Developer storage device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a developer storage device and an image forming apparatus. The developer storage device stores a developer, including: a frame having an internal space and an inlet; a partition portion for partitioning the internal space into a first chamber and a second chamber, the partition portion including a communication port for communicating the first chamber and the second chamber; a conveying portion disposed in the internal space and conveying the developer; and a detection unit detecting an amount of the developer stored in the first chamber. When the amount of the developer in the first chamber is less than a predetermined value, the developer is conveyed to a distal portion of the first chamber by the conveying portion. When the detection unit detects that the amount of the developer in the first chamber reaches or is more than the predetermined value, the developer is conveyed to the second chamber by the conveying portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a developer storage device capable of storing a powder-like developer and an image forming apparatus using the same. The present application particularly relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic method and a developer storage device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, in a transfer process of an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum, an intermediate transfer belt, or the like can not be completely transferred to a recording medium such as a sheet, and part of the toner can remain on the photosensitive drum, the intermediate transfer belt, or the like.

[0003] The remaining toner (residual toner) is removed from the photosensitive drum, the intermediate transfer belt, or the like by a cleaning unit, and is transported (collected) into a toner storage container arranged inside the image forming apparatus by a toner transporting unit.

[0004] According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-248402, an image forming apparatus is discussed in which, in the case where the amount of residual toner collected in the toner storage container reaches an upper limit value of the storage capacity thereof, a replacement with a new toner storage container is possible.

[0005] More specifically, according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-248402, before the amount of residual toner in the toner storage container reaches the upper limit value of the storage capacity, the user is notified of the replacement time and prompted to prepare a new toner storage container, so as to shorten the period of time during which the image forming apparatus cannot be used.

[0006] According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-248402, the shape of the toner storage container is an "elongated shape" in which the length in the "gravity direction" is longer and the length in the "horizontal direction" is shorter in the attitude during use. The toner inlet is provided at the upper side of the toner storage container in the gravity direction.

[0007] According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-248402, two detection units are provided to detect the amount of toner in the toner storage container. The first detection unit continuously monitors the toner agent level, and in the case where the toner agent level is detected to be at a predetermined height, a "replacement notification display" of the toner storage container is made to the user. Meanwhile, the second detection unit calculates (predicts) the amount of residual toner based on the received image signals, and in the case where the amount of toner reaches a threshold value (the upper limit value of the storage capacity), a "full amount" warning display is made to the user and the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is also stopped before the replacement of the toner storage container.

[0008] In other words, according to the configuration of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-248402, the image forming operation can continue for a period of time after the "replacement notification display" to the user.

[0009] However, with the demand for miniaturization of image forming apparatuses, the "shape" of the toner storage container can be limited to accommodate the internal storage space of the miniaturized image forming apparatus.

[0010] For example, the "lengthwise shape" according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-248402 requires a certain height (length) or more in the direction of gravity (height direction). On the other hand, with miniaturization, the toner storage container can have a "widthwise shape" with a shorter length in the direction of gravity and a longer length in the horizontal direction.

[0011] In the case where the toner storage container has the "widthwise shape", the "toner level" is more likely to be unstable, and the detection accuracy of the "toner level" can be lower compared to the "lengthwise shape" according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-248402. Therefore, if the "replacement notification display" is performed for the toner storage container having the "widthwise shape" based on the detection result of the "toner level" discussed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-248402, the period of time during which the image forming operation can continue after the "replacement notification display" can significantly vary. Thus, the accuracy of determining the service life or replacement time of the toner storage container can be reduced. SUMMARY

[0012] The present application aims to provide a configuration that can accurately determine the service life or replacement time even if the shape of the storage unit of the developer storage device is a widthwise shape with a shorter length in the direction of gravity and a longer length in the horizontal direction in the attitude during use.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a developer storage device used in an image forming apparatus for storing a developer, the developer storage device including a frame having an internal space for storing the developer and an inlet through which the developer is fed into the internal space, a partition portion that partitions the internal space into a first chamber and a second chamber having a smaller volume than the first chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being aligned in a horizontal direction in a posture in which the developer storage device is used in the image forming apparatus, the partition portion including a communication port that communicates the first chamber and the second chamber with each other, a conveying portion disposed in the internal space and configured to convey the developer fed from the inlet, and a detection unit configured to detect an amount of the developer stored in the first chamber. The conveying portion is configured to convey the developer to a distal portion of the first chamber when the detection unit detects that the amount of the developer in the first chamber is less than a predetermined value. The conveying portion is configured to not convey the developer to the distal portion of the first chamber but to convey the developer to the second chamber when the detection unit detects that the amount of the developer in the first chamber is at or more than the predetermined value.

