Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge attachable to and detachable from an apparatus body, the cartridge including: a storage portion including a discharge port for a developer; a stirring member provided inside the storage portion; a pump capable of changing the volume of the storage portion; and a sealing member including a sealing portion attached to an inner wall of the storage portion so as to seal the discharge port, the sealing portion being peeled from the inner wall by rotation of the stirring member. When the cartridge is not in use, the apparatus main body provides a driving force for the pump to the cartridge after providing the driving force for the stirring member, the sealing portion being at least partially peeled off from the inner wall, and further the discharge port communicating the inside and outside of the storage portion with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material by using an electrophotographic system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electrophotographic imaging device has a configuration in which a developer supply container storing toner is detachably provided in the imaging device so as to supply toner (developer) consumed in imaging. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-066967 describes a technique for sealing a toner supply opening of a cartridge with a sealing member and peeling off the sealing member when the cartridge is used. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-139159 proposes a configuration using a pump as a unit for discharging toner from a toner cartridge so as to replenish toner to the cartridge. Summary of the invention

[0003] During the initial operation of the corresponding parts of the driving box before the imaging operation, when the box is new, the action of stripping the sealing member is additionally performed. Depending on the combination of the operation timing of the corresponding members and the toner storage conditions, this may significantly increase the load of the motor. The increase in the motor load may cause damage to the components forming the driving part and the motor itself.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of reducing an operation load in a toner cartridge used for peeling off a sealing member that seals a toner discharge opening.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an imaging device according to the present invention comprises:

[0006] An apparatus main body including an image forming section that forms an image on a recording material by using a developer; and

[0007] a cartridge configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body and capable of supplying a developer to the image forming portion,

[0008] wherein the box comprises:

[0009] - a storage portion storing the developer and including a discharge port for the developer;

[0010] - a stirring member rotatably disposed inside the storage portion;

[0011] a variable displacement pump disposed in the storage portion so as to form, together with the storage portion, a storage space for the developer in the cartridge; and

[0012] a sealing member comprising: a sealing portion attached to an inner wall of the storage portion so as to seal the discharge port when the cartridge is not in use; and a fixing portion fixed to the stirring member, the sealing member being configured so that the sealing portion is peeled off from the inner wall by rotation of the stirring member, and

[0013] The device body comprises:

[0014] - a first driving portion that provides a first driving force to the cartridge that drives the stirring member; and

[0015] - a second driving portion that provides a second driving force to the cassette that drives the pump, and

[0016] Wherein, when the box is not in use, the second driving part provides the second driving force to the box after the first driving part has started to provide the first driving force, the sealing part is at least partially peeled off from the inner wall, and in addition, the discharge port makes the inside and the outside of the storage part connected to each other.

[0017] In order to solve the above problems, an imaging device according to the present invention comprises:

[0018] An apparatus main body including an image forming section that forms an image on a recording material by using a developer; and

[0019] a cartridge configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body and capable of supplying a developer to the image forming portion,

[0020] wherein the box comprises:

[0021] - a storage portion storing the developer and including a discharge port for the developer;

[0022] - a stirring member rotatably disposed inside the storage portion;

[0023] a variable displacement pump disposed in the storage portion so as to form, together with the storage portion, a storage space for the developer in the cartridge; and

[0024] a sealing member comprising: a sealing portion attached to an inner wall of the storage portion so as to seal the discharge port when the cartridge is not in use; and a fixing portion fixed to the stirring member, the sealing member being configured so that the sealing portion is peeled off from the inner wall by rotation of the stirring member,

[0025] The device body comprises:

[0026] - a first driving portion that provides a first driving force to the cartridge that drives the stirring member; and

[0027] - a second driving portion that provides a second driving force to the cassette that drives the pump, and

[0028] Wherein when the cartridge is not in use, after the first driving portion has started to provide the first driving force, the second driving portion provides the second driving force to the cartridge.

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the operation load in a toner cartridge used for peeling off a sealing member that seals a toner discharge opening.

[0030] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a flow chart showing the operation of the initial sequence;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic front view showing a process cartridge;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a process cartridge;

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second waste toner conveying passage of the process cartridge;

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a supply port of a process cartridge;

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic front view showing a toner cartridge;

[0037] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner supply portion of a toner cartridge;

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a waste toner storage portion of a toner cartridge;

[0039] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge;

[0040] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a schematic side view showing a state in which a developing unit is in contact with and out of contact with a photosensitive drum;

[0041] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge;

[0042] Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0043] Fig.13 is a top view showing the arrangement of a pump unit of a toner cartridge;

[0044] Fig.14 is a side view showing the arrangement of a pump unit of a toner cartridge;

[0045] Fig.15 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a pump unit of a toner cartridge;

[0046] Fig.16 is a detailed view of the weld shape of the sealing member;

[0047] FIG. 17A to FIG. 17D is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply cartridge, showing a process of peeling off the sealing member; and

[0048] Fig.18 is a control block diagram of the imaging device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] First embodiment

[0050] With reference to the accompanying drawings, an exemplary mode for implementing the present invention will be described in detail using embodiments. However, the size, material, shape, and relative arrangement of the components described in the embodiments may be appropriately modified according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the description is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments.

[0051] Laser Printer Overview

[0052] Fig.12 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a laser printer as an example of an image forming apparatus. Fig.12 As shown, the laser printer 1 includes a printer body A, a process cartridge B, and a toner cartridge C. The printer body A as the main body of the apparatus includes a sheet feeding portion 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing portion 105, and a laser scanner 101. In addition, the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C are attachably and detachably provided in the printer body A.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the configuration of the process box B will now be described. Figure 21 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a process cartridge B. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a process cartridge B (along the Figure 2 The cross section is taken along line aa in FIG. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second waste toner conveying passage 10b of the process cartridge B (along the Figure 2 The cross section is taken along line bb in FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the supply port 21c of the process box B (along the Figure 2 cross section taken along line cc in FIG. 1 ).

