JP2012008382A - Developer collecting device and image forming apparatus therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer collecting device capable of precisely determining whether a collection container is full with toner.SOLUTION: When an overload is applied to an agitation blade 77, the overload is also applied to an output gear 92 meshed with a gear 85 of the agitation blade 77. Under the condition, even when a coupling gear 95 and a cam 95d rotate, a coupling flange 96 and a cam 96d do not rotate, and the cam 95d slips against the cam 96d, resulting in isolation. Accompanying the rotation of the coupling gear 95, a moving element 98a of a switch 98 repeatedly shifts in horizontal direction, and the switch 98 is repeatedly turned ON and OFF. If ON-time t1 of the switch 98 is within a first prescribed time range ta through taa (ta≤t1≤taa) and if OFF-time t2 is within a second prescribed time range tb through tbb (tb≤t2≤tbb), it is determined that a toner collection container 72 is full with toner.

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer recovery device that recovers and stores a developer remaining on an image carrier, and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  As this type of image forming apparatus, there is an electrophotographic type. In this type of apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on an image carrier, the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier is developed with toner, a toner image is formed on the image carrier, and the toner image is imaged. The toner image is fixed on the recording paper by transferring it from the carrier to the recording paper and heating and pressing the recording paper.

  In such an image forming apparatus, if the toner remaining on the image carrier is left unattended, the image quality deteriorates. Therefore, the toner remaining on the image carrier can be removed and collected in a collection container. is there. In addition, when the collection container is full of toner, this may be detected and notified to prompt replacement of the collection container.

  For example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum and the transfer belt is removed, and the toner is transported to a recovery container by a transport screw and recovered. In addition, a stirring member is provided in the collection container, and the toner is stirred by the stirring member, or a torque limiter is provided on the shaft that transmits the rotational force to the stirring member. Thus, when the stirring member stops rotating and the torque limiter is cut off, this is detected to determine whether the collection container is full.

JP 2006-235382 A JP-A-8-129329

  By the way, in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, as a torque limiter, the cams engaged with each other provided on the two shafts that transmit the rotational force to the stirring member and one of the cams are urged and moved. A spring that engages each cam and couples the shafts of the two shafts. When the agitating member is overloaded, the agitating member stops and one of the shafts also stops. Applying the fact that each cam slides against the urging force and the shaft is cut off, the block between the shafts is detected, and the full state of the collection container is determined.

  In such a torque limiter, when the load of the stirring member increases to near overload, the engagement state between the cams may become unstable, and the state of interruption between the shafts may also become unstable. However, in Patent Document 1, when the interruption between the shafts is detected, the recovery container is immediately determined to be full, so that the determination may be made even if the recovery container is not sufficiently full. There was a mistake in the judgment.

  In Patent Document 2, the rotation of one shaft is detected by a sensor, the pulse signal output from the sensor is monitored as the one shaft rotates, and the number of outputs per unit time of this pulse signal is When the pulse signal is gradually reduced and no pulse signal is output at all, the fullness of the collection container is judged, so that the judgment may be wrong. For example, even if a pulse signal is not output from the sensor due to a failure or the like, the recovery container is determined to be full, and the determination may be incorrect.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and a developer recovery apparatus capable of accurately determining whether or not a recovery container is full of toner and an image including the same. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, a developer recovery device of the present invention includes a recovery container that receives and stores a developer recovered from an image carrier, a stirring member that stirs the developer in the recovery container, A torque limiter that couples or shuts off the two shafts that transmit the rotational force to the agitating member, and a shut-off state between the shafts is detected. Based on the detected shut-off state, the recovery container is connected to the developer. A developer recovery device including a full determination unit that determines that the shaft is full, wherein the torque limiter includes a cam that is provided on each shaft and that is engaged with each other, One of the cams is stopped and the other is rotated in a state where the shafts are disconnected from each other. However, the cams repeatedly engage and disengage, The determination unit includes a switch that is turned on / off in accordance with the engagement and separation of each of the cams, obtains an on / off cycle of the switch, and the on / off cycle is within a preset specified time range and is preset. When it is repeated more than the specified number of times, it is determined that the collection container is full of developer.

  In the present invention as described above, the cams are engaged with each other by the spring to couple the two shafts together. Therefore, if the collection container is not filled with the developer and the stirring member is not overloaded, the cams are engaged, the shafts are coupled, and the rotational force is applied to the stirring member through the shafts. As a result, the stirring member rotates. Also, when the collection container is full of developer, the agitation member is overloaded, the agitation member stops rotating, and one of the shafts stops, each cam slips and the shaft is cut off .

  In a state where the shafts are cut off, one of the cams stops and the other rotates, and each cam repeats engagement and separation. Therefore, the fullness determination unit obtains an on / off cycle of a switch that is turned on / off according to the engagement and separation of each cam, and when the on / off cycle is within a specified time range and is repeated a specified number of times, the collection container is It is determined that the developer is full. This makes it possible to accurately determine that the collection container is full.

  For example, when the load of the stirring member increases to near overload and the engagement state of each cam of the torque limiter becomes unstable, the engagement and separation of each cam are irregularly repeated, and the on / off cycle of the switch Is not out of the specified time range and the ON / OFF cycle within the specified time range is not repeated more than the specified number of times, so that it is not determined that the collection container is full. In addition, when a switch or the like fails, the switch is not repeatedly turned on and off, and it is not determined that the collection container is full.