[0014] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1A is a top conceptual view illustrating a developer storage device according to a first example embodiment of the present application. FIG. 1B is a perspective conceptual view illustrating a developer storage device. FIG. 1C is a top conceptual view illustrating a state in which an upper structure of a developer storage device is removed to expose an inside. FIG. 1D is a perspective conceptual view illustrating a state in which an upper structure of a developer storage device is removed to expose an inside.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a main cross-sectional conceptual view illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first example embodiment of the present application.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional conceptual view illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first example embodiment of the present application.

[0018] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B is a conceptual view illustrating an operation of a detection unit in a developer storage device according to the first example embodiment of the present application.

[0019] FIG. 5Ais an enlarged plan conceptual view illustrating the vicinity of an inlet of the developer storage device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present application. FIG. 5B is an enlarged sectional conceptual view illustrating the vicinity of the inlet.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a conceptual view illustrating a developer filling state in a first storage chamber of the developer storage device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0021] FIG. 7A is an enlarged plan conceptual view illustrating a transport path of the developer to a second storage chamber in the developer storage device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7B is an enlarged sectional conceptual view illustrating the transport path of the developer to the second storage chamber.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a plan conceptual view illustrating the developer storage device according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present application in a state where an upper structure is removed to expose the inside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "image forming apparatus") according to the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] The exemplary embodiments described below are intended to exemplify the present application, and the sizes, materials, shapes, and relative positional relationships of the components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present application unless specifically described otherwise.

[0025] Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus refers to an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (e.g., a laser beam printer and a light emitting diode (LED) printer), a facsimile device, and a word processor.

[0026] The developer storage device is used in the image forming apparatus and is attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0027] A first exemplary embodiment of the present application will be described. The following will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A-7B An image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a main sectional conceptual view illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a side sectional conceptual view illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0030] In the first example embodiment, the "vertical direction" indicated in the drawing is the direction of gravity, and the "left-right direction" and the "front-rear direction" are horizontal directions.

[0031] (Sheet feeding)

[0032] The cartridge 2 is stored in the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 1 in a drawable manner. A cartridge feeding unit 3 is arranged near the end portion of the cartridge 2. Transfer materials are stacked and stored in the cartridge 2, are separated one by one, and are fed to the registration roller 5.

[0033] (Image forming unit)

[0034] The image forming apparatus 1 includes image forming stations 6 (Y, M, C, and K) (also referred to as image forming units 6) corresponding to respective colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, as image forming units arranged in a horizontal line.

[0035] The image forming unit 6 includes photosensitive drums 7 (Y, M, C, and K) serving as image bearing members and a charging device 8 (Y, M, C, and K) that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 7. The image forming unit 6 also includes a developing device 9 (Y, M, C, and K) that causes toner to adhere to an electrostatic latent image and develop it into a toner image, and a photosensitive member cleaning blade 10 (Y, M, C, and K) (first collection member) that removes residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7.

[0036] The developing device 9 is provided with developing rollers 11 (Y, M, C, and K) corresponding to the respective colors so as to be able to be in contact with and separated from the respective photosensitive drums 7. The developing roller 11 is brought into contact with or separated from the photosensitive drum 7 in conformity with the electrostatic latent image, which improves the life of the developing roller 11.

[0037] A scanning unit 12 is arranged below the image forming unit 6, which forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 based on image information by emitting a laser beam.

[0038] (Transfer)

[0039] An intermediate transfer unit 16 is arranged above the developing device 9. The intermediate transfer unit 16 is arranged in a substantially horizontal manner with the secondary transfer portion 17 side down. An intermediate transfer belt 18 (intermediate transfer member) facing the respective photosensitive drums 7 is a rotatable endless belt and is stretched over a plurality of stretching rollers. On the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 18, a primary transfer roller 19 (Y, M, C, and K) as a primary transfer member is arranged at a position at which each photosensitive drum 7 and a primary transfer portion 20 (Y, M, C, and K) are formed via the intermediate transfer belt 18, respectively.

