JPS61209470A - Toner concentration detector - Google Patents

Toner concentration detector

Info

Publication number
JPS61209470A
JPS61209470A JP60050842A JP5084285A JPS61209470A JP S61209470 A JPS61209470 A JP S61209470A JP 60050842 A JP60050842 A JP 60050842A JP 5084285 A JP5084285 A JP 5084285A JP S61209470 A JPS61209470 A JP S61209470A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
toner
light
receiving element
light receiving
reflected light
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.)
Pending
Application number
JP60050842A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Takanobu Yamada
山田　孝信
Kenji Tabuchi
田淵　健二
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Minolta Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Minolta Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Minolta Co Ltd filed Critical Minolta Co Ltd
Priority to JP60050842A priority Critical patent/JPS61209470A/en
Publication of JPS61209470A publication Critical patent/JPS61209470A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • G03G15/0855—Detection or control means for the developer concentration the concentration being measured by optical means

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

PURPOSE:To detect properly the density of a reference pattern image irrespective of the type of toner by switching such that a light receiving element receives a normal reflected light beam and an irregular reflected light beam when black and color toners are used for development, respectively. CONSTITUTION:When a developing unit 5 filled with the black toner is loaded, a solenoid 42 is turned off to return a plunger 43 upward, and in terms of respective elements 26 and 27, the latter 27 is set to a position where it can receive the normal reflected light beam of the light irradiation of the light emitting element 26 with respect to the surface of a photosensitive body drum 2. On the other hand, when a switch 51 is turned off, that is, the developing unit 5 is exchanged with that filled with the color toner, the solenoid 42 is turned on to move the plunger 43 downward, and in terms of the elements 26 and 27 the latter is set to the position where it can receive the irregular reflected light beam of the light irradiation of the light emitting element 26 with respect to the surface of the photosensitive body drum 2. Either case ensures the sufficient correlation between the output of the light receiving element 27 and the toner concentration, and the toner concentration can be properly detected.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 １東北Δ秤肝変１ 本発明は、複写機、プリンタ等の現像剤中のトナー濃度
を自動的に制御するため、感光体上に形成されたトナー
濃度検出用の基準パターン像の濃度を検出する装置に関
する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. Tohoku Delta Calculator 1 The present invention is directed to a toner concentration detecting device formed on a photoreceptor in order to automatically control the toner concentration in a developer of a copying machine, a printer, etc. The present invention relates to a device for detecting the density of a reference pattern image.

従来の技術 一般に、トナーを含む現像剤を用いて感光体の表面に形
成された静電潜像を現像する様にした複写機やプリンタ
等においては、静電潜像の現像に伴って現像器内に収容
されている現像剤中に含まれているトナーが消費される
ので、複写画像の濃度を常時一定に保つためには、前記
現像剤に対して消費量に見合った新たなトナーが補給さ
れなければならない。2. Description of the Related Art In general, in copiers, printers, etc. that use a developer containing toner to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of a photoreceptor, the developing device Since the toner contained in the developer stored in the developer is consumed, in order to keep the density of the copied image constant at all times, the developer must be replenished with new toner in an amount commensurate with the consumed amount. It must be.

そのため、従来では、現像剤中のトナー濃度と現像濃度
（感光体へのトナー付着量）とが一定の比例関係にある
ことに着目して、原稿台ガラスの近傍に設けた一定の濃
度を有する基準チャートを感光体上に露光、現像してト
ナー濃度検出用の基準パターン像を形成し、その濃度を
光学的に検出し、検出値に応じて現像剤に対するトナー
補給を制御する様にしている（例えば特開昭５４−９７
０４４号公報、特開昭５８−１９０９６６号公報参照）
。Therefore, in the past, focusing on the fact that there is a certain proportional relationship between the toner concentration in the developer and the developed density (the amount of toner adhering to the photoconductor), a certain density was established near the platen glass. A reference chart is exposed and developed on a photoreceptor to form a reference pattern image for toner density detection, the density is optically detected, and toner replenishment to the developer is controlled according to the detected value. (For example, JP-A-54-97
044, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1989-190966)
.

