Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a new form of an image forming apparatus employing a toner supply system using an external toner container.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises: an opening and closing member that can take an open position where it exposes the inside of the image forming apparatus to the outside, and a closed position where it does not expose the inside of the image forming apparatus; and a sensor that detects an opening and closing state of the opening and closing member. When the sensor detects that the opening and closing member is in the open state, a control unit controls a stirring member 34 to stop its rotation in a state where a second end of a sheet 34b is at a predetermined position, by the timing at which toner passes through an introduction port 32c in supplying the toner from a toner container to a storage chamber 32d.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In general, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum to the recording material. Known methods for replenishing a developer consumed in image formation include, for example, a process cartridge method and a toner replenishing method. In the process cartridge method, a photosensitive drum and a developing container are integrated as a process cartridge, and when the developer runs out, the process cartridge is replaced with a new one. On the other hand, in the toner replenishing method, when the toner runs out, new toner is replenished to the developing container without replacing components as in the process cartridge method. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of a toner replenishing method in which a toner pack is attached to the developing container so that a part of the toner pack is exposed to the outside, and the toner contained in the toner pack is replenished in a lump into the developing container without replacing the process cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-27631 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a new embodiment of the toner supply type image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: An image forming apparatus to which a toner container can be attached, A photosensitive drum; a developing roller for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a mounting portion into which the toner container can be mounted so that a portion of the toner container is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, the mounting portion being provided with a refill port through which toner is replenished in the toner container; a frame having a developing chamber in which the developing roller is disposed, and a storage chamber in which toner is stored and which is connected to the developing chamber and has a storage chamber opening that can communicate with the supply port; The stirring member is provided in the storage chamber, and includes a rotating shaft that rotates around a rotation axis, a first end that is one end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a second end that is a sheet having a second end that is capable of contacting an inner wall of the toner storage chamber, the agitating member rotating to agitate the toner stored in the toner storage chamber; A control unit for controlling the rotation of the stirring member; an opening / closing member that can take an open position in which the inside of the image forming apparatus is exposed to the outside and a closed position in which the inside of the image forming apparatus is not exposed; A sensor that detects an open / close state of the opening / closing member; A control unit for controlling the rotation of the stirring member; In an image forming apparatus comprising: When the sensor detects that the opening / closing member is in the open position, the control unit stops rotation in a state in which the second end of the sheet is at a predetermined position by the time when the toner passes through the opening of the storage chamber when the toner is replenished from the toner container to the storage chamber. The stirring member is controlled so as to In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: An image forming apparatus to which a toner container can be attached, A photosensitive drum; a developing roller for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a mounting portion into which the toner container can be mounted so that a portion of the toner container is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, the mounting portion being provided with a refill port through which toner is replenished in the toner container; a frame having a developing chamber in which the developing roller is disposed, and a storage chamber in which toner is stored and which is connected to the developing chamber and has a storage chamber opening that can communicate with the supply port; The stirring member is provided in the storage chamber, and includes a rotating shaft that rotates around a rotation axis, a first end that is one end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a second end that is a sheet having a second end that is capable of contacting an inner wall of the toner storage chamber, the agitating member rotating to agitate the toner stored in the toner storage chamber; a sensor for detecting whether the toner container is attached to the replenishing port; A control unit for controlling the rotation of the stirring member; In an image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit is characterized in that, when the sensor detects that the toner container is attached to the supply port, it controls the stirring member so that when toner is supplied from the toner container to the storage chamber, the second end of the sheet is at a predetermined position and stops rotating by the time the toner passes through the storage chamber opening. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new embodiment of an image forming apparatus that uses a toner supply system in which toner is replenished all at once. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the stirring member 34. [Diagram 3] Image formation process flow chart [Figure 4] A perspective view and a front view of the process cartridge 20 and the toner pack 40 [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 shows the phase of the stirring member 34 during replenishment and the state of toner mixing by subsequent stirring. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows the phase of the stirring member 34 during replenishment and the state of toner mixing by subsequent stirring. [Figure 7] Control block diagram in the first embodiment [Figure 8] Flowchart of phase adjustment process in the first embodiment [Figure 9] Sequence of the phase adjustment process in the first embodiment [Figure 10] Flowchart of phase adjustment process in embodiment 2 [Figure 11] Phase adjustment process sequence in the second embodiment [Figure 12] Flowchart of phase adjustment process in the third embodiment [Figure 13] Phase adjustment process sequence in the third embodiment [Figure 14] Control block diagram in the fourth embodiment [Figure 15] FIG. 13 shows another phase of the stirring member 34 during replenishment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 shows another phase of the stirring member 34 during replenishment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the optical path of a laser beam from an exposure unit; [Figure 18] Flowchart of phase adjustment process in the fourth embodiment [Figure 19] Phase adjustment process sequence in the fourth embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In the following examples, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example. However, the configurations disclosed in the following examples, such as the functions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of parts, are subject to the patents. These are examples of embodiments related to the scope of the claims, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to the configurations disclosed in these examples. Furthermore, the problems solved by the configurations disclosed in the following examples or the actions or effects obtained from the disclosed configurations are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0009] Example 1 Fig. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an agitating member. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material based on image information input from an external device.

[0010] 1(a) shows a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal plane as a normally assumed installation state of the image forming apparatus 1, and the directions on the paper in this figure are defined as follows. The up and down directions on the paper are the vertical direction (the direction of gravity), the up direction on the paper is called the up direction, and the down direction on the paper is called the down direction. The left direction on the paper is called the back direction (the direction from the front side of the device to the back side), and the right direction on the paper is called the front direction (the direction from the back side of the device to the front side). Also, the front direction on the paper (the direction perpendicular to the paper, from the back side of the paper to the front side of the paper) is called the left direction, and the back direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper, from the front side of the paper to the back side of the paper) is called the right direction.

[0011] The image forming section 10 has a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic process cartridge 20, and a transfer roller 12 that transfers a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum (image carrier) 21 of the process cartridge 20 onto a recording material.

[0012] The process cartridge 20 has a photosensitive drum 21, and a developing device 30 including a charging roller 22, a pre-exposure device 23, and a developing roller (developer carrier) 31, which are arranged around the photosensitive drum 21.

[0013] The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrically shaped photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 21 of this embodiment has a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive member on a drum-shaped base body formed of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotated by a motor in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction in the figure) at a predetermined process speed.

[0014] The charging roller 22 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressure to form a charging portion. A desired charging voltage is applied by a charging high-voltage power supply to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is negatively charged by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure device 23 neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 before it enters the charging portion in order to generate a stable discharge in the charging portion.

[0015] The scanner unit (exposure means) 11 uses a polygon mirror to irradiate the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device, thereby scanning and exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Note that the scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, and may be, for example, an LED exposure device having an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0016] The developing device 30 includes a developing container (developing frame) 32 in which a developer is contained, a developing roller 31 as a developer carrier that carries the developer, and a supply roller 33 capable of supplying the developer to the developing roller 31. Toner as the developer contained in the developing container 32 is applied to the surface of the developing roller 31 by the supply roller 33. The developing container 32 includes the developing roller 31, The developing container 32 has a developing chamber 32e in which the supply roller 33 is disposed, and a toner storage chamber (developer storage chamber) 32d that communicates with the developing chamber 32e and stores toner to be supplied to the developing chamber 32e. The developing container 32 has a protruding portion (A in FIG. 1(a)) in the developing chamber 32e for holding the toner to be supplied to the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The boundary between the toner storage chamber 32d and the developing chamber 32e at a position corresponding to the protruding portion A is referred to as a developing opening 39. The supply roller 33 is not necessarily required as long as the configuration can supply a sufficient amount of toner to the developing roller 31.

[0017] The developing device 30 of this embodiment employs a contact developing method as a developing method, that is, the toner layer carried by the developing roller 31 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 at a developing portion where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other.

