Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can easily solve clogging of a developer cartridge with developer.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: an apparatus body having a developer container, an image forming section, a driving unit including a body driving section, a detection section, a control section, and a notification section; and a developer cartridge that is removably attached to the apparatus body. The control section executes first processing of rotating the body driving section in a third direction to rotate a conveying member in a second direction while driving a pump action section, and when the detection section detects information corresponding to load torque equal to or larger than a threshold during the execution of the first processing, executes second processing of rotating the body driving section in a fourth direction to increase volume of an internal space of the pump. After completion of the second processing, the notification section performs notification to encourage a user to separate the developer cartridge from the apparatus body and shake the developer cartridge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been proposed that includes an apparatus main body having a developing device, and a supply unit that stores toner and supplies the toner to the developing device by expanding and contracting a pump (see Patent Document 1). This image forming apparatus includes a pump state detection sensor that detects the expansion and contraction state of the pump. When the toner supply operation fails when the initial state of the pump is an extended state, it is determined that the toner is clogged in the supply unit. Then, the image forming apparatus notifies the operation display unit to shake the supply unit in order to eliminate the toner clogging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, for example, when a large amount of toner exists in the pump and there is almost no space without toner in the pump, the toner clogging may not be eliminated even if the supply unit is shaken.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily eliminating clogging of the developer in the developer cartridge.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: a developing container for containing a developer; an image forming unit for forming a toner image on a sheet; a device body having a drive unit including a drive source and a main drive unit driven by the drive source; a detection unit for detecting information corresponding to the load torque of the drive unit; a control unit; and a notification unit; and a developer cartridge detachably attached to the device body, wherein the developer cartridge has a storage chamber for containing a developer; a discharge chamber communicating with the storage chamber and having a discharge port for discharging the developer to the outside of the developer cartridge to replenish the developer in the developing container; a transport member that transports the developer from the storage chamber to the discharge chamber by being rotated in a first direction, and transports the developer from the discharge chamber to the storage chamber by being rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a pump having a first state and a second state in which the volume of the internal space is smaller than that of the first state. The control unit has a pump that can transition between a first state and a second state, and which, when transitioned from the first state to the second state, discharges the developer in the discharge chamber to the outside of the developer cartridge via the discharge port; a drive force receiving member that engages with the main body drive unit of the device body and receives a driving force from the main body drive unit to drive the pump and the transport member; and a pump operating unit that acts on the pump by the driving force received by the drive force receiving member, which causes the pump to transition between the first state and the second state, wherein when the developer cartridge is mounted on the device body, the control unit performs a first process that rotates the main body drive unit in a third direction to drive the pump operating unit while rotating the transport member in a second direction, and when the detection unit detects information corresponding to the load torque that is above a threshold during the execution of the first process, the volume of the internal space of the pump expands This creates a space in the aforementioned internal space where there is no toner. The main drive unit is rotated in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. Afterwards, The device is characterized in that it performs a second process to stop the drive of the main drive unit, and after the second process is completed, the notification unit makes a notification prompting the user to detach the developer cartridge from the main body of the device and shake the developer cartridge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily clear blockages of developer in the developer cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view showing a toner cartridge. [Figure 3] (a) is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge, and (b) is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge with the side cover removed. [Figure 4] (a) is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge, and (b) is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge with the side cover removed. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the drive coupling on the main unit side. [Figure 6] (a) is a side view showing the cam gear, pump, and link member; (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the cam gear, pump, and link member; and (c) is a diagram showing the cam groove. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the control unit. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the control process when a toner cartridge is installed in the device. [Figure 9] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a new toner cartridge, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a toner cartridge with the pump filled with toner, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a toner cartridge with empty space inside the pump. [Figure 10] A block diagram showing a control unit related to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus] The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the image forming apparatus 100, which is an electrophotographic printer according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K and the toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K are detachable from the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus 100. The part of the image forming apparatus 100 excluding each cartridge (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K) may be referred to as the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 or the main body 1 of the apparatus. The main body 1 of the apparatus is configured to receive the toner discharged from the toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 30 for forming an image on a sheet S, a sheet feeding unit 40 for feeding the sheet S, a fixing unit 25, and a pair of discharge rollers 26. The image forming unit 30 includes process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K, a scanner unit 12, and an intermediate transfer unit 16.

