JP6057838B2 - Developer supply cartridge, process cartridge, image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer supply cartridge, a process cartridge having a developer supply cartridge, and an image forming apparatus having a developer supply cartridge detachably.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus employs a process cartridge system in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means that act on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. In the process cartridge system, since the user can perform maintenance of the apparatus himself, operability can be improved.
Further, as one of the process cartridge systems, a developer supply system is known. In this system, a process cartridge having a developing cartridge for performing a developing process and a developer replenishing cartridge for replenishing the developer to the developing cartridge, which are detachable from each other, is employed.
Then, by connecting the replenishment opening formed in the developer replenishment cartridge and the receiving opening formed in the developer cartridge, the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion in the developer replenishment cartridge is allowed to flow into the developer cartridge. It is configured to replenish the developer container.
Here, when the user replaces the developing cartridge or the developer replenishing cartridge, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the user's hand and clothes from being stained with the developer. Therefore, in order to prevent the developer from leaking to the periphery of the replenishment opening and the receiving opening, various open / close shutter mechanisms have been considered.

Japanese Patent No. 4696168

  At the time of image formation, the shutter portion needs to be in an open state in which the developer can be replenished from the replenishing opening to the receiving opening. However, when the developer supply cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body, there is a possibility that the image forming operation may be performed in a closed state where the shutter portion closes the opening due to the user touching the vicinity of the shutter portion of the developer supply cartridge. is there. When the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is performed with the shutter portion closed as described above, the developer is not replenished from the developer replenishment cartridge to the process cartridge, and an image defect occurs. Further, if the developer is clogged in the opening, the driving torque of the developer replenishing cartridge is increased, and the image forming apparatus may malfunction.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to prevent an image forming operation from being performed when the shutter portion is not in a normal position.

In order to achieve the above object, a developer supply cartridge according to the present invention includes:
Replenishment of developer to a developing cartridge that is configured to be detachable from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus that forms an image with a developer and includes an image carrier and a developer carrier that can be brought into contact with and separated from each other. A developer supply cartridge that performs the operation,
A developer containing portion containing a developer and having an opening through which the developer can enter and exit;
A shutter portion movable between a closed position for closing the opening with respect to the outside of the developer accommodating portion and an open position for opening the opening with respect to the outside;
Along with the movement when the developer supply cartridge is attached to and detached from the mounting position of the apparatus main body, the first position where the shutter portion is located at the closed position and the second position where the shutter portion is located at the open position. A moving unit configured to move so that the developer carrying member and the image carrying member are separated from each other when the developer supply cartridge is located at the first position in the mounted position; A moving part for urging the developing cartridge;
It is characterized by having.

The process cartridge according to the present invention is
The developer supply cartridge, which is configured to be detachable from each other, and the developer cartridge are provided.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is
The developer supply cartridge or the process cartridge is detachable,
A detection unit that detects an open / close state of the shutter unit based on a contact / separation state between the developer carrier and the image carrier;
An image forming operation is not performed when the detection unit detects that the shutter unit is in the closed position.

  According to the present invention, when the shutter portion is not in the normal position, the image forming operation is not performed.

Schematic showing the separation state of the present embodiment Schematic sectional view showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment Schematic sectional view showing the contact state of this embodiment External perspective view of process cartridge according to this embodiment External perspective view showing the entire configuration of the developing cartridge according to the present embodiment Schematic sectional view showing the acceptance allowable position of the receiving side shutter unit of the present embodiment Schematic sectional view showing the receiving stop position of the receiving side shutter unit of the present embodiment Exploded perspective view of the receiving side shutter unit of this embodiment The figure explaining removal of a developer supply opening sealing member Explanatory drawing explaining the regulating member of a present Example Schematic perspective view showing a developer supply cartridge according to this embodiment. Schematic sectional view of the developer supply side shutter unit Disassembled perspective view of developer supply side shutter unit Enlarged schematic view of the supply side shutter unit Explanatory drawing showing the first operation of the developer receiving shutter unit Explanatory drawing showing the second operation of the developer receiving shutter unit Explanatory drawing showing the third operation of the developer receiving shutter unit Explanatory drawing showing the opening and closing operation of the developer supply side shutter Explanatory drawing showing the opening and closing operation of the developer supply side shutter Functional block diagram showing an example of signal processing configuration Schematic showing an example of the configuration of the concentration sensor Block diagram showing an example of the main controller of the controller The figure showing a patch image and gradation values Y0-Y4 Open / close detection process flowchart The figure showing a patch image and gradation values Y0-Y4 Flow chart of drive control processing

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments. Further, in the following description, a subscript given to a reference sign to indicate that it is an element provided for one of the colors of yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K unless particularly distinguished. In the description, Y, M, C, and K are omitted.

(Example)
<Overall configuration of image forming apparatus>
First, the configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “image forming apparatus”) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a contact state of the present embodiment. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating the developer supply side shutter unit in a contact state. FIG. 3B is a schematic view showing the process cartridge in the contact state. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing the overall configuration of the developing cartridge according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, the receiving side moving unit 29 and the replenishing side moving unit 52, which will be described later, are omitted.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a four-color full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process, and forms a color image on a recording medium S such as a recording sheet or an OHP sheet. In this embodiment, a four-color full-color laser printer is used as the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an electrophotographic copying machine, an LED printer, an electrophotographic facsimile apparatus, an electrophotographic word processor, or the like may be used. .

  In this embodiment, a process cartridge system using a developer replenishing system is adopted. In this system, a process cartridge P for performing an image forming process is configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body”) 100. The process cartridge P includes a developing cartridge T1 configured to be detachable from each other and used for developing with a developer, and a developer supply cartridge T2 for supplying the developer cartridge T1 with the developer. ing. In the following description, the apparatus main body 100 refers to a portion excluding the process cartridge P from the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first to fourth process cartridges PY to PK are arranged in the horizontal direction in the apparatus main body 100 according to the present embodiment. Each process cartridge P has the same electrophotographic process mechanism, and the color and filling amount of the developer stored therein are different. A rotational driving force is transmitted from the apparatus main body 100 to each process cartridge P. The process cartridge P is supplied with a charging bias, a developing bias, and the like from the apparatus main body 100.

  The first developing cartridge T1Y contains a yellow Y developer in a receiving side developer accommodating portion 15 as a developer accommodating portion shown in FIG. 3B, and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter, “ A yellow Y developer image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 2). Similarly, the second developing cartridge T1M contains a magenta M developer, the third developing cartridge T1C contains a cyan C developer, and the fourth developing cartridge T1K contains a black K developer. Then, a developer image of each color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 2 provided in each developing cartridge T1M to T2C.

