JP2008292726A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which eliminates trouble such as toner clogging to easily occur at a coupling part or a bend part on a toner conveying path, without detaching the toner conveying path. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus has: an image carrier for carrying a toner image; a transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the image carrier to a transfer medium; a cleaning means for removing toner remaining on the image carrier or the transfer means after transfer; and a toner collecting and conveying means for conveying and collecting the toner removed by the cleaning means. The image forming apparatus has at least one aperture part and an opening/shutting means for opening/shutting the aperture part on the conveying path of the toner collecting and conveying means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having toner conveying means for conveying toner, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a configuration relating to maintenance of toner conveying means.

  2. Description of the Related Art Some electrophotographic image forming apparatuses that form an image with toner include a toner conveying unit for supplying or collecting toner.

  The toner conveying means removes the toner by a cleaning device, conveys the removed used toner to the next process in order to reuse or discard the toner, and conveys the new toner from the toner storage means to the developing device. There is a conveying means.

  Further, the toner conveying means has a configuration in which a drive motor is used to rotate a member in which a disk-shaped or spiral thin plate is formed on a rotating shaft, or a member in which a spring-like member is rotated, and a pump is used. And air are mixed and conveyed through a tube-shaped member.

  Conventionally, as a system for transporting used toner removed by a cleaning device, a member (hereinafter referred to as a transport screw member) in which a disk-shaped or spiral thin plate is formed on a rotating shaft (hereinafter referred to as a transport screw system). Or a member that rotates a spring-like member (hereinafter referred to as a rotary spring method). In addition to the above-described conveying screw method, many methods for conveying a new toner using a pump (hereinafter referred to as an air conveying method) have been proposed.

  In an image forming apparatus configured to use a conveying screw member or a spring-like member (hereinafter collectively referred to as a rotary conveying member) for conveying used toner, the cleaning device supplies a developing device or a waste toner storage unit. In many cases, a plurality of mechanism parts are connected to each other. This is because it is difficult to linearly connect the rotary conveying member from the cleaning device to the developing device or the waste toner storage portion by one mechanism portion in terms of the arrangement of each mechanism portion of the image forming apparatus. Further, in an image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer body such as a color image forming apparatus, there is also used toner removed from the cleaning apparatus for the intermediate transfer body, and a plurality of rotational transports are also performed to transport the used toner. A member is required.

  By using a plurality of rotating and conveying members, there is a demand for connecting the rotating and conveying members to each other, and a connecting portion is required there. Further, not only the connection between the rotation conveyance members but also the connection between the rotation conveyance member and each mechanism, such as a connection from the cleaning device to the rotation conveyance member, is required.

  Furthermore, since these rotary conveying members are arranged avoiding various mechanical parts constituting the image forming apparatus, there are cases where a bent part or a connecting part is unavoidably provided.

  The problem with the conveying screw system is that the used toner is easily clogged at the connecting portion as described above. In order to solve this problem, a technique is disclosed in which a toner cross-linking preventing member that swings is provided to prevent toner clogging at the connecting portion of the rotary conveying member (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, it is difficult to completely prevent toner clogging at the connecting portion even if the toner cross-linking prevention member described in Patent Document 1 is used. In such a case, toner clogging is likely to occur. Further, it is predicted that the toner enters the region where the toner crosslinking preventing member swings, and the range of swinging is gradually limited to reduce the effect of removing the toner clogging.

  Also disclosed is a technique in which a spring member is used as a rotary conveyance member and a bent portion is provided in the toner conveyance path (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The toner collecting / conveying means using the coiled spring member described in Patent Document 2 can be manufactured at a lower cost and has a bent portion than the toner collecting / conveying means using the screw member described in Patent Document 1. However, the toner can be conveyed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram disclosed in Patent Document 2, and is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional example in which a toner transport path including a coiled spring member and provided with a bent portion is used as a toner collection transport means.

  In FIG. 14, the toner transport path Tx includes a coiled spring member Sx, one end of which is fixed to the rotation shaft Jx in a cylindrical toner transport tube Px, and the coiled spring member Sx is rotated by the rotation of the rotation shaft Jx. And the toner is conveyed. A gear Gx that is driven to rotate by being connected to a drive motor (not shown) is fixed to the rotary shaft Jx. The toner transport tube Px has bent portions at two locations Bx and By.

  One end portion of the carry-in entrance Ew for carrying the toner is provided so as to be connected to an opening portion formed in the vicinity of the end portion near the rotation axis Jx of the toner transport tube Px. The other end of the carry-in port Ew is connected to the vicinity of one end of the toner transport tube Pw containing a coiled spring member Sw disposed in a cleaning device (not shown).

  The toner collected via the toner transport tube Pw of the cleaning device falls down in the transport inlet Ew as indicated by the arrow Hw and is transported into the toner transport tube Px. The toner transported into the toner transport tube Px is transported toward the lower left as indicated by the arrow Hb in FIG. 14 through the bent portions Bx and By by the rotation of the coiled spring member Sx.

  Since the coiled spring member Sx operates along the outer inner wall surface at the bent portion, the toner tends to remain and accumulate on the inner inner wall surface of the bent portion. In order to prevent this, in Patent Document 2, the motor connected to the gear Gx is variable in the forward and reverse rotation directions, and the accumulated toner is removed by reversing the coiled spring member Sx.

  However, even if the coiled spring member Sx is reversed, it is difficult for the coiled spring member Sx to completely remove the toner accumulated on the bent portions Bx and By and to eliminate toner accumulation and clogging.

  On the other hand, in the air transport system that transports new toner, in order to prevent toner clogging in the toner transport path, suction from the toner reservoir that stores the new toner is temporarily stopped and suction operation is performed in the toner transport path. A technique of performing a cleaning operation is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 3).

  However, in the air transport system, the toner and air are mixed and transported through a tube-shaped member. In order to collect only the toner, a mechanism unit such as a separation device that separates the toner and air is used. Installation is required. When supplying toner to the developing device from the mechanism unit such as the separation device, a connecting portion is required, and the problem of toner clogging at the connecting portion cannot be solved by the cleaning operation disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561.

  For this reason, as a countermeasure against the toner clogging in the conventional toner conveyance path, it is effective to arrange the toner conveyance path in a place where it can be easily removed and to remove and clean it.

However, if it is assumed that the toner transport path is easily removed, the toner transport path cannot be set as an optimum path for toner transport, and the detour path or complicated path becomes a problem. There was a problem that it was likely to occur. There is also a problem that it is not possible to know where the toner clogging has occurred.
JP 2000-155513 A JP-A-10-268725 JP 2002-40777 A

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and has a simple configuration, but can solve the problem of toner clogging that easily occurs at a connecting portion or a bent portion on the toner transport path without removing the toner transport path. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.

  The object of the present invention can be achieved by the following constitution.

1. An image carrier that carries a toner image, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed on the image carrier to a transfer medium, and a cleaning unit that removes toner remaining on the image carrier or the transfer unit after transfer. An image forming apparatus comprising: a toner collecting and conveying unit that conveys and collects the toner removed by the cleaning unit;
An image forming apparatus having at least one opening and an opening / closing means for opening and closing the opening on a conveying path of the toner collecting / conveying means.

  2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 1, wherein the opening is provided in a connecting portion or a bent portion on a conveying path of the toner collecting and conveying unit.

3. An image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image; a developing unit that supplies a developer to the image carrier to form a toner image on the surface of the image carrier; and a toner that is conveyed and supplied to the developing unit An image forming apparatus having a toner supply and conveyance unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising at least one opening and at least one opening / closing means for opening / closing the opening on a conveying path of the toner supply / conveying means.

