Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To enable accurate detection of the amount of remaining toner in an image forming apparatus that uses a toner bottle.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 comprises a toner remaining amount detection device 200 that detects the amount of toner remaining in a toner bottle 32B that stores toner. The toner remaining amount detection device 200 has a tuning folk 210 that is installed to receive a load from the toner bottle 32B, a vibration detection unit 220 that detects vibration of the tuning folk caused by the load, a control unit 230 that estimates the amount of remaining toner on the basis of the vibration, and a vibration generation unit 270 that forcibly vibrates the tuning folk 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Techniques for detecting the amount of toner remaining in a toner container in an image forming apparatus are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which parallel plate electrodes are provided on the top, bottom, left and right sides of a toner bottle to detect the amount of toner remaining in the toner bottle by electrostatic capacitance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since the toner bottle needs to be removable and the mechanism for rotating it to deliver the toner makes it easy for toner to spill from the opening, the conventional method described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to accurately detect the amount of remaining toner if the electrode used to detect the amount of remaining toner becomes soiled with spilled toner.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to enable accurate detection of the amount of remaining toner in an image forming apparatus that uses a toner bottle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a toner bottle that stores toner, an image forming unit that forms a toner image by supplying the toner stored in the toner bottle, and a toner remaining amount detection device that detects the amount of toner remaining in the toner bottle, wherein the toner remaining amount detection device has a tuning fork that is installed to receive a load from the toner bottle, a vibration detection unit that detects vibration of the tuning fork due to the load, and a control unit that estimates the amount of toner remaining based on the vibration, and the toner bottle has a substrate on which information unique to the toner bottle is recorded, and a controller that is electrically connected to the substrate. and an electrode disposed on the surface of the toner bottle and exposed to the outside, the image forming device is provided with a communication unit that communicates with the toner bottle, and a terminal that is connected to the communication unit and that electrically connects the substrate and the communication unit by coming into contact with the electrode of the toner bottle, the tuning fork of the toner remaining amount detection device is formed integrally with the terminal and is configured to receive the load of the toner bottle through the terminal, the terminal is electrically connected to the communication unit through the tuning fork, and the toner remaining amount detection device has a vibration generating unit that forcibly vibrates the tuning fork. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In an image forming apparatus that uses a toner bottle, the amount of remaining toner can be accurately detected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming unit; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a toner remaining amount detection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a toner remaining amount detection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a toner remaining amount detection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] A diagram showing the first stage of the vibration generating unit's operating state [Figure 7] A diagram showing the second stage of the vibration generating unit's operating state [Figure 8] Hardware configuration diagram of the control unit in Figure 4 [Figure 9] Functional block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment [Figure 10] Flowchart of remaining toner amount detection control according to an embodiment [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control of a vibration generating unit in an embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of control of the vibration generating unit in the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vibration generating unit according to a second modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes a toner remaining amount detecting device 200 that detects the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 32 .

[0011] <Basic configuration of image forming device> First, the basic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 has a toner container storage section 70, an intermediate transfer unit 15, an imaging section 6, and a toner supply section 60. Four toner containers 32 (Y, M, C, K) corresponding to each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) are detachably (replaceably) installed in the toner container storage section 70.

[0013] 1, an intermediate transfer unit 15 is provided below the toner container storage unit 70. Imaging units 6 (Y, M, C, K) corresponding to each color are arranged in parallel so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 8 of the intermediate transfer unit 15.

[0014] Further, toner supply units 60 (Y, M, C, K) are provided below the toner containers 32 (Y, M, C, K), respectively. The toner contained in the toner containers 32 (Y, M, C, K) is supplied (replenished) into the developing units 5 (see FIG. 2) of the imaging units 6 (Y, M, C, K) by the toner supply units 60 (Y, M, C, K), respectively.

[0015] The four toner containers 32 (Y, M, C, K) corresponding to each color, the imaging units 6 (Y, M, C, K), and the toner supply units 60 (Y, M, C, K) have the same configuration except for the different colors of toner they use. Therefore, in the following explanation and drawings, the suffixes "Y," "M," "C," and "K" that indicate the colors of toner used will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming unit 6 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, the configuration of one of the four image forming units 6 in FIG. 1 is shown as an example.

[0017] The image forming unit 6 has a photoreceptor 1, a charging unit 4 provided around the photoreceptor 1, a developing unit 5, a cleaning unit 2, and a discharging unit. Then, an image forming process, that is, a charging step, an exposure step, a developing step, a transfer step, and a cleaning step, is performed on the photoreceptor 1, and an image of each color is formed on the photoreceptor 1.

[0018] The photoreceptor 1 is driven by a drive motor to rotate in the direction of the arrow (clockwise direction) shown on the photoreceptor 1 in Fig. 2. Then, at the position of the charging unit 4, the surface of the photoreceptor 1 is uniformly charged (charging process). Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor 1 reaches the irradiation position of the laser light L emitted from the exposure unit 7 shown in Fig. 1, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to each color is formed by exposure scanning at this position (exposure process).

[0019] Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor 1 reaches a position facing the developing unit 5, where the electrostatic latent image is developed to form a toner image of each color (developing process). Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor 1 faces a primary transfer roller 9 across the intermediate transfer belt 8 at a primary transfer unit, where the toner image on the photoreceptor 1 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 (primary transfer process). The toner images of each color formed on the photoreceptor 1 of each color are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in an overlapping manner, forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0020] After passing through the primary transfer unit, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the surface of the photoreceptor 1. After that, the surface of the photoreceptor 1 reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 2, where the untransferred toner remaining on the photoreceptor 1 is mechanically collected by the cleaning blade 2a (cleaning process). Finally, the surface of the photoreceptor 1 reaches a position facing the charge removal unit, where the residual potential on the photoreceptor 1 is removed.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer unit 15 includes an intermediate transfer belt 8, four primary transfer rollers 9 (Y, M, C, K), a secondary transfer backup roller 12, multiple tension rollers, and an intermediate transfer cleaning unit. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is supported and tensioned by multiple tension rollers, and moves endlessly in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) shown on the intermediate transfer belt 8 in FIG. 1 by the rotation of the secondary transfer backup roller 12, one of the roller members. The four primary transfer rollers 9 (Y, M, C, K) sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 8 between themselves and the photoconductors 1 (Y, M, C, K), forming primary transfer nips.

