JP2011133510A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively use a space in a waste toner container to reduce replacement frequency of the container, and prevent toner-scattering upon replacement work. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is configured to store the toner, which has been collected into a cleaning container, in the waste toner container until the toner reaches a predetermined amount. The waste toner container 50 includes: a storage port 53 which is connected with the discharge port 3 of the cleaning container 1; a main storage chamber 51 configured to store the toner falling down from the storage port 53; a sub-storage chamber 55 connected to the main storage chamber 51 and located beneath the storage port 53 in the toner falling direction to store the toner; a partitioning member 54 which is movable between a blocking position to perform blocking between the main storage chamber 51 and the sub-storage chamber 55 and an open position to open the chambers 51 and 55. The partitioning member 54 moves from the blocking position to the open position accompanied with an operation to detach the waste toner container 50 from the apparatus body, then, the toner stored in the main storage chamber 51 is conveyed to the sub-storage chamber 55. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that collects toner remaining on an image carrier after transfer into a cleaning container, and stores the collected toner in a waste toner container.

  In general, in an image forming apparatus, toner remaining on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum is collected into a cleaning container by a cleaning unit, and is accumulated in a waste toner container through a conveyance path including a conveyance member such as a screw member. .

  The waste toner container is provided with a detection unit for detecting by an optical sensor (detection means for detecting the toner amount) provided in the main body in order to determine whether the container is filled with waste toner. . When it is detected by the optical sensor through this detection unit that the toner in the waste toner container is full or nearly full, the user is warned of the replacement time.

  The waste toner container is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and when the user receives the above warning, the user can replace the waste toner container. As a result of the improved usability, it is possible to omit the time required for the replacement work that has been performed by a serviceman, and to reduce the downtime of the image forming apparatus.

  An example of the configuration of a conventional waste toner container is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, 1 is a cleaning container including a cleaning means 29 such as a cleaning blade, 2 is a screw member, and 70 is a waste toner container. 4a is a light emitting element, 4b is a light receiving element, and a pair of the light emitting element 4a and the light receiving element 4b forms an optical sensor (detecting means for detecting the toner amount) 4. Reference numeral 71 denotes a detection unit of the optical sensor 4.

  The cleaning means 29 collects toner from the surface of the image carrier (not shown) as indicated by F1 and conveys the toner in the direction of arrow F2 by the screw member 2 rotating as indicated by arrow R. Further, the toner is dropped from the discharge port 3 located at the end of the screw member 2 as indicated by an arrow F 3, and the toner is accumulated in the waste toner container 70. When the waste toner container 70 is filled with toner, that is, when the light from the light emitting element 4a is blocked by the toner and does not reach the light receiving element 4b, the waste toner container 70 needs to be replaced by the control unit of the image forming apparatus. A warning to the effect is given to the user by a display or the like.

  However, in the waste toner container 70 as shown in FIG. 6, since the detection unit 71 of the optical sensor 4 is in the middle of the waste toner dropping path, the detection unit 71 is easily contaminated by the waste toner, and thus the toner amount is erroneously detected. There was a possibility.

  As a method for avoiding this erroneous detection, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a detection unit 71 of the optical sensor 4 provided in a place away from the waste toner dropping position has been put into practical use. In this type of waste toner container 70, generally, a transport unit 72 for transporting toner that has fallen to a waste toner drop position to the detection unit 71 of the optical sensor 4 is provided (see Patent Document 1). By this conveying means 72, the toner stored in the waste toner container 70 is gradually conveyed to the detection unit 71 while being averaged in the container.

JP 2008-175872 A

  However, when the waste toner dropping position is away from the detection unit of the optical sensor 4 as described above, there are the following problems.

  Assuming the maximum amount of toner to be conveyed to the waste toner container 70, if the toner conveying force of the conveying means 72 provided in the waste toner container 70 is excessively increased, the waste toner reaches the detection unit 71 at an early stage. Therefore, the volume of the waste toner container 70 cannot be fully utilized (FIG. 6B). The size of the waste toner container 70 only needs to be large, but since the size of the waste toner container 70 is limited in recent miniaturized apparatuses, the number of user replacements eventually increases, and the usability is improved. It will get worse.