具体的には、現像剤中のトナー濃度が所定の設定値にあ
る場合の基準パターン像の濃度と、トナー補給制御のた
めに検出された基準パターン像の濃度とを比較し、後者
の方が高ければトナー補給を止めるか補給量を減少せし
め、低ければトナー補給の再開あるいは補給量を増大す
る。Specifically, the density of the reference pattern image when the toner density in the developer is at a predetermined setting value is compared with the density of the reference pattern image detected for toner replenishment control, and it is determined that the latter is better. If it is high, toner supply is stopped or the supply amount is decreased, and if it is low, toner supply is restarted or the supply amount is increased.

一方、近年にあっては、黒色のみならず赤、青等の単色
カラーの複写画像が得られる複写機の開発が進められて
いる。そして、この種の複写機では、黒トナーを収容し
た現像器とカラートナーを収容した現像器とを任意に交
換する方式か、両親機器を並設してその作動を任意に切
換え制御する方式が採用されている。On the other hand, in recent years, the development of copying machines that can produce copies of not only black images but also monochromatic colors such as red and blue has been progressing. In this type of copying machine, there is a method in which the developing device containing black toner and a developing device containing color toner are arbitrarily replaced, or a method in which parent devices are installed side by side and their operations are switched and controlled arbitrarily. It has been adopted.

明が　　しようとする　　ヴ しかしながら、黒トナーとカラートナーとで選択的に現
像可能な複写機で、前記自動トナー濃度制御装置を使用
すると次の様な問題点を生じる。However, when the automatic toner density control device is used in a copying machine capable of selectively developing black toner and color toner, the following problems occur.

即ち、従来使用されている基準パターン像の濃度を検出
する光学手段は、受光素子が発光素子からの光の正（直
接）反射光を検出する様に構成されている。これは、黒
トナーでの現像に際しては、感光体と黒トナーとの反射
率（吸収率）が大きく異なるため、第４ａ図中実線で示
す様に、トナー付着量（トナー濃度）と正反射光量（受
光素子出力）との間で十分な相関関係を得ることができ
るからである。しかしながら、カラートナーでの現像に
際しては、カラートナーは乱反射を生じるため、感光体
とカラートナーとの反射率にほとんど差がなく、第４ａ
図中点線で示す様に、トナー付着量（トナー濃度）と正
反射光量（受光素子出力）との間で相関関係を得ること
が出来ず、これではカラートナーによる基準パターン像
の濃度を検出することが不可能である。That is, conventionally used optical means for detecting the density of a reference pattern image is configured such that the light receiving element detects the normal (direct) reflection of light from the light emitting element. This is because when developing with black toner, the reflectance (absorption rate) between the photoreceptor and the black toner is greatly different, so the amount of toner adhesion (toner density) and the amount of specularly reflected light are different, as shown by the solid line in Figure 4a. This is because a sufficient correlation can be obtained with (light receiving element output). However, when developing with color toner, since color toner causes diffuse reflection, there is almost no difference in reflectance between the photoreceptor and color toner, and the 4a
As shown by the dotted line in the figure, it is not possible to obtain a correlation between the amount of toner adhesion (toner density) and the amount of specularly reflected light (light receiving element output). It is impossible.

従って、カラートナーでの現像に際しては、受光素子が
乱反射光を検出する様に構成すればよいと考えられ、こ
れであれば第４ｂ図中実線で示す様に、トナー濃度と受
光素子出力との間で十分な相関関係を得ることができる
。しかし、黒トナーでの現像に際しては、第４ｂ図中点
線で示す様に、トナー濃度と受光素子出力との間で相関
関係を得ることができず、黒トナーによる基準パターン
像の濃度を検出することが不可能である。Therefore, when developing with color toner, it is considered that the light-receiving element should be configured to detect diffusely reflected light, and if this is the case, the toner concentration and the light-receiving element output can be changed as shown by the solid line in Figure 4b. A sufficient correlation can be obtained between the two. However, when developing with black toner, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 4b, it is not possible to obtain a correlation between the toner density and the output of the light receiving element, and the density of the reference pattern image using black toner is detected. It is impossible.

一方、カラートナーによる濃度の検出方法としては、各
トナーにおいて吸収される波長の光源を使用することが
考えられるが、各波長に対応する波長光源の発光素子及
びそれを受光する受光素子を必要とし、コストアップを
招来する。On the other hand, as a method for detecting density using color toners, it is possible to use a light source with a wavelength that is absorbed by each toner, but this requires a light emitting element of a wavelength light source corresponding to each wavelength and a light receiving element to receive the light. , leading to increased costs.