[0040] The toner image is transferred from each photosensitive drum 7 to the intermediate transfer belt 18 by the primary transfer roller 19, and a voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 19 at each primary transfer portion 20. According to the present exemplary embodiment, a unit including the intermediate transfer belt 18, a plurality of tension rollers for tensioning the intermediate transfer belt 18, and each primary transfer roller 19 is configured as an intermediate transfer unit 16 that is attachable to and detachable from the device main body.

[0041] The secondary transfer roller 21, which functions as a secondary transfer member, is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 18 and forms a secondary transfer portion 17 with the roller on the opposite side via the intermediate transfer belt 18. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 18 transferred in the secondary transfer portion 17 is secondary-transferred onto the transfer material. Residual toner that cannot be completely transferred to the transfer material in the secondary transfer and remains on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is removed by the cleaning unit 22 (a second collection member or a collection member).

[0042] The toner removed by the cleaning unit 22 is transported via the collection toner transport unit 23 and accumulated in the toner collection container 24 (a developer storage device). The toner that cannot be transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 18 and remains on the photosensitive drum 7 is transported to the collection toner transport unit 23 via the cartridge collection toner transport unit 29 and further transported to the toner collection container 24.

[0043] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the toner collection container 24 can store the “residual toner” from at least one or both of the photosensitive drum 7 and the intermediate transfer belt 18. The residual toner is collected by the photosensitive member cleaning blade 10 or the cleaning unit 22 and then transported to the toner collection container 24 by the transport unit.

[0044] (Fixing and sheet discharge)

[0045] Subsequently, the transfer material is transported to the fixing device 25 and passes through a nip formed by the pressure contact of the heating unit 25a and the pressure roller 25b in the fixing device 25. The transfer material that has passed through the fixing device 25 is transported to the discharge roller pair 26 and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 27.

[0046] (Power supply device)

[0047] A low-voltage power supply device (not shown) that supplies a voltage to a control unit of various motors, fans, solenoids, and the like provided in the image forming apparatus 1 is arranged on the back surface side of the image forming apparatus 1. A high-voltage power supply device 28 that applies a high voltage to the charging device 8, the developing device 9, the primary transfer roller 19, the secondary transfer roller 21, and the like is arranged in a space between the intermediate transfer belt 18 and the toner collection container 24 on the back surface side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0048] (Toner collection unit to toner collection container)

[0049] FIG. 1A is a plan view conceptual diagram illustrating a developer storage device according to a first example embodiment of the present application, while FIG. 1B is a perspective conceptual diagram illustrating a developer storage device. FIG. 1C is a plan view conceptual diagram illustrating a developer storage device in a state where an upper structure is removed to expose the inside, while FIG. 1D is a perspective conceptual diagram illustrating a developer storage device in a state where an upper structure is removed to expose the inside.

[0050] More specifically, FIG. 1A illustrates a state of a top surface of the toner collection container 24. FIG. 1B illustrates a state of the toner collection container 24 viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 1C illustrates a state where an upper structure 24a of the toner collection container 24 is removed, while FIG. 1D shows a state of the toner collection container 24 from which the upper structure 24a is removed, viewed obliquely from above.

[0051] Toner conveyed by the collection toner conveying unit 23 (see FIG. 3 ) is received into the toner collection container 24 from the toner supply port 30 (inlet). The toner collection container 24 has a horizontal long shape in which the length in the "left-right direction" and the "front-rear direction" as horizontal directions is longer than the length in the vertical direction as the direction of gravity. The toner collection container 24 can form an internal space IS for collecting toner inside a frame 24F by connecting an upper structure 24a and a lower structure 24b that form the frame 24F.

[0052] The internal space of the toner collection container 24 is divided into a first storage chamber 33 (first chamber) and a second storage chamber 34 (second chamber) by a partition 35 (partition). The smaller volume partitioned internal space is referred to as the second storage chamber 34, and the internal space other than the second storage chamber 34 is referred to as the first storage chamber 33. The partition 35 is provided with a communication port 36 through which the first storage chamber 33 and the second storage chamber 34 are communicated.

[0053] The first screw 31 (first conveying screw) and the second screw 32 (second conveying screw) that form the conveying member (conveying portion) 3T are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction below the toner supply port 30. The second screw 32 is longer than the first screw 31 and extends to the vicinity of the center of the first storage chamber 33. The position (communication port side) of the communication port 36 is located on the opposite side of the second screw 32 with respect to the first screw 31, and the lower end position 311 of the first screw 31 is located below the lower end position 361 of the communication port 36.

