Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To improve the reliability of detection of the amount of toner remaining in a toner cartridge.SOLUTION: A control unit 60 is configured to notify information when a detection unit detects that a small amount of toner is discharged into a toner conveyance path or toner is not discharged and the amount of toner remaining in a second storage unit acquired by an acquisition unit is smaller than a predetermined amount, and not to notify information when the detection unit detects that a small amount of toner is discharged or toner is not discharged and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit is larger than the predetermined amount (S402, S408, S407).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a toner conveyance device.

Background Art

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles that form a toner image to perform image formation, a developer replenishing device is attached to the developing device in order to replenish the developer (toner) consumed by image formation. The developer replenishing device stores a certain amount of the developer taken out from the developer container in a storage unit (hopper), and operates the conveying means at a necessary timing to replenish the developer stored in the storage unit to the developing device. For example, in Patent Document 1, a configuration is proposed in which toner taken out from a developer container is stored in a small-capacity storage unit and conveyed to a developing device by a screw conveying mechanism at a necessary timing. Further, in Patent Document 1, an optical sensor is used to detect the amount of toner discharged into the storage unit, and the replenishment amount of toner from the storage unit to the developing device is controlled based on the detected toner amount information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described toner conveyance device, it is detected that the toner in the developing container has run out by detecting that the toner in the developer container is not discharged into the storage unit using an optical sensor. However, in this toner conveyance device, there may be a case where the user is notified that the toner in the developer container is out even when the toner in the developer container is not discharged into the storage unit due to toner clogging in the developer container.

[0005] This invention was made under these circumstances and aims to improve the reliability of toner level detection in toner cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has the following configuration. (1) An image forming apparatus having a developing cartridge, a toner cartridge, and a device body on which the developing cartridge and the toner cartridge can be independently attached and detached, wherein the developing cartridge is Developing roller and 、 A first storage section for storing toner to be carried on the developing roller. and, to have death , The main body of the aforementioned device is A toner transport path is provided with an opening for receiving toner, and the toner received from the opening is used for developing cartridge A toner transport path through which the toner passes when being transported toward, and provided in the toner transport path ,and, A transport member for transporting toner, death , The aforementioned Toner cartridge teeth The device comprises a second storage section provided with an outlet configured to communicate with the receiving section, and a discharge means for discharging the toner from the second storage section into the toner transport path via the outlet and the receiving section. death The main body of the device is Furthermore , a control unit configured to control the operation of the discharge means and the transport member, and the operating status of the discharge means, When the toner cartridge is not in use The second storage section first Based on the toner capacity and the remaining toner in the second storage section Information An acquisition unit that acquires the toner discharge status, and the toner discharge status that is discharged into the toner transport path via the receiving port while the discharge means is operating. Outputs a signal corresponding to the output. It has a detection unit and a notification unit that notifies information regarding the replacement of the toner cartridge, and the notification unit is the detection unit The signal output from is The amount of toner discharged into the toner transport path is small. state or The toner has not been ejected. It indicates the state, and, The remaining toner amount of the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit Information but , the remaining amount of toner Less than the specified amount This indicatesIn this case, the information is notified to the detection unit The signal output from is discharged into the toner transport path. The toner discharge amount is small state or No toner is discharged It indicates the state, and, The toner remaining amount in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit Information is , the remaining amount of toner more than the predetermined amount This indicates In this case, the image forming apparatus is configured not to notify the information.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the reliability of detecting the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus of the embodiment [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the configuration of the toner supply cartridge of the embodiment [Figure 3] Diagram for explaining the configuration of the cam gear, link mechanism, and pump of the embodiment [Figure 4] Diagram for explaining the configuration of the toner conveyance device of the embodiment [Figure 5] Diagram for explaining the upstream conveyance unit of the embodiment [Figure 6] Diagram for explaining the configuration of the toner conveyance device of the embodiment [Figure 7] Diagram for explaining the state at the time of toner emission from the toner supply cartridge of the embodiment [Figure 8] Diagram for explaining the behavior of the toner emitted from the toner supply cartridge of the embodiment [Figure 9] Diagram for explaining the recovery operation from toner clogging of the embodiment [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the process of toner remaining amount detection of the embodiment [Figure 11] Diagram for explaining the toner discharge state based on the light reception amount of the optical sensor unit of the embodiment [Figure 12] Diagram showing the relationship between the toner remaining amount and the toner discharge amount of the embodiment [Figure 13] Figure showing the pressure fluctuations of the supply motor in the normal speed and low speed of the embodiment

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Example

[0010] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus (apparatus main body) to which the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K that are image forming units for forming images with toner colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The configurations and operations of each process cartridge 6 are the same. In addition, Y, M, C, and K attached to the end of the reference numeral of the members constituting the process cartridge 6 indicate that the members are those with toner colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Similarly, Y, M, C, and K attached to the end of the reference numeral of the members other than the process cartridge 6 also indicate that the members are corresponding members to the process cartridge 6 with toner colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Hereinafter, unless referring to the members of a specific process cartridge 6, the description of Y, M, C, and K attached to the end of the reference numeral of the members will be omitted.

[0011] The process cartridge 6 (also called the image forming unit 6) of this embodiment includes a photosensitive drum 7, a charging device 8, a developing device 9 (developing unit), and a cleaning blade 10. The photosensitive drum 7 is rotatably supported by the frame of the image forming unit 6. The developing device 9 has a first storage section for storing toner and a developing roller 11 for carrying toner, and the developing roller 11 is configured to be able to contact and separate from the photosensitive drum 7. In the lower part of the image forming unit 6 shown in the figure, toner replenishment cartridges 13 are arranged corresponding to each color image forming unit 6. The toner transport device 14 transports and replenishes toner supplied from the toner replenishment cartridges 13 to the image forming unit 6 in accordance with the toner consumption in the image forming unit 6. In addition, a toner transport drive device 15 located in the lower part of the toner transport device 14 drives the toner transport device 14, thereby supplying toner to the image forming unit 6.

