WO2019167484A1 - Image formation device - Google Patents

Image formation device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019167484A1
WO2019167484A1 PCT/JP2019/002059 JP2019002059W WO2019167484A1 WO 2019167484 A1 WO2019167484 A1 WO 2019167484A1 JP 2019002059 W JP2019002059 W JP 2019002059W WO 2019167484 A1 WO2019167484 A1 WO 2019167484A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toner
control unit
image forming
forming apparatus
toner container
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2019/002059
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
直純 小川
博幸 ▲濱▼川
Original Assignee
京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社
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.)
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Publication date
Application filed by 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 filed Critical 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社
Priority to JP2019522333A priority Critical patent/JP6729805B2/en
Publication of WO2019167484A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019167484A1/en

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    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.
  • a toner container filled with toner is detachably attached to the main body (for example, Patent Document 1).
  • the toner container described in Patent Document 1 includes a stirring member and a conveying member.
  • the stirring member stirs the toner.
  • the conveying member conveys the toner from the toner container toward the developing device.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the lock of the stirring member and the conveying member of the toner container.
  • the image forming apparatus includes a mounting unit, a developing device, a driving unit, and a control unit.
  • the mounting portion is mounted with a replaceable toner container.
  • the control unit controls the driving unit.
  • the toner container includes a storage unit, a stirring member, and a transport member.
  • the storage unit stores toner.
  • the stirring member stirs the toner.
  • the conveying member conveys the toner to the developing device.
  • the drive unit drives the stirring member and the transport member.
  • the controller controls the driving unit so that the stirring member is driven before the transport member is driven when the toner is supplied from the toner container to the developing device.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows a replenishment part. It is a schematic diagram which shows a stirring member. It is a schematic diagram which shows a stirring member. It is a schematic diagram which shows a stirring member. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of stirring which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an operation panel. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of stirring which concerns on embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a copying machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine.
  • a case where the image forming apparatus 100 is a monochrome multifunction peripheral having a printer function, a copying function, and a facsimile function will be described.
  • the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 10, an image forming unit 20, a control unit 30, a storage unit 40, a communication unit 50, a replenishing unit 6, a document table 12, A document conveying device 110, an operation panel 120, a paper feed cassette 130, a paper conveying unit 140, and a paper discharging unit 170 are provided.
  • the image reading unit 10 reads an image formed on the document M and obtains a read image. Specifically, the image reading unit 10 reads an image formed on the document M conveyed by the document conveying device 110 or an image formed on the document M placed on the document table 12 to obtain a read image. .
  • the image forming unit 20 forms an image on the recording medium P based on the read image read by the image reading unit 10.
  • the control unit 30 is a hardware circuit including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like.
  • the control unit 30 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 by the processor reading and executing the control program stored in the storage unit 40.
  • the storage unit 40 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory).
  • the storage unit 40 may include an external memory.
  • the external memory is a removable medium.
  • the storage unit 40 includes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and an SD (Secure Digital) card as external memories.
  • the storage unit 40 stores various data and a control program for controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The control program is executed by the control unit 30.
  • the communication unit 50 can communicate with an electronic device equipped with a communication device that uses the same communication method (protocol).
  • the communication unit 50 communicates with an external device via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).
  • the communication unit 50 is a communication module (communication device) such as a LAN board, for example.
  • the image forming unit 20 executes an image forming process. Specifically, the image forming unit 20 forms an image (toner image) on the recording medium P using toner.
  • the image forming unit 20 includes a developing device 22.
  • the image forming unit 20 further includes an exposure device, a charging device, a photosensitive drum, a cleaning device, a transfer device, and a fixing device.
  • the image forming unit 20 forms an image by an electrophotographic method.
  • the replenishing unit 6 replenishes the image forming unit 20 with toner.
  • the supply unit 6 includes a mounting unit 60.
  • a toner container 70 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 60.
  • the toner container 70 stores toner.
  • the operation panel 120 is used for causing the user to operate the image forming apparatus 100.
  • the operation panel 120 has a display unit 122.
  • the display unit 122 displays an input screen for allowing the user to operate the image forming apparatus 100.
  • the display unit 122 displays a notification image. The notification image will be described later with reference to FIG.
  • a recording medium P for printing is accommodated in the paper feed cassette 130.
  • the recording medium P in the paper feed cassette 130 is transported by the paper transport unit 140 so as to be discharged from the paper discharge unit 170 via the image forming unit 20.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the image forming apparatus 100 further includes a drive unit 80.
  • the toner container 70 includes an accommodating portion 71, a stirring member 72, and a conveying member 74.
  • the storage unit 71 stores the toner CT.
  • the stirring member 72 stirs the toner CT.
  • the conveying member 74 conveys the toner CT to the developing device 22.
  • the driving unit 80 drives the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74.
  • the drive unit 80 is, for example, a motor.
  • the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 by controlling the current value supplied to the drive unit 80.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the replenishing unit 6.
  • the toner container 70 includes an accommodating portion 71, a plurality of stirring members 72, a conveying member 74, a supply port 76, and a storage element 78.
  • the plurality of stirring members 72 include a stirring member 72a, a stirring member 72b, and a stirring member 72c.
  • Each of the plurality of stirring members 72 includes a rotation transmitting member 722, a rotating member 724, and a stirring blade 726.
  • the stirring member 72 is, for example, a stirring paddle.
  • the rotation transmission member 722 is rotatably attached to the accommodating portion 71.
  • the rotation transmission member 722 transmits rotation to the rotation member 724. Specifically, when the rotation transmitting member 722 is driven by the driving unit 80, the rotating member 724 rotates.
  • the rotating member 724 is rotatably supported by the accommodating portion 71.
  • the stirring blade 726 has a proximal end portion. A base end portion of the stirring blade 726 is supported by the rotating member 724. As the rotating member 724 rotates, the stirring blade 726 rotates. As the stirring blade 726 rotates, the toner CT in the container 71 is stirred.
  • the stirring blade 726 is formed using, for example, a resin film such as a polyethylene terephthalate film and a polyester film, and has flexibility.
  • the conveying member 74 is rotatably supported by the accommodating portion 71.
  • the conveyance member 74 is a conveyance screw, for example. As the conveying member 74 rotates, the toner CT is supplied to the developing device 22 from the supply port 76.
  • the storage element 78 is, for example, a non-contact tag (electronic tag) such as an RF (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.
  • the storage element 78 stores information regarding the toner container 70.
  • information regarding the toner container 70 is referred to as “mounted component information”.
  • the mounted component information includes manufacturer information indicating the manufacturer, model number information indicating the model number, and serial information indicating the serial number of the toner container 70.
  • the mounting unit 60 includes a component detection switch 62 and a component information reading unit 63.
  • the component detection switch 62 detects that the toner container 70 is attached to the attachment unit 60.
  • the component information reading unit 63 reads the mounted component information from the storage element 78 and outputs a signal indicating the mounted component information.
  • the component information reading unit 63 is a short-range wireless communication device such as an RF reader, for example.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the stirring member 72. 4A to 4C, the center C indicates the center of the rotation transmitting member 722.
  • the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the agitating member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven when the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the rotation direction of the stirring member 72 is alternately switched between the normal rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened. As a result, the lock between the agitating member 72 and the conveying member 74 of the toner container 70 can be suppressed.
  • the drive part 80 drives the stirring member 72 in rotation direction R1.