  The developer recovery device of the present invention also includes a recovery container that receives and stores the developer recovered from the image carrier, a stirring member that stirs the developer in the recovery container, and a rotational force applied to the stirring member. A torque limiter that couples or shuts off the two transmitting shafts and a shut-off state between the shafts are detected, and the recovery container is filled with developer based on the detected shut-off state And a fullness determination unit for determining whether or not the torque limiter is configured to bias each of the cams provided on the shafts and to move one of the cams. Each of the cams is engaged with each other and the shafts are coupled to each other, and one of the cams stops and the other rotates while the shafts are blocked. Repeats engagement and separation, and the fullness determination unit A switch that is turned on and off in accordance with the engagement and separation of the switch, obtains an ON time of the switch and an OFF time of the switch, and the ON time is within a preset first specified time range, and the OFF When the time is within a preset second specified time range, it is determined that the collection container is full of developer.

  In this way, the fullness determination unit obtains the ON time and OFF time of the switch that turns ON / OFF according to the engagement and separation of each cam, the ON time is within the first specified time range, and the OFF time is within the second specified time range. If it is within, it is determined that the collection container is full of developer. This makes it possible to accurately determine that the collection container is full.

  For example, when the load of the stirring member increases to near overload and the engagement state of each cam of the torque limiter becomes unstable, the engagement and separation of each cam are irregularly repeated, and the switch ON time Alternatively, since the off time is too short or too long and the on time is out of the first specified time range or the off time is out of the second specified time range, it is not determined that the collection container is full. In addition, even when a switch or the like breaks down, the on-time or off-time of the switch becomes long and the on-time or off-time is out of the first specified time range or the second specified time range, so that the recovery container is full. Is not judged.

  Further, in the developer recovery apparatus of the present invention, the fullness determination unit switches on and off of the switch when the stirring member is driven to rotate, and an on or off state after the switching is preset. If the failure determination time continues, it is determined that a failure has occurred.

  If the collection container is not filled with the developer, the cams are engaged, the shafts are coupled, and the stirring member continues to rotate, so that the switch is not switched. Also, when the collection container is full of developer, the agitation member is overloaded and the agitation member stops rotating, each cam slips, one of the cams stops and the other rotates, Since each cam repeats engagement and separation and the switch is repeatedly turned on and off, the on or off state does not continue for a long time. Therefore, when the stirring member is driven to rotate, the switch is turned on and off, and it can be determined that a failure has occurred when the on or off state after the switch continues for a failure determination time or longer.

  Further, in the developer recovery device of the present invention, the torque limiter is integrally fixed to one of the cams, and rotates and moves together with the one cam. The switch includes a spring that is urged and moved together with the cam to engage the cam, and the switch detects the position of the rotating member and turns on and off.

  In the developer recovery apparatus of the present invention, the rotating member is a gear, and the gear meshes with a gear provided on the shaft of the stirring member.

  In this case, the rotating member not only presses one end of the spring but also functions as a gear that transmits the rotational force.

  On the other hand, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the developer recovery apparatus of the present invention. Such an image forming apparatus of the present invention also has the same effects.

  According to the present invention as described above, an on / off cycle of a switch that is turned on / off in accordance with the engagement and separation of each cam is obtained, and when the on / off cycle is within a specified time range and repeated for a specified number of times, the recovery is performed. It is determined that the container is full of developer.

  Alternatively, when the on time and the off time of the switch that is turned on and off according to the engagement and separation of each cam are obtained, and the on time is within the first specified time range and the off time is within the second specified time range, It is determined that the collection container is full of developer.

  In such a determination, when the load of the stirring member increases to near overload and the engagement state of each cam of the torque limiter is unstable, the engagement and separation of each cam are irregularly repeated, and the switch Since the ON / OFF operation is repeated irregularly, it is not determined that the collection container is full. Further, even when a switch or the like fails, it is not determined that the collection container is full. That is, it can be accurately determined that the collection container is full.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of a developer recovery apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a toner recovery container and a rotation drive unit in the developer recovery apparatus as viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a toner recovery container in a developer recovery apparatus as viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus, and shows an internal structure on the back side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner recovery container and a toner recovery part provided on each cleaning device side in the developer recovery device. It is a perspective view which shows the rotation drive unit in a developer collection | recovery apparatus seeing from the front. It is a perspective view which shows the rotation drive unit in a developer collection | recovery apparatus seeing from back. It is a front view showing a rotation drive unit in the developer recovery device. (A) is sectional drawing which expands and shows the output gear in a rotation drive unit, a coupling gear, a coupling flange, and a coil spring, (b) is a top view which shows an output gear etc. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system that determines whether a toner recovery container is attached or detached, is full, or a developer recovery device is in a failed state. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a rotation drive unit when a toner recovery container is mounted. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a torque limiter shut-off state when the toner recovery container is mounted. 6 is a timing chart showing an on / off state of a switch when a toner collection container in the rotation drive unit is filled with toner. 6 is a timing chart showing an on / off state of a switch when a failure occurs in the developer recovery apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of a developer recovery apparatus of the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called multi-function machine having a scanner function, a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like, and transmits an image of a document read by the image reading apparatus 2 to the outside (corresponding to a scanner function). The image of the read original or the image received from the outside is recorded and formed in color or single color on a recording sheet (corresponding to a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function).

  In order to print an image on a recording paper, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a laser exposure device 11, a developing device 12, a photosensitive drum 13, a drum cleaning device 14, a charger 15, an intermediate transfer belt device 16, a fixing device 17, and a paper transport. A path S, a paper feed tray 18, a paper discharge tray 19, and the like are provided.

  The image data handled in the image forming apparatus 1 uses data corresponding to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or a single color (for example, black). This is in accordance with the monochrome image. For this reason, four each of the developing device 12, the photosensitive drum 13, the drum cleaning device 14, and the charger 15 are provided so as to form four types of toner images corresponding to the respective colors, and black, cyan, Four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured in association with magenta and yellow.

  Each photosensitive drum 13 has a photosensitive layer on the surface thereof. Each charger 15 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 to a predetermined potential. In addition to a contact-type roller-type or brush-type charger, a charger-type charger. Is used.

