Cartridge, image forming apparatus, developing device, and toner cartridge

Abstract

To provide a technique that can detect the amount of developer in a reduced space.SOLUTION: A cartridge comprises: a first storage unit 110 that accommodates toner; a first rotation shaft 111 that is configured to be rotatable about a first rotation axis 111a; a first flexible member 112 that is fixed to the first rotation shaft 111; a first magnetized member 113 that is provided on the first flexible member 112; a second storage unit 120 that accommodates toner to be supplied to the first storage unit 110, the second storage unit 120 being aligned with the first storage unit 110 in a first direction; a second rotation shaft 121 that is configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis 121a; a second flexible member 123 that is fixed to the second rotation shaft 121; a second magnetized member 124 that is provided on the second flexible member 123; and a magnetism detection sensor that is provided between the first rotation axis 111a and the second rotation axis 121a in the first direction and detects magnetism within a detectable range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or printer that employs an electrophotographic system, a developing device used in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a cartridge that can be mounted on or removed from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system, the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) is uniformly charged by a charging means, and the charged photosensitive drum surface is exposed by an exposure means to form an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is then developed by a developing device, and a developer image (hereinafter referred to as a toner image) is formed on the photosensitive drum using a developer (hereinafter referred to as a toner image). This toner image is then transferred to a recording material by a transfer means. The toner image is then heated by a fixing means and fixed to the recording material.

[0003] Known examples of such image forming apparatuses include one configured to detect the amount of developer in a container that holds the developer. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose configurations that include a magnetic member and a sensor that detects the magnetism, and detect the amount of developer based on the sensor's detection results. FIGS. 14 and 15 show examples of configurations that use a magnetic member to detect the amount of developer. FIG. 14 shows a toner cartridge 70 detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus, which includes a magnetic member 71 disposed inside a toner storage compartment and a detector 72 that detects the magnetic member. FIG. 15 also shows a toner remaining amount detector 80 (toner hopper) that includes a magnetic member 81 disposed inside a toner storage compartment and a detector 82 that detects the magnetic member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3971330 [Patent Document 2] Publication number 01-032049 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a space-saving technique for detecting the amount of developer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge according to the present application comprises: A cartridge configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus, a first container for containing toner; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; a second container configured to contain toner to be supplied to the first container, the second container being aligned with the first container in a first direction; a second rotation shaft provided inside the second housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a second fixed end extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and fixed to the second rotation shaft; a second flexible member having a second free end; a second magnetic member provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member; a magnetic detection sensor provided between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction, the magnetic detection sensor detecting magnetism within a detectable range; Equipped with It is characterized by: In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the present application comprises: an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a toner carrier that carries toner for developing the electrostatic latent image; a first container that contains toner to be supplied to the toner carrier; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; a second container configured to contain toner to be supplied to the first container, the second container being aligned with the first container in a first direction; a second rotation shaft provided inside the second housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a second flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and having a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation axis and a second free end; a second magnetic member provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member; a magnetic detection sensor provided between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction, the magnetic detection sensor detecting magnetism within a detectable range; Equipped with It is characterized by: In order to achieve the above object, the developing device according to the present application comprises: a developing member; a first container for containing toner; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism within a detectable range; Equipped with a second storage section that stores toner to be supplied to the first storage section; a second rotation shaft that is provided inside the second storage section and configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis; a second flexible member that extends in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and has a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation shaft and a second free end; and a second magnetic member that is provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member, the first accommodating portion is aligned with the second accommodating portion in a first direction when the cartridge is attached to the developing device; the cartridge is mounted so that the magnetic detection sensor is located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction; It is characterized by: In order to achieve the above object, the toner cartridge according to the present application comprises: a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; and a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism within a detectable range, the toner cartridge being detachably attached to a developing device, a second container that contains toner to be supplied to the first container, the second container being aligned with the first container in a first direction when the toner cartridge is attached to the developing device; a second rotation shaft provided inside the second housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a second flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and having a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation axis and a second free end; a second magnetic member provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member; Equipped with the magnetic detection sensor is attached to the developing device so as to be located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction; It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the amount of developer can be detected in a space-saving manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a developing container and a toner container according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of phase alignment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams of a method for detecting the amount of remaining toner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams of a method for detecting the amount of remaining toner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 5 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between detection time and remaining toner amount according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between detection time and remaining toner amount according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional configuration. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the invention is applied. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0010] In the following description, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as an "image forming apparatus") It refers to a device that forms an image on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of image forming devices include copiers, facsimile machines, printers (laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), and multifunction printers that combine these. In the following description, a developing device refers to a unit used in the image forming device described above, which has process means that act on a photosensitive member (e.g., a charging member, a developing member, a cleaning member, etc.). In the following description, a cartridge refers to a unit that is detachable from the image forming device described above, which has means that act on a photosensitive member (e.g., a charging member, a developing member, a toner, a cleaning member, etc.).

[0011] Example 1 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, an image forming apparatus to which four toner cartridges and four process cartridges can be detachably attached is exemplified. However, the number of toner cartridges and process cartridges attached to the image forming apparatus is not limited to this. They can be appropriately set as needed. In the embodiment described below, a laser beam printer is exemplified as one aspect of the image forming apparatus.

[0012] [Schematic configuration of image forming device] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus M according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 also shows a cross-section of a cartridge 100 to be mounted in the image forming apparatus M. The image forming apparatus M is a four-color full-color laser printer that uses an electrophotographic process, and forms a color image on a recording medium S. The image forming apparatus M employs an electrophotographic recording method, and a cartridge is removably mounted in a device main body 170 of the image forming apparatus M to form a color image on the recording medium S.

[0013] The image forming apparatus M is provided with a front door 11 that can be opened and closed relative to the apparatus main body 170. Hereinafter, with respect to the image forming apparatus M, the side on which the front door 11 is provided will be referred to as the front (front) side, and the side opposite the front will be referred to as the back (rear) side. Furthermore, in the width direction (horizontal direction) when the image forming apparatus M is viewed from the front, the right side will be referred to as the non-drive side, and the left side will be referred to as the drive side. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus M is placed on a horizontal surface and viewed from the front, the upper side will be referred to as the upper side, and the lower side will be referred to as the lower side. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus M as viewed from the non-drive side, with the front side of the page being the non-drive side of the image forming apparatus M, the back side of the page being the drive side of the image forming apparatus M, the right side of the page being the front side of the image forming apparatus M, and the left side of the page being the rear side of the image forming apparatus M.

[0014] Hereinafter, of the depth directions of the image forming apparatus M, the rear direction is referred to as the X1 direction, and the front direction is referred to as the X2 direction. The upward direction is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the downward direction is referred to as the Z2 direction. Of the width directions of the image forming apparatus M, the direction facing the driving side is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the direction facing the non-driving side is referred to as the Y2 direction. In the first embodiment, the X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 directions are substantially horizontal.

[0015] Four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) are arranged in a row substantially horizontally (in the depth direction) in the device main body 170. Each of the four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) has a similar electrophotographic process mechanism, but uses a different color developer (hereinafter referred to as toner). Hereinafter, the four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) may be simply referred to as cartridges 100 when there is no need to distinguish between them.