  Conversely, if the toner conveying force of the conveying means 72 provided in the waste toner container 70 is too small, stagnation tends to occur in a part of the waste toner container 70. Then, before the optical sensor 4 detects that the toner in the waste toner container 70 is full, the waste toner is accumulated near the storage opening of the waste toner container 70 (substantially the same as the waste toner falling position). It becomes easier (FIG. 6C). As a result, when the user performs the detachment operation of the waste toner container 70 from the apparatus main body for replacement, the toner accumulated in the storage port is scattered, and the user's hand and the inside of the machine are soiled.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing toner scattering at the time of replacement while suppressing the replacement frequency of the waste toner container as much as possible by effectively utilizing the limited space of the waste toner container. It is to be.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a cleaning unit that collects toner remaining on an image carrier after transfer into a cleaning container, and a waste that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body and stores the collected toner in the cleaning container. A toner container; a conveying member that conveys the toner from the cleaning container to the waste toner container; and a detection unit that detects that the amount of toner stored in the waste toner container has reached a predetermined amount. In the image forming apparatus in which the waste toner container can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, the waste toner container includes a storage port connected to a discharge port of the cleaning container, and a main storage chamber that stores toner dropped from the storage port. A sub-accommodating chamber that is connected to the main accommodating chamber and is located at a lower portion of the accommodating port in the toner falling direction and accommodates toner; the main accommodating chamber; A partition member movable to a shielding position for blocking between the chamber and an opening position for opening, and the partition member is moved from the shielding position to the opening position in accordance with an operation for removing the waste toner container from the apparatus main body. The toner that moves and is accommodated in the main accommodation chamber is sent to the sub-accommodation chamber.

  The present invention also provides a cleaning unit that collects toner remaining on the image carrier after transfer into a cleaning container, a waste toner container that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body and that stores the collected toner in the cleaning container, A conveying member that conveys toner from the cleaning container to the waste toner container; and a detection unit that detects that the amount of toner stored in the waste toner container has reached a predetermined amount. In the image forming apparatus detachable from the main body, the waste toner container includes a storage port connected to a discharge port of the cleaning container, a main storage chamber that stores toner dropped from the storage port, and the main storage chamber And a sub-accommodating chamber for accommodating toner, and a feeding means for sending the toner accommodated in the main accommodating chamber to the sub-accommodating chamber, When the toner accommodated in the container reaches a predetermined amount, the feeding means is operated for a predetermined time, and wherein the sending the toner contained in the main housing chamber to said auxiliary storage chamber.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent toner scattering at the time of replacement while suppressing the replacement frequency of the waste toner container as much as possible by effectively utilizing the limited space of the waste toner container.

Sectional view showing overall configuration of image forming apparatus Sectional drawing of the longitudinal direction which looked at the cleaning container and waste toner container in 1st Embodiment from the fixing | fixed part side Sectional drawing of the longitudinal direction which looked at the cleaning container and waste toner container in 2nd Embodiment from the fixing | fixed part side Sectional drawing of the longitudinal direction which looked at the cleaning container and waste toner container in 3rd Embodiment from the fixing | fixed part side The flowchart figure explaining an example of the pump operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment. Sectional view of a waste toner container provided with an optical sensor in the middle of toner dropping from a conventional cleaning container Cross-sectional view of conventional cleaning container and waste toner container

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the following embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

[First Embodiment]
The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the color image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. This apparatus is an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus, and is a tandem color image forming apparatus employing an intermediate transfer member 27.

  First, the operation of the image forming unit in the electrophotographic color image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming unit 20 forms an electrostatic latent image with exposure light based on image information, develops the electrostatic latent image to form a single color toner image, and superimposes the single color toner image to form a multicolor toner image. Form. Further, the multicolor toner image is transferred to the transfer material 11 and the multicolor toner image on the transfer material 11 is fixed. The image forming unit 20 includes photosensitive drums (22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K) for each station arranged in parallel by the number of development colors. Further, it has chargers (23Y, 23M, 23C, 23K) as primary charging means, toner cartridges (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K), and developing means (26Y, 26M, 26C, 26K). Further, the feeding unit 21 (21a, 21b), the intermediate transfer member 27, the transfer roller 28, the cleaning unit 29, and the fixing unit 30 are included.

  The photosensitive drums 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are configured by applying an organic optical transmission layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder, and are rotated by the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) being transmitted. The drive motor rotates the photosensitive drums 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K in the counterclockwise direction according to the image forming operation.

