Toner Remaining Detection Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toner residual detection device comprising a toner cartridge, a stirring structure, a reflection area, a first cleaning component, a second cleaning component and a transceiver. The toner cartridge stores toner inside and has a light-transmitting area. The stirring structure is rotatably arranged in the toner cartridge and stirs the toner. The reflection area is arranged on the stirring structure. The first cleaning component is arranged on the stirring structure. The second cleaning component is arranged on the toner cartridge. The transceiver is arranged on the body outside the toner cartridge, and sends a transmission signal to reach the reflection area through the light-transmitting area. The reflection signal generated by the reflection area by reflecting the transmission signal is received by the transceiver through the reflection area. The rotating first cleaning component intermittently cleans the fixed light-transmitting area, and the fixed second cleaning component intermittently cleans the rotating reflection area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a carbon powder residue detection device, in particular to a relatively rotating cleaning reflection type carbon powder residue detection device. Background Art

[0002] The toner cartridge is an indispensable component of the printer. Its main function is to store toner and provide toner during the printing process. After continuously printing out documents, the toner in the toner cartridge will decrease. It is necessary to detect the remaining toner in real time and inform the user of the best time to replace the toner cartridge. Currently known detection methods include infrared penetration, powder vibration detection, and print quantity calculation.

[0003] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a known method for detecting the amount of toner remaining. Figure 2 show Figure 1 A partial stereogram of a method for detecting residual carbon powder. A method for detecting residual carbon powder disclosed in US6496662. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a toner cartridge 310 is installed in the body 300 of the printer. A transmitter 320 and a receiver 330 are installed on one side of the body 300, and a transparent window 311 is provided on the side wall of the toner cartridge 310. When the toner residue is low, a signal 340 emitted by the transmitter 320 reaches the reflective surface 350 through the transparent window 311, and is reflected by the reflective surface 350 and reaches the receiver 330 through the transparent window 311. When the receiver 330 receives the signal 340, it can be determined that the toner residue is low. Since the low toner residue needs to be determined, the transparent window 311 and the reflective surface 350 need to be arranged at the bottom of the chamber 315 of the toner cartridge 310, and a rotating paddle 360 ​​is also arranged in the chamber 315, and a cleaning component 370 is arranged on the rotating paddle 360 ​​to clean the fixed transparent window 311 and the reflective surface 350 at the same time. Although the low toner detection function can be achieved, the fixed reflective surface 350 needs to be supported by the extension portion 355, and the gap 380 between the reflective surface 350 at the edge of the toner cartridge 310 and the transparent window 311 cannot be too large ( Figure 1 The fixed reflective surface 350 and the extension 355 can easily divide the carbon powder into two areas, and the carbon powder in the two areas is not easy to flow (obstructing the flow of carbon powder), so that when the amount of carbon powder is low, the carbon powder that is not easy to flow still remains in the gap 380 between the reflective surface 350 and the transparent window 311, or when the amount of carbon powder is high, the carbon powder that is not easy to flow does not have time to enter the gap 380 between the reflective surface 350 and the transparent window 311, affecting the residual detection result. In addition, the cleaning component 370 cleans the fixed transparent window 311 and the reflective surface 350 at the same time, and the installation or manufacturing tolerances of both sides of the cleaning component 370 need to be precisely controlled to avoid affecting the cleaning results or causing problems with operation.

[0004] Therefore, the above-mentioned prior art does have room for improvement. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a relatively rotating cleaning reflective toner residue detection device, by setting a reflective area and a first cleaning component on the rotating stirring structure, cooperating with a second cleaning component set on the toner cartridge, so that the first cleaning component can clean the light-transmitting area, and the second cleaning component can clean the reflective area, and cooperate with the transceiver to achieve the function of detecting the toner residue.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a relatively rotating cleaning reflective toner residue detection device, by respectively arranging a light-transmitting area and a reflective area on opposite sides of the toner cartridge, and respectively arranging a first cleaning component and a second cleaning component on opposite sides of a rotating stirring structure, so that the first cleaning component can clean the light-transmitting area, and the second cleaning component can clean the reflective area, thereby cooperating with a transceiver to achieve the function of detecting the toner residue.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a toner residue detection device, comprising: a toner cartridge, which stores toner inside and has a light-transmitting area; a stirring structure, which is rotatably arranged in the toner cartridge and stirs the toner; a reflection area, which is arranged on the stirring structure; a first cleaning component, which is arranged on the stirring structure; a second cleaning component, which is arranged on the toner cartridge; and a transceiver, which is arranged on the main body outside the toner cartridge and sends a transmission signal through the light-transmitting area to the reflection area, and the reflection area generates a reflection signal by reflecting the transmission signal and is received by the transceiver through the reflection area, wherein the rotating first cleaning component intermittently cleans the fixed light-transmitting area, and the fixed second cleaning component intermittently cleans the rotating reflection area.

