CN110320779A

CN110320779A - Cleaning unit and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN110320779A
Application number: CN201811567191.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 雨池拓也; 桥本淳一
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-29
Filing date: 2018-12-20
Publication date: 2019-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-20
Also published as: JP7091771B2; JP2019174694A; CN110320779B

Abstract

The present invention provides cleaning unit and image forming apparatus.Cleaning unit has: cleaning element, recycles developer；Shell accommodates the developer being recovered to by the cleaning element；First bar can rotate between the first location and the second location around the first axle extended in the axial direction, and a part is exposed to the external of the shell；Auger can be rotated around the spiral auger spindle upwardly extended in the axis, can be by the intracorporal developer of the shell along the axial transport, and can transport the intracorporal developer of the shell to first bar；And sliding component, movement can be set from new product position to old grade in the axial direction with the rotation of the auger, it is contacted in the case where the new product position with first bar and first bar is fixed on the first position, be released from the case where the old grade is set with the contact of first bar and first bar is enable to rotate between the first position and the second position.

Description

Cleaning unit and image forming apparatus

Technical field

The present invention relates to cleaning units and can be for image forming apparatus that cleaning unit is loaded and unloaded.

Background technique

The image for being attached to the useless toner recovery unit that the toner for transporting band removes is formed conventionally, there is known having Device (referring to patent document 1).Useless toner recovery unit has the waste-toner container for accommodating useless toner and for recycling It is attached to the cleaning element for transporting the useless toner of band.

In addition, useless toner recovery unit has the bar that can be rotated.The few feelings of toner in waste-toner container Under condition, bar can be rotated.On the other hand, in the case where useless toner is the close state filled, the rotation of bar is accommodated in Toner in waste-toner container prevents.

Image forming apparatus is in the case where the rotation for detecting bar is prevented from, the useless tune that is judged as in waste-toner container Toner is the notice of the replacement period for carrying out useless toner recovery unit to user close purport close to the state filled.

Existing technical literature

Patent document

Patent document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication 2010-237422 bulletin

Summary of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In addition, in order to improve clean-up performance, it is desirable that judge the service life of cleaning element.Thus, it is contemplated that carry out useless toner The new product of recovery unit detects, and in other words, carries out the new product detection of cleaning unit.

But in the prior art, due to only the case where useless toner be to approach the state filled lower beam rotation quilt It prevents, so the new product detection of cleaning unit can not be carried out by the presence or absence of rotation of bar.

Then, the purpose of the present invention is to provide the clear of the new product being able to carry out for judging the service life of cleaning element detection Clean unit and image forming apparatus.

Solution for solving the problem

In order to solve the problem, cleaning unit of the invention has: cleaning element, recycles developer；Shell, receiving by The developer that cleaning element is recovered to；First bar, can be around the first axle extended in the axial direction in first position and second It is rotated between setting, and a part of first bar is exposed to the external of shell；Auger, can be around the spiral shell extended in the axial direction Rotary drill axis is rotated, and the intracorporal developer of shell can be transported along axial, can be transported the intracorporal developer of shell to the first bar It send；And sliding component, movement can be set from new product position to old grade in the axial direction with the rotation of auger, in new product Contacted in the case where position with the first bar and the first bar be fixed on first position, in the case where old grade is set with the first bar Contact is released from and the first bar is enable to rotate between the first location and the second location.

It according to this structure, can be to be in old grade in new product position to set according to sliding component, to change first The movement of external a part exposed to shell of bar.Thereby, it is possible to external one exposed to shell according to the first bar Partial acts to carry out the new product detection for judging the service life of cleaning element.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: sliding component has relative to axially inclined cam surface, and auger includes Auger axis body can be rotated around spiral auger spindle；And auger protrusion, energy prominent from the outer peripheral surface of auger axis body It is enough to be rotated together with auger axis body, and in the case where being rotated together with auger axis body with cam surface and make to slide Dynamic component sets movement from new product position to old grade.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: auger has multiple auger protrusions, and multiple auger protrusions are in the axial direction Positioned at different positions.

Thereby, it is possible to the moving distances that the upward sliding component of securing shaft is set from new product position to old grade, therefore can Strive for the time that the first bar is fixed on to first position.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: sliding component has multiple cam surfaces, and multiple cam surfaces arrange in the axial direction.

Thereby, it is possible to the moving distances that the upward sliding component of securing shaft is set from new product position to old grade, and can make Sliding component successfully moves.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: multiple auger protrusions are the first auger protrusion and dash forward with the first auger Play oppositely the second auger protrusion outstanding.

As a result, in the case where being bored by mold using resin come forming spiral, can easily it shape.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: the guide rail that shell has the movement of guidance sliding component and extends in the axial direction.

Thereby, it is possible to move sliding component successfully.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: guide rail includes the first face, in the case where sliding component is in new product position Support slide；Second face is in support slide in the case that old grade is set in sliding component, orthogonal to the axial direction It is located at the position than the first face far from auger on direction；And third face, ladder is formed between the first face and the second face.

As a result, in the case where sliding component is in old grade and sets, it is able to suppress sliding component interference auger.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: guide rail includes the first face, in the case where sliding component is in new product position Support slide；Second face is in support slide in the case that old grade is set in sliding component, orthogonal to the axial direction It is located at the position than the first face far from auger on direction, and is presented axially in the position far from the first face；And third face, The second face is faced toward from first to tilt.

As a result, in the case where sliding component is in old grade and sets, it is able to suppress sliding component interference auger.In addition, Sliding component can be made successfully to move using inclined third face.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: the first bar includes axis body, can rotate around first axle；And first bar it is prominent It rises, it is prominent from the outer peripheral surface of axis body, it can be rotated together with axis body, guide rail has the gap passed through for the first bar protrusion.

Thereby, it is possible to inhibit guide rail to interfere the first bar.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: shell has the movement of guidance sliding component and in direction orthogonal to the axial direction The upper guide surface opposite with guide rail.

Thereby, it is possible to move sliding component more successfully.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: sliding component includes main part, by guide supporting；And extension, from main body Portion is prominent, extends along guide rail.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: sliding component, which has, to be extended in the axial direction and for the slot of guide rail insertion.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: shell with the slave new product position of sliding component to old grade with capable of setting First motion-stopping surface of the face contact of the upstream side on moving direction.

Thereby, it is possible to inhibit upper downstream of the sliding component on the moving direction set from new product position to old grade.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: shell with the slave new product position of sliding component to old grade with capable of setting Second motion-stopping surface of the face contact in the downstream side on moving direction.

The lower downstream that thereby, it is possible to limit slippage components on the moving direction set from new product position to old grade.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: first position is the position that can be detected by the sensor of image forming apparatus It sets, the second position is the position that cannot be detected by sensor.

In such a case it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: the first bar includes axis body, can rotate around first axle；First bar Protrusion, it is prominent from the outer peripheral surface of axis body, it can be rotated together with axis body, the developer of predetermined amount or more is contained in shell In the case of developed dose of prevention rotation, so that the first bar is fixed on the second position；And the second bar protrusion, from the outer peripheral surface of axis body It is prominent, it can be rotated together with axis body, in the case where sliding component is in new product position with contact with sliding members and by first Bar is fixed on first position.