[0016] A rotational driving force is transmitted to the cartridge 100 from a driving output unit of the apparatus main body 170. The driving output unit of the apparatus main body 170 will be described in detail later. In addition, a bias voltage (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) is supplied to the cartridge 100 from the apparatus main body 170.

[0017] Cartridge 100Y contains yellow (Y) toner and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of photosensitive drum 104. Cartridge 100M contains magenta (M) toner and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of photosensitive drum 104. Cartridge 100C contains cyan (C) toner and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of photosensitive drum 104. Cartridge 100K contains black (K) toner and forms a black toner image on the surface of photosensitive drum 104.

[0018] A laser scanner unit 14 serving as an exposure means is provided above the four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). This laser scanner unit 14 outputs a laser beam U corresponding to image information.

[0019] An intermediate transfer unit 12 serving as a transfer member is provided below the four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K). The intermediate transfer unit 12 has a drive roller 12e, a turn roller 12c, and a tension roller 12b, and a flexible transfer belt 12a is stretched across them.

[0020] Each cartridge 100 is provided with a photosensitive drum 104 as an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The photosensitive drum 104 is a rotating body configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the width direction. The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 104 contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 12a. The contact area between the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a is the primary transfer area. A primary transfer roller 12d is provided inside the transfer belt 12a facing the photosensitive drum 104 and corresponding to each cartridge 100.

[0021] The drive roller 12e is in contact with the secondary transfer roller 6 via the transfer belt 12a. The contact area between the transfer belt 12a and the secondary transfer roller 6 is the secondary transfer portion.

[0022] A feeding unit 4 is provided below the intermediate transfer unit 12. The feeding unit 4 has a paper feed tray 4a that accommodates a stack of recording media S, and a paper feed roller 4b.

[0023] 2, a fixing device 7 and a paper discharge device 8 are provided in the upper left portion of the device main body 170. A paper discharge tray 13 is formed on the top surface of the device main body 170.

[0024] [Image formation operation] Next, an image forming operation for forming a full-color image by the image forming apparatus M will be described. When the image forming operation starts, first, the photosensitive drums 104 of the four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K) are rotated clockwise in FIG. 2 at a predetermined speed. Also, the drive roller 12e is rotated by a motor (not shown) of the apparatus main body 170, thereby moving the transfer belt 12a in the direction of arrow D shown in FIG. 2.

[0025] Next, in each cartridge 100, the charging roller 105 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to a predetermined polarity and potential. The laser scanner unit 14 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 104 with laser light U in accordance with the image signal for each color. As a result, an electrostatic latent image in accordance with the image signal for the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 104, which is an image carrier. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 106, which is rotated at a predetermined speed. The developing roller 106 is a toner carrier that carries toner for developing the electrostatic latent image.

[0026] By the above-described electrophotographic image forming process, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the cartridge 100Y, and then the toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0027] Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to the magenta component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the cartridge 100M. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a, superimposed on the yellow toner image already transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0028] Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the cartridge 100C. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a, superimposed on the yellow and magenta toner images already transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0029] Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the cartridge 100K. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a, superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images already transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

[0030] In this way, an unfixed full-color toner image of four colors, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, is formed on the transfer belt 12a.

[0031] Meanwhile, recording media S are separated and fed one by one at a predetermined control timing. The recording media S are introduced into a secondary transfer section, which is a contact point between the secondary transfer roller 6 and the transfer belt 12a, at a predetermined control timing. As a result, while the recording media S is being transported to the secondary transfer section, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 12a is sequentially transferred onto the surface of the recording media S all at once.

[0032] Then, the recording medium S onto which the toner image has been transferred is fixed by a fixing means provided in a fixing device 7, and is then discharged onto a paper discharge tray 13 by a paper discharge device 8.

[0033] [Detachable cartridge configuration] Next, the cartridge tray (hereinafter referred to as the tray) 171 that supports the cartridge 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus M in a state where the front door 11 is open and the tray 171 is pulled out to the outside of the apparatus main body 170. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus M in a state where the front door 11 is open and the tray 171 is located outside the apparatus main body 170, and the toner cartridge 101 has been removed from the process cartridge 102. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus M in a state where the front door 11 is open and the tray 171 is located outside the apparatus main body 170, and the process cartridge 102 has been removed from the tray 171.

[0034] 3 to 5, the tray 171 is movable in the X1 direction (pushing direction) and the X2 direction (pulling out direction), which are substantially horizontal directions, relative to the device body 170. That is, the tray 171 is provided so as to be able to be pulled out and pushed into the device body 170, and is configured to be movable in the substantially horizontal direction when the device body 170 is installed on a horizontal surface. In other words, the tray 171 is configured to be movable between an outer position (position shown in FIGS. 3 to 5) located outside the device body 170, and an inner position (position shown in FIG. 2) located inside the device body 170. The tray 171 located in the outer position is located above the front door 11 when it is open.

[0035] Each of the four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K) comprises a process cartridge 102 (102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K) and a toner cartridge 101 (101Y, 101M, 101C, and 101K). As shown in FIG. 4, the toner cartridge 101 is configured to be removable from the process cartridge 102.

[0036] When the user runs out of toner and is no longer able to print, he or she removes the toner cartridge 101. Then, the user aligns the toner cartridge side mounting portion 125 of the new toner cartridge 101 with the process cartridge side mounting portion 117 of the process cartridge 102 and mounts it. After that, the tray 171 is pushed into the device main body 170 in the X1 direction, and the front door 11 is closed, thereby making the image forming apparatus M ready to perform image forming operations.

[0037] 5, the tray 171 has mounting portions 171a (171aY, 171aM, 171aC, 171aK) at the outer position, from which the process cartridges 102 can be removed. When the photosensitive drum, developing roller, or the like of the image forming apparatus M deteriorates and print quality can no longer be maintained, the user removes the process cartridge 102 from the mounting portion 171a and installs a new process cartridge 102 in the mounting portion 171a. Then, the user installs the toner cartridge 101, pushes the tray 171 into the apparatus main body 170, and closes the front door 11, thereby enabling the image forming apparatus M to form images.

[0038] The process cartridge 102 may be formed integrally with the apparatus main body 170. When the process cartridge 102 is configured so as not to be removable from the apparatus main body 170 in this way, only the toner cartridge 101 is removable from the apparatus main body 170 (process cartridge 102), as shown in FIG.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the intermediate transfer unit 12 is configured to be movable up and down by the front door 11 and a link mechanism (not shown). When the front door 11 is opened, the intermediate transfer unit 12 moves down in the Z2 direction, and the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a are separated from each other. On the other hand, when the front door 11 is closed, the intermediate transfer unit 12 moves up in the Z1 direction, and the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a come into contact with each other. This allows the tray 171 to move the process cartridge 102 in and out of the apparatus main body 170 without the photosensitive drum 104 coming into contact with the transfer belt 12a.

[0040] As described above, the tray 171 allows a plurality of cartridges 100 to be moved together into or out of the apparatus main body 170, and the toner cartridges 101 and process cartridges 102 can be easily replaced.

[0041] [Detailed Cartridge Configuration] Next, the configuration of the cartridge 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1, 6, and 7. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the cartridge 100. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the cartridge 100. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a developer container 110 and a toner container 120 for containing (holding) toner T provided in the cartridge 100. In Example 1, the four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K) have similar electrophotographic process mechanisms, but differ in the color of the toner T contained therein and the amount of toner T filled therein. The configuration of the cartridge 100 in the following description is common to all four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K).