[0011] Process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are arranged horizontally and contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner, respectively. The configuration and operation of process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are substantially the same, except for the different colors of the images they form. Therefore, in the following, only process cartridge 6Y will be described, and the descriptions of process cartridges 6M, 6C, and 6K will be omitted.

[0012] The process cartridge 6Y is formed from a cleaning unit 4 and a developing unit 9. The cleaning unit 4 has a photosensitive drum 7 as an image carrier, a charging roller 8 as a charging part that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 7, and a cleaning blade 10 as a cleaning part. The developing unit 9 has a developing container 9a that contains a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) and a developing roller 11 as a developing part that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7.

[0013] The scanner unit 12 is disposed below the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, and the intermediate transfer unit 16 is disposed above the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K. The intermediate transfer unit 16 includes an intermediate transfer belt 18 facing each photosensitive drum 7, and primary transfer rollers 19Y, 19M, 19C, 19K disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 18. Further, a secondary transfer roller 21 that forms a secondary transfer portion 17 together with the intermediate transfer belt 18 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 18. A cleaning portion 22 is disposed on the side of the intermediate transfer belt 18 opposite to the secondary transfer roller 21.

[0014] Below the scanner unit 12, toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K are disposed. The toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction and contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, respectively. The toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K supply toner to the developing containers (9a) of the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, respectively. The configurations and operations of the toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K are substantially the same except that the colors of the contained toners are different. Therefore, hereinafter, when no particular distinction is required, the suffixes Y to K will be omitted and the description will be given generically.

[0015] The toner supply operation by the toner cartridge 13 as a developer cartridge is performed when a remaining amount detection unit (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 1 of the image forming apparatus 100 detects a shortage of the toner remaining amount in the process cartridge. The toner contained in the toner cartridge is conveyed to the process cartridge by a toner conveying device 14 driven by a toner conveying drive device 15.

[0016] The fixing unit 25 is composed of a heating unit 25a and a pressure roller 25b that presses against the heating unit 25a. Also, a discharge tray 27 is disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1, and a toner collection container 24 is disposed between the discharge tray 27 and the intermediate transfer unit 16.

[0017] The sheet feeding unit 40 has a cassette 2 for loading the sheet S, a pickup roller 41 for feeding the sheet S loaded in the cassette 2, and a separation roller pair 42 for separating the sheet S fed by the pickup roller 41 one by one.

[0018] Next, the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. At the time of image formation, each photosensitive drum is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1. First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 of the process cartridge 6Y is uniformly charged by the charging roller 8. Next, the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is scanned and exposed by the laser light irradiated from the scanner unit 12, whereby an electrostatic latent image based on the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 7. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is developed into a toner image by the developing unit 9. Then, the yellow (Y) toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 18 by the primary transfer roller 19Y. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 is removed by the cleaning blade 10.

[0019] Similarly, the toner images of magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are also transferred from each photosensitive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt 18 by the primary transfer rollers 19M, 19C, and 19K. The toner images of each color are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 18.

[0020] Meanwhile, the sheets S contained in the cassette 2 are fed at predetermined timings by the pickup roller 41 and separated one by one by the separation roller pair 42. The sheets S are then transported towards the secondary transfer unit 17 at predetermined transfer timings by the registration roller pair 5. The full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is transferred to the sheets S all at once by the secondary transfer roller 21. In other words, the secondary transfer roller 21 is an image forming unit that forms the toner image on the sheets.

[0021] After the toner image is transferred to the sheet S, any toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is removed by the cleaning unit 22. The toner removed by the cleaning unit is transported to the toner collection container 24 by the toner transport unit 23 and accumulated in the toner collection container 24.