Thereby, it is possible to the presence or absence of the rotations by the first bar, and the aobvious of predetermined amount or more whether is contained in shell to detect Shadow agent, and it is able to carry out the new product detection for judging the service life of cleaning element.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: auger can transport the intracorporal developer of shell to the first bar is raised.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: cleaning unit has the second bar, which can be with the rotation of auger Turn, around the second axis extended in the axial direction by that can cannot examined by sensor by the third place that sensor detects It is rotated between the 4th position measured and the 5th position, the first bar has the external exposing to shell and can be detected by sensor The first detected portion arrived, the second bar, which has to external second that exposes and can be detected by sensor of shell, to be detected Portion is rotated by the second bar from the 4th position to the 5th position in the case where sliding component is in old grade and sets, and second is tested Survey portion contacts with the first detected portion and rotates the first bar from first position to the second position.

In addition, cleaning unit has the spring that the second bar exerts a force from the 4th position to the 5th position, the second bar protrusion exists Sliding component is in active force and contact with sliding members in the case where new product position by spring.

In addition, in order to solve the problem, image forming apparatus of the invention, which has, is able to detect that the first detected portion And second detected portion sensor and control device, can be loaded and unloaded for cleaning unit, sensor the predetermined time with On do not detect the displacement of the first detected portion as caused by the rotation between the first location and the second location of the first bar Later, sensor detects the first detected portion as caused by the rotation between the first location and the second location of the first bar In the case where displacement, control device is determined as that cleaning unit is new product.

According to this structure, the service life for judging cleaning element can be carried out according to the displacement state of the first detected portion New product detection.

Furthermore it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: first position is the position that cannot be detected by the sensor of image forming apparatus It sets, the second position is the position that can be detected by sensor.

In such a case it is possible to be set as such as flowering structure: the first bar includes axis body, can rotate around first axle；And first Bar protrusion, it is prominent from the outer peripheral surface of axis body, can be rotated together with axis body, in the case where sliding component be in new product position and Contact with sliding members and the first bar is fixed on first position, and contain in shell the feelings of the developer of predetermined amount or more Developed dose of prevention rotation under condition, so that the first bar is fixed on first position.

In addition, in order to solve the problem, image forming apparatus of the invention, which has, is able to detect that the first detected portion And second detected portion sensor and control device, can be loaded and unloaded for cleaning unit, be detected in sensor by second After the displacement of second detected portion caused by rotation of the bar between the 4th position and the 5th position, sensor detect by In the case where the displacement of first detected portion caused by the rotation of first bar between the first location and the second location, control dress It sets and is determined as that cleaning unit is new product.

According to this structure, it can be carried out according to the displacement state of the first detected portion and the second detected portion for judging The new product in the service life of cleaning element detects.

Invention effect

In accordance with the invention it is possible to carry out the new product detection for judging the service life of cleaning element.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 is the cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus of embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the perspective view for showing a part of cleaning unit of first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is the perspective view for showing a part of shell of first embodiment.

Fig. 4 be a part for showing the auger of first embodiment, the first bar, the second bar, sliding component perspective view.

Fig. 5 is the top view for showing a part of cleaning unit of first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is the X-X cross-sectional view of Fig. 5, is figure (a) when sliding component is in new product position, in mobile figure on the way (b) and in old grade the figure (c) when setting.

Fig. 7 is the A-A cross-sectional view (a) and B-B section view of Fig. 5 when the sliding component of first embodiment is in new product position Scheme (b).

Fig. 8 is the A-A cross-sectional view (a) and B-B section view that the sliding component of first embodiment is in Fig. 5 when old grade is set Scheme (b).

Fig. 9 is the A-A cross-sectional view (a) and B-B cross-sectional view (b) of Fig. 5 when containing toner in detecting space.

Figure 10 is figure (a)~(c) for showing the output signal of sensor.

Figure 11 is the perspective view for showing a part of cleaning unit of second embodiment.

Figure 12 is the perspective view for showing a part of shell of second embodiment.

Figure 13 is the solid of a part for showing the auger of second embodiment, the first bar, the second bar, sliding component Figure.

Figure 14 is the comparable figure (a) of Section A-A with Fig. 5 when the sliding component of second embodiment is in new product position With with the comparable figure (b) of section B-B.

Figure 15 is that the sliding component of second embodiment is in the comparable figure (a) of Section A-A with Fig. 5 when old grade is set With with the comparable figure (b) of section B-B.

Figure 16 is figure (a) when the sliding component of second embodiment is in new product position, in mobile figure (b) on the way With the figure (c) when being set in old grade.

Specific embodiment

Then, the first embodiment of invention is illustrated.

As shown in Figure 1, an example as image forming apparatus, color printer 1 has main body shell 10, sheet material supply unit 20, image forming part 30, sheet material discharge unit 90 and cleaning unit 100.It should be noted that in the following description, will clean The axial direction of the aftermentioned auger 130 of unit 100 is set as first direction.

Main body shell 10 has the discharge tray positioned at the cover 11 of the side of third direction and positioned at the side of second direction 12.Color printer 1 can load and unload aftermentioned processing unit 50, cleaning unit 100 by opening cover 11.

Here, second direction is the direction intersected with first direction.Preferably, second direction is orthogonal with first direction Direction.Second direction is the direction opposite with lid 120B the container 120A of the aftermentioned shell 120 of composition cleaning unit 100. In addition, third direction is the direction intersected with first direction and second direction.Preferably, third direction be with first direction and The orthogonal direction of second direction.

Sheet material supply unit 20 has receiving paper etc. the film tray 21 of sheet materials S and by the sheet material S in film tray 21 to figure The sheet material feed mechanism 22 supplied as forming portion 30.Film tray 21 is located at another in the second direction in main body shell 10 Side, that is, the side opposite with discharge tray 12.

Image forming part 30 has exposure device 40, processing unit 50, transfer unit 70 and fixing device 80.

Exposure device 40 is opposite with film tray 21 in a second direction.Exposure device 40 projects light shown in single dotted broken line Beam is exposed the surface of photoconductor drum 52.

Processing unit 50 is located at film tray 21 and exposure in second direction in the state of being assemblied in color printer 1 Between device 40.Processing unit 50 has the charged device 53 of photoconductor drum 52,4 of bulging shell 51,4 and 4 Delevoping cartridges 60.Development Box 60 is respectively provided with development shell 61, developer roll 62, supply roller 63 and blender 65.Development shell 61 can be accommodated as development The toner of an example of agent.

Processing unit 50 charges the surface of photoconductor drum 52 using charged device 53.Photoconductor drum 52 is by by exposure device 40 expose and form electrostatic latent image on surface.In addition, processing unit 50 stirs the tune in development shell 61 using blender 65 Toner, and the toner is supplied via supply roller 63 to developer roll 62.Also, processing unit 50 is by the tune on developer roll 62 Toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface for being formed in photoconductor drum 52.Electrostatic latent image is by visible image as a result, in photoconductor drum Toner image is formed on 52.