  4). 4. The image forming apparatus according to 3, wherein the opening is provided in a connecting portion or a bent portion on a transport path of the toner supply transport means.

5. A plurality of openings and a plurality of opening / closing means for opening and closing the openings are disposed in the conveyance path of the toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means, and correspond to each of the openings. And at least one opening prevention means for preventing opening of the opening / closing means for opening / closing the opening adjacent to the downstream side of the opening in the toner conveyance direction,
When the opening / closing means is opened when an arbitrary opening / closing means is opened when cleaning the toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means, the opening prevention means provided corresponding to the opening that is opened / closed by opening the opening / closing means is prevented. The operation is released, the blocking operation for the opening / closing means for opening / closing the opening adjacent to the downstream side of the opening in the toner transport direction is released, and the opening / closing means can be opened. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

6). The toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means includes an opening corresponding to an arbitrary opening / closing means and an auxiliary opening that can be opened / closed between the opening and the opening adjacent to the opening / closing means. Auxiliary opening opening means for opening the auxiliary opening in conjunction with,
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the opening / closing means is opened, the auxiliary opening opening means operates to open the auxiliary opening.

  7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening / closing means has a configuration using a valve-shaped lid member.

  8). A recovery duct extending to the recovery port for taking out toner from the opening is connected to the opening to form a new opening in the recovery port, and the opening / closing means is provided in the new opening. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized.

  9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to 8, wherein a recovery port of the recovery duct is disposed on an exterior back surface portion of the image forming apparatus.

  10. The toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means is driven by being connected to a toner conveying screw having screw-like blades on a rotating shaft, a toner conveying pipe for holding the toner conveying screw inside, and the rotating shaft. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

  11. The toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means includes: a toner storage unit that stores toner; an air pump that conveys toner together with air; an air tube that is connected to the air pump and conveys toner and air; The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 9, further comprising a toner separation unit that separates air.

  According to the present invention, the toner is easily collected from the opening by disposing the opening on the conveying path of the toner collecting and conveying means, and there is a problem of toner clogging on the conveying path of the toner collecting and conveying means. Can be eliminated. In addition, by providing an openable / closable opening / closing means at the opening, toner scattering from the opening can be prevented.

  In addition, since the toner transport path is not removed, it is not necessary to place the toner transport path in an easily removable place, so that the toner transport path can be set to the optimum path for toner transport and toner clogging occurs. A difficult route can be set.

  Furthermore, since it is not necessary to consider the removal of the toner transport path when determining the layout of the design of the image forming apparatus, each unit can be disposed at an optimal position.

  Although the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a color image forming apparatus GA according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  The color image forming apparatus GA shown in FIG. 1 is called a tandem type color image forming apparatus, and includes a plurality of sets of image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K, an intermediate transfer unit 70, a sheet feeding and conveying unit, and a fixing unit. 37. Toner images composed of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners were formed on the plurality of first image carriers, respectively, and formed on the first image carrier. The toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer member in a superimposed manner to form a color image. The color image formed on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to the transfer paper P at once. A document image reading device 10 is disposed on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body.

  The image forming unit 30Y that forms a yellow image includes a charger 32Y, a laser writing unit 20Y, a developing unit 33Y, a primary transfer unit 34Y, and a cleaning unit disposed around a photosensitive drum 31Y as a first image carrier. Means 39Y are provided. The image forming unit 30M that forms a magenta image includes a photosensitive drum 31M, a charger 32M, a laser writing unit 20M, a developing unit 33M, a primary transfer unit 34M, and a cleaning unit 39M. The image forming unit 30C that forms a cyan image includes a photosensitive drum 31C, a charger 32C, a laser writing unit 20C, a developing unit 33C, a primary transfer unit 34C, and a cleaning unit 39C. The image forming unit 30K that forms a black image includes a photosensitive drum 31K, a charger 32K, a laser writing unit 20K, a developing unit 33K, a primary transfer unit 34K, and a cleaning unit 39K. Each image forming unit 30 is charged, exposed, and developed, and a toner image of each color is formed on the photosensitive drum 31.

  The intermediate transfer unit 70 includes an intermediate transfer body 71 that is a semiconductive endless belt-shaped second image carrier wound around a plurality of rollers and rotatably supported.

  The toner images of the respective colors formed by the image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K are synchronized on the rotating intermediate transfer member 71 by the primary transfer units 34Y, 34M, 34C, and 34K, and are sequentially superimposed. Transferred to form a synthesized color image. The transfer paper P accommodated in the paper feed cassettes 41A, 41B, 41C is fed by the paper feed means 42A, passes through a plurality of intermediate rollers 43A, 43B, 43C, 43D, and registration rollers 44, and then is transferred by the secondary transfer means. The color images that are conveyed to a certain transfer roller 72 and superimposed are collectively transferred onto a transfer paper P as a transfer medium. The transfer paper P onto which the color image has been transferred is fixed by the fixing means 37, is sandwiched between the paper discharge rollers 46, and is placed on the paper discharge tray 54 outside the apparatus. The toner remaining on each photosensitive drum 31 after the primary transfer is removed by each cleaning means 39.

  On the other hand, the intermediate transfer body 71 obtained by transferring the color image onto the transfer paper P by the transfer roller 72 serving as the secondary transfer means and separating the curvature of the transfer paper P has the residual toner removed by the cleaning means 73 using a blade contacting the belt. Removed.

  The transfer roller 72 is provided with cleaning means 74 for removing the toner remaining on the transfer roller 72 after the secondary transfer, and the residual toner is removed.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the connecting portion of the entire toner conveyance path according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic views showing a configuration using a toner conveyance path incorporating a conveyance screw as an embodiment according to the toner collection and conveyance means of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of toner transport paths T1, T2, T5 and connecting members R1, R2 as toner collecting and transporting means for transporting waste toner.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of toner conveying paths T3, T4, T5 and connecting members R3, R4 as toner collecting / conveying means for conveying waste toner.

  In FIG. 2, a toner transport path T <b> 1 including a transport screw S <b> 1 for transporting waste toner to the back side of the image forming apparatus GA is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning unit 73. Below the rear end of the toner conveyance path T1, a toner conveyance path T2 including a conveyance screw S2 extending perpendicularly to the toner conveyance path T1 is connected to the toner conveyance path T1. . The toner transport path T1 and the toner transport path T2 are connected by a connecting member R1 having an opening M1.

  The toner transport path T2 is connected to a toner transport path T5a containing a transport screw S5 extending in the lateral direction by a connecting member R2 having an opening M2.

  In addition, a toner transport path T8 including a transport screw S8 for transporting waste toner to the back side of the image forming apparatus GA is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning unit 74. Below the end on the back side of the toner transport path T8, a toner transport path T9 including a transport screw S9 extending in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the toner transport path T8 is connected to the toner transport path T8. Yes. The toner transport path T8 and the toner transport path T9 are connected by a connecting member R8 having an opening M8. Further, the toner transport path T9 extending in the horizontal direction is connected to the toner transport path T2, and a connecting member R9 having an opening M9 is disposed at a connecting portion between the toner transport path T9 and the toner transport path T2.

  The toner transport path T2 is connected to a toner transport path T5a containing a transport screw S5 extending in the lateral direction by a connecting member R2 having an opening M2.

  On the other hand, a toner transport path T3Y including a transport screw S3Y for transporting waste toner to the back side of the image forming apparatus GA is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning unit 39Y. Below the rear end of the toner transport path T3Y, a toner transport path T4Y including a transport screw S4 extending perpendicularly to the toner transport path T3Y is connected to the toner transport path T3Y. . The toner transport path T3Y and the toner transport path T4Y are connected by a connecting member R3Y having an opening M3Y.