[0022] Subsequently, the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fuser unit 25. In the fuser unit 25, the sheet S is heated and pressurized, fixing the toner image onto the sheet S. The sheet S with the fixed toner image is then discharged into the discharge tray 27 by the discharge roller pair 26, completing the image forming operation.

[0023] [Toner Cartridge] Next, the overall configuration of the toner cartridge 13 installed in the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 2 to 6(c). As shown in Figure 2, the toner cartridge 13 has a supply frame 201, a pump 223, and a side cover 224. The toner cartridge 13 has a first end 13a in the transport direction CD of the toner supply screw 209, which will be described later, and a second end 13b on the opposite side of the first end 13a. The pump 223 and the side cover 224 are provided at the first end 13a. The transport direction CD is parallel to the longitudinal direction LD of the toner cartridge 13. In other words, the toner cartridge 13 extends in the longitudinal direction LD along the transport direction CD. A partition member 210 is provided in the internal space SP of the supply frame 201. The internal space SP is divided by the partition member 210 into a toner discharge chamber 201a, a toner storage chamber 201b, and a connecting passage 201c.

[0024] The toner storage chamber 201b, which functions as a storage chamber, is a room (storage chamber) for storing toner. The toner discharge chamber 201a, which functions as a discharge chamber, has a toner discharge port 208 and is a room that communicates with the outside of the toner cartridge 13 via the toner discharge port 208. The toner discharge port 208, which functions as a discharge port, can discharge toner to the outside of the toner cartridge 13 in order to replenish the toner in the developing container 9a. The toner discharge chamber 201a and the toner discharge port 208 are provided at the first end 13a of the toner cartridge 13 and are located upstream of the pump 223 in the transport direction CD. The communication passage 201c is the toner path that connects the toner storage chamber 201b and the toner discharge chamber 201a. Note that the division of the internal space SP of the replenishment frame 201 as described above is merely an example, and the layout can be changed as needed.

[0025] Furthermore, the supply frame 201 rotatably supports the toner supply screw 209, and by rotating, the toner supply screw 209 can transport the toner contained in the toner storage chamber 201b to the toner discharge chamber 201a via the connecting passage 201c. In other words, as a transport member, the toner supply screw 209 transports the toner from the toner storage chamber 201b to the toner discharge chamber 201a by rotating in a first direction. Also, by rotating the toner supply screw 209 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, it transports the toner from the toner discharge chamber 201a to the toner storage chamber 201b.

[0026] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, and 13C, and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view showing toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, and 13C with the side cover 224 removed. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing toner cartridge 13K, and Figure 4(b) is a perspective view showing toner cartridge 13K with the side cover 224 removed. Although toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, and 13C and toner cartridge 13K differ slightly in external shape, their configuration and operation are substantially the same. Therefore, in the following, these four colored toner cartridges will be collectively referred to as toner cartridge 13.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3(a) to 4(b), the drive coupling 203, cam gear 220, link member 221, pump 223, and screw gear 226 are arranged at the downstream end of the replenishment frame 201 in the mounting direction B of the toner cartridge 13. These drive coupling 203, cam gear 220, link member 221, pump 223, and screw gear 226 are covered by a side cover 224. An information storage member 230, such as a memory, is attached to the side cover 224. The information stored in the information storage member 230 is read by a control unit 300 (see Figure 7) provided in the device body 1 when the toner cartridge 13 is mounted in the device body 1. This allows the control unit 300 to recognize the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge 13 (hereinafter referred to as the remaining toner amount).

[0028] A discharge shutter 207 is positioned on the lower surface of the supply frame 201, and when the toner cartridge 13 is not installed in the device body 1, the discharge shutter 207 covers the toner discharge port 208. As shown in Figure 5, the device body 1 is provided with an insertion section 80 into which the toner cartridge 13 is inserted, and a main body-side drive coupling 81 which serves as the main body drive unit. Driving force is transmitted to the main body-side drive coupling 81 from the motor 306 (see Figure 7) via a drive transmission unit (not shown). The motor 306, the drive transmission unit, and the main body-side drive coupling 81 constitute a drive unit 90.

