JPH11133719A - Developer amount detecting device and process cartridge - Google Patents
Developer amount detecting device and process cartridgeInfo
- Publication number
- JPH11133719A JPH11133719A JP9293967A JP29396797A JPH11133719A JP H11133719 A JPH11133719 A JP H11133719A JP 9293967 A JP9293967 A JP 9293967A JP 29396797 A JP29396797 A JP 29396797A JP H11133719 A JPH11133719 A JP H11133719A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- float
- position detecting
- toner
- amount
- 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.)
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Abstract
Description
【0001】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、例えば電子写真方
式を用いる複写機やレーザービームプリンタ等の画像形
成装置に用いられる現像器の現像剤収容部内の現像剤残
量を検知する現像剤量検知装置とこれを用いたプロセス
カートリッジに関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developer amount detecting device for detecting a remaining amount of a developer in a developer accommodating portion of a developing device used for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic system. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process cartridge using the same.
【0002】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来、複写機等の画像形成装置において
は、その使用が長時間に及ぶと像担持体である感光ドラ
ムや現像器の交換、現像剤であるトナーの補給、帯電器
の放電ワイヤーの清掃、廃トナーが溜ったクリーニング
容器の交換、感光ドラム周りの機器の調整や交換等が必
要であった。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, if the image forming apparatus is used for a long time, a photosensitive drum or a developing device as an image carrier is replaced, toner as a developer is supplied, and a charging device is discharged. Cleaning of the wires, replacement of the cleaning container in which the waste toner is stored, adjustment and replacement of devices around the photosensitive drum, and the like were required.
【0003】しかし、上記のようなメンテナンスを行う
には専門的技能や知識を要し、一般のユーザーにはメン
テナンスは容易ではなかった。[0003] However, maintenance such as that described above requires specialized skills and knowledge, and maintenance is not easy for ordinary users.
【0004】そこで、感光ドラムと現像器、帯電器、ク
リーニング器等のプロセス機器をカートリッジ容器内に
一体的に組み付け、プロセスカートリッジとして画像形
成装置本体に着脱自在に装着し、前記プロセス機器のメ
ンテナンスの必要が生じた場合には、プロセスカートリ
ッジ全体を交換してメンテナンスの容易化を図ることが
提案され、既に実用に供されている。Therefore, the photosensitive drum and the process equipment such as a developing device, a charger, and a cleaning device are integrally assembled in a cartridge container, and are removably mounted as a process cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus. When it becomes necessary, it has been proposed to replace the entire process cartridge to facilitate maintenance, and it has already been put to practical use.
【0005】ところで、プロセスカートリッジはこれに
予め収容されたトナーを使い切ると新しいものと交換す
る必要があり、ユーザーに常にトナー残量を把握させる
ことによって突然のトナー切れに対処することができ
る。[0005] Incidentally, the process cartridge needs to be replaced with a new one when the toner previously stored in the process cartridge is used up, and it is possible to cope with sudden running out of toner by making the user always grasp the remaining toner amount.
【0006】そこで、トナー容器内部には該トナー容器
内のトナー残量を検知するためのトナー逐次残量検知装
置が設けられている。ここで、従来のトナー逐次残量検
知装置の一例を図5乃至図7に示す。Therefore, a toner remaining amount detecting device for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner container is provided inside the toner container. Here, an example of a conventional toner sequential remaining amount detecting device is shown in FIGS.
【0007】即ち、図5は従来のトナー逐次残量検知装
置を備えるプロセスカートリッジの断面図、図6は従来
のトナー逐次残量検知装置の主要部を示す図、図7は図
6のA−A線断面図であり、トナー逐次残量検知装置は
回動部材であるフロートアーム12に支持された現像剤
量位置検知部材であるフロート11をトナーの上部表面
位置の移動に追従させることによってトナー残量を逐次
検知する方式を採用している。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge provided with a conventional successive toner remaining amount detecting device, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a main portion of the conventional successive toner remaining amount detecting device, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A. The toner sequential remaining amount detection device is configured to cause a float 11 as a developer amount position detection member supported by a float arm 12 as a rotation member to follow the movement of the upper surface position of the toner. A method of sequentially detecting the remaining amount is adopted.
【0008】ところで、フロート11にトナー面を捕え
させる方法として、本例ではトナー容器3の内部におい
て回動軸であるフロート軸13にフロートアーム12を
取り付け、該フロート軸13のトナー容器3外に延出す
る端部にリカバリーレバー100を取り付け、両者の回
転位置(回転角度)が変わらないようにしている。As a method of causing the float 11 to catch the toner surface, in this embodiment, a float arm 12 is attached to a float shaft 13 which is a rotation shaft inside the toner container 3 and the float arm 13 is attached to the outside of the toner container 3. A recovery lever 100 is attached to the extending end so that the rotational positions (rotation angles) of both do not change.
【0009】而して、画像形成装置本体にプロセスカー
トリッジを装着する前にユーザーにリカバリーレバー1
00を引き上げることによって、使用前にフロート11
がトナー中に埋まっていても、フロート11に再びトナ
ー面を捕えさせることができ、使用中は図5に示すトナ
ー面が(A)→(B)に降下するに従ってフロート11
が矢印Ya方向に沿ってトナー面に追従して回動する。Before the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the user is required to set the recovery lever 1
By raising 00, float 11 before use
Can be captured again by the float 11 even if the toner surface is buried in the toner. During use, the float 11 is lowered as shown in FIG. 5 from (A) to (B).
