use a type that can be cut depending on the magnitude of the voltage applied therebetween.

In addition, in FIG. 7, 40 is the second developer storage chamber 17.
A recovery detection means is provided in the developer storage device and detects recovery of the developer, and is composed of, for example, a piezoelectric element. Also, 41
is a magnetic sensor that detects the set of developer cartridges 6 and the presence or absence of new developer 101 inside the first developer storage chamber 16 .

1) is a flowchart of the developer replacement operation of the developing device according to the present invention, in which when the magnetic sensor 41 detects that new developer is in the first developer storage chamber 16, the shutter 4.5 drive is put on standby. Then, the number of revolutions (n) of the developing roller is counted and compared with a preset number of revolutions N, and when the number of revolutions of the developing roller becomes equal to the set value, it is determined whether copying is in progress and copying is completed. When this occurs, the motor 23 is activated and rotates the shutter member 4.5. Then, first, the old developer collection operation is performed for t seconds, then the new developer supply operation is performed for t seconds, and by repeating this, the developer is replaced little by little (1)-1 to 1l-12) .

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a modification of the developer replacement operation of the developing device according to the present invention. After the user sets the developer cartridge 6, the magnetic sensor 41 moves the new developer into the first developer storage chamber 16. It is detected whether 101 is included (12-1). If it is, the drive of the shutter member 4.5 is on standby. Next, the number of rotations (n) of the developing roller is counted and compared with the preset number of rotations N, and when the number of rotations of the developing roller becomes equal to the set value (12-3 to 12-5), the developing device It is determined whether the latent image is being developed (12-6), and if it is not, the motor 23 is activated and first the developer collection operation is performed for 1 second, and then the developer supply operation is performed for 1 second (12-6). 12-7~12-
9). When developing the next latent image, shutter member 4.5
is closed, and after the development is completed, the shutter member 4.5 is opened. This operation is continued until T seconds required for exchanging a certain amount of agent are reached (12-10). However, when the copying is completed, the above-mentioned operation is not performed and the operation is continued at the time of the next copying. In this way, the developer is collected and supplied, and after the developer is replaced little by little by repeating this process, the shutter member 4.5 returns to the home position and the number of revolutions (n ) is returned to 0 (12-1), 12-12).

Incidentally, if there is no developer in the first developer storage chamber 16 (No in 12-1), a replacement display for the developer cartridge and cartridge 6 is displayed (12-2). Further, the reason why this developer replacement is not performed during development is that the supplied new developer may not be sufficiently mixed and stirred, resulting in an image with uneven density.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the start of developer collection in the developer replacement operation of the developing device according to the present invention, in which the collection of the developer is detected by the collection detection means 40 provided in the second developer storage chamber 17. ), when the developer has been collected (YES at 13-2), the shutter member 4.5 is operated and the developer is replaced in the same manner as described above (13-3).

If developer collection does not end even after a predetermined period of time, select (1)
(No in 3-2, YES in 13-4), an abnormality is detected as having occurred (13-5), and a buzzer or display to that effect is displayed (13-6).

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the developing device according to the present invention, and in the case of this embodiment, unused new developer 10
1 and used old developer can be replaced little by little. Therefore, the supply passage for the new developer 101 and the recovery passage for the old developer are formed with their positions shifted.

FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main parts of the new and old developer exchange section, and as shown in FIG. 15 (a), the developer inlet 14 and the opening 2
If /'z and 2Az are on a straight line in the vertical direction, it is possible that the new developer 101 would be collected without the shutter member 4.5 when the new developer 101 is supplied, but as shown in FIG. As shown, if the openings 2A1.2AH are misaligned, even if the introduced new developer 101 falls through the developer inlet 14, it will accumulate on the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 2A and pass through the developer inlet 14 again to the developing device. It is transported into the main body 1.

Note that the opening 2A+ is formed on the front side, and the opening 2At is formed on the back side. If the positional relationship is reversed, the cylindrical part 2A
This is because the fresh developer 101 that has accumulated inside is immediately collected by the external screw 1).

