imaging device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus including a container and a detection portion. The detection portion includes a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and a light guiding portion. The light guiding portion includes first to fourth protruding portions. In a case where an upper surface of the second protruding portion is viewed in a direction intersecting both the first direction and a direction of gravity, the upper surface of the second protruding portion is positioned above a first imaginary straight line along the upper surface of the first protruding portion. As viewed in a direction intersecting both the second direction and the direction of gravity, an upper surface of the third protruding portion is positioned above a second imaginary straight line along the upper surface of the fourth protruding portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Background Technology

[0002] Electrophotographic imaging devices are equipped with a developing unit for developing an electrostatic image into a toner image on the surface of an image carrier member, such as a photosensitive drum, using a developer containing toner. As a method for detecting the remaining amount of developer (remaining toner dosage) in the developing unit, a light transmission-type remaining amount detection method using light is known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication (JP-A) 2014-066899 discloses a residual quantity detection structure, which includes a light-emitting side light-guiding portion and a light-receiving side light-guiding portion that pass through the container of a developing apparatus from the inside to the outside. In this structure, light emitted by a light-emitting element is incident on the light-emitting side light-guiding portion on the outside of the container and passes through the internal space of the container from the light-emitting side light-guiding portion. Then, the light is incident on the light-receiving side light-guiding portion and is emitted from the light-receiving side light-guiding portion on the outside of the container. The light is then received by a light-receiving element.

[0004] However, in JP-A 2014-066899, the light-emitting side light-guiding portion and the light-receiving side light-guiding portion protrude into the interior of the developing apparatus container. Therefore, developer aggregates grow as a trigger, with the deposition of developer in the protruding portions of the light-emitting and light-receiving sides. This creates the possibility of developer deposition on the surfaces of the light-emitting and light-receiving sides (where the surfaces form an optical path) and obstructing the optical path, thus reducing the accuracy of developer dose detection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus is provided, comprising: a container configured to contain a developer; and a detection device configured to output an output signal depending on the amount of developer in the container, wherein the detection device includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed outside the container, and a light guiding device disposed on a wall surface of the container and configured to guide light emitted by the light emitting element through an internal space of the container toward the light receiving element, wherein the light guiding device includes: a first protrusion protruding relative to the wall surface to the outside of the container and having an incident surface onto which light emitted by the light emitting element is incident, and the incident surface being disposed at an end portion of the first protrusion relative to a first direction, the first protrusion protruding relative to the wall surface in the first direction; and a second protrusion protruding relative to the wall surface to the interior of the container and configured to guide light incident on the first protrusion. The light emitted into the interior space of the container is positioned above a first imaginary straight line along the upper surface of the first protrusion when viewed along a direction intersecting both the first direction and the direction of gravity; a third protrusion protrudes into the interior of the container relative to the wall surface, and light emitted into the interior space of the container is incident on the third protrusion; and a fourth protrusion protrudes out of the container relative to the wall surface and has a light emitting surface, from which light incident on the third protrusion is emitted toward the light receiving portion, and the light emitting surface is disposed on the end portion of the fourth protrusion relative to the second direction, the fourth protrusion protruding relative to the wall surface in the second direction, and wherein, when viewed along a direction intersecting both the second direction and the direction of gravity, the upper surface of the third protrusion is positioned above a second imaginary straight line along the upper surface of the fourth protrusion.

[0006] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 Parts (a) and (b) are cross-sectional and perspective views of the imaging device according to the first embodiment, respectively.

[0008] Figure 2 Parts (a) and (b) are respectively a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the imaging device of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views of the imaging device of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 Part (a) is a perspective view of the developing container and toner packet in the first embodiment. Figure 4 Part (b) is a front view of the developing container and toner packet in the first embodiment, and Figure 4 Part (c) is a perspective view of the stirring member in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 Part (a) is Figure 4 A sectional view of section (b) at cross-section 5A-5A, and Figure 5 Part (b) is Figure 4 Sectional view of part (b) of the 5B-5B cross section.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the toner packet in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 Part (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the toner packet in the first embodiment, and Figure 7 Parts (b) and (c) are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the toner pack, respectively.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the developing apparatus in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the developing container and substrate in the first embodiment, and Figure 9 Parts (b) and (c) are perspective views showing the substrate and substrate holding member in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0016] Figure 10 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus in the first embodiment in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developing apparatus, and Figure 10 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus in the first embodiment in a cross-section along the longitudinal direction.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the basic construction of the residual tonal dose sensor in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 12 Parts (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the developing container in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the imaging device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 14 Parts (a) to (d) are perspective views showing the remaining toning dosage panel in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0021] Figure 15 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the light guiding member in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0022] Figure 16 Part (a) is a front view of the light guiding component in the first embodiment. Figure 16 Parts (b) and (c) are side views of the light guiding member in the first embodiment, respectively. Figure 16 Part (b) is a (top view) plan view of the light guiding member in the first embodiment, and Figure 16 Part (e) includes a bottom view and an enlarged view of the light guiding member in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 17 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the developing container cover (cover) and light guiding member in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the light guiding component in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the light guiding component in a modified embodiment of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the light guiding component in the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the light guiding component in the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 22 Part (a) is a plan view of the light guiding member in the third embodiment, and Figure 22 Parts (b) and (c) are magnified views of a portion of the light guiding member in the third embodiment, respectively.

[0029] Figure 23 Part (a) is a front view of the light guiding member in the third embodiment, and Figure 23 Parts (b) and (c) are side views, respectively, showing a portion of the light guiding member in the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the light guiding component viewed from the outside of the developing container in the fourth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 25Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the light guiding member in the fifth embodiment, respectively.

[0032] Figure 26 Part (a) is a front view of the light guiding member in the fifth embodiment. Figure 26 Parts (b) and (c) are side views of the light guiding member in the fifth embodiment, respectively. Figure 26 Part (d) is a plan view of the light guiding member in the fifth embodiment. Figure 26 Part (e) is a bottom view of the light guiding member in the fifth embodiment, and Figure 26 Part (f) is a rear view of the light guiding member in the fifth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 27 Parts (a) and (b) are respectively from the fifth embodiment Figure 26 Sectional views of the AA and BB cross sections in parts (a) and (f).

[0034] Figure 28 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the imaging device according to the sixth embodiment, and Figure 28 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the imaging device of the sixth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 29 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the imaging device, and Figure 29 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the imaging device with the discharge tray open.

[0036] Figure 30 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the imaging device with the pressure plate of the reading device (equipment) closed, and Figure 30 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the imaging device with the pressure plate of the reading device open.

[0037] Figure 31 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the developer container and toner packet. Figure 31 Part (b) is a front view showing the developer container and toner packet, and Figure 31 Part (c) is a perspective view showing the stirring components in the developing container.

[0038] Figure 32 Parts (a) and (b) are respectively Figure 31 Sectional views of cross sections 5A-5A and 5B-5B in part (b).

[0039] Figure 33 This is a perspective view showing a toner packet.

[0040] Figure 34 Parts (a), (b), and (c) are front views showing the toner package, the toner package of the first improved embodiment, and the toner package of the second improved embodiment, respectively.

[0041] Figure 35 This is a perspective view showing the developing apparatus.

[0042] Figure 36 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the substrate and substrate holding member assembled with the developing container cap (cover). Figure 36 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the substrate and the substrate holding member, and Figure 36 Part (c) is another perspective view showing the substrate and substrate holding member.

[0043] Figure 37 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus, and Figure 37 Part (b) is Figure 37 Sectional view of part (a) of cross section 10B-10B.

[0044] Figure 38 This is a circuit diagram showing the remaining tonal dose sensor.

[0045] Figure 39 This is a block diagram showing the control system of the imaging device.

[0046] Figure 40 Parts (a) through (d) are perspective views of the remaining toner dosage panel, with part (a) showing the “nearly exhausted” level, part (b) showing the “low” level, part (c) showing the “medium” level, and part (d) showing the “full” level.

[0047] Figure 41 Part (a) is Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of section (b) 5B-5B shows the state where the remaining toner dose in the developing container is low, and Figure 41 Part (b) is Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of section (b) 5B-5B, showing the small remaining toner dosage in the developing container and the rotational phase of the stirring element. Figure 41 The state of part (a) is different from the state of the other part.

[0048] Figure 42 Part (a) is Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of section (b) 5B-5B, showing the large remaining toner dosage in the developing container and the rotational phase of the stirring element. Figure 41 The state of part (a) is the same as the state, and Figure 42 Part (b) is Figure 31A cross-sectional view of section (b) 5B-5B shows a state where the remaining toner dosage in the developing container is low and the toner aggregation is high.

[0049] Figure 43 It is a graph showing the detection voltage when the residual toner dose sensor detects light during one rotation (one full revolution) of the stirring component.

[0050] Figure 44 It is a graph showing the progression of toner aggregation relative to the number of prints.

[0051] Figure 45 This is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining tonal dose and the detection time of the remaining tonal dose sensor.

[0052] Figure 46 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the imaging apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.

[0053] Figure 47 It is a graph showing the relationship between motor rotation time and toner aggregation. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] <First Embodiment>

[0056] Figure 1 Part (a) is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment. The imaging device 1 is a monochrome printer for forming an image on a recording material based on image information input from an external device. The recording material includes various sheet materials of different materials, such as paper (e.g., plain paper and thick paper), plastic film (e.g., sheets for overhead projectors), sheets of special shapes (e.g., envelopes and index paper), cloth, etc.

[0057] [General Structure]

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown in parts (a) and (b), the imaging device 1 includes a printer main assembly 100 as a main component of the device, a reader 200 supported and openable relative to the printer main assembly 100, and an operating part 300 mounted to the housing surface of the printer main assembly 100. The printer main assembly 100 includes an imaging part 10 for forming a toner image on recording material, a feed part 60 for feeding recording material to the imaging part 10, a fixing part 70 for fixing the toner image formed by the imaging part 10 onto the recording material, and an exhaust roller pair 80.

[0059] The imaging section 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic processing unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 for transferring a toner image, which is a developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 of the processing cartridge 20, onto the recording material. For example... Figure 5 As shown in portions (a) and (b), the processing unit 20 includes a developing device 30, which includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22 arranged around the photosensitive drum 21, a pre-exposure device 23, and a developing roller 31. The processing unit 20 can be detachably mounted to the printer main assembly 100. Incidentally, the processing unit 20 can be fastened to the printer main assembly with screws and includes a processing unit that is primarily disassembled by maintenance personnel rather than the user. On the other hand, the processing unit 20 does not include structural components of the printer main assembly, such as the housing frame for the printer main assembly 100.

[0060] The photosensitive drum 21 is a photosensitive component molded into a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 includes a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive component on a drum-shaped substrate molded from aluminum. Furthermore, the photosensitive drum 21, which serves as an image-carrying component, is driven by a motor to rotate in a predetermined direction (clockwise in the figure) at a predetermined processing speed.

[0061] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressing force, forming a charging section. Furthermore, a desired charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 22 using a high charging voltage source, causing the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to be uniformly charged to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure apparatus 23 discharges the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 before it enters the charging section, thereby generating a stable discharge in the charging section.

[0062] The scanner unit 11 uses a multifaceted mirror to irradiate the photosensitive drum 21 with a laser corresponding to the image information input from an external device or the reading device 200, causing the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to undergo scanning exposure. Through this exposure, an electrostatic latent image dependent on the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Incidentally, the scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, but can be, for example, an LED exposure device including an LED array in which multiple LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0063] The developing apparatus 30 includes a developing roller 31 serving as a developer carrier, a developing container 32 serving as a frame for the developing apparatus 30, and a supply roller 33 capable of supplying developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. Furthermore, the developing roller 31 is arranged opposite to the photosensitive drum 21 at the opening of the developing container 31. The supply roller 33 rotatably contacts the developing roller 31, and toner, which is the developer contained in the developing container 32, is applied to the surface of the developing roller 31 via the supply roller 33. Incidentally, the supply roller 33 is not necessary when a configuration is adopted that allows sufficient supply of toner to the developing roller 31.

[0064] In this embodiment, the developing apparatus 30 uses a contact developing type. That is, the toner layer carried on the developing roller 31 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 at the developing portion (developing area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 are opposite each other. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 using a high developing voltage source. When the developing voltage is applied, the toner carried on the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the drum surface according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. Incidentally, in this embodiment, a reverse developing type is used. That is, the toner image is formed by depositing it on the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21, which has had its charge decay due to exposure in the exposure step after being charged in the charging step.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a toner with a particle size of 6 μm and a negative normal charge polarity is used. The toner in this embodiment is a polymerized toner formed by a polymerization method as an example. Furthermore, the toner in this embodiment is a so-called non-magnetic single-component developer, which does not contain magnetic components, and the toner is primarily supported on the developing roller 31 by intermolecular forces or electrostatic forces (mirror forces). However, single-component developers containing magnetic components can also be used. In some cases, single-component developers, in addition to toner particles, also contain additives (e.g., wax or fine silica particles) for adjusting flowability and charge properties. Furthermore, as a developer, a two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier can also be used. When using a developer with magnetic properties, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet internally arranged is used as the developer carrier, for example.

[0066] A stirring member 34 is provided inside the developing container 32. The stirring member 34 is driven by a motor M1 (see...) Figure 13The stirring member 34 is driven and rotated, not only agitating the toner in the developing container 32 but also conveying the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. Furthermore, the stirring member 34 has the function of circulating toner that has been stripped from the developing roller 31 and is not used for development within the developing container, and of homogenizing the toner in the developing container. Incidentally, the stirring member 34 is not limited to a rotatable form. For example, an oscillating stirring member may also be used. In addition to the stirring member 34, another stirring member may be provided.

[0067] Furthermore, at the opening of the developing container 32 where the developing roller 31 is arranged, a developing blade 35 is provided for controlling the amount of toner carried on the developing roller 31. As the developing roller 31 rotates, the toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through the portion opposite to the developing blade 35, causing the toner to uniformly form a thin layer and be charged to the negative polarity through triboelectric charging.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown in portions (a) and (b), the feed section 60 includes a front door 61 supported by the main printer assembly 100 and capable of being opened, a tray portion 62, an intermediate plate 63, a tray spring 64, and a pickup roller 65. The tray portion 62 forms the bottom of the recording material receiving space revealed by opening the front door 61, and the intermediate plate 63 is supported by the tray portion 62 to be able to rise and fall. The tray spring 64 pushes the intermediate plate 63 upward and presses the recording material P stacked on the intermediate plate 63 against the pickup roller 65. Incidentally, the front door 61 closes the recording material receiving space when the front door 61 is closed relative to the main printer assembly 100, and supports the recording material P together with the tray portion 62 and the intermediate plate 63 when the front door 61 is open relative to the main printer assembly 100.

[0069] The fixing section 70 is a thermal fixing type that performs image fixing processing by heating and melting the toner on the recording material. The fixing section 70 includes a fixing film 71, a fixing heater, such as a ceramic heater, for heating the fixing film 71, a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the fixing heater, and a pressure roller 72 for pressing the fixing film 71.

[0070] Next, the imaging operation of imaging device 1 will be described. When an imaging command is input to imaging device 1, the imaging process of imaging section 10 begins based on image information input from an external computer connected to imaging device 1 or from reading device 200. Scanner unit 11 emits a laser towards photosensitive drum 21 based on the input image information. At this time, photosensitive drum 21 is pre-charged by charging roller 22 and irradiated with laser, causing an electrostatic latent image to form on photosensitive drum 21. Subsequently, the electrostatic latent image is developed by developing roller 31, causing a toner image to form on photosensitive drum 21.

[0071] In parallel with the imaging process described above, the pickup roller 65 of the feed section 60 conveys the recording material P supported by the front door 61, the tray section 62, and the intermediate plate 63. The recording material P is fed to the alignment roller pair 15 by the pickup roller 65 and abuts against the clamping part of the alignment roller pair 15, thereby correcting the tilt movement of the recording material P. Furthermore, the alignment roller pair 15 is driven in sync with the transfer time of the toner image, and the recording material is conveyed toward the transfer clamping part formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0072] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 12, which serves as a transfer device, from a high transfer voltage source, causing the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 to be transferred onto the recording material P conveyed by the alignment roller pair 15. The recording material P with the toner image transferred onto it is conveyed to the fixing section 70, where the toner image is heated and pressurized as the recording material P passes through the clamping portion between the fixing film 71 and the pressure roller 72 of the fixing section 70. Thus, the recording material P passing through the fixing section 70 is subsequently fixed, so that the toner image is fixed onto the recording material P. The recording material P passing through the fixing section 70 is discharged to the outside of the imaging device 1 (the outside of the printer) via the discharge roller pair 80, so that the discharged recording material P is stacked on the discharge tray 81 formed in the upper part of the printer main assembly 100.

[0073] The discharge tray 81 is tilted upwards in the downstream direction of the discharge of the recording material, and the recording material discharged on the discharge tray 81 slides downwards on the discharge tray 81, so that the rear end of the recording material is aligned by the limiting surface 84.

[0074] Incidentally, the type of transfer device is not limited to a direct transfer type in which the toner image is directly transferred from the image carrier to the recording material, but can also be an intermediate transfer type in which the toner image is transferred to the recording material via an intermediate transfer member. In this case, instead of transfer roller 12, for example, an intermediate transfer unit is used comprising an annular intermediate transfer belt stretched by multiple rollers, a primary transfer roller facing the photosensitive drum via the intermediate transfer belt, and a secondary transfer roller facing the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred once to the intermediate transfer belt via the primary transfer roller, and then transferred a second time to the recording material via the secondary transfer roller. This secondary transfer unit is another example of a transfer device.

[0075] Furthermore, while a monochrome printer is described in this embodiment, the following techniques can be applied to imaging devices that form color images by including multiple pairs of image-bearing components and developing devices and by using toners of various colors.

[0076] like Figure 3As shown in parts (a) and (b), the reading device 200 includes a reading unit 201 in which a reading portion (not shown) is constructed, and a pressure plate 202 supported by the reading unit 201 so as to be openable and closable. At the upper surface of the reading unit 201, a document support pressure plate glass 203 allows light emitted from the reading portion to pass through, and the document is placed on the document support pressure plate glass.

[0077] When a user wants the reading device 200 to read the image of the original document, the user places the original document on the original document support platen glass 203 with the pressure plate 202 open. Then, for example, the pressure plate 202 is closed to prevent the original document from shifting position on the original document support platen glass 203, causing the operation section 300 to output a reading command to the imaging device 1. When the reading operation begins, the reading section in the reading unit 201 reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction, that is, the reading section reciprocates in the left-right direction when the user is facing the operation section 300 of the imaging device 1 from the front (surface) side. While emitting light from the light emitting section toward the original document, the reading section receives the light reflected from the original document through the light receiving section and performs photoelectric conversion on the light, causing the reading section to read the image of the original document. Incidentally, in the following text, the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction are defined based on the user's position facing the operation section 300 from the front side.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown in parts (a) and (b), a first opening 101 that opens upwards is formed in the upper portion of the printer main assembly 100, and in normal use (the state in which imaging operations can be performed), the first opening 101 is covered by the ejection tray 81. The ejection tray 81 is supported so that it can open and close relative to the printer main assembly 100 about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. With the reader 200 open relative to the printer main assembly 100, the ejection tray 81 opens from the front to the rear. Furthermore, a configuration is adopted in which a mounting portion including a supply opening 32a is exposed to the first opening 101, through which the toner cartridge 40 can be mounted as described later (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 (Parts (a) and (b)). The user can access the mounting part 57 by opening the discharge tray 81. Incidentally, the reading device 200 and the discharge tray 81 can also be configured to be held in the open and closed states by a retaining mechanism, such as a hinge mechanism.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, a type (direct supply type) is adopted in which the user, while maintaining the developing device 30 installed in the imaging device 1, dispenses the toner from the toner package 40, which serves as the toner container. Figure 1 Parts (a) and (b) are supplied to the developing apparatus 30.

[0080] [Collection of residual toner from transfer printing]

[0081] This embodiment employs a cleaner-free type, in which residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 but not transferred to the recording material P is collected in the developing apparatus 30 and reused. The residual toner is removed in subsequent steps. The residual toner contains a mixture of positively charged toner and negatively charged toner with insufficient charge. The photosensitive drum 21 after transfer is decharged by the pre-exposure apparatus 23, and the charging roller 22 is uniformly discharged, causing the residual toner to be recharged to a negative polarity. The residual toner, recharged to a negative polarity at the charging section, reaches the developing section as the photosensitive drum 21 rotates. Then, the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21 that has passed through the charging section is exposed by the scanner unit 11 while the residual toner is deposited on the surface, resulting in the writing (formation) of an electrostatic latent image.

[0082] Here, the behavior of the residual toner reaching the developing section will be described by dividing a portion of the photosensitive drum 21 into an exposed portion and an unexposed portion. The residual toner deposited on the unexposed portion of the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the developing roller 31 at the developing section by the potential difference between the unexposed portion potential (dark area potential) of the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing voltage, and is collected in the developing container 32. This is because, under the assumption that the normal charge polarity of the toner is negative, the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 31 is positive relative to the unexposed portion potential. Incidentally, the toner collected in the developing container 32 is stirred and dispersed together with the toner in the developing container by the stirring member 34, and is carried on the developing roller 31, so that the toner can be reused in the developing step.

[0083] On the other hand, the residual toner deposited on the exposure portion of the photosensitive drum 21 remains on the drum surface and is not transferred from the photosensitive drum 21 to the developing roller 31 at the developing portion. This is because, under the assumption that the normal charge polarity of the toner is negative, the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 31 becomes a more negative potential than the potential of the exposure portion (brightness potential). The residual toner remaining on the drum surface, along with other toner transferred from the developing roller 31 to the exposure portion, is carried on the photosensitive drum 21 and moved to the transfer portion, where the toner is transferred to the recording material P.

[0084] Thus, this embodiment employs a cleaner-free structure (simultaneous development and collection type) that collects residual toner in the developing unit 30 for reuse. However, a conventional and known structure that uses a cleaning blade in contact with the photosensitive drum 21 to collect residual toner could also be used. In this case, the residual toner collected by the cleaning blade is collected in a collection container separately from the developing unit 30. However, by adopting a cleaner-free structure, there is no need for installation space for a collection container to collect residual toner, etc., and the imaging device 1 can be further miniaturized. Furthermore, by reusing the residual toner, printing costs can be reduced.

[0085] [The structure of the developing container and toner packet]

[0086] Next, the construction of the developing container 32 and the toner pack 40 will be described. Figure 4 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the developing container 32 and the toner packet 40, and Figure 4 Part (b) is a front view showing the developing container 32 and the toner packet 40. Figure 4 Part (c) is a perspective view showing the stirring member 34 inside the developing container 32. Figure 5 Part (a) is Figure 4 Sectional view 5A-5A of part (b), and Figure 5 Part (b) is Figure 4 Sectional view 5B-5B of part (b).

[0087] like Figure 4 Part (a) to Figure 5 As shown in part (b), the developing container 32, which is part of the developing apparatus 30, includes a feed chamber 36 for accommodating a stirring member 34, and the feed chamber 36, which serves as a container for holding toner, extends along the entire length of the developing container 32 in the longitudinal direction LD (left-right direction). The longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32 is the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 31, which serves as a developer carrier member. Furthermore, the developing container 32 is constructed by connecting the developing container frame 320 and the developing container cover (cover) 321 by a connecting portion 322. In addition, the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container frame 320.

[0088] Additionally, the developing container 32 includes a protruding supply portion 37 that protrudes upward from one end portion of the feed chamber 36 in the longitudinal direction and communicates with the feed chamber 36. Specifically, the protruding supply portion 37 is located at one end portion of the developing container cover 321 in the direction of the rotation axis (longitudinal direction LD) of the developing roller 31. The protruding supply portion 37 protrudes further toward the discharge tray 81 than the central portion in an intersecting direction (specifically, the upward direction relative to the direction of gravity) intersecting the rotation axis direction.

[0089] In this embodiment, the protruding supply portion 38 is hollow inside and is arranged on the left side of the developing container 32. A mounting portion 57 for mounting the toner cartridge 40 is provided at the end portion of the protruding supply portion 37, and a rotatable supply opening 32a is formed at the mounting portion 57 to allow the developer to be supplied from the toner cartridge 40 to the feed chamber 36. The toner cartridge 40 can be mounted to the mounting portion 57 with the toner cartridge 40 exposed outside the device.

