Cleaning device, image forming apparatus, detection method, and readable storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of image forming, in particular to a cleaning device, an image forming equipment, a detection method and a readable storage medium. The cleaning device comprises a mounting seat, a detection device, a cleaning connecting rod, a cleaning piece and a pushing handle. The mounting seat is used for mounting the detection device, and is provided with a given track. The detection device comprises at least one detection element. The working surface of the detection element faces the cleaning connecting rod. The cleaning connecting rod is installed on the given track and can move along the extension direction of the given track. The cleaning piece is connected with the cleaning connecting rod and can move with the cleaning connecting rod. The pushing handle is in abutment with the cleaning connecting rod and can push the cleaning connecting rod to move along the extension direction of the given track. The application realizes cleaning of the detection element, prevents the detection element from being polluted by carbon powder or paper powder and influences the printing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming technology, and in particular to a cleaning device, an image forming apparatus, a detection method, and a readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Image forming equipment is a device that forms an image on a printing medium based on an input signal. Examples of image forming equipment include printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction printers that integrate the functions of printers, copiers, and fax machines.

[0003] Taking color printers as an example, the ACR-SENSOR (Color Density Correction Sensor, also known as CTD-SENSOR) is an important optical component of the printer. It determines the color density by emitting light onto the color block and receiving the reflected light, thereby ensuring image quality. Such optical components are very sensitive to light. The components are protected from toner or paper dust contamination by covering them with glass or transparent plastic covers. However, after long-term printing, the surface of the ACR-SENSOR may be contaminated by toner or paper dust, affecting the emission or reception of light, thus affecting image quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a cleaning device, an image forming apparatus, a detection method, and a readable storage medium, which aim to clean the detection element and prevent the detection element from being contaminated by toner or paper dust, thus affecting the printing effect.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a cleaning apparatus disposed on an image forming device, comprising:

[0006] A mounting base for mounting a detection device, the mounting base having a predetermined track;

[0007] The detection device includes at least one detection element, the working surface of which can be cleaned by a cleaning link;

[0008] A linkage component, comprising a cleaning link and a push handle, wherein the cleaning link is movably mounted on the mounting base along the predetermined track; the push handle abuts against the cleaning link and is capable of pushing the cleaning link to move along the extension direction of the predetermined track;

[0009] A cleaning component is connected to the cleaning linkage, and the cleaning component can move with the cleaning linkage.

[0010] In one possible design,

[0011] The predetermined track is provided with a clearance section, which is aligned with the working surface of the detection element.

[0012] In one possible design, the cleaning link is provided with an opening;

[0013] The cleaning link has a first position and a second position. When the cleaning link is in the first position, the opening can be aligned with the working surface of the detection element. When the cleaning link moves from the first position to the second position, the cleaning component passes through the working surface of the detection element.

[0014] In one possible design, the cleaning link further includes a shielding portion for shielding the detection element;

[0015] When the cleaning linkage returns to the second position, the shielding part blocks the working surface of the detection element.

[0016] In one possible design, the predetermined track is plate-shaped;

[0017] The cleaning linkage is equipped with a buckle, which is engaged with the edge of the predetermined track.

[0018] In one possible design, the cleaning device further includes a limiting member having a groove.

[0019] Part of the push handle passes through the groove and abuts against the cleaning link.

[0020] In one possible design, the push handle has an abutment portion that connects to the cleaning link, and the abutment portion is capable of preventing the cleaning link from tilting upwards.

[0021] In one possible design, the cleaning device also includes an elastic element;

[0022] One end of the elastic element is connected to the cleaning linkage, and the other end is connected to the mounting base;

[0023] The elastic element can drive the cleaning linkage to move in the second direction under its own elastic force.

[0024] In one possible design, the mounting base is provided with a first connecting portion, the cleaning linkage is provided with a second connecting portion, one end of the elastic member is connected to the first connecting portion, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the second connecting portion;

[0025] The first connecting portion is disposed close to the push handle relative to the second connecting portion, and the line connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion intersects the direction of extension of the cleaning link;

[0026] The cleaning link can be made to fit against the mounting base by the elastic force of the elastic element itself.

[0027] In one possible design, the cleaning device further includes a support member, to which the mounting base is mounted;

[0028] The support member is connected to the mounting base to form a receiving space that encloses the detection element.

[0029] A second aspect of this application provides an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0030] The device body has an image forming chamber for mounting a toner container, and a push handle protrudes / approaches the image forming chamber;

[0031] A toner container, installed in the main body of the device, is used in the image forming process;

[0032] A cleaning device is installed on the main body of the equipment, and the cleaning device is the cleaning device described above.

[0033] During the process of installing the toner container into the main body of the device, it can abut against the push handle to push the cleaning linkage to move the cleaning component in the first direction, so that the cleaning component can reach the working surface of the detection element;

[0034] During the disassembly of the toner container from the main body of the device, the cleaning linkage can be pushed to move the cleaning component in a second direction so that the cleaning component passes over the working surface of the detection element.

[0035] In one possible design, when the toner container is removed from the main body of the device, the cleaning link is reset to a second position, and the shielding portion of the cleaning link can block the working surface of the detection element.

[0036] In one possible design, the toner container is provided with a protrusion;

[0037] When the toner container is installed on the main body of the device, the protrusion pushes against the push handle.

[0038] A third aspect of this application provides a detection method performed in an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a toner container, a cleaning device, and a controller. The cleaning device includes a mounting base, a detection device, a connecting rod member, and a cleaning component. The detection device includes at least one detection element. The connecting rod member is movably disposed on the mounting base. The cleaning component is connected to the connecting rod member and can move with the connecting rod member to clean the working surface of the detection element.

[0039] When the toner container is installed on the main body of the device, the connecting rod component is driven to move to the first position and the cleaning component cleans the working surface of the detection element;

[0040] When the toner container is removed from the main body of the device, the connecting rod component moves to the second position and the cleaning component cleans the working surface of the detection element;

[0041] Based on the controller, the toner container detection method includes:

[0042] Detect whether the linkage component of the cleaning device is in the second position;

[0043] If the connecting rod component is detected to be in the second position, it can be determined that the toner container is not installed in the image forming device;

[0044] The second position is the position of the connecting rod component in the predetermined track when the toner container is not installed in the image forming device.

[0045] In one possible design, the detection device includes at least one detection element, the detection element including a transmitter that emits a signal and a receiver that receives a feedback value of the signal, wherein the detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device is in the second position includes:

[0046] Determine whether the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element is lower than a first threshold;

[0047] If the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element is lower than the first threshold, the connecting rod component is in the second position.

[0048] In one possible design, the detection device includes at least two detection elements, each including a first transmitter emitting a first signal and a second transmitter emitting a second signal. The detection elements also include a first receiver for receiving feedback values ​​of the first signal and a second receiver for receiving feedback values ​​of the second signal. The detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device is in the second position includes:

[0049] Determine whether the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than a first threshold and determine whether the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than a second threshold;

[0050] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, then the connecting rod component is in the second position.

[0051] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0052] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then it can be determined that the connecting rod component is in the first position.

[0053] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the image forming device issues an abnormality report.

[0054] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0055] The anomaly report states that the detection element is dirty.

[0056] In one possible design, after the toner container is disassembled and installed on the main body of the device, it is determined that the detection element has been cleaned;

[0057] The method further includes:

[0058] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the abnormality report content is that the cleaning part is abnormal.

