JPH05249830A - Developer supplying device and image forming device - Google Patents
Developer supplying device and image forming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH05249830A JPH05249830A JP4048956A JP4895692A JPH05249830A JP H05249830 A JPH05249830 A JP H05249830A JP 4048956 A JP4048956 A JP 4048956A JP 4895692 A JP4895692 A JP 4895692A JP H05249830 A JPH05249830 A JP H05249830A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- toner
- toner cartridge
- developer
- developing device
- cartridge
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 abstract description 7
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/00987—Remanufacturing, i.e. reusing or recycling parts of the image forming apparatus
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
- Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
- Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、たとえば電子写真複写
機等において、現像装置に着脱可能に設けられ現像剤の
供給を行う現像剤供給装置及びこの現像剤供給装置を用
いた画像形成装置の改良に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developer supplying device detachably provided in a developing device for supplying a developer and an image forming apparatus using the developer supplying device in an electrophotographic copying machine or the like. Regarding improvement.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来、複写機等画像形成装置の現像装置
への現像剤の供給は、現像装置に交換可能に取り付けら
れ、プラスティックや金属あるいは樹脂で強化した紙等
で形成される容器内に現像剤を収納するトナ−カ−トリ
ッジを用いて行い、現像剤供給終了後にはトナ−カ−ト
リッジは、廃棄されるかあるいは、充填工場で現像剤を
再度充填され、再使用されていた。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a developer is supplied to a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine in a container which is replaceably attached to the developing device and is formed of paper reinforced with plastic or metal or resin. The toner cartridge containing the developer is used, and after the supply of the developer is completed, the toner cartridge is discarded or refilled with the developer at the filling factory and reused.
【０００３】[0003]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】従来、現像装置に現像
剤を供給するトナ−カ−トリッジは、現像剤供給終了に
より空に成った場合、充填工場で現像剤を再充填しその
再使用を行っていた。Conventionally, a toner cartridge for supplying a developer to a developing device is refilled with the developer at a filling factory and reused when the toner cartridge becomes empty after the supply of the developer is completed. I was going.
【０００４】しかしながらこの充填の際、充填工場に於
いては、トナ−カ−トリッジがそれまでに何回使用され
たかの使用回数を全く把握出来ず、外見の損傷の程度に
より再使用の可否を判断していた。このため外見が良く
ても再使用された回数が多い場合には、内部の供給ロ−
ラあるいはその駆動部等が摩耗されているにもかかわら
ず、その摩耗に気付かず現像剤を充填しトナ−カ−トリ
ッジを再生してしまっていた。しかもこの様なトナ−カ
−トリッジは、ユ−ザ−が現像装置に取り付けて使用す
る際に初めて現像剤の供給不能であることが判明すると
言う様に、良品と不良品との見分けがつかず、信頼性を
著しく低下するという問題を生じていた。 そこで本発
明は上記問題を除去するもので充填工場での現像剤充填
時、トナ−カ−トリッジの使用回数を正確に把握する事
により、トナ−カ−トリッジの、内部々品の摩耗も考慮
した、再使用の可否を正確に判断出来、従来の様に内部
々品の摩耗に気付かずにトナ−カ−トリッジに現像剤を
再充填してしまうという事が無く、不良品の発生を確実
に防止し、トナ−カ−トリッジの品質向上を図り、信頼
性の高い現像剤供給装置及び画像形成装置を提供するこ
とを目的とする。However, at the time of this filling, at the filling factory, the number of times the toner cartridge has been used cannot be grasped at all, and it is judged whether the toner cartridge can be reused or not depending on the degree of external damage. Was. For this reason, if the product has a good appearance but is reused many times, the internal supply roll
Despite the abrasion of the roller or its driving portion, the toner was not noticed and the toner cartridge was regenerated by replenishing the developer. Moreover, such a toner cartridge cannot be distinguished from a non-defective product as it is known that the developer cannot be supplied until the user attaches it to the developing device and uses it. However, there is a problem that the reliability is remarkably lowered. Therefore, the present invention eliminates the above-mentioned problems, and by accurately grasping the number of times the toner cartridge is used at the time of filling the developer in the filling factory, the wear of the internal parts of the toner cartridge is also taken into consideration. Whether the product can be reused or not can be accurately determined, and there is no need to refill the toner cartridge with the developer without noticing the internal wear of the product as in the past, and the occurrence of defective products is guaranteed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly reliable developer supply device and an image forming apparatus, by which the quality of toner cartridge is improved.
