Image forming device

Abstract

To solve the difficulty in executing an image forming operation at an appropriate timing in an image forming apparatus comprising a receiving unit configured to be able to receive a reinforced container.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: an operation member that is operated between at least a first position and a second position different from the first position; a detection unit for detecting that the operation member is located at the first position; and a control unit. When the operation member is located at the first position, a storage unit can be supplied with toner from a supply container through the receiving unit. In a state in which the detection unit has detected that the operation member is located at the first position, the control unit does not execute an image forming operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a scanner unit forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of a photosensitive drum, and this electrostatic latent image is developed with toner, which is a developer. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a developer supply container is attached to the image forming apparatus, so that the developer can be replenished to the developer container from outside the apparatus main body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-154299 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including an open / close member that can move between an open position that exposes a receiving section configured to receive a reinforcing container and a closed position that covers the receiving section, and a detection unit that detects the state of the open / close member. Patent Document 1 discloses that when the detection unit detects that the open / close member is open, the execution of an image forming operation is prohibited.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that is equipped with a receiving section configured to be able to receive a reinforcing container and that is capable of performing an image forming operation at an appropriate timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One of the inventions of the present application is as follows.

[0007] An image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming operation on a recording material, a drum unit having a photosensitive drum; a developing unit having a developing roller and a container for containing toner supplied from a supply container; a receiving portion configured to be able to receive the supply container, the receiving portion having a first opening formed therein through which the toner supplied from the supply container is supplied to the storage portion; a shutter that is movable between an open position where it does not overlap with the first opening and a closed position where it closes the first opening formed in the receiving portion; an operating member that moves the shutter when operated, the operating member being movable between a first position where the shutter is in the open position and a second position where the shutter is in the closed position; a detection unit for detecting that the operating member is located at the first position; a control unit capable of executing an image forming operation in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum and toner is supplied from the developing roller to the formed electrostatic latent image to form an image; an opening / closing member having a stacking section on which the discharged recording material is stacked, the opening / closing member being movable to a closed position that covers at least an operation member and the receiving section, and an open position that exposes at least the operation member and the receiving section; When the operating member is located at the first position, the toner container can be replenished to the storage portion from the replenishment container via the receiving portion, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control unit does not execute the image forming operation when the detection unit detects that the operation member is located at the first position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is equipped with a receiving section configured to be able to receive a reinforcing container and that is capable of performing image forming operations at appropriate timing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of an image forming apparatus for explaining the arrangement of a supply unit; [Figure 4] Top view of the image forming apparatus [Figure 5] Perspective view of the image forming unit [Figure 6] Enlarged perspective view of the supply section [Figure 7] Top view of the image forming apparatus [Figure 8] Perspective view of the supply pack [Figure 9] Perspective view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 10] Perspective view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 11] Top view of the image forming apparatus [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a support unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the support member according to the first embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a support configuration of a support unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 15] Control block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the photosensitive drum and its periphery according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 17] Control block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment [Figure 18] Flowchart for when replenishment is started during image forming operation according to the second embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] Example 1 <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> The overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment is a monochrome laser beam printer that uses an electrophotographic process. The image forming apparatus 1 is capable of performing an image forming operation that forms an image using a developer (toner) on a recording material P in accordance with image information transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer. Examples of the recording material P include recording paper, label paper, overhead projector sheets, and cloth.

[0012] In the following description, the height direction of the image forming apparatus 1 (the direction opposite to the direction of gravity) 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 direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11 (main scanning direction), which will be described later, is referred to as the X direction. The direction that intersects with the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction. The X, Y, and Z directions preferably intersect perpendicularly with each other. For convenience, the positive side of the X direction is referred to as the right side and the negative side as the left side; the positive side of the Y direction is referred to as the front side or front side and the negative side of the Y direction is referred to as the rear side or back side; and the positive side of the Z direction is referred to as the upper side and the negative side as the lower side. In this embodiment, the Z direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0013] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1, and Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the X direction (the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11). Fig. 2 mainly shows members related to the image formation process.

[0014] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has a feed tray 4 that stores recording materials P, and a discharge tray (opening / closing member) 14 on which discharged recording materials P are stacked. The feed tray 4 can be pulled out in the Y direction, allowing the user to replenish recording materials P. The recording materials P that have been fed from the feed tray 4 and on which images have been formed are discharged from a discharge port 15 in the discharge direction shown in FIG. 1, and are stacked on the discharge tray 14. In this embodiment, the discharge direction is parallel to the Y direction.

[0015] A front cover 70 is provided on a portion of the end face (part of the front face) of the image forming apparatus 1 downstream in the discharge direction, covering the circuit board 100. An exterior cover 71 is provided on the portion of the front face other than the portion where the front cover 70 is provided, as well as on the side and top faces of the image forming apparatus 1. The front cover 70, the exterior cover 71, and the discharge tray 14 described above 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 houses process components such as the scanner unit 50 and the image forming section 500, which will be described later, inside. The discharge port 15 described above is an opening formed in part of the housing 72, and the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through this opening. The recording material P discharged from the discharge port 15 is stacked on the upper surface (stacking section) provided on the discharge tray 14.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming section 500 having a photosensitive unit (drum unit 300) and a developer container (developing unit) 230. The image forming section 500 is housed in a housing 72. The photosensitive unit 300 includes a photosensitive drum 11 and a charging roller (charging member) 17. The developing unit 230 includes a container 18 for storing toner supplied from a supply pack 210 (described later), and a developing roller 12. The photosensitive drum 11 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 12 is a developer carrier that carries toner as a developer. The developing roller 12 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 with toner. In this embodiment, the developing roller 12 develops the electrostatic latent image while in contact with the photosensitive drum 11.