Rotates following the toner surface in the direction of arrow Ya.
【0010】[0010]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記従
来のトナー逐次残量検知装置には次のような問題があっ
た。However, the above-described conventional toner sequential remaining amount detecting device has the following problems.
【0011】即ち、フロート11が捕えているトナー面
が撹拌部材4に近づくに連れて該トナー面が撹拌の影響
を受け始め、その表面にうねりが発生して柔らかくなる
ためにフロート11がトナー中に沈んでしまい、トナー
容器3内のトナー残量を正確に検知することができなく
なってしまう。That is, as the toner surface captured by the float 11 approaches the agitating member 4, the toner surface starts to be affected by the agitation, and the surface of the toner 11 becomes undulated and becomes soft. Therefore, the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 3 cannot be accurately detected.
【0012】又、トナー残量がより少量になったときに
も検知を可能にするためには、図8に示すように、フロ
ート軸13の位置を下げてフロート11の軌道と撹拌部
材4の軌道を交差させなければならず、撹拌部材4の回
転方向が矢印Yb方向である場合には、撹拌部材4がフ
ロート11に接触したときに該フロート11を矢印Ya
方向に余分に進めてしまうため、トナー容器3内のトナ
ー残量を正確に検知することができない。In order to enable detection even when the remaining amount of toner becomes smaller, as shown in FIG. 8, the position of the float shaft 13 is lowered so that the orbit of the float 11 and the stirring member 4 When the stirring member 4 contacts the float 11 when the rotation direction of the stirring member 4 is in the direction of the arrow Yb, the float 11
In this case, the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 3 cannot be accurately detected.
【0013】更に、上述のようにフロート軸13の位置
を下げてフロート11の軌道と撹拌部材4の軌道を交差
させた場合、図9に示すようにフロート11がトナー容
器3に突き当たって停止したとき、撹拌部材4が矢印Y
c方向に回転を続けてフロート11に突き当たった時点
で撹拌部材4はフロート11を矢印Ya方向に押し退け
ようとする(撹拌部材4がフロート11に及ぼす力の作
用点が図9においてフロート11の中心より右側にある
ため)。しかし、フロート11はトナー容器3に逃げ道
を塞がれているため、結局、撹拌部材4はフロート11
に突き当たった後には正常に動作しなくなる。Further, when the position of the float shaft 13 is lowered to cross the trajectory of the float 11 and the trajectory of the stirring member 4 as described above, the float 11 hits the toner container 3 and stops as shown in FIG. When the stirring member 4 is in the direction of the arrow Y
When the stirring member 4 continues to rotate in the direction c and hits the float 11, the stirring member 4 tries to push the float 11 in the direction of the arrow Ya (the point of action of the force exerted on the float 11 by the stirring member 4 is the center of the float 11 in FIG. 9). More to the right). However, since the escape path of the float 11 is blocked by the toner container 3, the stirring member 4 is eventually
It will not work properly after hitting.
【0014】本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされたもの
で、その目的とする処は、現像剤残量を常に正確に検知
することができる現像剤量検知装置とこれを備えるプロ
セスカートリッジを提供することにある。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a developer amount detecting device capable of always accurately detecting the remaining amount of developer and a process cartridge provided with the same. It is in.
【0015】[0015]
【発明の実施の形態】上記目的を達成するため、請求項
1記載の発明は、現像手段の現像剤収容部内に収容され
た現像剤の上部表面近傍に現像剤量位置検知部材を配設
し、現像剤の消費に伴う現像剤収容部内の現像剤の上部
表面位置の移動に前記現像剤量位置検知部材を追従さ
せ、この現像剤量位置検知部材の位置を検出することに
よって現像剤残量を検出する現像剤量検知装置におい
て、前記現像手段の現像剤収容部内の現像剤残量が所定
値以下に減少すると前記撹拌部材が前記現像剤位置検知
部材に接触して回転することによって該現像剤位置検知
部材を押し戻すよう構成したことを特徴とする。According to the first aspect of the present invention, a developer amount position detecting member is provided near an upper surface of a developer contained in a developer containing portion of a developing means. The developer amount position detecting member is made to follow the movement of the upper surface position of the developer in the developer accommodating portion due to the consumption of the developer, and the position of the developer amount position detecting member is detected, whereby the remaining amount of the developer is detected. When the remaining amount of the developer in the developer accommodating portion of the developing unit decreases to a predetermined value or less, the agitating member contacts the developer position detecting member and rotates to cause the development. It is characterized in that the agent position detecting member is configured to be pushed back.
【0016】請求項2記載の発明は、請求項1記載の発
明において、前記現像剤位置検知部材を前記撹拌部材の
運動を妨げないよう回避運動せしめることを特徴とす
る。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the developer position detecting member is moved so as to avoid the movement of the stirring member.
【0017】請求項3記載の発明は、請求項2記載の発
明において、前記現像剤位置検知部材は前記撹拌部材か
ら動力を伝達されて回避運動するものとしたことを特徴
とする。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the developer position detecting member receives the power from the agitating member and performs an avoiding movement.
