JP2000199994A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low-cost image forming device capable of forming a high quality image by supplying toner as the mixture thereof with gas to a developing means from a position separate from a developing position, detecting a filter clogging state or a blocking state and preventing toner from being scattered, toner supply from getting impossible and a mixture transfer means from being damaged. SOLUTION: This device is constituted of a developing means 2 which forms a toner image by developing a latent image formed on an image carrier 1, the mixture transfer means 3 transferring a toner(T) as the mixture thereof with the gas to the developing means 2, a mixture carrying path 4 for carrying the mixture of the toner(T) with the gas transferred from the means 3 to the developing means 2, a gas supply means 5 supplying the gas which forms the mixture with the toner(T) carried through the path 4, and a load detection means 6 detecting load for supplying the gas of the means 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a method for forming a latent image on an image carrier in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine thereof. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by supplying toner that forms a toner image by visualizing it as a mixture with a gas from a position distant from a developing position.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to reduce the size of developing means of an image forming apparatus, simplify the structure, and improve operability during maintenance such as toner supply, a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system is visualized. The toner that forms the toner image is supplied as a mixture with air to the developing device from a position distant from the developing position, and the air is discharged to the outside through an air vent through an air filter to reduce toner scattering. New toner or cleaning means supplied by a toner supply device disposed at a position distant from the developing position by using a powder pump means and an air supply means for supplying air to the powder pump means Can be transported to the developing device in a gaseous mixture with air by the powder pump means. It is known that since the degree of freedom of the conveyance path is large and the conveyance load is small, it is possible to carry out the toner conveyance reliably with a simple and low-cost apparatus configuration (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-219329). Gazette, JP 10
-49020). In order to reduce the size of the developing means of the image forming apparatus, simplify the configuration, and improve operability during maintenance such as toner supply, the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is visualized to form a toner image. The air filter which supplies toner to the developing device as a mixture with air from a position remote from the developing position and discharges the air to the outside through the air vent hole has a long term. As a result, filter clogging due to toner etc. occurs, the effect of depressurizing the internal pressure is weakened, and toner is scattered due to the increase in internal pressure, and scattered toner adheres to the photoconductor and transfer paper To maintain the image quality by preventing quality deterioration and toner scattering, make the filter removable and replace it with a new one when the filter is clogged with toner. And to be able to permanently maintain a clean initial performance and purpose by Ri.

However, an image forming apparatus provided with such a filter has a disadvantage that it is difficult to know when to replace or clean the filter (lifetime). This is because the filter gradually becomes clogged, and the scattering of toner also gradually increases. In addition, the life varies depending on the usage status of the image forming apparatus.For example, when many originals with a high image formation area ratio are used, the supply amount of new toner and the amount of collected toner for recycling are large. , It was difficult to grasp the clogged state of the filter. Further, it is difficult to detect the blocking state of the new toner and the collected toner in the air-fuel mixture transfer means of the powder pump or in the air-fuel mixture transport path of the flexible pipe from the air-fuel mixture transfer means to the developing means. In addition to not being able to supply the collected toner for recycling or recycling, the drive motor, the gear, the bearing, the case, etc. of the drive unit such as the powder pump of the air-fuel mixture transfer means may be damaged. Therefore, in such a conventional image forming apparatus, the toner is supplied to the developing device from a position distant from the developing position as a mixture with air, and the air is provided on the way to be discharged outside through the air vent hole. Detection of clogged filter to prevent toner scattering and detection of blocking state of new toner and collected toner in the powder pump of the mixture transfer means and in the mixture transfer path from the powder pump of the mixture transfer means to the developing means Due to the difficulty, not only can new toner and recycled toner not be supplied, but also the drive motor, gear, bearing, case, etc. of the drive unit such as the powder pump of the air-fuel mixture transfer means are damaged. Had occurred.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional image forming apparatus, the toner is supplied to the developing device as a mixture with air from a position remote from the developing position, and the air is discharged to the outside through an air vent hole. The filter provided to prevent scattering of toner provided on the way of clogging, new toner and recovery in the powder pump of the mixture transfer means and in the mixture transfer path from the powder pump of the mixture transfer means to the developing means Because it is difficult to detect the blocking state of the toner, it is not only impossible to supply the toner scattered or the new toner or the collected toner for recycling, but also to drive motors, gears, and bearings of a driving unit such as a powder pump of an air-fuel mixture transfer unit. In addition, there has been a problem that the quality of an image formed due to breakage of a case or the like is deteriorated. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve such a problem. That is, the toner for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system is supplied to a developing unit from a position apart from a developing position as a mixture with a gas, and the gas is vented. The filter for preventing toner scattering provided on the way to discharge from the hole to the outside of the filter is used to detect the clogged state of the filter and the blocking state of the toner in the air / fuel mixture transporting means or in the air / fuel mixture transport path from the air / fuel mixture transporting means to the developing means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality image by preventing toner scattering, toner supply being impossible, and / or damage to the mixture transfer means.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a toner for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system is formed of a gas. In an image forming apparatus that forms an image by being supplied from a position distant from the developing position as an air-fuel mixture, an image carrier that carries the formed image, and a latent image formed on the image carrier is visualized to form a toner image. , A mixture transfer means for transferring the toner as a mixture with a gas to the development means, and a mixture of the toner and the gas transferred from the mixture transfer means to the development means. An image comprising an air-fuel mixture transport path, gas supply means for supplying a gas forming an air-fuel mixture with the toner conveyed by the air-fuel mixture transport path, and load detection means for detecting a gas supply load of the gas supply means. form The most important being a device. A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the load detecting means is an image forming apparatus including a current detecting means for detecting a current. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the load detection unit is a filter of a filter unit that discharges the gas conveyed from the gas supply unit to the developing unit as a mixture with the toner. The main feature is that the image forming apparatus detects a clogged state. Claim 4
According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the load detecting means detects the filter clogging state, continues the image forming operation, and warns the warning display means of the filter clogging state. The main feature is that it is an image forming apparatus for displaying. The present invention of claim 5 is based on claim 1,
The main feature of the image forming apparatus according to 2, 3 or 4 is that the load detecting means is an image forming apparatus for detecting a blocking state of the toner in the air-fuel mixture transfer means or the air-fuel mixture transport path.