[0008] The present invention also provides a toner residue detection device, comprising: a toner cartridge, which stores toner inside and has a light-transmitting area on one side; a stirring structure, which is rotatably arranged in the toner cartridge and stirs the toner; a reflection area, which is arranged on the inner surface of the other side of the toner cartridge; a first cleaning component, which is arranged on one side of the stirring structure; a second cleaning component, which is arranged on the other side of the stirring structure; and a transceiver, which is arranged on the main body outside the toner cartridge and sends a transmission signal through the light-transmitting area to the reflection area, and the reflection signal generated by the reflection area by reflecting the transmission signal is received by the transceiver through the reflection area, wherein the rotating first cleaning component intermittently cleans the fixed light-transmitting area, and the rotating second cleaning component intermittently cleans the fixed reflection area.

[0009] Through the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, the user can be accurately informed of the replacement time of the toner cartridge. Alternatively, the replenishing toner cartridge can be used to replenish the toner, which is suitable for a dual-bin toner cartridge that supplies toner on demand, wherein the front bin supplies the toner required for printing in real time, and the rear bin is used to reserve toner. When it is determined that the toner remaining in the front bin is insufficient, the rear bin appropriately replenishes the toner to the front bin. This arrangement can reduce the continuous stirring of unused toner and affect its physical properties (i.e., extend its service life). In addition, the embodiments of the present invention are more convenient than the infrared penetration detection method, and only require single-side assembly, thereby reducing electronic materials and assembly hours. Compared with the vibration detection method, the toner cartridge structure is relatively simple, and there is no need to place the sensor inside the toner cartridge, and the electronic wire does not need to be connected to the toner cartridge. Compared with the detection method based on print quantity calculation, the embodiments of the present invention are more accurate, can accurately determine the current toner remaining, and the continuously rotating reflection area will not hinder the circulation of toner.

[0010] In order to make the above contents of the present invention more clearly understood, preferred embodiments are given below with reference to the accompanying drawings for detailed description as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The specific implementation modes of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a known method for detecting the amount of toner remaining;

[0013] Figure 2 show Figure 1 A partial stereogram of a toner residue detection method;

[0014] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A schematic top view showing two states of the toner residue detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 5 A schematic side view of a toner residue detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0016] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A graph showing the relationship between the level and time of the reflected signal received by the transceiver;

[0017] Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing some parts of a toner remaining amount detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Fig. 9 show Figure 8 A partial enlarged view of

[0019] Fig.10 show Figure 8A partial enlarged view from another perspective;

[0020] Fig.11 Show Remove Fig.10 A partial enlarged view of some parts;

[0021] Fig.12 A perspective view showing the transceiver, the second cleaning assembly and the fixing base;

[0022] Fig.13 A schematic top view of a toner residue detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Fig.14 and Fig.15 A graph showing the relationship between the level and time of the reflected signal received by the transceiver;

[0024] Fig.16 A schematic top view of a toner residue detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Fig.17 and Fig.18 Perspective views showing two examples of the stirring structure according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Component number description:

[0027] S1: transmit signal;

[0028] S2: reflected signal;

[0029] 10: Toner cartridge;

[0030] 10A: long side;

[0031] 10B: short side;

[0032] 12: light-transmitting area;

[0033] 13: inner surface;

[0034] 14: Fixed seat;

[0035] 15: gap;

[0036] 20: stirring structure;

[0037] 22: paddle;

[0038] 24: Shrapnel;

[0039] 25: Holes;

[0040] 30: Reflection area;

[0041] 40: first cleaning component;

[0042] 50: second cleaning component;

[0043] 60: transceiver;

[0044] 61: Transmitter;

[0045] 62: Receiver;

[0046] 70: Refill the toner cartridge;

[0047] 100: Toner residue detection device;