[0012] Next, an intermediate transfer unit 16 is provided at the top of the developing device 9 in the diagram. The intermediate transfer unit 16 has an intermediate transfer belt 18 and a plurality of tension rollers that tension the intermediate transfer belt 18, and is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The intermediate transfer belt 18 is a rotatable endless belt and is tensioned on a plurality of tension rollers. In addition, a primary transfer roller 19, which is a primary transfer member, is positioned opposite the photosensitive drum 7 of each image forming unit 6 via the intermediate transfer belt 18, forming a primary transfer unit 20. Then, in each primary transfer unit 20, a high voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 19, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 of each image forming unit 6 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 18.

[0013] The control unit 60, which is a control means, includes a CPU, memory, input / output interface, bus, etc., and communicates with the optical sensor unit, display unit 90 (described later), and external devices (e.g., a personal computer) to perform various processes. The control unit 60 also receives image data from the external device and controls each device of the image forming apparatus 1 to perform image forming operations based on the received image data. The power supply unit 70 is a high-voltage power supply that supplies power to each device of the image forming apparatus 1, such as the charging device 8, developing device 9, and laser scanner unit 12. The drive unit 80 is a drive source for driving each device of the image forming apparatus 1 and has motors that rotate the photosensitive drum 7, developing roller 11, upstream screw 105 (described later), downstream screw 124, drive coupling 203, and various other rollers. The display unit 90 is a display device for providing information to users, etc., and for example, the display unit 90 may be used as a touch panel to input data and operation instructions.

[0014] When the control unit 60 receives a print job containing image data from an external device, it performs the following image forming operation. Specifically, the control unit 60 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 to a uniform potential using the charging device 8, and then irradiates the photosensitive drum 7 of each image forming unit 6 with laser light corresponding to the image data from the laser scanner unit 12 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7. Subsequently, the control unit 60 supplies toner from the developing roller 11 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7, causing it to adhere to the electrostatic latent image and thus forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 7. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 18 in the primary transfer unit 20. The toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 7 of each image forming unit 6 are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 18, forming a four-color toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 18. The four-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is transported to the secondary transfer unit 17, which is the contact point with the secondary transfer roller 21, by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 18.

[0015] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a paper cassette 2 containing recording material 4 at the bottom of the main body. Synchronized with the image forming operation in the process cartridge 6 described above, the recording material 4 contained in the paper cassette 2 is separated and fed one sheet at a time by a cassette feeding unit 3 located downstream in the direction of transport of the recording material in the paper cassette 2. The fed recording material 4 is then transported to the secondary transfer unit 17 by a registration roller 5.

[0016] The secondary transfer roller 21, which is a secondary transfer member, contacts the intermediate transfer belt 18 and forms a secondary transfer section 17 with the opposing roller via the intermediate transfer belt 18. In the secondary transfer section 17, the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 18 is transferred to the recording material 4 fed from the paper cassette 2. Toner that is not transferred to the recording material 4 in the secondary transfer section 17 and remains on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is removed by the cleaning unit 22. The toner removed by the cleaning unit 22 is transported to the toner collection container 24 via the toner transport section 23 and accumulated in the toner collection container 24.

[0017] The recording material 4 onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fuser 25. The fuser 25 has a heating unit 25a for heating the toner image and a pressure roller 25b that contacts the heating unit 25a and pressurizes the recording material 4. The recording material 4 transported to the fuser 25 is heated and pressurized by the heating unit 25a and pressure roller 25b of the fuser 25, causing the toner to melt and fix the toner image to the recording material 4. After that, the recording material 4 with the toner image fixed is transported to the discharge roller pair 26 and discharged into the discharge tray 27. Through this series of image forming operations, an image is formed on the surface of the recording material 4.

[0018] [Toner cartridge configuration] Next, the toner replenishment cartridge 13, a characteristic configuration of this embodiment, and the configuration for transporting the toner will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the toner replenishment cartridge 13 of this embodiment, viewed from the downstream side in the direction of arrow B, which is the mounting direction when the toner replenishment cartridge 13 is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2(a) is a perspective view of the toner replenishment cartridges 13Y, 13M, and 13C, which contain the toners of process cartridges 6Y, 6M, and 6C, whose toner colors are yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). Figure 2(b) is a perspective view of the toner replenishment cartridges 13Y, 13M, and 13C with the side cover 224 removed from Figure 2(a). Figure 2(c) is a perspective view of the toner replenishment cartridge 13K, which contains the toner of process cartridge 6K, whose toner color is black (K). Figure 2(d) is a perspective view of the toner replenishment cartridge 13K with the side cover 224 removed from Figure 2(c). Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the cam for dispensing toner in this embodiment, and shows a part of the toner supply cartridge 13. Figure 3(a) is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the cam gear 220, the link mechanism 221, and the pump 223 which is a discharge means, and Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3(a). The pump 223 is an air pump that discharges toner from the discharge port by generating air through expansion and contraction, which increases or decreases the volume of the internal space. The toner supply cartridge 13 has a first end and a second end on the opposite side of the first end in the longitudinal direction of the toner supply cartridge 13. The discharge port and the pump 223 are provided at the first end of the toner supply cartridge 13. Figure 3(c) is an unfolded view of the cam groove 220a of the cam gear 220.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the toner supply cartridge 13, which is a toner storage container, is equipped with a supply frame 201, which is a second storage section with a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and toner can be stored inside the supply frame 201. Downstream of the toner supply cartridge 13 in the mounting direction (arrow B direction), a drive coupling 203, a cam gear 220, a link mechanism 221, a pump 223, and a screw gear 226 are arranged and covered with a side cover 224. A memory 230, which is an information storage member (storage means), is attached to the side cover 224. When the toner supply cartridge 13 is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 60 can read the information from the memory 230 to obtain information about the remaining amount of toner inside the toner supply cartridge 13. The control unit 60 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the remaining toner in the second storage unit based on the driving time of the replenishment motor, the operating status of the pump 223, or the operating status of the toner replenishment screw 209, and the initial toner storage capacity of the toner cartridge in the second storage unit when it is unused (new). The initial toner storage capacity when it is unused (new) is either a design value (target value) or an actual measured value measured at the factory, and is stored in the memory 230.

[0020] Furthermore, an ejection shutter 207 with an ejection port 208 is positioned on the lower side (the bottom side in the normal operating position) of the toner supply cartridge 13. The gear portion of the cam gear 220 is engaged with the screw gear 226, and the screw gear 226 receives rotational driving force from the cam gear 220. Therefore, the rotation of the cam gear 220 also causes the screw gear 226 to rotate.

