Image forming device

Abstract

To limit the feeding agitation operation of an agitation member and drive of conveyance means under a specific situation when the drive of conveyance means for conveying a recording material and the drive of an agitation member for agitating a developer are made common.SOLUTION: Control means of an image formation device controls a driving unit so that a feeding agitation operation of agitating a developer in a developer container is performed by an agitation member. The feeding agitation operation is performed when a movement of an operation unit of a shutter covering the feeding port of the image formation device is detected. The control means controls the driving unit so that the feeding agitation operation will be stopped under a specific condition when the feeding agitation operation is being performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In general, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum with toner as a developer to a transfer material as a transfer medium. Methods for replenishing developer to an image forming apparatus include, for example, a process cartridge method and a toner replenishing method. In the process cartridge method, a photosensitive drum and a developing container are integrated as a process cartridge, and when the developer is used up, the process cartridge is replaced with a new one.

[0003] On the other hand, the toner supply method is a method in which new toner is supplied to the developing container when the toner runs out. Patent Document 1 shows that when supplying toner, a stirring blade in the developing container is operated to stir the developer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-086450 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to reduce the size and cost of an image forming apparatus, it is preferable to reduce the number of drive sources. When a common drive source is used for a conveying means for conveying a recording material and a stirring member for stirring a developer, when the drive power is transmitted to the stirring member for stirring the developer, the drive power is also transmitted to the conveying means for conveying a recording material.

[0006] When a conveying means for conveying a recording material and a stirring member for stirring a developer are driven by a common drive, it may be preferable to limit the supply stirring operation of the stirring member and to limit the drive of the conveying means under certain circumstances. In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of limiting the supply stirring operation of the stirring member under certain circumstances in which it is desired to stop the drive of the conveying means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image; a developer carrier for developing the electrostatic latent image; a supply unit having a supply port to which a supply container containing a developer is removably attached and a developer opening through which the developer supplied from the supply container passes; a developing container that contains the developer replenished from the developer supply container; a shutter configured to be movable between a closed position that covers the supply port and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; an operation unit configured to be movable between a first position where the shutter is located at the closed position and a second position where the shutter is located at the retracted position; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation unit has been moved; A conveying means for conveying the recording material along a conveying path; a detection means for detecting the recording material present in the conveying path; a door that can be opened and closed and exposes the conveying means when in an open state; A door detection unit that detects the state of the door; an agitating member that agitates the developer in the developing container; A drive unit that transmits a drive force to the stirring member and the conveying means; and a control unit that controls the drive unit. Equipped with the control unit controls the drive unit so that a supply stirring operation is performed in which the stirring member stirs the developer in the developing container when the operation detection unit detects the movement of the operation unit; The control means controls the drive unit so that the refill mixing operation is stopped when the door detection unit detects the open state of the door or when the detection means detects the recording material while the refill mixing operation is being performed.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a An image forming apparatus, an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image; a developer carrier for developing the electrostatic latent image; a supply unit having a supply port to which a supply container containing a developer is removably attached and a developer opening through which the developer supplied from the supply container passes; a developing container that contains the developer replenished from the developer supply container; a shutter configured to be movable between a closed position that covers the supply port and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; an operation unit configured to be movable between a first position where the shutter is located at the closed position and a second position where the shutter is located at the retracted position; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation unit has been moved; A lock portion that limits the movement of the operation portion; A conveying means for conveying the recording material along a conveying path; a detection means for detecting the recording material present in the conveying path; a door that can be opened and closed and exposes the conveying means when in an open state; A door detection unit that detects the state of the door; an agitating member that agitates the developer in the developing container; a drive unit that transmits drive to the stirring member and the conveying means; A control unit for controlling the lock unit and the drive unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the drive unit so that a supply stirring operation is performed in which the stirring member stirs the developer in the developing container when the operation detection unit detects the movement of the operation unit; The control means is characterized in that when the door detection unit detects the open state of the door or when the detection means detects the recording material, it controls the locking unit so that movement of the operating unit is restricted by the locking unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a An image forming apparatus, an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image; a developer carrier for developing the electrostatic latent image; a supply unit having a supply port to which a supply container containing a developer is removably attached and a developer opening through which the developer supplied from the supply container passes; a developing container that contains the developer replenished from the developer supply container; a shutter configured to be movable between a closed position that covers the supply port and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; an operation unit configured to be movable between a first position where the shutter is located at the closed position and a second position where the shutter is located at the retracted position; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation unit has been moved; A conveying means for conveying the recording material along a conveying path; a detection means for detecting the recording material present in the conveying path; a door that can be opened and closed and exposes the conveying means when in an open state; A door detection unit that detects the state of the door; an agitating member that agitates the developer in the developing container; a drive unit that transmits drive to the stirring member and the conveying means; A control means for controlling the driving unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the drive unit so that a replenishment stirring operation is performed in which the stirring member stirs the developer in the developing container, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the operation detection unit detects movement of the operation unit, the control means (i) starts the replenishing and mixing operation when the door detection unit detects the closed state of the door and when the detection means does not detect the recording material, and (ii) does not perform the replenishing and mixing operation when the door detection unit detects the open state of the door or when the detection means detects the recording material. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus in which a conveying means for conveying a recording material and a stirring member for stirring a developer are driven by a common device, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of restricting the replenishment stirring operation of the stirring member under specific circumstances. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the position of the supply unit. [Figure 4] A top view for explaining the position of the supply unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] Enlarged perspective view of the supply section [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating a rotation trajectory of a lever portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a supply container; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the discharge tray is opened and closed; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a refill container is attached. [Figure 11] Top view showing the state where the refill container is attached [Figure 12] Control block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment [Figure 13] A diagram showing a part of the drive transmission of the drive source. [Figure 14]Flowchart of drive control in the first embodiment [Figure 15] Flowchart of drive control in the second embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Example 1 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment is a monochrome laser beam printer using an electrophotographic process, and forms an image with a developer such as toner on a sheet S as a recording material in accordance with image information transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer. Examples of the sheet S include recording paper, label paper, OHP sheets, cloth, etc.