The present invention according to claim 6 is based on claims 1, 2, 3,
The main feature of the image forming apparatus according to 4 or 5 is that the image forming apparatus stops an image forming operation when a load detecting unit detects a blocking state. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth aspect, the image forming operation is stopped by detecting the blocking state of the load detecting unit, and the warning is displayed on the warning display unit. The main feature of the image forming apparatus is that it displays a warning in a blocking state. Claim 8 of the present invention provides Claims 4 and 5,
The main feature of the image forming apparatus according to 6 or 7 is that the warning display means is an image forming apparatus that is disposed apart from the main body. The present invention of claim 9 is based on claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, the load detecting means sets the toner transfer state of the air-fuel mixture transfer means in a good state, the filter means clogs the filter means, depending on the magnitude of the load. The main feature of the present invention is that the image forming apparatus detects a blocking state of the toner in the air-fuel mixture transfer means or the air-fuel mixture transport path.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus configured to mix toner with a gas in developing means for visualizing a latent image formed on an image carrier to form a toner image. In gas supply means for supplying gas that is transferred from the mixture transfer means as gas and conveyed by the mixture conveyance path,
A load for supplying a gas is detected by a load detection unit to form an image, and a toner that forms a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system is a mixture of a toner and a gas. The filter is supplied to the developing means from a position distant from the developing position, and the gas is exhausted to the outside through the gas vent hole. High-quality image formation by detecting the blocking state of toner in the air-fuel mixture transport path from the air-transporting means to the developing means, preventing toner scattering, toner supply, and damage to the air-fuel-transporting means To provide a low-cost image forming apparatus that performs the following. According to the second aspect, the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image is transferred from the air-fuel mixture transporting means as an air-fuel mixture of the toner and the air-fuel mixture transport path. In gas supply means for supplying gas to be conveyed,
Detecting the current (A) by the current detecting means by detecting the current (A) by the current detecting means of the load detecting means and detecting the current (A) by the current detecting means detects the rotation speed. At a lower cost than when performing the process, the toner that forms the toner image by visualizing the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is mixed with a gas to form a mixture with the gas from a position distant from the developing position to the developing unit. A filter for preventing toner scattering provided on the way to supply and discharge the gas to the outside from the gas vent hole is in a filter clogged state, and a mixed gas transport from the mixed gas transport unit or from the mixed gas transport unit to the developing unit. It is possible to detect the blocking state of toner in the path, and it is possible to prevent toner scattering, toner supply, and damage to the air-fuel mixture transfer means, thereby forming high-quality images. It is to be able to provide an image forming apparatus low-cost.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image includes:
In the gas supply means for supplying the gas which is transferred from the mixture transfer means as a mixture of the toner and the gas and transported by the mixture transfer path, the load for supplying the gas is changed by the load detection means from the gas supply means to the toner. By detecting the clogged state of the filter of the filter means for discharging the gas conveyed to the developing means as an air-fuel mixture to form an image,
The toner for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system is supplied to a developing unit from a position away from a developing position as a mixture with a gas, and the gas is discharged from a gas vent hole. The filter clogging state of the filter means for preventing toner scattering provided on the way of discharging the toner to the outside is detected, and the toner is blocked in the air-fuel mixture transport means or in the air-fuel mixture transport path from the air-fuel mixture transport means to the developing means. Provided is a low-cost image forming apparatus capable of detecting a state, reliably preventing toner scattering, preventing supply of toner or preventing damage to a mixture transfer means, and performing high-quality image formation. To be able to According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image is transferred from the air-fuel mixture transporting means as an air-fuel mixture of the toner and the air-fuel mixture transport path. In the gas supply means for supplying the gas to be conveyed, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the load detection means, and the image forming operation is continued by detecting the clogged state of the filter by the load detection means, and the filter is clogged on the warning display means. Display a warning of the status and form an image,
The toner for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system is supplied to a developing unit from a position away from a developing position as a mixture with a gas, and the gas is discharged from a gas vent hole. The filter clogging state of the filter means for preventing toner scattering provided on the way of discharging to the outside is displayed as a warning without interrupting the image forming operation, and the air-fuel mixture in the air-fuel mixture transport means or from the air-fuel mixture transport means to the developing means is displayed. It is possible to detect the blocking state of toner in the transport path, reliably prevent toner scattering, prevent toner supply and prevent damage to the mixture transfer means, and perform high quality image formation at low cost To provide an image forming apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image includes:
The load for supplying the gas in the gas supply means for supplying the gas transported by the mixture transport path from the mixture transfer means as a mixture of the toner and the gas is supplied to the gas supply means within the mixture transfer means or by the load detection means. An image is formed by detecting the blocking state of the toner in the air conveyance path, and the toner that forms the toner image by visualizing the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is mixed with gas. It is possible to detect a filter clogged state of a filter means for supplying toner to the developing means from a position distant from the developing position and preventing the toner from being scattered on the way to discharge the gas to the outside through the gas vent hole. Detection of the blocking state of the toner in the transfer means or in the air-fuel mixture transport path from the air-fuel mixture transfer means to the developing means is performed, and toner scattering is prevented, And reliably prevent breakage of the air-fuel mixture transfer means may become impossible to supply the toner quality image formation is to be able to provide a low cost image forming apparatus is performed. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image is transferred from the air-fuel mixture transporting means as an air-fuel mixture of the toner and the air-fuel mixture transport path. In the gas supply unit for supplying the gas to be transported, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the load detection unit, and the image forming operation is stopped by detecting the blocking state of the load detection unit to form an image. In a photographic system, a toner for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier is supplied as a mixture with a gas to a developing unit from a position distant from a developing position, and the gas is supplied to an outside through a gas vent hole. The filter means provided in the middle of discharging the toner to prevent scattering of the filter means in the filter clogged state, or in the mixture transfer means or in the mixture transfer path from the mixture transfer means to the developing means. Detection of the blocking state of the toner during the operation, preventing the toner from being scattered and the toner from being unable to be supplied, and reliably preventing damage to the air-fuel mixture transfer means, thereby achieving high-quality image formation. To provide an image forming apparatus.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image includes:
In the gas supply means for supplying the gas which is transferred from the mixture transfer means as a mixture of the toner and the gas and is transported by the mixture transfer path, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the load detection means and the load detection means The image forming operation is stopped upon detection of the blocking state, a warning is displayed on the warning display means of the blocking state to form an image, and the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is visualized to form a toner image. The toner forming the filter is supplied to the developing means from a position distant from the developing position as a gaseous mixture with a gas, and the filter means of the filter means for preventing the toner from being scattered is provided on the way to discharge the gas to the outside through the gas vent hole. The clogging state becomes possible, and the blocking state of the toner in the air-fuel mixture transfer means or in the air-fuel mixture transport path from the air-fuel mixture transfer means to the developing means is reduced. The present invention provides a low-cost image forming apparatus capable of performing high-quality image formation by preventing the toner from scattering, preventing toner supply, and preventing the air-fuel mixture transfer unit from being damaged more reliably. To be able to According to the eighth aspect, the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image is transferred from the air-fuel mixture transporting means as an air-fuel mixture of the toner and the air-fuel mixture transport path. In the gas supply means for supplying the gas to be conveyed, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the load detection means, and a warning is displayed on the warning display means arranged apart from the main body to form an image. The toner that forms the toner image by visualizing the latent image on the image carrier is supplied to the developing means as a mixture with a gas from a position distant from the developing position, and the gas is discharged to the outside through the gas vent hole. The filter provided in the middle of the discharge for preventing toner scattering is clogged with a filter, or the toner in the air-fuel mixture transporting means or in the air-fuel mixture transport path from the air-fuel mixture transporting means to the developing means. The blocking status of the printer can be monitored centrally with a warning display at the toner supply device away from the main unit or a warning display at a monitoring center at a remote location, making it impossible to scatter toner or supply toner, or damage the mixture transfer means. And a low-cost image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality image can be provided.

