JP2011137981A - Toner conveying device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner conveying device which conveys toner by vibrating a spiral conveying member, and can inhibit the conveying member from being damaged because an upstream side end of the conveying member comes into contact with a toner conveyance path. <P>SOLUTION: The toner conveying device 500d includes: the spiral conveying member 520 arranged along in a conveying direction D1 inside the toner conveyance path 511 to be rotatable with the conveying direction D1 as a center of rotation; and a projection 530 projecting to the inside in a cross-sectional direction of the toner conveying path 511 proximately to the upstream side end 522 of the conveying member 520 in the conveying direction D1. By rotating the conveying member 520, the upstream side end 522 of the conveying member 520 repeatedly comes into contact with the projection 530 to vibrate the conveying member 520, while the toner inside the toner conveyance path 511 is conveyed. The upstream side end 522 of the conveying member 520 is bent to the inside in the cross-sectional direction of the toner conveyance path 511 rather than in a winding direction D2 of the conveying member 520. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner conveying device that conveys toner and an image forming apparatus including the toner conveying device.

  In general, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine includes an image carrier (photosensitive drum), a developing device that converts an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier into a toner image, and toner. A toner storage section (also referred to as a “toner cartridge”) for storage, a transfer section for transferring a toner image formed on the image carrier to a transfer material such as paper, and a toner image transferred to the transfer material. And a fixing unit for fixing to the transfer material. When the image forming apparatus has a configuration in which the toner storage unit and the developing unit are separated from each other, a toner transport device that transports the toner stored in the toner storage unit to the developing unit may be provided.

  As the toner conveying device, a conveying path forming member that forms a toner conveying path for conveying toner, and a toner conveying path that is disposed inside the toner conveying path so as to be rotatable along the toner conveying direction and with the conveying direction as a rotation center. And a spiral conveying member (hereinafter also referred to as “conveying spiral”). In the toner conveying apparatus having such a configuration, the rotation of the conveying spiral allows the toner to be conveyed inside the toner conveying path while generating vibration in the conveying spiral (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Then, the toner is transported inside the toner transport path while generating vibration in the transport spiral, whereby the transported toner can be crushed and the toner can be transported stably.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a protrusion protruding toward the downstream side in the toner transport direction is provided at the upstream end of the toner transport path, and the upstream end of the transport member and the transport member. The carrier member is vibrated by the contact with.

  On the other hand, as another technique, there is a technique in which a protrusion (rib) that protrudes inward in the cross-sectional direction of the toner conveyance path is provided near the upstream end of the conveyance spiral. According to this other technique, when the conveying spiral rotates, the upstream end and the protrusion of the conveying spiral repeatedly come into contact with each other. Can be conveyed. As a result, the bulk toner being conveyed can be pulverized inside the toner conveyance path, and the toner can be conveyed stably.

JP-A-6-67539

  However, in the other techniques described above, the end of the upstream end of the transport spiral is caught by being in contact with the inner wall surface of the toner transport path, and in this state, a rotational force is further applied to the transport spiral to generate a twisting force. Sometimes. As a result, a trouble phenomenon that the conveyance spiral buckles and breaks easily in the toner conveyance path.

According to the present invention, when the spiral conveying member rotates, the conveying member is caused to vibrate by repeatedly contacting the upstream end portion of the conveying member and the protrusion protruding inward in the cross-sectional direction of the toner conveying path. However, in the toner transport device that transports the toner inside the toner transport path, it suppresses the malfunction phenomenon that the transport member is damaged due to the end of the upstream end of the transport member contacting the inner wall surface of the toner transport path. An object of the present invention is to provide a toner conveying device capable of performing the above.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus including the toner conveying device.

  The present invention is provided with a transport path forming member that forms a toner transport path for transporting toner, and is disposed in the toner transport path so as to be rotatable along the toner transport direction and with the transport direction as a rotation center. A spiral conveying member, and a protrusion protruding inward in the cross-sectional direction of the toner conveying path in the vicinity of the upstream end of the conveying member in the conveying direction, and the conveying member rotates. A toner conveying device that conveys toner inside the toner conveying path while generating vibration in the conveying member by repeatedly contacting the upstream end of the conveying member and the protrusion; The upstream end of the transport member relates to a toner transport device that is bent inward in the cross-sectional direction of the toner transport path from the winding direction of the transport member.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said upstream edge part of the said conveyance member is bent toward the said conveyance direction of this conveyance member.

  The present invention also provides one or more image carriers on which electrostatic latent images are formed on the surface, and a developer for developing a toner image on the electrostatic latent images formed on the one or more image carriers. A toner containing portion for containing toner, the toner carrying device for carrying the toner contained in the toner containing portion to the developing device, and a toner image formed on the image carrier directly or indirectly. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that transfers to a transfer material; and a fixing unit that fixes a toner image transferred to the transfer material to the transfer material.

According to the toner conveying device of the present invention, the spiral conveying member rotates, whereby the upstream end of the conveying member and the protrusion protruding inward in the cross-sectional direction of the toner conveying path are repeatedly brought into contact with each other. In a toner transport device that transports toner inside a toner transport path while generating vibration in the member, the transport member is caused by the end of the upstream end of the transport member coming into contact with the inner wall surface of the toner transport path. It is possible to provide a toner conveying device that can suppress a failure phenomenon that is damaged.
Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, an image forming apparatus provided with the toner conveying device can be provided.

