WO2022138315A1 - Cartouche à tambour - Google Patents

Cartouche à tambour Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022138315A1
WO2022138315A1 PCT/JP2021/045979 JP2021045979W WO2022138315A1 WO 2022138315 A1 WO2022138315 A1 WO 2022138315A1 JP 2021045979 W JP2021045979 W JP 2021045979W WO 2022138315 A1 WO2022138315 A1 WO 2022138315A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toner
auger
developing container
drum cartridge
developer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2021/045979
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
裕ブン 王
Original Assignee
ブラザー工業株式会社
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.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ブラザー工業株式会社 filed Critical ブラザー工業株式会社
Priority to CN202180087024.3A priority Critical patent/CN116745703A/zh
Publication of WO2022138315A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022138315A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • 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
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a drum cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus.
  • Patent Document 1 a device including a main body housing and a drum cartridge is known (Patent Document 1).
  • the drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a developing container containing a developing agent having toner and a carrier, a developing roller that supplies the developing agent in the developing container to the photosensitive drum, and an auger capable of transporting the developing agent in the developing container.
  • a toner sensor that detects the concentration of toner with respect to the developer in the developing container.
  • the toner sensor is located on the bottom of the developing container. Since the developer accumulates on the bottom surface of the developing container, the toner sensor is located under the auger, that is, on the bottom surface of the developing container, so that the toner sensor can easily detect the toner concentration.
  • Patent Document a configuration including a main body housing, a drum cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body housing, and a toner cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the drum cartridge.
  • the drum cartridge can be moved between a storage position located in the main body housing and a drawer position pulled out from the main body housing.
  • the drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a developing container for accommodating toner, a developing roller for supplying the toner in the developing container to the photosensitive drum, and an auger capable of transporting the toner in the developing container.
  • the developing container has a replenishment port that allows the toner in the toner cartridge to pass through. The supply port is located above the auger.
  • the toner sensor may overlap with the replenishment port of the developing container in the vertical direction. In this case, since the replenished toner and the developer existing in the developing container are not sufficiently agitated, the toner sensor may not be able to accurately detect the toner concentration.
  • the present disclosure accurately detects the toner concentration with respect to the developer in a drum cartridge having a toner sensor for detecting the toner concentration with respect to the developer and a supply port for allowing the toner in the toner cartridge to pass through. The purpose.
  • the present disclosure for achieving the above object is a drum cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body housing of the image forming apparatus in the first direction, and the drum cartridge is in the second direction intersecting the first direction.
  • a photosensitive drum that can rotate about the extending first axis, a frame to which a toner cartridge capable of accommodating toner in the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction can be attached and detached, and a developer containing the toner and a carrier are accommodated.
  • a first auger that is rotatable about a third axis extending in the second direction and capable of transporting the developer in the developing container in the second direction, with respect to the magnetic roller in the third direction. It is provided with a first auger located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum and a toner sensor capable of detecting the toner concentration of the developer in the developing container.
  • the developing container is a replenishment port capable of replenishing the toner in the toner cartridge with the toner cartridge mounted on the developing unit, and is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum with respect to the first auger in the third direction. It is a supply port and has a supply port located at one end of the developing container in the second direction.
  • the toner sensor is located between the photosensitive drum and the first auger in the third direction and at the other end of the developing container in the second direction.
  • the toner sensor can detect the toner concentration of the developer after the toner replenished from the replenishment port and the developer existing in the developing container are sufficiently agitated.
  • the drum cartridge is a second auger located in the developing container at a distance from the first auger in the first direction, and is a second auger capable of stirring the developer in the developing container in the second direction.
  • the magnetic roller Is located below the first and second augers, the size of the drum cartridge in the first direction is smaller compared to the configuration in which the magnetic rollers are located next to the first and second augers.
  • the developing container is a partition wall located between the first auger and the second auger in the first direction, and has a partition wall extending in the second direction, and the partition wall is conveyed by the second auger.
  • the first auger is capable of transporting the developer to the second auger via the supply opening and the second auger is capable of transporting the developer to the first auger via the recovery opening.
  • the toner sensor may be configured to be located between the supply opening and the recovery opening in the second direction.
  • the toner sensor can detect the toner concentration of the developer circulating by the first auger and the second auger.
  • the toner sensor can be configured to be located closer to the first auger than the second auger.
  • the first auger conveys the developer in the developing container from the collection opening toward the supply opening in the second direction
  • the second auger conveys the developer in the developing container from the supply opening toward the collection opening in the second direction.
  • the developer in the developing container is conveyed, and the toner sensor can be configured to be located between the replenishment port and the toner sensor in the third direction.
  • the supply port can be configured to have a supply port located closer to the recovery opening than the supply opening in the second direction.