【０００５】[0005]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は、上記課題を解
決するために、現像剤を収納し現像装置に交換可能に取
着され上記現像装置に上記現像剤を供給するトナ−カ−
トリッジと、このトナ−カ−トリッジ外部に設けられ上
記トナ−カ−トリッジの使用回数を表示する表示手段
と、上記トナ−カ−トリッジ内の上記現像剤が空である
旨を検知する供給検知手段と、上記トナ−カ−トリッジ
の交換を検知する交換検知手段と、上記供給検知手段及
び上記交換検知手段からの検知信号により上記表示手段
の表示を１加算するよう上記表示手段を制御する制御手
段とを設けるものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a toner container which contains a developer and is replaceably attached to a developing device and supplies the developer to the developing device.
A toner cartridge, display means provided outside the toner cartridge for displaying the number of times the toner cartridge has been used, and supply detection for detecting that the developer in the toner cartridge is empty. Means, replacement detection means for detecting replacement of the toner cartridge, and control for controlling the display means to add 1 to the display of the display means by detection signals from the supply detection means and the replacement detection means. And means.
【０００６】又本発明は、上記課題を解決するために、
像担持体上の静電潜像を現像する現像装置を有する画像
形成装置において、現像剤を収納し上記現像装置に交換
可能に取着され上記現像装置に上記現像剤を供給するト
ナ−カ−トリッジと、このトナ−カ−トリッジ外部に設
けられ上記トナ−カ−トリッジの使用回数を表示する表
示手段と、上記トナ−カ−トリッジ内の上記現像剤が空
である旨を検知する供給検知手段と、上記トナ−カ−ト
リッジの交換を検知する交換検知手段と、上記供給検知
手段及び上記交換検知手段からの検知信号により上記表
示手段の表示を１加算するよう上記表示手段を制御する
制御手段とを設けるものである。In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides
In an image forming apparatus having a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image on an image bearing member, a toner container that contains a developer and is replaceably attached to the developing device and supplies the developer to the developing device. A toner cartridge, display means provided outside the toner cartridge for displaying the number of times the toner cartridge has been used, and supply detection for detecting that the developer in the toner cartridge is empty. Means, replacement detection means for detecting replacement of the toner cartridge, and control for controlling the display means to add 1 to the display of the display means by detection signals from the supply detection means and the replacement detection means. And means.
【０００７】[0007]
【作用】本発明は上記のように構成され、トナ−カ−ト
リッジ外部に設けられる表示手段が、トナ−カ−トリッ
ジの交換時に１ずつ加算される事から、トナ−カ−トリ
ッジの再使用回数を一目で確認可能となり、表示手段
が、定められた再使用回数に達しているか否かにより、
トナ−カ−トリッジの再使用が可能か否かを正確に且つ
極めて容易に判別可能となる。従って現像剤の充填時、
部品が摩耗されたトナ−カ−トリッジに現像剤を再充填
してしまう事が無く、不良品の再生を防止でき、装置の
信頼性が向上される。According to the present invention, since the display means provided outside the toner cartridge is added one by one when the toner cartridge is replaced, the toner cartridge can be reused. The number of times can be confirmed at a glance, the display means, depending on whether it has reached the predetermined number of reuse,
Whether or not the toner cartridge can be reused can be accurately and extremely easily determined. Therefore, when filling the developer,
The toner cartridge, whose parts are worn, is not refilled with the developer, the defective product can be prevented from being regenerated, and the reliability of the apparatus is improved.
【０００８】[0008]
【実施例】以下本発明を図１乃至図４に示す実施例を参
照して説明する。図１は、電子写真装置全体の内部構成
を示すもので、装置本体１の上面には原稿Ｄを載置する
原稿台３が設けられている。尚４は原稿カバ−である。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 shows the internal structure of the entire electrophotographic apparatus, and an original table 3 on which an original D is placed is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1. Reference numeral 4 is a document cover.