また、白熱光源を使用して各カラートナーに応じてフィ
ルタを変化させることも考えられるが、フィルタにて光
量低下を来すと共に各トナーに応じてフィルタを切換え
る機構が必要であり、しかも検出レベル差をとるために
各トナーに対応可能な受光素子が必要で、実際的でない
。It is also possible to use an incandescent light source and change the filter according to each color toner, but the filter reduces the light intensity and requires a mechanism to change the filter according to each toner, and the detection level In order to detect the difference, a light receiving element compatible with each toner is required, which is not practical.

問題点を解決するだめの手段 そこで、本発明に係るトナー濃度検出手段は、前述の光
学手段による自動トナー濃度制御装置において、発光素
子又は受光素子の少なくともいずれかを、現像に黒トナ
ーを使用している場合は受光素子が正（直接）反射光を
受光する様に、現像にカラートナーを使用している場合
は受光素子が乱反射光を受光する様に切換え可能とした
ことを特徴とする。Means for Solving the Problems Therefore, the toner concentration detecting means according to the present invention uses black toner for development of at least either the light emitting element or the light receiving element in the automatic toner concentration control device using the optical means described above. The invention is characterized in that the light receiving element can be switched so that it receives regular (direct) reflected light when the color toner is used for development, and so that the light receiving element receives diffusely reflected light when color toner is used for development.

即ち、黒トナーではトナー濃度と受光素子の出力との相
関関係を十分にとることのできる第４８図中実線の特性
を示す検出、態様を採用し、カラートナーでは第４ｂ図
中実線の特性を示す検出態様を採用したものである。That is, for black toner, the detection mode showing the characteristics shown by the solid line in FIG. 48, which allows a sufficient correlation between the toner density and the output of the light receiving element, is adopted, and for color toner, the characteristics shown by the solid line in FIG. 4b are adopted. The detection mode shown is adopted.

ス監饅 第１図において、まず、本発明に係るトナー濃度検出装
置を備えた電子写真複写機の概略構成についてその動作
と共に説明する。Referring to FIG. 1, first, the general structure of an electrophotographic copying machine equipped with a toner concentration detection device according to the present invention will be described together with its operation.

複写機（１）内の大略中央部には、感光体ドラム（２）
が軸支され、該感光体ドラム（２）は図示しないメイン
モータによって矢印（ａ）方向に回転駆動可能である。Approximately in the center of the copying machine (1) is a photosensitive drum (2).
The photosensitive drum (2) is rotatably driven in the direction of arrow (a) by a main motor (not shown).

前記感光体ドラム（２）の周囲には、その回転方向に順
次帯電チャージャ（３）、像間イレーサ（４）、現像器
（５）、転写チャージャ（６）、分離チャージャ（７）
、クリーナ装置（８）、メインモ−タ（９）が配置され
ている。また、前記感光体ドラム（２）及びその周辺機
器の上方には光学系（１０）が、左方側には給紙部（３
０）が、右方側には定着器（２３）が夫々設けられてい
る。Around the photoreceptor drum (2), a charger (3), an inter-image eraser (4), a developer (5), a transfer charger (6), and a separation charger (7) are arranged in order in the rotational direction.
, a cleaner device (8), and a main motor (9) are arranged. Further, an optical system (10) is provided above the photoreceptor drum (2) and its peripheral equipment, and a paper feed section (3) is provided on the left side.
0), a fixing device (23) is provided on the right side.

前記光学系（１０）は、スリット露光式であって、ホル
ダ（１１）に固定された光源（１２）と第１可動ミラー
（１３）と、ホルダ（１５）に固定された第２及び第３
可動ミラー（１６）、（１７）と、レンズ（１８）と、
固定ミラー（１９）とから構成されている。The optical system (10) is of a slit exposure type, and includes a light source (12) and a first movable mirror (13) fixed to a holder (11), and second and third movable mirrors fixed to a holder (15).
Movable mirrors (16), (17) and a lens (18),
It consists of a fixed mirror (19).