[0059] In one possible design, the first threshold is equal to the second threshold.

[0060] In one possible design, the image forming apparatus further includes a transfer belt;

[0061] After the detection element is cleaned, the method further includes:

[0062] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the third threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the third threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the third threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the third threshold, then the abnormality report content is "transfer belt abnormality".

[0063] A fourth aspect of this application also provides an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0064] Equipment body;

[0065] A toner container, installed in the main body of the device, is used in the image forming process;

[0066] As described above, when the toner container is installed on the main body of the device, it pushes the connecting rod member, which is in the second position, to move to the first position.

[0067] A position detection module is used to detect whether the connecting rod component is in the second position;

[0068] The processing module, based on the detection result of the position detection module, outputs a judgment result that the toner container is not installed in the image forming device when the connecting rod component is in the second position.

[0069] In one possible design, the position detection module includes the detection device in the cleaning device.

[0070] In one possible design, when the connecting rod member is in the first position, the light signal emitted by the detection device can be emitted to the transfer belt, and the transfer belt can reflect the light signal back to the detection device.

[0071] In one possible design, the detection device includes a first detection element and a second detection element;

[0072] The first detection element includes a first transmitting end for transmitting a first signal and a first receiving end for receiving feedback values ​​of the first signal;

[0073] The second detection element includes a second transmitting end for transmitting a second signal and a second receiving end for receiving the feedback value of the second signal.

[0074] A fifth aspect of this application provides an image forming apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; a memory; and one or more computer programs, wherein one or more of the computer programs are stored in the memory, and the one or more computer programs include instructions that, when executed by the image forming apparatus, cause the image forming apparatus to perform the detection method described above.

[0075] A sixth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls an image forming apparatus in which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the detection method described above.

[0076] A seventh aspect of this application provides an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0077] The device body has an image forming chamber for mounting a toner container, a push handle protruding / approaching the image forming chamber, and the device body includes a front cover that is rotatable relative to the device body to open or close the image forming chamber;

[0078] A toner container, installed on the main body of the device, is used in the image forming process, and the toner container is provided with a through hole;

[0079] A pusher is installed in the through hole, and the front cover is capable of pushing the pusher to move along the through hole;

[0080] A cleaning device is installed on the main body of the equipment, and the cleaning device is the cleaning device described above.

[0081] When the front cover is closed, the pusher can abut against the push handle to push the cleaning linkage and move the cleaning component in the first direction so that the cleaning component passes over the working surface of the detection element;

[0082] When the front cover is opened, the cleaning linkage can be pushed to move the cleaning component in a second direction so that the cleaning component passes over the working surface of the detection element.

[0083] In one possible design, when the front cover is opened, the cleaning link returns to its second position, and the shielding portion of the cleaning link can block the working surface of the detection element.

[0084] In one possible design, the end of the pusher away from the front cover is provided with a fastening part;

[0085] When the front cover is opened, the fastening part can engage with the outer peripheral portion of the through hole to prevent the pusher from disengaging from the through hole.

[0086] This application provides an eighth aspect of a detection method performed in an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a toner container, a pusher, a cleaning device, and a controller. The pusher is movably disposed on the toner container. The cleaning device includes a mounting base, a detection device, a connecting rod member, and a cleaning component. The detection device includes at least one detection element. The connecting rod member is movably disposed on the mounting base. The cleaning component is connected to the connecting rod member and can move with the connecting rod member to clean the working surface of the detection element. When the front cover of the apparatus body is closed, the pusher is driven to push the connecting rod member to a first position, and the cleaning component cleans the working surface of the detection element.

[0087] When the front cover of the main body of the device is opened, the connecting rod component moves to the second position to reset and causes the cleaning component to clean the working surface of the detection element;

[0088] Based on the controller, the detection method includes:

[0089] If the connecting rod component is detected to be in the second position, it can be determined that the front cover is not closed;

[0090] The second position is the position of the connecting rod member in the predetermined track when the front cover of the image forming device is not closed.

[0091] In one possible design, the detection device includes at least one detection element, the detection element including a transmitter that emits a signal and a receiver that receives a feedback value of the signal, wherein the detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device is in the second position includes:

[0092] Determine whether the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element is lower than a first threshold;

[0093] If the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element is lower than the first threshold, the connecting rod component is in the second position.

[0094] In one possible design, the detection device includes at least two detection elements, each including a first transmitter emitting a first signal and a second transmitter emitting a second signal. The detection elements also include a first receiver for receiving feedback values ​​of the first signal and a second receiver for receiving feedback values ​​of the second signal. The detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device is in the second position includes:

[0095] Determine whether the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and determine whether the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold;

[0096] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, then the connecting rod component is in the second position.

[0097] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0098] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then it can be determined that the connecting rod component is in the first position.

[0099] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the image forming device issues an abnormality report.

[0100] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0101] The anomaly includes the detection element being dirty.

[0102] In one possible design, the detection element is determined to be cleaned after the front cover is opened and closed.

[0103] The method further includes:

[0104] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the first threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the abnormality report content is that the cleaning part is abnormal.

[0105] In one possible design, the first threshold is equal to the second threshold.

[0106] In one possible design, the image forming apparatus further includes a transfer belt;

[0107] After the detection element is cleaned, the method further includes:

[0108] If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the third threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the third threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the third threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the third threshold, then the abnormality report content is "transfer belt abnormality".

[0109] A ninth aspect of this application provides an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0110] The device body includes a front cover that is rotatable relative to the device body to open or close the image forming chamber of the device body;

[0111] A toner container, installed in the main body of the device, is used in the image forming process, and the toner container is provided with a through hole;

[0112] A pusher is installed in the through hole, and the front cover is capable of pushing the pusher to move along the through hole;

[0113] As described above, when the front cover is closed, the pusher pushes the connecting rod member in the second position to move to the first position.

[0114] A position detection module is used to detect whether the connecting rod component is in the second position;

[0115] The processing module, based on the detection results of the position detection module, outputs a judgment result indicating that the front cover is not closed when the connecting rod component is in the second position.

[0116] In one possible design, the position detection module includes the detection device in the cleaning device.

[0117] In one possible design, when the connecting rod member is in the first position, the light signal emitted by the detection device can be emitted to the transfer belt, and the transfer belt can reflect the light signal back to the detection device.

[0118] In one possible design, the detection device includes a first detection element and a second detection element;

[0119] The first detection element includes a first transmitting end for transmitting a first signal and a first receiving end for receiving feedback values ​​of the first signal;

[0120] The second detection element includes a second transmitting end for transmitting a second signal and a second receiving end for receiving the feedback value of the second signal.

[0121] The tenth aspect of this application provides an image forming apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; a memory; and one or more computer programs, wherein the first or more computer programs are stored in the memory, and the one or more computer programs include instructions that, when executed by the image forming apparatus, cause the image forming apparatus to perform the detection method described above.

[0122] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls an image forming apparatus in which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the detection method described above.

[0123] In this application, the toner container is linked to the cleaning device. When the detection device is dirty, the user can clean the detection device twice by disassembling and assembling the toner container to activate the cleaning component. When the detection device is heavily contaminated, the toner container can also be removed, and the cleaning device can be manually pressed to clean the detection device manually, preventing the working surface of the detection device from being contaminated by toner or paper scraps, which would affect the accuracy of the detection.