FIG. 2 is a front view for explaining the arrangement of each component in the printer 1 as the first embodiment of the invention. 3 is an external perspective view of the toner supply unit TS as viewed from the right front side of the apparatus main body M to the left back side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the toner supply unit TS viewed from the front left side of the apparatus main body M to the rear right side in a state where one end side (front end side) in the front-rear direction of the toner supply unit TS is cut. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of one developing device 16d and one toner conveying device 500d in the toner supply unit TS. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of one developing device 16d and one toner conveying device 500d in the toner supply unit TS. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing an external appearance of the toner conveying device 500d when viewed from the right front side of the apparatus main body M to the left back side. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a cross-sectional state when the toner conveying device 500d is viewed from the right front side of the apparatus main body M to the left back side. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a cross-sectional state when the toner conveying device 500d is viewed from the back left side of the apparatus main body M to the right front side. FIG. FIG. 6A is an enlarged plan view of a lower conveyance spiral 520 in the toner conveyance device 500d. FIG. 6B is an enlarged front view of the lower conveyance spiral 520 in the toner conveyance device 500d. FIG. 10 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing an operation in which the lower transport spiral 520 extends along with the rotation of the lower transport spiral 520. FIG. 10 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing an operation in which the lower transport spiral 520 contracts with the rotation of the lower transport spiral 520. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main part showing a first operation state of an operation such as contact between an upstream end 522 and a protrusion 530 when the lower transport spiral 520 is rotated. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main part showing a second operation state of an operation such as contact between an upstream end 522 and a protrusion 530 when the lower transport spiral 520 is rotated. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main part showing a third operation state of an operation such as contact between an upstream end 522 and a protrusion 530 during rotation of the lower transport spiral 520. FIG. 8A is an enlarged plan view of a lower transport spiral 520 in the toner transport device 500d of the second embodiment. FIG. 8B is an enlarged front view of a lower transport spiral 520 in the toner transport device 500d of the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The overall structure of the printer 1 as the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view for explaining the arrangement of each component in the printer 1 as the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the following description, as viewed from the user standing on the front side of the printer 1, the left-right direction is the direction of arrow X, the front-rear (depth) direction is the direction of arrow Y, and the up-down direction is the direction of arrow Z.

As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 as an image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body M, an image forming unit GK that forms a toner image on a sheet T as a sheet-like transfer material based on predetermined image information, A paper supply / discharge unit KH that supplies the paper T to the image forming unit GK and discharges the paper T on which the toner image is formed.
The outer shape of the apparatus main body M is configured by a case body BD as a casing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit GK includes photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d as image carriers (photosensitive members), charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, and a laser as an exposure unit. Scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, toner supply units 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, drum cleaning unit 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, static eliminators 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, intermediate transfer belt 7, primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, secondary transfer roller 8, counter roller 18, fixing Part 9.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed / discharge unit KH includes a paper feed cassette 52, a manual paper feed unit 64, a conveyance path L for paper T, a registration roller pair 80, a plurality of rollers or roller pairs, A paper unit 50. As will be described later, the transport path L is an aggregate of a first transport path L1, a second transport path L2, a third transport path L3, a manual transport path La, and a return transport path Lb.

Hereinafter, each configuration of the image forming unit GK and the paper supply / discharge unit KH will be described in detail.
First, the image forming unit GK will be described.
In the image forming unit GK, the charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are sequentially applied to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d in order as the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d rotate during image formation. Charging by 10d, exposure by laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d, development by developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, primary transfer by intermediate transfer belt 7 and primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c and 37d, Static elimination by the static eliminators 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d and cleaning by the drum cleaning units 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are performed.
Further, in the image forming unit GK, secondary transfer by the intermediate transfer belt 7, the secondary transfer roller 8 and the counter roller 18, and fixing by the fixing unit 9 are performed.

  Each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is formed of a cylindrical member and functions as a photosensitive member or an image carrier. Each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is disposed so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1 about a rotation axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 7. . An electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

  Each of the charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d is disposed to face the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Each of the charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d uniformly charges the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d to be positive (plus polarity).

  The laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d function as exposure units, and are spaced apart from the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Each of the laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d includes a laser light source (not shown), a polygon mirror, a polygon mirror driving motor, and the like.

  Each of the laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d scans and exposes the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d based on image information input from an external device such as a PC (personal computer). The scanning exposure is performed by each of the laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, thereby removing the charges on the exposed portions of the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Thereby, electrostatic latent images are formed on the respective surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

  The developing units 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are provided corresponding to the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, respectively, and are disposed to face the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. . Each of the developing units 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d attaches toner of each color to a portion where the electrostatic charge image formed on the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is removed, Color toner images are formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d corresponds to four colors of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black. Each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d includes a developing roller disposed opposite to the surface of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, a stirring roller for stirring the toner, and the like.

  Each of the toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d is provided corresponding to each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, and each color toner supplied to each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. To accommodate. Each of the toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d accommodates yellow toner, cyan toner, magenta toner, and black toner.

  The toner supply units 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are provided corresponding to the toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d and the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, respectively. The toners of the respective colors accommodated in 5d are supplied to the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, respectively. The toner supply units 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are connected to the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d by toner conveying devices 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d, respectively. Details of the toner conveying devices 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d will be described later.