[0090] The protruding supply portion 37 extends obliquely from the feed chamber 36 toward the front and top of the device. That is, the protruding supply portion 37 protrudes upward toward the downstream of the discharge direction of the discharge roller pair 80. Therefore, the supply opening 32a arranged at the protruding supply portion 37 is arranged on the front side of the imaging device 1, so that the supply operation of toner to the developing container 32 can be easily performed.

[0091] Furthermore, the protruding supply portion 37 arranged on one side of the developing container 32 in the longitudinal direction through the supply opening 32a ensures that the laser (light) emitted from the scanner unit 11 can pass through the laser passage space, and the imaging device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0092] like Figure 4 Part (a) to Figure 5As shown in part (b), the toner cartridge 40 is configured to be able to be mounted to and detached from the mounting portion 57 of the first protrusion 37. Furthermore, the toner cartridge 40 includes a baffle member 41 disposed at the opening of the toner cartridge 40 and capable of being opened and closed, and a protrusion 42 corresponding to a groove 32b formed in the mounting portion 57. When the user supplies toner to the developing container 32, the user aligns the toner cartridge 40 so that the protrusion 42 passes through the groove 32b of the mounting portion 57, thereby connecting the toner cartridge 40 to the mounting portion 57. Then, in this state, the baffle member 41 of the toner cartridge 40 is rotated 90 degrees by operating a lever device (not shown) in the imaging device 1. The supply opening 32a then rotates together with the baffle member 41 and abuts against an abutment portion (not shown) of the mounting portion 57, causing the baffle member 41 to fully open and simultaneously communicating with the opening of the toner cartridge 40. Thus, the toner contained in the toner pack 40 falls through the opening of the toner pack 40 and enters the feed chamber 36 through the supply opening 32a from the hollow protruding supply portion 37.

[0093] Here, as Figure 4 As shown in part (c), the stirring member 34 includes a stirring shaft 34a extending in the longitudinal direction LD, a first blade portion 34b1 and a second blade portion 34b2 extending outward in the radial direction from the stirring shaft 34a. The first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 are formed of a flexible sheet and have different lengths extending outward in the radial direction. The first blade portion 34b1 is longer than the second blade portion 34b2. Figure 5 In parts (a) and (b), assuming the first blade portion 34b1 rotates in a straight-lined state without considering the wall surface of the developing container 32, the rotation trajectory of the first blade portion 34b1 is represented by Tb1. Similarly, in Figure 5 In parts (a) and (b), assuming the second blade portion rotates in a straight-lined state without considering the wall surface of the developing container 32, the rotation trajectory of the second blade portion 34b2 is represented by Tb2. Incidentally, this will be described later. Figure 4 The wiping portion 34c of the stirring member 34 shown in part (c).

[0094] like Figure 5As shown in part (a), toner supplied from the supply opening 32a arranged on the upstream side of the stirring member 34 in the (recording material) feed direction is fed to the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 as the stirring member 34 rotates. The supply opening 32a and the protruding supply portion 37 are arranged at one end portion of the developing container 32 in the longitudinal direction LD, but by repeatedly rotating the stirring member 34, the toner is distributed along the entire length of the developing container 32. That is, the feed direction of the stirring member 34 is not only parallel to the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32 (see [reference]). Figure 4 Part (a) is the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction LD (from the feed chamber 36 toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 31). Here, as shown by the rotation trajectories Tb1 and Tb2, the first blade portion 34b1, which is the longer blade portion, serves as the main portion for feeding the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. On the other hand, the second blade portion 34b2, which is the shorter blade portion, serves as an auxiliary portion for feeding toner, for example, that cannot be satisfactorily fed by the first blade portion 34b1 due to the contact of its belly.

[0095] In this embodiment, the toner packet 40 is composed of, for example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The deformable bag component made of plastic film is shown in part (a), but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the toner packet 40 (supply container) can be made of, for example, a deformable bag component made of plastic film. Figure 7 Part (b) shows a generally cylindrical bottle container 40B, which can be made of, for example, Figure 7 Part (c) shows a paper container 40C made of paper. In either case, the toner packet 40 (supply container) can be of any material and shape. Furthermore, regarding the method of dispensing toner from the toner packet 40 (supply container), if the toner packet is a toner packet 40 (supply container) or a paper container 40C, it is suitable for the user to squeeze the toner packet with their fingers; if the toner packet is a bottle container 40B, it is suitable for the user to dispense toner by tapping the container while vibrating it. Furthermore, a dispensing mechanism can be provided in the bottle container 40B to dispense toner. Moreover, the dispensing mechanism can be configured to receive driving force from the printer main assembly 100 by engaging with the printer main assembly 100.

[0096] Furthermore, in any toner packet, the baffle member 41 may be omitted, or a sliding baffle may be used instead of the baffle member 41. Additionally, the baffle member 41 may be constructed by installing the toner packet onto the supply opening 32a or by rotating the toner packet in the installed state to break the baffle member 41, or it may be a removable cover (cover) structure, such as a seal.

[0097] In this embodiment, the stirring member 34 is provided with two blade portions 34b1 and 34b2 of different lengths, but their length and number are not limited thereto. For example, the length and number of blade portions can be freely set considering the shape of the developing container, feed efficiency, etc.

[0098] [Methods for detecting remaining toner dosage]

[0099] Next, use Figures 8 to 14 The structure of the developing apparatus 30 related to the detection of remaining tonal dose in this embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the developing apparatus 30. Figure 9 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the substrate 700 and substrate holding member 710 assembled with the developing container cover 321. Figure 9 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the substrate 700 and the substrate holding member 710, and Figure 9 Part (c) is another perspective view showing the substrate 700 and the substrate holding member 710. Figure 10 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting element 510a of the developing apparatus 30 under the orientation of the developing apparatus 30 when detecting the remaining toner dosage, and Figure 10 Part (b) is Figure 10 Sectional view of part (a) of cross section 10B-10B. Figure 11 This is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating an example of the circuit construction of the residual tonal dose sensor 500. Figure 12 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the developing container 32 in a state of low remaining toner dose when the developing apparatus 30 is in the position of detecting the remaining toner dose. Figure 12 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the developing container 32 in a state of large remaining toner dose when the remaining toner dose is detected in the orientation of the developing container 32.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown, the developing container cover 321, which forms part of the developing container 32, includes substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b and surface fixing portions 321c and 321d. A light guiding member 600, serving as a light guiding device, is disposed between the substrate fixing portions 321c and 321d of the developing container cover 321, relative to the longitudinal direction LD. The light guiding member 600 includes a light emitting side light guiding member 610 and a light receiving side light guiding member 620. The light emitting side light guiding member 610 guides light emitted from the light emitting element 510a, described later, into the interior of the feed chamber 36. The light receiving side light guiding member 620 exits from the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and travels parallel to the spatial light path Q (see [reference]) within the feed chamber 36. Figure 10The light emitted by the light emitting element 510a is directed to the light receiving element 510b, which will be described later. A light guiding member 600 is disposed on the developing container cover 321, which is the wall surface of the developing container 32, and serves as a light guiding device for guiding the light emitted by the light emitting element 510a so that the light passes through the internal space of the developing container 32 to reach the light receiving element 510b.

[0101] Furthermore, a residual toning dose sensor 500, which serves as a developing dose detection device, is constructed by a light guiding member 600, a light emitting element 510a, and a light receiving element 510b.

[0102] The substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b, serving as positioning portions, are respectively arranged on the outer sides of the substrate fixing portions 321c and 321d relative to the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32, and each has a boss shape, causing the substrate positioning portion to protrude in the direction separating it from the developing container 32. The shape of each substrate positioning portion 321a and 321b is not limited to a boss shape, but can be any shape. In addition, the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32 and the longitudinal direction LD of the processing unit 20 (see reference) Figure 4 The same as part (a)). For example, the screw fixing tool can be threadedly engaged with the substrate fixing parts 321c and 321d.

[0103] In this embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown in part (a), the substrate 700 and the substrate holding member 710 are assembled together with the developing container lid 321. The substrate holding member 710 is assembled with the developing container lid 321 while the substrate 700 is sandwiched between the developing container lid 321 and the substrate 700. Incidentally, it is possible to simplify the holding structure of the substrate 700 and directly assemble the substrate 700 with the developing container lid 321 without using the substrate holding member 710.

[0104] like Figure 9 As shown in part (b), the substrate 700 is provided with a light emitting element 510a and a light receiving element 510b, which are arranged on opposite surfaces of the substrate holding member 710 and are used to detect the remaining toning dose in the feed chamber 36.

[0105] In this embodiment, an LED is used as the light emitting element 510a, and a phototransistor that is in a conducting state by light from the light emitting element 510a is used as the light receiving element 510b. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp can be used as the light emitting element 510a, and a photodiode or avalanche photodiode can be used as the light receiving element 510b.

[0106] In addition, the substrate 700 is provided with a cable connector 700n, and the cable connector 700n is connected to the controller 90 described later via a cable.

[0107] In addition, the substrate 700 includes substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b that are inserted through and engaged with positioning holes 700a and 700b, respectively, and includes substrate fixing holes 700c and 700d, through which screws threadedly engage with substrate fixing portions 321c and 321d.

[0108] Similarly, the substrate holding member 710 includes positioning holes 710a and 710b through which substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b are inserted and engaged, respectively, and includes substrate fixing holes 710c and 710d through which screws threadedly engage with substrate fixing portions 321c and 321d. Furthermore, the substrate holding member 710 is provided with a first hole 711a and a second hole 711b, through which the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 of the light-guiding member 600 is inserted, and through the second hole, the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 of the light-guiding member 600 is inserted. Each of these first holes 711a and second holes 711b has a cylindrical shape. The substrate holding member 710 serves as a holder for holding the substrate 700.

[0109] Furthermore, light-shielding plates 710e and 710f, serving as shielding portions, are provided on the side of the substrate holding member 710 opposite to the substrate 700. When the substrate 700 and the substrate holding member 710 are assembled with the developing container cover 321, these light-shielding plates 710e and 710f are arranged relative to the longitudinal direction LD between the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b and close to the substrate 710.

[0110] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown in part (a), the substrate holding member 710 is positioned relative to the developing container cover 321 by engaging the positioning portions 321a and 321b of the developing container cover 321 through positioning holes 710a and 710b, respectively. Furthermore, the substrate 700 is positioned relative to the developing container cover 321 by engaging the positioning portions 321a and 321b of the developing container cover 321 through positioning holes 700a and 700b, respectively. Therefore, the substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b are shared for both the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700, enabling precise positioning of the developing container cover 321, the substrate holding member 710, and the substrate 700 relative to each other.

[0111] Furthermore, with the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 positioned relative to the developing container cover 321, screws are inserted into the substrate fixing holes 700c, 700d, 710c, and 710d, and thus can be threadedly engaged with the substrate fixing portions 321a and 321b of the developing container cover 321. As a result, the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 are jointly fastened to the developing container cover 321, thereby fixing the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 to the developing container cover 321.

[0112] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown in part (b), when the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 are assembled with the developing container cap 321, the light emitting side light guiding member 610 of the light guiding member 600 is inserted (engaged) in the first hole 711a of the substrate holding member 710. Then, the light emitting side light guiding member 610 is positioned near the light emitting element 510a of the substrate 700. Similarly, the light receiving side light guiding member 620 of the light guiding member 600 is inserted (engaged) in the second hole 711b of the substrate holding member 710. Then, the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is positioned near the light receiving element 510b of the substrate 700.

[0113] As described above, the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 are precisely positioned relative to the developing container cover 321, and therefore, the ratio of the amount of light incident on the light emitting side light guiding member 610 to the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 510a can be increased. Then, the light that has passed through the interior of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and been guided into the interior of the developing container 32 is emitted from the light emitting side light guiding member 610 in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0114] Then, the light traveling along the spatial optical path Q inside the feed chamber 36 is incident on the light-receiving side light guiding member 620, passes through the interior of the light-receiving side light guiding member 620, and is guided to the outside of the developing container 32. The light-receiving side light guiding member 620 is arranged close to the light-receiving element 510b, and therefore, the ratio of the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 510b to the amount of light emitted from the light-receiving side light guiding member 620 can be increased.

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 9As shown in parts (b) and (c), the substrate holding member 710 is provided with light-shielding plates 710e and 710f arranged between the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b at a position close to the substrate 700. Therefore, light traveling towards the light receiving element 510b without passing through the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is blocked by the light-shielding plates 710e and 710f. This suppresses erroneous detection caused by the light receiving element 510b receiving light that has not passed through the spatial optical path Q (stray light).

[0116] Here, the arrangement of the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b will be described in detail.

[0117] The light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are arranged opposite to the side surface 36a of the developing container 32, which is opposite to the developing roller 31. Figure 10 Parts (a) and (b) are shown. Furthermore, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are disposed at the center portion of the feed chamber 36 relative to the longitudinal direction LD. Specifically, as shown... Figure 10 As shown in part (b), relative to the longitudinal direction LD, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are arranged such that the central portion 31a (dashed line) of the developing roller 31 is positioned therebetween. Therefore, by providing the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b at the central portion of the feed chamber 36, the remaining toner dose in the feed chamber 36 can be satisfactorily detected. That is, in some cases, the developer is localized at the end portions of the feed chamber 36, but the degree of localization of the developer at the central portion is small, making it possible to detect the remaining toner dose with high accuracy.

[0118] like Figure 11 As shown in the circuit diagram of the residual tonal dose sensor 500, a switch (not shown) is provided between the light emitting element 510a and the power supply voltage Vcc. By turning the switch on, a voltage from the power supply voltage Vcc is applied to the light emitting element 510a, causing the light emitting element 510a to be in a conducting state. On the other hand, the light receiving element 510b also has a switch (not shown) provided between itself and the power supply voltage (voltage source) Vcc, and by turning this switch on, the light receiving element 510b is in a conducting state by a current depending on the amount of light detected.

[0119] The power supply voltage Vcc and the current-limiting resistor R1 are connected to the light-emitting element 510, and the light-emitting element 510a emits light through the current determined by the current-limiting resistor R1. The light emitted from the light-emitting element 510a passes through the spatial optical path Q inside the developing container 32. Figure 10The light emitted from the light-emitting element 510a is received by the light-receiving element 510b. A power supply voltage Vcc is connected to the collector terminal of the light-receiving element 510b, and a sensing resistor R2 is connected to the emitting terminal. The light-receiving element 510b, acting as a phototransistor, receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element 510a and outputs a signal (current) depending on the amount of light received. This signal is converted into a voltage V1 by the sensing resistor R2 and input to the A / D conversion section 95 of the controller 90 (see [link to controller 90]). Figure 11 In other words, the value (voltage value) of the light receiving element 510b changes depending on the amount of toner (developer) contained in the feed chamber 36.

[0120] The controller 90 (CPU 91) determines whether the light emitting element 510b receives light from the light emitting element 510a based on the input voltage value. The controller 90 (CPU 91) calculates the toner dose (development dose) in the developing container 32 based on the duration of each light detected by the light receiving element 510b and the transmitted light intensity when the toner in the developing container 32 is stirred by the stirring member 34 for a certain period. That is, the ROM 93 pre-stores a table that can output the remaining toner dose based on the light receiving time and light intensity when the toner is fed by the stirring member 34, and the controller 90 predicts / calculates the remaining toner dose based on the input to the A / D conversion section 95 and this table.

[0121] More specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown in part (a), when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis of the stirring member 34, the spatial optical path Q of the residual toner dose sensor 500 is set to intersect with the rotational trajectories Tb1 and Tb2 of the stirring member 34. In other words, when viewed from the axial direction of the stirring member 34, the light emitted from the light emitting element 510a of the residual toner dose sensor 500 passes through the interior of the rotational trajectories Tb1 and Tb2 of the stirring member 34 within the feed chamber 36. Furthermore, the time during which the spatial optical path Q is blocked by the toner fed by the stirring member 34 during one rotation of the stirring member 34 (i.e., the time during which the light receiving element 510b does not detect light from the light emitting element 510a) varies depending on the residual toner dose. In addition, the intensity of the light incident on the light receiving element 510b (the amount of light received) also varies depending on the residual toner dose.

[0122] That is, when the remaining toner dose is large, the spatial light path Q is easily blocked by the toner, and therefore, the time for the light receiving element 510b to receive light becomes shorter, and the intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 510b becomes weaker (the amount of light received becomes smaller). On the other hand, when the remaining toner dose is small, the time for the light receiving element 510b to receive light becomes longer, and the intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 510b becomes stronger (the amount of light received becomes larger). Therefore, the controller 90 can determine the level of the remaining toner dose based on the light receiving time and intensity of the light receiving element 510b in the following manner.

[0123] For example, if the time for the light receiving element 510b to receive light becomes longer than a predetermined threshold, or if the intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 510b is stronger than a predetermined threshold, such as... Figure 12 As shown in part (a), a determination is made that the remaining toner dose in the feed chamber 36 of the developing container 32 is small. On the other hand, if the time for the light receiving element 510b to receive light becomes shorter than a predetermined threshold or the intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 510b is weaker than a predetermined threshold, such as Figure 12 As shown in part (b), a determination is made that the remaining toner dose in the feed chamber 36 of the developing container 32 is large.

[0124] [Control system of imaging equipment]

[0125] Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing the control system of the imaging device 1. The controller 90, which is the control device of the imaging device 1, includes a CPU 91 as a computing unit, a RAM 92 serving as the operating area of ​​the CPU 91, and a ROM 93 for storing various programs. Furthermore, the controller 90 includes an I / O interface 94 as an input / output port and an A / D conversion section 95 for converting analog signals to digital signals. The controller 90 is connected to an external device via the I / O interface.

[0126] The remaining toner dosage sensor 500, mounting sensor 53, and open / close sensor 54 are connected to the input side of the controller 90. The mounting sensor 53 detects that the toner pack 40 is mounted on the supply opening 32a of the developing container 32. For example, the mounting sensor 53 is located at the supply opening 32a and is configured as a pressure-sensitive switch to output a detection signal when pressed by a protrusion on the toner pack 40. Furthermore, the open / close sensor 54 detects whether the discharge tray 81 is open. The open / close sensor 54 is, for example, configured as a pressure-sensitive switch or a magnetic sensor.

[0127] Furthermore, the operation section 300, the imaging section 10, and the remaining toner dose panel 400, which serves as a notification device capable of displaying information about the remaining toner dose, are connected to the controller 90. The operation section 300 includes a display section 301 capable of displaying various setting screens and physical keys, etc. The display section 301 is, for example, composed of a liquid crystal panel. The imaging section 10 includes a motor M for driving the photosensitive drum 21, the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, the stirring member 34, etc. Incidentally, a configuration in which the photosensitive drum 21, the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the stirring member 34 are driven by separate motors may also be adopted.

[0128] The remaining toner dose panel 400 is located on the right side of the front surface of the printer main assembly 100 housing (i.e., on the side opposite to the operating portion 300 arranged on the left side), and displays information about the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32, such as... Figure 1 Part (b) and Figure 14 Parts (a) to (d) are shown. In this embodiment, the remaining toning dosage panel 400 is a panel component consisting of a plurality of scales (three in this embodiment) arranged in parallel vertically, and each scale corresponds to the aforementioned low level, medium level and full level.

[0129] That is, such as Figure 14 As shown in section (a), with only the lower scale flashing, the remaining toner dosage indicator of the developing container 32 is nearing depletion. Figure 14 As shown in section (b), with only the lower scale illuminated, the remaining toner dose indicator in the developing container 32 is at a low level. Figure 14 As shown in section (c), with the lower and middle scales illuminated and the upper scale closed, the remaining toner dosage indicator in the developing container 32 is at an intermediate level. Figure 14 As shown in section (d), all three scales are lit up, and the remaining toner dose indicator of the developing container 32 is at full level.

[0130] The "near exhaustion" level indicates the degree to which the remaining toner dose would quickly deplete the toner in the developing container 32, preventing proper image formation. The "low" level indicates the remaining toner dose greater than the "near exhaustion" level but less than the "intermediate" level. The "intermediate" level indicates the remaining toner dose greater than the "low" level but less than the "full" level.

[0131] Incidentally, the remaining toner dosage panel 400 is not limited to an LCD panel, but can be constructed using a light source such as an LED or incandescent lamp and a diffuser lens. Furthermore, the position of the remaining toner dosage panel 400 is not limited to the right side. For example, the remaining toner dosage panel 400 can be arranged on the same left side as the side where the operation section 300 is located. Additionally, it is possible to display the scale as described in this embodiment on the display of the operation section 300 without providing a separate remaining toner dosage panel 400. Furthermore, when the remaining toner dosage in the developing container 32 becomes low, a toner supply notification can be displayed on the operation section 300 to remind the user to replenish the toner. Furthermore, a toner supply notification can also be displayed on the operation section 300 to remind the user to replenish the toner when the toner is depleted.

[0132] Furthermore, this embodiment describes a configuration that displays four states using three levels, but the number of scales is not limited to this. The number of scales can be appropriately set according to the structure of the imaging device, etc. Additionally, the remaining tonal dose panel 400 can be configured to continuously display the remaining tonal dose via a percentage display or a gauge display. Furthermore, the remaining tonal dose can be communicated to the user via voice (sound) using a speaker.

[0133] In addition, Figure 14 In the examples shown in parts (a) to (d), the remaining tonal dose panel 400 is described as a notification device for informing about the remaining tonal dose, but is not limited thereto. For example, Figure 14 The display in part (b) may be a display that requires a toner supply. Figure 14 The display of part (c) can be a display that does not require a toner supply, and Figure 14 The display of part (d) can be a display where the toner has been adequately supplied.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction LD of the processing unit 20, and are positioned on the same side relative to the feed chamber 36 when viewed along the longitudinal direction LD. For this reason, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b can be arranged in a compact manner. Furthermore, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are jointly disposed on the substrate 700. For this reason, power can be easily supplied to the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b, and signals can also be easily transmitted to them. Therefore, the processing unit 20 can be miniaturized.

[0135] [Light guiding component]

[0136] Next, the structure of the light guiding member 600 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 15 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the light guide member 600 as a single component before it is assembled with the developing container cap 321. Figure 15 Part (a) shows the front side of the light guiding member 600, namely the side of the light guiding member 600 that does not contact the developer in the developing container 32 and the side of the light guiding member 600 that is exposed to the outside of the developing container 32. Figure 15 Part (b) shows the rear side of the light guide member 600, namely the side of the light guide member 600 that contacts the developer in the developing container 32 and the side of the light guide member 600 that is exposed to the interior of the developing container 32. Figure 15 Parts (a) and (b) show the detection light OP, which represents a representative optical path (optical axis) of light emitted from the aforementioned light emitting element 510a and received by the light receiving element 510b after passing through the light guiding member 600. The aforementioned spatial optical path Q is part of the path along which the detection light OP travels through the interior space.

[0137] Figure 16 Parts (a) to (e) are schematic diagrams showing the light guiding member and the detection light OP with the rear side of the light guiding member 600 as the front surface (side) when viewed in five directions according to the third angle projection method. Figure 16 Part (a) is a front view showing the rear side of the light guide member 600. Figure 16 Part (b) is a side view of the light guiding member 600 as viewed from the side of the light emitting element 510a relative to the longitudinal direction LD. Figure 16 Part (c) is a side view of the light guiding member 600 as viewed from the side of the light receiving element 510b relative to the longitudinal direction LD. Figure 16 Part (d) is a plan view of the light guide member 600 as viewed from above relative to the height direction ND. Figure 16 Part (e) includes a plan view of the light guiding member as viewed from below relative to the height direction ND, and an enlarged view of part A, indicated by dashed lines in the plan view.

[0138] Incidentally, the up-down direction used in the following description indicates the direction of gravity WD (vertical direction) in the orientation when the light guiding member 600 detects the developing dose (see [reference]). Figure 12 The gravity direction WD is not always aligned with the height direction NO of the light guiding member 600 described below. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction LD and the gravity direction WD is the horizontal direction HD.

[0139] like Figure 16As shown in parts (a) to (d), the light guiding member 600 is a member manufactured by integrally forming a light emitting side light guiding member 610, a light receiving side light guiding member 620, and a frame portion 650. The light guiding member 600 is made of a light-transmitting resin material that allows light emitted by the light emitting element 510a to pass through, and is manufactured by integral molding, for example, injection molding. Incidentally, the light guiding device is not limited to the light guiding member 600 manufactured by integrally molding the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light receiving side light guiding member 620 via the frame portion 650, but can instead be constructed, for example, in a configuration where the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light receiving side light guiding member 620 are molded as separate members, and each of these members is mounted on the developing container cap 321.