[0022] Then, a transfer bias opposite to the polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer rollers 9 (Y, M, C, K). The intermediate transfer belt 8 runs in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1 and passes through the primary transfer nips of each primary transfer roller 9 (Y, M, C, K) in sequence. In this way, the toner images of each color on the photoreceptor 1 (Y, M, C, K) are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 and primarily transferred.

[0023] The intermediate transfer belt 8, on which the toner images of each color are superimposed and subjected to the primary transfer, reaches a secondary transfer section facing a secondary transfer roller 19. At the secondary transfer section, a secondary transfer nip is formed with the intermediate transfer belt 8 sandwiched between a secondary transfer backup roller 12 and the secondary transfer roller 19. The four-color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are secondarily transferred onto a recording medium P, such as transfer paper, that is transported to the position of the secondary transfer nip.

[0024] At this time, untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the recording medium P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8. After that, the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer cleaning unit, and the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is collected. In this way, the series of transfer processes that are performed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed.

[0025] The recording medium P transported to the position of the secondary transfer nip is transported from a paper feed unit 26 provided below the image forming apparatus 100 via a paper feed roller 27, a pair of registration rollers 28, and the like. More specifically, a plurality of recording media P are stored in a stack in the paper feed unit 26. When the paper feed roller 27 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1, the topmost recording medium P is fed toward between the rollers of the pair of registration rollers 28.

[0026] The recording medium P conveyed to the registration roller pair 28 is temporarily stopped at the roller nip of the registration roller pair 28, which has stopped rotating. Then, the registration roller pair 28 is rotated in synchronization with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the recording medium P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. In this way, the desired color image is transferred onto the recording medium P.

[0027] The recording medium P onto which the color image has been transferred at the secondary transfer nip is transported to the fixing unit 20. At this position, the color image transferred onto the surface of the recording medium P is fixed onto the recording medium P by heat and pressure from the fixing belt and pressure roller.

[0028] Thereafter, the recording medium P passes between the rollers of the discharge roller pair 29 and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus. The recording medium P discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 29 is sequentially stacked on the stack unit 30 as an output image. In this way, a series of image formation processes in the image forming apparatus 100 is completed.

[0029] Next, the configuration and operation of the developing unit 5 in the image forming unit 6 will be described in more detail.

[0030] 2, the developing unit 5 has a developing roller 51 facing the drum-shaped photosensitive member 1, a doctor blade 52 facing the developing roller 51, and two conveying screws 55 provided in a first developer container 53 and a second developer container 54. It also has a toner concentration detection sensor 56 that detects the toner concentration in the developer in the first developer container 53.

[0031] The developing roller 51 is composed of a magnet fixed inside, a sleeve that rotates around the magnet, etc. The developer containers (53, 54) contain a two-component developer G consisting of a carrier and a toner. The second developer container 54 communicates with a toner drop transport path 64 through an opening formed above it.

[0032] The sleeve of the developing roller 51 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) shown on the developing roller 51 in Figure 2. The developer G carried on the developing roller 51 by the magnetic field formed by the magnet moves on the developing roller 51 as the sleeve rotates.

[0033] The developer G in the developing unit 5 is adjusted so that the ratio of toner in the developer (toner concentration) falls within a predetermined range. In accordance with the toner consumption in the developing unit 5, the toner contained in the toner container 32 shown in FIG. 1 is replenished into the second developer container 54 via the toner replenishing unit 60 shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] The toner supplied to the second developer storage section 54 is circulated through the two developer storage sections (53, 54) while being mixed and stirred together with the developer G by the conveying screw 55. The toner in the developer G is attracted to the carrier due to frictional charging with the carrier, and is carried on the developing roller 51 together with the carrier by the magnetic force formed on the developing roller 51. The developer G carried on the developing roller 51 is transported in the direction of the arrow shown on the developing roller 51 in FIG. 2, and reaches the position of the doctor blade 52.

[0035] Then, after the amount of developer G on the developing roller 51 is adjusted to an appropriate amount at this position, it is transported to a position (developing area) facing the photosensitive member 1, and the toner is attracted to the latent image formed on the photosensitive member 1 by the electric field formed in the developing area. Thereafter, the developer G remaining on the developing roller 51 reaches above the first developer container 53 as the sleeve rotates, and is separated from the developing roller 51 at this position.

[0036] 1, the toner container 32 is depicted as a circle for convenience of illustration, but the shape of the toner container 32 installed in the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as will be described later, any shape or type of element such as a toner cartridge or a toner bottle can be used as the toner container 32.

[0037] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes a toner remaining amount detection device 200 for detecting the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 32. The toner remaining amount detection device 200 according to the embodiment has a tuning fork 210 installed to receive the load from the toner container 32, and estimates the amount of toner remaining based on the vibration frequency at which the tuning fork resonates with the toner container 32. In the following description, the vibration frequency of the tuning fork 210 thus generated may also be referred to as the "resonance frequency." The toner remaining amount detection device 200 can be implemented, for example, as part of the toner supply unit 60 shown in FIG. 1 above. In this case, the toner supply unit 60 controls the amount of toner supplied to the imaging unit 6 using information on the amount of toner remaining detected by the toner remaining amount detection device.

[0038] <Configuration of the remaining toner amount detection device> A toner remaining amount detecting device 200 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] In the following description, the X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to one another. The X direction is the axial direction of toner bottle 32B and the direction in which it is inserted into and removed from toner container mount 70. The Y direction is the arrangement direction of multiple tuning forks 210, terminals 261, and electrodes 32B6. The Z direction is the stacking direction of each element of toner remaining amount detection device 200, such as tuning fork 210, terminal 261, and electrode 32B6.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a toner remaining amount detecting device 200 according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a toner remaining amount detecting device 200 according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a toner remaining amount detecting device 200 according to an embodiment.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment uses toner bottle 32B as a toner container whose remaining toner amount is detected by toner remaining amount detecting device 200. Toner bottle 32B includes a cylindrical, hollow toner body 32B1 and an outlet 32B2 provided at one end of toner body 32B1 in the axial direction (the X positive direction side in the example of Figures 3 to 5). Outlet 32B2 is cylindrical and has a smaller diameter than toner body 32B1, and is provided so as to protrude in the axial direction from one end of toner body 32B1 so as to be coaxial with toner body 32B1.

[0042] 3 and 4, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the toner bottle 32B, which is an example of the toner container 32, is configured to be inserted into and installed in the toner container holder 70 by moving it from the negative X direction side to the positive X direction side. The toner bottle 32B is configured to be pulled out and removed from the toner container holder 70 by moving it in the negative X direction side.