[0054] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the first screw 31 is arranged directly below the toner supply port 30, and the second screw 32 is arranged so as to extend from the toner supply port side S1 (the inlet side) to the distal side S2 on the opposite side.

[0055] Specifically, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the frame 24F is formed to have a rectangular (square) shape in a plan view. The toner supply port 30 is arranged at a corner portion AG1 of the rectangle. The second screw 32 is arranged so as to extend from the corner portion side (AG1) to the corner portion side (AG2) on the opposite side of the corner portion (AG1) along the diagonal line X1.

[0056] In other words, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the toner collection container 24 is provided with a frame 24F including an internal space IS for storing toner and a toner supply port 30 for feeding toner into the internal space.

[0057] The toner collection container 24 is provided with a partition 35 that partitions the internal space into a first storage chamber 33 and a second storage chamber 34 having a smaller volume than the first storage chamber 33, which are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction in the attitude during use, and that includes a communication port 36 that communicates the first storage chamber 33 with the second storage chamber 34. The first screw 31 and the second screw 32 that convey toner fed from the toner supply port are arranged in the internal space IS.

[0058] FIG. 4A And FIG. 4B is a conceptual view that illustrates the operation of the detection unit in the developer storage device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] As FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrated, in the first storage chamber 33, a rod 37 that interlocks with the second screw 32 is arranged downstream of the second screw 32.

[0060] The rod 37 reciprocates between a position at which the optical axis 41a of the photosensor 41 is shaded as FIG. 4A illustrated and a position at which the rod 37 passes in front of the optical axis 41a of the photosensor 41 and allows light to pass through as FIG. 4B illustrated. The rod 37 and the photosensor 41 form the detection unit SR of the present invention.

[0061] The rod 37 is pivoted about a rod center 37a and reciprocated by the second screw 32. Here, for ease of description, FIG. 4A and 4BA state in which the upper structure 24a is removed is illustrated. If the second screw 32 is rotated one turn, the rod 37 reciprocates once.

[0062] The first screw 31 is connected to a driving transmission gear 38, and if the driving transmission gear 38 is driven by a driving unit (not shown), the first screw 31 is driven. The second screw 32 is connected to a driven gear 39 via a torque limiter 40 (rotation adjustment member) that functions as a rotation adjustment unit, and the driven gear 39 is driven by engagement with the driving transmission gear 38.

[0063] Next, the behavior of toner in the toner collection container 24 will be described with reference to FIG. 5A , FIG. 5B and FIG. 6 .

[0064] FIG. 5A is an enlarged plan conceptual view illustrating the vicinity of an inlet of the developer storage device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present application, while FIG. 5B is an enlarged sectional conceptual view illustrating the vicinity of the inlet.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a conceptual view illustrating a toner filling state in the first storage chamber of the developer storage device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0066] Specifically, FIG. 5A a portion near the second screw 32 in the toner supply port 30 in a state in which the upper structure 24a is removed is illustrated. FIG. 5B a state of a section taken along the line D-D in FIG. 1A is illustrated.

[0067] If toner is supplied from the toner supply port 30 in the state illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B , the toner is conveyed by the first screw 31 in the direction of arrow A. The toner is conveyed by the first screw 31 until it hits the first screw downstream partition 35a and accumulates in the downstream region of the first screw 31. While the toner accumulates in the downstream region of the first screw 31, the toner advances along the wall of the first screw downstream partition 35a and spreads in the directions of arrows B and C.

[0068] The position of the communication port 36 on the partition 35 is above the lower end of the first screw 31 in the direction of gravity as indicated by arrow E, so that the toner is conveyed by the second screw 32 to enter the second storage chamber 34 before the toner level rises.

[0069] Here, it is desirable that the toner conveyance amount of the second screw 32 be greater than the toner conveyance amount of the first screw 31.

[0070] Since the second screw 32 is located downstream of the first screw 31, increasing the conveyance amount downstream prevents toner stagnation due to incomplete conveyance of toner conveyed from upstream.

[0071] In other words, the first screw 31 and the second screw 32 arranged in parallel can be such that the conveyance amount of the second screw 32 is greater than the conveyance amount of the first screw 31 at least in the region T1 of the first screw 31 facing the second screw 32. This enables toner to be effectively conveyed to the distal side of the first storage chamber 33, thus reducing or preventing toner stagnation in the vicinity of the toner supply port 30. Accordingly, toner flow into the second storage chamber 34 can be reduced or prevented at this time.