Further, in this embodiment, a magnetic sensor 41 is provided in the developer container 2, and when this magnetic sensor 41 is turned on, it is determined that an unused developer cartridge 6 containing new developer is set. , a developer replacement operation is performed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of determining the lifespan of the developer in the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, gradually replacing the developer therein, and finally replacing the cartridge.

In the replacement operation, first, the developer cartridge 6 is inserted into the developer container 2 and loaded (3-1), and then the magnetic sensor 41 checks whether new developer is contained in the first developer storage chamber 16. (3-2).

If it is determined in this step that there is a new developer 101, the variable m that defines developer replacement is set to 1, taking into account developer replacement based on the rotational speed of the developer transport rotating member 8. (3-2) Rotation speed (rl) of developer conveying rotating member 8
Count (3-3).

Next, it is compared with a preset rotation value N of the developer conveying rotating member 8, which is determined according to the developer replacement interval (3
-4), and if the number of rotations of the developer conveying rotating member 8 is equal to the set value N, or if it exceeds this value N, it is determined whether copying is in progress or not.3-5), and if copying has been completed, the above variable m
(3-6) Motor 2 is added as developer recovery operation.
3 is activated and the shutter member 4.5 is rotated to the state shown in FIG. 8 described above. This state is maintained for a preset time of t seconds, and the developer whose life in the developer container 2 has expired is collected into the second developer storage chamber 17 (3-7).

When this collection operation is completed, the motor 23 is further operated as a developer supply operation, and the shutter member 4.5
Rotate to the state shown in FIG.

This state is maintained for a preset t seconds, and the developer is supplied from the first developer storage chamber 16 into the developer container 2 (3-8).
, then rotate the motor 23 to move the shutter member 4.
5 is returned to the home position as shown in Figure 1θ, and all openings are closed (3-9).

This means that the first predetermined amount (slight amount) of developer has been replaced.

When the new developer 101 is supplied in this way,
Further, the rotation speed n of the developer conveying rotating member 8 is decreased by a count 3-10), and when the rotation speed n exceeds the set rotation speed N (3-1)), the first developer storage chamber 1
Check whether there is new developer 101 in 6 (3
-12). If there is new developer 101, then the life of the previously used developer has come to an end, so the process returns to step 3-5 and repeats the processes and operations from this step onwards. Then, when there is no new developer 101 in the first developer storage chamber 16, a display prompting to replace the developer cartridge 6 is displayed (3-13).

Note that if the rotation speed n is not equal to or higher than the set value N in step 3-4 above, step 3 is continued until it becomes equal to or higher than the set value N.
Returning to step 3-3, if copying is in progress in step 3-5, copying cannot be interrupted.
The process will then be repeated.

By the above-described operation, the developer can be used until its lifespan and gradually replaced, and the developer cartridge 6 can be replaced when the developer is finally used up.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the developer replacement operation of the developing device according to the present invention. When the user sets the developer cartridge 6 in the developer container 2 of the developing device main body 1, the magnetic sensor 41 detects this. be done. Next, it is detected whether the developer has entered the first developer storage chamber 16 (4-1), and after a certain period of time has passed (that is, a certain period of time before the life of the developer) (4-2) (Yes)
, the shutter member 4.5 starts rotating by the motor 23 (4-4). If it is less than a certain period of time (4
-2 (NO), shutter member 4.5 is on the top.

Home position not located in the lower opening 18.19 (
(Fig. 1O) is stopped (4-3). When the openings 4b and 5b of the shutter member 4.5 coincide with the upper opening 18 (FIG. 9), new developer 101 is introduced (4.
-5: YES, 4-4), when the openings 4b, 5b of the shutter members 4, 5 coincide with the opening 19 at the bottom (8th
In Figure), the used developer is collected (No in 4-5, 4-6).

The above operations are performed during copying, and if an abnormality detection (jam) is activated during copying and the machine stops, the shutter member 4.5 opens the upper and lower openings 18.19.
rotates to a position that does not match the home position (home position), and prevents unused fresh developer 101 from flowing in (
4-7).