[0043] Toner bottle 32B is provided with an ID board 32B5. Information specific to toner bottle 32B (such as the model number, manufacturer, and manufacturing date) is recorded on ID board 32B5. An electrode 32B6 is electrically connected to ID board 32B5. Electrode 32B6 is disposed on the surface of toner bottle 32B and is exposed to the outside. In this embodiment, when toner bottle 32B is housed in toner container housing 70, electrode 32B6 is disposed so as to face downward toward toner bottle 32B.

[0044] Image forming apparatus 100 includes a communication circuit 260 and a terminal 261. Communication circuit 260 communicates information with toner bottle 32B. For example, communication circuit 260 acquires the above-mentioned unique information from ID board 32B5 on toner bottle 32B. Terminal 261 is connected to communication circuit 260 and contacts electrode 32B6 on toner bottle 32B, thereby electrically connecting ID board 32B5 of toner bottle 32B to communication circuit 260.

[0045] 4, the electrode 32B6 is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the electrode 32B6 on the toner bottle 32B when the toner bottle 32B is placed in a predetermined position in the toner container mount 70. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in this embodiment, four terminals 261 and four electrodes 32B6 are provided, and they are all arranged in the Y direction so that each terminal 261 comes into contact with one of the four electrodes 32B6.

[0046] 3, the toner container holder 70 of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a guide member 262. The guide member 262 has a pair of members that are arranged on the outside of the positive and negative Y-direction sides of the four terminals 261, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. By providing the pair of guide members 262 in this manner, the position of the electrode 32B6 in the Y direction can be aligned with the position of the terminal 261 when the toner bottle 32B is inserted into the toner container holder 70.

[0047] 4, the guide member 262 is provided with an inclined surface along the insertion direction of the toner bottle 32B into the toner container holder 70. The inclined surface is formed so that it protrudes in the positive Z direction as it moves in the positive X direction. By providing the guide member 262 with such an inclined surface, when the toner bottle 32B is inserted into the toner container holder 70, the position of the electrode 32B6 in the Z direction can be aligned to a position where it can come into contact with the terminal 261.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, remaining toner amount detecting device 200 has tuning fork 210, vibration detection unit 220, and control unit 230. Tuning fork 210 is, in a general sense, a sounder that generates a sound of a certain frequency when struck, and is made by bending homogeneous steel into a U-shape with a handle attached to the center. Tuning fork 210 has a pair of vibrating bars arranged opposite each other and a curved portion connecting the vibrating bars, and the pair of vibrating bars and the curved portion form the above-mentioned U-shape.

[0049] In particular, in this embodiment, the tuning fork 210 of the remaining toner amount detecting device 200 is made of metal and is integrally formed with a terminal 261. The tuning fork 210 is configured to receive the load of the toner bottle 32B via the terminal 261. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the base 214 of the tuning fork 210 is erected on the Z-positive side from the communication circuit 260 and is electrically connected to the communication circuit 260. The tuning fork 210 has a U-shaped portion connected to the base 214, with a pair of vibrating arms extending along the X-direction and arranged to face each other in the Z-direction. The terminal 261 is connected to one of the vibrating arms arranged on the Z-positive side, and the tip of the other vibrating arm arranged on the Z-negative side is connected to the upper end of the base 214. As shown in FIG. 3, four tuning forks 210 are also provided and arranged along the Y-direction, and each tuning fork 210 is connected to one of the four terminals 261. As a result, the four sets of terminals 261 and the tuning fork 210 are integrally formed. When the terminal 261 comes into contact with the electrode 32B6, the ID board 32B5 on the toner bottle 32B side and the communication circuit 260 on the image forming apparatus side are electrically connected via the terminal 261 and the tuning fork 210.

[0050] Vibration detection unit 220 detects the vibration of tuning fork 210 caused by the load from toner bottle 32B. Vibration detection unit 220 is electrically connected to an input-side piezoelectric transducer installed on one vibrating arm of tuning fork 210 and an output-side piezoelectric transducer installed on the other vibrating arm 212. Vibration detection unit 220 is, for example, an oscillator circuit that uses tuning fork 210 as a feedback circuit, and can detect information related to the transition in vibration of tuning fork 210 based on the transition in oscillation of this oscillator circuit when a load caused by the toner mass of toner bottle 32B is applied.

[0051] Based on information about the vibration of tuning fork 210 detected by vibration detection unit 220, control unit 230 estimates the amount of toner remaining in toner bottle 32B.

[0052] The toner remaining amount detecting device 200 also includes a vibration generating unit 270. The vibration generating unit 270 is a device that forcibly vibrates the tuning fork 210. In this embodiment, the vibration generating unit 270 is configured to vibrate the tuning fork 210 by physically striking the tuning fork 210. The vibration generating unit 270 has a gear 271, a rod 272, and a support member 273.

[0053] Gear 271 is rotated by a drive source such as a motor. In the example of Fig. 4, gear 271 is installed so as to have a rotation axis C1 along the Y-axis direction. Gear 271 is also arranged on the positive X-direction side with respect to tuning fork 210.

[0054] One end 272A of the longitudinal shape of the rod 272 is connected to be rotatable parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the gear 271. Furthermore, one end 272A of the rod 272 is connected such that the rotation axis C2 is located on the centrifugal side of the circular shape of the gear 271 relative to the rotation axis C1 of the gear 271. The other end 272B of the rod 272 is positioned so as to face the direction of the tuning fork 210 on the negative X direction side.

[0055] Support member 273 is disposed between gear 271 and tuning fork 210, and supports rod 272 from below (the negative Z direction side). That is, rod 272 is supported at two points: at connection portion 274 with gear 271, and at a contact portion with support member 273.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the first stage of the operating state of vibration generating unit 270. In FIG. 6, the inactive state of vibration generating unit 270, i.e., the state shown in FIG. 4, is indicated by a dotted line. In the inactive state, other end 272B of rod 272 is located away from tuning fork 210, and vibration generating unit 270 is not in contact with tuning fork 210, so does not vibrate tuning fork 210. Furthermore, in the inactive state, connecting portion 274 with one end 272A is located below (negative Z direction) and to the left (positive X direction) of rotation axis C1 of gear 271, so other end 272B of rod 272 is positioned at a large incline diagonally upward to the right in the figure by support member 273, and is located above (positive Z direction) and to the left (positive X direction) of tuning fork 210.