[0042] The cartridge 100 is filled with toner T, which is a developer. In the cartridge 100, the toner T is contained in two containers, a first container 110a and a second container 120a. In FIG. 1 and other figures, the toner T contained in the cartridge 100 is indicated by black dots and a wavy line representing the top surface of the filled toner T. The cartridge 100 is composed of a process cartridge 102 (first cartridge) and a toner cartridge 101 (second cartridge). The process cartridge 102 is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus M, and stably forms a latent image of the supplied toner T on the photosensitive drum 104, which is then transferred to the intermediate transfer unit 12. The toner cartridge 101 is configured to be detachable from the process cartridge 102, and supplies toner T to the process cartridge 102.

[0043] The process cartridge 102 has a photosensitive drum 104 which is a rotatable photosensitive member, a container 130 which holds the photosensitive drum 104, and a rotatable charging roller 105. The charging roller 105 is biased toward the photosensitive drum 104 by a charging spring 105a, and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction of the image forming apparatus M, just like the photosensitive drum 104. An electric charge is injected into the charging roller 105 from the apparatus main body 170 by a charging contact point (not shown), thereby uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

[0044] A drum coupling 160 for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum 104 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 104. The photosensitive drum 104 is attached to the image forming apparatus M so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the image forming apparatus M. The drum coupling 160 engages with a drum drive coupling 180 (shown in FIG. 3) serving as a drum drive output unit of the apparatus main body 170. When the driving force of a drive motor (not shown) of the apparatus main body 170 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 104, the photosensitive drum 104 rotates in the direction of arrow A (clockwise direction) shown in FIG. 1.

[0045] Furthermore, the process cartridge 102 is a developing device having a developing container 110 formed with a first storage portion 110a for storing toner T, which is a developer supplied from the toner cartridge 101. When the cartridge 100 is attached to the apparatus main body 170, a supply opening 110c for supplying toner T from the developing container 110 to a developing chamber 118 is formed on a lower surface 110b located on the lower side of the inner surface of the developing container 110. A supply roller 107 and a developing roller 106 as a developing member are provided inside the developing chamber 118. When the cartridge 100 is attached to the apparatus main body 170, the developing chamber 118 is located below the developing container 110 (first storage portion 110a).

[0046] A lid 114 is attached to the developing container 110. When the cartridge 100 is attached to the apparatus main body 170, the lid 114 is located above the developing container 110 and forms a first storage section 110a together with the developing container 110. The lid 114 is located between the first storage section 110a and a second storage section 120a (details will be described later) of the toner container 120 and forms a boundary section separating the first storage section 110a and the second storage section 120a. In other words, a surface 114a of the lid 114 facing the first storage section 110a is the upper surface of the first storage section 110a and forms the inner wall surface of the first storage section 110a. A flow path (not shown) for supplying the toner T from the second storage section 120a to the first storage section 110a is formed in the lid 114.

[0047] A magnetic detection sensor 115 capable of detecting magnetism is provided inside the lid 114. In a direction parallel to the first rotation axis 111a, the magnetic detection sensor 115 is disposed at a position different from a flow path provided in the lid 114 through which the toner T passes.

[0048] The first storage section 110a is provided with a first rotation shaft 111 for stirring the toner in the developing container. The first rotation shaft 111 is configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis 111a that is parallel to the width direction of the image forming apparatus M (the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 104). A first stirring sheet 109 that supplies the toner T in the developing container 110 to the supply roller 107, and a first flexible sheet 112 are attached to the first rotation shaft 111. A first magnet 113, which is a first magnetic member, is attached to the tip of the first flexible sheet 112.

[0049] The first agitation sheet 109 is a sheet-like flexible member (third flexible member). The first agitation sheet 109 extends in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis 111a, and has a fixed end 109a (third fixed end) fixed to the first rotation axis 111a, and a free end 109b (third free end). The first agitation sheet 109 extends over substantially the entire area of ​​the first storage section 110a in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis 111a.

[0050] When the first agitation sheet 109 is not bent, the distance from the first rotation axis 111a (rotation center) of the first rotating shaft 111 to the free end 109b of the first agitation sheet 109 is length R1. In FIG. 7, an imaginary circle VC1 with a radius of length R1 is shown by a two-dot chain line. The imaginary circle VC1 corresponds to the path of the tip of the first agitation sheet 109 when the first rotating shaft 111 rotates without the first agitation sheet 109 being bent. The length R1 is set to be greater than the distance from the first rotation axis 111a to the bottom surface 110b of the developing container 110, which forms the supply opening 110c. With this configuration, the first agitation sheet 109 conveys the toner T while contacting the bottom surface 110b of the developing container 110 as the first rotating shaft 111 rotates. The toner T is then delivered from the developing container 110 toward the supply roller 107 through the supply opening 110c.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, a developing coupling 161 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 100. When the process cartridge 102 is attached to the apparatus main body 170, the developing coupling 161 engages with a developing drive coupling 185 (shown in Figure 3) provided in the apparatus main body 170. When the developing coupling 161 engages with the developing drive coupling 185, the driving force of a drive motor (not shown) of the apparatus main body 170 is transmitted to the first rotating shaft 111. The first rotating shaft 111 to which the driving force is transmitted is rotated in the direction of arrow B (counterclockwise direction) shown in Figure 1 etc.

[0052] The toner T supplied to the supply roller 107 is then supplied to the developing roller 106. The developing blade 108 then regulates the toner T on the developing roller 106 to a uniform thickness, thereby enabling the toner to be stably supplied to the photosensitive drum 104 with which the developing roller 106 comes into contact.

[0053] The first flexible sheet 112 is a sheet-like flexible member (first flexible member). The first flexible sheet 112 extends in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis 111a and has a first fixed end 112a fixed to the first rotation axis 111a and a first free end 112b. The width of the first flexible sheet 112 in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis 111a is smaller than the width of the first stirring sheet 109. The longitudinal direction of the first flexible sheet 112 is the direction extending from the first fixed end 112a to the first free end 112b.

[0054] When the first flexible sheet 112 is not bent, the distance from the first rotation axis 111a (rotation center) of the first rotating shaft 111 to the first free end 112b of the first flexible sheet 112 is length R2. In FIG. 7, an imaginary circle VC2 with a radius of length R2 is shown by a two-dot chain line. The imaginary circle VC2 corresponds to the path of the tip of the first flexible sheet 112 when the first rotating shaft 111 rotates without the first flexible sheet 112 being bent. The length R2 is set to be smaller than the distance from the first rotation axis 111a to the surface 114a of the lid 114 (the upper surface of the first storage section 110a). Therefore, when the first rotating shaft 111 rotates, the first flexible sheet 112 does not abut against the lid 114, which is the boundary between the first storage section 110a and the second storage section 120a.

[0055] The first rotating shaft 111 has a first surface 111b to which the fixed end 109a (third fixed end) of the first agitating sheet 109 is fixed, and a second surface 111c to which the first fixed end 112a of the first flexible sheet 112 is fixed. In Example 1, the first surface 111b and the second surface 111c face in opposite directions. Furthermore, the direction in which the first agitating sheet 109 protrudes from the first rotating shaft 111 and the direction in which the first flexible sheet 112 protrudes from the first rotating shaft 111 are opposite to each other.