Transfer unit 70 is located at the film tray 21 in second direction and between processing unit 50.Transfer unit 70 has drive Dynamic roller 71, transports band 73 and 4 transfer rolls 74 at driven voller 72.The piece that transfer unit 70 will supply on one side from sheet material supply unit 20 Material S is transported on transporting band 73, will be formed in the toner image on the surface of photoconductor drum 52 using transfer roll 74 on one side to sheet material S Transfer.

Fixing device 80 is located at the other side on processing unit 50 and the third direction of transfer unit 70, that is, with cover 11 Opposite side.Fixing device 80 has heating roller 81 and pressure roller 82.Fixing device 80 passes through in heating roller 81 and pressure roller Sheet material S is transported between 82, and the toner image for being needed on sheet material S is thermally fixed in sheet material S.

Sheet material discharge unit 90 has transport roller 91 and distributing roller 92.Sheet material discharge unit 90 utilizes transport roller 91 and distributing roller 92 The sheet material S for being formed with image is discharged in the discharge tray 12 except main body shell 10.

Cleaning unit 100 is located at the film tray 21 in second direction and is turned in the state of being assemblied in color printer 1 Between impression member 70.Furtherly, cleaning unit 100 is located at and processing unit 50 across transfer unit 70 in a second direction Opposite side.Cleaning unit 100 has cleaning element 110 and shell 120.

Cleaning element 110 is that recycling is attached to the component for transporting the toner of band 73, including the first clearer 111, second Clearer 112 and cleaning doctor 113.First clearer 111 is opposite with backing roll 75 across transport band 73.

Shell 120 has container 120A and lid 120B.Lid 120B supports the first clearer 111 and the second clearer 112 For that can rotate, and support cleaning doctor 113.Shell 120 has the toning being recovered in internal receiving by cleaning element 110 The useless toner accommodating space 120C of agent.

Cleaning unit 100 receives the toner for being attached to and transporting band 73 using the first clearer 111 back and forth, and makes to be attached to the The toner of one clearer 111 is adsorbed in the second clearer 112.Also, cleaning unit 100 is scraped using cleaning doctor 113 It is adsorbed in the toner of the second clearer 112 and falls it into useless toner accommodating space 120C.

As shown in Fig. 2, cleaning unit 100 is also equipped with auger 130, the first bar 140, the second bar 150 and sliding component 160。

Shell 120 has the inspection separated by the partition wall 121A of container 120A with useless toner accommodating space 120C Survey space 120D.Useless toner accommodating space 120C is connected to detection space 120D by communication port 122.Container 120A is by spiral shell The support of rotary drill 130 supports the first bar 140 and the second bar 150 as that can rotate for that can rotate.In addition, container 120A Sliding component 160 is supported as movement can be slided in a first direction.

As shown in figure 3, shell 120 has guide rail 123, guide surface 124, the first motion-stopping surface 125 in detection space 120D And second motion-stopping surface 126.

Guide rail 123 guides the movement of sliding component 160 in a first direction.Guide rail 123 is upward from container 120A It is prominent.It should be noted that upper and lower in embodiment be the state that cleaning unit 100 is assemblied in color printer 1 up and down. Guide rail 123 extends in a first direction.Guide rail 123 has the first face 123A, the second face 123B and third face 123C.

First face 123A and the second face 123B support slide 160.Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6 (a), the first face Support slide 160 from below in the case where sliding component 160 is in new product position 123A.In addition, as shown in Fig. 6 (c), Second face 123B is in the case that old grade is set support slide 160 from below in sliding component 160.

Second face 123B is located at than the first face 123A on direction (being second direction herein) orthogonal to the axial direction far from spiral shell The position of rotary drill 130.Locate on the lower specifically, the second face 123B is located at than the first face 123A.In addition, the second face 123B is The position of the first face 123A is located remotely from one direction.

Third face 123C is located in a first direction between the first face 123A and the second face 123B.Third face 123C is from first Face 123A is tilted towards the second face 123B.Specifically, third face 123C from the first face 123A to the second face 123B with connecing Close and far from auger 130 mode tilts.Specifically, third face 123C is with from the first face 123A to the second face 123B Close and underlying mode tilts.

Fig. 3 is returned to, guide rail 123 has gap 123D.Gap 123D is formed as in a first direction dividing the first face 123A It is cut into 2.Gap 123D passes through for the aftermentioned first bar protrusion 143 of the first bar 140.

Guide surface 124 together guides the movement of sliding component 160 in a first direction with guide rail 123.Guide surface 124 be a part in the face of the detection side space 120D of partition wall 121A.Guide surface 124 direction orthogonal to the axial direction (herein Third direction) on it is opposite with guide rail 123.Guide surface 124 can on third direction support slide 160.

Movement of first motion-stopping surface, the 125 limit slippage component 160 to the side of first direction.Container 120A is in guide rail 123 First direction side have the first partition wall 121B.First motion-stopping surface 125 is the first partition wall 121B towards guide rail 123 Face.First motion-stopping surface 125 can be with the face contact of the side of the first direction of sliding component 160.In other words, the first motion-stopping surface The face contact of upstream side on 125 moving directions that can be set with from the slave new product position of sliding component 160 to old grade.

Movement of second motion-stopping surface, the 126 limit slippage component 160 to the other side of first direction.Container 120A is in guide rail The other side of 123 first direction has the second partition wall 121C.Second motion-stopping surface 126 is that the direction of the second partition wall 121C is led The face of rail 123.Second motion-stopping surface 126 can be with the face contact of the other side of the first direction of sliding component 160.In other words, The face in the downstream side on moving direction that two motion-stopping surfaces 126 can be set with the slave new product position of sliding component 160 to old grade connects Touching.

As shown in Fig. 2, auger 130 can be rotated around the spiral auger spindle 130A extended in a first direction, energy It is enough to transport the toner in shell 120 in a first direction.Specifically, auger 130 can will be accommodated from useless toner First bar of the toner being flowed into detection space 120D in the 120C of space by communication port 122 towards the first bar 140 is dashed forward 143 are played to transport (referring to Fig. 4).

Auger 130 has the auger axis body 131 extended in a first direction and is formed as around auger axis body 131 Spiral helicine blade 132.Auger axis body 131 can be rotated around spiral auger spindle 130A.The of auger axis body 131 The end of the side in one direction is equipped with auger gear 139.Auger 130 can be by from color printer 1 to auger Gear 139 inputs driving force and rotates.

As shown in figure 4, auger 130 has plectane 133 in the end of the other side of the first direction of auger axis body 131 With eccentric protrusion 134.Eccentric protrusion 134 is prominent along first direction from plectane 133.Eccentric protrusion 134 is that have and spiral auger spindle 130A is parallel and is located at the cylindric of the axis of the position different from spiral auger spindle 130A.

Auger 130 has multiple auger protrusions 135.Auger protrusion 135 is from the outer peripheral surface edge of auger axis body 131 The direction orthogonal with first direction is prominent.Auger protrusion 135 is formed as one with auger axis body 131, can be with auger Axis body 131 rotates together.

Multiple auger protrusions 135 are located at different positions in a first direction.Specifically, multiple auger protrusions 135 be the first auger protrusion 135A and the second auger protrusion 135B, the second auger protrusion 135B positioned at than the first spiral Protrusion 135A is bored at the other side of first direction.Second auger protrusion 135B is in a direction orthogonal to the first direction with One auger protrusion 135A is oppositely protruded.First auger protrusion 135A and the second auger protrusion 135B is cylindric.

