JP2007206494A - Powder collection apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a powder collection apparatus for recovering powder such as toner and paper powder and an image forming apparatus such as a hybrid machine equipped with the powder collection apparatus in which erroneous detection in a powder recovery container is reduced. <P>SOLUTION: The powder collection apparatus (1) includes; the powder collection container where collected powder is accumulated; an optical sensor (21) including a light emitting part (23) that emits inspection light and a light receiving part (24) that receives the inspection light (22) emitted from the light emitting part (23); a detection part (7) which arranged on the wall surface of the powder collection container and includes a detection cavity (7a) whose inner part communicates with the powder collection container so that the powder can enter the cavity, and which is arranged between the light emitting part (23) and the light receiving part (24) so that the inspection light (22) may be transmitted through the detection part (7); and a light transmission preventing part (26) arranged in the detection part (7) away from the main optical path (22a) of the inspection light (22) between the light emitting part (23) and the light receiving part (24) so as to prevent the inspection light (22b) off the main optical path (22a) from being transmitted. The image forming apparatus is equipped with the powder collection apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder recovery apparatus that recovers powder such as toner and paper powder, and an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a FAX, a copying machine including the powder recovery apparatus, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions. In particular, the present invention relates to a powder recovery apparatus and an image forming apparatus provided with an optical sensor for detecting the amount of recovered powder.

In a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus, after a toner image is transferred to a recording paper, toner remains on the surface of the image carrier (photosensitive member or intermediate transfer member) or paper dust from the recording paper adheres. There is. Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus, powder such as residual toner and paper powder is removed by a cleaner, and the powder is recovered by being transported to a powder recovery container and stored.
In such a powder recovery apparatus, it is necessary to detect the amount of powder accumulated in the powder recovery container and replace it at an appropriate time.

The following conventional technique (J01) is known as a technique for detecting the amount of powder contained in a powder collection container.
(J01) Technology described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-341710) Patent Document 1 discloses that two side surfaces (20b) of a recovery box (20) protrude so as to be recessed toward the inside of the recovery box. The concave portions (33, 34) are formed, and the light emitting portion (51) and the light receiving portion (52) of the photosensor (50) are arranged in each concave portion (33, 34), thereby being sandwiched by the concave portions (33, 34). A technique for detecting whether or not the developer has accumulated up to the height of the internal space (31) is described. Further, in Patent Document 1, a partition member (40) is disposed between the internal space (31) and the collection box (20) so that the developer that has risen into the internal space (31) does not enter. Has been.

JP 2002-341710 A (“0027” to “0062”, FIGS. 3 and 4)

(Problems of conventional technology)
In the prior art, detection is performed by passing inspection light from an optical sensor through a part (detection part) of the powder recovery container. That is, when there is no powder in the detection part, the inspection light is transmitted through the detection part and detected by the light receiving part, and in the state where the powder exists in the detection part, the inspection light is blocked by the powder, Not detected.
Most of the inspection light irradiated from the light emitting part of the optical sensor passes through the detection part along the main optical path and is received by the light receiving part, but part of it diffuses and deviates (separates) from the main optical path. Such light may be reflected or refracted by another member and received by the light receiving unit via a path other than the main optical path. Therefore, in a state where the powder is contained in the detection portion, the inspection light is originally shielded and should be detected by the light receiving portion, but the reflected or refracted light is detected by the light receiving portion, and as a result There is a problem that causes false detection.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has the following description (O01) as a technical problem.
(O01) To reduce false detection in the powder collection container.

  In view of the technical problem, the present inventor has conducted intensive studies and experiments, and as a result, erroneous detection is performed by performing a process of blocking or irregularly reflecting light to a portion away from the main optical path of the detection portion formed by the transparent member. It came to the knowledge that it decreased, and came to make this invention. Regarding the principle, the present inventor considered that the erroneous detection occurred when the inspection light was repeatedly reflected and propagated inside the transparent member and detected by the light receiving portion.

Next, the present invention that solves the above problems will be described. In order to facilitate correspondence with the constituent elements of the embodiments described later, the constituent elements of the present invention are enclosed in parentheses. I will add that.
The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described later is to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

(First invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, in the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) of the first invention,
A powder recovery container (1) for storing the recovered powder;
A light sensor (21) having a light emitting part (23) that emits light (22) and a light receiving part (24) that receives the light (22) emitted from the light emitting part (23);
The detection part (7, 41, 61, 71) which has the detection space (7a) which is arrange | positioned on the wall surface of the said powder collection container (1), and the inside communicates with the powder collection container (1) and powder can enter. ), The detection unit disposed between the light emitting unit (23) and the light receiving unit (24) and transmitting the light (22),
Provided in the detection unit (7, 41, 61, 71) away from the main optical path (22a) of the light (22) connecting the light emitting unit (23) and the light receiving unit (24), the main optical path (22a A light transmission preventing part (26, 36, 41b, 56, 56 ', 66, 76) that does not transmit light (22b) away from
It is provided with.

(Operation of the first invention)
In the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described constituent elements, the recovered powder is accumulated in the powder recovery container (1). The light emitting part (23) of the optical sensor (21) emits light (22). The light receiving part (24) of the optical sensor (21) receives the light (22) emitted from the light emitting part (23). The inside of the detection space (7a) disposed on the wall surface of the powder recovery container (1) communicates with the powder recovery container (1) and allows powder to enter. The said light (22) permeate | transmits the detection part (7, 41, 61, 71) arrange | positioned between the said light emission part (23) and the said light-receiving part (24). A light transmission prevention unit provided in the detection unit (7, 41, 61, 71) separated from the main optical path (22a) of the light (22) connecting the light emitting unit (23) and the light receiving unit (24). (26, 36, 41b, 56, 56 ', 66, 76) do not transmit light (22b) away from the main optical path (22a).
Therefore, in the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) of the first invention, the light receiving section (24) can be prevented from receiving the light (22b) away from the main optical path (22a). ) Can be reduced.

(First Embodiment 1)
The powder recovery apparatus (CLt) of the first aspect of the first invention is the first invention,
The light transmission preventing part (26) formed by roughing the outer surface of the detection part (7) in order to diffusely reflect light (22b) away from the main optical path (22a);
It is provided with.

(Operation of Form 1 of the First Invention)
In the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described structural requirements, the light transmission preventing part (26) formed by roughing the outer surface of the detecting part (7) is mainly used. Light (22b) away from the optical path (22a) is diffusely reflected.
Therefore, since it can prevent that the said light-receiving part (24) receives light (22b) away from the said main optical path (22a), the false detection in a powder collection | recovery apparatus (CLt) can be reduced.

(First Embodiment 2)
The powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to the second aspect of the first invention is the light transmission prevention unit (36) configured by a light-shielding coating on the outer surface of the detection unit (7) in the first invention.
It is provided with.

(Operation of the second aspect of the first invention)
In the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to the second aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the light transmission preventing unit (CL) formed by light-shielding coating formed on the outer surface of the detection unit (7). 36) prevents transmission of light (22b) away from the main optical path (22a).
Therefore, erroneous detection in the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) can be reduced.

(Embodiment 3 of the first invention)
The powder recovery device (CLt) of the third aspect of the first invention is the first invention,
The light transmission preventing part (41b) constituted by the light-shielding material different from the detection part (41) and the light-shielding part molded in two colors with the detection part (41).
It is provided with.

(Operation of the third aspect of the first invention)
In the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to the third aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the light-shielding material different from the detection unit (41) is used to shield the detection unit (41) from two colors. The light transmission preventing part (41b) constituted by a part prevents transmission of light (22b) away from the main optical path (22a).
Therefore, erroneous detection in the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) can be reduced.

(First aspect 4)
The powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to the fourth aspect of the first invention is the first invention,
The light transmission preventing part (56, 56 ') constituted by an uneven shape for irregularly reflecting light (22b) away from the main optical path (22a),
The powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to claim 1, comprising:

(Operation of the fourth aspect of the first invention)
In the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to the fourth aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the light transmission preventing part (56, 56 ') constituted by the concavo-convex shape is light separated from the main optical path (22a). Transmission is prevented by irregularly reflecting (22b).
Therefore, erroneous detection in the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) can be reduced.

(First embodiment 5)
The powder recovery device (CLt) of the fifth aspect of the first invention is the first invention,
The light transmission preventing part (66) constituted by a light shielding member affixed to the outer surface of the detection part (61);
The powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to claim 1, comprising:

(Operation of the fifth aspect of the first invention)
In the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to the fifth aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the light transmission prevention unit (66) configured by a light-shielding member attached to the outer surface of the detection unit (61) The transmission of light (22b) away from the main optical path (22a) is prevented.
Therefore, erroneous detection in the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) can be reduced.

(First Embodiment 6)
The powder recovery apparatus (CLt) of the sixth aspect of the first invention is the first invention,
The light transmission preventing part (76) constituted by a light-shielding member molded in two colors on the outer surface of the detection part (71),
The powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to claim 1, comprising:

(Operation of the sixth aspect of the first invention)
In the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) according to the sixth aspect of the first invention having the above structural requirements, the light transmission preventing part (76) configured by a light shielding member molded in two colors on the outer surface of the detection part (71). ) Prevents transmission of light (22b) away from the main optical path (22a).
Therefore, erroneous detection in the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) can be reduced.

(Second invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, the image forming apparatus (U) of the second invention includes the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) of any one of the first invention and the first to sixth aspects of the first invention. Features.

(Operation of the second invention)
Since the image forming apparatus (U) of the second invention having the above-described constituent features includes the powder recovery device (CLt) of any one of the first invention and the first to sixth aspects of the first invention, the main optical path Transmission of light (22b) away from (22a) is prevented.
Therefore, erroneous detection in the powder recovery apparatus (CLt) can be reduced.

The above-described present invention has the following effect (E01).
(E01) False detection in the powder recovery container can be reduced.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

1 is a perspective explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a printer U as an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a paper feed cassette TR1 in which a sheet on which an image is recorded is accommodated in a lower portion, and a discharge tray TRh is provided on an upper surface. It has been. A UI (user interface) is provided on the upper front side of the printer U. The UI is provided with a power switch, a display, etc. (not shown).
In FIG. 2, the printer U includes a controller C constituted by a microcomputer, an IPS (image processing system) whose operation is controlled by the controller C, a laser drive circuit DL, a power supply device E, and the like. The power supply device E applies a bias voltage to charging rollers CRy to CRk, developing units Gy to Gk, a transfer roller Rt, and the like which will be described later.

  The IPS (image processing system) converts print data input from an external host computer or the like into latent images corresponding to four color images of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). The image data is converted into image data for image formation and output to the laser driving circuit DL at a predetermined timing. The laser drive circuit DL outputs a laser drive signal to the latent image forming device ROS (optical scanning device) according to the input image data of each color. The ROS emits laser beams (image writing light) Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk for image writing of each color according to a laser driving signal.

A developer replenishing device Ua for replenishing toner (developer) is disposed above the ROS. In front of the ROS, toner image forming apparatuses UK, UY, UM, and UC for forming toner images of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) are disposed. Around the drum-shaped photoconductor (image carrier) Pk of the K (black) toner image forming apparatus UK, a charging roll CRk as a charger, a developing device Gk, a toner adsorption holding member CLk for the photoconductor, and the like are arranged. Has been.
Further, the same chargers CRy, CRm, CRc, developing units Gy, Gm, and the like around the photoconductor Pk are also provided around the photoconductors Py, Pm, and Pc of other toner image forming apparatuses UY, UM, and UC. Gc, toner adsorbing / holding members CLy, CLm, CLc and the like for the photosensitive member are arranged.

An intermediate transfer device Ut is disposed in front of the toner image forming devices UY, UM, UC, UK. The intermediate transfer device Ut includes three intermediate transfer drums (intermediate toner image carriers) DR1, DR2, and DR3. The first intermediate transfer drum DR1 is in contact with the Y color photoreceptor Py in the primary transfer region Qy and in contact with the M color photoreceptor Pm in the primary transfer region Qm. The second intermediate transfer drum DR2 is in contact with the C-color photoconductor Pc in the primary transfer region Qc and in contact with the K-color photoconductor Pk in the primary transfer region Qk. The third intermediate transfer drum DR3 is in contact with the intermediate transfer drums DR1 and DR2 in the intermediate transfer regions Q31 and Q32.
In front of the third intermediate transfer drum DR3, a secondary transfer roll (secondary transfer device) Rt that is in contact with the secondary transfer region Q2 is disposed to face the third intermediate transfer drum DR3. A secondary transfer roll cleaner CLt that cleans the toner on the surface of the secondary transfer roll Rt is in contact with the secondary transfer roll Rt.
Intermediate transfer drum toner suction holding members CL1 and CL2 are disposed downstream of the intermediate transfer regions Q31 and Q32 in the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer drums DR1 and DR2. Further, an intermediate transfer drum toner adsorbing / holding member CL3 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer region Q2 in the rotation direction of the third intermediate transfer drum DR3. A bias for toner image transfer is applied to each of the intermediate transfer drums DR1 to DR3 and the secondary transfer roll Rt.

In FIG. 2, photoconductors (primary toner image carriers) Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are uniformly charged by charging rolls CRy, CRm, CRc, and CRk, respectively, and then output from the latent image forming apparatus ROS. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by the laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk. When forming a full-color image, electrostatic latent images corresponding to four color images of Y, M, C, and K are formed on the respective photoreceptors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk. Only the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of) is formed on the photosensitive member Pk.
The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) colors by the developing units Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk. The toner image is developed. The developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk are supplied with toner from the toner cartridges KTy, KTm, KTc, and KTk of the respective colors mounted on the toner dispenser device Ua.

  Y (yellow) and M (magenta) toner images formed on the Y and M color photoreceptors Py and Pm are primarily transferred to the first intermediate transfer drum DR1 in the primary transfer areas Qy and Qm. After that, the image is transferred to the third intermediate transfer drum DR3 in the intermediate transfer region Q31. C (cyan) and K (black) toner images formed on the C-color and K-color photoconductors Pc and Pk are primary-transferred on the second intermediate transfer drum DR2 in the primary transfer areas Qc and Qk. Then, in the intermediate transfer region Q32, the toner is transferred onto the Y (yellow) and M (magenta) toners of the third intermediate transfer drum DR3.

The sheets S stored in the paper feed tray TR1 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp at a predetermined timing, separated one by one by the separation roll Rs, and conveyed to the registration roll Rr by the conveyance roller Ra in the sheet conveyance path SH1. Further, the sheet S on the manual feed tray TR0 is fed by the manual feed roll Rp0 and conveyed to the registration roll Rr.
The recording sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is conveyed to the secondary transfer area Q2 at the timing when the multiple toner image or the single color toner image moves to the secondary transfer area Q2, and is conveyed by the secondary transfer roll Rt. The toner image is secondarily transferred.

The toner remaining on the surface of each of the photoconductors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk after the primary transfer is temporarily adsorbed and held by the photoconductor toner adsorption holding members CLk, CLy, CLm, and CLc, and the photoconductors Py, Pm. , Pc, Pk surfaces are cleaned. Similarly, the residual toner adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer drums DR1 to DR3 after the intermediate transfer or secondary transfer is temporarily held by the intermediate transfer drum toner suction holding members CL1 to CL3 and cleaned.
The toner temporarily adsorbed and held by each of the toner adsorbing and holding members CLk, CLy, CLm, CLc, CL1 to CL3 is in the image carrier Py, Pm, Pc, Pk, in the cleaning mode started at a predetermined timing. It is discharged onto the surface of DR1 to DR3, transferred and conveyed to the secondary transfer roll Rt, and collected by the secondary transfer roll cleaner CLt.
A technique for cleaning by temporarily adsorbing and holding toner with a toner adsorbing / holding member is known in the art (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-029588) and adopts various configurations. Since it is possible, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

The recording sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred in the secondary transfer region Q2 is conveyed to the fixing device F. When the recording sheet S passes through the fixing region Q5 where the heating rolls Fh and Fp of the fixing device F are pressed, the toner image is heated and fixed. The recording sheet S on which the toner image is heat-fixed is conveyed to the sheet discharge roller Rh and discharged to the discharge tray TRh.
When performing duplex printing, it is switched back by the sheet discharge roller Rh, conveyed to the sheet reversing path SH2, and retransmitted to the registration roll Rr with the front and back reversed.

(Description of secondary transfer roll cleaner)
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the secondary transfer roll and the secondary transfer roll cleaner (powder collection container) of FIG.
In FIG. 3, the secondary transfer roll cleaner CLt has a rectangular parallelepiped collection container 1. A blade holder 2 is supported on the rear upper end of the collection container 1. The blade holder 2 abuts on the secondary transfer roll Rt and scrapes the toner on the surface of the secondary transfer roll Rt into the collection container 1. A cleaning blade 3 to be dropped is supported. A seal film 6 is supported at the front upper end of the collection container 1 to prevent the toner dropped into the collection container 1 from leaking outside.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of the secondary transfer roll cleaner.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an optical sensor.
3 and 4, the front side wall 1a of the collection container 1 supports an inspection window portion 7 that protrudes forward. In FIG. 5, a toner detection chamber 7a into which toner enters when toner in the collection container 1 is accumulated up to the height of the inspection window portion 7 is formed inside the inspection window portion 7, and the detection chamber 7a. A substantially triangular prism-shaped window member (outer wall) 7b is formed. The window member 7b is made of a transparent member (for example, acrylic or the like) that can transmit inspection light.
3 and 4, a crank-shaped stirring member 11 that stirs and equalizes the toner in the recovery container 1 is rotatably supported on the recovery container 1. A gear 12 for rotating the stirring member 11 is supported outside the collection container 1 at the left end of the stirring member 11. Inside the collection container 1 at the right end of the stirring member 11, an inspection window cleaning member 13 that is rotatable together with the stirring member 11 in the collection container 1 is supported. The inspection window cleaning member 13 has a tip 13a formed in a triangular shape corresponding to the shape of the triangular prism-shaped inspection window 7. The detection chamber 7a is in a state where the tip 13a has entered the detection chamber 7a. Remove (clean) the toner adhering to the side surface.

6 is an explanatory diagram of a light transmission preventing unit provided in the inspection window unit of Example 1, FIG. 6A is an overall explanatory diagram, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged explanatory diagram of a main part of FIG. 6A.
3 to 5, an optical sensor 21 is disposed outside the inspection window portion 7. The light sensor 21 emits light (inspection light) 22 that passes through the toner detection chamber 7a of the inspection window portion 7, and is disposed to face the light emission portion 23 so as to pass through the inspection window portion 7a. And a light receiving unit 24 that receives the inspection light 22. A main optical path 22a of the inspection light 22 is configured by a straight line connecting the light emitting unit 23 and the light receiving unit 24. In FIG. 6, a light transmission preventing unit is provided at the tip of the protruding window member 7b on the light emitting unit 23 side. 26 is formed. The light transmission preventing portion 26 of the first embodiment is formed by roughly processing the surface of the window member 7b with sandpaper (paper file) or the like.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the printer U as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 3 is accumulated in the collection container 1 but is not accumulated up to the height of the inspection window portion 7. The inspection light 22 emitted from the light emitting unit 23 of the optical sensor 21 passes through the window member 7b and the toner detection chamber 7a and is received by the light receiving unit 24. Therefore, it can be detected by the optical sensor 21 that there is no toner in the toner detection chamber 7a. The toner in the collection container 1 may rise and enter the toner detection chamber 7a and adhere to the window member 7b. However, since the toner adhering to the inspection window cleaning member 13 is removed, erroneous detection is performed. Can be reduced.

  When the toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 3 is accumulated in the collection container 1 and accumulated up to the height of the inspection window 7, the toner enters the toner detection chamber 7a. When the toner in the toner detection chamber 7a becomes full, the inspection light 22 cannot be detected by the light receiving unit 24, and it can be detected that the toner is almost full. At this time, in the prior art, the inspection light 22 from the light emitting unit 23 is not blocked by the toner and may be detected by the light receiving unit 24 by being refracted, reflected, or diffracted by the window member 7b. Since the light transmission preventing part 26 is formed in the inspection window part 7, it is considered that the inspection light 22 is irregularly reflected and detected by the light receiving part 24. As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection in which the inspection light 22 propagated through the window member 7b is detected by the light receiving unit 24 in a state where toner is present in the toner detection chamber 7a. As a result of the experiment by the present inventor, it was confirmed that the false detection is reduced by forming the light transmission preventing portion 26.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a light transmission preventing unit provided in the inspection window unit of Example 2, and corresponds to FIG. 6A.
In the description of the second embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 differs from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 7, the light transmission preventing unit 36 of the second embodiment is configured by a coating that blocks the inspection light 22 b that is shifted from the main optical path 22 a applied to the surface of the window member 31 b.

(Operation of Example 2)
In the printer U as the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the inspection window unit 31 is provided with the light transmission preventing unit 36 made of paint having a light shielding property. Detection of the shifted inspection light 22b by the light receiving unit 24 can be reduced. Therefore, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a light transmission preventing unit provided in the inspection window unit of Example 3, and corresponds to FIG. 6A.
In the description of the third embodiment, components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 differs from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 8, the inspection window portion 41 of the third embodiment blocks the base end portion 41a made of a transparent material (for example, acrylic) that can transmit the inspection light 22, and the inspection light 22b that is shifted from the main optical path 22a. Two-color molding is performed by the tip portion 41b made of a light shielding material. Inside the inspection window 41, a toner detection chamber 41c configured corresponding to 7a of the first embodiment is provided. Therefore, in Example 3, the tip portion 41b constitutes a light transmission preventing portion.

(Operation of Example 3)
In the printer U as the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, the inspection window portion 41 is provided with a light-blocking tip portion 41b (light transmission preventing portion), and thus is shifted from the main optical path 22a. It is possible to reduce the detection light 22b detected by the light receiving unit 24. Therefore, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a light transmission preventing unit provided in the inspection window unit of Example 4, corresponding to FIG. 6A, FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of a main part of Example 4, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of the fourth embodiment. 9A and 9B are views corresponding to FIG. 6A.
In the description of the fourth embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9 differs from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.

  9A, in the fourth embodiment, an inspection window 51 is formed corresponding to the inspection window 7 of the first embodiment. The inspection window 51 has a triangular prism-shaped toner detection chamber 51a formed therein, and has a window member 51b made of a transparent material as in the first embodiment. A light transmission preventing portion 56 is formed on the outer surface of the tip of the window member 51b on the light emitting portion 23 side. The surface of the light transmission preventing portion 56 of the fourth embodiment is formed in a jagged shape (a saw-toothed uneven shape). Therefore, the light transmission preventing portion 56 according to the fourth embodiment is formed by molding unlike the light transmission preventing portion 26 according to the first embodiment in which the surface is roughly processed after molding.

(Operation of Example 4)
In the printer U as the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the inspection window portion 51 is provided with the light transmission preventing portions 56 and 56 ′ having a jagged shape. It can be reduced that the shifted inspection light 22 b is irregularly reflected and the inspection light 22 b is transmitted and detected by the light receiving unit 24. Therefore, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification of Example 4)
In FIG. 9B, the light transmission preventing portion 56 ′ according to the modified example of the fourth embodiment is formed in a jagged shape different from that in FIG. 9A. That is, the light transmission preventing portions 56 and 56 ′ are not limited to the shape of the light transmission preventing portions 56 and 56 ′ shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, and the inspection light that passes through the light transmission preventing portions 56 and 56 ′. Any shape can be used as long as 22b is irregularly reflected.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the light transmission preventing unit provided in the inspection window unit of Example 5, and corresponds to FIG. 6A.
In the description of the fifth embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 10, the inspection window portion 61 is formed in the fifth embodiment corresponding to the inspection window portion 7 of the first embodiment. The inspection window 61 includes a toner detection chamber 61a and a window member 61b configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. A light blocking member (light transmission preventing portion) 66 for blocking the inspection light 22b deviated from the main optical path 22a is attached to the light emitting portion 23 side surface of the tip portion of the inspection window portion 61. The light shielding member (light transmission preventing portion) 66 can be constituted by an adhesive tape, for example.

(Operation of Example 5)
In the printer U as the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment having the above-described configuration, a light shielding member (light transmission preventing portion) 66 having a light shielding property is attached to the distal end portion of the inspection window portion 61. Therefore, the main optical path It is possible to reduce the inspection light 22b deviated from 22a from being blocked by the light blocking unit 66 and detected by the light receiving unit 24. Therefore, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, since only the light shielding member (light transmission preventing portion) 66 is attached, the work is easy and the cost increase can be suppressed.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a light transmission preventing part provided in the inspection window part of Example 6, corresponding to FIG. 6A.
In the description of the sixth embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 11, an inspection window portion 71 is formed in the sixth embodiment corresponding to the inspection window portion 7 of the first embodiment. The inspection window portion 71 includes a window member 71b made of a transparent material as in the first embodiment, and a light shielding member (light transmission preventing portion) made of a light shielding material so as to cover the tip of the window member 71b. ) 76 is formed by two-color molding. A toner detection chamber 71 a is formed in the inspection window 71.

(Operation of Example 6)
In the printer U as the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the light transmission preventing unit 76 having a light shielding property is provided at the tip of the inspection window 71, so that it is shifted from the main optical path 22a. It can be reduced that the inspection light 22 b is shielded by the light transmission preventing unit 76 and detected by the light receiving unit 24. Therefore, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Examples of modifications of the present invention are illustrated below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, sandpaper is used for the rough machining in the first embodiment, but the rough machining can be performed by any processing method such as sandblasting. Moreover, although the light transmission prevention part 56 of Example 4 has the surface formed in the jagged shape (saw-toothed uneven | corrugated shape), it can also carry out sandblasting to a type | mold and shape | mold the matte-like light transmission prevention part 56. Is possible.
(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the light shielding member (light transmission preventing portion) 66 of the embodiment 5 is made of an adhesive tape having a light shielding property, but is not limited to this. Arbitrary light shielding configurations can be employed.
(H03) In Examples 3 and 6, the molding method is not limited to two-color molding, and the transparent member and the light shielding member can be formed by fusing, welding, or bonding.

1 is a perspective explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the secondary transfer roll and the secondary transfer roll cleaner (powder collection container) of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of the secondary transfer roll cleaner. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an optical sensor. 6A and 6B are explanatory views of a light transmission preventing portion provided in the inspection window portion of the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is an overall explanatory view, and FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a light transmission preventing unit provided in the inspection window unit of Example 2, and corresponds to FIG. 6A. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a light transmission preventing unit provided in the inspection window unit of Example 3, and corresponds to FIG. 6A. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a light transmission preventing unit provided in the inspection window unit of Example 4, corresponding to FIG. 6A, FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of the fourth embodiment. 9A and 9B are views corresponding to FIG. 6A. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the light transmission preventing unit provided in the inspection window unit of Example 5, and corresponds to FIG. 6A. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a light transmission preventing part provided in the inspection window part of Example 6, corresponding to FIG. 6A.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... powder collection container,
7a: Detection space,
7, 41, 61, 71 ... detection part,
21 ... Optical sensor,
22 ... Inspection light,
22a ... Main optical path,
22b ... Inspection light away from the main optical path,
23 ... light emitting part,
24 ... light receiving part,
26, 36, 41b, 56, 56 ', 66, 76 ... light transmission preventing part,
U: Image forming apparatus.

Claims (8)

A powder collection container for storing the collected powder;
An optical sensor having a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit;
A detection unit disposed on a wall surface of the powder recovery container and having a detection space in which the inside communicates with the powder recovery container and allows powder to enter, and is disposed between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The detector through which the light passes;
A light transmission preventing unit that is provided in the detection unit away from the main optical path of the light connecting the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, and does not transmit light away from the main optical path;
A powder recovery apparatus comprising: The light transmission preventing unit formed by roughing the outer surface of the detecting unit to diffusely reflect light away from the main optical path;
The powder recovery apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The light transmission preventing part configured by a light-shielding coating on the outer surface of the detection part,
The powder recovery apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The light transmission preventive part constituted by the light-shielding material different from the detection part, the light-shielding part molded in two colors with the detection part,
The powder recovery apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The light transmission preventing portion configured by a concavo-convex shape for irregularly reflecting light away from the main optical path,
The powder recovery apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The light transmission preventing part constituted by a light shielding member affixed to the outer surface of the detection part,
The powder recovery apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The light transmission preventing part constituted by a light-shielding member molded in two colors on the outer surface of the detection part,
The powder recovery apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An image forming apparatus comprising the powder recovery apparatus according to claim 1.

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