[0029] The drive coupling 203, acting as a driving force receiving member, engages with the main body-side drive coupling 81 located on the device body 1 when the toner cartridge 13 is mounted on the device body 1. This transmits driving force from the main body-side drive coupling 81, which is connected to the motor 306 (see Figure 7) acting as a drive source on the device body 1, to the drive coupling 203 to drive the pump 223 and the toner supply screw 209. The drive coupling 203 has a gear portion 203a that meshes with the cam gear 220, which meshes with the screw gear 226. That is, the rotation of the drive coupling 203 causes the cam gear 220 and the screw gear 226 to rotate as well. The screw gear 226 is fixed to the toner supply screw 209 (see Figure 2).

[0030] As shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), the cam gear 220 is provided with a cam groove 220a. The cam groove 220a is formed in a meandering manner and has a peak 220b displaced downstream in the mounting direction B and a valley 220c displaced upstream in the mounting direction B. The cam gear 220 is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the mounting direction B (longitudinal direction LD).

[0031] The link member 221 has a cam projection 221a, which is positioned in a state where it is engaged with the cam groove 220a. The link member 221 is supported by the side cover 224 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction LD, but its movement around a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction LD is restricted. In other words, the link member 221 can reciprocate in the direction of the axis of the cam gear 220 (longitudinal direction LD).

[0032] The aforementioned pump 223 has a coupling portion 223b provided at the downstream end in the mounting direction B and connected to the link member 221, and a connecting portion 223c provided at the upstream end in the mounting direction B and fixed to the replenishment frame 201. The connecting portion 223c is in communication with the toner discharge chamber 201a of the replenishment frame 201.

[0033] Furthermore, the pump 223 has a bellows section 223a provided between the coupling section 223b and the connecting section 223c, and an internal space 223d is provided inside the bellows section 223a. The pump 223 can transition between a compressed state, which is a second state in which the bellows section 223a is compressed (see Figure 9(a)), and an extended state, which is a first state (see Figure 9(c)). In the compressed state, the volume of the internal space 223d is smaller than in the extended / contracted state.

[0034] Next, we will describe a configuration in which the rotational force (driving force) received by the drive coupling 203 is converted into reciprocating motion, causing the pump 223 to extend, retract, and reciprocate. When the cam gear 220 rotates in response to the driving force of the drive coupling 203, the cam projection 221a of the link member 221 alternately passes through the peaks 220b and valleys 220c of the cam groove 220a of the cam gear 220, causing the link member 221 to reciprocate in the front-rear direction. At this time, the rotation of the link member 221 is restricted by the side cover 224 around the axis extending in the longitudinal direction LD, so the link member 221 reciprocates without rotating.

[0035] In conjunction with the reciprocating motion of the link member 221, the coupling portion 223b of the pump 223 connected to the link member 221 also reciprocates. This reciprocating motion of the coupling portion 223b causes the bellows section 223a of the pump 223 to expand and contract, and the internal space 223d of the pump 223 to fluctuate periodically. In other words, the link member 221, as the pump's operating part, acts on the pump 223 due to the driving force received by the drive coupling 203, causing the pump 223 to perform an expansion and contraction operation that periodically repeats between a compressed state and an extended state. The cam gear 220 and the link member 221 engaged with it are cams that act as drive conversion units, converting rotational force into force to cause the pump 223 to reciprocate. Other known mechanical elements such as cranks and links can also be used as drive conversion units.

[0036] [How to eject toner from a toner cartridge] As described above, with the toner cartridge 13 installed in the main unit 1, the motor 306 (see Figure 7) is driven, causing the drive coupling 203 of the toner cartridge 13 to rotate. As the drive coupling 203 rotates, the toner supply screw 209 rotates and the pump 223 extends and retracts. Only a small amount of toner, discharged by a single compression operation of the pump 223, is present in the toner discharge chamber 201a of the supply frame 201.

[0037] Then, the compression operation of the pump 223, that is, the transition from the extended state to the compressed state, increases the internal pressure in the toner discharge chamber 201a, the communication passage 201c, and the toner storage chamber 201b, which are in communication with the internal space 223d of the pump 223. As a result, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 201a is discharged from the toner discharge port 208. The toner discharged from the toner discharge port 208 is transported to the process cartridge by the toner transport device 14.