  • the rotation direction R1 indicates the positive rotation direction.
  • the rotation angle ⁇ is, for example, 20 degrees.
  • the drive part 80 drives the stirring member 72 in the rotation direction R2.
  • the rotation direction R2 indicates the reverse rotation direction.
  • the rotation direction R2 is opposite to the rotation direction R1.
  • the rotation angle ⁇ is, for example, 20 degrees.
  • control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the rotation angle ⁇ of the stirring member 72 increases stepwise. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened in stages. As a result, the lock between the agitating member 72 and the conveying member 74 of the toner container 70 can be suppressed.
  • the rotation speed of the stirring member 72 can be changed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the rotation speed of the stirring member 72 increases stepwise. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened in steps, and as a result, the lock between the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74 of the toner container 70 can be suppressed.
  • control unit 30 determines whether or not the current value supplied to the driving unit 80 exceeds a threshold value, and when determining that the current value exceeds the threshold value, controls the driving unit 80 so that the transport member 74 is driven. It is preferable to control. Accordingly, the conveying member 74 can be driven after the toner CT has sufficiently loosened the toner CT by the stirring of the stirring member 72. As a result, the conveyance member 74 of the toner container 70 can be prevented from being locked.
  • the image forming apparatus 100 is shipped from the factory with no toner CT in the developing device 22. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22 before using the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on for the first time after factory shipment, processing for supplying toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22 is performed.
  • the process of supplying toner from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22 when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on for the first time after factory shipment may be referred to as “toner installation process”.
  • control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, and replenishes the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Is preferred.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a stirring control method according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation panel 120.
  • FIG. 5 shows a stirring control method during the toner installation process. By performing the processing from step S102 to step S120 shown in FIG. 5, the stirring of the toner CT is controlled.
  • Step S102 The power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. The process proceeds to step S104.
  • Step S104 The control unit 30 determines whether or not the installation automatic execution flag is ON. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation automatic execution flag is not ON, that is, the installation automatic execution flag is OFF (step S104: No), the process proceeds to step S116, and the normal startup process is performed. . When the control unit 30 determines that the installation automatic execution flag is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S106.
  • Step S106 The control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 to drive the stirring member 72.
  • the stirring member 72 is driven for a predetermined time.
  • the predetermined time is, for example, 20 seconds. It is preferable that the predetermined time can be changed. For example, the predetermined time can be selected from 10 seconds, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds.
  • the process proceeds to step S108.
  • Step S108 The control unit 30 determines whether or not the stirring member 72 is locked. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is locked (step S108: No), the process proceeds to step S118. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is not locked (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110.
  • Step S110 The control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so as to drive the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74. Accordingly, the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. The process proceeds to step S112.
  • Step S112 The control unit 30 determines whether or not the installation process is completed. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation process has not been completed (step S112: No), the process returns to step S110. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation process is complete (step S112: Yes), the process proceeds to step S114.
  • Step S114 The control unit 30 changes the installation automatic execution flag to OFF. The process proceeds to step S116.
  • Step S116 The control unit 30 executes normal startup processing. The process ends.
  • Step S118 The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to stop the stirring member 72. The process proceeds to step S120.
  • Step S120 As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 122 to display the notification image A.
  • the notification image A is an image that prompts the user to check the toner container 70.
  • the notification image A is an image indicating a notification sentence such as “confirm container”.
  • the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven.
  • Toner is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened when there is a high possibility that the toner is biased toward one side of the toner container 70.
  • the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74 of the toner container 70 can be agitated. And locking can be suppressed.
  • the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven, and the toner is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. It is preferable to replenish.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a stirring control method according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 shows a stirring control method when the toner container is replaced. By performing the processing from step S202 to step S216 shown in FIG. 7, the stirring control of the toner CT is performed.
  • the flowchart in FIG. 7 differs from the flowchart in FIG. 5 in that the stirring is controlled according to whether the toner container 70 has been replaced.
  • Step S202 The image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. Alternatively, the cover of the image forming apparatus 100 is opened and closed. The process proceeds to step S204.
  • Step S204 The control unit 30 determines whether or not the toner container 70 has been replaced. When the control unit 30 determines that the toner container 70 has not been replaced (step S204: No), the process proceeds to step S212, and a normal startup process is performed. If the control unit 30 determines that the toner container 70 has been replaced (step S204: Yes), the process proceeds to step S206.
  • Step S206 The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to drive the stirring member 72.
  • the stirring member 72 is driven for a predetermined time.
  • the predetermined time is, for example, 20 seconds. It is preferable that the predetermined time can be changed. For example, the predetermined time can be selected from 10 seconds, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds.
  • the process proceeds to step S208.
  • Step S208 The control unit 30 determines whether or not the stirring member 72 is locked. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is locked (step S208: No), the process proceeds to step S214. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is not locked (step S208: Yes), the process proceeds to step S210.
  • Step S210 The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to drive the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74. Accordingly, the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. The process proceeds to step S212.
  • Step S212 The control unit 30 executes normal startup processing. The process ends.
  • Step S214 The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to stop the stirring member 72. The process proceeds to step S216.
  • Step S216 As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 122 to display the notification image A.
  • the notification image A is an image that prompts the user to check the toner container 70.
  • the notification image A is an image indicating a notification sentence such as “confirm container”.
  • the control unit 30 causes the stirring member 72 to be driven before the conveying member 74 is driven.
  • the drive unit 80 is controlled to replenish the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened when there is a high possibility that the toner CT is biased toward one side of the toner container 70. As a result, the stirring member 72 and the conveying member of the toner container 70 can be stirred.
  • the lock with 74 can be suppressed.
  • the control unit 30 may detect the torque value of the drive unit 80 and control the stirring of the stirring member 72 according to the torque value of the drive unit 80. For example, when the torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven, and the toner container 70 transfers the toner to the developing device 22. CT may be replenished.
  • the rotation angle ⁇ of the stirring member 72 may be changed according to the torque value. For example, the stirring member 72 may be rotated half a turn, that is, the rotation angle ⁇ may be 180 degrees according to the torque value.
  • control unit 30 counts the time during which the image forming apparatus 100 is not operating after the toner container 70 is mounted, and when the time during which the image forming apparatus 100 is not operating exceeds a threshold, the control unit 30 Alternatively, the drive unit 80 may be controlled so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, and the toner CT may be supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22.
  • the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven, and replenishes the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. You may do it.
  • the drive unit 80 may be controlled so that the stirring member 72 is driven, and the toner CT may be supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. .
  • FIGS. 1 to 7 The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 7). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof (for example, (1) to (2) shown below).
  • the drawings schematically show each component as a main component, and the thickness, length, number, and the like of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual for convenience of drawing. .
  • the material, shape, dimensions, and the like of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without departing from the effects of the present invention. is there.
  • the image forming apparatus 100 is a monochrome multifunction peripheral, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the image forming apparatus 100 may be a scanner or a color copying machine.
  • the toner container 70 includes a plurality of stirring members 72, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the toner container 70 may include one stirring member 72.