  Similarly, a toner conveyance path T3M including a conveyance screw S3M that conveys waste toner to the back side of the image forming apparatus GA is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning unit 39M. Below the end on the back surface side of the toner transport path T3M, a toner transport path T4M including a transport screw S4 extending perpendicularly to the toner transport path T3M is connected to the toner transport path T3M. . The toner transport path T3M and the toner transport path T4M are connected by a connecting member R3M having an opening M3M.

  Similar to the cleaning units 39Y and 39M, a toner transport path T3C (T3K) including a transport screw S3C (S3K) for transporting waste toner to the back side of the image forming apparatus GA is provided at the bottom of the cleaning unit 39C (39K). It is arranged. Below the end on the back side of the toner transport path T3C (T3K), a toner transport path T4C (T4K) including a transport screw S4 that extends downward perpendicular to the toner transport path T3C (T3K) is a toner transport path T3C. (T3K) is connected and arranged. The toner transport path T3C (T3K) and the toner transport path T4C (T4K) are connected by a connecting member R3C (R3K) having an opening M3C (M3K).

  A conveyance screw S4 built in the toner conveyance path T4Y extends downward through the toner conveyance paths T4M, T4C, and T4K, and is connected to the toner conveyance path T5a.

  The toner transport path T5a and the toner transport path T4K containing the transport screw S4 are connected by a connecting member R4 having an opening M4.

  A conveyance screw S5 incorporated in the toner conveyance path T5a extends laterally through the connecting member R4 that couples the toner conveyance path T5a and the toner conveyance path T5b and the toner conveyance path T5b. One end of the toner conveyance path T5b is connected to the connecting member R4, and the other end is connected to the connecting member R5 having the opening M5. The connecting member R5 is further connected to a toner transport path T6 including a transport screw S6 extending in the front-rear direction.

  Further, in the vicinity of one end portion of the toner transport path T6, the toner transport path T7 is connected to the toner transport path T6, and the toner transport path T7 drops the toner toward the toner collection container 80 positioned below. Supply.

  3, FIG. 3 (a) is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific configuration around the connecting member R1 and the connecting member R2, and FIG. 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3 (a). 3 (c) is a BB sectional view of FIG. 3 (a). 3A shows a state in which the lid member F1 as the opening / closing means in FIGS. 3B and 3C is removed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an opening M1 is formed in the connecting member R1 that connects the toner conveyance path T1 and the toner conveyance path T2, and the opening M1 is opened and closed by a lid member F1 as an opening / closing means that can be opened and closed. .

  The connecting member R1 is made of a molded resin part or a metal part that is cast or die-cast.

  The lid member F1 is made of an elastic resin material, rubber, or metal material. However, the lid member F1 may be a rigid body, and the opening M1 of the connecting member R1 into which the lid member F1 is fitted may have elasticity. Moreover, it is also possible to make the shape of the opening M1 and the lid member F1 cylindrical and open and close by screw fitting. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which uses a spring member and makes the cover member F1 closely_contact | adhere to the opening part M1 by the urging | biasing of a spring.

  About the material and structure of connecting member R1 and lid member F1 which were demonstrated above, it can use similarly about connecting member R2-5 and lid members F2-5 as an opening-and-closing means.

  The toner conveyance path T2 includes a conveyance screw S2 that forcibly drops the waste toner discharged from the toner conveyance path T1 downward as indicated by an arrow H1. A gear G2 connected to a drive motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the transport screw S2 is fixed to a rotary shaft portion formed at an end portion below the transport screw S2.

  Below the toner transport path T2, a connecting member R2 connected to the toner transport path T2 is disposed. Further, the connecting member R2 further transports waste toner laterally and sends it to the upper part of the toner collection container 80. Path | route T5a is connected. An opening M2 is formed in the connecting member R2, and the opening M2 is opened and closed by a lid member F2 that can be opened and closed. A gear G5 connected to a drive motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the conveying screw S5 is fixed to a rotating shaft portion formed at one end of the conveying screw S2.

  The toner transport path T1 or the toner transport path T2 is formed of a cylindrical resin part or metal part. The conveying screw S1 or the conveying screw S2 is formed by cutting or molding a resin material or a metal material.

  The toner transport path T1 or the toner transport path T2 and the material and processing method of the transport screw S1 or the transport screw S2 described above are similarly used for the toner transport paths T3 to T9 and the transport screws S3 to S9. it can.

  Waste toner removed by the cleaning unit 73 from the surface of the intermediate transfer member 71 as the second image carrier is discharged from the cleaning unit 73 by the toner conveyance path T1, passes through the connecting member R1, and rotates by the conveyance screw S2. The toner is conveyed downward in the toner conveyance path T2 as indicated by an arrow.

  The waste toner transported in the toner transport path T2 reaches the connecting member R2, and then transports in the lateral direction indicated by the arrow H2 by the rotation of the transport screw S2 of the toner transport path T5a connected to the connecting member R2. Is done.

  By providing lid members F1 and F2 that can be opened and closed on the connecting members R1 and R2, even if toner clogging occurs in the vicinity of the connecting member R1 or R2, the lid members F1 and F2 are opened to open the inside of the connecting members R1 and R2. The toner clogging can be easily eliminated by removing the waste toner.

  In general, a commercially available cleaner or a dedicated cleaner is used to remove the waste toner in the toner conveyance path. The operator inserts the tip nozzle portion of the cleaner into the openings M1 and M2 of the toner transport paths T1 and T2, and sucks the waste toner in the toner transport paths T1 and T2 (hereinafter, the same applies to the toner transport paths T3 to T9). And).

  4A is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific configuration around the connecting member R3 and the connecting member R4, and FIG. 4B is a CC cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A. .

  The toner transport paths T3Y, T3M, T3C, and T3K disposed in the cleaning units 39Y, 39M, 39C, and 39K incorporate transport screws S3Y, S3M, S3C, and S3K. The toner transport paths T3Y, T3M, T3C, and T3K are connected to the toner transport paths T4Y, T4M, T4C, and T4K through the connecting portions R3Y, R3M, R3C, and R3K.

  Openings M3Y, M3M, M3C, and M3K are formed in the connecting members R3Y, R3M, R3C, and R3K, respectively, and the openings M3Y, M3M, M3C, and M3K are opened and closed by lid members F3Y, F3M, F3C, and F3K that can be opened and closed. The A gear G4 that is connected to a drive motor that rotationally drives the conveying screw S4 is fixed to the rotating shaft at the lower end of the conveying screw S4.

  Waste toner discharged from the ends of the toner transport paths T3Y, T3M, T3C, and T3K is transported downward in the toner transport paths T4Y, T4M, T4C, and T4K as indicated by an arrow H3 by the rotation of the transport screw S4. Is done.

  The waste toner transported in the toner transport paths T4Y, T4M, T4C, and T4K reaches the connecting member R4, and then is indicated by the rotation of the transport screw S5 in the toner transport paths T5a and T5b connected to the connecting member R4. It is conveyed toward the horizontal direction.

  The transport screw S5 is disposed through the toner transport path T5a, the connecting member R4, and the toner transport path T5b, and a gear G5 (see FIG. 3) is fixed to the end of the rotation shaft on the toner transport path T5a side. The

  By providing lid members F3Y, F3M, F3C, and F3K that can be opened and closed at the openings M3Y, M3M, M3C, and M3K of the connecting members R3Y, R3M, R3C, and R3K, even if toner clogging occurs, clogged waste toner can be easily obtained. Can be removed.