[0140] (Framework section)

[0141] The frame portion 650 is a plate-like member that, together with the developing container lid 321, forms the wall surface of the developing container. The frame portion 650 includes a mounting surface 680. Figure 17 Parts (a) and (b)), the mounting surface is the surface that contacts the mounting support surface 3211 of the developing container cap 321, which will be described later.

[0142] (Light-emitting side light-guiding component)

[0143] The light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 is a light-guiding member that guides the detection light OP emitted from the light-emitting element 510a located outside the developing container 32 into the feed chamber 36. The light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 includes an outer light-guiding portion 611 that protrudes from the front surface 653 of the frame portion 650 toward the outside of the developing container 32 and an inner light-guiding portion 612 that protrudes from the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650 toward the inside of the developing container 32. An inner upper portion 630 is provided above the inner light-guiding portion 612 as a portion extending upward from the inner light-guiding portion 612. The inner upper portion 630, together with the inner light-guiding portion 612, protrudes from the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650 toward the inside of the developing container 32.

[0144] The outer light guiding portion 611 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 extends from the front surface 653 of the frame portion 650 (which constitutes part of the outer surface of the developing container 32) toward the outer side of the developing container 32. Figure 16 The right side of part (b) protrudes. In this embodiment, the outer light guiding portion 611 is the first protruding portion. The inner light guiding portion 612 and the inner upper portion 630 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 extend from the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650 (which constitutes part of the inner surface of the developing container 32) toward the inner side of the developing container 32. Figure 16The left side of part (b) protrudes. In this embodiment, the inner light guiding portion 612 and the inner upper portion 630 are the second protruding portions. In this embodiment, the inner light guiding portion 612 is the lower portion of the second protruding portion, and in this embodiment, the inner upper portion 630 is the upper portion of the second protruding portion.

[0145] The outer light guide portion 611 protrudes in a direction TD relative to the frame portion 650, the inner light guide portion 612 and the inner upper portion 630 protrudes in a direction TD relative to the frame portion 650, and the direction (perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction LD and the height direction ND) is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface 680, which is the surface of the frame portion 650 that contacts the developing container cap 321. However, the outer light guide portion 611, the inner light guide portion 612, or the inner upper portion 630 may protrude at an angle perpendicular to the mounting surface 680. The protrusion direction TD is also the optical axis direction of the detection light OP guided from the outer light guide portion 611 toward the inner light guide portion 612 inside the light emitting side light guide member 610.

[0146] In this embodiment, the side surface of the inner upper portion 630 is continuous with the side surface of the inner light guiding portion 612, and the inner upper portion 630 and the inner light guiding portion 612 are integrally formed of the same material. However, the inner upper portion 630 and the inner light guiding portion 612 may be formed of different materials.

[0147] The difference between the inner upper portion 630 and the inner light guiding portion 612 is that the inner upper portion 630 does not have a shape configured for guiding the detection light OP, and therefore, the boundary line between the inner light guiding portion 612 and the inner upper portion 630 is shown as the first imaginary line IL1. When viewed along the longitudinal direction LD, the first imaginary line IL1 is a straight line passing through the boundary portion 611ct between the upper surface 611c of the outer light guiding portion 611 and the surface 653 of the frame portion 650, and extends from the outer light guiding portion 611 toward the inner light guiding portion 612 along the optical axis direction of the detection light OP.

[0148] That is, the portion of the second protruding part that substantially forms the optical path of the detection light OP (the portion lower than the first imaginary line IL1) is the inner light guiding portion 612, and the portion that does not substantially contribute to the formation of the optical path of the detection light OP (the portion higher than the first imaginary line IL1) is the inner upper portion 630.

[0149] (Light receiving side light guiding component)

[0150] The light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 is a light-guiding member used to guide incident light passing through the spatial light path Q to the light-receiving element 510b located outside the developing container 32. The light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 includes an outer light-guiding portion 621 protruding from the front surface 653 of the frame portion 650 toward the outside of the developing container 32 and an inner light-guiding portion 622 protruding from the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650 toward the inside of the developing container 32. Furthermore, an inner upper portion 640 is provided above the inner light-guiding portion 622 as a portion extending upward from the inner light-guiding portion 622. The inner upper portion 640, together with the inner light-guiding portion 622, protrudes from the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650 toward the inside of the developing container 32.

[0151] In this embodiment, the outer light guiding portion 612 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is a fourth protrusion, which extends from the front surface 653 of the frame portion 650 (forming part of the outer surface of the developing container 32) toward the outer side of the developing container 32. Figure 16 The left side of part (c) protrudes. The inner light guiding portion 622 and the inner upper portion 640 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 are third protrusions, which protrude from the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650 (which constitutes part of the inner surface of the developing container 32) toward the inside of the developing container 32. Figure 16 The right side of part (c) protrudes. In this embodiment, the inner light guiding part 622 is the lower part of the third protrusion, and in this embodiment, the inner upper part 640 is the upper part of the third protrusion.

[0152] The protrusion direction TD of the outer light guiding portion 621 relative to the frame portion 650, the protrusion direction TD of the inner light guiding portion 622 and the inner upper portion 640 relative to the frame portion 650, and the direction (perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction LD and the height direction ND) are substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface 680, which is the surface of the frame portion 650 that contacts the developing container cap 321. That is, the protrusion direction of the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 relative to the frame portion 650, and the protrusion direction of the inner light guiding portion 622 and the inner upper portion 640 relative to the frame portion 650, are substantially the same as the protrusion direction TD of the outer light guiding portion 611, the inner light guiding portion 612, and the inner upper portion 630 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610. However, the outer light guiding portion 621, the inner light guiding portion 622, or the inner upper portion 640 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 may protrude at an angle perpendicular to the mounting surface 680. The prominent direction TD is also the optical axis direction of the detection light OP guided from the outer light guide portion 621 toward the inner light guide portion 622 inside the light receiving side light guide member 620.

[0153] In this embodiment, the side surface of the inner upper portion 640 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is continuous with the side surface of the inner light guiding portion 622, and the inner upper portion 640 and the inner light guiding portion 622 are integrally formed of the same material. However, the inner upper portion 640 may be formed of a material different from that of the inner light guiding portion 622.

[0154] The difference between the inner upper portion 640 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 and the inner light guiding portion 622 is that the inner upper portion 640 does not have a shape configured for guiding the detection light OP. Therefore, the boundary line between the inner light guiding portion 622 and the inner upper portion 640 is shown as the second imaginary line IL2. When viewed along the longitudinal direction LD, the second imaginary line IL2 is a straight line passing through the boundary portion 621ct between the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621 and the front surface 653 of the frame portion 650, and extends from the inner light guiding portion 622 toward the outer light guiding portion 621 in the optical axis direction of the detection light OP.

[0155] That is, the portion of the third protrusion that substantially forms the optical path of the detection light OP (the portion lower than the second imaginary line IL2) is the inner light guiding portion 622, and the portion that substantially does not need to form the optical path of the detection light OP (the portion higher than the second imaginary line IL2) is the inner upper portion 640.

[0156] (Optical path design)

[0157] The outer light guiding portion 611 of the light receiving side light guiding member 610 has an incident surface 611a (first incident surface), onto which detection light OP emitted from the light emitting element 510a is incident. The incident surface 611a is positioned at the end of the outer light guiding portion 611 in a protruding direction TD relative to the front surface 653 (outer surface of the developing container 32) of the frame portion 650. The light emitting element 510a ( Figure 9 Part (b) is arranged opposite to the incident surface 611a. The light emitted from the light emitting element 510a is often diffuse light, and in order to correct this diffuse light into a beam in the same direction, the incident surface 611a has a convex lens shape. This lens shape is designed taking into account the distance between the light emitting element 510a and the incident surface 611a, etc.

[0158] The inner light guiding portion 612 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 includes a reflective surface 612b and a light emitting window 612a. The reflective surface 612b is used to change the direction of the detection light OP incident on the incident surface 611a and passing from the outer light guiding portion 611 to the inner light guiding portion 612 towards the light emitting window 612a. The light emitting window 612a is the light exit surface (second light exit surface) that emits the detection light OP reflected by the reflective surface 612b into the spatial light path Q within the feed chamber 36.

[0159] The inner light guiding portion 622 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 includes a light receiving window 622a and a reflective surface 622b. The light receiving window 622a is an incident surface (second incident surface), through which the detection light OP, passing through the spatial light path Q in the feed chamber 36, enters the light receiving side light guiding member 620. The reflective surface 622b is a surface that changes the direction of the detection light OP within the light emitting side light guiding member 610 by mirror-reflecting the detection light OP incident on the light receiving window 622a toward the outer light guiding portion 621.

[0160] The outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 includes a light emitting surface (first light emitting surface). Detection light OP is emitted from the light emitting surface toward the light receiving element 510b. The detection light is incident on the light receiving window 622a of the inner light guiding portion 622 and its direction is changed by the reflective surface 622b. The light emitting surface 621a is positioned at the end of the outer light guiding portion 621 with respect to the protruding direction TD of the outer light guiding portion 621 relative to the front surface 653. The light receiving element 510b ( Figure 9 Part (b) is arranged opposite to the light emitting surface 621a of the light receiving side light guiding member 620.

[0161] The light-emitting window 612a of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 and the light-receiving window 622a of the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 are arranged opposite each other. Furthermore, a spatial light path Q is formed between the light-emitting window 612a and the light-receiving window 622a, along which the detection light OP passes. In this embodiment, the light-emitting window 612a and the light-receiving window 622a are opposite each other about the longitudinal direction LD inside the developing container 32. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction of the spatial light path Q is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32, but it can be set in a direction different from the longitudinal direction LD. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the direction of the spatial light path Q is set at the longitudinal direction LD, and the light-guiding member 600 is arranged such that the spatial light path Q passes through the position of the center portion 31a of the developing roller 31. Figure 10 (The dashed line in part (b)). Thus, the effect of localization of the developer in the feed chamber 36 is not easily applied to the light guiding member 600, so that an improvement in the detection accuracy of the developer dose can be expected, but the light guiding member 600 can be arranged in another position.

[0162] (The relationship between the stirring component and the light guiding component)

[0163] Here, the structure of the stirring member 34 associated with the light guiding member 600 will be described. For example... Figure 4 As shown in part (c), the stirring member 34 is provided with a wiping portion 34c including a light-emitting side wiping end 34c1 and a light-receiving side wiping end 34c2, and an auxiliary wiping portion 34d. The auxiliary wiping portion 34d is arranged in the downstream space of the stirring member 34 in a manner that overlaps with the wiping portion 34c. Each of these wiping portions 34c and auxiliary wiping portions 34d is a flexible sheet. Furthermore, when viewed in the axial direction (longitudinal direction LD) of the stirring member 34, the rotation trajectory Tc of the wiping portion 34c is set to overlap with the spatial light path Q (see [reference]). Figure 10 Part (a)). Incidentally, the rotation trajectory Tc of the wiping part 34c is represented as a circle with a rotation radius assuming that the wiping part 34c extends straight with the rotation axis of the stirring member 34 as the center and neglecting the wall surface of the developing container 32.

[0164] When the stirring member 34 rotates, the light-emitting side wiping end 34c1 passes through the light-guiding member 600 and simultaneously rubs against the light-emitting window 612a of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610, while the light-receiving side wiping end 34c2 passes through the light-guiding member 600 and simultaneously rubs against the light-receiving window 622a of the light-receiving side guide member 620. That is, each time the stirring member 34 rotates once (one revolution), the developer deposited on the light-emitting window 612a and the light-receiving window 622a is wiped off by the wiping part 34c. In addition, the auxiliary wiping part 34d is used to adjust the contact pressure and entry angle of each of the light-emitting window 612a and the light-receiving window 622a relative to the wiping part 34c, and is designed taking into account the shape and positional relationship of the light-guiding member 600 and the stirring member 34. Incidentally, the auxiliary wiping part 34d can be omitted if the wiping performance of the wiping part 34c can be sufficiently ensured. Alternatively, the following configuration can be adopted: the wiping portion 34c is omitted, and the blade portion of the stirring member 34 is used to clean the light emitting window 612a and the light receiving window 622a of the light guiding member 600.

[0165] For example, a bottom view of the light guiding component 600. Figure 16 As shown in the enlarged view A of part (e), when the light emitting window 612a is viewed along the height direction ND, the light emitting window 612a is not a completely flat surface, but has a convex curved surface facing the spatial light path Q side (the interior of the developing container 32). As a result, the wiping portion 34c of the stirring member 34 comes into strong contact locally with the vicinity of the curved apex of the light emitting window 612a and the light receiving window 622a, and thus can strongly wipe away the developer.

[0166] (Positioning and integration of the light guiding component with the developing container)

[0167] Here, the method of positioning and integrating the light guiding member 600 with the developing container 32 (developing container cover 321) will be described. Figure 17 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the light guide member 600 as a single component before it is integrated with the developing container cap 321.

[0168] The developing container cover 321 has two surfaces 3212a and 3212b for positioning the light guiding member 600 relative to the longitudinal direction LD, and two surfaces 3212c and 3212d for positioning the light guiding member 600 relative to the height direction ND. Surfaces 3212a and 3212b are opposite to each other relative to the longitudinal direction LD and extend along the height direction ND. Surfaces 3212c and 3212d are opposite to each other relative to the height direction ND and extend along the longitudinal direction LD. Each of these surfaces 3212a to 3212d is provided with a rectangular opening 3212 for exposing the light guiding member 600 to the interior of the developing container 32.

[0169] The height direction ND of the light guide member 600 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD and parallel to the mounting support surface 3211. The height direction ND is not always aligned with the gravity direction WD in the orientation when the light guide member 600 is integrated with the developing container 32 and assembled with the imaging device 2 (the orientation during developing dose detection). In this embodiment, when viewed along the longitudinal direction LD, the light guide member 600 is tilted such that the height direction ND intersects the gravity direction WD at a small angle. Figure 10 Part (a)). The light guiding member 600 is tilted such that its trajectory portion is close to the rotation center of the stirring member 34 relative to the horizontal direction HD, and its upper portion is spaced apart from the rotation center of the stirring member 34 relative to the horizontal direction HD.

[0170] like Figure 17 As shown in portions (a) and (b), the light guiding member 600 includes a first positioning rib 661 and a second positioning rib 662 on a surface (mounting surface 680) that contacts the mounting support surface 3211 of the developing container cap 321. The first positioning rib 661 and the second positioning rib 662 protrude from the mounting surface 680 to protrude into the space within the opening 3212 of the mounting support surface 3211 when the mounting surface 680 is in contact with the mounting support surface 3211.

[0171] The first positioning rib 661 has a surface 661a for determining its position relative to the longitudinal direction LD and surfaces 661c and 661d for determining its position relative to the height direction ND. The second positioning rib 662 has a surface 662b for determining its position relative to the longitudinal direction LD and surfaces 662c and 662d for determining its position relative to the height direction ND. The position of the light guiding member 600 relative to the developing container cover 321 in the longitudinal direction is determined by the engagement between the surfaces 3212a and 3212b of the developing container cover 321 and the surfaces 661a and 662b of the light guiding member 600. The position of the light guiding member 600 relative to the developing container cover 321 in the height direction ND is determined by the engagement between the surfaces 3212c and 3212d of the developing container cover 321 and the surfaces 661c, 662c, 661d, and 662d.

[0172] The guide portion 670 of the light guiding member 600 is welded to the mounting support surface 3211 of the developing container cover 321 using ultrasonic welding, thus integrating the developing container cover 321 and the light guiding member 600. The guide portion 670 is a weld edge located in a rectangular area surrounding the opening 3212 of the developing container cover 321 (see also...). Figure 15 (b)). Furthermore, as described above, the developing container 32 is integrated by combining the developing container frame 320 and the developing container cover 321 together.

[0173] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the developing container cap 321 and the light guiding member 600 are integrated (joined together) with each other by ultrasonic welding, but the integration method (joining method) is not limited to this. For example, if the method is one in which the light guiding member 600 and the developing container cap 321 can be integrated with each other without gaps, double-sided tape or adhesive can also be used to integrate the light guiding member 600 and the developing container cap 321 with each other.

[0174] (Details of the upper portion of the light emitting side and the upper portion of the light receiving side)

[0175] Next, the structure of the upper inner portion 630 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the upper inner portion 640 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the rear side of the light guiding member 600 mounted on the developer container cover 321, as viewed from inside the feed chamber 36 containing the developer.

[0176] First, the inner upper portion 630 of the light-emitting side light guiding member 610 will be described. The inner upper portion 630 has a first side surface 630a extending upward from the light-emitting window 612a in the height direction ND and a second side surface 630b extending upward from the reflective surface 612b in the height direction ND. Furthermore, the inner upper portion 630 has an upper surface 630c (first upper surface) for connecting the upper ends of the first side surface 630a and the second side surface 630b to the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650 (the wall surface of the developing container 32). When viewed from the height direction ND, the upper surface 630c covers the area surrounded by the light-emitting window 612a, the reflective surface 612b, and the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650. In other words, when viewed in the height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the wall surface of the container, the upper surface of the second protrusion covers the area surrounded by the wall surface, the first light-emitting surface, and the first reflective surface.

[0177] The upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 is a surface that intersects the gravity direction WD and the height direction ND. In this embodiment, the upper surface 630c is perpendicular to the height direction ND, or slightly inclined relative to the height direction ND during molding as a draft angle. The inclination direction is the direction towards the lower portion relative to the height direction Nd as the distance between the upper surface 630c and the rear surface 654 (wall surface of the developing container) of the frame portion 650 increases relative to the inner light guiding portion 612 and the protrusion direction TD (protrusion direction of the second protrusion) of the inner upper portion 630 increases.

[0178] like Figure 16 As shown in part (b), when viewed longitudinally by LD in the orientation during detection of the developing dose, the upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 is positioned above the first extension line EL1 of the upper surface 611c of the outer light guiding portion 611 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610. The first extension line EL1 is an imaginary straight line (first imaginary straight line) drawn along the upper surface 611c of the outer light guiding portion 611 when viewed longitudinally by LD. When viewed longitudinally by LD, the first imaginary line EL1 is parallel to and above the upper surface 611c of the outer light guiding portion 611. Incidentally, when viewed longitudinally by LD, the light emitting window 612a forming the light path of the detection light OP is positioned below the first extension line EL1.

[0179] In addition, such as Figure 16As shown in part (b), when observed along the longitudinal direction (LD) in the posture during development dose detection, the upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 is positioned above the aforementioned first imaginary line IL1. The upper surface 630c is positioned above the horizontal plane of the boundary portion 611ct, which is perpendicular to the gravity direction WD and passes through the boundary portion 611ct between the upper surface 611c of the outer light guiding portion 611 and the front surface 653 of the frame portion 650. As described above, the region located above the first imaginary line IL1 is a portion that does not substantially contribute to the formation of the optical path of the detection light OP.

[0180] Here, the outer light-guiding portion 611 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 is formed as a quadrangular prism shape extending in the protruding direction TD, or a truncated pyramid shape with a slight draft angle, such that the cross-sectional area decreases towards the outside of the developing container 32 to improve parting performance during molding. For this reason, inside the developing container 32, the first extension line EL1 of the upper surface 611c of the outer light-guiding portion 611 overlaps with or is positioned above the first imaginary line IL1. Therefore, when viewed in the longitudinal direction LD during developing dose detection, the upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 is positioned above the first extension line EL1 of the upper surface 611c of the outer light-guiding portion 611.

[0181] That is, in this embodiment, an inner upper portion (first upper portion), which is not originally needed in the formation of the optical path of the detection light OP, is provided above the inner light guiding portion 612 (first lower portion) of the light emitting side light guiding member 610. Furthermore, the upper surface 630c (first upper surface) of the inner upper portion 630 is positioned above a first extension line EL1 (first imaginary straight line) drawn along the upper surface 611c of the outer light guiding portion 611 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610. In other words, when viewed along the direction intersecting the protrusion direction TD (first direction) of the outer light guiding portion 611 (first protrusion) relative to the wall surface of the developing container 32 and the gravity direction WD, the upper surface 630c (first upper surface) of the inner upper portion 630 is positioned above the first extension line EL1 (first imaginary straight line). Here, the direction intersecting the first direction and the gravity direction WD can preferably be a direction perpendicular to the gravity direction WD and extending along the wall surface of the developing container 32 where the light guiding member 600 is provided. Furthermore, the direction intersecting both the first direction and the gravity direction WD can preferably be the direction in which the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622 (the second protrusion and the third protrusion) are opposite to each other inside the developing container 32, and in this embodiment it is the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32.

[0182] Next, the inner upper portion 640 of the light-receiving side light guiding member 620 will be described. The inner upper portion 640 has a first side surface 640a extending upward from the light-receiving window 622a in the height direction ND and a second side surface 640b extending upward from the reflective surface 622b in the height direction ND. Furthermore, the inner upper portion 640 has an upper surface 640c (second upper surface) for connecting the upper ends of the first side surface 640a and the second side surface 640b to the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650 (the wall surface of the developing container 32). When viewed in the height direction ND, the upper surface 640c covers the area surrounded by the light-receiving window 622a, the reflective surface 622b, and the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650. In other words, when viewed in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the wall surface of the container, the upper surface of the third protrusion covers the area surrounded by the wall surface, the second light-incident surface, and the second reflective surface.

[0183] The upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 is a surface that intersects the gravity direction WD and the height direction ND. In this embodiment, the upper surface 640c is perpendicular to the height direction ND, or slightly inclined relative to the height direction ND during molding as a draft angle. The inclination direction is the direction towards the lower portion relative to the height direction Nd as the distance between the upper surface 640c and the rear surface 654 (wall surface of the developing container) of the frame portion 650 increases relative to the inner light guiding portion 612 and the protrusion direction TD (protrusion direction of the second protrusion) of the inner upper portion 640 increases.

[0184] like Figure 16 As shown in part (c), when observed longitudinally in the orientation during development dose detection, the upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 is positioned above the second extension line EL2 of the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620. The second extension line EL2 is an imaginary straight line (second imaginary straight line) drawn along the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621 when the second extension line EL2 is observed longitudinally in the orientation. When observed longitudinally in the orientation, the first imaginary line IL2 is parallel to and above the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621. Incidentally, when observed longitudinally in the orientation, the light receiving window 622a forming the light path of the detection light OP is positioned below the second extension line EL2.

[0185] In addition, such as Figure 16As shown in part (c), when observed along the longitudinal direction (LD) in the posture during development dose detection, the upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 is positioned above the aforementioned second imaginary line IL2. The upper surface 640c is positioned above the horizontal plane of the boundary portion 621ct, which is perpendicular to the gravity direction WD and passes through the boundary portion 621ct between the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621 and the front surface 653 of the frame portion 650. As described above, the region located above the second imaginary line IL2 is a portion that does not substantially contribute to the formation of the optical path of the detection light OP.

[0186] Here, the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is formed as a quadrangular prism shape extending in the protruding direction TD, or a truncated pyramid shape with a slight draft angle, such that the cross-sectional area decreases towards the outside of the developing container 32 to improve parting performance during molding. For this reason, inside the developing container 32, the second extension line EL2 of the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621 overlaps with or is positioned above the second imaginary line IL2. Therefore, when viewed in the longitudinal direction LD during developing dose detection, the upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is positioned above the second extension line EL2 of the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621.

[0187] That is, in this embodiment, an inner upper portion (first upper portion), which is not originally needed in the formation of the optical path of the detection light OP, is provided above the inner light guiding portion 622 (second lower portion) of the light receiving side light guiding member 620. Furthermore, the upper surface 640c (second upper surface) of the inner upper portion 640 is positioned above a second extension line EL2 (second imaginary straight line) drawn along the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620. In other words, when viewed along the direction intersecting the protrusion direction TD (second direction) of the outer light guiding portion 621 (second protrusion) relative to the wall surface of the developing container 32 and the gravity direction WD, the upper surface 640c (second upper surface) of the inner upper portion 640 is positioned above the second extension line EL2 (second imaginary straight line). Here, the direction intersecting the second direction and the gravity direction WD can preferably be a direction perpendicular to the gravity direction WD and extending along the wall surface of the developing container 32 on which the light guiding member 600 is provided. Furthermore, the direction intersecting both the second direction and the gravity direction WD can preferably be the direction in which the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622 (the second protrusion and the third protrusion) are opposite to each other inside the developing container 32, and in this embodiment it is the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32.