First bar 140 can have an example as axis body around the first axle 140A rotation extended in a first direction The first axle body 141, the first detected portion 142, the first bar protrusion 143 and the second bar protrusion 144.The first axle body 141 can be around First axle 140A rotation.

Diameter of first detected portion 142 from the end of the other side of the first direction of the first axle body 141 to the first axle body 141 Extend outward.First detected portion 142 has and can cut with what aftermentioned second detected portion 152 of the second bar 150 contacted Mouth 142A.As shown in figure 5, the first detected portion 142 is exposed to the outside of shell 120 from the opening 127 of shell 120.Namely It says, the first detected portion 142 is external a part exposing, the first bar 140 to shell 120.First detected portion, 142 energy It is enough to be detected by the sensor 15 of color printer 1.

Here, being illustrated to sensor 15.Sensor 15 is the optics with light-emitting component 15A and light receiving element 15B Sensor, in the main body shell 10 of color printer 1.Light-emitting component 15A and light receiving element 15B phase in a first direction It is right.Light-emitting component 15A projects light 15L to light receiving element 15B, and light receiving element 15B can receive the light projected from light-emitting component 15A 15L。

Sensor 15 is in the case where light receiving element 15B receives the light 15L for carrying out self-emission device 15A, to control device 17 output high level (High) signals.In addition, sensor 15 does not receive the light for carrying out self-emission device 15A in light receiving element 15B In the case where 15L, low level (Low) signal is exported to control device 17.

Details will be described below, and sensor 15 is able to detect that the first detected portion 142 and the second bar of the first bar 140 150 the second detected portion 152.Furtherly, sensor 15 is able to detect that first as caused by the rotation of the first bar 140 The displacement of detected portion 142, and it is able to detect that the displacement of second detected portion 152 as caused by the rotation of the second bar 150.

As shown in Fig. 8 (a), the first bar 140 can detect position and non-detection shown in solid shown in double dot dash line It is rotated between position.

Detection position shown in double dot dash line is an example of first position, and being can be by the sensor 15 of color printer 1 The position detected.In the case where the first bar 140 is in detection position, the first detected portion 142 is located at the hair of sensor 15 Between optical element 15A and light receiving element 15B.It is hidden as a result, from the light 15L after light-emitting component 15A injection by the first detected portion 142 Gear, is not received by light receiving element 15B.

Non-detection position shown in solid is an example of the second position, is the position that cannot be detected by sensor 15.? In the case that first bar 140 is in non-detection position, the first detected portion 142 is not located at light-emitting component 15A and light receiving element 15B Between.Received as a result, from the light 15L after light-emitting component 15A injection by light receiving element 15B.

As shown in Fig. 8 (b), the first bar protrusion 143 and the second bar protrusion 144 are from the outer peripheral surface of the first axle body 141 along with the The orthogonal direction in one direction is prominent.First bar protrusion 143 and the second bar protrusion 144 extend in a different direction.Specifically, In the state that the first bar 140 is located at non-detection position, the first bar protrusion 143 is from the first axle body 141 to the another of third direction Side extends, and the other side of the second bar protrusion 144 from the first axle body 141 to second direction extends.The length ratio of second bar protrusion 144 The length of first bar protrusion 143 is short.

As shown in figure 4, the first bar protrusion 143 and the second bar protrusion 144 are in a first direction positioned at the big of the first axle body 141 Cause identical position.First bar protrusion 143 and the second bar protrusion 144 are plates.First bar protrusion 143 and the second bar protrusion 144 It is formed as one, can be rotated together with the first axle body 141 with the first axle body 141.

Second bar 150 can have the second axle body 151, the around the second axis 150A rotation extended in a first direction Two detected portions 152 and arm 153.The second axle body 151 can be rotated around the second axis 150A.

Radial direction of second detected portion 152 from the end of the side of the first direction of the second axle body 151 to the second axle body 151 Outside extends.Size of the size of second detected portion 152 in a second direction than the first detected portion 142 in a second direction It is small.As shown in figure 5, the second detected portion 152 is exposed to the outside of shell 120 from the opening 127 of shell 120.Second is detected Portion 152 can be detected by the sensor 15 of color printer 1.

As shown in Fig. 9 (a), the second bar 150 can by a dotted line shown in the third place and at shown in solid the 4th It sets and is rotated between the 5th position shown in double dot dash line.

The third place shown in dotted line is the position that can be detected by sensor 15.Third position is in the second bar 150 In the case where setting, the second detected portion 152 is between light-emitting component 15A and light receiving element 15B.As a result, from light-emitting component 15A Light 15L after injection is blocked by the second detected portion 152, is not received by light receiving element 15B.

5th position shown in 4th position shown in solid and double dot dash line cannot all be detected by sensor 15 Position.In the case where the second bar 150 is in the 4th position and five positions, the second detected portion 152 is not located at light-emitting component Between 15A and light receiving element 15B.Received as a result, from the light 15L after light-emitting component 15A injection by light receiving element 15B.

Arm 153 extends from the periphery of the second axle body 151 towards the radial outside of the second axle body 151.Arm 153 can be with The eccentric protrusion 134 of auger 130 contacts.Arm 153 with eccentric protrusion 134 in the state of contacting, with auger 130 rotation and make eccentric protrusion 134 around spiral auger spindle 130A revolved in the case where swing.The second bar 150 exists as a result, It is rotated between 4th position and the 5th position.

Cleaning unit 100 has a spring 170, and arm 153 being capable of active force by spring 170 and eccentric protrusion 134 Contact.Spring 170 is torsional spring as an example, is exerted a force along clockwise direction to arm 153.That is, spring 170 is by the second bar 150 exert a force from the 4th position shown in solid to the 5th position shown in double dot dash line.

As shown in Fig. 8 (a), the second detected portion 152 can be cut with what the first detected portion 142 of the first bar 140 had Mouth 142A contact.Second bar 150 the notch 142A of the second detected portion 152 and the first detected portion 142 contact in the state of, By moving from four-position rotation shown in double dot dash line to the 5th position shown in solid, the second detected portion 152 and the first quilt Test section 142 contacts and lifts the first detected portion 142, and the first bar 140 is made to turn to non-detection position from detection position.? In the case that second bar 150 turns to the 4th position from the 5th position, the first bar 140 passes through the weight of the first detected portion 142 And detection position is turned to from non-detection position.In this way, the first bar 140 can be rotated with the rotation of the second bar 150.

As shown in figure 4, sliding component 160 can move in a first direction, it is with main part 161 and extension 162 L-shaped.

Main part 161 is supported by the first face 123A, the second face 123B of guide rail 123.Main part 161 has can be with first First recess portion 161A of the second bar protrusion 144 contact of bar 140.

Extension 162 is downwardly projected from main part 161.As shown in Fig. 7 (b), extension 162 is located at leading on third direction Between rail 123 and guide surface 124, extend in a first direction along guide rail 123.

