JP2008191560A - Imaging cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging cartridge and an image forming apparatus stably forming an appropriate image according to the deteriorated state of toner without leaving much toner. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging cartridge 1 is provided with a communication/storage part 2 inside, and the image forming apparatus 3 is provided with a main body communication part 12 in its main body. The imaging cartridge 1 is provided with an aperture part to connect a toner hopper and a toner buffer, and a valve to open/close the aperture part. The communication/storage part 2 is attached to the valve. The valve closes the aperture part ordinarily but opens it when the toner buffer is replenished with toner from the toner hopper. A communication state between the communication/storage part 2 and the main body communication part 12 is influenced by the motion of the valve. Therefore, by detecting the communication state, the motion of the valve is detected, and information on the residual amount and the deteriorated state of the toner is obtained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that mounts an imaging cartridge and forms an image, and the imaging cartridge. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of performing an appropriate operation according to an accurate remaining amount of toner and a deteriorated state, and an imaging cartridge thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses that perform image formation by mounting an imaging cartridge detect the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge. This is because replenishment control is performed according to the remaining amount of toner, and a warning is issued when the toner is low. As such a thing, what was described in patent document 1 is mentioned, for example. In the device of this document, an electrode is provided in the cartridge. The remaining amount of toner is detected by utilizing the fact that the energization state of the electrode changes depending on the remaining amount of toner. Other methods for detecting the remaining amount of toner include light detection. Various information is stored in an IC chip provided in the cartridge.
JP 2005-195791 A

  However, the above-described conventional technique has the following problems. First, the detection accuracy of the remaining amount of toner is not good. In particular, the accuracy is low in the case of the type in which the toner is supplied at one place in the longitudinal direction rather than the entire longitudinal direction of the developing unit, that is, the entire development range. This is because the detection value is greatly influenced by the deviation of the toner distribution in the developing unit. Furthermore, if the developing device is shaken or left tilted, the accuracy becomes extremely low. For this reason, it may be recognized as empty while a considerable amount of toner remains. In addition, no information was obtained about the toner deterioration status. Furthermore, since the IC chip is attached to the outer surface of the cartridge, the original function may not be achieved due to dropping or tampering.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging cartridge and an image forming apparatus capable of stabilizing appropriate image formation corresponding to the deterioration state of toner without leaving a large amount of toner. .

  The imaging cartridge of the present invention, which has been made for the purpose of solving this problem, is used by being mounted on an image forming apparatus, and includes a first toner tank provided on the upstream side of a toner supply path, A second toner tank provided downstream of the supply path and connected to the first toner tank by the toner passage, a valve for opening and closing the toner passage, and a communication function with the apparatus main body. A communication unit having a different communication state with the main body, and a storage unit which is disposed in the cartridge and stores at least information relating to a history of valve opening / closing operations based on a change in the communication state between the communication unit and the apparatus main body; have. Here, the communication unit and the storage unit may be integrated. The apparatus main body is a part other than the cartridge in the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for forming an image by mounting the above-described imaging cartridge. The apparatus main body includes a main body communication unit having a communication function with the image forming unit and the cartridge communication unit; A control unit for controlling the image forming unit based on information on the valve opening / closing history, and information on the valve opening / closing operation history based on a change in the communication state between the cartridge communication unit and the main body communication unit. To get.

  In the imaging cartridge and the image forming apparatus, when the toner in the second toner tank is reduced by image formation, the toner is replenished from the first toner tank. At this time, the valve opens. That is, when the toner is replenished from the first toner tank to the second toner tank, the valve always moves. Since the movement of the valve changes the communication state between the communication unit and the apparatus main body, it is possible to obtain information related to the history of the opening / closing operation of the valve by the change of the communication state. This information reflects the amount of toner replenishment with considerable accuracy.

  Therefore, by using this information, it can be excluded that the toner is recognized as empty while a large amount of toner remains. Further, by storing this information and using it for image formation control, an appropriate image formation operation can be performed. Furthermore, since the storage unit is arranged in the cartridge, there is no possibility of loss or tampering due to dropping.

  In the imaging cartridge of the present invention, it is desirable that the communication unit is attached to the valve. In this way, the communication unit moves with the movement of the valve. As a result, the communication state between the communication unit and the apparatus main body changes. In this way, the movement of the valve, that is, the replenishment status of the toner can be detected.

  In the imaging cartridge of the present invention, or the valve may be one that blocks communication between the communication unit and the apparatus main body in one of an open state and a closed state and does not block in the other state. Good. Even in this case, it is possible to detect the movement of the valve, that is, the toner replenishment status.