[0188] (Advantages of this embodiment)

[0189] When the developer is agitated in the chamber 36 by the stirring member 34, the developer is deposited by gravity and inertial force onto the upper surfaces 630c and 640c of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 of the light-emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light-receiving side light guiding member 620, respectively. When the amount of developer deposited increases, the developer aggregates and grows due to electrostatic forces, liquid cross-linking forces, etc., acting between the developer particles, making it possible for aggregates to extend and deposit onto, for example, the first side surfaces 630a and 640a of the inner upper portions 630 and 640.

[0190] Here, in the conventional configuration without the inner upper portions 630 and 640 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 and the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620, the upper surfaces of the inner light-guiding portions 612 and 622 (their upward surfaces at the positions of the first imaginary line IL1 and the second imaginary line IL2) are exposed to the interior of the feed chamber 36. In this configuration, it is possible that aggregates of developer deposited on the upper surfaces of the inner light-guiding portions 612 and 622 and then grown on the upper surfaces reach the light-emitting window 612 and the light-receiving window 622a adjacent to the upper surfaces and are then deposited on the light-emitting window 612a or the light-receiving window 622a. In this case, there is a possibility that the detection accuracy of the developer dose may be reduced due to the obstruction of the optical path of the detection light OP by the developer deposited on the light-emitting window 612a or the light-receiving window 622a.

[0191] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the upper surface 620c of the inner upper portion 630 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 is positioned above the first extension line EL1 of the upper surface 611c of the outer light-guiding portion 611. Figure 16 Part (b)). Furthermore, the upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is positioned above the second extension line EL2 of the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621. Figure 16 (c)). For this reason, even when the developer is deposited on the upper surfaces 630c and 640c and grows as aggregates, the aggregates do not easily reach the light emission window 612a or the light receiving window 622a. As a result, the likelihood of the light path of the detection light OP being blocked by the developer deposited on the light emission window 612a or the light receiving window 622a is reduced.

[0192] Therefore, the construction of this embodiment can suppress the decrease in detection accuracy of the residual toning dose sensor. That is, it can reduce the false detection of the developing dose (decrease in detection accuracy) caused by the light receiving element 510b receiving the detection light OP for a shorter time due to the light emitting window 612a or the light receiving window 622a being blocked by the developer at an undesirable time (or due to a decrease in the intensity of the received light).

[0193] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the error detection of the developing dose can be reduced by a simple construction in which the inner upper portions 630, 640 and the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light receiving side light guiding member 620 are integrally formed from the same material as the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622.

[0194] Incidentally, due to the relatively long distance (ND) between the upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 and the light-emitting window 612a, aggregates of developer growing from the upper surface 630c are less likely to reach the light-emitting window 612a. Similarly, due to the relatively long distance (ND) between the upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 of the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 and the light-receiving window 622a, aggregates of developer growing from the upper surface 640c are less likely to reach the light-receiving window 622a. Therefore, since the upper surfaces 630c and 640c are spaced apart from the light-emitting window 612a and the light-receiving window 622a, respectively, erroneous detection of developer dosage can be reliably reduced.

[0195] Specifically, the height of the second protrusion located adjacent to the frame portion 650 is set to, for example, not less than 120% of the height of the first protrusion, preferably not less than 150% (see [reference]). Figure 16 (b)). The height of the second protrusion is the distance from the lower surface 612f of the inner light guiding portion 612 to the upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 relative to the height direction ND, and the height of the first protrusion is the distance from the lower surface 611f of the outer light guiding portion 611 to the upper surface 611c of the outer light guiding portion 611 relative to the height direction ND. Furthermore, when viewed along the longitudinal direction LD, the entire upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 can be appropriately spaced upward from the first extension line EL1 by at least 2 mm, preferably 5 mm or more. This ensures the distance from the upper surface 630c to the upper edge of the light emitting window 612a.

[0196] Similarly, the height of the third protrusion located adjacent to the frame portion 650 is set to, for example, not less than 120% of the height of the fourth protrusion, preferably not less than 150% (see [link]). Figure 16The height of the third protrusion is the distance from the lower surface 622f of the inner light guiding portion 622 to the upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 relative to the height direction ND, and the height of the first protrusion is the distance from the lower surface 621f of the outer light guiding portion 621 to the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621 relative to the height direction ND. Furthermore, when viewed along the longitudinal direction LD, the entire upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 can be appropriately spaced upwards from the second extension line EL2 by at least 2 mm, preferably 5 mm or more. This ensures the distance from the upper surface 640c to the upper edge of the light receiving window 622a.

[0197] When the actual positions of the upper surfaces 630c and 640c of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 are determined, the inner upper portions 630 and 640 can be optimally set by taking into account only the aggregation characteristics of the developer, interference with other components, and the shrinkage of the light guiding member 600.

[0198] [Modified Implementation Example]

[0199] Next, a modified embodiment of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing the rear side of the light guiding member 600 disposed on the developing container cover 321 as viewed from inside the feed chamber 36. Figure 19 As shown, the inner upper portions 630 and 640 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light receiving side light guiding member 620 are respectively configured as separate members from the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622, and are respectively fixed to the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622. For example, the lower surface 630d of the inner upper portion 630 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 is bonded to the upper surface 612c of the inner light guiding portion 612 by means of adhesion such as double-sided tape or adhesive. Similarly, the lower surface 640d of the inner upper portion 640 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is bonded to the upper surface 622c of the inner light guiding portion 622 by means of adhesion such as double-sided tape or adhesive. Incidentally, the bonding method of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 to the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622 is not limited to adhesive bonding, but can be mechanical bonding such as snap-fit ​​or welding such as ultrasonic welding.

[0200] Therefore, when the inner upper portions 630 and 640 of the light-emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light-receiving side light guiding member 620 are respectively configured as components separate from the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622, the following advantages can be obtained. The inner upper portions 630 and 640 are portions that do not contribute to the formation of the optical path for detecting the light OP, and therefore, even when the inner upper portions 630 and 640 are fabricated separately from other portions of the light guiding member 600, the light guiding performance of the light guiding member 600 is maintained. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the light guiding member 600 is made thick by the inner upper portions 630 and 640, and accordingly, attention needs to be paid to the occurrence of shrinkage marks during molding. On the other hand, in this modified embodiment, shrinkage marks due to increased thickness are suppressed. Therefore, with this modified embodiment, shrinkage marks can be suppressed when molding portions of the light guiding member 600 other than the inner upper portions 630 and 640, while maintaining the light guiding performance of the light guiding member 600.

[0201] Furthermore, the materials of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 of the light-emitting side light guide member 610 and the light-receiving side light guide member 620 do not need to be the same as the materials of the inner light guide portions 612 and 622. The inner upper portions 630 and 640 can be formed of a material whose transmittance of the detection light OP is lower than that of the inner light guide portions 612 and 622 (e.g., matte black polyethylene resin or polypropylene resin). Alternatively, a black coating that blocks the detection light OP can be applied to the surface of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 formed of the same material as the inner light guide portions 612 and 622. This reduces stray light passing through the inner upper portions 630 and 640, making it possible to suppress erroneous detection of the developing dose due to stray light.

[0202] <Second Embodiment>

[0203] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the positional relationship between the upper inner portions 630 and 640 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 and the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 and the inner light-guiding portions 612 and 622. The other structures of the imaging device 1 and the processing unit 20 are the same as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, elements indicated by the same reference numerals or symbols as in the first embodiment have substantially the same structure and function as the elements described in the first embodiment, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0204] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the rear side of the light guiding member 600 mounted on the developing container cap 321, as viewed from inside the feed chamber 36. Figure 20As shown, a slit 615 (first slit) is provided between the upper inner portion 630 and the inner light guiding portion 612 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610, and a slit 625 (second slit) is provided between the upper inner portion 640 and the inner light guiding portion 622 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620.

[0205] With the processing unit 20 positioned in the imaging device 1 (i.e., in the posture during developer dose detection) (see...) Figure 12 These slits 615 and 625 extend in a direction intersecting the gravitational direction WD. Slit 615 is a first space formed between the lower surface 630d of the inner upper portion 630 (first upper portion) of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the upper surface 612c of the inner light guiding portion 612 (first lower portion). Slit 625 is a second space formed between the lower surface 640d of the inner upper portion 640 (second upper portion) of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 and the upper surface 622c of the inner light guiding portion 622 (second lower portion).

[0206] Through slit 615, the inner light guiding portion 612 and the inner upper portion 630 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 are separated from each other, and therefore, for the detection light OP, stray light traveling from the inner light guiding portion 612 and finally reaching the light receiving element 510b through the inner upper portion 630 is suppressed. Similarly, through slit 625, the inner light guiding portion 622 and the inner upper portion 640 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 are separated from each other, and therefore, for the detection light OP, stray light traveling from the inner upper portion 640 and finally reaching the light receiving element 510b through the inner light guiding portion 622 is suppressed.

[0207] Incidentally, the lower surface 630d of the inner upper portion 630 and the upper surface 612c of the inner light guiding portion 612 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 do not need to be parallel. In this embodiment, the lower surface 630d of the inner upper portion 630 and the upper surface 612c of the inner light guiding portion 612 are inclined relative to each other by the draft angle during molding. That is, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, as these portions are spaced from the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650 relative to the protruding direction of the inner upper portion 630 and the inner light guiding portion 612 relative to the frame portion 650, the distance between the lower surface 630d of the inner upper portion 630 and the upper surface 612c of the inner light guiding portion 612 increases.

[0208] Similarly, the lower surface 640d of the inner upper portion 640 of the light-receiving side light guide member 620 and the upper surface 622c of the inner light guide member 622 do not need to be parallel. In this embodiment, the lower surface 640d of the inner upper portion 640 and the upper surface 622c of the inner light guide portion 622 are inclined relative to each other by the draft angle during molding.

[0209] Incidentally, the width of each of slits 615 and 625 can preferably be narrow to prevent developer aggregates from growing from the developer at the starting point, entering the slits (615, 625), and then depositing on the light emitting window 612a (or light receiving window 622a). In this embodiment, considering the molding characteristics (partition characteristics) that depend on the draft angle during molding, the minimum width of each of slits 615 and 625 (the width at the location adjacent to the rear surface 654 of the frame portion 650) is designed to have a nominal width of 1 mm. The invention is not limited thereto. For example, when using a developer that does not readily aggregate, the width of each of slits 615 and 625 can be set wider considering the molding characteristics.

[0210] Similarly, in this embodiment, when viewed longitudinally in the orientation during developer dose detection, the upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 of the light-emitting side light guide member 610 is positioned above the first extension line EL1 of the upper surface 611c of the outer light guide portion 611 of the light-emitting side light guide member 610. Furthermore, when viewed longitudinally in the orientation during developer dose detection, the upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 of the light-receiving side light guide member 620 is positioned above the second extension line EL2 of the upper surface 621c of the outer light guide portion 621 of the light-receiving side light guide member 620. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the possibility of developer aggregates growing from the upper surfaces 612c and 622c of the inner light guide portions 612 and 622 as starting points and then reaching the light emission window 612a and the light reception window 622a can be reduced. This suppresses erroneous detection of the developer by the residual toning dose sensor 500 (reduction in detection accuracy).

[0211] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, slits 615 and 625 are respectively disposed between the inner light guiding portion 612 and the inner upper portion 630 and between the inner light guiding portion 622 and the inner upper portion 640, so that erroneous detection of development dose caused by stray light can be suppressed.

[0212] Incidentally, the upper inner portion 630 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 can be configured as a member separate from the inner light-guiding portion 612, and the upper inner portion 640 of the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 can be configured as a member separate from the inner light-guiding portion 622. With this modified embodiment, while maintaining the light-guiding performance of the light-guiding member 600, shrinkage marks can be suppressed when molding portions of the light-guiding member 600 other than the upper inner portions 630 and 640. Furthermore, the upper inner portions 630 and 640 are formed of a material that is less permeable to the detection light OP compared to the inner light-guiding portions 612 and 622, further suppressing erroneous detection of the developing dose due to stray light.

[0213] <Third Embodiment>

[0214] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the positional relationship between the inner upper portions 630 and 640 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 and the inner light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 and the inner light-guiding portions 612 and 622. The other structures of the imaging device 1 and the processing unit 20 are the same as in the first and second embodiments. Hereinafter, elements indicated by the same reference numerals or symbols as in the first and second embodiments have substantially the same structure and function as the elements described in the first and second embodiments, and the parts that differ from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

[0215] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the rear side of the light guiding member 600 mounted on the developing container cover 321, as viewed from inside the feed chamber 36. Figure 22 Parts (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing the light guiding member 600 as a single component. Figure 22 Part (a) is a front view of the light guiding member 600. Figure 22 Part (b) is Figure 22 A magnified view of the light-emitting side region B in part (a). Figure 22 Part (c) is Figure 22 A magnified view of the light-receiving region C in part (a). Figure 23 Parts (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the light guiding member 600 as viewed in three directions via a third-angle projection. Figure 23 Part (a) shows a front view of the light guiding member 600 on the rear side, part (b) shows a side view of the light guiding member 600 on the side of the light emitting element 610a relative to the longitudinal direction LD, and part (c) shows a side view of the light guiding member 600 on the side of the light receiving element 510b relative to the longitudinal direction LD.

[0216] like Figure 21As shown, the inner upper portion 630 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 includes a first side surface 631a (first offset surface) positioned above the light-emitting window 612a and a second side surface 631b positioned above the reflective surface 612b. Furthermore, the inner upper portion 630 includes an upper surface 631c (first upward surface) positioned above the first side surface 631a and the second side surface 631b, and an end surface 631e (first end surface) disposed at the end of the mounting surface 680 of the frame portion 650 relative to the normal direction (protrusion direction TD). The upper surface 631c is a surface extending in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity during the orientation during development dose detection (see [reference]). Figure 12 The end surface 631e is adjacent to each of the first side surface 631a and the second side surface 631b and is arranged between the first side surface 631a and the second side surface 631b relative to the longitudinal direction LD.

[0217] like Figure 22 As shown in part (b), the first side surface 631a and the end surface 631e are arranged to be offset relative to the protrusion direction TD toward the base side (upper side in the figure) of the inner light guiding portion 612, so that when viewed along the height direction ND, these surfaces do not protrude toward the light emitting window 612a. Therefore, the first side surface 631a or the end surface 631e will not obstruct the aforementioned wiping portion 34c of the stirring member 34 from wiping the light emitting window 612.

[0218] Additionally, the end surface 630e contacts the surface of a flexible sheet (e.g., the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 of the stirring member 34), thereby suppressing damage such as tearing of the sheet. Incidentally, the rib portion forming the second side surface 631b is for increasing the surface area of ​​the end surface 631e, and for example, if the sheet material is thick and tear-resistant at the blade portion 34b of the stirring member 34, the end surface 631e and the second side surface 631b may be omitted.

[0219] The upper surface 631c includes an inclined surface 631s that slopes downward along the direction of gravity toward the inner upper portion 630 relative to the protruding direction TD. Furthermore, the tilt angle of the inclined surface 641s is designed such that its orientation during imaging dose detection (see [reference]). Figure 12In this embodiment, the angle formed between the inclined surface 641s and the horizontal plane is not less than the angle of repose. Therefore, by setting at least a portion of the upper surface 631c as an inclined surface inclined relative to the horizontal plane, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of developer itself on the upper surface 631c of the inner upper portion 630. Therefore, the upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 in the first and second embodiments can be inclined as in the case of the inclined surface in this embodiment. Incidentally, the angle formed between the first side surface 631a and the second side surface 631b and the horizontal plane is greater than the angle formed between the upper surface 631c and the horizontal plane.

[0220] In addition, such as Figure 23 As shown in part (b), when observing the upper surface 631c of the inner upper portion 630 in the longitudinal direction under the posture during development dose detection, the upper surface 631c is positioned above the first extension line EL1 of the upper surface 611c of the outer light guiding portion 611 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610.

[0221] like Figure 21 As shown, the inner upper portion 640 of the light-receiving side light guiding member 620 includes a first side surface 641a (second offset surface) positioned above the light-receiving window 622a and a second side surface 641b positioned above the reflective surface 622b. Furthermore, the inner upper portion 640 includes an upper surface 641c (first upward surface) positioned above the first side surface 641a and the second side surface 641b, and an end surface 641e (second end surface) disposed at the end of the mounting surface 680 of the frame portion 650 relative to the normal direction (protrusion direction TD). The upper surface 641c is a surface extending in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity during the orientation during development dose detection (see [reference]). Figure 12 The end surface 641e is adjacent to each of the first side surface 641a and the second side surface 641b, and is arranged between the first side surface 641a and the second side surface 641b relative to the longitudinal direction LD.

[0222] like Figure 22 As shown in part (c), the first side surface 641a and the end surface 641e are arranged offset relative to the protrusion direction TD toward the base side (upper side in the figure) of the inner light guiding portion 622, such that when viewed along the height direction ND, these surfaces do not protrude toward the light receiving window 622a. Therefore, the first side surface 641a or the end surface 641e will not obstruct the aforementioned wiping portion 34c of the stirring member 34 from wiping the light receiving window 622.

[0223] Furthermore, the end surface 640e contacts the surface of the flexible sheet (e.g., the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 of the stirring member 34), thereby suppressing damage such as tearing of the sheet. Incidentally, the rib portion forming the second side surface 641b is used to increase the surface area of ​​the end surface 641e, and for example, if the sheet material is thick and tear-resistant at the blade portion 34b of the stirring member 34, the end surface 641e and the second side surface 641b can be omitted.

[0224] The upper surface 641c includes an inclined surface 641s that slopes downwards in the direction of gravity toward the inner upper portion 640 relative to the protruding direction TD. Furthermore, the tilt angle of the inclined surface 641s is designed such that its orientation during imaging dose detection (see [reference]). Figure 12 In this embodiment, the angle formed between the inclined surface 641s and the horizontal plane is not less than the angle of repose. Therefore, at least a portion of the upper surface 641c is configured as an inclined surface inclined relative to the horizontal plane, thereby suppressing the deposition of developer itself on the upper surface 641c of the inner upper portion 640. Therefore, the upper surface 640c of the inner upper portion 640 in the first and second embodiments can be inclined as in the case of the inclined surface in this embodiment. Incidentally, the angle formed between the first side surface 641a and the second side surface 641b and the horizontal plane is greater than the angle formed between the upper surface 641c and the horizontal plane.

[0225] In addition, such as Figure 23 As shown in part (c), when observing the upper surface 641c of the inner upper portion 640 in the longitudinal direction under the posture during development dose detection, the upper surface 641c is positioned above the second extension line EL2 of the upper surface 621c of the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620.

[0226] Incidentally, the angle of repose varies depending on the developer, and therefore, the tilt angles of the tilted surfaces 631s and 641s, which are respectively set as a portion of the upper surfaces 631c and 641c of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 and the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620, can be appropriately changed according to the characteristics of the developer. Even when the tilt angle of each of the tilted surfaces 631s and 641s is less than the angle of repose, if the angle formed between the tilted surfaces (631s, 641s) and the horizontal plane is greater than the angle formed between the upper surfaces (612c, 622c) and the horizontal plane, the effect of suppressing developer deposition can be obtained.

[0227] Similarly, in this embodiment, when viewed longitudinally in the orientation during developer dose detection, the upper surface 631c of the inner upper portion 630 of the light-emitting side light guide member 610 is positioned above the first extension line EL1 of the upper surface 611c of the outer light guide portion 611 of the light-emitting side light guide member 610. Furthermore, when viewed longitudinally in the orientation during developer dose detection, the upper surface 641c of the inner upper portion 640 of the light-receiving side light guide member 620 is positioned above the second extension line EL2 of the upper surface 621c of the outer light guide portion 621 of the light-receiving side light guide member 620. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the possibility of developer aggregates growing from the upper surfaces 612c and 622c of the inner light guide portions 612 and 622 as starting points and then reaching the light emission window 612a and the light reception window 622a can be reduced. This suppresses erroneous detection of the developer by the residual toning dose sensor 500 (reduction in detection accuracy).

[0228] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the upper surfaces 631c and 641c of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 are respectively provided with inclined surfaces 631s and 641s, and thus the deposition of developer itself on each of the upper surfaces 631c and 641c can be suppressed. This further suppresses erroneous detection of the developer dose by the residual toner dose sensor 500.

[0229] In addition, end surfaces 631e and 641e are provided at the ends of the inner upper portions 630 and 640, which are in contact with the surfaces of the first blade portions 34b1 and 34b2 of the stirring member 34 made of sheet material, so that damage such as tearing of the sheet material can be suppressed.

[0230] Incidentally, the upper inner portion 630 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 can be configured as a member separate from the inner light-guiding portion 612, and the upper inner portion 640 of the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 can be configured as a member separate from the inner light-guiding portion 622. With this modified embodiment, while maintaining the light-guiding performance of the light-guiding member 600, shrinkage marks can be suppressed when molding portions of the light-guiding member 600 other than the upper inner portions 630 and 640. Furthermore, the upper inner portions 630 and 640 are formed of a material that is less permeable to the detection light OP compared to the inner light-guiding portions 612 and 622, further suppressing erroneous detection of the developing dose due to stray light.

[0231] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0232] A fourth embodiment of the invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in the shape of a portion of the frame portion 650 of the light guiding member 600. The other constructions of the imaging device 1 and the processing unit 20 are the same as in the first to third embodiments. Hereinafter, elements indicated by the same reference numerals or symbols as in the first to third embodiments have substantially the same construction and function as the elements described in the first to third embodiments, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described primarily.

[0233] In the configuration of the residual tonal dose sensor 500 described in the first to third embodiments, in some cases, a portion of the detection light OP emitted from the light emitting element 510a enters the light guiding member 600 through a portion other than the incident surface 611a of the light guiding member 600. In some cases, this light becomes stray light, which, through interaction with... Figure 15 Part (a) to Figure 16 The optical path shown in part (d) is different from the optical path of the design and then reaches the light receiving element 510b. When the amount of stray light reaching the light receiving element 510b is large, false detection of the developing dose may occur, which may result in a detection of a light transmission time longer than assumed.

[0234] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the light guiding member 600 installed in the developing container 32 when viewed from the outside of the developing container 32 (developing container cover 321). Figure 24 As shown, the frame portion 650 of the light guiding member 600 includes a first surface portion 651 and a recessed portion 655.

[0235] The flat surface portion 651 has a flat plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction LD and the height direction ND. The first surface portion 651 includes a front flat surface 651s as a surface exposed to the outside of the developing container 32 and four side surfaces (first side surface 651a, second side surface 651b, third side surface 651c, and fourth side surface 651d) connected to the corners by curved surfaces. The first side surface 651a and the second side surface 651b are the end portions of the flat surface portion 651 opposite to the longitudinal direction LD, and the third side surface 651c and the fourth side surface 651d are the end portions of the flat surface portion 651 opposite to the height direction ND.

[0236] The retraction portion 655 is disposed inside the four side surfaces of the flat surface portion 651 and has a recessed shape that is recessed relative to the flat surface portion 651 toward the outside of the developing container 32. The retraction portion 655 is formed in the space that the wiping portion 34c can enter when wiping the light emitting window 612a and the light receiving window 622a using the wiping portion 34c. The retraction portion 655 includes a front retraction surface 655s and front side surfaces 655a and 655b, which are surfaces exposed to the outside of the developing container 32. The front retraction surface 655s is a surface that is convex toward the outside of the developing container 32 as observed in the longitudinal direction LD. The front side surfaces 655a and 655b are surfaces that are raised from the front flat surface 651s of the flat surface portion 651 toward the outside of the developing container 32 and connected to the opposite end portions of the front retraction surface 655s in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0237] The front flat surface 651s and the front recessed surface 655s have undergone a surface roughening treatment with an average roughness of 20 μm or greater in terms of ten points. This surface roughening treatment allows the incident light emitted from the light emitting element 510a to be diffused or irregularly reflected when it strikes the front flat surface 651s and the front recessed surface 655s. Therefore, the amount of stray light in the detection light OP emitted from the light emitting element 510a that enters the light guiding member 600 from the front flat surface 651s and the front recessed surface 655s and reaches the light receiving element 510b can be suppressed. This, in turn, suppresses erroneous detection of the developing dose caused by stray light (reduction in detection accuracy). Incidentally, a similar effect can be expected when the following configuration is adopted, wherein at least a portion of the surface roughness of the light guiding member 600 exposed to the outside of the developing container 32, excluding the first and fourth protrusions, is greater than the surface roughness (ten-point surface roughness) of the surfaces of the first and fourth protrusions.