【0018】請求項4記載の発明は、請求項1,2又は
3記載の発明において、現像剤位置検知部材の検知動作
が終了するときは、現像剤収容部の一部又は停止部材に
よって前記現像剤位置検知部材の移動を阻止するととも
に、該現像剤位置検知部材を前記撹拌部材の動作を妨げ
ない位置で停止させることを特徴とする。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, when the detecting operation of the developer position detecting member is completed, the developing device is stopped by a part of the developer accommodating portion or a stop member. The developer position detecting member is prevented from moving, and the developer position detecting member is stopped at a position that does not hinder the operation of the stirring member.
【0019】請求項5記載の発明は、画像形成装置本体
に対して着脱自在であって、像担持体と、該像担持体に
作用するプロセス手段として少なくとも現像手段を有
し、現像手段の現像剤収容部内に現像剤量位置検知部材
と撹拌部材を設け、現像剤の消費に伴う現像剤収容部内
の現像剤の上部表面位置の移動に前記現像剤量位置検知
部材を追従させ、この現像剤量位置検知部材の位置を検
出することによって現像剤残量を検出する現像剤量検知
装置を備えるプロセスカートリッジにおいて、前記現像
手段の現像剤収容部内の現像剤残量が所定値以下に減少
すると前記撹拌部材が前記現像剤位置検知部材に接触し
て回転することによって該現像剤位置検知部材を押し戻
すよう構成したことを特徴とする。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image carrier; and at least a developing device as a process device acting on the image carrier. A developer amount position detecting member and a stirring member are provided in the developer accommodating portion, and the developer amount position detecting member follows the movement of the upper surface position of the developer in the developer accommodating portion as the developer is consumed. In a process cartridge provided with a developer amount detecting device that detects a remaining amount of developer by detecting a position of an amount position detecting member, when the remaining amount of developer in a developer accommodating portion of the developing unit decreases to a predetermined value or less, The developer position detecting member is pushed back by rotating the stirring member in contact with the developer position detecting member.
【0020】請求項6記載の発明は、請求項5記載の発
明において、前記現像剤位置検知部材を前記撹拌部材の
運動を妨げないよう回避運動せしめることを特徴とす
る。According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the developer position detecting member is caused to move so as not to hinder the movement of the stirring member.
【0021】請求項7記載の発明は、請求項6記載の発
明において、前記現像剤位置検知部材は前記撹拌部材か
ら動力を伝達されて回避運動するものとしたことを特徴
とする。According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the developer position detecting member receives the power from the agitating member and performs an avoiding movement.
【0022】請求項8記載の発明は、請求項5,6又は
7記載の発明において、現像剤位置検知部材の検知動作
が終了するときは、現像剤収容部の一部又は停止部材に
よって前記現像剤位置検知部材の移動を阻止するととも
に、該現像剤位置検知部材を前記撹拌部材の動作を妨げ
ない位置で停止させることを特徴とする。According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth, sixth or seventh aspect of the invention, when the detecting operation of the developer position detecting member is completed, the developing operation is performed by a part of the developer accommodating portion or a stop member. The developer position detecting member is prevented from moving, and the developer position detecting member is stopped at a position that does not hinder the operation of the stirring member.
【0023】従って、本発明によれば、現像手段の現像
剤収容部内の現像剤残量が所定値以下に減少し、現像剤
収容部内の現像剤の上部表面が撹拌部材の撹拌作用の影
響を受けて柔らかくなったために現像剤位置検知部材が
現像剤中に埋没する可能性があるような場合であって
も、撹拌部材が現像剤位置検知部材に接触して回転する
ことによって該現像剤位置検知部材を押し戻すため、現
像剤位置検知部材が現像剤中へ埋没することがなく、そ
の後、撹拌部材と現像剤位置検知部材との接触が解除さ
れると現像剤位置検知部材は現像剤の上部表面に降下し
て現像剤表面を捕らえるため、現像剤残量が少なくなっ
てもその現像剤残量を正確に検知することができる。Therefore, according to the present invention, the remaining amount of the developer in the developer accommodating portion of the developing means is reduced to a predetermined value or less, and the upper surface of the developer in the developer accommodating portion is affected by the stirring effect of the stirring member. Even when the developer position detecting member may be buried in the developer due to being softened by receiving the toner, the developer position is detected by rotating the stirring member in contact with the developer position detecting member. Since the detection member is pushed back, the developer position detection member does not become buried in the developer, and then, when the contact between the stirring member and the developer position detection member is released, the developer position detection member is located above the developer. Since the developer descends to the surface to catch the developer surface, the remaining amount of the developer can be accurately detected even when the remaining amount of the developer is small.
【0024】又、本発明によれば、現像剤位置検知部材
の動作は撹拌部材の撹拌動作を妨げない位置で終了する
ため、現像剤残量の検知が終了した後においても撹拌部
材は正常に撹拌動作を続けることができる。According to the present invention, the operation of the developer position detecting member is terminated at a position where the stirring operation of the stirring member is not hindered. Therefore, even after the detection of the remaining amount of the developer is completed, the stirring member is normally operated. The stirring operation can be continued.
【0025】[0025]
【発明の実施の形態】以下に本発明の実施の形態を添付
図面に基づいて説明する。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
【0026】<実施の形態1>図1は本発明に係るプロ
セスカートリッジの断面とトナー消費によるフロートの
移動状態を示す図である。<Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a view showing a cross section of a process cartridge according to the present invention and a state of movement of a float due to toner consumption.