Abstract

An image formation device (100) includes a mounting unit (60), a development device (22), a driver unit (80), and a control unit (30). The mounting unit (60) has an interchangeable toner container (70) mounted thereon. The control unit (30) controls the driver unit (80). The toner container (70) includes a container unit (71), an agitation member (72), and a conveyer (74). The container unit (71) stores toner (CT). The agitation member (72) stirs the toner (CT). The conveyer (74) conveys the toner (CT) to the development device (22). The driver unit (80) drives the agitation member (72) and the conveyer (74). The control unit (30) controls the driver unit (80) so that the agitation member (72) is driven before the conveyer (74) is driven when feeding the toner (CT) from the toner container (70) to the development device (22).

Description

画像形成装置Image forming apparatus
　本発明は、画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.
　画像形成装置には、トナーが充填されたトナーコンテナが本体に着脱自在に設けられている（例えば、特許文献１）。特許文献１に記載のトナーコンテナは、攪拌部材と搬送部材とを有する。攪拌部材は、トナーを攪拌する。搬送部材は、トナーをトナーコンテナから現像装置に向けて搬送する。 In the image forming apparatus, a toner container filled with toner is detachably attached to the main body (for example, Patent Document 1). The toner container described in Patent Document 1 includes a stirring member and a conveying member. The stirring member stirs the toner. The conveying member conveys the toner from the toner container toward the developing device.
特開２０１３－２２８４８２号公報JP 2013-228482 A
　しかしながら、トナーコンテナの輸送における振動で、トナーコンテナの片側に偏ってトナーが固まる可能性がある。特許文献１に記載の画像形成装置では、そのようなトナーコンテナを使用してトナーコンテナから現像装置へトナーを補給する場合、トナーコンテナの攪拌部材および搬送部材がロックする可能性がある。 However, there is a possibility that the toner is hardened by being biased to one side of the toner container due to vibration in the transportation of the toner container. In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when such a toner container is used to supply toner from the toner container to the developing device, there is a possibility that the stirring member and the conveying member of the toner container may be locked.
　本発明は上記課題に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的はトナーコンテナの攪拌部材および搬送部材のロックを抑制することができる画像形成装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the lock of the stirring member and the conveying member of the toner container.
　本発明に係る画像形成装置は、装着部と、現像装置と、駆動部と、制御部とを備える。前記装着部は、交換可能なトナーコンテナが装着される。前記制御部は、前記駆動部を制御する。前記トナーコンテナは、収容部と、攪拌部材と、搬送部材とを有する。前記収容部は、トナーが収容される。前記攪拌部材は、前記トナーを攪拌する。前記搬送部材は、前記トナーを前記現像装置に搬送する。前記駆動部は、前記攪拌部材と前記搬送部材とを駆動する。前記制御部は、前記トナーコンテナから前記現像装置に前記トナーを補給する場合、前記搬送部材が駆動する前に前記攪拌部材が駆動するように、前記駆動部を制御する。 The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a mounting unit, a developing device, a driving unit, and a control unit. The mounting portion is mounted with a replaceable toner container. The control unit controls the driving unit. The toner container includes a storage unit, a stirring member, and a transport member. The storage unit stores toner. The stirring member stirs the toner. The conveying member conveys the toner to the developing device. The drive unit drives the stirring member and the transport member. The controller controls the driving unit so that the stirring member is driven before the transport member is driven when the toner is supplied from the toner container to the developing device.
　本発明によれば、トナーコンテナの攪拌部材および搬送部材のロックを抑制することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the lock of the stirring member and the conveying member of the toner container.
本発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置を示す模式図である。1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置の構成を示すブロック図である。1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 補給部を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows a replenishment part. 攪拌部材を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows a stirring member. 攪拌部材を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows a stirring member. 攪拌部材を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows a stirring member. 本発明の実施形態に係る攪拌の制御方法を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the control method of stirring which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 操作パネルを示す図である。It is a figure which shows an operation panel. 本発明の実施形態に係る攪拌の制御方法を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the control method of stirring which concerns on embodiment of this invention.
　以下、本発明の実施形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、図中、同一または相当部分については同一の参照符号を付して説明を繰り返さない。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is not repeated.
　図１を参照して本発明に係る画像形成装置１００の実施形態を説明する。図１は、本発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１００を示す模式図である。画像形成装置１００は、例えば、複写機、プリンター、または複合機である。以下では、一例として、画像形成装置１００がプリンター機能と複写機能とファクシミリ機能とを有するモノクロ複合機である場合について説明する。 An embodiment of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a copying machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine. Hereinafter, as an example, a case where the image forming apparatus 100 is a monochrome multifunction peripheral having a printer function, a copying function, and a facsimile function will be described.
　図１に示すように、画像形成装置１００は、画像読取部１０と、画像形成部２０と、制御部３０と、記憶部４０と、通信部５０と、補給部６と、原稿台１２と、原稿搬送装置１１０と、操作パネル１２０と、給紙カセット１３０と、用紙搬送部１４０と、用紙排出部１７０とを備える。 As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 10, an image forming unit 20, a control unit 30, a storage unit 40, a communication unit 50, a replenishing unit 6, a document table 12, A document conveying device 110, an operation panel 120, a paper feed cassette 130, a paper conveying unit 140, and a paper discharging unit 170 are provided.
　画像読取部１０は、原稿Ｍに形成された画像を読み取り、読取画像を取得する。詳しくは、画像読取部１０は、原稿搬送装置１１０によって搬送された原稿Ｍに形成された画像、または、原稿台１２に載置された原稿Ｍに形成された画像を読み取り、読取画像を取得する。 The image reading unit 10 reads an image formed on the document M and obtains a read image. Specifically, the image reading unit 10 reads an image formed on the document M conveyed by the document conveying device 110 or an image formed on the document M placed on the document table 12 to obtain a read image. .
　画像形成部２０は、画像読取部１０によって読み取られた読取画像に基づいて記録媒体Ｐに画像を形成する。 The image forming unit 20 forms an image on the recording medium P based on the read image read by the image reading unit 10.
　制御部３０は、ＣＰＵ（Ｃｅｎｔｒａｌ　Ｐｒｏｃｅｓｓｉｎｇ　Ｕｎｉｔ）のようなプロセッサー、およびＡＳＩＣ（Ａｐｐｌｉｃａｔｉｏｎ　Ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃ　Ｉｎｔｅｇｒａｔｅｄ　Ｃｉｒｃｕｉｔ）等によって構成されるハードウェア回路である。制御部３０は、記憶部４０に記憶された制御プログラムをプロセッサーが読み出して実行することによって、画像形成装置１００の各部の動作を制御する。 The control unit 30 is a hardware circuit including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like. The control unit 30 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 by the processor reading and executing the control program stored in the storage unit 40.
　記憶部４０は、ＨＤＤ（Ｈａｒｄ　Ｄｉｓｋ　Ｄｒｉｖｅ）、ＲＡＭ（Ｒａｎｄｏｍ　Ａｃｃｅｓｓ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）、およびＲＯＭ（Ｒｅａｄ　Ｏｎｌｙ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）によって構成される。記憶部４０は、外部メモリーを含んでいてもよい。外部メモリーは、リムーバブルメディアである。記憶部４０は、外部メモリーとして、例えば、ＵＳＢ（Ｕｎｉｖｅｒｓａｌ　Ｓｅｒｉａｌ　Ｂｕｓ）メモリー、およびＳＤ（Ｓｅｃｕｒｅ　Ｄｉｇｉｔａｌ）カードを含む。記憶部４０は、各種のデータ、および、画像形成装置１００の各部の動作を制御するための制御プログラムを記憶する。制御プログラムは、制御部３０によって実行される。 The storage unit 40 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 40 may include an external memory. The external memory is a removable medium. The storage unit 40 includes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and an SD (Secure Digital) card as external memories. The storage unit 40 stores various data and a control program for controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The control program is executed by the control unit 30.