The first developer supply cartridge T2Y stores yellow Y developer in a supply side developer storage section 40 as a developer storage section shown in FIG. 3B, and stores the same color developer. The developing cartridge T1Y is configured to be able to supply yellow Y developer. Similarly, the second developer supply cartridge T2M stores the magenta M developer, and is configured to be able to supply the magenta M developer to the developer cartridge T1M that stores the same color developer. Similarly, the third developer supply cartridge T2C contains cyan C developer, and is configured to be able to supply cyan C developer to the developer cartridge T1C containing the same color developer. Similarly, the fourth developer supply cartridge T2K contains black K developer, and is configured to be able to supply black K developer to the developer cartridge T1K containing developer of the same color.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, a laser scanner unit LB as exposure means is disposed above the process cartridges PY to PK. The laser scanner unit LB emits a laser beam L corresponding to the image information. The outputted laser beam L is scanned and exposed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an intermediate transfer belt unit 110 as a primary transfer member is disposed below the process cartridges PY to PK. The intermediate transfer belt unit 110 includes an endless transfer belt 111 having flexibility, a driving roller 112 that stretches and rotates the transfer belt 111, a driven roller 113, and a secondary transfer counter roller 114.

  The photosensitive drum 2 provided in each process cartridge P (developing cartridge T1) is in contact with the transfer belt 111. A contact portion N1 where the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer belt 111 are in contact with each other is a primary transfer portion. Further, a primary transfer roller 115 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the transfer belt 111 so as to face the photosensitive drum 2. Further, a secondary transfer roller 117 as a secondary transfer member is disposed at a position facing the secondary transfer counter roller 114 via the transfer belt 111. A contact portion N2 between the transfer belt 111 and the secondary transfer roller 117 is a secondary transfer portion.

  A feeding unit 120 is disposed below the intermediate transfer belt unit 110. The feeding unit 120 includes a feeding tray 121 that stores the recording medium S and a feeding roller 122. A fixing unit 130 is disposed above the apparatus main body 100. Further, the upper surface of the apparatus main body 100 is a discharge tray 100a. The developer remaining on the transfer belt 111 without being transferred onto the recording medium S is removed and collected by a belt cleaning unit 116 disposed in contact with the transfer belt 111.

<Image forming operation>
Next, an outline of an image forming operation for forming a full-color image will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3B. First, the photosensitive drums 2 of the first to fourth process cartridges PY to PK are rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. Further, the transfer belt 111 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 2 (the forward direction with respect to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 2). At this time, the speed of the transfer belt 111 corresponds to the speed of the photosensitive drum 2.

  At the same time as the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer belt 111 are driven to rotate, the laser scanner unit LB is driven. Here, in synchronization with the driving of the laser scanner unit LB, the charging roller 3 provided in each process cartridge P uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 with a predetermined polarity and potential. Then, the laser scanner unit LB scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 2 with the laser light L corresponding to the image signal of each color. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 2.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 of the first process cartridge PY is developed by the developing roller 11 to form a yellow Y developer image. Then, the yellow Y developer image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 111. A developer image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 of the second to fourth process cartridges is superimposed thereon, and a four-color full-color unfixed developer image is formed on the transfer belt 111. .

  On the other hand, the recording medium S accommodated in the feeding tray 121 is fed to the secondary transfer unit N2 at a predetermined control timing. Then, the four-color full-color developer images formed on the transfer belt 111 are secondarily transferred onto the recording medium S at the secondary transfer portion N2.

  Further, the recording medium S on which the four-color full-color developer images are secondarily transferred is separated from the transfer belt 111 and introduced into the fixing unit 130. Then, the developer image is fixed on the recording medium S by being heated and pressurized at the fixing nip portion. Thereafter, the recording medium S on which the full-color image is fixed is conveyed to the discharge tray 100a, whereby the image forming operation is completed.

<Development cartridge>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3B, details of the configuration of the developing cartridge T1 for performing the developing process according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3B, the developing cartridge T1 of the process cartridge P includes a cleaning unit 1 and a developing unit 10. The cleaning unit 1 includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 2 as an image carrier capable of carrying a developer image, a charging roller 3 acting on the photosensitive drum 2, a cleaning member 6 are provided. Further, the developing unit 10 includes a developing roller 11 for developing the developer by supplying a developer to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2 (on the image carrier). The cleaning unit 1 (cleaning frame body 7) and the developing unit 10 (developing frame body 14) are slidably coupled to each other, and the photosensitive drum 2 and the developing roller 11 can be brought into contact with and separated from each other.

  Details of the configuration of the cleaning unit 1 will be described. The photosensitive drum 2 having the rotation axis X in FIG. 4 as the longitudinal direction is rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 7. As shown in FIG. 4, a drum drive coupling 2 a is provided at one end of the photosensitive drum 2. The photosensitive drum 2 and the drum drive coupling 2a are integrally formed. The drum drive coupling 2 a engages with a coupling (not shown) of the apparatus main body 100. Then, the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) of the apparatus main body 100 is transmitted to the drum driving coupling 2a, so that the photosensitive drum 2 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. .

  The charging roller 3 rotates while being in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. As shown in FIG. 3B, the charging roller 3 is attached to the cleaning frame body 7 via the charging roller bearing 4. The charging roller 3 is attached so as to be movable in the direction of arrow E along a line connecting the rotation center of the charging roller 3 and the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 2. A rotation shaft 3 a of the charging roller 3 is rotatably supported by the charging roller bearing 4. The charging roller bearing 4 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 2 by a charging roller pressure spring 5.

  The cleaning member 6 includes an elastic rubber blade 6a at the tip and a support metal plate 6b. The tip of the elastic rubber blade 6a is in contact with the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 2 (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3B) in the counter direction. The cleaning member 6 removes the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 2. The developer removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by the cleaning member 6 is accommodated in a removed developer accommodating portion 7 a configured by the cleaning frame 7.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3B, details of the configuration of the developing unit 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3B, the developing unit 10 has a developing frame 14 that supports various elements in the developing unit 10. The developing device frame 14 is divided into a developing unit 16 and a receiving-side developer containing unit 15.

  The developing unit 16 is provided with a developing roller 11 as a developer carrying member, a developer supply roller (hereinafter referred to as “supply roller”) 12, and a developing blade 13. The developing roller 11 contacts the photosensitive drum 2 and rotates in the direction of arrow D in FIG. The supply roller 12 rotates in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 3B while being in contact with the developing roller 11. The supply roller 12 has two roles. One is to supply the developer in the developing unit 16 onto the developing roller 11. The other is to strip off the developer remaining on the developing roller 11 without being subjected to development. The developing blade 13 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the developing roller 11 to regulate the developer layer thickness on the developing roller 11.

  On the other hand, the developer supplied from the developer supply cartridge T2 is stored in the receiving-side developer storage unit 15. As shown in FIG. 3B, the receiving side developer accommodating portion 15 is divided into a first accommodating portion 15a and a second accommodating portion 15b.

  A developer receiving opening 23 is provided in the first storage portion 15a. A reception-side shutter unit 24 is disposed above the developer reception opening 23. Normally, the receiving-side shutter unit 24 is closed, but is configured to open when the developing cartridge T1 and the developer supply cartridge T2 are mounted on the apparatus main body 100. The second accommodating portion 15 b is connected to the developing portion 16 through the developing opening 17. When the process cartridge P is not used, the developing opening 17 is sealed with a sealing member. This sealing member prevents the developer from leaking from the receiving-side developer accommodating portion 15 during the distribution of the process cartridge P. The sealing member is bonded to the edge surface of the developing opening 17 by welding or the like.