  To the intermediate transfer belt 7, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are sequentially primary-transferred. The intermediate transfer belt 7 is stretched over a driven roller 35, a counter roller 18 that functions as a driving roller, a tension roller 36, and the like. Since the tension roller 36 biases the intermediate transfer belt 7 from the inside to the outside, a predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  Primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d are arranged to face each other on the side opposite to the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d with the intermediate transfer belt 7 interposed therebetween.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 is sandwiched between the primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d and the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, respectively. The sandwiched portion is pressed against the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Primary transfer nips N1a, N1b, N1c, and N1d are formed between the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d and the primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d, respectively. In the primary transfer nips N1a, N1b, N1c, and N1d, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoreceptor drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are sequentially primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 7, respectively. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  To the primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d, toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are respectively transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 by a primary transfer bias applying unit (not shown). A primary transfer bias for transferring the toner image is applied.

  The static eliminators 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are arranged to face the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, respectively. The static eliminators 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d respectively irradiate the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d to irradiate light, and the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, and 2c after the primary transfer is performed. 2d, each surface is neutralized (charge is removed).

  Each of the drum cleaning units 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d is disposed to face the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Each of the drum cleaning units 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d removes toner and adhering matter remaining after the primary transfer on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, and removes the removed toner and the like to a predetermined level. It is transported to the collection mechanism and collected.

  The secondary transfer roller 8 secondarily transfers the full-color toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 onto the paper T. A secondary transfer bias for transferring the full color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the paper T is applied to the secondary transfer roller 8 by a secondary transfer bias applying unit (not shown).

  The secondary transfer roller 8 contacts or separates from the intermediate transfer belt 7. Specifically, the secondary transfer roller 8 is configured to be movable between a contact position where the secondary transfer roller 8 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7 and a spaced position where the secondary transfer roller 8 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 7. Specifically, the secondary transfer roller 8 is disposed at a contact position when the full-color toner image primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7 is secondarily transferred to the paper T, and in other cases. It is arranged at a separated position.

  A counter roller 18 is disposed on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt 7 from the secondary transfer roller 8. The intermediate transfer belt 7 is sandwiched between the secondary transfer roller 8 and the opposing roller 18. Then, the paper T is pressed against the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7 (the surface on which the toner image is primarily transferred). A secondary transfer nip N <b> 2 is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer roller 8. At the secondary transfer nip N2, the full-color toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 is secondarily transferred to the paper T.

  The fixing unit 9 melts and presses the toner of each color constituting the toner image secondarily transferred onto the paper T and fixes the toner on the paper T. The fixing unit 9 includes a heating rotator 9a heated by a heater and a pressure rotator 9b pressed against the heating rotator 9a. The heating rotator 9a and the pressure rotator 9b sandwich and pressurize the paper T onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred, and convey the paper T. When the paper T is conveyed while being sandwiched between the heating rotator 9a and the pressure rotator 9b, the toner transferred to the paper T is fixed on the paper T by being melted and pressurized. Is done.

Next, the paper supply / discharge unit KH will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, a paper feed cassette 52 that stores paper T is disposed below the apparatus main body M. The paper feed cassette 52 is configured to be able to be pulled out from the case body BD of the apparatus main body M in the horizontal direction. In the paper feed cassette 52, a placement plate 60 on which the paper T is placed is disposed. In the paper feed cassette 52, the paper T is stored in a state of being stacked on the placement plate 60. The paper T placed on the placement plate 60 is sent out to the transport path L by the cassette paper feed unit 51 disposed at the paper feed side end of the paper feed cassette 52 (the right end in FIG. 1). ing. The cassette paper feeding unit 51 includes a forward feed roller 61 for taking out the paper T on the placement plate 60 and a paper feed roller pair 81 for feeding the paper T one by one to the transport path L. Is provided.

  A manual paper feed unit 64 is provided on the right side surface (right side in FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body M. The manual paper feed unit 64 is provided mainly for supplying paper T having a size and type different from the paper T set in the paper feed cassette 52 to the apparatus main body M. The manual paper feed unit 64 includes a manual feed tray 65 that forms part of the right side surface of the apparatus main body M in the closed state, and a paper feed roller 66. The lower end of the manual feed tray 65 is attached to the vicinity of the paper feed roller 66 so as to be rotatable (openable and closable). The paper T is placed on the open manual feed tray 65. The paper feed roller 66 feeds the paper T placed on the open manual feed tray 65 to the manual feed path La.

  The conveyance path L for conveying the paper T includes a first conveyance path L1 from the cassette paper feeding unit 51 to the secondary transfer nip N2, a second conveyance path L2 from the secondary transfer nip N2 to the fixing unit 9, and a fixing unit. 9 to the paper discharge unit 50, the manual conveyance path La for joining the paper supplied from the manual paper feed unit 64 to the first conveyance path L1, and the third conveyance path L3 from the downstream side to the upstream side. And a return conveyance path Lb for reversing the sheet conveyed to the side and returning it to the first conveyance path L1.

Moreover, the 1st junction part P1 and the 2nd junction part P2 are provided in the middle of the 1st conveyance path L1. A first branch portion Q1 is provided in the middle of the third transport path L3.
The first joining part P1 is a joining part where the manual feed path La joins the first transport path L1. The second junction P2 is a junction where the return conveyance path Lb merges with the first conveyance path L1.
The first branch portion Q1 is a branch portion where the return transport path Lb branches from the third transport path L3.

