WO2021183177A1

WO2021183177A1 - Waste toner collecting for preventing full detection error

Info

Publication number: WO2021183177A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/047751
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dong Woo Lee; Han Jun Lee; Seuong Hoon NOH
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2020-03-12
Filing date: 2020-08-25
Publication date: 2021-09-16
Also published as: KR20210115175A

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a waste toner collection device detachable from an image forming apparatus. The waste toner collection device can include a waste toner container including a collection region and a waste toner detection region in the collection region. The waste toner detection region can detect an amount of collected waste toner by a sensor. The waste toner collection device can include a shutter to open and close the waste toner detection region based on whether or not the waste toner collection device is detached.

Description

WASTE TONER COLLECTING FOR PREVENTING FULL

DETECTION ERROR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[01] This application is based on and claims priority under 35

U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0030573, filed on

March 12, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[02] An image forming apparatus is an apparatus that develops a black and white image or a color image on a paper according to an image signal, and includes a laser printer, an inkjet printer, a copier, a multi-function printer, a facsimile, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[03] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an example;

[04] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a waste toner transport device, a waste toner collection device, and a stopper according to an example;

[05] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an inner portion of the waste toner collection device and the stopper according to an example;

[06] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example where a shutter closes a waste toner detection region when the waste toner collection device according to an example is not full;

[07] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example where the shutter opens the waste toner detection region when the waste toner collection device according to an example is not full;

[08] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example where the shutter opens the waste toner detection region when the waste toner collection device according to an example is not firll;

[09] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example where the shutter closes the waste toner detection region when the waste toner collection device according to an example is not full;

[10] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a toner when the waste toner collection device is inclined and when the waste toner collection device according to an example is not full and the shutter opens the waste toner detection region;

[11] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example where the shutter opens the waste toner detection region when the waste toner collection device according to an example is full;

[12] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example where the shutter closes the waste toner detection region when the waste toner collection device according to an example is full;

[13] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a toner when the waste toner collection device is inclined, when the waste toner collection device according to an example is full and the shutter closes the waste toner detection region;

[14] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example where a shutter closes a waste toner detection region and an auxiliary detection region when a waste toner collection device according to another example is not full;

[15] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the shutter opens the waste toner detection region and the auxiliary detection region when the waste toner collection device according to another example is not full;

[16] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a toner is loaded in the waste toner detection region and the auxiliary detection region, when the waste toner collection device according to another example is full and the shutter opens the waste toner detection region and the auxiliary detection region;

[17] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the shutter opens the waste toner detection region and the auxiliary detection region when the waste toner collection device according to another example is not full;

[18] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the shutter closes the waste toner detection region and the auxiliary detection region when the waste toner collection device according to another example is not full;

[19] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of a toner when the waste toner collection device is inclined when the waste toner collection device according to another example is not full and the shutter closes the waste toner detection region and the auxiliary detection region;

[20] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the shutter opens the waste toner detection region and the auxiliary detection region when the waste toner collection device according to another example is full;

[21] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the shutter closes the waste toner detection region and the auxiliary detection region when the waste toner collection device according to another example is full; and

[22] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of a toner when the waste toner collection device is inclined when the waste toner collection device according to another example is full and the shutter closes the waste toner detection region and the auxiliary detection region.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[23] Examples to be described are illustratively provided to assist in understanding of the present disclosure, and it is to be understood that the present disclosure may be variously modified and executed unlike examples described herein. However, when it is decided that a detailed description for the known functions or components related to the present disclosure may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description and concrete illustration may be omitted. Further, the accompanying drawings are not illustrated to scale, but sizes of some of components may be exaggerated to assist in the understanding of the present disclosure.

[24] Hereinafter, a waste toner collection device 100 is described in detail after an image forming apparatus 1 according to an example is schematically described with reference to FIG. 1.

[25] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus 1 according to an example.

[26] The image forming apparatus refers to an apparatus that prints printing data generated in a terminal apparatus such as a computer on a recording paper. An example of such an image forming apparatus may include a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multi-function printer (MFP) in which functions of the copier, the printer, and the facsimile are complexly implemented through one apparatus, among others.

[27] In some examples, the image forming apparatus may be implemented to have various structures and functions according to a size, performance, a price, use, and a model type, among others. In FIG. 1, one of such structures is illustrated and described.

[28] Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to some examples may include a body 10, a paper feeding device 20, a printing engine 30, a developing device 40, a developing cartridge 50, a transfer device 60, a fixing device 70, a discharge device 80, a waste toner transport device 90, and a waste toner collection device 100.

[29] The image forming apparatus 1 may include the body 10, the paper feeding device 20, the printing engine 30, the developing device 40, the developing cartridge 50, the transfer device 60, the fixing device 70, and the discharge device 80 to perform a printing job, which can be accommodated in the body 10 to form an image on a paper P using a toner.