[0072] If toner reaches the second screw 32 arranged side by side with the first screw 31 in the horizontal direction, the toner is conveyed by the second screw 32 in the direction of the arrow F into the portion of the first storage chamber 33 close to the center.

[0073] As shown by the (circular) dotted line in FIG. 10, the toner conveyed by the second screw 32 diffuses concentrically from the screw edge 32a of the second screw 32 into the first storage chamber 33 and accumulates therein. FIG. 6

[0074] As toner accumulates in the first storage chamber 33, the periphery of the second screw 32 fills with toner, and the rotational load of the second screw 32 increases since the toner becomes a load that drives the second screw 32. If the rotational load of the second screw 32 exceeds the torque setting value of the torque limiter 40, the second screw 32 and the torque limiter 40 idle, and the rotation of the second screw 32 stops.

[0075] When the second screw 32 stops, the lever 37 interlocked with the second screw 32 also stops. As a method of detecting that the lever 37 has stopped, if the detection result of the photosensor 41 does not switch between the light being blocked and transmitted within the time period of one rotation of the second screw 32, it is determined that the lever 37 has stopped.

[0076] As described above, the detection unit SR (photosensor 41) can detect the amount of toner in the first storage chamber 33 based on the rotational state of the second screw 32.

[0077] The stoppage of the lever 37 means that toner is accumulating in the first storage chamber 33, so the user is notified that the replacement time of the toner collection container 24 is approaching (this notification will be described below as "replacement notification display"). The user receives the replacement notification, so there can be a period of time to prepare a new toner collection container 24. FIG. 7A FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan conceptual view illustrating the conveyance path of the developer to the second storage chamber 34 in the developer storage device according to the first example embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7B ​is an enlarged sectional conceptual view illustrating a conveyance path of the developer to the second storage chamber 34.

[0078] More specifically, FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrates a state of the toner conveyance after the second screw 32 is stopped.

[0079] As FIG. 7A and 7B illustrated, the first screw 31 is driven after the second screw 32 is stopped, and the toner is conveyed in the arrow A direction and accumulated in a downstream portion of the first screw 31. Since the second screw 32 is stopped, the toner level in the downstream portion of the first screw 31 rises. If the toner level exceeds the height of the communication port 36, the toner enters the second storage chamber 34 from the communication port 36 as indicated by the arrow G.

[0080] The amount of the toner that enters the second storage chamber 34 after the second screw 32 is stopped is calculated based on the amount of the toner collected based on the image signal of the user's print. In a case where the calculated amount of the toner reaches a toner allowance amount set in accordance with the volume of the second storage chamber 34, the user is notified of the necessity of replacing the toner collection container 24 (this notification will be described hereinafter as "replacement necessity notification"). Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 1 is in a print stop state until the toner collection container 24 is replaced.

[0081] As described above, in a case where the amount of the toner in the first storage chamber 33 is less than a predetermined value (full value), the toner is conveyed to the distal side of the first storage chamber 33 by the first screw and the second screw.

[0082] In a case where the amount of the toner in the first storage chamber 33 is detected to reach or more than the predetermined value by the photosensor 41, the rotation of the second screw 32 is stopped, and the toner is not conveyed to the distal side of the first storage chamber 33 but to the second storage chamber 34.

[0083] Thus, the toner collection container 24 according to the present exemplary embodiment is capable of moving and storing the toner in the second storage chamber 34 after the amount of the toner in the first storage chamber 33 is detected to reach the predetermined value (full value). Therefore, the time from when the "replacement notification display" is made when the toner in the first storage chamber 33 becomes "full amount" to when the toner collection container 24 is replaced can be estimated based on the volume of the second storage chamber 34. This improves the accuracy of determining the service life (replacement time) of the toner collection container 24.

[0084] Specifically, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first screw 31 can be arranged such that the lower end position 311 of the first screw 31 is set to be lower than the lower end position 361 of the communication port 36. The lower end of the first screw 31 is located below the lower end of the communication port 36, which increases the reliability of transporting toner to the second storage chamber 34 through the communication port 36 after the first storage chamber 33 is filled and the first storage chamber 33 becomes full after transporting toner to the distal side of the first storage chamber 33. Thus, the time period from when the "replacement notification display" is performed to when replacement is performed can be more accurately estimated, and the accuracy of determining the service life (replacement time) of the toner collection container is further improved.

