JPH0322990B2 - - Google Patents
Info
- Publication number
- JPH0322990B2 JPH0322990B2 JP57059619A JP5961982A JPH0322990B2 JP H0322990 B2 JPH0322990 B2 JP H0322990B2 JP 57059619 A JP57059619 A JP 57059619A JP 5961982 A JP5961982 A JP 5961982A JP H0322990 B2 JPH0322990 B2 JP H0322990B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- toner replenishment
- toner
- developer
- density
- control device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 13
- 108091008695 photoreceptors Proteins 0.000 description 9
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000001454 recorded image Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005856 abnormality Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001739 density measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
- G03G15/0849—Detection or control means for the developer concentration
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
- G03G15/5033—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control by measuring the photoconductor characteristics, e.g. temperature, or the characteristics of an image on the photoconductor
- G03G15/5041—Detecting a toner image, e.g. density, toner coverage, using a test patch
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】
本発明は、トナー補給制御装置の改良、最も広
義には、静電記録装置において画像記録作業の継
続によつて消費されたトナー分を補給する場合の
補給制御装置の改良に関する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an improvement of a toner replenishment control device, and in the broadest sense, an improvement of a toner replenishment control device for replenishing toner consumed due to continuation of image recording work in an electrostatic recording device. Regarding improvements.
複写機等の静電記録装置としては今日、トナー
とキヤリヤからなる粉状ないしは粒状の現像剤を
用いた乾式現像装置を組込んだものが広く実用化
されている。 BACKGROUND ART Today, electrostatic recording devices such as copying machines incorporating a dry developing device using a powdery or granular developer consisting of toner and carrier are widely put into practical use.
そこで、トナーとキヤリヤとからなる混合物現
像剤を用いて現像する場合、現像剤中のトナー濃
度が画質、特に画像濃度に重大な影響を与えるこ
とは知られており、そのために、現像剤中にトナ
ーを制御された割合で補給してやるトナー補給制
御装置が種々提案され実用化されている。 Therefore, when developing with a developer mixture consisting of toner and carrier, it is known that the toner concentration in the developer has a significant effect on image quality, especially image density. Various toner replenishment control devices that replenish toner at a controlled rate have been proposed and put into practical use.
そのような従来のトナー補給制御装置として、
例えば特公昭43−16199号公報に記載された、現
像された画像濃度の測定手段と、その測定情報に
基づいてトナー補給を制御するトナー補給制御手
段とを備えたものが挙げられる。このような装置
は、第一義的に、現像された画像濃度すなわち、
現像濃度が一定になるようにトナー補給の制御を
行うものであるから、記録画像濃度を保証するの
により直接的であると云う点で優れた制御装置で
ある。それに対して、現像剤の透磁率や色濃度を
測定することによつて、現像剤のトナー濃度を求
め、その現像剤のトナー濃度が一定になるように
トナー補給制御を行うトナー補給制御装置も知ら
れている。このような装置は、現像剤のトナー濃
度を一定にすると云う点からは好ましいが、トナ
ー濃度及びそれに深く関係する記録画像濃度を一
定にすると云う点については間接的な保証に留ま
るものである。したがつて、最終的に鮮明な記録
画像を得るためには、現像濃度で制御するトナー
補給制御装置が好ましい。 As such a conventional toner supply control device,
For example, there is a device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 43-16199 which includes a means for measuring the density of a developed image and a toner replenishment control means for controlling toner replenishment based on the measurement information. Such devices primarily depend on the density of the developed image, i.e.
Since it controls toner replenishment so that the developed density is constant, it is an excellent control device in that it is more direct in guaranteeing the recorded image density. On the other hand, there is also a toner replenishment control device that determines the toner concentration of the developer by measuring the magnetic permeability and color density of the developer, and performs toner replenishment control so that the toner concentration of the developer is constant. Are known. Although such a device is preferable from the standpoint of keeping the toner concentration of the developer constant, it only indirectly guarantees that the toner concentration and the recorded image density, which is closely related to it, are kept constant. Therefore, in order to finally obtain a clear recorded image, it is preferable to use a toner replenishment control device that controls the developer density.