  In the imaging cartridge of the present invention, it is desirable that the first toner tank has an agitating / conveying member for agitating or conveying the toner. Thus, the toner in the first toner tank is pressed against the valve by being stirred or transported by the stirring transport member. Therefore, when the amount of toner in the second toner tank is small, the valve is opened due to the difference in powder pressure, and the toner is replenished from the first toner tank to the second toner tank. The amount of replenishment is detected through the movement of the valve.

  In general, the first toner tank is a toner hopper, and the second toner tank is a toner buffer. Alternatively, the first toner tank is a toner hopper or a toner buffer, and the second toner tank has at least a part of a developing roller or a supply roller that conveys toner used for developing the photosensitive member of the apparatus main body in the circumferential direction. This is a toner supply unit that faces. That is, the present invention can be applied to any of the toner path from the toner hopper to the toner buffer, the toner path from the toner hopper to the toner supply unit, and the toner path from the toner buffer to the toner supply unit.

  When the time required for one opening / closing operation of the valve reaches the predetermined threshold, the control unit in the image forming apparatus of the present invention changes the control parameter table in the image forming unit from the normal one to the one at the time of toner deterioration. It is desirable to have a function as a parameter changing unit for changing to a thing. Generally, fluidity of toner changes due to deterioration. For this reason, the deterioration state of the toner can be detected by the speed of the opening / closing operation of the valve. By using this, the control parameter table can be changed from the normal one to the one at the time of toner deterioration.

  It is desirable that the control unit also has a function as an empty stop unit that stops the image forming operation when a time during which the valve continues to be closed during the operation exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. The fact that the valve is not opened means that the valve is no longer opened by the toner in the first toner tank. Since this means toner empty, the image forming operation should be stopped.

  Here, it can be said that the imaging cartridge is relatively new until the number of opening and closing of the valve since the mounting of the imaging cartridge reaches the predetermined threshold. During this time, it is not necessary to consider the deterioration of the toner. Therefore, during that time, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the time required for one opening / closing operation of the valve has reached the predetermined threshold value. After the number of opening and closing of the valve reaches the threshold value, a determination regarding toner deterioration is made. That is, it is desirable that the control unit has a function as an opening / closing operation determination start unit that starts determination of the opening / closing operation time after the valve opening / closing frequency reaches the threshold value.

  The control unit preferably has a function as an empty history writing unit that writes toner empty history in the cartridge storage unit when the valve is continuously closed for a predetermined time or more during operation as described above. As a result, when the imaging cartridge is reproduced and then attached to the apparatus main body again, the control unit can detect the toner empty history from the cartridge storage unit. When the toner empty history is detected, the control unit has a function as a different type toner detection unit that determines whether or not the time required for one opening / closing operation of the valve is within the predetermined allowable range. Is desirable. This is because there is a possibility that different types of toner may be filled during regeneration. Different toner types have different fluidity, and this can be detected by the speed of opening and closing of the valve. Therefore, the image forming operation may be permitted only when the valve opening / closing operation speed is within the allowable range.

  Furthermore, it is desirable that the control unit has a function as an over-reproduction refusal unit that prohibits the image forming operation when the number of detected toner empty histories exceeds the predetermined upper limit value. This is because each part of the imaging cartridge may be worn out due to excessive reproduction and use. In this case, appropriate image formation cannot be performed, and this is to prevent this.

  According to the present invention, there are provided an imaging cartridge and an image forming apparatus that do not leave a large amount of toner and can stabilize appropriate image formation corresponding to the deterioration state of the toner.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the best mode for embodying the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present embodiment is a tandem type full-color printer in which the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus in which each color image forming unit is formed into a cartridge.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 3 in FIG. 1 has a primary transfer belt 7 inside. Four imaging cartridges 1 are arranged on the upper side of the primary transfer belt 7. Each of these performs image formation with toners of one of four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, which are different from each other. These imaging cartridges 4 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 3 by being drawn out and inserted in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. A portion of the image forming apparatus 3 other than the imaging cartridge 1 is an apparatus main body.

  In the image forming apparatus 3, an exposure unit 4 is disposed above the four imaging cartridges 1. A power supply substrate 11 is disposed below the primary transfer belt 7. Further below that, a paper feed section 5 is arranged. In addition to these, the image forming apparatus 3 is further provided with a paper transport unit 6, a secondary transfer roller 8, a fixing unit 9, and a paper discharge unit 10. Among these, the exposure unit 4, the primary transfer belt 7, the secondary transfer roller 8, the fixing unit 9 and the like correspond to the image forming unit.