　通信部５０は、同じ通信方式（プロトコル）を利用する通信機が搭載された電子機器との間で通信が可能である。本実施形態において、通信部５０は、ＬＡＮ（Ｌｏｃａｌ　Ａｒｅａ　Ｎｅｔｗｏｒｋ）などのネットワーク網を介して外部装置と通信する。通信部５０は、例えば、ＬＡＮボードのような通信モジュール（通信機器）である。 The communication unit 50 can communicate with an electronic device equipped with a communication device that uses the same communication method (protocol). In the present embodiment, the communication unit 50 communicates with an external device via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit 50 is a communication module (communication device) such as a LAN board, for example.
　画像形成部２０は、画像形成処理を実行する。詳しくは、画像形成部２０は、トナーを使用して記録媒体Ｐに画像（トナー像）を形成する。画像形成部２０は、現像装置２２を有する。画像形成部２０は、さらに、露光装置、帯電装置、感光体ドラム、クリーニング装置、転写装置、および定着装置を備える。画像形成部２０は、電子写真方式によって画像を形成する。 The image forming unit 20 executes an image forming process. Specifically, the image forming unit 20 forms an image (toner image) on the recording medium P using toner. The image forming unit 20 includes a developing device 22. The image forming unit 20 further includes an exposure device, a charging device, a photosensitive drum, a cleaning device, a transfer device, and a fixing device. The image forming unit 20 forms an image by an electrophotographic method.
　補給部６は、画像形成部２０へトナーを補給する。補給部６は、装着部６０を備える。装着部６０には、トナーコンテナ７０が装着自在に装着される。トナーコンテナ７０は、トナーを収容する。 The replenishing unit 6 replenishes the image forming unit 20 with toner. The supply unit 6 includes a mounting unit 60. A toner container 70 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 60. The toner container 70 stores toner.
　操作パネル１２０は、ユーザーに画像形成装置１００を操作させるために用いられる。操作パネル１２０は、表示部１２２を有する。表示部１２２には、ユーザーに画像形成装置１００を操作させるための入力画面が表示される。また、表示部１２２は、通知画像を表示する。通知画像については、図６を参照して後述する。 The operation panel 120 is used for causing the user to operate the image forming apparatus 100. The operation panel 120 has a display unit 122. The display unit 122 displays an input screen for allowing the user to operate the image forming apparatus 100. The display unit 122 displays a notification image. The notification image will be described later with reference to FIG.
　給紙カセット１３０には、印刷用の記録媒体Ｐが収容されている。印刷を行う際、給紙カセット１３０内の記録媒体Ｐは、画像形成部２０を経由して用紙排出部１７０から排出されるように、用紙搬送部１４０によって搬送される。 In the paper feed cassette 130, a recording medium P for printing is accommodated. When printing, the recording medium P in the paper feed cassette 130 is transported by the paper transport unit 140 so as to be discharged from the paper discharge unit 170 via the image forming unit 20.
　続いて、図１および図２を参照して、本発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１００の構成についてさらに説明する。図２は、本発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置１００の構成を示すブロック図である。 Subsequently, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
　図２に示すように、画像形成装置１００は、駆動部８０をさらに備える。 As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 further includes a drive unit 80.
　トナーコンテナ７０は、収容部７１と、攪拌部材７２と、搬送部材７４とを有する。収容部７１には、トナーＣＴが収容される。攪拌部材７２は、トナーＣＴを攪拌する。搬送部材７４は、トナーＣＴを現像装置２２に搬送する。 The toner container 70 includes an accommodating portion 71, a stirring member 72, and a conveying member 74. The storage unit 71 stores the toner CT. The stirring member 72 stirs the toner CT. The conveying member 74 conveys the toner CT to the developing device 22.
　駆動部８０は、攪拌部材７２と搬送部材７４とを駆動する。駆動部８０は、例えば、モーターである。 The driving unit 80 drives the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74. The drive unit 80 is, for example, a motor.
　制御部３０は、駆動部８０を制御する。詳しくは、制御部３０は、駆動部８０に供給される電流値を制御し、駆動部８０を制御する。 The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 by controlling the current value supplied to the drive unit 80.
　図１～図３を参照して、補給部６についてさらに説明する。図３は、補給部６を示す模式図である。 The replenishing unit 6 will be further described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the replenishing unit 6.
　図３に示すように、トナーコンテナ７０は、収容部７１と、複数の攪拌部材７２と、搬送部材７４と、補給口７６と、記憶素子７８とを有する。複数の攪拌部材７２は、攪拌部材７２ａと、攪拌部材７２ｂと、攪拌部材７２ｃとを含む。 As shown in FIG. 3, the toner container 70 includes an accommodating portion 71, a plurality of stirring members 72, a conveying member 74, a supply port 76, and a storage element 78. The plurality of stirring members 72 include a stirring member 72a, a stirring member 72b, and a stirring member 72c.
　複数の攪拌部材７２のそれぞれは、回転伝達部材７２２と、回転部材７２４と、攪拌羽根７２６とを有する。攪拌部材７２は、例えば、攪拌パドルである。 Each of the plurality of stirring members 72 includes a rotation transmitting member 722, a rotating member 724, and a stirring blade 726. The stirring member 72 is, for example, a stirring paddle.
　回転伝達部材７２２は、収容部７１に回転可能に取り付けられている。回転伝達部材７２２は、回転部材７２４に回転を伝達する。詳しくは、回転伝達部材７２２が駆動部８０によって駆動されることによって、回転部材７２４が回転する。 The rotation transmission member 722 is rotatably attached to the accommodating portion 71. The rotation transmission member 722 transmits rotation to the rotation member 724. Specifically, when the rotation transmitting member 722 is driven by the driving unit 80, the rotating member 724 rotates.
　回転部材７２４は、収容部７１に回転可能に支持されている。 The rotating member 724 is rotatably supported by the accommodating portion 71.
　攪拌羽根７２６は基端部を有する。攪拌羽根７２６の基端部が回転部材７２４に支持されている。回転部材７２４が回転することによって、攪拌羽根７２６は回転する。攪拌羽根７２６が回転することによって、収容部７１内のトナーＣＴが攪拌される。攪拌羽根７２６は、例えば、ポリエチレンテレフタレートフィルムおよびポリエステルフィルムのような樹脂フィルムを用いて形成されており、可撓性を有している。 The stirring blade 726 has a proximal end portion. A base end portion of the stirring blade 726 is supported by the rotating member 724. As the rotating member 724 rotates, the stirring blade 726 rotates. As the stirring blade 726 rotates, the toner CT in the container 71 is stirred. The stirring blade 726 is formed using, for example, a resin film such as a polyethylene terephthalate film and a polyester film, and has flexibility.
　搬送部材７４は、収容部７１に回転可能に支持されている。搬送部材７４は、例えば、搬送スクリューである。搬送部材７４が回転することによって、トナーＣＴが補給口７６から現像装置２２に補給される。 The conveying member 74 is rotatably supported by the accommodating portion 71. The conveyance member 74 is a conveyance screw, for example. As the conveying member 74 rotates, the toner CT is supplied to the developing device 22 from the supply port 76.