[0048] 300: Ontology;

[0049] 310: Toner cartridge;

[0050] 311: Transparent window;

[0051] 315: Chamber;

[0052] 320: transmitter;

[0053] 330: Receiver;

[0054] 340: signal;

[0055] 350: reflective surface;

[0056] 355: extension;

[0057] 360: Rotating paddles;

[0058] 370: cleaning components;

[0059] 380: Gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present invention will be introduced in conjunction with the preferred embodiment, this does not mean that the features of this invention are limited to this implementation. On the contrary, the purpose of introducing the invention in conjunction with the implementation is to cover other options or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of the present invention. In order to provide a deep understanding of the present invention, the following description will include many specific details. The present invention can also be implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or blurring the focus of the present invention, some specific details will be omitted in the description.

[0061] The embodiment of the present invention adopts a single lateral infrared reflection design. Two sensors are placed on the same side of the machine, one is a transmitter and the other is a receiver, and the two are collectively called transceivers. The toner cartridge needs to be provided with a light-transmitting area for signal input and output. A cleaning component is provided on the stirring structure to remove the toner on the light-transmitting area during the stirring process.

[0062] like Figures 3 to 5 and Figures 8 to 12 As shown, the toner residual detection device 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention is installed in the printer body 300, and includes a toner cartridge 10, a stirring structure 20, a reflection area 30, a first cleaning component 40, a second cleaning component 50 and a transceiver 60. It is worth noting that Figure 3 and Figure 4 The stirring structure 20 is presented only in a schematic manner.

[0063] The toner cartridge 10 stores toner, especially dry toner, and has a light-transmitting area 12. The toner cartridge 10 has a long side 10A and a short side 10B, the long side 10A is connected to the short side 10B, and the long side 10A is longer than the short side 10B. The light-transmitting area 12 can be made of a light-transmitting material and then fixed to the side wall (short side 10B) of the toner cartridge 10 to seal the opening of the side wall of the toner cartridge 10.

[0064] The stirring structure 20 is rotatably disposed in the toner cartridge 10 and stirs the toner. The axial direction of the stirring structure 20 is substantially parallel to the long side 10A and substantially perpendicular to the short side 10B.

[0065] The reflection area 30 is disposed on the stirring structure 20. The reflection area 30 can be implemented with aluminum foil or other reflection sheets, or can also be formed with the material of the stirring structure 20 itself to form a reflection area with reflection ability, such as a white area.

[0066] The first cleaning component 40 is disposed on the stirring structure 20 , and can be implemented in the form of a sheet or a brush, etc. Based on the rotation direction of the stirring structure 20 , the first cleaning component 40 and the reflection area 30 are out of phase by 180 degrees.

[0067] The second cleaning component 50 is disposed on the toner cartridge 10 , and can be implemented in the form of a sheet or a brush, etc. The second cleaning component 50 is disposed close to the light-transmitting area 12 .

[0068] The transceiver 60 is disposed on the body 300 outside the toner cartridge 10, and sends a transmission signal S1 through the light-transmitting area to the reflective area 30. The reflective area 30 generates a reflection signal S2 through the reflective area 30 by reflecting the transmission signal S1, and is received by the transceiver 60. The rotating first cleaning component 40 intermittently cleans the fixed light-transmitting area 12, and the fixed second cleaning component 50 intermittently cleans the rotating reflective area 30. In one example, the transceiver 60 has a transmitter 61 and a receiver 62. The transmitter 61 transmits the transmission signal S1, and the receiver 62 receives the reflection signal S2.

[0069] exist Figure 3In the embodiment, when the residual carbon powder is low, after the reflection area 30 is cleaned by the second cleaning assembly 50, the transmission signal S1 reaches the reflection area 30 through the light-transmitting area 12, and the reflection area 30 generates a reflection signal S2 which reaches the transceiver 60 through the light-transmitting area 12. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the first cleaning assembly 40 is in a position to clean the light-transmitting area 12. It is worth noting that Figure 3 and Figure 4 Therefore, after the light-transmitting area 12 is cleaned by the first cleaning assembly 40, the reflective area 30 is cleaned by the second cleaning assembly 50. At this time, the light-transmitting area 12 and the reflective area 30 can be kept in a state of not being blocked by carbon powder, so that the transceiver 60 can complete the transmission and reception of signals. In other words, after the fixed second cleaning assembly 50 cleans the rotating reflective area 30, the reflective area 30 is rotated to the opposite side of the light-transmitting area 12.