[0021] The drive coupling 203 is positioned to transmit drive to the cam gear 220 and the toner supply screw 209 (see Figure 7) in the supply frame 201. When the toner supply cartridge 13 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1, the drive coupling 203 engages with the drive coupling (not shown) on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 1. This transmits the driving force from the drive unit 80 to the toner supply cartridge 13. As shown in Figure 3, the cam gear 220 is provided with a cam groove 220a, and the cam projection 221a of the link mechanism 221 engages with the cam groove 220a. The link mechanism 221 is supported by the side cover 224 so as to be movable in the mounting direction of the toner supply cartridge 13 (direction of arrow B). The cam groove 220a is provided with a peak 220b that is inclined downstream in the mounting direction (direction of arrow B) and a valley 220c that is inclined upstream in the mounting direction (direction of arrow B). As the cam gear 220 rotates, the cam projection 221a alternately passes through the peaks 220b and valleys 220c of the cam groove 220a. Consequently, the rotational drive of the cam gear 220 is converted into the forward and backward motion of the link mechanism 221, causing the link mechanism 221 to reciprocate in the direction in which the toner replenishment cartridge 13 is installed (direction of arrow B).

[0022] The pump 223, which is the discharge component, is connected to the link mechanism 221 by a coupling portion 223b at one end in the direction of installation of the toner replenishment cartridge 13 (direction of arrow B). The pump 223 is also fixed to the replenishment frame 201 by a connection portion 223c at the other end in the direction of installation of the toner replenishment cartridge 13 (direction of arrow B). Furthermore, the pump 223 has an internal space 223d, which communicates with the toner storage chamber 201a, which is the internal space of the replenishment frame 201 and where the toner is stored, via the connection portion 223c. When the coupling portion 223b of the pump 223 moves back and forth in conjunction with the link mechanism 221, the bellows portion 223a of the pump 223 expands and contracts because the connection portion 223c of the pump 223 is fixed to the replenishment frame 201. The expansion and contraction of the bellows section 223a causes the volume of the internal space 223d of the pump 223 to fluctuate, and the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 201a, which is in communication with the internal space 223d, to fluctuates. As a result, the toner in the toner storage chamber 201a is discharged from the discharge port 208, which will be described later.

[0023] [Configuration of the toner transport device] Figure 4 shows the general configuration of the toner transport device 14 mounted on the image forming apparatus. Note that some shapes have been omitted from Figure 4 in order to show the internal configuration of the toner transport device 14. The toner transport device 14, which is the transport path section that constitutes the transport path for transporting toner to the developing apparatus, is broadly composed of an upstream transport section 100 and a downstream transport section 120.

[0024] A supply port 101, which is a receiving port, is located on the upper surface of the upstream transport section 100, which is the toner transport path. Toner supplied from the toner replenishment cartridge 13 is discharged from the discharge port 208 and supplied to the storage container 108 inside the upstream transport section 100 via the supply port 101. The toner supplied to the storage container 108, which is the toner storage section, is transported toward the downstream transport section 120 by an upstream screw 105, which is a transport member positioned to cover the storage container 108. The upstream screw 105 is rotationally driven by an upstream drive gear 103.

[0025] The downstream transport section 120 has a downstream wall surface 123 inside, and the downstream screw 124 is positioned so as to be covered by the downstream wall surface 123. The uppermost part of the downstream transport section 120 (lower part in the figure) is connected to the lowermost part of the upstream transport section 100, and the toner transported by the upstream transport section 100 is transported to the downstream screw 124. The downstream screw 124 is rotationally driven by the downstream drive gear 122, and the downstream screw 124 transports the toner in the opposite direction to gravity. The toner transported by the downstream screw 124 is supplied to the developing device 9 (Figure 1) through the main body discharge port 121.

[0026] [Configuration of the upstream transport section] Next, the details of the toner transport device 14 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5(a) is a view of the upstream transport section 100 from above, and Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the upstream transport section 100 when it is cut along the line A1-A1 shown in Figure 5(a). Figure 6(a) is a view of the upstream transport section 100 from the side, and Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the upstream transport section 100 when it is cut along the line A2-A2 shown in Figure 6(a).

[0027] As shown in Figure 5(b), the upstream transport section 100 is broadly composed of a storage container 108 and a storage container cover 109. A supply port seal 102 is attached to the upper part of the supply port 101 of the storage container cover 109 to seal off toner scattering around the supply port 101. An L-shaped path 106 is attached to the lower part of the supply port 101 as a toner path (which is also a toner transport path). The L-shaped path 106 has a substantially vertical portion connected to the supply port 101 and a substantially horizontal portion connected from the substantially vertical portion to the end outlet port 106a. With this configuration, the toner discharged from the discharge port 208 and supplied from the supply port 101, which is the end on the discharge port side, is ejected in the direction of the space S, which is the extension of the outlet port 106, which is the end on the opposite side of the substantially horizontal portion of the L-shaped path 106 from the discharge port side. The ejected toner falls downward through this toner passage area and accumulates at the bottom of the storage container 108. The L-shaped path 106 is an injection path provided in the toner transport path, extending in the transport direction so that toner received from the receiving port is discharged along the transport direction of the transport member, and has an injection port facing the transport direction.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(b), a pair of light-transmitting members 107 are attached to the side wall near the outlet 106a of the L-shaped path 106 of the storage container 108. In this embodiment, the pair of light-transmitting members 107 are arranged on both sides of the storage container 108, which is the housing. In addition, the direction connecting the pair of light-transmitting members 107 and the direction of toner discharge from the outlet 106 of the L-shaped path 106 toward space S intersect in the toner passage region.

[0029] Furthermore, on the outside of the pair of light-transmitting members 107, a light-emitting substrate 115 and a light-receiving substrate 116 are provided as a light sensor unit, which is a detection means. The light sensor unit has a light-emitting substrate 115 including a light-emitting element and its drive circuit, and a light-receiving substrate 116 including a light-receiving element and its drive circuit, as a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting substrate 115 of the light sensor unit is located on the outside of one of the pair of light-transmitting members 107. The light-receiving substrate 116 is located on the outside of the other light-transmitting member 107. That is, in the direction connecting the pair of light-transmitting members 107, the light-emitting substrate 115, one light-transmitting member 107, the toner passage region, the other light-transmitting member 107, and the light-receiving substrate 116 are arranged in this order. With this configuration, the optical path P (dashed arrow in the figure) from the light-emitting substrate 115 to the light-receiving substrate 116 intersects with the toner passage region. The light sensor unit detects the presence or absence of toner in the passage region that the toner ejected from the nozzle passes through before reaching the landing point in the toner transport path.