  The laser exposure device 11 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser diode and a reflection mirror, and exposes the surface of each charged photosensitive drum 13 according to image data and corresponds to the image data on those surfaces. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  Each developing device 12 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 with toner of each color, and forms a toner image on the surface of these photosensitive drums 13. Each drum cleaning device 14 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt device 16 is disposed above each photosensitive drum 13 and includes an intermediate transfer belt 21, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 22, a driven roller 23, four intermediate transfer rollers 24, and a belt cleaning device 25. ing.

  The intermediate transfer belt 21 is a film formed in an endless belt shape. The intermediate transfer belt drive roller 22, the driven roller 23, each intermediate transfer roller 24, and the like stretch and support the intermediate transfer belt 21, and rotate the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction of arrow C.

  Each intermediate transfer roller 24 is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and is pressed against the respective photosensitive drums 13 via the intermediate transfer belt 21. The toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 13 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 so as to form color toner images (each color toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 21. Transfer of the toner image from each photosensitive drum 13 to the intermediate transfer belt 21 is performed by each intermediate transfer roller 24 that is in pressure contact with the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Each intermediate transfer roller 24 is a roller having a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft as a base and a surface covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). Each intermediate transfer roller 24 is applied with a high-voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) in order to transfer the toner image. A high voltage is uniformly applied to the recording paper by the material.

  Thus, the toner image on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 is transferred and laminated by the intermediate transfer belt 21 to be a color toner image indicated by the image data. This color toner image is conveyed together with the intermediate transfer belt 21 and transferred onto a recording sheet in a nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26.

  The transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26 has a voltage (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (-)) for transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 21 onto a recording sheet. Is applied.

  In addition, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 21 may not be completely transferred onto the recording paper by the secondary transfer device 26, and the toner may remain on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Causes color mixing. For this reason, the residual toner on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is removed and collected by the belt cleaning device 25. The belt cleaning device 25 is provided with, for example, a cleaning blade that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and removes residual toner as a cleaning member, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 is driven by the driven roller 23 at a portion where the cleaning blade comes into contact. The back side is supported.

  The recording sheet is conveyed to the fixing device 17 after the color toner image is transferred in the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26 a of the secondary transfer device 26. The fixing device 17 includes a heating roller 31, a pressure roller 32, and the like, and sandwiches and conveys a recording sheet between the heating roller 31 and the pressure roller 32.

  The heating roller 31 is controlled so as to have a predetermined fixing temperature based on a detection output of a temperature detector (not shown), and the color transferred to the recording paper by thermocompression bonding the recording paper together with the pressure roller 32. The toner image is melted, mixed, and pressed, and thermally fixed to the recording paper.

  In addition, a paper feed tray 18 for supplying recording paper is provided below the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a paper transport path S for sending the recording paper supplied from the paper feed tray 18 to the paper discharge tray 19 via the secondary transfer device 26 and the fixing device 17.

  A paper pickup roller 33 is provided at the end of the paper feed tray 18, and the recording paper is pulled out from the paper feed tray 18 one by one by the paper pickup roller 33 and conveyed to the paper conveyance path S.

  A paper registration roller 34, a fixing device 17, a transport roller 35, a paper discharge roller 36, and the like are arranged along the paper transport path S. The conveyance roller 35 is a small roller for promoting and assisting conveyance of the recording paper, and a plurality of sets are provided.

  The paper registration roller 34 temporarily stops the recording paper that has been conveyed, aligns the leading edge of the recording paper, and is placed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26. In order to transfer the color toner image onto the recording sheet, the recording sheet is conveyed in a timely manner in accordance with the rotation of each photosensitive drum 13 and the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  Further, the recording paper is fixed with a color toner image by the fixing device 17, passes through the fixing device 17, and is then discharged face down on the paper discharge tray 19 by the paper discharge roller 36.

  When printing not only on the front side of the recording paper but also on the back side, the recording paper is transported by the paper discharge roller 36, and then the paper discharge roller 36 is stopped and then reversely rotated, so that the recording paper is reversed. , Reverse the front and back of the recording paper, guide the recording paper to the paper registration roller 34, record and fix the image on the back of the recording paper, as well as the front of the recording paper, and eject the recording paper to the paper It is discharged to the tray 19.

  Next, the image reading device 2 mounted on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image reading apparatus 2 includes a lower reading scanner 41 and an upper document conveying unit 42. The upper document conveying device 42 is pivotally supported on the inner side of the lower scanning scanner 41 by a hinge (not shown) and opened and closed by moving the front portion up and down. When the document conveying device 42 is opened, the platen glass 44 of the reading scanner 41 is opened, and the document is placed on the platen glass 44.

  The reading scanner 41 includes a platen glass 44, a first scanning unit 45, a second scanning unit 46, an imaging lens 47, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 48, and the like. The first scanning unit 45 includes an illuminating device 51 and a first reflecting mirror 52, and illuminates the original on the platen glass 44 while moving at a constant speed V by a distance corresponding to the original size in the sub-scanning direction. The reflected light is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 52 and guided to the second scanning unit 46, whereby the image on the document surface is scanned in the sub-scanning direction. The second scanning unit 46 includes second and third reflecting mirrors 53 and 54, and follows the first scanning unit 45 while moving at a speed V / 2, while reflecting the reflected light from the document to the second and second. The light is reflected by the three reflecting mirrors 53 and 54 and guided to the imaging lens 47. The imaging lens 47 condenses the reflected light from the document on the CCD 48 and forms an image on the surface of the document on the CCD 48. The CCD 48 repeatedly scans the document image in the main scanning direction, and outputs an analog image signal of one main scanning line each time.