  • the replenishment port is located near the collection opening, the distance between the developer recovered at the recovery opening and the toner replenished from the replenishment port is lengthened before reaching the supply opening. be able to.
  • the drum cartridge is provided with a blade that regulates the layer thickness of the developer on the magnetic roller, and the blade can be configured to be located between the photosensitive drum and the toner sensor in the third direction.
  • the toner sensor and the blade are both located below the first auger in the third direction, so that the size of the drum cartridge in the first direction is such that the toner sensor or blade is next to the first auger. It is smaller than when it is located.
  • the drum cartridge is a blade mounting member to which a blade is mounted, and includes a blade mounting member to be mounted on the developing container.
  • the blade mounting member is a first portion to which the blade is mounted and a first in a third direction. It has a second portion bent in a direction approaching the toner sensor from the portion, and the length of the first portion in the second direction is longer than the length of the blade in the second direction, and the length of the second portion in the second direction is longer. The length can be shorter than the length of the blade in the second direction.
  • the toner sensor can be positioned so as not to interfere with the second part of the blade mounting member.
  • the blade mounting member can be configured to be made of metal.
  • the blade mounting member facilitates positioning of the blade with respect to the magnetic roller.
  • the drum cartridge can be configured to include an insulating sheet that covers the toner sensor.
  • the influence of the toner sensor on the detection accuracy received from the conductive blade mounting member can be reduced.
  • the toner sensor can be a magnetic permeability sensor.
  • the toner sensor is a main body located outside the developing container, and is a detection unit capable of contacting the main body attached to the developing container and the developer in the developing container, and is a detection unit capable of detecting magnetic permeability. And can be configured to have.
  • the toner sensor detects the magnetic permeability, so that the image forming apparatus can detect the ratio of the toner and the carrier in the developing container.
  • the drum cartridge when mounted on the image forming apparatus, it is a relay board that electrically connects the connector to the image forming apparatus and the toner sensor to the connector, and is a signal detected by the toner sensor.
  • the wiring between the main body and the drum cartridge can be simplified as compared with the case where the toner sensor is electrically connected to the main body directly.
  • the toner sensor since the toner sensor is located at a position away from the replenishment port, the toner sensor detects a developed image in which the replenished toner and the developer existing in the developing container are sufficiently agitated. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the toner concentration of the developer.
  • the direction in which the drum cartridge 50 is attached to and detached from the main body housing 10 is defined as the first direction.
  • the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 51 is defined as the second direction.
  • the first direction intersects the second direction.
  • the angle between the first direction and the second direction is in the range of 80 ° to 100 °. More preferably, the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction.
  • the direction in which the toner cartridge TC is attached to and detached from the developing unit is defined as the third direction.
  • the third direction intersects the second direction.
  • the angle between the third direction and the second direction is in the range of 80 ° to 100 °.
  • the third direction is orthogonal to the second direction. Further, the third direction intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the angle between the third direction and the first direction is in the range of 80 ° to 100 °. More preferably, the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction. That is, the third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction. More preferably, the third direction is orthogonal to the first and second directions.
  • one end side in the third direction is referred to as "upper”
  • the other end in the third direction is referred to as "lower”.
  • the toner cartridge TC is located above the first auger 63 and the magnetic roller 61 is located below the second auger 64.
  • the color printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus includes a main body housing 10, a sheet supply section 20, an image forming section 30, and a discharging section 90. ,
  • the control unit 100 is provided.
  • the main body housing 10 has an opening 10A, a front cover 11, and a main body connector 12.
  • the front cover 11 can move between an open position for opening the opening 10A and a closed position for closing the opening 10A. Specifically, the front cover 11 is rotatable between the open position and the closed position.
  • the main body connector 12 is located inside the main body housing 10. The main body connector 12 is electrically connected to the control unit 100.
  • the sheet supply unit 20 includes a supply tray 21 and a sheet transfer mechanism 22.
  • the supply tray 21 accommodates the sheet S.
  • the sheet transport mechanism 22 transports the sheet S from the supply tray 21 to the image forming unit 30.
  • the image forming unit 30 includes a scanner unit 40, a drum cartridge 50, four toner cartridge TCs, a transfer member 70, and a fixing device 80.
  • the scanner unit 40 includes a laser emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror, a lens, a reflecting mirror, and the like.
  • the scanner unit 40 emits a laser beam to the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the drum cartridge 50 can be moved in the first direction with respect to the main body housing 10 through the opening 10A.
  • the drum cartridge 50 can be moved in the first direction with respect to the main body housing 10 between the accommodation position located in the main body housing 10 and the drawer position pulled out from the main body housing 10.
  • the drum cartridge 50 is movably supported by the main body housing 10 between the accommodation position and the withdrawal position.