[0030] By interposing toner between the light-transmitting members 107 and blocking light, it is possible to detect whether or not toner is being ejected. In addition, as shown in Figure 5(b), a cleaning member 110, which is a cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the light-transmitting members 107, is arranged near the light-transmitting members 107. As the cleaning member 110 is rotated by the upstream screw 105, the surface of the light-transmitting members 107 is cleaned, so the surface of the light-transmitting members 107 does not remain dirty with ejected toner.

[0031] In the light sensor unit, when light emitted from the light-emitting substrate 115 is blocked by toner, the light-receiving substrate 116 outputs, for example, a high-level signal (for example, a voltage of 3V). On the other hand, in the light sensor unit, when light emitted from the light-emitting substrate 115 is not blocked by toner and is received by the light-receiving substrate 116, the light-receiving substrate 116 outputs, for example, a low-level signal (for example, a voltage of 0V). The control unit 60 detects the amount of toner discharged (hereinafter referred to as "toner discharge amount") based on a value obtained by, for example, analog-to-digital conversion (hereinafter referred to as "dec value") of the signal input from the light sensor unit. The control unit 60 converts, for example, a 0V output to a dec value of 0, and a 3V output to a dec value of 1000. Hereafter, the dec value obtained by the control unit 60 based on the signal (voltage) input from the light sensor unit will be referred to as the amount of light received. The light sensor unit functions as a detection unit that detects the discharge status of toner discharged into the toner transport path through the inlet while the pump 223 is operating.

[0032] [Method for detecting remaining toner level during toner replenishment] Next, the method for detecting the remaining toner level during the toner replenishment operation from the toner replenishment cartridge 13 will be explained using Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7(a) is a view of the inside of the toner replenishment cartridge 13 from above. Figures 7(b) and 7(c) are cross-sectional views when the toner replenishment cartridge 13 is cut along the line A3-A3 shown in Figure 7(a). Similarly to Figure 5(b), Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view when the upstream transport section 100 is cut along the line A1-A1 shown in Figure 5(a). Figure 8(a) corresponds to Figure 7(b), and Figure 8(b) corresponds to Figure 7(c).

[0033] As described above, when the toner level in the developing unit 9 decreases, the control unit 60 sends a replenishment signal to the toner transport device to replenish toner from the toner replenishment cartridge 13 to the developing unit 9. Upon receiving the replenishment signal, the toner transport device rotates the drive coupling 203 (not shown) and the cam gear 220, which is arranged coaxially with the pump 223. As a result, as shown in Figures 7(b) and (c), the pump 223 repeatedly expands and contracts between an extended state (Figure 7(b)) and a retracted state (Figure 7(c)). As shown in Figure 7(b), the internal space 223d of the pump 223 and the toner storage chamber 201a are in communication via a communication port 201b. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7(c), when the pump 223 is compressed, the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 201a increases, and the toner that has been transported into the toner storage chamber 201a by the toner replenishment screw 209, which is a transport member, is discharged from the discharge port 208. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7(b) and 7(c), the pump 223 has a diameter of Φ42 mm, with a length L1 = 20.1 mm in the unloaded state (extended) as shown in Figure 7(b), and a length L2 = 8.1 mm in the compressed state (contracted) as shown in Figure 7(c). As a result, the extension / contraction stroke is 12 mm (= 20.1 mm - 8.1 mm). The period T for one reciprocal extension / contraction of the pump 223 is T = 0.38 sec (seconds). Due to the pump shape and design specifications described above, the toner in the toner storage chamber 201a can be discharged into the upstream transport section 100 via the L-shaped path 106 of the upstream transport section 100.

[0034] Next, using Figure 8, we will explain how toner is supplied to the upstream transport unit 100 from the toner supply cartridge 13. Figure 8(a) shows the state when toner is not supplied to the upstream transport unit 100 from the toner supply cartridge 13, and Figure 8(b) shows the state when toner is supplied to the upstream transport unit 100 from the toner supply cartridge 13. As shown in Figure 8(a), when toner is not supplied, a certain amount of toner is contained in the storage container 108. The surface of the toner in the storage container 108 at this time is called the toner surface Z. In Figure 8(a), the toner surface Z of the toner in the storage container 108 is in the state shown by the dashed line, and at this time, the toner surface Z does not overlap with the light-transmitting member 107, and the light incident through the light-transmitting member 107 is not blocked by the toner.

[0035] On the other hand, when toner replenishment begins, as shown in Figure 8(b), the toner in the toner storage chamber 201a is discharged into the storage container 108 through the L-shaped path 106. Here, the trajectory of the toner discharged from the outlet 106a of the L-shaped path 106 until it falls onto the toner surface Z in the storage container 108 is called the toner fall trajectory K. In Figure 8(b), the upper and lower ends of the toner fall trajectory K in the vertical direction are shown by dashed lines, with the trajectory of the toner discharged from the upper end of the outlet 106a being called the first trajectory, and the trajectory of the toner discharged from the lower end of the outlet 106a being called the second trajectory. The area enclosed by the first trajectory, the second trajectory, the outlet 106a, and the surface Z is the toner passage region that the toner discharged from the outlet 106a of the L-shaped path 106 passes through on its way down.

[0036] The light-transmitting member 107 is positioned to overlap with the area indicated by the two dashed lines on the toner fall trajectory K, which is the path from the toner discharged from the outlet 106a of the L-shaped path 106 until it falls onto the toner surface Z (landing point) in the storage container 108. Therefore, during toner replenishment, the toner discharged from the outlet 106a can be directly detected by the light sensor. If the toner in the toner replenishment cartridge 13 runs out, toner will not be discharged from the outlet 106a even if the toner replenishment operation is performed, so the presence or absence of toner discharge can be determined instantly.