[0038] [Control Block] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the control unit 300 of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The apparatus body 1 has a control unit 300, which has a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 executes various programs stored in the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 is used as a workspace for the CPU 301.

[0039] A current detection unit 404 is connected to the input side of the control unit 300 as a detection unit. The current detection unit 404 detects the current value flowing through the motor 306. The current detection unit 404 may also be provided within the control unit 300.

[0040] A motor 306 is connected to the output side of the control unit 300. As described above, the motor 306 can transmit driving force to the drive coupling 203 of the toner cartridge 13 when the toner cartridge 13 is mounted on the main unit 1. A display unit 307 is also connected to the control unit 300. The display unit 307, which serves as a notification unit, can display messages and images and may have, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL display.

[0041] [Initial control] Next, the initial control performed when the toner cartridge 13 is installed in the main unit 1 will be explained using Figures 8 to 9(c). In the following explanation, the initial control when a new toner cartridge 13 is installed in the main unit 1 will be used as an example. Note that when the toner cartridge 13 is new (unused), the pump 223 is in a compressed state, as shown in Figure 9(a). Furthermore, the control flowchart shown in Figure 8 may be performed regardless of whether the toner cartridge 13 installed in the main unit 1 is new or not.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8, first, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the toner cartridge 13 has been installed in the device body 1 (step S11). If it is determined that the toner cartridge 13 has been installed in the device body 1 (step S11: Yes), the control unit 200 executes the initial control shown in steps S12 to S19.

[0043] When initial control is initiated, the control unit 200 first performs a first process (step S12) which involves rotating the motor 306 in the reverse direction, i.e., rotating the drive coupling 203 in the third direction. This drives the link member 221, causing the pump 223 to extend and retract, and simultaneously rotating the toner supply screw 209 in the second direction. As the toner supply screw 209 rotates in the second direction, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 201a and the pump 223 is transported toward the toner storage chamber 201b. Normally, when the toner in the developing container 9a (see Figure 1) is low and a replenishment operation is performed to discharge (replenish) toner from the toner cartridge 13 toward the developing container 9a, the motor 306 rotates in the forward direction. At this time, the drive coupling 203 rotates in the fourth direction, opposite to the third direction. That is, when the motor 306 rotates in the forward direction, the toner supply screw 209 rotates in the first direction to transport the toner in the toner storage chamber 201b toward the toner discharge chamber 201a via the connecting passage 201c.

[0044] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the load torque of the motor 306 is above a threshold value based on the detection result of the current detection unit 404 (step S13). Incidentally, when the load torque of the motor 306 increases, the current value flowing through the motor 306 also increases. For this reason, the control unit 300 can estimate the load torque of the motor 306 based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 404. In other words, the current value detected by the current detection unit 404 is information corresponding to the load torque of the motor 306. If the load torque of the motor 306 is below the threshold value (step S13: No), the control unit 300 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the motor 306 started rotating in reverse (step S14). If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (step S14: Yes), the control unit 300 stops the motor 306 (step S15) and terminates the process.

[0045] By the way, if the toner cartridge 13 is transported with the pump 223 facing downwards, the toner contained in the toner storage chamber 201b and the toner discharge chamber 201a will accumulate towards the pump 223. As a result, as shown in Figure 9(a), the pump 223 will be filled with toner, and even if the pump 223 extends and retracts, it will not be able to properly change the internal pressure in the toner discharge chamber 201a and the toner storage chamber 201b.

[0046] However, as in this embodiment, by rotating the motor 306 in reverse for a predetermined time during initial control, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 201a and the pump 223 can be transported toward the toner storage chamber 201b by the toner replenishment screw 209. As the amount of toner in the pump 223 decreases, there is more internal space available for the pump 223 to extend and retract properly, allowing the toner to be discharged smoothly from the toner cartridge 13.