【０００９】この装置本体１内には、像担持体であるド
ラム状の感光体２０が配置され、感光体２０の周囲に
は、その回転方向に沿って従来より周知の、帯電チャ−
ジャ２１、露光装置２２の露光部２２ａ，現像装置２
３、転写チャ−ジャ２５、剥離チャ−ジャ２６、清掃装
置２７、除電装置２８が順次配置されている。A drum-shaped photosensitive member 20 which is an image bearing member is arranged in the main body 1 of the apparatus, and around the photosensitive member 20, a charging charger, which is well known in the art, along the rotation direction thereof.
Ja 21, exposure unit 22a of exposure device 22, developing device 2
3, a transfer charger 25, a peeling charger 26, a cleaning device 27, and a charge eliminating device 28 are sequentially arranged.
【００１０】次に現像装置２３及びこの現像装置２３に
現像剤であるトナ−を供給するトナ−カ−トリッジ７０
について詳述する。現像装置２３は、トナ−及びキャリ
アからなる二成分現像剤を用いて現像を行う従来より周
知の磁気ブラシ式の現像装置であり、現像モ−タ７５に
より回転されるマグネットロ−ラ７１、現像剤搬送オ−
ガ７２、撹拌オ−ガ７３を有している。そして撹拌オ−
ガ７３の下方には、現像剤中のトナ−濃度を測定するト
ナ−濃度センサ７４が設けられている。Next, the developing device 23 and a toner cartridge 70 for supplying a toner as a developer to the developing device 23.
Will be described in detail. The developing device 23 is a conventionally well-known magnetic brush type developing device that performs development using a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier, and includes a magnet roller 71 rotated by a developing motor 75 and a developing device. Agent delivery o
It has a moth 72 and a stirring auger 73. And stirring
Below the moth 73, a toner density sensor 74 for measuring the toner density in the developer is provided.
【００１１】一方トナ−カ−トリッジ７０の、現像剤で
あるトナ−ｔを収納する筐体７６底部には、現像装置２
３の撹拌オ−ガ７３上方に形成されるトナ−取り入れ口
に導通される供給口７６ａが形成され、筐体７６底面に
は、トナ−モ−タ７７により駆動されるトナ−補給ギア
７７ａの回転により回転されるトナ−オ−ガ７８及び、
このトナ−オ−ガ７８と同軸の供給ロ−ラ７９が設けら
れている。そしてトナ−オ−ガ７８により供給口７６ａ
側に搬送されたトナ−ｔを供給ロ−ラ７９により撹拌オ
−ガ７３上に落下供給している。更に筐体７６内には、
筐体７６内のトナ−ｔが全て現像装置２３に供給され、
無くなったか否かを検出するためのエンプティスイッチ
アクチュエ−タ８０が揺動可能に設けられ、筐体７６内
のトナ−ｔが無くなると、自重により内壁に接触し、筐
体７６外壁の供給検知手段であるエンプティスイッチ８
１を磁気的にオンし、筐体７６内が空である旨を検出す
るように成っている。尚現像装置２３のトナ−取り入れ
口には、トナ−カ−トリッジ７０の現像装置２３との着
脱を検知する交換検知手段であるカ−トリッジスイッチ
２３ｂが設けられている。On the other hand, the developing device 2 is provided at the bottom of the casing 76 of the toner cartridge 70 for accommodating the toner t as the developer.
3 is provided with a supply port 76a connected to a toner intake port formed above the stirring auger 73, and a toner replenishment gear 77a driven by a toner motor 77 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 76. Toner auger 78 rotated by rotation, and
A supply roller 79 coaxial with the toner auger 78 is provided. The toner auger 78 is used to supply the supply port 76a.
The toner t transported to the side is dropped and supplied onto the stirring auger 73 by the supply roller 79. Furthermore, in the housing 76,
All the toner in the housing 76 is supplied to the developing device 23,
An empty switch actuator 80 for detecting whether or not it has disappeared is swingably provided, and when the toner t inside the housing 76 disappears, it contacts the inner wall by its own weight, and the supply detecting means on the outer wall of the housing 76. Empty switch 8
1 is magnetically turned on to detect that the inside of the housing 76 is empty. The toner inlet of the developing device 23 is provided with a cartridge switch 23b which is a replacement detecting means for detecting attachment / detachment of the toner cartridge 70 to / from the developing device 23.