[0037] [How to recover from toner ejection malfunction] As described above, the optical sensor unit can instantly detect whether or not toner is being discharged from the toner supply cartridge 13. Two patterns are possible in which toner is not discharged from the toner supply cartridge 13 to the upstream transport unit 100. The first pattern (Pattern 1) is when the toner level in toner cartridge 13 reaches 0. The second pattern (Pattern 2) is when a toner blockage occurs inside the toner supply cartridge 13, or in the toner transport path from the toner supply cartridge 13's outlet 208 to the L-shaped path 106's output port 106a. Pattern 2 occurs, for example, when a user performs an irregular operation such as removing the toner replenishment cartridge 13 from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and applying vibration with the pump 223 side facing downwards.

[0038] This section will first explain how to resolve toner clogging when it occurs. Figures 9(a) to 9(e), like Figure 8, are cross-sectional views of the vicinity of the discharge port 208 of the toner supply cartridge 13, and the method for resolving toner clogging will be explained using Figures 9(a) to 9(e). Figure 9(a) shows the state when toner clogging occurs. As shown in Figure 9(a), toner clogging occurs at any point on the transport path R from the discharge port 208 to the injection port 106a of the L-shaped path 106.

[0039] Next, the recovery process from the occurrence of a toner clog to its resolution and return to a normal state will be explained using Figures 9(a) to (e). Figure 9 shows the process from the occurrence of a toner clog to its resolution and return to a normal state in chronological order. If the toner replenishment cartridge 13 is removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and tilted so that the pump 223 side is facing downwards, toner will flow into the toner storage chamber 201a all at once, as shown in Figure 9(a). If the toner replenishment cartridge 13 is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 in the state shown in Figure 9(a) and the toner replenishment operation is performed, the following situation will occur. That is, there is more toner around the discharge port 208 than can be discharged by the pump 223, so the toner cannot be discharged downstream of the L-shaped path 106, and as a result, a toner clog occurs in the transport path R. Under normal circumstances, as shown in Figure 9(b), the amount of toner that can be discharged to the outlet 208 by the pump 223 is set to be greater than the amount of toner transported in the direction of arrow V1 in the figure by the toner supply screw 209, so toner clogging does not occur.

[0040] When a toner clog occurs, toner is not discharged from the L-shaped path 106 to the upstream transport section 100 of the toner transport device 14, and the optical sensor detects that there is no toner discharge. When the optical sensor detects that there is no toner discharge, the control unit 60 controls the drive unit 80 to rotate the replenishment motor (not shown) that drives the toner replenishment cartridge 13 in the opposite direction to the toner replenishment operation, and performs a toner clog recovery operation. During the toner clog recovery operation, the pump 223 performs a reciprocating motion as in normal operation, but the toner replenishment screw 209 rotates in the opposite direction to the normal operation. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9(c), the toner around the discharge port 208 is transported by the toner replenishment screw 209 in the direction of arrow V2 in the figure, which is the opposite direction to the direction of arrow V1 shown in Figure 9(a). As a result, the amount of toner inside the toner storage chamber 201a and around the discharge port 208 decreases. Then, when the toner around the discharge port 208 is depleted, the discharge capacity of the pump 223 allows the toner in the transport path R to be discharged from the discharge port 106a of the L-shaped path 106 to the upstream transport section 100. As a result, the state shown in Figure 9(d) is reached, and the toner blockage is resolved. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 9(e), the control unit 60 controls the drive unit 80 to return the replenishment motor (not shown) to the forward rotation direction, which is the rotation direction during normal replenishment, and performs a toner replenishment operation in which the toner is transported in the direction V1 in the figure by the toner replenishment screw 209. The control unit 60 can then confirm that the toner blockage has been resolved by checking the toner discharge status again with the optical sensor unit.

[0041] Thus, the toner supply screw 209, which is the second transport member, is rotated in the first rotational direction so that the toner supply cartridge 13 is transported from the second storage section toward the discharge port when the upstream screw 105 is the first transport member. If the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged is small or that no toner has been discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage section acquired by the acquisition unit is greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit 60 controls the second transport member to rotate in the second rotational direction, which is the opposite direction to the first rotational direction.

[0042] [Processing when no toner is ejected] Next, Figure 10 will be used to explain the process when no toner is detected. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process when the toner discharge status is checked by the optical sensor during toner replenishment and no toner is detected. The process shown in Figure 10 is activated when a toner replenishment operation is performed and is executed by the control unit 60. In this embodiment, when the toner replenishment cartridge 13 is installed, the control unit 60 obtains toner remaining amount information inside the toner replenishment cartridge 13 from the memory 230 and sets it in the memory of the control unit 60. Furthermore, when a toner replenishment operation is performed, the control unit 60 calculates the remaining amount of toner inside the toner replenishment cartridge 13 (estimated amount) according to the driving time of the replenishment motor, sets the calculated toner remaining amount in the memory 230, and updates the toner remaining amount information. Note that the calculation of the toner remaining amount may be performed based on the operating status of the pump 223 (operating status, extension / retraction operation time, number of extension / retraction cycles) or the operating status of the toner replenishment screw 209 (operating status, rotation time, rotation speed) instead of the driving time of the replenishment motor.

[0043] In Figure 10, when the toner replenishment operation is started, in step (hereinafter referred to as S) 400, the control unit 60 sets the number of toner jam recovery operations N to 1. In S401, the control unit 60 checks the toner discharge status using the optical sensor unit when the replenishment motor is rotating at normal speed. In this embodiment, the optical sensor unit constantly checks the toner discharge status.

[0044] Figure 11 is a graph showing the amount of light received (dec) detected by the light sensor unit to determine the discharge state of toner supplied from the outlet 106a of the L-shaped path 106 to the upstream transport unit 100. In the graph of Figure 11, when the amount of light received (dec) is large, the light sensor unit is blocked by toner, and when the amount of light received (dec) is low (0), the light sensor unit is not blocked by toner. Figure 11(a) is a graph when there is a sufficient amount of toner remaining in the toner supply cartridge 13, and Figure 11(b) is a graph when there is a small amount of toner remaining in the toner supply cartridge 13. Figure 11(c) is a graph when the toner in the toner supply cartridge 13 is empty (toner remaining amount is 0). In Figures 11(a) to (c), the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the amount of light received (dec) detected by the light receiving substrate 116 of the light sensor unit. In each figure, Tp indicates the toner discharge cycle by the pump 223, and Ts indicates the cleaning cycle in which the cleaning member 110 cleans the light-transmitting member 107.