[0017] As described above, housing 72 houses image forming unit 500 (drum unit 300 and development unit 230) and includes discharge tray 14. Exterior cover 71 and front cover 70 of housing 72 can also be called a main body frame that houses image forming unit 500 (drum unit 300 and development unit 230). Discharge tray 14 is attached to the main body frame (more specifically, exterior cover 71).

[0018] The flow of an image forming operation on a recording material P will be described using FIG. 2. When image information is sent to the image forming apparatus 1, the photosensitive drum 11, which is a rotating body, is rotated in the direction of arrow R at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) based on a print start signal. 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 the laser light, a polygon mirror and 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 components. The photosensitive drum 11 is pre-charged by a charging roller 17, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by irradiating it with laser light. Thereafter, toner stored in a storage section 18 is transported to the photosensitive drum 11 (photoconductor) by a developing roller 12 (developer carrier), and the electrostatic latent image is developed to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0019] In parallel with the image formation process described above, recording materials P are fed from the feed tray 4. A pickup roller 3, a feed roller 5a, and a pair of conveying rollers 5c are provided on the conveyance path of the image forming apparatus 1. The pickup roller 3 comes into contact with the uppermost recording material P stored in the feed tray 4, and feeds the recording material P by rotating the roller itself. The feed roller 5a and the separation roller 5b that comes into pressure contact with it form a separation nip. If multiple sheets of recording materials P are fed into the separation nip due to the influence of friction between the recording materials P, the feed roller 5a and the separation roller 5b separate the multiple sheets of recording materials P and feed only the uppermost one downstream.

[0020] The recording material P fed from the feed tray 4 is conveyed by a pair of conveying rollers 5c toward a 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 onto the recording material P. The recording material P onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roller 7 is heated and pressurized by a fixing device 9, so that the toner image is fixed onto the recording material P. The fixing device 9 is composed of a heating roller 9a incorporating a fixing heater 9c, and a pressure roller 9b that is urged toward the heating roller 9a. Then, the recording material P onto which the toner image has been fixed is discharged onto a discharge tray 14 by a pair of discharge rollers 10.

[0021] When an image is formed on both sides of the recording material P, the pair of discharge rollers 10 switches back the recording material P with the image formed on the first side, thereby guiding the recording material P to the double-sided conveying path 16. The recording material P 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 recording material P by the transfer roller 7, the recording material P is discharged outside the apparatus by the pair of discharge rollers 10. After the toner image is transferred to the recording material P, any toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 13.

[0022] 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. Conductor 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 the function of converting AC current supplied from outside the image forming apparatus 1 into DC current, and converting the input voltage to obtain a predetermined voltage value required for the image formation process.

[0023] 2, circuit board 100 is oriented such that the surface of wiring board 101 on which electronic components 111 and 121 are mounted intersects 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.

[0024] <Layout and configuration of the supply section> 3 to 8, a description will be given of a supply unit 200 having a receiving section configured to be able to receive a supply container for replenishing toner. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with the supply unit 200, which allows a user or a service technician to replenishing toner from the outside when the amount of toner remaining in the storage unit 18 is low, without removing the storage unit 18 from the housing 72. The supply unit 200 is configured so that a supply pack 210, which is a supply container described below, can be attached and detached.

[0025] 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 is composed of a receiving portion 201 that can receive a supply pack 210 (not shown in FIG. 3), a cylindrical toner receiving portion 202, and a supply path portion 203 that connects the storage unit 18 and the toner receiving portion 202. The receiving portion 201 is located on the top surface portion 240 (described later in FIG. 9) and forms a supply port 204 that is an opening for supplying toner. The toner passes through the supply port 204 and moves in this order through the toner receiving portion 202 and the supply path portion 203, and is finally supplied to the storage unit 18.

[0026] 4 is a top view of image forming apparatus 1 with exterior cover 71 removed. As described above, receiving unit 201 forms supply port 204. Furthermore, receiving unit 201 has ring portion 201a arranged to surround supply port 204. Also, receiving unit 201 has lever portion 201b connected to ring portion 201a as an operating member. As shown in FIG. 4, the width of supply unit 200 in the X direction is shorter than the width of storage unit 18 in the X direction.

[0027] 5 is a perspective view of the image forming unit 500. The image forming unit 500 includes a developing unit 230 and a photosensitive unit 300. In FIG. 5, the attachment portion 201 of the supply unit 200 and some of the associated members are omitted.

[0028] 5, a side opening (receiving port) 205 that connects to the supply path portion 203 is formed in the inner wall of the cylindrical toner receiving portion 202. A space for storing toner is provided inside the toner storage portion 18. A toner path that connects the side opening 205 of the toner receiving portion 202 and the space inside the storage portion 18 is formed inside the supply path portion 203.

[0029] The toner is guided from the toner receiving portion 202 through the side opening 205 to the supply path portion 203, and then passes through the supply path portion 203 to be stored in the storage portion 18.