[0054] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the process cartridge B includes a cleaning unit 10 (first unit) and a developing unit 15 (second unit). The cleaning unit 10 includes a photosensitive drum 11 as a cylindrical image bearing member having a photosensitive layer. The developing unit 15 includes a developing roller 16 as a developing member for carrying a developer (toner).

[0055] In addition to the photosensitive drum 11, the cleaning unit 10 includes a cleaning blade 17 as a cleaning member for the photosensitive drum 11, a charging roller 12 as a charging member, and a charging roller cleaner 14 as a cleaning member for the charging roller 12. Furthermore, the cleaning unit 10 includes a primary waste toner storage portion 10a and a second waste toner conveying passage 10b.

[0056] The charging roller 12 is provided so as to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 11 and is charged by a high voltage power source ( Fig.18 A high voltage power source 204 in the photosensitive drum 11 applies a voltage to charge the photosensitive drum 11. The charging roller 12 rotates as the photosensitive drum 11 rotates.

[0057] The cleaning blade 17 is an elastic member provided to contact the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The distal end of the cleaning blade 17 elastically contacts the photosensitive drum 11. Therefore, when the sheet S (ie, recording material described below) is moved between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104 ( Fig.12 ), the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is removed from the photosensitive drum 11 by the cleaning blade 17. The removed toner (waste toner) is conveyed from the first waste toner conveying passage (i.e., the primary waste toner storage portion 10a described below) to the toner box C through the second waste toner conveying path 10b.

[0058] like Figure 5As shown, the developing unit 15 includes a developing chamber 151 in which the developing roller 16 is disposed, a developer storage chamber 152 that supplies toner to the developing chamber 151, and a receiving chamber 153 that receives the toner supplied from the toner cartridge C.

[0059] The developing roller 16 serves as a developer carrying member to carry toner, and also supplies toner to the developing area of ​​the photosensitive drum 11. The developing roller 16 then develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 using the toner.

[0060] The developing blade 18 is in contact with the circumferential surface of the developing roller 16, and acts as a regulating member to regulate the amount of toner adhering to the circumferential surface of the developing roller 16. The developing blade 18 also applies triboelectric charge to the toner carried on the developing roller 16.

[0061] The toner stored in the developer storage chamber 152 is sent to the developing chamber 151 by the rotation of the stirring member 154 , and is supplied to the developing roller 16 .

[0062] The laser printer 1 of the present embodiment includes a unit ( Fig.18 The remaining amount detection unit may be a known configuration such as an optical configuration and a capacitive configuration. When the amount of toner in the developer storage chamber 152 detected by the remaining amount detection unit becomes a predetermined amount or less, toner may be supplied from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. The toner supplied from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B is supplied to the developer storage chamber 152 of the developing unit 15 through the supply port 21c of the holder 21, the receiving chamber 153, and the delivery port 21d.

[0063] The process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C are attachable to and detachable from the printer body A, as will be described in detail below.

[0064] refer to Fig.12 , the operation of the laser printer 1 will now be described.

[0065] By using the motor 215 ( Fig.18 ) is used to drive and rotate the photosensitive drum 11, and the photosensitive drum is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 12. The surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is exposed based on image information using the laser scanner 101 after being charged, and the charge in the exposed area is removed to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied from the developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image.

[0066] At the same time, in parallel with the toner image forming operation, the sheet S is conveyed along the sheet feeding section 103. Specifically, the feeding roller 103b rotates and starts to feed the sheet S. Then, in synchronization with the timing of forming the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11, the sheet S is conveyed to the nip portion between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104. When the sheet S passes through the nip portion, the high voltage power supply 204 ( Fig.18 ) applies a bias voltage to the transfer roller 104 to transfer the toner image as an unfixed image from the photosensitive drum 11 to the sheet S.

[0067] The sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred is then conveyed to the fixing section 105. As the sheet S conveyed to the fixing section 105 passes through the fixing section 105, the unfixed image is heated and pressed to be fixed to the surface of the sheet S. The sheet S to which the image has been fixed is further conveyed by the sheet feeding section 103, and is discharged and stacked on a discharge tray 106.

[0068] Process Cartridge B Overview

[0069] refer to Figure 3 , Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , the configuration of the processing box B of this embodiment is described in detail. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B It is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge B. Fig. 10A 1 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the developing unit 15 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 in the process cartridge B. Fig. 10B 1 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the developing unit 15 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 11 in the process cartridge B.

[0070] As described above, the cleaning unit 10 includes the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12 and the cleaning blade 17. Similarly, the developing unit 15 includes the developing roller 16, the developing blade 18, the developing chamber 151, the developer storage chamber 152 and the receiving chamber 153.

[0071] like Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown, the cleaning unit 10 includes a cleaning frame 20 as a part of the cartridge frame 75, a holder 21, and a side cover 7. The cleaning frame 20 supports the cleaning blade 17, the charging roller 12, and the charging roller cleaner 14. Fig. 9B As shown, the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably supported on one side by a drum pin 22 attached to the cleaning frame 20 , and is rotatably supported on the other side by a photosensitive drum supporting portion 7 b provided in the side cover 7 .