[30] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, other example elements such as a main controller (not illustrated) controlling the image forming apparatus 1 or a memory (not illustrated), among others, may be included in the body 10.

[31] Hereinafter, a printing process of the image forming apparatus

1 according to an example and a process in which a waste toner is generated in a printing operation will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[32] In some examples, a discharge tray 10a in which a paper is loaded (e.g., paper on which image formation may be completed) may be provided in an upper portion of the body 10, and a paper discharge port 10b may be provided on one side of the discharge tray 10a. In some examples, the paper discharge port 10b is a port through which the paper on which the image formation is completed can be discharged. [33] The paper feeding device 20 may be detachably installed in the body 10 and may include a knock-up plate 22 in the paper feeding device

20 and in which papers are loaded.

[34] In some examples, the paper feeding device 20 may include a pick-up roller 24 at an upper portion of one side of the paper feeding device

20 to pick up the papers loaded in the knock-up plate 22 one by one, a forward roller 26 to receive the paper picked up by the pickup roller 24 and move the received paper toward transport rollers 29, a retard roller 28 to face the forward roller 26 and prevent a plurality of papers from moving at the same time, and a pair of transport rollers 29 above the pick-up roller 24 to guide the paper picked up by the pickup roller 24 to the printing engine 30.

[35] The printing engine 30, in some instances, may form an image on the paper P supplied from the paper feeding device 20 rising a toner. The printing engine 30 may form the image on the paper P in an electrophotographic manner.

[36] In some examples, when an image forming job is performed by the printing engine 30, an untransferred toner (hereinafter referred to as a

“waste toner") that is not transferred as the image to the paper P may be generated. The waste toner may negatively affect the next image, and it may be desirable to remove the waste toner.

[37] In some instances, the waste toner can be transported by the waste toner transfer device 90 and loaded into the waste toner collection device 100. In some examples, the waste toner collection device 100 includes a waste toner container 110 (see FIG. 3) divided into a collection region and a waste toner detection region.

[38] A main controller of the body 10, in some examples, may detect an amount of waste toner accommodated in the waste toner detection region to determine whether or not the waste toner is full in the waste toner collection device 100. When it is determined that the waste toner is full, the main controller may output an alarm through a manipulation panel (not illustrated). In such an example, a user may recognize whether or not the waste toner is full and replace the waste toner container.

[39] In some examples, the waste toner may be accumulated in the waste toner detection region to be in proportion to an amount of waste toner accumulated in the collection region.

[40] A detailed description for a structure of the waste toner collection device 100 and the detection of the waste toner loaded in the waste toner detection region is provided further herein.

[41] A printing operation and a waste toner collection operation of the image forming apparatus 1 are as follows.

[42] In some examples, the printing engine 30 may include the developing device 40, the developing cartridge 50, the transfer device 60, and the fixing device 70.

[43] The developing device 40 may form a predetermined image on the supplied paper P, and the fixing device 70 may fix a visible image onto the paper. The developing unit 40, in some examples, may include a photoconductor 41 formed of an image carrier accommodating the visible image by the toner and having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image can be formed by an exposure device, a developing roller 43 supplying the toner to the photoconductor 41 to allow the electrostatic latent image of the photoconductor 41 to be developed into the visible image by the toner. and a charging roller 45 allowing the surface of the photoconductor 41 to be charged.

[44] In some examples, a plurality of developing devices 40 and a plurality of developing cartridges 50 may be provided. The plurality' of developing cartridges 50 may be connected to the plurality of developing devices 40, respectively, and toners accommodated in the plurality of developing cartridges 50 may be supplied to the plurality' of developing devices 40, respectively. The plurality of developing devices 40 and the plurality of developing cartridges 50 may be individually replaced.

[45] In some instances, the electrostatic latent images may be formed on the plurality of photoreceptors 41, the developing cartridges 50 may attach the toners to each photoreceptor 41 to form the visible image, and the transfer device 60 may transfer the visible image to the paper.

[46] The plurality of developing cartridges 50 may include a plurality of toner accommodating portions including toners of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (B) to supply to the plurality of developing devices 40, respectively. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the image forming apparatus 1 may further include developing cartridges 50 and developing devices 40 to accommodate and develop toners of various colors such as light magenta and white, in addition to the colors described above.

[47] In some examples, the plurality of developing cartridges 50 may store toners of different colors (e.g., yellow, magenta, cyan, and black), respectively, and attach the toners to the photoconductors 41 on which the electrostatic latent images are formed, respectively, to generate visible images of different colors.