[0056] The first magnet 113 is provided in a region between the first fixed end 112a and the first free end 112b of the first flexible sheet 112. More specifically, the first magnet 113 is provided at a position closer to the first free end 112b than to the first fixed end 112a of the first flexible sheet 112. The first magnet 113 is provided on a surface of the first flexible sheet 112 that is fixed to the first rotating shaft 111, and is located at a position closer to the first free end 112b than to the first fixed end 112a of the first flexible sheet 112. The first magnet 113 is provided on a surface that faces downstream in the rotation direction when the rotating shaft 111 rotates in the direction of arrow B. The first magnet 113 is arranged so as not to come into contact with the lid 114, similar to the first flexible sheet 112, when the first rotating shaft 111 rotates.

[0057] The toner cartridge 101 has a toner container 120 formed with a second storage section 120a for storing toner T to be supplied to the process cartridge 102. When the cartridge 100 is attached to the apparatus main body 170, a supply opening (not shown) for supplying toner T from the toner container 120 to the developing container 110 is formed on a lower surface 120b constituting the inner wall surface of the second storage section 120a. Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 101 is attached to the process cartridge 102, the second storage section 120a is aligned with the first storage section 110a in a first direction D1. In the first embodiment, the first direction D1 is orthogonal to the Y1 (Y2) direction and intersects with the Z1 (Z2) and X1 (X2) directions. The angle formed by the first direction D1 and the Z1 direction is smaller than the angle formed by the first direction D1 and the X1 direction.

[0058] A second rotation shaft 121 for stirring the toner T in the toner container 120 is provided inside the toner container 120. The second rotation shaft 121 is configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis 121a that is parallel to the width direction of the image forming apparatus M. A second stirring sheet 122 for supplying the toner T in the toner container 120 to the developing container 110 and a second flexible sheet 123 are attached to the second rotation shaft 121. A second magnet 124, which is a second magnetic member, is attached to the tip of the second flexible sheet 123.

[0059] The second stirring sheet 122 is a sheet-like flexible member (fourth flexible member). The second stirring sheet 122 extends in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis 121a, and has a fixed end 122a (fourth fixed end) fixed to the second rotation axis 121, and a free end 122b (fourth free end). The second stirring sheet 122 extends over substantially the entire area of ​​the second accommodating section 120a in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis 121a.

[0060] When the second agitation sheet 122 is not bent, the distance from the second rotation axis 121a (rotation center) of the second rotating shaft 121 to the free end 122b of the second agitation sheet 122 is length R3. In FIG. 7, an imaginary circle VC3 with a radius of length R3 is shown by a two-dot chain line. The imaginary circle VC3 corresponds to the path of the tip of the second agitation sheet 122 when the second rotating shaft 121 rotates without the second agitation sheet 122 being bent. The length R3 is set to be greater than the distance from the second rotation axis 121a to the bottom surface 120b of the toner container 120 that forms the supply opening and the supply opening formed in the bottom surface 120b. Therefore, the second agitation sheet 122 conveys the toner T while contacting the bottom surface 120b of the toner container 120 as the second rotating shaft 121 rotates. The toner T is then delivered from the toner container 120 to the developer container 110 through the supply opening.

[0061] The cartridge 100 has a drive transmission mechanism that transmits drive from the process cartridge 102 to the second rotary shaft 121 of the toner cartridge 101. When drive is transmitted from the process cartridge 102 to the second rotary shaft 121, the second rotary shaft 121 rotates in the direction of arrow C shown in Figure 1 etc. Then, the second agitation sheet 122 transports the toner T, and the toner T is supplied to the process cartridge 102 through the supply opening.

[0062] The second flexible sheet 123 is a sheet-like flexible member (second flexible member). The second flexible sheet 123 extends in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis 121a and has a second fixed end 123a fixed to the second rotation axis 121 and a second free end 123b. The width of the second flexible sheet 123 in the direction parallel to the second rotation axis 121a is smaller than the width of the second stirring sheet 122. The longitudinal direction of the second flexible sheet 123 is the direction extending from the second fixed end 123a to the second free end 123b.

[0063] When the second flexible sheet 123 is not bent, the distance from the second rotation axis 121a (rotation center) of the second rotating shaft 121 to the second free end 123b of the second flexible sheet 123 is length R4. In FIG. 7, an imaginary circle VC4 with a radius equal to length R4 is shown by a two-dot chain line. The imaginary circle VC4 corresponds to the path of the leading end of the second flexible sheet 123 when the second rotating shaft 121 rotates without the second flexible sheet 123 being bent. The length R4 is set to be shorter than the distance from the second rotation axis 121a to the bottom surface 120b of the toner container 120 on which the supply opening is formed or the distance to the supply opening formed in the bottom surface 120b. Therefore, when the second rotating shaft 121 rotates, the second flexible sheet 123 does not abut against the bottom surface 120b.

[0064] The second rotating shaft 121 has a third surface 121b to which the fixed end 122a (fourth fixed end) of the second stirring sheet 122 is fixed, and a fourth surface 121c to which the second fixed end 123a of the second flexible sheet 123 is fixed. In Example 1, the third surface 121b and the fourth surface 121c face in opposite directions. In addition, the direction in which the second stirring sheet 122 protrudes from the second rotating shaft 121 and the direction in which the second flexible sheet 123 protrudes from the second rotating shaft 121 are opposite to each other.

[0065] The second magnet 124 is provided in a region between the second fixed end 123a and the second free end 123b of the second flexible sheet 123. More specifically, the second magnet 124 is provided at a position closer to the second free end 123b than to the second fixed end 123a of the second flexible sheet 123. The second magnet 124 is provided on a surface of the second flexible sheet 123 that is fixed to the second rotating shaft 121 and that faces downstream in the rotation direction when the second rotating shaft 121 rotates in the direction of arrow C. The second magnet 124 is arranged so as not to come into contact with the lower surface 120b, similar to the second flexible sheet 123, when the second rotating shaft 121 rotates.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the cartridge is configured as an all-in-one cartridge, but application of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a toner cartridge that holds toner and a process cartridge having a developing roller, a supply roller, a drum, a charging roller, and a cleaning member may each be configured to be independently detachable from the device main body. Alternatively, the cartridge may be configured to include a developing unit that holds the developing roller, the supply roller, and toner, and a drum unit that holds the photosensitive drum, the charging roller, and the cleaning member. Alternatively, a configuration equivalent to process cartridge 102 may be provided so as not to be detachable from the device main body, and only a cartridge equivalent to toner cartridge 101 may be detachable. Alternatively, an image forming apparatus may be configured so that components equivalent to process cartridge 102 and toner cartridge 101 are not detachable from the device main body.

[0067] [Toner remaining amount detection method] Next, a method for detecting the remaining amount of toner by the image forming apparatus M will be described with reference to FIGS. 8(a)-(c), 9(a)-(c), 10(a)-(c), 11, and 12. When a printing operation is performed in the image forming apparatus M, toner is consumed and the amount of toner inside the cartridge 100 decreases. If a printing operation is performed when there is only a small amount of toner inside the cartridge 100, there is a risk that the toner will not be printed sufficiently on the printed matter, resulting in a defective image. Therefore, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus M be configured to be able to detect when the amount of toner inside the cartridge 100 is low and to report this to the user before the toner runs out. Therefore, the image forming apparatus M is configured to be able to detect the amount of toner inside the cartridge 100.