[0013] In the following description, the height direction (opposite to the vertical direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as the Z direction. The direction that intersects with the Z direction and is parallel to the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 11 described later is referred to as the X direction. The direction that intersects with the X direction and the Z direction is referred to as the Y direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction preferably intersect perpendicularly with each other. For convenience, the positive side in the X direction is referred to as the right side and the negative side is referred to as the left side, the positive side in the Y direction is referred to as the front side or front side and the negative side is referred to as the rear side or back side, and the positive side in the Z direction is referred to as the upper side and the negative side is referred to as the lower side.

[0014] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1, and Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed in the X direction (the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11). Fig. 2 shows only the members related to the image formation process.

[0015] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has a sheet storage section 4 in which sheets S are stored, and a discharge tray 14 on which discharged sheets S are stacked. The sheet storage section 4 can be pulled out in the Y direction, allowing the user to replenish sheets S. The sheet S that is fed from the sheet storage section 4 and has an image formed thereon is discharged from a discharge outlet 15 in the discharge direction (Y direction) shown in FIG. 1, and is stacked on the discharge tray 14.

[0016] A front cover 70 is provided on a part of the end face (part of the front face) of the image forming apparatus 1 on the downstream side in the discharge direction, covering the circuit board 100. An exterior cover 71 is provided on a part of the front face other than the part where the front cover 70 is provided, as well as on the side and top face of the image forming apparatus 1. The front cover 70, the exterior cover 71, and the above-mentioned discharge tray 14 together form a housing 72 of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, the housing 72 is a member that covers the entire image forming apparatus 1, and includes process members such as a scanner unit 50 described later inside. The above-mentioned discharge port 15 is an opening formed in a part of the housing 72, and the sheet S is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through this opening.

[0017] A flow of an image forming operation on a sheet S will be described with reference to FIG. 2. When image information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 and a print start command is issued, the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier), which is a rotating body, is rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the direction of the arrow R. The scanner unit 50 irradiates the photosensitive drum 11 with laser light based on the input image information. The scanner unit 50 is a unit that includes a laser oscillator that outputs laser light, a polygon mirror and a lens for irradiating the photosensitive drum 11 with the laser light, a scanner motor for rotating the polygon mirror, and a frame that integrally supports these members. The photosensitive drum 11 is charged in advance by a charging roller 17, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by irradiating it with laser light. Thereafter, the toner contained in a developing container 18 is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 11 (photosensitive body) by a developing roller 12 (developer carrier), and the electrostatic latent image is developed, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0018] In parallel with the image forming process described above, a sheet S is fed from the sheet storage section 4. On the conveying path of the image forming apparatus 1, a pickup roller 3, a feed roller 5a, a pair of conveying rollers 5c, and a registration sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a registration sensor) 19 are provided. The pickup roller 3 comes into contact with the uppermost sheet S among the sheets S stored in the sheet storage section 4, and feeds the sheet S by rotating the roller itself. The feed roller 5a and the separation roller 5b that is in pressure contact with it form a separation nip. If multiple sheets S are fed to the separation nip due to the influence of friction between the sheets S, the feed roller 5a and the separation roller 5b separate the multiple sheets S and feed only the uppermost sheet downstream.

[0019] The sheet S fed from the sheet storage section 4 is conveyed toward the transfer roller 7 by a pair of conveying rollers 5c as a conveying means, and is detected by a registration sensor 19 as a detection means for detecting the sheet S present in the conveying path, and reaches the transfer roller 7. A transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 7, so that the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the sheet S. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roller 7 is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 9, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet S. The fixing device 9 is composed of a heating roller 9a incorporating a fixing heater 9c, and a pressure roller 9b urged toward the heating roller 9a. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed is detected by a paper discharge sensor 20 provided downstream of the fixing device 9, and is discharged to a discharge tray 14 by a pair of discharge rollers 10.