The rotation of the shutter member 4.5 is caused by the rotation of the shutter member 4.5.
For example, when the magnetic sensor 41 detects that the new developer 101 is used up, the shutter member 4.5 is operated until the new developer 101 is used up. is rotated, and the shutter member 4°5 then stops at the home position. After a while, the life of the cartridge (approximately the same as the life of the developer) is reached (YES at 4-8).
, discard the old developer cartridge from which the used developer has been collected, and set a new developer cartridge.

FIG. 18 is a characteristic diagram of the deterioration of the developer over time. As is clear from this characteristic diagram, the rotation of the shutter member 4.5 after a certain period of time is limited to the first period (0 to 1+
) is because there is little deterioration of the developer. It is preferable to replace the developer by rotating the shutter member 4.5 from the start of deterioration until the end of its life (1+ to t2).

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing cartridge of a third embodiment of the developing device according to the present invention, in which the capacity of the second developer storage chamber 17 is larger than the capacity of the first developer storage chamber 16. It has become a thing.

In this embodiment, the fresh developer 101 (FIG. 19) in the first developer storage chamber 16 weighs 1 kg, and the capacity is approximately 5 kg.
00 cd. When this new developer 101 is produced in a factory, it is produced with a controlled density.

The new developer 101 that has entered the developer container 2 consumes toner each time it is developed, and the toner concentration decreases. Developer with reduced toner concentration is detected by various sensors,
Toner is replenished from the toner cartridge and controlled to a constant density.

However, as described above, even if the density is controlled to be constant, the density within the developer container 2 may increase due to variations in replenishment. In this case, the capacity of the developer in the developer container 2 becomes large. Therefore, when the developer reaches the end of its life and is replaced with new developer 101, the amount of old developer that is replaced with new developer 101 is not necessarily the same capacity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the capacity of the second developer storage chamber 17 is made large.

Note that the second developer storage chamber 17 may be formed into a bellows shape or made of a flexible material so that it can expand and contract. That is, the second developer accommodating chamber 17 is folded and made small before recovery, and is expanded to accommodate the old developer during recovery.

FIG. 20 is a control block diagram of a third embodiment of the developing device according to the present invention, and 50 is a memory for storing the lifespan (lifespan number of copies) of the new developer 101 supplied into the developer container 2. A control means 51 outputs a command signal when the developer reaches the end of its life, and a drive means 52 is provided in the main body 1 of the developing device and performs a developer recovery operation in response to a command from the control means 51.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are explanatory diagrams of the developer presence/absence state in the second embodiment, and in each figure, "with developer" indicates the state where the developer is stored inside, and "empty" indicates the state where the developer is stored inside. indicates that it is not accommodated.

First, the developing device body l just shipped from the factory is
As shown in FIG. 21, no developer is contained. As shown in FIG. 21, an unused developer cartridge 6 is set in the developing device main body 1. As shown in FIG.

Here, new developer is supplied to the developing device main body 1 side (inside the developing container 2) by the above-described operation. 22nd after supply ends
As shown in the figure, even if the first developer storage chamber 16 becomes empty, the developer cartridge 6 remains loaded. A normal copying operation is performed in the state shown in FIG. The used developer is collected.

23 to 25 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A side wall 500a of the developer container 500 is formed with a cylindrical protrusion 500b that protrudes from the side wall.
A developer supply port 500c and a developer discharge port 500d are formed at the upper and lower portions of the cylindrical protrusion 500b, respectively. An impeller 400 having a plurality of radial blades is provided inside the cylindrical protrusion 500b, and this impeller includes a spiral wire 600 surrounding the impeller over its entire length. is wound around the wire 600, and the wire 600 rotates together with the impeller 600 in the direction of conveying the developer. Impeller 4
Inside the hollow shaft 400a of 00 is a conveying screw 70.
0 is provided so as to be rotationally driven in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the impeller 400. The end of the hollow shaft 400a is closed, and a developer inlet 400 is provided on the peripheral surface near this end.
C is drilled.

A cylindrical developer-side shutter member 100 is rotatably provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical protrusion 5oob, and a part of the shutter member 100 has a first opening provided in the cylindrical protrusion 500b. 500C and a third opening 100a selectively corresponding to the second opening 500d. Further, a gear 100b is integrally provided on the outer peripheral portion of the shutter member 100 on the back side.