[0124] Furthermore, this application links the front cover with the cleaning device. When the testing device is dirty, the user can open and close the front cover to activate the cleaning component and perform two cleaning cycles on the testing device. When the testing device is heavily contaminated, the front cover can also be opened, and the handle can be pressed to manually clean the testing device, preventing the working surface of the testing device from being contaminated by toner or paper scraps, which could affect the accuracy of the test.

[0125] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0126] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the state of the cleaning device when the toner container provided in this application is removed from the main body of the device;

[0127] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of section A in the middle;

[0128] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the toner container not in contact with the cleaning device.

[0129] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the optical surface of the optical components being shielded by the cleaning device;

[0130] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A diagram from another perspective;

[0131] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the state of the cleaning device when the toner container is inserted into the main body of the equipment;

[0132] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged schematic diagram of section B in the middle;

[0133] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the contact between the toner container and the cleaning device.

[0134] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the optical surface of the cleaning device without obstructing the optical components;

[0135] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical component;

[0136] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting base.

[0137] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A diagram from another perspective;

[0138] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the cleaning linkage;

[0139] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A diagram from another perspective;

[0140] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the push handle structure;

[0141] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A diagram from another perspective;

[0142] Figure 17 This is a structural schematic diagram of the limiting component;

[0143] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic element.

[0144] Figure 19 This is a structural schematic diagram of the support component;

[0145] Figure 20 This is a structural diagram of the cleaning component;

[0146] Figure 21 An explosion diagram of the cleaning device and detection components;

[0147] Figure 22 A flowchart illustrating the process of detecting signals from a sensing element;

[0148] Figure 23 A schematic diagram showing the state of the cleaning device when the front cover is closed on the main body of the device as provided in this application;

[0149] Figure 24 for Figure 23 Enlarged diagram of section C;

[0150] Figure 25 A schematic diagram showing the state of the cleaning device when the front cover is open, as provided in this application;

[0151] Figure 26 for Figure 25 Enlarged schematic diagram of section D in the middle;

[0152] Figure 27 This is a structural schematic diagram of the actuator;

[0153] Figure 28 A schematic diagram showing the engagement part of the pusher abutting against the surrounding portion of the through hole in the toner container;

[0154] Figure 29 for Figure 28 Enlarged schematic diagram of section E in the middle;

[0155] Figure 30 A flowchart illustrating the process of detecting signals from a sensing element;

[0156] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the toner container provided in this application;

[0157] Figure 32 This is a partial structural diagram of the toner container installed in the imaging forming apparatus provided in this application.

[0158] Figure label:

[0159] 1-Image forming apparatus;

[0160] 10-Main body of the equipment;

[0161] 11-Front cover;

[0162] 12-Installation Department

[0163] 13-groove

[0164] 20 - Toner container;

[0165] 20a - Toner container surface;

[0166] 21-Protrusion;

[0167] 22-Through hole;

[0168] 30 - Cleaning device;

[0169] 31-Mounting base;

[0170] 311 - The predetermined trajectory;

[0171] 311a - Avoidance section;

[0172] 312 - First connecting part;

[0173] 313 - Placement area;

[0174] 32-Cleaning linkage;

[0175] 321 - Opening;

[0176] 322-Snap-on;

[0177] 323 - Second connecting part;

[0178] 324 - Connecting Area;

[0179] 33-Cleaning parts;

[0180] 34-Forcer handle;

[0181] 341-Butt;

[0182] 341a-slope;

[0183] 35 - Limiting component;

[0184] 351-Groove;

[0185] 36-Elastic element;

[0186] 361 - Connector;

[0187] 37-Supporting component;

[0188] 40 - Detection element;

[0189] 41 - Working surface;

[0190] 50 - Pushing component;

[0191] 51-Hook-fitting part;

[0192] 52-Limiting part;

[0193] 60-Toner container;

[0194] 61-Bump.

[0195] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0196] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0197] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0198] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0199] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0200] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" described in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0201] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides an image forming apparatus 1, which can be a printer, copier, fax machine, or a multifunction printer integrating printer, copier, and fax machine functions. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body 10, a toner container 20, a cleaning device 30, and a detection device (not shown). The main body 10 has an image forming chamber for mounting the toner container 20. The toner container 20 has a protrusion 21. The cleaning device 30 is mounted on the main body 10, and the detection device is mounted on the cleaning device 30. During the installation of the toner container 20 onto the main body 10, the protrusion 21 abuts against the cleaning device 30, pushing a portion of the cleaning device 30 towards a first direction Y to clean the detection device. During the removal of the toner container 20 from the main body 10, a portion of the cleaning device 30 can be pushed towards a second direction X to clean the detection device again.

[0202] In this embodiment, the toner container 20 is linked to the cleaning device 30. When the detection device is dirty, the user can clean the detection device twice by removing and installing the toner container 20 to activate the cleaning device 30. When the detection device is severely contaminated, the toner container 20 can also be removed, and the cleaning device 30 can be manually pressed to clean the detection device manually, preventing the working surface 41 of the detection device from being contaminated by toner or paper scraps, which would affect the accuracy of the detection.

[0203] Specifically, such as Figures 2 to 10As shown, the cleaning device 30 includes a mounting base 31, a cleaning link 32, a cleaning component 33, and a push handle 34. The mounting base 31 is used to mount the detection device and is provided with a predetermined track 311. The detection device includes at least one detection element 40, the working surface 41 of which faces the cleaning link 32 and can be cleaned by the cleaning link 32. The cleaning link 32 is movably mounted on the mounting base 31 along the predetermined track 311. The cleaning component 33 is connected to the cleaning link 32 and can move with the cleaning link 32. The push handle 34 abuts against the cleaning link 32 and can push the cleaning link 32 to move along the extension direction of the predetermined track 311.

[0204] In this embodiment, as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, when the toner container 20 is not installed to the main body 10, the cleaning component 33 is located on one side of the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 in the second direction X. During the installation of the toner container 20 to the main body 10, the protrusion 21 of the toner container 20 abuts against the push handle 34 and pushes the push handle 34 to move. The push handle 34 pushes the cleaning linkage 32 to move along the predetermined track 311 in the first direction Y. The cleaning linkage 32 drives the cleaning component 33 to move in the first direction Y, so that the cleaning component 33 can pass through the working surface 41 of the detection element 40, thereby cleaning the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. Figures 6 to 9 As shown, during the disassembly of the toner container 20 from the device body 10, the pushing force exerted by the protrusion 21 on the push handle 34 is removed, allowing the cleaning link 32 to be pushed to move in the second direction X. The cleaning link 32 drives the cleaning component 33 to move in the second direction X, enabling the cleaning component 33 to pass over the working surface 41 of the detection element 40, thus cleaning the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. When the toner container 20 is installed on the device body 10, the protrusion 21 of the toner container 20 abuts against the push handle 34, and the push handle 34 abuts against the cleaning link 32. The cleaning component 33 can be pushed to move in the first direction Y, and the cleaning link 32 drives the cleaning component 33 to move in the first direction Y, enabling the cleaning component 33 to pass over the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 again, thus cleaning the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 again. When the toner container 20 is installed, the cleaning component 33 is located on one side of the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 in the first direction Y. This embodiment allows for two cleanings of the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 by disassembling and assembling the toner container 20, removing toner powder or paper scraps from the working surface 41. When the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 is heavily contaminated, the toner container 20 can also be removed, and the push handle 34 can be manually pressed to clean the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 manually.

