JP2010014868A - Powder storage device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a powder storage device having a detection means detecting powder stored inside a powder storage part with high detection accuracy, and an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The powder storage device is provided with a powder storage part 41 storing powder T fed from an inflow port 41a, a detection means 42 having a detection part 42a arranged inside the powder storage part 41 to be disposed below the inflow port 41a for detecting the powder T, a first cover member 43 disposed below the inflow port 41a to cover the upper part of the detection part 42a, and a second cover member 44 covering the front side of the detection part 42a and moving to open the front side of the detection part 42a when an amount of the powder T stored inside the powder storage part 41 reaches a predetermined amount or more. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder storage device that stores powder flowing in from an inflow port, and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a composite machine including the powder storage device.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a powder container that collects and stores powder such as waste toner has been widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Specifically, the untransferred toner after the transfer process adhering to the image carrier such as the photosensitive drum or the intermediate transfer belt is removed (accommodated) as waste toner in the powder container after being removed by the cleaning unit. The When the detection unit installed inside the powder storage device detects that the waste toner stored in the powder storage device is full, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus main body. Is done. Then, an operator such as a user or a serviceman takes out the powder container filled with waste toner from the image forming apparatus main body, and installs a new empty powder container in the image forming apparatus main body instead. .

  FIG. 4 and the like of Patent Document 1 show a powder storage device (waste toner tank) that stores powder (waste toner), and a cover member above a detection unit (optical sensor) that detects the fullness of the waste toner. A technique for preventing a problem that the waste toner is attached to the detection surface of the optical sensor and the detection accuracy of the optical sensor is lowered by installing the (sill member) is disclosed. In Patent Document 1 or the like, the detection part (detection surface) of the optical sensor is disposed at a relatively high position of the powder container, and the detection part is optically detected when it is covered with waste toner. Thus, it is recognized that the waste toner stored in the powder container is full.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-212568

In the conventional powder container, the detection accuracy of the detection means for detecting the powder stored inside is not sufficient.
Specifically, the powder that flows in and drops from the inlet disposed above the powder storage unit adheres to the detection unit of the detection means, and the powder in the powder storage unit is not full. Nevertheless, there are cases where the detection means is erroneously detected as full. If such a problem occurs, the frequency of replacing the powder container increases, and the downtime of the image forming apparatus becomes longer. With respect to such a problem, in Patent Document 1 and the like, since a cover member (silling member) is provided above the detection means (optical sensor), the powder that has flowed in from the inlet flows into the detection unit of the detection means. It can be expected to have a certain effect of suppressing defects directly attached. However, even in such a case, a part of the powder flowing in from the inlet arranged above the powder container floats during the fall and adheres to the detection unit of the detection means. In some cases, the detection means erroneously detects a powder full state.

  In order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to cover the detection unit of the detection unit with a cover member and cover the front of the detection unit of the detection unit with another cover member. However, in that case, there is a possibility that a problem may occur in which a powder is cross-linked around a gap formed in front of the detection unit of the detection means. In such a case, although the powder in the powder container is full, the detection means is erroneously detected as not full, and the powder stored in the powder container is Your body will overflow. In particular, waste toner as powder is collected in the powder container through an image forming process, so it has a lower fluidity than a new toner and easily aggregates. If it is enclosed, it becomes easy to cause cross-linking of waste toner, and this is a problem that cannot be ignored.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and a powder storage device and an image forming apparatus in which detection accuracy of a detection unit that detects powder stored in the powder storage portion is high. Is to provide.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a powder container includes a powder container that contains powder flowing in from an inlet, a powder container that detects powder and is inside the powder container. Detection means having a detection unit disposed below the inflow port, a first cover member disposed below the inflow port and covering the detection unit, and covers the front of the detection unit And a second cover member that moves so as to open the front of the detection unit when the amount of powder stored in the powder storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the powder container according to the first aspect, wherein the second cover member is suspended from the first cover member so as to be separated in front of the detection unit. And a flexible member that is pushed by the powder when the amount of powder stored in the powder storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount and moves to the detection unit side. Is.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the powder container according to the first aspect, wherein the second cover member is rotated around the first cover member so as to be separated in front of the detection unit. A rotating member that is suspended so as to be movable and that is pushed by the powder and rotates toward the detection unit when the amount of powder stored in the powder storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount; It is a thing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the powder container according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first cover member and / or the second cover member are conductive. It is made of material.