  Similarly, an opening M4 is formed in the connecting member R4, and the opening M4 is opened and closed by a lid member F4 that can be opened and closed.

  The connecting member R4 is connected to the toner transport path T4K, the toner transport path T5a, and the toner transport path T5b. In the connecting member R4, waste toner discharged from the cleaning means 73 is carried in from the toner transport path T5a, and waste toner discharged from the cleaning means 39Y, 39M, 39C, 39K is transported in from the toner transport path T4K, and the toner transport path. It is discharged from T5b.

  The toner transport path T5b that connects one end to the connecting member R4 is connected to the connecting member R5 at the other end. The connecting member R5 is further connected to one end portion of a toner transport path T6 as a toner collecting / conveying means incorporating the transport screw S6. The other end of the toner transport path T6 is connected to a connecting member (not shown) that is connected to a toner transport path T7 as a toner recovery transport means. The toner transport path T7 discharges waste toner toward the toner recovery container 80. It is arranged at a position that can be.

  Waste toner discharged in the lateral direction indicated by arrow H4 from the toner transport path T5b is transported to the toner transport path T6 via the connecting member R5, and is connected to the toner transport path T7 through the connecting member and the toner transport path T7. Then, the toner is discharged and collected in the toner collecting container 80.

  Regarding the configuration and operation of the connecting members R5, R8, R9, the connecting members connected to the toner transport paths T7 to T9, and the toner transport paths T6 to T9, the configurations in the connecting members R1 to R4 and the toner transport paths T1 to T5. Since the operation is similar to that of the operation, the description is omitted.

  In the step of connecting the toner transport paths T1 to T9 in the connecting members R1 to R5, R8, and R9, the transported waste toner is not transported by the rotating transport screw and becomes clogged, resulting in a transport failure. There is a tendency, especially in the connecting part. According to the present invention, the occurrence of such an accident is prevented by a configuration in which an opening that can remove clogged toner is provided in the connecting portion, which has a simple configuration.

  In this embodiment, the transfer roller is used as the transfer unit and the cleaning device 74 is provided on the transfer roller. However, the transfer belt is used as the transfer device and the cleaning device is provided on the transfer belt. It is possible to apply.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a toner conveyance path that incorporates a coiled spring member and has a bent portion, as an embodiment of the toner collection and conveyance means of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, a toner conveyance path Ta as a toner collection and conveyance means includes a coiled spring member Sa having one end fixed to a rotation axis Ja in a cylindrical toner conveyance tube Pa, and is rotated by rotation of the rotation axis Ja. The coil-shaped spring member Sa is rotated to convey the toner. A gear Ga that is rotationally driven by being connected to a drive motor (not shown) is fixed to the rotary shaft Ja.

  The carry-in entrance Ea for carrying in the toner is connected to a portion opened near one end of the toner carrying tube Pb. An opening portion Ma is provided at the carry-in port Ea connected to the toner transport tube Pb, and the opening portion Ma is opened and closed by a lid member Fa as an openable and closable opening / closing means fitted to the opening portion Ma.

  Further, bent portions Ba and Bb are disposed in a part of the toner transport tube Pa. An opening Mb is formed in a part of the bent portion Ba of the toner transport tube Pa, and the opening Mb is opened and closed by a lid member Fb serving as an opening / closing means that can be fitted to the opening Mb. Similarly, an opening Mc is formed in a part of the bent portion Bb of the toner transport tube Pa, and the opening Mc is opened and closed by a lid member Fc serving as an openable and closable opening / closing means fitted to the opening Mc.

  The materials and configurations of the lid members Fa, Fb, and Fc are the same as those of the transport screw type lid members F1 and F2 described with reference to FIG.

  The material of the toner transport tubes Pa and Pb is generally a resin molded product, but can be formed by combining thin metal pipes.

  The coiled spring members Sa and Sb use metal windings having elasticity such as piano wires.

  The toner carried in from the carry-in entrance Ea is transported by a coiled spring member Sa that rotates with the rotation of the gear Ga that is rotationally driven by the drive motor, and moves in the lower left direction indicated by an arrow Hb in FIG. .

  The toner collecting and conveying means using the coiled spring members Sa and Sb of the present embodiment can be manufactured at a lower cost than the toner collecting and conveying means using the screw member described above, and a bent portion with a gentle angle is provided. Even in such a case, the toner can be conveyed.

  By providing openings Ma, Mb, Mc at the inlet Ea connected to the toner conveyance tube Pa and the bent portions Ba, Bb, the operator can use the cleaner Ma to clean the openings Ma, The toner can be easily recovered from Mb and Mc. As a result, it is possible to solve the problem of toner clogging that tends to occur at the connecting portion and the bent portion on the conveying path of the toner collecting and conveying means.

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the toner to be recovered is recovered from the image carrier and the transfer unit has been described. However, the configuration of the present invention is a recovery toner discharged from all areas of the image forming apparatus including the fixing unit. Is applicable.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a monochrome image forming apparatus GB according to another embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  The monochrome image forming apparatus GB includes an automatic document feeder 200, a document reading unit 210, an image forming unit 220, a fixing device 8, and a paper feeding unit.

  In FIG. 6, the automatic document feeder 200 conveys the originals placed on the original document feed tray one by one to the reading position, and accumulates the read originals on the original discharge tray.

  The document reading unit 210 reads an image of a document and generates digital image data.

  The image forming unit 220 forms an image on a recording material as a transfer medium by an electrophotographic method, and includes a charging device 2, an exposure device 3, a developing device 4, and a drum-shaped photoconductor 1 as an image carrier. A transfer device 5 and a cleaning device 7 are arranged. Below the image forming unit 220, a paper feeding unit 230 including a plurality of recording material storage units and a paper feeding / conveying unit is provided to feed the recording material to the image forming unit 220. Reference numeral 100 denotes a manual sheet feeder. The recording material fed from the paper feeding unit 230 or the manual paper feeding unit 100 is supplied between the photosensitive member 1 and the transfer device 5 by the registration roller 110, fixed by the fixing device 8, and discharged to the paper discharge tray 120. Is done.

  The paper feed unit 230 includes a recording material storage unit 23A having three paper supply trays 23A1, 23A2, and 23A3, and a paper feed conveyance unit 23B disposed on the side of the recording material storage unit 23A.

  The photoreceptor 1 rotates clockwise, and a toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 1 by charging by the charging device 2, image exposure by the exposure device 3, and development by the developing device 4. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording material by the transfer device 5. The recording material onto which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to a fixing process in the fixing device 8 and then discharged onto a discharge tray 120.

  The developing device 4 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 1 using a two-component developer containing toner and a carrier, or a one-component developer containing no toner or a toner and an additive. The developing device 4 stores a predetermined amount of developer. When a two-component developer is used, the toner consumed by the development is replenished from a toner storage unit 240 described below, and the toner in the developing device is stored. The toner density of the developer is always maintained at a predetermined value. Further, in a developing device using a one-component developer, the amount of developer in the developing device is always maintained at a predetermined amount by the same toner replenishment.

  A toner container 301 is attached to the toner storage unit 240. The toner storage unit 240 includes a toner hopper 300 which is an example of a toner storage chamber and a funnel-shaped mixing chamber 305. In addition, the toner separation unit 600 disposed in the vicinity of the developing device 4 and the toner storage unit 240 provided at a position away from the developing device 4 are supplied by supply tubes 400 and 401 and return tubes 402 and 403 that are air tubes. Connected.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a toner replenishing mechanism as a toner supply / conveying unit of the monochrome image forming apparatus GB shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air pumps 501 and 502 shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the detailed configuration of the toner separation unit 600 shown in FIG.