[0030] The developing unit 230 includes a frame 230a that includes the storage portion 18, the toner receiving portion 202, and the supply path portion 203. In other words, the storage portion 18, the toner receiving portion 202, and the supply path portion 203 are part of the frame 230a of the developing unit 230. The frame 230a is configured to rotatably support the developing roller 12. The storage portion 18, the toner receiving portion 202, and the supply path portion 203 may be integrally formed.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the photosensitive unit 300 includes a side cover (side wall portion, side wall frame body) 256 and a connecting frame body 257 that connects the side cover 256. The side cover 256 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 11. The side cover 256 and the connecting frame body 257 can be called the frame body of the photosensitive unit 300. In other words, the side cover 256 and the connecting frame body 257 are part of the frame body of the photosensitive unit 300. The side cover 256 and the connecting frame body 257 may be formed integrally.

[0032] In this embodiment, the frame 230a of the developing unit 230 is movably connected to the frame of the photosensitive unit 300 (in this embodiment, the side cover 256).

[0033] Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the supply unit 200. In Figure 6(a), side opening 205 formed in toner receiving unit 202 is blocked by main body shutter 206 and is shown by a dotted line because it is not actually visible. Main body shutter 206 is a cylindrical member concentric with toner receiving unit 202 and is provided inside toner receiving unit 202. Opening 207 through which toner passes is also formed in main body shutter 206, but is shown by a dotted line because it is not actually visible. In Figure 6(a), side opening 205 and opening 207 are positioned differently, so side opening 205 is blocked.

[0034] Furthermore, the receiving portion 201 and the main body shutter drive transmission rib of the main body shutter 206 engage with the pack shutter 214 when the supply pack 210 is attached. This allows the user to grip the lever 201b and rotate the lever 201b approximately 90° from the state shown in FIG. 6(a) to the state shown in FIG. 6(b), thereby rotating the main body shutter 206 inside the toner receiving portion 202. In FIG. 6(b), the side opening 205 and the opening 207 are overlapping, so the side opening 205 is open and toner can be replenished through the side opening 205. That is, when the lever 201b is in the position shown in FIG. 6(b) (first position), the storage portion 18 is in a state (supply-enabled state) in which toner can be replenished from the supply pack 210 via the receiving portion 201. When the control unit 302 determines that the toner is ready for replenishment, it drives the main motor 402 to rotate each component. In particular, the toner supplied in the container 18 is stirred by driving an agitator (not shown).

[0035] When forming an image on the recording material P, the toner in the storage portion 18 is stirred by an agitator (not shown), and the side opening 205 must be closed to prevent the toner from leaking out of the side opening 205. Therefore, during image formation, the lever portion 201b is moved to the position (second position) shown in FIG. 6A. The second position is referred to as the initial position of the lever portion 201b. On the other hand, the first position is referred to as the supply position of the lever portion 201b. The lever portion 201b is configured to be movable at least between the first and second positions. While the terms supply position and second position are used herein, this is not a limitation. For example, a third position may be provided between the supply position and the first position. When the lever portion 201b is in the third position, the supply pack 210 may be locked so that it cannot be removed from the receiving portion 201.

[0036] Fig. 6(c) is a side view of the vicinity of ring portion 201a in Fig. 6(a). Detection rib 201c is connected to the lower part of ring portion 201a. Mechanical switch 208 is arranged as a mechanical switch that can detect the positions of lever portion 201b and ring portion 201a. Detection rib 201c, which is a detectable member, and mechanical switch 208 constitute a detection unit that detects the position of lever portion 201b.

[0037] In Fig. 6(a), mechanical switch 208 is not in contact with detection rib 201c, so the detection signal is OFF. Fig. 6(d) is a side view of the vicinity of ring portion 201a in Fig. 6(b). As ring portion 201a rotates, detection rib 201c moves to the state shown in Fig. 6(d), and by coming into contact with mechanical switch 208, the detection signal is turned ON, making it possible to detect that lever portion 201b has reached the first position.

[0038] 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.

[0039] <Configuration of supply container> Next, the configuration of replenishment pack 210 (replenishment container) will be described with reference to Figure 8. Replenishment pack 210 has pouch portion 211 containing toner to be replenished, and cylindrical insertion portion 212 to be inserted into replenishing port 204. Replenishment pack 210 also has opening 213 formed on the side of insertion portion 212 through which toner enters and exits, and shutter portion 214 that closes opening 213 to prevent toner from leaking. Replenishment pack 210 also has pack bottom 215 in the shape of a truncated cone, which is fixed to insertion portion 212. Pouch portion 211 has a flattened shape as it goes away from insertion portion 212, and pouch end portion 216 is formed at its end, extending in a predetermined direction.

[0040] The shutter portion 214 is a cylindrical member concentric with the insertion portion 212, and is provided on the outside of the insertion portion 212. The shutter portion 214 is rotatable relative to the insertion portion 212. Although not shown, an opening is also formed in the shutter portion 214, and when the shutter portion 214 rotates and the opening of the shutter portion 214 and the opening 213 of the insertion portion 212 are aligned, toner can be replenished from the replenishment pack 210.

[0041] In Figure 8(a), the opening 213 formed in the insertion portion 212 is shown by a dotted line because it is covered by the shutter portion 214 and cannot actually be seen. Figure 8(b) is a view of the supply pack 210 viewed from a different angle than in Figure 8(a). An alignment notch 217 is formed in part of the pack bottom 215. The role of the alignment notch 217 will be described in detail later.