[48] The transfer device 60 may include an intermediate transfer belt (61) to superimpose the visible images formed on the respective photoconductors 41 on each other to generate a color visible image and final transfer rollers 63 to transfer the color visible image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 to the paper. In some examples, the visible images formed on the respective photoconductors 41 may be sequentially transferred to and superimposed on each other on the intermediate transfer belt 61, and the visible images formed on the respective photoconductors 41 may be transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 61.

[49] In some instances, the visible image transferred to the paper P may be fused to a surface of the paper by heat and pressure applied thereto while passing through the fixing device 70. The fixing device 70 may include a heating roller 71 to generate heat and a pressing roller 73 having an outer peripheral surface formed of an elastically deformable material to press the paper against an outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 71.

[50] In some examples, the paper P passing through the fixing device 70 may be discharged to the outside of the body 10 of the image forming apparatus by the discharge device 80.

[51] While performing the developing on the paper P by the toners, a waste toner may be generated in the developing device 40. In such examples, although not illustrated, the developing device 40 may include a cleaning unit to remove the waste toner remaining in the photoconductor 41 responsive to a transfer process.

[52] The cleaning unit, in some instances, may be adjacent to the photoconductor 41 to remove the waste toner that is not transferred from the photoconductor 41 and remains on the photoconductor 41.

[53] In some examples, in order to store the removed waste toner, the waste toner transport device 90 and the waste toner collection device 100 may be installed on one side of the body 10. The waste toner transport device

90 may guide the waste toner separated from the photoconductor 41 to the waste toner collection device 100, and the waste toner collection device 100 may store the waste toner collected from the waste toner transport device 90.

[54] The waste toner collection device 100, in some instances, may be detachably installed on one side of the body 10. For example, when a space storing the waste toner is full by the waste toner collected in the waste toner collection device 100, the waste toner collection device 100 may be separated from the image forming apparatus 1 and replaced. A detailed description for a detachment operation of the waste toner collection device

100 will be described further herein.

[55] In some instances, the waste toner may be generated in the intermediate transfer belt 61. The toner that is not transferred to the paper P and remains on the intermediate transfer belt 61 may be removed by the cleaning unit (not illustrated) and accommodated in the waste toner transport device 90. Such a waste toner may also be discharged to the waste toner collection device 100 in some examples.

[56] The arrangement and the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus according to an example have been described in detail herein, but a developing manner is not limited thereto, and the arrangement of the image forming apparatus according to the development manner may be variously modified and changed.

[57] Hereinafter, a structure and a waste toner collection operation of the waste toner collection device 100 are described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9C.

[58] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the waste toner transport device 90, the waste toner collection device 100, and a stopper 200 according to an example.

[59] Referring to FIG. 2, the waste toner collection device 100 can be on one side of a lower surface of the waste toner transport device 90, such that the waste toner discharged from an outlet of the waste toner transport device 90 may be collected in the waste toner collection device 100.

[60] The stopper 200, in some examples, guides the shutter 120

(see FIG. 3) to open and close a specific region of an inner portion of the waste toner collection device 100 in an example where the waste toner collection device 100 is detached from the image forming apparatus 1. A detailed description for an opening and closing operation of the shutter 120 by the stopper 200 is described further herein.

[61] In some instances, the stopper 200 may be above the waste toner collection device 100 and may be fixed to the image forming apparatus

1.

[62] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an inner portion of the waste toner collection device 100 and the stopper 200 according to an example.

[63] Referring to FIG. 3, the waste toner collection device 100 may include the waste toner container 110, the shutter 120, and an auger 150.

[64] In some examples, a waste toner container inlet 111 through which the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport device 90 is introduced may be formed on one side of an upper surface of the waste toner container 110. The waste toner introduced through the waste toner container inlet 111 may be accommodated in an inner space of the waste toner container 110.

[65] A waste toner container shutter 112 to open and close (e.g., selectively open and close) the waste toner container inlet 111 may be in the waste toner container inlet 111. For example, the waste toner container shutter 112 may open the waste toner container inlet 111 in an example where the waste toner collection device 100 and the waste toner transport device 90 are coupled to each other and close the waste toner container inlet 111 in an example where the waste toner collection device 100 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1.

[66] In some examples, the auger 150 for dispersing the waste toner accumulated in the waste toner container 110 may be inside the waste toner container 110. The auger 150 may be in a horizontal direction with respect to the waste toner container 110 to disperse the waste toner in a horizontal direction of the waste toner container 110.

[67] The auger 150 may be rotatably installed inside the waste toner container 110 to induce the waste toner collected inside the waste toner container 110 to be flattened. For example, the waste toner introduced into the inner space of the waste toner container 110 through the waste toner container inlet 111 may be dispersed (e.g., evenly dispersed) in the horizontal direction of the waste toner container 110. [68] In some instances, the inner space of the waste toner container

110 may be divided into a collection region 140, which is a main accommodation space of the waste toner, and a waste toner detection region

130 formed at one side of the inner space of the waste toner container 110.