  • the drum cartridge 50 is removable from the color printer 1.
  • the drum cartridge 50 includes a plurality of photosensitive drums 51, a plurality of scorotron chargers 52, a plurality of cleaning rollers 53, a frame 59, a handle 501, a plurality of developing units 60, and a sheet. It has a guide 54 and a connector 55.
  • the drum cartridge 50 includes four photosensitive drums 51, four scorotron chargers 52, four cleaning rollers 53, a frame 59, a handle 501, four developing units 60, and a sheet guide 54. , And a connector 55.
  • Handle 501 is located at one end in the first direction. The user can grasp the handle 501 and pull out the drum cartridge 50.
  • the four developing units 60 are arranged in the first direction.
  • the plurality of photosensitive drums 51, the plurality of scorotron chargers 52, the plurality of cleaning rollers 53, and the plurality of developing units 60 form images having different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).
  • the plurality of photosensitive drums 51, the plurality of scorotron chargers 52, the plurality of cleaning rollers 53, and the plurality of developing units 60 have the same configuration except for the color of the developer that forms an image. .. Therefore, the following describes only one of the plurality.
  • the photosensitive drum 51 is rotatable with respect to the first axis X1 extending in the second direction.
  • the scorotron charger 52 is a charger that charges the photosensitive drum 51.
  • a charging roller may be used instead of the scorotron charging device 52.
  • the cleaning roller 53 is a roller that cleans the photosensitive drum 51.
  • a cleaning blade may be used instead of the cleaning roller 53.
  • the developing unit 60 is located between the toner cartridge TC and the photosensitive drum 51 in the third direction.
  • the developing unit 60 includes a magnetic roller 61, a developing container 62, a first auger 63, a second auger 64, and a blade 65.
  • the magnetic roller 61 is a roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the magnetic roller 61 has a magnetic shaft member 61A and a magnetic sleeve 61B.
  • magnetic shaft member 61A magnetic poles different in the circumferential direction are arranged in a predetermined pattern.
  • the magnetic shaft member 61A is, for example, a columnar member in which a plurality of permanent magnets are embedded.
  • the magnetic shaft member 61A is fixed to the developing container 62.
  • the magnetic sleeve 61B is made of, for example, a cylindrical member mainly made of a non-magnetic metal material.
  • the magnetic sleeve 61B is rotatable about the magnetic shaft member 61A.
  • the magnetic sleeve 61B holds the developer by the magnetic force of the magnetic shaft member 61A. Further, a developing voltage is applied to the magnetic sleeve 61B from the main body housing 10.
  • the magnetic roller 61 is located below the first auger 63 and the second auger 64, which will be described later, in the third direction.
  • the magnetic roller 61 is located between the toner cartridge TC and the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the magnetic sleeve 61B is rotatable about a second axis X2 extending in the second direction. That is, the magnetic roller 61 is rotatable about the second axis X2 extending in the second direction.
  • the magnetic roller 61 faces the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the magnetic roller 61 is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the developing container 62 is a container for accommodating toner which is a non-magnetic material and carriers which are magnetic materials.
  • the carrier is, for example, iron powder.
  • the developing container 62 has a supply port 62A.
  • the replenishment port 62A allows the toner to be replenished from the toner cartridge TC.
  • the supply port 62A is located on the opposite side of the magnetic roller 61 from the first auger 63 and the second auger 64 in the third direction.
  • the supply port 62A is located above the first auger 63 and the second auger 64. Specifically, the supply port 62A is located above the first auger 63.
  • the second axis X2 is located below the first auger 63 and the second auger 64. Specifically, the second axis X2 is located below the second auger 64.
  • the supply port 62A is located on one end side of the developing container 62 in the second direction.
  • the first auger 63 and the second auger 64 are located in the developing container 62.
  • the first auger 63 is rotatable about a third axis X3 extending in the second direction.
  • the second auger 64 is rotatable about a fourth axis X4 extending in the first direction.
  • the first auger 63 is located in the first direction at a distance from the second auger 64.
  • the first auger 63 is located closer to the supply port 62A than the second auger 64.
  • the blade 65 is a member that regulates the thickness of the toner layer on the magnetic roller 61.
  • the blade 65 is in non-contact with the magnetic roller 61.
  • the blade 65 is aligned with the magnetic roller 61 in the first direction.
  • the second axis X2 is located between the blade 65 and the first axis X1 in the second direction.
  • the sheet guide 54 is a guide that guides the sheet S toward the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the sheet guide 54 is aligned with the photosensitive drum 51 in the first direction.
  • the sheet guide 54 is located upstream of the four photosensitive drums 51 in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the magnetic roller 61 located most upstream in the transport direction of the sheet S is located between the seat guide 54 and the second auger 64 in the third direction.