  The toner supply mechanism includes a toner reservoir 240 having a toner container 301, a toner hopper 300, and a mixing chamber 305, an air pump 501 as a supply fluid transfer means, an air pump 502 as a return fluid transfer means, a toner separator 600, and a supply pipe. 400 and 401 and return pipes 402 and 403. The air pumps 501 and 502 include a replenishment pipe 400 and a return pipe 403 as first vertical pipe parts that extend substantially vertically upward from the toner storage part 240, and a first horizontal pipe part that is piped substantially horizontally from the toner separation part 600. Are arranged at a joint portion between the supply pipe 401 and the return pipe 402. The supply pipe 400 connects the toner storage unit 240 and the air pump 501, and the return pipe 403 connects the toner storage unit 240 and the air pump 502. The replenishment pipe 401 connects the air pump 501 and the toner separator 600, and the return pipe 402 connects the air pump 502 and the toner separator 600. In other words, the air pumps 501 and 502 are arranged at the connecting portion between the first vertical tube portion and the first horizontal tube portion.

  The toner storage unit 240 basically includes a toner storage chamber and a mixing chamber for mixing toner and air. The toner storage unit 240 is disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the sheet feeding / conveying unit 23B is disposed with respect to the recording material storage unit 23A, and includes a toner hopper 300 and a funnel-shaped mixing chamber 305. A cylindrical toner container 301 is attached to the toner reservoir 240, and the toner drops from the toner container 301 to the toner hopper 300 through an opening (not shown) by rotating the toner container 301 with a motor (not shown). The toner hopper 300 is provided with a bar-shaped stirring member 302 having a plurality of U-shaped portions, and a toner transport path Tc as a toner supply / conveying means that incorporates a transport screw Sc below. The toner conveyance path Tc is disposed so that the longitudinal direction thereof extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the agitating member 302, and a toner conveyance path as a toner supply and conveyance means having an opening connected to the mixing chamber 305 in the vicinity of one end. Td is provided.

  The toner dropped into the toner hopper 300 is rotated by the stirring member 302 and the transport screw Sc by rotation of a stirring motor (not shown), is transported through the toner transport path Tc while being stirred, and falls into the mixing chamber 305 through the toner transport path Td. To do.

  An opening Md that is opened and closed by a lid member (not shown) that can be opened and closed is formed at a connecting portion between the toner conveyance path Tc and the toner conveyance path Td. About the structure and material of a connection part and a cover member, since it is similar to the connection part and cover member demonstrated so far, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  With the configuration in which the opening Md that can be opened and closed is provided at the connecting portion between the toner transport path Tc and the toner transport path Td, even if toner clogging occurs in the connecting section, it can be easily removed.

  On the other hand, as will be described later, air is fed into the mixing chamber 305 through a return pipe 403, and a fluid in which toner and air are mixed is formed.

  As the fluid conveying means, air pumps 501 and 502 comprising a diaphragm pump shown in FIG. 8 are used. However, any known pump such as a screw pump disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 7-219329 and 8-6368 is used. These pumps can also be used.

  The air pump 501 constitutes a replenishment fluid transport means for transporting a mixed fluid of toner and air from the toner reservoir 240 to the toner separator 600, and the air pump 502 is a return fluid that returns air from the toner separator 600 to the toner reservoir 240. Conveying means is configured. In the illustrated example, air pumps 501 and 502 having the same structure are used. However, different structures or different types of pumps may be used for the replenishment fluid transfer means and the return fluid transfer means. The detailed configuration and operation of the toner separation unit 600 will be described later.

  In the example shown in the figure, the fluid conveying means is disposed above the toner reservoir.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the air pumps 501 and 502 will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, air pumps 501 and 502 are diaphragm pumps having the same structure shown in FIG.

  The air pump 501 has an intake port connected to the supply pipe 400 and an exhaust port connected to the supply pipe 401. The air pump 502 has an intake port connected to the supply pipe 402 and an exhaust port connected to the return pipe 403. A pump chamber formed by the outer wall 50 is partitioned into an intake chamber 50a and an exhaust chamber 50b by an inner wall 51. A valve 53 is provided at the intake port of the intake chamber 50a, and a vent hole (a vent port provided in the inner wall 51). ) Is provided with a valve 54.

  A part of the outer shape of the air pumps 501 and 502 is formed by a diaphragm 52 formed of an elastic body made of rubber, and the diaphragm 52 is driven by an eccentric rotating member 56 driven by a pump driving motor 55 and indicated by a solid line and a dotted line It is transformed into the state shown by

  The eccentric rotation member 56 is rotated by the pump drive motor 55, and this rotation causes the diaphragm 52 to deform between the state indicated by the solid line and the state indicated by the dotted line, thereby changing the volume of the intake chamber 50a and increasing or decreasing the pressure in the intake chamber 50a. . By increasing or decreasing the pressure, the valves 53 and 54 are deformed into a state indicated by a solid line and a state indicated by a dotted line, respectively, and the fluid is conveyed in one direction as indicated by an arrow.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the toner separation unit 600 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 9, a toner separation unit 600 is a part that separates toner from a fluid and supplies the toner to the developing device, and the toner replenishing mechanism is simplified by dropping the separated toner onto the developing device. Therefore, the toner separation unit is disposed above the developing device.

  The toner separator 600 has an outer wall 61 that forms the outer diameter of the toner separator 600, inner walls 64 and 65 that separate the toner separator 600 into an introduction chamber 6OA and an exhaust chamber, and an auxiliary inner wall 66. The exhaust chamber includes an exhaust portion 60B and a filter chamber 60C.

  An air introduction port 62 is provided in the introduction chamber 60A, and an air discharge port 63 is provided in the exhaust part 60B. The auxiliary inner wall 66 guides the fall of the toner and suppresses the rise of the toner. Two stirring members 67 having wings are provided below the toner separation unit 600.

  At the bottom of the outer wall 61 located in the middle of the two agitating members 67, a toner transport path Te as toner supply transport means for transporting the toner to the upper side of the developing device 4, and a toner for dropping the toner toward the developing device 4 A toner transport path Tf as a supply transport means is provided.

  An opening portion Me is formed at a connecting portion between the toner conveyance path Te and the toner conveyance path Tf, and the opening portion Me is opened and closed by a lid member (not shown) that fits the opening portion Me. About the structure and material of a connection part and a cover member, since it is similar to the connection part and cover member demonstrated so far, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The fluid mixture of toner and air is introduced from the air inlet 62 into the introduction chamber 60A as indicated by the arrow W1, and falls as indicated by W2. The introduction chamber 60A is filled with the mixed fluid, but receives a pressure due to the fluid conveyance force by the air pump 502, and partially rises and is conveyed to the exhaust part 60B as indicated by an arrow W3. Due to the specific gravity of the toner and the action of the auxiliary inner wall 66, the toner concentration in the mixed fluid that rises in the direction indicated by the arrow W3 decreases, and the fluid is substantially made of air. The mixed fluid in the exhaust section 60B is discharged from the air discharge port 63 as indicated by an arrow W4, and part of the fluid enters the filter chamber 60C as indicated by an arrow W5, and is filtered and discharged by the filter 69.