  The primary charging means includes four chargers 23Y, 23M, 23C, for charging the photosensitive drums of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) for each image forming unit. With 23K. Each charger is provided with charging rollers 23YS, 23MS, 23CS, and 23KS.

  Exposure light to the photosensitive drums 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K is sent from the scanner units 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K. An electrostatic latent image is formed by selectively exposing the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K.

  As developing means, in order to visualize the electrostatic latent image, four developing units 26Y that develop yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) for each image forming unit. , 26M, 26C, 26K. Each developing device is provided with developing sleeves 26YS, 26MS, 26CS, and 26KS. Each developing device is detachably attached to the apparatus main body.

  The intermediate transfer member 27 is in contact with the photosensitive drums 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K, and rotates clockwise when forming a color image. The intermediate transfer member 27 rotates with the rotation of the photosensitive drums 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K, and the single color toner images are superimposed and transferred. Thereafter, a transfer roller 28 to be described later comes into contact with the intermediate transfer member 27 to sandwich and transfer the transfer material 11, and the multicolor toner image on the intermediate transfer member 27 is transferred to the transfer material 11.

  The transfer roller 28 contacts the transfer material 11 at the first position 28a while the multicolor toner image is being transferred onto the transfer material 11, and is separated to the second position 28b after the transfer process.

  The fixing unit 30 melts and fixes the transferred multicolor toner image on the transfer material while conveying the transfer material 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing unit 30 includes a fixing roller 31 that heats the transfer material 11 and a pressure roller 32 that presses the transfer material 11 against the fixing roller 31. The fixing roller 31 and the pressure roller 32 are formed in a hollow shape, and heaters 33 and 34 are incorporated therein, respectively. That is, the transfer material 11 holding the multicolor toner image is conveyed by the fixing roller 31 and the pressure roller 32, and heat and pressure are applied to fix the toner on the surface.

  After the toner image is fixed, the transfer material 11 is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown) by a discharge roller (not shown) and the image forming operation is finished.

  The cleaning unit is a cleaning blade 29 that cleans the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member (image carrier) 27 after the transfer. The cleaning blade 29 collects the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member 27 after transferring the four-color multicolor toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 27 to the transfer material 11. Thereafter, the collected toner is transported to the waste toner container 50 by the screw member 2 (toner transport member) and dropped. Reference numeral 1 denotes a cleaning container including a cleaning blade 29 and a screw member (conveying member) 2.

  The controller (control means) 10 includes an arithmetic unit 12 including a CPU, a ROM 13 that stores a program for the arithmetic unit, and a RAM 14 that defines work areas and various tables used during control execution. In addition, the operation of the main body such as the operation of the motor and the control of the high voltage power source is controlled by the controller 10. In addition, the controller 10 can count the number of prints when the control is executed.

  Next, a configuration for cleaning the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer body 27 after transfer and transporting it to a waste toner container and a configuration of the waste toner container will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning container and the waste toner container of the first embodiment viewed from the fixing unit side.

  In FIG. 2A, reference numeral 1 denotes a cleaning container including a cleaning blade 29 and a screw member 2. Reference numeral 50 denotes a waste toner container for storing the toner collected in the cleaning container 1. Reference numeral 4 denotes an optical sensor in which a light emitting element (light emitting part) 4a and a light receiving element (light receiving part) 4b are provided in the main body. The optical sensor 4 is a detection unit that detects that the amount of toner stored in the waste toner container 50 has reached a predetermined amount. Here, the optical sensor 4 detects that the toner stored in the waste toner container 50 is full. The cleaning blade 29 collects toner from the surface of the intermediate transfer member 27 as shown by F1 in the figure, and the toner is conveyed in the direction of arrow F2 by the screw member 2 rotating as shown by the arrow R. Further, the toner is dropped from the discharge port 3 located at the end of the screw member 2 as indicated by an arrow F3 and accumulated in the waste toner container 50.