[0018] A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 by a high-voltage developing power supply. Under the developing voltage, the toner carried by the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 in accordance with the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. Note that in this embodiment, a reversal development method is adopted. That is, the toner image is formed by adhering to the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21, which has been charged in the charging process and then exposed in the exposure process, where the charge amount has attenuated.

[0019] In this embodiment, a toner having a particle size of about 6 μm and a normal charging polarity of negative polarity is used. As an example of the toner in this embodiment, a polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method is used. The toner in this embodiment does not contain a magnetic component, and is a so-called non-magnetic one-component developer in which the toner is carried on the developing roller 31 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces). However, a one-component developer containing a magnetic component may also be used. In addition to toner particles, the one-component developer may contain additives (e.g., wax or silica particles) for adjusting the fluidity and charging performance of the toner. A two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may also be used as the developer. When a magnetic developer is used, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet arranged inside is used as the developer carrier.

[0020] The developing blade 35 regulates the amount of toner carried by the developing roller 31. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through the portion facing the developing blade 35 as the developing roller 31 rotates, whereby the toner is uniformly formed into a thin layer and is negatively charged by frictional charging.

[0021] Further, an agitating member 34 is provided inside the toner storage chamber 32d of the developing container 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the agitating member 34 has an agitating shaft (rotating shaft) 34a extending in the longitudinal direction and a blade portion (sheet) 34b extending radially outward from the agitating shaft 34a. The blade portion 34b is attached to the agitating shaft 34a so that a mounting portion 34b11, which is a part of the blade portion 34b, contacts a mounting surface 34a1 of the agitating shaft 34a extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the agitating shaft 34a. The blade portion 34b is configured such that a first end 34be1, which is one end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, is fixed to the agitating shaft 34a as a part of the mounting portion 34b11, and a second end 34be2, which is the other end, can contact the inner wall of the toner storage chamber 32d. The agitating member 34 is rotated about the agitating shaft 34a by a motor drive via a gear 34c.

[0022] In this embodiment, the blade portion 34b of the stirring member 34 is made of polycarbonate with a thickness of 180 μm and is flexible. It stirs the toner in the developer container 32 by bending and returning to its original shape following the shape of the inner wall of the developer container 32. Furthermore, the longitudinal width W of the blade portion 34b of the stirring member 34 is set narrower than the longitudinal width of the developer opening 39, so that it can enter the developer opening 39. The blade portion 34b contacts the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 32 through the developer opening 39. It also serves to send the toner toward the developing chamber 32e in which the developer 33 is located.

[0023] In this embodiment, the gear 34c of the stirring member 34 has a pin 34d disposed at a position corresponding to the blade portion 34b of the stirring member 34. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the gear 34c is removed from the stirring member 34. The phase detection sensor 51 is a reflective photointerrupter, and the control unit of the image forming apparatus 1 can determine the phase of the stirring member 34 by detecting the presence or absence of the pin 34d. That is, the phase detection sensor 51 has a light emitting unit (light emitting element) and a light receiving unit (light receiving element), and is configured to be able to grasp the position (phase) of the pin 34d by the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit being reflected by the pin 34d and received by the light receiving unit. The configuration of the phase detection sensor 51 is not limited to the reflective type, and a transmission type sensor may be used.

[0024] (Image formation operation) The image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1(a), 1(b) and 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the image forming process.

[0025] 3, a print job is started when a command is input to the image forming apparatus 1. An image forming process P2 is executed by the image forming unit 10 based on image information input from an external computer or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 1. Generally, a pre-rotation process P1 as a preparation process for image formation and a post-rotation process P3 as a post-treatment process are provided before and after the image forming process P2.

[0026] In the pre-rotation process P1, the scanner unit 11, various high voltage power supplies, and the fixing unit 70 are started up and stabilized. When each unit has started up, that is, when each unit is ready or expected to be ready to form an image, the pre-rotation process P1 ends and the image formation process P2 starts.

[0027] In the image formation process P2, the scanner unit 11 irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light L (see FIG. 1(a)) based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 21 is pre-charged by the charging roller 22, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating it with the laser light L. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 31, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0028] In parallel with this image forming process, the feeding section 60 conveys the recording material P toward a transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21. A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 12 from a transfer high voltage power supply, and the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the recording material P.

[0029] The recording material P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 70, and the toner image is heated and pressurized when passing through a nip between a fixing film 71 and a pressure roller 72 of the fixing unit 70. This causes the toner particles to melt and then adhere to the recording material P, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording material P.

[0030] The recording material P that has passed through the fixing unit 70 is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the machine) by a pair of discharge rollers 80 serving as a discharge means, and is stacked on a discharge tray 81 serving as a stacking unit formed on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 1. After all the designated recording materials have been discharged onto the discharge tray 81, the image forming apparatus 1 proceeds to a post-rotation process P3.

[0031] In the post-rotation process P3, various high voltage power supplies are turned off, and the fixing unit 70 is rotated at a temperature lower than that during paper passage or with the temperature control turned off in order to equalize the temperature difference between the paper passage area and the non-paper passage area. In this embodiment, after the post-rotation process P3, in preparation for toner replenishment, A phase determination process P4 is performed to determine the phase of the blade portion 34b of the stirring member 34 disposed in the developing container 32, and then the image forming operation is completed.

[0032] In this embodiment, after the post-rotation process P3, a phase determination process P4 is performed to determine the phase of the blade portion 34b of the agitating member 34 disposed in the developing container 32 in preparation for toner replenishment. After the phase determination process P4, a phase adjustment process P5 is performed to stop the motor drive at a timing when the position of the blade portion 34b of the agitating member 34 reaches a predetermined position, and the image forming operation is terminated. The configuration related to toner replenishment, the phase determination process P4, and the phase adjustment process P5 will be described in detail later.

[0033] (Cleanerless toner collection) The toner (transfer residual toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 without being transferred to the recording material P during the transfer step is removed from the photosensitive drum 21 in the following manner.

[0034] After the transfer process, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is neutralized by a pre-exposure device 23 so that the surface potential becomes 0 V, and then the photosensitive drum 21 enters a charging section. The residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 includes a mixture of positively charged toner and negatively charged toner that does not have a sufficient charge. This residual toner is charged negatively by discharge in the charging section.

[0035] The transfer residual toner, negatively charged in the charging portion, reaches a position facing the developing roller 31 as the photosensitive drum 21 rotates. Here, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 that has reached the position facing the developing roller 31. The transfer residual toner adhering to the non-exposed portion (non-image portion) of the photosensitive drum 21 moves from the photosensitive drum 21 to the developing roller 31 at the portion facing the developing roller 31 due to the potential difference between the pre-exposure potential on the photosensitive drum 21 and the development voltage, and is collected in the developing chamber 32e of the developer container 32. The toner collected in the developing chamber 32e is used again for image formation.

[0036] On the other hand, the residual toner adhering to the exposed portion (image portion) on the photosensitive drum 21 does not move from the photosensitive drum 21 to the developing roller 31, but forms a toner image together with the toner that has moved from the developing roller 31 to the photosensitive drum 21. Then, this toner is transferred onto the recording material P at the transfer portion and removed from the photosensitive drum 21.

[0037] (Configuration related to toner supply) As shown in FIG. 1B, in this embodiment, which is a toner supply type, an opening / closing member 83 for supplying toner by a toner pack 40 (developer supply container) is provided in an openable / closable manner on a discharge tray 81. A main body side supply opening 82 that opens upward is formed on the discharge tray 81. The opening / closing member 83 is configured to be movable between a closed position that covers the supply port 32a (developer receiving port) so that the toner pack 40 cannot be attached to the developing container 32, and an open position that exposes the supply port 32a so that the toner pack 40 can be attached to the developing container 32. The opening / closing member 83 functions as a part of the discharge tray 81 in the closed position. The opening / closing member 83 and the main body side supply opening 82 are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81.

[0038] The configurations of the developing container 32 and the toner pack 40 will be described with reference to Figures 4(a) and 4(b). Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing the developing container 32 and the toner pack 40, and Figure 4(b) is a front view showing the developing container 32 and the toner pack 40.