【００１２】更に筐体７６外壁には筐体７６の再使用回
数を表示する表示手段である表示装置８２が設けられて
いる。即ち８３ａは再使用回数が目盛られた表示器であ
り、指示針８３は、後述する制御装置８４によりその駆
動を制御される表示モ−タ８６によりモ−タギア８６ａ
を介し、回動される駆動ギア８７により表示器８３ａの
１目盛りずつをスライドされる様に成っている。Further, on the outer wall of the housing 76, there is provided a display device 82 which is a display means for displaying the number of times the housing 76 has been reused. That is, reference numeral 83a is a display in which the number of reuses is graduated, and the indicator needle 83 is a motor gear 86a by a display motor 86 whose drive is controlled by a control device 84 described later.
The display gear 83a is slid one by one by a drive gear 87 that is rotated via the.
【００１３】尚この表示モ−タ８６は、常時は停止され
ており、エンプティスイッチ８１がオンされ更に、カ−
トリッジスイッチ２３ｂがオフされた後に再度オンされ
た場合にのみ所定時間回転され、駆動ギア８７を回動す
る様になっている。The display motor 86 is normally stopped, and the empty switch 81 is turned on.
The drive gear 87 is rotated for a predetermined time only when the trench switch 23b is turned off and then turned on again.
【００１４】又、装置本体１の下方部には、感光体２０
の転写位置２５ａに供給される用紙Ｐを収納する給紙カ
セット装置１０が装着され、装置本体１の右側部には、
用紙Ｐを手差しにより装置本体１に供給する給紙トレイ
１１が設けられている。A photoconductor 20 is provided on the lower portion of the apparatus main body 1.
The paper feed cassette device 10 for storing the paper P supplied to the transfer position 25a of
A paper feed tray 11 for manually feeding the paper P to the apparatus main body 1 is provided.
【００１５】そして装置本体１内には、給紙カセット装
置１０、あるいは給紙トレイ１１、から供給された用紙
を、感光体２０の転写位置２５ａを経て排紙トレイ９に
導く用紙搬送路３１が形成されている。In the apparatus main body 1, there is provided a paper feed path 31 for guiding the paper fed from the paper feed cassette device 10 or the paper feed tray 11 to the paper discharge tray 9 via the transfer position 25a of the photoconductor 20. Has been formed.
【００１６】この用紙搬送路３１の感光体２０より上流
側には、用紙Ｐの先端を揃え、感光体２０との同期を取
りつつ用紙を搬送するレジストロ−ラ対３２が配設さ
れ、下流側には、定着ロ−ラ３３、搬送ローラ３３ａ、
排紙ロ−ラ対３４が配置されている。チャ−ジャ２６と
定着ロ−ラ３３との間には、搬送ベルト３６が配設され
ている。A register roller pair 32 for aligning the leading ends of the paper P and for carrying the paper in synchronization with the photoconductor 20 is disposed on the upstream side of the photoconductor 20 in the paper transport path 31, and the downstream side thereof. Includes a fixing roller 33, a conveying roller 33a,
A pair of discharge rollers 34 is arranged. A conveyor belt 36 is arranged between the charger 26 and the fixing roller 33.
【００１７】一方、３７ａは給紙カセット装置１０から
用紙Ｐを一枚ずつ取り出し第１の分離装置３８ａに供給
する第１のピックアップロ−ラであり、３７ｂは給紙ト
レイ１１より用紙Ｐを一枚ずつ取り出し第２の分離装置
３８ｂに供給する第２のピックアップロ−ラである。On the other hand, 37a is a first pickup roller for picking up the paper P one by one from the paper feeding cassette device 10 and supplying it to the first separating device 38a. It is a second pickup roller for picking up one by one and supplying it to the second separating device 38b.
【００１８】次に図４は装置本体１のブロック図を示
し、制御装置８４の入力側には入力インタフェ−ス回路
８８を介し操作パネル（図示せず）上の各入力キー９
０、カ−トリッジスイッチ２３ｂ、トナ−濃度センサ７
４、エンプティスイッチ８１あるいは用紙搬送路３１上
の用紙検知スイッチ（図示せず）等その他各種スイッチ
・センサ類９１等が接続されている。FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the apparatus main body 1. Each input key 9 on the operation panel (not shown) is connected to the input side of the control device 84 via the input interface circuit 88.
0, cartridge switch 23b, toner concentration sensor 7
4, an empty switch 81, a paper detection switch (not shown) on the paper conveyance path 31, and other various switches and sensors 91 and the like are connected.
