Imaging equipment and imaging systems

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus capable of replenishing toner using a replenishing box and communicating with a memory device of the replenishing box via a first electrical contact portion and a second electrical contact portion after the replenishing box is attached to the image forming apparatus in a mounting portion. When the replenishing box is in a replenishing position, the replenishing box is prevented from being disassembled by a control unit. The present disclosure also relates to an image forming system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system which form an image on a recording material. Background Art

[0002] In an electrophotographic imaging device, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum by a scanner unit, and the electrostatic latent image is developed using a toner as a developer. WO2020 / 046338 discusses a structure capable of replenishing a developer container from outside the device body by attaching a replenishment box to the imaging device. Summary of the invention

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an imaging device and an imaging system.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device, wherein a supplement box including a storage unit for storing colorant and a memory device for storing information is attachable to the imaging device, and the imaging device includes: a mounting portion, to which the supplement box is attached; a first electrical contact portion, which is arranged inside the mounting portion and is configured to contact a second electrical contact portion of a memory device included in the supplement box when the supplement box is attached to the mounting portion; a management unit, which includes a movable member capable of moving from a first position to a second position and is configured to manage the supplement box so that it cannot be removed from the mounting portion when the movable member is in the second position; and a control unit, wherein, by moving the movable member from the first position to the second position, the management unit manages the supplement box so that it cannot be removed from the mounting portion when the storage unit of the supplement box extends to the outside of the imaging device, and wherein, after the supplement box is managed by the management unit in the mounting portion, the control unit communicates with the memory device via the first electrical contact portion and the second electrical contact portion.

[0005] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device.

[0007] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the imaging device.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the position of the circuit substrate.

[0009] Figure 4 is a front perspective view showing the position of the circuit substrate.

[0010] Figure 5It is a perspective view of a circuit substrate and peripheral components of the circuit substrate.

[0011] Figure 6 It is a side view of a circuit board and peripheral components of the circuit board.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a top view of a circuit board and peripheral components of the circuit board.

[0013] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a holding configuration of a scanner unit and a driving motor.

[0014] Fig. 9 This is a rear view of the circuit substrate viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface.

[0015] Fig.10 It is a figure which shows the electronic components on the circuit board.

[0016] Fig.11 It is a block diagram showing the functions of the circuit board.

[0017] Fig.12 is a side view showing the positions of the replenishment unit and the scanner unit.

[0018] Fig.13 is a top view showing the positions of the supplementary unit and the scanner unit.

[0019] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a developer container.

[0020] Fig.15A is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting portion with the movable member in the first position, and Fig. 15B is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting portion with the movable member located in the second position.

[0021] Fig.16 is an enlarged perspective view of the communication unit.

[0022] Fig.17A is a diagram showing the structure of a supplementary pack, and Fig. 17B 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the supplementary pack.

[0023] Fig.18A is an enlarged perspective view of a memory device arranged on the bottom surface of the supplement box, and Fig.18B It is an enlarged view showing only the memory device.

[0024] Fig.19A is a perspective view showing a state in which the discharge tray is closed, and Fig.19B is a perspective view showing a state in which the discharge tray is opened.

[0025] Fig. 20Ais a perspective view showing a state where the supplementary box is inserted into the mounting portion, and Fig. 20B 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the operation unit is rotated in a state in which the replenishment cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion.

[0026] Fig.21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the replenishment cartridge is attached.

[0027] Fig.22A is a perspective view showing a control unit, and Fig. 22B 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the replenishment cartridge is regulated by the regulation unit in such a manner that it cannot be detached from the mounting portion.

[0028] Fig.23 is a flowchart according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Fig.24 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Fig.25 is a perspective view showing a configuration according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Fig.26 is a perspective view showing a configuration according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Fig.28 is a perspective view showing a state in which the discharge tray is opened according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Fig.29 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the replenishment cartridge is attached.

[0035] Fig. 30A is a perspective view showing a control unit, Fig. 30B is a perspective view showing a control unit, and Fig. 30C 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the replenishment cartridge is regulated by the regulation unit in such a manner that it cannot be detached from the mounting portion.

[0036] Fig.31 is a flowchart according to the second exemplary embodiment. Specific embodiments

[0037] Hereinafter, the mode for implementing the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings based on exemplary embodiments. The size, material, shape, and relative arrangement of the components described in the exemplary embodiments will be appropriately changed according to various conditions and the configuration of the device to which the present disclosure is applied. In other words, the size, material, shape, and relative arrangement of the components are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0038] [Overall structure of imaging device]

[0039] The overall configuration of an image forming system including the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment and the replenishing pack 310 will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a monochrome laser printer that uses an electrophotographic process and forms an image on a recording material P using a developer (toner) according to image information transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer. Examples of the recording material P include recording paper, label paper, an overhead projector (OHP) sheet, and cloth.

[0040] In the following description, in the case where the imaging device 1 is installed on a horizontal surface, the height direction of the imaging device 1 (the direction opposite to the vertical direction) will be referred to as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction and parallel to the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 11 to be described below will be referred to as the X direction. The direction intersecting the X direction and the Z direction is referred to as the Y direction. Desirably, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction intersect each other perpendicularly. For convenience, the positive side and the negative side of the X direction are referred to as the right side and the left side, respectively, the positive side and the negative side of the Y direction are referred to as the front side and the rear side, respectively, and the positive side and the negative side of the Z direction are referred to as the upper side and the lower side, respectively.

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the imaging device 1, and Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the X direction (the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 11 ). Figure 2 Only components related to the imaging process are selectively shown. Figure 1 , the image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet tray 4 storing recording materials P and a discharge tray 14 on which discharged recording materials P are stacked. The sheet tray 4 can be pulled out in the Y direction, and the user can replenish the sheet tray 4 with recording materials P. The recording materials P that have been fed from the sheet tray 4 and on which images are formed are discharged from the discharge port 15 toward the discharge port 15. Figure 1 The discharged materials are discharged in the discharge direction (Y direction) shown in the figure and are stacked on the discharge tray 14 .

[0042] The front cover 70 is provided at a portion of the end surface (a portion of the front surface) on the downstream side in the discharge direction of the imaging device 1, and covers the circuit substrate 100 described below. The outer cover 71 is provided on a portion of the front surface except for the position where the front cover 70 is provided, and on the side surface and the top surface of the imaging device 1. The front cover 70, the outer cover 71, and the above-mentioned discharge tray 14 form a housing 720 of the imaging device 1. The housing 720 is a member that covers the entire imaging device 1, and has processing members such as the scanner unit 50 described below built in. The above-mentioned discharge port 15 is an opening formed on a portion of the housing 720, and the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the imaging device 1 through the opening.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 The flow of the image forming operation performed on the recording material P is described. When the image information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1, the photosensitive drum 11 serving as a rotating member is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow R at a predetermined peripheral speed (processing speed) based on a print start signal. Based on the input image information, the scanner unit 50 emits laser light onto the photosensitive drum 11. The scanner unit 50 is a unit including a laser device that outputs laser light, a polygonal mirror and a lens for emitting laser light onto the photosensitive drum 11, a scanner motor for rotating the polygonal mirror, and a frame that integrally supports these components. The photosensitive drum 11 is preliminarily charged by the charging roller 17, and the emission of laser light forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed by carrying the toner stored in the container 18 to the photosensitive drum 11 (photosensitive member) by the developing roller 12 (developer carrying member), and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0044] Simultaneously with the above-described image forming process, the recording material P is fed from the sheet tray 4. A pickup roller 3, a feed roller 5a, and a transport roller pair 5c are provided on a transport path of the image forming apparatus 1. The pickup roller 3 feeds the recording material P by contacting the uppermost recording material P among the recording materials P stored in the sheet tray 4 and rotating. The feed roller 5a and a separation roller 5b in pressure contact with the feed roller 5a form a separation nip. In the case where a plurality of recording materials P are fed to the separation nip due to the influence of a frictional force applied between the recording materials P, the feed roller 5a and the separation roller 5b separate the plurality of recording materials P, and feed only the uppermost recording material P toward the downstream side.