[0068] As described above, the first flexible sheet 112 is attached to the first rotating shaft 111 of the process cartridge 102, and the first magnet 113 is attached to the tip of the first flexible sheet 112 as a first magnetic member. Also, the second flexible sheet 123 is attached to the second rotating shaft 121 of the toner cartridge 101, and the second magnet 113 is attached to the tip of the second flexible sheet 123. A second magnet 124 is attached as a magnetic member. Although a magnet is used as the magnetic member in the first embodiment, it is also possible to use other magnetic (magnetizable) members instead.

[0069] As described above, the lid 114 of the process cartridge 102 is provided with a magnetic detection sensor 115 that detects magnetism within a detectable range. The magnetic detection sensor 115 is provided between the first rotational axis 111a and the second rotational axis 121a in the first direction D1. That is, the magnetic detection sensor 115 is located in an area Ar1 (see FIG. 7) that is perpendicular to an imaginary line Ln1 that passes through the first rotational axis 111a and the second rotational axis 121a, and is between an imaginary line Ln2 that passes through the first rotational axis 111a and an imaginary line Ln3 that passes through the second rotational axis 121a. The imaginary lines Ln2 and Ln3 are imaginary lines that extend in the second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the Y1 (Y2) direction. In Example 1, the magnetic detection sensor 115 is arranged between a first storage section 110a formed in the developing container 110 of the process cartridge 102 and a second storage section 120a formed in the toner container 120 of the toner cartridge 101.

[0070] As described above, the first magnet 113 and the second magnet 124 are mounted on flexible sheets whose ends are fixed to the rotation shafts. Therefore, the distance between the first magnet 113 and the magnetic detection sensor 115 changes with the rotation of the first rotation shaft 111, and the distance between the second magnet 124 and the magnetic detection sensor 115 changes with the rotation of the second rotation shaft 121. With this configuration, the first magnet 113 and the second magnet 124 are arranged so that they can enter and retract from the detectable range of the magnetic detection sensor 115. When the first magnet 113 or the second magnet 124 enters the detectable range of the magnetic detection sensor 115 with the rotation of the first rotation shaft 111 or the second rotation shaft 121, the magnetic detection sensor 115 detects magnetism. In the first embodiment, the remaining toner amount is obtained based on the detection result of the magnetic detection sensor 115. The magnetic detection sensor 115 can be disposed, for example, on an imaginary line Ln1 passing through the first rotation axis 111a and the second rotation axis 121a.

[0071] In order for the magnetic detection sensor 115 to distinguish and detect the magnetism of the first magnet 113 and the second magnet 124, the phases of the first rotating shaft 111 and the second rotating shaft 121 are controlled so that the first magnet 113 and the second magnet 124 are not simultaneously located within the detectable range of the magnetic detection sensor 115. A method for controlling the phases of the first rotating shaft 111 and the second rotating shaft 121 by the control unit in the first embodiment will be described below.

[0072] 8(a) to 8(c) are explanatory diagrams showing the phase relationship between the first rotating shaft 111 and the second rotating shaft 121, and are schematic cross-sectional views of the cartridge 100. FIG. 8(a) shows how a new toner cartridge 101 is being mounted in the process cartridge 102. When the toner cartridge 101 is replaced, the phase of the first rotating shaft 111 provided in the process cartridge 102 is controlled by the magnetic detection sensor 115 so that it always remains constant. In the first embodiment, when the cartridge 100 is in a position where it is mounted in the apparatus main body 170, the phase of the first rotating shaft 111 is controlled so that the first surface 111b to which the first agitating sheet 109 is fixed faces upward and the first flexible sheet 112 faces downward.

[0073] Furthermore, in a newly installed toner cartridge 101, the phase of the second rotating shaft 121 is set so as to prevent the first magnet 113 and the second magnet 124 from being simultaneously positioned within the detectable range of the magnetic detection sensor 115. Specifically, in a posture in which the cartridge 100 is installed in the apparatus main body 170, the phase of the second rotating shaft 121 is controlled so that the third surface 121b to which the second agitating sheet 122 is fixed faces upward and the fourth surface 121c to which the second flexible sheet 123 is fixed faces downward. In other words, when the toner cartridge 101 is installed in the process cartridge 102, the phase of the first rotating shaft 111 and the phase of the second rotating shaft 121 are the same.

[0074] Furthermore, the same gear is used for the gear for rotationally driving the first rotating shaft 111 and the gear for rotationally driving the second rotating shaft 121, and the rotation speeds of the first rotating shaft 111 and the second rotating shaft 121 are always the same. That is, the phases of the first rotating shaft 111 and the second rotating shaft 121 are controlled so that the second surface 111c (first plane) of the first rotating shaft 111 and the fourth surface 121c (second plane) of the second rotating shaft 121 are parallel to each other and face the same direction. With this configuration, for example, when the first rotating shaft 111 rotates and the first magnet 113 approaches the magnetic detection sensor 115, the second magnet 124 is located farther from the magnetic detection sensor 115 than the first magnet 113. FIG. 8(b) shows the first magnet 113 approaching the magnetic detection sensor 115 and the second magnet 124 moving away from the magnetic detection sensor 115. 8(b), the first magnet 113 moves away from the magnetic sensor 115, and the second magnet 124 moves closer to the magnetic sensor 115. FIG. 8(c) shows the first magnet 113 moving away from the magnetic sensor 115, and the second magnet 124 moving closer to the magnetic sensor 115. In this way, in the first embodiment, the phases of the first rotating shaft 111 and the second rotating shaft 121 are controlled so that the first magnet 113 and the second magnet 124 approach the magnetic sensor 115 at different times. That is, when the first magnet 113 is located within the detectable range of the magnetic sensor 115, the second magnet 124 is located outside the detectable range, and when the second magnet 124 is located within the detectable range of the magnetic sensor 115, the first magnet 113 is located outside the detectable range. Therefore, this configuration prevents the first magnet 113 and the second magnet 124 from being located within the detectable range of the magnetic detection sensor 115 at the same time, and makes it possible for a single magnetic detection sensor 115 to detect the magnetic fields of both the first magnet 113 and the second magnet 124.

[0075] To distinguish whether the magnetism detected by the magnetic detection sensor 115 is from the first magnet 113 or the second magnet 124, for example, the relationship between the phase of the first rotating shaft 111 and the second rotating shaft 121 and the time may be managed. The magnet that is closest to the magnetic detection sensor 115 can be determined from the time when the magnetic detection sensor 115 detects the magnetism and the phase of the first rotating shaft 111 and the second rotating shaft 121. Alternatively, the initial phases of the first rotating shaft 111 and the second rotating shaft 121 when a new toner cartridge 101 is installed may be set as described above, and the first detected magnetism may be distinguished as that from the first magnet 113, and the second detected magnetism may be distinguished as that from the second magnet 124.

[0076] Next, a method for obtaining the toner amount will be described in detail. The method for obtaining the toner amount in the cartridge 100 is common to all four cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K).