  Each imaging cartridge 1 has a communication / storage unit 2 therein. The image forming apparatus 3 is provided with a main body communication unit 12 corresponding to each imaging cartridge 1. The main body communication unit 12 is fixedly provided on the apparatus main body side. Accordingly, communication can be performed between the corresponding communication / storage unit 2 and the main body communication unit 12 only when the imaging cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 3.

  The configuration of the imaging cartridge 1 is shown in FIG. The imaging cartridge 1 includes a toner hopper 14, a toner buffer 15, a circulation upper screw 16, a circulation lower screw 17, a supply roller 18, a developing roller 19, a photoconductor 20, and a waste toner tank 25.

  The toner hopper 14 is a container that accommodates the toner 21. In the toner hopper 14, stirring blades 22 for stirring the toner 21 are provided. The stirring blade 22 is driven from the apparatus main body and rotates counterclockwise in FIG. The toner buffer 15 is a container for temporarily storing toner supplied from the toner hopper 14 for development. That is, the toner buffer 15 is located immediately downstream of the toner hopper 14 in the toner supply path from the toner hopper 14 to the photoconductor 20.

  A partition wall 23 partitions the toner hopper 14 and the toner buffer 15. An opening 24 is formed in the partition wall 23. Only one opening 24 may be formed, or a plurality of openings 24 may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the imaging cartridge 1, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The imaging cartridge 1 is provided with a valve 13 that opens and closes the opening 24. The communication / storage unit 2 is attached to the valve 13. As is clear from FIG. 2, the communication / storage unit 2 is in the imaging cartridge 1 and cannot be touched by hand from the outside. If there are a plurality of openings 24, the valves 13 are also required for all the openings 24, but the communication / storage unit 2 may be provided in any one valve 13.

  The circulation upper screw 16 is located in the toner buffer 15. The toner is supplied from the supply roller 18 to the developing roller 19 while the toner is circulated by the circulation upper screw 16 and the circulation lower screw 17. In the imaging cartridge 1, the container portion in which the circulating screw 17 is built may be referred to as a supply unit. At least a part of the supply roller 18 and the developing roller 19 also faces this supply unit. The waste toner tank 25 is a tank for storing transfer residual toner collected from the photoconductor 20. A gap 26 between the toner hopper 14 and the waste toner tank 25 serves as a path for writing light irradiated from the exposure unit 4 to the photoconductor 20 as shown in FIG.

  Information stored in the communication / storage unit 2 includes rewritable information and rewritable information. The non-rewritable information includes model information, destination information, color information, individual identification information, and the like, and the rewritable information includes new product information, printed sheet number information, and the like. In addition to this, the rewritable information includes information related to the movement history of the valve 13 and information related to the toner empty history as the imaging cartridge 1 as described later. Since the communication / storage unit 2 is attached to the inside of the imaging cartridge 1, it cannot be touched by hand from the outside. Therefore, there is almost no risk of dropping and losing or tampering with the stored contents.

  The valve 13 normally closes the opening 24 by its own elasticity. The valve 13 in FIG. 2 shows this closed state. Even if the imaging cartridge 1 is shaken or placed at an angle, the valve 13 does not open easily. When the stirring blade 22 rotates, the toner 21 of the toner hopper 14 is pressed toward the valve 13 slightly before the tip of the stirring blade 22 reaches the position of the opening 24. At this time, if the amount of toner in the toner buffer 15 is not too large, the valve 13 is opened and the state shown in FIG. When the valve 13 is opened, toner flows from the toner hopper 14 to the toner buffer 15. When the stirring blade 22 passes through the opening 24, the valve 13 is closed. By repeating this by the rotation of the stirring blade 22, the toner is supplied from the toner hopper 14 to the toner buffer 15.

  However, when the toner in the toner buffer 15 exceeds a certain amount, the valve 13 does not open even if the stirring blade 22 rotates. This is because the toner powder pressure in the toner buffer 15 hinders the valve opening operation. Eventually, the toner in the toner buffer 15 is replenished from the toner hopper 14 by the reduced amount consumed by the development. Thus, the toner amount in the toner buffer 15 is kept substantially constant.

  Here, naturally, the distance between the main body communication unit 12 and the communication / storage unit 2 in FIG. 1 differs from the difference in the positions of the valve 13 and the communication / storage unit 2 in FIGS. That is, the distance in the valve open state (FIG. 3) is shorter than the distance in the valve closed state (FIG. 2). For this reason, the signal strength is larger in the opened state than in the closed state, and the communication state is better. This difference in communication state is a difference that can be sufficiently identified. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment, it is possible to recognize whether the valve 13 is open or closed based on the communication state between the communication / storage unit 2 and the main body communication unit 12.

