JP2007079163A - Toner developing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to drastically shorten a waiting time for finishing a toner replenishing operation by minimizing occurrence of a situation that an image forming apparatus can not be used since the toner replenishing operation is under execution when a user uses the image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: When the toner replenishing operation is under execution (S2) and the image forming apparatus is in a copy mode (S3), an engine unit confirms whether or not a start key is depressed in an operation part (S4). When the start key is not depressed, the toner replenishing operation is continuously executed, however, the engine unit forcibly terminates the toner replenishing operation at a point when the start key is depressed (S5) to execute a copy operation as an interruption instruction (S6). When a series of copy operations are completed (S7), the toner replenishing operation is restarted (S8) and after the toner replenishing operation is completed (S9), the image forming apparatus transits to a standby mode (S10). In addition, when the image forming apparatus is not in the copy mode in a step S3, the image forming apparatus transits to subroutines of operations of other modes (S11). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner developing device having a toner replenishing means used in electrophotographic image formation, and an image forming device such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and a digital multi-function peripheral equipped with the toner developing device.

Since an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image with toner, a toner replenishing operation is performed to replenish the toner from the toner cartridge to the developing unit when the toner is consumed to some extent regardless of whether it is copying or printing out. Is done. After this toner replenishment is executed, there is a problem at which timing toner supply is stopped. Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, the process is performed based on the density of the patch image. That is, in Patent Document 1, toner is attached to an image on a photoconductor, the density of a patch image is detected, and when the detected density reaches the first level, the remaining amount of toner is determined as an insufficient amount of toner. Instructing the operation of replenishing toner as an insufficient amount of toner, replenishing the toner, detecting the density of the patch image again, and when the detected density reaches the second level, the remaining amount of toner is An invention is disclosed in which the instruction for the operation of replenishing toner is canceled as the end, and the second level is changed based on the toner density control level.
JP 09-080893 A

  By the way, as described above, the toner supply is performed when the remaining amount of toner decreases, and the control for stopping the toner supply when a predetermined amount of toner is supplied is automatically performed based on the remaining amount of toner and the image density (toner density). Automatically detected and executed automatically. Therefore, if the user runs a copy or prints out and the toner amount is insufficient, the image forming operation is interrupted and the toner supply operation is performed. Therefore, when it is necessary to quickly make a copy or print out, if the toner replenishment timing overlaps, copying or printing out cannot be performed. Even if this is not the case, it is not pleasant for the user to copy or print out due to toner supply while attempting to copy or print out.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a toner replenishing operation is performed when a user uses the image forming apparatus such as copying or printout. This is to minimize the occurrence of a situation where the toner cannot be used and to greatly reduce the waiting time for the end of the toner supply operation of the user.

  In order to achieve the object, the first means is a control for forcibly ending the toner replenishing operation from the toner replenishing means to the developing container in the toner developing device having a toner replenishing means for replenishing the toner to the developing container. Means are provided.

  The second means is characterized in that, in the first means, the control means forcibly ends the toner replenishment operation during the toner replenishment operation and causes the developing operation to be performed.

  The third means is characterized in that the image forming apparatus includes the toner developing device according to the first means.

  The fourth means is characterized in that, in the third means, the control means forcibly terminates the toner supply operation when an instruction is input from the operation unit.

  The fifth means is characterized in that, in the third means, the control means forcibly ends the toner replenishment operation when a print execution command is received from the external input means.

  The sixth means further comprises automatic document conveying means for automatically feeding the original in the third means, and the control means is a signal indicating that the original is detected from the original detecting means of the automatic original conveying means. The toner replenishing operation is forcibly terminated when the input is made.

  The seventh means further comprises a pressure plate for pressing the document in the third means, and the control means forcibly performs the toner supply operation when an open / close detection signal is input from the open / close detection means of the pressure plate. It is characterized by terminating.

  The eighth means is any one of the fourth to seventh means, wherein the control means restarts the toner replenishment operation after the job using the developing device is completed.