[0057] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when vibration generating unit 270 is activated, gear 271 rotates first. In the example of FIG. 6, gear 271 rotates clockwise, as indicated by arrow B. This rotation of gear 271 also moves connecting portion 274 with bar 272 clockwise around rotation axis C1. As a result, one end 272A of bar 272 moves in the same manner, and connecting portion 274 rotates around rotation axis C2, moving upward (toward the positive Z direction) and to the right in the drawing (toward the negative X direction) compared to the inactive state. As a result, the amount of protrusion of bar 272 from support member 273 in the negative X direction increases, and the other end 272B of bar 272 approaches tuning fork 210. Furthermore, as the rotation of gear 271 moves connecting portion 274 in the Z positive direction, rod 272 rotates as a support point for support member 273, and the other end 272B of rod 272 moves in the Z negative direction, opposite to connecting portion 274. In other words, as gear 271 rotates, other end 272B of rod 272 moves from a position on the X positive side and the Z positive side to a position on the X negative side and the Z negative side where it contacts tuning fork 210, as shown by arrow C in Figure 6. As a result, vibration generating unit 270 strikes tuning fork 210 with rod 272, thereby forcibly vibrating tuning fork 210.

[0058] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the second stage of the operating state of the vibration generating unit 270. In Fig. 7, the striking posture of the vibration generating unit 270, i.e., the first stage of the operating state shown in Fig. 6, is shown by a dotted line.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 7, after rod 272 strikes tuning fork 210, rod 272 needs to be separated from tuning fork 210 as quickly as possible to prevent the vibration of tuning fork 210 from being suppressed. In vibration generating unit 270, by continuing to rotate gear 271 clockwise from the contact state between rod 272 and tuning fork 210 shown in Fig. 6 as indicated by arrow D in Fig. 7, one end 272A of rod 272 and connecting portion 274 rotates downward (toward the negative Z direction), while rod 272 rotates about rotation axis C2 of connecting portion 274. As a result, other end 272B of rod 272 behaves as if it bounces upward (toward the positive Z direction) with support member 273 as a fulcrum, as indicated by arrow E in Fig. 7. This allows other end 272B of rod 272 to be immediately separated from tuning fork 210.

[0060] The operation of vibration generating unit 270 can also be controlled by, for example, control unit 230 of remaining toner amount detecting device 200. Control unit 230 rotates gear 271 at any timing to activate vibration generating unit 270. Note that the timing to activate vibration generating unit 270 is preferably set, for example, immediately before communication is established between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B. Alternatively, it may be set when communication between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B fails.

[0061] The effect of providing such a vibration generating unit 270 will now be described. In this embodiment, toner bottle 23B is used as the toner container of image forming apparatus 100. Toner bottle 23B must be insertable into and removable from toner container holder 70. Due to the structure of toner bottle 23B, toner may spill from outlet 32B2 of toner bottle 32B when supplying toner from toner bottle 23B to developing unit 5 of image forming apparatus 100 or when inserting or removing toner bottle 23B from toner container holder 70. This can cause toner contamination of electrodes 23B6 and terminals 261, which are contact points between toner bottle 23B and communication circuit 260, resulting in communication disruptions. This can be resolved by, for example, having a user or manager of image forming apparatus 100 clean the contamination. However, manual measures can result in problems such as service costs for cleaning work and the inability to determine the appropriate timing for cleaning, ultimately leading to communication disruptions.

[0062] When tuning fork 210 included in toner remaining amount detecting device 200 according to this embodiment receives energy, it vibrates at a high frequency due to resonance. As described above, tuning fork 210 is directly connected to terminal 261, so when tuning fork 210 vibrates, terminal 261 also vibrates. Furthermore, if terminal 261 is in contact with electrode 23B6 of toner bottle 23B, the vibration of tuning fork 210 can also be transmitted to electrode 23B6. The energy that causes toner powder to adhere to terminal 261 and electrode 23B6 is mainly electrostatic force and intermolecular attractive force, but using the high-frequency vibration generated by tuning fork 210 to shake it off is effective.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, by operating vibration generating unit 270 to forcibly vibrate tuning fork 210, the toner powder adhering to terminal 261 of communication circuit 260 and electrode 23B6 of toner bottle 23B can be sufficiently removed by the high-frequency vibration generated by tuning fork 210. This makes it possible to appropriately prevent communication between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B via terminal 261 and electrode 23B6 from being interrupted.

[0064] Furthermore, the timing for operating vibration generating unit 270 to shake off toner adhering to terminal 261 and electrode 23B6 is preferably set to, for example, before (preferably immediately before) communication is established between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B as described above, or when communication between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B fails. This makes it possible to improve a situation in which communication between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B is interrupted at a more appropriate time.

[0065] Furthermore, vibration generating unit 270 of this embodiment forcibly vibrates tuning fork 210 by physically striking tuning fork 210 using rod 272. This configuration makes it possible to more reliably apply an external force to tuning fork 210 with a simple configuration, making it possible to more reliably forcibly vibrate tuning fork 210 and remove toner easily and reliably.

[0066] In this embodiment, gear 271 of vibration generating unit 270 is a disk-shaped plate material with a gear wheel attached to its outer periphery. In this configuration, gear 271 rotates around a rotation axis, for example, by receiving a driving force from a drive source via a gear wheel. Gear 271 is not limited to a gear shape, as long as it is an element that is connected to at least one end of rod 272 and can change the posture of rod 272 as described above. For example, gear 271 may be a plate-shaped rotating member without a gear wheel, which rotates by receiving a driving force via a rotating shaft or the like. Furthermore, vibration generating unit 270 is not limited to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, as long as it physically strikes tuning fork 210 to forcibly vibrate tuning fork 210.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control unit 230 in FIG.

[0068] The control unit 230 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 231, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 232, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 233. Each of these is electrically connected to each other via a system bus (not shown).

[0069] The CPU 231 is a processor that controls the entire toner remaining amount detecting device 200 and comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus based on a control program stored in the ROM 232. The CPU 231 can realize various functions described below by executing the control program stored in the ROM 232 using the RAM 233 as a working area.

[0070] The ROM 232 is a read-only nonvolatile memory that stores control programs, control data, etc. used by the CPU 231. The ROM 232 also stores information related to the remaining toner amount detecting device 200 that is used by the control programs.

[0071] The RAM 233 is a volatile memory that allows high-speed reading and writing of information, and is used as a work frame memory for expanding recorded data and storing environmental data.

