Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can easily identify the type of a toner storage container with a method that is not easily imitated.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises image forming units, toner storage containers, odor generation units, odor detection units, and a control unit. The image forming unit includes an image carrier, and a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier into a toner image. The toner storage container is rotatable, stores toner for forming a toner image, and is removably attached to the body of the image forming apparatus. The odor generation unit is provided at a position where it can rotate with the toner storage container, and carries an odor substance. The odor detection unit detects the odor substance diffused from the odor generation unit. After the toner storage container is attached to the body of the image forming apparatus, the control unit rotates the toner storage container by the time when a toner supply operation is started, and causes the odor detection unit to perform detection of the odor substance at a detection position where the odor generation unit comes closest to the odor detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that uses an electrophotographic process, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that is provided with a toner storage container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In image forming devices that use electrophotographic technology, such as copiers, printers, and facsimiles, powder developers are mainly used, and the electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier such as a photoreceptor drum is visualized by toner in a developing device, and the toner image is then transferred onto a recording medium directly or via an intermediate transfer body, after which a fixing process is generally performed.

[0003] In addition, in order to reduce the size of the developing device, a system has been proposed in which toner is supplied from outside the developing device according to the amount of toner remaining in the developing device using a replaceable toner storage container such as a toner container or a toner cartridge.

[0004] Generally, print quality is guaranteed by using consumables (hereinafter referred to as genuine products) recommended by the seller of the image forming device for the toner storage container. Consumables (hereinafter referred to as non-genuine products) from other than the seller of the image forming device are not guaranteed by the seller for print quality, and the current situation is that equipment maintenance is not performed. However, since many non-genuine products are inexpensive, there are an increasing number of cases where users use non-genuine products despite knowing that they are non-genuine products. As a result, continued use of non-genuine products causes problems such as breakdowns in the image forming device and deterioration of image quality.

[0005] Therefore, methods have been proposed to restrict the use of non-genuine parts, and as described in Patent Document 1, for example, a method is known in which a wireless tag (IC tag) that stores the type and characteristics of the stored toner and the number of times the cartridge has been used is used as a detection means for identifying the type of toner container. However, the method of identifying the type of toner storage container using a wireless tag requires a wireless tag and a module that reads the information stored in the wireless tag, which leads to increased costs for the toner storage container and the image forming apparatus body. In addition, there is also a problem in that the use of wireless tags to manage toner storage containers makes them susceptible to counterfeiting.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus including a storage unit that stores color material, a printing unit that prints using the color material, an odor detection unit that changes an output value depending on the odor of the color material, and a control unit that determines whether the color material is genuine or non-genuine based on the output value of the odor detection unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-212698 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-92029 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The method of Patent Document 2 detects the odor of toner (coloring material), so the sensor must be placed in a space where toner may rise up. As a result, there is a possibility that the sensor may be contaminated by toner. In addition, since the toner itself needs to be scented, there is a risk that a strong odor may be generated when printing an image with a high printing rate.

[0009] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily identifying the type of a toner storage container in a manner that is difficult to imitate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a first configuration of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a toner storage container, an odor generating unit, an odor detecting unit, and a control unit. The image forming unit includes an image carrier and a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier into a toner image, and forms a toner image based on image data. The toner storage container stores toner for forming a toner image, and is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. The odor generating unit is provided in the toner storage container and carries an odorous substance. The odor detecting unit is provided in the image forming apparatus main body and detects the odorous substance diffused from the odor generating unit. The control unit identifies the type of the toner storage container based on the odorous substance detected by the odor detecting unit. The toner storage container is rotatable, and the odor generating unit is provided in a position that allows it to rotate together with the toner storage container. After the toner storage container is attached to the image forming apparatus main body, the control unit rotates the toner storage container before starting a toner supply operation, and detects the odorous substance at a detection position where the odor generating unit is closest to the odor detecting unit. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the first configuration of the present invention, by identifying the toner storage container by detecting an odorous substance that is difficult to imitate, the type of the toner storage container can be identified more accurately than physical or electrical identification methods such as wireless tags that are easily counterfeited. In addition, since there is no need to add an odor to the toner itself, there is no risk of a strong odor being generated when printing an image with a high print ratio. Furthermore, after the toner storage container is attached to the image forming device body, the toner storage container is rotated before the toner supply operation is started, and the odorous substance is detected at the detection position where the odor generating unit is closest to the odor detecting unit, so that the odorous substance of the odor generating unit can be detected with high accuracy regardless of the phase when the toner storage container is attached to the image forming device body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a color printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of toner containers 4a to 4d and a toner supply path used in a color printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of toner containers 4a to 4d used in a color printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view of toner containers 4a to 4d used in a color printer 100 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] A block diagram showing a control path used in the color printer 100 of this embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing an example of identification of the toner containers 4a to 4d and process change control in the color printer 100 of this embodiment. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing another example of identification of the toner containers 4a to 4d and process change control in the color printer 100 of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a plan view of another example of the toner containers 4a to 4d in the color printer 100 of the present embodiment, seen from above, illustrating a configuration in which the toner containers 4a to 4d are provided with two odor generating units 40. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the toner containers 4a to 4d inserted into the container mounting portion 101, showing the state in which the odor generating unit 40 is disposed on the opposite side to the odor sensor 50. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the toner containers 4a to 4d inserted into the container mounting portion 101, showing the state in which the odor generating unit 40 is disposed in a position facing the odor sensor 50. [Figure 11] Rear view of Color Printer 100 [Figure 12]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the toner containers 4a to 4d used in the color printer 100 of the present embodiment, in which the toner containers 4a to 4d are each composed of a first container 4a1 and a second container 4a2. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the non-detection state of the odor sensor 50 after the second container 4a2 has been rotated 180° from the state shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a side view showing another example of the toner containers 4a to 4d mounted in the color printer 100 of the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example in which a protective member 47 is provided on the odor generating unit 40. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another example in which a protective member 47 is provided on the odor generating unit 40. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a top view of the toner containers 4a to 4d in which the odor generating unit 40 is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the container body 42 and the container body 42 has a communication hole 42c. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a top view of the toner containers 4a to 4d in which the odor generating unit 40 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 42b of the container body 42, and shows an example in which the odor generating unit 40 is provided with an openable / closable shutter 45. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a top view of the toner containers 4a to 4d in which a label-type odor generating unit 40 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the container body 42. [Figure 20] Schematic diagram of odor generating unit 40 made of highly absorbent beads [Figure 21] A flowchart showing an example of prediction of a toner deterioration state based on attenuation of an odor substance and control of process conditions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] [1. Overall configuration of image forming device] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a tandem type color printer. Four image forming sections Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are arranged in order from the upstream side in the transport direction (the right side in Fig. 1) inside the main body of the color printer 100. These image forming sections Pa to Pd are provided corresponding to images of four different colors (yellow, cyan, magenta, and black), and sequentially form images of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black through the respective processes of charging, exposure, development, and transfer.