  The powder container according to the invention of claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first cover member falls toward the first cover member. It has an inclined surface for sliding the powder.

  A powder container according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the powder container according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first cover member and / or the second cover member are provided with powder. The voltage of the same polarity is applied.

  A powder container according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the powder container according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first cover member and / or the second cover member are provided with a powder. The voltage of the same polarity and the voltage of opposite polarity are alternately applied.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the powder container according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the time for applying the same polarity voltage is longer than the time for applying the reverse polarity voltage. To control.

  In addition, in the powder container according to the invention of claim 9, in the invention of claim 7 or claim 8, the absolute value of the same polarity voltage is larger than the absolute value of the reverse polarity voltage. It controls to become.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the powder container according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the powder is not adhered to an image carrier that carries a toner image. The waste toner is collected after the transfer toner is removed by the cleaning unit, and the voltage is applied in accordance with the timing at which the untransferred toner is collected by the cleaning unit.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the powder container according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the powder is not adhered to an image carrier that carries a toner image. The waste toner is collected after the transfer toner is removed by the cleaning unit, and the voltage is applied at a predetermined timing after the recording medium is jammed.

  An image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes the powder container according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

  The present invention provides a first cover member that covers the upper portion of the detection unit of the detection unit that detects powder stored in the powder storage unit, covers the front of the detection unit of the detection unit, and stores the powder. Since the second cover member that moves so as to open the front of the detection unit when the amount of powder stored in the unit exceeds a predetermined amount, the powder storage device has high detection accuracy of the detection means In addition, an image forming apparatus can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
First, the configuration and operation of the entire image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is a tandem type color printer. Four bottles 102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K corresponding to the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are detachably (replaceable) installed in the bottle housing portion 101 above the image forming apparatus main body 1. ing.
An intermediate transfer unit 85 is disposed below the bottle housing portion 101. Image forming portions 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K corresponding to the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are arranged in parallel so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 78 (image carrier) of the intermediate transfer unit 85. .

  Photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are disposed in the image forming units 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively. Further, around each of the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, a charging unit 75, a developing unit 76, a cleaning unit 77, a charge eliminating unit (not shown), and the like are disposed. Then, an image forming process (charging process, exposure process, development process, transfer process, cleaning process) is performed on each of the photoconductive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. An image of each color is formed on 5K.

The photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are rotationally driven in a clockwise direction in FIG. 1 by a drive motor (not shown). Then, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are uniformly charged at the position of the charging unit 75 (a charging process).
Thereafter, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K reach the irradiation position of the laser light L emitted from the exposure unit 3, and electrostatic latent images corresponding to the respective colors are formed by exposure scanning at this position. (It is an exposure process.)

Thereafter, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K reach a position facing the developing device 76, and the electrostatic latent image is developed at this position to form toner images of each color (developing process). .)
Thereafter, the surfaces of the photoconductive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K reach the positions facing the intermediate transfer belt 78 and the first transfer bias rollers 79Y, 79M, 79C, and 79K, and at these positions, the photoconductive drums 5Y, 5M. The toner images on 5C and 5K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 78 (this is a primary transfer process). At this time, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K.

Thereafter, the surfaces of the photoconductive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K reach a position facing the cleaning unit 77, and untransferred toner remaining on the photoconductive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K is removed at this position. 77 is mechanically collected by a cleaning blade (cleaning process).
Finally, the surfaces of the photoconductive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K reach a position facing a neutralization unit (not shown), and the residual potential on the photoconductive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K is removed at this position. The
Thus, a series of image forming processes performed on the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K is completed.

Thereafter, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photosensitive drums through the development process are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 78 as an image carrier. In this way, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 78.
Here, the intermediate transfer unit 85 as an image carrier includes an intermediate transfer belt 78, four primary transfer bias rollers 79Y, 79M, 79C, 79K, a secondary transfer backup roller 82, a cleaning backup roller 83, a tension roller 84, The intermediate transfer cleaning unit 80 (cleaning unit) and the like are included. The intermediate transfer belt 78 is stretched and supported by the three rollers 82 to 84 and is endlessly moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

The four primary transfer bias rollers 79Y, 79M, 79C, and 79K sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 78 with the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, respectively, thereby forming primary transfer nips. Then, a transfer bias reverse to the polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer bias rollers 79Y, 79M, 79C, and 79K. In the first embodiment, a voltage of +1800 V (volt) is applied to the primary transfer bias rollers 79Y, 79M, 79C, and 79K.
The intermediate transfer belt 78 travels in the direction of the arrow and sequentially passes through the primary transfer nips of the primary transfer bias rollers 79Y, 79M, 79C, and 79K. In this way, the toner images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are primarily transferred while being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 78.

Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 78 onto which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred in an overlapping manner reaches a position facing the secondary transfer roller 89. At this position, the secondary transfer backup roller 82 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 78 between the secondary transfer roller 89 and forms a secondary transfer nip. Then, the four color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 78 are transferred onto the recording medium P conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip (secondary transfer step).
At this time, untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the recording medium P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 78. Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 78 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer cleaning unit 80. The untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 78 is collected by the cleaning blade (intermediate transfer cleaning unit) 80. The untransferred toner removed (collected) by the cleaning blade (intermediate transfer cleaning unit) 80 is stored as waste toner T in the powder container 40. When the waste toner stored in the powder storage device 40 becomes full, the powder storage device 40 filled with the waste toner is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 100 by an operator such as a user or a serviceman. Instead, a new empty powder container 40 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 100. The powder container 40 will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS.

Thereafter, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 78 that has passed through the position of the intermediate transfer cleaning unit 80 reaches the position of the lubricant application device 50. Then, the lubricant is applied onto the intermediate transfer belt 78 by the lubricant application device 50. As a result, the frictional resistance of the intermediate transfer belt 78 is reduced, the durability of the intermediate transfer belt 78 and the members in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 78 is increased, and the adhesion of the untransferred toner to the intermediate transfer belt 78 is weakened, and the intermediate transfer cleaning unit. The cleaning property at 80 is improved. 2, the lubricant application device 50 refers to a solid lubricant 51 made of zinc stearate or the like, and a brush roller 52 that scrapes the lubricant from the solid lubricant 51 little by little and applies it onto the intermediate transfer belt 78. , Etc.
Thus, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 78 is completed.

Here, the recording medium P transported to the position of the secondary transfer nip is transported from the paper feeding unit 12 disposed below the apparatus main body 1 via the paper feeding roller 97 and the registration roller pair 98. It is a thing.
Specifically, a plurality of recording media P such as transfer paper are stored in the paper supply unit 12 in an overlapping manner. When the paper feed roller 97 is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1, the uppermost recording medium P is fed between the rollers of the registration roller pair 98.

  The recording medium P conveyed to the registration roller pair 98 is temporarily stopped at the position of the roller nip of the registration roller pair 98 that has stopped rotating. Then, the registration roller pair 98 is rotationally driven in synchronization with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 78, and the recording medium P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. In this way, a desired color image is transferred onto the recording medium P. In the first embodiment, constant current control is performed so that a current of +30 μA (ampere) flows through the secondary transfer roller 89.

Thereafter, the recording medium P on which the color image is transferred at the position of the secondary transfer nip is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 20. At this position, the color image transferred on the surface is fixed on the recording medium P by heat and pressure generated by the fixing belt 21 and the pressure roller 31.
Thereafter, the recording medium P is discharged out of the apparatus through a pair of paper discharge rollers 99. The transferred P discharged from the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 99 is sequentially stacked on the stack unit 100 as an output image.
Thus, a series of image forming processes in the image forming apparatus is completed.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, the configuration and operation of the powder container 40 installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1 will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the powder container 40 and its vicinity. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the vicinity of the detection unit 42a, and FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of the detection unit 42a. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where the waste toner T as powder stored in the powder storage device 40 is full.
As shown in FIG. 2, the powder container 40 includes a powder container 41, a full sensor 42 as a detection means, a first cover member 43, a flexible member 44 as a second cover member, and the like. Has been. In the first embodiment, the powder container 40 is integrated with a cleaning blade (intermediate transfer cleaning unit) 80.