そして、像間イレーザ（４）で感光体ドラム（２）の像
間、つまり原稿台ガラス（２０）と原稿押さえ（２１）
開にセットされた原稿の走査方向前端以前及び走査方向
後端以後に対応する領域の電荷を除去することを前提に
、帯電チャージャ（３）で感光体ドラム（２）表面の前
記原稿に対応する領域を帯電させ、光源（１２）を点灯
した上で光源（１２）、可動ミラー（１３）、（１６）
、（１７）を図示しない走査モータで矢印（ｂ）方向に
移動させながら前記原稿を走査することにより、感光体
ドラム（２）上に原稿の画像に対応する静電潜像が形成
される。Then, the image between the images of the photoreceptor drum (2), that is, the document platen glass (20) and the document holder (21), is removed by the image eraser (4).
The charger (3) is used to remove electric charge from the area corresponding to the front edge in the scanning direction and after the rear edge of the document set in the open direction in the scanning direction, and the charger (3) is used to remove the electric charge from the area corresponding to the front edge in the scanning direction and after the rear edge in the scanning direction of the document set in the open position. After charging the area and turning on the light source (12), the light source (12), movable mirrors (13) and (16)
, (17) are moved in the direction of arrow (b) by a scanning motor (not shown) while scanning the original, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of the original is formed on the photosensitive drum (2).

前記光源（１２）、第２可動ミラー（１３）の移動速度
は、感光体ドラム（２）の周速を（Ｖｏ）、複写倍率を
（、、）とすれば、（ＶＯ／ｍ）に設定され、第２及び
第３可動ミラー（１６）、（１７）の移動速度は（Ｖ。The moving speed of the light source (12) and the second movable mirror (13) is set to (VO/m), where the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum (2) is (Vo) and the copying magnification is (,,). The moving speed of the second and third movable mirrors (16) and (17) is (V).

／２＋ｎ）に設定されている。/2+n).

前記静電潜像は現像器（５）を通過することによって現
像され、原稿画像に対応するトナー画像が形成される。The electrostatic latent image is developed by passing through a developing device (5), and a toner image corresponding to the original image is formed.

一方、前記給紙部（３０）は、手差し給紙部（３１）と
第１及び第２の給紙カセット（３２）、（３３）とを有
し、手差し給紙分離（３１）から挿入された複写紙は、
手差しローラ対（３４）及び中間ローラ対（３５）を経
てタイミングローラ対（３６）に搬送され、第１及び第
２給紙カセット（３２）、（３３）内の複写紙は、夫々
第１及び第２給紙ローラ（３？）、（３８）中間ローラ
対（３５）を経てタイミングローラ対（３６）に搬送さ
れる。On the other hand, the paper feed section (30) includes a manual paper feed section (31) and first and second paper feed cassettes (32) and (33), and is inserted from the manual paper feed separation (31). The copy paper was
The copy sheets in the first and second paper feed cassettes (32) and (33) are conveyed to the timing roller pair (36) via the manual feed roller pair (34) and the intermediate roller pair (35), respectively. The paper is conveyed to the timing roller pair (36) via the second paper feed roller (3?), (38) and the intermediate roller pair (35).

複写紙はその後タイミングローラ対（３６）から感光体
ドラム（２）上のトナー画像と同期をとって第１図中右
方に搬送を再開され、転写チャージャ（６）の放電にて
トナー画像を転写される。転写されると直ちに分離チャ
ージャ（７）のＡＣ放電にて感光体ドラム（２）から分
離され、エアーサクション手段（図示せず）を備えた搬
送ベルト（２２）にて定着器（２３）に送り込まれる。Thereafter, the copy paper is conveyed again from the timing roller pair (36) to the right in FIG. transcribed. Immediately after being transferred, it is separated from the photoreceptor drum (2) by AC discharge from a separation charger (7), and sent to a fixing device (23) by a conveyor belt (22) equipped with an air suction means (not shown). It will be done.

複写紙はこの定着器（２３）でトナー画像の加熱、定着
を施された後、トレイ（２４）上に排出される。After the toner image on the copy paper is heated and fixed in the fixing device (23), it is discharged onto the tray (24).

感光体ドラム（２）はその後も矢印（ａ）方向に回転を
続け、残留トナーはクリ−す装置（８）にて除去され、
残留電荷はメインイレーザ（９）で消去され、次回の複
写に備える。Thereafter, the photosensitive drum (2) continues to rotate in the direction of arrow (a), and the residual toner is removed by the cleaning device (8).
The remaining charges are erased by the main eraser (9) in preparation for the next copying.