[0045] The recording material P fed from the sheet tray 4 is conveyed toward the transfer roller 7 by the conveying roller pair 5c. By the transfer bias applied to the transfer roller 7, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred onto the recording material P. The recording material P having the toner image transferred by the transfer roller 7 is subjected to a heating and pressure applying process performed by the fixing device 9, and the toner image is fixed onto the recording material P. The fixing device 9 includes a heating roller 9a having a built-in fixing heater 9c and a pressure applying roller 9b pressed toward the heating roller 9a. Then, the recording material P having the fixed toner image is discharged to the discharge tray 14 by the discharge roller pair 10.

[0046] In the case where images are formed on both surfaces of the recording material P, the discharge roller pair 10 guides the recording material P to the duplex transport path 16 by switching back the recording material P on which an image has been formed on the first surface.

[0047] The recording material P guided to the duplex transport path 16 is transported again to the transfer roller 7 by the duplex transport roller pair 5d. After an image is formed on the second surface of the recording material P by the transfer roller 7, the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 10. After the toner image is transferred onto the recording material P, the photosensitive drum 11 is cleaned by removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 by the cleaning unit 13.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device 1 includes a circuit substrate 100. The circuit substrate 100 includes a wiring board 101 formed of an insulating material, and electronic components 111 and 121 soldered to the wiring board 101. Since wires are laid inside and on the board of the wiring board 101, the electronic components 111 and 121 are electrically connected. The circuit substrate 100 has a function of converting alternating current supplied from the outside of the imaging device 1 into direct current, and converting an input voltage for obtaining a predetermined voltage value required for an imaging process.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the circuit substrate 100 is arranged so that the surface of the wiring board 101 on which the electronic components 111 and 121 are mounted extends in a direction intersecting the discharge direction. In addition, the wiring board 101 is arranged between the front cover 70 and the scanner unit 50 in the discharge direction. The electronic components 111 and 121 are arranged on the surface of the wiring board 101 facing the scanner unit 50.

[0050] [Layout of circuit board]

[0051] Reference Figures 3 to 8 The arrangement of the circuit substrate 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment is described in detail. Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of the imaging device 1 showing the arrangement of the circuit substrate 100. Figure 1 different, Figure 3 The front cover 70 and the outer cover 71 are omitted in the figure. Figure 3 A mounting portion 200 for supplying toner is newly shown. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, a user or maintenance personnel can supply developer from the mounting portion 200, and the mounting portion 200 is connected to the container 18 inside the apparatus. The details of the mounting portion 200 will be described below.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the circuit substrate 100 is mounted on the front side, and the scanner unit 50 and the drive motor 60 (drive source) are arranged on the further rear side (negative side in the Y direction) of the circuit substrate 100. Figure 3 Because these components are not visible in the image, they are represented by dotted lines.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the imaging device 1 includes a right plate frame 72, a left plate frame 73, and a base frame 74. The circuit substrate 100 is supported by these frame members and is mounted on the imaging device 1 in such a manner that the plate surface becomes substantially parallel to the XZ plane. Bending portions 72a and 73a provided for reinforcement are formed at respective end portions in the Y direction of the right plate frame 72 and the left plate frame 73. The bending portion 72a is bent toward the positive side of the X direction in such a manner as to be substantially parallel to the XZ plane, and the bending portion 73a is bent toward the negative side of the X direction in such a manner as to be substantially parallel to the XZ plane. In this way, by bending the plate frames on both sides toward the outside of the imaging device 1, it is possible to mount electronic components on a wider area of ​​the wiring board 101.

[0054] Figure 4 1 is a front perspective view of the imaging device 1 showing the arrangement of the circuit substrate 100. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the distance L1 between the inner surface of the right plate frame 72 and the inner surface of the left plate frame 73 in the X direction is smaller than the length L2 of the circuit substrate 100 in the X direction. The wiring board 101 is arranged on the positive side (front side) of the curved portions 72a and 73a in the Y direction. When viewed from the front side, the circuit substrate 100 and the curved portions 72a and 73a overlap. Because the curved portions 72a and 73a, the scanner unit 50, and a part of the drive motor 60 are actually located Figure 4 , so these components are represented by dotted lines.

[0055] By arranging the circuit substrate 100 on the front side in such a manner as to bridge the right plate frame 72 and the left plate frame 73, the imaging device 1 does not need to include a harness connected transversely in the Y direction between the right plate frame 72 and the left plate frame 73. Since the harness length can be correspondingly shorter than that in the conventional device, the cost can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the shortened length. In addition, since the area in which the harness is laid becomes smaller than that in the conventional device, electrical noise can be reduced.

[0056] <Positional Relationship Between Electronic Components and Scanner Unit>

[0057] Next, we will refer to Figures 5 to 7 The positional relationship between the electronic component 111 and the scanner unit 50 is described in detail.

[0058] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the circuit substrate 100 when viewed from the rear side of the main body. Electronic components 111 having a larger size than that of other components in the Y direction are gathered in the lower portion of the wiring board 101 for effective use of space, and are installed in a manner adapted to fit in the lower portion of the scanner unit 50. A power input unit 115 is provided at an end portion of the wiring board 101. The power input unit 115 is connected to an inlet 116 described below, and receives power supply from a commercial power source.

[0059] Figure 6 2 is a diagram of the circuit substrate 100 when viewed from the left side of the main body. Because the mounting portion 200 overlaps with a portion of the scanner unit 50, and the portion is actually located at a position that is not visible, the area is indicated by a dashed line. The scanner unit 50 is arranged at a position that is most suitable for irradiating the photosensitive drum 11 with the laser represented by the dotted line. At the point where the scanner unit 50 and the wiring board 101 are closest to each other in the Y direction, components such as the electronic component 111 that protrudes significantly from the board surface are not arranged. In other words, the scanner unit 50 and the electronic component 111 are arranged in a staggered manner in the Z direction in a manner that does not interfere with each other.

[0060] Figure 7 1 is an enlarged top view of the circuit substrate 100 when viewed from the top surface of the main body. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the scanner unit 50 and the electronic component 111 are arranged at a position where they partially overlap each other. As described above, since the scanner unit 50 is located on the upper side of the electronic component 111, the electronic component 111 is not originally visible from this direction. Figure 7 In order to clearly show the positional relationship between the two components, the scanner unit 50 is indicated by a dotted line, and the electronic component 111 is shown in a perspective manner.

[0061] By arranging the electronic component 111 at the above-described position in this manner, the distance between the circuit substrate 100 and the scanner unit 50 in the Y direction (front-rear direction) can be shortened, and the image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced in size.

[0062] <Positional Relationship between Electronic Components and Drive Motor>

[0063] Next, we will refer to Figures 5 to 7 The positional relationship between the electronic components 111 and the drive motor 60 is described in detail. The drive motor 60 has a function of rotating the photosensitive drum 11 and a transport member for feeding and transporting the recording material P (the pickup roller 3, the feed roller 5a, the transport roller pair 5c, etc.).

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the drive motor 60 protrudes toward the negative side in the X direction, and the wiring board 101 is arranged on the front side of the main body of the drive motor 60. It can be seen that the electronic component 111 is installed in a manner that avoids the drive motor so as not to interfere with the drive motor 60. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the left side surface of the main body, the drive motor 60 and the electronic component 111 are arranged at positions where they partially overlap each other. Figure 7 As shown, the drive motor 60 and the electronic components 111 are arranged so as to be staggered in the X direction in such a manner as not to interfere with each other when viewed from the main body top surface.

[0065] By arranging the electronic component 111 at the above-described position in this manner, the distance between the circuit substrate 100 and the drive motor 60 in the Y direction (front-rear direction) can be shortened, and the imaging apparatus 1 can be reduced in size.

[0066] <Configuration of Attachment to Main Body>

[0067] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 The configuration of attaching the scanner unit 50 and the driving motor 60 to the main body is described in detail. Figure 8 is by adding the right plate frame 72 and the scanner holding member 40 to Figure 5 The left plate frame 73 and the base frame 74 are omitted.

[0068] The scanner unit 50 is held by the scanner holding member 40. The scanner holding member 40 is fixed to the right plate frame 72 and the left plate frame 73 ( Figure 8 200 and is configured to pass through the lower portion of the mounting portion 200 and bridge the two frames. On the other hand, the drive motor 60 is attached to the right plate frame 72, and a gear coupled to the drive motor 60 is provided on the X-direction positive side (right side) of the right plate frame 72. The driving force of the drive motor 60 is transmitted to the feed roller 5a and the photosensitive drum 11 through the gears.