[0085] Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first screw 31 and the second screw 32 are arranged to be almost parallel to each other, and can be configured such that the transport amount of the second screw 32 is greater than the transport amount of the first screw 31 in a region T1 in which the first screw 31 and the second screw 32 face each other.

[0086] Thus, toner can be more smoothly transported from the first screw 31 to the second screw 32, and can be more efficiently transported to the distal side of the first storage chamber 33, thereby effectively reducing or preventing movement of toner to the second storage chamber 34 in the case where toner is transported to the distal side of the first storage chamber 33.

[0087] In other words, displaying a replacement notification to the user to provide a time period to prepare a new toner collection container 24, and prompting the user to replace the toner collection container 24 immediately after issuing a replacement necessity notification, can eliminate a time period in which the image forming apparatus 1 stops printing, thus improving usability.

[0088] According to the first exemplary embodiment, the internal space of the toner collection container 24 is divided into two spaces, and the space for storing toner is changed before and after the replacement notification display, so that toner can be collected until the replacement necessity notification is issued after the replacement notification display. The change in the toner storage space is based on the relationship between driving and stopping of the two screws and the arrangement of the two spaces storing toner, and can be achieved by a low-cost configuration without increasing the number of components.

[0089] Next, a second exemplary embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to FIG. 8 A second exemplary embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to

[0090] FIG. 8 is a top view conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which the upper structure is removed and the inside is exposed, of the developer storage apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0091] More specifically, FIG. 8 a state in which the upper structure 24a is removed is illustrated.

[0092] The second exemplary embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that according to the first exemplary embodiment, and the following will describe the difference.

[0093] As FIG. 8 shown, the second exemplary embodiment has a configuration in which the second drive transmission unit 42 connected to the second screw 32 is connected to a drive source (not shown) different from the drive source of the first screw 31, and the first screw 31 and the second screw 32 are rotatable independently of each other. Since the second screw 32 is capable of independent rotation, in the case where it is necessary to increase the toner conveying force without changing the shape of the second screw 32, the conveying force can be changed by increasing only the rotation speed of the second screw 32.

[0094] Since the drive sources are different, the rotation of the second screw 32 can be freely switched between driving and stopping, and thus a rotation adjustment unit (torque limiter 40) is not required.

[0095] Since the current value required for the drive source that drives the second screw 32 varies depending on the rotation load of the second screw 32, detecting the current value of the drive source enables detection of a change in the toner storage amount in the first storage chamber 33. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the current value in a state in which the first storage chamber 33 is full of toner is set as a drive source setting value, and a replacement notification display is output when the current value exceeds the drive source setting value, and thus the toner storage amount is detected. The drive of the second screw 32 is stopped after the current value exceeds the drive source setting value, and thus toner is conveyed to the second storage chamber 34 as with the first exemplary embodiment.

[0096] As described above, even with different drive units and detection units, it is possible to provide a period of time in which a new toner collection container 24 is prepared by displaying a replacement notification to the user, so as to prompt the user to replace the toner collection container 24 immediately after the necessity of replacement is notified, and thus to eliminate the period of time in which the image forming apparatus 1 stops printing. Thus, the usability is improved.

[0097] The present application can be summarized as follows.

[0098] (1) The developer storage device (24) according to the present application stores a developer, the developer storage device (24) including:

[0099] a frame (24F) including an internal space (IS) for storing the developer and an inlet (30) for feeding the developer into the internal space;

[0100] a partition (35) for dividing the internal space into a first chamber (33) and a second chamber (34) having a smaller volume than the first chamber, wherein the first chamber (33) and the second chamber (34) are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction during use, and the partition includes a communication port (36) for communicating the first chamber and the second chamber;

[0101] a conveying member (3T) disposed in the internal space and configured to convey the developer fed from the inlet; and

[0102] The detecting unit (SR) is configured to detect an amount of the developer stored in the first chamber.

[0103] When the amount of developer in the first chamber is less than a predetermined value, the developer is conveyed from a portion of the first chamber adjacent to the inlet (inlet side (S1)) to a far side (S2) of the first chamber by a conveying member, and

[0104] When the detection unit detects that the amount of the developer in the first chamber reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the conveying member does not convey the developer to the far side of the first chamber but conveys the developer to the second chamber.

[0105] (2) In the developer storage device according to the present invention, the conveying member (3T) may include a first conveying screw (31) and a second conveying screw (32) longer than the first conveying screw. The first conveying screw may be arranged closer to the inlet (30) than the second conveying screw.