  The waste toner container 50 includes a storage port 53 (shaded portion in FIG. 2A) connected to the discharge port 3 of the cleaning container 1. Further, the waste toner container 50 has a main storage chamber 51 that stores toner dropped from the storage port 53. Further, the waste toner container 50 is connected to the main storage chamber 51, is located at the lower part of the storage port 53 in the toner dropping direction, and has a secondary storage chamber 55 for storing toner. Further, the waste toner container 50 includes a partition member 54 that can be moved to a shielding position that blocks between the main storage chamber 51 and the sub-storage chamber 55 or an open position that opens. In addition, the waste toner container 50 is provided with a detection unit 59 for detecting toner contained in the container by the optical sensor 4 provided in the main body. In addition, the waste toner container 50 is provided with a transport screw 52 as a transport unit that is in the main storage chamber 51 and transports the toner in the direction of the detection unit 59 of the optical sensor 4. Here, the detection unit 59 of the optical sensor 4 is located in the upper part of the waste toner container 50, and is disposed at a position farthest from the storage port 53.

  As will be described later, the waste toner container 50 is detachably attached to the apparatus main body, and is separated between the discharge port 3 and the storage port 53 when being removed. Further, a seal member such as a malt plane (not shown) is provided in the gap between the discharge port 3 and the storage port 53 to prevent toner leakage during the operation of the image forming apparatus.

  In a state where the amount of toner stored in the waste toner container 50 is small (the state shown in FIG. 2A), the main storage chamber 51 and the sub storage chamber 55 are blocked by the partition member 54, The dropped toner accumulates from the bottom surface of the main storage chamber 51. When the collected toner reaches the height of the conveying screw 52 that rotates in the direction of arrow R1 by driving means (not shown) provided on the main body side, the accumulated toner is gradually moved toward the detection unit 59 by the conveying screw 52 ( Move to the left in FIG. As a result, the toner accumulated in the main storage chamber 51 is leveled without partial rise. The rotational axis of the conveying screw 52 is arranged slightly lower on the right side (accommodating port side) with respect to the horizontal, so that toner is difficult to accumulate in the lower part of the accommodating port 53. On the other hand, the height of the left side (detection means side) end of the conveying screw 52 is arranged to be lower than the height of the detecting unit 59 so that the toner conveyed by the conveying screw 52 is not sent directly to the detecting unit 59. It has become.

  As described above, the detection unit 59 of the optical sensor 4 is located in the upper part of the waste toner container 50 and is arranged at the most distant place from the storage port 53. Therefore, the toner is sent to the detection unit 59 after the main storage chamber 51 is filled with waste toner.

  When the toner enters the detection unit 59, the light from the light emitting element 4a is blocked by the toner, and the amount of light received by the light receiving element 4b decreases, so that the toner stored in the main storage chamber 51 by the controller 10 has become full. Is detected. Next, the controller 10 displays a warning to the effect that the waste toner container 50 needs to be replaced on a display device (not shown) provided on the exterior of the image forming apparatus main body or a host computer connected to the image forming apparatus. The subsequent image forming operation is interrupted.

  Next, an operation for removing the waste toner container 50 from the apparatus main body will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the main configuration of the waste toner container 50, and shows a state in which the waste toner container 50 is attached to the apparatus main body.

  Here, the partition member 54 is moved from the shielding position to the open position in accordance with the operation for removing the waste toner container 50 from the apparatus main body after the toner accommodated in the waste toner container 50 reaches a predetermined amount. It is configured. This will be described in detail below.

  In FIG. 2B, one end 54 b of the partition member 54 is a handle that grips the container when the user replaces the waste toner container 50. The partition member 54 rotates in the arrow P direction with the rotation shaft 54a as the rotation center. The rotation shaft 54a of the partition member 54 has a hook (locking portion) 54c that locks with the main body receiving member 80 on the apparatus main body side so as to be unlocked at the end. The hook 54c is engaged with the apparatus main body so that the engagement can be released at a position where the space between the main accommodation chamber 51 and the sub accommodation chamber 55 is blocked. When the user holds one end (grip) 54b of the partition member 54 and rotates it in the direction of arrow P, both the hooks 54c rotate and the engagement with the main body receiving member 80 is released. As a result, the waste toner container 50 can be removed from the apparatus main body. At the same time, the partition member 54 in the waste toner container 50 rotates to open the space between the main storage chamber 51 and the sub storage chamber 55, and the toner stored in the main storage chamber 51 is sent to the sub storage chamber 55. . As a result, the toner in the vicinity of the storage port 53 in the main storage chamber 51 moves downward in the drop direction in the main storage chamber 51. That is, since the toner near the storage port 53 is drawn into the main storage chamber 51, even when the waste toner container 50 is detected to be full and the waste toner container 50 is replaced, There is no toner in the vicinity of the storage port 53, which is a connection portion. The rotating shaft 54a is fixed to the main body with an urging spring 81 in which a force acts in the direction opposite to the arrow P, and the partition member 54 and the main housing chamber 51 and the sub-housing are accommodated unless the user's force is applied. It is determined at a position where the room 55 is blocked.