[0069] <Structure of Circuit Board>

[0070] Next, we will refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The configuration of the circuit substrate 100 is described. Fig. 9 This is a rear view of the circuit board 100 when viewed from the rear side of the main body. Fig. 9 Not only the circuit substrate 100 but also the scanner unit 50 , the driving motor 60 , and the mounting portion 200 are shown together. Fig.10 Only the circuit substrate 100 is shown.

[0071] The circuit substrate 100 includes a low voltage power supply unit 110 that receives AC power from an external commercial power source and converts the AC power into DC power, and a high voltage power supply unit 120 that supplies a high voltage required for image formation to each processing component. On the circuit substrate 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the low voltage power supply unit 110 and the high voltage power supply unit 120 are mounted on the same substrate.

[0072] The low voltage power supply unit 110 includes a low voltage power transformer 112, a heat sink 113, and an electrolytic capacitor 114, which are electronic components 111 having a large size in the Y direction. The low voltage power supply unit 110 also includes a power input unit 115. The high voltage power supply unit 120 includes a charging transformer 122, a developing transformer 123, and a transfer transformer 124, which are electronic components 121 having a large size in the Y direction. Fig. 9 It can be clearly seen that all the electronic components 111 and 121 having a large size in the Y direction are arranged in such a manner as to avoid the positions of the scanner unit 50 , the drive motor 60 , and the mounting portion 200 .

[0073] Reference Fig.10Other components provided on the circuit substrate 100 are described. A plurality of connectors 220, 221, 222, and 223 are provided at the upper end portion or the lower end portion of the circuit substrate 100, and the circuit substrate 100 is connected to various components through a harness. The connector 220 is connected to the drive motor 60 and a sensor (not shown) that detects the recording material P being conveyed. The connector 221 is connected to the laser output unit (not shown) of the scanner unit 50 and the scanner motor (not shown) for rotating the polygon mirror. The connector 222 is connected to the control panel (not shown) and the video controller 140, and the control panel includes a power switch and an execution key to be operated by the user. The connector 223 is connected to the fixing heater 9c. In the shaded portion 224 facing the drive motor 60, an electronic component having a small size in the Y direction among the components in the high-voltage power supply unit 120 is installed. Specifically, a resistor and a jumper wire are provided. The resistor provided at this position has a function of adjusting various bias voltages output from the charging transformer 122, the developing transformer 123, and the transfer transformer 124.

[0074] Next, we will refer to Figures 9 to 11 Functions of the low voltage power supply unit 110 and the high voltage power supply unit 120 are described. Fig.11 is a block diagram showing the functions of the circuit board 100 .

[0075] First, the low-voltage power supply unit 110 receives power from an external power source via a power input unit 115 installed at the end portion of the substrate, and converts the AC voltage into a stable DC voltage through a rectifier smoothing circuit including an electrolytic capacitor 114. After that, the low-voltage power supply unit 110 converts the DC voltage into a high-frequency AC voltage through a switching element such as a transistor, and inputs the high-frequency AC voltage to a low-voltage power transformer 112. The low-voltage power transformer 112 converts the high-frequency AC voltage as an input voltage into an AC voltage (output voltage) having a desired voltage value. The low-voltage power supply unit 110 converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage again, and outputs the obtained DC voltage to the high-voltage power supply unit 120. Because the loss of each circuit component in the low-voltage power supply unit 110 is expressed as heat, a heat sink 113 made of aluminum or iron is provided for releasing heat.

[0076] The high voltage power supply unit 120 converts the voltage (e.g., 24V) supplied from the low voltage power supply unit 110 into a high voltage required for image forming processes such as charging, developing, and transferring. The charging transformer 122 converts the voltage supplied from the low voltage power supply unit 110 into a charging voltage, and then supplies the converted voltage to the charging roller 17. The developing transformer 123 converts the voltage supplied from the low voltage power supply unit 110 into a developing voltage, and then supplies the converted voltage to the developing roller 12. The transfer transformer 124 converts the voltage supplied from the low voltage power supply unit 110 into a transfer voltage, and then supplies the converted voltage to the transfer roller 7.

[0077] The low-voltage power supply unit 110 supplies voltage (e.g., 3.3V or 5V) not only to the high-voltage power supply unit 120 but also to the scanner unit 50, the drive motor 60, the engine controller 130, and the video controller 140. The engine controller 130 serves as a control unit that comprehensively controls various processing components. The engine controller 130 includes a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown), a random access memory (RAM) (not shown) for calculating and temporarily storing data required to control the imaging device 1, and a read-only memory (ROM) (not shown) for storing programs and various types of data for controlling the imaging device 1. The video controller 140 has a function of receiving print data by communicating with an external device such as a personal computer and notifying the engine controller 130 of the analysis results of the print data. The engine controller 130 and the video controller 140 may be provided on a substrate different from the circuit substrate 100, or may be provided on the same substrate. In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the engine controller 130 is disposed on the circuit substrate 100 .

[0078] The AC power received from the commercial power source by the power input unit 115 is supplied not only to the low voltage power supply unit 110 but also to the fixing heater 9c. Fig.10 On the circuit substrate 100 shown, a bidirectional thyristor (not shown) is provided between the power input unit 115 and the connector 223. The temperature of the fixing heater 9c can be adjusted by switching the bidirectional thyristor on and off and changing the sine waveform. The rollers in the fixing device 9 are driven by a drive motor 60.

[0079] [Layout and construction of supplementary units]

[0080] Next, we will refer to Figures 12 to 16 Description of the mounting portion 200. As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with the mounting portion 200 for supplying toner from the outside without detaching the container 18 from the housing 720 in a case where the remaining amount of toner in the container 18 becomes small.

[0081] The mounting portion 200 has a configuration to which a supplementary pack 310 (to be described below) serving as a supplementary box can be attached.

[0082] Fig.12 This is a left side view of the image forming apparatus 1 when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 11. Fig.12 The outer cover 71 and the left plate frame 73 are removed. The mounting portion 200 includes a refill pack 310 ( Fig.12 1 and 10 , and the toner receiving portion 202 having a cylindrical shape, and a replenishing passage portion 203 connecting the container 18 and the toner receiving portion 202. The operating unit 201 forms a replenishing port 204 which is a space for inserting the replenishing pack 310. Through the replenishing port 204, the toner moves to the toner receiving portion 202 and the replenishing passage portion 203 in sequence, and the toner is finally supplied to the container 18. The operating unit 201 includes a rotating lever 201b which serves as a holding member held by a user to rotate the operating unit 201.

[0083] Since the mounting portion 200 overlaps a portion of the scanner unit 50 and the portion is actually located at a position that is not visible, the area is Fig.12 Specifically, the toner receiving portion 202 and the replenishing passage portion 203 of the mounting portion 200 overlap with the scanner unit 50. More specifically, the toner receiving portion 202 and the replenishing passage portion 203 are located at a position overlapping with the scanner unit 50 in the Z direction. When the area where the replenishing port 204 is provided in the Y direction (horizontal direction) is shown by R1 and the area where the scanner unit 50 is provided in the Y direction is shown by R2, the areas R1 and R2 overlap.

[0084] A virtual surface passing through the upper end portion 18b located at the uppermost position of the frame member 18a of the container 18 and parallel to the horizontal surface is represented by S. Fig.12 , the virtual surface S is indicated by a dashed line. It can be seen that a portion of the mounting portion 200 is located on the positive side (upper side) in the Z direction relative to the virtual surface S. In other words, a portion of the mounting portion 200 protrudes toward the upper side relative to the upper end portion 18b of the container 18. Specifically, the portion of the mounting portion 200 includes the entire operating unit 201, a portion of the toner receiving portion 202, and a portion of the replenishing passage portion 203. In addition, the portion of the toner receiving portion 202 and the portion of the replenishing passage portion 203 that protrude toward the upper side from the virtual surface S overlap with the scanner unit 50.

[0085] like Fig.12As shown, since the drum frame member 11a supporting the photosensitive drum 11 overlaps with a portion of the container 18 and this portion is actually located at a position that is not visible, this area is indicated by a dotted line.