  Further, the reading scanner 41 can read not only a stationary original but also an image on the surface of the original conveyed by the original conveying device 42. In this case, the first scanning unit 45 is moved to a reading range below the original reading glass 55, and the second scanning unit 46 is positioned according to the position of the first scanning unit 45. In this state, the original conveying device 42 Start transporting the document.

  In the document transport device 42, the pickup roller 56 is pressed against the document on the document tray 57 and rotated to pull out the document, transport the document through the document transport path 58, and transport the document between the document reading glass 55 and the reading guide plate 59. Further, the original is further conveyed from the paper discharge roller 61 to the paper discharge tray 62. Along the document conveyance path 58, a registration roller 63 that conveys the document after aligning the front end thereof and a conveyance roller 64 that conveys the document are arranged.

  When the document is conveyed, the illumination device 51 of the first scanning unit 45 illuminates the document surface via the document reading glass 55, and the reflected light from the document surface is reflected on the reflection mirrors of the first and second traveling units 45 and 46. Then, the light is guided to the imaging lens 47, and the reflected light from the document surface is condensed on the CCD 48 by the imaging lens 47, and an image on the document surface is formed on the CCD 48, thereby reading the image on the document surface.

  When reading the back side of the document, the intermediate tray 67 is rotated as indicated by the dotted line around its axis, and the discharge roller 61 is in the process of discharging the document from the discharge roller 61 to the discharge tray 62. Is stopped, the document is received on the intermediate tray 67, the paper discharge roller 61 is rotated in the reverse direction, the document is guided to the registration roller 63 through the reverse conveyance path 68, and the document surface is reversed. In the same manner as the image of FIG. 5, the image on the back side of the document is read, the intermediate tray 67 is returned to the original position indicated by the solid line, and the document is discharged from the discharge roller 61 to the discharge tray 62.

  The original image read by the CCD 48 is output from the CCD 48 as an analog image signal, and the analog image signal is A / D converted into a digital image signal (image data). The image data is subjected to various image processing and then sent to the laser exposure device 11 of the image forming apparatus 1, where the image is recorded on a recording sheet, and the recording sheet is used as a copy original. Is output.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1, as described above, the toner remaining on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 is removed by each drum cleaning device 14, or the toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is removed by the belt cleaning device. 25. The toner removed by the cleaning devices 14 and 25 is transported, collected, and stored by the developer recovery device of this embodiment.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the toner recovery container and the rotation drive unit in the developer recovery apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the toner collecting container in the developer collecting apparatus as viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 1 and shows the internal structure on the back side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner collection container and a toner collection unit provided on each of the cleaning devices 14 and 25 in the developer collection device.

  The developer recovery device 71 of this embodiment includes a toner recovery container 72, a toner recovery unit 73, and a rotation drive unit UN.

  The toner collection container 72 is disposed in a front space in the image forming apparatus 1 and includes an upper container 72-1 and a lower container 72-2. The upper container 72-1 is connected to the toner collection unit 73 on each cleaning device 14, 25 side, and receives and introduces the toner conveyed by each toner collection unit 73. The lower container 72-2 stores the toner introduced into the upper container 72-1.

  The upper container 72-1 has a casing shape, and has a front side wall portion 74, a rear side wall portion 75, a bottom side opening portion 76, and a stirring blade 77 disposed in the bottom side opening portion 76. . The lower container 72-2 is a housing-like thing mounted on the bottom side of the upper container 72-1, and has an upper opening 78.

  A plurality of fitting holes 72a are formed on the lower outer periphery of the upper container 72-1, and a plurality of claws 72c are formed on the upper outer periphery of the lower container 72-2. The upper opening 78 of the upper container 72-1 is fitted inside the bottom opening 76 of the upper container 72-1, and the claws 72c of the lower container 72-2 are fitted into the fitting holes 72a of the upper container 72-1. The lower container 72-2 is mounted on the bottom side of the upper container 72-1.

  Further, a hook 72b is formed on the upper side of the back surface of the upper container 72-1, and projections 72d and 72e are formed on both bottom ends of the lower container 72-2. The lower container 72-2 is placed on the frame (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1, and the protrusion 72d at the bottom left end of the lower container 72-2 is in the recess 79a of the mounting member 79 of the image forming apparatus 1. The toner collection container 72 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 by engaging the hook 72 b on the upper back side of the upper container 72-1 with the engaging portion (not shown) of the frame of the image forming apparatus 1.

  In a state where the toner collection container 72 is mounted, the protrusion 72e at the bottom right end of the lower container 72-2 is placed on the lever 91a of the rotation drive unit UN provided on the image forming apparatus 1 side, and the lever 91a is pushed down. In addition, a toner recovery unit 73 on the side of each of the cleaning devices 14 and 25 is connected to the back surface of the upper container 72-1.

  Here, four cylindrical introduction parts 75a, 75b, 75c, and 75d and one cylindrical introduction part 75e are formed in the back side wall part 75 of the upper container 72-1. Further, the toner recovery unit 73 on the side of each of the cleaning devices 14 and 25 has a conduit 81 and a conveying screw 82 disposed in the conduit 81. The end portions 81a of the conduits 81 of the toner recovery portions 73 on the cleaning devices 14 and 25 side are inserted into the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e of the rear side wall portion 75 of the upper container 72-1, and the upper container 72-1. A toner recovery unit 73 on each cleaning device 14, 25 side is connected to the rear surface.

  The four cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75d correspond to the respective cleaning devices 14 for cleaning the respective photosensitive drums 13 that form toner images of four colors, and these cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75d include The end portion 81a of the conduit 81 of the toner recovery portion 73 on each cleaning device 14 side is inserted. The conduit 81 of each toner recovery section 73 is disposed along the longitudinal direction of each photosensitive drum 13 and has an opening slit (not shown) along the longitudinal direction. The toner removed from the surface of each photoconductive drum 13 by such as is discarded to each conduit 81 through each opening slit. Each conveying screw 82 is rotationally driven in one direction inside each conduit 81 to convey the toner in each conduit 81 in the direction of the respective cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75d of the upper container 72-1.