  The powder container 41 is a resin container for storing waste toner (powder) that flows in from an inflow port 41a formed in the upper part. In the vicinity of the inflow port 41a, a cleaning blade 80 (formed of urethane rubber or the like) that is in pressure contact with the cleaning backup roller 83 via the intermediate transfer belt 78 is installed. With such a configuration, after the untransferred toner attached to the intermediate transfer belt 78 (image carrier) is removed by the cleaning blade 80 (cleaning unit), the waste toner T enters the powder container 41 from the inlet 41a. Collected. As shown in FIG. 2, the waste toner T collected in the powder container 41 is deposited from the bottom.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a full detection sensor 42 as a detection unit is for detecting that the waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 is full. The full detection sensor 42 is disposed on the wall surface of the powder container 41 at a predetermined height from the bottom of the powder container 41, and a detection unit 42 a (detection surface) is provided inside the powder container 41. ) Is installed. The detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42 is disposed below the inflow port 41a and is configured to detect the waste toner T.
Specifically, the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42 is a diaphragm having a diameter of 10 mm and vibrates at a predetermined frequency. Then, when the amount of the waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 increases and the waste toner T comes into contact with the circle center position of the detection unit 42a (vibration plate) within a range of ± 3 mm. The frequency of the detection unit 42a (the diaphragm) varies. Then, by recognizing the change in the frequency of the detection unit 42a (vibration plate), the waste toner T is accumulated up to that position, and the powder container 41 is filled with the waste toner T (FIG. 5B). ) Is detected. When the full toner detection sensor 42 detects that the waste toner T stored in the powder storage device 40 is full, the fact is displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 100. Is displayed. Then, an operator such as a user or a serviceman takes out the powder container 40 filled with waste toner from the image forming apparatus main body 100, and replaces it with a new empty powder container 40 instead. It will be attached to 100.

Here, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a first cover member 43 covering the upper part of the detection part 42 a of the full detection sensor 42 is installed below the inflow port 41 a.
The first cover member 43 is molded from a conductive resin material in which carbon black is mixed into PET (polyethylene terephthalate). This makes it difficult for the waste toner T to be electrostatically attracted to the first cover member 43. Then, a voltage having the same polarity as that of the waste toner T is applied from the power supply unit 45 to the first cover member 43. Specifically, in Embodiment 1, positive polarity toner is used, and a voltage of +1000 V is applied from the power supply unit 45 to the first cover member 43. As a result, the waste toner T (mainly charged with a positive polarity) that has dropped onto the first cover member 43 from the inlet 41a is electrically transferred from the first cover member 43 to which a voltage of the same polarity is applied. By receiving the repulsive force, it becomes easy to fly toward the bottom of the powder container 41 without adhering to the first cover member 43. Therefore, the problem that the waste toner T accumulates on the first cover member 43 and crosslinks is prevented.

  Further, the first cover member 43 is formed with an inclined surface 43 a that slides down the waste toner T that has fallen toward the first cover member 43. In the first embodiment, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 43a is set to about 30 degrees. With such a configuration, the waste toner T that has fallen onto the first cover member 43 from the inlet 41 a falls down toward the bottom of the powder container 41 after sliding along the inclined surface 43 a. Therefore, the problem that the waste toner T accumulates on the first cover member 43 and crosslinks is prevented.

Furthermore, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the powder container 40 in the first embodiment includes a flexible member 44 as a second cover member that covers the front of the detection unit 42 a of the full detection sensor 42. is set up. The flexible member 44 (second cover member) is located in front of the detection unit 42a (in front of the detection surface) when the amount of waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 exceeds a predetermined amount. Move to release.
Specifically, the flexible member 44 (second cover member) is a film-like member molded from a conductive resin material in which carbon black is mixed in ABS (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer resin). This makes it difficult for the waste toner T to be electrostatically attracted to the flexible member 44. The flexible member 44 is suspended from the first cover member 43 so as to be separated in front of the detection unit 42a, and the waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 exceeds a predetermined amount. When the waste toner T is pushed, the tip moves to the detection unit 42a side.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where the waste toner T stored in the powder container 40 is full.
When the amount of waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 increases, the flexible member 44 (second cover member) eventually begins to be pushed by the accumulated waste toner T and bends toward the detection unit 42a. (The state shown in FIG. 2 is changed to the state shown in FIG. 5A.) Thereafter, when the amount of waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 further increases, the flexible member 44 is further pushed and bent by the waste toner T, and the front of the detection unit 42a is opened. (The state shown in FIG. 5B is obtained). Then, when the waste toner T flowing from the opened front comes into contact with the detection unit 42a, the frequency of the detection unit 42a changes, and the full state of the waste toner T is detected.