【0027】図1に示すプロセスカートリッジは、像担
持体である感光ドラム2とこれの周囲に配された帯電ロ
ーラ1、現像器5、トナー容器3、クリーニング容器1
0等を一体化して構成されるものであって、これは不図
示の画像形成装置本体に着脱自在に装填されて画像形成
に供される。尚、現像器5内には撹拌部材6,7と現像
スリーブ8が収納されており、トナー容器3内にはトナ
ーと撹拌部材4が収納されている。又、クリーニング容
器10にはクリーニングブレード9が設けられている。The process cartridge shown in FIG. 1 includes a photosensitive drum 2 serving as an image carrier and a charging roller 1, a developing unit 5, a toner container 3, and a cleaning container 1 disposed around the photosensitive drum 2.
0 and the like are integrated, and are removably mounted on an image forming apparatus main body (not shown) to be used for image formation. The developing device 5 contains the stirring members 6 and 7 and the developing sleeve 8, and the toner container 3 contains the toner and the stirring member 4. The cleaning container 10 is provided with a cleaning blade 9.
【0028】而して、感光ドラム2は所定の速度で回転
駆動されて前記帯電ローラ1によってその表面が一様に
帯電され、不図示の画像形成装置本体で作られた画像信
号がレーザー光に変換されてこれが感光ドラム2の表面
に照射されると、該感光ドラム2の表面に静電潜像が形
成され、この静電潜像は現像器5によってトナーを用い
て現像されてトナー像として顕像化される。The photosensitive drum 2 is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed, the surface thereof is uniformly charged by the charging roller 1, and an image signal generated by an image forming apparatus main body (not shown) is converted into a laser beam. When converted and irradiated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 5 using toner to form a toner image. It is visualized.
【0029】即ち、現像器5のトナー容器3内で撹拌部
材4によって攪拌されたトナーは現像器5に移り、撹拌
部材6,7によって更に十分撹拌された後、現像スリー
ブ8から感光ドラム2に供給されて該感光ドラム2上に
形成された前記静電潜像の現像に供される。そして、感
光ドラム2上に形成されたトナー像は画像形成装置本体
の不図示の給紙機構によって送られて来た不図示の転写
材に転写され、転写されないで感光ドラム2上に残った
トナーはクリーニングブレード9で掻き落とされて廃ト
ナー容器10内に回収される。That is, the toner stirred by the stirring member 4 in the toner container 3 of the developing device 5 is transferred to the developing device 5 and further sufficiently stirred by the stirring members 6 and 7, and then transferred from the developing sleeve 8 to the photosensitive drum 2. The supplied electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is developed. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred to a transfer material (not shown) sent by a paper supply mechanism (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body, and the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2 without being transferred is transferred. Is scraped off by the cleaning blade 9 and collected in the waste toner container 10.
【0030】而して、前記トナー容器3内には本発明に
係るトナー残量逐次検知装置(現像剤量検知装置)が設
けられており、該トナー残量逐次検知装置は図1の紙面
垂直方向に長いフロート軸13を有しており、このフロ
ート軸13のトナー容器3内に臨む一端にはフロートア
ーム12の一端が固定されており(フロート軸13とフ
ロートアーム12を一体に構成しても良い)、フロート
アーム12の他端(自由端)にはフロート11が固定さ
れている。In the toner container 3, there is provided a toner remaining amount detecting device (developer amount detecting device) according to the present invention. One end of the float arm 13 is fixed to one end of the float shaft 13 facing the inside of the toner container 3 (the float shaft 13 and the float arm 12 are integrally formed. The float 11 is fixed to the other end (free end) of the float arm 12.
【0031】又、上記フロート軸12のトナー容器3外
へ延出する他端には、フロート11の回転量を検知する
ためのポテンショメータ等の角度センサー15が連結さ
れている。尚、角度センサー15は画像形成装置本体側
に設けられており、該角度センサー15をプロセスカー
トリッジ装着時にフロート軸13と連結する構成、又は
角度センサー15をカートリッジ側に設け、不図示の電
気接点を介して画像形成装置本体に信号を送るような構
成を採用しても良い。An angle sensor 15 such as a potentiometer for detecting the amount of rotation of the float 11 is connected to the other end of the float shaft 12 extending outside the toner container 3. Note that the angle sensor 15 is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side, and the angle sensor 15 is connected to the float shaft 13 when the process cartridge is mounted, or the angle sensor 15 is provided on the cartridge side, and an electrical contact (not shown) is provided. A configuration may be employed in which a signal is sent to the image forming apparatus main body via the main unit.
【0032】次に、トナー容器3内のトナー残量の減少
に伴うトナー面とフロート11の動きについて説明す
る。Next, a description will be given of the movement of the toner surface and the float 11 with the decrease of the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 3.
【0033】現像によってトナー容器3内のトナーが減
少していくと、トナー面は図1に示すように(A)→
(B)→(C)の順に降下していく。最初にトナー面
(A)を捕えていたフロート11もトナーの消費による
トナー面の降下に追従してフロート軸13を中心として
矢印Y1の方向に回動していく。When the toner in the toner container 3 decreases due to the development, the toner surface changes from (A) to (A) as shown in FIG.