  In the embodiment described later, the developing container is denoted by reference numeral 110, the toner replenishing means is denoted by the toner bottle 111, the stirring paddle 112 and the motor 118, the control means is denoted by the controller unit 4, the operation part is denoted by reference numeral 2, and the external input means is denoted by reference numeral 2. In an external information processing apparatus such as a PC (not shown), the automatic document conveying means corresponds to the ADF 3, the original detecting means corresponds to the original detecting sensor 11, the pressure plate corresponds to the reference numeral 3 b, and the opening / closing detecting means of the pressing plate corresponds to the pressure plate opening / closing detecting sensor 12. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to forcibly end the toner replenishment operation when a job is input during the toner replenishment operation and to execute the job. Therefore, when the user uses the image forming apparatus, the toner replenishment operation can be performed. It is possible to minimize the occurrence of the situation where the image forming apparatus cannot be used because it is being executed, and to greatly reduce the waiting time for the completion of the toner supply operation of the user.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller unit 4, an engine unit 5, an image processing unit (IPU) 6, a scanner unit 7, and a writing unit 8. An automatic document feeder (ADF) 3 is connected to the scanner unit. The operation unit 2 is connected to the controller unit 4. For these connections, buses, signal / power supply lines, and the like are used, and the image forming apparatus 1 can be interfaced with the ADF 3 and the operation unit 2 by these.

  The controller unit 4 controls various operations of each part of the image forming apparatus 1, and the engine unit 5 controls mechatronic components such as sensors. The IPU 6 processes input image information, and the scanner unit 7 includes a pressure plate opening / closing sensor 12 for detecting opening / closing of a pressure plate and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 3 and is a unit for reading a document. Although not shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 1 has a digital function including a function for printing out by inputting image information from a PC (printer function) and a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image information via a public line. It is a multifunction peripheral (MFP-Multi Function Peripheral). Accordingly, the operation unit 2 includes a function key 9 for switching the operation of each function and a start key 10 for starting copying, and the ADF 3 includes a document detection sensor 11 for detecting that a document is set. .

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the operation unit 2 of the image forming apparatus in FIG. In the figure, the operation unit 2 includes an image contrast knob 13 for adjusting the screen brightness, an initial setting operation and counter display, an “initial setting / counter / inquiry information” key 14 for confirming inquiry information, an error and A display unit 15 for displaying the state of the machine, a color adjustment / registration key 16 for performing color adjustment and registration, a color circle 17 for reference of color adjustment, and a screen 18 for displaying keys and messages for performing each operation. , A setting confirmation key 19 for displaying the setting contents, a program key 20 for registering and recalling the setting, a reset key 21 for canceling the setting contents, a preheating key 22 for canceling the setting contents, a preheating key 22 for canceling, and another document interrupted during copying Interrupt key 23 for copying, main power source and main power source for displaying power on / off, power lamp 24 and power on / off Source key 25, trial copy key 26 for copying only one copy and confirming, start key 10 for starting copying, clear / stop key 27 for canceling input values or interrupting copying, input values An enter key 28 for confirming the number, a numeric keypad 29 for inputting a numerical value such as the number of copies, a color selection key 30 for switching various color functions, a function key 9 for switching operation of each function, and a lamp of the function selected by the function key 9. A function-specific status display lamp 31 to be displayed is provided.

<Image creation part>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the figure, an image forming unit 5a includes a drum-shaped photoconductor 101 as an image holder, and a charging unit 102 disposed along the outer periphery of the photoconductor 101 so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 101. The writing unit 8, the developing unit 104, the transfer / separation unit 105, the photo sensor 108, the cleaning unit 106, and the charge removal unit 107 are included.

  The charging unit 102 includes a main charge and a grid as charging means for charging the photosensitive member 101, and the writing unit 8 performs so-called optical writing by irradiating the charged photosensitive member 101 with light according to image information. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing unit 104 is for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 101 with toner. The developing unit 104 has a function of changing a developing voltage to be applied, and develops it with a two-component developer to visualize it. . The transfer / separation unit 105 has a function of transferring the toner image on the photoconductor to a transfer paper as a transfer medium, and further separating the transfer paper from the photoconductor 1. The cleaning unit 106 removes the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive member 101 without being transferred to the transfer paper, and the charge eliminating unit 107 has a function of removing electric charge remaining on the photosensitive member for the next charging. . The photo sensor 108 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer / separation unit 105 in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 101, and reads a detection pattern formed on the photoconductor 101, which is a toner image for density detection, and performs toner density detection. belongs to.