  In other words, the operation for removing the waste toner container 50 and the movement of the partition member 54 are interlocked. When the user rotates the handle 54b with the handle 54b, the toner on the partition member 54 moves into the sub-accommodating chamber 55. To do. Accordingly, when the waste toner container 50 is taken out, the toner height in the storage port 53 is lowered, so that toner scattering from the storage port 53 can be prevented.

  Thereafter, the user puts a cap (not shown) on the storage port, whereby the waste toner container is sealed and replaced with a new (empty) waste toner container. When a new waste toner container is attached, the apparatus returns to a state where an image forming operation can be performed again.

  Here, the sub-accommodating chamber 55 is preferably located at the lower portion of the accommodating port 53 in the toner dropping direction and as close to the accommodating port 53 as possible, because the toner in the accommodating port 53 can be guided to the main accommodating chamber 51. . Further, in order to guide the toner in the storage port 53 to the main storage chamber 51, the volume of the sub storage chamber 55 is preferably equal to or greater than the volume of the storage port 53.

  Further, the method of interlocking the operation of taking out the waste toner container 50 and the movement of the partition member 54 is not limited to the above, and for example, a configuration in which the partition member is slid and moved may be used. Alternatively, the partition member may be moved in conjunction with the exterior door of the apparatus main body for accessing the waste toner container.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a space can be formed in the vicinity of the container opening as the waste toner container is replaced. Therefore, the limited space of the waste toner container can be used effectively, and the container Toner scattering at the time of replacement can be prevented.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning container and the waste toner container according to the second embodiment viewed from the fixing unit side. In addition, about the structure similar to embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a conveying screw 56 is provided inside the waste toner container 50 in addition to the conveying screw 52 described above. As described above, the conveying screw 52 is provided above the inside of the main storage chamber 51, and allows the toner stored in the main storage chamber 51 to pass through the toner drop direction lower portion of the storage port 53 of the detection unit 59 of the optical sensor 4. It is the conveyance means which conveys toward a direction. The conveying screw 56 is a feeding means that is provided at the lower part of the storage port 53 in the toner dropping direction and sends the toner at the lower part of the storage port 53 stored in the main storage chamber 51 to the sub storage chamber 55.

  The conveyance screw 56 is a screw having a smaller rotation radius than the conveyance screw 52, and the toner that has dropped from the storage port 53 passes through the conveyance screw 56 and falls as it is. Further, both the conveying screw 52 and the conveying screw 56 are rotated by driving means (not shown) provided on the main body side. The conveying screw 56 detects the amount of toner in the waste toner container 50 until the optical sensor 4 detects that the amount of toner stored in the waste toner container 50 has reached a predetermined amount. It will not work until it is detected that it is full.

  In addition, here, the end of the transport screw 56 is disposed above the end of the transport screw 52 on the storage port side in the main storage chamber 51. Thereby, the toner accumulated in the storage port 53 can be sent to the sub storage chamber 55 more directly than in the above-described embodiment.

  When the optical sensor 4 detects that the amount of toner in the waste toner container 50 is full, the conveying screw 56 rotates for a predetermined time. The conveyance screw 56 conveys the toner accumulated in the lower portion of the accommodation port 53 to the sub-accommodation chamber 55 by rotating in the direction of the arrow R2 in FIG. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the conveying screw 56 finishes the rotating operation.

  When the rotation operation of the conveying screw 56 is completed, the controller 10 needs to replace the waste toner container 50 with respect to a display device (not shown) provided on the exterior of the apparatus main body or a host computer connected to the image forming apparatus. Display a warning to this effect. Note that when replacing the waste toner container, the conveying screw 56 is separated from the driving means on the main body side and replaced with the waste toner container 50.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the toner accumulated in the storage port 53 can be removed more directly than in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, not only the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained, but also the volume of the sub-accommodating chamber 55 can be smaller than that of the above-described embodiment, and the waste toner container 50 can be downsized. I can plan.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning container and the waste toner container according to the third embodiment as viewed from the fixing unit side. In addition, about the structure similar to embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus main body includes a sub-accommodating chamber 60 and a pump 62 as a feeding unit. The sub storage chamber 60 is connected to the main storage chamber 51 of the waste toner container 50 and is a sub storage chamber for storing toner. The pump 62 is a sending means for sending the toner in the lower part of the storage port 53 stored in the main storage chamber 51 of the waste toner container 50 to the sub storage chamber 60. In the present embodiment, toner in the vicinity of the storage port 53 in the main storage chamber 51 of the waste toner container 50 is appropriately sucked using the pump 62 and conveyed to the sub storage chamber 60.