[0072] like Fig. 9A and Fig. 9BAs shown, bearing members 4 and 5 are provided at the ends of the developing roller 16 in the axial direction. The developing unit 15 is coupled to the cleaning unit 10 and supported by the cleaning unit so as to be rotatable about a swing axis 8 defined by a straight line including support shafts 8a and 8b. The swing axis 8 is provided substantially parallel to the rotation axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0073] like Fig. 9A As shown, the cylindrical portion 5a of the bearing member 5 as a part of the cartridge frame 75 is supported in a cylindrical hole portion 7a provided in the side cover 7 as a part of the cartridge frame 75 of the cleaning unit 10. The support shaft 8a is defined by a common axis of the cylindrical hole portion 7a of the side cover 7 and the cylindrical portion 5a of the bearing member 5. In addition, a developing coupling 155 is provided at the rotation center of the cylindrical portion 5a of the bearing member 5 as a drive input member for receiving a drive from the printer body A.

[0074] In addition, if Fig. 9B As shown, the pin 6 is inserted so as to extend in the cylindrical hole portion 20a of the cleaning frame 20 of the cleaning unit 10 and the cylindrical hole 4a of the bearing member 4. The support shaft 8b is defined by the common axis of the pin 6 and the cylindrical hole 4a of the bearing member 4. The support shafts 8a and 8b are substantially coaxially arranged, and as described above, the swing axis 8 is defined by a straight line including the support shafts 8a and 8b.

[0075] As described above, the developing unit 15 is rotatably supported about the swing axis 8 relative to the cleaning unit 10. The developing unit 15 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 11 of the cleaning unit 10 by the pressure springs 19a and 19b as elastic members so that the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 11.

[0076] refer to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , the operation of the developing unit 15 coming into contact with and out of contact with the cleaning unit 10 will now be described. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the spacing mechanism 100 of the printer body A with the side cover 7 omitted.

[0077] like Fig. 10A As shown, the bearing member 5 includes a protruding portion 5b. Fig. 10A As shown, when the protruding portion 5b is not in contact with the spacing mechanism 100, the developing roller 16 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 by the urging force of the pressure springs 19a and 19b. In this state, the relative position between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 16 (or the position of the developing unit) is an image forming position where the developing roller 16 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0078] like Fig. 10BAs shown, when the spacing mechanism 100 provided in the printer body A swings around the swing shaft 100a and contacts the protruding portion 5b, the protruding portion 5b receives a force from the spacing mechanism 100. This causes the developing unit 15 to rotate in the direction of the arrow R2 around the swing axis 8 as the center of rotation. As a result, the developing roller 16 is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 11 against the urging force of the pressure springs 19a and 19b. In this state, the relative position between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 16 (or the position of the developing unit) is a non-image forming position retracted from the image forming position.

[0079] When the spacing mechanism 100 is Fig. 10B The position in the image (spaced position, non-imaging position) is returned to Fig. 10A , the spacing mechanism 100 is separated from the protruding portion 5b when the developing roller 16 is in the original position (contact position, imaging position) in the process cartridge B. Then, the urging force of the pressure springs 19a and 19b causes the developing roller 16 to contact the photosensitive drum 11 again. That is, the spacing mechanism 100 allows the position of the developing unit to be switched between the contact position (imaging position) and the spaced position (non-imaging position). This allows the orientation of the developing unit 15 in the process cartridge B to be switched between the contact position and the spaced position relative to the photosensitive drum 11. This limits toner degradation and unnecessary toner consumption when no image is formed.

[0080] Toner Cartridge C Overview

[0081] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , the toner cartridge C will now be described. Figure 6 1 is a schematic front view showing the toner cartridge C. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the toner supply portion 30 of the toner cartridge C (along the Figure 6 The cross section is taken along line aa in FIG. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the waste toner storage portion 40 of the toner cartridge C (along the Figure 6 The cross section is taken along line bb in FIG. 1 ). Fig.11A and Fig. 11B is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge C.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C is defined as the longitudinal direction (arrow Y). The longitudinal direction is perpendicular to Figure 7 The horizontal direction (arrow X) and the vertical direction (arrow Z) are shown. In addition, the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are collectively defined as a transverse direction.

[0083] Toner supply section

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, the toner cartridge C includes a toner supply portion 30 for supplying toner to the process cartridge B and a waste toner storage portion 40 for collecting waste toner from the process cartridge B.

[0085] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.11A and Fig. 11B As shown, the toner supply portion 30 includes a supply portion frame 31 and a supply portion cover 32. The supply portion frame 31 and the supply portion cover 32 form a toner storage portion 30a. The supply portion frame 31 has a toner discharge port 31a. The toner stored in the toner storage portion 30a is discharged from the toner storage portion 30a through the toner discharge port 31a. The toner discharged from the toner discharge port 31a is supplied to the process cartridge B. A shutter member 34 is provided on the outer side of the supply portion frame 31. The shutter member 34 is configured to open and close the toner discharge port 31a in cooperation with the attachment of the toner cartridge C.

[0086] The toner storing portion 30 a includes a toner storing portion screw member (hereinafter referred to as a screw member) 35 and a toner storing portion stirring and conveying member (hereinafter referred to as a stirring member) 36 .

[0087] The screw member 35 is a conveying member for conveying the toner in the longitudinal direction of the toner storage portion 30a toward the toner discharge port 31a. The screw member 35 includes a rotating shaft and a blade portion that spirally extends on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft. The blade portion of the screw member 35 is configured so that the rotation of the screw member 35 can cause the toner around the blade portion to form a toner flow that moves in the longitudinal direction of the toner storage portion 30a.