  Further, the coupling between the cleaning unit 1 and the developing unit 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the developing device frame 14 has development coupling holes 8 (8R, 8L). As shown in FIGS. 3B and 5, the cleaning frame body 7 is provided with cleaning side plates 19 (19 </ b> R and 19 </ b> L) at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The cleaning side plate 19 (19R, 19L) has a cleaning coupling hole 20 (20R, 20L). The development coupling hole 8 (8R, 8L) and the cleaning coupling hole 20 (20R, 20L) are slidably coupled by fitting with the coupling shaft 21 (21R, 21L). Thereby, the cleaning unit 1 and the developing unit 10 are coupled.

  A pressure spring 22 is disposed between the cleaning unit 1 and the developing unit 10 as shown in FIGS. 3B and 5. With the urging force of the pressure spring 22, the developing unit 10 obtains a rotational moment in the direction of arrow G in FIG. As a result, the developing roller 11 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 2. FIG. 3B shows a contact state between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 2.

<Configuration of receiving shutter unit>
Next, the configuration of the receiving shutter unit provided in the developing cartridge T1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the developer receiving allowable position of the receiving side shutter unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the developer receiving stop position of the receiving side shutter unit of the present embodiment. The receiving side shutter unit 24 includes a receiving rotating member 26. Hereinafter, the developer receiving allowable position refers to the position of the receiving rotation member 26 (receiving side shutter unit 24) where the through hole 26b of the receiving rotating member 26 and the developer receiving opening 23 communicate with each other. The developer reception stop position refers to a position of the receiving rotation member 26 (receiving side shutter unit 24) where the through hole 26b of the receiving rotation member 26 and the developer receiving opening 23 do not communicate with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the receiving shutter frame 25 of the receiving shutter unit 24 is provided with a first receiving opening 25 a corresponding to the developer receiving opening 23 and a bearing portion 25 b that is an arc surface. The receiving shutter frame 25 is provided with a second receiving opening 25c at a position facing the first receiving opening 25a.

  A cylindrical receiving rotation member 26 is arranged inside the receiving shutter frame 25. When the receiving bearing portion 25b receives the outer peripheral surface 26a of the receiving rotating member 26, the receiving rotating member 26 is rotatably supported by the receiving shutter frame 25. A through hole 26 b is provided in the outer peripheral surface 26 a of the receiving rotation member 26. The through hole 26b communicates with the developer receiving opening 23 when the receiving rotation member 26 is in the rotational phase shown in FIG. 6, and becomes a developer receiving allowable position. On the other hand, when in the rotational phase shown in FIG. 7, the through hole 26 b and the developer receiving opening 23 do not communicate with each other, and thus become the developer receiving stop position. The rotation axis of the receiving rotation member 26 is set in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (mounting direction of the process cartridge P).

  Furthermore, with reference to FIGS. 6-8, FIG. 10, the detail of a structure of the receiving side shutter unit 24 of a present Example is demonstrated. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the receiving side shutter unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a regulating member for regulating the rotation of the receiving side moving unit of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the receiving rotation member 26, the receiving rotation seal member 27, and the receiving shutter frame body cover 28 are attached to the mounting portion 25 d provided on the receiving shutter frame body 25. The receiving shutter frame 25 and the receiving shutter frame cover 28 are coupled by hooking the attachment hole 28 a to a claw portion 25 e provided in the receiving shutter frame 25. After assembling the receiving shutter frame cover 28, the angular shaft 29c of the receiving-side moving portion 29 is attached by press-fitting into the square hole 26d at the tip of the shaft portion 26c of the receiving rotating member 26. With such a configuration, the receiving rotation member 26 and the receiving side moving portion 29 can rotate integrally. The receiving side moving part 29 has four engaging parts 29a protruding in the radial direction from the center of rotation. Each engaging portion 29a is provided with an engaging groove, and the bottom of the engaging groove is a bottom portion 29b.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a receiving seal member 30 is provided between the receiving developer accommodating portion 15 and the receiving shutter frame 25. The receiving seal member 30 plays a role of preventing toner leakage from the coupling surface between the receiving developer accommodating portion 15 and the receiving shutter frame 25. The receiving seal member 30 is provided with a hole 30 a corresponding to the developer receiving opening 23.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the developing cartridge T1 is provided with a regulating member 31 for regulating the rotation of the receiving side moving portion 29. The regulating member 31 is provided so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (in the directions of arrows U2 and U1) by the claw portions 32a and 33a of the slide rails 32 and 33 provided in the receiving-side developer accommodating portion 15.

  The restricting member 31 is always urged upward (in the direction of the arrow U2) by the spring force (elastic force) of the compression spring 34 provided between the receiving-side developer accommodating portion 15 and the restricting member 31. As shown in FIG. 10, at this home position (restricted position), a restriction recess 31 a provided in the restriction member 31 and an engagement portion 29 a of the receiving side moving portion 29 can be sequentially engaged. Thereby, the rotation of the receiving side moving part 29 is regulated. That is, when the outer shape of the engaging portion 29a is fitted into the restricting recess 31a, the rotation of the receiving side moving portion 29 is restricted. As shown in FIG. 8, a frame seal member 35 is disposed on the uppermost surface of the receiving shutter frame 25. The frame seal member 35 has an opening 35 a corresponding to the second opening receiving 25 c of the receiving shutter frame 25.

<Developer supply cartridge>
Next, the configuration of the developer supply cartridge according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the developer supply cartridge according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 11, a part of the frame is deleted and drawn in order to represent the internal structure.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the developer supply cartridge T2 has a supply side developer storage section 40 as a developer storage section for storing the developer. The replenishment-side developer accommodating portion 40 is provided with a developer replenishment opening 43 as an opening for allowing the developer to enter and exit, and replenishing the developer to the developer cartridge T1. A supply side shutter unit 44 is provided below the developer supply opening 43. The replenishment side shutter unit 44 includes a developer replenishment side shutter 49 as a shutter portion, and the developer replenishment side shutter 49 is closed to close the developer replenishment opening 43 with respect to the outside of the replenishment side developer accommodating portion 40. It is provided so as to be movable between a position and an open position to be opened. Normally, the replenishment-side shutter unit 44 is closed, but is configured to open when the developing cartridge T1 and the developer replenishing cartridge T2 are mounted on the apparatus main body 100. The replenishment operation by the developer replenishment cartridge T2 is performed when a developer remaining amount detection unit (not shown) of the developer cartridge T1 provided in the apparatus main body 100 detects a shortage of the developer remaining in the developer cartridge T1. Is called.

  A replenishment conveyance member 41 and a replenishment stirring member 42 are provided in the replenishment-side developer container 40. The replenishment conveyance member 41 and the replenishment stirring member 42 are rotatably supported by a frame that forms the replenishment-side developer accommodating portion 40. The replenishment conveyance member 41 conveys the developer in the replenishment side developer storage unit 40 toward the developer replenishment opening 43. As shown in FIG. 11, the replenishment conveyance member 41 is a screw member having a helical fin 41a and a return fin 41b formed on the surface. The fin 41a conveys the developer in the direction of arrow QA in FIG. The return fin 41b conveys the developer in the direction of arrow QB in FIG. 11, which is the opposite direction to the fin 41a.

