JPH02284165A - Image forming device - Google Patents
Image forming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH02284165A JPH02284165A JP1104658A JP10465889A JPH02284165A JP H02284165 A JPH02284165 A JP H02284165A JP 1104658 A JP1104658 A JP 1104658A JP 10465889 A JP10465889 A JP 10465889A JP H02284165 A JPH02284165 A JP H02284165A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- process cartridge
- toner
- light receiving
- light emitting
- image forming
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 90
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 68
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 12
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 19
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001629 suppression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000167880 Hirundinidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001678 irradiating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】
（産業上の利用分野）
本発明はレーザビームプリンタや電子写真複写機の如く
電子写真方式を用いた画像形成装置に関するものて、特
にプロセスカートリッジ内の現像剤の有無の検出手段に
関するものである。Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method such as a laser beam printer or an electrophotographic copying machine, and particularly relates to an image forming apparatus that uses an electrophotographic method such as a laser beam printer or an electrophotographic copying machine. This relates to detection means.
（従来の技術）
電子写真方式を採用した画像形成装置では、その使用が
長時間に及ぶと、像担持体の交換、現像剤（トナー）の
補給、その他関連機器の清掃、交換調整等のメンテナン
ス作業が必要となってくる。そこで像担持体及びこの関
連機器である現像器、クリーニング器等をプロセスカー
トリッジとして一体化し、該プロセスカートリッジを装
置本体に対してそっくり取替えることかできるようにし
て、前記メンテナンス作業の容易化か図られている。(Prior Art) When an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic method is used for a long period of time, maintenance such as replacing the image carrier, replenishing developer (toner), cleaning, replacing and adjusting other related equipment is required. Work will be required. Therefore, the image carrier and related equipment such as a developing device, a cleaning device, etc. are integrated into a process cartridge, and the process cartridge can be completely replaced in the main body of the apparatus, thereby simplifying the maintenance work. ing.
さて、プロセスカートリッジの取替え要因には種々のも
のか考えられるが、現像器中のトナーを使い尽した場合
がその要因の１つとして考えられる。現像器中には像担
持体の１回転当りの現像剤使用量と、像担持体の繰り返
し使用寿命回数とから求められたトナーが予め充填され
ているが、現像器の長時間の使用により、該現像器中に
トナーが未だ残っているかどうかを検出し、プロセスカ
ートリッジの取替タイミングを決定するために、一般に
装置本体側にトナー検出手段が設けられている。Now, various factors can be considered as reasons for replacing the process cartridge, but one of the factors is considered to be when the toner in the developing device is used up. The developing device is prefilled with toner determined from the amount of developer used per rotation of the image carrier and the number of times the image carrier is used repeatedly, but due to long-term use of the developing device, In order to detect whether or not toner still remains in the developing device and determine the timing for replacing the process cartridge, a toner detection means is generally provided on the main body side of the apparatus.
かかる検出手段の１例を第７図により説明すれば、１０
０は装置本体の支持部２００に着脱自在に配設されるプ
ロセスカートリッジであり、該プロセスカートリッジ１
００のカートリッジ容器１００ａ内には像担持体である
感光１−ラム現像器等が一体的に収納されている。現像
器はトナーを感光ドラムの方へ移動させる現像部と。An example of such a detection means will be described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 0 designates a process cartridge that is removably disposed on the support portion 200 of the apparatus main body, and the process cartridge 1
A photosensitive 1-ram developing device as an image carrier and the like are integrally housed in the cartridge container 100a of No. 00. The developing unit is a developing section that moves the toner toward the photosensitive drum.
ホッパー内にトナーを貯蔵し、Ｗｌ拌機を介して１−ナ
ーを現像部に供給するトナー貯蔵部等とから構成されて
いる。そしてトナー貯蔵部を含むプロセスカートリッジ
１００中には透明体等で構成される光通路１００ｂか上
下に貫通して形成され、該光通路１００ｂに対向する装
置本体の支持部２００には発光部１１１．受光部１１２
とをプロセスカートリッジ１００を挟み込む如く取付け
たトナーの検出手段１１０か配設されている。The toner storage section stores toner in a hopper and supplies 1-toner to a developing section via a Wl agitator. In the process cartridge 100 including the toner storage section, an optical path 100b made of a transparent material or the like is formed to penetrate vertically, and a light emitting section 111. Light receiving section 112
A toner detection means 110 is disposed so as to sandwich the process cartridge 100 therebetween.
そしてトナー貯蔵部内のトナーか無くなり、トナー検出
手段１１０の発光部１１１より発せられた光を受光部１
１２が検知するかどうかでトナーの有無が検出される。Then, when the toner in the toner storage section runs out, the light emitted from the light emitting section 111 of the toner detection means 110 is transmitted to the light receiving section 11.
The presence or absence of toner is detected depending on whether or not 12 is detected.
（発明か解決しようとする問題点）
しかしながら以上の如きトナー検出手段１１０において
は、例えば受光部１１２はプロセスカートリッジ１００
の着脱の障害とならないようプロセスカートリッジ１０
０の上面より所定距離を離して配設されている。(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the toner detection means 110 as described above, for example, the light receiving section 112 is connected to the process cartridge 100.
The process cartridge 10
0 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the top surface of the device.
従って発光部１１１と受光部１１２間の検出圧ＭＬが必
要以上に長くなり、発光部１１１には高出力高指向角の
センサーを、受光部１１２には高感度のセンサーをそれ
ぞれ使用する必要が生じ、コルドアツブの原因となって
いた。また検出距離りが長ければ長いほど、検出精度か
低下して不利となると共に、発、受光部１１１，１１２
も装置本体の支持部２００に高精度に取付ける必要か生
じるため、取付は後の調整が必要となったり、装置本体
側の構成が複雑になったりして、このこともコストアッ
プの原因となっていた。Therefore, the detection pressure ML between the light emitting section 111 and the light receiving section 112 becomes longer than necessary, and it becomes necessary to use a sensor with high output and a high directivity angle for the light emitting section 111 and a sensor with high sensitivity for the light receiving section 112. , which caused cold swallows. Furthermore, the longer the detection distance, the lower the detection accuracy becomes, which is disadvantageous.
It is also necessary to attach it to the support part 200 of the device main body with high precision, so the installation requires later adjustment and the configuration of the device main body becomes complicated, which also causes an increase in costs. was.
また以上の如きトナー検出手段１１０においては発光部
１１１が装置本体内に露出して取付けられているため、
乱反射光か侵入しやすく誤検出の虞れもある。また該誤
検出を防ぐために、ある特定の波長の光だけを発光、検
知する検出手段を用いたり、覆いを取付けること等も考
えられるが、これ等も装置のコストアップにつながる。Furthermore, in the toner detecting means 110 as described above, the light emitting section 111 is installed in an exposed manner within the main body of the apparatus.