[0039] The developing container 32 has a protruding portion 38 that protrudes upward from one end in the longitudinal direction of the device. An attachment portion 57 to which the toner pack 40 can be attached is provided at the upper end (tip) of the protruding portion 38. The attachment portion 57 is provided with a developer container 32 for transferring the developer from the toner pack 40 into the developing container 32. A supply port 32a is formed for supplying the agent. The supply port 32a opens to the outside of the developing container 32 and communicates with an introduction port 32c (accommodation chamber opening) that opens on the inner wall of the toner storage chamber 32d of the developing container 32. That is, a toner supply path extending from the supply port 32a to the introduction port 32c is formed inside the protruding portion 38, and the supply port 32a and the introduction port 32c are configured to be able to communicate with each other. That is, in this embodiment, the mounting portion 57 having the supply port 32a is disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, which makes it easy for the user to supply toner to the developing container 32.

[0040] The toner pack 40 is configured to be detachably attached to a mounting portion 57 provided at the tip of the protruding portion 38 of the developing container 32. The toner pack 40 also has a shutter member 41 that is provided at the opening and can be opened and closed, and a plurality of protrusions 42 formed corresponding to a plurality of grooves 32b formed in the mounting portion 57. The shutter member 41 is configured to be movable between an open position where the opening is opened (i.e., the inside of the toner pack 40 and the supply port 32a communicate with each other) and a closed position where the opening is closed (i.e., the inside of the toner pack 40 and the supply port 32a do not communicate with each other).

[0041] When replenishing toner in the developing container 32, the user aligns the protrusion 42 of the toner pack 40 so that it passes through the groove 32b of the mounting portion 57, and connects the toner pack 40 to the mounting portion 57. Then, when the toner pack 40 is rotated 180 degrees in this state, the shutter member 41 of the toner pack 40 abuts against an abutting portion (not shown) of the mounting portion 57, and rotates relative to the main body of the toner pack 40, and the shutter member 41 is opened. As a result, the toner contained in the toner pack 40 leaks from the toner pack 40, and the leaked toner enters the developing container 32 through the replenishing port 32a. The shutter member 41 may be provided on the replenishing port 32a side. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus in this embodiment is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) that switches the toner pack 40 between a rotatable state and a non-rotatable state. This makes it possible to control whether or not toner can actually be replenished (whether or not replenishing is permitted) even if the toner pack 40 is inserted.

[0042] The lock mechanism may be appropriately configured using a conventionally known configuration. For example, a regulated portion may be provided on the toner pack 40 side, and a regulating member (locking member) that can take a locked position (regulated state that does not allow toner replenishment) that regulates the regulated portion and an unlocked position (unregulated state that allows toner replenishment) may be provided on the device main body side. The regulating member may be configured to be able to advance and retreat on a moving trajectory that the regulated portion of the toner pack 40 follows when the toner pack 40 rotates. After the toner pack 40 is connected to the mounting portion 57, the regulating member may be configured to regulate the movement of the regulated portion, so that the rotation of the toner pack 40 for moving the shutter member 41 to the open position (unlocking operation) is regulated by the regulating member, as long as the regulating member does not retreat from the moving trajectory of the regulated portion. The regulating member may be configured to be positioned on the moving trajectory of the regulated portion by the biasing force of a spring or the like, for example, and to be able to retreat from the moving trajectory by moving in a direction against the biasing force of a biasing member by the suction force of a solenoid, for example.

[0043] The toner supplied from the supply port 32a is sent toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 as the stirring member 34 inside the developing container 32 rotates. The supply port 32a and the protruding portion 38 are disposed at one end of the developing container 32 in the longitudinal direction, but the toner is distributed throughout the entire developing container 32 as the stirring member 34 rotates repeatedly.

[0044] The positional relationship between the toner supply path of the developing container 32 and the scanner unit 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the scanner unit 11 and the supply port 32a and the introduction port 32c of the developing container 32, and is a plan view along the scanning optical path of the laser light L of the scanner unit 11.

[0045] The scanner unit 11 includes a light source 110, an aperture 111, an incident optical element 112, a deflector 113, and an imaging optical element 114. The light source 110 is, for example, a semiconductor laser. The aperture 111 has an elliptical opening and limits the diameter of the light beam emitted from the light source 110 in each of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The incident optical element 112 has a positive refractive power in the main scanning cross section, and converts the light beam that has passed through the aperture 111 into a parallel light beam in the main scanning cross section. In the scanner unit 11, the light beam that has passed through the aperture 111 is converted into a weakly convergent light beam, thereby reducing the refractive power required for the imaging optical element 114. The incident optical element 112 also has a positive refractive power in the sub-scanning cross section, and forms a long line image in the main scanning direction by concentrating the light beam that has passed through the aperture 111 near the deflection surface 113a of the deflector 113 in the sub-scanning cross section.

[0046] The imaging optical element 114 has positive refractive power in both the main scanning section and the sub-scanning section, and forms a spot-shaped image near the scanned surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by concentrating the light beam deflected by the deflector 113 in both the main scanning section and the sub-scanning section. Specifically, the imaging optical element 114 has two optical surfaces (lens surfaces), an entrance surface and an exit surface, and is configured so that the light beam deflected by the deflecting surface 113a of the deflector 113 scans the scanned surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with desired scanning characteristics in the main scanning section. In addition, the imaging optical element 114 compensates for surface tilt (i.e., reduces the scanning position deviation in the sub-scanning direction on the scanned surface of the photosensitive drum 21 when the deflecting surface 113a is tilted) by making the vicinity of the deflecting surface 113a of the deflector 113 and the vicinity of the scanned surface of the photosensitive drum 21 conjugate with each other in the sub-scanning section.

[0047] In this way, the light beam emitted from the light source 110 passes through the diaphragm 111 and the incident optical element 112, and then enters the deflection surface 113a of the deflector 113. Then, the light beam reflected and deflected by the deflection surface 113a of the deflector 113 is guided to the scanned surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by the imaging optical element 114. The deflector 113 is rotated at a constant speed by a driving unit (not shown), and optically scans the scanned surface of the photosensitive drum 21 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow D, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the scanned surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0048] 17 and 1(a), the protrusion 38 of the developing container 32 (the toner supply path from the supply port 32a to the introduction port 32c) extends above and below the scanning optical path of the laser light L of the scanner unit 11 at a position that avoids the scanning optical path of the laser light L. That is, when viewed in the left-right direction of the device, the supply port 32a is located above the scanning optical path of the laser light L, and the introduction port 32c is located below the scanning optical path of the laser light L. The left-right direction of the device is a direction approximately parallel to the rotation axis direction of rotating bodies such as the photosensitive drum 21, the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33, and the stirring member 34.

[0049] 17, the toner supply path from the supply port 32a to the introduction port 32c is located inside the end of the photosensitive drum 21 (toward the center of the photosensitive drum 21) in the left-right direction of the device. Also, it is located between the photosensitive drum 21 and the scanner unit 11 in the front-rear direction of the device. In other words, the protrusion 38 of the developing container 32 is disposed so as to avoid the scanning optical path of the laser light L emitted from the imaging optical element 114, and not to increase the size of the device in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction of the device.

[0050] (Phase of blade portion 34b and mixture state of new and old toner during replenishment) The toner (hereinafter referred to as new toner) supplied from the supply port 32a by the toner pack 40 is introduced into the toner storage chamber 32d through the introduction port 32c, and is distributed throughout the entire longitudinal area of ​​the toner storage chamber 32d by the rotation of the stirring member 34 in the toner storage chamber 32d. The new toner is gradually mixed with the toner (hereinafter referred to as old toner) that was originally present in the developing container 32.