  In the middle of the first conveyance path L1 (specifically, between the second joining portion P2 and the secondary transfer nip N2), a paper detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the paper T, A registration roller pair 80 is arranged for adjusting the timing with skew (oblique feeding) correction and toner image formation in the image forming unit GK. The paper detection sensor is disposed immediately before the registration roller pair 80 in the transport direction of the paper T (upstream in the transport direction). The registration roller pair 80 conveys the paper T by performing the above-described correction and timing adjustment based on detection signal information from the paper detection sensor.

  An intermediate roller pair 82 is disposed between the first joining portion P1 and the second joining portion P2 in the first transport path L1. The intermediate roller pair 82 is disposed on the downstream side in the paper transport direction with respect to the paper feed roller pair 81, sandwiches the paper T transported from the paper feed roller pair 81, and transports the paper T to the registration roller pair 80.

  The return conveyance path Lb is a conveyance path provided in order to make the opposite surface (unprinted surface) opposite to the already printed surface to the intermediate transfer belt 7 when performing duplex printing on the paper T. By the return conveyance path Lb, the paper T conveyed from the first branching section Q1 to the paper discharge section 50 side is reversed and returned to the first conveyance path L1, and is disposed on the upstream side of the secondary transfer roller 8. It can be conveyed to the upstream side of the roller pair 80. A toner image is transferred to the non-printed surface of the paper T that has been turned upside down by the return conveyance path Lb in the secondary transfer nip N2.

  A rectifying member 58 is provided in the first branch portion Q1. The rectifying member 58 rectifies the transport direction of the paper T that is carried out of the fixing unit 9 and transports the third transport path L3 from the upstream side toward the downstream side in a direction toward the paper discharge unit 50 and the paper discharge unit 50. The conveyance direction of the paper T that is conveyed from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the third conveyance path L3 is rectified in a direction toward the return conveyance path Lb.

  A paper discharge unit 50 is formed at the end of the third transport path L3. The paper discharge unit 50 is disposed on the upper part of the apparatus main body M. The paper discharge unit 50 opens toward the left side of the apparatus body M (left side in FIG. 1). The paper discharge unit 50 discharges the paper T to the outside of the apparatus main body M. The paper discharge unit 50 includes a discharge roller pair 53. The discharge roller pair 53 discharges the paper T conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the third conveyance path L3 to the outside of the apparatus main body M, and reverses the conveyance direction of the paper T in the paper discharge unit 50. The paper T can be transported toward the upstream side of the third transport path L3.

On the opening side of the paper discharge unit 50, a paper discharge stacking unit M1 is formed. The paper discharge stacking unit M1 is formed on the upper surface (outer surface) of the apparatus main body M. The paper discharge stacking unit M1 is a part formed by the upper surface of the apparatus main body M being depressed downward. The bottom surface of the paper discharge stacking unit M1 constitutes a part of the top surface of the apparatus main body M. In the paper discharge stacking unit M1, sheets T formed with a predetermined toner image and discharged from the paper discharge unit 50 are stacked and stacked.
A paper detection sensor (not shown) is disposed at a predetermined position on each conveyance path.

Next, the operation of the printer 1 of the first embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
First, a case where single-sided printing is performed on the paper T stored in the paper feed cassette 52 will be described.
The paper T accommodated in the paper feed cassette 52 is sent out to the first transport path L1 by the forward feed roller 61 and the paper feed roller pair 81, and then intermediated via the first joining portion P1 and the first transport path L1. It is conveyed to the registration roller pair 80 by the roller pair 82.
In the registration roller pair 80, skew correction of the paper T and timing adjustment with toner image formation in the image forming unit GK are performed.

The paper T discharged from the registration roller pair 80 is introduced between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer roller 8 (secondary transfer nip N2) via the first conveyance path L1. A toner image is transferred onto the paper T between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer roller 8.
Thereafter, the paper T is discharged from between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer roller 8, and is interposed between the heating rotator 9a and the pressure rotator 9b in the fixing unit 9 via the second conveyance path L2. Introduced into the fixing nip. Then, the toner melts in the fixing nip, and the toner is fixed on the paper T.

Next, the paper T is transported to the paper discharge unit 50 through the third transport path L3, and is discharged from the paper discharge unit 50 to the paper discharge stacking unit M1 by the discharge roller pair 53.
In this way, single-sided printing of the paper T stored in the paper feed cassette 52 is completed.

  When single-sided printing is performed on the paper T placed on the manual feed tray 65, the paper T placed on the manual feed tray 65 is sent out to the manual feed path La by the paper feed roller 66, and then the first joining portion. It is conveyed to the registration roller pair 80 via P1 and the first conveyance path L1. Subsequent operations are the same as the one-side printing operation of the paper T accommodated in the paper feed cassette 52 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the printer 1 when performing duplex printing will be described.
In the case of single-sided printing, as described above, the paper T on which single-sided printing has been performed is discharged from the paper discharge unit 50 to the paper discharge stacking unit M1, and the printing operation is completed.
On the other hand, when performing double-sided printing, the paper T on which single-sided printing has been performed is reversed from the time of single-sided printing and conveyed again to the registration roller pair 80 via the return conveyance path Lb. Then, double-sided printing is performed on the paper T.