Diffusely reflected light can easily penetrate and there is a risk of false detection. Further, in order to prevent such erroneous detection, it is conceivable to use a detection means that emits and detects only light of a certain specific wavelength, or to attach a cover, but these also lead to an increase in the cost of the apparatus.
更に装置本体内で飛散したトナーやゴミ等が発、受光部
１１１．１１２の外表面に付着して検出手段１１０によ
るプロセスカートリッジｌＯＯ内のトナーの有無の検知
か十分になされないといった不都合もあった。Furthermore, there was also the inconvenience that toner, dust, etc. scattered within the apparatus main body were generated and adhered to the outer surface of the light receiving portions 111 and 112, making it impossible for the detection means 110 to sufficiently detect the presence or absence of toner in the process cartridge lOO. .
本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされたものて、その目的と
する処は、低コストで且つ高精度な現像剤の検知手段を
備えて、プロセスカートリッジ内の現像剤の有無を正確
に検知できる画像形成装置を提供するにある。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image that can accurately detect the presence or absence of developer in a process cartridge by providing a low-cost and highly accurate developer detection means. To provide forming equipment.
（課題を解決するための手段）
上記目的を達成すべく本発明は、現像器を有し、装置本
体内に着脱自在に配設されるプロセスカートリウジと、
装置本体側に取付けられ、前記プロセスカートリッジを
発光部と受光部とで挟み込んで現像器内の現像剤の有無
を検出する検出手段とを有する画像形成装置において、
前記検出手段の発光部と受光部のうち少なくとも一方が
、その支持部材を介して前記プロセスカートリッジに密
着する現像剤の有無か検出可能な検出位置と、プロセス
カートリッジから離間した該プロセスカートリッジか着
脱可能な退避位置とに移動可能に配設されていることを
特徴とする。(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a process cartridge having a developing device and detachably disposed within an apparatus main body;
In an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes a detecting means attached to the apparatus main body side and detecting the presence or absence of developer in the developing device by sandwiching the process cartridge between a light emitting part and a light receiving part,
A detection position where at least one of the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the detection means can detect the presence or absence of developer in close contact with the process cartridge through its support member, and a detection position where the process cartridge separated from the process cartridge is detachable. It is characterized in that it is movably arranged to a retracted position.
（作用）
プロセスカートリッジを装置本体に対し着脱する場合、
該装置本体側に取付けられるプロセスカートリッジ中の
現像剤の検知手段の発光部及び受光部のうち少なくとも
一方は退避位置に移動しているため、このプロセスカー
トリッジの着脱は容易となる。またプロセスカートリッ
ジが装置本体内に装着された場合、前記検知手段の発光
部、受光部のうち少なくとも一方がプロセスカートリウ
ジにその支持部材を介して密着する検知位置に移動して
いるため、発光部、受光部間の検知距離を短く維持でき
、検出精度を上げることができる。またこの場合、発光
部、受光部のうち少なくとも一方は現像剤やゴミ等から
の汚れを回避できる。(Function) When attaching or detaching the process cartridge to the main body of the device,
At least one of the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the developer detecting means in the process cartridge attached to the apparatus main body side has been moved to the retracted position, so that the process cartridge can be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, when the process cartridge is installed in the main body of the apparatus, at least one of the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the detection means has moved to the detection position where it comes into close contact with the process cartridge via its support member. , the detection distance between the light receiving parts can be kept short, and the detection accuracy can be increased. Further, in this case, at least one of the light emitting section and the light receiving section can be prevented from being contaminated by developer, dust, and the like.
（実施例）
以丁に本発明の実施例をレーザビームプリンタを例にと
り添付図面に基づいて説明する。(Example) An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking a laser beam printer as an example.
先ず本発明の第１実施例を第１図乃至第５図により説明
する。First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
第１図は略（コ）の字形をした装置本体の取付部材２中
にプロセスカートリッジ１０か着脱自在に取付けられて
いる状態を示しており、該プロセスカートリ・ンジｌＯ
のカートリ・ンシ容器１０ａ中には像担持体である感光
ドラム１１、−成帯電器１２、現像器１３．クリーニン
グ器１４とが一体的に収納されている。FIG. 1 shows a state in which a process cartridge 10 is removably installed in a U-shaped mounting member 2 of the apparatus main body.
The cartridge container 10a includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier, a charger 12, a developer 13. A cleaning device 14 is integrally housed therein.
即ち一次帯電器１２により一様帯電された感光トラム１
１上にレーザ光を介して画像光しか照射されると、感光
トラム１１上には静電潜像か形成される。該静電潜像は
現像器１３中の現像剤（トナー）Ｔにより現像されて顕
像化され、トナー像に変えられる。一方不図示のレジス
トローラにより感光トラム１１の方へタイミングをとっ
て給送された転写紙Ｐ上には、転写帯電器１５を介して
感光トラム１１上の前記トナー像が転写され、その後該
トナー像を担持する転写紙Ｐは不図示の定着器に送られ
、トナー像か転写紙Ｐ上に定着されて１機外へ排出され
る。また転写か終了した感光トラム１１は残留トナーか
クリーニング器１４によりクリーニングされ１次の静電
潜像を形成するためにスタンバイされる。That is, the photosensitive tram 1 is uniformly charged by the primary charger 12.
When only image light is irradiated onto the photosensitive tram 11 via a laser beam, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive tram 11. The electrostatic latent image is developed and visualized by the developer (toner) T in the developing device 13, and converted into a toner image. On the other hand, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred via the transfer charger 15 onto the transfer paper P, which is fed to the photosensitive tram 11 in a timely manner by a registration roller (not shown). The transfer paper P carrying the image is sent to a fixing device (not shown), the toner image is fixed on the transfer paper P, and the toner image is ejected to the outside of the machine. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 11 is cleaned of residual toner by a cleaning device 14 and placed on standby for forming a primary electrostatic latent image.
現像器１３は現像スリーブ２０を有し、感光トラム１１
の方へトナーＴを供給する現像部１３Ａと、ホッパー２
１内にトナーＴを貯蔵し、該トナーＴを攪拌機２２．２
２を介して現像部１３Ａの方へ供給するトナー貯蔵部１
３Ｂとから構成されている。前記撹拌ａ２２は斜状のｌ
２２ ａを有し、第１図中矢印方向に回転するため、
トナー貯蔵部１３Ｂ内のトナーＴは該トナー貯蔵部１３
Ｂと現像部１３Ａとの間に設けられた連通孔２３を介し
て現像部へ間欠的に送られ、現像スリーブ２０を介して
感光トラム１１の方へ供給され現像の用に供される。The developing device 13 has a developing sleeve 20 and a photosensitive tram 11.
a developing section 13A that supplies toner T toward the hopper 2;
A toner T is stored in a stirrer 22.2.
Toner storage unit 1 supplies toner to the developing unit 13A via 2.
It is composed of 3B. The stirring a22 is an oblique l
22a and rotates in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1,
The toner T in the toner storage section 13B is stored in the toner storage section 13B.