Fig. 4 is returned to, sliding component 160 has the cam 163 projected upwards from main part 161.Sliding component 160 has more A (specifically 2) cam 163.Multiple cams 163 arrange in a first direction.Cam 163 has for auger axis body 131 the second recess portion 163A entered.

As shown in figure 5, the face of the side of the first direction of 2 cams 163 is respectively cam surface 164.That is, sliding Component 160 has multiple cam surfaces 164, and multiple cam surfaces 164 arrange in a first direction.Each cam surface 164 is relative to first Direction inclination.Specifically, each cam surface 164 is with being located at third direction towards another party from a side of first direction The mode of side tilts.In other words, each cam surface 164 with from a side of first direction towards another party and far from partition wall The mode of 121A tilts.

Sliding component 160 can be with the rotation of auger 130 and from new product position shown in solid to double dot dash line Shown in old grade set movement.Second bar protrusion of the sliding component 160 in the case where being in new product position, with the first bar 140 144 contact and the first bar 140 are fixed on detection position.

Sliding component 160 in old grade in the case where setting, with the contact quilt of the second bar protrusion 144 of the first bar 140 It releases and the first bar 140 is enable to rotate between detection position and non-detection position.First bar 140 is in such as sliding component 160 It, being capable of companion in the state that such second bar protrusion 144 such as the case where setting in old grade is released from the contact of sliding component 160 It is rotated with the rotation in the second bar 150.

As shown in Fig. 7 (b), the first bar 140 is in the case where sliding component 160 is in new product position, the second bar protrusion 144 It is contacted with the first recess portion 161A of main part 161.In this case, the second bar protrusion 144 by the active force of spring 170 with The main part 161 of sliding component 160 contacts.

Specifically, it as shown in Fig. 7 (a), is exerted a force along clockwise direction to the second bar 150 by spring 170, second is tested Survey portion 152 is lifted by the first detected portion 142.As a result, as shown in Fig. 7 (b), the first bar 140 also along clockwise direction by Force, the second bar protrusion 144 are contacted in a manner of abutting with main part 161 with main part 161.Second bar protrusion 144 is being slided Component 160 contacts with sliding component 160 in the case where being in new product position and the first bar 140 is fixed on detection position.

As shown in Fig. 7 (a), the second bar 150 in the case where sliding component 160 is in new product position, arm 153 not with spiral shell The eccentric protrusion 134 of rotary drill 130 contacts.

As shown in Figure 1, color printer 1 has control device 17.Control device 17 is located in main body shell 10.Details will It is described below, whether the cleaning unit 100 that control device 17 can judge to be assemblied in color printer 1 is new product.In addition, control Device 17 processed can judge the replacement period of cleaning unit 100.

Then, the functions and effects of the cleaning unit of first embodiment 100 and color printer 1 are illustrated.

As shown in figure 5, sliding component 160 is in new grade shown in solid when cleaning unit 100 is in new product state It sets.Also, in the case where sliding component 160 is in new product position, the first bar 140 is fixed in detection position.

When the cleaning unit 100 of new product is assemblied in color printer 1, the first detected portion 142 is located at sensor 15 Light-emitting component 15A and light receiving element 15B between, from light-emitting component 15A injection after light 15L hidden by the first detected portion 142 Gear by light receiving element 15B without being received.Thus, sensor 15 exports low level signal to control device 17.

As shown in Fig. 6 (a), when auger 130 rotates, the first auger protrusion 135A and the second auger protrusion 135B It is rotated together with auger axis body 131.First auger protrusion 135A and the second auger protrusion 135B are in the feelings rotated It is contacted under condition with the cam surface 164 of sliding component 160 and presses cam surface 164, make sliding component 160 from new product position to old product Position is mobile.

As shown in Fig. 6 (b), in the mobile way of sliding component 160, the end in the downstream side on moving direction fall and with Second face 123B contact, sliding component 160 become to tilt.If also, sliding component 160 is further mobile, such as double dot dash line Shown, movement is slided in the end of the upstream side on moving direction on inclined third face 123C.

As shown in Fig. 6 (c), the integrated support of sliding component 160 reaches old grade and sets in the second face 123B.Auger 130 The second auger protrusion 135B will reach old grade in sliding component 160 with the contact of the cam surface 164 of sliding component 160 It is released from before setting, after this, even if auger 130 rotates, sliding component 160 is not also moved.

As shown in Fig. 7 (a), (b), in the second bar protrusion 144 and cunning of the first bar of mobile period 140 of sliding component 160 When dynamic component 160 contacts, the first bar 140 is fixed in detection position.The first detected portion 142 is continued in the member that shines as a result, Between part 15A and light receiving element 15B, therefore, as shown in Figure 10 (a), sensor 15 continues low level signal to control device 17 outputs.

When sliding component 160 more than the mobile preset distance in new product position and the second bar is dashed forward as shown in Fig. 8 (a), (b) 144 are played when being released from the contact of sliding component 160, passes through the arm 153 and spiral shell of the second bar of active force 150 of spring 170 The eccentric protrusion 134 of rotary drill 130 contacts.Also, later, rotated by the second bar 150 with the rotation of auger 130, First bar 140 rotates between detection position and non-detection position.

When the first bar 140 rotates between detection position and non-detection position, as shown in Figure 10 (b), sensor 15 exists During 1 circle of the rotation of auger 130 (1 period) by the signal switched according to the sequence of low level, high level to control device 17 outputs.

Sensor 15 do not detected more than the predetermined time by the first bar 140 detection position and non-detection position it Between rotation caused by the first detected portion 142 displacement after, sensor 15 detect by the first bar 140 detection position In the case where the displacement of first detected portion 142 caused by rotation between non-detection position, control device 17 is determined as Cleaning unit 100 is new product.

Specifically, sensor 15 more than the predetermined time persistently output the low level signal as shown in Figure 10 (a) it Afterwards, sensor 15 in the case where outputing the signal of the switch mode as shown in Figure 10 (b) in multiple periods, sentence by control device 17 Being set to cleaning unit 100 is new product.

Predetermined time is, for example, the time of 1 circle of the rotation of auger 130.It should be noted that persistently exporting low level signal Time (" more than the predetermined time ") for example be preferably auger 130 rotation 2 circle more than time.So, lasting output The time of low level signal is elongated, believes shown in Figure 10 (b) when detecting the displacement of the first detected portion 142 with sensor 15 Number difference become clear, therefore can be improved the precision of new product detection.

In the scheduled ginseng from being determined as time point (hereinafter referred to as while detecting " new product ") that cleaning unit 100 is new product In the case that number becomes threshold value or more, control device 17 is determined as that cleaning unit 100 has arrived replacement period.Scheduled parameter example The number of revolutions of the clearer 111 from new product detection, 112, driven roller 71 etc., the printing from new product detection in this way Number passes through time etc. from new product detection.

In the case where being determined as that cleaning unit 100 has arrived replacement period, control device 17 informs the user the purport. For example, the message of the purport of cleaning unit 100 to replacement period is shown in the not shown of color printer 1 by control device 17 Liquid crystal display.

Cleaning unit 100 from the description above, the case where sliding component 160 is in new product position and sliding component In the case that 160 set in old grade, the movement of the first detected portion 142 of the first bar 140 can be changed.Thereby, it is possible to roots The new product examine of the cleaning unit 100 for judging the service life of cleaning element 110 is carried out according to the movement of the first detected portion 142 It surveys.