  As shown in the figure, a communicating path through which the mixed fluid meanders is formed by the vertical portion 65A of the inner wall 65 and the vertical portion 64A of the inner wall 64. Due to such meandering communication paths, the toner content in the discharged air and the toner content in the fluid processed by the filter 69 become low values. The vertical portions 65A and 64A are cylindrical, and the cylinder of the vertical portion 64A is arranged in the cylinder of the vertical portion 65A.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the toner hopper 300, the air pumps 501 and 502, and the toner separator 600 are connected by supply pipes 400 and 401 and return pipes 402 and 403.

  The air pump 501 transports the mixed fluid from the toner hopper 300 to the air pump 501 as indicated by an arrow X1 and from the air pump 501 to the toner separator 600 as indicated by an arrow X2 to supply toner. Similarly, the air pump 502 returns air from the toner separation unit 600 to the air pump 502 as indicated by an arrow X3 and from the air pump 502 to the toner hopper 300 as indicated by an arrow X4. Then, the toner is separated in the toner separation unit 600, and the separated toner is transported above the developing device 4 by a screw Se built in the toner transport path Te, and dropped through the toner transport path Tf, and the developing device 4 is supplied.

  The amount of toner in the toner hopper 300 is detected by a toner sensor 303 using a piezo element, and when the toner level falls below the level detected by the toner sensor 303, the motor 38 is activated and the toner from the toner container 301 to the toner hopper 300 Replenish.

  In response to a replenishment signal for replenishing toner from the control means (not shown) to the developing device 4, a stirring motor (not shown) is activated to drive the stirring member 302 to stir the toner in the toner hopper 300 and to drive the screw 304 to remove the toner. Drop into the mixing chamber 305. In response to the replenishment signal, the pump drive motor 55 is activated and the air pumps 501 and 502 are activated. By the operation of the air pumps 501 and 502, an air flow is generated in the mixing chamber 305 to mix the toner and air, and the mixed fluid is conveyed to the toner separation unit 600 through the supply pipes 400 and 401 by the conveying force of the air pump 501.

  The toner separated by the toner separation unit 600 is transported in the toner transport path Te to a position above the developing device 4 by a transport screw Se built in the toner transport path Te as a toner supply transport means. Next, the toner drops and is supplied into the developing device 4 through a toner conveyance path Tf as a toner supply and conveyance means. Further, the separated air returns to the mixing chamber 305 through the return pipes 402 and 403 by the conveying force of the air pump 502.

  With the configuration in which the opening / closing opening Me is provided at the connecting portion between the toner transport path Te and the toner transport path Tf, even if toner clogging occurs in the connecting portion, it can be easily removed.

  Although the configuration and operation of the toner replenishing device of the monochrome image forming apparatus have been described in the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a color image forming apparatus by using a plurality of similar toner replenishing devices.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the embodiment according to the recovery duct of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  In FIG. 10, Rg is a connecting member connected to an arbitrary toner conveyance path (not shown), and an opening Mg is formed in the connecting member Rg. The recovery duct Dg is a connecting member having a cylindrical shape. One end of the recovery duct Dg is connected to the opening Mg of the connection portion Rg, and the other end is connected to the exterior rear portion of the image forming apparatus. It is connected to one end of the recovery port Kg having a new opening Mk. The openable / closable lid member Fg is fitted into a new opening Mk of the recovery port Kg attached to the exterior plate 90 on the back side of the image forming apparatus to open and close the opening Mk.

  About the structure and material of the cover member Fg, since it is similar to the connection part and cover member which were demonstrated until now, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  With the configuration using the recovery duct Dg according to the present embodiment, the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner can be easily provided even if there are other components between the opening Mg of the connecting member Rg and the exterior rear surface of the image forming apparatus. It can be fitted into the opening Mk of the recovery port Kg, and the work such as removal of the members constituting the toner transport path is not necessary. Further, since it is not necessary to remove a member constituting the toner conveyance path, the toner conveyance path can be disposed at an optimum position where it is not necessary to consider ease of removal.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of an embodiment in which a valve-like lid member is used as an opening / closing means for the lid member of the toner supply / conveyance means in the present invention.

  FIG. 11A shows a state in which the lid member Fh is closed during normal operation, and FIG. 11B shows a state in which the lid member Fh is opened during cleaning of the toner conveyance path.

  In FIG. 11, Rh is a connecting member having an opening Mh that is connected to a toner transport path (not shown).

  In FIG. 11A, the connecting member Rh is provided with a valve-like lid member Fh configured to be swingable about the rotation shaft, and the pressing force P1 is applied to the lid member Fh from the outside of the connecting member Rh. A spring member Bh that is pressed to seal the opening Mh is disposed.

  In FIG. 11B, when the tip nozzle portion (not shown) of the cleaner is fitted to the connecting member Rh when the toner transport path is cleaned, and the vacuum cleaner performs a suction operation, the air and toner stored in the connecting member Rh. Is sucked by the suction force P2 of the vacuum cleaner. Since the suction force P2 of the vacuum cleaner is set to be larger than the pressing force P1 of the spring member Bh, the lid member Fh rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis against the pressing force P1 to open the opening Mh. Air and toner are sucked in the state.

  The configuration using the valve-shaped lid member Fh according to the present embodiment eliminates the need for manually opening the lid member, shortens the cleaning work time, and allows the cleaning work to be performed without soiling the hands. .

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of an embodiment according to the opening prevention mechanism KS as the opening prevention means of the present invention.

  In FIG. 12, Ri represents a connecting member connected to the upstream side of an arbitrary toner transport path Ti in the toner transport direction, and Rj is adjacent to the connecting member Ri and connected to the downstream side of the toner transport path Ti in the toner transport direction. A connection member is shown. An opening Mi is formed in the connecting member Ri, and the opening Mi is opened and closed by a lid member Fi that can be opened and closed. Similarly, an opening Mj is formed in the connecting member Rj, and the opening Mj is opened and closed by an openable / closable lid member Fj having a notch Fjk.

  The opening prevention mechanism KS includes an opening prevention claw CR, a cam member CM1, a connecting plate RB1, swing plates YD1, YD2, and a spring member SP1.

  The cam member CM1 is a fan-shaped member, and has a hole (not shown) that is rotatably fitted to a shaft J1 fixed to the connecting member Ri at the position of the sector of the sector, and is connected near the tip of the sector. A connecting shaft J2 that is rotatably fitted to a hole (not shown) of the plate RB1 is fixed. The cam member CM1 is pivotally supported by the axis J1, and is arranged so as to be rotatable in the direction indicated by the arrow about the axis J1.

  The connecting plate RB1 is an elongated plate-like member, has a hole (not shown) that fits in the connecting shaft J2 of the cam member CM1 at one end, and a connecting shaft of an opening prevention claw CR described later at the other end. It has a hole (not shown) that fits into J8. Further, there are two fitting holes (not shown) spaced apart in the middle of the connecting plate RB1 in the longitudinal direction, and engages one end of the spring member SP1 in the middle of the two fitting holes. A spring hook portion Rs1 is formed.

  The opening prevention claw CR is attached to a shaft J7 fixed to a claw portion (not indicated by reference numeral) that engages with the notch Fjk of the lid member Fj and an opening prevention mechanism mounting portion (not indicated by reference numeral) of the image forming apparatus main body. A connecting shaft J8 that has a fitting hole (no reference symbol) and fits into the hole of the connecting plate RB1 is fixed. The opening prevention claw CR is pivotally supported by the shaft J7 and is disposed so as to be swingable about the shaft J7 in the direction of the arrow.

  The swing plates YD1 and YD2 are elongated plate-like members, each having connection shafts J4 and J6 that fit into the two fitting holes of the connection plate RB1 at one end, and the other end. Each has a hole that fits into the shafts J3 and J5 fixed to the opening prevention mechanism mounting portion. The swing plates YD1 and YD2 are rotatably disposed around the axes J3 and J5, and the connecting shafts J4 and J6 are respectively fitted into the two fitting holes provided in the connecting plate RB1. The connecting plate RB1 is swingably held. One end of the spring member SP1 is engaged with the spring hooking portion Rs1 of the connecting plate RB1, and biases the connecting plate RB1 in the U direction indicated by the arrow. Further, an arm portion (without reference numeral) for fixing the stopper pin ST1 is formed in the opening prevention mechanism mounting portion. In the present embodiment, the lid member located on the most upstream side is not provided with an opening prevention claw.

  During normal use of the image forming apparatus, since the lid members Fi and Fj cover the openings Mi and Mj in a sealed state, the cam member CM1 is pushed by the inner wall surface of the lid member Fi and rotates counterclockwise. The connecting plate RB1 is pressed in the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG. The connecting plate RB1 pressed in the arrow D direction by the cam member CM1 presses the opening prevention claw CR in the arrow D direction via the connecting shaft J8. The release prevention claw CR pressed in the direction indicated by the arrow D engages the claw portion with a notch Fjk formed in the lid member Fj to prevent the lid member Bj from being opened.

  In the image forming apparatus, when cleaning of the toner collection / conveyance path or the toner supply / conveyance path is performed, the lid member Fi is first removed. When the lid member Fi is removed, the connecting plate RB1 urged in the U direction indicated by the arrow by the spring member SP1 moves to a position where the swing plate YD2 is in contact with the stopper pin ST1 as indicated by a broken line in FIG. The tip of the claw portion of the release prevention claw CR is released from the notch Fjk, and the engagement is released. As a result, the lid member Fj is disengaged by the release preventing claw CR and can be released.

  Next, as another embodiment of the lid member, a configuration in which the opening Mj is formed in a cylindrical shape, a screw portion is formed on the outer periphery, and a screw fit is formed between the lid member Fj formed with the screw portion on the inner periphery. The case of using will be described.

  In the configuration with screw fitting, the shape of the cutout portion Fjk of the lid member Fj is formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical screw, and has a slit having a width that can be engaged with the claw portion of the release prevention claw CR in parallel to the central axis direction. What is necessary is just to form. That is, during normal use of the image forming apparatus, the opening prevention claw CR engages the claw portion with a slit formed in the lid member Fj to prevent the lid member Bj from rotating, thereby preventing the lid member from being opened. This is the configuration. Further, when the toner transport path is cleaned, the lid member can be opened by releasing the engagement of the opening prevention claw CR.

  In this embodiment, the lid member located on the most upstream side is not provided with an opening prevention claw, but can be manually opened. However, the lid member on the most upstream side is also provided with an opening prevention claw. In addition, the release blocking pawl may be unlocked by a mode switching operation performed when cleaning the toner conveyance path. In other words, the release block pawl is unlocked by a known means such as operating a solenoid or a motor by operating a switch on the operation panel when switching the mode, or operating a mechanical mechanism by switching a lever or the like. is there.

  In the present embodiment, the opening prevention mechanism as the opening prevention means has been described by using an example using a mechanical mechanism. However, a system using an electrical mechanism may be used. That is, the opening of the lid member located upstream is detected by an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor, and the opening prevention of the lid member located downstream is controlled using a solenoid or a motor. is there.

  If the lid member located on the most upstream side in the toner conveying direction is the lid member Fi of the present embodiment, and the opening prevention mechanism KS of the present invention is applied between the adjacent lid members Fj, the work procedure is as follows. The procedure is to always clean the upstream side with priority over the downstream side.

  In general, the toner conveyance path is often clogged more downstream than the upstream clogging, and it is often possible to work more efficiently by cleaning the upstream side first. Further, when the downstream side is cleaned first, there is a problem that the toner is likely to be scattered to the downstream side during the upstream cleaning.

  By using the opening prevention mechanism KS of the present invention, the upstream side can always be cleaned with priority on the downstream side, the above-mentioned problems can be solved, and an efficient cleaning operation can be performed.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of an embodiment related to the auxiliary opening opening mechanism HK as the auxiliary opening opening means of the present invention.

  In FIG. 13, Rk indicates a connecting member connected to an arbitrary toner transport path Tk (no reference symbol). An opening Mk is formed in the connecting member Rk, and the opening Mk is opened and closed by a lid member Fk that can be opened and closed. The auxiliary opening Mm is provided adjacent to the opening Mk on the downstream side in the toner conveyance direction, and is opened and closed by an auxiliary opening lid member Fm that is connected to the auxiliary opening opening mechanism HK and performs an opening / closing operation. .

  The auxiliary opening opening mechanism HK includes a cam member CM2, a connecting plate RB2, swing plates YD3 and YD4, a spring member SP2, an auxiliary opening lid member Fm, and the like.

  The cam member CM2 is a fan-shaped member, and has a hole (not indicated by reference numeral) that is rotatably fitted to the shaft J11 fixed to the connecting member Rk at the position of the sector shape of the sector shape. In the vicinity, a connecting shaft 12 that is rotatably fitted in a hole (no reference numeral) of the connecting plate RB2 is fixed. The cam member CM2 is pivotally supported by the axis J11 and is disposed so as to be able to rotate in the direction of the arrow about the axis J11.

  The connecting plate RB2 is an elongated plate-like member, and has a hole (not indicated by a reference numeral) that fits in the connecting shaft 12 of the cam member CM2 at one end. In the vicinity of the other end and the center of the connecting plate RB2, there are two fitting holes (not denoted by reference numerals) that fit into the connecting shafts J14 and J18 of the swing plates YD3 and YD4, respectively. Further, a spring hooking portion Rs2 that engages with one end of the spring member SP2 is formed in the middle of the two fitting holes of the connecting plate RB2.

  The oscillating plate YD3 is a plate-like member having a U-shape, and has a hole that fits in a shaft J13 (described later) at a center portion that is bent into a U-shape. A connecting shaft 14 that fits into the fitting hole of the connecting plate RB2 is fixed to one end of the U shape, and a connection fixed to the auxiliary opening lid member Fm is fixed to the other end. A hole for fitting with the shaft 16 is provided.

  YD4 is a long and thin plate-like member. A connecting shaft 18 that fits into a fitting hole of the connecting plate RB2 is fixed at one end, and an auxiliary opening opening mechanism mounting portion is fixed at the other end. Has a hole to be fitted to the shaft J17.

  The rocking plates YD3 and YD4 are rotatably disposed around the axes J13 and J17, and the connecting pins are fitted into the two holes provided in the connecting plate RB2 to hold the connecting plate RB2. Yes. One end of the spring member SP2 is engaged with the spring hook portion of the connecting plate RB2, and the connecting plate RB2 is urged in the U direction indicated by the arrow. Further, an arm portion (without reference numeral) for fixing the stopper pin ST2 is formed in the opening prevention mechanism mounting portion.

  The auxiliary opening lid member Fm is a plate-like member having an area covering the auxiliary opening Mm of the connecting member Rk, and a fitting hole formed in one end portion is in the vicinity of the auxiliary opening Mm of the connecting member Rk. The shaft is supported by a fixed shaft J16 and is arranged so as to be able to rotate in the direction of the arrow about the shaft J16. At the other end of the auxiliary opening lid member Fm, a connecting shaft 15 that fits into a hole (no reference numeral) of the swing plate YD3 is fixed.

  During normal use of the image forming apparatus, since the lid member Fk covers the opening Mk, the cam member CM2 is pushed by the inner wall surface of the lid member Fk and rotates counterclockwise, and the connecting plate RB2 is moved to FIG. Press in the direction of arrow D. The connecting plate RB2 pressed in the arrow D direction by the cam member CM2 rotates the swing plate YD3 in the clockwise direction via the connecting shaft J14 of the swing plate YD3 fitted in the hole of the connecting plate RB2. The swinging plate YD3 that rotates clockwise rotates the auxiliary opening cover member Fm counterclockwise via a connecting shaft J15 fixed to the auxiliary opening cover member Fm that fits into the hole of the swinging plate YD3. And the auxiliary opening lid member Fm is pressed against the auxiliary opening Mm so as to be sealed.

  In the image forming apparatus, when cleaning of the toner collection / conveyance path or the toner supply / conveyance path is performed, the lid member Fk is first removed. When the lid member Fk is removed, the connecting plate RB2 is urged in the U direction indicated by the arrow by the spring member SP2, and the swing plate YD4 contacts the stopper pin ST2 and moves to the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. When the connecting plate RB2 moves to the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 13, the swinging plate YD3 moves to the position indicated by the broken line via the connecting shaft 14 of the swinging plate YD3, and further, the connecting shaft 15 of the auxiliary opening lid member Fm. The auxiliary opening portion lid member Fm rotates clockwise to open the auxiliary opening portion Mm.

  In the present embodiment, the auxiliary opening opening mechanism as the auxiliary opening opening means has been described as an example using a mechanical mechanism, but a method using an electrical mechanism may be used. That is, the opening of the lid member is detected by an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor, and the opening / closing operation of the auxiliary lid member is controlled using a solenoid or a motor.

  When cleaning the inside of the toner transport path, if you try to suck the toner in the toner transport path by inserting the tip nozzle of the vacuum cleaner into the opening with only one lid member removed, the sealed toner transport There is a problem that the air pressure in the path decreases and sufficient suction cannot be performed. In particular, this problem is likely to occur when removing the lid member located at the uppermost stream and performing a cleaning operation.

  By using the auxiliary opening opening mechanism HK as the auxiliary opening opening means of the present invention, the above problem is solved. That is, by removing the lid member at one location, the auxiliary lid member is rotated and the auxiliary opening is opened, so that the cleaning operation can be performed normally without lowering the air pressure in the toner transport path by suction. it can.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration of an image forming apparatus having a toner collecting and conveying unit according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a connecting portion of the entire toner conveyance path according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration using a toner conveyance path incorporating a conveyance screw as an embodiment of the toner collection and conveyance unit of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration using a toner conveyance path incorporating a conveyance screw as an embodiment of the toner collection and conveyance unit of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which a bent portion is provided in a toner conveyance path that incorporates a coiled spring member as an embodiment of the toner collection and conveyance means of the present invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement about the monochrome image forming apparatus GB which concerns on other embodiment of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the toner replenishment apparatus of the monochrome image forming apparatus GB shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the air pumps 501 and 502 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a toner separation unit 600 illustrated in FIG. 7. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration of an embodiment according to a recovery duct of an image forming apparatus in the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration of an embodiment using a valve-like lid member as an opening / closing means of the toner supply / conveyance means in the present invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement about one Embodiment which concerns on the opening prevention mechanism KS as an opening prevention means of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement about one Embodiment which concern on the auxiliary opening opening mechanism HK as an auxiliary opening opening means of this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional example in which a toner transport path including a coiled spring member and having a bent portion is used as a toner collecting and transporting means.

Explanation of symbols

4 Developing device 7, 39, 39Y, 39M, 39C, 39K, 73 Cleaning device 80 Toner recovery container 240 Toner storage unit 300 Toner hopper 400, 401 Supply tube (air tube)
402, 403 Return pipe (air tube)
501, 502 Air pump 600 Toner separation part Ba, Bb Bending part Dg Collection duct F1, F2, F3Y, F3M, F3C, F3K, Fa, Fb, Fc, Fg, Fh Lid member (opening / closing means)
Fh Valve-shaped lid member (opening / closing means)
Fm Auxiliary opening lid member GA Color image forming apparatus GB Monochrome image forming apparatus HK Auxiliary opening opening mechanism (auxiliary opening opening means)
Kg recovery port KS Opening prevention mechanism (opening prevention means)
M1, M2, M3Y, M3M, M3C, M3K, M4, M5, Ma, Mb, Mc, Md, Me, Mg, Mh Opening Pa, Pb, Pw, Px Toner transport tube R1, R2, R3Y, R3M, R3C , R3K, R4, R5 Connecting member S1, S2, S3Y, S3M, S3K, S4, S5, S6 Conveying screw Sa, Sb, Sw, Sx Coiled spring member T1, T2, T3Y, T3M, T3C, T3K, T4Y , T4M, T4C, T4K, T5a, T5b, T6, T7, Ta, Tx Toner transport path (toner collection transport means)
Tc, Td, Te, Tf toner transport path (toner supply transport means)

Claims (11)

An image carrier that carries a toner image, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed on the image carrier to a transfer medium, and a cleaning unit that removes toner remaining on the image carrier or the transfer unit after transfer. An image forming apparatus comprising: a toner collecting and conveying unit that conveys and collects the toner removed by the cleaning unit;
An image forming apparatus having at least one opening and an opening / closing means for opening and closing the opening on a conveying path of the toner collecting / conveying means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening is provided in a connecting portion or a bent portion on a conveying path of the toner collecting and conveying unit. An image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image; a developing unit that supplies a developer to the image carrier to form a toner image on the surface of the image carrier; and a toner that is conveyed and supplied to the developing unit An image forming apparatus having a toner supply and conveyance unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising at least one opening and at least one opening / closing means for opening / closing the opening on a conveying path of the toner supply / conveying means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the opening is provided in a connecting portion or a bent portion on a transport path of the toner supply transport unit. A plurality of openings and a plurality of opening / closing means for opening and closing the openings are disposed in the conveyance path of the toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means, and correspond to each of the openings. And at least one opening blocking means for blocking opening / closing means for opening / closing the opening adjacent to the downstream side of the opening in the toner conveyance direction,
When the opening / closing means is opened when an arbitrary opening / closing means is opened when cleaning the toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means, the opening prevention means provided corresponding to the opening that is opened / closed by opening the opening / closing means is prevented. 2. The opening / closing means can be opened by releasing the operation and releasing the blocking operation for the opening / closing means for opening / closing the opening adjacent to the downstream side of the opening in the toner transport direction. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 4 above. The toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means includes an opening corresponding to an arbitrary opening / closing means and an auxiliary opening that can be opened / closed between the opening and the opening adjacent to the opening / closing means. Auxiliary opening opening means for opening the auxiliary opening in conjunction with,
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the opening / closing means is opened, the auxiliary opening opening means operates to open the auxiliary opening. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing means has a configuration using a valve-shaped lid member. A recovery duct extending to the recovery port for taking out toner from the opening is connected to the opening to form a new opening in the recovery port, and the opening / closing means is provided in the new opening. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a recovery port of the recovery duct is disposed on an exterior back surface portion of the image forming apparatus. The toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means is driven by being connected to a toner conveying screw having screw-like blades on a rotating shaft, a toner conveying pipe for holding the toner conveying screw inside, and the rotating shaft. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive motor that performs the operation. The toner collecting / conveying means or the toner supply / conveying means includes: a toner storage unit that stores toner; an air pump that conveys toner together with air; an air tube that is connected to the air pump and conveys toner and air; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a toner separation unit that separates air.

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