  More specifically, the operation is the same as the above-described single-sided printing operation until the paper T on which single-sided printing has been performed is discharged from the paper discharge unit 50 by the discharge roller pair 53. Thus, in the case of double-sided printing, in a state where the paper T on which single-sided printing has been performed is held by the discharge roller pair 53, the rotation of the discharge roller pair 53 is stopped and rotated in the reverse direction. When the discharge roller pair 53 is thus rotated in the reverse direction, the paper T held by the discharge roller pair 53 moves in the reverse direction (the direction from the paper discharge unit 50 toward the first branching unit Q1) along the third conveyance path L3. ).

  As described above, when the paper T is transported in the reverse direction on the third transport path L3, the paper T is rectified to the return transport path Lb by the rectifying member 58, and then, via the second junction P2. Then, it joins the first transport path L1. Here, the paper T is turned upside down from the one-side printing.

  Further, the paper T is subjected to the correction or the adjustment by the registration roller pair 80, and is introduced into the secondary transfer nip N2 through the first conveyance path L1. Since the unprinted surface of the sheet T passes through the return conveyance path Lb and faces the intermediate transfer belt 7, the toner image is transferred to the unprinted surface, and as a result, duplex printing is performed.

Next, the details of the toner supply unit TS in the printer 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The toner supply unit TS will be described in the order of outline description, specific structure of each component, and operation description.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the toner supply unit TS as viewed from the right front side of the apparatus main body M to the left back side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an essential part of the toner supply unit TS viewed from the front left side of the apparatus main body M to the rear right side in a state where one end side (front end side) in the front-rear direction of the toner supply unit TS is cut. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of one developing device 16d and one toner conveying device 500d in the toner supply unit TS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of one developing device 16d and one toner conveying device 500d in the toner supply unit TS.

An outline of the toner supply unit TS will be described.
2 and 3, the toner supply unit TS includes toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d as toner storage units, an intermediate transfer unit 70, developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, and toner. Conveying devices 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d (described later).

  The intermediate transfer unit 70 includes an intermediate transfer belt 7, a driven roller 35 (see FIG. 1), a counter roller 18 (see FIG. 1), a tension roller 36 (see FIG. 1), and a housing 710. The housing 710 includes a pair of side plates 711 and 711 and a top plate 712 on which the toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are placed. The pair of side plates 711 cover both sides of the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the width direction (Y direction) and rotatably support the driven roller 35, the opposing roller 18, and the tension roller 36. The intermediate transfer unit 70 is disposed between the toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d arranged in parallel in the left-right direction X of the apparatus main body M and the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d arranged in parallel in the left-right direction X. Yes.

  A specific structure of the toner supply unit TS will be described. In the following description, one toner cartridge 5d, one developing device 16d, and one toner transport device 500d will be described. The other toner cartridges 5a, 5b and 5c, the developing devices 16a, 16b and 16c, and the toner conveying devices 500a, 500b and 500c have the same configuration, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the toner cartridge 5 d includes a toner supply unit 6 d inside a lower portion on one end (right end) side in the left-right direction X. The toner supply unit 6d includes a toner supply port 600d that supplies the toner contained in the toner cartridge 5d downward in the vertical direction Z. The toner supply port 600d is configured to be opened and closed by a shutter (not shown).

  The developing device 16d has, on one end side in the front-rear direction Y, a toner receiving port 160 for receiving toner from the toner cartridge 5d. The toner conveying device 500d is a device that conveys the toner received at the toner receiving port 160 to the toner introducing portion 161 for guiding the toner to the inside of the developing device 16d. The toner conveying device 500d is attached to one end portion (front end portion) in the front-rear direction Y of the main body frame 162 of the developing device 16d.

  The intermediate transfer unit 70 includes a toner inlet 720, a toner outlet 730, an inlet shutter 740 for opening and closing the toner inlet 720, and an outlet for opening and closing the toner outlet 730, in addition to the casing 710 and the like described above. A shutter 750 and an upper toner supply path 760 for supplying toner from the toner inlet 720 to the toner outlet 730 are provided. The toner inlet portion 720 is formed at a position corresponding to the toner supply portion 6d of the toner cartridge 5d. The toner outlet 730 is formed at a position corresponding to the toner receiving port 160 of the developing device 16d.

  The upper toner supply path 760 includes a horizontal path 761 formed substantially horizontally in the left-right direction X and a vertical path 762 formed substantially perpendicular to the up-down direction Z. A horizontal toner conveying member (not shown) is provided inside the horizontal path 761. The horizontal toner conveying member conveys the toner supplied from the toner supply unit 6d of the toner cartridge 5d to the toner inlet 720 in the horizontal direction to the vertical path 762.

  In addition, a spiral upper transport spiral 790 is accommodated in the vertical path 762. The upper conveying spiral 790 generates vibration by elastically expanding or contracting when the toner is dropped from the horizontal path 761 to the vertical path 762 by its own weight, thereby pulverizing the bulk toner. Is demonstrated.

A specific structure of the developing device 16d will be described.
4 and 5, the developing device 16d includes a main body frame 162, a developing roller 163, a magnetic roller 164, a toner dispersing and conveying screw 165, and a toner jumping rotary blade 166. Prepare. The developing roller 163 and the magnetic roller 164 are arranged with their positions shifted in the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction X. The developing roller 163 located above the developing roller 163 and the magnetic roller 164 is provided corresponding to the photosensitive drum 2d, and is disposed to face the surface of the photosensitive drum 2d.