しかし、上記いずれの方法によるものであつて
も、トナー補給制御装置は、種々の外乱要因によ
つて誤作動をする要素を含んでおり、そのために
以下述べるような障害を生ずる。そのような誤作
動は測定手段からの測定情報に異常があつて生ず
る場合もあるし、また制御装置の電気系統に故障
があつて生ずる場合もある。その例を、現像濃度
を測定し、その測定情報に基づいてトナー補給制
御を行う場合について、以下説明すると、現像濃
度情報に基づいてトナー補給制御を行う装置は、
たとえ現像濃度を基準濃度片の現像濃度で捕える
ようにしていても、現像濃度は現像剤のトナー濃
度のみに依存するものではなく、連続して数百枚
の画像記録を行つたような場合に、静電像電位の
変化が大きくなつたり、トナーとキヤリヤとの摩
擦帯電によつてトナーの帯電量が異常に高くなつ
たり（例えば40〜50μC／ｇ）して、現像剤のト
ナー濃度が適正であるにも拘らず、現像濃度が低
下することがある。すると、トナー補給制御手段
が現像濃度を保証すべく継続してトナー補給を行
うようになるから、そのために現像剤のトナー濃
度が異常に高くなつて、現像装置からトナーの飛
散することが多くなり、飛散したトナーが露光装
置のレンズやミラー等、あるいは帯電器や転写器
等に付着したり、あるいは記録画像の鮮明性を低
下させたりする。 However, regardless of the method described above, the toner replenishment control device includes elements that malfunction due to various disturbance factors, resulting in problems as described below. Such malfunctions may occur due to an abnormality in the measurement information from the measuring means, or may occur due to a failure in the electrical system of the control device. An example of this will be explained below in the case where developer density is measured and toner replenishment control is performed based on the measured information.A device that performs toner replenishment control based on developer density information is
Even if the developed density is determined by the developed density of the reference density piece, the developed density does not depend only on the toner density of the developer, and when several hundred images are recorded continuously. , the change in electrostatic image potential becomes large, or the amount of charge on the toner becomes abnormally high (for example, 40 to 50 μC/g) due to frictional charging between the toner and the carrier, and the toner concentration of the developer is not appropriate. Despite this, the developed density may decrease. Then, the toner replenishment control means continues to replenish toner in order to guarantee the developer concentration, which causes the toner concentration of the developer to become abnormally high, and toner often scatters from the developing device. The scattered toner may adhere to the lens or mirror of the exposure device, the charger or transfer device, or reduce the clarity of the recorded image.
本発明は、トナー補給制御装置の上述の問題を
解消するためになされたものであり、トナー補給
の継続回数乃至は継続時間が異常条件であるかな
いかの目安になることに本発明者らが着目した結
果なされたものである。 The present invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the toner replenishment control device, and the inventors of the present invention have found that the number or duration of toner replenishment can be used as an indicator of whether an abnormal condition exists or not. This was done as a result of our attention.
即ち、本発明は、トナー補給の継続状態を監視
することによつて現像剤のトナー濃度が異常に高
くなることを未然に防止するようにしたトナー補
給制御装置を提供するものである。 That is, the present invention provides a toner replenishment control device that prevents the toner concentration of the developer from becoming abnormally high by monitoring the continuous state of toner replenishment.
以下、本発明を図示例に基づいて説明する。 Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained based on illustrated examples.
第１図は本発明に係わる電子写真複写機の要部
構成図、第２図は原稿台の底面図、第３図は現像
剤トナー濃度と現像のトナー付着量との関係を示
すグラフ、第４図は現像剤トナー濃度と現像濃度
の測定を反射光受光ホトセンサで行つた場合のホ
トセンサ出力との関係を示すグラフ、第５図は本
発明のトナー補給制御装置の一例を示す概要構成
図、第６図はトナー補給信号の例を示すタイムチ
ヤートである。 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of an electrophotographic copying machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the document table, and FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between developer toner concentration and toner adhesion amount in development. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the developer toner concentration and the photosensor output when measuring the developer density using a reflected light receiving photosensor, and FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the toner replenishment control device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example of a toner replenishment signal.