  There may be two methods, a method in which communication itself is possible even in a closed valve state in which the communication state is poor, and a method in which communication is not possible in the valve closed state and communication is possible only in the valve open state. In the latter case, it is appropriate to forcibly rotate the stirring blade 22 to open the valve 13 for communication. If communication is still impossible, it is recognized as abnormal. Even when the stirring blade 22 itself cannot be rotated, it is recognized as abnormal. Or conversely, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the communication state is poor when the valve is open and the communication state is good when the valve is closed.

  Further, the remaining amount of toner 21 in the toner hopper 14 can also be detected. This is because the opening time of the valve 13 once is limited, and the amount of toner replenished from the toner hopper 14 is also limited during that time. For this reason, the greater the cumulative number of times the valve 13 has repeatedly opened and closed, the smaller the remaining amount of toner 21 in the toner hopper 14. Further, when the cumulative number is small, it means that the remaining amount of the toner 21 is still large and it is not long before the use of the imaging cartridge 1 is started.

  Further, the remaining amount of the toner 21 in the toner hopper 14 can also be detected by the length of one open time of the valve 13. This is because the pressure applied to the valve 13 varies depending on the remaining amount of the toner 21 in the toner hopper 14. Naturally, the pressing pressure is larger when the remaining amount is large. For this reason, the amount of toner replenished per opening operation of the valve 13 is also larger when the remaining amount is large. This difference in the replenishment amount appears as a difference in the length of the opening time per opening operation of the valve 13. That is, the opening time of one time is long when the remaining amount is large and short when the remaining amount is small. On the other hand, the frequency of the opening operation is high when the remaining amount is large and low when the remaining amount is small. As a result, the remaining amount of toner in the toner hopper 14 can be detected with considerably high accuracy. This high accuracy can be said regardless of whether only one opening 24 is formed or a plurality of positions are received in the longitudinal direction.

  Further, toner empty in the toner hopper 14 can also be detected. When the toner 21 in the toner hopper 14 runs out, no pressure is applied to the valve 13 even if the stirring blade 22 rotates. For this reason, the valve 13 does not open. That is, if the valve 13 does not open while the stirring blade 22 is rotated, it can be determined that the toner hopper 14 has reached the toner empty state.

  Further, the deterioration state of the toner 21 in the toner hopper 14 can also be detected. This is because the fluidity of toner generally changes with deterioration. Deteriorated toner is usually less likely to flow than new toner of the same type. This difference in toner fluidity appears as the speed of the opening operation of the valve 13, that is, the length of time required for the opening operation. That is, the time required from the beginning of opening to the completion of opening is short while the toner is new and long when the toner is old. Thus, if the time required for the opening operation (hereinafter referred to as “opening operation time”) becomes longer, it can be determined that the toner 21 of the toner hopper 14 has deteriorated.

  The configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 3 is shown in FIG. That is, the apparatus main body is provided with a control unit 30, an operation / display unit 31, and a mechanical drive unit 29 in addition to those already described. The operation / display unit 31 receives an operation by the user and displays a message for the user. The machine drive unit 29 is a motor that drives the operation parts of the respective units of the image forming apparatus 3.

  The control unit 30 performs overall control of the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 3. The control performed by the control unit 30 includes bias setting in main processes such as development and transfer. The control unit 30 has two types of bias tables, a bias table A and a bias table B, for that purpose. The bias table A is a table in which bias values suitable for a new situation of toner are collected. On the other hand, the bias table B is a table in which bias values suitable for a situation where the toner has deteriorated are collected. Of course, the control unit 30 selects and uses an appropriate one of both bias tables according to the state of the toner. However, bias table A suitable for new toner is the default selection. It is possible to provide three or more bias tables. In addition, the control unit 30 performs various determinations based on the communication results between the main body communication unit 12 and the communication / storage unit 2 and controls based on the determination results.

  In the image forming apparatus 3, when the imaging cartridge 1 is mounted, first, model information, destination information, color information, and the like are read from the communication / storage unit 2. Thereby, it is determined whether or not the mounted imaging cartridge 1 is correct. This is because if an image for another model is used, an appropriate image cannot be formed due to a difference in the type of toner. Other cartridges cannot be installed due to the overall shape of the cartridge or the shape of the mounting part, but there is no possibility of unauthorized modification. Therefore, it is confirmed by the stored information. When the read information is inappropriate, when the information cannot be read, or when communication itself is impossible, the operation / display unit 31 issues a warning and stops the operation.