It descends in the order of (B) → (C). The float 11 that has initially caught the toner surface (A) also rotates about the float shaft 13 in the direction of the arrow Y1 following the lowering of the toner surface due to toner consumption.
【0034】図2はフロート11が攪拌部材4の軌道上
に位置したときの動作を説明するための図である。FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the operation when the float 11 is positioned on the track of the stirring member 4.
【0035】図2(a)に示すように、フロート11が
攪拌部材4の通過軌道上にあって、トナー面を捕えてい
る状態において、攪拌部材4がフロート11の回動方向
と同じ矢印Y2方向に回転を続ける(回転方向の調整は
プロセスカートリッジの不図示の駆動ギヤ列で調整す
る)と、図2(b)に示すように攪拌部材4がフロート
11若しくはフロートアーム12に当接する。この状態
で攪拌部材4がそのまま回転を続行すると、図2(c)
に示すようにフロート11はその軌道に沿って逆の方向
に押し戻されてトナー面より離れる。そして、その後に
攪拌部材4とフロート11との当接が解除されると、図
2(a)に示すようにフロート11は再びトナー面上に
落下する。この場合、フロート11が樹脂等の軽い材料
で構成されていれば、該フロート11はトナー中に沈む
ことなくトナー面を捕えることができる。As shown in FIG. 2A, in a state where the float 11 is on the path of passage of the stirring member 4 and captures the toner surface, the stirring member 4 is moved in the same direction as the arrow Y2 in the rotation direction of the float 11. When the rotation is continued in the direction (the rotation direction is adjusted by a drive gear train (not shown) of the process cartridge), the stirring member 4 comes into contact with the float 11 or the float arm 12 as shown in FIG. When the stirring member 4 continues to rotate as it is in this state, FIG.
As shown in (1), the float 11 is pushed back in the opposite direction along its trajectory and separates from the toner surface. After that, when the contact between the stirring member 4 and the float 11 is released, the float 11 falls again on the toner surface as shown in FIG. In this case, if the float 11 is made of a light material such as a resin, the float 11 can catch the toner surface without sinking into the toner.
【0036】而して、攪拌部材4の回転が続けられる
と、フロート11は上記動作を繰り返して揺動する。こ
のとき、角度センサー15はフロート11の動きの変化
を図2(d)に示すような周期的な角度の変化として捕
えるが、演算処理で最小値(角度が減っていく場合)だ
けをホールドするように処理することによって正確なト
ナー面の位置、つまりは正確なトナー残量を把握するこ
とができる。When the rotation of the stirring member 4 is continued, the float 11 swings by repeating the above operation. At this time, the angle sensor 15 captures a change in the movement of the float 11 as a periodic change in the angle as shown in FIG. 2D, but holds only the minimum value (when the angle decreases) in the arithmetic processing. By performing the processing as described above, the position of the toner surface, that is, the accurate remaining amount of the toner can be grasped.
【0037】そして、トナー容器3内のトナー残量が更
に減っていくと、それに伴ってフロート11もそれに追
従して図1の矢印Y1方向に回動するが、トナー面が図
1に示す(C)の位置まで下がったためにフロートアー
ム12がトナー容器3の内部に設けられたストッパー1
4に当接すると、その時点でフロート11によるトナー
残量の検知は終了する。このトナー残量の検知が終了す
る位置において、攪拌部材4のフロート11に及ぼす力
の作用点がフロート11の中心よりもフロート11が進
む方向の側にあれば、攪拌部材4がフロート11に接触
しても、フロート11は戻る方向には自由に移動できる
ため、このフロート11を問題なく押し戻すことができ
る。When the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 3 further decreases, the float 11 follows the rotation and rotates in the direction of arrow Y1 in FIG. 1, but the toner surface is shown in FIG. Since the float arm 12 has been lowered to the position C), the float arm 12 is provided with the stopper 1 provided inside the toner container 3.
4, the detection of the remaining amount of toner by the float 11 ends at that time. At the position where the detection of the remaining amount of toner is completed, if the point of action of the force exerted on the float 11 of the stirring member 4 is on the side of the float 11 in the direction in which the float 11 advances, the stirring member 4 contacts the float 11. However, since the float 11 can move freely in the returning direction, the float 11 can be pushed back without any problem.
【0038】以上のように、本実施の形態においては、
トナー容部3内のトナー残量が所定値以下に減少し、ト
ナー容器3内のトナーの上部表面が撹拌部材4の撹拌作
用の影響を受けて柔らかくなったためにフロート11が
トナー中に埋没する可能性があるような場合であって
も、撹拌部材4がフロート11に接触して回転すること
によって該フロート11を押し戻すため、フロート11
がトナー中へ埋没することがない。そして、その後、撹
拌部材4とフロート11との接触が解除されるとフロー
ト11はトナーの上部表面に降下してトナー表面を再び
捕らえるため、トナー残量が少なくなってもそのトナー
残量を正確に検知することができる。As described above, in the present embodiment,
The float 11 is buried in the toner because the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 3 decreases to a predetermined value or less, and the upper surface of the toner in the toner container 3 becomes soft under the influence of the stirring action of the stirring member 4. Even in a case where there is a possibility that the float 11 is pushed back by the rotation of the stirring member 4 in contact with the float 11, the float 11
Is not buried in the toner. After that, when the contact between the stirring member 4 and the float 11 is released, the float 11 descends to the upper surface of the toner and re-captures the toner surface. Can be detected.