[0051] Here, it was found that the degree to which new toner enters the toner storage chamber 32d differs depending on the stop phase of the blade portion 34b of the agitating member 34 before the start of rotation when new toner is replenished. Specifically, there are cases where the new toner instantly spreads over the entire longitudinal area of ​​the toner storage chamber 32d and enters, and cases where the new toner remains in the longitudinal area of ​​the toner storage chamber 32d near the inlet 32c. In each case, the time required for the new toner and old toner to be uniformly mixed by the rotation of the agitating member 34 after the new toner is replenished by the toner pack 40 differs greatly.

[0052] 5(a) to 6(d) are schematic diagrams showing the state of new toner (hatched area) supplied from the toner pack 40 and old toner (filled area) in the developing container 32. FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 6(a) are schematic cross-sectional views of the developing container 32 as viewed from the side (left side). FIG. 5(b) to FIG. 5(d) and FIG. 6(b) to FIG. 6(d) are schematic diagrams showing the inside of the developing container 32 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 5(a) to FIG. 6(d) are diagrams showing how the new toner actually mixes with the old toner when a transparent developing container 32 is prepared and yellow toner is used as the new toner in the toner pack 40 and black toner is used as the old toner in the transparent developing container 32. FIG. 5(b) to FIG. 5(d) and FIG. 6(b) to FIG. 6(d) show the state seen from the front side in the range including the stirring shaft 34a of the stirring member 34.

[0053] "Immediately after replenishment" here means before the agitating member 34 starts to rotate. The image diagrams viewed from the front also show the state immediately after replenishment, 10 seconds after the agitating member 34 starts to rotate (after 10 rotations of the agitating member 34), and 30 seconds after (after 30 rotations of the agitating member 34). The solid areas indicate areas where the proportion of old toner is high, the shaded areas indicate areas where the proportion of new toner is high, and the dotted areas indicate areas where the new toner and old toner are well mixed together.

[0054] Figures 5(a) to 5(d) show the case where new toner is supplied when the tip position of blade portion 34b of agitating member 34 at the time of supply is located farthest from inlet 32c. Figures 6(a) to 6(d) show the case where new toner is supplied when the tip position of blade portion 34b of agitating member 34 at the time of supply is located on the inlet 32c side.

[0055] Here, the position farthest from the inlet 32c is defined as follows. The inlet 32c is located in the first quadrant of a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system that is divided by an axis (second virtual line) in the direction of gravity and an axis (first virtual line) in the direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity (horizontal direction) with the rotation axis (center of rotation) of the agitation shaft 34a of the agitation member 34 as the center. With respect to the inlet 32c located in the first quadrant as one quadrant, the developing unit such as the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 is located in the second quadrant as the other quadrant. At this time, the predetermined stop position for positioning the tip of the blade portion 34b of the agitation member 34 before replenishment is set to a position in the third quadrant that is the farthest from the inlet 32c. On the other hand, when the tip position of the blade portion 34b of the agitation member 34 during replenishment is located on the inlet 32c side, it means that the tip of the blade portion 34b of the agitation member 34 before replenishment is located in the same first quadrant as the inlet 32c.

[0056] In addition, the positional relationship of each component of the device using the above coordinate system does not require the device layout to strictly arrange each component in each quadrant. That is, the inlet 32c may be arranged so that a part of it (a large part of the inlet 32c) is included in the first quadrant and the other part protrudes into the other quadrants. Similarly, the blade portion 34b of the stirring member 34 may be arranged so that at least a part of the blade portion 34b including the tip (second end portion 34be2) of the blade portion 34b is included in the third quadrant and the other part protrudes into the other quadrants. Other positional relationships using the above coordinate system described below may be considered in the same manner.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5(a) to FIG. 5(d), when new toner is replenished, the tip position of the blade portion 34b is guided. When it is located at the farthest position from the inlet 32c, the new toner is discharged into a sufficiently wide space. Then, as the new toner falls to the bottom surface inside the developing container 32, it spreads out in the longitudinal direction as if it were collapsing into a mountain. In other words, the replenished new toner is distributed throughout the longitudinal direction. This is because when the old toner inside the developing container 32 is pushed toward the developing opening 39, there is almost no old toner on the bottom surface of the developing container 32, and a wide space is seen from the inlet 32c.

[0058] However, on the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(d), when the tip position of the vane portion 34b is located on the inlet 32c side during the supply of new toner, the new toner stays directly below the inlet 32a in the toner supply path from the inlet 32a inside the protruding portion 38 to the inlet 32c. The reasons for this state are considered to be as follows. One is that the vane portion 34b at this time is in a state before the old toner is sent toward the development opening 39 where the development roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are located, and the bottom of the development container 32 is filled with old toner. Another is that the vane portion 34b blocks the discharge space of the new toner. As a result, the new toner is discharged all at once into a narrow space, and the new toner accumulates in the protruding portion 38 as described above. The more the powder toner is discharged into a narrow space, the more it becomes clogged due to the pressure of the toner itself and the friction with each side surface. Therefore, the new toner is less likely to spread longitudinally inside the development container 32.

[0059] The purpose of this embodiment is to achieve, in a short time, a state in which new toner and old toner are mixed nearly uniformly in the longitudinal direction inside the developing container 32. The blade portion 34b agitates the toner in the rotational direction, but as it continues to rotate, the toner gradually mixes in the longitudinal direction as well.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d), when new toner remains in the vicinity of the inlet 32c in the longitudinal direction inside the developing container 32, even if the stirring member 34 is driven, it takes more than 30 seconds (30 rotations of the stirring member 34) for the new toner to spread throughout the entire longitudinal area.

[0061] However, as shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(d), since the tip of the blade portion 34b is located farthest from the inlet 32c, when the new toner spreads longitudinally inside the developing container 32 immediately after replenishment, it can be made uniform in about 10 seconds (10 rotations of the stirring member 34).

[0062] (Mixing old and new toner and image defects) If the image forming process is started without the old toner and the new toner being completely mixed, a poor image may occur due to poor transfer. The toner may be continuously stirred in the developing container 32, or, especially in the case of a cleanerless configuration as in this embodiment, the toner may become deformed or additives may be embedded in the toner due to repeated image forming processes. Therefore, the charging performance of the old toner may be lower than that of the new toner.

[0063] The higher the charging performance of the toner, the more easily it conforms to the potential distribution of the developing roller 31 and the photosensitive drum 21, and the more easily it is developed as a toner image into the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21. Therefore, when old toner and new toner are mixed uniformly, the new toner in the mixed toner is preferentially used for image formation. However, if the toner is not mixed uniformly, a situation may arise in which new toner with high charging performance is used for image formation, or old toner with low charging performance is used for image formation.

[0064] In addition, the higher the charging performance of the toner, the stronger the bias required to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 to the recording material P. On the other hand, if a high transfer bias is applied to toner with low charging performance, a grainy image defect called strong dropout occurs. If the transfer bias is set to match the new toner with high charging performance, if there is an area where the old toner with low charging performance is used for image formation, a strong image defect will occur. Therefore, if the mixture of the old toner and the new toner is not uniform, or if there is an area where only the old toner is present without the new toner being distributed in the longitudinal direction, strong image defect may occur in the area where the old toner was used for image formation.

[0065] In this way, the mixed state of the new and old toner varies after replenishment, making it difficult to set the transfer bias required after replenishment, and there are cases where transfer failures in the longitudinal direction are unavoidable. Therefore, it is desirable for the mixed state of the new and old toner to be such that the new toner is distributed as evenly as possible in the longitudinal direction.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the controller 601 supplies toner from the toner pack 40 to the developing container 32, the controller 601 controls the agitating member 34 so that the agitating member 34 stops rotating at a predetermined rotation phase at the latest by the timing when the toner passes through the inlet 32c of the developing container 32. That is, the controller 601 controls the rotation of the agitating shaft 34a so that the tip (second end 34be2) of the blade portion 34b stops rotating in a state where it is located in a quadrant different from the quadrant where the inlet 32c is located in the above coordinate system. More specifically, the motor drive time is adjusted so that the phase of the blade portion 34b of the agitating member 34 is located farthest from the inlet 32c when the motor is stopped after the print job. After the post-rotation process after the image formation process, a phase determination process and a phase adjustment process are added to end the print job.