[0042] <Refill container installation procedure> Next, a procedure for replenishing toner using the replenishing pack 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 is configured to cover the replenishing unit 200 and be movable between a position shown in FIG. 9(a) where the recording material P discharged from the discharge port 15 can be stacked, and a position shown in FIG. 9(b) where the replenishing unit 200 is exposed. In other words, the discharge tray 14 is an open / close member that can move between a closed position shown in FIG. 9(a) where the replenishing unit 200 is covered, and an open position shown in FIG. 9(b) where the replenishing unit 200 is exposed. The replenishing unit 200 is provided at the top of the front surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, making it easy for the user to access when replenishing.

[0043] In this embodiment, a dedicated detector for detecting the position of the opening / closing member is not provided, which prevents an increase in cost and improves design freedom by reducing the space required to place a dedicated detector.

[0044] When replenishing toner, the recording materials P 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 supply unit 200, the top surface 240 provided adjacent to the supply unit 200, the receiving portion 201 located on the top surface 240, and the lever portion 201b are exposed. Then, the supply pack 210 is inserted into the exposed supply unit 200.

[0045] At this time, the supply pack 210 is inserted so that the alignment rib 208 (FIG. 7) provided on the supply unit 200 matches the position of the alignment notch 217 (FIG. 8) provided on the supply pack 210. If the alignment rib 208 and the alignment notch 217 do not match, the pack bottom 215 will interfere with the alignment rib 208, making it impossible to insert the supply pack 210.

[0046] Figure 10(a) shows the state in which the supply pack 210 has been inserted into the supply unit 200. In this embodiment, the supply pack 210 can be inserted when the direction D in which the pouch end 216 extends is parallel to the X direction, as shown in Figure 10(a). When the supply pack 210 is inserted all the way into the supply unit 200, the main body shutter 206 (Figure 6) of the supply unit 200 engages with the shutter 214 (Figure 8) of the supply pack 210 by an engagement mechanism (not shown).

[0047] 10(b) shows the state in which the lever portion 201b has been moved from the initial position to the supply position. At this time, the supply pack 210 is fixed in the Z direction relative to the supply unit 200 by a locking mechanism (not shown). As described above, when the lever portion 201b is moved, it engages with the shutter portion 214 of the supply pack 210, causing the shutter portion 214 to rotate. Because the shutter portion 214 and the main body shutter portion 206 also engage with each other, the shutter portion 214 and the main body shutter portion 206 also rotate integrally.

[0048] As a result, by moving lever portion 201 to the replenishing position, side opening 205 (FIG. 6) formed in toner receiving portion 202 opens, and opening 213 (FIG. 8) formed in insertion portion 212 also opens. Side opening 205 formed in toner receiving portion 202 and opening 213 formed in insertion portion 212 are positioned so that they face each other when replenishing pack 210 is inserted into replenishing portion 200. Therefore, when lever portion 201b is moved from the initial position to the replenishing position, replenishing pack 210, replenishing portion 200, and storage portion 18 are connected, making it possible to replenishing toner.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a top view of the state of FIG. 10(b) as viewed from above. Looking at the supply pack 210 attached to the image forming apparatus 1, it can be seen that, as described above, the extending direction D of the pouch end 216 is parallel to the X direction. In addition, a protrusion 241 that rises toward the positive side (upper side) of the Z direction is formed at the end on the positive side (front side) of the Y direction of the top surface 240 that is exposed by opening the discharge tray 14. A notch 242 is formed in part of the protrusion 241, and the position of the notch 242 corresponds to the rotation trajectory of the lever portion 201b. In FIG. 11, the lever portion 201b in its initial position is indicated by a dotted line.

[0050] After the toner replenishment is completed, the lever portion 201b is returned to its original initial position. At this time, in the opposite direction to the lever operation to the replenishment position, the main body shutter portion 206 of the replenishment unit 200 and the shutter portion 214 of the replenishment pack 210 first rotate together, closing the side openings 205 and 213 on both sides. The lock between the replenishment unit 200 and the replenishment pack 210 is then released, allowing the replenishment pack 210 to be removed from the replenishment unit 200. As a result, when the replenishment pack 210 is not inserted into the replenishment unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 1, the shutter portion 214 is closed, making it possible to prevent toner leakage.

[0051] <Developing unit movement when opening and closing the output tray> Next, the movement of the developing unit 230 when the discharge tray 14 is opened and closed for developer replenishment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0052] As described above, the supply pack 210 is received in the toner receiving portion 202. At this time, a force for attaching the supply pack 210 acts on the toner receiving portion 202 of the developing unit 230. Therefore, when attaching the supply pack 210, the developing unit 230 is supported by a support unit 250 (described later), thereby making it possible to suppress movement of the developing unit 230.

[0053] When the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply section 200, the discharge tray 14 is opened. In this embodiment, the developing unit 230 is supported by the support unit 250 in conjunction with the opening of the discharge tray 14. As a result, the position of the developing unit 230 can be stabilized when the supply pack 210 is attached.

[0054] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the support unit 250 according to this embodiment. Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing the support unit 250 positioned at the close position. Fig. 12(b) is a diagram showing the support unit 250 in transition from the close position to the separated position. Fig. 12(c) is a diagram showing the support unit 250 positioned at the separated position. Figs. 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c) are side views seen along the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0055] In this embodiment, the support unit 250 includes a tray gear (driving member) 231, an idler gear (intermediate member) 232, and a support member (moving member) 233. The tray gear 231 and the idler gear 232 function as a connecting portion (connecting member) that connects the discharge tray 14 and the support member 233 so that the discharge tray 14 and the support member 233 move in conjunction with each other.