The toner is intermittently sent to the developing section through a communication hole 23 provided between B and the developing section 13A, and is supplied to the photosensitive tram 11 via the developing sleeve 20 for development.
またプロセスカートリッジ１０中には現像器１３のトナ
ー貯蔵部１３Ｂを経由して上下方向に光か通過可能な光
通路１０ｂか一直線状に形成され、該光通路１０ｂ中に
検知光を照射することにより現像器１３のトナー貯蔵部
１３Ｂ中のトナーＴの有無を検知できるようになってい
る。即ちトナー貯蔵部１３Ｂのホッパー底壁２１ａ及び
容器蓋２４には透明材で構成される残検窓２５、透明窓
２６が設けられ、且つトナー貯蔵部１３ＢのＬ方に配設
されるクリーニング器１４には中空円筒リブ１４ａが設
けられて、これらかプロセスカートリッジｌＯを貫通す
る光通路ｆｏｂを形成している。また、第１図及び第２
図で示される如く、前記中空円筒リブ１４ａのカートリ
ッジ容器１０ａの本体からやや上方に突出する上面と残
検窓２５の下面回りのカートリッジ容器１０ａの本体か
らやや下方に突出する部分には、それぞれ光通路１０ｂ
と同軸状に凹座面１９．１９が形成されており、該凹座
面１９．１９の第１図中右方のカートリッジ容器１０ａ
にはフェルト又はスポンジ等で構成される清掃部材３２
．３３か取付けられている。Further, in the process cartridge 10, an optical path 10b is formed in a straight line through which light can pass in the vertical direction via the toner storage portion 13B of the developing device 13, and by irradiating detection light into the optical path 10b, The presence or absence of toner T in the toner storage section 13B of the developing device 13 can be detected. That is, a residual inspection window 25 and a transparent window 26 made of a transparent material are provided on the hopper bottom wall 21a and the container lid 24 of the toner storage section 13B, and a cleaning device 14 is provided on the L side of the toner storage section 13B. A hollow cylindrical rib 14a is provided at the cylindrical rib 14a to form an optical path fob passing through the process cartridge IO. Also, Figures 1 and 2
As shown in the figure, the upper surface of the hollow cylindrical rib 14a that protrudes slightly upward from the main body of the cartridge container 10a and the portion of the lower surface of the residual inspection window 25 that protrudes slightly downward from the main body of the cartridge container 10a are provided with light, respectively. Passage 10b
A concave seating surface 19.19 is formed coaxially with the cartridge container 10a on the right side in FIG. 1 of the concave seating surface 19.19.
There is a cleaning member 32 made of felt, sponge, etc.
．． 33 is installed.
さて前記中空円筒リブ１４ａ端部の凹座面１９にはトナ
ー検知手段２７の受光部２７ｂを内部に包含した支持部
材２９かその凸座面を介して密着状態て配設されている
。そしてこの支持部材２９は略し形の回動レバー３４の
上辺部３４ａにハネ部材３１を介して下向きに取付けら
れている。前記回動レバー３４はその角部かプロセスカ
ートリッジｌＯの取付部材２から延出されるアーム３に
支軸３５を介して枢支されると共に、一端か該アーム３
に連結される引張りハネ部材３６によって第１図中時計
方向に弾圧付勢されている。また回動レバー３４の上辺
部３４ａはプロセスカートリッジｌＯの取付部材２上方
を第１図中左方に延びその左端部に前記支持部材２９等
が取り付けられていると共に、回動レバー３４の下辺部
３４ｂは取付部材２の画像光り用の横孔２ｂを通ってプ
ロセスカートリウジｌＯ側に延びており、前記弓張りバ
ネ部材３６を介してその左端部てプロセスカートリッジ
１０を押圧した状態となっている。A support member 29 containing the light receiving portion 27b of the toner detecting means 27 is disposed in close contact with the concave seat surface 19 at the end of the hollow cylindrical rib 14a via its convex seat surface. The support member 29 is attached to the upper side 34a of the abbreviated rotating lever 34 via a spring member 31 so as to face downward. The pivoting lever 34 is pivoted at its corner via a support shaft 35 to the arm 3 extending from the mounting member 2 of the process cartridge IO, and at one end is attached to the arm 3 extending from the mounting member 2 of the process cartridge IO.
It is elastically biased clockwise in FIG. 1 by a tension spring member 36 connected to. The upper side 34a of the rotary lever 34 extends to the left in FIG. 34b extends to the process cartridge lO side through the horizontal hole 2b for image illumination of the mounting member 2, and presses the process cartridge 10 with its left end via the bow tension spring member 36. .
また前記残検窓２５の下面回りの凹座面１９にはトナー
検知手段２７の発光部２７ａを内部に包含した支持部材
２８かその凸座面を介して密着状態て配設されている。Further, a support member 28 containing a light emitting portion 27a of the toner detection means 27 therein is disposed in close contact with the concave seating surface 19 around the lower surface of the residual inspection window 25 via its convex seating surface.
そしてこの支持部材２８は取付部材２の下向き孔部２ａ
内を通り、ハネ部材３０を介して取付部材２に固定され
た板部材４に支持されている。This support member 28 is connected to the downward hole 2a of the mounting member 2.
It passes through the inside and is supported by a plate member 4 fixed to the mounting member 2 via a spring member 30.
尚、トナー検知手段２７の発光部２７ａはランプや発光
ダイオード等からなり、該発光部２７ａからの検知光が
光電セル等からなる受光部２７ｂに十分届けば、現像器
１３のトナー貯蔵部１３Ｂ中にはトナーＴか無くなって
いるということかわかることとなっている。Incidentally, the light emitting section 27a of the toner detection means 27 is composed of a lamp, a light emitting diode, etc., and if the detection light from the light emitting section 27a sufficiently reaches the light receiving section 27b composed of a photoelectric cell, etc., the toner storage section 13B of the developing device 13 is filled with light. It is supposed to tell you that Toner T is running out.
ここでトナー検知手段２７による現像器１３のトナー貯
蔵部１３Ｂ内のトナーＴの有無の検知過程を第３図を参
照しつつ説明する。尚トナー貯蔵部１３Ｂの残検窓２５
や透明窓２６の内面は攪拌ａ２２の翼２２ ａに取付け
られたシート部材２２ｂによりクリーニングされている
。Here, the process of detecting the presence or absence of toner T in the toner storage section 13B of the developing device 13 by the toner detection means 27 will be explained with reference to FIG. In addition, the residual inspection window 25 of the toner storage section 13B
The inner surface of the transparent window 26 is cleaned by a sheet member 22b attached to the blades 22a of the agitator a22.