[0238] Incidentally, in the construction of this embodiment, considering molding performance (parting performance), the surface sides (651a to 651d, 655a, 655b) parallel to the demolding direction of the light guiding member 600 (the normal direction of the mounting surface 680, the protrusion direction TD) are not subjected to uneven surface treatment. Furthermore, the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light receiving side light guiding member 620 are mirror-finished to have a maximum height of 0.2 μm or less, in order to minimize the light loss of the detection light OP due to refraction and reflection. Therefore, in the portions exposed to the outside of the light guiding member 600, the surfaces of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light receiving side light guiding member 620 used to guide the detection light OP are smoothed, and the surfaces of other portions are roughened to the extent possible, taking into account molding characteristics. Thus, while suppressing the light attenuation of the detection light OP passing through the designed optical path, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection (accuracy reduction) of the developing dose caused by stray light.

[0239] Incidentally, regarding the actual numerical values ​​of surface roughness, when the surface roughness of the light-emitting side light guide member 610 and the light-receiving side light guide member 620 is set to be greater than the surface roughness of surfaces other than the surface of the light guide member, although there is a difference in degree, the effect of suppressing false detection caused by stray light due to the detection light OP can be obtained. The setting of the roughness (smoothness) of the corresponding surfaces is appropriately changed depending on the specific structure (e.g., the amount of light from the LED as the light emitting element 510a or the sensitivity of the phototransistor as the light receiving element 510b).

[0240] The surface configuration of the light guiding member 600 exposed to the outside of the developing container 32, as described in this embodiment, can be performed in combination with the configurations of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light receiving side light guiding member 620 described in the first to third embodiments. Therefore, by providing the inner upper portions 630 and 640, false detections of the developing dose by the residual toner dose sensor 500 (reduced accuracy) can be suppressed, while the uneven surface treatment of the front flat surface 651s and the front retreating surface 655s can further reduce false detections.

[0241] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0242] The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shapes of the outer light guiding portions 611 and 612 of the light-emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light-receiving side light guiding member 620 of the light guiding member 600, as well as the optical path design of the remaining colorimetric dose sensor 500. The other structures of the imaging device 1 and the processing unit 20 are the same as in the first to fourth embodiments. Hereinafter, elements indicated by the same reference numerals or symbols as in the first to fourth embodiments have substantially the same structure and function as the elements described in the first to fourth embodiments, and the parts that differ from the first to fourth embodiments will be mainly described.

[0243] Figure 25 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the light guiding member 600 as a single component before it is integrated with the developing container cover 321. Figure 25 Part (a) shows the front side of the light guiding member 600, i.e., the side where the light guiding member 600 does not contact the developer in the developing container 32 and the light guiding member 600 is exposed to the outside of the developing container 32. Figure 25 Part (b) shows the rear side of the light guiding member 600, i.e., the light guiding member 600 contacts the developer in the developing container 32 and the side of the light guiding member 600 exposed to the interior of the developing container 32.

[0244] Figure 33 Parts (a) to (f) are schematic diagrams of the light guiding member 600 and the detection light OP viewed from six directions by a third-angle projection method, wherein the rear side of the light guiding member 600 is the front surface. However, for the convenience of drawing, the rear view (part (8)) is arranged below the bottom view (part (e)). Figure 26 Part (a) is a front view showing the rear side of the light guide member 600. Figure 26 Part (b) is a side view of the light guiding member 600 as viewed from the side of the light emitting element 510a on the longitudinal direction LD. Figure 26 Part (c) is a side view of the light guiding member 600 as viewed from the side of the light receiving element 510b. Figure 26 Part (d) is a plan view of the light guiding member 600 as viewed from the top side of the height direction ND. Figure 26 Part (a) is a bottom view of the light guide member 600 as viewed from the bottom side in the height direction ND. Figure 26 Part (f) is a rear view showing the front side of the light guide member 600.

[0245] Figure 27 Part (a) is along the plane passing through the light-emitting side light-guiding member 600 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD. Figure 26The light guide member 600 is cut by the cutting line AA shown in parts (a) and (f). Figure 27 Part (b) is along the plane passing through the light-guiding member 620 on the light-receiving side and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD. Figure 26 The cross-sectional views of the light guide member 600 cut by the cutting line BB shown in parts (a) and (f).

[0246] Figure 25 Part (a) to Figure 27 Each of the detection light OP shown in section (b) represents a representative optical path (optical axis) of light emitted from the aforementioned light emitting element 510a and reaching the light receiving element 510b via the light guiding member 600.

[0247] In the first to fourth embodiments, the incident surface 611a of the outer light guiding portion 611 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the light emitting surface 621a of the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 are disposed at the end portions of the outer light guiding portions 611 and 621 relative to the protruding direction TD of the outer light guiding portions 611 and 621. On the other hand, the outer light guiding portions 611 and 621 extend in the direction along the flat surface portion 651 of the frame portion 650.

[0248] like Figure 25 Part (a) and Figure 26 As shown in portions (a) to (f), the outer light guiding portion 611 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 is formed into a prism shape extending along the front surface 653 (front flat surface 651s) of the frame portion 650 in a first extending direction D1 (first direction). The outer light guiding portion 611 includes a side surface portion 611d extending along the first extending direction D1, an incident surface 611a disposed at one end portion of the side surface portion 611d relative to the first extending direction D1, and a reflective surface 611b disposed at the other end portion of the side surface portion 611d relative to the first extending direction D1.

[0249] The incident surface 611a is the surface on which light from the light emitting element 510a is incident. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 510a is arranged opposite to the incident surface 611a. Figure 27 Part (a)). The incident surface 611a is formed in the shape of a convex lens, such that the diffused light emitted from the light emitting element 510a becomes a beam that is substantially parallel to the first extending direction D1 of the outer light guiding portion 611.

[0250] The reflective surface 611b, serving as the first reflective surface, is a surface used to reflect (specular reflection) the detection light OP towards the inner light guiding portion 612. Figure 27In part (a), the detection light is incident on the incident surface 611a and travels along the first extending direction D1 inside the outer light guiding portion 611. As an example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD ( Figure 27 In part (a)), the angle formed by the reflective surface 611b with respect to the first extending direction D1 (along the direction of the front flat surface 651s of the frame part 650) is 45°.

[0251] The side surface portion 611d, which is the first side surface portion, includes three U-shaped surfaces in a cross-section perpendicular to the first extending direction D1, and these three surfaces and the frame portion 650 form a generally square cross-section. Each of the two surfaces of the side surface portion 611d that are opposite each other relative to the longitudinal direction LD may be provided with a draft angle. In this case, the cross-section of the outer light guide portion 611 perpendicular to the first extending direction D1 has a trapezoidal shape, such that the side opposite to the frame portion 650 is slightly shorter than the side in contact with the frame portion 650.

[0252] like Figure 25 Part (a) and Figure 26 As shown in portions (a) to (f), the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is formed into a prism shape extending along the front surface 653 (front flat surface 651s) of the frame portion 650 in the second extending direction D2 (second direction). The outer light guiding portion 621 includes a side surface portion 621d extending in the second extending direction D2, an incident surface 621a disposed at one end portion of the side surface portion 621d relative to the first extending direction D1, and a reflective surface 621b disposed at the other end portion of the side surface portion 621d relative to the second extending direction D2.

[0253] The light emitting surface 621a is the surface from which the detection light OP, incident on the inner light guiding portion 622 via the spatial light path Q within the feed chamber 36, is emitted toward the light receiving element 510b. In this embodiment, the light receiving element 510b is arranged opposite to the light emitting surface 621a. Figure 27 Part (b)).

[0254] The reflective surface 621b, serving as the second reflective surface, is a surface used to reflect the detection light OP towards the second extending direction D2 (specular reflection). Figure 27 In part (b)), the detection light is incident on the inner light guiding portion 622 and travels from the inner light guiding portion 622 to the outer light guiding portion 621 within the light receiving side light guiding portion 620. As an example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD ( Figure 27In part (b)), the angle formed by the reflective surface 621b with respect to the second extending direction D2 (along the direction of the front flat surface 651s of the frame part 650) is 45°.

[0255] The side surface portion 621d, which is the second side surface portion, includes three U-shaped surfaces in a cross-section perpendicular to the second extending direction D2, and these three surfaces and the frame portion 650 form a generally square cross-section. Each of the two surfaces of the side surface portion 621d that are opposite each other relative to the longitudinal direction LD may be provided with a draft angle. In this case, the cross-section of the outer light guide portion 621 perpendicular to the second extending direction D2 has a trapezoidal shape, such that the side opposite to the frame portion 650 is slightly shorter than the side in contact with the frame portion 650.

[0256] (Positional relationship between the reflective surface of the outer light-guiding section and the upper inner section)

[0257] In the first to fourth embodiments, at the end portions of the outer light guiding portions 611 and 612 relative to the protruding direction TD, an incident surface 611a is provided on which light emitted from the light emitting element 510a is incident, and a light exiting surface 621a is provided on which light is emitted from the light emitting element 510a toward the light receiving element 510b. Furthermore, it has been described that the extension lines of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 arranged on the upper surfaces 611c and 621c of the outer light guiding portions 611 and 621 are... Figure 16 Above EL1 and EL2 in parts (a) and (b), the false detection of the developing dose can be reduced.

[0258] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the outer light guiding portion 611 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 is configured such that light incident on the incident surface 611a travels along a first extending direction D1 inside the outer light guiding portion 611 and is then guided towards the inner light guiding portion 612 by reflection by the reflective surface 611b. Similarly, in this embodiment, the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is configured such that light traveling from the inner light guiding portion 622 to the outer light guiding portion 621 is guided towards the light emitting surface 621a in a second extending direction D2 by reflection by the reflective surface 621b.

[0259] In this configuration, it can be said that in the second protruding portion of the light guiding member 600, the area through which the light beam reflected by the reflective surface 611b of the first protruding portion (outer light guiding portion 611) passes is the portion that substantially constitutes the optical path of the detection light OP. Similarly, it can be said that in the third protruding portion of the light guiding member 600, the area through which the light reflected by the reflective surface 621b passes when the light travels from the third protruding portion to the fourth protruding portion (outer light guiding portion 611) is the portion that substantially constitutes the optical path of the detection light OP.

[0260] Therefore, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the second protrusion of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 is positioned above a straight line (IL3) that passes through the upper end 611bt of the reflective surface 611b of the outer light-guiding member 610 and extends along the light reflection direction D3 at the reflective surface 611b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the third protrusion of the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 is positioned above a straight line (IL4) that passes through the upper end 621bt of the reflective surface 621b of the outer light-guiding member 620 and extends along the light incident direction D4 of the light incident on the inner light-guiding member 622 towards the reflective surface 621b.

[0261] Specifically, Figure 27The imaginary straight line IL3 shown in part (a) is a straight line passing through the upper end 611bt of the reflective surface 611b relative to the gravitational direction WD, and is a straight line drawn along the reflection direction D3 when light along the first extension direction D1 is mirror-reflected by the reflective surface 611b. In the second protruding part of the light guiding member 600, the portion located on the side below the imaginary straight line IL3 is the inner light guiding portion 612, which serves as the part forming the optical path of the detection light OP. In the second protruding part of the light guiding member 600, the portion located on the side above the imaginary straight line IL3 is the inner upper portion 630, which serves as the part that does not contribute to the formation of the optical path of the detection light OP. Furthermore, when the upper surface 630c is observed along the longitudinal direction LD, the upper surface 630c of the inner upper portion 630 is positioned above the imaginary straight line IL3 (the first imaginary straight line). In other words, when viewing the upper surface 630c along the direction intersecting both the first extending direction D1 (first direction) and the gravity direction WD, the upper surface 630c (first upper surface) of the inner upper portion 630 is positioned above the imaginary straight line IL3 (first imaginary straight line), and the outer light guiding portion 611 (first protrusion) extends along the wall surface of the developing container 32 in the first extending direction D1. Here, the direction intersecting both the first direction and the gravity direction WD is preferably perpendicular to the gravity direction WD and extends along the wall surface of the developing container 32 where the light guiding member 600 is provided. Furthermore, the direction intersecting both the first direction and the gravity direction WD is preferably the direction in which the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622 (second protrusion and third protrusion) are opposite each other in the developing container 32, and in this embodiment, it is the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32.

[0262] also, Figure 27The imaginary line IL4 shown in part (b) is a straight line passing through the upper end 611bt of the reflective surface 611b relative to the gravitational direction WD, and is a straight line drawn along the incident direction D4 of the incident light when the incident light incident on the reflective surface 621b is reflected by the mirror along the second extension direction D2. In the third protruding part of the light guiding member 600, the part located on the side below the imaginary line IL4 is the inner light guiding part 622, which serves as the part forming the optical path of the detection light OP. In the third protruding part of the light guiding member 600, the part located on the side above the imaginary line IL4 is the inner upper part 640, which is the part that does not contribute to the formation of the optical path of the detection light OP. Furthermore, when the upper surface 640c is observed along the longitudinal direction LD, the upper surface 640c of the inner upper part 640 is positioned above the imaginary line IL4 (the second imaginary line). In other words, when viewing the upper surface 640c along the direction intersecting both the second extending direction D2 (second direction) and the gravity direction WD, the upper surface 640c (second upper surface) of the inner upper portion 640 is positioned above the imaginary straight line IL4 (second imaginary straight line), and the outer light guiding portion 621 (fourth protrusion) extends along the wall surface of the developing container 32 in the second extending direction D2. Here, the direction intersecting both the first direction and the gravity direction WD is preferably perpendicular to the gravity direction WD and extends along the wall surface of the developing container 32 where the light guiding member 600 is provided. Furthermore, the direction intersecting both the second direction and the gravity direction WD is preferably the direction in which the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622 (second protrusion and third protrusion) are opposite to each other in the developing container 32, and in this embodiment, it is the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32.

[0263] Therefore, although this embodiment differs from the first to fourth embodiments in the optical path design of the outer light guiding portions 611 and 621, the inner upper portions 630 and 640 are disposed above the inner light guiding portions 612 and 622, such that their upper surfaces 630c and 640c are positioned above the imaginary straight lines IL3 and IL4.

[0264] That is, when the upper surface 620c of the second protrusion of the light guide member 600 is observed by LD along the longitudinal direction of the developing container 32, the upper surface 630c of the second protrusion of the light guide member 600 is a straight line passing through the upper end of the reflective surface 611b (first reflective surface), and when light incident on the first reflective surface along the first extension direction D1 (first direction) is reflected by it, it is positioned above the imaginary straight line IL3 (first imaginary straight line) drawn along the reflection direction D3. Furthermore, when the upper surface 640c of the third protrusion of the light guide member 600 is observed by LD along the longitudinal direction of the developing container 32, the upper surface 640c of the third protrusion of the light guide member 600 is a straight line passing through the upper end of the reflective surface 621b (second reflective surface), and when light incident on the second reflective surface is reflected along the second extension direction D2 (second direction), it is positioned above the imaginary straight line IL4 (second imaginary straight line) drawn along the incident direction D4.

[0265] With this configuration, even when the developer is deposited on the upper surfaces 630c and 640c of the inner upper portions 630 and 640 during the development dose detection, the developer aggregates are less likely to reach the light emission window 612a or light receiving window 622a of the inner light guiding portions 612 or 622. That is, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the deposition of developer on the light emission window 612a or light receiving window 622a is reduced, making it possible to suppress false detections (reduced detection accuracy) performed by the residual tonal dose sensor 500.

[0266] Incidentally, in this embodiment, it is described assuming that the extension direction of each of the outer light guiding portions 611 and 621 is substantially parallel to the height direction ND. However, a configuration in which the outer light guiding portions 611 and 621 extend in the other direction is possible. The extension direction of the outer light guiding portions 611 and 621 can be appropriately changed depending on the position of the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b in the imaging device. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which the outer light guiding portion 611 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 extends toward the side facing the longitudinal direction LD, and the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 extends toward the other side facing the longitudinal direction LD.

[0267] In this configuration, the reflective surface 611b of the outer light guiding portion 611 of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 is arranged such that light traveling from the incident surface 611a into the outer light guiding portion 611 along the longitudinal direction LD (a first direction) is reflected toward the inner light guiding portion 612. Furthermore, the reflective surface 621b of the outer light guiding portion 621 of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is arranged such that light traveling from the inner light guiding portion 622 into the outer light guiding portion 611 is reflected toward the light emitting surface 621a along the longitudinal direction LD (a second direction).

[0268] Even if the extending direction (first direction) of the outer light guiding portion 611 (first protrusion) of the light emitting side light guiding member 610 is different from the extending direction in this embodiment, when viewed with an LD in the longitudinal direction, the upper surface of the second protrusion may only need to be arranged above the first imaginary line. This first imaginary line is a straight line passing through the upper end of the reflective surface (first reflective surface) of the outer light guiding portion 611, and is an imaginary line drawn in the reflection direction when light incident along the first direction is on and reflected from the first reflective surface. Similarly, even if the extending direction (second direction) of the outer light guiding portion 621 (fourth protrusion) of the light receiving side light guiding member 620 is different from the extending direction in this embodiment, when viewed with an LD in the longitudinal direction, the upper surface of the third protrusion may only need to be arranged above the second imaginary line. This second imaginary line is a straight line passing through the upper end of the reflective surface (second reflective surface) of the outer light guiding portion 621, and is an imaginary line drawn in the reflection direction when light incident on the second reflective surface is reflected along the second direction. Therefore, similar to this embodiment, erroneous detection of the developing dose (reduction in detection accuracy) can be suppressed.

[0269] Incidentally, the upper inner portion 630 of the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 can be configured as a member separate from the inner light-guiding portion 612, and the upper inner portion 640 of the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 can be configured as a member separate from the inner light-guiding portion 622. With this modified embodiment, while maintaining the light-guiding performance of the light-guiding member 600, shrinkage marks can be suppressed when molding portions of the light-guiding member 600 other than the upper inner portions 630 and 640. Furthermore, the upper inner portions 630 and 640 are formed of a material that is less permeable to the detection light OP compared to the inner light-guiding portions 612 and 622, further suppressing erroneous detection of the developing dose due to stray light.

[0270] Furthermore, the inner portions 630 and 640 in this embodiment can be replaced by the inner upper portions 630 and 640 described in the second and third embodiments, and the frame portion 650 can undergo the uneven surface treatment described in the fourth embodiment.

[0271] <Other Embodiments>

[0272] In the above embodiment, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are arranged in the processing unit 20, but they can be arranged, for example, in the printer main assembly 100 of the imaging device 1. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a substrate holding member 710 is provided between the developing container cover 321 and the substrate 700, but the holding structure for the substrate 700 is not limited to this. That is, without the substrate holding member 710, the substrate 700 can be directly mounted on the developing container cover 321.

[0273] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 and the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 are configured as components integrally formed by the frame portion 650, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the light-emitting side light-guiding member 610 and the light-receiving side light-guiding member 620 may be configured as separate components and may also be mounted on the developing container 32.

[0274] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the spatial optical path Q is arranged to overlap with the rotational trajectories Tb1 and Tb2 of the stirring member 34 when viewed along the axial direction of the stirring member 34, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the spatial optical path Q can also be arranged not to overlap with the rotational trajectories Tb1 and Tb2 of the stirring member 34.

[0275] Incidentally, in the embodiments described above, the reading device 200 is disposed above the main printer assembly, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the imaging device may be a printer that does not include a reading device. Furthermore, the reading device may be a reading device provided with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) for feeding the original document.

[0276] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0277] Typically, electrophotographic imaging devices form images by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum onto a transfer material that serves as the transfer medium. Furthermore, as for developer supply types, for example, processing cartridge type or toner container supply type are known. The processing cartridge type is one in which the photosensitive drum and developing container are assembled into a processing cartridge, and the processing cartridge is replaced with a new (unused) processing cartridge when the developer runs out. On the other hand, the toner container supply type is one in which toner is supplied to the developing container from a toner container, such as a toner packet or toner bottle, when the toner runs out.

[0278] Traditionally, an imaging device (JP-A 2003-131479) has been proposed in which the remaining toner dose in the developing container is estimated by receiving the light reception time of detection light emitted from the light emitting section and passing through the developing container. In the toner container, a stirring member is provided for stirring the toner, and as the remaining toner dose in the toner container decreases, the light reception time of the light receiving section increases.

[0279] However, in the imaging apparatus described in JP-A 2003-131479, the fluidity of the toner in the developing container changes depending on the usage mode of the imaging apparatus 1. For example, the fluidity of the toner in a used imaging apparatus 1 is lower compared to that in a new imaging apparatus 1. When the fluidity of the toner changes, the time at which the toner in the developing container blocks the detection light changes. For this reason, even if the remaining toner dose in the developing container is the same, the light reception time of the light receiving section changes, thus reducing the detection accuracy of the remaining toner dose.

[0280] Therefore, the purpose of this embodiment is to provide an imaging device that improves the detection accuracy of the developing dose in the accommodating portion.

[0281] Figure 28 Part (a) is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the imaging device 1 according to the sixth embodiment. The imaging device 1 is a monochrome printer used to form an image on a recording material based on image information input from an external device. The recording material includes various sheet materials of different materials, such as paper (e.g., plain paper and thick paper), plastic film (e.g., sheets for overhead projectors), sheets of special shapes (e.g., envelopes and index paper), cloth, etc.

[0282] [General Structure]

[0283] like Figure 28 As shown in parts (a) and (b), the imaging device 1 includes a printer main assembly 100 as a main component of the device, a reader 200 supported and openable relative to the printer main assembly 100, and an operating part 300 mounted to the housing surface of the printer main assembly 100. The printer main assembly 100 includes an imaging part 10 for forming a toner image on recording material, a feed part 60 for feeding recording material to the imaging part 10, a fixing part 70 for fixing the toner image formed by the imaging part 10 onto the recording material, and an exhaust roller pair 80.

[0284] The imaging section 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic processing unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 for transferring a toner image, which is a developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 of the processing cartridge 20, onto the recording material. For example... Figure 32 As shown in portions (a) and (b), the processing unit 20 includes a developing device 30, which includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22 arranged around the photosensitive drum 21, a pre-exposure device 23, and a developing roller 31. The processing unit 20 can be detachably mounted to the printer main assembly 100. Incidentally, the processing unit 20 can be fastened to the printer main assembly with screws and includes a processing unit that is primarily disassembled by maintenance personnel rather than the user. On the other hand, the processing unit 20 does not include structural components of the printer main assembly, such as the housing frame for the printer main assembly 100.

[0285] The photosensitive drum 21 is a photosensitive component molded into a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 includes a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive component on a drum-shaped substrate molded from aluminum. Furthermore, the photosensitive drum 21, which serves as an image-carrying component, is driven by a motor to rotate in a predetermined direction (clockwise in the figure) at a predetermined processing speed.

[0286] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressing force, forming a charging section. Furthermore, a desired charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 22 using a high charging voltage source, causing the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to be uniformly charged to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure apparatus 23 discharges the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 before it enters the charging section, thereby generating a stable discharge in the charging section.

[0287] The scanner unit 11 uses a multifaceted mirror to irradiate the photosensitive drum 21 with a laser corresponding to the image information input from an external device or the reading device 200, causing the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to undergo scanning exposure. Through this exposure, an electrostatic latent image dependent on the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Incidentally, the scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, but can be, for example, an LED exposure device including an LED array in which multiple LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0288] The developing apparatus 30 includes a developing roller 31 serving as a developer carrier, a developing container 32 serving as a frame for the developing apparatus 30, and a supply roller 33 capable of supplying developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. Furthermore, the developing roller 31 is arranged opposite to the photosensitive drum 21 at the opening of the developing container 31. The supply roller 33 rotatably contacts the developing roller 31, and toner, which is the developer contained in the developing container 32, is applied to the surface of the developing roller 31 via the supply roller 33. Incidentally, the supply roller 33 is not necessary when a configuration is adopted that allows sufficient supply of toner to the developing roller 31.

[0289] In this embodiment, the developing apparatus 30 uses a contact developing type. That is, the toner layer carried on the developing roller 31 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 at the developing portion (developing area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 are opposite each other. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 using a high developing voltage source. When the developing voltage is applied, the toner carried on the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the drum surface according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. Incidentally, in this embodiment, a reverse developing type is used. That is, the toner image is formed by depositing it on the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21, which has had its charge decay due to exposure in the exposure step after being charged in the charging step.