[0070] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the processor (not shown) of the printer determines that the toner remaining amount is high ( Figure 6 ), because the signal is blocked by the toner; and according to the level of the reflected signal S2 being maintained at a low level accompanied by one or more short high level periods, the toner remaining amount is judged to be low ( Figure 7 ), because the reflection area intermittently reflects the signal that is not covered by the toner. When it is determined that the toner remaining amount is low, the toner cartridge 70 can be activated to add new toner to the toner cartridge 10, or the user can be notified to replace the toner cartridge 10. This situation is also applicable to other embodiments.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the stirring structure 20 has a plurality of paddles 22 and springs 24. The springs 24 having a plurality of holes 25 for facilitating the flow of toner powder are used to move the toner powder at the bottom of the toner cartridge 10 upward, while the paddles 22 are used to move the toner powder in a lateral direction. In another example, the springs 24 can form an integral component with the first cleaning component 40 for convenient fixed assembly.

[0072] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the second cleaning component 50 is fixed on the fixing base 14 of the toner cartridge 10, and the stirring structure 20 is pivotally connected to the fixing base 14. In addition, the second cleaning component 50 is fixed on the fixing base 14 of the toner cartridge 10, and the fixing base 14 has a notch 15. The transmission signal S1 enters the light-transmitting area 12 through the notch 15, and the reflection signal S2 returns to the transceiver 60 through the notch 15. Therefore, the fixing base 14 has the functions of fixing the second cleaning component 50, pivotally connecting the stirring structure 20, and allowing the transmission signal S1 and the reflection signal S2 to pass through.

[0073] like Fig.13As shown, the toner residual amount detection device of this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the reflection area 30 is arranged on the inner surface 13 of the other side of the toner cartridge 10. The reflection area 30 can be implemented with aluminum foil or other reflective sheets, or the material of the toner cartridge 10 itself can be used to form a reflective portion with reflective ability, such as a white portion. Therefore, one side of the toner cartridge 10 has a light-transmitting area 12, the first cleaning component 40 is arranged on one side of the stirring structure 20, and the second cleaning component 50 is arranged on the other side of the stirring structure 20. The transceiver 60 is arranged on the body 300 outside the toner cartridge 10, and sends a transmission signal S1 through the light-transmitting area 12 to the reflection area 30, and the reflection signal S2 generated by the reflection area 30 by reflecting the transmission signal S1 is received by the transceiver 60 through the reflection area 30. The rotating first cleaning component 40 intermittently cleans the fixed light-transmitting area 12, and the rotating second cleaning component 50 intermittently cleans the fixed reflection area 30.

[0074] In this embodiment, the light path from the light-transmitting area 12 to the reflective area 30 is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the stirring structure 20, and substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the toner cartridge 10 can be extracted and replaced (as indicated by the large arrow). It is worth noting that the reflective area can be designed to be less likely to adhere to a large amount of toner, so the second cleaning assembly 50 can also be omitted.

[0075] like Fig.14 As shown, the processor (not shown) of the printer determines that the toner residue is high based on the level of the reflected signal S2 being maintained at a low level. Fig.15 As shown, the processor determines that the toner residue is low based on the level of the reflection signal S2 being maintained at a high level accompanied by one or more short low-level periods, wherein the short low-level period is caused by being shielded by the stirring structure 20 .

[0076] like Fig.16 As shown, this embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, except that the light path from the light-transmitting area 12 to the reflective area 30 is roughly perpendicular to the axial direction of the stirring structure 20, and the light-transmitting area 12 is arranged on the side wall (long side 10A) and is roughly perpendicular to the direction in which the toner cartridge 10 can be extracted and replaced (as shown by the large arrow).

[0077] like Fig.17 As shown, the phase difference between the first cleaning component 40 and the reflection area 30 is 135 degrees. Fig.18 As shown, the phase difference between the first cleaning component 40 and the reflection area 30 is 90 degrees. In other examples, the phase difference between the first cleaning component 40 and the reflection area 30 can be 150, 120, 45 degrees or other degrees to obtain a better cleaning effect.