  One cylindrical introduction portion 75e corresponds to the cleaning device 25 that cleans the intermediate transfer belt 21 to which the four color toner images are transferred. The cylindrical introduction portion 75e includes a cleaning device 25 side. The end 81a of the conduit 81 of the toner recovery unit 73 is inserted. The conduit 81 of the toner collection unit 73 is disposed along the main scanning direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and has an opening slit (not shown) along the main scanning direction. The toner removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is discarded into the conduit 81 through the opening slit. The conveying screw 82 is rotationally driven in one direction inside the conduit 81 and conveys the toner in the conduit 81 toward the cylindrical introduction portion 75e of the upper container 72-1.

  Inside each cylindrical introduction part 75a-75d, 75e, the edge part 81a of each conduit | pipe 81 is rotatable, each waste hole 83 is formed in the side wall of each edge part 81a, and the end surface of each edge part 81a Is blocked. Further, the disposal holes 84 are also formed in the side walls of the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e. In the state where the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is rotated and the discard hole 83 of the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is overlapped with the discard hole 84 of each of the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e, the transport is performed by the respective transport screws 82. The toner thus discharged is discharged through the waste holes 83 and 84, and the toner is discharged into the lower container 72-2 through the bottom opening 76 of the upper container 72-1 and the upper opening 78 of the lower container 72-2. Fall into the house.

  Further, when the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is rotated so that the waste hole 83 of the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is shifted from the waste hole 84 of each of the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e, the toner in each conduit 81 is discharged. Is not discharged through the disposal holes 83 and 84. In this state, the upper container 72-1 or the lower container 72-2 is replaced.

  The stirring blade 77 is rotatably supported by a shaft 77a spanning the bottom opening 76 of the upper container 72-1, and a gear 85 fixed to one end of the shaft 77a is connected to the rotation drive unit UN. The gear 85 meshes with the output gear 92, and the gear 85 is rotationally driven by the rotational drive unit UN, so that the stirring blade 77 rotates. The stirring blade 77 stirs and diffuses the toner that has fallen from the disposal holes 84 of the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e so that the height of the toner surface stored in the bottom of the lower container 72-2 is uniform. To do.

  In addition, the conveyance screw 82 in each conduit | pipe 81 is rotationally driven by the power source by each cleaning apparatus 14 and 25 side. Although a mechanism for rotating the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is not shown, the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is manually rotated.

  Next, the rotation drive unit UN will be described in detail. 5 and 6 are a perspective view showing the rotary drive unit UN as viewed from the front and a perspective view as seen from the rear. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the rotation drive unit UN.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the rotation drive unit UN includes a lever movable portion 91, an output gear 92, an input gear 93, a worm gear 94, a coupling gear 95, a coupling flange (rotating member) 96, a coil spring 97, and a switch 98. , Knob 99, frame 101, and the like.

  The frame 101 has a central upper side wall portion 102, a central lower side wall portion 103, side wall portions 104 and 105 on both sides, and a bottom portion 106.

  A shaft hole 91b is formed in the lever movable portion 91, and the shaft 103a of the central lower side wall portion 103 of the frame 101 is passed through the shaft hole 91b, and the lever movable portion 91 is rotatably supported around the shaft 103a. ing. A protrusion 91 d is formed in the recess 91 c of the lever movable portion 91, and both ends of the coil spring 112 are fitted into the protrusion 91 d of the lever movable portion 91 and the protrusion 106 a of the bottom portion 106 of the frame 101, and are compressed by the compressed coil spring 112. The lever movable portion 91 is urged in the clockwise direction (the direction in FIG. 7) about the shaft 103a.

  Further, a switch 98 is fixed to one side of the lever movable portion 91, and a movable piece 98a of the switch 98 protrudes upward. The switch 98 has a spring (not shown) for urging the movable element 98a in the right direction. The switch 98 is turned off when the movable element 98a is displaced in the right direction by the spring. On the other hand, it is turned on when the mover 98a is displaced leftward.

  The knob 99 is urged by the coil spring 113 so that the knob 99 protrudes from the central lower wall portion 103.

  5 to 7, the knob 99 is pushed toward the central lower wall portion 103 against the urging force of the coil spring 113, and the collar 99 b of the knob 99 is moved from the engaging portion 91 e of the lever movable portion 91 to the central lower wall wall. Since it is shifted to the part 103 side, the lever movable portion 91 rotates clockwise (direction in FIG. 7) until the engaging portion 91e of the lever movable portion 91 contacts the outer periphery of the knob 99. The lever 91a of the lever movable part 91 is lifted. At this time, the movable element 98a of the switch 98 abuts against the coupling flange 96 and is displaced leftward, so that the switch 98 is turned on.

  The input gear 93 and the worm gear 94 are respectively fixed to both sides of the shaft 111, and the shaft 111 is passed through a shaft hole (not shown) in the central upper side wall portion 102 of the frame 101, so that the input gear 93 and the worm gear 94 are Both are pivotally supported, and the worm gear 94 meshes with the coupling gear 95.

  The output gear 92, the coupling gear 95, and the coupling flange 96 share an axial center and are engaged with each other. A coil spring 97 is compressed and interposed between the output gear 92 and the coupling flange 96.

  The output gear 92 has a cylindrical shaft 92a. The cylindrical shaft 92a is inserted into the shaft hole of the side wall portion 104 and is rotatably supported. The output gear 92 is pressed against the side wall portion 104 and positioned in the axial direction. Has been.