  The developing unit 104 includes a developing roller 109 and a toner bottle 111, and the toner bottle 111 to the developing roller 109 are provided with first and second agitation rollers 113 and 114, which are accommodated in the developing container 110, respectively. Has been. The developer is composed of toner 115 and carrier 116, and only toner 115 is consumed for development. The developer is supplied from the toner bottle 111, stirred by the first and second stirring rollers 113 and 114, and supplied to the developing roller 109 side while being applied with a potential by friction.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the photosensitive member 101 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the charging unit 102 that charges the photosensitive member 101 starts discharging, and the surface of the photosensitive member 101 is charged with the charging potential of the image area. Charge up to. Next, the image data read by a reading unit (not shown) and converted into a digital signal is subjected to predetermined image processing and output as an optical writing signal. The writing unit 8 modulates the LED based on the output optical writing signal and performs optical writing on the surface of the photoconductor 101. A latent image based on the image data is created in the image area on the surface of the photoreceptor 101 by the optical writing (exposure). The developing roller 109 rotates in the direction of arrow B to form toner spikes on the photoreceptor 101, and the developing roller 109 visualizes the latent image in the image area with two-component toner. In developing this image, a developing bias is applied to the developing roller 109. The toner image visualized in the image area is transferred to the transfer paper by the transfer / separation unit 105, and after the transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the surface of the photoreceptor 1. The surface of the photoreceptor 101 is cleaned and discharged by a cleaning unit 106 and a discharging unit 107 to prepare for the next copy cycle.

  As described above, the developing unit 104 incorporates a magnet (not shown) in an opening facing the photosensitive member 101 of the developing container 110, and is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow by a motor (not shown). Agitating rollers 113 and 114 provided side by side at the bottom of 110, and a magnetic permeability sensor 117 provided as a toner concentration sensor on the wall surface of the bottom of the developing container 110 are provided. The toner 115 and the carrier 116 are provided by the agitating rollers 113 and 114. The developer consisting of the above is replenished onto the developing roller 109 while mixing and stirring, and the toner concentration of the developer is detected by a toner concentration sensor (magnetic permeability sensor) 117. The toner bottle 111 includes an agitation paddle 112 that is rotationally driven by a motor 118, and the agitation paddle 112 has a function of discharging the toner to the developing container 110 (toner replenishment) together with the agitation of the toner. The motor 118 is driven by a motor driving device 119. Further, as described above, the photosensor 108 for detecting the image density is disposed at a position facing the surface of the photoconductor 101 downstream of the transfer / separation unit 105 in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 1. The photosensor 108 includes a light emitting element that emits light toward the surface of the photoreceptor 1 and a photoelectric conversion element that receives reflected light from the surface of the photoreceptor 101.

  The magnetic permeability sensor 117 and the photo sensor 108 are connected to a microcomputer interface (I / O) 120 of the controller unit 4 via an A / D converter (not shown). This microcomputer mainly includes a microprocessor (CPU) 121, a read only memory (ROM) 122, a read / write memory (RAM) 123, and an I / O 120, and a motor 118 that drives the agitation paddle 112 via the I / O 120. A control signal is output to the motor drive device 119 side. A 1-copy operation is detected and input as a digital signal to the I / O 120 by a micro switch (not shown) provided at the document irradiation start position of the illumination device (when used as a printer, a print start signal is input). ) The RAM 123 is provided with a storage unit such as a register for temporarily storing the output value of the magnetic permeability sensor 117 input via the I / O 120. The ROM 122 stores a toner density control program.