ところで、本複写機では、現像器（５）内に収容されて
いる現像剤中のトナー濃度を常時設定値に維持するため
、自動トナー濃度制御装置が設置され、これは原稿台ガ
ラス（２０）の直前に設けた一定濃度の基準チャー）（
２５）と、分離チャージャ（７）とクリーナ装置（８）
との間であって感光体ドラム（２）の表面に対向する発
光素子（２６）と受光素子（２７）と、この受光素子（
２７）の出力と基準レベルとを比較してとを補給のオン
、オフを制御する制御回路とで構成されている。Incidentally, in this copying machine, an automatic toner concentration control device is installed in order to always maintain the toner concentration in the developer contained in the developing device (5) at a set value, and this device is installed on the document table glass (20). (a reference char of constant concentration provided immediately before the
25), a separate charger (7) and a cleaner device (8)
A light-emitting element (26) and a light-receiving element (27) facing the surface of the photoreceptor drum (2) between the light-receiving element (
27) and a control circuit that compares the output of 27) with a reference level and controls the on/off of replenishment.

即ち、１複写ごとに前記基準チャート（２５）の静電潜
像を画像部の手前側に形成して現像し、この基準パター
ン像の濃度を前記素子（２６）、（２７）にて光学的に
検出し、この検出濃度と、現像器（５）内の現像剤中の
トナー濃度が所定の設定値にある場合の基準パターン像
の濃度とを前記制御回路で比較し、前者の方が高ければ
トナー補給を止め、低ければトナー濃度不足と判定して
トナー補給を再開する。That is, for each copy, an electrostatic latent image of the reference chart (25) is formed on the front side of the image area and developed, and the density of this reference pattern image is optically measured by the elements (26) and (27). The control circuit compares this detected density with the density of the reference pattern image when the toner density in the developer in the developing device (5) is at a predetermined set value, and determines whether the former is higher. If the concentration is low, it is determined that the toner concentration is insufficient and toner supply is restarted.

一方、本複写機において、現像器（５）は交換可能であ
り、黒トナーを充填したもののほか、単色のカラートナ
ーを充填した同一構成の現像器が予備的に備えられてい
る。従って、第２図に示すように、現像器（５）は複写
機本体（１）の正面側内部フレーム（１ａ）の開口から
図示しない１４１部材されて出し入れ自在である。そし
て、複写機本体（１）の内部にはマイクロスイッチ（５
１）が設置され、黒トナーを充填した現像器（５）の正
面下部には前記マイクロスイッチ（５１）を動作させる
ためのドグ（５２）が固定されている。しかし、単色の
カラートナーを充填した現像器にはドグが固定されてい
ない。従って、黒トナーを充填した現像器（５）が複写
機本体（１）に装填されたときはスイッチ（５１）がオ
ンし、単色のカラートナーを充填した現像器に交換され
たときスイッチ（５１）はオフ状態を維持する。On the other hand, in this copying machine, the developing device (5) is replaceable, and in addition to the developing device filled with black toner, a developing device of the same construction filled with monochromatic color toner is preliminarily provided. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the developing device (5) can be freely inserted and removed through the opening of the front inner frame (1a) of the main body (1) of the copying machine as a member 141 (not shown). There is a micro switch (5) inside the copying machine body (1).
A dog (52) for operating the microswitch (51) is fixed to the front lower part of a developing device (5) filled with black toner. However, the dog is not fixed to the developing device filled with monochrome toner. Therefore, when the developing device (5) filled with black toner is loaded into the copying machine main body (1), the switch (51) is turned on, and when the developing device (5) filled with monochromatic color toner is replaced, the switch (51) is turned on. ) remains off.

また、前記発光素子（２６）と受光素子（２７）は、第
３図、第３ｂ図に示す様に、支持板（４０）に一定角度
をもって固定され、支持板（４０）はピン（４１）を支
点として回転自在であると共に、ソレノイド（４２）の
プランジャ（４３）に連結されている。Further, the light emitting element (26) and the light receiving element (27) are fixed to a support plate (40) at a certain angle, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3b, and the support plate (40) is fixed to a pin (41). It is rotatable about the fulcrum and is connected to the plunger (43) of the solenoid (42).