In a ninth aspect, the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image includes:
The load for supplying the gas in the gas supply means for supplying the gas transferred from the mixture transfer means as the mixture of the toner and the gas and transported by the mixture transfer path is determined by the load detection means. In the electrophotography system, an image is formed by detecting the toner transfer state of the transfer means in a good state, the filter clogging state of the filter means, the toner blocking state in the mixture transfer means or in the mixture transfer path. The latent image on the image carrier is visualized to form a toner image, and the toner that forms a toner image is supplied to the developing unit from a position distant from the developing position as a mixture with a gas,
A filter provided in the middle of discharging the gas from the gas vent hole to the outside to prevent the toner from scattering.The filter is clogged.The toner in the air-fuel mixture transporting means or in the air-fuel mixture transport path from the air-fuel mixture transporting means to the developing means. A low-cost image forming apparatus capable of detecting a blocking state or the like with a simple configuration, preventing toner scattering or toner supply, preventing damage to the air-fuel mixture transfer means, and performing high-quality image formation. Be able to provide.

[0012]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a copier as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. A main body 10 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 11 and a conventionally known electrophotographic system for performing image formation. , Exposure unit 1
2, an image forming unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, and the like. The exposure unit 12 is provided with the automatic document feeder (ADF)
11 or a light source 12b for irradiating a document (O) placed on the contact glass 12a with manual light.
And an exposure optical system including a mirror group 12c and a lens 12d for exposing the reflected light image from the document (O) onto the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 of the image forming unit 13. The image forming unit 13 includes a photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 and a charging unit 1 disposed around the photosensitive drum.
5, developing means 2, registration roller 16, transfer means 17,
Cleaning means 18, fixing means 19, paper discharge roller 2
0 or the like. Further, the paper feeding unit 14
Are provided with a plurality of paper feed cassettes containing transfer papers (P) of various sizes. The exposure section 12 is an example of an analog exposure optical system. However, the exposure section 12 uses a laser scanning optical system using a laser light source and a deflector as the exposure section 12 according to an image signal. If a method is used in which optical writing is performed on one photosensitive drum, it can function as a laser printer. Further, if a document reading device is installed between the automatic document feeder (ADF) 11 and the exposure unit 12, It has the configuration of a digital copier and a facsimile.

When an image forming operation is started by turning on an image forming switch (not shown), the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 is charged by the charging means 15, and the original image from the exposure section 12 is exposed. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the two-component developer or the one-component developer of the developing unit 2 to be visualized, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1. A toner supply device 50 for supplying new toner (Tn) disposed at a position away from the developing unit 2 and the developing position of the main body 10 is connected to the main body 10 and stored in the toner supply device 50. The new toner (Tn) is transported by a powder pump unit, also called a mono pump, of the new toner transfer means 3a of the air-fuel transfer means 3 supported by the support member 51. In the developing hopper 2a of the developing unit 2 which is transferred and communicated as a mixture with the air of the fluidizing gas supplied from the air pump of the gas supply unit 5 through the toner supply pipe formed of a flexible pipe member. And is supplied to the discharge port. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 is supplied from the paper supply unit 14 and is transferred to the transfer unit 17 via the registration roller 16.
Of the image bearing member 1 and the transfer means 17
To be transferred (P) fed to the nip with the transfer belt
Is transferred to the fixing means 19 by the transfer belt of the transfer means 17, and the toner image is transferred to the transfer medium by the fixing means 19. The image is fixed on the transfer sheet (P). The transfer sheet of the transfer-receiving body (P) after the fixing is discharged onto the discharge tray 21 via the discharge roller 20 and stored.

On the other hand, the collected toner (t) collected by the cleaning means 18 from the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 after the transfer of the toner image to the transfer paper of the transferred object (P) is transferred to the air-fuel mixture. The mixed-gas transport path 4 of the mixed-gas transport path 4 is driven by a powder pump unit, also commonly called a mono pump, of the collected toner transport means 3 b of the transport means 3.
b) is transferred as a mixture with the fluidized gas air supplied from the air pump of the gas supply means 5 through the toner supply pipe formed of a flexible pipe member, and is supplied to the inside of the development hopper 2a of the development means 2. Is supplied to the printer. The toner supply pipes of the air-fuel mixture transport path 4a and the air-fuel mixture transport path 4b of the air-fuel mixture transport path 4 are flexible and excellent in toner resistance. It is very difficult to use nylon, Teflon, or the like. Since the connection with the developing unit 2 is flexible, there is no restriction on the installation of each unit, and the layout can be effectively used. Further, the collected toner (t) collected by the transfer belt cleaning unit 17 a also on the transfer belt of the transfer unit 17 after the transfer paper of the transfer target (P) is conveyed, is similarly discharged by the air supply unit 5. As a mixture of fluidized gas and air supplied from a pump, the mixture is discharged and supplied into the developing hopper 2a of the developing unit 2 which is transferred and communicated by the recovered toner transferring unit 3b. As a cleaning method of the cleaning means 18 and the transfer belt cleaning means 17a, there are a blade cleaning method, a roller cleaning method, a brush cleaning method and the like. The new toner (Tn) or the collected toner (t) supplied into the developing hopper 2a of the developing unit 2 is supplied as an air-fuel mixture for fluidization and discharged together with the new toner (Tn) or the collected toner (t). The gaseous air is discharged from the filter means 7.

The load detecting means 6 detects the gas supply load of the gas supply means 5 and discharges the gas to the outside through a gas vent hole 2b disposed above the developing hopper 2a of the developing means 2. A filter clogging state detection unit of the filter unit 7 for preventing toner scattering provided on the way to perform the toner mixing, and the mixed gas transport path in the mixed gas transfer unit 3 and from the mixed gas transfer unit 3 to the developing unit 2 4, the detection of the blocking state of the new toner (Tn) and the recovered toner (t) in the air-fuel mixture transport path 4a and the air-fuel mixture transport path 4b is performed. The liquid crystal display panel of the display / warning means 8 disposed on the main body 10 and the display / warning means 80 disposed on the toner supply device 50 remote from the main body 10. The crystal display panel and liquid crystal display panel of the display warning means 800 disposed in the monitoring center 9 remote away from the main body 10 through the telephone line, for example,
Displaying or warning "good", "filter clogged state", "blocking state" prevents the supply of new toner (Tn) or collected toner (t) and prevents the mixture transfer means 3 from being damaged. It has become. In FIG. 2, the developing means 2 comprises the developing hopper 2a and the developing container 2c.