　記憶素子７８は、例えば、ＲＦ（Ｒａｄｉｏ　Ｆｒｅｑｕｅｎｃｙ　Ｉｄｅｎｔｉｆｉｃａｔｉｏｎ）タグのような非接触タグ（電子タグ）である。記憶素子７８は、トナーコンテナ７０に関する情報を記憶する。以下、トナーコンテナ７０に関する情報を「装着部品情報」と記載する。装着部品情報は、製造元を示す製造元情報、型式番号を示す型式番号情報、およびトナーコンテナ７０のシリアル番号を示すシリアル情報を含む。 The storage element 78 is, for example, a non-contact tag (electronic tag) such as an RF (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The storage element 78 stores information regarding the toner container 70. Hereinafter, information regarding the toner container 70 is referred to as “mounted component information”. The mounted component information includes manufacturer information indicating the manufacturer, model number information indicating the model number, and serial information indicating the serial number of the toner container 70.
　装着部６０は、部品検知スイッチ６２と部品情報読取部６３とを有する。 The mounting unit 60 includes a component detection switch 62 and a component information reading unit 63.
　部品検知スイッチ６２は、装着部６０にトナーコンテナ７０が装着されていることを検知する。 The component detection switch 62 detects that the toner container 70 is attached to the attachment unit 60.
　部品情報読取部６３は、装着部品情報を記憶素子７８から読み取り、装着部品情報を示す信号を出力する。部品情報読取部６３は、例えば、ＲＦリーダーのような近距離無線通信機である。 The component information reading unit 63 reads the mounted component information from the storage element 78 and outputs a signal indicating the mounted component information. The component information reading unit 63 is a short-range wireless communication device such as an RF reader, for example.
　図１～図４Ｃを参照して、トナーＣＴを補給する場合の駆動部８０の制御について説明する。図４は、攪拌部材７２を示す模式図である。図４Ａ～図４Ｃにおいて、中心Ｃは、回転伝達部材７２２の中心を示す。 With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C, control of the drive unit 80 when the toner CT is replenished will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the stirring member 72. 4A to 4C, the center C indicates the center of the rotation transmitting member 722.
　制御部３０は、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを補給する場合、搬送部材７４が駆動する前に攪拌部材７２が駆動するように、駆動部８０を制御する。詳しくは、制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２の回転方向が正回転方向と逆回転方向との交互に切り換わるように、駆動部８０を制御する。したがって、トナーＣＴをほぐしてから、トナーＣＴの攪拌を行うことができる。その結果、トナーコンテナ７０の攪拌部材７２と搬送部材７４とのロックを抑制することができる。 The control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the agitating member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven when the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the rotation direction of the stirring member 72 is alternately switched between the normal rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened. As a result, the lock between the agitating member 72 and the conveying member 74 of the toner container 70 can be suppressed.
　図４Ａに示すように、トナーコンテナ７０が装着部６０に装着された初期状態では、攪拌羽根７２６の先端が下側を向いている。 As shown in FIG. 4A, in the initial state where the toner container 70 is mounted on the mounting portion 60, the tip of the stirring blade 726 faces downward.
　そして、図４Ｂに示すように、駆動部８０は、回転方向Ｒ１に攪拌部材７２を駆動させる。回転方向Ｒ１は、正回転方向を示す。ここでは、回転角度θは、例えば、２０度である。 And as shown to FIG. 4B, the drive part 80 drives the stirring member 72 in rotation direction R1. The rotation direction R1 indicates the positive rotation direction. Here, the rotation angle θ is, for example, 20 degrees.
　そして、図４Ｃに示すように、駆動部８０は、回転方向Ｒ２に攪拌部材７２を駆動させる。回転方向Ｒ２は、逆回転方向を示す。回転方向Ｒ２は、回転方向Ｒ１とは逆方向である。ここでは、回転角度θは、例えば、２０度である。 And as shown to FIG. 4C, the drive part 80 drives the stirring member 72 in the rotation direction R2. The rotation direction R2 indicates the reverse rotation direction. The rotation direction R2 is opposite to the rotation direction R1. Here, the rotation angle θ is, for example, 20 degrees.
　また、制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２の回転角度θが段階的に増加するように駆動部８０を制御することが好ましい。したがって、段階的にトナーＣＴをほぐしてから、トナーＣＴの攪拌を行うことができる。その結果、トナーコンテナ７０の攪拌部材７２と搬送部材７４とのロックを抑制することができる。 Further, it is preferable that the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the rotation angle θ of the stirring member 72 increases stepwise. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened in stages. As a result, the lock between the agitating member 72 and the conveying member 74 of the toner container 70 can be suppressed.
　また、攪拌部材７２の回転速度は変更可能であることが好ましい。さらに、制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２の回転速度が段階的に増加するように駆動部８０を制御することが好ましい。したがって、段階的にトナーＣＴをほぐしてから、トナーＣＴの攪拌を行うことができる、その結果、トナーコンテナ７０の攪拌部材７２と搬送部材７４とのロックを抑制することができる。 Further, it is preferable that the rotation speed of the stirring member 72 can be changed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 so that the rotation speed of the stirring member 72 increases stepwise. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened in steps, and as a result, the lock between the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74 of the toner container 70 can be suppressed.
　また、制御部３０は、駆動部８０に供給される電流値が閾値を超えるか否かを判定し、電流値が閾値を超えると判定した場合、搬送部材７４が駆動するように駆動部８０を制御することが好ましい。したがって、トナーＣＴが攪拌部材７２の攪拌によってトナーＣＴを十分にほぐしてから、搬送部材７４を駆動させることができる。その結果、トナーコンテナ７０の搬送部材７４のロックを抑制することができる。 Further, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the current value supplied to the driving unit 80 exceeds a threshold value, and when determining that the current value exceeds the threshold value, controls the driving unit 80 so that the transport member 74 is driven. It is preferable to control. Accordingly, the conveying member 74 can be driven after the toner CT has sufficiently loosened the toner CT by the stirring of the stirring member 72. As a result, the conveyance member 74 of the toner container 70 can be prevented from being locked.
　画像形成装置１００は、現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを入れていない状態で工場から出荷される。したがって、画像形成装置１００を使用する前にトナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを補給する必要がある。したがって、工場出荷後に初めて画像形成装置１００の電源がオンされた際に、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを補給する処理が行われる。以下、工場出荷後に初めて画像形成装置１００の電源がオンされた際に、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーを補給する処理を、「トナーインストール処理」と記載することがある。 The image forming apparatus 100 is shipped from the factory with no toner CT in the developing device 22. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22 before using the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on for the first time after factory shipment, processing for supplying toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22 is performed. Hereinafter, the process of supplying toner from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22 when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on for the first time after factory shipment may be referred to as “toner installation process”.
　一般的に、工場出荷後に初めて画像形成装置を使用する場合、トナーコンテナの輸送における振動で、トナーがトナーコンテナの片側に偏ってトナーが固まる可能性がある。したがって、トナーインストール処理時に、制御部３０は、搬送部材７４が駆動する前に攪拌部材７２が駆動するように、駆動部８０を制御し、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを補給することが好ましい。 Generally, when the image forming apparatus is used for the first time after shipment from the factory, there is a possibility that the toner is biased toward one side of the toner container due to vibration in the transportation of the toner container and the toner is hardened. Accordingly, during the toner installation process, the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, and replenishes the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Is preferred.