  The toner dispersing and conveying screw 165 and the toner jumping rotary blade 166 are arranged in parallel with each other at the bottom of the main body frame 162 in the left-right direction X. The toner dispersing and conveying screw 165 directs the toner conveyed by the toner conveying device 500d to the toner introduction portion 161 on one end side in the front-rear direction Y of the developing device 16d toward the other end side in the front-rear direction Y of the developing device 16d. Transport. By this conveyance, the toner is distributed substantially evenly in the entire area in the roller axial direction in the lower portion of the developing roller 163.

  The toner splashing rotary blade 166 splashes and adheres the toner, which is dispersed and conveyed substantially uniformly throughout the roller axial direction by the dispersing and conveying screw 165 toward the surface of the magnetic roller 164. The toner adhering to the surface of the magnetic roller 164 is transferred to the surface of the developing roller 163 that is substantially in contact with the magnetic roller 164, and then adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2d. . As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2d.

  The developing roller 163, the magnetic roller 164, the dispersing and conveying screw 165, and the flip-up rotary blade 166 are linked to a drive motor (not shown) via a gear group 167.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11, the details of the toner conveying device 500d, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.
The toner conveyance device 500d will be described in the order of outline description, specific structure, and operation.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing an external appearance of the toner transport device 500d when viewed from the right front side of the apparatus main body M to the left back side. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a cross-sectional state when the toner transport device 500d is viewed from the right front side of the apparatus main body M to the left back side. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a cross-sectional state when the toner conveying device 500d is viewed from the back left side of the apparatus main body M to the right front side. FIG. 9A is an enlarged plan view of the lower conveyance spiral 520 in the toner conveyance device 500d. FIG. 9B is an enlarged front view of the lower conveyance spiral 520 in the toner conveyance device 500d.

An outline of the toner conveying device 500d will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the toner conveying device 500d is disposed on one end (front end) side in the front-rear direction Y of the main body frame 162 of the developing device 16d, and is supplied from the toner cartridge 5d via the intermediate transfer unit 70. The toner conveying device conveys the toner to be transferred to the toner introducing portion 161 of the developing device 16d.
The toner transport device 500d includes a transport path forming member 510, a lower transport spiral 520 as a spiral transport member, and a protrusion 530 (not shown in FIG. 7).

A specific structure of the toner conveying device 500d will be described.
The transport path forming member 510 of the toner transport device 500d is a member that forms a lower toner transport path 511 for transporting the toner received by the toner receiving port 160 of the developing device 16d to the toner introducing portion 161 below the developing device 16d. is there. The lower toner conveyance path 511 has a cross section in which the lower conveyance spiral 520 can be disposed. The conveyance path forming member 510 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape by joining two divided members 513 and 513 having a substantially U-shaped cross section that are divided in half so that the openings face each other.

  The conveyance path forming member 510 is bent at an intermediate portion along the toner conveyance direction D1, and forms a lower toner conveyance path 511 whose section is bent into a substantially U shape. In addition, a semicircular arc-shaped portion 512 is formed in the two divided members 513 and 513 of the transport path forming member 510 at a position corresponding to the toner introducing portion 161 at the lower end portion of the developing device 16d. The semicircular arc portion 512 forms a lower end portion 511u of the lower toner conveyance path 511. The lower end portion 511u of the lower toner transport path 511 accommodates the start end portion 165a of the dispersion transport screw 165 of the developing device 16d described above.

  The lower conveyance spiral 520 is disposed inside the lower toner conveyance path 511 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the lower conveyance spiral 520 substantially along the toner conveyance direction D1. The lower transport spiral 520 is slightly curved as a whole, and therefore, a biasing force is generated in the lower transport spiral 520 so as to approach a protrusion 530 described later.

  A shaft member (not shown) is inserted into the downstream end 521 of the lower transport spiral 520 in the toner transport direction D1 and fixed to the lower transport spiral 520. The shaft member is coupled to a drive motor (not shown) via a drive gear (not shown). Therefore, when the shaft member is driven by the drive motor and the drive gear, the lower transport spiral 520 rotates around the toner transport direction (toner transport direction) D1.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the lower conveyance spiral 520 is a member formed by winding a wire-like metal member, for example, a spring steel material in a spiral shape. The winding pitch of the lower conveyance spiral 520 is preferably 4 mm or more. If the winding pitch is too narrow, the flow (conveyance) of the toner passing through the lower conveyance spiral 520 is hindered. The wire diameter of the lower conveyance spiral 520 is preferably φ0.3 to φ0.5 mm. If the wire diameter is within this range, the shape of the lower conveying spiral 520 made of a coil spring is likely to be stable during production.