  When correct information is read from the communication / storage unit 2, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 5 is executed. In this flow, first, the toner empty history of the imaging cartridge 1 is confirmed (# 1). That is, the number of toner empty histories is read from the communication / storage unit 2. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of toner empty histories is 0 (# 2). When it is 0 times (# 2: Yes), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 6 shows a control flow in the case of a new imaging cartridge 1.

  If the number of toner empty histories is not 0 in # 2 (# 2: No), it is determined whether or not the number of toner empty histories is within 1 (# 3). If it is within one time (# 3: Yes), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows a control flow in the case of the imaging cartridge 1 having a reproduction history. If the number of toner empty histories exceeds # 1 in # 3 (# 3: No), the operation / display unit 31 displays a warning (# 4) and stops the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 To do. This is because the mounted imaging cartridge 1 is old and there is a risk that the useful life of the parts is coming. Note that the upper limit of the toner empty history allowed in # 3 is not limited to one. You may set to the fixed number of times of 2 or more.

  Next, the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described. As described above, this flowchart is a control flow when a new imaging cartridge 1 is mounted. In the image formation by this control flow, as described above, the control unit 30 uses the default selection bias table A in principle. Image formation itself is performed at any time according to a print request. As a result, the toner in the toner buffer 15 is consumed in the imaging cartridge 1. As a result, when the toner in the toner buffer 15 decreases, the valve 13 is opened at any time and the toner is replenished from the toner hopper 14. For this reason, the valve 13 repeats opening and closing operations. The number of opening / closing operations is counted. The counted number is accumulated and stored in the communication / storage unit 2.

  Therefore, in the flow of FIG. 6, first, the count number of the opening / closing operation is compared with “N” which is a predetermined number of times. Then, it is determined whether the count number is N or more (# 11). The count number to be compared is the cumulative number of opening / closing operations since the imaging cartridge 1 is new. Until the count reaches N (# 11: No), this comparison is repeated while image formation on the bias table A is continued. The determination of # 11 is performed because there is no possibility that toner deterioration will become a problem as soon as the use of the imaging cartridge 1 is started.

  When the count number reaches N (# 11: Yes), the opening operation time when the valve 13 is opened is compared with a predetermined time “X seconds”. Then, it is determined whether or not the opening operation time is longer than X seconds (# 12). The opening operation time to be compared is that of the previous opening operation. If the opening operation time is less than X seconds (# 12: No), image formation with the bias table A is continued. This comparison is performed every time the valve 13 is opened. As described above, the opening operation time becomes longer as the toner deteriorates. It is also conceivable to use the closing operation time instead of the opening operation time.

  When the opening operation time is X seconds or more (# 12: Yes), the bias setting is changed from the bias table A to the bias table B (# 13). Therefore, subsequent image formation is performed by the bias table B. This is because the toner has deteriorated. When the control unit 30 has three or more bias tables, “X seconds” of # 12 may be set to two levels or more. The bias table to be used is switched according to the progress of the degree of toner deterioration.

  Thereafter, the time during which the valve 13 is continuously closed is watched. Of course, the time during which the image forming operation is paused is excluded. Then, this continuous closing time is compared with “Y seconds” which is a predetermined time, and it is determined whether or not it is equal to or longer than Y seconds (# 14). If the continuous closing time is less than Y seconds, that is, if the valve 13 is opened before reaching Y seconds (Y14: No), this comparison is repeated while continuing image formation on the bias table B. .

  When the continuous closing time is Y seconds or more, that is, when the valve 13 is not opened even after Y seconds have elapsed since the last valve opening (Y14: Yes), it is assumed that no toner remains in the toner hopper 14. I can judge. Therefore, a toner empty warning is displayed on the operation / display unit 31 (# 15). At the same time, the toner empty history is recorded in the communication / storage unit 2 of the imaging cartridge 1. Then, the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 is stopped. This is because no more image formation is possible.

  In the flow of FIG. 6, it is also conceivable to use dot count information relating to image formation. This is because the dot count value is information indicating the actual amount of toner used. As a concrete method of use, it is conceivable to use in place of the number of opening and closing in # 11 or to use it together. It can also be used to determine the deterioration status of # 12. This is because if the actual amount of toner used increases, the deterioration may also progress. Also in the use in # 12, there can be a use and a combination in place of the opening operation time.

  It is also conceivable to perform the determination of # 14 even when the determination of # 12 is No. This is useful in the case of actual usage where the printing frequency is high. This is because the toner may become empty before the deterioration of the toner progresses.