　工場出荷後にインストール自動実行フラグをＯＮ状態にして出荷される。インストール自動実行フラグを示すデータは記憶部４０に記憶されている。制御部３０は、インストール自動実行フラグがＯＮ状態であると判定すると、トナーインストール処理を実行する。トナーインストール処理が終了すると、制御部３０は、インストール自動実行フラグがＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態へ遷移させる。 後 に Shipped with the automatic installation flag set to ON after shipment from the factory. Data indicating the automatic installation execution flag is stored in the storage unit 40. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation automatic execution flag is in the ON state, the control unit 30 executes toner installation processing. When the toner installation process ends, the control unit 30 causes the installation automatic execution flag to transition from the ON state to the OFF state.
　図１～図６を参照して、本発明の実施形態に係る攪拌の制御方法について説明する。図５は、本発明の実施形態に係る攪拌の制御方法を示すフローチャートである。図６は、操作パネル１２０を示す図である。図５は、トナーインストール処理時の攪拌の制御方法を示す。図５に示すステップＳ１０２～ステップＳ１２０の処理が実行されることによって、トナーＣＴの攪拌の制御が行われる。 With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a stirring control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a stirring control method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation panel 120. FIG. 5 shows a stirring control method during the toner installation process. By performing the processing from step S102 to step S120 shown in FIG. 5, the stirring of the toner CT is controlled.
　ステップＳ１０２：画像形成装置１００の電源がＯＮする。処理は、ステップＳ１０４に進む。 Step S102: The power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. The process proceeds to step S104.
　ステップＳ１０４：制御部３０は、インストール自動実行フラグがＯＮ状態であるか否かを判定する。インストール自動実行フラグがＯＮ状態でない、すなわち、インストール自動実行フラグがＯＦＦ状態であると制御部３０が判定した場合（ステップＳ１０４：Ｎｏ）、処理は、ステップＳ１１６に進み、通常立ち上げ処理が行われる。インストール自動実行フラグがＯＮ状態であると制御部３０が判定した場合、処理は、ステップＳ１０６に進む。 Step S104: The control unit 30 determines whether or not the installation automatic execution flag is ON. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation automatic execution flag is not ON, that is, the installation automatic execution flag is OFF (step S104: No), the process proceeds to step S116, and the normal startup process is performed. . When the control unit 30 determines that the installation automatic execution flag is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S106.
　ステップＳ１０６：制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２を駆動するように駆動部８０を制御する。攪拌部材７２の駆動は所定時間行われる。所定時間は、例えば、２０秒である。所定時間は、変更可能であることが好ましい。例えば、所定時間は、１０秒、２０秒または３０秒のいずれかを選択できる。処理は、ステップＳ１０８に進む。 Step S106: The control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 to drive the stirring member 72. The stirring member 72 is driven for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 20 seconds. It is preferable that the predetermined time can be changed. For example, the predetermined time can be selected from 10 seconds, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds. The process proceeds to step S108.
　ステップＳ１０８：制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２がロックしていないかを判定する。攪拌部材７２がロックしていると制御部３０が判定した場合（ステップＳ１０８：Ｎｏ）、処理は、ステップＳ１１８に進む。攪拌部材７２がロックしていないと制御部３０が判定した場合（ステップＳ１０８：Ｙｅｓ）、処理は、ステップＳ１１０に進む。 Step S108: The control unit 30 determines whether or not the stirring member 72 is locked. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is locked (step S108: No), the process proceeds to step S118. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is not locked (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110.
　ステップＳ１１０：制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２と搬送部材７４とを駆動するように駆動部８０を制御する。したがって、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴの補給が行われる。処理は、ステップＳ１１２に進む。 Step S110: The control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so as to drive the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74. Accordingly, the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. The process proceeds to step S112.
　ステップＳ１１２：制御部３０は、インストール処理が完了したか否かを判定する。インストール処理が完了していないと制御部３０が判定した場合（ステップＳ１１２：Ｎｏ）、処理は、ステップＳ１１０に戻る。インストール処理が完了したと制御部３０が判定した場合（ステップＳ１１２：Ｙｅｓ）、処理は、ステップＳ１１４に進む。 Step S112: The control unit 30 determines whether or not the installation process is completed. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation process has not been completed (step S112: No), the process returns to step S110. When the control unit 30 determines that the installation process is complete (step S112: Yes), the process proceeds to step S114.
　ステップＳ１１４：制御部３０は、インストール自動実行フラグをＯＦＦに変更する。処理は、ステップＳ１１６に進む。 Step S114: The control unit 30 changes the installation automatic execution flag to OFF. The process proceeds to step S116.
　ステップＳ１１６：制御部３０は、通常立ち上げ処理を実行する。処理は、終了する。 Step S116: The control unit 30 executes normal startup processing. The process ends.
　ステップＳ１１８：制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２を停止するように駆動部８０を制御する。処理は、ステップＳ１２０に進む。 Step S118: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to stop the stirring member 72. The process proceeds to step S120.
　ステップＳ１２０：図６に示すように、制御部３０は、通知画像Ａを表示部１２２に表示させる。通知画像Ａは、トナーコンテナ７０の確認をユーザーに促す画像である。通知画像Ａは、例えば、「コンテナ確認して下さい」のような通知文を示す画像である。 Step S120: As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 122 to display the notification image A. The notification image A is an image that prompts the user to check the toner container 70. The notification image A is an image indicating a notification sentence such as “confirm container”.
　以上、図１～図６を参照して説明したように、トナーインストール処理時に、制御部３０は、搬送部材７４が駆動する前に攪拌部材７２が駆動するように、駆動部８０を制御し、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーを補給する。したがって、トナーコンテナ７０の片側に偏ってトナーが固まる可能性が高い場合にトナーＣＴをほぐしてから、トナーＣＴの攪拌を行うことができる、その結果、トナーコンテナ７０の攪拌部材７２と搬送部材７４とのロックを抑制することができる。 As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, during the toner installation process, the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven. Toner is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened when there is a high possibility that the toner is biased toward one side of the toner container 70. As a result, the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74 of the toner container 70 can be agitated. And locking can be suppressed.
　一般的に、トナーコンテナが同じ姿勢で長時間保管されている場合、トナーコンテナの片側に偏ってトナーが固まる可能性がある。したがって、トナーコンテナ７０が交換された場合、制御部３０は、搬送部材７４が駆動する前に攪拌部材７２が駆動するように、駆動部８０を制御し、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーを補給することが好ましい。 Generally, when the toner container is stored in the same posture for a long time, the toner may be biased toward one side of the toner container and harden. Therefore, when the toner container 70 is replaced, the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven, and the toner is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. It is preferable to replenish.
　図１～図４Ｃ、図６および図７を参照して、本発明の実施形態に係る攪拌の制御方法について説明する。図７は、本発明の実施形態に係る攪拌の制御方法を示すフローチャートである。図７は、トナーコンテナ交換時の攪拌の制御方法を示す。図７に示すステップＳ２０２～ステップＳ２１６の処理が実行されることによって、トナーＣＴの攪拌の制御が行われる。図７のフローチャートは、図５のフローチャートと、トナーコンテナ７０が交換された否かに応じて攪拌の制御を行う点が異なる。 A stirring control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C, 6 and 7. FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a stirring control method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a stirring control method when the toner container is replaced. By performing the processing from step S202 to step S216 shown in FIG. 7, the stirring control of the toner CT is performed. The flowchart in FIG. 7 differs from the flowchart in FIG. 5 in that the stirring is controlled according to whether the toner container 70 has been replaced.