[0088] The stirring member 36 is a conveying member for conveying the toner toward the screw member 35. The stirring member 36 includes a rotating shaft 36a and a stirring portion 36b, which is a flexible sheet-like member. The rotating shaft 36a is configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner storage portion 30a. One end side of the stirring portion 36b is attached to the surface of the rotating shaft 36a along the rotation axis and extends over a substantially entire area in the longitudinal direction of the toner storage portion 30a. The other end side (free end side) of the stirring member 36 opposite to the one end side (fixed end side) contacts the inner wall surface of the supply portion frame 31 and the supply portion cover 32 forming the toner storage portion 30a. When the rotating shaft 36a rotates, the stirring portion 36b moves around the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 36a, while the end side (free end side) of the stirring portion away from the fixed portion fixed to the rotating shaft 36a is in sliding contact with the inner wall surface of the supply portion frame 31 and the supply portion cover 32 forming the toner storage portion 30a. Therefore, the toner in the toner storage portion 30a is pushed to the area where the screw member 35 is provided in the toner storage portion 30a. The toner conveyed to the toner discharge port 31a by the stirring and conveying action of the screw member 35 and the stirring member 36 is discharged from the toner discharge port 31a by the volume fluctuation of the pump 37a. The pump 37a is provided integrally with the toner storage portion 30a so as to form a toner storage space (more specifically, a discharge chamber 81) in the toner cartridge C together with the toner storage portion 30a.

[0089] Specifically, Fig.11A As shown, the toner cartridge C includes a pump unit 37. The pump unit 37 includes a pump 37a, a cam 37b, and a link arm 37c. The pump 37a is configured to be able to change the volume by expanding and contracting in the longitudinal direction (Y direction). The cam 37b is coaxially arranged with the pump 37a in a rotatable manner. The link arm 37c is linearly guided in the longitudinal direction by the rotation of the cam 37b, so that the pump 37a expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction.

[0090] The interior of the toner storage portion 30a is partitioned into a storage chamber 30b in which the stirring member 36 is disposed and a discharge chamber 81 including a toner discharge port 31a in such a manner that the storage chamber and the discharge chamber can communicate with each other. The partition separating the storage chamber 30b and the discharge chamber 81 includes Fig.15 The partition 313 is shown.

[0091] The screw member 35 is configured to be able to form a toner flow in which the toner moves from the storage chamber 30b to the discharge chamber 81 by rotating in the forward rotation direction during the image forming operation. The toner in the storage chamber 30b is conveyed toward the screw member 35 by the rotation of the stirring member 36, and is conveyed from the storage chamber 30b toward the discharge chamber 81 by the rotation of the screw member 35. At the same time, the volume of the discharge chamber 81 changes due to the expansion and contraction of the pump 37a, thereby discharging the toner inside the discharge chamber 81 from the toner discharge port 31a. The toner discharged from the toner discharge port 31a is supplied to the receiving chamber 153 of the process cartridge B.

[0092] Waste toner storage unit

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, the waste toner storage portion 40 includes a waste toner receiving port 42 for receiving waste toner from the process cartridge B, and a waste toner storage container 41 as a second storage container in which the waste toner received from the waste toner receiving port 42 is stored.

[0094] The waste toner storage container 41 is formed of a waste toner storage portion frame 41a including a waste toner storage portion 40 and a waste toner storage cover 41b. The waste toner storage cover 41b has a waste toner receiving port 42 for receiving waste toner collected from the process cartridge. The waste toner storage cover 41b includes a waste toner shutter member 43 that opens and closes the waste toner receiving port 42. The waste toner shutter member 43 is provided in cooperation with the attachment and detachment of the toner cartridge C relative to the printer body A. Figure 8 Open and close in the direction of arrow R3.

[0095] like Figure 8 and Fig.11A As shown, the waste toner storage portion 40 includes a partition member 46, a first waste toner storage screw 44 as a waste toner conveying member for conveying waste toner in the waste toner storage portion 40, and a second waste toner storage screw 45. The partition member 46 divides the space inside the waste toner storage portion 40 into a plurality of storage portions (40a1, 40a2). The first waste toner storage screw 44 conveys the waste toner that has fallen from the waste toner receiving port 42 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C. The second waste toner storage screw 45 is driven by the first waste toner storage screw 44, and conveys the waste toner conveyed by the first waste toner storage screw 44 obliquely upward. The first waste toner storage screw 44 rotates around a rotation axis 44a, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner cartridge C. The second waste toner storage screw 45 rotates about a rotation axis 45 a extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C (the Y direction).

[0096] like Fig.11A and Fig. 11B As shown, the driving force input from the stirring drive input gear 38 is transmitted to the non-driving side gear 38a provided on the non-driving side of the toner supplying portion 30 through the stirring member 36. Then, the driving force is transmitted from the non-driving side gear 38a to the first waste toner storage screw 44 through the waste toner storage portion gear train 47. The driving side toner box side cover 50 is attached to the side corresponding to the toner supplying portion 30, and the non-driving side driven toner box side cover 60 is attached to the side corresponding to the waste toner storage portion 40.

[0097] With the above configuration, the agitation drive input gear 38 can be driven even when the pump / screw drive input gear 39 is not driven. In other words, even when the toner supplying portion 30 does not supply toner to the process cartridge B, the first waste toner storage screw 44 and the second waste toner storage screw 45 in the waste toner storage portion 40 can be driven to maintain a state in which waste toner can be collected.

[0098] Furthermore, since the driving force from the printer body A can be input to one end of the toner cartridge C, it is possible to simplify the gear train of the printer body A. Furthermore, by using the stirring member 36 to transmit the drive from one end of the supply portion frame 32a to the other end, the drive can be transmitted to the waste toner storage portion 40 without increasing the number of parts for drive transmission. This allows waste toner to be stored in the toner cartridge C while restricting an increase in the size of the toner cartridge C and the printer body A in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11 due to the drive unit of the toner cartridge C.