  The replenishing stirring member 42 is formed of a replenishing stirring shaft 42a and a replenishing stirring sheet 42b. The replenishing stirring member 42 has two roles. One is to stir the developer in the replenishment side developer container 40. The other is to send the stirred developer to the replenishment conveying member 41. A cover member 47 is provided above the replenishment transport member 41. The cover member 47 covers a part of the developer supply opening 43 and the supply conveyance member 41 in the longitudinal direction. The cover member 47 is provided with a return hole 47a.

  A supply transport coupling 45 and a supply stirring coupling 46 are provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the supply transport member 41 and the supply stirring member 42, respectively. The supply transport coupling 45 and the supply agitation coupling 46 engage with a coupling (not shown) of the apparatus main body 100. The driving force of a drive motor (not shown) of the apparatus main body 100 is transmitted to the replenishment conveyance coupling 45 and the replenishment agitation coupling 46, so that the replenishment conveyance member 41 and the replenishment agitation member 42 are rotationally driven at a predetermined speed. .

  The conveyance of the developer in the developer supply cartridge T2 will be described. The developer in the replenishment side developer container 40 is stirred by the replenishment stirring member 42 and sent to the replenishment conveyance member 41. A part of the developer sent to the replenishment transport member 41 is regulated by the cover member 47 when transported to the cover member 47. As a result, the amount of developer discharged from the developer supply opening 43 becomes constant. The developer conveyed into the cover member 47 is discharged from the developer supply opening 43 to the developing cartridge T1. The developer that has not been discharged from the developer supply opening 43 is sent to the supply stirring member 42 from the return hole 47a by the return fin 41b and stirred again.

Here, the sealing configuration of the developer supply opening 43 of the developer supply cartridge T2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the removal of the developer supply opening sealing member. For convenience of explanation, the supply side shutter unit 44 is not shown in FIG.

  When the developer supply cartridge T2 is not used, the developer supply opening 43 is sealed with a developer supply opening sealing member 401 as shown in FIG. The developer replenishment opening sealing member 401 prevents the developer from leaking from the replenishment side developer container 40 during the distribution of the developer replenishment cartridge T2. The developer replenishment opening sealing member 401 is adhered to the developer replenishment opening welding portion 43a by welding or the like, and biased by the replenishment opening sealing member 402 in a state where the developer replenishment opening sealing member 401 is folded by the replenishment opening sealing member folding portion 401a. Has been.

  The replenishment opening sealing member 402 prevents the developer from leaking from the replenishment side developer accommodating portion 40 after the developer replenishment opening sealing member 401 is removed. The supply opening sealing member longitudinal end portion 401 b is coupled to a developer supply opening sealing member removing portion (hereinafter referred to as “replenishment take-up member”) 403 outside the supply side developer accommodating portion 40. The supply winding member 403 is formed of a supply winding gear portion 403a and a supply winding shaft portion 403b. The developer supply opening sealing member 401 is bonded to the supply winding shaft portion 403b with a double-sided tape or the like. When the developer replenishment cartridge T2 is used, the drive of the replenishment transport coupling 45 is transmitted from the gear portion provided in the replenishment transport coupling 45 to the replenishment take-up gear unit 403a via the replenishment first idler gear 404. The winding member 403 is driven to rotate. As a result, the developer supply opening sealing member 401 is wound up and removed from the developer supply opening 43 as shown in FIG.

<Configuration of developer supply side shutter unit>
Next, the configuration of the developer supply side shutter unit provided in the developer supply cartridge T2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the developer replenishment allowable position of the developer replenishment side shutter unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the developer supply side shutter unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is an enlarged schematic view of the supply side shutter unit. FIG. 14A shows the developer supply stop position, and FIG. 14B shows the developer supply allowable position. Hereinafter, the developer replenishment allowable position as the open position refers to the position of the replenishment side shutter unit 44 (developer replenishment side shutter 49) where the through hole 49b of the developer replenishment side shutter 49 and the developer replenishment opening 43 communicate with each other. Say. The developer replenishment stop position as the closed position refers to the position of the replenishment side shutter unit 44 (developer replenishment side shutter 49) where the through hole 49b and the developer replenishment opening 43 do not communicate with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the supply shutter frame 48 of the supply side shutter unit 44 is provided with a first supply opening 48 a corresponding to the developer supply opening 43 and a bearing portion 48 b that is an arc surface. The supply shutter frame 48 is provided with a second supply opening 48c at a position facing the first supply opening 48a.

  Inside the supply shutter frame 48, a developer supply side shutter 49 is disposed as a cylindrical shutter portion. The replenishment bearing portion 48 b receives the outer peripheral surface 49 a of the developer replenishment side shutter 49, so that the developer replenishment side shutter 49 is rotatably supported by the replenishment shutter frame 48. A through hole 49 b is provided in the outer peripheral surface 49 a of the developer supply side shutter 49.

When the developer replenishment side shutter 49 is in the rotational phase shown in FIG. 12, it communicates with the developer replenishment opening 43 and the replenishment side shutter unit 44 is in the developer replenishment allowable position. When the developer supply side shutter 49 is in the same rotational phase as the receiving rotation member 26 shown in FIG. 7, the through hole 49b and the developer supply opening 43 do not communicate with each other. This is the stop position. The rotation axis of the developer supply side shutter 49 is set in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the developer supply cartridge is mounted). In a state where both the developing cartridge T1 and the developer replenishing cartridge T2 are mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the replenishment-side shutter unit 44 is normally in the developer replenishment allowable position.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the developer supply cartridge T2 includes a first position where the developer supply side shutter 49 is positioned at the developer supply stop position, a second position where the developer supply side shutter 49 is positioned at the developer supply allowable position, and A replenishment-side moving unit 52 is provided as a moving unit that can rotate between the two. The replenishment side moving unit 52 is configured to be located at the second position when the developer replenishment cartridge T2 reaches a predetermined mounting position when movement starts at the first position. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the replenishment-side moving unit 52 includes a pair of abutting portions 52 a that project from the rotation center in the outer diameter direction and that face each other as a pair of first protrusions, and a pair of second projections that face each other. And an engaging portion 52b as a protruding portion. In the present embodiment, the distance from the rotation center to the tip is shorter in the contact portion 52b than in the engagement portion 52a. Further, the projecting direction of the engaging portion 52b and the penetrating direction of the through hole 49b are configured to have the same phase, and the projecting direction of the contact portion 52a and the penetrating direction of the through hole 49b have a phase of 90. The configuration is shifted.

  Further, with reference to FIG. 13, the details of the configuration of the supply side shutter unit 44 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the developer supply side shutter 49, the supply rotation seal member 50, and the supply shutter frame body cover 51 are attached to an attachment portion 48 d provided on the supply shutter frame body 48. The replenishment shutter frame 48 and the replenishment shutter frame cover 51 are coupled by hooking the attachment hole 51 a to the claw portion 48 e provided in the replenishment shutter frame 48. After the replenishment shutter frame cover 51 is assembled, the angular shaft 52e of the replenishment side moving portion 52 is press-fitted into the square hole 49d at the tip of the shaft portion 49c of the developer replenishment side shutter 49. With such a configuration, the developer replenishment side shutter 49 and the replenishment side moving unit 52 can rotate integrally.