  • the blade 65 located most upstream in the transport direction of the seat S is located between the seat guide 54 and the first auger 63 in the third direction.
  • the connector 55 is located on the outer surface of the drum cartridge 50. Specifically, the connector 55 is located on the outer surface of the frame that supports the developing unit 60.
  • the frame 59 has a removable toner cartridge that can store toner in the third direction.
  • the frame 59 has a developing container 62 capable of containing a developing agent containing toner and a carrier, which will be described later.
  • the four toner cartridge TCs have the same configuration except for the color of the developer to be accommodated. Therefore, the following describes only one of the plurality.
  • the toner cartridge TC contains toner that is a non-magnetic material. As shown in FIG. 3, the toner cartridge TC can be attached to or detached from the frame 59 of the drum cartridge 50. Specifically, the toner cartridge TC is removable in the third direction with respect to the frame 59 of the drum cartridge 50.
  • the toner cartridge TC has a toner memory TM.
  • the toner memory TM has a storage element capable of storing information and a contact contactable with the first electric contact 56 described later.
  • the toner memory TM stores the toner cartridge information regarding the toner cartridge TC.
  • the toner cartridge information is at least one of identification information that can identify each toner cartridge TC and toner life information of each toner cartridge TC.
  • the identification information is, for example, a serial number.
  • the toner life information is, for example, at least one of the cumulative rotation speed of the magnetic roller 61 or the first auger 63, the used dot count, and the remaining amount of toner.
  • the transfer member 70 is a member that transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 51 to the sheet S.
  • the transfer member 70 is located between the sheet supply unit 20 and the drum cartridge 50.
  • the transfer member 70 includes a drive roller 71, a driven roller 72, a transfer belt 73, and a transfer roller 74.
  • the drive roller 71 and the driven roller 72 are separated from each other in the first direction.
  • the drive roller 71 and the driven roller 72 support a conveyor belt 73 made of an endless belt.
  • the transfer roller 74 is located inside the transport belt 73.
  • the transfer roller 74 sandwiches the transport belt 73 with the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the fixing device 80 includes a heating roller 81 and a pressure roller 82.
  • the pressure roller 82 sandwiches the sheet S with the heating roller 81.
  • the series of operations when the image forming unit 30 performs image forming is as follows.
  • the scorotron charger 52 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. After that, the scanner unit 40 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the magnetic roller 61 supplies a developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 to form a developer image on the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the transport belt 73 transports the sheet S conveyed from the sheet supply unit 20 toward the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the transfer roller 74 transfers the developer image on the photosensitive drum 51 to the sheet S by pressing the sheet S sandwiched between the transport belt 73 and the photosensitive drum 51 toward the photosensitive drum 51 from the inside of the transport belt 73. do.
  • the fixing device 80 fixes the developer image to the sheet S by sandwiching the sheet S to which the developer image is transferred between the heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82.
  • the discharge unit 90 includes a plurality of transport rollers 91.
  • the transport roller 91 discharges the sheet S that has passed through the fuser to the outside of the main body housing 10.
  • the control unit 100 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, and an input / output circuit, and performs arithmetic processing based on information on a mounted cartridge, a program or data stored in the ROM, and the like, thereby performing arithmetic processing on the color printer 1. To control.
  • the connector 55 is electrically connected to the color printer 1 when the drum cartridge 50 is mounted on the color printer 1. Specifically, when the drum cartridge 50 is mounted on the main body housing 10, the connector 55 comes into contact with the main body connector 12 and is electrically connected to the main body connector 12. When the connector 55 is electrically connected to the main body connector 12 with the toner cartridge TC mounted on the drum cartridge 50, the control unit 100 acquires toner cartridge information from the toner memory TM or connects to the toner memory TM. Information can be written.
  • (2) Configuration of developing unit (2-1) Configuration of developing container 62 As shown in FIG. 5, the developing container 62 includes a first storage chamber 62B, a second storage chamber 62C, a partition wall 62D, and a supply opening.
  • the first accommodation chamber 62B is a space for accommodating the first auger 63.
  • the second accommodation chamber 62C is a space for accommodating the second auger 64.
  • the first containment chamber 62B and the second containment chamber 62C contain toner and carriers therein.
  • the partition wall 62D is a wall that separates the first storage chamber 62B and the second storage chamber 62C.
  • the partition wall 62D extends in the second direction.
  • the partition wall 62D is located between the first auger 63 and the second auger 64.
  • the supply opening 62E is located on the other end side of the partition wall 62D in the second direction.
  • the supply opening 62E is connected to the first storage chamber 62B and the second storage chamber 62C.
  • the supply opening 62E allows the transfer of toner and carrier from the first containment chamber 62B to the second containment chamber 62C.