  The coupling gear 95 has a cylindrical shaft 95 a. The cylindrical shaft 95 a is inserted into the shaft hole of the side wall portion 105 and is rotatably supported. The convex portion 95 b of the coupling gear 95 is pressed against the side wall portion 105. Thus, the coupling gear 95 is positioned in the axial direction.

  The coupling flange 96 is supported on both sides of the shaft through the shaft hole of the output gear 92 and the shaft hole of the coupling gear 95, rotates together with the output gear 92, and is movable in the axial direction with respect to the output gear 92. It is.

  FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional view showing the output gear 92, the coupling gear 95, the coupling flange 96, and the coil spring 97. FIG. 8B is a plan view showing the output gear 92 and the like.

  8A and 8B, a shaft 96a is provided at the center of the coupling flange 96, and the left side of the shaft 96a is movably inserted into the shaft hole 92b of the output gear 92. A claw 96 b at the left end of 96 a is hooked on the periphery of the shaft hole 92 b of the output gear 92.

  The coupling flange 96 is movable in the left direction in which the claw 96b of the shaft 96a is separated from the peripheral edge of the shaft hole 92b of the output gear 92, and the claw 96b of the shaft 96a is caught by the peripheral edge of the shaft hole 92b of the output gear 92. Can move rightward and move with the shaft 96a. Further, the output gear 92 is prevented from coming off the shaft 96a by the claw 96b of the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96.

  A pair of guide curved ribs 96 c protruding from the left peripheral surface of the coupling flange 96 enter a pair of curved grooves 92 c formed around the shaft hole 92 b of the output gear 92. The coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 rotate together by the engagement of the guide curved rib 96c and the curved groove 92c.

  Further, the right side of the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 is inserted into the shaft hole 95c of the coupling gear 95 so as to be movable and rotatable.

  The coil spring 97 is compressed and inserted between the coupling flange (rotating member) 96 and the output gear 92. The coil spring 97 biases the output gear 92 in the left direction along the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96, and the side wall portion 104 ( The coupling flange 96 is urged in the right direction along the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 together with the coupling gear 95, and the coupling gear 95 is moved to the side wall portion 103 (shown in FIG. 7). 7) and press to position.

  Further, the coil spring 97 urges the coupling flange 96 to the right (the direction of the coupling gear 95) with respect to the output gear 92.

  At opposite ends of the coupling gear 95 and the coupling flange 96, mountain-shaped valley-shaped cams 95d and 96d that are engaged with each other are formed. Since the coupling flange 96 is biased rightward with respect to the output gear 92 by the coil spring 97, the coupling flange 96 is biased so as to approach the coupling gear 95, and the cam 95d and the cam 96d are mutually connected. The cylindrical shaft 95a of the coupling gear 95 and the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 are coupled to each other. In this state, when the coupling gear 95 rotates, the coupling flange 96 rotates and the output gear 92 also rotates.

  Further, as will be described later, when the output gear 92 is overloaded, the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are difficult to rotate. Therefore, even if the coupling gear 95 and the cam 95d rotate, the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d rotate. 96 and the cam 96d do not rotate, the cam 95d and the cam 96d slide, the cylindrical shaft 95a of the coupling gear 95 and the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 are blocked, and the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are stopped. It becomes a state.

  Therefore, the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95, the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96, and the coil spring 97 constitute a torque limiter.

  By the way, in the developer recovery device 71 of the present embodiment, whether the toner recovery container 72 is attached or detached or full or whether the developer recovery device 71 is faulty is determined based on the on / off state of the switch 98 of the lever movable portion 91. ing.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system that performs such determination. In FIG. 9, the control unit 121 monitors the on / off state of the switch 98, and determines whether the toner collection container 72 is attached / detached or full, or the developer collecting device 71 is in a failure state based on the on / off state of the switch 98. The determination result is displayed on the display unit 122.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, when the toner collection container 72 is disposed in the front space in the image forming apparatus 1, the gear 85 fixed to one end of the shaft 77 a of the stirring blade 77 of the toner collection container 72 is rotationally driven. The output gear 92 of the unit UN is engaged, and the protrusion 72e at the bottom right end of the lower container 72-2 is placed on the lever 91a of the rotary drive unit UN provided on the image forming apparatus 1, and the lever 91a is Pushed down. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the lever movable portion 91 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 103a. Further, the knob 99 protrudes by the urging force of the coil spring 113, and the flange 99b of the knob 99 moves to the lower side of the engaging portion 91e of the lever movable portion 91. The rotational position of the lever movable portion 91 is moved by the flange 99b of the knob 99. Retained. Further, the mover 98a of the switch 98 moves away from the coupling flange 96 and is displaced to the right, and the switch 98 is switched from on to off.

  Therefore, when the switch 98 is switched from on to off and the switch 98 is kept off, or when the switch 98 is kept off when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, the control unit 121 collects toner. It can be considered that the container 72 is mounted. At this time, the control unit 121 displays on the display unit 122 that the toner collection container 72 is mounted.

  Thereafter, when the input gear 93 of the rotation drive unit UN is driven to rotate and the rotation of the coupling gear 95 is started, the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 and the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 are engaged. Then, the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 rotate, the gear 85 of the stirring blade 77 rotates, and the stirring blade 77 rotates. The rotation of the stirring blade 77 stirs the toner that has fallen into the lower container 72-2 of the toner collection container 72, and the height of the toner surface stored in the bottom of the lower container 72-2 is made uniform. The

  Therefore, if the switch 98 is kept off, the control unit 121 can consider that the toner collection container 72 is not full.