第１図の複写機は、原稿台１の先端下面に現像
濃度測定用の基準濃度片２を第２図に示すように
取り付けており、原稿台１の原稿載置ガラス１ａ
上に原稿Ｍを置いて複写動作を開始させると、感
光体ドラム５が矢印方向に回転し、帯電器４が感
光体ドラム５の表面を一様に帯電させ、そして露
光装置３のランプ３ａが点灯して、原稿台１また
はランプ３ａ、反射笠３ｂ、ミラー３ｃ、レンズ
３ｄ等を含む露光装置３が水平方向に感光体ドラ
ム５の回転と同期して移動することにより感光体
ドラム５の一様帯電面に基準濃度片２も含めた原
稿Ｍの像露光が行われ、それによつて形成された
感光体ドラム５の静電像が現像装置６によつてト
ナー現像され、そのトナー現像の中の原稿Ｍにつ
いてのトナー現像が転写器７によつて記録紙Ｐに
転写され、転写された記録紙Ｐが分離器８によつ
て感光体ドラム５の表面から離されて定着装置９
を経て機外に排出されることによつて複写を行う
ものである。そして、トナー現像の中の基準濃度
片２のトナー現像は、記録紙Ｐに転写されること
なく転写器７及び分離器８位置を通過して、その
トナー現像濃度は濃度測定手段１０により測定さ
れ、その測定情報が一定のレベル以上か否かによ
つてトナー補給装置１１から現像装置６へのトナ
ー補給が行われたり、中止させられたりする。そ
れによつて現像剤のトナー濃度の低下による現像
濃度の低下が防止され、たとえ感光体ドラム５の
疲労や雰囲気条件の変化、あるいは露光条件の変
化があつても、現像剤のトナー濃度が変化するこ
とによつて現像濃度の一定が保たれることにな
る。なお、静電像を現像する場合、基準濃度片２
の静電像を現像するときには、現像におけるかぶ
りの発生を防止するために、現像装置６に印加す
るバイアス電圧をその静電像の電荷と同極性の電
圧で原稿Ｍの静電像の現像時に印加するバイアス
電圧と等しいかそれよりも低いような電圧に制御
し、原稿Ｍの静電像を現像するときには、そのバ
イアス電圧を静電像の電荷と同極性で且つ地肌部
の電位よりも十分高い電圧に制御するのが好まし
い。それによつて、基準濃度片２の静電像の現像
はエツジ効果の極めて少ない均一濃度のものとな
り、また原稿Ｍの静電像の現像は地肌部に対して
鮮明なものとなる。 In the copying machine shown in FIG. 1, a reference density piece 2 for measuring developed density is attached to the bottom surface of the tip of a document table 1 as shown in FIG.
When a copying operation is started with a document M placed thereon, the photoreceptor drum 5 rotates in the direction of the arrow, the charger 4 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 5, and the lamp 3a of the exposure device 3 turns on. When the light is turned on, the exposure device 3, which includes the document table 1 or the lamp 3a, the reflector 3b, the mirror 3c, the lens 3d, etc., moves horizontally in synchronization with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 5, thereby exposing one part of the photoreceptor drum 5. Image exposure of the document M including the reference density piece 2 on the charged surface is performed, and the electrostatic image formed thereby on the photoreceptor drum 5 is developed with toner by the developing device 6. The toner development for the document M is transferred onto the recording paper P by the transfer device 7, and the transferred recording paper P is separated from the surface of the photoreceptor drum 5 by the separator 8 and transferred to the fixing device 9.