【0039】又、本実施の形態においては、フロート1
1の動作は撹拌部材4の撹拌動作を妨げない位置で終了
するため、トナー残量の検知が終了した後においても撹
拌部材4は正常に撹拌動作を続けることができる。In this embodiment, the float 1
Since the operation 1 ends at a position where the stirring operation of the stirring member 4 is not hindered, the stirring member 4 can normally continue the stirring operation even after the detection of the remaining amount of toner is completed.
【0040】<実施の形態2>次に、本発明の実施の形
態を図3及び図4に基づいて説明する。尚、図3は本発
明に係るプロセスカートリッジのトナー容器の断面とト
ナー消費によるフロートの移動状態を示す図、図4は本
発明に係るトナー残量逐次検知装置(現像剤量検知装
置)の作用説明図であり、これらの図においては図1及
び図2に示したと同一要素には同一符号を付しており、
以下、それらについての説明は省略する。<Embodiment 2> Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section of the toner container of the process cartridge according to the present invention and a moving state of the float due to toner consumption, and FIG. 4 is an operation of the toner remaining amount detecting device (developer amount detecting device) according to the present invention. It is an explanatory view, in these figures, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals,
Hereinafter, the description thereof will be omitted.
【0041】本実施の形態では、攪拌部材4に駆動力を
伝達するための撹拌ギヤ20にはアイドラギヤ21を介
してギヤ22が噛合しており、このギヤ22には当接部
材23が同軸に結着されている。In the present embodiment, a gear 22 meshes with an agitating gear 20 for transmitting a driving force to the agitating member 4 via an idler gear 21, and a contact member 23 is coaxial with the gear 22. Are bound.
【0042】又、フロート軸13の端部には前記当接部
材23に選択的に当接する当接部材24がフロート軸1
3と同軸に結着されている。A contact member 24 for selectively contacting the contact member 23 is provided at an end of the float shaft 13.
3 and coaxially.
【0043】而して、ギヤ22とフロート軸13にそれ
ぞれ同軸に結着された当接部材23,24はギヤ22と
フロート軸13がそれぞれ回転したときにその先端部分
が当接するよう取付位置が調整されている。尚、図3及
び図4ではギヤ20,21,22及び当接部材23,2
4とトナー容器3の内部を重ねて図示しているが、ギヤ
20,21,22と当接部材23,24はトナー容器3
の外部に設けられている。The contact members 23 and 24, which are coaxially connected to the gear 22 and the float shaft 13, respectively, are mounted at positions such that the tips thereof abut when the gear 22 and the float shaft 13 rotate. Has been adjusted. 3 and 4, the gears 20, 21, 22 and the contact members 23, 2
4 and the inside of the toner container 3 are illustrated in an overlapping manner, but the gears 20, 21, 22 and the contact members 23, 24 are
Is provided outside.
【0044】以上において、図3に示すようにフロート
11が攪拌部材4の軌道から十分離れているときには、
当接部材23,24が互いに当接することはない。In the above, when the float 11 is sufficiently separated from the trajectory of the stirring member 4 as shown in FIG.
The contact members 23 and 24 do not contact each other.
【0045】而して、トナー容器3内のトナーの消費に
伴ってフロート11がトナー面の下降に追従してフロー
ト軸13を中心として回動し、図4(a)に示すように
フロート11が攪拌部材4の軌道上に位置すると、攪拌
部材4がフロート11に接触する前に当接部材23,2
4同志が当接し、撹拌ギヤ20からアイドラギヤ21、
ギヤ22及び当接部材23,24を経てフロート軸13
にトルクが伝達され、図4(b)に示すようにフロート
11が攪拌部材4に接触しないように該フロート11を
来た方向に戻すことができる。As the toner in the toner container 3 is consumed, the float 11 rotates around the float shaft 13 following the lowering of the toner surface, and as shown in FIG. Is positioned on the track of the stirring member 4, the contact members 23, 2 are placed before the stirring member 4 contacts the float 11.
4 come into contact with each other, and from the stirring gear 20 to the idler gear 21,
Float shaft 13 through gear 22 and contact members 23 and 24
Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the float 11 can be returned to the direction in which the float 11 came so that the float 11 does not come into contact with the stirring member 4.
【0046】そして、攪拌部材4が通過してフロート1
1の軌道から離れた時点で当接部材23,24の当接状
態は解除され、フロート11はトナーの上部表面を捕
え、これによって正確なトナー残量の検知が可能とな
る。Then, the stirring member 4 passes and the float 1
The contact state of the contact members 23 and 24 is released at a point away from the first track, and the float 11 captures the upper surface of the toner, thereby enabling accurate detection of the remaining toner amount.
【0047】尚、以上のような攪拌部材4の動きに同期
してフロート11を攪拌部材4との接触から避ける別な
方法として、当接部材23,24の代わりにカムや欠歯
ギヤ等を用いる構成を採用しても良い。As another method for avoiding the float 11 from coming into contact with the stirring member 4 in synchronization with the movement of the stirring member 4 as described above, a cam, a toothless gear, or the like is used instead of the contact members 23 and 24. The configuration used may be adopted.