【００１９】一方、制御装置８４の出力側には出力イン
タフェ−ス９２を介し、現像モ−タ７５、トナ−モ−タ
７７、表示モ−タ８６その他感光体２０や各種ロ−ラ等
を駆動するその他モ−タ９７の各種ドライバ９３、各種
チャ−ジャ９８の高圧電源部９４、操作パネル（図示せ
ず）上の表示部９６等が接続されている。On the other hand, on the output side of the control device 84, a developing motor 75, a toner motor 77, a display motor 86, the photosensitive member 20, various rollers, etc. are provided via an output interface 92. Various drivers 93 of other motors 97 to be driven, a high-voltage power supply section 94 of various chargers 98, a display section 96 on an operation panel (not shown), etc. are connected.
【００２０】次に作用についてのべる。コピ−開始時原
稿Ｄを原稿台３上に載置し、先ずコピ−枚数、コピ−倍
率、用紙サイズ、画像濃度等のコピ−条件を図示しない
操作パネル上のテンキ−等によりセットし、コピ−キ−
（図示せず）をオンする。これにより制御装置８４によ
りコピ−が開始され、感光体２０はその回転に従い順次
帯電、露光、現像の各工程を実施され、現像画像を形成
される。Next, the operation will be described. At the start of copying, the original D is placed on the original table 3. First, copy conditions such as the number of copies, the copy magnification, the paper size, and the image density are set by a numeric keypad or the like on the operation panel (not shown). -Key-
Turn on (not shown). As a result, copying is started by the control device 84, and the photoconductor 20 is sequentially subjected to the steps of charging, exposing, and developing in accordance with the rotation thereof to form a developed image.
【００２１】即ち、感光体２０は、帯電チャ−ジャ２１
により一様に帯電された後、露光位置２２ａにて原稿画
像を露光され静電潜像を形成され、更に現像装置２３に
達し、マグネットロ−ラ７１の駆動によりその周囲に形
成される磁気ブラシにより、静電潜像を現像される。そ
して現像中にトナ−濃度センサ７４によりトナ−濃度の
低下が検知されると、制御装置により、トナ−モ−タ７
７が駆動され、トナ−オ−ガ７８及び供給ロ−ラ７９の
回転によりトナ−カ−トリッジ７０から現像装置２３に
トナ−ｔが供給される。このトナ−モ−タ７７は、トナ
−濃度センサ７４により所定のトナ−濃度が検知される
と停止される。That is, the photoconductor 20 has a charging charger 21.
After being uniformly charged by the magnetic brush, the original image is exposed at the exposure position 22a to form an electrostatic latent image, which further reaches the developing device 23 and is driven by the magnet roller 71 to form a magnetic brush around the electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is developed by. When the toner density sensor 74 detects a decrease in toner density during development, the control device causes the toner motor 7 to operate.
7 is driven, and toner t is supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing device 23 by the rotation of the toner auger 78 and the supply roller 79. The toner motor 77 is stopped when the toner density sensor 74 detects a predetermined toner density.
【００２２】一方、給紙カセット装置１０にあっては、
コピ−キ−（図示せず）のオンにより第１のピックアッ
プロ−ラ３７ａが駆動され、給紙カセット装置１０から
用紙Ｐが取り出される。そしてこの取り出された用紙Ｐ
は第１の分離装置３８ａにより分離され、レジストロ−
ラ対３２位置で一旦停止され、感光体２０上に形成され
る現像剤像に同期して転写位置２５ａに送られ現像剤像
を転写される。On the other hand, in the paper feed cassette device 10,
When the copy key (not shown) is turned on, the first pickup roller 37a is driven, and the paper P is taken out from the paper feed cassette device 10. Then, the paper P taken out
Are separated by the first separating device 38a,
The image is temporarily stopped at the position of the pair 32, and is transferred to the transfer position 25a in synchronism with the developer image formed on the photoconductor 20 to transfer the developer image.
【００２３】この後現像剤像を転写された用紙Ｐは剥離
チャ−ジャ２６により、感光体２０から剥離され、搬送
ベルト３６により搬送され、定着ロ−ラ３３に送られて
画像を定着され、排紙トレイ９方向に排出される。尚、
転写終了後感光体２０は、清掃装置２７、除電装置２８
を経て次のコピ−可能とされる。そして上述のコピ−操
作及び用紙Ｐの搬送操作を繰り返し、必要枚数のコピ−
を得た後、全てのコピ−操作を終了する。Thereafter, the paper P having the transferred developer image is peeled from the photoconductor 20 by the peeling charger 26, conveyed by the conveyor belt 36, and sent to the fixing roller 33 to fix the image. The paper is discharged in the direction of the paper discharge tray 9. still,
After the transfer, the photoconductor 20 has a cleaning device 27 and a charge removing device 28.