[0086] The container 18 supports the developing roller 12 carrying the developer. Since the developing roller 12 is actually located in an invisible position, Fig.12 The developing roller 12 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0087] A communication unit 209 is provided at a position facing the insertion direction of the replenishing container in the bottom portion of the mounting portion 200. Details of the function of the communication unit 209 will be described below. Fig.13 71 is a top view of the imaging device 1 after the outer cover 71 is removed. As described above, the operation unit 201 forms the replenishment port 204 through which the insertion portion 312 passes. In addition, the operation unit 201 includes the annular portion 201a arranged in a manner surrounding the replenishment port 204, and the rotating rod 201b connected to the annular portion 201a. Fig.14 As shown, the width of the mounting portion 200 in the X direction is smaller than the width of the container 18 in the X direction.

[0088] The laser light emitted from the scanner unit 50 onto the photosensitive drum 11 is propagated in a trapezoidal shape by the action of a polygon mirror (not shown) and a lens (not shown). Fig.13 As shown. Therefore, the width of the scanner unit 50 in the X direction is smaller than the width of the photosensitive drum 11 in the X direction. Therefore, a space is generated between the left end portion of the scanner unit 50 and the left plate frame 73, and the mounting portion 200 is provided in the space in the present exemplary embodiment. In other words, Fig.13 As shown, the mounting portion 200 is provided between the scanner unit 50 and the left plate frame 73 in the X direction. In addition, the replenishment port 204 and the scanner unit 50 are provided adjacently in the X direction in the region where the container 18 is provided. By providing the mounting portion 200 at this position, the influence on the size of the imaging device 1 can be reduced.

[0089] The mounting portion 200 is disposed on the opposite side of the drive motor 60 across the scanner unit 50. Since the drive motor 60 used in the present exemplary embodiment is relatively small, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the mounting portion 200 and the drive motor 60 do not overlap in the Z direction. Therefore, the mounting portion 200 and the drive motor 60 can be arranged on the same side of the scanner unit 50. However, in the case of applying a drive motor 60 with a larger size, the mounting portion 200 will be arranged at a position shifted upward. The imaging device 1 is therefore increased in size.

[0090] In the case of adopting the configuration in which the mounting portion 200 is provided on the opposite side of the drive motor 60 as described in the present exemplary embodiment, a drive motor 60 having a larger size can be applied without increasing the size of the imaging apparatus 1. In other words, the degree of freedom in design can be ensured. Fig.14 2 is a perspective view of a developer container 230 including the container 18 and the mounting portion 200. Fig.14 In the figure, the operating unit 201 of the installation part 200 and some components associated with the operating unit 201 are omitted. Fig.14 As shown, the mounting portion 200 includes a receiving opening 205 leading to the replenishing passage portion 203, which is formed on the inner wall of the toner receiving portion 202 having a cylindrical shape. The receiving opening 205 is a lateral opening provided on the side surface of the inner wall of the toner receiving portion 202. The toner is guided from the toner receiving portion 202 to the replenishing passage portion 203 via the receiving opening 205, and then stored in the container 18 via the replenishing passage portion 203.

[0091] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting portion 200. Fig.15A 17 , the receiving opening 205 formed on the toner receiving portion 202 is indicated by a dotted line because it is blocked by the main body baffle portion 206 as a movable member and is not actually visible. The main body baffle portion 206 is a cylindrical member coaxial with the toner receiving portion 202 and is provided inside the toner receiving portion 202. A baffle opening 207 for passing the toner is also formed on the main body baffle portion 206. The baffle opening 207 is a connecting opening for connecting the receiving opening 205 and the lateral opening 313 (refer to FIG. 17 ).

[0092] Because the receiving opening 205 and the baffle opening 207 are located Fig.15A The receiving opening 205 is blocked due to the staggered position.

[0093] The first driving force transmission rib 201d of the operation unit 201 and the second driving force transmission rib 206a of the main body shutter portion 206 can engage with the driving force transmitted unit 314b of the pack shutter portion 314, which will be described in detail below.

[0094] By attaching the supplementary pack 310, these transmission ribs are engaged with the driving force transmitted unit 314b of the pack shutter portion 314. The driving force transmitted unit 314b of the pack shutter portion 314 is the engaged portion. The second driving force transmission rib 206a of the main body shutter portion 206 is the first engaging portion included in the movable member (second rotating member). The first driving force transmission rib 201d of the operating unit 201 is the second engaging portion.

[0095] In this state, the user can hold the rotating rod 201b and move the rotating rod 201b from Fig.15A The state in is rotated about 90° to Fig. 15B The main body baffle portion 206 as a movable member can rotate in the toner receiving portion 202 according to the rotation of the rotating lever 201b. In the present exemplary embodiment, the main body baffle portion 206 is a movable member included in the control unit, or the main body baffle portion 206 is also a second rotating member. Fig. 15B In this state, since the receiving opening 205 and the shutter opening 207 are located at the overlapping positions and the receiving opening 205 is open, the toner can be supplied via the receiving opening 205 in this state.

[0096] When an image is to be formed on the recording material P, the toner is stirred in the container 18 by a stirring member (not shown). Therefore, the receiving opening 205 is blocked in such a manner as to prevent the toner from leaking from the receiving opening 205. When the image is formed (after the toner replenishment is finished), the rotating lever 201b is moved to Fig.15A The first position is shown. The first position will be referred to as the default position.

[0097] In the present exemplary embodiment, since the main body shutter portion 206 and the rotating lever 201 b integrally rotate, in a state where the rotating lever 201 b is located at the default position, the main body shutter portion 206 is also located at the default position.

[0098] On the other hand, when the container 18 is replenished with toner from a replenishment pack 310 described below, the receiving opening 205 is opened. Thus, the rotating rod 201b reaches the position where the toner is replenished. Fig. 15B 201b is in the second position shown. In the present exemplary embodiment, the second position is a control position where the supplementary pack 310 is controlled in a non-detachable manner, and is also a replenishment position where toner is supplied from the supplementary pack 310. The second position is a position away from the first position. In the present exemplary embodiment, because the main body baffle portion 206 and the rotating rod 201b rotate integrally, when the rotating rod 201b is located at the control position, the main body baffle portion 206 is also located at the control position.

[0099] The operation unit 201 is provided with a lever detection sensor 225, which is a first detection means for detecting the rotation of the rotation lever 201b held and rotated to the supplementary position, and a detected rib portion 201c serving as a detected portion. The lever detection sensor 225 is a contact type sensor that transmits an on signal as a detection signal to the engine controller 130 by detecting the contact of the detected rib portion 201c. A non-contact type sensor may be employed as the lever detection sensor 225.

[0100] If the rod detection sensor 225 detects an on signal, the following occurs: Fig. 15B The toner shown is in a state where it can be supplied. Therefore, stirring of the toner in the container 18 is started by a stirring member (not shown). This prevents the toner from stagnating near the receiving opening 205 and enables a smooth toner replenishing operation.

[0101] The toner receiving portion 202 further includes a control rib 202a. In the present exemplary embodiment, a control unit for controlling the removal of the supplementary pack 310 from the mounting portion 200 in the Z direction is included. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit includes the control rib 202a of the toner receiving portion 202 and the main body shutter portion 206 of the moving pack shutter portion 314.

[0102] Fig.16 209 is an enlarged perspective view of the communication unit 209. The communication unit 209 includes a main body electrical contact portion 209a serving as a first electrical contact portion, and the main body electrical contact portion faces toward the positive side (upper side) in the Z direction. The communication unit 209 is pressed by the member 219 ( Fig.16 (not shown) is pressed toward the positive side in the Z direction.

[0103] The details of the engagement with the supplementary pack 310 will be described below. The main body baffle portion 206 further includes a second driving force transmission rib 206a and a core positioning hole 206b for positioning the core of the supplementary pack 310.

[0104] [Structure of Supplement Pack]

[0105] Next, we will refer to Fig.17A and Fig. 17B The construction of the supplemental pack 310 is described. Fig. 17B It is from Fig.17A A diagram of the replenishing pack 310 when viewed from different angles. The replenishing pack 310 includes a bag portion 311 storing toner to be supplied and a cylindrical insertion portion 312 to be inserted into the replenishing port 204. The bag portion 311 is a storage unit storing toner.