Copies are made by being ejected outside the machine through a process. Then, the toner development of the reference density piece 2 in the toner development passes through the transfer device 7 and separator 8 positions without being transferred to the recording paper P, and the toner development density is measured by the density measurement means 10. Depending on whether the measured information is above a certain level, toner replenishment from the toner replenishing device 11 to the developing device 6 is performed or stopped. This prevents a decrease in the developer concentration due to a decrease in the toner concentration of the developer, and even if the photoreceptor drum 5 becomes fatigued, the atmospheric conditions change, or the exposure conditions change, the toner concentration of the developer will change. As a result, the development density can be kept constant. In addition, when developing an electrostatic image, standard density piece 2
When developing the electrostatic image of the document M, the bias voltage applied to the developing device 6 is set to a voltage having the same polarity as the charge of the electrostatic image, in order to prevent fogging during development. When developing an electrostatic image on the document M by controlling the voltage to be equal to or lower than the bias voltage to be applied, the bias voltage should be set to a voltage that has the same polarity as the charge of the electrostatic image and is sufficiently lower than the potential of the background portion. It is preferable to control to a high voltage. As a result, the development of the electrostatic image on the reference density piece 2 has a uniform density with extremely little edge effect, and the development of the electrostatic image on the document M becomes clear with respect to the background portion.
濃度測定手段１０位置を通過した感光体ドラム
５の表面は、クリーニング装置１２によつてトナ
ーを除去されて清浄面となり、さらに感光体ドラ
ム５が回転を続けると、その面に再び帯電、露光
が繰返されて次の複写が行われる。 The cleaning device 12 removes toner from the surface of the photoreceptor drum 5 that has passed the density measuring means 10 position, making it a clean surface, and as the photoreceptor drum 5 continues to rotate, the surface is charged and exposed again. The next copy is made repeatedly.
以上述べたところは、従来公知の特公昭43−
16199号公報に記載されているのと同じである。
即ち、現像濃度の一定を現像剤のトナー濃度の変
化によつて保証するようにしているから、この儘
では現像濃度の低下が現像剤のトナー濃度以外の
原因による場合、現像剤のトナー濃度を異常に高
くして了う惧れがある。この関係を第３図及び第
４図によつて説明する。 The above-mentioned points are based on the conventionally known
This is the same as described in Publication No. 16199.
In other words, since the constant development density is guaranteed by changes in the toner concentration of the developer, if the decrease in the development density is due to a cause other than the toner concentration of the developer, the toner concentration of the developer cannot be changed. There is a risk that the price will be raised abnormally high. This relationship will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
第３図において、通常の条件では現像剤トナー
濃度と現像のトナー付着量との関係は曲線Ｏに従
う。それに伴つて現像濃度測定のホトセンサ出力
も第４図の曲線Ｏのように変化する。そして、ホ
トセンサ出力Ｖが一定のレベルV0に対してＶ＞
V0になると第１図のトナー補給装置１１がトナ
ーを補給し、Ｖ≦V0ではトナーの補給を停止す
るから、現像剤のトナー濃度は略T0の一定に保
たれて、機内汚れ等の問題が生ずる濃度限界Tl
を超えることはない。しかし、連続して数百枚の
複写を行つたような場合、現像剤トナー濃度と現
像のトナー付着量との関係が第３図の曲線Ｅのよ
うに変化し、それに伴つてホトセンサ出力も第４
図の曲線Ｅのように変化することが起る。その場
合も同じ一定のレベルV0を基準にホトセンサ出
力Ｖでトナーの補給制御を行うと、トナーの補給
継続回数乃至は継続時間が増して、現像剤トナー
濃度が濃度限界Tlを超えたTeに保たれるように
なり、そのためにトナー飛散による機内汚れ等の
問題が発生するようになる。 In FIG. 3, under normal conditions, the relationship between the developer toner concentration and the amount of toner adhesion during development follows a curve O. Correspondingly, the photosensor output for measuring the developed density also changes as shown by curve O in FIG. Then, when the photosensor output V is at a constant level V0 , V>
When V 0 is reached, the toner replenishing device 11 shown in FIG. 1 replenishes toner, and when V≦V 0 , toner replenishment is stopped, so the toner concentration of the developer is kept constant at approximately T 0 , and dirt inside the machine can be removed. Concentration limit Tl at which problems occur
will not exceed. However, when several hundred copies are made continuously, the relationship between the developer toner concentration and the amount of toner adhering to the developer changes as shown by curve E in Figure 3, and the photosensor output changes accordingly. 4
A change like curve E in the figure occurs. In that case, if toner replenishment control is performed using the photosensor output V based on the same constant level V 0 , the number of toner replenishment continuations or the duration time will increase until the developer toner concentration reaches Te which exceeds the concentration limit Tl. This causes problems such as dirt inside the machine due to toner scattering.