[0014] Photoconductor drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d that carry visible images (toner images) of each color are disposed in these image forming stations Pa to Pd, respectively. An intermediate transfer belt 8 that rotates clockwise in Fig. 1 is disposed adjacent to each of the image forming stations Pa to Pd. Furthermore, a secondary transfer roller 9 is disposed adjacent to the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0015] When image data is input from a host device such as a personal computer, first, the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 1a-1d are uniformly charged by the charging devices 2a-2d. Next, the exposure device 5 irradiates light according to the image data, and electrostatic latent images corresponding to the image data are formed on the photoconductor drums 1a-1d. The developing devices 3a-3d are filled with a predetermined amount of two-component developer (hereinafter, simply referred to as developer) containing toner of each color of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black by the toner containers 4a-4d. The developing devices 3a-3d supply the toner in the developer onto the photoconductor drums 1a-1d, where it electrostatically adheres to the photoconductor drums. As a result, a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image formed by exposure from the exposure device 5 is formed.

[0016] Then, an electric field is applied between the primary transfer rollers 6a-6d and the photoconductor drums 1a-1d by the primary transfer rollers 6a-6d at a predetermined transfer voltage, and the yellow, cyan, magenta and black toner images on the photoconductor drums 1a-1d are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8. Toner and the like remaining on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 1a-1d after the primary transfer is removed by cleaning devices 7a-7d.

[0017] The transfer paper P onto which the toner image is transferred is stored in a paper cassette 16 located at the bottom of the color printer 100. The transfer paper P is transported from the paper cassette 16 to a nip portion (secondary transfer nip portion) between the secondary transfer roller 9 and the intermediate transfer belt 8 at a predetermined timing via a paper feed roller 12a and a pair of registration rollers 12b. The transfer paper P onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is transported to a fixing unit 13.

[0018] The transfer paper P transported to the fixing section 13 is heated and pressurized by the fixing roller pair 13a, so that the toner image is fixed onto the surface of the transfer paper P, and a predetermined full-color image is formed. The transfer paper P on which the full-color image has been formed is discharged onto the discharge tray 17 by the discharge roller pair 15 as is (or after being diverted to the reversing conveying path 18 by the branching section 14 and images are formed on both sides).

[0019] An image density sensor 25 is disposed at a position facing the drive roller 10 across the intermediate transfer belt 8. An optical sensor equipped with a light-emitting element such as an LED and a light-receiving element such as a photodiode is generally used as the image density sensor 25. When measuring the amount of toner adhesion on the intermediate transfer belt 8, when the light-emitting element irradiates each patch image (reference image) formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 with measurement light, the measurement light is reflected by the toner and the belt surface and enters the light-receiving element.

[0020] The light reflected from the toner and the belt surface includes specular and diffuse reflections. The specular and diffuse reflections are separated by a polarizing separation prism and then enter separate light receiving elements. Each light receiving element photoelectrically converts the received specular and diffuse reflections and outputs an output signal to the control unit 90 (see FIG. 5).

[0021] Then, the image density (toner amount) and image position of the patch image are detected from the characteristic changes in the output signals of the specularly reflected light and the diffusely reflected light, and compared with a predetermined reference density and reference position, and image density correction and color shift correction (calibration) are performed for each color by adjusting the characteristic value of the development voltage, the exposure start position and timing of the exposure device 5, etc.