[0106] (3) In the developer storage device according to the present invention, the first conveying screw (31) and the second conveying screw (32) may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction in the first chamber (33). The second conveying screw may be arranged on the opposite side of the first conveying screw in the horizontal direction to the side where the communication port (36) is arranged.

[0107] (4) In the developer storage device according to the present invention, the first conveying screw (31) may be arranged so that the lower end position (311) of the first conveying screw is lower than the lower end position (361) of the communication port (36).

[0108] (5) The developer storage device according to the present invention may include a rotation regulating member (40) configured to regulate the rotation operation of the second conveying screw (32) when a predetermined rotation load is exceeded in the rotation of the second conveying screw (32).

[0109] (6) In the developer storage device according to the present invention, the detection unit (SR) may detect the amount of the developer in the first chamber (33) based on the rotation state of the second conveying screw (32).

[0110] (7) In the developer storage device according to the present application, the first conveying screw (31) and the second conveying screw (32) can be arranged almost parallel to each other, and configured so that the conveying amount of the second conveying screw is greater than the conveying amount of the first conveying screw in a region (T1) where the first conveying screw and the second conveying screw face each other.

[0111] (8) In the developer storage device according to the present application, the first conveying screw (31) can be arranged directly below the inlet (30), and the second conveying screw (32) can be arranged so as to extend from a portion (inlet side (S1)) adjacent to the inlet to a distal side (S2) that is the opposite side of the portion (inlet side) adjacent to the inlet.

[0112] (9) In the developer storage device according to the present application, the frame (24F) can have a square shape in a plan view, and the inlet (30) can be arranged at a corner portion (AG1) of the square. The second conveying screw (32) can be arranged so as to extend from a portion adjacent to the corner portion (AG1) to a portion adjacent to a corner portion (AG2) on the opposite side of the corner portion (AG1) along a diagonal line (X1).

[0113] (10) An image forming apparatus (1) according to the present application, the image forming apparatus (1) comprising:

[0114] an image bearing member (7) configured to bear a developer image;

[0115] a first collecting member (10) configured to collect developer remaining on the image bearing member after the developer image is transferred from the image bearing member; and

[0116] the above-described developer storage device (24) configured to store the developer collected by the first collecting member.

[0117] (11) An image forming apparatus according to the present application, the image forming apparatus can further comprise:

[0118] an intermediate transfer member (18) to which the developer image is transferred from the image bearing member (7); and

[0119] a second collecting member (22) configured to collect developer remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the developer image is transferred from the intermediate transfer member. The developer collected by the second collecting member can be stored in the developer storage device (24).

[0120] (12) An image forming apparatus (1) according to the present application, the image forming apparatus (1) comprising:

[0121] an intermediate transfer member (18) to which the developer image is transferred from the image bearing member (7);

[0122] a collection member (22) configured to collect the developer remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the transfer of the developer image from the intermediate transfer member; and

[0123] the above-described developer storage device (24) is configured to store the developer collected by the collection member.

[0124] According to the present application, even if the shape of the storage unit of the developer storage device is a horizontal shape in which the length in the direction of gravity is shorter and the length in the horizontal direction is longer, the service life or the replacement time can be accurately determined.