  Further, a replenishment seal member 53 is provided between the developer accommodating portion 40 and the replenishment shutter frame 48 as shown in FIG. The replenishment seal member 53 plays a role of preventing toner leakage from the coupling surface between the developer accommodating portion 40 and the replenishment shutter frame 48. The supply seal member 53 is provided with a hole 53 a corresponding to the developer supply opening 43.

<Opening / closing operation of receiving shutter unit>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17, the opening / closing operation of the receiving shutter unit when the developer supply cartridge T <b> 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 100 in a state where the developing cartridge T <b> 1 is attached to the apparatus main body 100. explain. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a first operation when the developer receiving shutter unit is opened and closed. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a second operation when the developer receiving shutter unit is opened and closed. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a third operation when the developer receiving shutter unit is opened and closed.

  When the developer supply cartridge T2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100 with the developing cartridge T1 mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the receiving side shutter unit 24 of the developing cartridge T1 is first opened and closed. Then, an opening / closing operation of the supply side shutter unit 44 of the developer supply cartridge T2 is performed. However, only the opening / closing operation of the receiving-side shutter unit 24 will be described here in order to easily explain the operation, and details of the opening / closing operation of the supply-side shutter unit 44 will be described later. 15 to 17, illustration of the receiving side developer accommodating portion 15 of the developer cartridge T1 and the developer accommodating portion 40 of the developer supply cartridge T2 is omitted for easy understanding of the operation. Furthermore, the through hole 26b of the receiving rotation member 26 of the receiving side shutter unit 24 and the engaging portion 58a of the engaging member 58 of the developer supply cartridge T2 are indicated by broken lines.

In a state where the developer supply cartridge T2 is not attached to the apparatus main body 100, the developer receiving opening 23 of the developer supply cartridge T2 is normally closed, and the receiving side shutter unit 24 is in the developer supply stop position. Further, even if the developer cartridge T1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100 in a state where the developer supply cartridge T2 is not mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the receiving side moving unit 29 receives no force from anywhere. Therefore, the developer receiving opening 23 is closed, and the receiving side shutter unit 24 is in the developer receiving stop position. At this time, since the regulating recess 31a of the regulating member 31 is engaged with the outer shape of the engaging portion 29a of the receiving side moving unit 29, the rotation of the receiving side moving unit 29 is regulated.

The procedure of the opening / closing operation of the receiving shutter unit 24 is as follows.
The opening / closing operation is divided into three operations. The first operation is an operation in which the engaging member 58 lowers the regulating member 31 of the developing cartridge T1. The second operation is an operation in which the engaging member 58 is engaged with the receiving side moving unit 29 to rotate the receiving side moving unit 29. The third operation is an operation in which the engaging member 58 passes through the restricting member 31 and the restricting member 31 rises.

  First, the first operation (lowering of the regulating member 31) will be described with reference to FIG. With the developing cartridge T1 attached to the apparatus main body 100, the developer supply cartridge T2 is advanced into the apparatus main body 100 (in the direction of arrow H in FIG. 15A). When the developer supply cartridge T2 is advanced to the position shown in FIG. 15B, the engaging portion 58a of the engaging member 58 comes into contact with the first inclined surface portion 31c of the guide surface 31b of the regulating member 31.

  As the developer supply cartridge T2 further enters, the first inclined surface portion 31c is guided by the engaging member 58 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the regulating member 31 that has been urged by the elastic force of the compression spring 34 to the upper (arrow U2 direction) regulating position is provided below the receiving side developer accommodating portion 15 against the elastic force. Move in the direction of arrow U1. When the engaging portion 58 reaches the flat surface portion 31d of the guide surface 31b, the engagement between the restricting concave portion 31a of the restricting member 31 and the outer shape of the engaging portion 29a of the receiving side moving portion 29 is released. Thereby, the receiving side moving part 29 will be in the state where rotation was permitted (Drawing 15 (d)).

  Next, the second operation (the rotation of the receiving side moving unit 29) will be described with reference to FIG. After the receiving side moving part 29 is allowed to rotate, the engaging part 58a moves while contacting the flat part 31d of the regulating member 31. Then, the engaging portion 58a comes into contact with the outer shape of the engaging portion 29a4 of the receiving side moving portion 29 and rotates the receiving side moving portion 29 counterclockwise as shown in FIG. With the rotation of the receiving side moving unit 29, the receiving rotation member 26 of the receiving side shutter unit 24 rotates counterclockwise. When the developer supply cartridge T2 advances to a position where the contact between the outer shapes of the engaging portion 58a and the engaging portion 29a is released, the receiving rotation member 26 rotates 90 °. As a result, the rotation of the receiving rotation member 26 is stopped, the developer receiving opening 23 is opened, and the receiving side shutter unit 24 is in the developer receiving allowable position (FIG. 16B).

  Finally, the third operation (raising of the regulating member 31) will be described with reference to FIG. When the developer supply cartridge T2 is further advanced into the apparatus main body 100 from the state where the receiving side shutter unit 24 is at the developer receiving allowable position, the second inclined surface portion 31e is guided by the engaging portion 58a. As a result, the regulating member 31 is moved upward (in the direction of arrow U2 in FIG. 17A) with respect to the receiving-side developer accommodating portion 15 by the elastic force of the compression spring 34. When the engaging portion 58a of the developer supply cartridge T2 passes through the guide surface 31b, the outer shape of the engaging portion 29a engages with the restricting recess 31a of the restricting member 31 and returns to the restricting position. Thereby, the receiving side moving part 29 returns to the state by which rotation was controlled (FIG.17 (b)). Thus, the opening operation of the receiving shutter unit 24 is completed.

<Opening and closing operation of developer supply side shutter unit>
Next, details of the opening / closing operation of the developer supply side shutter, which is a characteristic part of this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 18, and 19. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a separated state of the present embodiment. FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the developer supply side shutter unit in the separated state. FIG. 1B is a schematic view showing the process cartridge in the separated state. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the opening / closing operation of the developer supply side shutter (developer supply side shutter unit) when the developer supply stop position is in effect. FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram showing a state before the developer supply side shutter and the receiving side moving unit are engaged when the developer supply opening is at the developer supply stop position. FIG. 18B is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the developer supply side shutter and the receiving side moving portion are engaged. FIG. 18C is a state diagram showing a state in which the developer supply cartridge is completely mounted after the developer supply side shutter and the receiving side moving unit have been engaged.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the opening / closing operation of the developer supply side shutter (developer supply side shutter unit) when the developer supply allowable position is in effect. FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram showing a state before the developer supply side shutter and the receiving side moving unit are engaged when in the developer supply allowable position. FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the developer supply side shutter and the receiving side moving portion are engaged. FIG. 19C is a state diagram showing a state where the developer supply side shutter and the receiving side moving unit have been engaged and the mounting of the developer supply cartridge is completed.

  In the present embodiment, the length from the rotation center to the tip of the contact part 52a and the engaging part 52b of the replenishment side moving part 52 is different. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), the length l1 from the rotation center of the contact portion 52a to the tip portion is longer than the length l2 from the rotation center of the engagement portion 52b to the tip portion. . Both the abutting portion 52a and the engaging portion 52b can be engaged with the engaging portion 29a of the receiving side moving portion 29. In the state where the engaging portion 52b is engaged with the engaging portion 29a, the tip end portion of the engaging portion 52b is configured not to contact the bottom portion 29b of the engaging groove of the engaging portion 29a (FIG. 1). (See (b)). On the other hand, when the contact portion 52a is engaged with the engagement portion 29a, the tip end portion of the contact portion 52a is configured to contact the bottom 29b of the engagement groove of the engagement portion 29a (FIG. 3 ( b)).