  In FIG. 4, a pipe 64 connected to the auxiliary storage chamber 60 is connected to the main storage chamber 51 of the waste toner container 50. A pipe 65 connected to a pump 62 that discharges air is connected to the sub-accommodating chamber 60. The pump 62 is operated at a predetermined timing, and the toner in the lower portion of the waste toner container 50 in the toner drop direction of the storage port 53 is sucked into the sub storage chamber 60. Reference numeral 61 denotes a filter for removing toner when air is discharged from the sub-accommodating chamber 60, and 63 is a tube for discharging air from the pump 62.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the optical sensor 4 described above, an optical sensor 5 is provided. The optical sensor 5 is a pre-detection means for detecting the amount of toner before the waste toner storage chamber is full, and warns the user that it is almost time to replace the waste toner container. The waste toner container 50 is provided with a detection unit 58 for detecting toner contained in the container by the optical sensor 5 provided in the main body. Similarly to the detection unit 58 of the optical sensor 4, the detection unit 57 of the optical sensor 5 is located at the upper part of the waste toner container 50 and is disposed at a location away from the storage port 53. The detection unit 58 using the optical sensor 5 is provided at a lower position than the detection unit 57 using the optical sensor 4. When the toner is detected by the optical sensor 5, the image forming apparatus main body can continue the image forming operation. By the warning based on the detection information of the optical sensor 5, the user can prepare a waste toner container for replacement in advance, and the downtime of the apparatus can be reduced.

  On the other hand, the optical sensor 4 is detection means for detecting that the toner stored in the waste toner storage chamber has reached full, as in the above-described embodiment, and is a timing for replacing the waste toner container to the user. It is for warning.

  Hereinafter, an example of a pump operation for sucking the toner in the waste toner container into the sub-accommodating chamber will be described using the flowchart of FIG. Here, an example will be described in which the pump 62 is periodically operated when it is detected by the optical sensor 5 that the replacement timing of the waste toner container is near.

  First, when the amount of toner before the waste toner container (main storage chamber) 50 reaches full capacity is detected by the optical sensor 5 (S301), the user is warned that it is almost time to replace the waste toner container. At the same time, the print number counter stored in the RAM in the main body controller 10 is reset (N = 0) (S302). It is determined whether a predetermined number of sheets (for example, 50 sheets) has been printed after the amount of toner is detected by the optical sensor 5 (S303). When the predetermined number of sheets has been reached, the pump 62 is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) ( S304, S305). When the operation time reaches a predetermined time, the pump 62 is stopped (S306). These are repeated until the amount of toner reaching the waste toner container 50 is detected by the optical sensor 4 (S307). When it is detected by the optical sensor 4 that the toner stored in the waste toner container 50 is full, the user is warned that it is time to replace the waste toner container 50 (S308), and the printing operation is interrupted. .

  By operating the pump as described above, it is possible to prevent toner from accumulating in the storage port 53 even when the waste toner container is almost full. Therefore, even if the waste toner container is replaced at any timing after the user recognizes that it is almost time to replace the waste toner container, it is possible to reliably prevent toner scattering when the waste toner container is replaced.

  In this embodiment, the case where the optical sensor 5 is provided as a method for detecting the amount of toner before the waste toner container reaches full capacity has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of providing the optical sensor 5, the exposure time in each image forming unit of the image forming apparatus is integrated to predict the amount of toner before the waste toner container is full, and the pump is operated according to the predicted value. You may comprise. In addition, for example, the amount of toner before the waste toner container reaches full capacity may be predicted from the rotational torque of the conveying screw 52, and the pump may be operated according to the predicted value.