[69] The waste toner container inlet 111, in some examples, may be at a position corresponding to the collection region 140 in the w'aste toner container 110. In some instances, the waste toner detection region 130 may be positioned in an opposite direction of the position where the waste toner container inlet 111 is formed.

[70] The waste toner generated in the image forming apparatus 1 may be introduced into the collection region 140 through the waste toner container inlet 111 and may be distributed in the horizontal direction inside the waste toner container 110 and introduced into the waste toner detection region 130 through an operation of the auger 150.

[71] In some examples, the waste toner loaded in the collection region 140 may be distributed (e.g., evenly distributed) in the horizontal direction of the waste toner container 110 by the auger 150, and responsive to the waste toner being accumulated at a preset height in the collection region

140, the waste toner loaded in the collection region 140 may be introduced into the waste toner detection region 130 by the auger 150. For example, when the waste toner is accumulated at the preset height in the collection region 140, the waste toner may be loaded in the waste toner detection region 130 to be in proportion to an amount of waste toner accommodated in the collection region 140.

[72] In some examples, it may be determined whether or not the waste toner container 110 is foil by detecting the amount of waste toner accumulated in the waste toner detection region 130.

[73] The image forming apparatus 1, in some examples, may include a sensor to detect the amount of waste toner. The sensor may confirm whether or not the waste toner container 110 is in a full state by detecting the amount of waste toner accumulated in the waste toner container 110.

[74] For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may include a sensor 132 to detect the amount of waste toner loaded in the waste toner detection region 130. In such examples, the sensor 132 may be inside the waste toner detection region 130 or may be adjacent to the waste toner detection region 130.

[75] The waste toner detection region 130 may be positioned on an opposite side to the waste toner container inlet 111. For example, the sensor

132 inside or adjacent to the waste toner detection region 130 can be positioned farthest from a point where the waste toner is introduced, so that a larger amount of waste toner may be accommodated in the waste toner container 110.

[76] In some examples, a light window (not illustrated) capable of passing light into the waste toner detection region 130 therethrough may be formed on one side of the waste toner detection region 130 corresponding to a position of the sensor 132. In such examples, the light generated from the sensor 132 may be irradiated into the waste toner detection region 130 through the light window, and the sensor 132 may sense the amount of waste toner loaded in the waste toner detection region 130.

[77] The sensor 132, in some instances, may be in a position connected to the light window of the waste toner collection device 100, outside the waste toner collection device 100.

[78] For example, the sensor 132 may not be installed in the waste toner collection device 100, which is a consumable and replaced whenever the waste toner is full. In such examples a manufacturing cost of the waste toner collection device 100 may be reduced.

[79] The waste toner detection region 130 may include a tight member (not illustrated) guiding the light passing through the light window to a preset region inside the waste toner detection region 130.

[80] The sensor 132 according to an example may be an optical sensor having a light emitting element 132-1 and a light receiving element

132-2.

[81] In some examples, the tight emitting element 132-1 may be at a position corresponding to the tight member, and the tight emitting element

132-1 can irradiate light to the light member. The light emitted from the light emitting element 132-1 may be incident on the tight receiving element 132-2 adjacent to the light emitting element 132-1.

[82] In sudi examples, when the waste toner is accumulated at a preset height or higher in the waste toner detection region 130, the light emitted from the light emitting element 132-1 may be partially blocked by the waste toner, such that an amount of light incident on the light receiving element 132-2 is reduced. When the amount of light detected by the light receiving element 132-2 fells to a predetermined criterion or less, it may be determined that the waste toner container 110 is in a full state. In such examples, a notification may be sent to the user to replace the waste toner collection device 100.

[83] In some instances, the sensor 132 may be at a preset height of the waste toner detection region 130. For example, the sensor 132 may be at an upper side of the waste toner detection region 130. In such examples, malfunctions such as the sensor 132 detecting the waste toner before the waste toner detection region 130 is full may be reduced (e.g., prevented).

[84] The waste toner detection region 130 may be opened and closed (e.g., selectively opened and closed) by the shutter 120. For example, the shutter 120 may open and close the waste toner detection region 130 in an example where the waste toner container 110 moves in a first direction or a second direction. The shutter 120 may open and close the waste toner detection region 130 in a sliding manner.

[85] In some examples, the shutter 120 may open the waste toner detection region 130 responsive to the waste toner collection device 100 being mounted in the image forming apparatus 1 and close the waste toner detection region 130 when the waste toner collection device 100 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1.

[86] Referring to FIG. 3, the shutter 120 may open the waste toner detection region 130 in an example where the waste toner container 110 moves in a PI direction in which the waste toner collection device 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1. The shutter 120 may close the waste toner detection region 130 in an example where the waste toner container 110 moves in a P2 direction in which the waste toner collection device 100 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1.