そこで、以下述べるところが本発明の要点にな
る。即ち、その第一は、トナーの補給継続回数乃
至は継続時間を記憶して、それが適当な回数乃至
は時間に達したときは強制的にトナー補給を停止
するように構成することであり、それによつて現
像剤トナー濃度が濃度限界を超えることを防止で
きる。第二は、トナー補給を停止する代りに、第
３図及び第４図について云えば、ホトセンサ出力
Ｖでトナーの補給制御を行う一定の基準レベル
V0を、満足できる複写が得られる限界の現像の
トナー付着量Mlに対応するホトセンサ出力Vl以
下であつて、基準レベルV0よりも高い、現像剤
トナー濃度を濃度限界Tl以下に保つような一定
の基準レベルVhに変更するように構成すること
であり、これによれば、現像剤のトナー濃度は濃
度限界Tl以下のThに保たれるようになり、しか
も現像のトナー付着量は限界のトナー付着量Ml
以上であつて、機内汚れ等の問題を起すことな
く、鮮明な複写も保証される。第５図の装置は、
この第二の例を示している。 Therefore, the points described below are the main points of the present invention. That is, the first is to memorize the number of times or duration of toner replenishment, and to forcibly stop toner replenishment when the number or duration reaches an appropriate number. This prevents the developer toner concentration from exceeding the concentration limit. Second, instead of stopping toner replenishment, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a certain reference level is used to control toner replenishment using the photosensor output V.
V 0 is below the photosensor output Vl corresponding to the developing toner adhesion amount Ml which is the limit at which satisfactory copying can be obtained, and is higher than the reference level V 0 , and the developer toner concentration is kept below the density limit Tl. According to this, the toner concentration of the developer is maintained at Th below the concentration limit Tl, and the amount of toner adhesion of the developer is kept below the limit. Toner adhesion amount Ml
With the above, clear copies can be guaranteed without causing problems such as dirt inside the machine. The device shown in Figure 5 is
This shows a second example.
第５図において、コンパレータ１３は、その＋
端子に濃度測定手段１０のホトセンサ１０ａの出
力を入力し、その−端子に基準電圧出力回路１４
の一定出力電圧を入力して、＋端子入力電圧が−
端子入力電圧以上のとき増幅器１５を介し駆動回
路１６にトナー補給信号を入力する。それによつ
て駆動回路１６は、トナー補給装置１１を駆動し
て、現像装置６にトナー補給を行わしめると共
に、記憶制御回路１７を駆動してトナー補給信号
の入力を受けてからのトナー補給回数又は時間を
記憶させる。また、駆動回路１６は、トナー補給
信号の入力が止むと、トナー補給装置６のトナー
補給を停止させると共に、記憶制御回路１７の記
憶をクリヤーさせる。記憶制御回路１７は、記憶
したトナー補給回数又は時間が一定の値に達する
と、基準電圧出力回路１４の一定出力電圧をそれ
よりも高い先に述べたような一定出力電圧に変更
させると共に、記憶したトナー補給回数又は時間
をクリヤーして、また新しく記憶を始めるように
なる。それによつてコンパレータ１３は、−端子
の基準電圧が高くなるから、新たな基準でトナー
補給信号を出力するようになつて、先に述べたよ
うに、現像剤のトナー濃度が異常に高くなること
が防止され、鮮明な複写も続いて行われる。な
お、記憶制御回路１７に、複写が行われている間
の毎回のトナー補給休止時間も記憶させ、その時
間が一定時間を超えると、基準電圧出力回路１４
の一定出力電圧をもとの低い一定出力電圧に戻す
ような機能を加えることもできる。そうすれば、
雰囲気条件等が通常の状態に戻つたときは、自動
的に原の制御条件に戻されることになる。また、
先に述べた第一の例、即ちトナー補給を強制的に
停止させるようにする場合は、記憶制御回路１７
の出力で、基準電圧出力回路１４の出力電圧を変
更させる代りに、例えば駆動回路１６の入力側に
スイツチ手段を設けて、そのスイツチ手段を解放
するようにすればよい。 In FIG. 5, the comparator 13
The output of the photosensor 10a of the concentration measuring means 10 is input to the terminal, and the reference voltage output circuit 14 is input to the negative terminal.