[0056] A supply pack 210 is attached to the toner receiving portion 202 from above in the vertical direction. A support member 233 supports the toner receiving portion 202 from below in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the support member 233 is positioned below the toner receiving portion 202 in the vertical direction.

[0057] The support member 233 includes a first cam portion 233 a serving as a support portion for supporting the developing unit 230 , and a gear portion 233 c that meshes with the idler gear 232 .

[0058] The tray gear 231 is fixed to the discharge tray 14 and rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the discharge tray 14. In this embodiment, the tray gear 231 is engaged with a shaft provided at the rotation center of the discharge tray 14. The support member 233 is connected to the tray gear 231 via an idler gear 232.

[0059] The support member 233 is configured to be movable between a support position where the first cam portion 233a contacts the developing unit 230 and supports the developing unit 230, and a retracted position where the support member 233 is retracted from the support position. The support member 233 moves between the support position and the retracted position in conjunction with the movement of the discharge tray 14. The state in which the support member 233 is in the support position is referred to as the support state of the support member 233 and the support unit 250. The state in which the support member 233 is in the retracted position is referred to as the retracted state of the support member 233 and the support unit 250.

[0060] When the discharge tray 14 is positioned at the exposed position, the support member 233 and the support unit 250 are in the supporting state, and the support member 233 is positioned at the supporting position. When the discharge tray 14 is positioned at the covered position, the support member 233 and the support unit 250 are in the retracted state, and the support member 233 is positioned at the retracted position.

[0061] When the support member 233 is in the support position, the support member 233 can support the developing unit 230. In this state, the developing roller 12 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 in this embodiment.

[0062] When the support member 233 is in the retracted position, in this embodiment, the first cam portion 233a of the support member 233 is separated from the developing unit 230. Also, the developing roller 12 is in a position where it can develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 (in this embodiment, the developing roller 12 is in a position where it abuts against the photosensitive drum 11). Note that, if the electrostatic latent image can be developed by the developing roller 12, the support member 233 and the developing unit 230 may be in contact with each other when the support member 233 is in the retracted position.

[0063] The toner receiving portion 202 is provided with a supported portion 202f. As described above, when the discharge tray 14 is closed, the first cam portion 233a of the support member 233 is separated from the supported portion 202f of the developing unit 230 (see FIG. 12(a)). At this time, the developing unit 230 is positioned at a unit contact position where the developing roller 12 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11. Because the first cam portion 233a is separated from the supported portion 202f, the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 12 can be in stable contact with each other, and the developing roller 12 is in a state where it can develop an electrostatic latent image.

[0064] The angle between the discharge tray 14 opened from the cover position and the discharge tray 14 in the cover position is called the open angle of the discharge tray 14. As shown in FIG. 12(b), when the open angle of the discharge tray 14 reaches a predetermined angle (45° in this embodiment), the first cam portion 233a of the support member 233 comes into contact with the developing unit 230. In other words, the support member 233 starts to support the developing unit 230, and the developing unit 230 starts to move relative to the photosensitive unit 300.

[0065] In this embodiment, the developing unit 230 is coupled to the photosensitive unit 300 via a rotation axis Q, and the developing unit 230 is rotatable around the rotation axis Q. The first cam portion 233a presses and moves the developing unit 230 in a direction DS in which the developing roller 12 moves away from the photosensitive drum 11.

[0066] If the opening angle of the discharge tray 14 is less than 45°, the support member 233 does not support the developing unit 230, and the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 12 can maintain contact with each other. Therefore, even if the discharge tray 14 is opened by the user removing the recording material P or due to vibration, the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 12 can maintain contact with each other as long as the opening angle of the discharge tray 14 is less than 45°.

[0067] The opening angle (support start angle) at which the support member 233 starts supporting the developing unit 230 is not limited to 45°, and the support start angle may be greater than 45° or less than 45°. In order to continue the image forming operation even if the discharge tray 14 moves to some extent, the support start angle is preferably greater than 10°, and more preferably greater than 30°.

[0068] As shown in Figure 12(c), when the opening angle of the discharge tray 14 reaches a predetermined angle (75° in this embodiment), the supply section 200 is exposed and the first cam portion 233a of the support member 233 supports the development unit 230.

[0069] The opening angle of the discharge tray 14 when it is in the exposed position is not limited to 75°, but may be greater than 75° or less than 75°. When the discharge tray 14 is positioned in the exposed position, the opening angle is preferably such that the discharge tray 14 is maintained in the exposed position when no external force is acting on it.

[0070] When the discharge tray 14 is open (when the discharge tray 14 is in the exposed position), the support member 233 is in the support position, and the developing unit 230 is in the unit retracted position retracted from the unit abutment position. At this time, in this embodiment, the developing roller 12 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11. At this time, the toner receiving portion 202 engages with the attachment portion 201, and the user can attach the replenishing pack 210 to the replenishing portion 200 to replenish toner.

[0071] When a user attaches the supply pack 210 to the toner receiving portion 202, the developing unit 230 receives a force in a direction DC in which the developing roller 12 approaches the photosensitive drum 11. At this time, by supporting the developing unit 230 with the support member 233, the posture of the developing unit 230 is stabilized, and the supply pack 210 can be attached stably.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, when the supply pack 210 is attached, the developing roller 12 can be prevented from being pressed against the photosensitive drum 11.