[87] A detailed description for an opening and closing operation of the waste toner detection region 130 by the shutter 120 is described further herein.

[88] The stopper 200, in some examples, may be above the waste toner collection device 100. FIG. 3 illustrates an example disposition relationship between the waste toner collection device 100 and the stopper

200 when the waste toner collection device 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1.

[89] In some examples, as the waste toner collection device 100 moves in a horizontal direction at the time detachment from the image forming apparatus 1, a relative disposition relationship between the waste toner collection device 100 and the stopper 200 may be changed, and the stopper 200 may guide a movement of the shutter 120. A detailed description for an operation of the stopper 200 guiding the shutter 120 is described further herein.

[90] FIGS. 4A to 6C are views for describing an operation of the shutter 120 of the waste toner collection device 100 according to an example.

[91] Hereinafter, opening and closing the waste toner detection region 130 by the shutter 120 according to the movement of the waste toner collection device 100 according to an example are described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4Ato 6C.

[92] FIGS. 4A to 6C are cross-sectional views taken along positions corresponding to line I-I of FIG. 3.

[93] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views for describing an operation of the shutter 120 when the waste toner collection device 100 according to an example is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1. FIGS.

4A and 4B are views illustrating a process in which the waste toner collection device 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1 in a time series manner.

[94] Referring to FIG. 4A, the inner space of the waste toner container 110 may be divided into the collection region 140 and the waste toner detection region 130.

[95] FIG. 4A illustrates an example where the shutter 120 closes the waste toner detection region, and the waste toner is loaded in the collection region 140 before the waste toner container 110 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1.

[96] The waste toner container 110 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 to mount the waste toner container 110 in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the waste toner container 110 may be moved in the PI direction to mount the waster toner container 110 in the image forming apparatus 1.

[97] In some examples, the shutter 120 may include a protruding member 121 protruding outward of the waste toner container 110. In such examples, as the waste toner container 110 moves in the PI direction, the protruding member 121 may come into contact with a shutter opening member 11 whose position is fixed to the image forming apparatus 1.

[98] In some examples, when the waste toner container 110 moves in the PI direction, the shutter opening member 11 can apply a force to the protruding member 121 in an opposite direction to the PI direction. For example, referring to FIG. 4B, the shutter opening member 11 may open the waste toner detection region 130 by pushing the shutter 120 that closed the waste toner detection region 130 in the opposite direction to the PI direction.

[99] In some examples, the waste toner accumulated in the collection region 140 may be biased (e.g., instantaneously biased) toward the waste toner detection region 130 due to an impact in mounting of the waste toner container 110. In such examples the shutter 120 may stop the waste toner from being introduced into the waste toner detection region 130 due to the impact by pushing the waste toner in an opposite direction to a direction in which the waste toner moves while opening the waste toner detection region 130.

[100] In response to the waste toner container 110 being mounted in the image forming apparatus 1 as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the waste toner may be introduced into the opened waste toner detection region 130 in some instances.

[101] For example, in response to a preset amount of waste toner being loaded in the collection region 140, a part of the loaded waste toner may be dispersed due to an operation of the auger 150 introduced into the waste toner detection region 130.

[102] In some examples, the waste toner is introduced into the waste toner detection region 130, and in response, the sensor 132 may detect that the waste toner container 110 is in a foil state.

[103] FIGS. 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views for describing an operation of the shutter 120 when the waste toner collection device 100 according to an example is separated from the image forming apparatus 1.

FIGS. 5A to 5C are views illustrating a process in which the waste toner collection device 100 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1 in a time series manner. [104] FIG. 5A illustrates an example where the shutter 120 opens the waste toner detection region 130. In such an example, the waste toner container 110 is not full after the waste toner container 110 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1.

[105] In some instances, the waste toner container 110 may be separated from the image forming apparatus 1. For example, referring to

FIGS. 5A to 5C, the waste toner container 110 may be moved in the P2 direction to separate the waster toner container 110 from the image forming apparatus 1.

[106] In some examples, the shutter 120 may include the protruding member 121 protruding outward of the waste toner container 110. As the waste toner container 110 moves in the P2 direction, the protruding member

121 may come into contact with the stopper 200 whose position is fixed to the image forming apparatus 1.

[107] In some instances, when the waste toner container 110 moves in the P2 direction, the stopper 200 can apply a force to the protruding member 121 in an opposite direction to the P2 direction. In such examples, referring to FIG. 5B, the stopper 200 may close the waste toner detection region 130 by pushing the shutter 120 that has opened the waste toner detection region 130 in the opposite direction to the P2 direction. Responsive to the waste toner detection region 130 being closed, the shutter 120 may escape from a structure in contact with the stopper 200 to move together with the movement of the waste toner container 110.