Specifically, the displacement state of the first detected portion 142 that can be detected according to sensor 15 is cleaned The new product of unit 100 detects.

In addition, since multiple auger protrusions 135 are located at different positions in a first direction, so can strive for first The moving distance that sliding component 160 on direction is set from new product position to old grade.Thereby, it is possible to strive for consolidating on the first bar 140 It due to the time of detection position, therefore can strive for the output time of low level signal when new product detection, can be improved new product The precision of detection.

In addition, multiple cam surfaces 164 due to sliding component 160 arrange in a first direction, so can strive for first The moving distance that sliding component 160 on direction is set from new product position to old grade, and sliding component 160 can be made successfully It is mobile.

Cam surface be 1 in the case where, in order to strive for the moving distance of sliding component, need to reduce cam surface relative to The tilt angle of first direction, but in this case, the friction of cam surface and auger protrusion become larger and sliding component be difficult to it is suitable It is sharply mobile.By that can not have to reduce inclination angle of each cam surface 164 relative to first direction with multiple cam surfaces 164 Degree, therefore sliding component 160 can be made successfully to move.

In addition, since the first auger protrusion 135A and the second auger protrusion 135B is from auger axis body 131 to opposite Direction is prominent, so being easy to pull out formed products from mold in the case where boring 130 using resin by mold come forming spiral Out.I.e. it is capable to which easily forming spiral bores 130.

In addition, since shell 120 has guide rail 123, so sliding component 160 can be made to set from new product position to old grade Successfully move.

In addition, due to guide rail 123 the second face 123B than the first face 123A far from auger 130, so in sliding component In the case that 160 set in old grade, it is able to suppress sliding component 160 and interferes auger 130.In addition, guide rail 123 can be utilized Inclined third face 123C move sliding component 160 successfully.

In addition, locating on the lower since the second face 123B is located at than the first face 123A, so can make mobile from new product position The sliding component 160 set to old grade falls.Thereby, it is possible to inhibit sliding component using the simple structure without using spring etc. 160 return to new product position.

In addition, since guide rail 123 has the gap passed through for the first bar protrusion 143 rotated together with the first axle body 141 123D, so being able to suppress guide rail 123 interferes the first bar 140.

In addition, since shell 120 has the guide surface 124 opposite with guide rail 123, so being able to suppress sliding component 160 Loosening, sliding component 160 can be made more successfully to move.

In addition, since shell 120 has the first motion-stopping surface 125, thus can limit slippage component 160 to from new product position Upstream (be specifically from new product position upstream) on the moving direction set to old grade is mobile.

In addition, since shell 120 has the second motion-stopping surface 126, so being able to suppress sliding component 160 to from new product position Downstream (being set further downstream from old grade) on the moving direction set to old grade is mobile.

It should be noted that even if parameter scheduled from detecting new product become threshold value more than before, in shell 120 In the case where the toner for inside containing predetermined amount or more, that is to say, that the toner in shell 120 becomes close fill State in the case where, control device 17 is also determined as that cleaning unit 100 has arrived replacement period.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9 (a), (b), toner T is filled when becoming close in useless toner accommodating space 120C State and toner T flowed into detection space 120D when accumulating, the first bar protrusion 143 of the first bar 140 can be to toning Agent T embedment.

Also, after the first bar 140 turns to non-detection position from detection position, when the rotation of the first bar protrusion 143 When being prevented by toner T, the first bar 140 is fixed on non-detection position.Toner T of the first bar protrusion 143 in shell 120 at In the case where approaching the state filled, by the first bar 140 and preventing to rotate by the toner T in detection space 120D It is fixed on non-detection position.

When the first bar 140 is fixed on non-detection position, later, with the rotation of auger 130, only the second bar 150 It is rotated between the 4th position and the 5th position by the third place.Then, as shown in Figure 10 (c), sensor 15 is in spiral The signal that (1 period) will switch according to the sequence of low level, high level, low level, high level during boring 130 rotation, 1 circle It is exported to control device 17.

Control device 17 detects the rotation by the first bar 140 between detection position and non-detection position in sensor 15 Caused by the first detected portion 142 displacement after, sensor 15 detects by the second bar 150 the 4th position and the 5th In the case where the displacement of second detected portion 152 caused by rotation between setting, when being determined as that cleaning unit 100 has arrived replacement Phase.

Specifically, after the signal that sensor 15 exports the switch mode as shown in Figure 10 (b), sensor 15 is more In the case that a period outputs the signal of the switch mode as shown in Figure 10 (c), control device 17 is determined as cleaning unit 100 Replacement period is arrived.

First embodiment from the description above can detect shell 120 by the presence or absence of rotation of the first bar 140 Whether interior toner T is the close state filled, and is able to carry out the new product detection of cleaning unit 100.That is, energy It is enough to carry out filling detection and new product detection both sides by the first bar 140.

Then, the second embodiment of invention is illustrated.It should be noted that in this second embodiment, about Element same as above-mentioned first embodiment, marks same appended drawing reference and suitably omits the description thereof.As shown in figure 11, clearly Clean unit 100 has cleaning element, shell 220, auger 230, the first bar 240, the second bar 250 and sliding component (not shown) 260。

As shown in figure 12, there is shell 220 partition wall 121A, 221A for having by container 120A to receive with useless toner Hold space 120C and detects the second accommodating space 220C that space 120D is separated.Second accommodating space 220C passes through the second connection Mouthfuls 222 and be connected to detection space 120D, be not connected to directly with useless toner accommodating space 120C.Second communication port 222 is Position on one direction is the position opposite with the second face 123B of guide rail 123.

Guide rail 123 has the first face 123A, the second face 123B and third face 223C.Third face 223C or more extend and the Ladder is formed between 123A and the second face 123B on one side.

As shown in figure 13, auger 230 is in addition to auger axis body 131, blade 132, eccentric protrusion 134, multiple augers Also there is the second blade 232 except protrusion 135 etc..Second blade 232 is plate, from the outer peripheral surface of auger axis body 131 along with The orthogonal direction of first direction extends.Second blade 232 is located at 222 phase of the second communication port with shell 220 in a first direction Pair position (referring to Fig.1 1).Second blade 232 can will lodge in detection space 120D with the rotation of auger 230 A part of toner transported from the second communication port 222 into the second accommodating space 220C.

First bar 240 has the first axle body 141, the first detected portion 142 and the first bar protrusion 143.First bar 240 with it is upper The first bar 140 for the first embodiment stated is different, does not have the second bar protrusion 144.First bar protrusion 143 with first direction It is oppositely protruded on orthogonal direction with the first detected portion 142.

Second bar 250 has the arm 253 of the second axle body 151, the second detected portion 152 and U-shaped.In the second embodiment party In formula, cleaning unit 100 does not have spring 170.As shown in Figure 14 (a), the second slot 253A of the arm 253 of the second bar 250 with The eccentric protrusion 134 of auger 230 contacts.Second bar 250 by the weight of the second detected portion 152 in the counterclockwise direction by To force, the one side of the second slot 253A is contacted with eccentric protrusion 134 always.