  Next, when the lower container 72-2 of the toner collection container 72 is filled with toner, the stirring blade 77 is buried in the toner and is difficult to rotate, and the stirring blade 77 is overloaded. In this state, the output gear 92 that meshes with the gear 85 of the stirring blade 77 is also overloaded, and the output gear 92 and the coupling flange 96 are difficult to rotate. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, even if the coupling gear 95 and the cam 95d rotate, the coupling flange 96 and the cam 96d do not rotate, but the cam 95d and the cam 96d slide, and the coupling gear 95 has a cylindrical shape. The shaft 96a is disconnected from the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96, and the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are stopped.

  In a state where the coupling flange 96 is stopped, as the coupling gear 95 rotates, the mountain shape of the cam 95d and the mountain shape of the cam 96d are repeatedly brought into sliding contact with each other, and each time the coupling flange 96 is attached to the coil spring 97. It moves to the left against the urging force, and the mover 98a of the switch 98 is pushed by the coupling flange 96 to displace to the left, so that the switch 98 is turned on (state shown in FIG. 11). Further, as the coupling gear 95 rotates, the cam 95d peak shape and the cam 96d valley shape repeatedly fit the cam 95d valley shape and the cam 96d peak shape, each time by the biasing force of the coil spring 97. The coupling flange 96 moves to the right, the mover 98a of the switch 98 moves away from the coupling flange 96 and is displaced to the right, and the switch 98 is turned off (state shown in FIG. 10).

  The controller 121 determines a state in which the toner collection container 72 is full of toner based on the on / off of the switch 98 accompanying the rotation of the coupling gear 95 of the rotational drive unit UN.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, assuming that the switch 98 is switched on and off, the control unit 121 controls the on time t1 when the switch 98 is on and the off time t2 when the switch 98 is off. And whether or not the on-time t1 falls within a preset first specified time range ta to taa and whether the off-time t2 falls within a preset second specified time range tb to tbb Determine whether or not. If the on-time t1 enters the first specified time range ta to taa (ta ≦ t1 ≦ taa) and the off-time t2 enters the second specified time range tb to tbb (tb ≦ t2 ≦ tbb) Then, it is determined that the toner collection container 72 is full of toner. Thereby, the full state of the toner recovery container 72 can be accurately determined.

  Here, even if the toner collection container 72 is not full, when the toner collection container 72 is almost full, the load of the stirring blade 77 increases to near overload, and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 and the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 May become unstable and the switch 98 may be turned on and off irregularly. For this reason, if it is determined that the collection container 72 is full based only on the on / off switching of the switch 98, the determination may be erroneous.

  However, in this embodiment, the on time t1 of the switch 98 enters the first specified time range ta to taa (ta ≦ t1 ≦ taa), and the off time t2 of the switch 98 enters the second specified time range tb to tbb. (Tb ≦ t2 ≦ tbb), it is determined that the toner collection container 72 is full of toner, so that the determination is not erroneous.

  For example, when the engagement state between the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 and the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 becomes unstable, the ON time or OFF time of the switch 98 is too short or too long, and the ON time t1 is reduced. The toner is recovered from the first specified time range ta to taa (t1 <ta or taa <t1), and the off time t2 is out of the second specified time range tb to tbb (t2 <tb or tbb <t2). It is not determined that the container 72 is full.

  Alternatively, if the switch 98 is switched on and off as shown in FIG. 12, the controller 121 repeatedly obtains the on / off period T of the switch 98, and the on / off period T falls within the specified time range Tc to Tcc and is specified. It is determined whether or not the number of times N (for example, N = 3) has been repeated continuously. If the on / off cycle T enters the specified time range Tc to Tcc (Tc ≦ T ≦ Tcc) and the on / off cycle that enters the specified time range Tc to Tcc is continuously repeated three or more times, the toner collection container 72 is returned. Is determined to be full of toner. Thereby, the full state of the toner recovery container 72 can be accurately determined.

  Also in this case, it is not erroneously determined whether or not the toner collection container 72 is full. For example, when the engagement state between the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 and the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 becomes unstable, the on / off cycle T of the switch 98 is disturbed and deviates from the specified time range Tc to Tcc (T <Tc, or Tcc <T), and the on / off period T within the specified time range Tc to Tcc is not repeated three times or more, so that it is not determined that the toner collection container 72 is full.

  In this way, when the control unit 121 determines that the toner collection container 72 is full, the control unit 121 displays on the display unit 122 a message prompting replacement of the toner collection container 72. The user sees this display and replaces the toner collection container 72 with a new one.

  Next, in FIG. 2, if the toner collection container 72 is removed for replacement, the protrusion 72e at the bottom right end of the lower container 72-2 is detached from the lever 91a of the rotation drive unit UN. 5-7, if the knob 99 is pressed, the lever movable portion 91 rotates clockwise until the engaging portion 91e of the lever movable portion 91 contacts the outer periphery of the knob 99. Thus, the lever 91a of the lever movable portion 91 is lifted, the movable element 98a of the switch 98 abuts on the coupling flange 96 and is displaced leftward, and the switch 98 is turned on.

  In this state, the coupling flange 96 does not move in the right direction regardless of the operation or stop of the rotary drive unit UN, so that the movable element 98a of the switch 98 is not displaced in the right direction, and the switch 98 Keeps on.

  Therefore, if the switch 98 is kept on, it can be considered that the toner collection container 72 has been removed.

  Next, when the input gear 93 of the rotary drive unit UN is rotating, the control unit 121 switches the switch 98 from OFF → ON → OFF as shown in FIG. If the state continues for a preset failure determination time Tt or more, it is determined that a failure has occurred in the developer recovery apparatus 71.