  • the recovery opening 62F is located on one end side of the partition wall 62D in the second direction.
  • the recovery opening 62F is connected to the first storage chamber 62B and the second storage chamber 62C.
  • the collection opening 62F allows the transfer of toner and carrier from the second containment chamber 62C to the first containment chamber 62B.
  • the supply port 62A is connected to the first storage chamber 62B.
  • the supply port 62A is located closer to the recovery opening 62F than the supply opening 62E. Specifically, the distance from the supply port 62A to the supply opening 62E is larger than the distance from the supply port 62A to the recovery opening 62F.
  • (2-2) Configuration of First Auger 63 and Second Auger 64 The first auger 63 conveys toner and carriers from one end 60A of the developing container 62 in the second direction toward the other end 60B. In other words, the first auger 63 conveys toner and carriers from the recovery opening 62F toward the supply opening 62E.
  • the first auger 63 conveys the toner supplied from the supply port 62A to the first storage chamber 62B to the supply opening 62E together with the carrier. Further, the first auger 63 conveys the toner and the carrier supplied from the recovery opening 62F to the first storage chamber 62B to the supply opening 62E.
  • the developer conveyed to the supply opening 62E is conveyed from the first accommodation chamber 62B to the second accommodation chamber 62C via the supply opening 62E. In other words, the supply opening 62E allows the developer carried by the first auger 63 to move towards the second auger 64.
  • the first auger 63 does not come into contact with the detection unit 66B of the toner sensor 66, which will be described later. More specifically, in the first auger 63, the diameter of the first auger 63 in the first blade 63A, which is a blade existing in the vicinity of the detection unit 66B of the first auger 63, is changed to the diameter in other parts of the first auger 63. On the other hand, it is getting smaller.
  • the second auger 64 conveys toner and carriers from the other end 60B of the developing container 62 in the second direction toward one end 60A.
  • the second auger 64 conveys toner and carriers from the supply opening 62E toward the recovery opening 62F.
  • the second auger 64 conveys the toner supplied from the supply opening 62E to the second storage chamber 62C toward the other end in the second direction together with the carrier.
  • the developer conveyed in the second direction by the second auger 64 adheres to the surface of the magnetic roller 61 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 61.
  • the developer conveyed to the recovery opening 62F is conveyed from the second storage chamber 62C to the first storage chamber 62B via the recovery opening 62F.
  • the recovery opening 62F allows the developer carried by the second auger 64 to move towards the first auger 63.
  • the first auger 63 and the second auger are stirring at the same time as transporting the developer in the developing container 62.
  • the developer is triboelectrically charged.
  • first auger 63 and the second auger 64 can convey the toner and the carrier from the supply port 62A toward the magnetic roller 61. Further, the first auger 63 and the second auger 64 circulate the carrier and the toner in the developing container 62.
  • (2-3) Configuration of Blade 65 The blade 65 is made of metal. The blade 65 of this embodiment is made of stainless steel.
  • the blade 65 is integrally attached to the developing container 62 together with the blade mounting member 67. More specifically, the blade 65 is screwed to the developing container 62 in a state of being in contact with the first portion 67a of the blade mounting member 67. As a result, the blade 65 is mounted on the developing container 62 while being supported by the blade mounting member 67.
  • the blade 65 is located below the first auger 63.
  • the blade 65 is located below the second auger 64 in the third direction.
  • the blade 65 is located below the toner sensor 66. In other words, the blade 65 is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the toner sensor 66 in the third direction.
  • the blade mounting member 67 is located between the blade 65 and the developing container 62 in the third direction.
  • the blade mounting member 67 is made of metal.
  • the blade mounting member 67 of this embodiment is made of stainless steel.
  • the blade mounting member 67 has a first portion 67a and a second portion 67b bent from the first portion 67a.
  • the first portion 67a supports the blade 65.
  • the length of the first portion 67a in the second direction is longer than the length of the blade 65 in the second direction. Thereby, the blade mounting member 67 can come into contact with the entire blade 65 in the second direction to support the blade 65.
  • the second portion 67b is located between the blade 65 and the developing container 62 in a state where the blade mounting member 67 is attached to the developing container 62.
  • the second portion 67b covers between the blade 65 and the developing container 62.
  • the length of the second portion 67b in the second direction is shorter than the length of the blade 65 in the second direction.
  • the toner sensor 66 is exposed in the first direction when the blade mounting member 67 is mounted on the developing container 62.
  • the toner sensor 66 can detect the toner concentration in the developing container 62.
  • the signal detected by the toner sensor 66 is sent to the control unit 100.
  • the control unit 100 can determine the amount of toner in the developing container 62 from the signal sent from the toner sensor 66.