[0020] When forming images on both sides of the sheet S, the pair of discharge rollers 10 switches back at a predetermined timing after the sheet S with an image formed on the first side passes the paper discharge sensor 20 and before it passes the pair of discharge rollers 10, thereby guiding the sheet S to the double-sided conveying path 16. The sheet S guided to the double-sided conveying path 16 is conveyed again toward the transfer roller 7 by the pair of double-sided conveying rollers 5d. After an image is formed on the second side of the sheet S by the transfer roller 7, the sheet S is discharged outside the apparatus by the pair of discharge rollers 10.

[0021] After the toner image is transferred onto the sheet S, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is removed by the cleaning unit 13 .

[0022] Here, a case where the sheet S is not transported correctly during printing will be described. The registration sensor 19 and the paper discharge sensor 20 detect the presence or absence of the sheet S to determine whether the transport is being performed correctly. For example, if the time between when the registration sensor 19 changes from no sheet S to present to when the paper discharge sensor 20 changes from no sheet S to present is too long, it is determined that the sheet S has fallen into a state where it is not being transported correctly somewhere between the registration sensor 19 and the paper discharge sensor 20. In this case, it becomes necessary to perform an emergency stop of the image forming apparatus and remove the sheet S that is not being transported correctly.

[0023] Here, in this embodiment, a door 21 and a transport unit door 22 are provided as components for removing sheets S that have not been transported correctly. In Fig. 2, the door 21 is configured so that the portion enclosed by the dotted line opens toward the rear side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and includes part of the duplex transport path 16 and the rollers of the duplex transport roller pair 5d on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. When the door 21 is opened, it is possible to access the duplex transport path 16, and it becomes possible to remove the sheet S when it is stopped on the duplex transport path.

[0024] 2, the transport unit door 22 includes the roller on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 body out of the pair of double-sided transport rollers 5d not included in the door 21, the transfer roller 7, and the roller on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 body out of the pair of transport rollers 5c. The transport unit door 22 is configured to be opened toward the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 body when the door 21 is open. When the transport unit door 22 is opened, the transport path can be accessed, and if a sheet S is stopped on the transport path, it can be removed. The image forming apparatus 1 is also provided with a door detection unit 303 that detects whether the door 22 is open or closed.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 has a circuit board 100. The circuit board 100 is composed of a wiring board 101 made of an insulator, and electronic components 111 and 121 soldered to the wiring board 101. Conductive wiring is provided on and inside the wiring board 101, so that the electronic components 111 and 121 are electrically connected. The circuit board 100 has a function of converting AC current supplied from outside the image forming apparatus 1 into DC current, and a function of converting an input voltage to obtain a predetermined voltage value required for the image formation process.

[0026] 2, circuit board 100 is oriented such that the surface of wiring board 101 intersects with the ejection direction. Furthermore, wiring board 101 is provided between front cover 70 and scanner unit 50 in the ejection direction. Electronic components 111 and 121 are provided on the surface of wiring board 101 facing scanner unit 50.

[0027] [Layout and configuration of supply division] Next, the supply unit 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 8. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with the supply unit 200, which allows a user or a service person to supply toner from the outside when the amount of toner remaining in the developing container 18 becomes low, without removing the developing container 18 as a toner storage unit from the housing 72. The supply unit 200 is configured so that a supply container 210, which is a toner storage container described later, can be detachably attached. Furthermore, the supply container 210 can be attached to the image forming apparatus 1 with a part of the supply container 210 exposed.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a left side view of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11. In Fig. 3, the exterior cover 71 and the left side plate frame 73 have been removed. The supply unit 200 has a supply port 204 to which a supply container 210 (not shown in Fig. 3) is attached, a cylindrical toner receiving portion 202, and a supply path portion 203 connecting the developing container 18 and the toner receiving portion 202. As will be described later, the supply unit 200 has a side opening 205 as a toner opening (developer opening, receiving opening) through which the toner supplied from the supply container 210 passes. The toner passes through the supply port 204 and moves in the order of the toner receiving portion 202 and the supply path portion 203, and is finally supplied to the developing container 18.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a top view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the exterior cover 71 removed. The supply port 204 has a lever portion 201 as an operation portion at its upper portion. The lever portion 201 is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. As shown in FIG. 4, the width of the supply portion 200 in the X direction is shorter than the width of the developing container 18 in the X direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 has a lock portion 30 that can lock the lever portion 201. In other words, the lock portion 30 can limit the movement of the operation portion.

[0030] 5 is a perspective view of a developing unit 230 composed of the developing container 18 and the supply part 200. Note that some components are omitted in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, a side opening 205 leading to the supply path part 203 is formed in the inner wall of the cylindrical toner receiving part 202. The toner supplied from the supply container 210 is guided from the toner receiving part 202 through the side opening 205 to the supply path part 203, and then passes through the supply path part 203 to be stored in the developing container 18.