[0099] Driving configuration of toner supply section

[0100] refer to Figure 7 , Fig.11A , Fig. 11B , Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 , a driving configuration of the toner supplying portion 30 is described. Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 The arrangement of the pump unit of the toner cartridge is shown, wherein Fig.13 It is a top view. Fig.14 is a side view and Fig.15 It is a perspective view.

[0101] like Fig.11A , Fig. 11B , Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15As shown, the toner supply portion 30 has an agitation drive input gear 38 and a pump / screw drive input gear 39. The agitation drive input gear 38 includes a cartridge side coupling 381, and is an agitation drive input portion that receives a driving force for driving the agitation member 36 from the printer body A. The pump / screw drive input gear 39 includes a cartridge side coupling 391, and is a pump drive input portion that receives a driving force for driving the pump unit 37 and the screw member 35 from the printer body A. The agitation drive input gear 38 and the pump / screw drive input gear 39 are provided on one longitudinal end side of the toner cartridge C.

[0102] The stirring gear 38b for transmitting the rotational driving force to the stirring member 36 is provided adjacent to the stirring drive input gear 38 and coaxially with the stirring member 36. The stirring gear 38b receives the driving force from the stirring drive input gear 38 and causes the stirring member 36 to rotate. Figure 7 The screw member 35 rotates in the R1 direction, thereby stirring the toner in the toner storage portion 30 a and conveying the toner toward the screw member 35 .

[0103] The cam drive gear 39a that rotates by receiving the driving force from the pump / screw drive input gear 39 is arranged adjacent to the pump / screw drive input gear 39. The cam gear 39b that rotates by receiving the driving force from the cam drive gear 39a is arranged adjacent to the cam drive gear 39a. The cam gear 39b is formed integrally with the cam 37b, and thus linearly guides the link arm 37c in the longitudinal direction when the pump / screw drive input gear 39 rotates. With this configuration, the pump can be expanded and contracted by driving and rotating the cam gear 39b. The toner storage portion screw drive gear 39c that transmits the rotational driving force to the screw member 35 is arranged adjacent to the cam gear 39b and coaxially with the screw member 35.

[0104] The printer body A includes an agitation drive portion 206 (first drive portion) for driving the agitation drive input gear 38 and a pump drive portion 207 (second drive portion) for driving the pump / screw drive input gear 39 ( Fig.18 ).

[0105] like Fig.13 As shown, the attachment portion of the printer body A with respect to the toner cartridge C includes a main body side coupling 181 as a part of the stirring drive portion 206 and a main body side coupling 191 as a part of the pump drive portion 207. When the toner cartridge C is attached to the printer body A, the cartridge side coupling 381 of the toner cartridge C engages with the main body side coupling 181, thereby allowing the motor 215 ( Fig.18) is input to the stirring drive input gear 38. That is, the main body side coupling 181 forms a part of the first driving portion that provides the toner cartridge C with a driving force (first driving force) that drives the stirring member 36.

[0106] Similarly, when the toner cartridge C is attached to the printer body A, the cartridge side coupling 391 of the toner cartridge C engages with the main body side coupling 191, thereby allowing the motor driving force of the printer body A to be input to the pump / screw driving input gear 39. That is, the main body side coupling 191 forms a part of the second driving portion that provides the toner cartridge C with a driving force (second driving force) that drives the screw member 35 and the pump unit 37.

[0107] exist Fig.13 , the cartridge-side coupling 381 and the main body-side coupling 181, which form a part of a driving system for driving the stirring member 36, are shown separated from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0108] The toner storage portion screw drive gear 39c receives the driving force from the cam gear 39b and rotates the screw member 35, thereby moving the toner in the toner storage portion 30a in the longitudinal direction ( Fig.13 That is, when the pump / screw drive input gear 39 rotates forward, a conveying action of the blade portion of the screw member 35 occurs to move the toner toward the toner discharge port 31a in the longitudinal direction.

[0109] Sealing components

[0110] refer to Figure 7 , Fig.16 and 17A to 17D , the configuration of the sealing member 80 will now be described. Fig.16 is a detailed view showing a heat-welded portion of the sealing member 80, and FIG. 17A to FIG. 17D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge C showing a process of peeling off the sealing member 80 .

[0111] like Fig.16 and Fig.17A As shown, one end portion of the sealing member 80 is heat-welded around the toner discharge port 31a with peelable strength on the inner wall surfaces of the supply portion frame 31 and the supply portion cover 32 forming the toner storage portion 30a, thereby sealing the toner discharge port 31a in an openable manner. The welding portion 82 is located at one end of the sealing member 80, has a hexagonal shape, and forms a sealing portion together with the portion of the sealing member 80 within the welding portion 82. Since the peeling starts from the vertices of the hexagon, the welding area of ​​the section where the peeling starts is small, and a small force is required for peeling.

[0112] The other end of the sealing member 80 is used as a fixed portion and is fixed to the shaft 36a of the stirring member 36 that is driven and rotated by means such as heat welding. Here, the sealing member 80 is folded back near the toner discharge port 31a and is peeled off from the side farthest from the other end. This allows the sealing member 80 to be peeled off with less force. The sealing member 80 is made of a laminate of polyester, low-density polyethylene and polyethylene sealant. The sealing member 80 can also be made of other materials with similar properties.

[0113] In this embodiment, the other end of the sealing member 80 and the shaft 36a of the stirring member 36 are fixed to each other by heat welding. However, there is no limitation to this, and other means such as bonding, double-sided tape, or engagement between a hole and a projection may also be used.

[0114] Control Configuration

[0115] refer to Fig.18 , the control configuration of the laser printer 1 will now be described. Fig.18 It is a control block diagram of the laser printer 1.