Thus, in Embodiment 1, since the flexible member 44 that covers the front of the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42 is installed, the inflow port disposed above the powder container 41 is provided. A problem that a part of the waste toner T flowing in from 41a floats during the fall and adheres to the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42 is reduced. Therefore, a problem that the full detection sensor 42 erroneously detects the full state of the waste toner T is prevented.
Further, since the flexible member 44 moves so as to open the front of the detection unit 42a as the waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 increases, the flexible member 44 is positioned in front of the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42. In such a state, the waste toner T is in a state of being crosslinked in the vicinity of the gap. That is, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the front of the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42 is covered with another fixed cover member 440, the front of the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42 In a state where a void is formed, the waste toner T is in a crosslinked state around the space. In such a case, although the waste toner T in the powder storage unit 41 is full, the full detection sensor 42 is erroneously detected as not being full, and the powder storage device The waste toner T accommodated in 40 overflows. In particular, the waste toner T according to the first exemplary embodiment is attached with the lubricant supplied to the intermediate transfer belt 78 by the lubricant application device 50, and has a lower fluidity and easily aggregates than a new toner. The effect of installing the flexible member 44 in front of the detection unit 42a is great.

Here, in the first embodiment, as described above, a voltage having the same polarity as the waste toner T is applied from the power supply unit 45 to the first cover member 43. Specifically, referring to the timing chart in FIG. 6, the voltage (the applied voltage (A) in FIG. 6) is applied from the power supply unit 45 to the first cover member 43 in accordance with the timing at which the untransferred toner is collected by the cleaning unit 80. Is applied). Thereby, the time for applying a voltage from the power supply unit 45 to the first cover member 43 can be minimized.
Then, the waste toner T (mainly charged with positive polarity) that has fallen onto the first cover member 43 from the inlet 41a is electrically repelled from the first cover member 43 to which a voltage of the same polarity is applied. By receiving the force, it becomes easy to fly toward the bottom of the powder container 41 without adhering to the first cover member 43. That is, when the waste toner T that has fallen onto the first cover member 43 from the inlet 41a is cross-linked at that position (as shown in FIG. 8B), a gap is formed below the first cover 43. Thus, the full toner is not detected by the full detection sensor 42, and the waste toner T stored in the powder container 40 overflows.

In the first embodiment, a voltage having the same polarity as that of the waste toner T is applied to the first cover member 43. However, a voltage having the same polarity as that of the waste toner T and a voltage having a reverse polarity are alternately applied to the first cover member 43. Can also be applied. Since the untransferred toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 78 is also charged with a negative polarity charged by the transfer bias applied in the primary transfer process or the secondary transfer process, By applying a positive polarity voltage and a negative polarity voltage to the one cover member 43, the waste toner T charged to the negative polarity can be reliably removed from the first cover member 43.
Here, among the waste toner T collected in the powder container 41, the amount of toner charged to a reverse polarity is smaller than that charged to the positive polarity, so that the applied voltage (B) in FIG. It is preferable to control so that the time for applying the same polarity voltage is longer than the time for applying the reverse polarity voltage. For example, after applying a voltage of the same polarity (+1000 V) for 2 seconds, a voltage of the opposite polarity (−1000 V) can be applied for 1 second.
Further, for the same reason, it is possible to control the absolute value of the same polarity voltage to be larger than the absolute value of the reverse polarity voltage as in the applied voltage (C) of FIG. For example, a reverse polarity voltage (-1000 V) can be applied after applying the same polarity voltage (+1500 V).