ツレメイド（４２）は前記スイッチ（５１）の動作に連
動してオン、オフし、スイッチ（５１）かＶグ（５２）
を検出しているとき、即ち黒トナーを充填した現像器（
５）が装填されているとき、ツレ／イド（４′２）はオ
フし、プランジャ（４３）が上方に復帰し、各素子（２
６）、（２７）は感光体ドラム（２）の表面に対する発
光素子（２６）の光照射の正反射光を受光素子（２７）
が受光可能な位置にセットされる（第３ａ図参照）。The Tsuremade (42) is turned on and off in conjunction with the operation of the switch (51), and the switch (51) or V-g (52)
is detected, that is, the developing device filled with black toner (
5) is loaded, the slide/id (4'2) is turned off, the plunger (43) returns upward, and each element (2'
6) and (27) are light receiving elements (27) that receive specularly reflected light from the light irradiation of the light emitting element (26) on the surface of the photoreceptor drum (2).
is set in a position where it can receive light (see Figure 3a).

一方、スイッチ（５１）がオフ、即ちカラートナーを充
填した現像器に交換されたとき、ソレノイド（４２）は
オンし、プランツヤ（，１，３）が下方に移動し、各素
子（２６）、（２７）は感光体ドラム（２）の表面に対
する発光素子（２６）の光照射の乱反射光を受光素子（
２７）が受光可能な位置にセフ）される（第３ｂ図参照
）。On the other hand, when the switch (51) is turned off, that is, when the developing device is replaced with a color toner-filled developing device, the solenoid (42) is turned on, the plants (1, 3) move downward, and each element (26), (27) is a light receiving element (
27) is placed in a position where it can receive light (see Figure 3b).

なお、前記スイッチ（５２）のオン、オフ信号は図示し
ない操作パネルの表示部にもマイクロコンピュータを介
して入力され、操作パネル上にトナーの色別を表示する
。Incidentally, the on/off signal of the switch (52) is also input to a display section of an operation panel (not shown) via a microcomputer, and the color classification of toner is displayed on the operation panel.

即ち、本実施例にあっては、現像に黒トナーが使用され
ているときには、受光素子（２７）が発光素子（２６）
の正反射光を受光し、カラートナーが使用されていると
きには、受光素子（２７）が発光素子（２６）の乱反射
光を受光する。従って、前者では第４ａ図中実線の特性
、後者では第４ｂ図中実線の特性に基づいて、前記基準
パターン像の濃度（トナー濃度）が検出され、いずれの
場合でも受光素子（２７）の出力とトナー濃度との相関
関係が十分にとれ、トナー濃度を正確に検出することが
できる。That is, in this embodiment, when black toner is used for development, the light receiving element (27) is replaced by the light emitting element (26).
When color toner is used, the light receiving element (27) receives the diffusely reflected light from the light emitting element (26). Therefore, in the former case, the density (toner density) of the reference pattern image is detected based on the characteristic shown by the solid line in FIG. 4a, and in the latter case, based on the characteristic shown by the solid line in FIG. There is a sufficient correlation between the toner concentration and the toner concentration, and the toner concentration can be detected accurately.

なお、第４ａ図、第４ｂ図の実線からも明らかな様に、
黒トナーとカラートナーとでトナー濃度に対する受光素
子（２７）の出力に若干の差を生じる。Furthermore, as is clear from the solid lines in Figures 4a and 4b,
There is a slight difference in the output of the light receiving element (27) with respect to the toner density between black toner and color toner.

そこで、検出レベルと比較すべき基準レベルを両者で変
更する必要があり、そのためには、前記スイッチ（５１
）のオン、オフに連動して制御回路中のコンパレータの
基準電圧を切り換える様にすれば良い。Therefore, it is necessary to change the reference level to be compared with the detection level, and for that purpose, the switch (51
) may be switched on and off in conjunction with switching the reference voltage of the comparator in the control circuit.