即ちトナー貯蔵部１３Ｂ内にトナーＴか十分ある場合（
第３図中使用後期）には、トナー検知手段２７の発光部
２７ａよりの検知光は受光部２７ｂに届かず、現像機１
３内には十分なトナーＴかあることか認識される０次に
トナー貯蔵部１３Ｂ内のトナーＴかほぼ使い尽された場
合（第３図中使用後期）には、攪拌機２２の翼２２ａや
シート部材２２ｂが残検窓２５上を通過した瞬間のみ発
光部２７ａからの検知光が受光部２７ｂでキャッチされ
、該受光部２７ｂでは光の照射時間、光量レベルに応じ
て電圧が発生する。That is, when there is enough toner T in the toner storage section 13B (
3), the detection light from the light emitting section 27a of the toner detection means 27 does not reach the light receiving section 27b, and the developing machine 1
When the toner T in the toner storage section 13B is almost used up (in the latter half of use in FIG. 3), the blades 22a of the agitator 22 and Only at the moment when the sheet member 22b passes over the residual inspection window 25, the detection light from the light emitting part 27a is caught by the light receiving part 27b, and a voltage is generated in the light receiving part 27b according to the light irradiation time and the light intensity level.
即ち、第３図で示される如く受光部２７ｂの出力電圧に
鋭い山か生じるようになる０次にトナー貯蔵部１３Ｂ内
にトナーＴか略完全に無くなった場合（第３図中使用後
期）には、発光１９１１２７ ａからの検知光は略すべ
て受光部２７ｂにキャッチされるはずであるが、撹拌＠
２２の’４４２２ ａやシート部材２２ｂで一部遮えぎ
られるため受光部２７ｂの出力電圧は図示の如く波形と
なる。That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the toner T is almost completely exhausted in the zero-order toner storage section 13B (at the later stage of use in FIG. 3), a sharp peak appears in the output voltage of the light receiving section 27b. Almost all of the detection light from the light emitting device 191127a should be caught by the light receiving section 27b, but stirring @
22'4422a and the sheet member 22b, the output voltage of the light receiving section 27b has a waveform as shown in the figure.
そして現像機１３中のトナーＴの有無を判断するには１
例えば所定の電圧レベルＶ、における出力時間ｔ、を所
定の設定時１１ｆｆ（あと数十枚程度の転写紙Ｐを現像
できる程度にトナーかある状Ｓ）と比較することにより
、プロセスカートリウジｌＯの交換タイミングが検知さ
れる。1 to determine the presence or absence of toner T in the developing device 13.
For example, by comparing the output time t at a predetermined voltage level V with the output time t at a predetermined setting (when there is enough toner S to develop about several dozen sheets of transfer paper P), the process cartridge lO can be adjusted. Replacement timing is detected.
次にプロセスカートリッジｌＯの装置本体の取付部材２
への装着及び取付部材２からの取り外しに対するトナー
検知手段２７等の作用について説明する。Next, the mounting member 2 of the device main body of the process cartridge IO
The operation of the toner detection means 27 and the like with respect to attachment to and removal from the attachment member 2 will be explained.
プロセスカートリッジ１０か装鐙本体外にあるばあい、
トナー検知手段２７の受光部２７ａを支持する回動レバ
ー３４は引張りバネ部材３６の弾圧力により第１図中２
点鎖線で示すような状態にある。即ち回動レバー３４は
支軸３５を中心に時計方向に回動し、その上辺部３４ａ
に支持される受光部２７ａ、取付部材２９及びバネ部材
３１が上方に退避した位置にあり１回動レバー３４の下
辺部３４ｂの先端部は取付部材２の横孔２ｂを介して取
付部材２の内方に移動した状態となっている。また発光
部２７ｂの取付部材２８もハネ部材３０を介して取付部
材２の下孔２ａを通って上向きにやや突出した状態とな
っている。If the process cartridge 10 is outside the stirrup body,
The rotary lever 34 supporting the light receiving portion 27a of the toner detection means 27 is moved to the position 2 in FIG.
The state is as shown by the dotted chain line. That is, the rotating lever 34 rotates clockwise around the support shaft 35, and its upper side 34a
The light receiving part 27a, the mounting member 29, and the spring member 31 supported by It has moved inward. Further, the mounting member 28 of the light emitting portion 27b also passes through the lower hole 2a of the mounting member 2 via the spring member 30, and projects slightly upward.
まず、プロセスカートリッジ１０を第１図中右方に移動
して装置本体の取付部材２内に装着すると、プロセスカ
ートリッジｌＯの右面は回動レバー３４の下辺部３４ｂ
を引張りハネ部材３６の弾圧力に反して第１図中右方に
押圧するため、回動レバー３４の上辺部３４ａ端に取付
けられていた受光部２７ａの支持部材２９等は下方に移
動し、該支持部材２９かプロセスカートリッジ１０の中
空円筒リブ１４ａ上端面の凹座面１９に当接すると共に
、この支持部材２９はハネ部材３１によりこの凹座面１
９に押圧され、受光部２７ｂは検知位置に位２決めされ
る。また発光部２７ａの支持部材２８はプロセスカート
リッジｌＯの移動とともに残検窓２５下面回りの突部に
よりバネ部材３０の弾圧力に反して下方に押下けられる
が、プロセスカートリッジｌＯが取付部材２の所定位置
に取付けられると、残検窓２５の下面回りの凹座面１９
に当接すると共に、この支持部材２８はハネ部材３０に
よりこの凹座面１９に下方から押圧され１発光部２７ａ
は検知位置に位置決めされる。尚、支持部材２８と凹座
面１９間に多少のずれかあっても、凹凸面の相互作用゛
にのずれは自動的に修正される。First, when the process cartridge 10 is moved to the right in FIG.
1 to the right against the elastic force of the tension spring member 36, the support member 29 of the light receiving section 27a attached to the end of the upper side 34a of the rotating lever 34 moves downward, The support member 29 comes into contact with the concave seat surface 19 on the upper end surface of the hollow cylindrical rib 14a of the process cartridge 10, and the support member 29 is attached to the concave seat surface 1 by the spring member 31.
9, the light receiving portion 27b is positioned at the detection position. Furthermore, as the process cartridge IO moves, the support member 28 of the light emitting part 27a is pushed down by the protrusion around the bottom surface of the residual inspection window 25 against the elastic force of the spring member 30. When installed in position, the concave seat surface 19 around the bottom surface of the residual inspection window 25
At the same time, this support member 28 is pressed from below against this concave seating surface 19 by the spring member 30, and the first light emitting portion 27a
is positioned at the detection position. Incidentally, even if there is some deviation between the support member 28 and the concave seating surface 19, the deviation is automatically corrected due to the interaction between the concave and convex surfaces.
即ち１発光部２７ａの支持部材２８及び受光部２７ｂの
支持部材２９とかプロセスカートリッジｌＯにその凹座
面１９．１９を介して正確に位置決めされるため、発光
部２７ａ、光通路ｆｏｂ、受光部２７ｂとが同軸状態で
高精度に検知位置に位置決めされ、このトナー検知手段
２７によって正確にプロセスカートリッジ１０内のトナ
ーの検知をすることができることとなる。That is, since the supporting member 28 of the light emitting part 27a and the supporting member 29 of the light receiving part 27b are accurately positioned on the process cartridge IO through their concave seating surfaces 19,19, the light emitting part 27a, the optical path fob, and the light receiving part 27b are accurately positioned. are coaxially positioned at the detection position with high precision, and the toner in the process cartridge 10 can be accurately detected by the toner detection means 27.