[0078] Through the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, the user can be accurately informed of the replacement time of the toner cartridge. Alternatively, the toner cartridge can be used to replenish the toner, which is suitable for a dual-bin toner cartridge that supplies toner on demand, wherein the front bin supplies the toner required for printing in real time, and the rear bin is used to reserve toner. When it is determined that the toner remaining in the front bin is insufficient, the rear bin appropriately replenishes the toner to the front bin. This arrangement can reduce the continuous stirring of unused toner and affect its physical properties (i.e., extend its service life). In addition, the embodiments of the present invention are more convenient than the infrared penetration detection method, and only one-side assembly is required, thereby reducing electronic materials and assembly hours. Compared with the vibration detection method, the toner cartridge structure is relatively simple, and there is no need to place the sensor inside the toner cartridge, and the electronic wire does not need to be connected to the toner cartridge. Compared with the detection method of calculating the number of prints, the embodiments of the present invention are more accurate, can accurately determine the current toner remaining, and the continuously rotating reflection area will not hinder the circulation of toner.

[0079] In summary, the above embodiments provided by the present invention are only illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone familiar with the technology may modify or change the above embodiments without violating the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field without departing from the spirit and technical ideas disclosed by the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A toner residual amount detection device, characterized in that: Include: A toner cartridge, which stores toner inside and has a light-transmitting area; A stirring structure is rotatably disposed in the toner cartridge and stirs the toner; A reflection area, disposed on the stirring structure; A first cleaning component is disposed on the stirring structure; A second cleaning component is disposed on the toner cartridge; as well as A transceiver is disposed on the body outside the toner cartridge, and sends a transmission signal through the light-transmitting area to the reflection area, and a reflection signal generated by the reflection area reflecting the transmission signal is received by the transceiver through the reflection area; in The rotating first cleaning component intermittently cleans the fixed light-transmitting area, and the fixed second cleaning component intermittently cleans the rotating reflective area.

2. The toner remaining amount detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second cleaning component is arranged close to the light-transmitting area.

3. The toner remaining amount detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the rotation direction of the stirring structure, the first cleaning component and the reflection area have a phase difference of 180, 150, 135, 120, 90 or 45 degrees.

4. The toner remaining amount detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflective area is rotated to the opposite side of the light-transmitting area only after the fixed second cleaning component cleans the rotating reflective area.

5. The toner remaining amount detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second cleaning component is fixed on the fixing seat of the toner box, and the stirring structure is pivotally connected to the fixing seat.

6. The toner remaining amount detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second cleaning component is fixed on a fixing seat of the toner cartridge, and the fixing seat has a notch. The transmission signal enters the light-transmitting area through the notch, and the reflection signal returns to the transceiver through the notch.

7. The toner remaining amount detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: in: According to the level of the reflection signal being maintained at a low level, the toner remaining amount is determined to be high; and according to the level of the reflection signal being maintained at a low level accompanied by one or more short high level periods, the toner remaining amount is determined to be low.

8. The toner remaining amount detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: When it is determined that the remaining toner is low, the toner cartridge is started to be replenished with new toner into the toner cartridge.

9. A toner residual amount detection device, characterized in that: Include: A toner cartridge, which stores toner inside and has a light-transmitting area on one side; A stirring structure is rotatably disposed in the toner cartridge and stirs the toner; A reflective area, disposed on the inner surface of the other side of the toner cartridge; A first cleaning component is disposed on one side of the stirring structure; A second cleaning component is disposed on the other side of the stirring structure; as well as A transceiver is disposed on the body outside the toner cartridge, and sends a transmission signal through the light-transmitting area to the reflection area, and a reflection signal generated by the reflection area reflecting the transmission signal is received by the transceiver through the reflection area; in The first cleaning component in rotation intermittently cleans the fixed light-transmitting area, and the second cleaning component in rotation intermittently cleans the fixed reflective area; The optical path from the light-transmitting area to the reflective area is parallel to the axial direction of the stirring structure and perpendicular to the direction in which the toner cartridge can be extracted and replaced.

10. The toner remaining amount detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: in: According to the level of the reflection signal being maintained at a low level, the toner remaining amount is determined to be high; and according to the level of the reflection signal being maintained at a high level accompanied by one or more short low level periods, the toner remaining amount is determined to be low.

11. The toner remaining amount detection device according to claim 10, characterized in that: When it is determined that the remaining toner is low, the toner cartridge is started to be replenished with new toner into the toner cartridge.

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