【0048】[0048]
【発明の効果】以上の説明で明らかなように、本発明に
よれば、現像手段の現像剤収容部内の現像剤残量が所定
値以下に減少し、現像剤収容部内の現像剤の上部表面が
撹拌部材の撹拌作用の影響を受けて柔らかくなったため
に現像剤位置検知部材が現像剤中に埋没する可能性があ
るような場合であっても、撹拌部材が現像剤位置検知部
材に接触して回転することによって該現像剤位置検知部
材を押し戻すため、現像剤位置検知部材が現像剤中へ埋
没することがなく、その後、撹拌部材と現像剤位置検知
部材との接触が解除されると現像剤位置検知部材は現像
剤の上部表面に降下して現像剤表面を捕らえるため、現
像剤残量が少なくなってもその現像剤残量を正確に検知
することができるという効果が得られる。As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the remaining amount of the developer in the developer accommodating portion of the developing means is reduced to a predetermined value or less, and the upper surface of the developer in the developer accommodating portion is reduced. When the developer is softened by the stirring effect of the stirring member and the developer position detecting member may be buried in the developer, the stirring member contacts the developer position detecting member. The developer position detecting member is pushed back by rotating the developer position detecting member, so that the developer position detecting member does not become buried in the developer. Thereafter, when the contact between the stirring member and the developer position detecting member is released, the developing The developer position detecting member descends to the upper surface of the developer and captures the developer surface, so that even if the remaining amount of the developer is small, the effect that the remaining amount of the developer can be accurately detected can be obtained.
【0049】又、本発明によれば、現像剤位置検知部材
の動作は撹拌部材の撹拌動作を妨げない位置で終了する
ため、現像剤残量の検知が終了した後においても撹拌部
材は正常に撹拌動作を続けることができるという効果が
得られる。Further, according to the present invention, since the operation of the developer position detecting member is terminated at a position where the stirring operation of the stirring member is not hindered, the stirring member is normally operated even after the detection of the remaining amount of the developer is completed. The effect that the stirring operation can be continued can be obtained.
【図1】本発明にの実施の形態1に係るプロセスカート
リッジの断面とトナー消費によるフロートの移動状態を
示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a movement state of a float due to toner consumption.
【図2】本発明の実施の形態1に係るトナー逐次残量検
知装置(現像剤量検知装置)の作用説明図である。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a toner sequential remaining amount detecting device (a developer amount detecting device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
【図3】本発明の実施の形態2に係るプロセスカートリ
ッジのトナー容器の断面とトナー消費によるフロートの
移動状態を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a toner container of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention and a movement state of a float due to toner consumption.
【図4】本発明の実施の形態2に係るトナー残量逐次検
知装置(現像剤量検知装置)の作用説明図である。FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of a toner remaining amount sequential detecting device (developer amount detecting device) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図5】従来のトナー逐次残量検知装置(現像剤量検知
装置)を備えるプロセスカートリッジの断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a conventional sequential toner remaining amount detecting device (developing agent amount detecting device).
【図6】従来のトナー逐次残量検知装置(現像剤量検知
装置)の主要部を示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a conventional toner sequential remaining amount detection device (developer amount detection device).
【図7】図7のA−A線断面図である。FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 7;
【図8】従来のトナー逐次残量検知装置(現像剤量検知
装置)を備えるプロセスカートリッジの断面図である。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a conventional toner sequential remaining amount detection device (developer amount detection device).
【図9】従来のトナー逐次残量検知装置(現像剤量検知
装置)を備えるプロセスカートリッジの断面図である。FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a conventional toner sequential remaining amount detecting device (developing agent amount detecting device).
1 帯電ローラ(プロセス手段) 2 感光ドラム(像担持体) 3 トナー容器(現像剤収容部) 4 撹拌部材 5 現像器(現像手段:プロセス手段) 11 フロート(現像剤位置検知部材) 12 フロートアーム 13 フロート軸 14 ストッパー(停止部材) 15 角度センサー 20 撹拌ギヤ 21 アイドラギヤ 22 ギヤ 23,24 当接部材 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Charging roller (process means) 2 Photosensitive drum (image carrier) 3 Toner container (developer accommodating part) 4 Stirring member 5 Developing device (developing means: process means) 11 Float (developer position detecting member) 12 Float arm 13 Float shaft 14 Stopper (stop member) 15 Angle sensor 20 Stirring gear 21 Idler gear 22 Gear 23, 24 Contact member
Claims (8)
現像剤の上部表面近傍に現像剤量位置検知部材を配設
し、現像剤の消費に伴う現像剤収容部内の現像剤の上部
表面位置の移動に前記現像剤量位置検知部材を追従さ
せ、この現像剤量位置検知部材の位置を検出することに
よって現像剤残量を検出する現像剤量検知装置におい
て、 前記現像手段の現像剤収容部内の現像剤残量が所定値以
下に減少すると前記撹拌部材が前記現像剤位置検知部材
に接触して回転することによって該現像剤位置検知部材
を押し戻すよう構成したことを特徴とする現像剤量検知
装置。1. A developer amount position detecting member is disposed near an upper surface of a developer accommodated in a developer accommodating section of a developing means, and an upper surface of the developer in the developer accommodating section accompanying consumption of the developer. In the developer amount detecting device which causes the developer amount position detecting member to follow the movement of the position, and detects the remaining amount of the developer by detecting the position of the developer amount position detecting member, When the remaining amount of the developer in the unit decreases to a predetermined value or less, the stirring member contacts the developer position detecting member and rotates to push back the developer position detecting member, so that the developer amount Detection device.