The new toner (Tn) stored in the toner supply device 50 is supplied to the above-mentioned mixture transfer path 3 by the powder pump unit, also called a mono pump, of the new toner transfer means 3a of the mixture transfer means 3. 4
Through a toner supply pipe made of a flexible pipe member of the gaseous mixture transport path 4a, and transferred and communicated as a gaseous mixture with fluidized gas air supplied from an air pump of the gas supply means 5. The developer is discharged into the developing hopper 2a of the developing means 2 and supplied. The recycled toner (t) collected by the transfer belt cleaning means 17a and the cleaning means 18 is recycled by the powder pump, also called a mono pump, of the recovered toner transfer means 3b of the mixture transfer means 3. The mixture is transferred as a mixture with the air of the fluidizing gas supplied from the air pump of the gas supply unit 5 through the toner supply pipe formed of a flexible pipe member of the mixture path 4b of the mixture path 4b. The developing means 2 is discharged and supplied into the developing hopper 2a of the communicating developing means 2. The developing container portion 2c is disposed near a photosensitive drum, which is the image carrier 1, held rotatably in a direction indicated by an arrow A in the drawing.
The developing hopper 2a is mounted on the developing container 2c. A stirring roller 2d and a paddle wheel 2e are provided inside the developing container section 2c.
A two-component developer composed of a magnetic or non-magnetic toner (T) and a magnetic carrier, which are stirred and mixed by the stirring roller 2d and frictionally charged to opposite polarities, is pumped up by the paddle wheel 2e. I have. When the density of the toner supplied to the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 decreases, the developing hopper 2a feeds the toner (T) toward the stirring roller 2d by rotating the toner supply roller 2f. ing.
At a position where the developer is pumped up by the paddle wheel 2e, a plurality of developing rollers 2g and a developing roller 2h are provided in proximity to the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1.

The developing roller 2g and the developing roller 2h
Are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1, the one located on the upstream side is the first developing roller 2 g, and the one located on the downstream side This is the second developing roller 2h.
The first developing roller 2g and the second developing roller 2h are mainly composed of a sleeve rotatable in a counterclockwise direction by a driving unit (not shown) and a mag roller fixed inside the sleeve. Have. The sleeve is made of a non-magnetic material of aluminum or stainless steel, and the mag roller is made of a ferrite magnet or a rubber magnet, or a plastic magnet molded by kneading nylon powder and ferrite powder. And a plurality of such arrangements. In the developing container portion 2c, the developer is pumped up by centrifugal force generated when the paddle wheel 2e rotates,
It is discharged toward the first current roller 2g. Part of the released developer is directly supplied to the first developing roller 2g and is carried on the surface of the first developing roller 2g. When the remaining part of the discharged developer is repelled by hitting the second developing roller 2h, it is carried on the surface of the first developing roller 2g by the magnetic force of the first developing roller 2h. In order to supply the developer to the first developing roller 2g also from the second roller 2h side, the paddle wheel 2e is used to increase the amount of rebound from the second developing roller 2h. It is necessary to relatively increase the rotation speed of the cylinder and increase the centrifugal force. The developer carried on the first developing roller 2g is:
The surface of the roller moves along with the rotation of the developing sleeve, and the layer thickness is regulated by the doctor blade 2i. Then, the first developing roller 2g and the photosensitive drum of the image carrier 1 are opposed to each other. It reaches the development area (DI). The developer that has reached the developing area (DI) is supplied to the first developing roller 2.
When it moves to the position where the action of the magnetic force on the g side weakens, the rotation of the second developing roller 2h and the magnetic force from the mag roller cause the second developing roller 2h and the image carrier 1 to move as indicated by the dashed line in the drawing. To the second developing area (D2) with the photosensitive drum. Then, at the position where the magnetic force of the second developing roller 2h stops acting, it falls to the bottom of the developing container portion 2c, and the paddle wheel 2
e.

The developer scraped off by the doctor blade 2i is guided by a separator 2j toward a conveying screw 2k located at the other end in the extension direction, and is shaken down onto the stirring roller 2d by the conveying screw 2k. It has become. For this reason, the separator 2
At the other end in the extension direction at j, a slit for dropping the developer is formed at a position facing the stirring roller 2d. The mag roller provided on the first developing roller 2g and the second developing roller 2h is located between the closest positions between the first developing cola 2g and the second developing roller 2h. The arrangement of the magnetic poles that can form a repulsive magnetic field by the poles is set, and the direction of transport of the developer is forcibly set in the direction toward the second developing roller 2h. Thus, the developer is transferred to the second developing roller 2h by the magnetic force of the magnetic pole on the second developing cola 2h side. In the vicinity of the stirring roller 2d in the developing container portion 2c, a toner concentration detecting means 2 for detecting a mixing ratio of the toner (T) and the carrier is provided.
1 is provided. The toner concentration sensor of the toner concentration detecting means 2l uses, as an example, a method of detecting the toner concentration from the content of the toner (T) in the developer by using a change in inductance of a coil located in the developer. ing. The developing means 2
Has been described with the two-component magnetic brush developing method.
A one-component developing system can also be used.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the collected toner transfer unit and its periphery. The collected toner (t) collected by the cleaning means 18 is supplied from a collected toner discharge section 18a provided in a part of the cleaning means 18. The toner is transferred to the toner guide member 31 which is a part of the collected toner transfer unit 30 which engages with the toner guide member 31. The toner guide member 3
1 is the transfer belt cleaning means 17a or
It serves as a toner transfer path for sending the collected toner (t) from the cleaning means 18 to the powder pump unit of the collected toner transfer means 3b of the air-fuel mixture transfer means 3. Similarly, the collected toner (t) collected by the transfer belt cleaning means 17a of the transfer means 17 is also collected by a collected toner discharge portion 17b provided in a part of the transfer means 17 to engage with the collected toner (t). The toner guide member 3 which is a part of the toner transfer unit 30
Transferred to 1. The main body rear side plate 10a is connected to the main body 1 described above.
0, the image carrier 1, the developing means 2, the transfer means 17, the cleaning means 18,
A support member for other image forming members, a support member 32 for the collected toner transfer unit 30, and the like are attached. Although the transfer belt cleaning means 17a is shown in the transfer means 17, a conventionally used corona transfer device or bias roller transfer device may be used instead of the transfer belt cleaning means 17a. When the transfer device is used, the transfer belt cleaning means 17a becomes unnecessary.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a connecting portion between each of the cleaning means and the toner guide member. The toner guide member 31 includes the recovered toner discharge portion 17b provided in a part of the transfer means 17 and the toner discharge portion 17b. The collected toner discharge portion 18a provided in a part of the cleaning means 18 is engaged, and the collected toner discharge member 17c and the collected toner discharge member 17c are provided inside the collected toner discharge portion 17b and the collected toner discharge portion 18a, respectively. A coil screw or the like of the toner discharging member 18b is built in, and transfers the collected toner (t) collected by the transfer belt cleaning unit 17a and the cleaning unit 18 to the toner guide member 31. Then, the collected toner (t) transferred to the toner guide member 31 falls into the hopper 33 through the inside of the toner guide member 31. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the mixture transfer means. The powder pump unit of the new toner transfer means 3a of the mixture transfer means 3 and the powder pump unit of the recovered toner transfer means 3b is a conventional screw called "Mono pump". a pump rotor 3a ₁ (rotor 3b _1), the rotor 3a ₁ (rotor 3b ₁₎ having a passage arranged in such a manner as to wrap the the the rotor 3a ₁ (rotor 3b ₁₎ the rotor 3a ₁ (rotor 3b ₁ ) fixed stator 3a ₂ in contact engagement with
(Stater 3b ₂ ). The rotor 3a ₁ (rotor 3b ₁ ) is provided with a horizontal conveying screw 3a.
₃ (horizontal conveying screw 3b ₃ ), and the other end of the horizontal conveying screw 3a ₃ (horizontal conveying screw 3b ₃ ) passes through a sealing member 3a ₄ (seal member 3b ₄ ). supported by the support member 32 (supporting member 51) bearing 3a ₅ fixed to (bearing 3b _5), engages with the hopper 3a ₆ (hopper 3b ₆₎ outside of the driven gear 3a ₇ (driven gear 3b ₇₎ . The hopper 3a ₆ (hopper 3b ₆ ) in which the lateral transport screw 3a ₃ (lateral transport screw 3b ₃ ) is disposed is supported by the support member 32 (support member 51) and the toner guide member 31 ( The toner (T) is engaged with the toner guide member 52) and the new toner (T) is supplied to the powder pump unit of the mixture transfer means 3a and the mixture transfer means 3b of the mixture transfer means 3.
n) or a transfer path of the collected toner (t).