Figure 13 is returned to, sliding component 260 has main part 261 and 2 cam 163.Main part 261 is that have in first party The U-shaped of the slot 261A upwardly extended.As shown in Figure 14 (b), guide rail 123 is embedded in slot 261A.

First bar protrusion 143 of the first bar 240 in the case where sliding component 260 is in new product position with sliding component 260 main part 261 contacts and the first bar 240 is fixed on non-detection position.First bar 240 is in the case where non-detection position It to be rotated in the counterclockwise direction by the weight of the first detected portion 142, but be in the feelings of new product position in sliding component 260 Under condition, the rotation in the counterclockwise direction of main part 261 by 143 jam of the first bar protrusion in sliding component 260 is limited System, is fixed in non-detection position.

It should be noted that in this second embodiment, the first detected portion 142 cannot be by the sensing of color printer 1 The non-detection position that device 15 detects is " first position ", and the first detected portion 142 shown in solid of Figure 15 (a) can be by passing The detection position that sensor 15 detects is " second position ".

Then, the functions and effects of the cleaning unit of second embodiment 100 and color printer 1 are illustrated.

As shown in Figure 14 (a), (b), cleaning unit 100 is in the case where sliding component 260 is in new product position, the first bar 240 are fixed in non-detection position.

In the case where the cleaning unit 100 of new product is assemblied in color printer 1, the first detected portion 142 is not blocked The light 15L projected from light-emitting component 15A, therefore light 15L is received by light receiving element 15B.Thus, sensor 15 is to control device 17 Export high level signal.

When auger 230 rotates, the new product position shown in Figure 16 (a) of sliding component 260 is as shown in Figure 16 (b) Movement is set to old grade.Also, as shown in Figure 16 (c), sliding component 260 is from the first face 123A of guide rail 123 along by third Ladder that face 223C is formed and fall, be moved to and be supported in the old grade of the second face 123B and set.

As shown in Figure 14 (a), (b), in the first bar protrusion 143 and cunning of the first bar of mobile period 240 of sliding component 260 When dynamic component 260 contacts, the first bar 240 is fixed in non-detection position.

Thus, at this point, if eccentric protrusion 134 revolves around spiral auger spindle 130A with the rotation of auger 230, arm Portion 253 is swung, then only the second bar 250 by a dotted line shown in the third place and in the 4th position shown in solid and two point It is rotated between 5th position shown in scribing line.Then, as shown in Figure 10 (c), phase of the sensor 15 in 1 circle of the rotation of auger 130 Between (1 period) signal switched according to the sequence of low level, high level, low level, high level is exported to control device 17.

When sliding component 260 more than the mobile preset distance in new product position and as shown in Figure 15 (a), (b) the first bar When protrusion 143 is released from the contact of sliding component 260, the first bar 240 is by the weight of the first detected portion 142 from non-inspection Location, which is set, turns to detection position.When the first bar 240 turns to detection position from non-detection position, the second of the second bar 250 Detected portion 152 is contacted with the notch 142A of the first detected portion 142.

Also, later, second bar 250 rotates and with the rotation of auger 230, and the first bar 240 is in check bit It sets and is rotated between non-detection position.Then, as shown in Figure 10 (b), sensor 15 is (1 during 1 circle of rotation of auger 130 A period) signal switched according to the sequence of low level, high level is exported to control device 17.

It is detected second caused by the rotation as the second bar 250 between the 4th position and the 5th position in sensor 15 After the displacement of detected portion 152, sensor 15 detect by the first bar 240 detection position and non-detection position between turn In the case where the displacement of first detected portion 142 caused by dynamic, control device 17 is determined as that cleaning unit 100 is new product.

Specifically, after the signal that sensor 15 exports the switch mode as shown in Figure 10 (c), the output of sensor 15 In the case where the signal of switch mode as shown in Figure 10 (b), control device 17 is determined as that cleaning unit 100 is new product.? In the case where being determined as that cleaning unit 100 is new product, control device 17 informs the user the purport.

Cleaning unit 100 from the description above, the first detected portion 142 that can be detected according to sensor 15 and The displacement state of two detected portions 152 carries out the new product examine of the cleaning unit 100 for judging the service life of cleaning element 110 It surveys.

In addition, due to guide rail 123 the second face 123B than the first face 123A far from auger 230, so in sliding component In the case that 260 set in old grade, it is able to suppress sliding component 260 and interferes auger 230.

In addition, locating on the lower since the second face 123B is located at than the first face 123A, so can make mobile from new product position The sliding component 260 set to old grade falls.Thereby, it is possible to inhibit sliding component 260 to return to new product position in simple structure.

It should be noted that in this second embodiment, the toner in shell 220 becomes close to the state filled In the case where, control device 17 is also determined as that cleaning unit 100 has arrived replacement period in the same manner as above-mentioned first embodiment. In the case that toner of the first bar protrusion 143 of the first bar 240 in shell 220 becomes the close state filled, pass through The toner being detected in the 120D of space prevents rotation and the first bar 240 is fixed on non-detection position.

In this way, in this second embodiment, can also carry out filling detection by the first bar 240 and new product detection is double Side.

In this second embodiment, even if the toner in shell 220 becomes close to the state filled and is determined as clear In the case that clean unit 100 has arrived replacement period, auger 230 can also be will test in the 120D of space using the second blade 232 Toner transported by the second communication port 222 to the second accommodating space 220C.

Thereby, it is possible to strive for time until accommodating toner in no normal direction cleaning unit 100.That is, energy It is enough temporarily to use the cleaning unit 100 for being determined as replacing period.It is as a result, for example, even if single cleaning can not be replaced immediately In the case where member 100, it is also able to use color printer 1.

Although the embodiment of invention is illustrated above, the present invention is not limited to above-mentioned embodiments.About Specific structure can suitably change without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, cleaning unit 100 has the second bar 150,250, but not limited to this, it can also To be the structure for not having the second bar.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, cleaning element 110 be include 2 clearers 111,112 and cleaning doctor 113 structure, but not limited to this.For example, cleaning element is also possible to respectively include 1 structure by clearer and cleaning doctor. In addition, cleaning unit is also possible to only to have cleaning doctor and is attached to as cleaning element using cleaning doctor directly to scrape Transport the structure of the toner of band.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the cleaning unit 100 for the toner that recycling is transported on band 73 is instantiated, but It is without being limited thereto.For example, cleaning unit can also recycle the toner on the middle transfer bodies such as intermediate transfer belt.In addition, cleaning is single Member can also recycle the toner on photoconductor drum.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, instantiating the optical sensing with light-emitting component 15A and light receiving element 15B Device as sensor 15, but not limited to this, sensor for example can be electrostatic induction sensor etc..

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, auger 130,230 has 2 auger protrusions 135, but not limited to this. For example, auger protrusion is also possible to 1, it can also be 3 or more.Cam surface about sliding component be also it is same, can also Be not 2 but 1, can also be 3 or more.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, instantiating the color printer 1 for being capable of forming multicolor image as image shape At an example of device, but image forming apparatus is also possible to form the black-and-white printer of monochrome image.In addition, image forming apparatus It is also possible to the printer being exposed using the light projected from LED to photoconductor drum.In addition, image forming apparatus can also be with It is not printer but duplicator, compounding machine etc..