[0045] As shown in Figure 11(a), when there is sufficient toner remaining in the toner replenishment cartridge 13, a large amount of toner is discharged from the outlet 106a of the L-shaped path 106. Therefore, in the light sensor section, the light emitted from the light-emitting substrate 115 is blocked by the discharged toner, resulting in the continuous acquisition of sampling data showing a high amount of received light within the period Tp. In other words, the duration of the high-level state of received light (the width of the high level in the graph) also becomes longer.

[0046] On the other hand, as the amount of toner remaining inside the toner replenishment cartridge 13 decreases, the amount of toner discharged from the outlet 106a of the L-shaped path 106 decreases. As a result, as shown in Figure 11(b), the sampling data showing high light reception within the toner discharge cycle Tp decreases, and the value of the light reception itself becomes lower compared to Figure 11(a). In other words, the time during which the light reception remains at a high level (the width of the high level in the graph) also becomes shorter. Furthermore, as the amount of toner remaining inside the toner replenishment cartridge 13 decreases and the toner level reaches 0, sampling data with low light reception during the toner discharge cycle Tp by the pump 223 becomes dominant, and the state of high light reception disappears. Then, the light reception becomes high only when the light emitted from the light-emitting substrate 115 is blocked by cleaning of the light-transmitting member 107 by the cleaning member 110 performed in cycle Ts.

[0047] In this embodiment, the average value of the amount of light received detected by the light receiving substrate 116 of the light sensor unit shown in Figure 11 is used as an indicator for determining whether or not toner is discharged from the discharge port 106a of the L-shaped path 106. Specifically, the control unit 60 acquires light amount data from the light receiving substrate 116 of the light sensor unit with a sampling period of 10 msec for a period of 1680 msec, and calculates the average value X of the acquired light amount. Then, in S402, the control unit 60 determines whether or not toner is discharged from the discharge port 106a of the L-shaped path 106 based on whether or not the calculated average value X of the light amount received is greater than the threshold Xt.

[0048] Figure 12 shows the relationship between the remaining toner amount inside the toner cartridge 13 and the average light-receiving amount X. The horizontal axis represents the remaining toner amount inside the toner cartridge 13 (unit: %), and the vertical axis represents the average light-receiving amount (dec). As shown in Figure 12, when there is sufficient toner inside the toner cartridge 13, the average light-receiving amount X remains near a certain value, and decreases sharply when the toner amount falls below a certain level (threshold Y%) in Figure 12. In this embodiment, the average light-receiving amount X was used as an indicator for determining whether toner is being discharged or not, but other indicators that show a similar trend may be used.

[0049] In S402, the control unit 60 determines that toner is being discharged from the output port 106a of the L-shaped path 106 if the average value X of the received light is greater than the toner discharge threshold Xt, which is the determination threshold, and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the average value X of the received light is less than or equal to the toner discharge threshold Xt, the control unit 60 determines that there is no toner being discharged from the output port 106a of the L-shaped path 106 and proceeds to S403. In S403, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of toner clog recovery operations N is 2 (whether the toner clog recovery operation has been performed once). If the number of toner clog recovery operations N is not 2, the control unit 60 determines that the toner clog recovery operation has not been performed and proceeds to S404. On the other hand, if the number of toner clog recovery operations N is 2, the control unit 60 determines that the toner clog recovery operation has been performed once and proceeds to S406.

[0050] In S404, the control unit 60 controls the drive unit 80 to rotate the replenishment motor (not shown) that drives the toner replenishment cartridge 13 in the opposite direction to the toner replenishment operation, thereby performing a toner clog recovery operation. In S405, the control unit 60 increments the number of toner clog recovery operations N by 1 and returns the process to S401.

[0051] As described above, there are two possible scenarios for the absence of toner discharge from the toner cartridge 13: when the toner in the toner cartridge 13 runs out, and when a toner blockage occurs inside the toner cartridge 13 or in the toner transport path. In S406, the control unit 60 acquires toner level information stored in the memory 230 attached to the side cover 224 of the toner cartridge 13. The control unit 60 then determines whether the acquired toner level is less than or equal to Y% (threshold) of the toner level when the toner cartridge 13 was installed, which is a threshold. If the toner level set in the toner level information is less than or equal to Y%, the control unit 60 determines that the toner in the toner cartridge 13 has run out and proceeds to S407. On the other hand, if the toner level set in the toner level information is greater than Y%, the control unit 60 determines that there is a toner blockage and proceeds to S408 to perform the toner blockage recovery operation (toner blockage recovery process) again. In other words, as shown in Figure 12, if no toner is ejected, the control unit 60 compares the remaining toner amount set in the memory 230 with the threshold Y (%) to determine whether to proceed to S407 or S408.

[0052] In this embodiment, Y = 10 (%) was set as the threshold for determining when the toner in the toner supply cartridge 13 has run out. Naturally, the smaller the threshold Y for determining toner out, the more reliable the determination in S406 will be, so it is best to set it as small as possible while taking into account the toner discharge error of the toner supply cartridge 13. In S407, the control unit 60 notifies the user that the toner in the toner supply cartridge 13 has run out (toner out) by displaying it on the display unit 90, and then terminates the process. The control unit 60 functions as a notification unit that notifies information regarding the replacement of the toner supply cartridge 13. Specifically, it displays a message or image on the display unit 90 prompting the user to replace the toner supply cartridge 13.

[0053] In S408, the control unit 60 again controls the drive unit 80 to rotate the replenishment motor (not shown) that drives the toner replenishment cartridge 13 in the opposite direction to that during the toner replenishment operation, thereby performing a toner jam recovery operation. In S409, the control unit 60 performs a toner ejection operation in low-speed mode. Low-speed mode refers to an operation mode in which the rotation speed of the replenishment motor is reduced to a lower speed than normal. In low-speed mode, the rotation speed of the replenishment motor is reduced to about 70% of the normal rotation speed to perform the toner replenishment operation.