[108] For instance, referring to FIG. 5C, in an example where the waste toner container 110 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1, the waste toner detection region 130 can be closed by the shutter 120. Even though, in some examples, the waste toner container 110 is inclined or external impact is applied to the waste toner container 110, the waste toner may not be introduced into the waste toner detection region 130.

[109] In examples where the waste toner collection device 100 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1, the waste toner may not be introduced into the waste toner detection region 130 where the sensor 132 detecting the amount of waste toner is positioned. In such examples, instances of the waste toner container 110 being mistakenly detected to be foil when the waste toner container 110 is actually not foil may be reduced.

[HO] FIGS. 6A to 6C are cross-sectional views for describing an operation of the shutter 120 when the waste toner collection device 100 according to an example is separated from the image forming apparatus 1 in an example where the waster toner is full in the waste toner collection device

100. FIGS. 6Ato 6C are views illustrating a process in which the waste toner collection device 100 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1 in a time series manner.

[HI] FIG. 6A illustrates a state where the shutter 120 opens the waste toner detection region 130, the waste toner container 110 is foil, and the waste toner container 110 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1.

[112] In some examples, the waste toner container 110 may be separated from the image forming apparatus 1 by moving the waste toner container 110 in the P2 direction to replace the waste toner container 110 in the full state.

[113] The shutter 120, in some examples, may include the protruding member 121 protruding outward of the waste toner container 110, and as the waste toner container 110 moves in the P2 direction, the protruding member 121 may come into contact with the stopper 200 whose position is fixed to the image forming apparatus 1.

[114] In such examples, when the waste toner container 110 moves in the P2 direction, the stopper 200 may apply a force to the protruding member 121 in an opposite direction to the P2 direction. In response, referring to FIG. 6B, the stopper 200 may close the waste toner detection region 130 by pushing the shutter 120 that opened the waste toner detection region 130 in the opposite direction to the P2 direction.

[115] In such examples, the shutter 120 can close the waste toner detection region 130 while pushing the waste toner loaded in the vicinity of the waste toner detection region 130 into the waste toner detection region 130 and can seal the waste toner inside the waste toner detection region 130.

[116] In an example where tire waste toner container 110 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1, the shutter 120 can close the waste toner detection region 130 such that the waste toner from may not be introduced into the waste toner detection region 130 and the waste toner loaded inside the waste toner detection region 130 may not flow out to the outside of the waste toner detection region 130.

[117] Referring to FIG. 6C, in examples in which the waste toner is biased toward the P2 direction by inclining the waste toner container 110 or by applying impact to the waste toner container 110 from the outside, the waste toner in the waste toner detection region 130 may not flow out to the outside of the waste toner detection region 130.

[118] For instance, in examples where the waste toner collection device 100 in the fell state is separated from the image forming apparatus 1, the waste toner that has been already loaded in the waste toner detection region 130 where the sensor 132 detecting the amount of waste toner is positioned may not flow out to the outside of the waste toner detection region

130. In such examples, instances of the waste toner container 110 being mistakenly detected to be full when the waste toner container 110 is actually not full may be reduced.

[119] FIGS. 7A to 9C are views for describing an operation of a shutter 120 of a waste toner collection device 100 according to another example.

[120] Hereinafter, an operation of opening and closing a waste toner detection region 130 and an auxiliary detection region 160 by the shutter 120 according to the movement of the waste toner collection device 100 according to an example is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7Ato

9C. A description overlapping with that of the example described above is omitted.

[121] FIGS. 7A to 9C are cross-sectional views taken along positions corresponding to line I-I of FIG. 3.

[122] FIGS. 7A to 7C are cross-sectional views for describing an operation of the shutter 120 when the waste toner collection device 100 according to another example is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1.

[123] Referring to FIG. 7A, an inner space of a waste toner container 110 may be divided into a collection region 140, the waste toner detection region 130, and the auxiliary detection region 160. The collection region 140 and the auxiliary detection region 160 may be partitioned from each other with a partition 133 interposed therebetween, and the auxiliary detection region 160 and the waste toner detection region 130 may be connected to each other.

[124] In some examples, when the shutter 120 opens the waste toner detection region 130, a waste toner loaded in tire collection region 140 may be introduced into the waste toner detection region 130 and the auxiliary detection region 160.

[125] The waste toner detection region 130, in some instances, may be positioned at an upper side of an inner portion of the waste toner container 110. In such examples, the auxiliary detection region 160 may be positioned below the waste toner detection region 130. For instance, in an example where the shutter 120 opens the waste toner detection region 130, the waste toner introduced from the collection region 140 may be first loaded in the auxiliary detection region 160.