[0290] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a toner with a particle size of 6 μm and a negative normal charge polarity is used. The toner in this embodiment is a polymerized toner formed by a polymerization method as an example. Furthermore, the toner in this embodiment is a so-called non-magnetic single-component developer, which does not contain magnetic components, and the toner is primarily supported on the developing roller 31 by intermolecular forces or electrostatic forces (mirror forces). However, single-component developers containing magnetic components can also be used. In some cases, single-component developers, in addition to toner particles, also contain additives (e.g., wax or fine silica particles) for adjusting flowability and charge properties. Furthermore, as a developer, a two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier can also be used. When using a developer with magnetic properties, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet internally arranged is used as the developer carrier, for example.

[0291] A stirring member 34 is provided inside the developing container 32. The stirring member 34 is driven by a motor M1 (see...) Figure 39 The stirring member 34 is driven and rotated, not only agitating the toner in the developing container 32 but also conveying the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. Furthermore, the stirring member 34 has the function of circulating toner that has been stripped from the developing roller 31 and is not used for development within the developing container, and of homogenizing the toner in the developing container. Incidentally, the stirring member 34 is not limited to a rotatable form. For example, an oscillating stirring member may also be used. In addition to the stirring member 34, another stirring member may be provided.

[0292] Furthermore, at the opening of the developing container 32 where the developing roller 31 is arranged, a developing blade 35 is provided for controlling the amount of toner carried on the developing roller 31. As the developing roller 31 rotates, the toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through the portion opposite to the developing blade 35, causing the toner to uniformly form a thin layer and be charged to the negative polarity through triboelectric charging.

[0293] like Figure 28 As shown in portions (a) and (b), the feed section 60 includes a front door 61 supported by the main printer assembly 100 and capable of being opened, a tray portion 62, an intermediate plate 63, a tray spring 64, and a pickup roller 65. The tray portion 62 forms the bottom of the recording material receiving space revealed by opening the front door 61, and the intermediate plate 63 is supported by the tray portion 62 to be able to rise and fall. The tray spring 64 pushes the intermediate plate 63 upward and presses the recording material P stacked on the intermediate plate 63 against the pickup roller 65. Incidentally, the front door 61 closes the recording material receiving space when the front door 61 is closed relative to the main printer assembly 100, and supports the recording material P together with the tray portion 62 and the intermediate plate 63 when the front door 61 is open relative to the main printer assembly 100.

[0294] The fixing section 70 is a thermal fixing type that performs image fixing processing by heating and melting the toner on the recording material. The fixing section 70 includes a fixing film 71, a fixing heater, such as a ceramic heater, for heating the fixing film 71, a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the fixing heater, and a pressure roller 72 for pressing the fixing film 71.

[0295] Next, the imaging operation of imaging device 1 will be described. When an imaging command is input to imaging device 1, the imaging process of imaging section 10 begins based on image information input from an external computer connected to imaging device 1 or from reading device 200. Scanner unit 11 emits a laser towards photosensitive drum 21 based on the input image information. At this time, photosensitive drum 21 is pre-charged by charging roller 22 and irradiated with laser, causing an electrostatic latent image to form on photosensitive drum 21. Subsequently, the electrostatic latent image is developed by developing roller 31, causing a toner image to form on photosensitive drum 21.

[0296] In parallel with the imaging process described above, the pickup roller 65 of the feed section 60 conveys the recording material P supported by the front door 61, the tray section 62, and the intermediate plate 63. The recording material P is fed to the alignment roller pair 15 by the pickup roller 65 and abuts against the clamping part of the alignment roller pair 15, thereby correcting the tilt movement of the recording material P. Furthermore, the alignment roller pair 15 is driven in sync with the transfer time of the toner image, and the recording material is conveyed toward the transfer clamping part formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0297] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 12, which serves as a transfer device, from a high transfer voltage source, causing the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 to be transferred onto the recording material P conveyed by the alignment roller pair 15. The recording material P with the toner image transferred onto it is conveyed to the fixing section 70, where the toner image is heated and pressurized as the recording material P passes through the clamping portion between the fixing film 71 and the pressure roller 72 of the fixing section 70. Thus, the recording material P passing through the fixing section 70 is subsequently fixed, so that the toner image is fixed onto the recording material P. The recording material P passing through the fixing section 70 is discharged to the outside of the imaging device 1 (the outside of the printer) via the discharge roller pair 80, so that the discharged recording material P is stacked on the discharge tray 81 formed in the upper part of the printer main assembly 100.

[0298] The discharge tray 81 is tilted upwards in the downstream direction of the discharge of the recording material, and the recording material discharged on the discharge tray 81 slides downwards on the discharge tray 81, so that the rear end of the recording material is aligned by the limiting surface 84.

[0299] like Figure 30 As shown in parts (a) and (b), the reading device 200 includes a reading unit 201 in which a reading portion (not shown) is constructed, and a pressure plate 202 supported by the reading unit 201 so as to be openable and closable. At the upper surface of the reading unit 201, a document support pressure plate glass 203 allows light emitted from the reading portion to pass through, and the document is placed on the document support pressure plate glass.

[0300] When a user wants the reading device 200 to read the image of the original document, the user places the original document on the original document support platen glass 203 with the pressure plate 202 open. Then, for example, the pressure plate 202 is closed to prevent the original document from shifting position on the original document support platen glass 203, causing the operation section 300 to output a reading command to the imaging device 1. When the reading operation begins, the reading section in the reading unit 201 reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction, that is, the reading section reciprocates in the left-right direction when the user is facing the operation section 300 of the imaging device 1 from the front (surface) side. While emitting light from the light emitting section toward the original document, the reading section receives the light reflected from the original document through the light receiving section and performs photoelectric conversion on the light, causing the reading section to read the image of the original document. Incidentally, in the following text, the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction are defined based on the user's position facing the operation section 300 from the front side.

[0301] like Figure 29As shown in parts (a) and (b), a first opening 101 that opens upwards is formed in the upper portion of the printer main assembly 100, and in normal use (the state in which imaging operations can be performed), the first opening 101 is covered by the ejection tray 81. The ejection tray 81 is supported so that it can open and close relative to the printer main assembly 100 about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. With the reader 200 open relative to the printer main assembly 100, the ejection tray 81 opens from the front to the rear. Furthermore, a configuration is adopted in which a mounting portion including a supply opening 32a is exposed to the first opening 101, through which the toner cartridge 40 can be mounted as described later (see [link to documentation]). Figure 31 (Parts (a) and (b)). The user can access the mounting part 57 by opening the discharge tray 81. Incidentally, the reading device 200 and the discharge tray 81 can also be configured to be held in the open and closed states by a retaining mechanism, such as a hinge mechanism.

[0302] Additionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 28 As shown in part (b), the discharge tray 81 is provided with an openable member 83 that can be opened and closed about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. The discharge tray 81 is provided with an upwardly opening 81a. The openable member 83 is configured to move between a closed position and an open position, in which the openable member 83 covers the supply opening 32a so that the toner packet 40 cannot be installed on the developing container 32, and in the open position, the supply opening 32a is exposed so that the toner packet 40 can be installed on the developing container 32. In the closed position, the openable member 83 functions as part of the discharge tray 81. The openable member 83 and the opening 81a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81. The openable member 83 is opened in the left direction by the user holding the openable member 83 by passing his / her finger through a recessed portion 81b provided in the discharge tray 81. For this reason, the user can access the supply opening 32a simply by opening the openable member 83. The openable member 83 is formed in a generally L-shape along the shape of the discharge tray 81.

[0303] In this embodiment, the following type (direct supply type) is adopted: while maintaining the developing device 30 installed in the imaging device 1, the user adds toner from the toner package 40, which serves as the toner container. Figure 28Parts (a) and (b) of the toner are supplied to the developing unit 30. For this reason, when the remaining toner dose in the processing unit 20 becomes small, it is not necessary to remove the processing unit 20 from the main printer assembly 100 and replace it with a new (unused) processing unit, thus improving usability. Furthermore, compared to replacing the entire processing unit 20, the toner can be supplied to the developing container 32 more cheaply. Incidentally, even compared to replacing only the developing unit 30 (processing unit 20), in the direct supply type, it is not necessary to replace various rollers, gears, etc., thus reducing costs. Incidentally, the imaging device 1 and the toner pack 40 constitute the imaging system.

[0304] [Collection of residual toner from transfer printing]

[0305] This embodiment employs a cleaner-free type, in which residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 but not transferred to the recording material P is collected in the developing apparatus 30 and reused. The residual toner is removed in subsequent steps. The residual toner contains a mixture of positively charged toner and negatively charged toner with insufficient charge. The photosensitive drum 21 after transfer is decharged by the pre-exposure apparatus 23, and the charging roller 22 is uniformly discharged, causing the residual toner to be recharged to a negative polarity. The residual toner, recharged to a negative polarity at the charging section, reaches the developing section as the photosensitive drum 21 rotates. Then, the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21 that has passed through the charging section is exposed by the scanner unit 11 while the residual toner is deposited on the surface, resulting in the writing (formation) of an electrostatic latent image.

[0306] Here, the behavior of the residual toner reaching the developing section will be described by dividing a portion of the photosensitive drum 21 into an exposed portion and an unexposed portion. The residual toner deposited on the unexposed portion of the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the developing roller 31 at the developing section by the potential difference between the unexposed portion potential (dark area potential) of the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing voltage, and is collected in the developing container 32. This is because, under the assumption that the normal charge polarity of the toner is negative, the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 31 is positive relative to the unexposed portion potential. Incidentally, the toner collected in the developing container 32 is stirred and dispersed together with the toner in the developing container by the stirring member 34, and is carried on the developing roller 31, so that the toner can be reused in the developing step.

[0307] On the other hand, the residual toner deposited on the exposure portion of the photosensitive drum 21 remains on the drum surface and is not transferred from the photosensitive drum 21 to the developing roller 31 at the developing portion. This is because, under the assumption that the normal charge polarity of the toner is negative, the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 31 becomes a more negative potential than the potential of the exposure portion (brightness potential). The residual toner remaining on the drum surface, along with other toner transferred from the developing roller 31 to the exposure portion, is carried on the photosensitive drum 21 and moved to the transfer portion, where the toner is transferred to the recording material P.

[0308] Thus, this embodiment employs a cleaner-free structure that collects residual toner in the developing unit 30 for reuse. However, a conventional, known structure could also be used, employing a cleaning blade that contacts the photosensitive drum 21 to collect residual toner. In this case, the residual toner collected by the cleaning blade is collected in a collection container separate from the developing unit 30. However, by adopting a cleaner-free structure, installation space for a collection container for collecting residual toner is eliminated, and the imaging device 1 can be further miniaturized. Furthermore, by reusing the residual toner, printing costs can be reduced.

[0309] [The structure of the developing container and toner packet]

[0310] Next, the construction of the developing container 32 and the toner pack 40 will be described. Figure 31 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the developing container 32 and the toner packet 40, and Figure 31 Part (b) is a front view showing the developing container 32 and the toner packet 40. Figure 31 Part (c) is a perspective view showing the stirring member 34 inside the developing container 32. Figure 32 Part (a) is Figure 31 Sectional view 5A-5A of part (b), and Figure 32 Part (b) is Figure 31 Sectional view 5B-5B of part (b).

[0311] like Figure 31 Part (a) to Figure 32 As shown in part (b), the developing container 32, which is part of the developing apparatus 30, includes a feed chamber 36 for accommodating the stirring member 34, and the feed chamber 36, which is a receiving portion for accommodating the developer containing toner (hereinafter also referred to as toner), extends along the entire length of the developing container 32 in the longitudinal direction LD (left-right direction). Furthermore, the developing container 32, as a transfer element, includes a developing container frame 320 and a developing container cover (cover) 321, and the developing container frame 320 and the developing container cover 321 are connected by a connecting portion 322.

[0312] In addition, the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container frame 320.

[0313] Additionally, the developing container 32 includes a protruding supply portion 37 that protrudes upward from one end portion of the feed chamber 36 in the longitudinal direction LD and communicates with the feed chamber 36. Specifically, the protruding supply portion 37 is located at one end portion of the developing container cover 321 in the direction of the rotation axis (longitudinal direction LD) of the developing roller 31. The protruding supply portion 37 protrudes further toward the discharge tray 81 than the central portion in the direction intersecting the rotation axis.

[0314] In this embodiment, the protruding supply portion 38 is hollow inside and is arranged on the left side of the developing container 32. A mounting portion 57 for mounting the toner cartridge 40 is provided at the end portion of the protruding supply portion 37, and a rotatable supply opening 32a is formed at the mounting portion 57 to allow the developer to be supplied from the toner cartridge 40 to the feed chamber 36. The toner cartridge 40 can be mounted to the mounting portion 57 while the toner cartridge 40 is exposed to the outside of the imaging device 1.

[0315] The protruding supply portion 37 extends obliquely from the feed chamber 36 toward the front and top of the device. That is, the protruding supply portion 37 protrudes upward toward the discharge direction of the discharge roller pair 80. For this reason, the supply opening 32a arranged at the protruding supply portion 37 is arranged on the front side of the imaging device 1, so that the supply operation of toner to the developing container 32 can be easily performed.

[0316] Furthermore, the protruding supply portion 37 arranged on one side of the developing container 32 in the longitudinal direction through the supply opening 32a ensures that the laser (light) emitted from the scanner unit 11 can pass through the laser passage space, and the imaging device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0317] like Figure 31 Part (a) to Figure 32As shown in part (b), the toner cartridge 40 is configured to be able to be mounted to and detached from the mounting portion 57 of the first protrusion 37. Furthermore, the toner cartridge 40 includes a baffle member 41 disposed at the opening of the toner cartridge 40 and capable of being opened and closed, and a protrusion 42 corresponding to a groove 32b formed in the mounting portion 57. When a user supplies toner to the developing container 32, the user aligns the toner cartridge 40 so that the protrusion 42 passes through the groove 32b of the mounting portion 57, thereby connecting the toner cartridge 40 to the mounting portion 57. Then, in this state, when the baffle member 41 of the toner cartridge 40 is rotated 90 degrees by a lever device (not shown) in the imaging device 1, the supply opening 32a also rotates correspondingly with the baffle member 41. Then, the lever of the baffle member 41 abuts against an abutment portion (not shown) of the mounting portion 57, causing the baffle member 41 to fully open and simultaneously communicating with the opening of the toner cartridge 40. Thus, the toner contained in the toner pack 40 falls through the opening of the toner pack 40 and enters the feed chamber 36 through the supply opening 32a from the hollow protruding supply portion 37.

[0318] Here, as Figure 31 As shown in part (c), the stirring member 34 includes a stirring shaft 34a extending in the longitudinal direction LD, a first blade portion 34b1 and a second blade portion 34b2 extending outward in the radial direction from the stirring shaft 34a. The first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 are formed of a flexible sheet and have different lengths extending outward in the radial direction. The first blade portion 34b1 is longer than the second blade portion 34b2. Figure 32 In parts (a) and (b), assuming the first blade portion 34b1 rotates in a straight-lined state without considering the wall surface of the developing container 32, the rotation trajectory of the first blade portion 34b1 is represented by the rotation trajectory Tb1. Similarly, in Figure 32 In parts (a) and (b), assuming the second blade portion rotates in a straight-lined state without considering the wall surface of the developing container 32, the rotation trajectory of the second blade portion 34b2 is represented by the rotation trajectory Tb2. Incidentally, this will be described later. Figure 31 The wiping portion 34c and the auxiliary wiping portion 34d of the stirring member 34 shown in part (c).

[0319] like Figure 32As shown in part (a), toner supplied from the supply opening 32a arranged on the upstream side of the stirring member 34 in the (recording material) feed direction is fed to the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 as the stirring member 34 rotates. The supply opening 32a and the protruding supply portion 37 are arranged at one end portion of the developing container 32 in the longitudinal direction LD, but by repeatedly rotating the stirring member 34, the toner is distributed along the entire length of the developing container 32. That is, the feed direction of the stirring member 34 is not only parallel to the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32 (see [reference]). Figure 31 Part (a) is the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction LD (from the feed chamber 36 toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 31). Here, as shown by the rotation trajectories Tb1 and Tb2, the first blade portion 34b1, which is the longer blade portion, serves as the main portion for feeding the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. On the other hand, the second blade portion 34b2, which is the shorter blade portion, serves as an auxiliary portion for feeding toner, for example, that cannot be satisfactorily fed by the first blade portion 34b1 due to the contact of its belly.

[0320] In this embodiment, the toner packet 40 is composed of, for example... Figure 33 and Figure 34 The deformable bag component made of plastic film is shown in part (a), but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the toner packet 40 (supply container) can be made of, for example, a deformable bag component made of plastic film. Figure 34 Part (b) shows a generally cylindrical bottle container 40B, which can be made of, for example, Figure 34 Part (c) shows a paper container 40C made of paper. In either case, the toner packet 40 (supply container) can be of any material and shape. Furthermore, regarding the method of dispensing toner from the toner packet 40, if the toner packet is a toner packet 40 or a paper container 40C, it is suitable for the user to squeeze the toner packet with their fingers; if the toner packet is a bottle container 40B, it is suitable for the user to dispense toner by tapping the container while vibrating it. Furthermore, to dispense toner from the bottle container 40B, a dispensing mechanism can be provided in the bottle container 40B. Moreover, the dispensing mechanism can be configured to receive driving force from the printer main assembly 100 by engaging with the printer main assembly 100.

[0321] Furthermore, in any toner packet, the baffle member 41 may be omitted, or a sliding baffle may be used instead of the baffle member 41. Additionally, the baffle member 41 may be constructed by installing the toner packet onto the supply opening 32a or by rotating the toner packet in the installed state to break the baffle member 41, or it may be a removable cover (cover) structure, such as a seal.

[0322] In this embodiment, the stirring member 34 is provided with two blade portions 34b1 and 34b2 of different lengths, but their length and number are not limited thereto. For example, the length and number of blade portions can be freely set considering the shape of the developing container, feed efficiency, etc.

[0323] [Remaining Tone Dosage Sensor]

[0324] Next, use Figures 35-38 The construction of the residual toner dose sensor 500, used to detect the residual toner dose in the developing container 32, is described in detail. Figure 35 This is a perspective view showing the developing apparatus 30. Figure 36 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the substrate 700 and substrate holding member 710 assembled with the developing container cap 321. Figure 36 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the substrate 700 and the substrate holding member 710, and Figure 36 Part (c) is another perspective view showing the substrate 700 and the substrate holding member 710. Figure 37 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting element 510a after passing through the developing apparatus 30, and Figure 37 Part (b) is Figure 37 Sectional view of part (a) of cross section 10B-10B. Figure 38 This is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating an example of the circuit construction of the residual tonal dose sensor 500.

[0325] like Figure 35 As shown, the developing container cover 321, which forms part of the developing container 32, includes substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b and surface fixing portions 321c and 321d. A light guiding member 600, serving as a light guiding device, is disposed between the substrate fixing portions 321c and 321d of the developing container cover 321. The light guiding member 600 includes a first light guiding portion 610 and a second light guiding portion 620. The first light guiding portion 610 extends toward the light emitting element 510a, described later, and the second light guiding portion 620 extends toward the light receiving element 510b, described later. The first light guiding portion 610 guides light emitted from the light emitting element 510a into the interior of the feed chamber 36. The second light guiding portion 620 guides light passing through the light emitting side light guiding member 610 and the feed chamber 36 to the light receiving element 510b.

[0326] Incidentally, the light guiding member 600, the light emitting element 510a as the light emitting part, and the light receiving element 510b as the light receiving part are combined and referred to as the residual color dose sensor 500 as a detection unit.

[0327] The substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b are respectively arranged on the outer sides of the substrate fixing portions 321c and 321d relative to the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container 32, and each has a boss shape so that the substrate positioning portion protrudes in the direction separating from the developing container 32. The shape of each of the substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b is not limited to a boss shape, but can be any shape. In addition, the longitudinal direction LD of the developing container frame 320 and the longitudinal direction LD of the processing unit 20 (see...) Figure 31 The same as part (a)). For example, the screw fixing tool can be threadedly engaged with the substrate fixing parts 321c and 321d.

[0328] In this embodiment, as Figure 36 As shown in part (a), the substrate 700 and the substrate holding member 710 are assembled together with the developing container cover 321. The substrate holding member 710 is assembled with the developing container cover 321 when it is sandwiched between the developing container cover 321 and the substrate 700. That is, the substrate holding member 710 is arranged between the developing container cover 321 and the substrate 700. At this time, the substrate holding member 710 covers the surface 510c of the substrate 700 where the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are mounted. This not only suppresses the deposition of foreign matter such as dust or toner on the surface 510c, but also prevents the user from touching the surface 510c. The light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are arranged and positioned along the longitudinal direction LD of the processing unit 20. Light emitted from the light emitting element 510a passes through the interior of the feed chamber 36 and is then received by the light receiving element 510b. That is, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b form an optical path Q within the feed chamber 36 (see [reference]). Figure 37 Part (a)). The optical path Q extends along the longitudinal direction LD. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are arranged on the substrate 700, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b may be arranged inside the feed chamber 36. Alternatively, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b may be arranged on the outer surface of the developing container 32, and light may be guided to the inside or outside of the feed chamber 36 through the light guiding portion.

[0329] like Figure 36 As shown in part (b), the substrate 700 is provided with a light emitting element 510a and a light receiving element 510b, which are arranged on opposite surfaces of the substrate holding member 710 and are used to detect the remaining toning dose in the feed chamber 36.

[0330] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an LED is used as the light emitting element 510a, and a phototransistor that is in a conducting state by light from the light emitting element 510a is used as the light receiving element 510b; however, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a halogen lamp or fluorescent lamp can be used as the light emitting element 510a, and a photodiode or avalanche photodiode can be used as the light receiving element 510b. Additionally, the substrate 700 is provided with a cable connector 700n, and the cable connector 700n is connected to the controller 90 (see below) via a cable (not shown). Figure 39 )connect.

[0331] In addition, the substrate 700 includes substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b that are inserted through and engaged with positioning holes 700a and 700b, respectively, and includes substrate fixing holes 700c and 700d, through which screws threadedly engage with substrate fixing portions 321c and 321d.

[0332] Similarly, the substrate holding member 710 includes positioning holes 710a and 710b through which substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b are inserted and engaged, respectively, and includes substrate fixing holes 710c and 710d, through which screws threadedly engage with substrate fixing portions 321c and 321d. Furthermore, the substrate holding member 710 is provided with a first through hole 711a and a second through hole 711b, through which a first light guiding portion 610 of the light guiding member 600 is inserted, and through which a second light guiding portion 620 of the light guiding member 600 is inserted. The substrate holding member 710 includes a first opposing surface 710h opposite to the developing container cap 321, and a first cylindrical portion 711c and a second cylindrical portion 711d extending from the first opposing surface 710h toward the developing container cap 321. Each of the first through hole 711a and the second through hole 711b has a cylindrical shape and defines the first through hole 711a (or the second through hole 711b). The substrate holding member 710 contacts the substrate 700.

[0333] Furthermore, light-shielding plates 710e and 710f are provided on the side of the substrate holding member 710 opposite to the substrate 700. When the substrate 700 and the substrate holding member 710 are assembled with the developing container cover 321, these light-shielding plates 710e and 710f are arranged between the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b and are close to the substrate 710.

[0334] like Figures 35 to 37As shown in part (a), the substrate holding member 710 is positioned relative to the developing container cover 321 by engaging the positioning portions 321a and 321b of the developing container cover 321 through positioning holes 710a and 710b, respectively. Furthermore, the substrate 700 is positioned relative to the developing container cover 321 by engaging the positioning portions 321a and 321b of the developing container cover 321 through positioning holes 700a and 700b, respectively. Therefore, the substrate positioning portions 321a and 321b are shared for both the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700, enabling precise positioning of the developing container cover 321, the substrate holding member 710, and the substrate 700 relative to each other.

[0335] Furthermore, with the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 positioned relative to the developing container cover 321, screws are inserted into the substrate fixing holes 700c, 700d, 710c, and 710d, and thus can be threadedly engaged with the substrate fixing portions 321a and 321b of the developing container cover 321. As a result, the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 are jointly fastened to the developing container cover 321, thereby fixing the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 to the developing container cover 321.

[0336] like Figures 35 to 37 As shown in (b), when the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 are assembled with the developing container cap 321, the first light guiding portion 610 of the light guiding member 600 is inserted into the first through-hole 711a of the substrate holding member 710. Then, the first light guiding portion 610 is positioned near the light emitting element 510a of the substrate 700. Similarly, the second light guiding portion 620 of the light guiding member 600 is inserted into the second through-hole 711b of the substrate holding member 710. Then, the second light guiding portion 620 is positioned near the light receiving element 510b of the light receiving side of the light receiving side of the substrate 700. The first through-hole 711a covers the side surface 611 of the first light guiding portion 610 inserted into the first through-hole 711a. Similarly, the second through-hole 711b covers the side surface 621 of the second light guiding portion 620 inserted into the second through-hole 711b. Therefore, light other than that emitted from the light emitting element 510a can be suppressed from incident on the first light guiding portion 610 or the second light guiding portion 620, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the remaining tonal dose.

[0337] As described above, the substrate holding member 710 and the substrate 700 are precisely positioned relative to the developing container cover 321, and therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element 510a is reliably guided by the first light guiding portion 610. Then, the light guided by the first light guiding portion 610 to the feed chamber 36 inside the developing container frame 320 is emitted from the light emitting window 612a of the first light guiding portion 610 in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0338] Then, the light traveling along the spatial optical path Q inside the feed chamber 36 is incident on the light receiving window 622a of the second light guiding portion 620, and guided by the second light guiding portion 620 to the outside of the developing container frame 320. The second light guiding portion 620 is arranged close to the light receiving element 510b, and therefore, the light emitted from the second light guiding portion 620 is reliably received by the light receiving element 510b. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the remaining toner dose by the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b can be improved.

[0339] In addition, such as Figure 36 As shown in parts (b) and (c), the substrate holding member 710 is provided with light-shielding plates 710e and 710f arranged between the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b at a position close to the substrate 700. Incidentally, the substrate holding member 710 is also provided with a second opposing surface 710g opposite to the substrate 700. The light-shielding plates 710e and 710f are erected from the second opposing surface 710g to approach the ribs of the substrate 700. For this reason, light that does not travel toward the light receiving element 510b via the first light guiding portion 610 and the second light guiding portion 620 is blocked by the light-shielding plates 710e and 710f. In particular, in this embodiment, the LED element is used as the light emitting element 510a, and its directionality is weaker than that of, for example, a Canonball type LED, so it is desirable to block the light emitted from the light emitting element 510a and directly reaching the light receiving element 510b. Therefore, erroneous detection caused by the light receiving element 510b receiving light that has not passed through the spatial optical path Q (stray light) is suppressed, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the remaining tonal dose by the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b.

[0340] Here, the arrangement of the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b will be described in detail.

[0341] The light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are arranged on the side surface 36a of the developing container 32, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 31 and opposite to the developing container 31. Figure 37Parts (a) and (b) are shown. Furthermore, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are disposed at the center portion of the feed chamber 36 relative to the longitudinal direction LD. Specifically, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are arranged such that the center (line) 31a (dashed line) of the developing roller 31 is positioned therebetween. Therefore, by disposing the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b at the center portion of the feed chamber 36, the remaining toner dose in the feed chamber 36 can be satisfactorily detected. That is, while the developer (toner) is localized in some cases at the end portions of the feed chamber 36, the degree of localization of the developer at the center portion is small, making it possible to detect the actual remaining toner dose.

[0342] Here, the structure of the stirring member 34 associated with the light guiding member 600 will be described. For example... Figure 31 As shown in part (c), the stirring member 34 is provided with a wiping portion 34c including a light-emitting side wiping end 34c1 and a light-receiving side wiping end 34c2, and an auxiliary wiping portion 34d. The auxiliary wiping portion 34d is arranged to overlap with the wiping portion 34c. Each of these wiping portions 34c and auxiliary wiping portions 34d is a flexible sheet. In addition, when viewed along the axial direction (longitudinal direction LD) of the stirring member 34, the rotation trajectory of the wiping portion 34c is set to overlap with the light path Q.

[0343] When the stirring member 34 rotates, the light-emitting side wiping end 34c1 passes through the light-guiding member 600 while rubbing the light-emitting window 612a of the first light-guiding portion 610, and the light-receiving side wiping end 34c2 passes through the light-guiding member 600 while rubbing the light-receiving window 622a of the second light-guiding portion 620. That is, each time the stirring member 34 rotates once (one revolution), the developer deposited on the light-emitting window 612a and the light-receiving window 622a is wiped off by the wiping part 34c. In addition, the auxiliary wiping part 34d is used to adjust the contact pressure and entry angle of each of the light-emitting window 612a and the light-receiving window 622a relative to the wiping part 34c, and is designed taking into account the shape and positional relationship of the light-guiding member 600 and the stirring member 34. Incidentally, the auxiliary wiping part 34d can be omitted if the wiping performance of the wiping part 34c can be sufficiently ensured. Alternatively, the following configuration can be adopted: the wiping portion 34c is omitted, and the blade portion of the stirring member 34 is used to clean the light emitting window 612a and the light receiving window 622a of the light guiding member 600.

[0344] like Figure 38As shown in the circuit diagram of the residual tonal dose sensor 500, a switch (not shown) is provided between the light emitting element 510a and the power supply voltage Vcc. By turning the switch on, a voltage from the power supply voltage Vcc is applied to the light emitting element 510a. Thus, the light emitting element 510a is in a conducting state. On the other hand, the light receiving element 510b also has a switch (not shown) provided between itself and the power supply voltage (voltage source) Vcc, and by turning this switch on, the light receiving element 510b is in a conducting state by a current depending on the amount of light detected.

[0345] The power supply voltage Vcc and the current-limiting resistor R1 are connected to the light-emitting element 510, and the light-emitting element 510a emits light through the current determined by the current-limiting resistor R1. The light emitted from the light-emitting element 510a passes through... Figure 37 The spatial optical path Q shown in part (b) is received by the light receiving element 510b. A power supply voltage Vcc is connected to the collector terminal of the light receiving element 510b, and a detection resistor R2 is connected to the emitter terminal. The light receiving element 510b, acting as a phototransistor, receives light emitted from the light emitting element 510a and outputs a signal whose value depends on the light reception time (detection time). This signal is converted into a voltage V1 by the detection resistor R2 and input to the A / D conversion section 95 of the controller 90 (see [link to controller 90]). Figure 38 During one revolution of the stirring member 34, the light receiving time (detection time) of the light receiving element 510b is proportional to the time the light path Q is open, and therefore, the light receiving time increases as the remaining toner dose in the feed chamber 36 decreases. That is, the remaining toner dose sensor 500 outputs an output value corresponding to the light receiving time of the light receiving element 510b, which depends on the toner dose (developer dose) contained in the feed chamber 36.

[0346] like Figure 38 As shown in part (a), when viewed along the axial direction of the rotation axis of the stirring member 34, the optical path Q of the residual tonal dose sensor 500 is set to intersect with the rotational trajectories Tb1 and Tb2 of the stirring member 34. In other words, when viewed along the axial direction (longitudinal direction LD) of the stirring member 34, the light emitted from the light emitting element 510a of the residual tonal dose sensor 500 passes through the interior of the feed chamber 36 within the rotational trajectories Tb1 and Tb2 of the stirring member 34.

[0347] [Control system of imaging equipment]

[0348] Figure 39This is a block diagram showing the control system of the imaging device 1. The controller 90, which is the control device of the imaging device 1, includes a CPU 91 as a computing unit, a RAM 92 serving as the operating area of ​​the CPU 91, and a ROM 93 for storing various programs. Furthermore, the controller 90 includes an I / O interface 94 as an input / output port, an A / D conversion section 95 for converting analog signals to digital signals, and an image print count counter 97 for calculating the number of images printed on the sheet. The controller 90 is connected to an external device via the I / O interface.

[0349] The remaining toner dosage sensor 500, the mounting sensor 53, and the opening / closing sensor 54 are connected to the input side of the controller 90. The mounting sensor 53 detects that the toner pack 40 is mounted on the supply opening 32a of the developing container 32. For example, the mounting sensor 53 is located at the supply opening 32a and is composed of a pressure-sensitive switch that outputs a detection signal upon pressing the toner pack 40. Furthermore, the opening / closing sensor 54 detects whether the openable member 83 is open relative to the discharge tray 81. The opening / closing sensor 54 is composed of, for example, a pressure-sensitive switch or a magnetic sensor.

[0350] The CPU 91 of the controller 90 determines whether the light receiving element 510b receives light from the light emitting element 510a based on the voltage level input to the remaining toner dose sensor 500. Then, the CPU 91 calculates the duration for which the remaining toner dose sensor 500 detects light when the stirring member 34 stirs the toner in the developing container 32 for a certain period. The ROM 93 pre-stores a remaining toner dose discrimination threshold in Table 96 for determining the remaining toner dose from the light detection time of the remaining toner dose sensor 500. The CPU 91 calculates (estimates) the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32 based on the light detection time of the remaining toner dose sensor 500 and the threshold stored in Table 96.

[0351] Furthermore, the operation section 300, the imaging section 10, and the remaining toner dose panel 400, which serves as a notification device capable of displaying information about the remaining toner dose, are connected to the controller 90. The operation section 300 includes a display section 301 capable of displaying various setting screens and physical keys, etc. The display section 301 is, for example, composed of a liquid crystal panel. The imaging section 10 includes a motor M for driving the photosensitive drum 21, the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, the stirring member 34, etc. Incidentally, a configuration in which the photosensitive drum 21, the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the stirring member 34 are driven by separate motors may also be adopted.

[0352] The remaining toner dose panel 400 is located on the right side of the front surface of the printer main assembly 100 housing (i.e., on the side opposite to the operating portion 300 arranged on the left side) and displays information about the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32, such as... Figure 28 Part (b) and Figure 40 Parts (a) to (d) are shown. In this embodiment, the remaining tonal dose panel 400, which is the display part, is a panel component consisting of a plurality of scales (three in this embodiment) arranged in parallel vertically, and each scale corresponds to the low level, the middle level and the full level mentioned above.

[0353] That is, such as Figure 40 As shown in section (a), when only the lower scale flickers intermittently, the remaining toner dosage indicator in the developing container 32 is close to depletion. At this time, the remaining toner dosage in the developing container 32 is less than the first amount QT1 (see section (a)). Figure 45 ).like Figure 40 As shown in section (b), when only the lower scale is continuously illuminated, the remaining toner dose indicator in the developing container 32 is at a low level. At this time, the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32 is greater than or equal to the first amount QT1 (see section (b)). Figure 45 And it is less than the second amount, QT2. In other words, the state of the remaining toning dosage panel 400 can be changed to Figure 40 Part (b) shows the first state (first display state) and Figure 40 Part (a) shows a second state (second display state) that differs from the first state. Figure 40 As shown in section (c), with the lower and middle scales illuminated and the upper scale closed, the remaining toner dosage indicator in the developing container 32 is at an intermediate level. Figure 40 As shown in section (d), all three scales are lit, and the remaining toner dose indicator of the developing container 32 is at full level.

[0354] The "near exhaustion" level indicates the degree to which the remaining toner dose would quickly deplete the toner in the developing container 32, preventing proper image formation. The "low" level indicates the remaining toner dose greater than the "near exhaustion" level but less than the "intermediate" level. The "intermediate" level indicates the remaining toner dose greater than the "low" level but less than the "full" level.

[0355] Incidentally, the remaining toner dosage panel 400 is not limited to an LCD panel, but can be constructed using a light source such as an LED or incandescent lamp and a diffuser lens. Furthermore, it can be configured such that, without a separate remaining toner dosage panel 400, the scale described in this embodiment is displayed on the display of the operation section 300. Additionally, when the remaining toner dosage in the developing container 32 becomes low, a toner supply notification can be displayed on the operation section 300 to remind the user to replenish the toner. Furthermore, a toner supply notification can also be displayed on the operation section 300 to remind the user to replenish the toner when the toner is depleted.

[0356] Furthermore, this embodiment describes a configuration that displays four states using three levels, but the number of scales is not limited to this. The number of scales can be appropriately set according to the structure of the imaging device, etc. Additionally, the remaining tonal dose panel 400 can be configured to continuously display the remaining tonal dose via a percentage display or a gauge display. Furthermore, the remaining tonal dose can be communicated to the user via voice (sound) using a speaker.

[0357] [Methods for detecting remaining toner dosage]

[0358] Next, use Figure 45 Part (a) will describe a method for detecting the remaining toner dosage in the developing container 32. Figure 41 Part (a) shows a state where the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32 is small and shows... Figure 31 Sectional view of part (b) of the 5B-5B cross section. Figure 41 Part (b) shows the state where the remaining toner dosage in the developing container 32 is small and the rotation phase of the stirring member 34 is... Figure 41 In part (a), the rotation phase of the stirring member 34 is different and is shown Figure 31 A sectional view of section (b) 5B-5B. Incidentally, Figure 41 Parts (a) and (b) show the state of the toner with low aggregation, which will be described later.

[0359] Figure 42 Part (a) shows that the remaining toner dosage in the developing container 32 is large and the rotational phase of the stirring member 34 is... Figure 41 The state in which the stirring member 34 in part (a) rotates in the same phase is shown. Figure 31 Sectional view of part (b) of the 5B-5B cross section.

[0360] Figure 42 Part (b) shows that the remaining toner dosage in the developing container 32 is small and the toner aggregation is high, and shows... Figure 31Sectional view of part (b) of the 5B-5B cross section. Figure 43 It is a graph showing the detection voltage when the residual toning dose sensor 500 detects light during one rotation of the stirring member 34. Figure 44 It is a graph showing the progression of toner aggregation relative to the number of prints. Figure 45 This is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining tonal dose and the detection time of the remaining tonal dose sensor.

[0361] like Figure 41 Part (a) to Figure 42 As shown in part (b), the toner in the developing container 32 is moved and stirred within the developing container 32 by the rotation of the stirring member 34. Hereinafter, the movement of the toner by the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 of the stirring member 34 will be described in particular.

[0362] exist Figure 41 In the rotational phase of the stirring member 34 shown in part (a), the toner raised by the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 begins to fall. At this time, the stirring member 34 is in the first rotational phase position. Then, when the stirring member 34 further rotates from the first rotational phase to the second rotational phase, as... Figure 41 As shown in part (b), toner falls from the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2. Figure 41 In the state shown in part (a), light can pass through the optical path Q, that is, the optical path Q is open and not blocked. Therefore, the residual tonal dose sensor 500 can detect light.

[0363] On the other hand, Figure 41 In the state shown in part (b), the light path Q is blocked by toner falling from the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2, preventing the remaining toner dose sensor 500 from detecting light. During the rotation of the stirring member 34 from the first rotational phase to the second rotational phase, as... Figure 43 As shown, the residual toning dose sensor 500 satisfies the light-blocking time Tc1 when the state of the light receiving element 510b switches from a detectable light state to an undetectable light state. When the residual toning dose of the operating container 32 is low, the time during which the residual toning dose sensor 500 can detect light during one full cycle of the stirring member 34 is time T1.

[0364] Figure 42 Part (a) shows that the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32 is greater than Figure 41 The situation in each of parts (a) and (b) and the state in which the stirring member 34 is positioned in the first rotational phase. At this time, as Figure 42As shown in part (a), even when the toner is raised through the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2, the toner is still present near the optical path Q. This is because, as... Figure 43 As shown, when the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32 is large, the time during which the remaining toner dose sensor 500 can detect light during one full cycle of the stirring member 34 is a shorter time T0 than time T1.

[0365] Therefore, the time during which the light path Q is blocked by the toner fed by the stirring member 34 during one rotation of the stirring member 34 (i.e., the time during which the remaining toner dose sensor 500 cannot detect light) varies depending on the remaining toner dose. That is, when the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32 is large, the light path Q is easily blocked by the toner, and therefore, the time for the remaining toner dose sensor 500 to detect light is shorter, and when the remaining toner dose is small, the time for the remaining toner dose sensor 500 to detect light is longer.

[0366] Incidentally, as the cumulative number of image formations (image printing times) of imaging device 1 increases, the toner in developing container 32 gradually loses its fluidity. This is because the toner is subjected to mechanical stress from developing roller 31 and agitation member 34, and the fluidizing agent becomes embedded in the toner binder. The toner mainly consists of binder, colorant, wax, charge control agent, and fluidizing agent. The binder is made of resin material and has functions such as improving the fixing properties of the image transferred onto the recording material. Here, the degree of aggregation will be described as an indicator of the fluidity of the toner in developing container (hereinafter simply referred to as toner fluidity).

[0367] [Clustering Degree]

[0368] Aggregation degree is an indicator of the ease with which a toner aggregates. When the aggregation degree of a toner is high, the toner particles accumulate and aggregate, thus reducing the toner's flowability. Conversely, when the aggregation degree of a toner is low, the toner particles are less likely to aggregate, resulting in higher flowability. This aggregation degree can be measured, for example, by the following methods.

[0369] The measuring device is a measuring instrument (“Powder Tester (registered trademark) PT-D”, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Group). Measurements were performed as follows: First, three types of sieves were stacked and placed on the vibration table of the measuring device. The three types of sieves included a 200-mesh sieve with 75 μm apertures, a 390-mesh sieve with 38 μm apertures, and a 635-mesh sieve with 25 μm apertures, arranged in a specified order from top to bottom. These sieves were placed on the vibration table, and 5 g of toner aged overnight at 23°C and 50% RH was placed on the topmost sieve. The vibration table was then vibrated at an amplitude of 0.6 mm for 15 seconds. The amount of toner remaining on each of the three sieves was then measured, and the degree of aggregation was calculated using the following formula.

[0370] (Weight % of toner remaining on a sieve with 75 μm aperture) × 1(a)

[0371] (Weight % of toner remaining on a sieve with 38 μm aperture) × 0.6(b)

[0372] (Weight % of toner remaining on a sieve with 25 μm aperture) × 0.2(c)

[0373] Clustering degree = (a) + (b) + (c) (%)

[0374] exist Figure 44 The diagram illustrates the progression of toner aggregation relative to the number of prints. From an initial state, the aggregation increases with the number of sheets being imaged. In this embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1 is a direct-supply type, where the toner is directly supplied to the developing container 32, and through this supply, the aggregation of the toner in the developing container 32 becomes lower than it was just before the toner supply. When only the toner is supplied and then the processing unit 20 is reused, the aggregation of the toner in the developing container 32 gradually increases.

[0375] The relationship between toner flowability and remaining toner dosage detection time will be described below. (The above...) Figure 41 Part (a) represents a state with low toner aggregation. To compare this state, Figure 42 Part (b) shows the following state, in which the toner dosage in the developing container 32 is... Figure 42 The toner dosage is the same in state (a) and the rotation phase of stirring member 34 is the same as that in state (a). Figure 42 In part (a), the rotational phase is the same, but the toner aggregation degree is higher. Figure 42The degree of toner aggregation in part (a). Toner flowability tends to be inversely proportional to toner aggregation. Even when the toner dosage in the developing container 32 is the same, the timing at which the toner begins to fall on the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 will differ when the toner flowability is different.

[0376] In such Figure 41 In the low-aggregation state shown in part (a), the toner has high fluidity, making it easy for the toner deposited on the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 to slide downwards relative to the direction of gravity (slippage). On the other hand, in the case of... Figure 41 As shown in part (b), under conditions of high toner aggregation, the toner has low fluidity, which means that, compared to conditions of high toner fluidity, the toner deposited on the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 tends to maintain its orientation. For this reason, the toner on the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 does not easily slide downwards relative to the direction of gravity (slippage). That is, the moment when the toner on the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2 begins to fall relative to the direction of gravity is later under conditions of low toner fluidity than under conditions of high toner fluidity.

[0377] like Figure 43 As shown, the shading time when the state of the light-receiving element 510b changes from a detectable light state to an undetectable light state under low toner flow conditions is the shading time Tc2. The shading time Tc2 is later than the shading time Tc1 under high toner flow conditions. For this reason, under low toner flow conditions, the remaining toner dosage sensor 500 can detect light for a longer time T2 than the aforementioned time T1 during one full revolution (rotation) of the stirring member 34. Incidentally, the light transmission time Tc3 when the state of the light-receiving element 510b changes from an undetectable light state to a detectable light state is constant and independent of toner flow. Furthermore, in the above, times T1 and T2 are described by considering the toner moved by the first blade portion 34b1 and the second blade portion 34b2, but even when considering the toner moved by the wiping portion 34c and the auxiliary wiping portion 34d, the relationship of T1 < T2 remains unchanged.

[0378] That is, even when the toner dosage in the developing container 32 is the same, the detection time of the remaining toner dosage sensor 500 will differ when the toner flow rate is different. Specifically, the detection time of the remaining toner dosage sensor 500 is shorter under high toner flow conditions and longer under low toner flow conditions.

[0379] In this embodiment, the threshold for determining the remaining toner dosage from the detection time is stored in Table 96 of ROM 93. In Table 96, the threshold for determining the remaining toner dosage varies depending on the number of images printed. For example, if the threshold for the time point of 5000 images from the initial state is taken as 100%, the threshold for the time point of 10000 images is 105%, and the threshold for the time point of 20000 images is 110%.

[0380] here, Figure 45 The dashed line TV1 shown schematically represents the relationship between the remaining tonal dose and the detection time of the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 when the imaging device 1 and the processing unit 20 are in a new state. Figure 45 The solid line TV2 shown schematically represents the relationship between the remaining tonal dose in imaging device 1 and the detection time of the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 at a time point when the number of printed images is 20,000. Incidentally, Figure 45 The horizontal axis represents the remaining toner dosage, and shows that the remaining toner dosage in the developing container 32 decreases towards the + direction (to the right). Furthermore, Figure 45 The vertical axis represents the remaining detection time of the colorimetric dose sensor 500, and shows that the detection time increases towards the + direction (upward direction). Table 96 stores the low thresholds V1a and V2a, and the near-exhaustion thresholds V1b and V2b. Incidentally, in Figure 45 In the example shown, the remaining tonal dose panel 400 displays a low level when the remaining tonal dose is greater than or equal to the first amount QT1 and less than the second amount QT2. When the remaining tonal dose is less than the first amount QT1, the remaining tonal dose panel 400 displays a near-exhausted level.

[0381] In the new imaging device 1 (see line TV1), when the detection time of the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 exceeds the low threshold V1a, the controller 90 determines that the remaining tonal dose is at a low level. Then, the controller 90 controls the remaining tonal dose panel 400 to display the low level (see...). Figure 40 Part (b)). Furthermore, in the new imaging device 1, when the detection time of the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 exceeds the near-exhaustion threshold V1b, the controller 90 determines that the remaining tonal dose is near exhaustion. Then, the controller 90 controls the remaining tonal dose panel 400 to display the near-exhaustion level (see [reference]). Figure 40(a)). In other words, when the detection time output from the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 is not greater than the near exhaustion threshold V1b, which is a predetermined threshold, the remaining tonal dose panel 400 indicates a low level (first display state). Furthermore, when the detection time output from the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 is longer than the near exhaustion threshold V1b, the remaining tonal dose panel 400 indicates a near exhaustion level (second display state).

[0382] Similarly, in imaging device 1 (see line TV2), at a time point when the number of printed images is 20,000, when the detection time of the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 exceeds the low threshold V2a, controller 90 determines that the remaining tonal dose is at a low level. Then, controller 90 controls the remaining tonal dose panel 400 to display the low level (see...). Figure 40 Part (b)). Furthermore, in imaging device 1, at a time point when the number of printed images is 20,000, when the detection time of the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 exceeds the near-exhaustion threshold V2b, the controller 90 determines that the remaining tonal dose is near exhaustion. Then, the controller 90 controls the remaining tonal dose panel 400 to display the near-exhaustion level (see [reference]). Figure 40 (a)). In other words, when the detection time output from the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 is not greater than the near exhaustion threshold V2b, the remaining tonal dose panel 400 indicates a low level (first display state). Furthermore, when the detection time output from the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 is longer than the near exhaustion threshold V2b, the remaining tonal dose panel 400 indicates a near exhaustion level (second display state).

[0383] Therefore, the controller 90 changes the threshold for determining the remaining toner dosage based on the number of images printed by the imaging device 1. In other words, the threshold for determining the remaining toner dosage changes depending on the degree of aggregation of the toner contained in the developing container 32 as a developer.