[0073] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the support member 233 in the supply unit 200. Figure 13 is a side view when viewed along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 11. Figure 13(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the toner receiving unit 202, the attachment unit 201, and the support member 233 when the support member 233 is in the retracted position. Figure 13(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the toner receiving unit 202, the attachment unit 201, and the support member 233 when the support member 233 is in the support position.

[0074] 13(a), when the discharge tray 14 is closed and in the cover position, the first cam portion 233a of the support member 233 is not in contact with the supported portion 202f. At this time, the developing roller 12 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11. With this configuration, when the toner carried on the developing roller 12 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 11, the developing unit 230 is not pushed by the support member 233. Therefore, the image forming operation by the developing roller 12 can be performed stably.

[0075] 13(b), when the discharge tray 14 is opened 75° from the covered position to the exposed position, the supported portion 202f is supported by the first cam portion 233a. In this state, the user can attach the supply pack 210 to the supply unit 200 and supply toner.

[0076] As described above, when the discharge tray 14 moves from the cover position to the exposed position, the support member 233 moves from the retracted position to the support position. At this time, the toner receiving portion 202 moves in a direction approaching the attachment portion 201. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the abutment portion 202b of the toner receiving portion 202 abuts against the attachment portion 201. This configuration stabilizes the position of the toner receiving portion 202, making it easier to insert and remove the replenishing pack 210 into the replenishing port 204 and to perform the replenishing operation.

[0077] 14 is a perspective view illustrating the support configuration of the support unit 250. The support unit 250, which has a tray gear 231, an idler gear 232, and a support member 233, is firmly supported by a left side plate (first frame) 73 and a front side plate (front frame, second frame) 75. The front side plate 75 is also supported by a right side plate 74 that faces the left side plate 73. In this embodiment, the left side plate frame 73, the front frame 75, and the right side plate 74 are formed from metal plates.

[0078] When opening the discharge tray 14 to replenish toner, a force Vu applied by the user in the mounting direction of the supply pack 210 acts on the toner receiving portion 202. When the support member 233 moves from the retracted position to the support position, it presses the developing unit 230 so that the toner receiving portion 202 moves in the direction opposite to the mounting direction of the supply pack 210. With the support member 233 supporting the toner receiving portion 202, the toner receiving portion 202 receives a reaction force Vc (a force supporting the toner receiving portion 202) from the support unit 250.

[0079] When viewed in the vertical direction, at least a portion of support member 233 is disposed in a position overlapping toner receiving portion 202. Similarly, when viewed in the attachment direction of replenishing pack 210 to toner receiving portion 202, at least a portion of support member 233 is disposed in a position overlapping toner receiving portion 202. Specifically, in this embodiment, first cam 233a is disposed so as to overlap toner receiving portion 202.

[0080] In this embodiment, the support member 233 is arranged to support the vicinity of the center of the toner receiving portion 202. When viewed in the vertical direction with the supply pack 210 attached to the toner receiving portion 202, at least a portion of the support member 233 is arranged to overlap with the supply pack 210. Similarly, when viewed in the attachment direction of the supply pack 210 to the toner receiving portion 202 with the supply pack 210 attached to the toner receiving portion 202, at least a portion of the support member 233 is arranged to overlap with the supply pack 210. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first cam 233a is arranged to overlap with the supply pack 210.

[0081] Therefore, the support member 233 can more reliably receive the force acting on the toner receiving portion 202 when the supply pack 210 is attached.

[0082] As described above, when the discharge tray 14 is in the exposed position, the developing unit 230 is supported by the support member 233. As a result, the posture of the developing unit 230 is stable. Therefore, the supply pack 210 can be stably attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, even if the force for attaching the supply pack 210 acts in a direction that presses the developing roller 12 against the photosensitive drum 11, the force for attaching the supply pack 210 can be received by the support member 233. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the force caused by the attachment of the supply pack 210 from acting on the photosensitive drum 11 via the developing roller 12.

[0083] On the other hand, during image formation, the discharge tray 14 is in the cover position. As a result, during image formation, the support member 233 is in the retracted position, so that the developing roller 12 can be accurately positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum 11. Therefore, the support member 233 can be prevented from affecting the development of the electrostatic latent image by the developing roller 12.

[0084] <Relationship between the position of the operation member and the image forming operation> FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the configuration related to control of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. A control unit 302 is included in the image forming apparatus and controls an image formation control unit 303, a transmission / reception unit 304, and a supply state detection unit 305. The image formation control unit 303 controls the image forming unit 500 to form an image on the recording material P. The supply state detection unit 305 receives a detection signal 309 output from a mechanical switch 208. The reinforcement state detection unit 305 detects whether the sheet is in a reinforcement state based on the detection signal 309. The transmission / reception unit 304 transmits and receives information to and from a controller 313 that receives image information from a host such as a PC (not shown). The transmission / reception unit 304 also receives condition information and other information necessary for image formation instructions from the controller 313 as image formation instruction information 307 and transmits supply unit status information 308 detected by the supply state detection unit 305.