[0077] First, we will explain the method for acquiring the amount of toner in toner cartridge 101. Figures 9(a) to 9(c) are explanatory diagrams of the method for acquiring the amount of toner in second housing section 120a of toner cartridge 101, and show cartridge 100 in a position where it is attached to device main body 170. Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of toner in second housing section 120a of toner cartridge 101 and the detection time by magnetic detection sensor 115.

[0078] 9A shows a state in which the toner T stored in the second storage section 120a of the toner container 120 is abundant (large amount of toner), and the top surface of the toner T is located above the second rotating shaft 121. The second flexible sheet 123 can be made of, for example, a 50 μm-thick PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) sheet. When the toner T is abundant in the second storage section 120a, when the second rotating shaft 121 rotates in the direction of arrow C, the second flexible sheet 123 receives resistance from the toner T and rotates while bending. In this state, the shortest distance between the second magnet 124 and the magnetic detection sensor 115 when the second magnet 124 is closest to the magnetic detection sensor 115 is defined as distance L1.

[0079] 9(b) shows a state in which the amount of toner contained in second storage section 120a of toner container 120 is less than that in FIG. 9(a). When the amount of toner in second storage section 120a decreases and the resistance that second flexible sheet 123 receives from toner T decreases, the amount of bending of second flexible sheet 123 decreases. When the amount of bending of second flexible sheet 123 decreases when second flexible sheet 123 passes below second rotating shaft 121, the shortest distance between second magnet 124 and magnetic detection sensor 115 becomes shorter.

[0080] 9(c) shows a state in which the amount of toner contained in second storage section 120a of toner container 120 is less than that shown in FIG. 9(b). In this case, the resistance that second flexible sheet 123 receives from toner T is further reduced, and the amount of bending of second flexible sheet 123 is further reduced. Therefore, when second magnet 124 is closest to magnetic detection sensor 115, the shortest distance between second magnet 124 and magnetic detection sensor 115 is distance L2, which is smaller than distance L1 (L1>L2).

[0081] As described above, as the amount of toner in second container 120a decreases, the shortest distance between second magnet 124 and magnetic detection sensor 115 gradually decreases from a certain point in time. The decrease in the shortest distance means that, for example, during one rotation of second rotating shaft 121, the time that second magnet 124 is located within the detection range of magnetic detection sensor 115 becomes longer. Figure 11 shows the relationship between the detection time by magnetic detection sensor 115 and the amount of toner in second container 120a.

[0082] 11, when the amount of toner is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (part D in FIG. 11), the detection time of magnetic detection sensor 115 is constant. At this time, if the amount of bending of second flexible sheet 123 is large and second magnet 124 does not enter the detection range of magnetic detection sensor 115, the detection time of magnetic detection sensor 115 is constant at zero. This is because, as shown in FIG. 9(a), when a large amount of toner T is stored in second storage section 120a, the amount of bending of second flexible sheet 123 when second magnet 124 approaches magnetic detection sensor 115 hardly changes even if the amount of toner decreases slightly.

[0083] On the other hand, when the toner amount is below a predetermined amount (part E in FIG. 11 ), the detection time of magnetic detection sensor 115 increases as the toner amount decreases. This is because, as shown in FIG. 9C , when the toner amount in second container 120a is low, the amount of deflection of second flexible sheet 123 decreases, bringing second magnet 124 closer to magnetic detection sensor 115. In this case, the amount of toner in second container 120a is proportional to the detection time of magnetic detection sensor 115. Therefore, image forming apparatus M can acquire (estimate) the amount of toner in second container 120a based on the detection time of magnetic detection sensor 115 using the toner amount acquisition unit. The toner amount acquisition unit may be, for example, a control unit configured with a CPU or the like. The toner amount acquisition unit may be provided at any location, such as device body 170 of image forming apparatus M or cartridge 100.

[0084] With cartridge 100 configured as described above, image forming apparatus M can obtain the amount of toner in second accommodating section 120a based on the detection result of magnetic detection sensor 115. Then, a notification unit such as a monitor provided in image forming apparatus M can notify the user that the amount of toner in toner cartridge 101 is low or zero, and urge the user to replace toner cartridge 101. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c), when second magnet 124 is located within the detectable range of magnetic detection sensor 115, first magnet 113 moves away from magnetic detection sensor 115 and is located outside the detectable range.

[0085] Next, a method for acquiring the amount of toner in the process cartridge 102 will be described. FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c) are explanatory diagrams of a method for acquiring the amount of toner in the first accommodating portion 110a of the process cartridge 102, and are for explaining the method for acquiring the amount of toner in the first accommodating portion 110a of the process cartridge 102, with the cartridge 100 in a position where it is mounted in the apparatus main body 170. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of toner in the first accommodating portion 110a of the process cartridge 102 and the detection time by the magnetic detection sensor 115.

[0086] 10(a) shows a state in which the toner T stored in the first storage portion 110a of the developing container 110 is abundant (large amount of toner), and the uppermost surface of the toner T is located above the first rotating shaft 111. The first flexible sheet 112 can be made of, for example, a 50 μm thick PET or PPS sheet. When the first storage portion 110a is abundant with toner T, when the first rotating shaft 111 rotates in the direction of arrow B, the first flexible sheet 112 receives resistance from the toner T and rotates while bending. In this state, the shortest distance between the first magnet 113 and the magnetic detection sensor 115 when the first magnet 113 is closest to the magnetic detection sensor 115 is defined as distance L3.

[0087] 10(b) shows a state in which the amount of toner contained in the first storage portion 110a of the developing container 110 is less than that in the case of FIG. 10(a). When the amount of toner in the first storage portion 110a decreases and the resistance that the first flexible sheet 112 receives from the toner T decreases, the amount of bending of the first flexible sheet 112 decreases. When the amount of bending of the first flexible sheet 112 decreases when the first flexible sheet 112 passes below the first rotating shaft 111, the shortest distance between the first magnet 113 and the magnetic detection sensor 115 becomes shorter.

[0088] 10(c) shows a state in which the amount of toner contained in first container 110a of developing container 110 is less than that shown in FIG. 10(b). In this case, the resistance that first flexible sheet 112 receives from toner T is further reduced, and the amount of bending of first flexible sheet 112 is further reduced. Therefore, when first magnet 113 is closest to magnetic detection sensor 115, the shortest distance between first magnet 113 and magnetic detection sensor 115 is distance L4, which is smaller than distance L3 (L3>L4).

[0089] As described above, as the amount of toner in first container 110a decreases, the shortest distance between first magnet 113 and magnetic detection sensor 115 gradually decreases. A decrease in the shortest distance means that, for example, during one rotation of first rotating shaft 111, the time during which first magnet 113 is located within the detectable range of magnetic detection sensor 115 becomes longer. Figure 12 shows the relationship between the detection time by magnetic detection sensor 115 and the amount of toner in first container 110a.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 12, when the amount of toner is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (part F in FIG. 12), the detection time of magnetic detection sensor 115 becomes longer as the amount of toner decreases. This is because, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c), when the amount of toner in first container 110a decreases, the amount of bending of first flexible sheet 112 decreases, and first magnet 113 moves closer to magnetic detection sensor 115. At this time, the amount of toner in first container 110a and the detection time of magnetic detection sensor 115 are proportional. Therefore, image forming apparatus M can acquire (estimate) the amount of toner in first container 110a based on the detection time of magnetic detection sensor 115 using the toner amount acquisition unit.