[0116] The control section 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201 as a central element for performing calculation processing, a memory 202 as a storage unit such as a ROM or a RAM, and an input / output I / F 203 for inputting and outputting information from and to peripheral devices. The RAM stores sensor detection results and calculation results, while the ROM stores control programs, pre-calculated data tables, and the like.

[0117] The control section 200 is a control unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the laser printer 1, and each control target in the laser printer 1 is connected to the control section 200 via an input / output I / F 203. The control section 200 controls transmission and reception of various electrical information signals, drive timing, etc., and controls the flowchart processing described below.

[0118] The motor driving portion 205 refers to a driving configuration including a motor as a driving source, a driving system that transmits the driving force of the motor to each portion of the image forming portion 210, and the like. The motor is a driving source for rotating and driving each member included in the image forming portion 210, such as the laser scanner 101, the photosensitive drum 11, and the developing roller 16, and operates based on a control signal from the control portion 200.

[0119] The motor driving portion 205 includes a stirring driving portion 206 and a pump driving portion 207. The stirring driving portion 206 is a driving portion that drives the stirring member 36. As a driving portion configuration (first driving portion) on the side corresponding to the printer body A, the stirring driving portion 206 includes a main body side coupling 181 ( Fig.13 The pump driving portion 207 is a driving portion that drives the screw member 35 and the pump unit 37. As a driving portion configuration on the side corresponding to the printer body A, the pump driving portion 207 includes a main body side coupling 191 ( Fig.13 ).

[0120] The high voltage power source 204 is a power source that applies a high voltage to the photosensitive drum 11 , the charging roller 12 , the developing roller 16 , the transfer roller 104 , the fixing portion 105 , and the like.

[0121] Furthermore, data communication is performed between the control section 200 and the memory 90 via the memory communication section 209. The control section 200, the memory 90, the memory communication section 209, etc. form a new product detection unit that detects whether the toner cartridge C is new (unused).

[0122] Here, new refers to the initial state before use. Alternatively, it refers to a state in which the toner stored in the toner cartridge C has not been used. In addition, when the control part 200 determines whether the toner cartridge C attached to the printer body A is in the initial state, the determination is not limited to a mode in which the control part 200 reads the use history in the memory (storage element) 90 and makes a determination based on the read information. For example, a mechanical mark protruding from the toner cartridge C may be set. The mechanical mark may be configured to retract by contacting with a predetermined section of the body when the toner cartridge C is first attached to the printer body A, and configured not to protrude thereafter. This allows the control part 200 to determine the initial state by detecting whether the mechanical mark is in a retracted state. In this case, since the mechanical mark will not move across the photoelectric sensor once it is retracted into the box, the control part 200 can determine that the attached toner cartridge C is not in the initial state.

[0123] Additionally, the control portion 200 is connected to a remaining amount sensor 208 for detecting whether the remaining amount of the toner stored in the developer storage chamber 152 of the process cartridge B is less than or equal to a predetermined amount.

[0124] Initial sequence

[0125] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 17 , the peeling operation of the sealing member 80 will now be described. Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations in the initial sequence according to the present embodiment.

[0126] Fig.17A A state (unused state) of the toner cartridge C before being attached to the printer body A is shown, in which the toner discharge port 31 a is sealed by the sealing member 80 .

[0127] like Figure 6 As shown, the memory 90 is attached to the toner cartridge C. When the toner cartridge C is attached to the printer body A, the memory 90 (storage element) comes into contact with a reading device (not shown) provided in the printer body A, thereby allowing the information stored in the memory 90 to be read ( Figure 1 S1001 in the ).

[0128] At this time, if it is detected that the toner cartridge C is new based on the information stored in the memory 90, the initial sequence ( Figure 1 The initial sequence refers to a sequence for peeling off the sealing member 80 from the toner discharge port 31a of the toner cartridge C and providing a state in which the toner can be discharged in a stable manner. When the cartridge is new (unused), this initial sequence is performed as a part of the initial operation performed before the image forming operation for forming an image on a recording material. If the toner cartridge C is not new, the initial sequence is not performed ( Figure 1 No at S1002).

[0129] In the initial sequence, first, the agitating member 154 ( Figures 3 to 5 ), and the stirring drive input gear 38 ( Fig.14 ) and stirring gear 38b ( Fig.14 )Forward rotation( Figure 1 Therefore, if Fig. 17B As shown, the stirring member 36 rotates in the R1 direction, the sealing member 80 starts to be wound around the shaft 36a from the other end, and a tensile force acts on the sealing member 80 in the direction of the arrow S1. This tensile force causes one end of the sealing member 80 welded to the inner wall of the toner storage portion 30a of the toner cartridge C to seal the toner discharge port 31a to start peeling off toward the right side (in the direction of the arrow S1) as viewed in the figure. As the shaft 36a further rotates, the sealing member 80 starts to be wound around the shaft 36a from the other end, and a tensile force acts on the sealing member 80 in the direction of the arrow S1. Fig. 17C After the state shown, the sealing member 80 is completely peeled off from around the toner discharge port 31a, as shown in FIG. Fig.17D As shown, the toner discharge port 31a is opened. After the toner discharge port 31a is opened, the stirring drive portion 206 ( Fig.18 ) drive stops ( Figure 1 in S1004).

[0130] In a new toner cartridge C, toner may be locally solidified in the toner storage portion 30a due to vibration during dispensing, and the load for rotating the stirring member 36 may be higher than usual. For this reason, the rotation speed of the stirring drive portion 206 during the initial sequence is set to be slower than the rotation speed during the replenishing operation, thereby reducing the load on the motor. The driving force provided from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C when the sealing member 80 is peeled off is a driving force that causes the rotation speed of the stirring member 36 to be slower than the rotation speed caused by the driving force provided from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C in the toner supply operation during the image forming operation.