[0085] When the control unit 302 receives image formation instruction information 307 from the controller 313, it executes an image forming operation by the image forming unit 500. The image forming operation in this embodiment is to form an image by forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 and supplying toner from the developing roller 12 to the formed electrostatic latent image. At that time, the control unit 302 drives the main motor 402 to drive each member of the image forming unit 500.

[0086] However, if the user performs an image forming operation with the discharge tray 14 in the cover position, the recording material P cannot be discharged onto the discharge tray 14. Providing a dedicated detection unit for detecting the open / closed position of the discharge tray 14 leads to increased costs, and also makes it difficult to reduce the size of the image forming device because space must be secured for the dedicated detection unit.

[0087] Therefore, the image forming operation is restricted by utilizing a detection signal 308 from the mechanical switch 208 for detecting the reinforcement possible state. The mechanical switch 208 outputs an ON signal when the lever portion 201b is in the position (first position) shown in FIG. 6(b). When the lever portion 201b is in the first position, the discharge tray 14 is in the open position to expose the lever portion 201b. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the mechanical switch 208 outputs an ON signal, the image forming operation is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the image forming operation based on the position of the lever portion 201b without having to provide a dedicated detection unit for detecting the open / closed state of the discharge tray 14.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the discharge tray 14 is opened, the developing roller 12 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11. In this state, even if the transmitting / receiving unit 304 receives image formation instruction information 307 from the controller 313, the mechanical switch 208 outputs an ON signal, so that the image forming operation does not start. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary feeding operations from being performed.

[0089] Example 2 In the previous embodiment, a method for suppressing an instruction for an image forming operation during a replenishment operation was described. In this embodiment, control when it is detected that the mechanical switch 208 has switched to the replenishment state when an image forming operation is already being performed will be described. Configurations similar to those described in the first embodiment may be omitted from description or illustration, or may be described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0090] <High pressure settings for each roller during image formation> 16(a) is a more detailed cross-sectional view of the storage section 18 and the transfer roller 7 in Examples 1 and 2. A charging brush 60 serving as a pre-charging means and an LED 61 serving as a pre-exposure means are arranged around the photosensitive drum 11 of the drum unit 300. In addition, a toner remaining amount detection LED 62 and an optical sensor 63 (not shown) are provided within the developing device 230.

[0091] During image formation, the charging brush 60 is negatively charged and collects residual toner images that could not be transferred due to insufficient charging or a reversal of the charging polarity during image formation. During image formation, the pre-exposure LED 61 emits light to remove the potential of the photosensitive drum 11 and enable uniform recharging.

[0092] During post-processing after image formation, a negative voltage is applied to the charging roller 17, negatively charging the photosensitive drum 11 and recharging the positively charged residual toner on the photosensitive drum 11 to a negative polarity. Because the scanner unit 50 does not emit laser light, no electrostatic latent image is formed. A voltage with a lower absolute value of negative polarity than during image formation is applied to the developing roller 12, preventing toner from being supplied to the photosensitive drum 11 while collecting the negatively charged toner from the photosensitive drum 11. A negative voltage is applied to the nip surface of the transfer roller 7 with the photosensitive drum 11, preventing negatively charged residual toner from being transferred. A negative voltage is applied to the charging brush 60, and the residual toner collected during image formation is positively charged and is therefore expelled onto the photosensitive drum 11. The pre-exposure LED 61 removes the potential of the photosensitive drum 11 during post-processing after image formation.

[0093] Next, the replenishment operation will be described. When the developing unit 230 is separated for replenishment, as shown in FIG. 16(b), a negative voltage is applied to the charging roller 17, negatively charging the photosensitive drum 11. The developing roller 12 does not function because it is separated. A negative voltage is applied to the transfer roller 7 at the nip surface with the photosensitive drum 11, and it is controlled so that negative toner is not transferred. A negative voltage is applied to the charging brush 60, and it collects negative toner. The pre-exposure LED 61 does not emit light, and maintains the potential of the photosensitive drum 11 so as not to be removed.

[0094] Next, the return operation after the replenishment operation will be described. When replenishment is completed and the developing roller is in contact, a positive voltage is applied to the transfer roller 7, lowering the negative potential on the photosensitive drum surface. Because a negative voltage is applied to the charging brush 60, negative toner is expelled onto the photosensitive drum 11. Because a negative voltage is applied to the charging roller 17, negative toner moves across the photosensitive drum 11 and is collected by the contacting developing roller 12. At this time, if it is assumed that the toner collected by the charging brush 60 has lost charge due to, for example, being left unused for a long period of time, the pre-exposure LED 61 is illuminated. By illuminating the LED, recharging of the charging portion may be induced, prompting the toner to be recharged to a negative polarity.

[0095] <Control unit and each control means> FIG. 17 is a control block diagram for implementing the image formation shown in FIG. 16. Components already described in FIG. 15 are omitted. The image formation control unit 303 drives the main motor 402 (FIG. 4) to drive the pickup roller 3, the feed roller 5a, the conveying roller pair 5c, the transfer roller 7, the photosensitive drum 11, and the discharge roller pair 10. During operation, the image formation control unit 303 issues a drive command to the feed solenoid 403 connected to the pickup roller 3 to convey the recording material P. The image formation control unit 303 applies various high-voltage biases in accordance with the drive of the photosensitive drum 11 to create potential conditions during image formation, post-processing, and replenishment. The charging control unit 404 applies a desired negative voltage to the charging roller 17 and the transfer roller 7. The exposure control unit 405 controls the scanner unit 50 to irradiate the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with laser light. An electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 according to image information instructed by the controller 313. The development control means 406 applies any polarity and voltage to the development roller 12 and the charging brush 60. This configuration makes it possible to set the polarity to positive so that toner does not flow onto the photosensitive drum surface when driving starts, and to adjust the density of the toner image formed in accordance with changes in the installation environment and time measurement.