次にプロセスカートリッジｌＯを装置本体の取付部材２
から取り外す場合について説明する。この場合プロセス
カートリッジ１０を第１図中左方に移動させると、回動
レバー３４の下辺部３４ｂの先端部か引張りバネ部材３
６により順次取付部材２内方に移動し１回動レバー３４
は支軸３５を中心に時計方向に回動する。このため受光
部２７ｂの支持部材２９はプロセスカートリッジｌＯの
中空円筒リブ１４ａの上端面に形成された凹座面１９か
ら離間し上方へ移動するが、この途中で、プロセスカー
トリッジｌＯの左方への移動に伴い、クリーニング部材
３３が取付部材２９内のトナー検知手段２７の受光部２
７ｂ上面上を摺動してこの受光部２７ｂをクリーニング
する。また発光部２７ａの支持部材２８もプロセスカー
トリッジｌＯの左方への移動に伴い、下方に押し下げら
れるが、この途中でクリーニング部材３２が取付部材２
８内のトナー検知手段２７の発光部２７ａ上面上を摺動
して該発光部２７ａをクリーニングする。Next, attach the process cartridge IO to the mounting member 2 of the device main body.
We will explain how to remove it from. In this case, when the process cartridge 10 is moved to the left in FIG.
6, the mounting member 2 is sequentially moved inward and the one-turn lever 34
rotates clockwise around the support shaft 35. Therefore, the support member 29 of the light receiving section 27b moves upward away from the concave seating surface 19 formed on the upper end surface of the hollow cylindrical rib 14a of the process cartridge 1O, but in the middle of this movement, the support member 29 of the process cartridge 10 moves upward. As the cleaning member 33 moves, the light receiving portion 2 of the toner detection means 27 inside the mounting member 29
The light receiving section 27b is cleaned by sliding on the upper surface of the light receiving section 7b. Further, the support member 28 of the light emitting part 27a is also pushed down as the process cartridge 1O moves to the left, but in the middle of this, the cleaning member 32 is moved to the mounting member 28.
8 to clean the light emitting part 27a of the toner detection means 27 by sliding on the upper surface of the light emitting part 27a.
以上の説明で明らかな如く、トナー検知手段２７の発光
部２７ａ及び受光部２７ｂをそれぞれ内包する支持部材
２８．２９が、プロセスカートリッジｌＯの装置本体に
対する着脱に際して移動できるようになっているため、
プロセスカートリッジｌＯを装置本体に装着した場合、
発、受光部２７ａ、２７ｂを有する前記支持部材２８．
２９をプロセスカートリッジ１０の凹座面１９．１９に
密着させることがてき、トナー検知手段２７をプロセス
カートリッジｌＯの光通路１０ｂに正確に位置決めでき
ると共に、トナー検知手段２７の発、受光部２７ａ、２
７ｂ間の距離を最短に保つことができる。従ってプロセ
スカートリッジｌＯの現像器１３内のトナーＴの検知精
度を複雑かつ高価なトナー検知手段を用いずに十分に上
げるこかてきる。As is clear from the above description, the support members 28 and 29 that contain the light emitting section 27a and the light receiving section 27b of the toner detection means 27 are movable when the process cartridge IO is attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus.
When the process cartridge IO is installed in the device main body,
The support member 28 has light emitting and light receiving portions 27a and 27b.
29 can be brought into close contact with the concave seat surface 19.19 of the process cartridge 10, and the toner detection means 27 can be accurately positioned in the optical path 10b of the process cartridge 10.
7b can be kept as short as possible. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the toner T in the developing device 13 of the process cartridge 1O can be sufficiently increased without using a complicated and expensive toner detection means.
またこの場合、内部に発、受光部２７ａ。Further, in this case, the light emitting and receiving portion 27a is provided inside.
２７ｂを有する支持部材２８．２９がプロセスカートリ
ッジ１０の凹座面１９．１９に密着しているため、トナ
ー検知手段２７の発光部２７ａ、受光部２７ｂは外部に
露出されることはなく、装と本体内で飛散したトナーや
ゴミ等がトナー検知手段２フ発光部２７ａ、受光部２７
ｂを覆い、プロセスカートリッジｌＯ内のトナーＴの検
知か十分になされないといった不都合は生じない。更に
トナー検知手段２７の発光部２７ａに外部から乱反射光
が侵入し、誤検知を生しることもない。Since the support members 28 and 29 having the support members 27b are in close contact with the concave seat surfaces 19 and 19 of the process cartridge 10, the light emitting part 27a and the light receiving part 27b of the toner detection means 27 are not exposed to the outside and can be easily mounted. Toner, dust, etc. scattered inside the main body may be removed from the toner detection means 2, light emitting section 27a, light receiving section 27
There is no problem that the toner T in the process cartridge 10 cannot be sufficiently detected by covering the toner T in the process cartridge 10. Further, diffusely reflected light from the outside does not enter the light emitting portion 27a of the toner detection means 27, causing false detection.
またプロセスカートリッジｌＯを装置本体から取り外す
場合は発、受光部２７ａ、２７ｂを有する支持部材２８
．２９をプロセスカートリνジｌＯから離間させること
かてき、プロセスカートリッジ１０の取り外しか容易と
なると共に、該プロセスカートリッジｌＯの移動にあた
ってトナー検知手段２７の発、受光部２７ａ、２７ｂを
クリーニングできるというメリットもある。In addition, when removing the process cartridge IO from the main body of the apparatus, a support member 28 having light emitting and light receiving sections 27a and 27b is used.
．． 29 is separated from the process cartridge 10, it becomes easy to remove the process cartridge 10, and there is also the advantage that the emitting and light receiving sections 27a and 27b of the toner detecting means 27 can be cleaned when the process cartridge 10 is moved. be.
次に本発明の第２実施例を第４図乃至第６図により説明
する。尚第１実施例に係るものと同一機能を有するもの
については同一符号を付し、その説明を省略する。Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. Components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted.
本実施例と前記第１実施例との大きな違いは。What is the major difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment?
第１実施例においてはトナー検出手段２７の発。In the first embodiment, the toner detection means 27 generates the signal.
受光部２７ａ、２７ｂの移動をプロセスカートリッジｌ
Ｏの着脱に連動して行なワていたが、本実施例において
はこれ等の移動か装置本体ｌの前ドアｌａの開閉に連動
して行なわれる点である。Move the light receiving sections 27a and 27b using the process cartridge l.
Although this movement was carried out in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of O, in this embodiment, these movements are carried out in conjunction with the opening and closing of the front door la of the apparatus main body l.