[0106] The supplementary pack 310 is attached to the mounting portion 200 in a state where the insertion portion 312 is regarded as the front end side.

[0107] The replenishing pack 310 further includes a lateral opening 313, which is a discharge opening for discharging toner and is formed on a side surface of the insertion portion 312, and a pack shutter portion 314 for closing the lateral opening 313 in such a manner that toner does not leak from the lateral opening 313. The pack shutter portion 314 is a first rotating member that can be rotated to open and close the lateral opening 313. The bag portion 311 has a shape that is flattened toward the opposite side of the insertion portion 312, and a bag end portion 316 extending in a predetermined direction is formed at the end of the bag portion 311. A memory tag 318 serving as a memory device is provided on the bottom surface of the insertion portion 312. The bottom surface refers to the bottom surface in the Z direction in a state where the replenishing pack 310 is attached to the replenishing port 204.

[0108] The pack shutter portion 314 is a cylindrical member coaxial with the insertion portion 312, and is provided on the outside of the insertion portion 312. The pack shutter portion 314 is configured to be rotatable relative to the insertion portion 312. If the pack shutter portion 314 is rotated and the opening of the pack shutter portion 314 and the lateral opening 313 of the insertion portion 312 match, toner can be supplied from the supplementary pack 310.

[0109] Because the lateral opening 313 formed on the insertion portion 312 is covered by the baffle portion 314, and Fig.17A The side opening 313 is actually not visible in the figure, so the side opening 313 is indicated by a dotted line. The driving force transmission unit 314b is provided on the side surface of the pack baffle portion 314. When the supplement pack 310 is inserted into the supplement port 204, the driving force transmission unit 314b is connected to the supplement port 204. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B The first driving force transmission rib 201d and the second driving force transmission rib 206a shown in FIG. 2 are engaged.

[0110] The positioning slit portion 314c is provided on the side surface of the package shutter portion 314. The regulating rib 202a provided on the toner receiving portion 202 described above enters the positioning slit portion 314c by the rotation of the package shutter portion 314. In this state, the regulating rib 202a is in a state contactable with the positioning slit portion 314c.

[0111] Fig.18A is an enlarged perspective view of the memory label 318 arranged on the bottom surface of the supplemental pack 310. Fig.18B31 is an enlarged view showing only the memory tag 318. The memory tag 318 is a plate-shaped member having an area of ​​5.5 mm×5 mm and a thickness of 1.4 mm. The memory tag 318 is fixed to the insertion portion 312 in a state where the electrical contact portion 318a serving as the second electrical contact portion is exposed toward the bottom surface side. The memory tag 318 includes a storage element 318d on a rear surface 318c located on the opposite side of the front surface 318b on which the electrical contact portion 318a is provided. The storage element 318d stores information about the replenishing pack 310, such as a batch number, a stored toner amount, characteristic information of the replenishing pack 310, and characteristic information of the image forming apparatus to which the replenishing pack 310 is to be attached. By electrically communicating with the storage element 318d via the electrical contact portion 318a, the engine controller 130 of the image forming apparatus 1 reads the information in the storage element 318d and uses the information to control the image forming apparatus 1. A core positioning rib 312 a for positioning the core of the main body baffle portion 206 when the supplementary pack 310 is attached to the mounting portion 200 is provided on the bottom surface of the supplementary pack 310 .

[0112] In the present exemplary embodiment, a description has been given of a configuration in which the memory tag 318 on which the electrical contact portion 318a is mounted is arranged on the bottom surface of the insertion portion 312, but it is sufficient that the electrical contact portion 318a is arranged on the bottom surface. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the memory element 318d communicating with the electrical contact portion 318a is held on a portion other than the bottom surface of the insertion portion 312, and is connected to the electrical contact portion 318a on the bottom surface from the portion other than the bottom surface of the insertion portion 312 through a conductive member such as a coil spring.

[0113] Next, we will refer to Fig.19A and FIG. 19B to FIG. 21 The toner replenishment process using the replenishment pack 310 and the communication process of the memory tag 318 are described. Fig.19A and Fig.19B is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the discharge tray 14 is opened or closed. Fig.19A The stacking position shown and Fig.19B The discharge tray 14 is configured to be movable between the positions shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , at which stacking position the discharge tray 14 covers the mounting portion 200 and the recording materials P discharged from the discharge port 15 can be stacked. Fig.19B The mounting portion 200 is exposed at the position shown. Since the mounting portion 200 is provided in the upper portion of the main body front surface of the imaging device 1, the user can easily access the mounting portion 200 at the time of replenishment.

[0114] When toner is to be supplied, the recording material P stacked on the discharge tray 14 is removed, and the discharge tray 14 is opened and moved to the discharge tray 14. Fig.19B If the discharge tray 14 is opened, the mounting portion 200 and the top surface portion 240 disposed adjacent to the mounting portion 200 are exposed. Then, the supplementary pack 310 is inserted into the exposed mounting portion 200. At this time, as described above, the supplementary pack 310 is inserted in such a manner that the positions of the first driving force transmission rib 201d and the second driving force transmission rib 206a (FIG. 15) disposed on the mounting portion 200 match the positions of the driving force transmitted unit 314b (FIG. 18) disposed on the supplementary pack 310.

[0115] Fig. 20A 2 shows a state where the supplementary pack 310 is inserted into the mounting portion 200. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the direction D in which the bag end portion 316 extends becomes aligned with the direction D in which the bag end portion 316 extends, the bag end portion 316 extends in the same direction as the bag end portion 316. Fig. 20A When the X directions are shown parallel, the supplemental pack 310 can be inserted. Fig. 20B 2 shows the state where the rotating rod 201b moves from the default position to the supplementary position. Fig. 20A As shown, in a state where the supplement pack 310 is attached to the mounting portion 200, the entire bag portion 311 of the supplement pack 310 is not accommodated in the imaging device 1, and the bag portion 311 is exposed to the outside of the imaging device 1. Depending on the shapes of the insertion portion 312 and the bag portion 311, a configuration in which a portion of the bag portion 311 and the insertion portion 312 are accommodated in the imaging device 1 may be adopted.

[0116] Fig.21 1 is a cross-sectional enlarged view showing the memory tag 318 in a state where the supplementary pack 310 is attached. When the supplementary pack 310 is inserted, the side surface of the core positioning rib 312a (FIG. 18) arranged on the bottom surface of the insertion portion 312 of the supplementary pack 310 engages with the core positioning hole 206b of the main body baffle portion 206, and the core is positioned. Then, the core positioning rib 312a of the supplementary pack 310 engages with the communication unit 209, and the electrical contact portion 318a of the memory tag 318 and the main body electrical contact portion 209a of the communication unit 209 contact and enter a state capable of performing electrical communication.

[0117] The communication unit 209 is pressed by the pressing member 219 toward the memory tag 318, and the position in the Z direction is determined by the abutment portion 209b of the communication unit 209 abutting against the abutment portion 312b of the insertion portion 312. In this way, the contact pressure of the electrical contact portion is ensured.

[0118] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B2 is a perspective view showing a control unit for controlling the removal of the supplementary pack 310 from the mounting portion 200 in the removal direction. In order to make the components easy to see, a part of the components (eg, the operation unit 201) is not shown.

[0119] like Fig.22A As shown, at the default position, the positioning slit portion 314c of the replenishing pack 310 and the regulating rib 202a of the toner receiving portion 202 are not engaged, and the replenishing pack 310 is in a state of being detachable from the mounting portion 200. Fig. 22B As shown, at the replenishing position, the regulating rib 202a provided on the toner receiving portion 202 is caused to enter the state of the positioning slit portion 314c. This state is a state in which the positioning slit portion 314c is engaged with the regulating rib 202a and the replenishing pack 310 is positioned in the Z direction. In other words, this state is a state in which the replenishing pack 310 cannot be removed from the mounting portion 200.