[0091] On the other hand, when the amount of toner is equal to or less than a predetermined amount (part G in FIG. 12), the detection time of magnetic detection sensor 115 is constant. This is because, as shown in FIG. 10(c), when the amount of toner in second container 120a is small, the amount of deflection of first flexible sheet 112 when first magnet 113 approaches magnetic detection sensor 115 hardly changes even if the amount of toner changes.

[0092] According to the cartridge 100 configured as described above, the image forming apparatus M can obtain the amount of toner in the second container 120a based on the detection result of the magnetic detection sensor 115. Then, a notification means such as a monitor provided in the image forming apparatus M can notify the user that the amount of toner in the toner cartridge 101 is low or zero, and urge the user to replace the toner cartridge 101 or the cartridge 100. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) to (c), As shown, when the first magnet 113 is located within the detectable range of the magnetic detection sensor 115, the second magnet 124 moves away from the magnetic detection sensor 115 and is located at a position outside the detectable range.

[0093] When the toner amount is below a predetermined amount (part G in FIG. 12), the detection time during which the magnetic detection sensor 115 detects the first magnet 113 does not change even if the toner amount decreases. The image forming apparatus M may be configured to notify the user of the toner amount in the process cartridge 102 when the toner amount reaches the predetermined amount. Alternatively, when the toner amount is below the predetermined amount (part G in FIG. 12), the toner amount may be acquired (estimated) by other methods, for example, by estimating the toner consumption amount from an image pattern. Generally, toner amount detection methods that estimate toner consumption from an image pattern tend to accumulate errors. However, by combining this with a toner amount detection method that uses magnetism, it is possible to calculate only the small amount of toner that is nearly depleted in the developer container 110 based on the toner consumption amount, and therefore the toner amount can be detected with high accuracy until the toner amount becomes zero.

[0094] [Method for improving the positional accuracy of magnetic detection sensors] In the first embodiment, the magnetic detection sensor 115 is configured to be fixed to the lid 114, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The mounting position and mounting method of the magnetic detection sensor 115 can be changed as appropriate depending on the sensitivity of the magnetic detection sensor 115, the magnetic forces of the first magnet 113 and the second magnet 124, the positional relationship between the first housing portion 110a and the second housing portion 120a, etc. Below, as an example of a mounting method of the magnetic detection sensor 115, a mounting method that can improve the positional accuracy of the magnetic detection sensor 115 will be described.

[0095] 13(a) and 13(b) are cross-sectional views of the cartridge 100 showing an example of a method for attaching the magnetic detection sensor 115. FIG. 13(a) shows the toner cartridge 101 removed from the process cartridge 102. FIG. 13(b) shows the toner cartridge 101 attached to the process cartridge 102. In this example, a sensor spring 116 is disposed between the magnetic detection sensor 115 and the toner cartridge 101. The sensor spring 116 is a biasing member that biases the magnetic detection sensor 115 toward the process cartridge 102 (first accommodating portion 110a) when the toner cartridge 101 is attached (assembled) to the process cartridge 102. With this configuration, the magnetic detection sensor 115 is positioned in close contact with the toner cartridge 101, improving the accuracy of its position relative to the magnet. This allows for the selection of a small, inexpensive magnet.

[0096] As described above, the above-described configuration allows a single magnetic detection sensor to detect the toner amounts on both the developer container side and the toner container side in a compact color LBP (laser beam printer) with a dual supply configuration in which the developer container and the toner container are separated. This makes it possible to provide a cartridge and an image forming apparatus that can detect the remaining amount with a simple configuration and in a space-saving manner.

[0097] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A cartridge configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus, a first container for containing toner; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic field provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; an air bearing member; a second container configured to contain toner to be supplied to the first container, the second container being aligned with the first container in a first direction; a second rotation shaft provided inside the second housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a second flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and having a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation axis and a second free end; a second magnetic member provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member; a magnetic detection sensor provided between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction, the magnetic detection sensor detecting magnetism within a detectable range; Equipped with A cartridge characterized by: (Configuration 2) When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the second accommodating portion is located above the first accommodating portion. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1. (Configuration 3) When the first magnetic member is located within the detectable range, the second magnetic member is located outside the detectable range, When the second magnetic member is located within the detectable range, the first magnetic member is located outside the detectable range. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) a control unit for controlling a phase of the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft, the first rotating shaft has a first plane to which the first flexible member is fixed, and the second rotating shaft has a second plane to which the second flexible member is fixed; the control unit controls the phases of the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft so that the first plane of the first rotation shaft and the second plane of the second rotation shaft are parallel to each other and face in the same direction. 4. The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) a boundary portion separating the first storage portion and the second storage portion; The magnetic detection sensor is provided at the boundary portion. 5. The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) When the cartridge is in a position where it is attached to the image forming apparatus, the boundary portion forms an upper surface of the first accommodating portion and a lower surface of the second accommodating portion. 6. The cartridge according to claim 5. (Configuration 7) When the first flexible member is not bent, the distance from the first rotation axis to the first free end is shorter than the distance from the first rotation axis to the boundary portion, When the second flexible member is not bent, the distance from the second rotation axis to the second free end is shorter than the distance from the second rotation axis to the boundary portion. 7. The cartridge according to configuration 5 or 6. (Configuration 8) the first magnetic member is provided at a position closer to the first free end than to the first fixed end of the first flexible member, the second magnetic member is provided at a position closer to the first free end than to the first fixed end of the second flexible member; 8. The cartridge according to claim 7. (Configuration 9) The magnetic detection sensor is disposed on a virtual line passing through the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis when viewed from a direction parallel to the first rotation axis. 9. The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) a first cartridge in which the first storage section is formed and which has the first rotating shaft, the first flexible member, and the first magnetic member; and a second cartridge in which the second storage section is formed and which has the second rotating shaft, the second flexible member, and the second magnetic member, and which is configured to be detachable from the first cartridge. 10. The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. (Configuration 11) a biasing member that biases the magnetic detection sensor toward the first accommodating portion when the second cartridge is attached to the first cartridge; 11. The cartridge according to claim 10. (Configuration 12) a developing chamber having a toner carrier configured to carry toner disposed therein; The first container has an opening through which the toner supplied from the first container to the developing chamber passes. 12. The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. (Configuration 13) a sheet-like third flexible member having a third fixed portion fixed to the first rotation shaft and a third protruding portion protruding from the first rotation shaft in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis; a fourth flexible member in a sheet form having a fourth fixed portion fixed to the second rotation shaft and a fourth protruding portion protruding from the second rotation shaft in a direction intersecting with the second rotation axis; 13. The cartridge of claim 12, comprising: (Configuration 14) When the third flexible member is not deflected, a distance from the first rotation axis to the third free end is greater than a distance from the first rotation axis to the opening; When the fourth flexible member is not bent, a distance from the second rotation axis to the fourth free end is greater than a distance from the second rotation axis to an opening formed in the second storage portion through which the toner supplied to the first storage portion passes. 14. The cartridge according to claim 13. (Configuration 15) A device body, a cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 14 configured to be detachably attached to the device main body; Equipped with An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 16) a toner amount acquisition unit that acquires the toner amount of the first storage unit and the toner amount of the second storage unit based on the time when the magnetic detection sensor detects magnetism; 16. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 15. (Configuration 17) an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a toner carrier that carries toner for developing the electrostatic latent image; a first container that contains toner to be supplied to the toner carrier; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a first fixed end extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and fixed to the first rotation shaft; a first flexible member having a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; a second container configured to contain toner to be supplied to the first container, the second container being aligned with the first container in a first direction; a second rotation shaft provided inside the second housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a second flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and having a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation axis and a second free end; a second magnetic member provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member; a magnetic detection sensor provided between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction, the magnetic detection sensor detecting magnetism within a detectable range; Equipped with An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 18) a developing member; a first container for containing toner; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis line; a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism within a detectable range; Equipped with a second storage section that stores toner to be supplied to the first storage section; a second rotation shaft that is provided inside the second storage section and configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis; a second flexible member that extends in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and has a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation shaft and a second free end; and a second magnetic member that is provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member, the first accommodating portion is aligned with the second accommodating portion in a first direction when the cartridge is attached to the developing device; the cartridge is mounted so that the magnetic detection sensor is located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction; A developing device characterized by: (Configuration 19) a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; and a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism within a detectable range, the toner cartridge being detachably attached to a developing device, the first flexible member comprising: a developing member; a first storage section that stores toner; a first rotation shaft that is provided inside the first storage section and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a first flexible member that extends in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and has a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation shaft and a first free end; a second container that contains toner to be supplied to the first container, the second container being aligned with the first container in a first direction when the toner cartridge is attached to the developing device; a second rotation shaft provided inside the second housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a second fixed end extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and fixed to the second rotation shaft; a second flexible member having a second free end; a second magnetic member provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member; Equipped with the magnetic detection sensor is attached to the developing device so as to be located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction; A toner cartridge characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100....cartridge, 110a...first storage section, 111...first rotating shaft, 112...first flexible sheet (first flexible member), 113...first magnet (first magnetic member), 115...magnetic detection sensor, 120a...second storage section, 121...second rotating shaft, 123...second flexible sheet (second flexible member), 124...second magnet (second magnetic member)