[0205] In this embodiment, the pushing structure of the working surface 41 of the cleaning detection element 40 is set into two sections. The first section is the protrusion 21 or the manually pushed pushing handle 34, and the second section is the pushing handle 34 pushing the cleaning connecting rod 32. This shortens the length of the pushing structure, improves the structural strength of the pushing handle 34 and the cleaning connecting rod 32, and also makes it easier for the cleaning device 30 to be assembled on the main body 10 of the equipment, and reduces the deformation and scratching of other parts caused by the excessive length of the pushing structure.

[0206] like Figure 20 As shown, the cleaning component 33 can be a brush.

[0207] like Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the predetermined track 311 is located above the detection element 40. The predetermined track 311 is provided with a clearance portion 311a, and the mounting base 31 is provided with a placement area 313. The detection element 40 is mounted in the placement area 313, and the clearance portion 311a is located above the placement area 313, so that the clearance portion 311a is aligned with the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. This allows the detection element 40 to emit or receive light, ensuring the normal operation of the detection element 40, and allowing the cleaning component 33 to clean the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. The predetermined track 311 can also be located below, in front of, or behind the detection element 40, etc., according to the setting requirements. This embodiment does not make specific limitations here.

[0208] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the cleaning link 32 has an opening 321 and a first position and a second position. When the cleaning link 32 is in the first position, the opening 321 can be aligned with the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. That is, after the toner container 20 is installed into the device body 10, the opening 321 on the cleaning link 32 is directly opposite the working surface 41 of the detection element 40, so that the detection element 40 can emit or receive light and ensure the normal operation of the detection element 40. When the cleaning link 32 moves from the first position to the second position, the cleaning link 32 passes through the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. That is, when the toner container 20 is removed from the device body 10, the cleaning link 32 drives the cleaning component 33 to move and pass through the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 to clean the working surface 41 of the detection element 40.

[0209] like Figure 14As shown, the cleaning link 32 is also provided with a connecting area 324. The cleaning component 33 is installed in the connecting area 324. The connecting area 324 is located on the side of the opening 321 away from the push handle 34, so that the cleaning component 33 is located on the side of the opening 321 away from the push handle 34, and thus the cleaning component 33 is located on the side of the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 away from the push handle 34, so that the cleaning component 33 can clean the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 when it moves along the predetermined track 311.

[0210] like Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 21 As shown, this embodiment provides two detection elements 40, which are distributed along the extension direction of the predetermined track 311. Correspondingly, the mounting base 31 is provided with two clearance portions 311a, the cleaning link 32 is provided with two openings 321, and two cleaning components 33 are mounted on the cleaning link 32.

[0211] The cleaning link 32 also includes a shielding portion for blocking the detection element 40. When the toner container 20 is removed from the device body 10, the cleaning link 31 returns to its second position, at which point the shielding portion blocks the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. This shielding portion is the part of the surface of the cleaning link 32 opposite to the working surface 41 of the detection element 40, excluding the opening.

[0212] Among them, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, when the toner container 20 is not installed in place on the main body 10 or is removed from the main body 10, the protrusion 21 cannot press the cleaning link 32 in. The shielding part or cleaning component 33 of the cleaning link 32 can cover the working surface 41 of the detection element 40, reducing the risk of external dust falling onto the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. Furthermore, if the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 is blocked, the image forming apparatus 1 will not function properly, preventing the image forming apparatus 1 from malfunctioning. The presence or absence of a blocked working surface 41 of the detection element 40 can also be used to detect whether the toner container 20 is properly installed.

[0213] like Figures 11 to 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the predetermined track 311 is plate-shaped, and the cleaning link 32 is C-shaped. The cleaning link 32 is fastened onto the predetermined track 311, and the cleaning link 32 is provided with a buckle 322. The buckle 322 is engaged with the edge of the predetermined track 311, so that the cleaning link 32 is installed on the predetermined track 311 and can move along the predetermined track 311. There can be 8 buckles 322, which are evenly distributed on both sides of the cleaning link 32 to reduce the arching deformation of the cleaning link 32.

[0214] like Figure 4 , Figure 18 and Figure 21As shown, to enable the cleaning linkage 32 to be pushed to move in the second direction X when the toner container 20 is removed from the device body 10, the cleaning device 30 also includes an elastic element 36. One end of the elastic element 36 is connected to the cleaning linkage 32, and the other end is connected to the mounting base 31. Under its own elastic force, the elastic element 36 can drive the cleaning linkage 32 to move in the second direction X. In this embodiment, after the toner container 20 is removed from the device body 10, the cleaning linkage 32 can be driven to move in the second direction X under the elastic force of the elastic element 36, so that the cleaning linkage 32 drives the cleaning element 33 to clean the working surface 41 of the detection element 40 again and block the working surface 41 of the detection element 40.

[0215] The elastic element 36 can be a spring or tension spring, etc. After installation, the elastic element 36 is in a state of being lower in the front and higher in the back. In addition to applying a restoring force to the cleaning link 32 in the second direction X, it also applies a downward pulling force to the cleaning link 32, reducing the risk of the cleaning link 32 tilting upward and scratching other components above (such as the transfer belt).

[0216] Specifically, such as Figure 12 , Figure 14 and Figure 18 As shown, the mounting base 31 has a first connecting portion 312, and the cleaning link 32 has a second connecting portion 323. One end of the elastic member 36 is connected to the first connecting portion 312, and the other end of the elastic member 36 is connected to the second connecting portion 323. The first connecting portion 312 is positioned closer to the push handle 34 than the second connecting portion 323, and the first connecting portion 312 is positioned lower than the second connecting portion 323. That is, the first connecting portion 312 is located at the front end of the second connecting portion 323, and the position of the first connecting portion 312 is lower than that of the second connecting portion 323, so that after the two ends of the elastic member 36 are connected to the first connecting portion 312 and the second connecting portion 323 respectively, they are in a state of front-low and rear-high, so that the cleaning link 32 can be attached to the mounting base 31 under the elastic force of the elastic member 36 itself. The two ends of the elastic member 36 are connecting ends 361 with a ring structure. The first connecting portion 312 and the second connecting portion 323 can have a hook structure to facilitate the connection of the elastic member 36 with the first connecting portion 312 and the second connecting portion 323.

[0217] like Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 17 As shown, in some embodiments, the cleaning device 30 further includes a limiting member 35, which is installed on the side plate inside the device body 10. The limiting member 35 is provided with a sliding groove 351, the extension direction of which is the same as the movement direction of the push handle 34. Part of the push handle 34 passes through the sliding groove 351 and abuts against the cleaning linkage 32. The limiting member 35 supports the push handle 34 and restricts its movement direction.

[0218] Among them, such as Figure 7 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown in Figure 7 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the pushing handle 34 is provided with an abutting portion 341. The abutting portion 341 is always in the direction of the chute 351 close to the cleaning link 32 for abutting against the cleaning link 32. The cross-section of the abutting portion 341 is larger than that of the chute 351 to prevent the pushing handle 34 from disengaging from the chute 351.