After that, the next copy is possible. Then, the above-described copy operation and the operation of conveying the paper P are repeated to copy the required number of sheets.
Then, all copy operations are completed.
【００２４】尚この間、トナ−カ−トリッジ７０にあっ
ては、トナ−濃度センサ７４により現像装置２３内のト
ナ−濃度の低下が検出されると、トナ−オ−ガ７８及び
供給ロ−ラ７９を回転しトナ−ｔを補給するが、補給に
従い筐体７６内のトナ−ｔが減少されると、トナ−ｔ上
に載置されたエンプティスイッチアクチュエ−タ８０が
自重により次第に下方に回動される。この後筐体７６内
のトナ−ｔが無くなると、エンプティスイッチアクチュ
エ−タ８０は自重で筐体７６内壁に接触し、エンプティ
スイッチ８１を磁気的にオンする。このエンプティスイ
ッチ８１のオンにより表示部９４には、トナ−が無くな
りトナ−カ−トリッジ７０を交換する必要がある旨が表
示される。During this time, in the toner cartridge 70, when the toner density sensor 74 detects the decrease in toner density in the developing device 23, the toner auger 78 and the supply roller are supplied. 79 is rotated to replenish the toner t, but when the toner t in the housing 76 is reduced in accordance with the replenishment, the empty switch actuator 80 mounted on the toner t gradually turns downward due to its own weight. Be moved. After that, when the toner inside the housing 76 disappears, the empty switch actuator 80 comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing 76 by its own weight and magnetically turns on the empty switch 81. When the empty switch 81 is turned on, the display section 94 displays that the toner is gone and the toner cartridge 70 needs to be replaced.
【００２５】そこでオペレ−タは装置本体１のフロント
カバ−（図示せず）を開け、空になったトナ−カ−トリ
ッジ７０を取り出し、現像装置２３上方に新たなトナ−
カ−トリッジ７０を取着する。この時、空のトナ−カ−
トリッジの取り出しによりカ−トリッジスイッチ２３ｂ
が一旦オフされ、次いで新たなトナ−カ−トリッジの取
着によりカ−トリッジスイッチ２３ｂがオンされると、
表示モ−タ８６が所定時間回転され、モ−タギア８６ａ
を介し駆動ギア８７が回動される。これにより指示針８
３は、現像装置２３への取着前に指示していた表示器８
３ａの目盛りから一目盛り分だけ、例えば２から次ぎの
目盛り３迄をスライドされる。そしてこの新たなトナ−
カ−トリッジ７０取着後、コピ−操作が再開される事と
なる。この現像装置２３より取り外した空のトナ−カ−
トリッジは、表示装置８２の指示針８３の指示する目盛
りを確認し、指示針８３が、予め設定された再使用限度
回数、例えば１２回に達していない場合は再使用可能と
判断され、そのまま充填工場にてトナ−を充填し、再使
用される。Then, the operator opens the front cover (not shown) of the apparatus main body 1, takes out the empty toner cartridge 70, and a new toner is provided above the developing device 23.
Attach the cartridge 70. At this time, an empty trucker
Cartridge switch 23b by taking out the cartridge
Is turned off once, and then the cartridge switch 23b is turned on by attaching a new toner cartridge,
The display motor 86 is rotated for a predetermined time, and the motor gear 86a
The drive gear 87 is rotated via. As a result, the pointer 8
3 is an indicator 8 which is instructed before the attachment to the developing device 23.
The scale of 3a is slid by one scale, for example, from 2 to the next scale 3. And this new toner
After attaching the cartridge 70, the copy operation is restarted. An empty toner car removed from the developing device 23
Tridge confirms the scale indicated by the indicator needle 83 of the display device 82, and if the indicator needle 83 has not reached the preset reuse limit number, for example, 12 times, it is determined to be reusable, and filling is performed as it is. Toner is filled at the factory and reused.