[0047] During the predetermined time in which the motor 306 is rotated in reverse, the initial period is slower than during normal toner discharge in order to open the sealing member (not shown) that seals the toner outlet 208. In other words, the rotation speed of the motor 306 is set to a rotation speed V2 that is slower than the rotation speed V1 during toner replenishment. After that, the rotation speed of the motor 306 is returned to rotation speed V1.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(b), if the toner density in the toner discharge chamber 201a is high, when the motor 306 is rotated in reverse to transition the pump 223 from a compressed state to an extended state, the pump 223 may have difficulty drawing in air. In such cases, the pump 223 may end up drawing in toner from the toner discharge chamber 201a along with the air.

[0049] In this state, when the pump 223 transitions from the extended state to the compressed state, it attempts to push even more toner into the toner discharge chamber 201a, which is already filled with toner. As a result, the toner inside the pump 223 aggregates and forms clumps, reducing its fluidity. Consequently, even if the motor 306 is used to extend and retract the pump 223, the load torque of the motor 306 exceeds a threshold.

[0050] Returning to Figure 8, if in step S13 it is determined that the load torque of the motor 306 is above a threshold (step S13: Yes), the control unit 300 stops the motor 306 and then performs a second process to rotate the motor 306 in the forward direction (step S16). When the motor 306 rotates in the forward direction, the drive coupling 203 rotates in the fourth direction. That is, if the current detection unit 404 detects a current value corresponding to a load torque above a predetermined threshold while the control unit 300 is performing the first process to rotate the motor 306 in the reverse direction, it performs a second process to rotate the motor 306 in the forward direction and rotate the drive coupling 203 in the fourth direction.

[0051] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the pump 223 has extended by a predetermined amount beyond the time when the motor 306 stopped in step S16 (step S17). Specifically, in steps S16 to S18, the control unit 300 rotates the pump 223 by a certain amount in the forward direction, i.e., in the second direction, to extend the pump 223 beyond the time when the motor 306 was stopped. This expands the volume of the internal space 223d of the pump 223, creating a space within the pump 223 that is free of toner.

[0052] Then, if it is determined that the pump 223 has extended by a predetermined amount (step S17: Yes), the control unit 300 stops the motor 306 (step S18). This completes the second process. Furthermore, after the second process is completed, the control unit 300 performs a third process, displaying a message on the display unit 307 prompting the user to detach the toner cartridge 13 from the main body 1 and shake it in the longitudinal direction LD (step S19), and then terminates the process.

[0053] In step S19, instead of a message, an illustration image may be displayed on the display unit 307 to prompt the user to detach the toner cartridge 13 from the device body 1 and shake it in the longitudinal direction LD. Both the message and the illustration image are images. Also, in step S19, the user may simply be prompted to detach the toner cartridge 13 from the device body 1 and shake it, without specifying the direction in which to shake the toner cartridge 13. Alternatively, in step S19, the user may be prompted to detach the toner cartridge 13 from the device body 1 and shake it in the longitudinal direction LD with the pump 223 facing upwards. In other words, the display unit 307 may provide notification to the user to detach the toner cartridge 13 from the device body 1 and shake the toner cartridge 13 with the first end 13a (see Figure 2) above the second end 13b.

[0054] Furthermore, in step S16, when the motor 306 is rotated in the forward direction, the rotational speed of the motor 306 is set to a rotational speed V2 that is slower than the rotational speed V1 during the toner replenishment operation, similar to step S12.

[0055] Prompted by the message displayed on the display unit 307, the user shakes the toner cartridge 13, which helps to loosen the toner that has agglomerated and clumped together in the pump 223. In steps S16 and S17, the pump 223 is extended, creating a space without toner inside the pump 223. This makes it easier to loosen the toner inside the pump 223, thus making it easier to resolve toner clogging in the toner cartridge 13.