At the inner end of this gear 100b, this shutter member 10
A pin 100c is provided to serve as a guide when aligning the shutter member 0 and a shutter member on the cartridge side, which will be described later.

A motor 101 is provided on the bottom plate of the developer container 500, and a gear 102 that meshes with a gear 100b is provided on the drive shaft of the motor 101. The motor 101 is driven by turning on a developer exchange switch (not shown). A side plate 500a of the developer container 500 is provided with a guard rail 103 and a guide pin 104 that are parallel to each other and protrude in the same direction as the cylindrical protrusion 500b.

Reference numeral 200 indicates a developer replacement cartridge, and as shown in FIG. 24, this replacement cartridge 200 has an unused developer storage chamber 201 in the upper part for storing unused developer, and a lower part in the replacement cartridge 200. A developer recovery chamber 202 for recovering used developer is provided, and a cylindrical inner wall 203 is provided between the unused developer storage chamber 201 and the developer recovery chamber 202. This cylindrical inner wall 20
3, a fifth opening 203a connected to the unused developer storage chamber 201 and a sixth opening 203b connected to the developer recovery chamber 202 are formed, respectively.

A cartridge-side cylindrical shutter member 204 is rotatably fitted inside the cylindrical inner wall 203 . A portion of this shutter member 204 has a fifth opening 203a.
A fourth opening 204a selectively corresponds to the sixth opening 203b.

The inner end of the shutter member 204 on the developer container 500 side protrudes from the cartridge 200, and a gear 204b is provided on this protrusion. A small hole 204c is provided on the outer end surface of the gear 204b.
In relation to the pin 100c of the shutter member on the developing device side, this is a guideline for aligning both shutter members when fitting the shutter member 204 on the cartridge side to the shutter member 100 on the developing device side.

In this developer exchange device, a first opening 500c, a second opening 500d, a third opening 100a, a fourth opening 2
04a, fifth opening 203a and sixth opening 203b
The respective sizes of the first opening 500t and the second opening 500t are as follows.
The third opening 100a is larger than the opening 500d, the fourth opening 204a is larger than the third opening 100a, and the fifth opening 204a is larger than the fourth opening 204a.
03a and the sixth opening 203b are formed large. As a result, the used developer material is removed from the developer collection chamber 20.
2, the developer is prevented from leaking from the gap between the shutter member 100 on the developer side and the shutter member 204 on the cartridge side.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the outside of the cylindrical inner wall 203 of the developer replacement cartridge 200, there is a depression 205a on the left side of the cartridge 200 when viewed from the front (when viewed from the left in FIG. 1), on which the thumb can be placed. , and a recess 205b on the right side for placing the remaining fingers, and these recesses 2Q5a and 205b constitute a hand clip. This hand clip helps make it easier to grip the cartridge with one hand.

A guide groove 206 that engages with the guide rail 103 is provided at the top of the developer replacement cartridge 200, and a guide hole 207 into which the guide pin 104 is inserted is provided at the side of the cartridge 200. . The guide rail 103 is held in the guide groove 206, and the guide pin 1
04 into the guide hole 207, the cartridge 200 can be accurately attached to the cylindrical protrusion 500b without turning it upside down, and the developer side shutter member 100 and the cartridge side shutter member 204 can be rotated. At this time, both shutter members 10
0 and 204, the cartridge 200 is rotated together and does not rotate.

A sensor is provided on the guide rail 103 or the guide pin 104 so that the cartridge 200 can be attached to the cylindrical protrusion 500.
It may also be possible to detect whether or not it is reliably set to b.

As shown in FIG. 25, the inclination of the inner wall 208 rising from the opening 203a of the unused developer storage chamber 201 is 25'' with respect to the horizontal line when the cartridge 200 is placed in the normal installation state. If the setting is above, the fluidity of the developer becomes 100%. If the slope is less than 25'', the developer in the unused developer storage chamber 201 cannot be dropped in the required amount to the cylindrical protrusion 500b side. inner wall 20
If the inclination α of 8 is set to 25" or more, the developer falls smoothly into the cylindrical protrusion 500b. However, if the inclination is set to 25" or more, the content of the unused developer storage chamber 201 decreases. It's not a good idea. The upper tolerance range is
It is 906.