<Copy mode>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the toner replenishing operation in the copy mode according to the present embodiment. In this operation procedure, the engine unit 5 detects the toner concentration of the developer by the toner concentration sensor 117 in the developing unit 4 of the image forming unit 5a, and replenishes toner from the toner bottle 111 to the developing unit 4 when the toner concentration becomes low. (Step S1). When the toner replenishing operation is being executed (step S2) and the image forming apparatus 1 is in the copy mode, that is, the copy 9a is selected by the function key 9, and the “copy” of the function-specific status display lamp 31 is lit. When the engine unit 5 is on (step S3), the engine unit 5 checks whether or not the start key 10 is pressed on the operation unit 2 (step S4). If the start key 10 is not pressed, the toner replenishment operation is continued. However, when the start key 10 is pressed, the engine unit 5 forcibly ends the toner replenishment operation (step S5), and performs a copy operation as an interrupt command. This is executed (step S6). When a series of copying operations is completed (step S7), the toner supply operation is resumed (step S8). After the toner supply operation is completed (step S9), the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the standby mode (step S10). . If the copy mode is not set in step S3, the process proceeds to a subroutine for operation in another mode (step S11).

  With the above operation, when the start key 10 is pressed in the copy mode during the toner replenishment operation, the toner replenishment operation can be forcibly terminated and the copy operation can be executed. However, the copying operation can be executed without waiting for the user.

<Printer mode>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the toner supply operation in the printer mode according to the present embodiment. In this operation procedure, while the developing unit 4 is executing the toner replenishing operation (step S12, step S13-NO), the printer mode is set (step S14-YES), and the communication from the PC by the communication means such as a LAN cable is performed. Assume that the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job (step S15). At this time, the printer 9b is selected as the function key 9 of the image forming apparatus 1, and “printer” is lit up in the function-specific status display lamp 31 (step 15—YES). The image forming apparatus 1 that has received the print job during the toner supply operation forcibly terminates the toner supply operation by the engine unit 5 (step S16), and executes the printer operation as an interrupt command (step S17). When a series of printer operations are completed (step S18), the toner supply operation is resumed (step S19). After the toner supply operation is completed (steps S13 and S20), the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the standby mode (step S13). S21). If the printer mode is not selected in step S14, the process proceeds to a subroutine for operation in another mode (step S22).

  With the above operation, if a print job is executed during the toner supply operation, the toner supply operation can be forcibly terminated and a printout can be executed. Therefore, even if the image forming apparatus 1 is executing the toner supply operation. The print job can be executed without the user waiting.

<Operation when placing a document>
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example in which the document detection sensor 11 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance of the document transport port of the ADF 3. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the toner replenishment operation when the document is set in this embodiment. In this operation procedure, when the user sets a document in the document transport port 3a of the ADF 3 while the image forming apparatus 1 is executing the toner supply operation (step S23, step S24-NO), the document detection sensor 11 is turned on (step S23). (S25-YES) The image forming apparatus 1 forcibly ends the toner supply operation (step S26). When the toner replenishment operation is forcibly terminated and the user executes a copy operation, the original is not supplied from the original conveyance port 3a and the original detection sensor 11 is turned off (step S27). When the original is exhausted and the copying operation is completed (step S28), the image forming apparatus 1 restarts the toner replenishing operation (step S29). After the toner replenishing operation is completed (steps S24 and S30), the image forming apparatus 1 is on standby. Transition to the mode (step S31).

  With the above operation, when the ADF document detection sensor 11 is turned on during the toner supply operation, the toner supply operation is forcibly terminated. Therefore, the user simply sets the document on the ADF to execute the copy operation. Even when the toner replenishment operation 1 is being executed, a job such as a copy operation can be executed.