[0056] <Other Embodiments> In this embodiment, in steps S16 to S18, the pump 223 is extended by rotating it forward by a predetermined amount, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Figure 10 is a control block diagram of the control unit 300 according to a modified example. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the pump 223 may be extended to the extended state based on the detection result of the pump state detection sensor 305. This makes it easier to loosen the toner inside the pump 223 when the toner cartridge 13 is shaken. The pump state detection sensor 305 detects the state of the pump 223 and consists of, for example, a rotary encoder that detects the rotational position of the cam gear 220, or an optical sensor or limit switch that detects the position of the reciprocating link member 221. The pump state detection sensor 305 detects, for example, the extended state of the pump 223.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the current value flowing through the motor 306 is detected by the current detection unit 404, and the load torque of the motor 306 is estimated based on this current value, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a torque sensor 304 (see Figure 10) consisting of a strain gauge or the like may be provided on the output shaft of the motor 306. The torque sensor 304 as a detection unit is configured to detect the load torque of the motor 306. The torque sensor 304 only needs to detect the load torque (torque) at any point in the drive unit 90, including the motor 306, the drive transmission unit, and the main body side drive coupling 81. In this case, the detected load torque (torque) is information corresponding to the load torque of the motor 306.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive coupling 203 of the toner cartridge 13 was rotated in a third or fourth direction by reversing the motor 306, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the drive coupling 203 may be configured to rotate in a third or fourth direction by transmitting the driving force of the motor 306, which rotates in one direction, to the drive coupling 203 via a plurality of gear trains.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a message was displayed on the display unit 307 in step S19, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 300 may provide notification to the user by sound or light to prompt them to detach the toner cartridge 13 from the main body 1 and shake it in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after stopping the motor 306 in step S18, a message is displayed on the display unit 307 in step S19, but this is not limited to this. For example, step S19 may be omitted.

[0061] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described using an image forming apparatus 100 which is an electrophotographic printer in all of the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink liquid from a nozzle.