  • the toner sensor 66 of the present embodiment is a magnetic permeability sensor capable of detecting magnetic permeability. When the power supply voltage and the control voltage are applied, the magnetic permeability sensor outputs a voltage corresponding to the magnetic permeability of the detected object. In the case of this embodiment, the voltage value output by the toner sensor 66 changes according to the concentration of the toner in the developer.
  • the toner sensor 66 has a main body unit 66A, a detection unit 66B, and a sensor connector 66C.
  • the main body 66A is located outside the developing container. As shown in FIG. 9A, the main body 66A is attached to the developing container 62. More specifically, the main body 66A is attached to the developing container 62 with double-sided tape. As a result, the toner sensor 66 is attached to the developing container 62. The toner sensor 66 may be attached to the developing container 62 by screwing, an adhesive, or the like.
  • an insulating sheet 68 is attached to the main body 66A.
  • the insulating sheet 68 covers the entire main body 66A so that the main body 66A is not exposed.
  • the insulating sheet 68 has an end portion attached to the developing container and covers the entire side surface of the main body 66A facing the second direction and the entire bottom surface of the main body 66A facing the third direction.
  • a sticker (not shown) for preventing leakage of the developing material is attached to the insulating sheet 68.
  • the detection unit 66B protrudes from the main body unit 66A.
  • the detection unit 66B has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 6, the detection unit 66B enters the hole of the developing container 62 and comes into contact with the developing agent in the developing container 62. More specifically, the detection unit 66B comes into contact with the developer in the first storage chamber 62B. Therefore, the toner sensor 66 can detect the toner concentration of the developer being conveyed in the first storage chamber 62B. In other words, the toner sensor 66 can detect the toner concentration of the developer conveyed by the first auger 63.
  • the detection unit 66B of the toner sensor 66 detects the toner concentration in contact with the developer, it is desirable that a sufficient amount of the developer is present in the vicinity of the detection unit 66B.
  • the toner sensor 66 may not be able to accurately detect the toner concentration of the developer when there is not a sufficient amount of the developer in the vicinity of the detection unit 66B.
  • the toner sensor 66 in the present embodiment accurately detects the toner concentration of the developer when the developer is not present in a direction perpendicular to the detection surface of the detection unit 66B by 6 mm or more. May not be possible.
  • the developer in the developing container 62 is filled above the rotation axis of the first auger 63. Therefore, the toner sensor 66 may be arranged diagonally below the first auger 63 as long as there is a sufficient amount of the developer in the vicinity of the detection unit 66B.
  • the sensor connector 66C is electrically connected to the toner sensor 66 and the second electric contact 57 described later.
  • the voltage applied to the sensor connector 66C is applied to the circuits of the main body unit 66A and the detection unit 66B. Further, the signal detected by the toner sensor 66 is sent to the control unit 100 via the sensor connector 66C.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located below the first auger 63.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first auger 63 in the third direction.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located on the side opposite to the supply port 62A with respect to the first auger 63 in the third direction.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located below the developing container 62.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located below the second auger 64.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located closer to the first auger 63 than to the second auger 64.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located at the same end as the toner memory TM in the second direction. Specifically, the toner sensor 66 and the toner memory TM are both located on the other end side opposite to the supply item 62A in the second direction. As a result, the first electric contact 56 and the second electric contact 57, which will be described later, can be located at the same end.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located between the supply opening 62E and the recovery opening 62F in the second direction.
  • the toner sensor 66 detects the toner concentration of the developer carried by the first auger from the recovery opening 62F toward the supply opening 62E.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located on the other end side of the developing container 62 in the second direction, which is opposite to one end side. More specifically, the toner sensor 66 is located closer to the other end 60B than to the other end 60A. Therefore, the detection unit 66B is located on the other end side in the second direction. In other words, the toner sensor 66 is located closer to the supply opening 62E than to the recovery opening 62F.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located at a position away from the supply port 62A in the second direction. Specifically, the supply port 62A is located closer to the recovery opening 62F than the supply opening 62E, whereas the toner sensor 66 is located closer to the supply opening 62E than the recovery opening 62F. As a result, the toner sensor 66 can detect the toner concentration of the developer after the toner replenished at the replenishment port 62A and the developer existing in the developing container 62 are sufficiently agitated.
  • the distance between the blade mounting member 67 and the toner sensor 66 in the color printer 1 of the present embodiment is 5 mm or more.
  • the drum cartridge 50 has a third side plate W3, a fourth side plate W4, a front plate W5, and a rear plate W6.
  • the third side plate W3, the fourth side plate W4, the front plate W5, and the rear plate W6 are examples of the frame 59 to which the toner cartridge TC can be attached and detached.
  • the third side plate W3, the fourth side plate W4, the front plate W5, and the rear plate W6 are made of resin.