！ｓ４図はレーザど−ムプリンタの主として、前部側の
プロセスカート９９９１０回りの断面を示すもので、装
置本体ｌの略（コ）の字形の取付部材２内にプロセスカ
ートリッジ１ｏが装着されており、該プロセスカートリ
ッジ１０の前部側の下方にはレジストローラ１６及び転
写紙Ｐ用のガイド板１８．上方には定着器ｌγ、何方に
は転写帯電器１５か配設されている。そして装置本体１
の前ドアｌａは、下部を支点として上部か前、後方向に
開閉可能となっており、プロセスカートリッジｌＯの交
換やジャム逃理等の保守作業の用に供されている。尚、
前ドア１ａには定着器１７、転写帯電器１５、レジスト
ローラ１６．ガイド板１８等が一体的に取付けられ、前
ドア１ａの開閉とともに移動するようになっている。! Figure s4 mainly shows a cross section of the front process cart 99910 of the laser beam printer, and the process cartridge 1o is installed in the U-shaped mounting member 2 of the device body l. , a registration roller 16 and a guide plate 18 for the transfer paper P are located below the front side of the process cartridge 10. A fixing device lγ is provided above, and a transfer charger 15 is provided on either side. And the device body 1
The front door la can be opened and closed from the top forward and backward using the bottom as a fulcrum, and is used for maintenance work such as replacing the process cartridge IO and clearing jams. still,
The front door 1a includes a fixing device 17, a transfer charger 15, a registration roller 16. A guide plate 18 and the like are integrally attached and move as the front door 1a is opened and closed.
次にトナー検出手段２７等の構成について説明すると、
プロセスカートリッジ１０の光通路１０ｂの両端部に設
けられた中空円筒シブ１４ａ上面及び残検窓２５下面回
りの凹座面１９．１９には、それぞれトナー検出手段２
７の発光部２７ａ及び受光部２７ｂを包含する２つの支
持部材４０．４１かそれぞれの凸座面を介して密着状態
で配設されている。Next, the configuration of the toner detection means 27 etc. will be explained.
A toner detection means 2 is provided on the concave seat surfaces 19 and 19 around the upper surface of the hollow cylindrical shib 14a and the lower surface of the residual inspection window 25 provided at both ends of the optical path 10b of the process cartridge 10, respectively.
Two supporting members 40 and 41 including the light emitting section 27a and the light receiving section 27b of 7 are disposed in close contact with each other via their respective convex seating surfaces.
即ち１発光部２７ａは取付部材２の取付孔２ａを介して
プロセスカートリッジ１０に対向しているが、この発光
部２７ａを支持する支持部材４゜は装置本体ｌ側の支軸
４２に枢支されており、且つ捩りバネ４３により第１図
中時計方向に弾圧付勢されているため、この支持部材４
ｏに何ら力を作用させなければ１図中２点鎖線で示され
る如く、発光部２７ａは支持部材４ｏとともに取付孔２
ａ内から外方に退避するようになっている。この場合取
付孔２ａ内の一端に取付けられたクリーニング部材３２
より発光部２７ａはクリーニングされることとなる。一
方、支持部材４０にはレバー４４が固定され、該レバー
４４かガイド板１８に取付けられた抑圧部材４５に係合
しているため、前ドア１ａか閉状態の場合は、支持部材
４０は捩りバネ４３の弾圧力に反して１図示の実線位置
、即ち凹座面１９に位置決めされ、発光部２７ａは検知
位置に正確に位置決めされて、その機能を発揮てきるよ
うになっている。That is, the first light emitting section 27a faces the process cartridge 10 through the mounting hole 2a of the mounting member 2, and the support member 4° supporting the light emitting section 27a is pivotally supported on the support shaft 42 on the side of the main body l of the apparatus. 1, and is elastically biased in the clockwise direction in FIG.
If no force is applied to o, the light emitting part 27a will close together with the support member 4o in the mounting hole 2, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 1.
It is designed to retreat from inside a to the outside. In this case, a cleaning member 32 is attached to one end of the attachment hole 2a.
As a result, the light emitting section 27a is cleaned. On the other hand, a lever 44 is fixed to the support member 40, and the lever 44 engages with a suppression member 45 attached to the guide plate 18, so when the front door 1a is in the closed state, the support member 40 is twisted. Against the elastic force of the spring 43, the light emitting part 27a is positioned at the solid line position shown in FIG.
また受光部２７ｂはその支持部材４１か装置本体ｌ側か
ら突出する板部材５に支軸４６を介して枢支されている
が、発光部２７ａと同様に支持部材４１か捩りバネ４７
によって図中反時計方向に弾圧付勢されているため、こ
の支持部材４１に何ら力を作用させなければ、図中２点
鎖線で示される如く、受光部２７ｂは支持部材４１とと
もに回動し、取付部材２の上端部に取り付けられたクリ
ーニング部材３３に接してクリーニングされることとな
る。−力支持部材４１にはレバー４８か固定され、＃レ
バー４８か定着器１７に取付けられた押圧部材４９に係
合しているため、前ドアｌａが閉状態の場合は支持部材
４１は捩りバネ４７の弾圧力に反して図示実線位置、即
ち凹座面１９に位置決めされ、受光部２７ｂは検知位置
に正確に位置決めされてその機能を発揮できる状態とな
っている。Further, the light receiving section 27b is pivotally supported by the support member 41 or the plate member 5 protruding from the device main body l side via a support shaft 46, but similarly to the light emitting section 27a, the support member 41 or the torsion spring 47
Since the light receiving part 27b is elastically biased in the counterclockwise direction in the figure, if no force is applied to the support member 41, the light receiving part 27b will rotate together with the support member 41, as shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure. The mounting member 2 is cleaned by coming into contact with a cleaning member 33 attached to the upper end thereof. - A lever 48 is fixed to the force support member 41, and the #lever 48 engages with a pressing member 49 attached to the fixing device 17, so when the front door la is in the closed state, the support member 41 is moved by the torsion spring. 47, the light receiving portion 27b is positioned at the solid line position shown in the figure, that is, at the concave seat surface 19, and the light receiving portion 27b is accurately positioned at the detection position and is in a state where it can perform its function.
而して、前ドアｌａが開けば発、受光部２７ａ、２７ｂ
のそれぞれの支持部材４０．４１に取付けられたレバー
４４．４８とガイド部材Ｉ８及び定着器エフに取付けら
れた抑圧部材４５．４９との係合か解除され、発、受光
部２７ａ、２７ｂは支持部材４０．４１とともに第４図
中２点鎖線の位置に退避してクリーニング部材３２．３
３によりクリーニングされ、そしてプロセスカートリッ
ジ１０は取付部材２に容易に着脱できることとなる。ま
た前ドアｌａか閉しると支持部材４０．４１のレバー４
４．４８とガイド部材１８及び定着器１７の押圧部材４
５゜４９か係合するため、発、受光部２７ａ、２７ｂは
支持部材４０．４１とともに回動して、光通路１０ｂの
検知位置に対して正しく位置決めされ、その機能か発揮
できるような状態となる。Then, when the front door la is opened, the light receiving parts 27a and 27b emit light.