[0219] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the surface of the abutting portion 341 abutting against the cleaning link 32 is an inclined surface 341a, and the inclined surface 341a is inclined in the direction of the established track 311. That is, the surface of the abutting portion 341 abutting against the cleaning link 32 is inclined downward, so that in addition to applying a thrust force in the front and rear directions to the cleaning link 32, the pushing handle 34 also applies a downward pressure to the cleaning link 32, reducing the risk that the cleaning link 32翘曲s upward and scratches other components above (such as the transfer belt).

[0220] As Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown, the cross-section of the chute 351 is in the shape of an inverted "convex" character horizontally, and a raised limiting portion is provided on one side of the corresponding pushing handle 34, so that the cross-section of a part of the pushing handle 34 is also in the shape of a "convex" character, restricting the assembly direction of the pushing handle 34 and preventing the surface of the abutting portion 341 abutting against the cleaning link 32 from tilting upward. <00,00519>Alternatively, the pushing handle 34 and the cleaning connecting rod 32 can also be key-connected, pin-connected, hook-connected, etc., and the present embodiment does not make specific limitations here.

[0222] As Figure 19 and Figure 21 shown, in some embodiments, the cleaning device 30 further includes a support member 37. The mounting base 31 is mounted on the support member 37. The support member 37 and the mounting base 31 are connected to form a receiving space for wrapping the detection element 40, so that the detection element 40 is in a relatively sealed space, playing a protective role for the detection element 40 and preventing the detection element 40 from being contaminated and preventing the detection element 40 from being collided.

[0223] Among them, the support member 37, the mounting base 31, the cleaning link 32 and the cleaning member 33 can be first assembled into a component, and the component is assembled on the device main body 10, and the pushing handle 34 and the limiting member 35 can be assembled later, simplifying the assembly process and preventing the support member 37 from being deformed.

[0224] When the toner container 20 is not installed on the main body 10 of the device, the working surface 41 of the detection device is covered, and the detection device cannot receive a light signal. After the toner container 20 is installed in place on the main body 10 of the device, the working surface 41 of the detection device is unobstructed, and the detection device can receive a light signal. To prevent a mismatch between whether the toner container 20 is installed in place and whether the detection device receives a light signal, such as... Figure 22 As shown, this embodiment also provides a detection method, executed in image forming apparatus 1. Combined with... Figures 1 to 21 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 10, a toner container 20, a cleaning device 30, and a controller. The cleaning device 30 includes a mounting base 31, a detection device, a linkage member, and a cleaning component 33. The detection device includes at least one detection element 40. The linkage member is movably mounted on the mounting base 31. The cleaning component 33 is connected to the linkage member and can move with the linkage member to clean the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. The linkage member includes a cleaning linkage 32 and a push handle 34, the push handle 34 protruding from / approaching the image forming chamber.

[0225] The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a position detection module and a processing module. The position detection module is used to detect whether the connecting member is in the second position. The position detection module includes the detection device in the cleaning device 30. Based on the detection result of the position detection module, when the connecting member is in the second position, the processing module outputs a judgment result indicating that the toner container 20 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0226] Based on the controller, the toner container 20 detection method includes: detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device 30 is in the second position; if the linkage member is detected to be in the second position, it can be determined that the toner container 20 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1, indicating that the toner container 20 is not properly installed. The second position is the position of the linkage member in the predetermined track 311 when the toner container 20 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0227] Specifically, the detection device includes at least one detection element 40, which includes a transmitting end for emitting a signal and a receiving end for receiving a feedback value of the signal. The detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device 30 is in the second position includes: determining whether the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element 40 is lower than a first threshold; if the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element 40 is lower than the first threshold, then the linkage member is in the second position.

[0228] In this embodiment, 100 ADC values ​​of the specular reflection channel can be collected within 100ms after the detection device starts detection. The 20 highest and 20 lowest values ​​are removed, and the average of the remaining 60 values ​​is taken. If the controller determines that the average ADC value of the detection element 40 is greater than 1000, the connecting rod is in the first position, indicating that the toner container 20 is installed correctly and the image forming equipment 1 is functioning normally without any abnormalities. If the controller determines that the average ADC value of the detection element 40 is less than 1000, the connecting rod is in the second position, indicating that the toner container 20 is not installed correctly.

[0229] Alternatively, the detection device includes at least two detection elements 40, namely a first detection element 40 and a second detection element 40. The first detection element 40 includes a first transmitting end that emits a first signal and a first receiving end that receives a feedback value of the first signal. The second detection element 40 includes a second transmitting end that emits a second signal and a second receiving end that receives a feedback value of the second signal. The method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device 30 is in a second position includes: determining whether the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than a first threshold and determining whether the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than a second threshold; if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, then the linkage member is in the second position. If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the linkage member can be determined to be in a first position. The first threshold is equal to the second threshold.

[0230] In this embodiment, the controller detects the ADC values ​​of the first detection element 40 and the second detection element 40 respectively. If the controller determines that the ADC values ​​of both the first detection element 40 and the second detection element 40 are greater than 1000, it indicates that the toner container 20 is installed correctly, the image forming device 1 is functioning normally, and it can operate without any abnormalities. If the controller determines that the ADC values ​​of both the first detection element 40 and the second detection element 40 are less than 1000, it indicates that the toner container 20 is not installed correctly.

[0231] The method further includes: if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, or if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the image forming apparatus 1 issues an anomaly report. The anomaly report may indicate that the detection element 40 is dirty. That is, if the controller determines that the ADC value of one of the first and second detection elements 40 is greater than 1000 and the ADC value of the other is less than 1000, it indicates that the toner container 20 is properly installed, but the image forming apparatus 1 is malfunctioning.

[0232] Furthermore, when the toner container 20 is installed on the device body 10, the connecting rod component is driven to move to the first position and the cleaning component 33 cleans the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. When the toner container 20 is removed from the device body 10, the connecting rod component performs a reset movement to move to the second position and the cleaning component 33 cleans the working surface 41 of the detection element 40.

[0233] After the toner container 20 is disassembled and installed on the main body 10 of the device, it is determined that the detection element 40 has been cleaned; the method also includes: if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, or if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the abnormal report content is that the cleaning part 33 is abnormal.

[0234] In this embodiment, after the controller determines that the image forming device 1 is malfunctioning, the toner container 20 can be removed from the device body 10. During the removal process, the detection element 40 can be cleaned. After removal, the push handle 34 can be manually pressed several times to drive the cleaning component 33 to further clean the detection element 40. If, at this time, the controller determines that the ADC value of one of the first and second detection elements 40 is greater than 1000 and the ADC value of the other is less than 1000, it indicates that the cleaning component 33 may be malfunctioning. Check whether the cleaning component 33 has fallen off and is covering the detection element 40, or replace the cleaning component 33 for debugging.

[0235] In some embodiments, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a transfer belt mounted on the apparatus body 10. When the linkage member is in the first position, a light signal emitted by the detection device can be emitted to the transfer belt, and the transfer belt can reflect the light signal back to the detection device. After the detection element 40 is cleaned, the method further includes: if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is not lower than a third threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is lower than the third threshold, or if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is lower than the third threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is not lower than the third threshold, then the abnormality report content is "transfer belt abnormality". The third threshold can be equal to the first threshold / second threshold.

[0236] In this embodiment, after the controller determines that the image forming device 1 is malfunctioning, the toner container 20 can be removed from the device body 10. During the removal process, the detection element 40 can be cleaned. If, at this time, the controller determines that the ADC value of one of the first and second detection elements 40 is greater than 1000 and the ADC value of the other is less than 1000, it indicates that the transfer belt may be malfunctioning, or that the transfer belt may be contaminated or damaged. The transfer belt can be cleaned or replaced for debugging.