また、本発明に係るトナー濃度検出装置は以上の実施例
に限定するものではなく、その要旨の範囲内で種々に変
更することができる。例えば、発光素子（２６）又は受
光素子（２７）を２個並設して一つは正反射光用、他の
一つは乱反射充用とし、前記スイッチ（５１）のオン、
オフにて各素子を選択的に使用する様に構成しても良い
。また、複写機本体（１）内に夫々色の異なるトナニを
充填した複数の現像器を設けて、操作パネル上の選択ス
イッチにて使用する現像器を選択、即ちトナーの色を選
択する機種にあっては、前記選択スイッチからの選択信
号又は選択された現像器（５）の動作に前記ソレノイド
（４２）のオン、オフを連動せしめても良い。Further, the toner concentration detection device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist thereof. For example, two light-emitting elements (26) or two light-receiving elements (27) are arranged in parallel, one for specular reflection and the other for diffuse reflection, and when the switch (51) is turned on,
The configuration may be such that each element is selectively used in the off state. In addition, the copying machine body (1) is equipped with a plurality of developing devices each filled with toner of a different color, and the developing device to be used can be selected using a selection switch on the operation panel, that is, the toner color can be selected. If so, the solenoid (42) may be turned on or off in conjunction with a selection signal from the selection switch or the operation of the selected developing device (5).

発明の効果 以上の説明で明らかな様に、本発明は、発光素子又は受
光素子の少なくともいずれかを、現像に黒トナーを使用
している場合は受光素子が正反射光を受光する様に、現
像にカラートナーを使用している場合は受光素子が乱反
射光を受光する様に切換え可能としたため、黒トナーと
カラートナーとで夫々トナー濃度と受光素子の出力との
相関関係を十分にとることができ、いずれのトナーであ
っても感光体上に形成された基準パターン像の濃度（ト
ナー濃度）を正確に検出することができ、結果として現
像剤中のトナー濃度を正確に制御可能である。Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, the present invention provides at least one of a light emitting element and a light receiving element such that when black toner is used for development, the light receiving element receives specularly reflected light. When using color toner for development, the light-receiving element can be switched to receive diffusely reflected light, so that there is a sufficient correlation between the toner density and the output of the light-receiving element for black toner and color toner, respectively. The density of the reference pattern image formed on the photoreceptor (toner density) can be accurately detected regardless of which toner is used, and as a result, the toner density in the developer can be accurately controlled. .

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief explanation of drawings]

第１図ないし第３ａ図、第３ｂ図は本発明に係るトナー
濃度検出装置の一実施例を示し、第１図は複写機の該略
構成図、第２図は現像装置とその装盾部を示す斜視図、
第３ａ図、第３１）図はトナー濃度検出素子の切換え動
作説明図である。第４ａ図。 第４１）図はトナー濃度に対する受光素子出力の変化を
示すグラフである。 （２）・・・感光体ドラム、（５）・・・現像器、（２
５）・・・基準チャート、　（２６）・・・発光素子、
（２７）・・・受光素子、（４０）・・・支持板、　（
４２）・・・ソレノイド、（５１）・・・トナー判別用
マイクａスイ７チ、（５２）・・・ドグ。 特許出願人　　ミノルタカメラ株式会社代理人　弁理士
　青白　葆　ばか２８ 纂４ａｌ！Ｉ Ｙナー撮度　− 第４ｂ図 １−７−；ＪＪ　　　−1 to 3a and 3b show an embodiment of the toner concentration detecting device according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a copying machine, and FIG. 2 is a developing device and its shielding part. A perspective view showing
Figures 3a and 31) are explanatory views of the switching operation of the toner concentration detection element. Figure 4a. Figure 41) is a graph showing changes in light receiving element output with respect to toner concentration. (2)...Photoreceptor drum, (5)...Developer, (2
5)...Reference chart, (26)...Light emitting element,
(27)... Light receiving element, (40)... Support plate, (
42)... Solenoid, (51)... Toner discrimination microphone a switch 7, (52)... Dog. Patent Applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney Blue and White Blue and White Baka28 纂4al! I Yner photography - Fig. 4b 1-7-; JJ -

Claims (1)