[Other Embodiments]
In the embodiment described above, the intermediate transfer member is exemplified as the image carrier, and the case where the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member is cleaned and collected in the waste toner container has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is not something. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where toner remaining on a photoconductor as an image carrier is cleaned and collected in a waste toner container, and the waste toner container is replaced.

  In the above-described embodiment, four image forming units are used. However, the number of used units is not limited, and may be set as necessary.

  Further, the image forming apparatus may be a process cartridge in which the process cartridge is detachably mounted. In this case, the process cartridge may integrally include a photosensitive drum and a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit as process units that act on the photosensitive drum. Alternatively, it may be a process cartridge integrally including any one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit in addition to the photosensitive drum. Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the process cartridge including the photosensitive drum is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. For example, the configuration may be such that the constituent members of the photosensitive drum and the process means are detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cleaning container 3 ... Discharge port 4, 5 ... Optical sensor 29 ... Cleaning blade 50 ... Waste toner container 51 ... Main storage chamber 52, 56 ... Conveying screw 53 ... Storage port 54 ... Partition member 54c ... Hook 55, 60 ... Sub-accommodating chamber 59 ... detection unit 62 ... pump

Claims (10)

Cleaning means for collecting toner remaining on the image carrier after transfer into a cleaning container, a waste toner container that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body and that stores the collected toner in the cleaning container, and removes the toner from the cleaning container A transport member that transports the waste toner container to the waste toner container; and a detection unit that detects that the toner stored in the waste toner container has reached a predetermined amount. In an image forming apparatus,
The waste toner container includes a storage port connected to a discharge port of the cleaning container, a main storage chamber that stores toner dropped from the storage port, and a lower portion of the storage port in the toner dropping direction. A sub-accommodating chamber that accommodates toner, and a partition member that can move to a shielding position that blocks between the main accommodating chamber and the sub-accommodating chamber or an open position that opens.
The partition member is moved from the shielding position to the open position in accordance with the operation for removing the waste toner container from the apparatus main body, and the toner stored in the main storage chamber is sent to the sub storage chamber. Image forming apparatus.   The partition member includes a locking portion that is releasably locked with respect to the apparatus main body at the shielding position, and the locking portion is moved along with an operation for removing the waste toner container from the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the waste toner container is removable from the apparatus main body. The detection means detects that the toner contained in the waste toner container has reached full;
The partition member moves from the shield position to the open position in accordance with the operation for removing the waste toner container from the apparatus main body after the toner stored in the waste toner container is full, and enters the main storage chamber. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stored toner is sent to the sub-accommodating chamber. Cleaning means for collecting toner remaining on the image carrier after transfer into a cleaning container, a waste toner container that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body and that stores the collected toner in the cleaning container, and removes the toner from the cleaning container A transport member that transports the waste toner container to the waste toner container; and a detection unit that detects that the toner stored in the waste toner container has reached a predetermined amount. In an image forming apparatus,
The waste toner container includes a storage port connected to a discharge port of the cleaning container, a main storage chamber that stores toner dropped from the storage port, a sub-storage chamber that is connected to the main storage chamber and stores toner. A feeding means for sending the toner stored in the main storage chamber to the sub storage chamber;
When the amount of toner stored in the waste toner container reaches a predetermined amount, the feeding unit operates for a predetermined time to send the toner stored in the main storage chamber to the sub storage chamber. apparatus. The detection means detects that the toner contained in the waste toner container has reached full;
5. The toner stored in the main storage chamber is sent to the sub-accommodating chamber when the toner stored in the waste toner container is full and the feeding means operates for a predetermined time. The image forming apparatus described in 1. And a pre-detecting means for detecting the amount of toner before the waste toner container reaches full,
The feeding means operates for a predetermined time when the pre-detecting means detects the amount of toner before reaching the full state until the detecting means detects that the full capacity is reached, and is stored in the main storage chamber. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the toner is sent to the sub-accommodating chamber.   7. The detection unit is an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and is disposed at a position farthest from the storage port at an upper part of the waste toner container. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a volume of the sub-accommodating chamber is at least equal to or greater than a volume of the accommodating port.   Provided above the inside of the main storage chamber, and having a transport means for transporting the toner stored in the main storage chamber from the lower portion of the storage port in the toner falling direction toward the detection means, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the height on the side of the storage port is lower than that on the side of the detection unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a height of the conveying unit on the detection unit side is lower than a height of the detection unit.

Images