[0072] The CPU 221 can exchange data with an operation panel 251 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. The operation panel 251 has a display unit that displays information, an input unit that accepts operations, and the like, and functions as a user interface. The CPU 221 causes the operation panel 251 to display information about the remaining toner amount estimated based on the vibration frequency detected by the vibration detection unit 220, and also causes the operation panel 251 to display instructions for ordering toner or instructions for replacing toner under predetermined conditions.

[0073] The power supply 252 is an AC commercial power supply, and the power supply circuit 253 converts the AC voltage supplied from the power supply 252 into a DC voltage and supplies power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 221 can control the power supply from the power supply circuit 253 to each unit of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0074] Furthermore, the CPU 221 can exchange signals and data with the vibration detection unit 220 and control the operation of the imaging unit 6.

[0075] Furthermore, CPU 221 can exchange signals and data with communication circuit 260 and control toner bottle 23B via communication circuit 260. CPU 221 can also output control commands to vibration generating unit 270 to control the operation of vibration generating unit 270.

[0076] The various functions to be described later that are realized by the CPU 221 may be realized by an electronic circuit or an electric circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which the communication circuit 260 and the vibration generating unit 270 are controlled by the control unit 230 of the toner remaining amount detection device 200, but if the image forming device 100 is configured to have a separate control device that controls the operation of each element within the device, the communication circuit 260 and the vibration generating unit 270 may also be controlled by this separate control device.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 230 according to the embodiment.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 230 includes a remaining toner amount estimation unit 241, an output unit 242, a first remaining toner amount detection unit 243, a pixel counting unit 244, a second remaining toner amount detection unit 245, and a vibration control unit 246.

[0080] The functions of the toner remaining amount estimation unit 241, the output unit 242, the first toner remaining amount detection unit 243, the pixel counting unit 244, the second toner remaining amount detection unit 245, and the vibration control unit 246 are realized by the CPU 231 executing a predetermined program, etc.

[0081] The remaining toner amount estimation unit 241 estimates the remaining amount of toner in the toner bottle 32B, and outputs the estimation result to the notification unit 250 of the operation panel 251 via the output unit 242.

[0082] First remaining toner amount detection unit 243 detects the remaining toner amount based on the resonance frequency detection value input at a predetermined sampling period from vibration detection unit 220. Then, first remaining toner amount information indicating the detected value of the remaining toner amount is output to remaining toner amount estimation unit 241 and second remaining toner amount detection unit 245.

[0083] When the image forming apparatus 100 executes image formation, the pixel counting unit 244 counts the number of pixels that make up the image formed on the recording medium P. This pixel counting is performed every time an image is formed on the recording medium P, and a cumulative pixel count number is obtained. This cumulative pixel count number corresponds to the "cumulative value of the number of pixels" and is an example of "cumulative information."

[0084] Here, the pixel counting unit 244 can reset the cumulative pixel count number at a predetermined opportunity. The "predetermined opportunity" includes, for example, a time when the ambient temperature of the toner cartridge changes from within a predetermined temperature range to outside the predetermined range. This reset process of the inferred pixel count number is performed, for example, by a control command from the remaining toner amount estimating unit 241. When the cumulative pixel count number is reset, the pixel counting unit 244 starts counting from the initial state of 0. The pixel counting unit 244 outputs the cumulative pixel count number to the second remaining toner amount detecting unit 245 every time image formation is performed.

[0085] The second remaining toner amount detection unit 245 predicts the amount of toner to be consumed based on the cumulative pixel count number input from the pixel count unit 244. Then, the remaining toner amount is detected by subtracting the amount of toner consumed from the reference value of the remaining toner amount in the toner bottle 32B (toner container 32).

[0086] When the toner bottle 32B is full, the amount of toner remaining when the toner bottle is full at the time of initial filling is set as the reference value for the amount of toner remaining. When the first remaining toner detector 243 detects the amount of toner remaining, the amount of toner remaining indicated by the first remaining toner information is set as the reference value for the amount of toner remaining.

[0087] After detecting the remaining toner amount by the cumulative information method, second remaining toner amount detection unit 245 outputs second remaining toner amount information indicating the detected value of the remaining toner amount to remaining toner amount estimation unit 241.

[0088] Vibration control unit 246 controls the operation of vibration generating unit 270. For example, when the main power supply of image forming apparatus 100 is switched on, vibration control unit 246 outputs a control command to vibration generating unit 270 to activate vibration generating unit 270 and forcibly vibrate tuning fork 210 before communication circuit 260 communicates with toner bottle 23B. With this configuration, vibration generating unit 270 is always activated in advance to forcibly vibrate tuning fork 210 before communication circuit 260 communicates with toner bottle 23B. This vibration removes toner powder adhering to terminal 261 of communication circuit 260 and electrode 23B6 of toner bottle 23B. This appropriately prevents communication between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B via terminal 261 and electrode 23B6 from being disrupted.

[0089] Alternatively, vibration control unit 246 may be configured to output a control command to vibration generating unit 270 upon receiving a control command from communication circuit 260. For example, when communication circuit 260 communicates with toner bottle 23B, communication circuit 260 first outputs a control command to vibration control unit 246 to start communication and to activate vibration generating unit 270. After vibration generating unit 270 activates in response to this control command, communication circuit 260 starts communication with toner bottle 23B. This configuration allows toner powder adhering to terminal 261 of communication circuit 260 and electrode 23B6 of toner bottle 23B to be removed immediately before communication circuit 260 communicates with toner bottle 23B. This more reliably prevents toner from adhering to terminal 261 or electrode 23B6 during communication, thereby more reliably preventing communication between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B from being interrupted.

[0090] Alternatively, when an error occurs in communication between communication circuit 260 and a toner bottle, such as when communication circuit 260 is unable to acquire desired information from toner bottle 23B, communication circuit 260 may output a control command to vibration control unit 246 informing the user that a communication error has occurred and instructing vibration generating unit 270 to operate. After vibration generating unit 270 operates in response to this control command, communication circuit 260 again communicates with toner bottle 23B. With this configuration, vibration generating unit 270 can be controlled to recover from the communication error, thereby reducing downtime for the user when a communication error occurs.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which the toner remaining amount detection device 200 has a vibration control unit 246, and the vibration control unit 246 that controls the vibration generating unit 270 is provided in the control unit 230 of the toner remaining amount detection device 200, but if the image forming device 100 is configured to have a separate control device that controls the operation of each element within the device, the separate control device may be configured to have a function corresponding to the vibration control unit 246.

[0092] <Toner remaining amount detection control> Next, an example of remaining toner amount detection control performed by the remaining toner amount detecting device 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0093] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of remaining toner amount detection control according to this embodiment.