[0067] (Control block diagram) 7 is a control block diagram of this embodiment. A control unit 601 that controls the image forming apparatus includes various control units such as a drive control unit 605, a high voltage control unit 604, a fixing control unit 602, and a lock mechanism control unit 606. The drive control unit 605 that drives and rotates a drive unit 611, the high voltage control unit 604 that controls each high voltage circuit 610, and the fixing control unit 602 that controls a fixing unit 607 are used to perform the print operation described above.

[0068] Further, the control unit 601 acquires detection information of various sensors such as a supply port open / close sensor 608, a jam processing door open / close sensor 609, and a phase detection sensor 51 via a sensor detection unit 603. The supply port open / close sensor (open / close detection means) 608 detects the open / close state (open or closed) of an open / close member. The jam processing door open / close sensor (open / close detection means) 609 detects the open / close state of a jam processing door 91 (see FIG. 1(a)), which is opened by a user to access the conveyance path in order to remove a paper that has stopped in the image forming apparatus due to a jam during printing or the like. The jam processing door 91 is an open / close member that constitutes a part of the exterior on the rear side of the main body frame 90 of the apparatus main body, and is configured to be able to take an open position that exposes the inside of the main body frame 90, particularly the conveyance path of the recording material, to the outside, and a closed position that does not expose it, centered on an open / close shaft 92 at the lower end. The supply port open / close sensor 608 and the jam processing door open / close sensor 609 may appropriately adopt a conventionally known configuration, and may be configured, for example, by a pressure-sensitive switch, a magnetic sensor, etc. The configuration of the phase detection sensor 51 is as described above.

[0069] Furthermore, the lock mechanism control unit 606 controls a lock mechanism (regulation mechanism) 612 that switches whether the toner pack can be rotated when toner is replenished. When the lock mechanism 612 has the configuration described above, for example, the lock mechanism control unit 606 can control the locked state and unlocked state of the lock mechanism 612 by controlling the power supply to the solenoid. Note that the lock mechanism 612 is not an essential component, and the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment may be configured without the lock mechanism 612.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 601 includes a storage unit 613 that stores phase information, which is the result of the phase determination process described above.

[0071] (Phase determination process) In the phase determination process P4 in this embodiment, the phase of the blade portion 34b is determined by the pin 34d provided on the gear 34c of the stirring member 34 and the phase detection sensor 51. After the phase determination, the adjustment amount to be adjusted in the phase adjustment process P5 is stored in the storage unit 613. If the result of the phase determination shows that no adjustment is necessary, the adjustment amount to be adjusted is not stored in the storage unit 613, or information indicating that there is no adjustment amount is stored in the storage unit 613. In other words, if the rotational phase of the blade portion 34b detected in advance before the execution of the phase adjustment process is included in a predetermined phase range in which the blade portion 34b should be stopped in the phase adjustment process, the phase adjustment process is unnecessary, and therefore the information is stored.

[0072] (Flowchart of phase adjustment process) FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the phase adjustment process in this embodiment. When the image forming apparatus 1 is in a standby state (a state in which printing is possible and stopped), the drive control unit 605 drives the drive unit 611 at the point in time when the state of the supply port open / close sensor 608 changes from a closed state to an open state (flowchart S101: the point in time when the state in which the user is about to supply toner is detected). Specifically, the drive control unit 605 executes a phase adjustment process (S103) that controls the drive unit 611 so that the phase of the blade portion 34b is located at the farthest position from the supply port 32a. After the phase adjustment process is completed, the lock mechanism 612 is changed to a state in which toner can be supplied (S104). In the phase adjustment process, the control unit 601 of the image forming apparatus 1 drives and stops the drive unit 611 by the drive control unit 605 so that the position of the blade portion 34b is located at the farthest position from the desired supply port 32a. However, if there is no phase information to be adjusted as a result of the phase determination process P4 (S102: N), the phase adjustment process is not performed and the lock mechanism 612 is changed to a state in which toner can be replenished.

[0073] (Phase adjustment process sequence) FIG. 9 shows a sequence of the phase adjustment process in this embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a sequence when performing phase adjustment, that is, a case where phase information is stored in the storage unit 613. When the control unit 601 detects that the supply port open / close sensor 608 has changed from a closed state to an open state, it controls the drive control unit 605 at that time and starts driving the drive unit 611 (t11). The drive unit 611 transitions from an accelerated state to a steady rotation state (t12), then transitions to a decelerated state (t13), and finally stops (t14). Note that in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, a brush motor is used as a motor as a drive source, and even if the current is stopped, it takes time for the motor to completely stop rotating due to inertia, so it is desirable to adjust the timing of the stop instruction to the motor taking inertia into consideration. During this period from t11 to t14, the drive unit 611 rotates the stirring member by an amount corresponding to the phase adjustment information stored in the storage unit 613. At the time (t14) when the driving unit 611 stops, the phase adjustment process completes the phase adjustment, and the lock mechanism 612 is changed to the open state. Note that, in this embodiment, the operation of the driving unit 611 is set to three states, namely, acceleration, steady rotation, and deceleration, but if the amount of adjustment based on the phase adjustment information stored in the memory unit 613 is small and phase adjustment is possible only by acceleration and deceleration, it is not necessarily necessary to perform steady rotation.

[0074] (Effects of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, when it is detected that the user is about to replenish toner, a phase adjustment process is performed as necessary, and then the state is changed to one in which toner replenishment is possible. In this way, the stopping position of the agitator at the start of replenishment can always be such that the tip of the blade portion 34b is always located at the farthest position from the replenishment port 32a in preparation for replenishment. At this time, the old toner in the developer container 32 is pushed toward the developer opening 39, creating a space at the bottom of the developer container 32. This space allows the new toner in the toner pack to be discharged while spreading across the entire length of the developer container 32 without clogging. After this, the agitator 3 Once rotation of the stirring member 34 is started, the new toner and the old toner are uniformly mixed in a shorter time than in the conventional configuration (a configuration in which the phase of the stirring member 34 is not controlled).

[0075] As described above, by making the new toner uniformly present over the entire longitudinal area of ​​the developing container 32 in a shorter time than before, the possibility of image defects occurring can be further reduced.

[0076] In this embodiment, the phase adjustment process is used to stop the motor so that the tip of the blade portion 34b is located in the third quadrant of an orthogonal coordinate system centered on the stirring shaft 34a, but this is not limited to this.

[0077] In this embodiment, the space into which the new toner of the toner pack 40 is ejected is the widest when the tip of the blade portion 34b is stopped in the third quadrant. However, even if the tip is stopped in the second or fourth quadrant as shown in Figures 15(a) to 16(d), if the new toner of the toner pack 40 is ejected into a sufficiently wide space and spreads out in the longitudinal direction of the developing container 32, the same effect as described above can be achieved.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the phase determination is performed after the post-rotation process P3, but this may be performed in parallel with the post-rotation process P3 to shorten the time required for all processes of the print job.

[0079] Also, the phase adjustment only needs to be performed in time for toner replenishment, and is not limited to the configuration described in this embodiment as long as it can be performed when the user actually replenishes toner. In other words, the configuration capable of detecting that the user is preparing to replenish toner (high probability of this happening) is not limited to the detection of opening / closing of the opening / closing member 83 or the like or the detection of attachment / detachment of a toner pack shown in this embodiment, and may be configured to start phase adjustment of the stirring member 34 when the detection of the user starting preparation for toner replenishment is used as a trigger.

[0080] Furthermore, even in the configuration of this embodiment that does not have the lock mechanism 612, adjusting the phase before the user replenishes toner allows the toner to be replenished in a state in which the occurrence of image defects is further reduced. Therefore, it is preferable to perform the phase adjustment process when the supply port open / close sensor detects that the supply port is open.