  That is, in a state where the engaging portion 52b is engaged with the engaging portion 29a, no urging force is generated from the engaging portion 52b to the engaging portion 29a. On the other hand, in a state where the contact portion 52a is engaged with the engagement portion 29a, the contact portion 52a (developer supply cartridge T2) is moved from the engagement portion 29a (development cartridge T1) in FIG. The urging force F1 is generated in the direction of arrow I.

  Here, the developer supply cartridge T <b> 2 is configured to be positioned at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body 100 when mounted on the apparatus main body 100. The developing unit 10 and the cleaning unit 1 of the developing cartridge T1 are provided so as to be able to swing with respect to each other. When the biasing force F1 in the direction of the arrow I is applied from the contact portion 52a to the engaging portion 29a in a state where the developer supply cartridge T2 is positioned, the developer supply cartridge T2 to the developing unit 10 of the development cartridge T1. Thus, the urging force F1 in the direction of arrow I works. Therefore, the developing unit 10 resists the urging force acting in the direction indicated by the arrow G in FIG. 1B by the pressure spring 22, and the developing unit hole 8 (cleaning coupling hole 20) in FIG. Swings in the direction of arrow J. As a result, the developing roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2 so that the developer cannot be supplied from the developing roller 11 to the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the development cannot be performed. Hereinafter, the operation when the developer supply cartridge T2 is mounted will be described in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 18, the developer supply cartridge T2 is mounted in the state where the developer cartridge T1 is attached to the apparatus main body 100, and the developer supply side shutter 49 (developer supply side shutter unit 44) is at the developer supply stop position. A case where the device is mounted on the apparatus main body 100 will be described. Normally, as shown in FIG. 18A, in a state where the developer supply cartridge T is not mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the developer supply side shutter 49 is at the developer supply stop position. Similar to the description of the opening / closing operation of the developer receiving side shutter unit 24, only the opening / closing operation of the developer replenishing side shutter 49 will be described here for easy understanding of the operation.

  The opening / closing operation of the developer supply side shutter 49 is performed after the opening / closing operation of the developer receiving side shutter unit 24. That is, when the opening / closing operation of the developer supply side shutter unit 44 is performed, the opening / closing operation of the developer receiving side shutter unit 24 is completed. In other words, the rotation of the receiving side moving portion 29 of the developing cartridge T1 is restricted by the restricting member 31, and the developer receiving side shutter unit 24 is at the developer receiving allowable position. The procedure for opening and closing the developer supply side shutter 49 when the developer supply side shutter 49 is at the developer supply stop position is as follows.

  With the developing cartridge T1 mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the developer supply cartridge T2 is advanced into the apparatus main body 100 (in the direction of arrow H in FIG. 18). At this time, since the developer replenishment side shutter 49 is at the developer replenishment stop position, the contact portion 52a of the replenishment side moving portion 52 abuts the outer shape of the engaging portion 29a of the receiving side moving portion 29. At this time, the replenishment side moving part 52 rotates counterclockwise (FIG. 18B). With the rotation of the supply side moving unit 52, the developer supply side shutter 49 of the developer supply side shutter unit 44 rotates counterclockwise.

  When the developer supply cartridge T2 advances to a position where the engagement of the engaging portion 29a of the receiving side moving portion 29 and the contact portion 52a of the replenishing side moving portion 52 is released, the developer replenishing side shutter 49 is 90 °. Rotate. Therefore, the developer replenishment allowable position where the through hole 49b and the developer replenishment opening 43 communicate with each other (FIG. 18C). This completes the mounting operation when the developer supply side shutter 49 is in the developer supply stop position before the developer supply cartridge T2 is mounted.

  Next, referring to FIG. 19, the developer supply cartridge T <b> 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 100 when the developer cartridge T <b> 1 is attached to the apparatus main body 100 and the developer supply side shutter 49 is in the developer supply allowable position. The case of mounting will be described. As described above, normally, in a state where the developer supply cartridge T2 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100, the developer supply side shutter 49 is at the developer supply stop position. However, if the user accidentally touches the replenishment side moving part 52, the replenishment side moving part 52 rotates, and as shown in FIG. There is. Only the opening / closing operation of the developer supply side shutter 49 will be described here. The state of the developer receiving side shutter unit 24 is the same as when the developer supply side shutter 49 is in the developer supply stop position.

  First, in a state where the developing cartridge T1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the developer supply cartridge T2 enters the apparatus main body 100 (in the direction of arrow H in FIG. 19). At this time, since the developer supply side shutter 49 is in the developer supply allowable position (FIG. 19A), the engaging portion 52b of the supply side moving portion 52 is connected to the engaging portion 29a of the receiving side moving portion 29. Abuts the outer shape. At this time, the replenishment side moving part 52 rotates counterclockwise (FIG. 19B). With the rotation of the supply side moving unit 52, the developer supply side shutter 49 of the developer supply side shutter unit 44 rotates counterclockwise.

  When the developer supply cartridge T2 advances to a position where the engagement of the engaging portion 29a of the receiving side moving portion 29 and the engaging portion 52b of the replenishing side moving portion 52 is released, the developer replenishing side shutter 49 is 90 °. Rotates to the developer replenishment stop position (FIG. 19 (c)). In this state, the tip of the contact portion 52a of the replenishment side moving portion 52 is in contact with the bottom 29b of the engaging groove of the receiving side moving portion 29 (engaging portion 29a) (FIG. 19C). It is in.

  In the process of inserting the apparatus main body 100, the developer supply cartridge T <b> 2 is fitted to a pin (not shown) of the apparatus main body 100, and the developer supply cartridge T <b> 2 is associated with the supply side moving unit 52 and the receiving side moving unit 29. In some cases, it is positioned within the apparatus main body 100. Therefore, the developer supply cartridge T2 does not move in the I and K directions. Therefore, the contact portion 52a of the replenishment side moving portion 52 urges (presses) the bottom portion 29b of the receiving side moving portion 29 in the direction of arrow I, and the urging force F1 is applied to the developing cartridge T1 (developing unit 10). As a result, the developing unit 10 supporting the receiving-side moving unit 29 is rotated in the direction of arrow J (see FIG. 1B) around the swing center by the urging force (pressing force) F1 in the I direction. The developing roller 11 is in a separated state with respect to the body drum 2.

<Signal processing configuration of the device body>
Next, the configuration of signal processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a signal processing configuration in the apparatus main body according to the present embodiment. For example, when a print command is issued from a host computer (not shown), a page description language as print data is sent from the driver 74 on the host computer and input to the controller 75 in the apparatus main body 100.

  Further, when printing, the attribute of the print data to be printed by the driver 74 is determined by the user specifying an attribute of an image such as a document image, a graphic image, or a photographic image, or automatically determining from an application or the like. The Then, the halftone information 76 is input to the halftone processing unit 77.