[0094] In step S101, the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on or wakes up from a sleep state.

[0095] In step S102, it is confirmed whether or not an initial operation has been performed on the image forming apparatus 100. The initial operation is performed, for example, when the power is turned on, and includes preparatory operations for bringing each element of the image forming apparatus 100 in a stopped state into a state in which a print job can be performed.

[0096] If the initial operation has been performed (Yes in S102), the process proceeds to step S103, where the first remaining toner detection unit 243 acquires information on the resonance frequency of the tuning fork 210 from the vibration detection unit 220 (detection step, acquisition step). This frequency is stored as the "first vibration frequency f1 at which the tuning fork 210 resonates with the toner bottle 32B before the print job starts." Note that in FIG. 10, this "first vibration frequency f1" is written as the "resonance frequency f1."

[0097] On the other hand, if the initial operation has not been performed (No in S102), the process proceeds to step S104, where the resonance frequency finally acquired as the first vibration frequency f1 in the previous processing flow (last-time finally acquired resonance frequency) is reflected as the first vibration frequency f1 (detection step, acquisition step). In other words, the "first vibration frequency f1" is new information that is overwritten and saved only when the initial operation is performed in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0098] After step S103 or S104, the image forming apparatus 100 goes into a standby state before a print job is executed in step S105, after which the image forming apparatus 100 goes into a state in which it can start a print job at any timing.

[0099] In step S106, the process waits until the image forming apparatus 100 starts a print job, and after the print job starts, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0100] In step S107, the image forming apparatus 100 performs a printing operation.

[0101] In step S108, the process waits until the print job is completed by the image forming apparatus 100, and after the print job is completed, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0102] In step S109, first remaining toner amount detection unit 243 acquires information on the resonance frequency of tuning fork 210 from vibration detection unit 220 (detection step, acquisition step). This frequency is stored as "second vibration frequency f2 at which the tuning fork resonates with toner bottle 32B after the print job is completed." In other words, "second vibration frequency f2" is overwritten and saved with new information each time a print job is performed in image forming apparatus 100. Note that in FIG. 10, this "second vibration frequency f2" is written as "resonance frequency f2."

[0103] In step S110, image forming apparatus 100 goes into a standby state after the print job is completed.

[0104] In step S111, the pixel counting unit 244 counts the number of pixels that make up the image formed on the recording medium P in the current print job. The pixel counting unit 244 outputs information on the number of pixels counted in the current print job (pixel count value) to the second toner remaining amount detection unit 245.

[0105] In step S112, the remaining toner amount estimating unit 241 calculates and notifies the remaining toner amount W (estimation step). For example, the estimation process in this step is performed in the following steps (1) to (3).

[0106] (1) The first remaining toner amount detection unit 243 calculates a first estimated value W1 of the amount of toner used for the current print job using the difference between the first vibration frequency f1 before the print job starts, acquired in step S103 or S104, and the second vibration frequency f2 after the print job ends, acquired in step S109. It is known that the tuning fork 210 has a characteristic in which its oscillation frequency changes when weight is applied. Focusing on this characteristic, the first remaining toner amount detection unit 243 estimates the toner weight value based on the change in the resonance frequencies f1 and f2 before and after the print job using a load detection device based on a tuning fork structure, i.e., the tuning fork 210 and vibration detection unit 220 included in the toner remaining amount detection device 200 of this embodiment. The first remaining toner amount detection unit 243 stores, for example, in a memory, a frequency / weight conversion table that tabulates the relationship between the weight and the difference between the resonance frequencies f1 and f2 before and after the print job. First remaining toner amount detection unit 243 calculates the difference between resonance frequency f1 before the print job starts, acquired in step S103 or S104, and resonance frequency f2 after the print job ends, acquired in step S109. Then, referring to a frequency / weight value conversion table, first remaining toner amount detection unit 243 acquires a toner weight value corresponding to the difference between resonance frequency f1 and resonance frequency f2. First remaining toner amount detection unit 243 outputs the acquired toner weight value to remaining toner amount estimation unit 241 as first estimated value W1.

[0107] (2) The second remaining toner amount detection unit 245 calculates a second estimated value W2 of the amount of toner used for the current print job using the information on the pixel count value acquired in step S111. The second remaining toner amount detection unit 245 stores, for example, a table of toner weight values ​​(single pixel weight values) adhering to one pixel due to environmental changes in a memory or the like in advance. The second remaining toner amount detection unit 245 acquires a single pixel weight value from this table based on the environmental conditions at the time of execution of the current print job. The value obtained by multiplying the single pixel weight value by the pixel count value becomes the toner weight value used obtained from the acquired pixel count value. The second remaining toner amount detection unit 245 outputs the acquired toner weight value as the second estimated value W2 to the remaining toner amount estimation unit 241.

[0108] (3) The remaining toner amount estimation unit 241 estimates the remaining toner amount W using the first estimated value W1 and the second estimated value W2. For example, the remaining toner amount estimation unit 241 averages the first estimated value W1 and the second estimated value W2 to calculate the toner weight value used in the current print job. The initial value of the toner weight value contained in the toner bottle 32B is uniformly determined based on factors such as the type of toner bottle 32B used in the image forming apparatus 100. After the toner bottle 32B to be estimated is first used, the remaining toner amount estimation unit 241 repeatedly subtracts the toner weight value calculated for each print job from this initial value and stores it as the latest toner weight value, i.e., the remaining toner amount. In other words, the remaining toner amount estimation unit 241 subtracts the toner weight value calculated in the current processing flow from the remaining toner amount calculated in the previous processing flow to calculate the latest remaining toner amount W.

[0109] Also, in step S112, the toner remaining amount estimation unit 241 outputs information on the toner remaining amount W estimated by the above steps (1) to (3) to the notification unit 250 of the operation panel 251 via the output unit 242, thereby notifying the user of the image forming device 100 of the toner remaining amount.

[0110] In step S112, the remaining toner amount W may be estimated using only the difference between the first vibration frequency f1 before the print job starts and the second vibration frequency f2 after the print job ends. In this case, in step (3) above, the remaining toner amount W is calculated by repeating the process of subtracting only the first estimated value W1 calculated in step (1) from the initial toner weight value for each print job.