[0022] [2, Identifying toner containers using odor sensors] Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the toner containers 4a-4d and the toner supply path used in the color printer 100 according to this embodiment. Figs. 3 and 4 are a side view and a top view showing the toner containers 4a-4d used in the color printer 100 according to this embodiment. The toner containers 4a-4d have the same basic configuration, so the toner containers 4a-4d are shown in a common diagram in Figs. 3 and 4 and Figs. 5-6 described below. This embodiment uses rotational toner containers 4a-4d that replenish toner by rotating the toner containers 4a-4d themselves.

[0023] 2, the toner containers 4a to 4d are connected to the developing devices 3a to 3d via toner supply pipes (sub hoppers) 35. The toner supply pipes 35 are bent in a crank shape. A transport screw 35a is disposed inside the horizontal portion of the toner supply pipe 35, and a transport motor 35b is connected to the transport screw 35a.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the toner containers 4a to 4d each have a container body 42 and a fixing portion 43. The container body 42 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction. Toners of each color (not shown) are accommodated inside the container body 42. A spiral transport rib 42a is continuously provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 42. The transport rib 42a protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the container body 42. The odor generating portion 40 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 42b of the container body 42.

[0025] The odor generating unit 40 is made of a base material such as nonwoven fabric impregnated with an odor substance. For example, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene or a nonwoven fabric made by directly spinning a polymer whose main component is sodium polyacrylate is used as the base material.

[0026] Specifically, the odorant is an organic compound that contains at least one of carbon atom, hydrogen atom, nitrogen atom, oxygen atom, and sulfur atom, and has a molecular weight of about 20 to 400, and evaporates at room temperature (room temperature volatile). In addition, the odorant may be a compound whose odor cannot be detected by humans. Specific examples of compounds that can be odorants include nerolidol, γ-decalactone, ethyl maltol, anisole, stabilized chlorine dioxide, odorless petrol, linalool, terpineol, allyl ester, sesquiterpene, and green tea catechin. Examples of compounds whose odor cannot be detected by humans include cyclodextrin.

[0027] A sealing member 44 for sealing is attached to the odor generating unit 40. The sealing member 44 is made of a material that is impermeable to the odorous substance impregnated in the odor generating unit 40, and prevents the odorous substance from diffusing during transportation and storage of the toner containers 4a-4d. When using the toner containers 4a-4d, the sealing member 44 is peeled off and then the toner containers 4a-4d are inserted into the container mounting portion 101.

[0028] The fixed portion 43 is non-rotatably attached to the attachment portion 101a (see FIG. 2) of the container attachment portion 101. The fixed portion 43 is formed with a toner discharge port 43a connected to the toner supply pipe .

[0029] Returning to Fig. 2, a toner supply motor 33 that rotates the container body 42 is disposed near the attachment portion 101a. When the toner supply motor 33 rotates the container body 42, the toner in the container body 42 moves toward the fixed portion 43 by the transport ribs 42a, and the toner falls from the toner discharge port 43a into the toner supply tube 35. The toner that has fallen into the toner supply tube 35 is supplied to the developing devices 3a to 3d by the rotation of the transport screw 35a.

[0030] An odor sensor 50 is disposed in the container mounting section 101 at a position facing the odor generating section 40. The odor sensor 50 detects odor substances diffusing from the odor generating section 40. Details of the odor sensor 50 will be described later.

[0031] In the color printer 100 of this embodiment, the toner containers 4a to 4d are identified by detecting the odor substances diffusing from the odor generating units 40 of the toner containers 4a to 4d using the odor sensor 50. Specifically, it is identified whether the toner containers 4a to 4d are genuine or not based on the odor substances detected by the odor sensor 50. In addition, by using different odor substances for each color of the toner containers 4a to 4d, the color and type of toner contained in the toner containers 4a to 4d are identified.

[0032] According to this embodiment, by identifying the toner containers 4a-4d by detecting an odorous substance that is difficult to imitate, the type of the toner containers 4a-4d can be identified with higher accuracy than physical or electrical identification methods such as wireless tags, which can be easily counterfeited. In addition, since there is no need to add an odor to the toner itself, there is no risk of a strong odor being generated when printing an image with a high print ratio.

[0033] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a control path used in the color printer 100 of this embodiment. Note that because various controls are performed on each device component when using the color printer 100, the control paths for the entire color printer 100 are complex. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on the parts of the control path that are necessary for implementing the present invention. Also, explanations of parts that have already been explained will be omitted or simplified.

[0034] Image input unit 70 is a receiving unit that receives image data sent from a personal computer or the like to color printer 100. The image signal input by image input unit 70 is converted into a digital signal and then sent to temporary storage unit 94. When the image forming apparatus is a copier or digital multifunction machine, image input unit 70 corresponds to an image reading unit that reads an original image and converts it into image data.

[0035] The operation unit 80 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 81 and an LED 82 that indicates various states, and is configured to show the state of the color printer 100, the image formation status, and the number of copies to be printed. Various settings for the color printer 100 are made using the printer driver of the personal computer.

[0036] In addition, the operation unit 80 is provided with a start button that the user uses to instruct the start of image formation, a stop / clear button that is used when canceling image formation, and a reset button that is used to reset various settings of the color printer 100 to their default states.