[0125] While the present application has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed example 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, comprising: a frame having an internal space for storing a developer and an inlet through which the developer is fed into the internal space; a partition portion that partitions the internal space into a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber having a smaller volume than the first chamber and being aligned with the first chamber in a horizontal direction in a posture in which the image forming apparatus uses the developer storage device, the partition portion including a communication port that communicates the first chamber and the second chamber with each other; a conveying portion disposed in the internal space and configured to convey the developer fed through the inlet; and a detection unit configured to detect an amount of the developer stored in the first chamber, wherein the conveying portion includes: a first conveying screw rotatably configured to convey the developer; and a second conveying screw configured to rotate around an axis of rotation at a position offset from the axis of rotation of the first conveying screw and to convey the developer conveyed by the first conveying screw from an inlet-side portion of the first chamber to a distal portion of the first chamber, the inlet-side portion being a portion of the first chamber on an inlet side, the distal portion being an opposite side of the inlet-side portion in a direction of the axis of rotation of the second conveying screw, the first conveying screw being disposed closer to the inlet than the second conveying screw and conveying the developer from the inlet to the second conveying screw, and wherein the conveying portion is configured to, when the detection unit detects that the amount of the developer in the first chamber is less than a predetermined value, convey the developer to the distal portion of the first chamber by rotation of the first conveying screw and the second conveying screw, and wherein the conveying portion is configured to, when the detection unit detects that the amount of the developer in the first chamber is at or more than the predetermined value, stop rotation of the second conveying screw so as not to convey the developer to the distal portion of the first chamber, and instead convey the developer to the second chamber by rotation of the first conveying screw in a state where the second conveying screw is stopped. 2.The developer storage device according to claim 1, wherein, in a case where the developer storage device assumes a posture in which the image forming apparatus uses the developer storage device, the first chamber and the second chamber are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction and the partition portion is a first partition portion, in the above case, a second partition portion is provided between the first conveying screw and the second chamber, and wherein, when the amount of the developer contained in the first chamber is greater than the predetermined value, a height of the developer accumulated in a downstream portion of the first conveying screw exceeds a height of the communication port, and the developer is able to move from the first chamber to the second chamber by rotation of the first conveying screw over the second partition portion. 3.The developer storage device according to claim 2, wherein the first conveying screw and the second conveying screw are both aligned in a horizontal direction in the first chamber, and wherein the first conveying screw is disposed between the communication port and the second conveying screw. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ wherein ​ ​ 4. The developer storage apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The first conveying screw is arranged such that a lower end position of the first conveying screw is lower than a lower end position of the communication port.

5. The developer storage apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a rotation adjusting member configured to adjust a rotation operation of the second conveying screw when a rotation load of the second conveying screw exceeds a predetermined rotation load due to the amount of the developer in the first chamber reaching or exceeding the predetermined value.

6. The developer storage apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The detection unit is configured to detect the amount of the developer in the first chamber based on a rotation state of the second conveying screw.

7. The developer storage apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The detection unit is configured to detect that the amount of the developer in the first chamber has reached the predetermined value when rotation of the second conveying screw is stopped.

8. The developer storage apparatus according to claim 2, in, The first conveying screw and the second conveying screw are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and both the first conveying screw and the second conveying screw convey the developer from an inlet side to a distal side of the second conveying screw in a direction of an axis of rotation of the second conveying screw, wherein, in a region where the first conveying screw and the second conveying screw face each other, a conveyance amount of the second conveying screw is greater than a conveyance amount of the first conveying screw.

9. The developer storage apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The first conveying screw overlaps the inlet (30) when viewed in a direction of gravity, and wherein the second conveying screw is arranged to extend from a portion of the first chamber adjacent to the inlet to a distal portion of the first chamber.

10. The developer storage apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The internal space of the frame has a rectangular shape when viewed in a direction of gravity, wherein the internal space of the frame has a first corner portion in which the inlet is provided and a second corner portion which is diagonally opposite to the first corner portion, and wherein the second conveying screw extends from the first corner portion to the second corner portion.

11. The developer storage apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The second conveying screw is configured to convey the developer to a vicinity of a center of the first chamber.

12. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image bearing member configured to bear a developer image; a first collection member configured to collect a developer remaining on the image bearing member after the developer image is transferred from the image bearing member; and the developer storage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 configured to store the developer collected by the first collection member.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: an intermediate transfer member to which the developer image is transferred from the image bearing member; and a second collection member configured to collect the developer remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the developer image is transferred from the intermediate transfer member, wherein the developer collected by the second collection member is stored in the developer storage apparatus. ​ 14. An image forming apparatus comprising: an intermediate transfer member to which a developer image is transferred from an image bearing member; a collection member configured to collect a developer remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the developer image is transferred from the intermediate transfer member; and the developer storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 configured to store the developer collected by the collection member.

15. An image forming apparatus comprising: an intermediate transfer member to which a developer image is transferred from an image bearing member; a collection member configured to collect a developer remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the developer image is transferred from the intermediate transfer member; and the developer storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 configured to store the developer collected by the collection member.

16. An image forming apparatus comprising: an intermediate transfer member to which a developer image is transferred from an image bearing member; a collection member configured to collect a developer remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the developer image is transferred from the intermediate transfer member; and the developer storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 configured to store the developer collected by the collection member.

17. An image forming apparatus comprising: an intermediate transfer member to which a developer image is transferred from an image bearing member; a collection member configured to collect a developer remaining on the intermediate transfer member

Images