[0111] In this manner, in this embodiment, the remaining toner amount W can be estimated using information that is less susceptible to the influence of uneven toner distribution in toner bottle 32B, such as the resonance frequencies f1 and f2 at which tuning fork 210 resonates with toner bottle 32B. This allows image forming apparatus 100 to accurately detect the remaining toner amount W regardless of the amount remaining in toner container 32 or uneven toner distribution.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, tuning fork 210 of remaining toner amount detecting device 200 is formed integrally with terminal 261, which serves as an electrical connection element between ID board 32B5 on toner bottle 32B and communication circuit 260 on the image forming apparatus. With this configuration, a single mechanism can be realized that serves as both the positioning mechanism for applying the weight of toner bottle 32B to tuning fork 210 and the positioning mechanism for inserting and removing toner bottle 32B into toner container mount 70, making it possible to achieve both positioning functions with a simple configuration.

[0113] The remaining toner amount detection control is not limited to the procedure and content of the flowchart in FIG. 10, and other methods may be used.

[0114] <Communication Control> 11 and 12, a description will be given of communication control between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B performed by image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. Note that this communication control involves operating vibration generating unit 270 to forcibly vibrate tuning fork 210 of remaining toner amount detecting device 200, and this vibration removes toner powder adhering to terminal 261 of communication circuit 260 and electrode 23B6 of toner bottle 23B.

[0115] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the vibration generating unit 270 in this embodiment.

[0116] In step S201, the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 100 is switched on (main power supply ON). The control unit 230 of the remaining toner amount detecting device 200 detects this switching operation.

[0117] In step S202, in response to the detection of main power ON in step S201, vibration control unit 246 in control unit 230 of toner remaining amount detection device 200 performs tuning fork vibration control, which activates vibration generation unit 270 to forcibly vibrate tuning fork 210 of toner remaining amount detection device 200. By performing tuning fork vibration control, toner powder adhering to terminal 261 of communication circuit 260 and electrode 23B6 of toner bottle 23B, which are present on the communication path between communication circuit 260 and ID board 32B5 of toner bottle 23B, is removed by the vibration of tuning fork 210.

[0118] In step S203, communication circuit 260 communicates with toner bottle 23B.

[0119] In step S204, the image forming apparatus transitions to a machine standby state such as a sleep state, etc. When the process of step S204 is completed, this control flow ends.

[0120] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the control of the vibration generating unit 270 in this embodiment.

[0121] In step S301, communication circuit 260 communicates with toner bottle 23B.

[0122] In step S302, the communication circuit 260 determines whether communication with the toner bottle 23B in step S301 was successful. If communication was successful (Yes in step S302), this control flow ends without performing tuning fork vibration control. On the other hand, if communication failed (No in step S302), the flow proceeds to step S303.

[0123] In step S303, communication circuit 260 determines whether the number of communication failures in step S302 has reached a predetermined number (three in the example of FIG. 12). If the predetermined number of failures has not been reached (No in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304, where tuning fork vibration control is performed similar to step S202 in FIG. 11, and then the process returns to step S301 and communication is performed again.

[0124] On the other hand, if the number of communication failures in step S302 reaches a predetermined number (Yes in step S303), the process proceeds to step S305, where a message indicating that a communication error has occurred is displayed on operation panel 251 to notify the user. In this case, it is considered that the communication error cannot be resolved by vibration generating unit 270 alone, so recovery work is performed by the user or administrator, such as the user visually checking the error status. When the processing of step S305 is completed, this control flow ends.

[0125] In this way, in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, tuning fork vibration control is performed in which the vibration generating unit 270 forcibly vibrates the tuning fork 210 of the toner remaining amount detecting device 200, thereby making it possible to remove toner powder adhering to the terminal 261 of the communication circuit 260 and the electrode 23B6 of the toner bottle 23B, thereby appropriately suppressing interference with communication between the communication circuit 260 and the toner bottle 23B via the terminal 261 and the electrode 23B6.

[0126] Furthermore, by controlling tuning fork vibration using vibration generating unit 270, toner powder adhering to tuning fork 210 itself is also removed by the vibration of tuning fork 210, thereby reducing the effect of toner on the vibration frequency of tuning fork 210. This improves the accuracy with which toner remaining amount detection device 200 estimates the amount of toner remaining in toner bottle 23B, allowing image forming apparatus 100 that uses toner bottle 23B to accurately detect the amount of toner remaining.

[0127] <Modification> A modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0128] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first modified example of the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, remaining toner amount detecting device 200A according to the first modified example has transmitting member 275 and movable part 276. One end of transmitting member 275 is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with toner bottle 32B, and the other end is connected to tuning fork 210. Movable part 276 is an element that can change the distance between one end of transmitting member 275 and toner bottle 32B.

[0129] 13, the transmitting member 275 is an elongated member. The transmitting member 275 is bent at a midpoint in the longitudinal direction and formed into a generally L-shape. The transmitting member 275 is disposed below the toner container holder 70. In the example of FIG. 13, a through-hole 71 that penetrates the toner container holder 70 in the up-down direction is provided. The transmitting member 275 has a first portion 275A that extends vertically in the generally L-shape, with an upper portion thereof passing through the through-hole 71 and protruding above the toner container holder 70, and one end 275C of the transmitting member 275, which is the upper end thereof, is capable of coming into contact with the toner bottle 32B.

[0130] The second portion 275B of the substantially L-shaped transmission member 275 extending horizontally has its tip, which is the other end 275D of the transmission member 275, connected to tuning fork 210. In addition, the movable portion 276 is connected to second portion 275B of the transmission member 275.

[0131] Movable part 276 has a base end 276A fixed to the upper surface of communication circuit 260, and is an element that can raise and lower the height position of tip end 276B, which is connected to transmission member 275, with the upper surface as a reference, as shown by arrow F in Fig. 13. Note that tip end 276B of movable part 276 is formed, for example, in a hook shape, and is engaged with second part 275B of transmission member 275 by this hook portion.

[0132] Therefore, by moving the movable part 276 in the up and down direction, the first part 275A of the transmitting member 275 can also be moved up and down via the second part 275B to which the movable part 276 is connected. This causes one end 275C of the transmitting member 275 to rise and protrude upward from the through-hole 71 of the toner-container storage part 70, thereby making it possible to contact the toner bottle 23B. Also, one end 275C of the transmitting member 275 can be lowered and accommodated in the through-hole 71, separating it from the toner bottle 23B.