[0096] Transfer control means 407 applies a positive potential to transfer roller 7. The transfer roller 7 is applied with the result of superimposing the potentials of charge control means 404 and transfer control means 407. Pre-exposure control means 408 switches the light emitting state of pre-exposure LED 61. Replenishment operation control section 409 drives main motor 402 to smoothly carry out replenishment during the replenishment operation, and toner remaining amount detection means 410 starts to detect the amount of toner remaining.

[0097] <Replenishment start detection and control unit switching operation during image formation> 18 is a flowchart showing the process when the mechanical switch 208 is detected to have switched to the replenishment state during image formation. When the replenishment state detection unit 305 detects the replenishment state, the control unit 302 notifies the controller 313 of the transition to the replenishment state (S101). The control unit 302 stops accepting new image formation instructions (S102). The image formation control unit 303 controls the charging control unit 404, the exposure control unit 405, the development control unit 406, the transfer control unit 407, and the pre-exposure control unit 408 to achieve the potential settings during image formation described above. However, since the control unit 302 can determine that the development unit 230 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 when the replenishment state is detected, the control unit 302 instructs the image formation control unit 303 to control each unit during the replenishment operation (S103).

[0098] When the image formation control unit 303 is instructed to switch to the high-pressure state during replenishment, it switches the polarity of the transfer roller 7 to negative polarity and stops the light emission of the scanner unit 50 and the pre-exposure LED 61. In addition, the transmitting / receiving unit 304 notifies the controller 313 that image formation control could not be performed normally (S104).

[0099] Furthermore, the image formation control unit 303 is instructed not to supply a new recording material P (S105). The image formation control unit 303 ejects the recording material P being conveyed to the outside of the apparatus and stops operation (S106).

[0100] The control unit 302 instructs the supply operation control unit 409 to start the supply operation. When the control unit 302 detects that the mechanical switch 208 is OFF and that the supply pack 210 has been removed, the control unit 302 determines that the supply operation initiated by the user has been completed. Thereafter, the control unit 302 waits for the completion of operations of the supply control unit 409, such as the confirmation of the remaining toner amount detection result, and instructs the image formation control unit 303 to control each unit during the recovery operation after the supply as described above (S201). The image formation control unit 303 controls the charging control unit 404, exposure control unit 405, development control unit 406, transfer control unit 407, and pre-exposure control unit 408 to achieve the aforementioned potential states.

[0101] After the switch, the CPU 310 waits for the completion of the cleaning of the remaining toner (S202), and after the completion, resumes accepting new image formation (S203), and notifies the controller 313 that the replenishment is complete (S204).

[0102] By controlling in this manner, even if a replenishment operation is started by a user during image formation, the image formation operation can be appropriately interrupted and the replenishment operation can be started. Furthermore, since the remaining toner can be appropriately disposed of when the replenishment operation is completed, control can be performed to prevent problems such as image defects during image formation after replenishment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. Image forming device 11 Photosensitive drum 12 Developing roller 14 Opening and closing member 17 Charging roller 18 Storage section 200 Supply Department 201 Acceptance Department 201b Lever part 201 201c Detectable member 208 Mechanical Switch 210 Supply Pack 230 Development unit 300 drum unit 302 Control Unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming operation on a recording material, a drum unit having a photosensitive drum; a developing unit having a developing roller and a container for containing toner supplied from a supply container; a receiving portion configured to be able to receive the supply container, the receiving portion having a first opening formed therein through which the toner supplied from the supply container is supplied to the storage portion; a shutter that is movable between an open position where it does not overlap with the first opening and a closed position where it closes the first opening formed in the receiving portion; an operating member that moves the shutter when operated, the operating member being movable between a first position where the shutter is in the open position and a second position where the shutter is in the closed position; a detection unit for detecting that the operating member is located at the first position; a control unit capable of executing an image forming operation in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum and toner is supplied from the developing roller to the formed electrostatic latent image to form an image; an opening / closing member having a stacking section on which the discharged recording material is stacked, the opening / closing member being movable between a closed position that covers at least an operation member and the receiving section and an open position that exposes at least the operation member and the receiving section; Equipped with When the operating member is located at the first position, the toner container can be replenished to the storage portion from the replenishment container via the receiving portion, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control unit does not execute the image forming operation when the detection unit detects that the operation member is located at the first position.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the image forming apparatus is in a replenishment-enabled state when the detection unit detects that the operation member is in the first position.

3. the operating member includes a detected member that moves together with the operating member, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects that the operating member is at the first position by contacting the detected member when the operating member is at the first position.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing unit is configured to be movable relative to the drum unit.

5. The developing unit comprises: When the opening / closing member is in the closed position, the opening / closing member is positioned in a position close to the drum unit, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the opening / closing member is located at a distant position away from the drum unit when the opening / closing member is located at the open position.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the developing roller is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum when the developing unit is in the separated position.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a support unit that contacts the developing unit and supports the developing unit when the developing unit is located at the separated position.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not start a new image forming operation when the detection unit detects that the operating member is located at the first position.

Images