In the first embodiment, referring to the timing chart of FIG. 7, the power supply unit 45 is detected at a predetermined timing after a jam (paper jam) of the recording medium P occurs in the conveyance path of the image forming apparatus main body 100. From this, the voltage is applied to the first cover member 43. Specifically, after a jam (paper jam) occurs in the recording medium P, the jammed recording medium P is removed by the user or the like, and the image forming apparatus 100 returns to a state in which image formation can be performed again (for example, jamming). It is discriminated by an off signal of the detection sensor or the like.) Using this as a trigger, the voltage (applied voltage (D) in FIG. 7) is applied to the first cover member 43 from the power supply unit 45 as a voltage of forward and reverse polarity. ) Is applied.
When a jam occurs in the recording medium P, a large amount of toner images that have not undergone the secondary transfer process to the recording medium P remain on the intermediate transfer belt 78 as untransferred toner, and the image forming apparatus 100. When the toner is restarted, a large amount of the untransferred toner is collected as waste toner in the powder container 40. Therefore, by applying a voltage to the first cover member 43, the waste toner T that drops in large quantities on the first cover member 43 can be reliably removed. Although not shown in the drawings, in the first embodiment, when the recording medium P is jammed, the secondary transfer roller 89 is configured to be separated from the intermediate transfer belt 78. A large amount of untransferred toner is collected in the storage device 40, and the above-described control is useful.

  In the first embodiment, a voltage having the same polarity as the waste toner T is applied to the first cover member 43, but a voltage having the same polarity as the waste toner T is applied to the flexible member (second cover member) 44. You can also Even in that case, the waste toner T adhering to the flexible member 44 can be electrically removed. Similarly, when a voltage having the same polarity as the waste toner T and a voltage having a reverse polarity are alternately applied to the flexible member (second cover member) 44, the waste toner T adhering to the flexible member 44 is removed. It can be removed electrically.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the upper part of the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42 (detection means) that detects the waste toner T (powder) stored in the powder storage unit 41 is provided. A first cover member 43 is installed to cover the front of the detection unit 42a of the fullness detection sensor 42 and the front of the detection unit 42a when the waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 exceeds a predetermined amount. Since the flexible member 44 (second cover member) that moves so as to open is installed, the detection accuracy of the full detection sensor 42 can be increased.

  In the first embodiment, the sensor using the vibration plate 42 a is used as the detection means for detecting the waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41, but the sensor is stored in the powder storage unit 41. As the detection means for detecting the waste toner T, an optical sensor that optically detects the waste toner T can be used, and a distance measuring sensor that detects the movement of the second cover member 44 can also be used. In this case, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram illustrating the powder container in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing a state where the powder stored in the powder storage device is full, and corresponds to FIG. 5 in the first embodiment.
In the powder container according to the second embodiment, the rotating member 47 is used as the second cover member, and the flexible member 44 is used as the second cover member. It is different from the one.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the powder container 40 in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment, in the powder container 41, the full sensor 42 as the detection means, and the first cover member. 43, a second cover member, and the like.

Here, in the second embodiment, the rotation member 47 is installed as a second cover member that covers the front of the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42. Similarly to the flexible member 44 in the first embodiment, the rotating member 47 (second cover member) also has a waste toner T stored in the powder container 41 when a predetermined amount or more is reached. It moves to open the front of the detection unit 42a (the front of the detection surface).
Specifically, the rotating member 47 (second cover member) is a thin plate member molded from a conductive resin material in which carbon black is mixed into PET (polyethylene terephthalate). This makes it difficult for the waste toner T to be electrostatically attracted to the rotating member 47. The rotating member 47 is rotatably suspended from the first cover member 43 so as to be separated from the front of the detection unit 42a, and the waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 is a predetermined amount or more. When it becomes, it is pushed by the waste toner T and rotates toward the detection unit 42a.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state where the waste toner T stored in the powder container 40 is full.
As the amount of waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 increases, the rotation member 47 (second cover member) eventually begins to be pushed by the accumulated waste toner T and rotates toward the detection unit 42a. (From the state of FIG. 2 to the state of FIG. 10A). Thereafter, when the amount of waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 further increases, the rotation member 47 is further pushed and rotated by the waste toner T, and the front of the detection unit 42a is opened. (The state shown in FIG. 10B is obtained). Then, when the waste toner T flowing from the opened front comes into contact with the detection unit 42a, the frequency of the detection unit 42a changes, and the full state of the waste toner T is detected.