[0133] In the first modified example, when vibration generating unit 270 is activated to forcibly vibrate tuning fork 210, first portion 275A of transmission member 275 is raised by movable unit 276, thereby bringing one end 275C of transmission member 275 into contact with toner bottle 23B. This indirect contact of tuning fork 210 with toner bottle 23B via transmission member 275 facilitates resonance of tuning fork 210, thereby amplifying the vibration of tuning fork 210 generated by vibration generating unit 270 at a specific wavelength. In other words, transmission member 275 and movable unit 276 of the first modified example function as a vibration amplifier that amplifies the vibration of tuning fork 210. With this configuration, toner remaining amount detecting device 200A according to the first modified example further includes a vibration amplifier in addition to vibration generating unit 270 of the above embodiment, thereby further amplifying the forcible vibration of tuning fork 210 generated by vibration generating unit 270. This further facilitates the removal of toner powder adhering to terminal 261 of communication circuit 260 and electrode 23B6 of toner bottle 23B, thereby more appropriately preventing communication between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B via terminal 261 and electrode 23B6 from being obstructed. Additionally, the vibration of tuning fork 210 and its amplification further facilitates the removal of toner powder adhering to tuning fork 210 itself, allowing the remaining toner amount to be accurately detected in image forming apparatus 100 that uses toner bottle 23B.

[0134] In the first modified example, when vibration generating unit 270 is in an inoperative state, first portion 275A of transmission member 275 is lowered by movable portion 276, and one end 275C of transmission member 275 is maintained in a non-contact state with toner bottle 23B. This prevents the vibration of tuning fork 210 from being amplified except when vibration generating unit 270 forcibly vibrates tuning fork 210.

[0135] The operation of the movable portion 276 can be controlled by the vibration control portion 246 of the remaining toner amount detecting device 200, for example.

[0136] 13, it is preferable that a corrugated portion 275E be formed in second portion 275B of transmission member 275 at an arbitrary position within the range between the locking portion of tip end 276B of movable portion 276 and end 275D that connects to tuning fork 210. Corrugated portion 275E is curved so as to protrude in one direction (downward in FIG. 13) perpendicular to the extension direction of second portion 275B. By providing such corrugated portion 275E, corrugated portion 275E can absorb displacement of the locking portion with tip end 276B of second portion 275B and the height position of first portion 275A caused by up and down movement of movable portion 276, thereby reducing stress on tuning fork 210 and terminal 261.

[0137] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of vibration generating unit 270A according to a second modified example of the embodiment. The second modified example shown in FIG. 14 is an example of a configuration in which vibration generating unit 270 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and the like is replaced with another element. As shown in FIG. 14, vibration generating unit 270A according to the second modified example has a piezoelectric element 277. Piezo element 277 is arranged in contact with tuning fork 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, piezoelectric element 277 can be arranged so as to maintain contact with tuning fork 210 by being arranged between the lower surface of tuning fork 210 and the upper surface of communication circuit 260.

[0138] When vibration generating unit 270A according to the second modification is activated, a voltage is applied to piezoelectric element 277, causing it to vibrate, thereby forcibly vibrating tuning fork 210. Like vibration generating unit 270 according to the above embodiment, this configuration of vibration generating unit 270A according to the second modification also enables removal of toner powder adhering to terminal 261 of communication circuit 260 and electrode 23B6 of toner bottle 23B, thereby appropriately preventing communication between communication circuit 260 and toner bottle 23B via terminal 261 and electrode 23B6 from being disrupted. Furthermore, because the vibration of tuning fork 210 also removes toner powder adhering to tuning fork 210 itself, the remaining toner amount can be accurately detected in image forming apparatus 100 that uses toner bottle 23B.

[0139] The operation of the piezoelectric element 277 of the vibration generating section 270A can be controlled by the vibration control section 246 of the remaining toner amount detecting device 200, for example.

[0140] As in the first modified example shown in FIG. 13, the vibration generating section 270A according to the second modified example may be configured to combine a transmission member 275 and a movable section 276 as a vibration amplifying section.

[0141] The present embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Design modifications to these specific examples made by a person skilled in the art as appropriate are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they comprise the features of the present disclosure. The elements of the above-described specific examples, as well as their arrangement, conditions, shape, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. The elements of the above-described specific examples can be combined in various ways as appropriate, as long as no technical contradictions arise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 100 Image forming device 6 Imaging section 32B Toner Bottle 32B5 ID board 32B6 electrode 200, 200A Toner remaining amount detector 210 Tuning Fork 220 Vibration detection unit 230 Control Unit 260 Communication circuit (communication section) 261 terminals 270, 270A vibration generating unit 275 Transmission components 276 Moving parts 277 Piezoelectric element [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0143] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-096428

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a toner bottle containing toner; an image forming unit that forms a toner image by receiving the toner contained in the toner bottle; a toner remaining amount detecting device that detects the amount of toner remaining in the toner bottle; Equipped with the toner remaining amount detecting device, a tuning fork disposed to receive a load from the toner bottle; a vibration detection unit that detects vibration of the tuning fork due to the load; a control unit that estimates the remaining amount of toner based on the vibration; and The toner bottle is a substrate on which information unique to the toner bottle is recorded; an electrode electrically connected to the substrate, disposed on the surface of the toner bottle, and exposed to the outside; and The image forming apparatus a communication unit that communicates with the toner bottle; a terminal connected to the communication unit and contacting the electrode of the toner bottle to electrically connect the substrate and the communication unit; Equipped with the tuning fork of the toner remaining amount detecting device is formed integrally with the terminal and is configured to receive the load of the toner bottle via the terminal; the terminal is electrically connected to the communication unit via the tuning fork, the toner remaining amount detecting device has a vibration generating unit that forcibly vibrates the tuning fork; Image forming device.

2. The vibration generating unit forcibly vibrates the tuning fork by physically striking the tuning fork. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the vibration generating unit has a piezoelectric element arranged in contact with the tuning fork, A voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to vibrate the piezoelectric element, thereby forcibly vibrating the tuning fork. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. the toner remaining amount detecting device includes a transmission member having one end arranged to be in contact with the toner bottle and the other end connected to the tuning fork, and a movable part capable of changing the distance between the one end of the transmission member and the toner bottle, the movable portion brings the one end of the transmission member into contact with the toner bottle, thereby amplifying the vibration of the tuning fork generated by the vibration generating portion at a specific wavelength; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the vibration generating unit is activated before the communication unit communicates with the toner bottle to forcibly vibrate the tuning fork; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

6. the vibration generating unit is activated when an error occurs in communication between the communication unit and the toner bottle, and forcibly vibrates the tuning fork; the communication unit communicates with the toner bottle again after the vibration generating unit is activated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

Images