【特許請求の範囲】 １、感光体上に形成されたトナー濃度検出用の基準パタ
ーン像に発光素子の光を照射し、その反射光を受光素子
で検出して現像剤中のトナー濃度を検出し、この検出値
に応じてトナー収容部から現像部へのトナー補給を制御
する自動トナー濃度制御装置において、 前記発光素子又は受光素子の少なくともいずれかを、現
像に黒トナーを使用している場合は受光素子が正反射光
を受光する様に、現像にカラートナーを使用している場
合は受光素子が乱反射光を受光する様に切換え可能とし
たことを特徴とするトナー濃度検出装置。[Claims] 1. A reference pattern image for toner concentration detection formed on a photoreceptor is irradiated with light from a light emitting element, and the reflected light is detected by a light receiving element to detect the toner concentration in the developer. However, in an automatic toner density control device that controls toner replenishment from a toner storage section to a developing section according to this detected value, when black toner is used for development of at least either the light emitting element or the light receiving element. A toner concentration detection device characterized in that the light receiving element can be switched to receive specularly reflected light, and when color toner is used for development, the light receiving element can be switched to receive diffusely reflected light.
JP60050842A 1985-03-13 1985-03-13 Toner concentration detector Pending JPS61209470A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP60050842A JPS61209470A (en) 1985-03-13 1985-03-13 Toner concentration detector

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP60050842A JPS61209470A (en) 1985-03-13 1985-03-13 Toner concentration detector

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPS61209470A true JPS61209470A (en) 1986-09-17

Family

ID=12869991

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP60050842A Pending JPS61209470A (en) 1985-03-13 1985-03-13 Toner concentration detector

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS61209470A (en)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS63174074A (en) * 1987-01-14 1988-07-18 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Optical density measuring instrument for image inspection
JPS63304281A (en) * 1987-06-05 1988-12-12 Ricoh Co Ltd Detection of image density
JPS63197366U (en) * 1987-06-08 1988-12-19
JPH02264984A (en) * 1989-02-06 1990-10-29 Xerox Corp Copying machine with toner density measuring device
JPH0392874A (en) * 1989-09-05 1991-04-18 Minolta Camera Co Ltd Image forming device
US5107302A (en) * 1988-10-28 1992-04-21 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image density control device for an image forming apparatus
JPH0666722A (en) * 1992-08-20 1994-03-11 Sharp Corp Toner density detector
JPH0844123A (en) * 1994-07-28 1996-02-16 Ricoh Co Ltd Method and device for forming image
US5625857A (en) * 1994-01-18 1997-04-29 Hitachi, Ltd. Image forming apparatus which measures deposit amounts of toner
US7623801B2 (en) 2005-03-31 2009-11-24 Seiko Epson Corporation Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
US7680425B2 (en) 2003-07-18 2010-03-16 Seiko Epson Corporation Image forming apparatus and method for controlling tone characteristics based on tone-control patch image
JP2018097304A (en) * 2016-12-16 2018-06-21 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Image forming apparatus and image detection method
JP2021047215A (en) * 2019-09-17 2021-03-25 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image formation apparatus

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS63174074A (en) * 1987-01-14 1988-07-18 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Optical density measuring instrument for image inspection
JPS63304281A (en) * 1987-06-05 1988-12-12 Ricoh Co Ltd Detection of image density
JPH0637414Y2 (en) * 1987-06-08 1994-09-28 株式会社リコー Reflective photo sensor
JPS63197366U (en) * 1987-06-08 1988-12-19
US5107302A (en) * 1988-10-28 1992-04-21 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image density control device for an image forming apparatus
JPH02264984A (en) * 1989-02-06 1990-10-29 Xerox Corp Copying machine with toner density measuring device
JPH0392874A (en) * 1989-09-05 1991-04-18 Minolta Camera Co Ltd Image forming device
JPH0666722A (en) * 1992-08-20 1994-03-11 Sharp Corp Toner density detector
US5625857A (en) * 1994-01-18 1997-04-29 Hitachi, Ltd. Image forming apparatus which measures deposit amounts of toner
JPH0844123A (en) * 1994-07-28 1996-02-16 Ricoh Co Ltd Method and device for forming image
US7680425B2 (en) 2003-07-18 2010-03-16 Seiko Epson Corporation Image forming apparatus and method for controlling tone characteristics based on tone-control patch image
US7623801B2 (en) 2005-03-31 2009-11-24 Seiko Epson Corporation Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
JP2018097304A (en) * 2016-12-16 2018-06-21 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Image forming apparatus and image detection method
JP2021047215A (en) * 2019-09-17 2021-03-25 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image formation apparatus

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