[0237] Alternatively, after replacing the cleaning component 33, if the controller determines that the ADC value of one of the first detection element 40 and the second detection element 40 is greater than 1000 and the ADC value of the other is less than 1000, it indicates that the transfer belt may be abnormal, or that the transfer belt may be contaminated or damaged. The transfer belt can be cleaned or replaced for debugging.

[0238] In some embodiments, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes one or more processors, a memory, and one or more computer programs, wherein the one or more computer programs are stored in the memory and include instructions that, when executed by the image forming apparatus 1, cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform the detection method described above.

[0239] This embodiment also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which includes a stored program, wherein the program controls the above-described detection method of the image forming apparatus 1 where the computer-readable storage medium is located when it is running.

[0240] In some embodiments, this embodiment also provides an image forming apparatus 1, which is related to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 Unlike the image forming apparatus 1 shown, this embodiment cleans the detection device by opening and closing the front cover 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 to push the cleaning device 30 to move.

[0241] like Figures 23 to 26 As shown, the main body 10 of the device also includes a front cover 11, which is rotatable relative to the main body 10 to open or close the image forming chamber. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a pusher 50, and the toner container 20 is provided with a through hole 22. The pusher 50 is mounted in the through hole 22 and is movable along the through hole 22. When the front cover 11 is closed, the pusher 50 can abut against the push handle 34 to push the cleaning link 32 to move the cleaning component 33 in a first direction so that the cleaning component 33 passes through the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. When the front cover 11 is open, the cleaning link 32 can be pushed to move the cleaning component 33 in a second direction so that the cleaning component 33 passes through the working surface 41 of the detection element 40.

[0242] In this embodiment, the front cover 11 is linked to the cleaning device 30. When the detection device is dirty, the user can open and close the front cover 11 to drive the cleaning component 33 to clean the detection device twice. When the detection device is heavily contaminated, the front cover 11 can also be opened and the handle can be pressed to manually clean the detection device 30, so as to avoid the working surface 41 of the detection device being contaminated by toner or paper scraps, which would affect the accuracy of the detection.

[0243] It should be noted that the structure of the cleaning device 30 in this embodiment is similar to... Figures 2 to 21 The cleaning device 30 shown is identical and will not be described in detail here.

[0244] Specifically, such as Figures 27 to 29 As shown, a limiting part 51 is provided at one end of the pusher 50 near the front cover 11, and a fastening part 51 is provided at the other end of the pusher 50 away from the front cover 11. When the front cover 11 is closed, the limiting part 51 can abut against the outer periphery of the through hole 22 to prevent the pusher 50 from disengaging from the through hole 22. When the front cover 11 is opened, the fastening part 51 can fasten against the outer periphery of the through hole 22 to prevent the pusher 50 from disengaging from the through hole 22. In this embodiment, the pusher 50 can be installed into the through hole 22 by pressing the fastening part 51. After the pusher 50 is installed into the through hole 22, both ends of the pusher 50 are restricted from disengaging from the through hole 22 by the fastening part 51 and the limiting part 51, respectively.

[0245] Furthermore, when the front cover 11 is opened, the cleaning linkage 32 resets to the second position, and the shielding part of the cleaning linkage 32 blocks the working surface 41 of the detection element 40, at which point the detection device cannot receive a light signal. When the front cover 11 is closed, it pushes the cleaning linkage 32 to the first position, at which point the working surface 41 of the detection device is unobstructed, and the detection device can receive a light signal. To prevent a mismatch between whether the front cover 11 is properly closed and whether the detection device receives a light signal, the following measures are taken: Figure 30 As shown, this embodiment also provides a detection method. This detection method is executed in the image forming apparatus 1 described above, in conjunction with... Figures 23 to 29 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 10, a toner container 20, a pusher 50, a cleaning device 30, and a controller. The pusher 50 is movably disposed on the toner container 20. The cleaning device 30 includes a mounting base 31, a detection device, a connecting rod member, and a cleaning component 33. The detection device includes at least one detection element 40. The connecting rod member is movably disposed on the mounting base 31. The cleaning component 33 is connected to the connecting rod member and can move with the connecting rod member to clean the working surface 41 of the detection element 40.

[0246] The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a position detection module and a processing module. The position detection module is used to detect whether the connecting member is in the second position. The position detection module includes the detection device in the cleaning device 30. Based on the detection result of the position detection module, when the connecting member is in the second position, the processing module outputs a judgment result indicating that the toner container 20 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0247] When the front cover 11 of the device body 10 is closed, the pusher 50 pushes the connecting rod member to the first position, and the cleaning member 33 cleans the working surface 41 of the detection element 40. When the front cover 11 of the device body 10 is opened, the connecting rod member moves to the second position and the cleaning member 33 cleans the working surface 41 of the detection element 40.

[0248] Based on the controller, the detection method includes: if the connecting rod member is detected to be in the second position, it can be determined that the front cover 11 is not properly closed. The second position is the position of the connecting rod member in the predetermined track 311 when the front cover 11 of the image forming device 1 is not closed.

[0249] Specifically, the detection device includes at least one detection element 40, which includes a transmitting end for emitting a signal and a receiving end for receiving a feedback value of the signal. The detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device 30 is in the second position includes: determining whether the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element 40 is lower than a first threshold; if the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element 40 is lower than the first threshold, then the linkage member is in the second position.

[0250] In this embodiment, 100 ADC values ​​of the specular reflection channel can be collected within 100ms after the detection device starts detection. The 20 highest and 20 lowest values ​​are removed, and the average of the remaining 60 values ​​is taken. If the controller determines that the average ADC value of the detection element 40 is greater than 1000, the connecting rod member is in the first position, indicating that the front cover 11 is properly closed and the image forming device 1 is functioning normally without any abnormalities. If the controller determines that the average ADC value of the detection element 40 is less than 1000, the connecting rod member is in the second position, indicating that the front cover 11 is not properly closed.

[0251] Alternatively, the detection device includes at least two detection elements 40, namely a first detection element 40 and a second detection element 40. The first detection element 40 includes a first transmitting end that emits a first signal and a first receiving end that receives a feedback value of the first signal. The second detection element 40 includes a second transmitting end that emits a second signal and a second receiving end that receives a feedback value of the second signal. The method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device 30 is in a second position includes: determining whether the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than a first threshold and determining whether the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than a second threshold; if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, then the linkage member is in the second position. If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the linkage member can be determined to be in a first position. The first threshold is equal to the second threshold.

[0252] In this embodiment, the controller detects the ADC values ​​of the first detection element 40 and the second detection element 40 respectively. If the controller determines that the ADC values ​​of both the first detection element 40 and the second detection element 40 are greater than 1000, it indicates that the front cover 11 is properly closed, the image forming device 1 is functioning normally without any abnormalities. If the controller determines that the ADC values ​​of both the first detection element 40 and the second detection element 40 are less than 1000, it indicates that the front cover 11 is not properly closed.

[0253] The method further includes: if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, or if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the image forming apparatus 1 issues an anomaly report. This anomaly may include dirt on the detection element 40. That is, if the controller determines that the ADC value of one of the first and second detection elements 40 is greater than 1000 and the ADC value of the other is less than 1000, it indicates that the front cover 11 is properly closed, but the image forming apparatus 1 has malfunctioned.