　ステップＳ２０２：画像形成装置１００の電源がＯＮする。または、画像形成装置１００のカバーが開閉される。処理は、ステップＳ２０４に進む。 Step S202: The image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. Alternatively, the cover of the image forming apparatus 100 is opened and closed. The process proceeds to step S204.
　ステップＳ２０４：制御部３０は、トナーコンテナ７０が交換された否かを判定する。トナーコンテナ７０が交換されていないと制御部３０が判定した場合（ステップＳ２０４：Ｎｏ）、処理は、ステップＳ２１２に進み、通常立ち上げ処理が行われる。トナーコンテナ７０が交換されたと制御部３０が判定した場合（ステップＳ２０４：Ｙｅｓ）、処理は、ステップＳ２０６に進む。 Step S204: The control unit 30 determines whether or not the toner container 70 has been replaced. When the control unit 30 determines that the toner container 70 has not been replaced (step S204: No), the process proceeds to step S212, and a normal startup process is performed. If the control unit 30 determines that the toner container 70 has been replaced (step S204: Yes), the process proceeds to step S206.
　ステップＳ２０６：制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２を駆動するように駆動部８０を制御する。攪拌部材７２の駆動は所定時間行われる。所定時間は、例えば、２０秒である。所定時間は、変更可能であることが好ましい。例えば、所定時間は、１０秒、２０秒または３０秒のいずれかを選択できる。処理は、ステップＳ２０８に進む。 Step S206: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to drive the stirring member 72. The stirring member 72 is driven for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 20 seconds. It is preferable that the predetermined time can be changed. For example, the predetermined time can be selected from 10 seconds, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds. The process proceeds to step S208.
　ステップＳ２０８：制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２がロックしていないかを判定する。攪拌部材７２がロックしていると制御部３０が判定した場合（ステップＳ２０８：Ｎｏ）、処理は、ステップＳ２１４に進む。攪拌部材７２がロックしていないと制御部３０が判定した場合（ステップＳ２０８：Ｙｅｓ）、処理は、ステップＳ２１０に進む。 Step S208: The control unit 30 determines whether or not the stirring member 72 is locked. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is locked (step S208: No), the process proceeds to step S214. When the control unit 30 determines that the stirring member 72 is not locked (step S208: Yes), the process proceeds to step S210.
　ステップＳ２１０：制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２と搬送部材７４とを駆動するように駆動部８０を制御する。したがって、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴの補給が行われる。処理は、ステップＳ２１２に進む。 Step S210: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to drive the stirring member 72 and the conveying member 74. Accordingly, the toner CT is supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. The process proceeds to step S212.
　ステップＳ２１２：制御部３０は、通常立ち上げ処理を実行する。処理は、終了する。 Step S212: The control unit 30 executes normal startup processing. The process ends.
　ステップＳ２１４：制御部３０は、攪拌部材７２を停止するように駆動部８０を制御する。処理は、ステップＳ２１６に進む。 Step S214: The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 80 to stop the stirring member 72. The process proceeds to step S216.
　ステップＳ２１６：図６に示すように、制御部３０は、通知画像Ａを表示部１２２に表示させる。通知画像Ａは、トナーコンテナ７０の確認をユーザーに促す画像である。通知画像Ａは、例えば、「コンテナ確認して下さい」のような通知文を示す画像である。 Step S216: As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 122 to display the notification image A. The notification image A is an image that prompts the user to check the toner container 70. The notification image A is an image indicating a notification sentence such as “confirm container”.
　以上、図１～図４Ｃ、図６および図７を参照して説明したように、トナーコンテナ７０の交換時に、制御部３０は、搬送部材７４が駆動する前に攪拌部材７２が駆動するように、駆動部８０を制御し、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを補給する。したがって、トナーコンテナ７０の片側に偏ってトナーＣＴが固まる可能性が高い場合にトナーＣＴをほぐしてから、トナーＣＴの攪拌を行うことができる、その結果、トナーコンテナ７０の攪拌部材７２と搬送部材７４とのロックを抑制することができる。 As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, when the toner container 70 is replaced, the control unit 30 causes the stirring member 72 to be driven before the conveying member 74 is driven. The drive unit 80 is controlled to replenish the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. Therefore, the toner CT can be stirred after the toner CT is loosened when there is a high possibility that the toner CT is biased toward one side of the toner container 70. As a result, the stirring member 72 and the conveying member of the toner container 70 can be stirred. The lock with 74 can be suppressed.
　なお、制御部３０は、駆動部８０のトルク値を検出し、駆動部８０のトルクの値に応じて、攪拌部材７２の攪拌の制御を行ってもよい。例えば、トルクの値が閾値以上である場合、制御部３０は、搬送部材７４が駆動する前に攪拌部材７２が駆動するように、駆動部８０を制御し、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを補給するようにしてもよい。あるいは、トルクの値に応じて、攪拌部材７２の回転角度θを変更してもよい。例えば、トルクの値に応じて、攪拌部材７２を半回転、すなわち回転角度θを１８０度にしてもよい。 The control unit 30 may detect the torque value of the drive unit 80 and control the stirring of the stirring member 72 according to the torque value of the drive unit 80. For example, when the torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven, and the toner container 70 transfers the toner to the developing device 22. CT may be replenished. Alternatively, the rotation angle θ of the stirring member 72 may be changed according to the torque value. For example, the stirring member 72 may be rotated half a turn, that is, the rotation angle θ may be 180 degrees according to the torque value.
　また、制御部３０は、トナーコンテナ７０を装着後から画像形成装置１００が動作していない時間をカウントし、画像形成装置１００が動作していない時間が閾値以上になった場合、制御部３０は、搬送部材７４が駆動する前に攪拌部材７２が駆動するように、駆動部８０を制御し、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを補給するようにしてもよい。 In addition, the control unit 30 counts the time during which the image forming apparatus 100 is not operating after the toner container 70 is mounted, and when the time during which the image forming apparatus 100 is not operating exceeds a threshold, the control unit 30 Alternatively, the drive unit 80 may be controlled so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the transport member 74 is driven, and the toner CT may be supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22.
　また、時間帯に応じて、制御部３０は、搬送部材７４が駆動する前に攪拌部材７２が駆動するように、駆動部８０を制御し、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを補給するようにしてもよい。例えば、午前中に最初に画像形成装置１００を使用する場合に、攪拌部材７２が駆動するように駆動部８０を制御し、トナーコンテナ７０から現像装置２２にトナーＣＴを補給するようにしてもよい。 Further, according to the time zone, the control unit 30 controls the driving unit 80 so that the stirring member 72 is driven before the conveying member 74 is driven, and replenishes the toner CT from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. You may do it. For example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is used for the first time in the morning, the drive unit 80 may be controlled so that the stirring member 72 is driven, and the toner CT may be supplied from the toner container 70 to the developing device 22. .