[0120] In a state where the rotating lever 201b is located at the default position, the supplementary pack 310 may be detached from the mounting portion 200 while power supply or communication is being performed between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318. In a state where the supplementary pack 310 is attached to the mounting portion 200, the supplementary pack 310 is not accommodated in the imaging device 1, and the bag portion 311 of the supplementary pack 310 is visible to the user. Therefore, the supplementary pack 310 may be detached from the mounting portion 200 while power supply or communication is being performed between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318. For example, in a case where authentication of the memory tag 318 is performed as communication between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318, the authentication may fail due to the detachment of the supplementary pack 310 from the mounting portion 200. By detaching the supplementary pack 310 from the mounting portion 200 while communication is being performed between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318, the memory tag 318 may be damaged.

[0121] The present exemplary embodiment is characterized in that after the management and control unit causes a state in which the supplementary pack 310 cannot be detached from the mounting portion 200 , power supply between the memory tag 318 and the engine controller 130 is started.

[0122] As described above, if the rotating lever 201b is moved to the replenishing position, the main body shutter portion 206 and the pack shutter portion 314 are rotated, and the receiving opening 205 (FIG. 15) formed on the toner receiving portion 202 is opened. The lateral opening 313 (FIG. 17) formed on the insertion portion 312 is configured to open together with the opening of the receiving opening 205. Then, when the replenishing pack 310 is inserted into the mounting portion 200, the receiving opening 205 formed on the toner receiving portion 202 and the lateral opening 313 formed on the insertion portion 312 are in a positional relationship facing each other. Therefore, when the rotating lever 201b is moved from the default position to the replenishing position, the replenishing pack 310 and the container 18 are connected to each other, and toner can be supplied from the replenishing pack 310.

[0123] In the present exemplary embodiment, by rotating the rotating rod 201b by about 90°, the rod detection sensor 225 detects the rotation. Triggered by the detection, the communication of the memory tag 318 is started by the control of the engine controller 130. During the communication, the control unit described above keeps the supplementary pack 310 within the range in which the communication unit 209 pressed by the pressing member 219 can maintain the contact state with the memory tag 318 and can track the memory tag 318. Therefore, the contact state between the memory tag 318 and the communication unit 209 is ensured, and stable communication can be performed.

[0124] Communication between the memory tag 318 and the communication unit 209 is performed, and a state in which toner can be provided is caused. Then, after the toner replenishment is completed, an operation of returning the rotating lever 201b to the original default position is performed. At this time, in contrast to the lever operation to the replenishment position, first, the main body shutter portion 206 of the mounting portion 200 and the pack shutter portion 314 of the replenishment pack 310 are rotated together, and the receiving opening 205 and the lateral opening 313 of the corresponding shutter portions are closed. After that, by returning the rotating lever 201b to the default position, the engagement between the positioning slit portion 314c of the replenishment pack 310 and the regulating rib 202a of the toner receiving portion 202 is released, and the replenishment pack 310 becomes detachable from the mounting portion 200. With this configuration, in a case where the replenishment pack 310 is not inserted into the mounting portion 200 of the image forming apparatus 1, the main body shutter portion 206 and the pack shutter portion 314 are closed, and toner leakage can be prevented.

[0125] Fig.23 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0126] First, when toner is to be supplied, the discharge tray 14 is opened, and the mounting portion 200 and the top surface portion 240 disposed adjacent to the mounting portion 200 are exposed. Then, the replenishing pack 310 is attached to the exposed mounting portion 200 in step S101.

[0127] In step S102, the engine controller 130 determines whether the rod detection sensor 225 has detected the detected rib portion 201c of the operation unit 201. In the case where the rod detection sensor 225 has detected the detected rib portion 201c ("Yes" in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the power supply to the memory tag 318 is started. As described above, the state in which the rod detection sensor 225 has detected the detected rib portion 201c of the operation unit 201 is a state in which the supplementary pack 310 is controlled in a manner that cannot be removed from the mounting portion 200. Because the supplementary pack 310 is in a state in which it is controlled in a manner that cannot be removed from the mounting portion 200, even when the power supply from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318 is started, a failure in communication or authentication and damage to the memory tag 318 can be prevented.

[0128] In the present exemplary embodiment, power supply from the engine controller 130 and communication between the memory tag 318 and the engine controller 130 are simultaneously performed via the main body electrical contact portion 209a and the electrical contact portion 318a. In the present exemplary embodiment, an authentication sequence is performed by performing communication between the memory tag 318 and the engine controller 130. In the authentication sequence, for example, the lot number of the replenishing pack 310, the amount of stored toner, and characteristic information are read from the memory tag 318.

[0129] When the rotating lever 201b is moved from the default position to the replenishing position, the replenishing pack 310 and the container 18 are connected to each other, and the toner can be supplied from the replenishing pack 310. In the present exemplary embodiment, the user becomes able to perform the toner replenishing operation simultaneously with the authentication sequence. Since the time of the authentication sequence is extremely short than the time taken for the replenishing operation, in step S104, the authentication sequence is completed during the replenishing operation, and the communication between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318 ends.

[0130] When the user ends the replenishment operation, the user moves the rotating rod 201b to the default position. In step S105, it is determined whether the rod detection sensor 225 is in the disconnected state. If the rod detection sensor 225 is in the disconnected state ("Yes" in step S105), the power supply from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318 has ended. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the replenishment pack 310 is removed from the mounting portion 200 while preventing damage to the memory tag 318.

[0131] According to the configuration of the present exemplary embodiment, the contact state between the memory tag 318 and the communication unit 209 is ensured by the management and control unit, and stable communication can be performed between the memory tag 318 and the engine controller 130 .

[0132] In the present exemplary embodiment, a description has been given of a configuration in which communication from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318 is started at a position where the rotating lever 201b is rotated by about 90°. Therefore, at the moment when communication from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318 is started, toner replenishment is performed from the replenishment pack 310. In view of the foregoing, by adding the second lever detection sensor 226 in addition to the lever detection sensor 225, communication from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318 can be started before toner replenishment is started from the replenishment pack 310.

[0133] Fig.24 2 is a perspective view showing a modified example. A second rod detection sensor 226 serving as a second detection device is arranged at a position where the second rod detection sensor 226 detects rotation when the rotation rod 201b rotates about 10° from the default position. The second rod detection sensor 226 is a contact type sensor similar to the rod detection sensor 225.

[0134] When the rotating rod 201b is rotated about 10° from the default position, the positioning of the replenishing pack 310 in the Z direction is completed. At that time, the rotation of the rotating rod 201b is locked by a specific mechanism (not shown) such as a solenoid valve. If the second rod detection sensor 226 enters the on state in a state where the disassembly of the replenishing pack 310 is controlled, the engine controller 130 supplies power to the memory tag 318 and starts communication. Then, after the communication is completed, the lock of the rotating rod 201b in the rotation direction is canceled and it is rotated until 90°. In this position, the rotating rod 210b is detected by the rod detection sensor 225, and a state in which toner can be provided is caused. According to the construction of the modified example, toner replenishment is not performed before the communication is completed, and after the communication is completed, toner replenishment can be started.

[0135] In the present exemplary embodiment, a description has been given of a configuration of the regulating unit in which the regulating rib 202a of the toner receiving portion 202 contacts the positioning slit portion 314c provided on the pack shutter portion 314, but the slit portion may be provided on the side of the toner receiving portion 202. When the main body shutter portion 206 and the pack shutter portion 314 are integrally rotated and reach the second position, the regulating rib provided in the replenishing pack 310 may overlap the slit portion provided in the toner receiving portion 202.

[0136] In the present exemplary embodiment, the control of the supplementary pack 310 in the Z direction with respect to the mounting portion 200 is performed by the operation of integrally rotating the rotating rod 201b and the main body shutter portion 206 as a movable member, but the operation does not need to be a rotating operation. For example, by adopting a linear operating rod as a movable member and operating the linear operating rod, the control of the supplementary pack 310 in the Z direction with respect to the mounting portion 200 can be performed.

[0137] In the present exemplary embodiment, the control of the supplementary pack 310 in the Z direction with respect to the mounting portion 200 is performed in conjunction with the rotational movement of the main body shutter portion 206 and the pack shutter portion 314 for opening and closing the lateral opening 313, but the control does not need to be performed in conjunction with the rotational movement. The main body shutter portion 206 and the pack shutter portion 314 may be configured to rotate after the control unit completes the control.