The levers 44.48 attached to the respective support members 40.41 are disengaged from the suppression members 45.49 attached to the guide member I8 and the fixing device F, and the light emitting and light receiving sections 27a and 27b are supported. The cleaning member 32.3 is evacuated together with the member 40.41 to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.
3, and the process cartridge 10 can be easily attached to and detached from the mounting member 2. Also, when the front door la is closed, the lever 4 of the support member 40.41
4.48 and the guide member 18 and the pressing member 4 of the fixing device 17
5°49, the light emitting and receiving parts 27a and 27b rotate together with the support member 40.41, and are correctly positioned with respect to the detection position of the optical path 10b, and are in a state where they can perform their functions. Become.
以上の如く本実施例においても基本的には第１実施例と
同様な効果を得ることができるか１本実施例では特にジ
ャム処理等のために開閉される機会か比較的多い前ドア
１ａの開閉に連動させて、トナー検出手段２７の発、受
光部２７ａ、２７ｂを移動させクリーニングしているた
め、鎮交、受光部２７ａ、２７ｂのクリーニングの機会
か第１実施例に係るものより多くなり、より大きいクリ
ーニング効果を期待できる。また発、受光部２７ａ、２
７ｂを含む支持部材 ４０．４１か前ドアｌａの開閉と
ともに完全に退避するため、プロセスカートリッジｌＯ
の着脱にあたってこのトナー検知手段２７の発、受光部
２７ａ、２７ｂを破損することもない。As described above, it is possible to basically obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment in this embodiment.1 In this embodiment, the front door 1a is opened and closed relatively often for jam removal, etc. Since the toner detecting means 27 emits light and the light receiving sections 27a and 27b are moved and cleaned in conjunction with opening and closing, there are more opportunities to clean the light receiving sections 27a and 27b than in the first embodiment. , a greater cleaning effect can be expected. Also, the light emitting and light receiving portions 27a, 2
The support member 40.41 including 7b is completely retracted when the front door la is opened and closed, so the process cartridge lO
When attaching and detaching the toner detecting means 27, the light receiving sections 27a and 27b of the toner detecting means 27 will not be damaged.
以上の説明ではトナー検知手段２７の発、受光部２７ａ
、２７ｂは支持部材４０．４１を介して回動可能に支持
されていたが、これに限る必要はなく、例えば受光部２
７ｂを第５図及び第６図で示される如く、定着器１７の
押圧部材４９の移動に伴い上下に移動させ、該移動に伴
い受光部２７ｂをクリーニング部材３２ａてクリーニン
グするようにしてもよい。In the above explanation, the toner detection means 27 emits light, the light receiving section 27a
, 27b are rotatably supported via the support members 40 and 41, but there is no need to limit to this, for example, the light receiving section 2
7b may be moved up and down with the movement of the pressing member 49 of the fixing device 17, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the light receiving portion 27b may be cleaned by the cleaning member 32a along with the movement.
即ち、第５図で示される如く、受光部２７ｂを包含支持
する支持部材５０を装置本体１側の軸部材５１に上下に
摺動自在に支持させ、且つ支持部材５０と軸部材５１間
に圧縮バネ５２を介在させる。また支持部材５０にはク
リーニング部材３３を取付けたＬ形のシャッター５３か
支軸５４を介して枢支され、該シャッター５３か捩りハ
ネ５５により第５図で示される如く支持部材５０に位置
決めされ、クリーニング部材３３か受光部２７ｂに当接
した状態となっている。That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the support member 50 that includes and supports the light receiving section 27b is supported vertically and slidably on the shaft member 51 on the apparatus main body 1 side, and compressed between the support member 50 and the shaft member 51. A spring 52 is interposed. Further, an L-shaped shutter 53 to which a cleaning member 33 is attached is pivotally supported on the support member 50 via a support shaft 54, and the shutter 53 is positioned on the support member 50 by a torsion spring 55 as shown in FIG. The cleaning member 33 is in contact with the light receiving portion 27b.
而して、第６図で示される如く、前ドア１ａの閉動作に
より定着器２７の押圧部材４９が支持部材５０に係合し
、支持部材５０を圧縮バネ５２の弾圧力に反して下方に
移動させプロセスカートリッジ１０の光通路１０ｂ上端
部、即ち、中空円筒リブ１４ａの上端部の凹座面１９に
密着させて、受光部２７ｂをその機能が発揮できる検知
位置に正確に位置決めする。この場合シャッター５３の
一端部５３ａがプロセスカートリッジ１０の取付部材２
端部に係合して、支軸５４を中心に反時計方向に回動す
るため、受光部２７ｂはクリーニング部材３３に摺擦さ
れクリーニングされることとなる。また前ドアｌａを開
けると支持部材５０と定着器１７の押圧部材４９の係合
は解除され、支持部材５０やシャッター５３は第５図の
位置に復帰し、受光部２７ｂはプロセスカートリッジｌ
Ｏの光通路ｆｏｂから離間して退避し、シャッター５３
上のクリーニング部材３３で覆われた状態となる。尚、
以上は受光部２７ｂのみについて説明したが１発光部２
７ａについていも同様のことができるのは勿論である。As shown in FIG. 6, the pressing member 49 of the fixing device 27 engages with the support member 50 due to the closing operation of the front door 1a, and the support member 50 is pushed downward against the elastic force of the compression spring 52. The light receiving section 27b is moved and brought into close contact with the upper end of the optical path 10b of the process cartridge 10, that is, the concave seating surface 19 at the upper end of the hollow cylindrical rib 14a, to accurately position the light receiving section 27b at a detection position where it can perform its function. In this case, one end 53a of the shutter 53 is attached to the mounting member 2 of the process cartridge 10.
Since the light receiving portion 27b is engaged with the end portion and rotated counterclockwise about the support shaft 54, the light receiving portion 27b is rubbed by the cleaning member 33 and cleaned. Further, when the front door la is opened, the engagement between the support member 50 and the pressing member 49 of the fixing device 17 is released, the support member 50 and the shutter 53 return to the positions shown in FIG.
The shutter 53 is moved away from the optical path fob of O.
It is now covered with the upper cleaning member 33. still,
Although only the light receiving section 27b has been described above, 1 light emitting section 2
Of course, the same thing can be done for 7a.