[0037] The odor sensor 50 detects odor substances diffused from the odor generating units 40 attached to the toner containers 4a-4d, and determines whether the toner containers 4a-4d are genuine or non-genuine, and the color, type, etc. of the toner contained in the toner containers 4a-4d. The information detected by the odor sensor 50 is stored in the RAM 93.

[0038] Any type of odor sensor 50 can be used, such as a semiconductor type, a quartz crystal oscillator type, or a membrane-type surface stress type (MSS), but a quartz crystal oscillator type with a sensitive membrane attached and a membrane-type surface stress type can detect multiple types of odors, allowing for highly accurate discrimination.

[0039] Semiconductor types include oxide semiconductor types and organic semiconductor types. Semiconductor-type odor sensors 50 detect odors by utilizing the fact that the resistance value of a semiconductor changes when odorant molecules are adsorbed onto the semiconductor surface. Quartz crystal oscillator types include those that use natural lipids and those that use synthetic lipids. Quartz crystal oscillator-type odor sensors 50 have an odor-sensing membrane attached to the surface of the oscillator. When odorant molecules are adsorbed onto the sensing membrane, the mass of the membrane increases and the resonant frequency of the quartz crystal oscillator decreases. The mass of the odorant molecules is measured from the amount of this decrease. With quartz crystal oscillator-type sensors, the odorants that can be detected change depending on the type of sensing membrane.

[0040] The odor sensor 50 can be, for example, a semiconductor type XP-329III (manufactured by Shin Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd.), OMX-SR (manufactured by Shin-eisha Co., Ltd.), or a quartz oscillator type noseStic (manufactured by I-PEX Co., Ltd.) that has been modified.

[0041] The toner containers 4a to 4d may each have a wireless tag 60. Information about the toner contained in the toner containers 4a to 4d or information about the toner containers 4a to 4d themselves is stored in the wireless tag 60 in a rewritable manner. The information stored in the wireless tag 60 is read and rewritten by a reader / writer module 61 on the color printer 100 main body side.

[0042] The control unit 90 at least includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91 as a central processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 92 which is a read-only memory unit, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 93 which is a readable and writable memory unit, a temporary memory unit 94 which temporarily stores image data, etc., and multiple (here, two) I / Fs (interfaces) 95 which send control signals to each device within the color printer 100 and receive input signals from the operation unit 80.

[0043] ROM 92 stores control programs for color printer 100, numerical values ​​necessary for control, and other data that will not change while color printer 100 is in use. RAM 93 stores necessary data that arises during the control of color printer 100, and data that is temporarily required for controlling color printer 100. Temporary storage unit 94 temporarily stores image signals that are input from image input unit 70 and converted into digital signals.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 90 transmits control signals from the CPU 91 through the I / F 95 to each part and device in the color printer 100. Furthermore, signals indicating the state of each part and device and input signals are transmitted from each part and device to the CPU 91 through the I / F 95. Examples of each part and device controlled by the control unit 90 include image forming units Pa to Pd, exposure unit 5, fixing unit 13, reader / writer module 61, image input unit 70, operation unit 80, etc.

[0045] The control unit 90 can use the information about the toner containers 4a-4d that is detected by the odor sensor 50 and stored in the RAM 93 to control the color printer 100. For example, by outputting the information stored in the RAM 93 to the liquid crystal display unit 81 and referring to it when the color printer 100 breaks down, it is possible to hasten the identification of the cause of the failure.

[0046] Furthermore, when the toner containers 4a to 4d are identified as genuine or non-genuine, the control unit 90 changes the image forming conditions according to the identified toner containers 4a to 4d as necessary. For example, when the toner containers 4a to 4d are non-genuine and the image density is lower than the target value, the control unit 90 changes the image forming conditions, such as increasing the development voltage.

[0047] Furthermore, when the toner container 4a to 4d is identified as a genuine product or a non-genuine product, the control unit 90 changes the system for detecting the process state to a mode corresponding to the identified toner container 4a to 4d, as necessary.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the identification of the toner containers 4a to 4d and the process change control in the color printer 100 of this embodiment. The identification of the toner containers 4a to 4d and the process change procedure based on the identification result will be described along the steps of FIG. 6, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 as necessary. Note that in the control example of FIG. 6, the toner containers 4a to 4d are provided with wireless tags 60 (see FIG. 5) as storage devices, and the wireless tags 60 are set to initial settings. Also, in the control example of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 described later, it is determined for each color whether the toner containers 4a to 4d are genuine products, and the process change and calibration conditions are changed only for colors in which the toner containers 4a to 4d are non-genuine products.

[0049] When at least one of the toner containers 4a-4d is attached to the container attachment portion 101 by a user, the control unit 90 determines whether the attached toner container 4a-4d is the first attachment (step S1). If it is the first attachment (Yes in step S1), the control unit 90 performs a detection operation using the odor sensor 50 (step S2).

[0050] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the installed toner containers 4a-4d are genuine products based on the detection result of the odor sensor 50 (step S3). If the installed toner containers 4a-4d are genuine products (Yes in step S3), the control unit 90 uses the reader / writer module 61 to store an identification code indicating that the toner containers 4a-4d are genuine products in the wireless tag 60 (step S4). This identification code is also stored in the RAM 93 of the color printer 100. Then, the system that detects the process state is maintained in normal mode (step S5).

[0051] On the other hand, if a non-genuine toner container 4a-4d is installed (No in step S3), the control unit 90 switches the system for detecting the process state to a special mode (step S6). If the toner container 4a-4d is a non-genuine product, the environmental characteristics of the toner, the transfer and fixing performance, the toner deterioration characteristics, etc. are unknown, so the special mode is selected to suppress deterioration of image quality by performing calibration, image evaluation, etc.

[0052] 6, if the toner containers 4a-4d are non-genuine products, the process state is detected in a special mode, thereby minimizing the degradation of image quality due to the use of non-genuine toner. Furthermore, if the toner containers 4a-4d are genuine products, the identification symbols are stored in both the toner containers 4a-4d and the color printer 100, so that the toner containers 4a-4d that are removed after the toner containers 4a-4d are initially installed can be accurately identified using the stored identification symbols.

[0053] In addition, in the case of genuine toner containers 4a to 4d, the identification can be further subdivided as follows. For example, the color printer 100 may be used for normal color printing, or may be used as a monochrome printer by using black toner containers for all of the toner containers 4a to 4d. In this case, the image forming conditions (surface potential of the photoconductor drums 1a to 1d, developing voltage, exposure conditions, etc.) are different for color printing and monochrome printing. Therefore, when a user installs a black toner container as the toner container 4a to 4c, the control unit 90 detects the state and automatically changes the image forming conditions, calibration conditions, etc. Furthermore, the toner replacement state can be confirmed by detecting the reflection density value of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 8 using the image density sensor 25 (see FIG. 1).

[0054] In addition, during maintenance, a toner container dedicated to maintenance that is impregnated with a different odorant can be attached to the odor generating unit 40. This allows the control unit 90 to confirm that maintenance work is in progress using the odor sensor 50. Furthermore, by storing the output value of the odor sensor 50 when it detects the odorant of the toner container for maintenance, it is also possible to calibrate the odor sensor 50 using the toner container for maintenance.

[0055] 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the identification of the toner containers 4a-4d and the process change control in the color printer 100 of this embodiment. In the control example of FIG. 7, the color printer 100 is equipped with an odor adding device (not shown), and when a proper odor substance is detected from the installed toner containers 4a-4d, that is, when the installed toner containers 4a-4d are identified as genuine products (Yes in step S3), the odor substance is added to the odor generating unit 40 of the installed toner containers 4a-4d (step S4). On the other hand, when the installed toner containers 4a-4d are identified as non-genuine products (No in step S3), the odor substance is not added.

[0056] According to the control example of FIG. 7, if the toner containers 4a-4d are genuine products, an odorant is added to the odor generating unit 40, so that the attenuation of the odorant diffusing from the odor generating unit 40 can be prevented. Therefore, the toner containers 4a-4d can be accurately identified over a long period of time. The odorant added to the odor generating unit 40 may be the same as the odorant originally impregnated in the odor generating unit 40, or it may be different. When a different odorant is added, the odorant detected by the odor sensor 50 changes, so counterfeiting (imitation) of the odor generating unit 40 becomes even more difficult. In addition, by changing the odorant to a different one from the initial one, it can be easily determined that the toner containers 4a-4d are not new.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a plan view of another example of the toner containers 4a to 4d in the color printer 100 of this embodiment, seen from above, showing a configuration in which the toner containers 4a to 4d are equipped with two odor generating units 40.

[0058] By disposing two odor generating units 40 in each of the toner containers 4a to 4d, two types of odor substances can be measured. For example, by changing the odor substances of the two odor generating units 40, it becomes possible to detect whether the toner containers 4a to 4d are genuine or non-genuine using one of the odor generating units 40, and to obtain information such as the color of the toner and the date of manufacture of the toner using the other odor generating unit 40. When the odor generating units 40 are arranged in a line along the circumferential direction of the container body 42 as shown in FIG. 8, the container body 42 is rotated to sequentially face the odor generating units 40 to the odor sensor 50, whereby the odor substances of each odor generating unit 40 can be detected.

[0059] Furthermore, when the odor generating units 40 are arranged side by side along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the container body 42, the odor sensor 50 can be moved in the axial direction of the container body 42 to detect an odor substance with one odor sensor 50. In the case of an odor sensor 50 that uses a sensitive membrane, it is expected that by moving the odor sensor 50, the odor substance molecules attached to the sensitive membrane will be detached, thereby restoring the detection performance of the sensitive membrane. Note that, although two odor generating units 40 are arranged here, three or more odor generating units 40 can also be arranged.

[0060] [3. Phase control of toner container when odor sensor detects odor] 3 and 4, when the odor generating unit 40 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 42b of the container body 42, the odor generating unit 40 is not necessarily located near the odor sensor 50 when the toner containers 4a to 4d are attached to the container mounting part 101. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, it is possible that the odor sensor 50 is disposed on the top surface of the container mounting part 101, and the odor generating units 40 of the toner containers 4a to 4d are located on the opposite side (below) of the odor sensor 50.

[0061] Therefore, after the toner containers 4a-4d are loaded, the container body 42 is rotated until printing starts (until the toner refill operation starts in response to a toner refill signal). When the detection output of the odor sensor 50 reaches a maximum while the container body 42 is rotating, the odor sensor 50 and the odor generating unit 40 face each other, as shown in FIG. 10, and the odor generating unit 40 is at the closest position to the odor sensor 50 (detection position). In other words, the distance between the odor sensor 50 and the odor generating unit 40 is a predetermined distance. Then, the rotation of the container body 42 is stopped at the position where the detection output of the odor sensor 50 reaches a maximum, and the odor substance of the odor generating unit 40 is detected, making it possible to identify the toner containers 4a-4d.

[0062] However, when the container body 42 is rotated, the toner is discharged from the toner containers 4a to 4d. As shown in Fig. 2, if the toner supply pipe 35 is present between the toner containers 4a to 4d and the developing devices 3a to 3d, even if the toner is discharged from the toner containers 4a to 4d, the toner is simply accumulated in the toner supply pipe 35, and the toner concentration in the developing devices 3a to 3d does not increase. However, in a configuration without the toner supply pipe 35, the toner discharged from the toner containers 4a to 4d is immediately replenished to the developing devices 3a to 3d.

[0063] If the developer capacity of the developing devices 3a-3d is large or the amount of toner supply is small and the effect is considered to be small, the odor substance can be detected with toner supply. However, if the effect of toner supply is considered to be large, it is preferable to limit the number of rotations of the toner containers 4a-4d (for example, within 5 rotations) or to reverse the rotation of the toner containers 4a-4d to detect the odor substance. When the toner containers 4a-4d are reversed, the toner is not moved by the transport rib 42a, so the toner is discharged from the toner containers 4a-4d to detect the odor substance.

[0064] 9, when odorant detection is not performed, the toner containers 4a-4d are stopped so that the odor generating unit 40 is at the farthest position from the odor sensor 50, that is, on the opposite side of the rotation axis of the toner containers 4a-4d from the odor sensor 50 (standby position). This makes it difficult for the odorant molecules diffused from the odor generating unit 40 to reach the odor sensor 50. As a result, a state in which there is little odorant near the odor sensor 50 can be maintained, which suppresses adhesion of odorant to the odor sensor 50 and suppresses deterioration of the odor sensor 50, thereby extending the life of the odor sensor 50.

[0065] An example of a timing for the odor sensor 50 to detect an odor substance is when the toner containers 4a-4d are replaced. To detect that the toner containers 4a-4d have been replaced, an opening / closing signal of a container cover 102 that opens and closes a container mounting part 101 when inserting and removing the toner containers 4a-4d can be used, as shown in FIG. 20. The container cover 102 is provided on the rear side of the color printer 100 so as to be openable and closable, and an opening / closing detection switch 103 is attached to the container mounting part 101 at a position where it comes into contact with the container cover 102. When the container cover 102 is opened or closed, an opening / closing detection switch 103 sends an opening / closing signal to the control part 90 (see FIG. 5).

[0066] However, when the color printer 100 is powered off, it cannot be recognized whether the container cover 102 is open or closed. Therefore, it is possible that the toner containers 4a-4d may have been inserted while the color printer 100 was powered off, so odorous substances may be detected when the color printer 100 is powered on. Note that if the container cover 102 is locked except when the toner containers 4a-4d need to be replaced, it is not necessary to detect odorous substances when the color printer 100 is powered on.

[0067] Alternatively, the replacement of the toner containers 4a-4d may be confirmed by the user. The odor detection operation after receiving an opening / closing signal for the container cover 102 or when the color printer 100 is turned on may be limited to after an empty signal for the toner containers 4a-4d is generated. If there are multiple newly installed toner containers 4a-4d, the replaced toner containers 4a-4d may be rotated simultaneously to perform detection, or the replaced toner containers 4a-4d may be rotated one by one to detect the odor substance in order to suppress the influence of the odor generating units 40 of the other toner containers 4a-4d. Table 1 shows an example of the situation in which the odor detection operation is performed and the toner container to be detected.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the toner containers 4a to 4d used in the color printer 100 of this embodiment, in which the toner container 4a is configured with a first container 4a1 and a second container 4a2. In Fig. 12, the first container 4a1 on the lower side is the toner container in use, and the second container 4a2 on the upper side is a standby (spare) toner container. Although not shown here, the toner containers 4b to 4d are similarly configured with first containers 4b1 to 4d1 and second containers 4b2 to 4d2.

[0070] In the configuration of Figure 12, the first container 4a1 and the second container 4a2 have the same odorant impregnated in the odor generating section 40. The odor generating section 40 is located at the same position in the longitudinal direction of each container body 42. The odorant is detected by a single odor sensor 50 disposed between the first container 4a1 and the second container 4a2.

[0071] 12, it is preferable to stop the odor generating unit 40 of the unused second container 4a2 at a position (standby position) farthest from the odor sensor 50. This operation is performed by rotating the second container 4a2 when the second container 4a2 is inserted into the container mounting portion 101, checking the position of the odor generating unit 40 in the second container 4a2, and stopping it at the position farthest from the odor sensor 50. This allows the odor sensor 50 to accurately detect the odor substance diffused from the odor generating unit 40 of the first container 4a1 without being affected by the odor generating unit 40 of the second container 4a2.