[0081] Moreover, the blade portion 34b is deformed to some extent when it comes into contact with the inner wall of the toner storage chamber 32d. The degree of the deformation may change as the phase of the agitation shaft 34a changes. That is, the shape of the inner wall surface of the toner storage chamber 32d is not uniform with respect to the rotation center of the agitation shaft 34a, and when the contact position of the blade portion 34b with the inner wall surface of the toner storage chamber 32d changes, the magnitude of the reaction force that the tip of the blade portion 34b receives from the inner wall surface of the toner storage chamber 32d also changes, and the degree of deformation may also change. The shape of the inner wall of the toner storage chamber 32d is not a cylindrical surface centered on the rotation center of the agitation member 34, and the position change of the tip of the blade portion 34b during the rotation of the agitation member 34 is not constant with respect to the phase change of the agitation shaft 34a due to the change in the degree of deformation of the blade portion 34b. That is, it is considered that the position of the rotation phase of the agitation shaft 34a and the tip position of the blade portion 34b do not necessarily correspond one-to-one. It is considered that the deformation of the blade portion 34b may change depending on the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 32d. Therefore, it is preferable to grasp the correspondence between the rotation phase of the agitator shaft 34a and the tip position of the blade portion 34b in advance by experiments or the like, and to reflect this in the control amount of the rotation control of the agitator shaft 34a.

[0082] (others) The positional relationship of each component in the coordinate system shown in Figures 5(a) to 8(d) (the quadrant in which each component is located) is the positional relationship when the image forming apparatus is viewed from left to right. Therefore, the quadrant in which each component is located when viewed from right to left is the same in the left-right direction of the paper. That is, for example, in the positional relationship of each component when viewed from right to left, the quadrant in which the inlet 32c is located is the second quadrant, and the quadrant in which the tip of the blade portion 34b is stopped is the fourth quadrant, or the first or second quadrant.

[0083] Another possible reason why it takes time for new toner to mix with old toner is the relationship between the size of the toner storage chamber 32d of the developing container 32 and the size of the toner path of the protruding portion 38 (the size of the inlet 32c that opens into the inner wall surface of the toner storage chamber 32d). This problem is likely to occur when the width of the protruding portion 38 (inlet 32c) is small compared to the overall longitudinal length of the toner storage chamber 32d.

[0084] In this embodiment, in consideration of usability, the toner can be replenished from the top of the device, and the replenishment port does not block the laser light for exposure, and the inlet 32c is opened at a position offset toward one longitudinal end of the toner storage chamber 32d, as described above. In this embodiment, the longitudinal length of the toner storage chamber 32d is 230 mm, the longitudinal width (inner diameter) of the inlet 32c is 40 mm, and the length from the longitudinal center of the toner storage chamber 32d to the width center of the inlet 32c is 86 mm. Regarding the longitudinal position of the inlet 32c relative to the toner storage chamber 32d, even if the inlet 32c is opened at the longitudinal center of the toner storage chamber 32d, there is a concern that new toner may not reach both longitudinal ends easily depending on the phase of the stirring member 34. In other words, the configuration in which the problem of the present invention may occur is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration shown in this embodiment.

[0085] In addition, if the toner storage chamber 32d has a sufficient width (height direction) and a sufficient distance can be provided between the tip of the blade portion 34b and the inlet 32c even when the tip of the blade portion 34b is located in the first quadrant, that is, if there is a space for the new toner to spread out in the longitudinal direction outside the orbit of the stirring member 34 (the tip of the blade portion 34b), the problem of the time required for mixing the new toner and the old toner described above is unlikely to occur. However, in order to provide such a space, it is necessary to increase the vertical width of the toner storage chamber 32d, and there is a concern that the size of the device body will become large. In the developing container 32 of this embodiment, the inlet 32c is opened at the same height as the area where the tip of the blade portion 34b can contact on the upper surface of the inner wall surface of the toner storage chamber 32d, so that the size of the device body does not become large in the vertical direction of the device. In other words, according to this embodiment, in a compact developing container 32 configuration in which there is not enough distance between the tip of the blade portion 34b of the stirring member 34 located in the first quadrant and the inlet 32c, it is possible to reduce the time required to mix new toner and old toner.

[0086] Example 2 In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 does not have a storage unit and performs a phase adjustment process. Furthermore, phase determination is also performed in the phase adjustment process. Other configurations of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the image forming apparatus described in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] (Flowchart of phase adjustment process) FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the phase adjustment process in this embodiment. When the image forming apparatus 1 is in a standby state (a state in which printing is possible and the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped), the drive control unit 605 drives the drive unit 611 at the point in time when the state of the supply port open / close sensor 608 changes from the closed state to the open state (flowchart S201: point in time when it is detected that the user is about to supply toner). Specifically, the drive control unit 605 executes a phase adjustment process (S202) for controlling the drive unit 611 so that the phase of the blade portion 34b is located at the farthest position from the supply port 32a. After the phase adjustment process is completed, the lock mechanism 612 is changed to a state in which toner can be supplied (S203). In the phase adjustment process, the control unit 601 of the image forming apparatus 1 controls the drive control unit 605 to control the drive unit 611 so that the position of the blade portion 34b is located at the farthest position from the desired supply port 32a. The actuator 611 is driven and stopped.

[0088] (Phase adjustment process sequence) FIG. 11 shows the sequence of the phase adjustment process in this embodiment. When the control unit 601 detects that the supply port open / close sensor 608 has changed from a closed state to an open state, it controls the drive control unit 605 at that time and starts driving the drive unit 611 (t21). At the timing of t21, the phase adjustment process transitions to a phase determination state, and the drive unit 611 transitions to a steady rotation state via an acceleration state, and detects the first change in the phase detection sensor 51 (here, a Low to High edge) in the steady rotation state (t22). After that, when the rotation period T of the stirring member has elapsed, the change in the phase detection sensor 51 is detected again (t23). At this time t23, the phase adjustment process transitions from the phase determination state to a phase adjustment state, and the time required to stop the stirring member far from the supply port is calculated backwards, and the steady rotation of the drive unit 611 is continued, and then the process transitions to a deceleration state (t24) and stops (t25). At the time t25, the phase adjustment is completed, and the lock mechanism 612 is changed to an open state.

[0089] (Effects of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, the phase adjustment process is performed when it is detected that the user is about to replenish toner. This allows the new toner to be uniformly distributed over the entire longitudinal area of ​​the developing container 32 in a short time, and the transfer bias required in the longitudinal direction can be made approximately constant. This makes it possible to suppress image defects caused by uneven distribution of new and old toner after replenishment.

[0090] Furthermore, even if the present embodiment does not have the lock mechanism 612, toner can be replenished in a state where the occurrence of image defects is further reduced if the user adjusts the phase before replenishing toner, as in the case of embodiment 1. For this reason, it is preferable to perform the phase adjustment process when the replenishing port open / close sensor detects that the replenishing port is open.

[0091] Example 3 In the third embodiment, the phase adjustment process is performed when the image forming apparatus 1 is not in a standby state. The control block configuration in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and is similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 7. Other configurations in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment are the same as those in the image forming apparatuses described in the first and second embodiments, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] In order for the image forming apparatus 1 to transition from a stopped but not standby state to a standby state in which printing is possible, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a process initialization operation to check the operation of each section, including the drive section. This process initialization is triggered when the user closes the jam processing door, that is, when the jam processing door open / close sensor 609 detects that the door is closed, or when the jam processing door open / close sensor 609 detects that the door is closed when the image forming apparatus is turned on. Note that in the image forming apparatus 1 that is not in the standby state, a paper jam occurs in which paper cannot continue to be transported inside the apparatus, or a malfunction occurs, and the image forming apparatus cannot be operated (i.e., the drive section cannot be driven), meaning that phase adjustment and toner replenishment cannot be performed.