[0254] Furthermore, after the front cover 11 is opened and closed, it is determined that the detection element 40 has been cleaned; the method also includes: if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is lower than the first threshold, or if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the abnormal report content is that the cleaning component 33 is abnormal.

[0255] In this embodiment, after the controller determines that the image forming device 1 is malfunctioning, the front cover 11 can be opened to clean the detection element 40. After opening the front cover 11, the pusher 50 can be manually pressed several times to push the push handle 34 and drive the cleaning component 33 to further clean the detection element 40. If, at this time, the controller determines that the ADC value of one of the first and second detection elements 40 is greater than 1000 and the ADC value of the other is less than 1000, it indicates that the cleaning component 33 may be malfunctioning. Check whether the cleaning component 33 has fallen off and is covering the detection element 40, or replace the cleaning component 33 for debugging.

[0256] In some embodiments, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a transfer belt mounted on the apparatus body 10. When the linkage member is in the first position, a light signal emitted by the detection device can be emitted to the transfer belt, and the transfer belt can reflect the light signal back to the detection device. After the detection element 40 is cleaned, the method further includes: if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is not lower than a third threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is lower than the third threshold, or if the first signal feedback value received by the first receiving end is lower than the third threshold and the second signal feedback value received by the second receiving end is not lower than the third threshold, then the abnormality report content is "transfer belt abnormality".

[0257] In this embodiment, after the controller determines that the image forming device 1 is malfunctioning, the front cover 11 can be opened to clean the detection element 40. If, at this time, the controller determines that the ADC value of one of the first and second detection elements 40 is greater than 1000 and the ADC value of the other is less than 1000, it indicates that the transfer belt may be malfunctioning, or that the transfer belt may be contaminated or damaged. The transfer belt can be cleaned or replaced for debugging.

[0258] Alternatively, after replacing the cleaning component 33, if the controller determines that the ADC value of one of the first detection element 40 and the second detection element 40 is greater than 1000 and the ADC value of the other is less than 1000, it indicates that the transfer belt may be abnormal, or that the transfer belt may be contaminated or damaged. The transfer belt can be cleaned or replaced for debugging.

[0259] In some embodiments, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes one or more processors, a memory, and one or more computer programs, wherein the one or more computer programs are stored in the memory and include instructions that, when executed by the image forming apparatus 1, cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform the detection method described above.

[0260] This embodiment also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which includes a stored program, wherein the program controls the above-described detection method of the image forming apparatus 1 where the computer-readable storage medium is located when it is running.

[0261] like Figure 31As shown, the imaging forming apparatus 1 also includes several toner containers 60. These toner containers 60 can hold four different colors of toner (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) and supply the toner to the corresponding drum assembly to form a toner image on the imaging medium. Toner remaining on the drum assembly during imaging is cleaned by a cleaning mechanism and transported to a waste toner bin. Protrusions 61 are provided on the sidewalls of the toner containers 60, and when viewed perpendicular to the toner container 20a, the positions of the protrusions 61 corresponding to the four toner containers 60 containing the four different colors of CYMK do not overlap.

[0262] like Figure 32 As shown, the imaging forming apparatus 1 is provided with a mounting part 12 for mounting a toner container 60. The edge of the mounting part 12 has a groove 13 for accommodating a protrusion 61. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface 20a of the toner container, the position of the groove 13 corresponds to the protrusion 61 on the side wall of the toner container 60. Therefore, the toner container 60 can only be inserted into the position where the groove 13 corresponds to the protrusion 61, thus avoiding the problem of the toner color output by the toner container 60 not matching the color of the drum assembly due to incorrect insertion, preventing the proper formation of a toner image.

[0263] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, disposed on an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: A mounting base for mounting a detection device, the mounting base having a predetermined track and a first connecting part; The detection device includes at least one detection element, the working surface of which can be cleaned by a cleaning link; A linkage component includes a cleaning link and a push handle. The cleaning link is movably mounted on the mounting base along the predetermined track. The push handle abuts against the cleaning link and can push the cleaning link to move along the extension direction of the predetermined track. The cleaning link is provided with a second connecting portion, and a first connecting portion is disposed close to the push handle relative to the second connecting portion. The line connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion intersects the extension direction of the cleaning link. A cleaning component is connected to the cleaning linkage, and the cleaning component can move with the cleaning linkage. An elastic element, one end of which is connected to the first connecting part and the other end of which is connected to the second connecting part, allows the cleaning rod to fit against the mounting base under its own elastic force.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined track is provided with a clearance section, which is aligned with the working surface of the detection element.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning linkage is provided with an opening; The cleaning link has a first position and a second position. When the cleaning link is in the first position, the opening can be aligned with the working surface of the detection element. When the cleaning link moves from the first position to the second position, the cleaning component passes through the working surface of the detection element.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning link also includes a shielding part for shielding the detection element; When the cleaning linkage returns to the second position, the shielding part blocks the working surface of the detection element.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The designated track is plate-shaped; The cleaning linkage is equipped with a buckle, which is engaged with the edge of the predetermined track.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning device also includes a limiting member, which has a sliding groove; Part of the push handle passes through the groove and abuts against the cleaning link.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push handle is provided with an abutment portion, which is connected to the cleaning link, and the abutment portion can restrict the cleaning link from tilting upward.

8. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The cleaning device further includes a support member, and the mounting base is mounted on the support member; The support member is connected to the mounting base to form a receiving space that encloses the detection element.

9. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: The device body has an image forming chamber for mounting a toner container, and a push handle protrudes / approaches the image forming chamber; A toner container, installed in the main body of the device, is used in the image forming process; A cleaning device is installed on the main body of the equipment, and the cleaning device is the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; During the process of installing the toner container into the main body of the device, it can abut against the push handle to push the cleaning linkage to move the cleaning component in the first direction so that the cleaning component passes through the working surface of the detection element; During the process of disassembling the toner container from the main body of the device, the cleaning linkage can be pushed to move the cleaning component in a second direction so that the cleaning component passes over the working surface of the detection element.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the toner container is removed from the main body of the device, the cleaning link moves back to the second position, and the shielding part of the cleaning link can block the working surface of the detection element.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The toner container is provided with a protrusion; When the toner container is installed on the main body of the device, the protrusion pushes against the push handle.

12. A detection method, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus includes a main body, a toner container, a cleaning device, and a controller. The cleaning device is the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The cleaning device includes a mounting base, a detection device, a connecting rod member, and a cleaning component. The detection device includes at least one detection element. The connecting rod member is movably disposed on the mounting base. The cleaning component is connected to the connecting rod member and can move with the connecting rod member to clean the working surface of the detection element. When the toner container is installed on the main body of the device, the connecting rod component is driven to move to the first position and the cleaning component cleans the working surface of the detection element; When the toner container is removed from the main body of the device, the connecting rod component moves to the second position and the cleaning component cleans the working surface of the detection element; Based on the controller, the toner container detection method includes: Detect whether the linkage component of the cleaning device is in the second position; If the connecting rod component is detected to be in the second position, it can be determined that the toner container is not installed in the image forming device; The second position is the position of the connecting rod component in the predetermined track when the toner container is not installed in the image forming device.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The detection device includes at least one detection element, which includes a transmitter for emitting a signal and a receiver for receiving a feedback value of the signal. The detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device is in the second position includes: Determine whether the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element is lower than a first threshold; If the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element is lower than the first threshold, the connecting rod component is in the second position.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The detection device includes at least two detection elements, each detection element including a first transmitting end that emits a first signal and a second transmitting end that emits a second signal. Each detection element also includes a first receiving end for receiving feedback values ​​of the first signal and a second receiving end for receiving feedback values ​​of the second signal. The detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device is in the second position includes: Determine whether the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than a first threshold and determine whether the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than a second threshold; If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, then the connecting rod member is in the second position.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then it can be determined that the connecting rod component is in the first position. If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the image forming device issues an abnormality report.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The anomaly report states that the detection element is dirty.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, After the toner container is disassembled and installed on the main body of the device, it is determined that the detection element has been cleaned. The method further includes: If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the abnormality report content is that the cleaning part is abnormal.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first threshold is equal to the second threshold.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus also includes a transfer belt; After the detection element is cleaned, the method further includes: If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the third threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the third threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the third threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the third threshold, then the abnormality report content is "transfer belt abnormality".

20. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: Equipment body; A toner container, installed in the main body of the device, is used in the image forming process; The cleaning device as described in claim 1, wherein when the toner container is installed on the main body of the device, it pushes the connecting rod member in the second position to move to the first position; A position detection module is used to detect whether the connecting rod component is in the second position; The processing module, based on the detection result of the position detection module, outputs a judgment result that the toner container is not installed in the image forming device when the connecting rod component is in the second position.

21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that, The position detection module includes the detection device in the cleaning device.

22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus further includes a transfer belt, which is mounted on the main body of the apparatus; When the connecting rod is in the first position, the light signal emitted by the detection device can be emitted to the transfer belt, and the transfer belt can reflect the light signal back to the detection device.

23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The detection device includes a first detection element and a second detection element; The first detection element includes a first transmitting end for transmitting a first signal and a first receiving end for receiving feedback values ​​of the first signal; The second detection element includes a second transmitting end for transmitting a second signal and a second receiving end for receiving the feedback value of the second signal.

24. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; Memory; And one or more computer programs, wherein one or more of the computer programs are stored in the memory, and the one or more computer programs include instructions that, when executed by the image forming apparatus, cause the image forming apparatus to perform the detection method according to any one of claims 12 to 19.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the image forming apparatus on which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the detection method according to any one of claims 12 to 19.

26. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: The device body has an image forming chamber for mounting a toner container, a push handle protruding / approaching the image forming chamber, and the device body includes a front cover that is rotatable relative to the device body to open or close the image forming chamber. A toner container, installed on the main body of the device, is used in the image forming process, and the toner container is provided with a through hole; A pusher is installed in the through hole, and the front cover is capable of pushing the pusher to move along the through hole; A cleaning device is installed on the main body of the equipment, and the cleaning device is the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; When the front cover is closed, the pusher can abut against the push handle to push the cleaning linkage and move the cleaning component in the first direction so that the cleaning component passes over the working surface of the detection element; When the front cover is opened, the cleaning linkage can be pushed to move the cleaning component in a second direction so that the cleaning component passes over the working surface of the detection element.

27. The image forming apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that, When the front cover is opened, the cleaning linkage returns to its second position, and the shielding part of the cleaning linkage can block the working surface of the detection element.

28. The image forming apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that, The end of the pusher away from the front cover is provided with a fastening part; When the front cover is opened, the fastening part can engage with the outer peripheral portion of the through hole to prevent the pusher from disengaging from the through hole.

29. A detection method, characterized in that, Performed in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a toner container, a pusher, a cleaning device, and a controller. The pusher is movably disposed on the toner container. The cleaning device is the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The cleaning device includes a mounting base, a detection device, a connecting rod member, and a cleaning component. The detection device includes at least one detection element. The connecting rod member is movably disposed on the mounting base. The cleaning component is connected to the connecting rod member and can move with the connecting rod member to clean the working surface of the detection element. When the front cover of the apparatus body is closed, the pusher is driven to push the connecting rod member to a first position, and the cleaning component cleans the working surface of the detection element. When the front cover of the main body of the device is opened, the connecting rod component moves to the second position to reset and causes the cleaning component to clean the working surface of the detection element; Based on the controller, the detection method includes: If the connecting rod component is detected to be in the second position, it can be determined that the front cover is not closed; The second position is the position of the connecting rod member in the predetermined track when the front cover of the image forming device is not closed.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The detection device includes at least one detection element, which includes a transmitter for emitting a signal and a receiver for receiving a feedback value of the signal. The detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device is in the second position includes: Determine whether the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element is lower than a first threshold; If the feedback value received by the receiving end of the detection element is lower than the first threshold, the connecting rod component is in the second position.

31. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The detection device includes at least two detection elements, each detection element including a first transmitting end that emits a first signal and a second transmitting end that emits a second signal. Each detection element also includes a first receiving end for receiving feedback values ​​of the first signal and a second receiving end for receiving feedback values ​​of the second signal. The detection method for detecting whether the linkage member of the cleaning device is in the second position includes: Determine whether the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than a first threshold and determine whether the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than a second threshold; If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, then the connecting rod member is in the second position.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then it can be determined that the connecting rod component is in the first position. If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the second threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the image forming device issues an abnormality report.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The method further includes: The anomaly includes the detection element being dirty.

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, After the front cover is opened and closed, it is determined that the detection element has been cleaned; The method further includes: If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the first threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the first threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the second threshold, then the abnormality report content is that the cleaning part is abnormal.

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that, The first threshold is equal to the second threshold.

36. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus also includes a transfer belt; After the detection element is cleaned, the method further includes: If the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is not lower than the third threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is lower than the third threshold, or if the feedback value of the first signal received by the first receiving end is lower than the third threshold and the feedback value of the second signal received by the second receiving end is not lower than the third threshold, then the abnormality report content is "transfer belt abnormality".

37. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: The device body includes a front cover that is rotatable relative to the device body to open or close the image forming chamber of the device body; A toner container, installed in the main body of the device, is used in the image forming process, and the toner container is provided with a through hole; A pusher is installed in the through hole, and the front cover is capable of pushing the pusher to move along the through hole; The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, when the front cover is closed, drives the pusher to push the connecting rod member in the second position to move to the first position; A position detection module is used to detect whether the connecting rod component is in the second position; The processing module, based on the detection results of the position detection module, outputs a judgment result indicating that the front cover is not closed when the connecting rod component is in the second position.

38. The image forming apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that, The position detection module includes the detection device in the cleaning device.

39. The image forming apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that, When the connecting rod is in the first position, the light signal emitted by the detection device can be transmitted to the transfer belt, and the transfer belt can reflect the light signal back to the detection device.

40. The image forming apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that, The detection device includes a first detection element and a second detection element; The first detection element includes a first transmitting end for transmitting a first signal and a first receiving end for receiving a feedback value of the first signal; The second detection element includes a second transmitting end for transmitting a second signal and a second receiving end for receiving feedback values ​​of the second signal.

41. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; Memory; And one or more computer programs, wherein the first or more computer programs are stored in the memory, and the one or more computer programs include instructions that, when executed by the image forming apparatus, cause the image forming apparatus to perform the detection method according to any one of claims 29 to 36.

42. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the image forming apparatus on which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the detection method according to any one of claims 29 to 36.

Images