[0021] attached to the support member 32 (support member 51) by the powder pump unit for the mixing of air and fuel transport means 3 transferring means 3a and the gas mixture transport means 3b is holder 3a ₈ (holder 3b ₈₎ And the hopper 3a ₆ (hopper 3b ₆ ). The drive motor 3a ₉ (drive motor 3b ₉ ) is
(A supporting member 51), and has a driving gear 3a ₁₀ (a driving gear 3b ₁₀ ) at an end of a driving shaft thereof. The driving gear 3a ₁₀ (a driving gear 3b ₁₀ ) is connected to the driven gear 3a _7.
(The driven gear 3b ₇ ). Therefore, when the drive motor 3a ₉ (drive motor 3b ₉ ) rotates, the drive gear 3a ₁₀ (drive gear 3b ₁₀ ) and the driven gear 3
a ₇ (the driven gear 3b ₇ ) and the horizontal transport screw 3a ₃ (the horizontal transport screw 3b ₃ ) and the rotor 3
a ₁ (rotor 3b ₁ ) rotates, and new toner (Tn) or collected toner (t) transferred into the hopper 3a ₆ (hopper 3b ₆ ) via the toner guide member 31 (toner guide member 52). ) Is transferred by the horizontal transport screw 3a ₃ (horizontal transport screw 3b ₃ ) to the air-fuel mixture transport means 3a of the air-fuel mixture transport means 3 or the powder pump unit of the air-fuel mixture transport means 3b. The drive motor 3a ₉ (drive motor 3b ₉ ) operates at the same timing as that of the image carrier 1 and the like of the mixture transfer means 3a of the mixture transfer means 3 or the powder pump of the mixture transfer means 3b. Since the driven gear 3a ₇ (the driven gear 3b ₇ ) may be connected to the drive of the image carrier 1 and the like via gears and the like, the drive motor 3a ₉ (the drive motor 3b ₉ ) can be omitted, which is more advantageous for further miniaturization, simplification, and cost reduction. The Mono pump of the powder pump unit of the mixture transfer means 3a of the mixture transfer means 3 or the mixture transfer means 3b is
The horizontal transport screw 3a ₃ (horizontal transport screw 3b)
₃ ) via the drive motor 3a ₉ (drive motor 3b
₉ ) and the rotor 3a ₁ (rotor 3b)
₁ ), the fixed stator 3a ₂ (stater 3b ₂ ) made of an elastic material such as a rubber material and surrounding the rotor 3a ₁ (rotor 3b ₁ ), and the stator 3a ₂ (stater 3b ₂ ) is provided with the above holder 3a ₈ (holder 3b ₈ ) and the like.

The above-mentioned statuser 3a ₂ (status 3b)
Between the inner side of the side surface and the holder 3a _{8 2)} (holder 3b ₈₎ communicates with a toner passage 3a ₁₁ has a gap about 1mm 3a ₁₃ (3a ₁₃₎ (toner passage 3b _11), the The gas supply port 3 is formed so that gaseous air is blown into the toner passage 3a ₁₁ (toner passage 3b ₁₁ ) from the gap.
a ¹² (gas supply port 3b ¹² ) is provided. The gas supply port 3a ₁₂ (gas supply port 3b ₁₂ ) communicates with the toner passage 3a ₁₁ (toner passage 3b ₁₁ ) on the inside, and the gas discharge port provided on the air pump of the gas supply means 5 on the outside. It communicates with the outlet 5a via the gas supply pipe 5b. Rotor or air pump comprising a diaphragm of the gas supply means 5, to when operating the rotor or diaphragm the gas supply port 3a ₁₂ new toner through the (gas supply port 3b ₁₂₎ (Tn) or collected toner (t) 0 .5-
Gas air is blown in at a blowing rate of about 1 liter / minute. Thus, the toner passage 3 of the mono pump of the powder pump unit of the mixture transfer means 3a or the mixture transfer means 3b of the mixture transfer means 3 is provided.
a ₁₁ (new toner (Tn) exiting from toner path 3b ₁₁ )
Alternatively, the fluidization of the recovered toner (t) is promoted, and the new toner (Tn) or the recovered toner (Tn) by the mono pump of the powder pump unit of the air-fuel mixture transporting means 3a and the air-fuel mixture transporting means 3b of the air-fuel mixture transporting means 3 is increased. The transfer of (t) is assured.