【００２６】一方、現像装置より取り外した空のトナ−
カ−トリッジの指示針８３が再使用限度回数である１２
回に達していた場合は、筐体７６が損傷されていない場
合には再使用のためトナ−補給ギア７７ａ、トナ−オ−
ガ７８、供給ロ−ラ７９等の消耗部品を交換し、指示針
８３を目盛り１に戻しトナ−を充填する一方、筐体７６
が損傷されていた場合は、再使用することなく処分され
る事となる。On the other hand, an empty toner removed from the developing device
Cartridge indicating needle 83 is the maximum number of reuses 12
If the casing 76 has not been damaged, the toner replenishing gear 77a, the toner replenishing gear 77a, and the like for reuse.
Replacing consumable parts such as the moth 78 and the supply roller 79, the indicator needle 83 is returned to the scale 1 to fill the toner, and the housing 76
If is damaged, it will be disposed of without reuse.
【００２７】この様に構成すれば、充填工場でのトナ−
充填時、トナ−カ−トリッジ７０の再使用の経過が即座
に判明されるので、再使用可能か否かを正確に判断出
来、トナ−充填後に部品の摩耗により再使用不能となる
事がなく、再生後の不良品の発生を確実に防止出来、ひ
いては信頼性を向上出来る。With this structure, the toner in the filling factory is
At the time of filling, the progress of reuse of the toner cartridge 70 is immediately known, so that it can be accurately judged whether or not it can be reused, and there is no possibility that the toner cartridge 70 cannot be reused due to wear of parts after the toner filling. In addition, it is possible to surely prevent the generation of defective products after recycling, and it is possible to improve reliability.
【００２８】尚、本発明は、上記一実施例に限られるも
のでは無く、その趣旨を変えない範囲での変更は可能で
あって、例えば表示手段はトナ−カ−トリッジの現像装
置への着脱に伴い筐体側壁にマ−クを記入したりするよ
うなものであっても良いし、トナ−カ−トリッジの形状
や、現像剤の供給方法等も任意である。The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified within the scope of the invention, for example, the display means can be attached to or detached from the developing device of the toner cartridge. Accordingly, a mark may be written on the side wall of the housing, and the shape of the toner cartridge and the method of supplying the developer are also arbitrary.
【００２９】[0029]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように本発明によれば、現
像装置に現像剤を供給するトナ−カ−トリッジに、その
再使用回数が明示されるので、現像剤充填時に、再使用
可能であるか否かを正確に判断でき、不良品の再生を確
実に防止する事が出来、装置の信頼性が向上される。As described above, according to the present invention, since the toner cartridge for supplying the developer to the developing device can clearly indicate the number of reuses, the toner cartridge can be reused when the developer is charged. Whether or not there is a defect can be accurately determined, the reproduction of defective products can be reliably prevented, and the reliability of the device is improved.
【図１】本発明の一実施例の装置本体を示す構成図であ
る。FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an apparatus main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】本発明の一実施例のトナ−カ−トリッジを示す
概略斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a toner cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図３】本発明の一実施例のトナ−カ−トリッジを示す
断面図である。FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a toner cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図４】本発明の一実施例の制御系を示すブロック図で
ある。FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of an embodiment of the present invention.
１…装置本体 ２０…感光体 ２３…現像装置 ２３ｂ…カ−トリッジスイッチ ７０…トナ−カ−トリッジ ７６…筐体 ８１…エンプティスイッチ ８２…表示装置 ８４…制御装置 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Device main body 20 ... Photosensitive body 23 ... Developing device 23b ... Cartridge switch 70 ... Toner cartridge 76 ... Housing 81 ... Empty switch 82 ... Display device 84 ... Control device
Claims (2)
着され前記現像装置に前記現像剤を供給するトナ−カ−
トリッジと、このトナ−カ−トリッジ外部に設けられ前
記トナ−カ−トリッジの使用回数を表示する表示手段
と、前記トナ−カ−トリッジ内の前記現像剤が空である
旨を検知する供給検知手段と、前記トナ−カ−トリッジ
の交換を検知する交換検知手段と、前記供給検知手段及
び前記交換検知手段からの検知信号により前記表示手段
の表示を１加算するよう前記表示手段を制御する制御手
段とを具備する事を特徴とする現像剤供給装置。1. A toner trucker containing a developer and attached to a developing device in a replaceable manner so as to supply the developer to the developing device.