  Next, the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described. As described above, this flowchart is a control flow in the case of the imaging cartridge 1 having a reproduction history. The reproduction history is a history of refilling the toner hopper 14 of the imaging cartridge 1 that has become toner empty once. Accordingly, the toner empty history is always recorded in # 15 of FIG. 6 in the communication / storage unit 2 of the imaging cartridge 1 having a reproduction history. By reading this, the number of toner empty histories can be known. Note that the count value of the number of opening and closing of the valve 13 is cleared at the time of regeneration. Also in FIG. 7, the initial selection of the bias setting is the bias table A.

  Also in the flow of FIG. 7, first, as in the case of FIG. 6, the count number of the opening / closing operation is compared with “N” (# 21). The gist is basically the same as in the case of # 11 in FIG. However, in FIG. 7, when the determination of # 21 is No, it is checked whether or not the opening operation time is within a predetermined allowable range (# 22). This is a determination for confirming whether or not the filled toner is of the correct type. This is because other types of toner may be filled during reproduction. The toner for other models has different characteristics and cannot form an appropriate image. Different toner types have different fluidity. Therefore, whether the toner type is correct or not can be determined based on the opening operation time.

  If the opening operation time is within the allowable range (# 22: Yes), image formation with the bias table A is continued. This is because it can be determined that the correct type of toner is filled. Further, the count number of the opening / closing operation is checked (# 21), and thereafter, the same processing as in FIG. 6 is performed.

  If the opening operation time is out of the allowable range in # 22 (# 22: No), the operation / display unit 31 is abnormally displayed (# 23). Then, the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 is stopped. This is because the types of toner are different. As a result, the occurrence of failure due to image formation with an incorrect type of toner is prevented. In the flow of FIG. 7, it seems that the determination of # 22 is repeated any number of times until the determination of # 21: Yes is made. However, in practice, the determination of # 22 is unnecessary after the determination of Yes once.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 that can perform appropriate processing according to the remaining amount of toner, the degree of deterioration, and the like is realized by detecting the movement of the valve 13.

[Second form]
In the second embodiment, the positions of the communication / storage unit 2 and the main body communication unit 12 are changed with respect to the first embodiment. That is, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the communication / storage unit 2 is arranged inside the outer plate of the imaging cartridge 1. The main body communication unit 12 is disposed above the imaging cartridge 1. This position of the main body communication unit 12 is on the lower side of the exposure unit 4 and is also an upper position when viewed from the communication / storage unit 2. Other than that, there is no particular difference from the first embodiment.

  When the valve 13 is opened in this embodiment, the valve 13 covers the communication / storage unit 2 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the valve 13 in the present embodiment does not prevent communication between the main body communication unit 12 and the communication / storage unit 2 in the valve-closed state (FIG. 8) but in the valve-opened state. Thus, as in the case of the first embodiment, the signal strength is larger in the open state than in the closed state, and the communication state is better. By utilizing this difference in communication state, processing similar to that in the first embodiment can be performed in this embodiment.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 according to the third embodiment. The image forming apparatus 103 of the present embodiment is an application of the present invention to a direct transfer type image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, four imaging cartridges 101 are arranged on the top and bottom. In this embodiment, a sheet is carried on the transfer belt 107 and a toner image is directly transferred thereto. Therefore, there is no secondary transfer portion. The main body communication unit 112 in this embodiment is disposed on the imaging cartridge 101 side of the exposure unit 104.

  FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the imaging cartridge 101 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the communication / storage unit 102 is attached to the valve 113. FIG. 12 shows a valve open state in the imaging cartridge 101 of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 according to the present embodiment, elements corresponding to the respective elements in the first embodiment are shown with numbers obtained by adding 100 to the element numbers in the first embodiment. The functions and operations are basically the same between the corresponding elements. Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, there is a difference in communication signal strength between when the valve is closed and when the valve is opened due to the movement of the valve 113. Thereby, the open / close state of the valve 113 is recognized, and the same processing is performed.

[Fourth form]
In this embodiment, the present invention is applied between a toner buffer and a supply unit. In this embodiment, only the portion of the imaging cartridge excluding the waste toner tank is shown. That is, in this embodiment, the illustration of the main body of the image forming apparatus and the waste toner tank portion of the imaging cartridge is omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, the element corresponding to each element in the first embodiment is indicated by adding a number obtained by adding 200 to the element number in the first embodiment. In the imaging cartridge 201 of this embodiment shown in a sectional view in FIG. 13, a partition wall 227 is provided between the toner buffer 215 and the supply unit 232. However, the toner buffer 215 and the supply unit 232 are connected at both ends in the axial direction of the upper circulation screw 216 and the lower circulation screw 217 (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 13).