[0072] The above operation may be performed with the first container 4a1 in use. When the odor sensor 50 is not detecting odor substances in the odor detection unit 40 of the first container 4a1, as shown in Fig. 13, both the odor generation units 40 of the first container 4a1 and the second container 4a2 are stopped at positions far from the odor sensor 50. This prevents odor substances from adhering to the odor sensor 50, making it difficult for the sensitivity of the odor sensor 50 to decrease.

[0073] [4. Other configurations] Fig. 14 is a side view showing another example of the toner containers 4a to 4d mounted on the color printer 100 of this embodiment. The toner containers 4a to 4d shown in Fig. 14 are composed only of a container body 42, and do not have a fixing part 43 (see Figs. 3 and 4). A toner discharge port 42c is formed in the container body 42. The configuration of other parts is similar to that of the toner containers 4a to 4d shown in Figs. 3 and 4. When refilling toner, the entire toner containers 4a to 4d rotate, and toner is discharged from the toner discharge port 42c only when the toner discharge port 42c faces downward.

[0074] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, a protective member 47 may be provided to protect the surface of the odor generating unit 40. This is to prevent the odor generating unit 40 from being touched accidentally when handling the toner containers 4a to 4d, or from other substances adhering to the odor generating unit 40. The protective member 47 shown in Figure 15 has slits 47a formed therein, and the odorous substance diffuses through the slits 47a. The protective member 47 shown in Figure 16 covers the odor generating unit 50 with nonwoven fabric 47b, and the odorous substance diffuses through the nonwoven fabric 47b.

[0075] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the odor generating unit 40 is disposed on the inner surface of the container body 42, and the odorous substance diffuses through a communication hole 42d formed in the container body 42. In the configuration of Fig. 17, the container body 42 also functions as the protective member 47. Note that, when a shutter 45 for opening and closing the odor generating unit 40 is attached to the toner containers 4a to 4d as shown in Fig. 18, the shutter 45 also functions as the protective member 47.

[0076] 19 is a top view of the toner containers 4a to 4d in which a label-type odor generating unit 40 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 42b of the container body 42. The odor generating unit 40 is formed by encapsulating an odorant (for example, an oil-based fragrance oil) in microcapsules of about 1 to 5 μm in size, and a label on which letters and symbols are printed using ink in which the microcapsules are dispersed is affixed to the outer peripheral surface of the container body 42 of the toner containers 4a to 4d. Examples of the shell (outer layer) of the microcapsule include a gelatin film, a melamine film, and a urethane film, with a urethane film being preferred in terms of ease of handling.

[0077] A rubbing member (not shown) is provided on the container mounting part 101 side, and when the toner containers 4a-4d are inserted into the container mounting part 101 or when the toner containers 4a-4d rotate, the microcapsules are crushed by the rubbing member, diffusing the odorous substance. With this configuration, the odor generating part 40 can be easily produced by simply printing with ink containing microcapsules. In addition, the seal member 44 (see FIG. 3) required for preventing the diffusion of the odorous substance during transportation and storage of the toner containers 4a-4d becomes unnecessary, and furthermore, the odorous substance can be easily changed by changing the label, making it possible to use the odor generating part 40 with higher convenience.

[0078] Furthermore, when using the sealing member 44 to prevent odor diffusion, if the sealing member 44 peels off during transportation or storage, the level of the odorous substance will decrease. Therefore, when a toner container 4a-4d from which the sealing member 44 has peeled off is mounted in the container mounting part 101, there is a possibility that it may be mistaken for a used toner container 4a-4d. On the other hand, when a label-type odor generating part 40 is used, such a risk can be eliminated.

[0079] Another method is to use capsules as a substitute for the sealing member 44. Specifically, the odor generating unit 40 itself is composed of a collection of capsules in which an odorous substance is enclosed, and the capsules are broken when an odor is detected by the odor sensor 50, thereby dispersing the odorous substance. The capsules are made of a resin material that is impermeable to the odorous substance.

[0080] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an odor generating unit 40 composed of superabsorbent beads 49. Examples of materials for the superabsorbent beads 49 include cross-linked polyacrylates. When the superabsorbent beads 49 are impregnated with an odorant, the odorant retention capacity is increased. Furthermore, by adding polyolefin resin to resin pellets containing an odorant and forming them into a rod shape to form a three-dimensional structure, the odorant can be bled onto the surface of the three-dimensional structure and volatilized from the surface of the three-dimensional structure for a long period of time.

[0081] In addition, the state of the toner in the toner containers 4a to 4d can be predicted based on the attenuation of the odorous substance detected by the odor sensor 50. The odorous substance is more likely to diffuse when the surrounding temperature is high, and is also more likely to diffuse when the surrounding humidity is low. That is, the higher the temperature and lower the humidity, the easier the odorous substance is to diffuse, and the faster the odorous substance attenuates. On the other hand, the lower the temperature and higher the humidity, the slower the odorous substance attenuates. Although it depends on the type of toner external additive, in a high temperature and low humidity environment, there is a high probability that the toner external additive is buried or detached, and the toner performance is likely to deteriorate. On the other hand, in a low temperature and high humidity environment, the toner performance is easily maintained. Therefore, the state of the toner can be predicted to some extent based on the degree of attenuation of the odorous substance.