By inputting a constant output voltage of
When the terminal input voltage is higher than the terminal input voltage, a toner replenishment signal is inputted to the drive circuit 16 via the amplifier 15. Thereby, the drive circuit 16 drives the toner replenishment device 11 to replenish toner to the developing device 6, and also drives the memory control circuit 17 to determine the number of times of toner replenishment after receiving the input of the toner replenishment signal. Remember the time. Further, when the input of the toner replenishment signal stops, the drive circuit 16 stops toner replenishment of the toner replenishment device 6 and clears the memory of the memory control circuit 17. When the stored toner replenishment number or time reaches a certain value, the storage control circuit 17 changes the constant output voltage of the reference voltage output circuit 14 to a higher constant output voltage as described above, and also After the toner replenishment count or time is cleared, memory starts again. As a result, the reference voltage at the - terminal of the comparator 13 becomes higher, so the toner replenishment signal is output based on the new reference, and as mentioned earlier, the toner concentration of the developer becomes abnormally high. is prevented, and clear copies continue to be made. Note that the memory control circuit 17 is also made to store the toner replenishment pause time each time while copying is being performed, and when the time exceeds a certain time, the reference voltage output circuit 14
It is also possible to add a function to return the constant output voltage to the original low constant output voltage. that way,
When the atmospheric conditions etc. return to normal conditions, the original control conditions will be automatically returned. Also,
In the first example mentioned above, that is, when toner replenishment is forcibly stopped, the memory control circuit 17
Instead of changing the output voltage of the reference voltage output circuit 14 based on the output of , for example, a switch means may be provided on the input side of the drive circuit 16 and the switch means may be released.
ここで記憶制御回路１７の作用を第６図により
さらに説明する。記憶制御回路１７は、トナー補
給装置１１が間歇的に働く場合には、トナー補給
信号が所定の時間々隔Δt0内に出た場合にその信
号の計数を行い、Δt0内に出ない場合には計数し
た記憶内容をクリヤするように構成されている。
第６図について言えばΔt0より小さい時間々隔
Δt1で出た信号は連続した信号としてｎまで記憶
する。そして、Δt0より大きい時間々隔Δt2でｎ
＋１番目の信号が出た場合にはそれまでの計数ｎ
はクリヤされ、ｎ＋１番目の信号から新に計数が
開始される。トナー補給信号が連続して出る形式
の場合は、信号が連続している間は時間を積算
し、信号が切れた時点で記憶した時間がクリヤさ
れる。 Here, the operation of the memory control circuit 17 will be further explained with reference to FIG. When the toner replenishment device 11 operates intermittently, the memory control circuit 17 counts the toner replenishment signal if it appears within a predetermined time interval Δt 0 , and counts the signal if it does not appear within Δt 0 . It is configured to clear the counted memory contents.
Regarding FIG. 6, the signals output at time intervals Δt 1 smaller than Δt 0 are stored as continuous signals up to n. and n at a time interval Δt 2 greater than Δt 0
When the +1st signal is output, the count up to that point n
is cleared and counting starts anew from the (n+1)th signal. If the toner replenishment signal is issued continuously, the time is accumulated while the signal is continuous, and the stored time is cleared when the signal is cut off.
なお、複写する原稿ないしは記録紙のサイズに
よつて、上記の時間々隔Δt0を変えるようにして
もよいことは勿論である。 It goes without saying that the above-mentioned time interval Δt 0 may be changed depending on the size of the original or recording paper to be copied.