[126] FIG. 7A illustrates an example where the shutter 120 closes the waste toner detection region 130, and the waste toner is loaded in the collection region 140 before the waste toner container 110 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1.

[127] In some examples, the waste toner container 110 may be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 to mount the waste toner container 110 in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, referring to

FIGS. 7A to 7C, the waste toner container 110 may be moved in the PI direction to mount the waster toner container 110 in the image forming apparatus 1.

[128] In some examples, the shutter 120 may include a protruding member 121 protruding outward of the waste toner container 110. In such examples, as the waste toner container 110 moves in the PI direction, the protruding member 121 may come into contact with a guide member 210 of a stopper 200 whose position is fixed to the image forming apparatus 1.

[129] In some instances, when the waste toner container 110 moves in the PI direction, the guide member 210 can apply a force to the protruding member 121 in an opposite direction to the PI direction. For example, referring to FIG. 7B, the stopper 200 can open the waste toner detection region 130 by pushing the shutter 120 that has closed the waste toner detection region 130 in the opposite direction to the PI direction. Responsive to the waste toner detection region 130 being opened, the shutter 120 may escape from a structure in contact with the stopper 200 to move together with the movement of the waste toner container 110.

[130] In some examples, the waste toner accumulated in the collection region 140 may be biased toward the waste toner detection region

130 due to an impact in a process of mounting the waste toner container 110.

In such examples, waste toner introduced into the waste toner detection region 130 due to the impact can be reduced by the shutter 120 pushing the waste toner in an opposite direction to a direction in which the waste toner moves while opening the waste toner detection region 130.

[131] In some instances, referring to FIG. 7C, responsive to the waste toner container 110 being mounted in the image forming apparatus 1, the waste toner may be introduced into the waste toner detection region 130 and the auxiliary detection region 160 through the opened waste toner detection region 130.

[132] In some examples, when the waste toner is accumulated at a preset height in tire waste toner detection region 130, the sensor 132 may detect that the w'aste toner container 110 is in a foil state. Referring to FIG. 7C, the waste toner may be loaded up to a height at which the sensor 132 is positioned, and the sensor 132 may detect that the waste toner container 110 is in the full state.

[133] FIGS. 8A to 8C are cross-sectional views for describing an operation of the shutter 120 when the waste toner collection device 100 according to another example is separated from the image forming apparatus

1.

[134] FIG. 8A illustrates an example where the shutter 120 opens the waste toner detection region 130, and the waste toner container 110 is not full responsive to the waste toner container 110 being mounted in the image forming apparatus 1.

[135] In some examples, the waste toner container 110 may be separated from the image forming apparatus 1 by moving the waste toner container 110 in the P2 direction.

[136] As the waste toner container 110 moves in the P2 direction, the protruding member 121 may come into contact with the guide member

210 of the stopper 200 whose position is fixed to the image forming apparatus 1.

[13η In some examples, when the waste toner container 110 moves in the P2 direction, the guide member 210 can apply a force to the protruding member 121 in an opposite direction to the P2 direction. In such examples, referring to FIG. 8B, the stopper 200 may close the waste toner detection region 130 by pushing the shutter 120 that has opened the waste toner detection region 130 in the opposite direction to the P2 direction. In such examples, the shutter 120 may be in close contact with the partition 133, such that the auxiliary detection region 160 may also be closed. Responsive to the waste toner detection region 130 being closed, the shutter 120 may escape from a structure in contact with the stopper 200 to move together with the movement of the waste toner container 110.

[138] For instance, referring to FIG. 8C, in an example where the waste toner container 110 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1, the waste toner detection region 130 and the auxiliary detection region 160 may be closed by the shutter 120. For instance, even though the waste toner container 110 is inclined or impact is applied to the waste toner container

110, the waste toner may not be introduced into the waste toner detection region 130. In such examples, instances of the waste toner container 110 being mistakenly detected to be foil when the waste toner container 110 is actually not foil may be reduced.

[139] FIGS. 9A to 9C are cross-sectional views for describing an operation of the shutter 120 when the waste toner collection device 100 according to another example is separated from the image forming apparatus

1 in an example where the waster toner is full in the waste toner collection device 100.

[140] FIG. 9A illustrates an example w'here the shutter 120 opens the waste toner detection region 130, and the waste toner container 110 is full and is mounted in the image harming apparatus 1.

[141] In some examples, the waste toner container 110 may be separated from the image forming apparatus 1 by moving the waste toner container 110 in the P2 direction in order to replace the waste toner container

110 in the foil state.

[142] In some examples, as the waste toner container 110 moves in the P2 direction, the protruding member 121 may come into contact with the guide member 210 of the stopper 200 whose position is fixed to the image harming apparatus 1.