The new toner (Tn) or the recovered toner (t) that has passed through the air-fuel pump of the powder pump unit of the air-fuel mixture transfer means 3a and the air-fuel mixture transfer means 3b of the air-fuel mixture transfer means 3 is mixed with gaseous air. In the state of the air-fuel mixture, the toner is conveyed through the toner supply pipe formed of a flexible pipe member of the air-fuel mixture conveyance path 4a or the air-fuel mixture conveyance path 4b of the air-fuel mixture conveyance path 4, and is supplied to the developing hopper 2a of the developing unit 2. Supplied to The air-fuel mixture conveyance path 4a or the air-fuel mixture conveyance path 4b of the air-fuel mixture conveyance path 4 is a flexible and elastic material excellent in toner resistance, for example, a pipe made of soft vinyl chloride, nylon, Teflon, or the like. One end is connected to the air-fuel mixture transport path 4a or the air-fuel mixture transport path 4b of the air-fuel mixture transport path 4,
The other end is joined to the developing hopper 2a of the developing means 2. Further, in the developing hopper 2a of the developing means 2, the filter means 7 for depressurizing is disposed in the gas vent hole 2b provided above the developing hopper 2a. The material of the mesh 7a of the filter means 7 is made of a woven cloth or felt made of fibers such as Teflon, nylon, glass, etc., and preferably has a low pressure loss for discharging only gaseous air without passing toner particles. .
Further, the mesh 7a of the filter means 7 is fixed to the gas vent hole 2b by a filter cover 7b.
The filter cover 7b can be removed, and by removing the filter cover 7b, the mesh 7a of the filter means 7 can be removed. Therefore, the mesh 7a of the filter 7 is removed at an appropriate time for replacement by monitoring by the load detecting means 6, and a new mesh 7 is removed.
Since the filter can be replaced or cleaned, the filter 7 can be prevented from clogging the filter of the mesh 7a.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another essential part of the present invention.
The gas supply means 5 includes the DC brush motor 5c for driving the gas pump 5d.
The brush motor 5c is electrically connected so as to be driven at a substantially constant voltage. The new toner transferring means 3a of the mixture transfer means 3 or the recovered toner transferring means 3
When the Mono pump of the powder pump unit b rotates,
The DC brush motor 5c also starts rotating, the built-in gas pump 5d is driven, and gaseous air is sucked from the gas suction port 5e and discharged from the gas discharge port 5a via the gas pump 5d. Through the gas supply pipe 5b, it is sent to the monotonic pump of the powder pump unit of the new toner transfer means 3a of the mixture transfer means 3 or the recovered toner transfer means 3b. The load detecting means 6
Comprises current detecting means 6a for detecting a current (A),
The current detecting means 6a and the DC brush motor 5c are connected, and the current (A) value detected by the current detecting means 6a during rotation of the DC brush motor 5c is transmitted to the CPU of the control unit 6b. The CPU of the control unit 6b constantly monitors the current (A) value detected by the current detection means 6a, and monitors the DC brush motor 5c.
Of the current (A) flowing according to the load of the gas supply means 5, that is, the load applied to the gas pump 5d of the gas supply means 5 is constantly monitored. The filter means 7 is used,
Eventually, the filter becomes clogged, and the developing means is transferred from the gas supply means 5 to the new toner transferring means 3a of the air-fuel mixture transferring means 3 or the monotonic pump of the powder pump unit of the recovered toner transferring means 3b. 2, the air of the gas sent to the developing hopper 2a has no escape port, the load of the DC brush motor 5c increases, and the increase in the current (A) is detected by the current detecting means 6a, and the control is performed. The replacement time (lifetime) of the filter clogged state of the filter means 7 by the CPU of the section 6b.
Is detected and determined.
Therefore, when the filter means 7 is used in a state where the filter is clogged, the developing means 2 and the developing hopper 2 are used.
It is possible to prevent the toner (T) from being scattered from the gaps of the developing means 2 and the developing hopper 2a in advance by increasing the internal pressure of the developing means 2a.

Although the inexpensive DC brush motor 5c is used as a driving source for the gas pump 5d of the gas supply means 5, the supply current is monitored also in an air pump by a reciprocating motion of a solenoid as another method. This makes it possible to detect the load similarly. The gas pump 5d of the gas supply means 5 can detect the rotation speed by using the characteristic that the rotation speed changes depending on the load, but the rotation speed detection means such as an encoder is separately required. Therefore, the cost increases. Inside the monotonic pump of the powder pump unit of the new toner transferring means 3a of the mixed gas transferring means 3 or the recovered toner transferring means 3b, or within the mixed gas transferring path 4a or the mixed gas transferring path 4b of the mixed gas transferring path 4. When the blocking of the new toner (Tn) or the collected toner (t) occurs, the gas pump 5d of the gas supply means 5 is shut off at the blocking position, and the load on the DC brush motor 5c is extremely increased. (A) is increased by the load detecting means 6
The current is detected by the current detecting means 6a, and the control unit 6b
CPU detects the occurrence of blocking and makes a determination. Therefore, since the occurrence of the blocking is detected in advance, it is prevented in advance that the supply of the new toner (Tn) or the collected toner (t) cannot be performed, and the new toner transfer unit 3a of the air-fuel mixture transfer unit 3 or the collected toner is prevented. The drive motor 3a ₉ (drive motor 3b) of the mono pump of the powder pump unit of the toner transfer means 3b
₉ ), the drive gear 3a ₁₀ (drive gear 3b ₁₀ ), the bearing 3a ₅ (bearing 3b ₅ ), the holder 3a ₈ (holder 3
b ₈ ) can be prevented in advance.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the toner transfer state and the value detected by the current detecting means. The new toner transfer means 3a of the air-fuel mixture transfer means 3 or the powder pump unit of the recovered toner transfer means 3b is shown. According to the state of transfer of the new toner (Tn) or the collected toner (t) by the Mono pump, the gas pump 5 of the gas supply means 5 may be used.
d, the load of the DC brush motor 5c changes, and the change in the current (A) is detected by the current detecting means 6a of the load detecting means 6, and the warning display means 8
Is displayed. When the current (A) detected by the current detecting means 6a of the load detecting means 6 is smaller than I1, the powder pump unit of the new toner transferring means 3a of the mixture transfer means 3 or the recovered toner transferring means 3b. New toner (Tn) by Mohno pump
Alternatively, the transfer state of the collected toner (t) is detected as a good state, and a warning is displayed on the warning display means 8. When the current detected by the current detecting means 6a of the load detecting means 6 is larger than I1 and smaller than I2, the powder pump unit of the new toner transferring means 3a of the mixture transfer means 3 or the collected toner transferring means 3b. The state of the transfer of the new toner (Tn) or the collected toner (t) by the mono pump is detected as the filter clogging state of the filter means 7 and a warning is displayed on the warning display means 8. The current detected by the current detecting means 6a of the load detecting means 6 is I
2, the new toner transfer means 3a of the mixture transfer means 3 or the recovered toner transfer means 3b
The state of the transfer of the new toner (Tn) or the collected toner (t) by the mono pump of the powder pump unit is based on the powder pump unit of the new toner transfer unit 3a of the mixture transfer unit 3 or the collected toner transfer unit 3b. Of the new toner (T) in the air-fuel pump 4 or the air-fuel mixture transport path 4a or the air-fuel mixture transport path 4b of the air-fuel mixture transport path 4.
n) or the blocking state of the collected toner (t) is detected, the image forming operation is stopped, and a warning is displayed on the warning display means 8.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a control procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention. The control section 6b of the load detecting means 6 changes the value of the current (A) detected by the current detecting means 6a. The new toner (T) of the monopowder of the powder pump unit of the new toner transferring means 3a of the air-fuel mixture transferring means 3 or the powder pump unit of the collected toner transferring means 3b.
The warning display means 8 (80, 800) warns the state of n) or the transfer of the collected toner (t). The image forming switch is turned on to start the image forming operation (step 1).
n) or gaseous air is blown into the collected toner (t) at a blowing rate of about 0.5 to 1 liter / minute (step 2), and the mono pump of the powder pump unit of the air-fuel mixture transfer means 3 is turned on to a new value. Toner (Tn) or recovered toner (t)
(Step 3), the current detection means 6a of the load detection means 6 detects the current (A) (Step 4), and if the detected current (A) <I1, the warning display means 8 A good state is displayed at (80, 800) (step 5), and it is determined whether the image forming switch is turned off and the image forming operation is completed (step 6), and the image forming switch is turned on.
If the image forming operation is being performed, the process proceeds to step 1. If the image forming switch is OFF and the image forming operation is completed, the process ends. If the current (A) detected by the current detecting unit 6a of the load detecting unit 6 is not <I1, The current detecting means 6a of the load detecting means 6 detects the current (A) (step 7), and if the current (A) detected by the current detecting means 6a of the load detecting means 6 <I2, Warning display means 8
A warning is displayed at (80, 800) indicating the filter clogging state of the filter means 7 (filter replacement) (step 8), and thereafter, the flow returns to step 1. However, if the current (A) detected by the current detection means 6a of the load detection means 6 is not <I2, the image forming switch is turned off.
To stop the image forming operation (step 9), and the warning display means 8 (80, 800) displays new toner (Tn) or collected toner (t) in the air-fuel mixture transfer means 3 or the air-fuel mixture transport path 4. ) Is displayed as a warning (step 10), and the process ends. Therefore, the filter means 7
In the case of the filter clogged state, it is not necessary to take immediate action to cause a fatal problem. Therefore, only a warning display urging replacement or cleaning may be displayed on the warning display means 8 (A). In the case of blocking of the new toner (Tn) or the collected toner (t) in the air-fuel mixture transfer means 3 or the air-fuel mixture transport path 4, if the countermeasure is delayed, it becomes fatal.
Immediately, the image forming switch is turned off to stop the image forming operation. A warning is displayed on the warning display means 8 (80, 800). The warning display means 8 is arranged on the main body 10 and emits a beep or a buzzer. Further, the warning display means 80 (800) is disposed at the toner supply means 50 or the monitoring center 9 at a remote place remote from the main body 10 via a telephone line or the like, and is centrally monitored to perform blocking and the like. The damage caused by the above has been minimized in advance.