[0131] After the sealing member 80 is peeled off and the agitation driving section 206 of the printer body A stops supplying the driving force to the agitation member 36, the pump driving section 207 ( Fig.18 ) is driven to rotate in the opposite direction (second rotation direction) opposite to the driving direction (first rotation direction) of the forward rotation ( Figure 1 This causes the pump / screw drive input gear 39, the cam drive gear 39a, the cam gear 39b, and the toner storage portion screw drive gear 39c to rotate in the reverse direction. When the cam gear 39b rotates in the reverse direction, the pump 37a is also driven to perform an expansion and contraction action. At this time, since the sealing member 80 of the toner discharge port 31a has been peeled off, the toner around the toner discharge port 31a is discharged from the toner discharge port 31a.

[0132] Here, compared with a state in which the toner discharge opening 31 a is closed by the sealing member 80 , peeling off the sealing member 80 in advance restricts fluctuation of the internal pressure of the toner storage portion 30 a , thereby reducing the driving load of the pump 37 a .

[0133] Simultaneously with the pump operation, the screw member 35 moves in the direction of arrow M ( Fig.15 ) so as to rotate in the direction of the storage chamber 30b ( Fig.15 The direction of the arrow S3 in the middle) is conveyed to the discharge chamber 81 ( Fig.17A This prevents the toner inside the discharge chamber 81 from becoming solidified.

[0134] For example, if the pump driving portion 207 of the printer body A is driven in the forward rotation instead of the reverse rotation in the initial sequence, the following problem may occur depending on the configuration of the toner storage portion of the toner cartridge. That is, if toner exists in the discharge chamber 81 when the initial sequence starts to be executed, the screw member 35 will add more toner to the discharge chamber 81. This will increase the toner density inside the discharge chamber 81, so that the pump 37a may not be able to discharge the toner to the outside.

[0135] In addition, the pump 37a is set to be in an expanded state (an expanded state in which the volume of the toner storage portion 30a or the discharge chamber 81 is increased) during assembly, and the toner cartridge C is shipped in this state. When the initial sequence starts to be performed, the pump 37a is compressed from the expanded state. This operation allows the toner in the discharge chamber 81 to be discharged through the toner discharge port 31a, thereby restricting the toner from entering the pump 37a when the pump 37a expands from the compressed state next time.

[0136] Then, the driving of the pump driving portion 207 of the printer body A is stopped ( Figure 1 ), and then the completion of the initial sequence is recorded in the memory 90 of the toner cartridge C ( Figure 1 S1007) completes the initial sequence.

[0137] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents damage to parts and a motor due to an increase in motor load during a pump operation for a new toner cartridge and allows the motor to be smaller.

[0138] In the above-described embodiment, after the seal stripping operation, the pump unit 37 and the like are driven in reverse rotation. This configuration is most preferred from the viewpoint of minimizing the increase in the motor load. However, when the toner storage portion of the toner cartridge has a configuration that is unlikely to locally increase the toner density, the pump unit 37 and the like may be driven in forward rotation. That is, by controlling the timing of the operation of stirring and conveying the toner in the toner storage portion so as not to overlap with the seal stripping operation, the increase in the motor load may be limited.

[0139] In addition, the above-described embodiment has a configuration in which, after stopping the supply of driving force to the stirring drive input gear 38, the pump unit 37, etc. is driven after starting the seal stripping operation. This configuration is most preferred from the perspective of minimizing the increase in motor load. However, for example, if the restriction on the increase in torque during the seal stripping operation is sufficient, the pump unit 37, etc. may be started to be driven after stripping the sealing member 80 without stopping the supply of driving force to the stirring drive input gear 38.

[0140] In addition, the above-described embodiment is configured to start driving the pump unit 37 and the like after the sealing member 80 is completely peeled off, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, when at least a portion of the toner discharge port 31a is opened, the sealed state of the toner storage portion 30a achieved by the sealing member 80 is released (a state that allows communication between the toner storage portion 30a and the outside of the toner cartridge C is achieved). This greatly limits the increase in the motor load. Therefore, it may be configured to start driving the pump unit 37 and the like after the seal peeling operation has begun and the completely sealed state of the sealing member 80 has been released (at least a portion of the toner discharge port 31a has been opened) but before the seal peeling operation is completed. In other words, the pump unit 37 and the like may be started to be driven after the welding portion 82 of the sealing member 80 is at least partially peeled off from the inner wall surface of the supply portion frame 31 so that the toner discharge port 31a enters a state that provides communication between the inside and the outside of the toner storage portion 30a.

[0141] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment is configured to drive the pump unit 37 and the like during the initial sequence when the toner cartridge C is new. However, the pump unit 37 and the like may be driven for the first time during the toner replenishing operation after the initial sequence is performed.