以上の如き変更雄側においても第２実施例と同様の効果
を得ることができるが、特に本実施例においては前ドア
ｌａか開いてトナー検知手段２７の発、受光部２７ａ、
２７ｂにゴミ等が付着し易い状態の場合に、鎮交、受光
部２７ａ、２７ｂがシャッター５３を介してクリーニン
グ部材３３で覆われているため１発、受光部２７ａ、２
７ｂの汚れをより防止できる。またこの場合、プロセス
カートリッジ１０の交換や他の部分の保守等を行っても
、トナー検知手段２７の発、受光部２７ａ、２７ｂはク
リーニング部材３２ａ等により保護されているため、メ
ンテナンス作業にあたり１発、受光部２７ａ、２７ｂを
破損することもない。Effects similar to those of the second embodiment can be obtained on the modified male side as described above, but in this embodiment in particular, when the front door la is opened, the toner detection means 27 emits light, the light receiving section 27a,
27b, the light receiving parts 27a and 27b are covered with the cleaning member 33 through the shutter 53, so one shot is fired and the light receiving parts 27a and 2
7b can be further prevented from becoming dirty. Furthermore, in this case, even if the process cartridge 10 is replaced or other parts are maintained, the light emitting and light receiving parts 27a and 27b of the toner detecting means 27 are protected by the cleaning member 32a, so only one light is emitted during maintenance work. , the light receiving sections 27a and 27b will not be damaged.
（発明の効果）
以上の説明で明らかだ如く本発明によれば、プロセスカ
ートリッジ中の現像剤の検知手段の発光部と受光部間の
検知距離を短く維持てきるため、検出精度を上げること
かでき１発光部及び受光部に高価かつ複雑なサンサーの
使用か不要となる。(Effects of the Invention) As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, the detection distance between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the developer detection means in the process cartridge can be maintained short, so that the detection accuracy can be improved. This eliminates the need to use expensive and complicated sensors for the light emitting section and the light receiving section.
また発光部、受光部のうち少なくとも一方かプロセスカ
ートリッジに支持部材を介して密着しているため、これ
等か現像剤やゴミ等で覆われ、検知精度が低下するとい
った不都合もない。Furthermore, since at least one of the light emitting section and the light receiving section is in close contact with the process cartridge via the support member, there is no problem such as the detection accuracy being degraded due to being covered with developer, dust, etc.
第１図は第１実施例に係る画像形成装置のプロセスカー
トリッジ回りの断面図、第２図は発光部、受光部及び光
通路回りの詳細図、第３図はトナー検出手段による現像
剤の検出状態を示す図。
第４図は第２実施例に係る画像形成装置のプロセスカー
トリッジ回りの断面図、第５図及び第６図は第２実施例
の変更実施例を示す図、第７図は従来技術を示す図であ
る。
１０・・・プロセスカートリッジ、１３・・・現像器、
２７・・・トナー検知手段（検知手段）、２７ａ・・・
発光部、２７ｂ−・・受光部、Ｔ・・・現像剤。
第２箇
第５図
第６図FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the light emitting section, light receiving section, and optical path, and FIG. 3 is the detection of developer by the toner detection means. Diagram showing the state. FIG. 4 is a sectional view around the process cartridge of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing a modified example of the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a conventional technique. It is. 10... Process cartridge, 13... Developing device,
27... Toner detection means (detection means), 27a...
Light emitting section, 27b--light receiving section, T... developer. Section 2, Figure 5, Figure 6
Claims (3)
るプロセスカートリッジと、装置本体側に取付けられ、
前記プロセスカートリッジを発光部と受光部とで挟み込
んで現像器内の現像剤の有無を検出する検出手段とを有
する画像形成装置において、前記検出手段の発光部と受
光部のうち少なくとも一方が、その支持部材を介して前
記プロセスカートリッジに密着する現像剤の有無が検出
可能な検出位置と、プロセスカートリッジから離間した
該プロセスカートリッジが着脱可能な退避位置とに移動
可能に配設されていることを特徴とする画像形成装置。(1) A process cartridge that has a developing device and is removably disposed within the apparatus body, and a process cartridge that is attached to the apparatus body side,
In the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes a detection means for sandwiching the process cartridge between a light emitting part and a light receiving part to detect the presence or absence of developer in the developing device, wherein at least one of the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the detecting means is The method is characterized in that it is movably disposed between a detection position where the presence or absence of developer that is in close contact with the process cartridge via a support member can be detected and a retracted position where the process cartridge is detachable from the process cartridge. image forming apparatus.
一方が、プロセスカートリッジの交換やジャム処理等を
行うための装置本体のドアの開閉動作に連動して前記検
出位置と退避位置とに移動可能に配設されていることを
特徴とする請求項１記載の画像形成装置。(2) At least one of the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the detection means moves to the detection position and the retreat position in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the door of the apparatus main body for replacing the process cartridge, clearing a jam, etc. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is arranged such that the image forming apparatus is configured to be able to perform the image forming apparatus.
一方が、プロセスカートリッジの装置本体への着脱動作
に連動して前記検出位置と退避位置とに移動可能に配設
されていることを特徴とする請求項１記載の画像形成装
置。(3) At least one of the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the detection means is arranged to be movable between the detection position and the retracted position in conjunction with the attachment/detachment operation of the process cartridge to the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP1104658A JP2606920B2 (en) | 1989-04-26 | 1989-04-26 | Image forming device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP1104658A JP2606920B2 (en) | 1989-04-26 | 1989-04-26 | Image forming device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH02284165A true JPH02284165A (en) | 1990-11-21 |
| JP2606920B2 JP2606920B2 (en) | 1997-05-07 |
Family
ID=14386565
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP1104658A Expired - Fee Related JP2606920B2 (en) | 1989-04-26 | 1989-04-26 | Image forming device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2606920B2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH06317958A (en) * | 1993-04-23 | 1994-11-15 | Nec Corp | Electrophotographic recorder |
| US5521684A (en) * | 1993-11-25 | 1996-05-28 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus including optical element for optically detecting amount of developing agent in developer |
| JP2012163927A (en) * | 2011-01-20 | 2012-08-30 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developer amount detecting device and image forming apparatus including the device |
| JP2021012270A (en) * | 2019-07-05 | 2021-02-04 | シャープ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH02210479A (en) * | 1989-02-10 | 1990-08-21 | Minolta Camera Co Ltd | Image forming device |
-
1989
- 1989-04-26 JP JP1104658A patent/JP2606920B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH02210479A (en) * | 1989-02-10 | 1990-08-21 | Minolta Camera Co Ltd | Image forming device |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH06317958A (en) * | 1993-04-23 | 1994-11-15 | Nec Corp | Electrophotographic recorder |
| US5521684A (en) * | 1993-11-25 | 1996-05-28 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus including optical element for optically detecting amount of developing agent in developer |
| JP2012163927A (en) * | 2011-01-20 | 2012-08-30 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developer amount detecting device and image forming apparatus including the device |
| US9042745B2 (en) | 2011-01-20 | 2015-05-26 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Developer amount detector, image forming apparatus incorporating same, and positioning structure for positioning unit within image forming apparatus |
| JP2021012270A (en) * | 2019-07-05 | 2021-02-04 | シャープ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2606920B2 (en) | 1997-05-07 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| LAPS | Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees |