JP2006195492A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus designed such that an accumulation amount detection sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, can correctly detect, by a simple configuration without a cost increase, that an amount of magnetic developer recovered and accumulating in a recovery container has reached a prescribed level. <P>SOLUTION: A recovery container support frame 80 accommodating and supporting the recovery container 40 is attached to the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus so as to be swingable around a shaft 81 at the bottom between the inclined position and the vertically upright position. The accumulation amount detecting sensor 70 is disposed on the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus so as to be opposite to the recovering container 40 accommodated in the recovery container support frame 80 when the detecting face of the sensor 70 is in the upright position. An opening is made in an area (82) of the recovery container frame 80, which is opposite to the detecting face of the accumulation amount detecting sensor 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus typified by a copying machine, a printer, a multifunction machine, etc. using an electrophotographic method, and in particular, forms an image using a magnetic developer, and the developer is unnecessary. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a developer recovery system that recovers a product in a recovery container.

  In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, generally, an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier such as a photoconductor according to image information is developed with a developer, and an image obtained by the development is printed on paper. An image is formed by transferring it directly to a recording medium such as an intermediate transfer member, but a developer that remains without being transferred to the image carrier or the like is generated. And is collected in a predetermined collection container.

  In recent years, in an image forming apparatus that uses a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier as a developer, a new two-component developer (including a carrier) is replenished in a developing machine that contains the two-component developer. In this case, the deterioration of the developer in the developing machine is suppressed by allowing the deteriorated developer which has been deteriorated and is not used for development to overflow from the developing machine and is replaced with a new two-component developer little by little. Some employ a trickle development system, and the deteriorated developer generated by the trickle development system is also collected in a predetermined collection container.

  By the way, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a so-called developer recovery system that collects such residual developer (toner component in the case of a two-component developer) and deteriorated developer that have become unnecessary, a recovery container collects the residual developer. A predetermined detecting means detects that the developer collected and deposited in the container has reached a predetermined level (for example, a level almost full). Then, based on the detection information by the detection means, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is appropriately controlled, or a control process is performed to notify the user or the like that it is time to replace the collection container.

  In this case, in particular, the developer is a magnetic developer (for example, a two-component developer comprising a magnetic toner containing a magnetic material and a non-magnetic carrier, or a one-component developer comprising only a toner component containing a magnetic material). In this case, it is possible to use a magnetic sensor that detects a change in magnetic permeability that varies according to the amount of the magnetic developer and converts it into an electrical signal as the detection means.

  In fact, for example, in the image forming apparatus employing the trickle development system, the applicant also attaches a magnetic sensor directly to the outer peripheral surface of the collection container in the developer collection system that collects the deteriorated developer generated in the trickle development system. The technology that has been made.

  However, when the magnetic sensor is directly attached to the recovery container, if the recovery container is designed to be replaced with the recovery container when the developer is full, the magnetic sensor is also installed together with the recovery container. In addition, the electrical connection (contact point) for sending the electrical signal (detection signal) obtained by the magnetic sensor on the collection container side to the main body of the apparatus is provided so as to cope with the attachment / detachment operation of the collection container. Since it is necessary, parts such as the magnetic sensor are wasted every time the recovery container is replaced, and there is a problem that the parts are wasted and the cost is increased due to the construction of electrical connection. On the other hand, when the specification is such that the developer is discarded and the collection container is reused when the collection container becomes full, the construction such as the electrical setting described above is still necessary. Therefore, there is a problem that the cost is unavoidable.

  As the detection means, it is also possible to use an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of light transmission or reflection in the collection container by combining a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and converts it into an electrical signal.

  However, in this case, the developer (particularly the toner component that is a powder) may adhere to the inner surface of the collection container and block the light path, so that detection by the optical sensor cannot be performed accurately or at all. There is a problem. That is, it may be erroneously detected that the developer accumulation amount in the collection container has reached the predetermined level even though the amount has not reached the predetermined level. In addition, such an erroneous detection by the optical sensor is particularly difficult when the residual developer and the deteriorated developer as described above are collected in the same collection container. If it is dropped into the collection container, the relatively light residual developer (toner) already collected in the container will rise in the container and easily adhere to the inner surface of the container. Become.

  Incidentally, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-190066, when a developing device having a developer container is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the remaining amount of developer in the container can be detected by contacting the wall surface of the developer container. An image forming apparatus in which a level sensor (magnetic sensor) is provided on the apparatus main body side is described. In addition, this publication describes providing a positioning means for bringing the detection surface of the level sensor into contact with the wall surface of the developer container.

  However, this publication does not describe that the magnetic sensor is applied to detect that the accumulated amount of developer in the collection container in the developer collection system has reached a predetermined level. In other words, the magnetic sensor in this publication merely shows a usage mode in which the developing device must be kept in contact with the wall surface of the developer container after being mounted on the apparatus main body. Further, the positioning means described in this publication is a support mechanism that supports the magnetic sensor in a displaceable state and presses the magnetic sensor against the developer container wall surface. Therefore, the cost of the components is increased. In addition, since the contact state between the detection surface and the developer container wall surface is governed particularly by the dimensional accuracy of the wall surface of the developer container, the contact state between the wall surface and the sensor is independent of the mounting state of the developing device. As a result, the detection by the magnetic sensor may not be performed accurately.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the fact that the accumulation amount of magnetic developer collected and accumulated in the collection container has reached a predetermined level can be simplified without incurring an increase in cost. The main object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be accurately detected by a storage amount detection sensor such as a magnetic sensor.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming system for forming a toner image on a surface of an image carrier with a magnetic developer, and removes residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after transfer. A cleaning device, a recovery container for recovering the residual toner removed from the image carrier by the cleaning device, and an accumulation for detecting that the accumulated amount of toner collected and accumulated in the recovery container has reached a predetermined level In the image forming apparatus including the amount detection sensor, the collection container support frame that accommodates and supports the collection container is inclined with respect to an axis disposed on the bottom side thereof and is erected vertically. The accumulated amount detection sensor is accommodated in the collection container support frame when the detection surface is in the upright state. Wherein arranged in the image forming apparatus main body side to the collection container facing that is obtained by opening a portion facing the accumulated amount detecting sensor of the detection surface of the collection container support frame.

  In this image forming apparatus, as much as possible, an accumulation amount detection sensor (such as a magnetic sensor) is disposed on the apparatus main body side so that its detection surface faces the recovery container, and at least the magnetic field of the recovery container. The part facing the detection surface of the sensor has an easily deformable structure that is pushed by the developer (toner or the like) accumulated in the collection container and deforms to the outside of the collection container.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the collection container is accommodated in the collection container support frame attached so as to swing toward the image forming apparatus main body side. The accumulation amount detection sensor such as a magnetic sensor disposed on the collection container and the apparatus main body side in the developer collection system is in an initial stage (before the developer is collected or the amount of accumulated developer collected is a predetermined amount). In the stage before reaching the level), the accumulated amount detection sensor is arranged on the image forming apparatus main body side so as to face the collection container accommodated in the collection container support frame when the detection surface is in an upright state. At the same time, since the portion of the collection container support frame that faces the detection surface of the accumulated amount detection sensor is opened, the recovery container support frame is placed at least in a facing state. At this time, the portion of the recovery container that is an easily deformable structure may be in contact with the detection surface of the magnetic sensor or may not be in contact with the detection surface of the magnetic sensor. Further, when they are in contact with each other, they may be in a state where they are partially in contact with the detection surface, such as in an oblique state.

  When the developer collecting system collects unnecessary developer having magnetism in the collecting container and accumulates it to some extent (when it reaches a predetermined level), it detects the accumulated amount of at least the magnetic sensor in the collecting container. The part composed of an easily deformable structure facing the sensor detection surface is pushed by the accumulated developer and deformed to the outside of the collection container so as to be in close contact with the detection surface of the accumulated amount detection sensor such as a magnetic sensor. (Or more securely). As a result, the detection surface of the accumulated amount detection sensor such as a magnetic sensor is brought into a state of being in close proximity to the developer in the container through the collection container (a state in which normal detection is guaranteed). In this case, it becomes possible to properly detect a change in magnetic permeability that fluctuates according to the amount of developer accumulated in the collection container, so that it is accurately confirmed that the accumulated amount of developer has reached a predetermined level. Can be detected.

  In this invention, the easily deformable structure of the recovery container is easily deformed to the outside of the container (strictly toward the detection surface of the magnetic sensor) by being pushed by the accumulated developer, and is finally detected by the magnetic sensor. Although it will not specifically limit if it can contact | adhere to a surface, For example, it is a structure containing a bellows or a thin part. In this case, a collection container having a part having an easily deformable structure can be manufactured and provided more easily and inexpensively. The easily deformable structure including the bellows part adopts a bellows structure that deforms so as to expand and contract (exactly speaking) outside the collection container, and the surface part on the bellows is finally extended by the bellows extension. It is a structure that can be in close contact with the detection surface of the magnetic sensor. The easily deformable structure including the thin portion includes, for example, a portion having a relatively thin thickness compared to the thickness at other portions of the collection container, and the thin portion contributes at least to deformation. It is.

  In the present invention, the developer recovered by the developer recovery system is not particularly limited as long as it is a magnetic developer and is unnecessary in the image forming system. It is a two-component developer composed of a magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier, and is a deteriorated developer that becomes unnecessary without being developed in the image forming system. This deteriorated developer is a two-component developer generated in the trickle development system as described above. In addition, the developer recovered by the developer recovery system includes both the above-described deteriorated developer and the residual toner that remains after use in the image forming system and is removed by being cleaned by the cleaning device. Good. Further, it may be a magnetic one-component developer (toner).

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a mounting detection sensor having a push switch for detecting whether or not the recovery container is mounted is housed in the recovery container support frame when the push switch is in the upright state. It is attached to the image forming apparatus main body side so as to face the collection container, and opens a portion of the collection container support frame that faces the push switch of the attachment detection sensor. It is good to comprise so that it may detect that the collection | recovery container is mounted | worn by pushing in with the said collection | recovery container accommodated in the said collection | recovery container support frame when it was made into the state. Further, in each of the image forming apparatuses of the present invention, the developer recovery system has a discharge pipe formed with a discharge port for discharging and dropping the developer that is not required in the image forming system to the recovery container, A developer intake port for taking in the developer discharged from the discharge port of the discharge pipe is formed on the upper surface of the recovery container, and the support frame stands up in the swinging direction of the recovery container support frame. It is good to comprise so that it may provide in the shape which inclines toward the downward direction with respect to the direction which becomes.

  Furthermore, in this invention, the image forming system develops the latent image formed according to the image information with a magnetic developer to form an image (toner image), and finally the image is a plain paper. Any material can be used as long as it can be transferred and formed on a recording medium such as coated paper, an OHP sheet, and an envelope.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the collection container is supported by being accommodated in the collection container support frame attached to the image forming apparatus so that the collection container swings so as to be tilted and standing. The accumulation amount detection sensor is disposed on the image forming apparatus main body side so as to face the collection container accommodated in the collection container support frame when the detection surface is in the upright state. Since the portion facing the detection surface of the accumulation amount detection sensor is opened, the accumulation amount detection sensor indicates that the accumulation amount of the magnetic developer collected and accumulated in the collection container has reached a predetermined level. Can be detected more accurately. Further, in the present invention, the magnetic sensor in the developer recovery system is arranged on the apparatus main body side so that the detection surface thereof faces the recovery container, and at least the portion of the recovery container that faces the detection surface of the magnetic sensor is easily deformed. In this case, the magnetic sensor can accurately detect that the accumulation amount of the magnetic developer collected and accumulated in the collection container has reached a predetermined level. In addition, according to the present invention, in order to realize accurate detection by such a magnetic sensor, no special component is required for the installation of the accumulated amount detection sensor such as a magnetic sensor, Since a predetermined part of the recovery container only needs to adopt a simple configuration of an easily deformable structure, it can be easily dealt with without causing a significant cost increase.

[Embodiment 1]
1 and 2 show an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram mainly showing an image forming system in the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 2 is in the image forming apparatus. It is a schematic diagram mainly showing a developer recovery system.

  First, in this image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 1, four image forming units for forming toner images of respective color components of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), respectively. 10K, 10Y, 10M, and 10C, and an intermediate transfer mechanism 20 that rotates and moves an intermediate transfer belt 21 on which toner images formed by the image forming units 10K, 10Y, 10M, and 10C are temporarily transferred. It is equipped with an imaging system.

  Each of the image forming units 10 forms a toner image by an electrophotographic process, and is disposed at a predetermined interval in the horizontal direction. Each of the image forming units 10 is basically arranged in a predetermined positional relationship in the vicinity of the periphery of the photosensitive drum 11 with the photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier disposed so as to rotate in the arrow A direction. The charging device 12, the latent image forming device (13), the developing device 14, the transfer device (transfer roll) 15 and the drum cleaner 16 that are provided constitute the main parts. Among these, the developing device 14 contains a two-component developer G composed of a non-magnetic toner composed of each color component and a magnetic carrier, and replenishes a new two-component developer G with a developer replenishing device (not shown). A trickle development system that discharges deteriorated developer is adopted.

  The intermediate transfer mechanism 20 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow B so as to pass the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer position of the photosensitive drum 11 in each image forming unit 10 while supporting the intermediate transfer belt 21. The roll 22, driven roll 23, tension roll 24, backup roll 25, and belt cleaner 26 constitute the main parts.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 30 denotes a secondary transfer roll that is disposed opposite to the backup roll 25 and constitutes a secondary transfer unit, 31 is a storage tray for storing paper P, 35 is a roll nip type heat fixing device, A transport belt device 36 transports the paper P after the secondary transfer to the fixing device 35. R1 is a paper feed path for transporting and feeding the paper P stored in the storage tray 31 to the secondary transfer unit, and includes a feed roll 32, a transport roll 33, a registration roll 34, and the like. Further, R2 is a paper discharge path for discharging the fixed paper P, and R3 is a double-sided conveyance path including a reverse path and a retransmission path for reversing the fixed paper P and retransmitting it to the paper feed path R1 during double-sided image formation. , 37 is a switching gate for switching the transport path of the paper P after fixing to either the paper discharge path R2 or the double-side transport path R3. A one-dot chain line in FIG. 1 indicates each conveyance path (path) of the paper P.

  In an image forming apparatus provided with such an image forming system, image formation is performed as follows.

  First, in each image forming unit 10, the photosensitive drum 11 rotating in the direction of arrow A is uniformly charged by the charging device 12, and then the charged surface is subjected to image data color-separated from the latent image forming device. The laser beam (arrow) 13 is subjected to scanning exposure to form an electrostatic latent image, and then the latent image is developed with a developer G having a predetermined color component supplied from the developing device 14 and each color is developed. A toner image is formed. As a result, four color toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are individually formed on each photosensitive drum 11. Next, the four-color toner images are electrostatically primary-transferred so as to be superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 passing between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer device 15, and then passed through the paper feed path R <b> 1. The secondary transfer is electrostatically performed on the sheet P conveyed to the secondary transfer unit via the electrostatic transfer. Finally, the paper P after the toner image has been transferred is sent so as to pass through the nip portion of the heating roll 35a and the pressure roll 35b in the fixing device 35, and the toner image is thermally fixed. It is discharged out of the apparatus main body through the path R2.

  Through the above process, a color image is formed on one side of the paper P. In addition, when the double-sided image forming mode is selected, the paper P on which image formation on one side has been completed is retransmitted in a state of being reversed to the paper feeding path R1 via the double-sided conveyance path R3 and the secondary transfer unit. To form an image on the second surface. Also, when forming a black and white image, a black and white image is formed by operating only the black image forming unit 10K among the four image forming units 10. Further, the residual toner that remains without being transferred to the photosensitive drum 11 after the primary transfer is removed and cleaned by the drum cleaner 16. Further, residual toner remaining without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 after the secondary transfer is cleaned and removed by a belt cleaner 26.

  On the other hand, on the rear side of the image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 2R> 2, deterioration development generated by the trickle developing method in the developing devices 14 of the image forming units 10K, 10Y, 10M, and 10C in the image forming system. A developer recovery system that recovers the residual toner TO generated by cleaning and removing the agent GO and the drum cleaner 16 of each of the image forming units 10K, 10Y, 10M, and 10C is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the developer recovery system includes one recovery box 40 that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1, and each developing device 14 and drum for the recovery box 40. A transport mechanism 50 that transports the deteriorated developer GO and the residual toner TO respectively generated by the cleaner 16, and the accumulated amounts of the deteriorated developer GO and the residual toner TO that are transported by the transport mechanism 50 and collected in the collection box 40. A magnetic sensor 60 that detects that a predetermined level has been reached and a mounting detection sensor 70 that detects whether or not the collection box 40 is mounted are configured in the main part.

  Among these, the transport mechanism 50 includes a deteriorated developer transport pipe 51 including a rotary transport member that transports the deteriorated developer GO discharged from each developing device 14 and a residual toner TO discharged from each drum cleaner 16. A residual toner transport pipe 52 including a rotary transport member that transports the toner, and a merged transport pipe 53 that transports the deteriorated developer GO or the residual toner TO transported by the transport pipes 51 and 52 by merging (mixing) them. A drop mixing pipe 54 for sending the deteriorated developer GO or the residual toner TO from the terminal end of each of the pipes 51 and 52 to the merging and conveying pipe pipe 53 while being discharged and mixed, and the merging and conveying pipe 53. The deteriorated developer GO or residual toner T that is connected to the terminal end of the toner cartridge in a state where it is lowered one step and is conveyed by the merged conveyance pipe 53 And a discharge pipe 55 for discharging fall into the collection box 40 from the outlet 55a of the. In FIGS. 2 and 3, reference numerals 56 </ b> A and 56 </ b> B are arranged so as to rotate into the confluence conveyance pipe 53 and the discharge pipe 55 to convey the developer and the like, and a spiral protrusion is formed on the rotation shaft. Rotation conveyance members (augers) 57A and 57B are driving motors for rotating the augers 56A and 56B, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the collection box 40 is a plastic molded container (for example, a blow-molded product such as polypropylene) that has a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and sufficiently corresponds to the amount of developer to be collected. It has the capacity (volume) to obtain. The collection box 40 mainly includes a developer intake port 41 and an air vent port 42 that take in the developer and the like that are conveyed to the upper surface of the box by the conveyance mechanism 55 and discharged from the discharge port 55a of the discharge pipe 55. However, a gripping portion (handle) 43 for handling the collection box by hand on the upper side of the box is the entire side surface 40a on the upper side of the wide surface 40a positioned on the apparatus main body 1 side among the four box side surfaces. Recesses 44 that are recessed slightly inside are formed.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the collection box 40 can accommodate the collection box 40 as a whole in a box installation space formed on the rear side of the image forming apparatus main body 1. It is accommodated in and supported by a box support frame 80 having a box shape whose size is open at the top. The box support frame 80 is erected vertically with respect to the storage / removal position (the state shown in FIG. 7a) that is tilted toward the rear side of the apparatus with the support shaft 81 disposed on the bottom side thereof as the center. It attaches so that it can rock | fluctuate between the collection | recovery mounting positions (state shown by FIG. 7b). Further, the support frame 80 has a structure (opening portion 82) in which a portion facing each of the sensors 60 and 70 is also opened. After the collection box 40 is accommodated in the box support frame 80, it is taken out from the support frame 80 when the deteriorated developer to be collected is almost full, and is replaced with a new empty collection box. ing. As shown in FIG. 4, the developer inlet 41 of the collection box 40 is in a direction on the side where the support frame 80 stands up in the swinging direction E of the box support frame 80. On the other hand, it is provided to have a shape inclined downward.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the magnetic sensor 60 has a disc-shaped detection surface 61 formed in a state of protruding from the sensor main body, and the detection surface 61 collects the detection target. A change in the magnetic permeability of the developer (actually a magnetic carrier in the deteriorated developer GO) can be detected and converted into an electric signal. Further, the magnetic sensor 60 is located on the image forming apparatus main body 1 side and the detection surface 61 is located near the concave portion 44 of the collection box 40 (the accumulated amount of developer to be detected by the magnetic sensor 60, that is, “predetermined level”. It is provided in a fixed state at a position opposite to the height position corresponding to "." On the other hand, the mounting detection sensor 70 has a push switch 71 formed so as to protrude from the sensor main body, and an ON / OFF electric signal is generated when the push switch 71 is pushed or released. Can be converted to Further, the mounting detection sensor 70 is provided in a fixed state on the image forming apparatus main body 1 side so that its push switch 71 faces a part of the recess 44 of the collection box 40.

  In this developer recovery system, at least a portion 45 of the recovery box 40 facing the detection surface 61 of the magnetic sensor 60 is pushed by the deteriorated developer GO and the residual toner TO accumulated in the recovery box 40. The structure is easily deformed to the outside of the box (easily deformable structure).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the portion 45 in the collection box 40 is formed so as to be recessed from the side surface 40 a located on the side facing the apparatus main body 1 to the inside of the box and then to rise to the outside of the box again. The cylindrical structure has a bellows shape 46 in which the side portion of the cylindrical shape is easy to expand and contract, and a projection structure in which the tip portion of the cylindrical shape is a flexible flat surface 47 that can come into contact with the sensor detection surface. Unlike the other portions of the side surface 40a, the portion 45 having a protruding structure including the bellows-shaped portion 46 is directed from the inside to the outside of the box 40 by the developer GO or TO that is collected and deposited inside the collection box 40. (Strictly toward the detection surface 61 side of the magnetic sensor 60) (arrow F in FIG. 6b is the pressing force at that time), and the bellows-shaped side portion 46 extends and swells outside the box. Transforms into As a result, the position of the flat surface 47 at the front end is displaced to the outside of the box 40. At this time, the displacement amount (distance) of the flat portion 47 is set to a level that can sufficiently reach the detection surface 61 of the magnetic sensor 60 existing on the side facing the portion 45.

  Next, the operation of this developer recovery system will be described.

  First, the collection box 40 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 side. That is, as shown in FIG. 7 a, the collection box 40 is accommodated so as to be inserted into the box support frame 80 that is opened so as to tilt toward the rear side of the apparatus main body 1 and is in the accommodation removal position, as shown in FIG. In this manner, the support frame 80 is closed so as to be in a vertical state, and is set at the collection mounting position.

  At this time, the side surface portion (concave portion 44) exposed from the opening 82 of the box support frame 80 of the collection box 40 pushes the push switch 71 of the attachment detection sensor 70, whereby the box support frame 80 is closed and the collection box 40 is opened. It is detected that it is attached. Incidentally, when the support frame 80 in which the collection box 40 is not accommodated is closed, there is nothing to push the push switch 71 of the attachment detection sensor 70, so that the attachment of the collection box is not confirmed. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the collection box 40 is mounted, the collection box 40 is inclined on the lower side with respect to the direction of the upper side of the box and the side where the box support frame 80 stands up. The developer intake port 41 is smoothly connected to the discharge port 55a in the discharge pipe 55 of the developer recovery system, regardless of the movement of the support frame 80 as the support frame 80 swings. Furthermore, at this time, the easily deformable portion 45 of the recovery box 40 and the detection surface 61 of the magnetic sensor 60 may be in contact with each other or may not be in contact with each other. In this example, description will be made on the assumption that there is no contact (see FIG. 8a).

  When the image forming operation is performed, the deteriorated developer GO generated in the developing device 14 of each image forming unit 10 and the residual toner TO generated in the drum cleaner 16 of each image forming unit 10 are conveyed. It is conveyed by the mechanism 50 and collected in the collection box 40.

  First, the deteriorated developer GO starts to be transported by the deteriorated developer transport pipe 51 and the residual toner TO starts to be transported by the residual toner transport pipe 52, and falls in the drop mixing tube 54 at the ends of the pipes 51 and 52. Are discharged and sent to the merging and conveying pipe 53.

  Here, in particular, the deteriorated developer transport pipe 51 of the developing device 14 of the adjacent image forming unit 10 and the residual toner transport pipe 52 of the drum cleaner 16 are connected to one drop mixing pipe 52a. The deteriorated developer GO and residual toner TO discharged and dropped from 51 and 52 are dropped and mixed so as to diffuse in the internal space of the drop mixing tube 52a. As a result, the residual toner TO having relatively poor fluidity is sent to the merging / conveying pipe 53 in a state where it is mixed with the deteriorated developer GO having good fluidity. TO is transported well without clogging.

  The deteriorated developer GO and the residual toner TO which are merged and conveyed by the merged conveyance pipe 53 are finally delivered to the discharge pipe 55 and then discharged and dropped from the discharge port 55a. As a result, the deteriorated developer GO and the residual toner TO are collected in the collection box 40 through the developer intake port 41.

  The deteriorated developer GO and the residual toner TO thus collected in the collection box 40 start to gradually accumulate in the collection box 40 as shown in FIG. It accumulates to the height which reaches the part 45 which becomes (Figure 8b).

  In such a state, the portion 45 of the collection box 40 moves from the inside to the outside of the collection box 40 due to the accumulated pressure of the deteriorated developer GO and the residual toner TO accumulated as shown in FIGS. 6b and 8b. Therefore, the bellows portion 46 is stretched and deformed so as to swell outside the box, and finally, the tip portion 47 of the portion 45 is brought into close contact with the detection surface 61 of the magnetic sensor 60. It will be in the state which touched.

  As a result, the detection surface 61 of the magnetic sensor 60 is in a state where it is evenly approached mainly with the deteriorated developer GO accumulated through the side surface 40a of the collection box 40 (strictly, the tip portion 47 of the portion 45), that is, normal. Since the detection is guaranteed, the magnetic sensor 60 properly detects the change in the magnetic permeability that varies according to the amount of the deteriorated developer GO (of which the magnetic carrier) is accumulated in the collection box 40. Convert to electrical signal. As a result, it is accurately detected that the accumulated amounts of the deteriorated developer GO and the residual toner TO in the collection box 40 have reached a predetermined level (close to full).

  In this image forming apparatus, when the detection signal of the magnetic sensor 60 is obtained, first, a warning message such as “It is time to replace the collection box” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit on the operation panel or the like, and the collection box is displayed to the user. 40 exchanges are urged.

  The replacement of the collection box 40 may be performed in the reverse order, and when the non-image is formed, the box support frame 80 is first opened so as to tilt to the rear side of the apparatus main body 1 and placed in the storage and removal position. Thereafter (FIG. 7a), the collection box 40 in a state of being almost full is pulled out from the inside of the support frame 80. Thereafter, the empty new collection box 40 is accommodated in the support frame 80 and closed so as to return the support frame 80 to the collection mounting position, thereby completing the replacement.

  In this image forming apparatus, for example, when the box support frame 80 is accidentally opened during the image forming operation, the operation is detected by the mounting detection sensor 70, and the developer is based on the detection signal. The operations of the augers 56A and 56B in the confluence conveyance pipe 53 and the discharge pipe 55 in the collection system are stopped. Thereby, it is possible to avoid troubles such as the collected developer and the like being scattered and contaminated in the apparatus main body. In this case, only the operations of the augers 56A and 56B are stopped, and the image forming operation on the way is not stopped until the series of operations (jobs) is completely completed. As a result, during the image forming operation, the plurality of sheets P conveyed in the image forming apparatus are not left in the apparatus due to the interruption of operation, and the work of removing the remaining sheets is not required. .

  Further, in this image forming apparatus, when the control for the erroneous opening operation of the box support frame 80 is executed, the detection is performed by the mounting detection sensor 70 unless the opened support frame 80 is closed and returned. Until the next image forming operation by the image forming system or the like cannot be started as well as the collecting operation by the developer collecting system (the stopped auger). Thereby, not only the contamination due to the scattered developer being scattered in the apparatus main body is avoided, but also when the developer is collected while the auger is stopped, any of the transport mechanisms 50 can be performed. Occurrence of troubles such as clogging of developer with such a transport pipe is also avoided.

[Other embodiments]
In the first embodiment, the case where the protrusion 45 having the bellows shape 46 is used as the portion 45 having the easily deformable structure of the recovery box 40 is exemplified. However, as shown in FIG. A planar shape having a thinned portion 48 in which a predetermined region of the side surface 40a opposite to the detection surface 61 of the magnetic sensor 60 is recessed inwardly to form a step, and the thickness thereof is thinner than the side surface 40a. It is good also as a structure.

  When the planar structure having the thin portion is adopted, as shown in FIG. 9b, when the recovered deteriorated developer GO or the like is accumulated up to the portion 45, the portion 45 composed of the planar structure. The thin portion 48 is pushed by the accumulated deteriorated developer GO and deforms so as to swell outside the box. Finally, the thin portion 48 comes into contact with the detection surface 61 of the magnetic sensor 60.

  As a result, the detection surface 61 of the magnetic sensor 60 is in a state where it is evenly close to the deteriorated developer GO that is deposited through the side surface 40a of the collection box 40 (strictly speaking, the thin portion 48 of the portion 45), that is, normal. Since the detection is guaranteed, the magnetic sensor 60 confirms that the accumulated amounts of the deteriorated developer GO and the residual toner TO in the collection box 40 have reached predetermined levels, as in the first embodiment. It can be detected accurately.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the image forming system includes the plurality of image forming units 10 and the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 is exemplified. An image forming system including an image forming unit or an image forming system having no intermediate transfer mechanism may be used. Furthermore, although an example in which both the deteriorated developer and the residual toner are recovered as the developer recovery system has been described, a developer recovery system that recovers only the deteriorated developer may be used. Further, the developer to be recovered may be a magnetic one-component developer.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main part (mainly an image forming system) of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 2 shows another main part (mainly a developer recovery system) of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1, (a) is a schematic view seen from the front (front) side of the apparatus, and (b) is seen from the upper side of the apparatus. Sotoyu overview diagram. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a developer recovery system recovery box and the vicinity thereof, as viewed from the rear side of the apparatus main body. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the collection box of FIG. 3 and the configuration in the vicinity thereof are viewed from one side surface of the apparatus main body. The structure of a collection | recovery box is shown, (a) is the front view, (b) is the BB sectional drawing of (a), (c) is the top view. The structure of the site | part consisting of the easily deformable structure of the collection | recovery box in Embodiment 1 is shown, (a) is the side view, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of (a). The collection box and its support frame are shown, (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view in a state where it is in the storage and take-out position, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view in a state where it is in the collection and mounting position. The relationship between the site | part which consists of the easily deformable structure of the collection | recovery box in Embodiment 1, and a magnetic sensor is shown, (a) is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the state before a detection, (b) is a cross section which shows the state at the time of a detection. Illustration. The other structural example of the site | part which consists of an easily deformable structure of a collection | recovery box is shown, (a) is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the state before the detection, (b) is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the state at the time of a detection.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Apparatus main body, 10 ... Image forming unit (a part of image forming system), 20 ... Intermediate transfer mechanism (a part of image forming system), 40 ... Collection box (collection container), 41 ... Developer intake port, 45 ... parts facing the detection surface, 46 ... bellows part, 48 ... thin part, 50 ... conveying mechanism (part of developer recovery system), 55 ... discharge pipe, 55a ... discharge port, 60 ... magnetic sensor, 61 ... detection Surface, 70 ... mounting detection sensor, 80 ... box support frame (collection container support frame), 81 ... support shaft (shaft), 82 ... opening (opened portion), GO ... deteriorated developer (magnetic developer) , TO ... residual toner.

Claims (3)

An image forming system for forming a toner image with a magnetic developer on the surface of the image carrier, a cleaning device for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after transfer, and the image carrier using the cleaning device An image forming apparatus comprising: a collection container that collects residual toner removed from a body; and an accumulation amount detection sensor that detects that the accumulation amount of toner collected and accumulated in the collection container has reached a predetermined level ,
A collection container support frame that accommodates and supports the collection container is disposed on the image forming apparatus main body side so as to swing in a tilted state and a vertical standing state about an axis disposed on the bottom side thereof. attachment,
The accumulation amount detection sensor is arranged on the image forming apparatus main body side so as to face the collection container accommodated in the collection container support frame when the detection surface is in the standing state.
An image forming apparatus, wherein a portion of the collection container support frame facing the detection surface of the accumulation amount detection sensor is opened. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
Image forming is performed so that a mounting detection sensor having a push switch for detecting whether or not the collection container is mounted faces the collection container accommodated in the collection container support frame when the push switch is in the upright state. Attach to the device body side,
Open the portion of the collection container support frame that faces the push switch of the mounting detection sensor,
The mounting detection sensor detects that the recovery container is mounted by being pushed in by the recovery container accommodated in the recovery container support frame when the push switch is in the upright state. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The developer recovery system has a discharge pipe formed with a discharge port for discharging and dropping developer that is unnecessary in the image forming system to the recovery container,
A developer intake port for taking in the developer discharged from the discharge port of the discharge pipe is formed on the upper surface of the recovery container, and the support frame stands up in the swinging direction of the recovery container support frame. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided so as to have a shape inclined downward with respect to the direction toward the side.

Images