  In the controller 75, a decoder 78, a band memory 79, a color conversion processing unit 80, a γ correction unit 81, and a halftone processing unit 77 are arranged. The input print data (for example, page description language) is interpreted by the decoder 78 and converted into RGB 8-bit image data. The RGB image data is input to the band memory 79. The band memory 79 can store several lines of image data.

  First, the image area for the first predetermined line is developed in the band memory 79, and RGB image data is output. The RGB image data output from the band memory 79 is input to the color conversion processing unit 80 in parallel. The RGB image data input to the color conversion processing unit 80 is subjected to predetermined color conversion processing and UCR (Under Color Removal) processing to obtain yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K image signals. Is converted. As described above, the apparatus main body 100 of this embodiment forms one screen for each of the Y, M, C, and K colors. Therefore, the color conversion processing unit 80 outputs image signals in the order of plane, that is, data for one Y screen, data for one M screen, data for one C screen, and data for one K screen. Output with time difference.

  The γ correction unit 81 outputs from the color conversion processing unit 80 based on a later-described γ correction unit table (also referred to as a density correction table) so that the gradation characteristics of the halftone are kept linear with respect to the image signal. Then, the image signal of each color is converted into a corrected signal. Thereafter, an open / close detection means (hereinafter referred to as “open / close detection unit”) 82 of the developer replenishment opening 43 which will be described later indicates that the developer replenishment side shutter 49 in the apparatus main body 100 is in a developer replenishment allowable state and a developer replenishment stop state. Detect which one you are taking. This detection is performed based on a detection result of density information of a detection image (hereinafter referred to as “patch image”) 92 (see FIG. 21) by a density detection means (hereinafter referred to as “density sensor”) 83 described later. Thereafter, halftone processing is performed by the halftone processing unit 77 by a dither method or the like.

In addition, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) processing unit 84 and a laser driving unit 85 are disposed in the apparatus main body 100. The image signal supplied from the controller 75 as the supply source and subjected to halftone processing by the halftone processing unit 77 is subjected to pulse width modulation by the PWM processing unit 84 and is subjected to D / A (digital analog) conversion. After that, it is input to the laser drive unit 85. The laser driving unit 85 controls the scanner unit in accordance with the input data, and thereafter, printing is performed on the recording medium S through the electrophotographic process described with reference to FIG.

<Description of concentration sensor>
Although not shown in FIG. 2, the density sensor 83 is disposed toward the transfer belt 111 of the apparatus main body 100 shown in FIG. This density sensor 83 is shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the density sensor. It comprises an infrared light emitting element 86 such as an LED, and light receiving elements 87a and 87b such as a photodiode. The light receiving element 87a detects the intensity of irregularly reflected light from the patch image 92 when the patch image 92 is irradiated with light by the LED. Then, the intensity of irregularly reflected light detected by the light receiving element 87a is subtracted from the detection result of the light receiving element 87b that detects the intensity of regular reflected light from the patch image 92. As a result, it is possible to detect an accurate regular reflection light intensity, and to detect information corresponding to the density of the patch image 92 formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer body based on the intensity.

<Configuration of main controller>
FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main control unit of the controller described above. The main control unit 88 includes at least a CPU 89, an EEPROM 90, and a RAM 91. Each signal processing unit in FIG. 22 is connected to the main control unit 88 through a signal line (not shown), and the main control unit 88 performs instructions, data storage, data reading / writing, and the like. The processing of the main control unit 88 is performed by reading out the program code stored on the EEPROM 90 and executing it by the CPU 89.

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 88 realizes the function of the opening / closing detection unit 82 of the developer supply opening described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the opening / closing detection unit 82 of the developer replenishment opening is not provided by the main control unit 88. For example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the main control unit 88 and the ASIC cooperate with each other. It may be realized. Further, each of the other blocks may be realized by the main control unit 88, the ASIC, or a combination thereof, similarly to the opening / closing detection unit 82 of the developer supply opening.

<Image density control>
Next, image density control performed in this embodiment will be described. The density of the printed image depends on the operating state (operating environment) of image formation such as temperature and humidity using the apparatus main body 100, the degree of consumption / deterioration of the photoconductor, and the operating state (operating state) of image formation such as the number of continuous prints. Variation occurs. Many apparatus main bodies 100 are equipped with an image density control mechanism for automatically adjusting image forming conditions such as a charging potential, an exposure amount, a developing bias, and gradation control in order to suppress this density change. The apparatus main body 100 according to the present embodiment performs image density control when a predetermined number of prints are printed, for example, after the apparatus main body 100 is turned on or when the developer supply cartridge is replaced.

  Next, gradation control will be described as an example of image density control with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the patch image 92 and the gradation values Y0 to Y4 at the developer replenishment allowable position in a state where the process cartridge P is mounted on the apparatus main body 100. The purpose of gradation control is to keep the gradation characteristics of the halftone linear with respect to the gradation value of the image signal. A plurality of patch images 92 formed with different gradations are detected by the density sensor 83, and the γ correction table is corrected so that the input / output characteristics are linear based on the result. Hereinafter, the gradation control process will be specifically described. In response to the patch image formation instruction from the CPU 89, the patch image generation unit 93 generates a patch image shown in FIG. The generated image is formed as a patch image on the transfer belt 111 by the above-described electrophotographic process through the γ correction unit 81, the halftone processing unit 77, the PWM processing unit 84, and the laser driving unit 85.

  Each patch image 92 constituting the patch image in FIG. 23A is formed with gradations of n0 to n4. At the time of patch image output, a through γ correction table indicated by reference numeral 601 in FIG. 23B is used. The density of the patch image 92 formed on the transfer belt 111 is detected by the density sensor 83.

  The density of each patch image 92 is Y0 to Y4. Based on the calculated density, a density characteristic table 602 (reference density characteristic table) is generated. An example of the reference density characteristic table 602 is shown in FIG. 19B (the vertical axis of 602 is density). Thereafter, the γ correction table 603 is obtained so as to be the reverse characteristic of the reference density characteristic table 602 (the vertical axis of 603 is the output gradation value of the γ correction unit 81). In the gradation control described above, the patch image 92 formed on the transfer belt 111 is collected by the belt cleaning unit 116 shown in FIG.

<Detection of open / close state of developer supply opening>
Next, the flow of the opening / closing detection process of the developer supply opening 43 by the opening / closing detection unit 82 as a detection unit will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the open / close detection process. The open / close detection unit 82 can detect the contact / separation state between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 2 based on the density of the patch image 92. Based on the detection result, whether the developer replenishment side shutter 49 is at the developer replenishment allowable position (open position) or the developer replenishment stop position (closed position), that is, the developer replenishment side shutter 49 is opened and closed. Detect state.

  First, in step 205-1, the apparatus main body 100 starts open / close detection processing of the developer supply opening 43 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 89. In step 205-2, the CPU 89 executes the gradation control described with reference to FIG. 23, and acquires the densities Y0 to Y4 of the patch image 92. In step 205-3, the open / close detection unit 82 of the developer supply opening 43 compares the average value Yave of the densities Y0 to Y4 of the patch image 92 with a predetermined reference density Yth. The opening / closing detector 82 of the developer supply opening 43 proceeds to step 205-4 when Yave> Yth (YES), and proceeds to step 205-5 when Yave ≦ Yth (NO).