As described above, also in the second embodiment, since the rotating member 47 that covers the front of the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42 is installed, the inlet 41a disposed above the powder container 41 is provided. The problem that a part of the waste toner T flowing in from the toner floats during the fall and adheres to the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42 is reduced.
Further, since the rotating member 47 moves so as to open the front of the detection unit 42a as the waste toner T stored in the powder storage unit 41 increases, the rotation member 47 is positioned in front of the detection unit 42a of the full detection sensor 42. The problem that the waste toner T is in a crosslinked state in the state where the void is formed is suppressed.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the fullness detection sensor 42 (detection) for detecting the waste toner T (powder) accommodated in the powder container 41 is detected. The first cover member 43 that covers the upper portion of the detection unit 42a is disposed, and the waste toner T that covers the front of the detection unit 42a of the fullness detection sensor 42 and is stored in the powder storage unit 41 exceeds a predetermined amount. Since the rotation member 47 (second cover member) that moves so as to open the front of the detection unit 42a when it becomes, the detection accuracy of the full detection sensor 42 can be increased.

In the first embodiment, the present invention is applied to the powder storage device 40 that collects and stores the untransferred toner adhered on the intermediate transfer belt 78. However, the photosensitive drum 5Y as an image carrier is used. Naturally, the present invention can also be applied to a powder container that collects and stores untransferred toner adhering to 5M, 5C, and 5K.
In the first embodiment, the present invention is applied to the powder container 40 using the waste toner T as the powder to be stored in the powder container 41, but the powder is stored in the powder container 41. The present invention can also be applied to the powder container 40 using powder other than the waste toner T as powder.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, the embodiments can be modified as appropriate in addition to those suggested in the embodiments. Is clear. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be set to a number, position, shape, and the like that are suitable for carrying out the present invention.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows a powder container and its vicinity. It is a front view which shows the vicinity of a detection part. It is a perspective view which shows the vicinity of a detection part. It is a figure which shows the state in which the powder accommodated in the powder accommodating apparatus becomes full. It is a timing chart which shows the control performed with a powder container. It is a timing chart which shows another control performed with a powder container. It is a figure which shows the state which the bridge | crosslinking of the powder produced inside the powder container. It is a block diagram which shows the powder container in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state in which the powder accommodated in the powder accommodating apparatus of FIG. 9 becomes full.

Explanation of symbols

1 image forming apparatus body (apparatus body),
40 powder container,
41 powder container,
41a inlet,
42 full detection sensor (detection means), 42a detection unit,
43 first cover member, 43a inclined surface,
44 flexible member (second cover member),
47 Rotating member (second cover member),
78 Intermediate transfer belt (image carrier),
80 Intermediate transfer cleaning section (cleaning section), T Waste toner (powder).

Claims (12)

A powder container for storing powder flowing in from the inlet;
A detecting means for detecting powder and having a detecting unit disposed inside the powder container and below the inlet;
A first cover member which is disposed below the inflow port and covers the detection unit;
A second cover member that covers the front of the detection unit and moves to open the front of the detection unit when the amount of powder stored in the powder storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount;
A powder container, comprising:   The second cover member is suspended from the first cover member so as to be separated from the front of the detection unit, and when the amount of powder stored in the powder storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount, The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the powder container is a flexible member that is pushed by the powder and whose tip moves to the detection unit side.   The second cover member is rotatably suspended from the first cover member so as to be separated from the front of the detection unit, and the amount of powder stored in the powder storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount. 2. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the powder container is a rotating member that is pushed by the powder and rotates toward the detection unit.   The powder container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first cover member and / or the second cover member is made of a conductive material.   5. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the first cover member includes an inclined surface that slides down the powder that has fallen toward the first cover member.   The powder container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a voltage having the same polarity as the powder is applied to the first cover member and / or the second cover member.   6. A voltage having the same polarity as that of powder and a voltage having a reverse polarity are alternately applied to the first cover member and / or the second cover member. Powder storage device.   8. The powder container according to claim 7, wherein the time for applying the same polarity voltage is controlled to be longer than the time for applying the reverse polarity voltage.   The powder container according to claim 7 or 8, wherein an absolute value of the same polarity voltage is controlled to be larger than an absolute value of the reverse polarity voltage. The powder is waste toner recovered after removing untransferred toner attached to an image carrier carrying a toner image by a cleaning unit,
The powder container according to claim 7, wherein the voltage is applied in accordance with a timing at which the untransferred toner is collected by the cleaning unit. The powder is waste toner recovered after removing untransferred toner attached to an image carrier carrying a toner image by a cleaning unit,
The powder container according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the voltage is applied at a predetermined timing after the jam of the recording medium occurs.   An image forming apparatus comprising the powder container according to claim 1.

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