  The supply unit 232 is a container part in the imaging cartridge 201 in which the circulating screw 217 is built. In the imaging cartridge 201 of this embodiment, the supply roller 218 is also in the supply unit 232 in addition to the circulating lower screw 217. A part of the developing roller 219 also faces the supply unit 232. The supply unit 232 is located immediately downstream of the toner buffer 215 in the toner supply path from the toner hopper 214 to the photoconductor.

  FIG. 14 shows the periphery of the toner transfer location from the upper circulation screw 216 to the lower circulation screw 217 in the imaging cartridge 201 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, an opening 225 is formed in the partition wall 227 at this location. Through this opening 225, toner is transferred from the circulation upper screw 216 of the toner buffer 215 to the circulation lower screw 217 of the supply unit 232. As seen in FIG. 14, a valve 213 is provided at this location. The valve 213 closes or opens the opening 225 by rotating around its axis 233. A communication / storage unit 202 is attached to the valve 213. When the valve 213 moves, the communication / storage unit 202 also moves. The valve 213 is biased in a direction to close the opening 225.

  Cross-sectional views at the position XX in FIG. 13 are shown in FIGS. FIG. 15 shows the valve open state, and FIG. 16 shows the valve closed state. In a situation where the toner supplied from the toner hopper 214 is in the toner buffer 215, the valve 213 is opened as shown in FIG. In this state, the toner circulates as indicated by an arrow P in FIG. 15 by the conveying action of the circulation upper screw 216 and the circulation lower screw 217. When the toner is stirred only in the narrow space of the supply unit 232, the toner is likely to deteriorate. Therefore, the toner is circulated in a wide space including the toner buffer 215 to suppress the deterioration of the toner. When the toner in the toner buffer 215 runs out, the valve 213 is closed as shown in FIG. When toner is supplied from the toner hopper 214, the valve 213 is opened again.

  Here, the position of the communication / storage unit 202 differs between the opened state of FIG. 15 and the closed state of FIG. For this reason, as in the case of the first to third embodiments, the number of opening / closing and the opening / closing time of the valve 213 can be detected based on the quality of the communication state with the communication unit of the main body. This makes it possible to grasp the remaining amount of toner and the deterioration state. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to both the location between the toner hopper and the toner buffer and the location between the toner buffer and the supply unit. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to a case where the toner hopper and the toner buffer are integrated.

[Modification]
In any of the first to fourth embodiments described so far, the present invention is applied to one in which individual imaging cartridges are individually attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a cartridge in which a plurality of imaging cartridges are integrally attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body.

  FIG. 17 shows an imaging cartridge 1 of four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black housed in one housing 33 and integrated. The present invention can also be applied to such a housing 33 in which the four imaging cartridges 1 are integrally attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 18 shows an imaging cartridge 1 in three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan housed in one sub-housing 34, and this sub-housing 34 and black imaging cartridge 1 are housed in a housing 33 and integrated. It is. The present invention can also be applied to such a case. In addition, the present invention can be applied to an apparatus in which the sub-housing 34 and the black imaging cartridge 1 are separately detached.

  In the image forming apparatus adopting the detaching mechanism of the form as shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18, since all the imaging cartridges 1 can be inserted / removed at a time from the main body, operability such as processing at the time of jam is good. Further, considering FIG. 1, in addition to the four imaging cartridges 1, a primary transfer belt 7 can be integrally moved forward and backward from the main body. The present invention can also be applied to such a case.

  As described above in detail, in the image forming apparatus and its imaging cartridge according to each of the above embodiments, a valve for opening and closing an opening from a toner hopper that is an upstream toner tank to a toner buffer that is a downstream toner tank is provided. Yes. A communication / storage unit is attached to this valve. Thereby, the opening / closing state of the valve can be grasped by the communication state between the communication / storage unit and the main body communication unit. As a result, the remaining amount and deterioration state of the toner are accurately grasped and appropriate image formation is performed. In addition, since the communication / storage unit is inevitably located inside the cartridge that cannot be touched from the outside, adverse effects caused by dropping, losing, or falsification of the communication / storage unit are prevented.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in each of the above embodiments, except for the second embodiment, a change in communication state due to the distance between the communication / storage unit and the main body communication unit is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use the fact that the angle of the communication / storage unit changes due to the movement of the valve. Further, the communication / storage unit may be divided into a communication unit and a storage unit. In that case, only the communication unit need be attached to the valve. Or only a communication part should just be shielded by a valve.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the imaging cartridge in a 1st form. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a valve open state in the imaging cartridge of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a first flowchart of a control system in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a second flowchart of a control system in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 7 is a third flowchart of a control system in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the imaging cartridge in a 2nd form. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the valve opening state in the imaging cartridge of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on a 3rd form. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the imaging cartridge in a 3rd form. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the valve opening state in the imaging cartridge of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the imaging cartridge in a 4th form. FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view illustrating a configuration of a toner delivery location from the toner buffer to the supply unit in the imaging cartridge of FIG. 13. It is sectional drawing which shows the valve opening state in the imaging cartridge of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the valve closing state in the imaging cartridge of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification which accommodated four imaging cartridges in one housing. It is a perspective view which shows the modification which accommodated four imaging cartridges in one housing.