[0031] Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the supply unit 200. In Fig. 6(a), a side opening 205 formed in the toner receiving unit 202 is covered by an openable / closable shutter 206, and is shown by a dotted line because it is not actually visible. The shutter 206 is configured to be movable between a closed position (closed state) in which the side opening 205 is covered, and a retracted position (open state) in which the shutter 206 is retracted from the closed position. When the shutter 206 is in the open state, the developing container 18 can receive toner from the resupply container 210, and when the shutter 206 is in the closed state, the developing container 18 cannot receive toner from the resupply container 210.

[0032] The shutter 206 is a cylindrical member concentric with the toner receiving portion 202, and is provided inside the toner receiving portion 202. An opening 207 for the passage of toner is also formed in the shutter 206, but is shown by a dotted line since it is in a position that cannot actually be seen. In Figure 6(a), the side opening 205 and the opening 207 are in positions offset from each other, so the shutter 206 covers the side opening 205 and the side opening 205 is blocked.

[0033] Furthermore, when the refill container 210 is attached, the lever portion 201 and the shutter 206 each engage with the refill container shutter 214, and so are in a state in which they rotate together. In other words, when the refill container 210 is attached, the shutter 206 moves in conjunction with the movement of the lever portion 201. As a result, when the user moves the lever portion 201, the shutter 206 moves between the closed position shown in FIG. 6(a) and the retracted position shown in FIG. 6(b). In other words, when the lever portion 201 is in the first position, the shutter 206 is positioned at the closed position (FIG. 6(a)). When the lever portion 201 is in the second position, the shutter 206 is positioned at the retracted position (FIG. 6(b)).

[0034] Specifically, a user grips lever portion 201 and rotates lever portion 201 by approximately 90° from the state shown in Fig. 6(a) to the state shown in Fig. 6(b), thereby rotating shutter 206 in toner receiving portion 202. In Fig. 6(b), side opening 205 and opening 207 are in an overlapping position, so side opening 205 is opened and toner is allowed to be replenished through side opening 205. In this embodiment, when replenishing container 210 is attached, lever portion 201 and shutter 206 are connected via replenishing container shutter 214 and rotate together. Lever portion 201 and shutter 206 may also be connected and rotate together even when replenishing container 210 is not attached.

[0035] When forming an image on the sheet S, the toner is stirred in the developing container 18 by the stirring member 40, and it is necessary to close the side opening 205 so that the toner does not leak out from the side opening 205. Therefore, when forming an image, the lever portion 201 is moved to a first position shown in FIG. 6(a). This position can also be called the initial position or operating position of the lever portion 201. On the other hand, when replenishing toner from the replenishing container 210 to the developing container 18, it is necessary to open the side opening 205. Therefore, when replenishing toner, the lever portion 201 is moved to a second position shown in FIG. 6(b). This position can also be called the replenishing position of the lever portion 201.

[0036] 7, an alignment rib 208 is provided inside the supply unit 200. The role of the alignment rib 208 will be described in detail later.

[0037] [Supply container configuration] Next, the configuration of the resupply container 210 (resupply container) will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The resupply container 210 includes a pouch portion 211 containing the toner to be resupplied, a cylindrical base portion 212 inserted into the resupply port 204, an opening 213 formed on the side of the base portion 212 through which the toner enters and exits, and a resupply container shutter 214 that covers the opening 213 to prevent the toner from leaking. Furthermore, the resupply container 210 includes a pack bottom portion 215 in a truncated cone shape, and the pack bottom portion 215 is fixed to the base portion 212 so as not to come off. The pouch portion 211 is flattened toward the opposite side to the base portion 212, and a pouch end portion 216 extending in a predetermined direction is formed at the end of the pouch portion 211.

[0038] Replenishment container shutter 214 is a cylindrical member concentric with base portion 212, and is provided on the outside of base portion 212. Replenishment container shutter 214 is designed to be rotatable relative to base portion 212. Although not shown, replenishing container shutter 214 is also formed with an opening, and when replenishing container shutter 214 rotates so that the opening of replenishing container shutter 214 and opening 213 of base portion 212 are aligned, toner can be replenished from replenishing container 210.

[0039] In Fig. 8(a), opening 213 formed in base portion 212 is shown by a dotted line because it is covered by supply container shutter 214 and cannot actually be seen. Fig. 8(b) is a view of supply container 210 viewed from an angle different from that of Fig. 8(a). Alignment notch 217 is formed in part of pack bottom 215. The role of alignment notch 217 will be described in detail later.