<Operation when opening and closing the pressure plate>
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the main part of the scanner unit 7 in which the pressure plate open / close detection sensor 12 is disposed in the vicinity of the swing fulcrum of the pressure plate 3b. The pressure plate opening / closing detection sensor 12 is configured by a photo interrupter, and a shielding plate 3c attached to the pressure plate 3b shields or opens an optical path in the gap of the pressure plate opening / closing detection sensor 12, and detects the opening / closing state of the pressure plate 3b. In the case of this embodiment, the pressure plate open / close detection sensor 12 detects that the pressure plate 3b is closed when the optical path is blocked (OFF) and open when it is opened (ON).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the pressure plate open / close detection sensor 12 detects the open / close state of the pressure plate. That is, when the user opens the ADF 3 and the pressure plate open / close detection sensor 12 is turned ON (step S34-YES) while the developing unit 4 is executing the toner supply operation (step S32, step S33-NO), the controller unit 4 performs the toner supply operation. It is forcibly terminated (step S35). When the toner supply operation is forcibly terminated and the user completes the copy operation (step S36), the controller unit 4 issues a command to restart the toner supply operation (step S37). At this time, before the toner supply operation is resumed, if the user opens the pressure plate 3b of the ADF 3 in order to remove the original from the contact glass after the copy operation is completed, the pressure plate open / close sensor 12 is turned on again. To prevent the toner replenishment operation from being forcibly terminated again at this time, for example, in the toner replenishment operation forcible termination flow, for example, a timer or the like is used to ignore the detection of the pressure plate opening / closing sensor 12 for a certain period of time after the copy operation is terminated. Mask setting is performed (step S38). The developing unit 4 resumes the toner replenishment operation in response to the toner replenishment operation resuming command, and after the toner replenishment operation is completed (steps S33 and 39), transitions to the standby mode (step S40).

  With the above operation, when the pressure plate open / close sensor 12 of the scanner unit 7 is turned on during the toner replenishment operation, the toner replenishment operation is forcibly terminated. Even when the developing unit 4 is executing the toner supply operation, a job such as a copy operation can be executed. Even if the ADF 3 or the pressure 3a plate is opened to remove the original from the contact glass of the scanner unit 7 and the pressure plate open / close sensor 12 is turned on after the toner replenishment operation is forcibly ended, the developing unit 4 is set to the job by the pressure plate open / close sensor mask setting. It is possible to avoid forcibly terminating the toner supply operation again after the execution.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when an image forming operation is instructed during the toner replenishing operation, the toner replenishing operation can be forcibly terminated and the image forming operation can be executed. Even when the forming apparatus is performing the toner replenishing operation, the image forming operation can be executed without waiting for the user.

  In addition, since the user forcibly terminates the toner replenishment operation while executing the toner replenishment operation and performs copy and printout, when the user ends the job, the toner replenishment operation can be automatically restarted. Even if the toner supply operation is forcibly terminated, the toner in the developing unit can be reliably supplied.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a toner supply operation in a copy mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a toner supply operation in a printer mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example in which a document detection sensor is provided in the vicinity of an entrance of a document transport port of an ADF according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a toner replenishment operation when an original is set in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the principal part of the scanner unit by which the pressure plate opening / closing detection sensor of this invention is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the rocking | fluctuation fulcrum of a pressure plate. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure when the opening / closing state of a pressure plate is detected by the pressure plate opening / closing detection sensor of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Operation part 3 ADF
4 Controller unit 5 Engine unit 6 IPU
7 Scanner Unit 8 Writing Unit 11 Document Detection Sensor 12 Pressure Plate Open / Close Sensor 110 Developer Container 111 Toner Bottle 112 Agitation Paddle 118 Motor

Claims (8)

In a toner developing device having toner replenishing means for replenishing toner to a developing container,
A toner developing device comprising: control means for forcibly ending a toner replenishing operation from the toner replenishing means to the developing container.   The toner developing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit forcibly ends the toner supply operation during the toner supply operation and causes the developing operation to be performed.   An image forming apparatus comprising the toner developing device according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit forcibly ends the toner supply operation when an instruction is input from an operation unit.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit forcibly terminates the toner supply operation when a print execution command is received from an external input unit. An automatic document feeder for automatically feeding the document;
4. The image according to claim 3, wherein the control means forcibly terminates the toner supply operation when a signal indicating that a document is detected is input from the document detection means of the automatic document transport means. Forming equipment. A pressure plate is further provided to hold the document,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit forcibly ends the toner supply operation when an open / close detection signal is input from the open / close detection unit of the pressure plate.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit restarts the toner supply operation after a job using the developing device is completed.

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