の運動を妨げないよう回避運動せしめることを特徴とす
る請求項1記載の現像剤量検知装置。2. The developer amount detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the developer position detecting member is caused to move so as not to hinder the movement of the stirring member.
から動力を伝達されて回避運動することを特徴とする請
求項2記載の現像剤量検知装置。3. The developer amount detecting device according to claim 2, wherein the developer position detecting member receives the power from the stirring member and performs an avoiding movement.
るときは、現像剤収容部の一部又は停止部材によって前
記現像剤位置検知部材の移動を阻止するとともに、該現
像剤位置検知部材を前記撹拌部材の動作を妨げない位置
で停止させることを特徴とする請求項1,2又は3記載
の現像剤量検知装置。4. When the detection operation of the developer position detecting member is completed, the movement of the developer position detecting member is prevented by a part of the developer accommodating portion or a stop member, and the developer position detecting member is moved. The developer amount detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the developer amount is stopped at a position where the operation of the stirring member is not hindered.
って、像担持体と、該像担持体に作用するプロセス手段
として少なくとも現像手段を有し、現像手段の現像剤収
容部内に現像剤量位置検知部材と撹拌部材を設け、現像
剤の消費に伴う現像剤収容部内の現像剤の上部表面位置
の移動に前記現像剤量位置検知部材を追従させ、この現
像剤量位置検知部材の位置を検出することによって現像
剤残量を検出する現像剤量検知装置を備えるプロセスカ
ートリッジにおいて、 前記現像手段の現像剤収容部内の現像剤残量が所定値以
下に減少すると前記撹拌部材が前記現像剤位置検知部材
に接触して回転することによって該現像剤位置検知部材
を押し戻すよう構成したことを特徴とするプロセスカー
トリッジ。5. A developing device which is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body, has an image carrier, and at least a developing device as a process device acting on the image carrier, and a developer is contained in a developer accommodating portion of the developing device. An amount position detecting member and a stirring member are provided, and the developer amount position detecting member is made to follow the movement of the upper surface position of the developer in the developer accommodating portion due to the consumption of the developer. In the process cartridge provided with a developer amount detecting device for detecting the remaining amount of the developer by detecting the developer amount, when the remaining amount of the developer in the developer accommodating portion of the developing unit decreases to a predetermined value or less, the agitating member causes the developer. A process cartridge configured to push back the developer position detecting member by rotating in contact with the position detecting member.
の運動を妨げないよう回避運動せしめることを特徴とす
る請求項5記載のプロセスカートリッジ。6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the developer position detecting member is caused to move so as not to hinder the movement of the stirring member.
から動力を伝達されて回避運動することを特徴とする請
求項6記載のプロセスカートリッジ。7. The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the developer position detecting member receives the power from the stirring member and performs an avoiding movement.
るときは、現像剤収容部の一部又は停止部材によって前
記現像剤位置検知部材の移動を阻止するとともに、該現
像剤位置検知部材を前記撹拌部材の動作を妨げない位置
で停止させることを特徴とする請求項5,6又は7記載
のプロセスカートリッジ。8. When the detection operation of the developer position detecting member is completed, the movement of the developer position detecting member is prevented by a part of the developer accommodating portion or a stop member, and the developer position detecting member is moved. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the process cartridge is stopped at a position where the operation of the stirring member is not hindered.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP9293967A JPH11133719A (en) | 1997-10-27 | 1997-10-27 | Developer amount detecting device and process cartridge |
US09/178,502 US6041196A (en) | 1997-10-27 | 1998-10-26 | Developer detecting apparatus for detecting the position of an upper surface of developer contained in a container and process cartridge comprising such apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP9293967A JPH11133719A (en) | 1997-10-27 | 1997-10-27 | Developer amount detecting device and process cartridge |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH11133719A true JPH11133719A (en) | 1999-05-21 |
Family
ID=17801518
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP9293967A Pending JPH11133719A (en) | 1997-10-27 | 1997-10-27 | Developer amount detecting device and process cartridge |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JPH11133719A (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2015148644A (en) * | 2014-02-04 | 2015-08-20 | 株式会社沖データ | Developer storage section, image forming unit, and image forming apparatus |
JP2021051203A (en) * | 2019-09-25 | 2021-04-01 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developer storage height detection device, developer supply device, and image forming apparatus |
JP2021051202A (en) * | 2019-09-25 | 2021-04-01 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developer storage height detection device, and supply device and image forming apparatus |
JP2021051204A (en) * | 2019-09-25 | 2021-04-01 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developer storage height detection device, developer supply device, and image forming apparatus |
-
1997
- 1997-10-27 JP JP9293967A patent/JPH11133719A/en active Pending
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2015148644A (en) * | 2014-02-04 | 2015-08-20 | 株式会社沖データ | Developer storage section, image forming unit, and image forming apparatus |
JP2021051203A (en) * | 2019-09-25 | 2021-04-01 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developer storage height detection device, developer supply device, and image forming apparatus |
JP2021051202A (en) * | 2019-09-25 | 2021-04-01 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developer storage height detection device, and supply device and image forming apparatus |
JP2021051204A (en) * | 2019-09-25 | 2021-04-01 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developer storage height detection device, developer supply device, and image forming apparatus |
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