Claims

1. A cartridge configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus, a first container for containing toner; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; a second container configured to contain toner to be supplied to the first container, the second container being aligned with the first container in a first direction; a second rotation shaft provided inside the second housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a second flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and having a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation axis and a second free end; a second magnetic member provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member; a magnetic detection sensor provided between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction, the magnetic detection sensor detecting magnetism within a detectable range; Equipped with A cartridge characterized by:

2. When the cartridge is in a position where it is attached to the image forming apparatus, the second accommodating portion is located above the first accommodating portion.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

3. When the first magnetic member is located within the detectable range, the second magnetic member is located outside the detectable range, When the second magnetic member is located within the detectable range, the first magnetic member is located outside the detectable range.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

4. a control unit for controlling a phase of the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft, the first rotation shaft has a first plane to which the first flexible member is fixed, and the second rotation shaft has a second plane to which the second flexible member is fixed; the control unit controls the phases of the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft so that the first plane of the first rotation shaft and the second plane of the second rotation shaft are parallel to each other and face in the same direction.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

5. a boundary portion separating the first storage portion and the second storage portion; The magnetic detection sensor is provided at the boundary portion.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

6. When the cartridge is in a position where it is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the boundary portion forms an upper surface of the first accommodating portion and a lower surface of the second accommodating portion.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5.

7. When the first flexible member is not deflected, the first free axis is a distance to the end is smaller than a distance from the first rotation axis to the boundary portion; When the second flexible member is not bent, the distance from the second rotation axis to the second free end is shorter than the distance from the second rotation axis to the boundary portion.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5.

8. the first magnetic member is provided at a position closer to the first free end than to the first fixed end of the first flexible member, the second magnetic member is provided at a position closer to the first free end than to the first fixed end of the second flexible member; 8. The cartridge according to claim 7.

9. the magnetic detection sensor is disposed on a virtual line passing through the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis when viewed from a direction parallel to the first rotation axis; 2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

10. a first cartridge in which the first storage section is formed and which has the first rotating shaft, the first flexible member, and the first magnetic member; and a second cartridge in which the second storage section is formed and which has the second rotating shaft, the second flexible member, and the second magnetic member, and which is configured to be detachable from the first cartridge.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

11. a biasing member that biases the magnetic detection sensor toward the first accommodating portion when the second cartridge is attached to the first cartridge; 11. The cartridge of claim 10.

12. a developing chamber having a toner carrier configured to carry toner disposed therein; an opening is formed in the first container, through which the toner supplied from the first container to the developing chamber passes; 2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

13. a third flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a third fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a third free end; a fourth flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and having a fourth fixed end fixed to the second rotation axis and a fourth free end; Equipped with 13. The cartridge of claim 12.

14. When the third flexible member is not deflected, a distance from the first rotation axis to the third free end is greater than a distance from the first rotation axis to the opening, when the fourth flexible member is not bent, a distance from the second rotation axis to the fourth free end is greater than a distance from the second rotation axis to an opening formed in the second accommodating portion through which the toner supplied to the first accommodating portion passes; 14. The cartridge of claim 13.

15. A device body, The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is configured to be detachable from the main body of the apparatus; Equipped with An image forming apparatus characterized by:

16. a toner amount acquiring unit that acquires the toner amount of the first storage unit and the toner amount of the second storage unit based on the time when the magnetic detection sensor detects magnetism; 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15.

17. an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a toner carrier that carries toner for developing the electrostatic latent image; a first container that contains toner to be supplied to the toner carrier; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; a second container configured to contain toner to be supplied to the first container, the second container being aligned with the first container in a first direction; a second rotation shaft provided inside the second housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a second flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and having a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation axis and a second free end; a second magnetic member provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member; a magnetic detection sensor provided between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction, the magnetic detection sensor detecting magnetism within a detectable range; Equipped with An image forming apparatus characterized by:

18. a developing member; a first container for containing toner; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a first flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a first fixed end fixed to the first rotation axis and a first free end; a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism within a detectable range; Equipped with a second storage section that stores toner to be supplied to the first storage section; a second rotation shaft that is provided inside the second storage section and configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis; a second flexible member that extends in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and has a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation shaft and a second free end; and a second magnetic member that is provided in a region of the second flexible member between the second fixed end and the second free end, the first accommodating portion is aligned with the second accommodating portion in a first direction when the cartridge is attached to the developing device; the cartridge is mounted so that the magnetic detection sensor is located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction; A developing device characterized by:

19. a first flexible roller having a first storage section for storing a developing member and a toner; a first rotation shaft provided inside the first storage section and configured to be rotatable about a first rotation axis; a first fixed end extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis and fixed to the first rotation shaft; and a first free end. a first magnetic member provided in a region between the first fixed end and the first free end of the first flexible member; and a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism within a detectable range. a second container that contains toner to be supplied to the first container, the second container being aligned with the first container in a first direction when the toner cartridge is attached to the developing device; a second rotation shaft provided inside the second housing portion and configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a second flexible member extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis and having a second fixed end fixed to the second rotation axis and a second free end; a second magnetic member provided in a region between the second fixed end and the second free end of the second flexible member; Equipped with the magnetic detection sensor is attached to the developing device so as to be located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis in the first direction; A toner cartridge characterized by:

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