[0028]

According to the present invention, as described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing means for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image formed on an image carrier. In the gas supply means for supplying the gas which is transferred from the mixture transfer means as the mixture of the toner and the gas and is transported by the mixture transport path, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the load detection means, and the image is detected. Since the toner is formed into an image, the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is visualized to form a toner image. A filter provided in the middle of discharging the gas to the outside through the gas vent hole prevents the toner from scattering.The filter is clogged, the air-fuel mixture transporting means, and the air-fuel mixture transport path from the air-fuel mixture transporting means to the developing means. To provide a low-cost image forming apparatus capable of detecting a toner blocking state, preventing toner scattering or toner supply, preventing damage to the mixture transfer means, and performing high-quality image formation. Is now available.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the toner is transferred from the mixture transfer means to the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image. In the gas supply means for supplying the gas transported by the air-fuel mixture transport path, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the current detection means of the load detection means to detect an electric current (A), so that an image is formed. Detecting the current (A) by the detecting means is lower in cost than detecting the number of revolutions, and the toner for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system is used. The mixture is supplied to the developing means from a position distant from the developing position as a mixture with a gas,
A filter provided in the middle of discharging the gas from the gas vent hole to the outside to prevent the toner from scattering.The filter is clogged.The toner in the air-fuel mixture transporting means or in the air-fuel mixture transport path from the air-fuel mixture transporting means to the developing means. Can detect a blocking state, and can provide a low-cost image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality image by preventing toner scattering or toner supply, preventing damage to the air-fuel mixture transfer means, and the like. It became so. That is, by using an electrically driven unit such as a motor as a driving source of the gas supply unit, when an overload occurs due to filter clogging or blocking, an abnormality can be detected based on the current.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the toner is transferred from the air-fuel mixture transfer means to the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image. A gas supply means for supplying a gas to be transported by the air-fuel mixture transport path, and a filter for discharging the gas transported from the gas supply means to the developing means as an air-fuel mixture with the toner by the load detection means; An image is formed by detecting the filter clogging state of the means, so that the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is visualized to form a toner image. To the developing means from a position away from the
The filter means for preventing toner scattering provided on the way to discharge the gas from the gas vent hole to the outside detects the clogged state of the filter, and detects the air-fuel mixture inside the air-fuel mixture transporting means or from the air-fuel mixture transporting means to the developing means. It is possible to detect the blocking state of toner in the transport path, reliably prevent toner scattering, prevent toner supply and prevent damage to the air-fuel mixture transfer means, and perform high quality image formation at low cost. Can be provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the toner is transferred from the air-fuel mixture transfer means to the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image. In the gas supply means for supplying the gas to be transported by the air-fuel mixture transport path, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the load detection means, and the image forming operation is continued by detecting the clogged state of the filter by the load detection means and warns the user. An image is formed by displaying a warning of the filter clogging state on the display means, so that the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is visualized to form a toner image, and the toner is mixed with gas. A filter is installed on the way to supply toner to the developing means from a position distant from the developing position and discharge the gas to the outside through the gas vent hole. Is displayed without interrupting the image forming operation, and it is possible to detect the blocking state of the toner in the air-fuel mixture transporting unit or in the air-fuel mixture transport path from the air-fuel mixture transporting unit to the developing unit, so that the toner scattering can be surely performed. Thus, it is possible to provide a low-cost image forming apparatus that can perform high-quality image formation by preventing toner supply or damage to the air-fuel mixture transfer unit.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the toner is transferred from the air-fuel mixture transfer means as an air-fuel mixture to the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image. The load for supplying gas in the gas supply means for supplying gas to be transported by the air-fuel mixture transport path is detected by detecting the blocking state of the toner in the air-fuel mixture transport means or the air-fuel mixture transport path by the load detection means, thereby forming an image. Since the toner is formed into an image, the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is visualized to form a toner image. It is possible to detect the filter clogging state of the filter means for preventing toner scattering provided on the way of discharging the gas from the gas vent hole to the outside. Detection of the blocking state of the toner in the air-fuel mixture transport path from the step to the developing means is performed, preventing toner scattering and reliably preventing toner supply from being impossible or damage to the air-fuel mixture transport means. It has become possible to provide a low-cost image forming apparatus in which the above image formation is performed.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the toner is transferred from the air-fuel mixture transfer means as an air-fuel mixture to the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image. In the gas supply means for supplying the gas transported by the air-fuel mixture transport path, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the load detection means, and the image forming operation is stopped by detecting the blocking state of the load detection means to form an image. Therefore, the toner for forming the toner image by visualizing the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is supplied to the developing unit as a mixture with a gas from a position away from the developing position to the developing unit. A filter provided in the middle of discharging the gas from the gas vent hole to the outside to prevent scattering of the toner is clogged by a filter, or the inside of the air-fuel mixture transport means or from the air-fuel mixture transport means to the developing means. Mixing allows detection of the state of blocking of toner in the gas conveying path, be or can no longer supply the toner scattering and toner can be prevented,