In addition, each element illustrated in above-mentioned embodiment and variation can be appropriately combined and be implemented.

Claims

1. a kind of cleaning unit, which is characterized in that have:

Cleaning element recycles developer；

Shell accommodates the developer being recovered to by the cleaning element；

First bar can rotate between the first location and the second location around the first axle extended in the axial direction, and this first A part of bar is exposed to the external of the shell；

Auger can be rotated around the spiral auger spindle upwardly extended in the axis, can be by the intracorporal development of the shell Agent can transport the intracorporal developer of the shell to first bar along the axial transport；And

Sliding component can set shifting from new product position to old grade in the axial direction with the rotation of the auger It is dynamic, it is contacted in the case where the new product position with first bar and first bar is fixed on the first position, The old grade is released from the contact of first bar in the case where setting and enables first bar in the first position It is rotated between the second position.

2. cleaning unit according to claim 1, which is characterized in that

The sliding component has relative to the axially inclined cam surface,

The auger includes

Auger axis body can be rotated around the spiral auger spindle；And

Auger protrusion, it is prominent from the outer peripheral surface of the auger axis body, can be rotated together with the auger axis body, with The auger axis body with the cam surface makes the sliding component from the new product in the case where being rotated together Movement is set to the old grade in position.

3. cleaning unit according to claim 2, which is characterized in that

The auger has multiple auger protrusions,

Multiple auger protrusions are located axially at different positions described.

4. cleaning unit according to claim 3, which is characterized in that

The sliding component has multiple cam surfaces,

The multiple cam surface arranges in the axial direction.

5. cleaning unit according to claim 3 or 4, which is characterized in that

The multiple auger protrusion be the first auger protrusion and with the first auger protrusion oppositely outstanding second Auger protrusion.

6. cleaning unit according to claim 1, which is characterized in that

The shell has the movement for guiding the sliding component and the guide rail upwardly extended in the axis.

7. cleaning unit according to claim 6, which is characterized in that

The guide rail includes

First face supports the sliding component in the case where the sliding component is in the new product position；

Second face is in the case that the old grade is set in the sliding component and supports the sliding component, with the axis It is located on orthogonal direction than the position of first face far from the auger；And

Third face forms ladder between first face and second face.

8. cleaning unit according to claim 6, which is characterized in that

The guide rail includes

Second face is in the case that the old grade is set in the sliding component and supports the sliding component, with the axis It is located on orthogonal direction than the position of first face far from the auger, and is located axially at described far from institute State the position in the first face；And

Third face faces toward second face from described first and tilts.

9. cleaning unit according to claim 6, which is characterized in that

First bar includes

Axis body can be rotated around the first axle；And

First bar protrusion, it is prominent from the outer peripheral surface of the axis body, it can be rotated together with the axis body,

The guide rail has the gap passed through for the first bar protrusion.

10. cleaning unit according to claim 6, which is characterized in that

The shell have the movement for guiding the sliding component and on the direction orthogonal with the axial direction with the guide rail phase Pair guide surface.

11. cleaning unit according to claim 6, which is characterized in that

The sliding component includes

Main part, by the guide supporting；And

Extension, it is prominent from the main part, extend along the guide rail.

12. cleaning unit according to claim 6, which is characterized in that

The sliding component, which has, to be upwardly extended in the axis and for the slot of guide rail insertion.

13. cleaning unit according to claim 1, which is characterized in that

The shell have can on the moving direction of the sliding component set from the new product position to the old grade Upstream side face contact the first motion-stopping surface.

14. cleaning unit according to claim 1, which is characterized in that

The shell have can on the moving direction of the sliding component set from the new product position to the old grade Downstream side face contact the second motion-stopping surface.

15. cleaning unit according to claim 1, which is characterized in that

The first position is the position that can be detected by the sensor of image forming apparatus,

The second position is the position that cannot be detected by the sensor.

16. cleaning unit according to claim 15, which is characterized in that

First bar includes

Axis body can be rotated around the first axle；

First bar protrusion, it is prominent from the outer peripheral surface of the axis body, it can rotate together with the axis body, be accommodated in the shell There is developed dose of prevention in the case where the developer of predetermined amount or more to rotate, so that first bar is fixed on the second It sets；And

Second bar protrusion, it is prominent from the outer peripheral surface of the axis body, it can be rotated together with the axis body, at the sliding component First bar is fixed on the first position with the contact with sliding members in the case where the new product position.

17. cleaning unit according to claim 16, which is characterized in that

The auger can transport the intracorporal developer of the shell to first bar is raised.

18. cleaning unit according to claim 16 or 17, which is characterized in that

The cleaning unit has the second bar, which can be with the rotation of the auger, around in the axial direction Second axis of upper extension by the third place that the sensor detects by the sensor by that can cannot detected The 4th position and the 5th position between rotate,

First bar has external the first detected portion exposed and can detected by the sensor to the shell,

Second bar has external the second detected portion exposed and can detected by the sensor to the shell,

In the case where the sliding component is in the old grade and sets, by second bar from the 4th position to described The rotation of 5th position, second detected portion contact with first detected portion and make first bar from described first It sets to the second position and rotates.

19. cleaning unit according to claim 18, which is characterized in that

The cleaning unit has the spring that second bar exerts a force from the 4th position to the 5th position,

The second bar protrusion passes through the active force of the spring in the case where the sliding component is in the new product position And with the contact with sliding members.

20. cleaning unit according to claim 1, which is characterized in that

The first position is the position that cannot be detected by the sensor of image forming apparatus,

The second position is the position that can be detected by the sensor.

21. cleaning unit according to claim 20, which is characterized in that

First bar includes

Axis body can be rotated around the first axle；And

First bar protrusion, it is prominent from the outer peripheral surface of the axis body, it can be rotated together with the axis body, at the sliding component First bar is fixed on the first position with the contact with sliding members in the case where the new product position, and Developed dose of prevention rotation in the case where the developer of predetermined amount or more is contained in the shell, thus by first bar It is fixed on the first position.

22. cleaning unit according to claim 21, which is characterized in that

23. the cleaning unit according to claim 21 or 22, which is characterized in that

24. a kind of image forming apparatus can be loaded and unloaded for the cleaning unit described in claim 18 or 19, having can be examined The sensor and control device of first detected portion and second detected portion are measured, described image forms device It is characterized in that,

It is not detected more than the predetermined time by first bar in the sensor in the first position and described second After the displacement of first detected portion caused by rotation between position, the sensor detects by first bar Caused by rotation between the first position and the second position in the case where displacement of first detected portion, The control device is determined as that the cleaning unit is new product.

25. a kind of image forming apparatus can be loaded and unloaded for the cleaning unit described in claim 23, have and be able to detect that The sensor and control device of first detected portion and second detected portion, described image form the spy of device Sign is,

The rotation by second bar between the 4th position and the 5th position is detected in the sensor and is drawn After the displacement of second detected portion risen, the sensor detects by first bar in the first position and institute In the case where stating the displacement of first detected portion caused by the rotation between the second position, the control device is determined as The cleaning unit is new product.