　以上、図面（図１～図７）を参照しながら本発明の実施形態を説明した。但し、本発明は、上記の実施形態に限られるものではなく、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々の態様において実施することが可能である（例えば、下記に示す（１）～（２））。図面は、理解しやすくするために、それぞれの構成要素を主体に模式的に示しており、図示された各構成要素の厚み、長さ、個数等は、図面作成の都合上から実際とは異なる。また、上記の実施形態で示す各構成要素の材質や形状、寸法等は一例であって、特に限定されるものではなく、本発明の効果から実質的に逸脱しない範囲で種々の変更が可能である。 The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 7). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof (for example, (1) to (2) shown below). In order to facilitate understanding, the drawings schematically show each component as a main component, and the thickness, length, number, and the like of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual for convenience of drawing. . In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, and the like of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without departing from the effects of the present invention. is there.
　（１）図１を参照して説明したように、本発明の実施形態では、画像形成装置１００がモノクロ複合機であるが、本発明はこれに限定されない。例えば、画像形成装置１００が、スキャナーでもよいし、カラー複写機でもよい。 (1) As described with reference to FIG. 1, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 is a monochrome multifunction peripheral, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a scanner or a color copying machine.
　（２）図３を参照して説明したように、トナーコンテナ７０は、攪拌部材７２を複数含んでいたが、本発明はこれに限定されない。トナーコンテナ７０は、１つの攪拌部材７２を含んでいてもよい。 (2) As described with reference to FIG. 3, the toner container 70 includes a plurality of stirring members 72, but the present invention is not limited to this. The toner container 70 may include one stirring member 72.

Claims (11)

  1. 　交換可能なトナーコンテナが装着される装着部と、
    　現像装置と、
    　駆動部と、
    　前記駆動部を制御する制御部と
    を備え、
    　前記トナーコンテナは、
    　トナーが収容される収容部と、
    　前記トナーを攪拌する攪拌部材と、
    　前記トナーを前記現像装置に搬送する搬送部材と
    を有し、
    　前記駆動部は、前記攪拌部材と前記搬送部材とを駆動し、
    　前記制御部は、前記トナーコンテナから前記現像装置に前記トナーを補給する場合、前記搬送部材が駆動する前に前記攪拌部材が駆動するように、前記駆動部を制御する、画像形成装置。     A mounting part to which a replaceable toner container is mounted;
    A developing device;
    A drive unit;
    A control unit for controlling the drive unit,
    The toner container is
    A storage section for storing toner;
    A stirring member for stirring the toner;
    A conveying member that conveys the toner to the developing device;
    The drive unit drives the stirring member and the transport member,
    When the toner is supplied from the toner container to the developing device, the control unit controls the driving unit so that the stirring member is driven before the conveying member is driven.
  2. 　前記制御部は、前記攪拌部材の回転方向が正回転方向と逆回転方向との交互に切り換わるように、前記駆動部を制御する、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the driving unit so that a rotation direction of the stirring member is alternately switched between a normal rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction.
  3. 　前記制御部は、前記攪拌部材の回転角度が段階的に増加するように前記駆動部を制御する、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit so that a rotation angle of the stirring member increases stepwise.
  4. 　前記攪拌部材の回転速度は変更可能である、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rotation speed of the stirring member is changeable.
  5. 　前記制御部は、前記回転速度が段階的に増加するように前記駆動部を制御する、請求項４に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the driving unit so that the rotation speed increases stepwise.
  6. 　前記制御部は、前記駆動部に供給される電流値を制御し、
    　前記制御部は、前記電流値が閾値を超えるか否かを判定し、
    　前記制御部は、前記電流値が閾値を超えると判定した場合、前記搬送部材が駆動するように前記駆動部を制御する、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。     The control unit controls a current value supplied to the driving unit,
    The controller determines whether the current value exceeds a threshold;
    The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the driving unit to drive the transport member when it is determined that the current value exceeds a threshold value.
  7. 　トナーインストール処理時に、前記制御部は、前記搬送部材が駆動する前に前記攪拌部材が駆動するように前記駆動部を制御し、前記トナーコンテナから前記現像装置に前記トナーを補給し、
    　前記トナーインストール処理は、初めて電源がオンされた際に前記トナーコンテナから前記現像装置に前記トナーを補給する処理を示す、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。     During the toner installation process, the control unit controls the driving unit so that the stirring member is driven before the conveying member is driven, and replenishes the toner from the toner container to the developing device,
    The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the toner installation process is a process of supplying the toner from the toner container to the developing device when the power is turned on for the first time.
  8. 　前記制御部は、前記トナーコンテナが交換されたか否かを判定し、
    　前記制御部は、前記トナーコンテナが交換されと判定した場合、前記搬送部材が駆動する前に前記攪拌部材が駆動するように、前記駆動部を制御し、前記トナーコンテナから前記現像装置に前記トナーを補給する、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。     The controller determines whether the toner container has been replaced;
    When it is determined that the toner container has been replaced, the control unit controls the drive unit so that the stirring member is driven before the transport member is driven, and the toner container transfers the toner to the developing device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein replenishment is performed.
  9. 　前記制御部は、前記駆動部のトルク値を検出し、前記トルク値が閾値以上である場合、前記搬送部材が駆動する前に前記攪拌部材が駆動するように、前記駆動部を制御する、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。 The control unit detects a torque value of the driving unit, and controls the driving unit so that the stirring member is driven before the conveying member is driven when the torque value is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1.
  10. 　前記制御部は、前記トナーコンテナを装着後から画像形成装置が動作していない時間をカウントし、画像形成装置が動作していない時間が閾値以上になった場合、前記搬送部材が駆動する前に前記攪拌部材が駆動するように、前記駆動部を制御する、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。 The control unit counts a time during which the image forming apparatus is not operated after the toner container is mounted. If the time during which the image forming apparatus is not operated is equal to or greater than a threshold value, before the conveying member is driven. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is controlled so that the stirring member is driven.
  11. 　前記制御部は、時間帯に応じて、前記搬送部材が駆動する前に前記攪拌部材が駆動するように、前記駆動部を制御する、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the driving unit so that the stirring member is driven before the conveying member is driven according to a time zone.
PCT/JP2019/002059 2018-02-28 2019-01-23 Image formation device WO2019167484A1 (en)

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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JP2000131936A (en) * 1998-10-27 2000-05-12 Canon Inc Image forming device and developer residual amount detecting device
JP2004021230A (en) * 2002-06-20 2004-01-22 Sharp Corp Image forming apparatus
JP2008116698A (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-22 Kyocera Mita Corp Toner supplying device and image forming apparatus
JP2013061419A (en) * 2011-09-12 2013-04-04 Ricoh Co Ltd Developer supply control device and image forming device
US20150063866A1 (en) * 2013-09-03 2015-03-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Electrophotographic image forming apparatus
JP2017134155A (en) * 2016-01-26 2017-08-03 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Toner supply device and image forming apparatus

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH1020639A (en) * 1996-07-01 1998-01-23 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developing device and developer replenishment container used in the same
JP2000131936A (en) * 1998-10-27 2000-05-12 Canon Inc Image forming device and developer residual amount detecting device
JP2004021230A (en) * 2002-06-20 2004-01-22 Sharp Corp Image forming apparatus
JP2008116698A (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-22 Kyocera Mita Corp Toner supplying device and image forming apparatus
JP2013061419A (en) * 2011-09-12 2013-04-04 Ricoh Co Ltd Developer supply control device and image forming device
US20150063866A1 (en) * 2013-09-03 2015-03-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Electrophotographic image forming apparatus
JP2017134155A (en) * 2016-01-26 2017-08-03 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Toner supply device and image forming apparatus

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