[143] In some instances, when the waste toner container 110 moves in the P2 direction, the guide member 210 can apply a force to the protruding member 121 in the opposite direction to the P2 direction. In such examples. referring to FIG. 9B, the stopper 200 may close the waste toner detection region 130 and the auxiliary detection region 160 by pushing the shutter 120 that opened the waste toner detection region 130 in the opposite direction to the P2 direction.

[144] In such examples, the shutter 120 can close the waste toner detection region 130 while pushing the waste toner loaded in the vicinity of the waste toner detection region 130 into the waste toner detection region

130. This can seal the waste toner inside the waste toner detection region 130 and the auxiliary detection region 160. [145] In an example where the waste toner container 110 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1, the shutter 120 can close the waste toner detection region 130 to stop the waste toner from being introduced into the waste toner detection region 130 and stop the waste toner loaded inside the waste toner detection region 130 and the auxiliary detection region 160 from flowing out to the outside of the waste toner detection region

130 and the auxiliary' detection region 160.

[146] Referring to FIG. 9C, in some examples when the waste toner is biased toward the P2 direction by inclining the waste toner container 110 or applying impact to the waste toner container 110 from the outside, the waste toner in the waste toner detection region 130 and the auxiliary detection region 160 may not flow out to the outside of the waste toner detection region 130 and the auxiliary detection region 160.

[14η In examples where the waste toner collection device 100 in the full state is separated from the image forming apparatus 1 , instances of the waste toner container 110 being mistakenly detected to be frill when the waste toner container 110 is actually not full may be reduced.

[148] Hereinabove, the present disclosure has been described as an illustrative method. It is to be understood that terms used herein are provided in order to describe the present disclosure rather than limiting the present disclosure. Various modifications and alternations of the present disclosure may be made according to the contents described above. Therefore, the present disclosure may be freely practiced without departing from the scope of the claims unless additionally mentioned.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A waste toner collection device detachable from an image forming apparatus, comprising: a waste toner container including a collection region and a waste toner detection region in the collection region to detect an amount of collected waste toner by a sensor; and a shutter to open and close the waste toner detection region based on whether or not the waste toner collection device is detached.

2. The waste toner collection device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the shutter to: open the waste toner detection region responsive to the waste toner collection device being mounted in the image forming apparatus; and close the waste toner detection region responsive to the waste toner collection device being separated from the image forming apparatus.

3. The waste toner collection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waste toner detection region is positioned at an upper side of an inner portion of the waste toner container.

4. The waste toner collection device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: the waste toner container including a partition to partition a lower region of the waste toner detection region from the collection region; and the shutter to open and close the waste toner detection region together with the partition.

5. The waste toner collection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the waste toner container includes a waste toner container inlet to introduce the waste toner generated in the image forming apparatus into the waste toner container; and the waste toner detection region is positioned in an opposite direction to a position where the waste toner container inlet is formed.

6. A waste toner collection device detachable from an image forming apparatus, comprising: a waste toner container including a collection region and a waste toner detection region in the collection region to detect an amount of collected waste toner by a sensor; a shutter to open and close the waste toner detection region based on whether or not the waste toner collection device is detached; and a light window formed in the waste toner detection region to pass light of an external sensor therethrough to sense an amount of waste toner accommodated in the waste toner detection region.

7. The waste toner collection device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the waste toner detection region includes a light member to guide the light of the external sensor to a preset region inside the waste toner detection region responsive to the light of the external sensor passing through the light window.

8. The waste toner collection device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising the shutter to open and close the waste toner detection region in a sliding manner.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing engine to form an image using a toner; a waste toner collection device to collect a waste toner generated in the printing engine; and a sensor, wherein the waste toner collection device includes: a waste toner container including a collection region and a waste toner detection region in the collection region to detect an amount of collected waste toner by the sensor; and a shutter to open and close the waste toner detection region based on whether or not the waste toner collection device is detached.

10. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the shutter to: open the waste toner detection region responsive to the waste toner collection device being mounted in the image forming apparatus; and close the waste toner detection region responsive to the waste toner collection device being separated from the image forming apparatus.

11. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the shutter to: open the waste toner detection region by coming into contact with a stopper provided in the image forming apparatus responsive to the waste toner collection device being connected to the image forming apparatus, and close the waste toner detection region responsive to the waste toner collection device being separated from the image forming apparatus.

12. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the shutter to open and close the waste toner detection region in a sliding manner.

13. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the waste toner detection region is positioned at an upper side of an inner portion of the waste toner container.

14. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising: the waste toner container including a partition to partition a lower region of the waste toner detection region from the collection region; and the shutter to open or close a region partitioned by the partition by opening and closing the waste toner detection region.

15. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sensor comprises: a light emitting element to irradiate light to an inner portion of the waste toner detection region, and a light receiving element adjacent to the light emitting element to receive light reflected from the waste toner detection region.