[0062] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0063] Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration examples and method examples. (Composition 1) A device body comprising: a developing container for containing a developer; an image forming unit for forming a toner image on a sheet; a drive unit including a drive source and a main drive unit driven by the drive source; a detection unit for detecting information corresponding to the load torque of the drive unit; a control unit; and a notification unit. The device comprises a developer cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body of the device, The aforementioned developer cartridge is A storage chamber for the developer, To replenish the developer in the developing container, an outlet for discharging the developer is provided outside the developer cartridge, and an outlet for discharging the developer is provided, and an outlet for discharging the developer is provided, which is in communication with the storage chamber, A conveying member that, when rotated in a first direction, conveys the developer from the storage chamber to the discharge chamber, and when rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, conveys the developer from the discharge chamber to the storage chamber. A pump that is capable of transitioning between a first state and a second state in which the volume of the internal space is smaller than that of the first state, and which, by transitioning from the first state to the second state, discharges the developer in the discharge chamber to the outside of the developer cartridge via the discharge port, A drive force receiving member that engages with the main body drive unit of the device body and receives driving force from the main body drive unit to drive the pump and the conveying member, A pump operating part that acts on the pump by the driving force received by the driving force receiving member, the pump operating part that causes the pump to transition between a first state and a second state, When the developer cartridge is mounted on the main body of the device, the control unit performs a first process of rotating the main body drive unit in a third direction to drive the pump action unit while rotating the transport member in a second direction, and when the detection unit detects information corresponding to the load torque that is above a threshold during the execution of the first process, it performs a second process of rotating the main body drive unit in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction so as to expand the volume of the internal space of the pump, thereby stopping the drive of the main body drive unit. The notification unit, after the second process is completed, provides notification prompting the user to detach the developer cartridge from the main body of the device and shake the developer cartridge. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) The notification unit displays an image prompting the user to detach the developer cartridge from the main body of the device and shake the developer cartridge. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. (Composition 3) The developer cartridge extends longitudinally along the transport direction of the transport member, The notification unit displays an image prompting the user to detach the developer cartridge from the main body of the device and shake the developer cartridge in the longitudinal direction. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. (Composition 4) The developer cartridge has a first end in the transport direction of the transport member and a second end opposite to the first end in the transport direction, The pump is provided at the first end of the developer cartridge, The notification unit provides notification prompting the user to detach the developer cartridge from the main body of the device and shake the developer cartridge in a position where the first end is above the second end. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. (Composition 5) The discharge port is provided at the first end of the developer cartridge and is located upstream of the pump in the transport direction. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, characterized in that... (Composition 6) The main drive unit is rotated in the fourth direction when discharging developer from the discharge port of the developer cartridge in order to replenish the developer in the developing container. An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized by the above. (Composition 7) The pump of the developer cartridge in an unused state is in the second state. An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6 characterized by the above. (Composition 8) The information corresponding to the load torque is the current value flowing through the drive source. An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 / Device body / 9a:Developing container / 13:Developer cartridge (toner cartridge) / / 13a:First end / 13b:Second end / 21:Image forming unit (secondary transfer roller) / 81:Main unit drive unit (main unit side drive coupling) / 90:Drive unit / 100:Image forming apparatus / 201a:Discharge chamber (toner discharge chamber) / 201b:Storage chamber (toner storage chamber) / 203:Drive force receiving member (drive coupling) / 208:Discharge port (toner discharge port) / 209:Conveying member (toner replenishment screw) / 221:Pump operating part (link member) / 223:Pump / 223d:Internal space / 300:Control unit / 304:Detection unit (torque sensor) / 306:Drive source (motor) / 307:Notification unit (display unit) / CD:Conveying direction / LD:Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A device body comprising: a developing container for containing a developer; an image forming unit for forming a toner image on a sheet; a drive unit including a drive source and a main drive unit driven by the drive source; a detection unit for detecting information corresponding to the load torque of the drive unit; a control unit; and a notification unit. The device comprises a developer cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body of the device, The aforementioned developer cartridge is A storage chamber for the developer, To replenish the developer in the developing container, an outlet for discharging the developer is provided outside the developer cartridge, and an outlet for discharging the developer is provided, and an outlet for discharging the developer is provided, which is in communication with the storage chamber, A conveying member that, when rotated in a first direction, conveys the developer from the storage chamber to the discharge chamber, and when rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, conveys the developer from the discharge chamber to the storage chamber. A pump that is capable of transitioning between a first state and a second state in which the volume of the internal space is smaller than that of the first state, and which, by transitioning from the first state to the second state, discharges the developer in the discharge chamber to the outside of the developer cartridge via the discharge port, A drive force receiving member that engages with the main body drive unit of the device body and receives driving force from the main body drive unit to drive the pump and the conveying member, A pump operating part that acts on the pump by the driving force received by the driving force receiving member, the pump operating part that causes the pump to transition between a first state and a second state, When the developer cartridge is mounted on the main body of the device, the control unit performs a first process of rotating the main body drive unit in a third direction to drive the pump action unit while rotating the transport member in a second direction, and when the detection unit detects information corresponding to the load torque that is above a threshold during the execution of the first process, it performs a second process of rotating the main body drive unit in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction so that the volume of the internal space of the pump expands and a space without toner is created in the internal space, and then stops driving the main body drive unit. The notification unit, after the second process is completed, provides notification prompting the user to detach the developer cartridge from the main body of the device and shake the developer cartridge. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The notification unit displays an image prompting the user to detach the developer cartridge from the main body of the device and shake the developer cartridge. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The developer cartridge extends longitudinally along the transport direction of the transport member, The notification unit displays an image prompting the user to detach the developer cartridge from the main body of the device and shake the developer cartridge in the longitudinal direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The developer cartridge has a first end in the transport direction of the transport member and a second end opposite to the first end in the transport direction. The pump is provided at the first end of the developer cartridge, The notification unit provides notification prompting the user to detach the developer cartridge from the main body of the device and shake the developer cartridge in a position where the first end is above the second end. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The discharge port is provided at the first end of the developer cartridge and is located upstream of the pump in the transport direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The main drive unit is rotated in the fourth direction when discharging developer from the discharge port of the developer cartridge in order to replenish the developer in the developing container. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The pump of the developer cartridge in an unused state is in the second state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The information corresponding to the load torque is the current value flowing through the drive source. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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