The upstream end 522 of the lower transport spiral 520 in the toner transport direction D1 is bent inward in the cross-sectional direction of the lower toner transport path 511 with respect to the winding direction D2 of the lower transport spiral 520. As shown in FIG. 9A, the amount of displacement t1 by which the upstream end 522 is displaced in the center direction of the lower toner transport path 511 in plan view is, for example, 3 to 2 mm of the spring wire diameter.
The protrusion amount t2 at which the upstream end 522 protrudes inward in the cross-sectional direction of the lower conveyance spiral 520 is, for example, about twice the displacement amount t1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a protrusion 530 is provided on the inner wall surface of the lower toner conveyance path 511. The protrusion 530 is proximate to the upstream end 522 of the lower conveyance spiral 520 and protrudes inward in the cross-sectional direction of the lower toner conveyance path 511. The protrusion 530 is arranged to generate vibrations in the lower transport spiral 520 when the lower transport spiral 520 rotates and repeatedly contacts the upstream end 522 of the lower transport spiral 520. The protrusion 530 includes a first protrusion 531 and a second protrusion 532 that are fixed to surfaces orthogonal to each other inside the lower toner conveyance path 511. Due to the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 532, the protrusion 530 has a substantially L shape in the overall view. The first protrusion 531 is formed with a first slope 533 so that the amount of protrusion gradually decreases upward. A second inclined surface 534 is formed at the upper end portion of the second protrusion 532 so that the protrusion amount gradually increases downward.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14, the operation of the toner conveying device 500d, which is a characteristic part of the printer 1 of the present embodiment, will be described.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a main part showing an operation in which the lower transport spiral 520 extends as the lower transport spiral 520 rotates. FIG. 11 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a main part showing an operation in which the lower transport spiral 520 contracts as the lower transport spiral 520 rotates. FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of a main part showing a first operation state of an operation such as contact between the upstream end 522 and the protrusion 530 during rotation of the lower conveyance spiral 520. FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view of a main part illustrating a second operation state of an operation such as contact between the upstream end 522 and the protrusion 530 during rotation of the lower conveyance spiral 520. FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view of a main part showing a third operation state of an operation such as contact between the upstream end 522 and the protrusion 530 during rotation of the lower conveyance spiral 520.

  When an operation for starting the operation of the printer 1 is performed after the paper T is placed on the placement plate 60 of the paper feed cassette 52 or the manual feed tray 65 of the manual paper feed unit 64, a predetermined signal is transmitted, By a drive motor and a drive gear (not shown), the lower transport spiral 520 rotates inside the lower toner transport path 511 along the toner transport direction D1 and around the toner transport direction D1.

  By rotating the lower conveyance spiral 520, the lower conveyance spiral 520 is extended so that the upstream end 522 is pushed upward as shown in FIG. 10, and then elastically restored as shown in FIG. Shrink by force. During contraction, the lower toner conveyance path 511 slides down the first inclined surface 533 and the second inclined surface 534 in the protrusion 530. By repeating this extension and contraction (extension / contraction), the upstream end 522 of the lower conveyance spiral 520 and the first inclined surface 533 and the second inclined surface 534 of the protrusion 530 are repeatedly brought into contact with each other. 520 also swings in the cross section inside and outside of the lower toner conveyance path 511.

  Due to the expansion and contraction and swinging of the lower transport spiral 520, a pulse vibration having a short cycle is generated in the lower transport spiral 520. Thus, the toner received from the toner receiving port 160 in a state where the vibration is generated in the lower transport spiral 520 is transported toward the toner introduction unit 161 inside the lower toner transport path 511. As a result, even if the toner conveyed in the lower toner conveyance path 511 includes a lump of toner, the lump of toner is pulverized by the vibration of the lower conveyance spiral 520. Further, when the toner is clogged in the lower toner conveyance path 511, the clogged toner can be loosened by the vibration of the lower conveyance spiral 520, whereby the toner is stably conveyed.

Next, an operation based on the shape of the upstream end 522 of the lower conveyance spiral 520, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described.
In the toner transport state as described above, due to some factor, for example, external force, the upstream end 522 of the lower transport spiral 520 is more in the toner transport direction D1 than the lower end surface (downstream end surface) of the protrusion 530. It may move downstream. In this case, the upstream end 522 of the lower transport spiral 520 is bent inward in the cross-sectional direction of the lower toner transport path 511 with respect to the winding direction D2 of the lower transport spiral 520.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the upstream end 522 bent inwardly rides on and contacts the first inclined surface 533 of the first protrusion 531. When the lower conveyance spiral 520 rotates in the contacted state, the upstream end 522 of the lower conveyance spiral 520 gradually moves inward in the cross-sectional direction from the lower end surface of the protrusion 530 as shown in FIG. Extruded and moved. Then, due to the rotation of the lower transfer spiral 520, the winding portion of the lower transfer spiral 520 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 533 of the first protrusion 531 so that the lower transfer spiral 520 is pushed upward (upstream). Elongate.

  As described above, the upstream end 522 and the protrusion 530 of the lower transport spiral 520 repeatedly come into contact with each other, and the lower transport spiral 520 is continuously vibrated. As a result, toner conveyance by the lower conveyance spiral 520 is always performed stably.

According to the toner conveyance device 500d of the first embodiment, for example, the following effects can be obtained.
In the toner transport device 500d of the first embodiment, a lower transport spiral 520 disposed in the lower toner transport path 511 along the toner transport direction D1 and rotatably about the toner transport direction D1, and a lower part A protrusion 530 that protrudes inward in the cross-sectional direction of the lower toner transfer path 511 in the vicinity of the upstream end 522 of the transfer spiral 520, and the lower transfer spiral 520 rotates so that the upstream of the lower transfer spiral 520 A toner conveying device 500d that conveys toner inside the lower toner conveying path 511 while generating vibration in the lower conveying spiral 520 by repeatedly contacting the side end portion 522 and the protrusion 530, and the lower conveying spiral. The upstream end 522 of the 520 is a winding of the lower conveyance spiral 520 Bending in cross section inward of the lower toner transfer path 511 than toward D2.