以上述べたところにおいて、トナー補給回数又
は時間の一定の値ｍは次のように定めることがで
きる。即ち、現像装置６中の現像剤量をwg、１
回又は単位時間当りのトナー補給量をwgとして、
100mw／Ｗ≦ΔT（％）を満足するようにｍを定
める。こゝでΔTは使用する現像剤中のキヤリヤ
の種類によつて定まる値で、例えば絶縁性樹脂で
コーテイングした平均粒径が100μの球形キヤリ
ヤが用いられる場合は、通常の制御条件によつて
保たれる現像剤トナー濃度T0が1.5〜2.5wt％の範
囲にあるようにするのが好ましく、その場合に
Δt＝２とすることによつて、現像剤トナー濃度
は最大値が3.5〜4.5wt％で制御されるようになる
が、それによればトナー飛散による機内汚れ等の
発生は殆んど起らない。現像剤に粉砕型鉄粉キヤ
リヤを用いた場合には、通常の制御条件による現
像剤トナー濃度T0の値及び濃度限界Tlは絶縁性
樹脂コーテイング球形キヤリヤの場合よりも大き
な値となるから、ΔTの値も大きくできる。 In the above description, the fixed value m of the number of times or time of toner replenishment can be determined as follows. That is, the amount of developer in the developing device 6 is wg, 1
The amount of toner replenishment per time or unit time is wg,
Determine m to satisfy 100mw/W≦ΔT (%). Here, ΔT is a value determined by the type of carrier in the developer used. For example, if a spherical carrier coated with an insulating resin and having an average particle diameter of 100 μm is used, it will be maintained under normal control conditions. It is preferable that the dripping developer toner concentration T 0 is in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 wt%, and in that case, by setting Δt=2, the maximum developer toner concentration is 3.5 to 4.5 wt%. According to this method, there is almost no occurrence of dirt inside the machine due to toner scattering. When a pulverized iron powder carrier is used as the developer, the value of the developer toner concentration T 0 and the concentration limit Tl under normal control conditions are larger than in the case of an insulating resin coated spherical carrier, so ΔT The value of can also be increased.
以上述べたように、本発明のトナー補給制御装
置によれば、鮮明な記録画像が得られることを直
接的に保証し、しかも機内汚れを起すこともない
と云つた優れた効果が得られる。 As described above, according to the toner replenishment control device of the present invention, excellent effects such as directly guaranteeing that a clear recorded image can be obtained and not causing dirt inside the machine can be obtained.
なお、本発明は、現像濃度が低下するような変
化に対応するものに限らず、トナー補給休止時間
の監視制御についても触れたように、現像濃度が
上昇する変化に対応するものであつてもよい。 Note that the present invention is applicable not only to a change in which the developer density decreases, but also to a change in which the developer density increases, as mentioned above regarding the monitoring and control of toner replenishment down time. good.
第１図は本発明に係わる電子写真複写機の要部
構成図、第２図は原稿台の底面図、第３図は現像
剤トナー濃度と現像のトナー付着量との関係を示
すグラフ、第４図は現像剤トナー濃度と現像濃度
の測定を反射光受光ホトセンサで行つた場合のホ
トセンサ出力との関係を示すグラフ、第５図は本
発明のトナー補給制御装置の一例を示す概要構成
図、第６図はトナー補給信号の例を示すタイムチ
ヤートである。
１……原稿台、２……基準濃度片、３……露光
装置、４……帯電器、５……感光体ドラム、６…
…現像装置、７……転写器、８……分離器、９…
…定着装置、１０……濃度測定手段、１０ａ……
ホトセンサ、１０ｂ……ホトダイオード、１１…
…トナー補給装置、１２……クリーニング装置、
１３……コンパレータ、１４……基準電圧出力回
路、１５……増幅器、１６……駆動回路、１７…
…記憶制御回路。
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of an electrophotographic copying machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the document table, and FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between developer toner concentration and toner adhesion amount in development. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the developer toner concentration and the photosensor output when measuring the developer density using a reflected light receiving photosensor, and FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the toner replenishment control device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example of a toner replenishment signal. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Original table, 2... Reference density piece, 3... Exposure device, 4... Charger, 5... Photosensitive drum, 6...
...Developing device, 7...Transfer device, 8...Separator, 9...
...Fixing device, 10...Density measuring means, 10a...
Photosensor, 10b...Photodiode, 11...