Considering the size of the unused developer storage chamber and the flow type of the developer, it is desirable that the slope α of the inner wall is preferably set in the range of 25@ to 30''.

The motor 101 is configured to rotationally control the shutter member 100 on the developing device side and the shutter member 204 on the cartridge side.

When replacing the developer, the user first opens the front cover of the copying machine (not shown) in order to collect the deteriorated developer contained in the developer container 500. The user takes out the developer replacement cartridge 200 from a case (not shown) and inserts the guide groove 206 into the guide rail 103 and the guide pin 104 so that the unused developer storage chamber 201 is located above the cylindrical upper part 500b.
are inserted through the guide holes 207 while guiding them respectively.

At this time, the gear 204b meshes with the gear 102. The positional relationship between the opening IQOa of the developer-side shutter member 100 and the opening 204a of the cartridge-side shutter member 204 is determined based on the positional relationship between the pin 100c and the small hole 204c. When the developer exchange switch (not shown) is turned on after the cartridge 200 is installed, the motor 1
01 is activated, the gear 102 rotates, and the gears 100b and 204b that mesh with it are also rotated,
The shutter member 204 on the developer side and the shutter member 100 on the cartridge side are simultaneously rotated. Both shutter members 204.100 are rotated to a position where the second opening 500d, the third opening 100a, the fourth opening 204a, and the sixth opening 203b are aligned, and the motor 10 is rotated.
1 is stopped. Then, when the impeller 4 and the screw conveyor 7 are rotated, the deteriorated developer in the developer container 500 is transported from the cylindrical protrusion 500b to the second opening 500d by the action of the spiral wire 6. Third
opening 100a, fourth opening and sixth opening 203b
The developer passes through the developer collection chamber 202 of the cartridge 200 and is collected.

Then, the motor 101 operates again, and the rotating gear 1
02 rotates, and gear 100b and gear 2 mesh with it.
Rotate based on 04b, shutter member 1 on the developer side
00 and the cartridge-side shutter member 204 are rotated at the same time. Both shutter members 100 and 204 have a first opening 500c, a third opening 100a, and a fourth opening 2.
04a and the fifth opening 203a are rotated to a position where they coincide with each other. Then, the new developer is transferred from the unused developer storage chamber 201 to the fifth opening 203a, the fourth opening 204a, the third opening 100a, and the first opening 500.
c and is supplied into the cylindrical protrusion 500b, completing the replacement of the developer. When the developer replacement is completed, the motor 101 is operated to rotate the rotary gear 102, which rotates the gear 100b and the gear 204b that are meshed with the rotary gear 102, thereby closing the developer-side shutter member 100 and the cartridge-side shutter member. 204 at the same time, and
opening 100a and fourth opening 204a are both moved to a closed position.

This prevents developer from leaking from the opening. The developing device-side shutter member 100 and the cartridge-side shutter member 204 are rotated and stopped at precisely positions where new developer can be easily replaced next time. When the developer replacement is completed, the user is notified by a buzzer display, an announcement, etc. that the developer replacement has been completed.

When the user realizes that the developer has been replaced, the user grasps the cartridge 200 with one hand and pulls it out from the cylindrical protrusion 5b, removing the developer and the cartridge 200.
discard.

According to the embodiment, the old and new developer can be exchanged by mounting the developer cartridge on the main body of the developing device and operating the shutter member.

In addition, the developer is supplied by a control means.

Since the collection is performed little by little, the developer balance is less likely to be disrupted compared to the case where fresh developer is supplied to the developing device main body all at once.

Further, since the developer is replaced while the copying operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped, specifically after the copying operation is completed, it is possible to eliminate the loss time caused by the interruption of the copying operation.

Further, since the developer is replaced every predetermined number of times of image formation, it is possible to perform efficient developer replacement in response to deterioration of the developer depending on the number of times of image formation.