[0384] Specifically, as the number of images printed increases, the toner flowability decreases (the toner aggregation increases). Furthermore, even with the same remaining toner quantity, the detection time of the remaining toner quantity sensor 500 becomes longer as the toner flowability decreases. For this reason, in this embodiment, as the number of images printed increases, a correction is made to make the threshold used to determine the remaining toner quantity higher. For example, the low threshold V2a for determining a low level of remaining toner quantity in imaging device 1 at the time point of 20,000 image prints is higher than the low threshold V1a for determining a low level of remaining toner quantity in new imaging device 1. Similarly, the near-exhaustion threshold V2b for determining a near-exhaustion level of remaining toner quantity in imaging device 1 at the time point of 20,000 image prints is higher than the near-exhaustion threshold V1b for determining a near-exhaustion level of remaining toner quantity in new imaging device 1. In other words, when the number of prints is a first value (e.g., 0 prints), the threshold is set as the near-exhaustion threshold V1b, which is the first threshold, and when the number of prints is a second value that is larger than the first value (e.g., 20,000 prints), the threshold is set as the near-exhaustion threshold V2b, which is the second threshold.

[0385] Therefore, by adjusting the threshold used to determine the remaining toner dose based on the number of images printed, the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32 can be accurately calculated. For example, consider the case where the remaining toner dose contained in the developing container 32 is a predetermined third amount QT3. The third amount QT3 is greater than or equal to the first amount QT1 and less than the second amount QT2, corresponding to a low level. In this case, in the new imaging device 1 (see line TV1), the remaining toner dose sensor 500 outputs a detection time V1c as a first output value. On the other hand, in the imaging device 1 (see line TV2) at the time point when the number of images printed is 20,000, the remaining toner dose sensor 500 outputs a detection time V2c as a second output value, which is different from the detection time V1c. Furthermore, since the application thresholds used to determine the remaining toner dose are different from each other, the remaining toner dose panel 400 shows a low level (upper display state) in both the new imaging device 1 and the imaging device 1 at the time point when the number of images printed is 20,000. Therefore, even when the detection times output from the remaining toner dose sensor 500 differ from one another due to differences in toner aggregation (fluidity), the detection accuracy of the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32 can be improved by correcting the threshold used to determine the remaining toner dose.

[0386] Incidentally, the imaging device 1 in this embodiment is a direct-supply type, and the toner dosage in the developing container 32 is increased by supplying toner. Furthermore, when the controller 90 determines the remaining toner dosage in the developing container 32 after toner supply, the controller 90 changes the threshold used to determine the remaining toner dosage based on the number of images printed. That is, the imaging device 1 changes the threshold used to determine the remaining toner dosage based on the number of images printed, not only in the determination of a low or near-exhaustion level but also in the determination of a medium or full level.

[0387] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing unit 20, which includes a feed chamber 36 for containing toner, is equipped with a substrate holding member 710 and a substrate 700, and the substrate 700 is provided with a light emitting element 510a and a light receiving element 510b. For this reason, the relative position of the optical path Q in the feed chamber 36 is constant, allowing for stable detection of the remaining toner dosage, regardless of the positional accuracy of the processing unit 20 relative to the printer main assembly 100.

[0388] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b are arranged and disposed along the longitudinal direction LD of the processing unit 20, and are positioned on the same side (front side) relative to the feed chamber 36 when viewed along the longitudinal direction LD. For this reason, not only can the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b be arranged in a compact manner, but the power supply configuration for supplying power to the light emitting element 510a and the light receiving element 510b can also be arranged in a compact manner. Therefore, the processing unit 20 can be miniaturized.

[0389] <Seventh Embodiment>

[0390] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described, which differs from the sixth embodiment in that the remaining toner dosage determination method is used. For this reason, structures similar to those in the sixth embodiment are omitted from the figures, or will be described by adding the same reference numerals or symbols to the relevant figures.

[0391] like Figure 46As shown, similar to the sixth embodiment, the controller 90 in this embodiment includes a CPU 91, RAM 92, ROM 93, I / O interface 94, A / D conversion section 95, and image print quantity counter 97. Furthermore, the controller 90 monitors the rotational state of the motor M1 over the past few minutes since the remaining toner dose sensor 500 began detecting the remaining toner dose, and includes a motor operating rate counter 98 for calculating the latest operating rate of the motor M1 (hereinafter referred to as the latest motor operating rate). That is, the latest motor operating rate, as the operating rate, is the operating rate over the period from when the remaining toner dose sensor 500 began detecting the remaining toner dose (development dose) to a predetermined time prior. Then, the CPU 91 of the controller 90 determines the remaining toner dose based on the light detection time by the remaining toner dose sensor 500 and a threshold stored in Table 96. In this embodiment, the threshold used to determine the remaining toner dose varies depending on the latest motor operating rate.

[0392] Specifically, the rotation of the motor is monitored for the most recent 5 minutes prior to the start of the detection of the remaining tonal dose. If motor M1 stops for 5 minutes or more until the detection of the remaining tonal dose begins, the latest motor operating rate is 0%. Conversely, if motor M1 rotates continuously for 5 minutes or more until the detection of the remaining tonal dose begins, the latest motor operating rate is 100%. In this embodiment, when the threshold at the point where the latest motor operating rate is 0% is taken as 100%, the threshold is 110% when the latest motor operating rate reaches 100%. Furthermore, as the latest motor operating rate increases from 0% to 100%, the threshold changes from 100% to 110% while performing linear interpolation depending on the latest motor operating rate.

[0393] The relationship between the latest motor running ratio and the remaining toner dosage detection will be described below. Figure 47 This is a graph showing the relationship between motor rotation time and toner aggregation degree. Toner aggregation degree is an indicator of the ease with which the toner aggregates, as described above. When the toner in the developing container 32 is continuously stirred by the stirring member 34, the toner becomes charged and is therefore in a state where the toner particles easily aggregate, causing the aggregation degree to tend to increase (i.e., the toner fluidity tends to decrease). On the other hand, when the stirring member 34 is stationary for a certain period of time, the charge on the toner generated by stirring the toner with the stirring member 34 gradually weakens, and therefore the state in which the toner particles easily aggregate is eliminated, causing the aggregation degree to tend to decrease.

[0394] Figure 47Region SA represents the period during which imaging device 1 begins continuous image printing from a state where it has been idle for a certain period of time. In other words, in region SA, the operating rate of motor M1 is high. When printing images continuously, the toner aggregation increases, and when printing images on a certain number of sheets, the toner aggregation becomes constant at a high level.

[0395] Figure 47 Zone SB represents a period of continuous printing followed by a pause in the imaging device 1. That is, in zone SB, the operating rate of motor M1 is low. When printing is paused, the toner concentration gradually decreases, and after a certain period or longer, the toner concentration becomes constant at a low level. Therefore, the toner concentration can be changed depending on the operating state of motor M1. In other words, the toner concentration changes depending on the frequency of use of the imaging device 1 or the number of prints.

[0396] That is, when the user operates the imaging device 1 to print images on the sheet at intervals of a certain time or longer with small print runs, the toner aggregation is low, resulting in high toner flowability. On the other hand, when the user uses the imaging device 1 continuously, the toner aggregation is high, resulting in low toner flowability.

[0397] In this embodiment, the controller 90 adjusts the threshold used to determine the remaining toner dose based on the latest motor operating rate calculated by the motor operating rate counter 98. Table 96 stores multiple combinations between the latest motor operating rate and the threshold used to determine the remaining toner dose.

[0398] That is, when the user operates the imaging device 1 to print images on the sheet at small print counts at intervals of a certain time or longer, the threshold for determining the remaining toner dosage is set to a low value when the latest motor operating rate is low. On the other hand, when the user uses the imaging device 1 continuously, the threshold for determining the remaining toner dosage is set to a high value when the latest motor operating rate is high.

[0399] For example, such as Figure 45As shown, when the latest motor operating rate is low, imaging device 1 uses a low threshold V1a and a near-exhaustion threshold V1b. Conversely, when the latest motor operating rate is high, imaging device 1 uses a low threshold V2a and a near-exhaustion threshold V2b. That is, even when the same first amount QT1 is detected as the remaining tonal dose, the near-exhaustion threshold V2b when the latest motor operating rate is high is greater than the near-exhaustion threshold V1b when the latest motor operating rate is low. In other words, when the latest motor operating rate is a first operating rate (e.g., 0%), the threshold used to determine whether the remaining tonal dose has reached a near-exhaustion level is set as the near-exhaustion threshold V1b, which is the first threshold. Furthermore, when the latest motor operating rate is a second operating rate (e.g., 100%) that is greater than the first operating rate, the threshold used to determine whether the remaining tonal dose has reached a near-exhaustion level is set as the near-exhaustion threshold V2b, which is the second threshold. The near-exhaustion threshold V2b is greater than the near-exhaustion threshold V1b.

[0400] Therefore, depending on the latest motor operating rate corresponding to the frequency of the user's use of the imaging device 1, the threshold used to determine the remaining toner dose is changed so that the remaining toner dose in the developing container 32 can be calculated correctly.

[0401] <Other Embodiments>

[0402] Incidentally, in the first embodiment described above, the controller 90 adjusts the threshold for determining the remaining tonal dose based on the number of images printed on the sheet, but the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the detection time of the remaining tonal dose sensor 500 can also be adjusted while keeping the remaining tonal dose threshold constant. Furthermore, the controller 90 can also adjust the threshold for determining the remaining tonal dose based on the total printing time or total operating time of the imaging device.

[0403] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the controller 90 compares the detection time of the remaining toner dose sensor 500 with a predetermined threshold to determine the remaining toner dose level in the developing container 32; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the remaining toner dose sensor 500 may output a signal to the controller 90 having a value inversely proportional to the detection time, and the controller 90 may determine the remaining toner dose level in the developing container 32 by comparing this value with a threshold. In this case, the higher the concentration of the toner, the lower the threshold is set.

[0404] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged and disposed along the longitudinal direction LD, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged on the side surface opposite to the developing roller 31, these portions can be arranged in any position.

[0405] Incidentally, in any of the above embodiments, the reader 200 is disposed above the main printer assembly, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the imaging device may also be a printer without a reader. Furthermore, the reader may be a reader equipped with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder).

[0406] Below, construction embodiments of the sixth and seventh embodiments are shown.

[0407] (Construction Example 1)

[0408] An imaging device, comprising:

[0409] Main components of the device;

[0410] An image carrier component, on which the image is carried;

[0411] The processing unit is disposed in the main assembly of the device and includes a frame, a developer carrier member and a supply opening. The frame forms a receiving portion for receiving developer. The developer carrier member is disposed on the frame and is used to develop an electrostatic latent image by supplying developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier member. The developer can be supplied to the receiving portion through the supply opening.

[0412] A detection unit, comprising a light-emitting portion for emitting light and a light-receiving portion for receiving light emitted from the light-emitting portion and passing through the interior of the receiving portion, wherein the detection unit outputs an output value that depends on the developing dose of the developer contained in the receiving portion; and

[0413] The display portion is capable of switching between a first display state and a second display state, and is configured to switch to the first display state when the output value output from the detection unit is less than or equal to a threshold, and to switch to the second display state when the output value is greater than the threshold, wherein the threshold varies depending on the cumulative number of sheets printed by the imaging device.

[0414] (Construction Example 2)

[0415] In the imaging device according to embodiment 1, when the number of sheets printed is a first number, the threshold is set to a first threshold, and when the number of sheets printed is a second number greater than the first number, the threshold is set to a second threshold greater than the first threshold.

[0416] (Construction Example 3)

[0417] In the imaging device according to embodiment 1 or 2, the processing unit includes a stirring member that stirs the developer contained in the containing portion by rotating it.

[0418] (Construction Example 4)

[0419] An imaging device, comprising:

[0420] Main components of the device;

[0421] An image carrier component, on which the image is carried;

[0422] A processing unit is installed in the main assembly of the device and includes a frame, a developer carrier, a stirring member, and a supply opening. The frame forms a receiving portion for containing developer. The developer carrier is disposed on the frame and is used to develop an electrostatic latent image by supplying developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier. The stirring member is used to stir the developer contained in the receiving portion by rotation. The developer can be supplied to the receiving portion through the supply opening.

[0423] A drive source, the drive source being used to drive the stirring component;

[0424] A detection unit, comprising a light-emitting portion for emitting light and a light-receiving portion for receiving light emitted from the light-emitting portion and passing through the interior of the receiving portion, wherein the detection unit outputs an output value that depends on the developing dose of the developer contained in the receiving portion; and

[0425] The display section is capable of switching between a first display state and a second display state, and is configured to switch to the first display state when the output value output from the detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and to switch to the second display state when the output value output from the detection unit is greater than the predetermined threshold, wherein the predetermined threshold depends on the operating rate of the drive source during a period from the start time of detection of the imaging dose by the detection unit to a predetermined time prior.

[0426] (Construction Example 5)

[0427] In the imaging device according to embodiment 4, when the operating rate is a first operating rate, the predetermined threshold is set to a first threshold, and when the operating rate is a second operating rate greater than the first operating rate, the predetermined threshold is set to a second threshold greater than the first threshold.

[0428] (Construction Example 6)

[0429] In the imaging device according to embodiment 4 or 5, the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged and disposed along the longitudinal direction of the image carrying member, and

[0430] When viewed along the longitudinal direction, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion passes through the interior of the receiving portion within the rotational trajectory of the stirring member.

[0431] (Construction Example 7)

[0432] In any of the imaging devices described in embodiments 4-6, the output value is a value corresponding to the time during which the light receiving portion receives light emitted from the light emitting portion during one rotation of the stirring member.

[0433] (Construction Example 8)

[0434] An imaging device, comprising:

[0435] Main components of the device;

[0436] An image carrier component, on which the image is carried;

[0437] The processing unit is disposed in the main assembly of the device and includes a frame, a developer carrier member and a supply opening. The frame forms a receiving portion for receiving developer. The developer carrier member is disposed on the frame and is used to develop an electrostatic latent image by supplying developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier member. The developer can be supplied to the receiving portion through the supply opening.

[0438] A detection unit comprising a light emitting portion for emitting light and a light receiving portion for receiving light emitted from the light emitting portion and passing through the interior of the receiving portion, wherein the detection unit outputs an output value depending on the developing dose of the developing agent contained in the receiving portion; and

[0439] The display portion is capable of switching between a first display state and a second display state, and is configured to switch to the first display state when the output value output from the detection unit is less than or equal to a threshold, and to switch to the second display state when the output value is greater than the threshold, wherein the threshold depends on the degree of aggregation of the developer contained in the receiving portion.

[0440] (Construction Example 9)

[0441] An imaging device, comprising:

[0442] Main components of the device;

[0443] An image carrier component, on which the image is carried;

[0444] The processing unit is disposed in the main assembly of the device and includes a frame, a developer carrier member and a supply opening. The frame forms a receiving portion for receiving developer. The developer carrier member is disposed on the frame and is used to develop an electrostatic latent image by supplying developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier member. The developer can be supplied to the receiving portion through the supply opening.

[0445] A detection unit, comprising a light-emitting portion for emitting light and a light-receiving portion for receiving light emitted from the light-emitting portion and passing through the interior of the receiving portion, wherein the detection unit outputs an output value that depends on the developing dose of the developer contained in the receiving portion; and

[0446] The display portion is capable of switching between a first display state and a second display state, wherein the display portion is in the first display state when the developing dose of the developer contained in the containing portion is a predetermined amount and the output value is a first output value, and the display portion is in the second display state when the developing dose of the developer contained in the containing portion is the predetermined amount and the output value is a second output value different from the first output value.

[0447] (Construction Example 10)

[0448] In any of the imaging devices described in embodiments 1-9, the display portion is a panel component that is continuously illuminated in the first display state and intermittently flashes in the second display state.

[0449] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: Container, the container being configured to contain developer; as well as A detection device configured to output an output signal dependent on the amount of developer in the container, wherein the detection device includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed outside the container, and a light guiding device disposed on the wall surface of the container and configured to guide the light emitted by the light emitting element through the internal space of the container toward the light receiving element. The light guiding device includes: A first protruding portion protrudes out of the container relative to the wall surface and has an incident surface onto which light emitted by the light emitting element is incident, and the incident surface is disposed at an end portion of the first protruding portion relative to a first direction, the first protruding portion protruding relative to the wall surface in the first direction; A second protrusion extends into the interior of the container relative to the wall surface, and light incident on the first protrusion is emitted into the interior space of the container through the second protrusion. When viewed along a direction intersecting both the first direction and the direction of gravity, the upper surface of the second protrusion is positioned above a first imaginary line, which is parallel to and located on the upper surface of the first protrusion. A third protrusion, which protrudes relative to the wall surface into the interior of the container, and light emitted into the interior space of the container is incident on the third protrusion; and A fourth protruding portion protrudes beyond the container relative to the wall surface and has a light-emitting surface. Light incident on the third protruding portion is emitted from the light-emitting surface toward the light-receiving element. The light-emitting surface is disposed on the end portion of the fourth protruding portion relative to the wall surface in the second direction. When the upper surface of the third protrusion is viewed along a direction intersecting the second direction and the direction of gravity, the upper surface of the third protrusion is positioned above the second imaginary straight line, which is parallel to and located on the upper surface of the fourth protrusion. The second protruding portion has a light-emitting surface from which light is emitted into the interior space of the container, and the third protruding portion has a light-incident surface from which light emitted into the interior space of the container is incident on the light-incident surface of the third protruding portion. Wherein, the light emitting surface of the second protrusion and the light incident surface of the third protrusion are located below the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line, respectively, relative to the direction of gravity.

2. An imaging device, comprising: Container, the container being configured to contain developer; as well as A detection device configured to output an output signal dependent on the amount of developer in the container, wherein the detection device includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed outside the container, and a light guiding device disposed on the wall surface of the container and configured to guide light emitted by the light emitting element through the internal space of the container toward the light receiving element. The light guiding device includes: A first protruding portion protrudes out of the container relative to the wall surface and has an incident surface on which light emitted by the light emitting element is incident. The first protruding portion includes a first side surface portion extending along the wall surface of the container in a first direction and a first reflective surface disposed at one end portion of the first side surface portion relative to the first direction, and the incident surface is disposed at another end portion of the first side surface portion relative to the first direction. The second protrusion protrudes into the interior of the container relative to the wall surface, and light incident on the first protrusion is emitted into the interior space of the container through the second protrusion, wherein, when viewed in a direction intersecting both the first direction and the direction of gravity, the upper surface of the second protrusion is positioned above a first imaginary line that passes through the upper end of the first reflective surface and extends in the reflection direction in which light traveling in the first direction is incident on the first reflective surface and then reflected by the first reflective surface; A third protrusion, which protrudes relative to the wall surface into the interior of the container, and light emitted into the interior space of the container is incident on the third protrusion; and A fourth protrusion, protruding relative to the wall surface to the outside of the container, and having a light-emitting surface, wherein light incident on the third protrusion is emitted from the light-emitting surface toward the light-receiving element, wherein the fourth protrusion includes a second side surface portion extending along the wall surface of the container in a second direction and a second reflective surface disposed at one end portion of the second side surface portion relative to the second direction, and the light-emitting surface is disposed at the other end portion of the second side surface portion relative to the second direction. When viewed along a direction intersecting the second direction and the direction of gravity, the upper surface of the third protrusion is positioned above the second imaginary straight line, which is a straight line passing through the upper end of the second reflective surface and extending in the incident direction of light incident on the third protrusion toward the second reflective surface. The second protruding portion has a light-emitting surface from which light is emitted into the interior space of the container, and the third protruding portion has a light-incident surface from which light emitted into the interior space of the container is incident on the light-incident surface of the third protruding portion. Wherein, the light emitting surface of the second protrusion and the light incident surface of the third protrusion are located below the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line, respectively, relative to the direction of gravity.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed in a direction intersecting both the first direction and the direction of gravity, the second protrusion includes a first lower portion positioned below the first imaginary line and a first upper portion positioned above the first lower portion. The upper surface of the second protruding portion is a part of the first upper portion. Wherein, when viewed along a direction intersecting both the second direction and the direction of gravity, the third protruding portion includes a second lower portion positioned below the second imaginary straight line and a second upper portion positioned above the second lower portion, and The upper surface of the third protruding portion is part of the second upper portion.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein, The first upper portion and the first lower portion are integrally formed using the same material as the first lower portion, and The second upper portion and the second lower portion are integrally formed using the same material as the second lower portion.

5. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein, The first upper portion and the first lower portion are separate components, and the lower surface of the first upper portion and the upper surface of the first lower portion are joined together. The second upper portion and the second lower portion are separate components, and the lower surface of the second upper portion and the upper surface of the second lower portion are joined together.

6. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein, The first space is disposed between the lower surface of the first upper portion and the upper surface of the first lower portion, and The second space is disposed between the lower surface of the second upper portion and the upper surface of the second lower portion.

7. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein, The first upper portion is formed of a material with lower light transmission characteristics than the material of the first lower portion, and The second upper portion is formed of a material that has lower light transmission characteristics than the material of the second lower portion.

8. The imaging apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a stirring member disposed inside the container, the stirring member rotating about an axis extending longitudinally along the container to stir the developer in the container. in, The stirring component includes a shaft extending along the longitudinal direction and blade portions formed of a flexible sheet material and projecting from the shaft. Wherein, at the end portion of the first upper part opposite to the wall surface of the container, the first end surface extends in the longitudinal direction, and Wherein, at the end portion of the second upper portion opposite to the wall surface of the container, the second end surface extends along the longitudinal direction.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed along a direction intersecting both the second direction and the direction of gravity, at least a portion of the upper surface of the second protrusion slopes downward toward the interior of the container, and When viewed along a direction intersecting both the second direction and the direction of gravity, at least a portion of the upper surface of the third protrusion slopes downward toward the interior of the container.

10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein, The angle of inclination of at least a portion of the upper surface of the second protrusion relative to the horizontal plane and the angle of inclination of at least a portion of the upper surface of the third protrusion relative to the horizontal plane are both greater than the angle of repose of the developer.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The incident surface of the first protrusion is the first incident surface, and the light emitting surface of the fourth protrusion is the first light emitting surface. The second protruding portion has a second light-emitting surface, and light incident on the first protruding portion is emitted from the second light-emitting surface into the internal space. The third protruding portion has a second incident surface, and light emitted from the second protruding portion into the internal space is incident on the second incident surface. The second light emitting surface and the second incident surface are opposite each other relative to the longitudinal direction of the container.

12. The imaging apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a wiping portion disposed inside the container and configured to wipe away developer deposited on the second light emitting surface of the second protrusion and the second incident surface of the third protrusion by rotating about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction and contacting the second light emitting surface and the second incident surface.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein, The second protruding portion has a first offset surface, which is positioned above the second light emitting surface and extends along the direction of the second light emitting surface. The third protruding portion has a second offset surface, which is positioned above the second incident surface and extends along the direction of the second incident surface. Specifically, when viewed in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the wall surface of the container, the first offset surface is offset relative to the second light-emitting surface towards the side closer to the wall surface. Specifically, when viewed in the height direction, the second offset surface is offset relative to the second incident surface towards the side closer to the wall surface.

14. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein, When viewed in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the wall surface of the container, the second light-emitting surface is convexly curved toward the second incident surface relative to the longitudinal direction, and When viewed in the height direction, the second incident surface is convexly curved toward the second light emitting surface relative to the longitudinal direction.

15. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein, The second protrusion has a reflective surface on a side opposite to the second light-emitting surface relative to the longitudinal direction. This reflective surface is used to reflect light traveling from the first protrusion to the second protrusion toward the second light-emitting surface. The third protruding portion has a reflective surface on the side opposite to the second incident surface relative to the longitudinal direction. The reflective surface of the third protruding portion is used to reflect light incident on the second incident surface toward the first light emitting surface of the fourth protruding portion.

16. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The container has openings on its wall surface. The light guiding device includes a frame portion mounted on the opening, and The first protruding portion, the second protruding portion, the third protruding portion, the fourth protruding portion, and the frame portion are integrally formed.

17. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, On the surface of the light guiding device exposed to the outside of the container, at least a portion of the portion other than the first protrusion and the fourth protrusion has a surface roughness greater than that of each of the first protrusion and the fourth protrusion.

18. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The second protruding portion and the third protruding portion are opposite to each other, and The longitudinal direction is defined as the direction in which the first direction and the direction of gravity intersect, and the direction in which the second direction and the direction of gravity intersect.

Images