[0142] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: an apparatus main body including an image forming section that forms an image on a recording material by using a developer; as well as a cartridge configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body and capable of supplying a developer to the image forming portion, wherein the box comprises: - a storage portion storing a developer and including a discharge port for the developer; - a stirring member rotatably disposed inside the storage portion; a variable displacement pump disposed in the storage portion so as to form, together with the storage portion, a storage space for the developer in the cartridge; and a sealing member including a sealing portion and a fixing portion, the sealing portion being attached to an inner wall of the storage portion so as to seal the discharge port when the cartridge is not in use, the fixing portion being fixed to the stirring member, the sealing member being configured so that the sealing portion is peeled off from the inner wall by rotation of the stirring member, and The device body comprises: - a first driving portion that provides a first driving force to the cartridge that drives the stirring member; and - a second driving portion that provides a second driving force to the cassette that drives the pump, and Wherein, when the box is not in use, the second driving part provides the second driving force to the box after the first driving part has started to provide the first driving force and the sealing part is at least partially peeled off from the inner wall, and in addition, the discharge port makes the inside and the outside of the storage part connected to each other.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, Wherein, in an initial operation performed before an imaging operation for forming an image on a recording material, when the box is not in use, the second driving part provides the second driving force to the box after the first driving part has started to provide the first driving force and the sealing part is at least partially peeled off from the inner wall, and in addition, the discharge port connects the inside and the outside of the storage part to each other.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the cartridge is not in use, after the first driving portion provides the first driving force to the cartridge and the sealing portion is peeled off from the inner wall, the second driving portion provides the second driving force to the cartridge.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, Wherein, when the box is not in use, after the first driving part provides the first driving force to the box and the sealing part is peeled off from the inner wall, and also after the first driving part stops providing the first driving force to the box, the second driving part provides the second driving force to the box.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, The first driving force provided to the box when the sealing portion is peeled from the inner wall is a driving force that makes the rotation speed of the stirring member slower than the rotation speed caused by the first driving force provided to the box during an image forming operation for forming an image on a recording material.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interior of the storage portion is partitioned into the storage chamber and the discharge chamber in such a manner that the storage chamber in which the stirring member is provided and the discharge chamber in which the discharge port is provided can communicate with each other, wherein the cartridge further includes a screw member rotatably disposed inside the storage portion, and the screw member is configured to be capable of forming a developer flow in which the developer moves from the storage chamber to the discharge chamber by rotating in a first rotation direction during an image forming operation for forming an image on a recording material, wherein the second driving force is a driving force for driving the screw member together with the pump, and The second driving force provided to the cartridge when the cartridge is not in use is a driving force for rotating the screw member in a second rotational direction, the second rotational direction being opposite to the first rotational direction.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, The pump is provided in the storage portion so as to communicate with the discharge chamber, and is in an expanded state in which the volume of the storage portion is increased when the cassette is not in use.

8. The imaging device according to claim 6, The supply operation of the box to supply the developer to the imaging part is performed by the first driving part providing the first driving force to the box and the second driving part providing the second driving force to the box, so that the developer in the storage chamber is transported toward the screw member by the rotation of the stirring member, the developer is transported from the storage chamber toward the discharge chamber by the rotation of the screw member, and the developer inside the discharge chamber is discharged through the discharge port by the volume change of the discharge chamber caused by the pump.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the supply operation is performed in a case where an amount of the developer stored in the image forming portion becomes less than or equal to a predetermined amount during the image forming operation.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, The stirring member comprises: - axis of rotation; as well as - a stirring portion which is a flexible sheet-like member including a fixed portion fixed to the rotating shaft and an end side which is away from the fixed portion and in contact with the inner wall of the storage portion.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, The cartridge further comprises a memory storing information on whether the cartridge is unused.

12. An imaging device comprising: an apparatus main body including an image forming section that forms an image on a recording material by using a developer; as well as a cartridge configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body and capable of supplying a developer to the image forming portion, wherein the box comprises: - a storage portion storing the developer and including a discharge port for the developer; - a stirring member rotatably disposed inside the storage portion; a variable displacement pump disposed in the storage portion so as to form, together with the storage portion, a storage space for the developer in the cartridge; and a sealing member including a sealing portion and a fixing portion, the sealing portion being attached to an inner wall of the storage portion so as to seal the discharge port when the cartridge is not in use, the fixing portion being fixed to the stirring member, the sealing member being configured so that the sealing portion is peeled off from the inner wall by rotation of the stirring member, The device body comprises: - a first driving portion that provides a first driving force to the cartridge that drives the stirring member; and - a second driving portion that provides a second driving force to the cassette that drives the pump, and Wherein when the cartridge is not in use, after the first driving portion has started to provide the first driving force, the second driving portion provides the second driving force to the cartridge.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the interior of the storage portion is partitioned into the storage chamber and the discharge chamber in such a manner that the storage chamber in which the stirring member is provided and the discharge chamber in which the discharge port is provided can communicate with each other, wherein the cartridge further includes a screw member rotatably disposed inside the storage portion, and the screw member is configured to be capable of forming a developer flow in which the developer moves from the storage chamber to the discharge chamber by rotating in a first rotation direction during an image forming operation for forming an image on a recording material, wherein the second driving force is a driving force for driving the screw member together with the pump, and The second driving force provided to the cartridge when the cartridge is not in use is a driving force for rotating the screw member in a second rotational direction, the second rotational direction being opposite to the first rotational direction.

14. The imaging device according to claim 13, The pump is provided in the storage portion so as to communicate with the discharge chamber, and is in an expanded state in which the volume of the storage portion is increased when the cassette is not in use.

15. The imaging device according to claim 13 or 14, The supply operation of the box to supply the developer to the imaging part is performed by the first driving part providing the first driving force to the box and the second driving part providing the second driving force to the box, so that the developer in the storage chamber is transported toward the screw member by the rotation of the stirring member, the developer is transported from the storage chamber toward the discharge chamber by the rotation of the screw member, and the developer inside the discharge chamber is discharged through the discharge port by the volume change of the discharge chamber caused by the pump.

16. The imaging device according to claim 15, wherein the supplying operation is performed in a case where an amount of the developer stored in the image forming portion becomes less than or equal to a predetermined amount during the image forming operation.

17. The imaging device according to claim 12 or 13, The stirring member comprises: - axis of rotation; as well as - a stirring portion which is a flexible sheet-like member including a fixed portion fixed to the rotating shaft and an end side which is away from the fixed portion and in contact with the inner wall of the storage portion.

Images