  Thus, since the upstream end 522 of the lower conveyance spiral 520 is bent inward, the lower conveyance spiral 520 can be prevented from coming into contact with the inner wall surface of the lower toner conveyance path 511 and being caught. As a result, it is possible to suppress a problem that the lower toner conveyance path 511 is damaged due to the end of the lower conveyance spiral 520 at the upstream end 522 contacting the inner wall surface of the lower toner conveyance path 511. Specifically, in a state where the end of the upstream side end portion 522 of the lower conveyance spiral 520 is hooked on the inner wall surface of the lower toner conveyance path 511, a rotational force is further applied to the lower conveyance spiral 520, and a twisting force is generated. It is possible to suppress a malfunction phenomenon in which the lower conveyance spiral 520 is buckled and broken inside the path 511.

  Further, according to the toner transport device 500d of the first embodiment, even if the upstream end 522 of the lower transport spiral 520 moves to the downstream side in the toner transport direction D1 from the lower end surface of the protrusion 530 for some reason. As the lower conveyance spiral 520 rotates, the upstream end 522 bent inward in the cross-sectional direction rides on the protrusion 530, so that the entire lower conveyance spiral 520 is inside in the cross-sectional direction from the lower end surface of the protrusion 530. Thus, it is easy to return to the upstream side of the protrusion 530 in the toner conveyance direction D1. Accordingly, the lower conveyance spiral 520 is continuously moved by the expansion and contraction of the lower conveyance spiral 520 and the swinging of the lower conveyance spiral 520 in the cross-sectional direction inside and outside due to repeated contact between the upstream end 522 and the protrusion 530. Can generate vibration.

  Therefore, in the lower toner conveyance path 511, while the vibration is generated in the lower conveyance spiral 520, the conveyed bulk toner is pulverized or clogged, so that the toner is more reliably and stably supplied. Can be transported.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment will be described mainly with respect to differences from the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the description of the first embodiment is appropriately applied to points that are not particularly described. Also, in the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is obtained. FIG. 15A is an enlarged plan view of the lower conveyance spiral 520 in the toner conveyance device 500d of the second embodiment. FIG. 15B is an enlarged front view of the lower transport spiral 520 in the toner transport device 500d of the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the upstream end 522 of the lower transport spiral 520 is bent inward in the cross-sectional direction of the lower toner transport path 511 with respect to the winding direction D2 of the lower transport spiral 520, and This is one-dimensionally bent toward the downstream side of the toner conveying direction D1 of the conveying spiral 520. An angle θ of the upstream end 522 with respect to the toner transport direction D1 (longitudinal direction of the lower transport spiral 520) is, for example, 5 to 15 degrees.

  According to the lower transport spiral 520 of the second embodiment, when the upstream end 522 of the lower transport spiral 520 moves to the downstream side in the toner transport direction D1 from the lower end surface of the protrusion 530 for some reason, it is three-dimensional. The upstream end 522 and the protrusion 530 that are bent in the direction are gradually brought into contact with each other. Therefore, the operation of returning the lower conveyance spiral 520 to the upstream side in the toner conveyance direction D1 with respect to the protrusion 530 can be performed more smoothly and reliably, and vibration can be continuously generated in the lower conveyance spiral 520. In particular, it is effective for the lower conveying spiral 520 made of a coil spring having a thin wire diameter and easily buckling.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various forms can be adopted.
The protrusion 530 is substantially L-shaped in the embodiment, but is not limited thereto. For example, a substantially U-shape or a substantially rectangular frame shape may be used.

The above-described embodiment is a so-called indirect transfer type image forming apparatus, and the transfer nip is formed as the secondary transfer nip N2 between the intermediate transfer belt and the secondary transfer roller, but is not limited thereto. . For example, in the case of a direct transfer type image forming apparatus, the transfer nip is formed, for example, between a photosensitive drum and a transfer roller.
The type of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof.
The sheet-shaped transfer material is not limited to paper, and may be a film sheet, for example.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer (image forming apparatus), 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d ... Photosensitive drum (image carrier), 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d ... Toner cartridge (toner container), 7 ... Intermediate transfer Belt (transfer section), 9... Fixing section, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d... Developer, 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d. Path, 520... Lower conveying spiral (conveying member), 522... Upstream end, 530... Projection, D1 .. Toner conveying direction (conveying direction), D2. Transfer material)

Claims (3)

A transport path forming member that forms a toner transport path for transporting toner;
A spiral conveying member disposed in the toner conveying path along the toner conveying direction and rotatably about the conveying direction;
A protrusion projecting inward in the cross-sectional direction of the toner transport path in the vicinity of the upstream end of the transport member in the transport direction;
By rotating the transport member, the upstream end of the transport member and the protrusion repeatedly contact, and the toner is transported inside the toner transport path while generating vibration in the transport member. A toner conveying device,
The toner conveying device, wherein the upstream end portion of the conveying member is bent inward in a cross-sectional direction of the toner conveying path with respect to a winding direction of the conveying member. The toner conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the upstream end portion of the conveying member is bent toward the conveying direction of the conveying member. One or more image carriers on which electrostatic latent images are formed; and
A developer for developing a toner image on the electrostatic latent image formed on the one or more image carriers;
A toner container for containing toner;
The toner conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion is conveyed to the developing device.
A transfer unit that directly or indirectly transfers the toner image formed on the image carrier to a transfer material;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to the transfer material to the transfer material.

Images