[0040] [Supply container installation procedure] Next, a procedure for replenishing toner using the replenishing container 210 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the discharge tray 14 covers the replenishing section 200 and the lever section 201 as an operation section. Also, the discharge tray 14 is configured to be movable between a position shown in Fig. 9(a) where the sheets S discharged from the discharge port 15 can be stacked, and a position shown in Fig. 9(b) where the replenishing section 200 is exposed. The replenishing section 200 is provided at the top of the front surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, so that the user can easily access it even during replenishing. When forming an image, the replenishing container 210 is removed from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0041] When replenishing toner, the sheets S stacked on the discharge tray 14 are removed, and the discharge tray 14 is opened and moved to the position shown in FIG. 9(b). When the discharge tray 14 is opened, the replenishing section 200, the top surface section 240 provided adjacent to the replenishing section 200, and the replenishing port 204 located on the top surface section 240 are exposed. Then, the replenishing container 210 is inserted into the exposed replenishing section 200. At this time, the replenishing container 210 is inserted so that the positioning rib 208 (FIG. 7) provided on the replenishing section 200 and the positioning notch 217 (FIG. 8) provided on the replenishing container 210 match. If the positions of the positioning rib 208 and the positioning notch 217 do not match, the pack bottom 215 interferes with the positioning rib 208, and the replenishing container 210 cannot be inserted.

[0042] Fig. 10(a) shows a state in which the resupply container 210 is inserted into the resupply unit 200. In this embodiment, the resupply container 210 can be inserted when the direction D in which the pouch end 216 extends is parallel to the X direction as shown in Fig. 10(a). When the resupply container 210 is inserted to the back of the resupply unit 200, the shutter 206 (Fig. 6) of the resupply unit 200 and the resupply container shutter 214 (Fig. 8) of the resupply container 210 engage with each other by an engagement mechanism (not shown).

[0043] 10B shows a state in which the lever portion 201 has been moved from the initial position to the replenishing position. At this time, the replenishing container 210 is fixed in the Z direction relative to the replenishing unit 200 by a locking mechanism (not shown). As described above, when the lever portion 201 is moved, the shutter 206 provided in the replenishing unit 200 rotates. Furthermore, since the shutter 206 of the replenishing unit 200 and the replenishing container shutter 214 of the replenishing container 210 are engaged with each other, the replenishing container shutter 214 rotates together with the shutter 206. As a result, when the lever portion 201 is moved to the replenishing position, the side opening 205 (FIG. 6) formed in the toner receiving unit 202 opens, and the opening 213 (FIG. 8) formed in the base portion 212 also opens.

[0044] A side opening 205 formed in the toner receiving portion 202 and an opening 213 formed in the base portion 212 are positioned so as to face each other when the supply container 210 is inserted into the supply unit 200. Therefore, when the lever portion 201 is moved from the initial position to the supply position, the supply container 210, the supply unit 200, and the developing container 18 are connected, making it possible to supply toner.

[0045] Here, the configuration of the lock unit 30 will be described. The lock unit 30 is a mechanism having a solenoid (not shown), and in the normal state where the lock control unit 314 does not energize the solenoid, the lock unit 30 and the shutter 206 are engaged, and the user cannot turn the lever unit 201. While the lock control unit 314 energizes the solenoid, the engagement with the shutter 206 is released, and the user can turn the lever unit 201.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a top view of the state of FIG. 10(b) seen from above. Looking at the refill container 210 attached to the image forming apparatus 1, it can be seen that the extending direction D of the pouch end 216 is parallel to the X direction, as described above. In addition, a protruding portion 241 that rises toward the Z direction positive side (upper side) is formed at the end of the top surface portion 240 on the Y direction positive side (front side) exposed by opening the discharge tray 14. A notch 242 is formed in a part of the protruding portion 241, and the position where the notch 242 is provided corresponds to the rotation trajectory of the lever portion 201. In FIG. 11, the lever portion 201 in the initial position is indicated by a dotted line. In addition, in this embodiment, the control portion 302 of the image forming apparatus 1 restricts the execution of the image forming operation when the refill container 210 is attached.

[0047] After the toner replenishment is completed, the lever portion 201 is returned to its original initial position. At this time, together with the lever operation to the initial position, the shutter 206 of the replenishing unit 200 and the replenishing container shutter 214 of the replenishing container 210 both rotate, closing the side openings 205 and the openings 213 of both. Then, the lock between the replenishing unit 200 and the replenishing container 210 is released, making it possible to remove the replenishing container 210 from the replenishing unit 200. As a result, when the replenishing container 210 is not inserted into the replenishing unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 1, the replenishing container shutter 214 is closed, making it possible to prevent toner leakage.

[0048] Next, the operation of the replenishing and mixing operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a configuration related to the control of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. A control unit 302 is included in the image forming apparatus, and controls a jam detection unit 503, a door detection unit 303, a drive control unit 304, a transmission / reception unit 305, a remaining amount calculation unit 306, and a lock control unit 314. Here, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control means (control device) includes the control unit 302, the jam detection unit 503, the door detection unit 303, the drive control unit 304, the remaining amount calculation unit 306, and the lock control unit 314.