...toner supply device, 12...cleaning device,
13...Comparator, 14...Reference voltage output circuit, 15...Amplifier, 16...Drive circuit, 17...
...Memory control circuit.
Claims (1)
像濃度を検出し、その検出現像濃度が所定レベル
以下か否かによつて現像装置への所定時間当り所
定量のトナー補給をオン，オフするトナー補給制
御装置において、トナー補給の継続状態を監視す
る手段と、該監視手段の情報に基づき前記検出現
像濃度に基づくトナー補給条件を変更する手段と
を設けて、トナー補給のオンの継続期間が所定期
間に達したときは前記トナー補給条件をそれまで
の条件よりもトナーの補給量が少なくなるように
変更し、トナー補給のオフの継続期間が所定期間
に達したときにはトナー補給条件をその前の変更
前の条件に変更するようにしたことを特徴とする
トナー補給制御装置。 ２ 前記トナー補給のオンの継続期間が所定期間
に達したときはトナー補給の一定期間のオフが行
われる特許請求の範囲第１項記載のトナー補給制
御装置。 ３ 前記トナー補給のオンの継続期間が所定期間
が達したときは前記所定レベルを下げる変更が行
われる特許請求の範囲第１項記載のトナー補給制
御装置。[Scope of Claims] 1. The developed density of the electrostatic image of the reference density piece formed on the image forming body is detected, and depending on whether the detected developed density is below a predetermined level, a predetermined amount is delivered to the developing device per predetermined time. A toner replenishment control device that turns on and off toner replenishment, comprising: means for monitoring a continuous state of toner replenishment; and means for changing toner replenishment conditions based on the detected developer concentration based on information from the monitoring means, When the duration of toner replenishment on reaches a predetermined period, the toner replenishment condition is changed so that the amount of toner replenishment is smaller than the previous condition, and the duration of toner replenishment off reaches the predetermined period. A toner replenishment control device characterized in that when the toner replenishment condition is changed, the toner replenishment condition is changed to the condition before the previous change. 2. The toner replenishment control device according to claim 1, wherein the toner replenishment is turned off for a predetermined period when the toner replenishment continues on for a predetermined period. 3. The toner replenishment control device according to claim 1, wherein a change is made to lower the predetermined level when the on-continuation period of the toner replenishment reaches a predetermined period.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP5961982A JPS58176659A (en) | 1982-04-12 | 1982-04-12 | Control device for replenishing of toner |
| US06/474,495 US4571068A (en) | 1982-03-18 | 1983-03-11 | Toner supply controlling device |
| GB08306821A GB2119969B (en) | 1982-03-18 | 1983-03-11 | Toner supply controlling device in reproducing apparatus |
| DE19833309468 DE3309468A1 (en) | 1982-03-18 | 1983-03-16 | TONER SUPPLY CONTROL DEVICE |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP5961982A JPS58176659A (en) | 1982-04-12 | 1982-04-12 | Control device for replenishing of toner |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPS58176659A JPS58176659A (en) | 1983-10-17 |
| JPH0322990B2 true JPH0322990B2 (en) | 1991-03-28 |
Family
ID=13118436
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP5961982A Granted JPS58176659A (en) | 1982-03-18 | 1982-04-12 | Control device for replenishing of toner |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS58176659A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2815486B2 (en) * | 1991-01-09 | 1998-10-27 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Supply amount control method for toner supply device |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS4990134A (en) * | 1972-12-27 | 1974-08-28 | ||
| JPS52125336A (en) * | 1976-04-14 | 1977-10-21 | Hitachi Ltd | Toner density control device |
| JPS56158356A (en) * | 1980-05-12 | 1981-12-07 | Canon Inc | Density control method for developer |
-
1982
- 1982-04-12 JP JP5961982A patent/JPS58176659A/en active Granted
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS4990134A (en) * | 1972-12-27 | 1974-08-28 | ||
| JPS52125336A (en) * | 1976-04-14 | 1977-10-21 | Hitachi Ltd | Toner density control device |
| JPS56158356A (en) * | 1980-05-12 | 1981-12-07 | Canon Inc | Density control method for developer |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS58176659A (en) | 1983-10-17 |
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