  In step 205-4, the open / close detection unit 82 of the developer replenishment opening 43 determines that the developer replenishment side shutter 49 is in the developer replenishment allowable state, Save “1”. On the other hand, in step 205-5, the developer replenishment opening opening / closing detector 82 determines that the developer replenishment side shutter 49 is in the developer replenishment stop state, and the developer replenishment opening opening / closing information on the RAM 91 is “ Save state 2 ". Then, the opening / closing detection unit 82 of the developer supply opening 43 advances the process to Step 205-6, and the opening / closing detection process of the developer supply opening 43 ends.

  In the apparatus main body 100 of this embodiment, for example, when the apparatus main body 100 is turned on, when the developer supply cartridge T is replaced, or when a predetermined number of prints is printed, the open / close detection unit 82 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The opening / closing detection processing of the developer supply opening 43 shown is executed.

<When a developer supply cartridge at the developer supply stop position is installed>
Here, the opening / closing detection processing of the developer supply opening 43 when the developer supply cartridge T2 at the developer supply stop position is mounted on the apparatus main body 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Normally, before the developer supply cartridge T2 at the time of shipment is attached to the apparatus main body 100, the developer supply side shutter 49 (supply side moving unit 52) takes the developer supply stop position. When the developer supply cartridge T2 and the developer cartridge T1 are attached to the apparatus main body 100 in this state, as described above, the developer supply side shutter 49 (supply side moving portion 52) moves from the developer supply stop position to the developer supply allowable position. Switch. In this state, the patch image 92 is detected as being in the developer replenishment allowable position because the average value of the densities Y0 to Y4 of each patch image 92 exceeds the reference density Yth as shown in FIG.

<When a developer replenishment cartridge at a developer replenishment allowable position is mounted>
Next, the opening / closing detection processing of the developer supply opening 43 when the developer supply cartridge at the developer supply allowable position is mounted on the apparatus main body 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 19, and 25. FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the patch image 92 and the tone values Y0 to Y4 at the developer supply stop position in a state where the developer supply cartridge T2 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100.

  When the user touches the supply side moving unit 52, the developer supply side shutter 49 (supply side moving unit 52) may change from the developer supply stop position to the developer supply allowable position (FIG. 19). When the developer supply cartridge T2 is attached to the apparatus main body 100 in this state, the contact portion 52a of the supply side moving portion 52 and the bottom portion 29b of the receiving side moving portion 29 are in contact with each other as shown in FIG. It will be in contact. In other words, the developer supply side shutter 49 (supply side moving portion 52) is positioned at the developer supply stop position and the developer supply opening 43, despite the developer supply cartridge T2 being mounted at the predetermined mounting position. Is closed.

In this state, since the developing roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2 as described above (FIG. 1B), the patch image 92 is allowed to be supplied with developer as shown in FIG. The patch image at the position is whitened. Since the patch image is blank, the densities Y0 to Y4 of the patch image 92 detected by the density sensor 83 are below the reference value as shown in FIG. As a result, it is detected that the developing roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum. Then, the open / close detection unit 82 detects that the developer supply side shutter 49 (supply side moving unit 52) is at the developer supply stop position and the developer supply opening 43 is closed.

<Main body operation after opening / closing detection of developer replenishment opening>
Next, the operation of the main body after the opening / closing detection of the developer supply opening will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the drive control process. The apparatus main body 100 is provided with drive control means, and executes the processing shown in FIG.

  First, in step 206-1, the apparatus main body 100 starts drive control processing in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 89. In step 206-2, the CPU 89 refers to the developer replenishment opening opening / closing information on the RAM 91, and compares whether "state 1" or "state 2" is taken. When the developer replenishment opening / closing information on the RAM 91 is “state 1”, the CPU 89 determines that the developer replenishment opening is at the developer replenishment allowable position, and permits the image forming operation of the apparatus main body 100 in step 206-3. . On the other hand, in step 206-4, the CPU 89 determines that the developer supply opening 43 is at the developer supply stop position, and prohibits the image forming operation of the apparatus main body 100.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the developer supply cartridge T2 is attached to the apparatus main body 100 with the developer supply side shutter 49 in the developer supply allowable position, the image forming operation (development operation) is performed. ) Is not possible. Specifically, the image forming operation (developing operation) cannot be performed when the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 2 are separated from each other. As described above, since the image forming operation is not performed in a state where the developer replenishment side shutter 49 is in the developer replenishment stop position, it is possible to suppress image defects due to the developer not being replenished to the developing cartridge T1. . Further, the clogging of the developer in the vicinity of the developer supply opening 43 increases the driving torque of the developer supply cartridge T2, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunction of the image forming apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 ... Developer accommodating part, 43 ... Developer supply opening (opening), 49 ... Developer supply side shutter part (shutter part), Supply side moving part ... 52 (moving part), T1 ... Developer cartridge, T2 ... Developer Supply cartridge, P ... Process cartridge

Claims (9)

Replenishment of developer to a developing cartridge that is configured to be detachable from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus that forms an image with a developer and includes an image carrier and a developer carrier that can be brought into contact with and separated from each other. A developer supply cartridge that performs the operation,
A developer containing portion containing a developer and having an opening through which the developer can enter and exit;
A shutter portion movable between a closed position for closing the opening with respect to the outside of the developer accommodating portion and an open position for opening the opening with respect to the outside;
Along with the movement when the developer supply cartridge is attached to and detached from the mounting position of the apparatus main body, the first position where the shutter portion is located at the closed position and the second position where the shutter portion is located at the open position. A moving unit configured to move so that the developer carrying member and the image carrying member are separated from each other when the developer supply cartridge is located at the first position in the mounted position; A moving part for urging the developing cartridge;
A developer replenishment cartridge comprising: The developing frame that supports the developer carrier and the cleaning frame that supports the image carrier are configured to be swingable with respect to each other.
The moving unit biases the developing frame so that the developer carrying body and the image carrying body are separated from each other by swinging the developing frame with respect to the cleaning frame. The developer supply cartridge according to claim 1.   The shutter unit is a rotating member, and can close the opening with respect to the outside in the rotation phase at the closed position, and can open the opening with respect to the outside at the rotation phase in the opening position. The developer supply cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developer supply cartridge has a shape that can be used.   4. The developer supply cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the shutter portion has a through-hole formed so as to communicate the opening and the outside in a rotational phase at the open position.   5. The moving part according to claim 1, wherein the moving part moves along with a movement when the developer supply cartridge is attached and detached by engaging with an engaging part provided in the developing cartridge. The developer supply cartridge according to Item.   The developer supply cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the moving portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion shorter than the first protrusion, which are engaged with the engaging portion.   The developer replenishing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the moving portion biases the developing cartridge when the first projecting portion engages and abuts on the engaging portion. A process cartridge that is detachably provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus and performs an image forming process for forming an image,
A process cartridge comprising the developer supply cartridge according to claim 1, which is configured to be detachable from each other, and the developer cartridge. An image forming apparatus for forming an image with a developer,
The developer supply cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the process cartridge according to claim 8 is detachably attached,
A detection unit that detects an open / close state of the shutter unit based on a contact / separation state between the developer carrier and the image carrier;
An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming operation is not performed when the detecting unit detects that the shutter unit is in the closed position.

Images