It has become possible to provide a low-cost image forming apparatus in which high-quality image formation is performed by reliably preventing damage to the mixture transfer means.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the toner is transferred from the air-fuel mixture transfer means to the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image. In the gas supply means for supplying the gas transported by the air-fuel mixture transport path, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the load detection means, and the image forming operation is stopped by detecting the blocking state of the load detection means, and the warning display means is provided. An image is formed by displaying a warning of a blocking state at the developing position, so that a toner for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system is mixed with gas from a developing position. A filter installed in the middle to supply toner to the developing unit from a distant location and discharge the gas to the outside through the vent hole can prevent the toner from scattering. Therefore, a toner blocking state is detected in the mixture transfer means or in the mixture transfer path from the mixture transfer means to the developing means, so that toner scattering is prevented, toner supply becomes impossible, or the mixture transfer means It has become possible to provide a low-cost image forming apparatus in which high-quality image formation is performed by more reliably preventing damage to the image forming apparatus. When the blocking occurs, unlike the overload of the degree of clogging of the filter, a fatal damage or the like occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the operation of the image forming apparatus.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the toner is transferred from the air / fuel mixture transfer means to the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image. In the gas supply means for supplying the gas transported by the air-fuel mixture transport path, the load for supplying the gas is detected by the load detection means, and a warning is displayed on the warning display means disposed apart from the main body to form an image. So,
The toner for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system is supplied to a developing unit from a position away from a developing position as a mixture with a gas, and the gas is discharged from a gas vent hole. The filter clogging state of the filter means for preventing toner scattering provided on the way of discharging to the outside, and the blocking state of toner in the mixture transfer means or in the mixture transfer path from the mixture transfer means to the developing means are from the main body. Centralized monitoring is possible with a warning display at a distant toner supply device or a warning display at a remote monitoring center, which prevents toner scattering and toner supply and prevents damage to the mixture transfer means. It has become possible to provide a low-cost image forming apparatus in which quality image formation is performed.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the toner is transferred from the air-fuel transfer means as an air-fuel mixture to the developing means for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image. The load for supplying the gas in the gas supply means for supplying the gas to be transported by the mixture transport path is determined by the load detection means so that the toner transfer state of the air / fuel mixture transfer means is in a good state according to the magnitude of the load. An image is formed by detecting a clogging state, a blocking state of the toner in the air-fuel mixture transfer means or in the air-fuel mixture transport path, so that the latent image on the image carrier in the electrophotographic system is visualized and the toner image is formed. Is supplied to the developing means from a position distant from the developing position as a gaseous mixture with a gas, and a toner fly provided on the way to discharge the gas to the outside through a gas vent hole. The detection of such blocking state of the toner becomes possible with a simple configuration in the air-fuel mixture conveying path leading to the developing unit from the filter clogging state and mixture transfer means within or mixture transfer means of the filter means for preventing,
It has become possible to provide a low-cost image forming apparatus capable of preventing toner scattering or toner supply, preventing damage to the mixture transfer means, and performing high-quality image formation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view illustrating a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view illustrating another main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view illustrating another main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating characteristics of a current detected by a current detecting unit and a transfer state of toner by an air-fuel mixture transferring unit in another main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of another main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 image carrier 2 developing means, 2a developing hopper, 2b gas vent hole, 2c developing container part, 2d stirring roller, 2e paddle wheel, 2f toner replenishing roller, 2g developing roller, 2h developing roller, 2i doctor blade, 2j
Separator, 2k conveying screw, 2l toner concentration detecting means 3 mixture transfer means, 3a new toner transferring means, 3a
₁ rotor, 3a ₂ stator, 3a ₃ horizontal conveying screw, 3a ₄ seal member, 3a ₅ bearing, 3a ₆
Hopper, 3a ₇ driven gears, 3a ₈ holders, 3
a ₉ drive motor, 3a ₁₀ driving gear, 3a ₁₁ toner passage, 3a ₁₂ gas supply port, 3a ₁₂ gap 3b recovery toner conveying means, 3b ₁ rotor, 3b ₂
Stater, 3b ₃ horizontal conveying screw, 3b ₄ seal member, 3b ₅ bearing, 3b ₆ hopper, 3b ₇ driven gear, 3b ₈ holder, 3b ₉ drive motor, 3b
₁₀ drive gear, 3b ₁₁ toner passage, 3b ₁₂ air supply port, 3b ₁₃ gap 4 mixture feed path, 4a mixture transfer path, 4b mixture transfer path 5 gas supply means, 5a gas discharge port, 5b gas supply pipe, 5c DC brush motor, 5d gas pump, 5
e gas suction port 6 load detecting means, 6a current detecting means, 6b control section 7 filter means, 7a mesh, 7b cover 8 warning display means 9 monitoring center, 9a telephone line 10 main body, 10a rear side plate 11 automatic document feed section ( ADF) 12 exposure unit, 12a contact glass, 12b light source, 12c mirror group, 12d lens 13 image forming unit 14 paper feed unit 15 charging unit 16 registration roller 17 transfer unit, 17a transfer belt cleaning unit, 17b collected toner discharge unit, 17c Collected toner discharging member 18 Cleaning means, 18a Collected toner discharging section,
18b Collected Toner Discharge Member 19 Fixing Means 20 Discharge Roller 21 Discharge Tray 30 Collected Toner Transfer Unit 31 Toner Guide Member 32 Support Member 33 Hopper 50 Toner Supply Device 51 Support Member 52 Toner Guide Member 80 Warning Display Means 800 Warning Display Means

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image forming method for forming an image by supplying a toner for forming a toner image by visualizing a latent image on an image carrier in an electrophotographic system as a mixture with a gas from a position away from a developing position. In the apparatus, an image carrier for carrying a formed image, developing means for visualizing a latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image, and transferring the toner to the developing means as a mixture of gas and gas Air-fuel mixture transporting means, and an air-fuel mixture transport path for transporting an air-fuel mixture of toner and gas transferred from the air-fuel mixture transporting means to the developing means,
Gas supply means for supplying a gas forming a gas mixture with the toner conveyed by the gas mixture conveyance path; and load detection means for detecting a gas supply load of the gas supply means. Image forming device. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the load detecting means comprises a current detecting means for detecting a current. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the load detecting unit detects a clogged state of the filter unit that discharges the gas conveyed from the gas supply unit to the developing unit as a mixture with the toner. An image forming apparatus for detecting. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the load detecting unit detects the clogged state of the filter, continues the image forming operation, and warns the warning display unit of the clogged state of the filter. An image forming apparatus characterized by displaying. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the load detecting unit detects a blocking state of the toner in the air-fuel mixture transfer unit or the air-fuel mixture transport path. Image forming device. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming operation is stopped when a blocking state of the load detecting unit is detected. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the blocking state of the load detecting unit is detected, the image forming operation is stopped and the warning display unit displays the blocking state. An image forming apparatus for displaying a warning. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the warning display unit is disposed apart from the main body. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the load detecting means is in a good condition of the toner transfer state of the mixture transfer means depending on the magnitude of the load. An image forming apparatus for detecting a clogged state of a filter of a filter unit, and a blocking state of toner in an air-fuel mixture transfer unit or an air-fuel mixture transporting path.