Furthermore, since the capacity of the second developer storage chamber is made larger than the capacity of the first developer storage chamber, it is possible to prevent the recovered developer from overflowing from the second developer storage chamber.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, the user can easily and reliably replace the developer, and leakage of the developer can also be prevented.

Furthermore, since the developer is replaced gradually, it is possible to prevent uneven image density caused by disrupting the developer balance.

Furthermore, loss time due to interruption of copying operations can be eliminated.

Furthermore, since the used developer can be automatically collected, the time required to collect the developer can be shortened compared to the case where the developer is collected after setting a new developer cartridge.

Further, since the capacity of the second developer storage chamber is made larger than that of the first developer storage chamber, it is possible to prevent the developer from overflowing when used developer is collected.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 13 are for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the main part of the developing device, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developer conveying rotating member, Figures 3 and 4
The figure is an explanatory diagram of the electrical connection structure between the developer cartridge and the main body, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge, Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the developer replacement section, and Figure 7 is the developer cartridge. Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing the shutter position when collecting developer, Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing the shutter position when new developer is supplied, and Fig. 1O is a sectional view showing the shutter position when removing the developer cartridge. Cross-sectional view showing the shutter position of (1)
The figure is a flowchart of the developer replacement operation of the developing device.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a modification of the developer replacement operation of the developing device, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a developer recovery start in the developer replacement operation of the developing device, and FIGS.
Figure 8 is for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main parts of the developing device, FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main parts of the old and new developer exchange section, FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the developer exchange operation of the developing device, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a modification of the developer replacement operation, FIG. 18 is a characteristic diagram of the deterioration of the developer over time, and FIGS. 19 to 22 are for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention. 20 is a control block diagram of the developing device, FIGS. 21 and 22 are explanatory diagrams of developer presence/absence states, and FIGS. 23 to 25 are diagrams of the present invention. This is for explaining the fourth embodiment.
The figure is a vertical cross-sectional view of the developer exchange device, Figure 24 is a central vertical cross-section of the developer exchange cartridge, and Figure 25 is the relationship between the slope of the inner wall of the unused developer storage chamber and the fluidity of the developer. This is a graph showing. 2.500... Developer container, 3... Old and new developer exchange section, 4.5... Shutter member, 6... Developer cartridge, 16... First developer storage chamber, 17. ...Second developer storage chamber, 40...Recovery detection means, 42...
- Driving means, 100...Developer side shutter member, 2
00...Developer replacement cartridge, 201...Unused developer storage chamber, 202...Developer collection chamber, 204
...Cartridge side shutter member. b Shima Yusuke's funeral map Figure 2 Figure 32 Figure 8 Figure B Figure 1O Figure R 13 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure A2 01 Habit 16 Figure 8 Figure 7 Figure 9 Figure 6 Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22')nn nE 7/)-1 Figure 23

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) A first developer storage chamber that stores unused new developer, a second developer storage chamber that stores used old developer, and an opening of the first developer storage chamber and an opening of the first developer storage chamber. 1. A developing device characterized in that a developer cartridge having a shutter member for opening and closing an opening of a second developer storage chamber is detachably attached to a developer replacement section on a developing device main body side. (2) In claim (1), after displaying the deterioration of the developer being used, the developer cartridge is installed and removed, the used developer is collected into the second developer storage chamber, and after collection, a new developer is A developing device characterized in that a developing agent is supplied. (3) In claim (1), the developer cartridge is always installed in the main body of the developing device, and is driven when the developer reaches the end of its life according to a control signal from the main body, and the used developer cartridge is driven. A developing device characterized in that the developer is collected in a second developer storage chamber. (4) The developing device according to claim (1), further comprising a control means for controlling the developer to be replaced gradually. (5) The developing device according to claim (1), wherein the developing device is controlled to replace the developer while the copying operation is stopped. (6) The developing device according to claim (1), wherein the developing device is controlled to replace the developer every predetermined number of times of image formation. (7) The developing device according to claim (1), wherein the capacity of the second developer storage chamber is larger than the capacity of the first developer storage chamber.