A toner cartridge, display means provided outside the toner cartridge for displaying the number of times the toner cartridge has been used, and supply detection for detecting that the developer in the toner cartridge is empty. Means, replacement detection means for detecting replacement of the toner cartridge, and control for controlling the display means so as to add 1 to the display of the display means by detection signals from the supply detection means and the replacement detection means. And a developer supply device.
置を有する画像形成装置において、現像剤を収納し前記
現像装置に交換可能に取着され前記現像装置に前記現像
剤を供給するトナ−カ−トリッジと、このトナ−カ−ト
リッジ外部に設けられ前記トナ−カ−トリッジの使用回
数を表示する表示手段と、前記トナ−カ−トリッジ内の
前記現像剤が空である旨を検知する供給検知手段と、前
記トナ−カ−トリッジの交換を検知する交換検知手段
と、前記供給検知手段及び前記交換検知手段からの検知
信号により前記表示手段の表示を１加算するよう前記表
示手段を制御する制御手段とを具備する事を特徴とする
画像形成装置。2. An image forming apparatus having a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image on an image bearing member, the developer being contained in the developing device and exchangeably attached to the developing device to supply the developer to the developing device. A toner cartridge, a display means provided outside the toner cartridge for displaying the number of times the toner cartridge has been used, and the developer in the toner cartridge being empty. Supply detecting means for detecting the replacement of the toner cartridge, replacement detecting means for detecting the replacement of the toner cartridge, and detection signals from the supply detecting means and the replacement detecting means for adding 1 to the display of the display means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the unit.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP4048956A JPH05249830A (en) | 1992-03-06 | 1992-03-06 | Developer supplying device and image forming device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP4048956A JPH05249830A (en) | 1992-03-06 | 1992-03-06 | Developer supplying device and image forming device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH05249830A true JPH05249830A (en) | 1993-09-28 |
Family
ID=12817730
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP4048956A Pending JPH05249830A (en) | 1992-03-06 | 1992-03-06 | Developer supplying device and image forming device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH05249830A (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6205298B1 (en) | 1997-10-28 | 2001-03-20 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus, and recycle processing apparatus for recycling image forming unit |
| EP1341056A1 (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 2003-09-03 | Xerox Corporation | Method of operating a printing apparatus |
| JP2004264865A (en) * | 2004-04-27 | 2004-09-24 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Cartridge |
| US6990297B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2006-01-24 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method, device, system and recording medium for detecting improper cartridge, and cartridge |
| US7076188B2 (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2006-07-11 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Toner cartridge having reduced toner capacity and method of using the same |
| US7649638B2 (en) | 1997-04-11 | 2010-01-19 | Xerox Corporation | System for managing replaceable modules in a digital printing apparatus |
-
1992
- 1992-03-06 JP JP4048956A patent/JPH05249830A/en active Pending
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1341056A1 (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 2003-09-03 | Xerox Corporation | Method of operating a printing apparatus |
| US7773239B2 (en) | 1997-04-11 | 2010-08-10 | Xerox Corporation | System for managing replaceable modules in a digital printing apparatus |
| US7649638B2 (en) | 1997-04-11 | 2010-01-19 | Xerox Corporation | System for managing replaceable modules in a digital printing apparatus |
| US6205298B1 (en) | 1997-10-28 | 2001-03-20 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus, and recycle processing apparatus for recycling image forming unit |
| US7027755B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2006-04-11 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method, device, system and recording medium for detecting improper cartridge, and cartridge |
| US7020414B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2006-03-28 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method, device, system and recording medium for detecting improper cartridge, and cartridge |
| US7020418B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2006-03-28 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method, device, system and recording medium for detecting improper cartridge, and cartridge |
| US7043169B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2006-05-09 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method, device, system and recording medium for detecting improper cartridge, and cartridge |
| US7062182B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2006-06-13 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method, device, system and recording medium for detecting improper cartridge, and cartridge |
| US7139493B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2006-11-21 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method, device, system and recording medium for detecting improper cartridge, and cartridge |
| US6990297B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2006-01-24 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method, device, system and recording medium for detecting improper cartridge, and cartridge |
| US7076188B2 (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2006-07-11 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Toner cartridge having reduced toner capacity and method of using the same |
| JP2004264865A (en) * | 2004-04-27 | 2004-09-24 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Cartridge |
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