  • Each developing unit 60 is located between the third side plate W3 and the fourth side plate W4 in the second direction.
  • the front plate W5 is located on one end side of the third side plate W3 and the fourth side plate W4 in the first direction.
  • the rear plate W6 is located on the other end side of the third side plate W3 and the fourth side plate W4 in the first direction.
  • (3-2) Configuration of Relay Board 58 The drum cartridge 50 further includes a first electric contact 56, a second electric contact 57, a relay board 58, wiring CA1, and wiring CA2.
  • the drum cartridge 50 includes a plurality of first electric contacts 56.
  • Each first electric contact 56 corresponds to each of a plurality of toner memory TMs.
  • the first electric contacts 56 are located side by side in the second direction inside the fourth side plate W4.
  • the drum cartridge 50 includes a plurality of second electric contacts 57.
  • Each second electric contact 57 corresponds to each of the plurality of toner sensors 66.
  • the second electric contacts 57 are located side by side in the second direction inside the fourth side plate W4. When the drum cartridge 50 is mounted on the main body housing 10, the second electric contact 57 comes into contact with the output contact of the toner sensor 66, thereby being electrically connected to the toner sensor 66.
  • the relay board 58 is located on the inner surface of the rear plate W6 of the drum cartridge 50.
  • the relay board 58 has a drum memory 58M for storing drum cartridge information regarding the drum cartridge 50.
  • the drum memory 58M is located on the relay board.
  • the relay board 58 is electrically connected to the first electric contact 56 and the second electric contact 57 by the wiring CA1. Further, the relay board 58 is electrically connected to the connector 55 by the wiring CA2.
  • the relay board 58 electrically connects each toner sensor 66 and the connector 55.
  • the relay board 58 electrically connects each toner memory TM and the connector 55.
  • the drum memory 58M is electrically connected to the connector 55 by the wiring CA2.
  • the drum cartridge information is at least one of identification information that can identify the drum cartridge 50 and drum life information of the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the identification information is, for example, a serial number.
  • the drum life information is, for example, at least one of the cumulative rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 51, the cumulative number of prints using the photosensitive drum 51, and the cumulative dot count number using the photosensitive drum 51.
  • the signal detected by the toner sensor 66 is communicated to the control unit 100 of the color printer 1 via the relay board 58.
  • the toner cartridge information stored in the toner memory TM is communicated to the control unit 100 of the color printer 1 via the relay board 58.
  • the information stored in the drum memory 58M is communicated to the control unit 100 of the color printer 1.
  • the toner sensor 66 since the toner sensor 66 is located on the opposite side of the replenishment port 62A in the second direction, the toner supplied by the replenishment port 62A is the toner. While being conveyed to the sensor 66, it is stirred with the developer in the developing container 62. As a result, the toner sensor 66 can detect the toner concentration of the developer with less bias in the toner concentration, so that the detection accuracy is good.
  • the magnetic roller 61 is located below the first auger 63 and the second auger 64, the first direction of the drum cartridge 50 is compared with the configuration located next to the first auger 63 and the second auger 64. Can be further reduced in size. As a result, when the user pulls out the drum cartridge 50 in the first direction, the length that must be pulled out becomes small, so that it is easy to handle.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located between the supply opening 62E and the recovery opening 62F, it is possible to detect the toner concentration of the developer circulating in the developing container 62.
  • the toner sensor 66 is located closer to the first auger 63 than the second auger 64, it is possible to detect the toner concentration of the developer in the first storage chamber 62B which is not adjacent to the magnetic roller 61. As a result, the toner sensor 66 is less likely to be affected by the magnetic roller 61 as compared with the case of detecting the toner concentration of the developer in the second storage chamber 62C, so that the detection accuracy is good.
  • the drum cartridge 50 is located on the side of the drum cartridge 50 as compared to the case where the blade 65 or the toner sensor 66 is located on the side surface.
  • the size in the first direction becomes smaller. This reduces the length that the user must pull out when pulling out the drum cartridge 50 in the first direction.
  • the toner sensor 66 can be positioned between the blade mounting member 67 and the blade 65.
  • the bending of the second portion 67b allows the toner sensor 66 and the blade mounting member 67 to be positioned so as not to interfere with each other while maintaining the strength of the blade mounting member 67.
  • the blade mounting member 67 is made of metal, it has good strength and workability, so that the positioning accuracy with respect to the developing container 62 is good. As a result, the positioning accuracy with respect to the magnetic roller 61 is improved, and the distance between the blade 65 and the magnetic roller 61 becomes a distance at which the developer thickness on the magnetic roller 61 becomes an appropriate thickness.