  If the toner collection container 72 is not full, the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 and the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 are engaged and the stirring blade 77 continues to rotate, so that the switch 98 is not switched. When the toner collection container 72 is full, the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 and the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 slide, and the cylindrical shaft 95a of the coupling gear 95 and the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 are slipped. Since the interval is interrupted and the switch 98 is repeatedly turned on and off, the on or off state does not continue for a long time. Accordingly, when the input gear 93 of the rotary drive unit UN is rotating, the switch 98 is switched from OFF to ON to OFF, and when the OFF state after this switching continues for the failure determination time Tt or more, the developer. It can be determined that a failure has occurred in the collection device 71.

  As described above, in the rotational drive unit UN of the developer recovery apparatus of the present embodiment, the coil spring 97 is sandwiched between the coupling flange (rotating member) 96 and the output gear 92, and the coil spring 97 couples to the output gear 92. The flange 96 is biased rightward (in the direction of the coupling gear 95), the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 are engaged, and the cylindrical shaft 95a of the coupling gear 95 and the coupling are coupled. A torque limiter for coupling the shafts 96a of the flange 96 is provided.

  Therefore, if the lower container 72-2 of the toner collection container 72 is not full of toner and the stirring blade 77 is not overloaded, the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 are engaged. At the same time, the rotational force is transmitted in the order of the coupling gear 95 → the coupling flange 96 → the output gear 92 → the gear 95, and the stirring blade 77 rotates. Further, when the lower container 72-2 is filled with toner and an overload is applied to the stirring blade 77, the output gear 92 and the coupling flange 96 are also overloaded to resist the biasing force of the coil spring 97. As a result, the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 slide, the space between the cylindrical shaft 95a of the coupling gear 95 and the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 is cut off, and the stirring blade 77 stops.

  Further, a switch 98 that is turned on / off according to the engagement and separation of the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 is provided, and an on time t1 when the switch 98 is on and the switch 98 is off. When the off time t2 is obtained, the on time t1 enters the first specified time range ta to taa (ta ≦ t1 ≦ taa), and the off time t2 falls within the second specified time range tb to tbb. If (tb ≦ t2 ≦ tbb), it is determined that the toner recovery container 72 is full of toner. Alternatively, if the on / off cycle T enters the specified time range Tc to Tcc (Tc ≦ T ≦ Tcc) and the on / off cycle enters the specified time range Tc to Tcc is continuously repeated three or more times, the toner collection container 72 Is determined to be full of toner. For this reason, the full state of the toner recovery container 72 can be accurately determined.

  Further, when the input gear 93 of the rotary drive unit UN is rotating, the switch 98 is switched from on to off, and when the off state continues after the switching continues for the failure determination time Tt or more, the developer. It is determined that the recovery device 71 has failed.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood.

  For example, the relationship between the left and right variation direction of the mover 98a of the switch 98 and the on / off state of the switch 98 may be reversed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image reading apparatus 11 Laser exposure apparatus 12 Developing apparatus 13 Photosensitive drum 14 Drum cleaning apparatus 15 Charger 16 Intermediate transfer belt apparatus 17 Fixing apparatus 18 Paper feed tray 19 Paper discharge tray 41 Reading scanner 42 Document conveying apparatus 77 Stirrer blade (stirring member)
91 Lever movable part 92 Output gear 93 Input gear 94 Worm gear 95 Coupling gear 96 Coupling flange (rotating member)
97 Coil spring 98 Switch 99 Knob 101 Frame 121 Control part (full judgment part)
122 Display unit UN Rotation drive unit

Claims (6)

A recovery container that receives and stores the developer recovered from the image carrier, a stirring member that stirs the developer in the recovery container, and a shaft between two shafts that transmit rotational force to the stirring member are coupled to each other. A developing unit including a torque limiter for detecting and shutting off, and a fullness determining unit for detecting a shutoff state between the shafts and determining that the recovery container is filled with a developer based on the detected shutoff state. An agent recovery device comprising:
The torque limiter couples the cams provided on the shafts to each other and the cams that are engaged with each other, and urges and moves one of the cams to engage the cams with each other. Each cam is repeatedly engaged and separated while one of the cams stops and the other rotates in a state where the shafts are blocked.
The fullness determination unit includes a switch that turns on and off according to the engagement and separation of each cam, obtains an on / off cycle of the switch, and the on / off cycle is within a preset specified time range and is set in advance. The developer collecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the collecting container is determined to be full of the developer when it is repeated more than the specified number of times. A recovery container that receives and stores the developer recovered from the image carrier, a stirring member that stirs the developer in the recovery container, and a shaft between two shafts that transmit rotational force to the stirring member are coupled to each other. A developing unit including a torque limiter for detecting and shutting off, and a fullness determining unit for detecting a shutoff state between the shafts and determining that the recovery container is filled with a developer based on the detected shutoff state. An agent recovery device comprising:
The torque limiter couples the cams provided on the shafts to each other and the cams that are engaged with each other, and urges and moves one of the cams to engage the cams with each other. Each cam is repeatedly engaged and separated while one of the cams stops and the other rotates in a state where the shafts are blocked.
The fullness determination unit has a switch that turns on and off according to the engagement and separation of the cams, obtains an on time of the switch and an off time of the switch, and the on time is set in advance. A developer recovery apparatus, wherein the recovery container is determined to be full of developer when it is within a specified time range and the off time is within a second specified time range set in advance. The developer recovery apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
When the fullness determining unit is driven to rotate the stirring member, the switch is turned on and off, and if the on or off state after the switching continues for a preset failure judgment time or more, a failure has occurred. A developer recovery apparatus, characterized in that determination is made. The developer recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The torque limiter is integrally fixed to one of the cams, rotates and moves together with the one cam, and urges and moves the rotating member together with the one cam, And a spring for engaging the
The developer recovery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switch detects the position of the rotating member and turns on and off. The developer recovery device according to claim 4,
The rotating member is a gear, and the gear meshes with a gear provided on a shaft of the stirring member.   An image forming apparatus comprising the developer recovery device according to claim 1.

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