[0049] A jam is a state in which a sheet S is stuck in the transport path. A transport path sensor 510 serving as a detection unit outputs a transport path sensor signal 507 depending on the presence or absence of a sheet S in the transport path. A jam detection unit 503 judges whether a jam has occurred based on the transport path sensor signal 507. Here, the transport path sensor 510 in this embodiment refers to the registration sensor 19 and the paper discharge sensor 20 shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] A door detection unit 303 detects the state of a door 310 based on a door detection signal 307 from a door sensor 310 that detects the open / closed state of the door. A drive control unit 304 controls the drive of a drive unit 311, and controls the drive unit 311 as necessary for printing, a preparatory operation, etc.

[0051] A remaining amount calculation unit 306 calculates the amount of toner contained in the developer container 18 based on a remaining amount detection signal 309 output by a remaining amount detection unit 312 disposed near the developer container 18. The transmitter / receiver unit 305 transmits and receives information to and from a controller 313 that receives image information from a host such as a PC (not shown). In this embodiment, in particular, the amount of toner contained in the developer container 18 is transmitted as remaining amount information 308.

[0052] Here, the transmitting / receiving unit 305 transmits the remaining amount of toner, for example, the current amount of toner as a percentage when the amount of toner that can be contained in the developing container 18 is taken as 100%, to the controller 313. Furthermore, the remaining amount detection signal 309 depends on the configuration of the remaining amount detection unit 312, but may be, for example, an analog signal whose voltage changes based on the remaining amount of development, or a pulse signal in which a pulse is output at a constant period and the H / L pulse width changes according to the remaining amount of toner.

[0053] Further, the lock control section 314 as a control means controls the lock section 30 to limit the movement of the lever section 30 .

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, toner is replenished by mounting the replenishing container 210 to the replenishing unit 200. At this time, it is desirable that the toner is properly supplied to the developing container 18, the remaining amount calculation unit 306 calculates the extent to which the remaining amount of toner has increased, and the remaining amount information 308, which is the calculation result, is notified to the controller 313. In order for the remaining amount detection unit 312 to properly detect the amount of toner, it is desirable that the stirring operation is performed sufficiently and the toner in the developing container 18 is in a uniform state.

[0055] In this embodiment, the drive unit 311 is driven to rotate the stirring member 40 while the toner is being replenished. By rotating the stirring member 40 during replenishment, it is possible to prevent the toner from gathering in one part of the developing container 18 and causing clogging. In addition, by rotating the stirring member 40 during replenishment, the toner in the developing container 18 can be made uniform while replenishment is being performed, and the time from when the user finishes replenishment until the remaining amount calculation is completed can be shortened.

[0056] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of the drive transmission of the drive source. In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, in order to reduce the size and cost of the apparatus itself, the drive source 60 transmits a drive force to the agitating member 40 and the conveying means through the drive transmission path 70 as the drive unit 311 provided in the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, when the drive source 60 is driven by the drive control unit 304, the agitating member 40 and the conveying means each receive a drive force. Specifically, the drive transmission path 70 is a gear train including at least one gear. In addition, the drive transmission path 70 does not include a means (such as a clutch) for selectively driving only one of the agitating member 40 and the conveying means. Therefore, the drive source 60 is allowed to drive both the agitating member 40 and the conveying means, but is not allowed to drive only one of the agitating member 40 and the conveying means.

[0057] 14 is a flow chart of control in this embodiment. Here, the operation of the stirring member 40 stirring the developer in the developing container 18 when replenishing toner from the replenishing container 210 to the developing container 18 is called a replenishing stirring operation. The replenishing stirring operation is performed in conjunction with an operation related to the replenishing of toner from the replenishing container 210 to the developing container 18. In other words, the control unit 302 controls the driving source 60 so that the replenishing stirring operation is performed when an operation related to the replenishing of toner from the replenishing container 210 to the developing container 18 is performed.

[0058] In this embodiment, the refill mixing operation is started in conjunction with the operation of the lever portion 201 (operation to open the shutter 206 of the refill portion 200 and the refill container shutter 214 of the refill container 210). Specifically, when the lever portion 201 is operated so as to open the shutter 206 and the refill container shutter 214, the drive control portion 304 of the control portion 302 drives the drive source 60. Then, the mixing member 40 and the conveying means are driven.

[0059] In this embodiment, image forming apparatus 1 includes lever detection unit 80 as an operation detection unit that detects movement of lever unit 201. Operation of lever unit 201 is detected by lever detection unit 80. When lever unit 201 is moved so that shutter 206 and supply container shutter 214 are opened, and the movement of lever unit 201 is detected by lever detection unit 80, control unit 302 drives drive source 60.

[0060] When the replenishment flow is started by opening the discharge tray 14, the control unit 302 confirms that the door detection unit 303 has detected that the door 21 is closed and that the jam detection unit 503 has not detected a jam (S101). At this time, if the control unit 302 confirms that the door 21 is open or that a jam has been detected, the control unit 302 determines that there is an abnormality, and the lever unit 201 is locked by the lock unit 30, so that the user cannot operate the lever unit 201 and cannot replenish.