  • the toner sensor 66 is covered with the insulating sheet 68, the influence of the blade mounting member 67, which is a conductive member, on the toner sensor 66 can be reduced. As a result, even if the toner sensor 66 is located between the blade mounting member 67 and the developing container 62, the toner sensor 66 can accurately detect the toner concentration of the developing agent.
  • the toner sensor 66 is a magnetic permeability sensor, it is possible to detect the magnetic permeability of the developer. As a result, in the color printer 1, even if the amount of carriers in the developing container 62 decreases as the color printer 1 is used, the ratio of the toner and the carriers in the developing container 62 becomes a preferable value. , Toner can be replenished from the toner cartridge TC. Therefore, since the ratio of the toner and the carrier in the developing container 62 can be kept constant, the amount of the developing agent developed from the magnetic roller 61 to the photosensitive drum 51 can be kept constant to some extent.
  • the toner sensor is a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic permeability, but may be a physical sensor that detects the amount of toner or stirring torque, and detects the transmitted light or reflectance of the toner. It may be an optical sensor.
  • the blade is made of metal, but it may be made of resin.
  • the drum cartridge has four developing units, but the number of developing units may be more or less than that. For example, there may be one developing unit. In that case, only one photosensitive drum is required.
  • the drum memory stores the drum cartridge information, but the information detected by the toner sensor may be stored. Further, the drum memory may store values related to calibration.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)

Abstract

L'objectif de la présente invention est de fournir une cartouche à tambour qui peut être installée en retrait d'un dispositif de formation d'image, ladite cartouche à tambour possède un contenant de développement qui peut recevoir un agent de développement, la densité de toner de l'agent de développement dans le contenant de développement pouvant être détectée avec précision. À cet effet, l'invention concerne une cartouche à tambour 50 qui peut être installée dans une imprimante couleur 1 ou retirée de celle-ci dans une première direction, ladite cartouche à tambour 50 comprenant : un tambour photosensible 51 qui peut tourner autour d'un premier axe qui s'étend dans une deuxième direction ; un contenant de développement 62 qui reçoit un agent de développement contenant du toner et un vecteur ; une première vis sans fin 63 positionnée à l'intérieur du contenant de développement 62, ladite première vis sans fin 63 étant apte à transporter l'agent de développement à l'intérieur du contenant de développement 62 dans la deuxième direction ; un rouleau magnétique 61 qui peut tourner autour d'un second axe qui s'étend dans la deuxième direction, le rouleau magnétique 61 étant apte à alimenter, avec l'agent de développement à l'intérieur du contenant de développement 62, le tambour photosensible 51 ; et un capteur de toner 66 apte à détecter la densité de toner de l'agent de développement.
PCT/JP2021/045979 2020-12-25 2021-12-14 Cartouche à tambour WO2022138315A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202180087024.3A CN116745703A (zh) 2020-12-25 2021-12-14 鼓盒

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2020216473A JP2022102014A (ja) 2020-12-25 2020-12-25 ドラムカートリッジ
JP2020-216473 2020-12-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022138315A1 true WO2022138315A1 (fr) 2022-06-30

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PCT/JP2021/045979 WO2022138315A1 (fr) 2020-12-25 2021-12-14 Cartouche à tambour

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JP (1) JP2022102014A (fr)
CN (1) CN116745703A (fr)
WO (1) WO2022138315A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100183341A1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2010-07-22 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Developing device, developing method, and image forming apparatus
JP2011133755A (ja) * 2009-12-25 2011-07-07 Brother Industries Ltd 現像装置
JP2011257488A (ja) * 2010-06-07 2011-12-22 Brother Ind Ltd トナーカートリッジおよび画像形成装置
JP2017167341A (ja) * 2016-03-16 2017-09-21 キヤノン株式会社 画像形成装置
JP2018045110A (ja) * 2016-09-15 2018-03-22 富士ゼロックス株式会社 現像装置および画像形成装置
JP2019174667A (ja) * 2018-03-28 2019-10-10 ブラザー工業株式会社 ドラムカートリッジおよび画像形成装置

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100183341A1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2010-07-22 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Developing device, developing method, and image forming apparatus
JP2011133755A (ja) * 2009-12-25 2011-07-07 Brother Industries Ltd 現像装置
JP2011257488A (ja) * 2010-06-07 2011-12-22 Brother Ind Ltd トナーカートリッジおよび画像形成装置
JP2017167341A (ja) * 2016-03-16 2017-09-21 キヤノン株式会社 画像形成装置
JP2018045110A (ja) * 2016-09-15 2018-03-22 富士ゼロックス株式会社 現像装置および画像形成装置
JP2019174667A (ja) * 2018-03-28 2019-10-10 ブラザー工業株式会社 ドラムカートリッジおよび画像形成装置

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JP2022102014A (ja) 2022-07-07

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