[0138] Hereinafter, a second exemplary embodiment will be described. In the second exemplary embodiment, components having the same or corresponding functions and configurations as those of the first exemplary embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0139] In the first exemplary embodiment, a description has been given of a configuration that prevents the removal of the supplement pack 310 and opens and closes the shutter of the supplement pack 310 by rotating the rotating lever 201b provided in the operation unit 201. In the present exemplary embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration that prevents the removal of the supplement pack 310 and opens and closes the shutter of the supplement pack 310 in a configuration without the operation unit 201.

[0140] Reference Figure 25 to Figure 29 The configuration of the second exemplary embodiment is described. In order to make the functional components easy to see, a portion of the retaining member is not shown. Fig.25 As shown, in parallel with the communication unit 209 arranged similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, an installation detection sensor 407 serving as installation detection means for detecting the installation of the supplementary pack 310 is arranged on the bottom surface of the supplementary unit. The installation detection sensor 407 is a contact type sensor, but may also be a non-contact type sensor.

[0141] like Fig.26 As shown, the main body baffle part 506 includes a worm gear part 506a, and the driving force can be transmitted from the brush plate motor 401 via the gear train part 404 including a plurality of gears and the worm gear 403. In the present exemplary embodiment, the main body baffle part 506 is used as a movable member provided in the control unit, or the main body baffle part 506 is also used as a second rotating member.

[0142] In the present exemplary embodiment, the regulating unit includes the regulating rib 202 a of the toner receiving portion 202 and the main body shutter portion 506 of the moving pack shutter portion 314 .

[0143] The encoder 402 and the rotation detection sensor 408 arranged inside the drive train are configured to perform rotation control of the brush plate motor 401. The second detection device for detecting the number of rotations of the brush plate motor 401 includes the encoder 402 and the rotation detection sensor 408. In addition, the second detection device also includes a position detection sensor 409 (the first detection device in the second exemplary embodiment) for detecting the rotation position of the main body baffle portion 506. The main body baffle portion 506 includes a position detection rib 506b.

[0144] like Fig. 27 As shown, the driving force transmitting components such as the top surface portion 241 and the worm gear 403 are arranged to extend along the angle of the discharge tray 14. By arranging the worm gear 403 obliquely so as to extend along the top surface portion 241, it becomes possible to fit almost all the driving force transmitting components within the width in the height direction of the mounting portion 200, and this contributes to reducing the size of the image forming apparatus.

[0145] like Fig.28 As shown in the perspective view in FIG. 1 , a detachment button 242 is provided on the right side of the mounting portion 200 of the top surface portion 241, and the detachment button is to be used by the user for detaching the replenishment pack 310 from the mounting portion 200 after the toner replenishment performed by the user is completed. Light emitting diode (LED) lamps 242 and 243 for notifying the user of the status during the replenishment operation are also provided on the right side of the mounting portion 200 of the top surface portion 241. The detachment button 242 and the LED lamp 243 are connected to the engine controller 130.

[0146] Reference Fig.29 The cross-sectional view and FIG. 30A to FIG. 30C The toner replenishment operation according to the present exemplary embodiment, and the operation of power supply and communication between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318 are described with reference to the perspective diagram in FIG.

[0147] Fig. 30A The position of the supplementary pack 310 in a state where it is attached to the mounting portion 200 is shown, and Fig. 30B2 shows the position of the supplementary pack 310 in a state where it is controlled in a manner that it cannot be removed from the mounting portion 200. Fig. 30B In the state of , the engine controller 130 supplies power to the memory tag 318 and communicates with the memory tag 318. Fig. 30C A location where toner replenishment can be performed from the replenishment pack 310 is shown.

[0148] In the state before the supplementary pack 310 is inserted, the installation detection sensor 407 is in the OFF state, and the position detection sensor 409 is in the ON state.

[0149] like Fig.29 As shown, when the supplementary pack 310 is inserted into the supplementary unit 300, the electrical contact portion 318a of the memory tag 318 on the bottom surface of the supplementary pack contacts the main body electrical contact portion 209a of the communication unit 209, and the installation detection sensor 407 is switched from off to on through the installation detection rib 312c provided on the insertion portion 312 of the supplementary pack 310 ( Fig. 30A ).

[0150] As a result, the brush plate motor 401 starts to be driven to rotate in the forward direction. The driving force transmission rib (first engagement portion) of the main body baffle portion 506 and the driving force transmitted rib (second engagement portion) of the pack baffle portion 314 engage with each other when the supplementary pack 310 is attached, and driving force transmission can be performed. Therefore, the main body baffle portion 506 rotates integrally with the pack baffle portion 314.

[0151] In the present exemplary embodiment, when the position detection sensor 409 is in the on state, the main body shutter portion 506 is located at the first position (default position).

[0152] When the position detection sensor 409 is switched from on to off at a position about 5° away from the default position, the engine controller 130 reads the signal of the rotation detection sensor 408 and stops the brush plate motor 401 at a position where the main body baffle portion 506 rotates about 10° ( Fig. 30B ). At a position where the main body shutter portion 506 is rotated about 5° from the default position, the control rib 202a in the Z direction provided on the toner receiving portion 202 enters the positioning slit portion 314c provided on the pack shutter portion 314. In other words, it is a state where the supplementary pack 310 is controlled by the control unit in a manner that it cannot be removed from the mounting portion 200. In the present exemplary embodiment, the position where the main body shutter portion 506 is rotated about 5° is the control position, and serves as the second position.

[0153] The engine controller 130 starts power supply to the memory tag 318 in this state, and communicates with the memory tag 318. During the communication, the area in which the replenishment pack 310 is operable relative to the mounting portion 200 falls within a range in which the communication unit 209 pressed by the pressing member 219 can maintain a contact state with the memory tag 318 and can track the memory tag 318. Therefore, the contact state between the memory tag 318 and the communication unit 209 is ensured, and stable communication can be performed. At this stage, because the lateral opening 313 for toner replenishment is not opened, toner replenishment is not performed.

[0154] In the case where the communication has been successful, the engine controller 130 drives the brush plate motor 401 again to rotate in the forward direction, and stops the brush plate motor 401 at a supplementary position where the main body baffle portion 506 is rotated about 90° from the default position ( Fig. 30C ). In the present exemplary embodiment, the position where the main body baffle portion 506 is rotated by about 90° is a supplementary position, and also serves as a third position.

[0155] At the third position, the replenishment pack 310, the mounting portion 200, and the container 18 are connected to each other, and toner replenishment can be performed. Then, when replenishment is completed by the replenishment operation performed by the user, the brush plate motor 401 rotates in the reverse direction by the user operating the detachment button 242, and the main body shutter portion 506 is rotated until the default position. The user thus becomes able to detach the replenishment pack 310. The toner replenishment process and the communication process of the memory tag 318 according to the present exemplary embodiment have been described above.

[0156] In the engine controller 130 Fig. 30B In the case where communication with the memory tag 318 is performed in the state shown and the communication fails, the main body shutter portion 506 does not move to the supplementary position ( Fig. 30C ), the brush plate motor 401 rotates in the reverse direction, and the main body baffle portion 506 moves to the default position ( Fig. 30A ). The communication failure between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a failure to establish communication due to a contact failure between the electrical contact portion 318a of the memory tag 318 and the main body electrical contact portion 209a of the communication unit 209. The communication failure between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318 also includes an authentication failure in an authentication sequence between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318.

[0157] For example, the authentication sequence is a sequence for determining whether the pre-supposed replenishment pack 310 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 by exchanging information between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318. For example, if the user mistakenly attaches a replenishment pack storing yellow toner to the image forming apparatus 1 assuming that black toner is used as the toner to be supplied, and the container 18 of the image forming apparatus 1 is replenished with yellow toner, the black toner and the yellow toner are mixed in the container 18, which may cause an adverse effect on the user. Therefore, in the authentication sequence, in the case where the engine controller 130 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the attached replenishment pack 310 is not a replenishment pack storing toner having the expected color, the engine controller 130 may determine that the authentication has failed, and reversely rotate the brush plate motor 401.

[0158] Fig.31 1 is a flowchart showing the communication sequence between the engine controller 130 and the memory tag 318 according to the present exemplary embodiment. First, when toner replenishment is to be performed, the discharge tray 14 is opened, and the mounting portion 200 and the top surface portion 241 provided adjacent to the mounting portion 200 are exposed. In the state where the top surface portion 241 is exposed, the LED light 242 may light up in green.