Explanation of symbols

1, 101, 201 Imaging cartridge 2, 102, 202 Communication / storage unit 3, 103 Image forming device 4, 104 Exposure unit 7 Primary transfer belt 12, 112 Main unit communication unit 13, 113, 213 Valve 14, 114, 214 Toner hopper 15, 115, 215 Toner buffer 22 Stirrer blade 23, 123 Partition 24, 124 Opening 30 Control unit 107 Transfer belt 227 Partition 225 Opening 232 Supply unit

Claims (11)

In an imaging cartridge used in an image forming apparatus,
A first toner tank provided on the upstream side of the toner supply path;
A second toner tank provided downstream of the toner supply path and connected to the first toner tank by a toner path;
A valve for opening and closing the toner passage;
A communication unit having a communication function with the apparatus main body, and a communication state with the apparatus main body being different depending on an open / closed state of the valve;
An imaging cartridge comprising: a storage unit that is disposed in the cartridge and stores at least information related to a history of opening and closing operations of the valve based on a change in a communication state between the communication unit and the apparatus main body. The imaging cartridge according to claim 1,
The communication unit is attached to the valve;
An imaging cartridge characterized in that a communication state between the communication unit and the apparatus main body changes as the communication unit moves along with the movement of the valve. 2. The imaging cartridge of claim 1, wherein the valve is
An imaging cartridge characterized in that communication between the communication unit and the apparatus main body is obstructed in one of an open state and a closed state, and is not obstructed in the other state. 4. The imaging cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a stirring / conveying member that stirs or conveys toner in the first toner tank. 5. The imaging cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first toner tank is a toner hopper.
2. The imaging cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second toner tank is a toner buffer. The imaging cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first toner tank is a toner hopper or a toner buffer.
2. The imaging cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second toner tank is a toner supply unit facing at least a part of a developing roller or a supply roller that conveys toner used for developing a photosensitive member of the apparatus main body in a circumferential direction. In an image forming apparatus that forms an image by mounting an imaging cartridge,
Imaging cartridge
A first toner tank provided on the upstream side of the toner supply path;
A second toner tank provided downstream of the toner supply path and connected to the first toner tank by a toner path;
A valve for opening and closing the toner passage;
A cartridge communication unit having a communication function with the apparatus main body;
A cartridge storage unit that is disposed in the cartridge and stores at least information on the opening / closing history of the valve;
In the device body,
An image forming unit;
A main body communication unit having a communication function with the cartridge communication unit;
A control unit for controlling the image forming unit based on information on the opening / closing history of the valve,
The communication state between the cartridge communication unit and the main body communication unit differs depending on the open / close state of the valve,
An image forming apparatus, wherein information relating to a history of opening and closing operations of the valve is acquired based on a change in a communication state between the cartridge communication unit and the main body communication unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit includes:
When the time required for one opening / closing operation of the valve reaches the predetermined threshold, the control parameter table in the image forming unit is changed from the normal one to the one at the time of toner deterioration,
An image forming apparatus, wherein an image forming operation is stopped when a time during which the valve is continuously closed during the operation becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit includes:
Until the number of times the valve has been opened and closed since the imaging cartridge is mounted reaches the predetermined threshold, it is not determined whether or not the time required for one opening / closing operation of the valve has reached the predetermined threshold. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit includes:
When the time during which the valve is continuously closed during the operation becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined upper limit value, a toner empty history is written in the cartridge storage unit,
When a toner empty history is detected from the cartridge storage unit of a newly mounted imaging cartridge, it is determined whether or not the time required for one opening / closing operation of the valve is within the predetermined allowable range. An image forming apparatus which permits an image forming operation only when it is within a range. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit includes:
An image forming apparatus which permits an image forming operation only when the number of toner empty histories detected from a cartridge communication unit of a newly mounted imaging cartridge is within a predetermined upper limit.

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