[0054] Figure 13 is a graph showing the pressure fluctuations inside the toner supply cartridge 13 over time, with the horizontal axis representing time (in seconds) and the vertical axis representing the pressure fluctuation amount (in kPa). Figure 13(a) is a graph showing the pressure fluctuations when the supply motor is rotating at its normal speed, and Figure 13(b) is a graph showing the pressure fluctuations when the supply motor is rotating at 70% of its normal speed in low-speed mode. In Figures 13(a) and (b), T1 and T2 represent the toner discharge time during one reciprocating operation of the pump 223, respectively, when the supply motor is operating at its normal speed and in low-speed mode. P1 and P2 represent the pressure difference between the internal pressure inside the toner supply cartridge 13 and the ambient air pressure, respectively, when the supply motor is operating at its normal speed and in low-speed mode.

[0055] In this embodiment, the toner discharge configuration using the pump 223 utilizes the pressure difference with the outside air to discharge the toner. Therefore, as shown by T1 and T2 in Figures 13(a) and (b), toner is discharged at the moment when the internal pressure of the toner replenishment cartridge 13 is higher than that of the outside air. In low-speed mode, the reciprocating speed of the pump 223 is reduced to 70% compared to the normal speed, so the discharge time during one reciprocating operation of the pump 223 is longer, resulting in T2 > T1.

[0056] On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the values ​​of P1 and P2, which indicate the pressure difference between the internal pressure in the toner supply cartridge 13 and the ambient air pressure, when the supply motor was operating at normal speed and in low-speed mode (70%). No significant difference was observed within the speed range of the supply motor used in this embodiment. In other words, the low-speed mode does not show a significant difference in pressure difference with the outside air compared to the normal speed, and the discharge time during one reciprocating operation of the pump 223 is longer, making it an effective configuration against toner clogging.

[0057] In S409, the control unit 60 checks the toner discharge status using the optical sensor unit when the supply motor is rotating in a low-speed mode effective against toner clogging. In S410, the control unit 60 determines whether toner is being discharged from the output port 106a of the L-shaped path 106 based on whether the average value X of the received light is greater than the toner discharge threshold Xt. If the average value X of the received light is greater than the toner discharge threshold Xt, which is the determination threshold, the control unit 60 determines that the toner clogging has been resolved and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the average value X of the received light is less than or equal to the toner discharge threshold Xt, the control unit 60 confirms that there is a toner clogging and proceeds to S411. In S411, the control unit 60 notifies the user of the toner clogging by displaying it on the display unit 90 and terminates the process.

[0058] The control unit 60 notifies information if the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged into the toner transport path is insufficient or that no toner is being discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit, as acquired by the acquisition unit, is less than a predetermined amount. The control unit 60 is configured not to notify information if the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged is insufficient or that no toner is being discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit, as acquired by the acquisition unit, is more than a predetermined amount. If the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged is insufficient or that no toner is being discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit, as acquired by the acquisition unit, is more than a predetermined amount, the control unit 60 notifies that a blockage has occurred in the toner replenishment cartridge 13.

[0059] Furthermore, if the detection unit detects that the toner discharge is low or that no toner is being discharged, and the toner remaining amount in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit is greater than a predetermined amount, the following may be done: The control unit 60 may broadcast a message recommending that the toner replenishment cartridge 13 be detached from the main body of the device and shaken.

[0060] As described above, this embodiment can detect whether or not toner is being discharged from the toner supply cartridge 13 using the optical sensor unit. Furthermore, if it is detected that no toner is being discharged, it is possible to determine whether there is no toner left or whether a toner clog has occurred by referring to the toner remaining amount value stored in the memory 230 provided in the toner supply cartridge 13. This improves usability.

[0061] As explained above, this embodiment makes it possible to improve the reliability of toner level detection in the toner cartridge.

[0062] Furthermore, the present invention comprises the following configuration. [Configuration 1] A developing unit having a developing roller and a first storage section for storing toner to be carried on the developing roller; a toner transport path having a receiving port for receiving toner, through which the toner received from the receiving port passes when transported toward the developing unit; and a transport member provided in the toner transport path for transporting toner; A toner cartridge that is detachable from the main body of the device, comprising: a second storage section provided with an outlet configured to communicate with the receiving section; and a discharge means for discharging the toner from the second storage section into the toner transport path via the outlet and the receiving section; Equipped with, The main body of the aforementioned device is A control unit configured to control the operation of the discharge means and the transport member, An acquisition unit that acquires the remaining toner amount in the second storage unit based on the operating status of the discharge means and the initial toner storage amount of the toner cartridge in the second storage unit when it is not in use, A detection unit for detecting the toner discharge status of the toner discharged into the toner transport path through the receiving port while the discharge means is operating, A notification unit that notifies information regarding the replacement of the toner cartridge, It has, The aforementioned notification department, If the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged into the toner transport path is small or that no toner is being discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit is less than a predetermined amount, the information is broadcast. The image forming apparatus is configured such that it does not notify the information if the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged is small or that no toner has been discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit, as acquired by the acquisition unit, is greater than a predetermined amount. [Configuration 2] The aforementioned toner cartridge has memory, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the control unit stores the remaining amount of toner in the second storage unit, which has been acquired by the acquisition unit, in the memory. [Configuration 3] When the transport member is designated as the first transport member, the toner cartridge has a second transport member that is rotated in a first rotational direction so that the toner is transported from the second storage section toward the discharge port. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, if the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged is small or that no toner has been discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit is greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit controls the second transport member to rotate in a second rotation direction which is opposite to the first rotation direction. [Structure 4] The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, if the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged is small or that no toner has been discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit is greater than a predetermined amount, the notification unit notifies that a blockage has occurred in the toner cartridge. [Composition 5] The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the discharge means is an air pump that discharges the toner from the discharge port by air generated by expanding and contracting to increase or decrease the volume of the internal space. [Composition 6] The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, if the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged is small or that no toner has been discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit is greater than a predetermined amount, the notification unit notifies information to prompt the removal of the toner cartridge from the main body of the apparatus and the shaking of the toner cartridge. [Composition 7] The toner cartridge has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge. The discharge port and the discharge means are provided at the first end of the toner cartridge. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, if the detection unit detects that the amount of toner discharged is small or that no toner has been discharged, and the amount of toner remaining in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit is greater than a predetermined amount, the notification unit notifies information to encourage the toner cartridge to be detached from the main body of the apparatus and shaken so that the first end is above the second end. [Structure 8] The toner transport path is provided with an injection path that extends in the transport direction, having an injection port facing the transport direction, so that the toner received from the receiving port is discharged along the transport direction of the transport member. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the detection unit detects the presence or absence of toner in the passage region through which the toner ejected from the ejection port passes before reaching the landing point in the toner transport path. [Composition 9] The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the detection unit comprises a light-emitting unit that emits light and a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit, and the discharge of toner is detected when the light is blocked by toner discharged from the discharge port. [Configuration 10] The housing of the second storage section is provided with a pair of light-transmitting members arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the toner is discharged from the discharge port, The light-emitting portion is positioned at a location corresponding to one of the light-transmitting members, and the light-receiving portion is positioned at a location corresponding to the other light-transmitting member. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the light emitted from the light-emitting unit passes through the one light-transmitting member and the other light-transmitting member and is irradiated onto the light-receiving unit. [Composition 11] The image forming apparatus according to configuration 10, characterized in that a cleaning means for cleaning the surface through which light irradiated from the light-emitting portion of the pair of light-transmitting members is transmitted is provided inside the second housing. [Composition 12] The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the control unit, after performing a toner clogging recovery process, rotates the transport member in the same direction as when toner is replenished, at a lower speed than when no toner clogging is detected, to replenish toner from the toner cartridge to the second storage unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 9. Developing device 13 Toner Replacement Cartridges 60 Control Unit 106 L-shaped route 106a Output port 108 Storage containers 115 Light-emitting substrate 116 Light-receiving substrate 230 memory