[0159] Then, in step S201 , the supplementary pack 310 is attached to the exposed mounting portion 200 .

[0160] In step S202, the engine controller 130 determines whether the installation detection sensor 407 is switched on by the installation detection rib 312c of the refill pack 310. In the case where it is determined that the installation detection sensor 407 is switched on ("yes" in step S202), the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the brush plate motor 401 rotates in the forward direction. While the brush plate motor 401 rotates in the forward direction, the LED lamp 243 may light up in red.

[0161] In step S204, the position detection sensor 409 is switched from on to off by the rotation of the main body shutter portion 506. After that, in step S205, the engine controller 130 reads the signal of the rotation detection sensor 408, and stops the brush plate motor 401 at a position where the main body shutter portion 506 rotates about 10°. The state in which the brush plate motor 401 is stopped is a state in which the replenishing pack 310 is controlled in a manner that cannot be removed from the mounting portion 200. Because the replenishing pack 310 is in a state in which it is controlled in a manner that cannot be removed from the mounting portion 200, communication from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318 is started. While the communication from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318 is being performed, or when the rotation of the brush plate motor 401 is stopped, the LED lamp 243 may light up in red. At a position in which the main body shutter portion 506 rotates about 10°, the lateral opening 313 of the replenishing pack 310 is closed by the pack shutter portion 314. Therefore, toner replenishment is not performed.

[0162] In step S206, it is determined whether communication from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318 has succeeded. In the case where communication has succeeded ("Yes" in step S206), the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, communication from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318 is ended.

[0163] After that, the engine controller 130 drives the brush plate motor 401 again to rotate in the forward direction, and stops the brush plate motor 401 at a supplementary position where the main body shutter part 506 rotates about 90° from the default position.

[0164] In this state, the replenishment pack 310 and the container 18 are connected, and toner replenishment from the replenishment pack 310 can be performed.

[0165] In step S208, it is determined whether the user has operated the disassembly button 242. In the case where the disassembly button 242 is turned on ("yes" in step S208), the process proceeds to step S209. In step S209, the engine controller 130 rotates the brush plate motor 401 in the negative direction and rotates the main body baffle part 506 until the default position. When the brush plate motor 401 rotates in the negative direction, the LED light 243 may be lit in red. Alternatively, if the position detection sensor 409 is switched from off to on by the negative rotation of the main body baffle part 506, the LED light 242 may be lit in green. As in the present exemplary embodiment, the LED lights 242 and 243 may be lit or flashed according to the phase of the main body baffle part 506. Alternatively, for example, the LED lights 242 and 243 may be lit or flashed according to the communication timing from the engine controller 130 to the memory tag 318. Then, in step S210, the supplementary pack 310 is removed from the mounting part 200.

[0166] Also in the present exemplary embodiment, the contact state between the memory tag 318 and the communication unit 209 is ensured by the management and control unit, and stable communication can be performed between the memory tag 318 and the engine controller 130 .

[0167] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, to which a replenishment cartridge including a storage unit storing toner and a memory device storing information can be attached, the image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting portion to which the supplementary box is attached; a first electrical contact portion provided inside the mounting portion and configured to contact a second electrical contact portion of a memory device included in the supplement box in a state in which the supplement box is attached to the mounting portion; a control unit including a movable member movable from a first position to a second position and configured to control the replenishment cartridge so as not to be detachable from the mounting portion when the movable member is in the second position; and Control unit, wherein, in a state where the storage unit of the supplement box is extended to the outside of the imaging device, the movable member is capable of moving from the first position to the second position after the first electrical contact portion contacts the second electrical contact portion so that the control unit controls the supplement box so that it cannot be removed from the mounting portion, and Wherein, after the supplement box is managed by the management unit in the installation portion, the control unit starts to communicate with the memory device via the first electrical contact portion and the second electrical contact portion.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The mounting portion includes an operating unit including a rotatable grip member.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: The movable member is rotated from a first position to a second position by rotating the operation unit. 4 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a driving source, wherein the movable member is rotated from the first position to the second position by the driving source.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The first electrical contact portion faces toward an upper side of the imaging device. 6 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising a pressing member configured to press the first electrical contact portion toward an upper side.

7. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The regulating unit includes a regulating rib configured to regulate the replenishment cartridge so as not to be detached from the mounting portion by contacting the replenishment cartridge in a state where the movable member is moved from the first position to the second position.

8. An imaging system comprising: an image forming apparatus configured to form an image using toner; and a replenishment cartridge configured to supply toner to the image forming apparatus, Wherein, the supplement box comprises: a storage unit for storing toner, a memory device comprising a storage element for storing information, an insertion portion including a discharge opening for discharging toner from the storage unit, and a first rotating member rotatable for opening and closing the discharge opening, Wherein, the imaging device comprises: a mounting portion to which the supplementary box is attached in a state where the insertion portion is the front end side, a first electrical contact portion which is provided inside the mounting portion and is configured to contact a second electrical contact portion of a memory device included in the supplement box in a state where the supplement box is attached to the mounting portion, a control unit including a movable member rotatable to a first position and a second position and configured to control the replenishment cartridge so as not to be detachable from the mounting portion by moving the movable member from the first position to the second position, and Control unit, wherein the movable member is capable of moving from the first position to the second position after the first electrical contact portion contacts the second electrical contact portion so that the management unit manages the supplementary box so that it cannot be removed from the mounting portion, and Wherein, after the supplement box is managed by the management unit in the installation portion, the control unit starts to communicate with the memory device via the first electrical contact portion and the second electrical contact portion.

9. The imaging system according to claim 8, in, The replenishment box includes an engaged portion located on the first rotating member, and The movable member of the imaging device includes a first engaging portion that is engageable with the engaged portion.

10. The imaging system according to claim 9, in, The image forming apparatus includes a toner receiving portion including a receiving opening for receiving toner discharged from a replenishing cartridge, and Wherein, the movable member includes a coupling opening configured to couple the receiving opening and the discharge opening of the replenishing box.

11. The imaging system of claim 9, wherein: The mounting portion includes an operation unit including a rotatable lever to be held by a user and a second engagement portion that rotates together with the rotatable lever and is engageable with an engaged portion.

12. The imaging system according to claim 11, in, In a state where the movable member is located at the first position, the second engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged, and the first engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged, wherein if the rotatable rod moves, the first rotating member rotates together with the rotation of the movable member, and Wherein, in a state where the movable member reaches the second position, the first rotating member opens the discharge opening.

13. The imaging system according to claim 11, in, The imaging device includes a first detection device for detecting a detected portion provided in the operation unit and a detection signal changed by the movable member rotating from a first position to a second position, and The control unit starts communicating with the memory device based on the detection signal from the first detection device.

14. An imaging system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, in, The first rotating member of the replenishing box includes a slit portion opened in a rotation direction of the first rotating member, Wherein, the control unit includes a control rib capable of contacting the slit portion, and Here, in a state where the movable member reaches the second position, the slit portion of the first rotating member and the regulating rib overlap in the rotating direction.

15. The imaging system of claim 10, wherein: The imaging device includes a driving source for rotating a movable member from a first position to a second position.

16. The imaging system according to claim 15, in, In a state where the movable member is located at the first position, the first engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged, and Here, if the driving source rotates the movable member, the first rotating member rotates together with the rotation of the movable member.

17. The imaging system of claim 16, wherein: In a state where the movable member is moved from the second position to the third position by the driving source, the discharge opening of the first rotation member is coupled with the receiving opening via the coupling opening of the movable member.

18. The imaging system according to claim 17, in, The imaging device includes a first detection device for detecting a detected portion provided in a movable member and a second detection device for detecting the number of rotations of a driving source, and The control unit starts communicating with the memory device based on the first detection device and the second detection device.

19. An imaging system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, in, The first rotating member of the replenishing box includes a slit portion opened in a rotation direction of the first rotating member, Wherein, the control unit includes a control rib capable of contacting the slit portion, and Here, in a state where the movable member reaches the second position, the slit portion of the first rotating member and the regulating rib overlap in the rotating direction.

Images