[0082] 21 is a flow chart showing an example of prediction of the deterioration state of the toner based on the attenuation of the odorous substance and control of the process conditions. When the toner container 4a-3d is installed (step S1), the control unit 90 performs an operation of detecting the odorous substance using the odor sensor 60 (step S2). Then, the detection output value of the odorous substance is compared with the initial value (no attenuation) stored in the RAM 93 (step S3).

[0083] The control unit 90 predicts the deterioration state of the toner based on the comparison result of step S3, and optimizes the process conditions based on the prediction result (step S4). For example, if the attenuation of the odorous substance is large compared to the initial value, it is predicted that the toner is deteriorating, so that the forced discharge control of the toner from the developing devices 3a to 3d is performed more than usual.

[0084] If the odor sensor 50 cannot detect an odorous substance, this may be due to poor rotation of the toner containers 4a-4d, a malfunction of the odor sensor 50, forgetting to peel off the seal member 44 covering the odor generating section 40 of the toner containers 4a-4d, etc. Therefore, if the odorous substance cannot be detected when a new toner container 4a-4d is installed, it is preferable to display a notification on the liquid crystal display unit 81 (see FIG. 5) to prompt the user to check whether the seal member 44 has been peeled off.

[0085] Furthermore, if the odor generating unit 40 can retain an odorous substance for a long time, secondary effects such as aroma effect, insect repellent effect, and deodorizing effect can be obtained by retaining an odorous substance having a fragrant, insect repellent, deodorizing effect, etc. When an odorous substance is added to toner, it can only be effective during printing, but if the odorous substance is retained in the odor generating unit 40 of the toner containers 4a to 4d, it can be diffused at all times.

[0086] Examples of odor substances with insect repellent effects include linalool, terpineol, allyl ester, etc. Examples of odor substances with deodorizing effects include stabilized chlorine dioxide, sesquiterpene, green tea catechin, etc. In addition, the color printer 100 is provided with a fan (not shown) for cooling the inside of the device, and by driving this fan, the odor substances can be diffused around the installation location.

[0087] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the odor generating unit 40 attached to the toner container 4a-4d and the odor sensor 50 provided in the container attachment unit 101 are used as a method for identifying the toner container 4a-4d that supplies toner to the developing device 3a-3d, but the toner storage container to be identified is not limited to the toner container 4a-4d.

[0088] For example, developing cartridges in which toner containers 4a to 4d and developing devices 3a to 3d are integrated, and drum units in which photosensitive drums 1a to 1d are further integrated, are also included in the toner storage containers that are the subject of identification using the identification method using the odor generating unit 40 and the odor sensor 50 in the present invention.

[0089] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the developing devices 3a to 3d that use a two-component developer containing toner and a magnetic carrier, but is also applicable to image forming apparatuses equipped with developing devices of a one-component development system that uses a magnetic one-component developer consisting only of magnetic toner.

[0090] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to color printer 100 as shown in FIG. 1, but can of course be applied to various image forming apparatuses having a removable toner storage container, such as monochrome printers, monochrome copiers, color copiers, digital multifunction machines, and facsimiles. [Industrial Applicability]

[0091] The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus having a detachable toner storage container, and can provide an image forming apparatus that can easily identify the type of the toner storage container in a manner that is difficult to imitate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1a to 1d Photoconductor drum (image carrier) 2a~2d Charging device 3a~3d developing device 4a to 4d Toner container (toner storage container) 33 Toner supply motor 40 Odor generating unit 41 Shutter 42 Container body 43 Fixed part 47 Protective materials 50 Odor sensor (odor detection unit) 90 Control section 100 Color printers (image forming devices) 101 Container mounting section Pa~Pd Image forming section

Claims

1. an image forming section including an image carrier and a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier into a toner image, the image forming section forming the toner image based on image data; a toner storage container that stores toner for forming the toner image and is detachable from a main body of the image forming apparatus; an odor generating unit provided in the toner storage container and carrying an odorous substance; an odor detection unit provided in the image forming apparatus body and configured to detect the odorous substance diffused from the odor generating unit; a control unit that identifies a type of the toner storage container based on the odor substance detected by the odor detection unit, the toner storage container is rotatable, and the odor generating unit is provided at a position where it can rotate together with the toner storage container; The control unit rotates the toner storage container after the toner storage container is attached to the image forming device main body and before the toner supply operation begins, and detects the odorous substance at the detection position where the odor generating unit is closest to the odor detection unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines that the detection position is reached when the detection output of the odor detection unit is at a maximum, and detects the odor substance.

3. the odor detection unit is disposed at a position overlapping with the odor generation unit in a rotational axis direction of the toner storage container, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the odor detection unit and the odor generation unit face each other at the detection position.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects the odorous substance by stopping rotation of the toner storage container at the detection position.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the odor detection unit is not detecting the odorous substance, the control unit stops the rotation of the toner storage container so that the odor generation unit is in a standby position where the distance between the odor generation unit and the odor detection unit is greater than the detection position.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the standby position is on the opposite side of the rotation axis of the toner storage container from the odor detection unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit rotates the toner storage container to detect the odorous substance when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on, or when the image forming apparatus main body is in a powered state and a cover member that is opened and closed when the toner storage container is attached and detached is opened and closed.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects the odorous substance by rotating the toner storage container in a direction opposite to that during toner replenishment.

Images