[0093] (Flowchart of phase adjustment process) 12 shows a flowchart of the phase adjustment process in this embodiment. When the above-mentioned process initialization start trigger occurs, image forming apparatus 1 starts process initialization of P31 if there is no paper remaining in the machine. At that time, in order to drive drive unit 611, the agitation member also rotates while process initialization is being performed. Control unit 601 reads out the phase adjustment amount from storage unit 613, and if phase adjustment is not performed, continues driving drive unit 611 for the required phase adjustment amount from the timing at which process initialization ends, and then stops it. If the supply port open / close sensor 608 is in the open state after the process initialization is completed, the phase adjustment has already been completed, and therefore the lock mechanism 612 can be changed to the released state without further performing phase adjustment.

[0094] (Phase adjustment process sequence) Fig. 13 shows the sequence of the phase adjustment process in this embodiment. Fig. 13 shows, as an example of a process initialization trigger, a case where the detection state of the jam processing door open / close sensor 609 changes from open to closed. Specifically, after a jam occurs during printing, the user opens the jam processing door to remove the jammed paper, and then closes the jam processing door again. Note that, at the point where a jam occurs and the drive unit 611 stops, the phase adjustment information of the agitating member is stored in the memory unit 613, as in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0095] When the control unit 601 detects that the jam processing door open / close sensor 609 has changed from open to closed, it starts driving the drive unit 611 at that point in time, and starts process initialization (t31). After accelerating, the drive unit 611 moves to steady rotation, and when it is confirmed that the operation of each unit in the image forming apparatus 1, such as the fixing unit 607 and each high-voltage circuit 610, is normal, the process initialization can be completed (t32). Thereafter, based on the phase adjustment information stored in the storage unit 613, the drive unit 611 continues to rotate at a steady speed, then starts to decelerate (t33), and stops (t34). When the drive unit 611 stops, the process initialization and phase adjustment are completed.

[0096] (Effects of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, the phase adjustment is performed together with the process initialization performed when the printer transitions from a non-standby state to a standby state, so that the printer can change to a state in which toner can be replenished without performing phase adjustment when it is detected that the user is about to replenish toner.

[0097] Further, in this embodiment, a configuration including the storage unit 613 has been described, but even in a configuration without a storage unit, it is possible to perform the same phase adjustment as in the second embodiment together with the process initialization.

[0098] Example 4 Example 4 is configured to have a toner pack installation sensor instead of the supply port open / close sensor in Examples 1 and 2. Other configurations of the image forming apparatus according to Example 4 are the same as those of the image forming apparatuses described in Examples 1 to 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] (Control block diagram) Fig. 14 shows a control block diagram in the fourth embodiment. Unlike the first and second embodiments already described with reference to Fig. 7, the fourth embodiment is provided with a toner pack attachment detection sensor 614 that detects that a toner pack is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, instead of the supply port open / close sensor 608 that detects the state (open or closed) of the opening / closing member. The toner pack attachment detection sensor 614 may be configured as appropriate from a conventionally known configuration, and may be configured, for example, from a pressure-sensitive switch or a magnetic sensor.

[0100] (Flow chart and sequence of phase adjustment process) In the control of the first embodiment already described using the flowchart of Fig. 8, the determination as to whether to perform the phase adjustment process is made when it is detected that the supply port is open (S101). In contrast, in the control of the fourth embodiment, the determination as to whether to perform the phase adjustment process is made when the toner pack installation detection sensor detects that the toner pack is installed (S401), as shown in Fig. 18. Other controls in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0101] Similarly, with regard to the phase adjustment sequence, in contrast to the contents of the sequence in the first embodiment described with reference to Fig. 9, in the sequence in the fourth embodiment, the phase adjustment process starts from the time (t41) when the attachment of the toner pack is detected, as shown in Fig. 19. The other sequences in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0102] (Effects of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, even in a configuration capable of detecting the installation of a toner pack, as in embodiments 1 and 2, a phase adjustment process is performed at the time when it is detected that the user is attempting to replenish toner, thereby making it possible to suppress image defects that occur after replenishment.

[0103] Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration including the storage unit 613 has been described, but even in a configuration without the storage unit 613, it is possible to perform the same phase adjustment as in the second embodiment.

[0104] The configurations and control methods of the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other as much as possible.

[0105] The disclosure of the embodiments of the present invention includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus to which a toner container can be attached, A photosensitive drum; a developing roller for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a mounting portion into which the toner container can be mounted so that a portion of the toner container is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, the mounting portion being provided with a refill port through which toner is replenished in the toner container; a frame having a developing chamber in which the developing roller is disposed, and a storage chamber in which toner is stored and which is connected to the developing chamber and has a storage chamber opening that can communicate with the supply port; The stirring member is provided in the storage chamber, and includes a rotating shaft that rotates around a rotation axis, a first end that is one end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a second end that is a sheet having a second end that is capable of contacting an inner wall of the toner storage chamber, the agitating member rotating to agitate the toner stored in the toner storage chamber; A control unit for controlling the rotation of the stirring member; an opening / closing member that can take an open position in which the mounting portion is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus and a closed position in which the mounting portion is not exposed; A sensor that detects an open / close state of the opening / closing member; A control unit for controlling the rotation of the stirring member; In an image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit controls the stirring member to stop rotating with the second end of the sheet in a predetermined position by the time the toner passes through the storage chamber opening when toner is replenished from the toner container to the storage chamber based on the sensor detecting that the opening / closing member is in the open position. (Configuration 2) a regulating mechanism that can be in a non-regulating state in which replenishment of developer from a developer supply container is permitted and in a regulating state in which the replenishment is not permitted, The image forming apparatus described in configuration 1, characterized in that when the sensor detects that the opening / closing member is in the open position, the control unit keeps the regulating mechanism in the regulated state, stops the rotation of the stirring member in the state by the timing, and when the rotation of the stirring member stops, switches the regulating mechanism from the regulated state to the non-regulated state. (Configuration 3) An image forming apparatus to which a toner container can be attached, A photosensitive drum; a developing roller for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a mounting portion into which the toner container can be mounted so that a portion of the toner container is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, the mounting portion being provided with a refill port through which toner is replenished in the toner container; a frame having a developing chamber in which the developing roller is disposed, and a storage chamber in which toner is stored and which is connected to the developing chamber and has a storage chamber opening that can communicate with the supply port; The stirring member is provided in the storage chamber, and includes a rotating shaft that rotates around a rotation axis, a first end that is one end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a second end that is a sheet having a second end that is capable of contacting an inner wall of the toner storage chamber, the agitating member rotating to agitate the toner stored in the toner storage chamber; a sensor for detecting whether the toner container is attached to the replenishing port; A control unit for controlling the rotation of the stirring member; In an image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit controls the stirring member to stop rotating with the second end of the sheet in a predetermined position by the time the toner passes through the storage chamber opening when toner is replenished from the toner container to the storage chamber based on the sensor detecting that the toner container is attached to the supply port. (Configuration 4) a regulating mechanism that can be in a non-regulating state in which replenishment of developer from a developer supply container is permitted and in a regulating state in which the replenishment is not permitted, The image forming apparatus described in configuration 3, characterized in that when the sensor detects that the toner container is attached to the supply port, the control unit keeps the regulating mechanism in the regulating state, stops the rotation of the stirring member in the state by the timing, and when the rotation of the stirring member stops, switches the regulating mechanism from the regulating state to the non-regulating state. (Configuration 5) When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, at least a portion of the storage chamber opening is disposed in a first quadrant or a second quadrant in a two-dimensional coordinate system formed by a first virtual line passing through the rotation axis and extending in a horizontal direction, and a second virtual line passing through the rotation axis and extending in a gravity direction, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the specified position is a position in which at least a portion of the second end of the sheet is located in a quadrant different from the quadrant in which at least a portion of the storage chamber opening is located in the coordinate system. (Configuration 6) the toner container has a shutter that can take a closed position in which the inside does not communicate with the supply port and an open position in which the inside communicates with the supply port, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the regulating mechanism is configured to regulate an unlocking operation of the toner container to move the shutter from the closed position to the open position in the regulated state, and to allow the unlocking operation in the non-regulated state. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the opening / closing member is configured to be capable of taking an open position in which the supply port is exposed to the outside, and a closed position in which the supply port is not exposed to the outside. (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the opening / closing member is configured to be capable of taking an open position in which a transport path for a recording material is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and a closed position in which the transport path is not exposed. (Configuration 9) a phase detection means for detecting a rotational phase of the second end of the sheet; When the sensor detects that the opening / closing member is in an open state, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the stirring member is controlled based on the rotation phase detected by a detection means so that the second end portion stops rotating in a state where it is at the predetermined position by the timing. (Configuration 10) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the phase detection means detects the rotational phase after the sensor detects that the opening / closing member is in an open state. (Configuration 11) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the phase detection means detects the rotation phase in advance before the sensor detects that the opening / closing member is in an open state. (Configuration 12) the chamber opening is disposed in the first quadrant of the coordinate system when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis; The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the control unit controls the stirring member so that the portion of the sheet stops rotating in a state in which the portion is located in the third quadrant of the coordinate system by the timing. (Configuration 13) the chamber opening is disposed in the first quadrant of the coordinate system when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis; The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that the control unit controls the stirring member so that the portion of the sheet stops rotating in a state in which the portion is located in the second or fourth quadrant of the coordinate system by the timing. (Configuration 14) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that in the coordinate system, the storage chamber opening is located in one of the first quadrant and the second quadrant, and the photosensitive drum is located in the other quadrant. (Configuration 15) 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the storage chamber opening is located at an end of the storage chamber in the direction of the rotation axis. (Configuration 16) an exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive drum to light, the supply port is located above an optical path of a laser beam from the exposure means when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis; The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, characterized in that the opening of the storage chamber is located below the optical path of the laser light of the exposure means when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis. (Configuration 17) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, characterized in that the supply port and the storage chamber opening are located between the photosensitive drum and the exposure means in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and in a direction in which the photosensitive drum and the exposure means are aligned. (Configuration 18) An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 17, characterized in that the storage chamber opening is located at the same height as an area on the upper surface of the inner wall of the storage chamber that can be contacted by the second end of the sheet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1... image forming apparatus, 21... photosensitive drum (image carrier), 31... developing roller (developer carrier), 32... developing container, 32a supply port (developer receiving port), 32c... introduction port (developer introduction port), 32d... toner storage chamber (developer storage chamber), 34... stirring member, 34a... stirring shaft, 34b... blade Root portion, 39...developing opening, 40...supply container (toner pack)

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus to which a toner container can be attached, A photosensitive drum; a developing roller for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a mounting portion into which the toner container can be mounted so that a portion of the toner container is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, the mounting portion being provided with a refill port through which toner is replenished in the toner container; a frame having a developing chamber in which the developing roller is disposed, and a storage chamber in which toner is stored and which is connected to the developing chamber and has a storage chamber opening that can communicate with the supply port; The stirring member is provided in the storage chamber, and includes a rotating shaft that rotates around a rotation axis, a first end that is one end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a second end that is a sheet having a second end that is in contact with an inner wall of the toner storage chamber, the sheet rotating to agitate the toner stored in the toner storage chamber; A control unit for controlling the rotation of the stirring member; an opening / closing member that can take an open position in which the mounting portion is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus and a closed position in which the mounting portion is not exposed; A sensor that detects an open / close state of the opening / closing member; A control unit for controlling the rotation of the stirring member; In an image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit controls the stirring member to stop rotating with the second end of the sheet in a predetermined position by the time the toner passes through the storage chamber opening when toner is replenished from the toner container to the storage chamber based on the sensor detecting that the opening / closing member is in the open position.

2. a regulating mechanism that can be in a non-regulating state in which replenishment of developer from a developer supply container is permitted and in a regulating state in which the replenishment is not permitted, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the sensor detects that the opening / closing member is in the open position, the control unit keeps the regulating mechanism in the regulated state, stops the rotation of the stirring member in the state by the timing, and when the rotation of the stirring member stops, switches the regulating mechanism from the regulated state to the non-regulated state.

3. An image forming apparatus to which a toner container can be attached, A photosensitive drum; a developing roller for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a mounting portion into which the toner container can be mounted so that a portion of the toner container is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, the mounting portion being provided with a refill port through which toner is replenished in the toner container; a frame having a developing chamber in which the developing roller is disposed, and a storage chamber in which toner is stored and which is connected to the developing chamber and has a storage chamber opening that can communicate with the supply port; The stirring member is provided in the storage chamber, and includes a rotating shaft that rotates around a rotation axis, a first end that is one end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a second end that is a sheet having a second end that is in contact with an inner wall of the toner storage chamber, the sheet rotating to agitate the toner stored in the toner storage chamber; a sensor for detecting whether the toner container is attached to the replenishing port; A control unit for controlling the rotation of the stirring member; In an image forming apparatus comprising: When the toner container is mounted on the supply port, the control unit determines whether the second end of the sheet is positioned at a predetermined position by the time the toner passes through the opening of the toner container when the toner container is supplied to the storage chamber. An image forming apparatus comprising: a stirring member that is controlled so as to stop rotating at a certain state.

4. a regulating mechanism that can be in a non-regulating state in which replenishment of developer from a developer supply container is permitted and in a regulating state in which the replenishment is not permitted, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the sensor detects that the toner container has been attached to the supply port, the control unit keeps the regulating mechanism in the regulating state, stops the rotation of the stirring member in the state by the timing, and when the rotation of the stirring member has stopped, switches the regulating mechanism from the regulating state to the non-regulating state.

5. At least a portion of the storage chamber opening is disposed in a first quadrant or a second quadrant in a two-dimensional coordinate system formed by a first virtual line passing through the rotation axis and extending in a horizontal direction, and a second virtual line passing through the rotation axis and extending in a gravity direction, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis; 3. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the specified position is a position in which at least a portion of the second end of the sheet is located in a quadrant different from the quadrant in the coordinate system in which at least a portion of the storage chamber opening is located.

6. the toner container has a shutter that can take a closed position in which the inside does not communicate with the supply port and an open position in which the inside communicates with the supply port, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the regulating mechanism is configured to regulate an unlocking operation of the toner container to move the shutter from the closed position to the open position in the regulated state, and to allow the unlocking operation in the non-regulated state.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing member is configured to be capable of taking an open position in which the supply opening is exposed to the outside and a closed position in which the supply opening is not exposed to the outside.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing member is configured to be capable of taking an open position in which a transport path for the recording material is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and a closed position in which the transport path is not exposed.

9. a phase detection means for detecting a rotational phase of the second end of the sheet; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the sensor detects that the opening / closing member is in an open state, the control unit controls the stirring member so that the second end stops rotating in a state where the second end is at the specified position by the timing based on the rotation phase detected by the phase detection means.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the phase detection means detects the rotational phase after the sensor detects that the opening / closing member is in an open state.

11. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the phase detection means detects the rotation phase in advance before the sensor detects that the opening / closing member is in the open state.

12. the chamber opening is disposed in the first quadrant of the coordinate system when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis; The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit controls the stirring member so that the part of the sheet stops rotating in a state where the part is located in a third quadrant of the coordinate system by the timing.

13. the chamber opening is disposed in the first quadrant of the coordinate system when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the stirring member so that the portion of the sheet stops rotating in a state in which the portion is located in a second or fourth quadrant of the coordinate system by the timing.

14. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in the coordinate system, the opening of the storage chamber is located in one of the first quadrant and the second quadrant, and the photosensitive drum is located in the other quadrant.

15. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the opening of the storage chamber is located at an end of the storage chamber in the direction of the rotation axis.

16. an exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive drum to light, the supply port is located above an optical path of a laser beam from the exposure means when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis; 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the opening of the accommodation chamber is located below an optical path of the laser light from the exposure means when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis.

17. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the supply port and the storage chamber opening are located between the photosensitive drum and the exposure means in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and in a direction in which the photosensitive drum and the exposure means are aligned.

18. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the opening of the storage chamber is located at the same height as an area of ​​an upper surface of an inner wall of the storage chamber that can be contacted by the second end of the sheet.

Images