[0061] In other words, by restricting the movement of the lever portion 201, it is possible to prevent the user from replenishing toner in a state in which the drive portion 311 should not be operated, and to prevent the replenishing and stirring operation from being performed. In this embodiment, the movement of the lever portion 201 is restricted by locking the lever portion 201 with the lock portion 30. However, it may be configured so that the discharge tray 14 is locked when the door detection portion 303 detects that the door 21 is open or when the jam detection portion 503 detects a jam. Locking the discharge tray 14 restricts the attachment of the replenishing container 210 to the replenishing portion 200 and the user's access to and movement of the lever portion 201.

[0062] As a result, when the door detection unit 303 detects that the door 21 is open or when the jam detection unit 503 detects a jam, a replenishing stirring operation is performed, and the conveying means can be prevented from being driven.

[0063] If no abnormality is found, the lever portion 201 is unlocked (S102). The unlocking condition may include other conditions, such as the remaining amount of toner being equal to or less than a predetermined amount, or there being no other malfunctions.

[0064] The user attaches replenishing container 210 to replenishing unit 200 and turns lever unit 201. When lever unit 201 is turned and shutter 206 is opened, the replenishing and mixing operation starts (S103). In other words, when operation of lever unit 201 is detected, drive control unit 304 of control unit 302 controls drive source 60 so that the replenishing and mixing operation starts. Furthermore, control unit 302 drives not only mixing member 40 but also the conveying means by this replenishing and mixing operation.

[0065] In this embodiment, the refill mixing operation is started when the lever portion 201 is rotated, but the refill mixing operation may be started in conjunction with another operation. For example, the refill mixing operation may be started in conjunction with the operation of inserting the refill container 210 into the refill portion 200.

[0066] When the replenishing and mixing operation is started, the remaining amount calculation unit 406 sequentially performs a remaining amount calculation operation based on the remaining amount detection signal 309 output by the remaining amount detection unit 312 (S104). Then, while performing the remaining amount calculation operation, it is confirmed whether the replenishing is completed (S105). The completion of the replenishing is determined by whether the closed state of the lever unit 201 is detected. While the lever unit 201 is open (if the replenishing is not completed), the state of the door 21 and a jam are checked (S109). If the open state of the door 21 or a jam is detected, the drive control unit 304 stops the drive unit 311 (S108) even if there is no abnormality in the replenishing and mixing operation itself.

[0067] In other words, when the door detection unit 303 detects that the door 21 is open or when the jam detection unit 503 detects a jam while the refill mixing operation is being performed, the drive control unit 304 of the control unit 302 controls the drive source 60 so that the refill mixing operation is stopped. As a result, when the door detection unit 303 detects that the door 21 is open or when the jam detection unit 503 detects a jam, the refill mixing operation can be stopped and the conveying means can be stopped.

[0068] If no abnormality is found, the control unit 302 continues calculating the remaining amount while waiting for the completion of replenishment.

[0069] An abnormality in the supply and stirring operation itself is, for example, when the remaining toner amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 306 based on the remaining amount detection signal 309 output by the remaining amount detection unit 312 does not increase even though the lever unit 201 is in the open state. In this case, some kind of error judgment may be made and displayed. When the user finishes supplying and closes the lever unit 201 (S105), the remaining amount calculation operation is performed (S106). While this remaining amount calculation is being performed (S107), it is confirmed (110) whether the door 21 is not in the open state or whether a jam is detected, as in S105. If the open state of the door 21 is detected or a jam is detected, the drive is stopped (108). If there is no abnormality, the remaining amount calculation continues. The condition for ending the remaining amount calculation operation may be a certain time after the lever unit 201 is closed, or when the result of the remaining amount calculation falls below a certain amplitude. Then, the control unit 302 ends the supply and stirring operation when the remaining amount calculation is completed (S108).

[0070] Example 2 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is an image forming apparatus having the same configuration as the first embodiment. Therefore, the image forming apparatus, its components, and names in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0071] In the first embodiment, when the door detection unit 303 detects that the door 21 is open or when the jam detection unit 503 detects a jam, the execution of the replenishing and mixing operation is restricted by restricting the movement of the lever unit 201. In the present embodiment, when the door detection unit 303 detects that the door 21 is open or when the jam detection unit 503 detects a jam, even if the lever unit 201 moves, the control unit 302 does not execute the replenishing and mixing operation.