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a developing cartridge, a toner cartridge, and a device body on which the developing cartridge and the toner cartridge can be independently attached and detached, The developing cartridge comprises a developing roller and a first storage section for storing toner to be carried on the developing roller. The device body comprises a toner transport path provided with a receiving port for receiving toner, through which the toner received from the receiving port passes when transported toward the developing cartridge, and a transport member provided in the toner transport path for transporting the toner. The toner cartridge comprises a second storage section provided with an outlet configured to communicate with the receiving section, and a discharge means for discharging the toner from the second storage section into the toner transport path via the outlet and the receiving section. The aforementioned device body further comprises, A control unit configured to control the operation of the discharge means and the transport member, An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the remaining toner in the second storage unit based on the operating status of the discharge means and the initial toner storage amount of the second storage unit when the toner cartridge is not in use, A detection unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the toner discharge status in the toner transport path via the receiving port while the discharge means is operating, A notification unit that notifies information regarding the replacement of the toner cartridge, It has, The aforementioned notification department, If the signal output from the detection unit indicates that the amount of toner discharged into the toner transport path is small or that no toner is being discharged, and the information regarding the remaining toner in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the remaining toner is less than a predetermined amount, then the information is broadcast. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, if the signal output from the detection unit indicates a state in which the amount of toner discharged into the toner transport path is small or no toner is discharged, and the information regarding the remaining amount of toner in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the remaining amount of toner is greater than a predetermined amount, the apparatus is configured not to notify the information.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection unit is provided near the receiving port on the path through which the toner received from the receiving port is transported toward the developing cartridge.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the developing cartridge is provided above the toner cartridge.

4. The aforementioned toner cartridge has memory, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stores in the memory the information regarding the remaining amount of toner in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit.

5. When the transport member is designated as the first transport member, the toner cartridge has a second transport member that is rotated in a first rotational direction so that the toner is transported from the second storage section toward the discharge port. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the signal output from the detection unit indicates that the amount of toner discharged into the toner transport path is small or that no toner is being discharged, and the information regarding the remaining amount of toner in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the remaining amount of toner is greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit controls the second transport member to rotate in a second rotation direction which is opposite to the first rotation direction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the signal output from the detection unit indicates that the amount of toner discharged into the toner transport path is small or that no toner is being discharged, and the information regarding the remaining toner amount in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the remaining toner amount is greater than a predetermined amount, the notification unit notifies that a blockage has occurred in the toner cartridge.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge means is an air pump that discharges the toner from the discharge port by air generated by expanding and contracting to increase or decrease the volume of the internal space.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the signal output from the detection unit indicates that the amount of toner discharged into the toner transport path is small or that no toner is being discharged, and the information regarding the remaining toner amount in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the remaining toner amount is greater than a predetermined amount, the notification unit provides information to prompt the user to detach the toner cartridge from the main body of the apparatus and shake the toner cartridge.

9. The toner cartridge has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge. The discharge port and the discharge means are provided at the first end of the toner cartridge. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the signal output from the detection unit indicates that the amount of toner discharged into the toner transport path is small or that no toner is being discharged, and the information regarding the remaining toner in the second storage unit acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the remaining toner is greater than a predetermined amount, the notification unit provides information to prompt the user to detach the toner cartridge from the main body of the apparatus and shake the toner cartridge in a position where the first end is above the second end.

10. The toner transport path is provided with an injection path that extends in the transport direction, having an injection port facing the transport direction, so that the toner received from the receiving port is discharged along the transport direction of the transport member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection unit detects the presence or absence of toner in the passage region through which the toner ejected from the ejection port passes before reaching the landing point in the toner transport path.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit comprises a light-emitting unit that emits light and a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit, and the discharge of toner is detected when the light is blocked by toner discharged from the discharge port.

12. The housing of the second storage section is provided with a pair of light-transmitting members arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the toner is discharged from the discharge port, The light-emitting portion is positioned at a location corresponding to one of the light-transmitting members, and the light-receiving portion is positioned at a location corresponding to the other light-transmitting member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is transmitted through the one light-transmitting member and the other light-transmitting member and irradiated onto the light-receiving unit.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the inside of the second housing is provided with cleaning means for cleaning the surfaces through which light irradiated from the light-emitting portions of the pair of light-transmitting members passes.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit, after performing a toner blockage recovery process, rotates the transport member in the same direction as when replenishing toner, at a speed lower than the speed at which no toner blockage is detected, to replenish toner from the toner cartridge to the first storage unit.

Images