[0072] A flow chart of control in this embodiment is shown in Fig. 15. When the lever portion 201 serving as the operating portion moves, the movement of the lever portion 201 is detected by the lever detection portion 80 (S201). After that, the control portion 302 checks whether the door detection portion 303 detects that the door 21 is open and whether the jam detection portion 503 detects that a jam has occurred (S202). Then, the control portion 302 starts the replenishing and mixing operation if there is no abnormality (S203). If there is an abnormality, the control portion 302 does not start driving (S204). Furthermore, when the control portion 302 starts the replenishing and mixing operation in S203, the same control as S103 to S108 in the first embodiment is performed, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] According to this embodiment, even if the lever portion 201 is moved while the door 21 is open or jammed, the control portion 302 does not perform the replenishing and mixing operation. As a result, the conveying means is not driven while the door 21 is open or jammed.

[0074] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the replenishing and mixing operation from being performed and the conveying means from being driven when the door is open or a jam has occurred. This makes it possible to prevent the user from touching the operating conveying means during the replenishing and mixing operation and to prevent load from being applied to the conveying means, the driving source 60, or their support parts in the configuration in this embodiment in which the mixing member 40 and the conveying means are driven by a common driving source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Image forming device 11 Photosensitive drum 12 Developing roller 14 Output Tray 18 Developing container 200 Supply Department 204 Supply port 210 Supply Container 230 Development unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image; a developer carrier for developing the electrostatic latent image; a supply unit having a supply port to which a supply container containing a developer is removably attached and a developer opening through which the developer supplied from the supply container passes; a developing container that contains the developer replenished from the developer supply container; a shutter configured to be movable between a closed position that covers the supply port and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; an operation unit configured to be movable between a first position where the shutter is located at the closed position and a second position where the shutter is located at the retracted position; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation unit has been moved; A conveying means for conveying the recording material along a conveying path; a detection means for detecting the recording material present in the conveying path; a door that can be opened and closed and exposes the conveying means when in an open state; A door detection unit that detects the state of the door; an agitating member that agitates the developer in the developing container; a drive unit that transmits drive to the stirring member and the conveying means; A control means for controlling the driving unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the drive unit so that a supply stirring operation is performed in which the stirring member stirs the developer in the developing container when the operation detection unit detects the movement of the operation unit; The control means controls the drive unit so that the refill mixing operation is stopped when the door detection unit detects the open state of the door or when the detection means detects the recording material while the refill mixing operation is being performed.

2. An image forming apparatus, an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image; a developer carrier for developing the electrostatic latent image; a supply unit having a supply port to which a supply container containing a developer is removably attached and a developer opening through which the developer supplied from the supply container passes; a developing container that contains the developer replenished from the developer supply container; a shutter configured to be movable between a closed position that covers the supply port and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; an operation unit configured to be movable between a first position where the shutter is located at the closed position and a second position where the shutter is located at the retracted position; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation unit has been moved; A lock portion that limits the movement of the operation portion; A conveying means for conveying the recording material along a conveying path; a detection means for detecting the recording material present in the conveying path; a door that can be opened and closed and exposes the conveying means when in an open state; A door detection unit that detects the state of the door; an agitating member that agitates the developer in the developing container; a drive unit that transmits drive to the stirring member and the conveying means; A control unit for controlling the lock unit and the drive unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the drive unit so that a supply stirring operation is performed in which the stirring member stirs the developer in the developing container when the operation detection unit detects the movement of the operation unit; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control means controls the locking unit so that movement of the operating unit is restricted by the locking unit when the door detection unit detects the open state of the door or when the detection means detects the recording material.

3. An image forming apparatus, an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image; a developer carrier for developing the electrostatic latent image; a supply unit having a supply port to which a supply container containing a developer is removably attached and a developer opening through which the developer supplied from the supply container passes; a developing container that contains the developer replenished from the developer supply container; a shutter configured to be movable between a closed position that covers the supply port and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; an operation unit configured to be movable between a first position where the shutter is located at the closed position and a second position where the shutter is located at the retracted position; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation unit has been moved; A conveying means for conveying the recording material along a conveying path; a detection means for detecting the recording material present in the conveying path; a door that can be opened and closed and exposes the conveying means when in an open state; A door detection unit that detects the state of the door; an agitating member that agitates the developer in the developing container; a drive unit that transmits drive to the stirring member and the conveying means; A control means for controlling the driving unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the drive unit so that a replenishment stirring operation is performed in which the stirring member stirs the developer in the developing container, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the operation detection unit detects movement of the operation unit, the control means (i) starts the replenishing and mixing operation when the door detection unit detects the closed state of the door and when the detection means does not detect the recording material, and (ii) does not perform the replenishing and mixing operation when the door detection unit detects the open state of the door or when the detection means detects the recording material.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means starts the replenishing and mixing operation when the shutter is opened.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit terminates the supply mixing operation when a calculation of a remaining amount of the developer in the developing container is completed.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control means terminates the remaining amount calculation a certain period of time after the shutter is closed.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply container is attachable to the image forming apparatus in a state where a part of the supply container is exposed from the image forming apparatus.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit restricts image formation from being performed in a state where the supply container is attached.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit and the shutter are connected via the supply container.

Images