JP2013171211A - Toner storage container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner storage container that eliminates the need of preparing a new waste toner storage container for replacement, and an image forming apparatus using the toner storage container.SOLUTION: Provided is a toner storage container that can be used as a toner replenishment container for supplying toner to an image forming apparatus, and a waste toner storage container for storing waste toner that is generated when the image forming apparatus is used; and also provided is an image forming apparatus using the toner storage container.

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner container and an image forming apparatus.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, an image forming process in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is such that a cylindrical photosensitive member 1 that is rotationally driven has an image from a charging unit (charging roller) 9 and an exposure device. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the light beam (for example, laser beam) 11 based on the information by passing through the portion. Next, the toner is transferred from the developing roller 3 to the photoreceptor, and a toner image (visible image) as a transferable image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1. When the photosensitive member 1 further rotates, the toner on the photosensitive member is transferred to the recording material (recording paper) 12 in the transfer unit 5.

  At this time, there is residual transfer toner remaining on the photosensitive member 1 without being transferred to the recording material (recording paper). This residual transfer toner (waste toner) is removed from the surface of the photosensitive member 1 by the cleaning blade 7. Is done. The removed waste toner is transported and stored in a waste toner container by a waste toner transport means (air pump, rotary screw, etc.) 8 (Patent Document 1). When the waste toner container is full, a new waste toner container is placed. The way to replace is taken.

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, there is a problem that the user needs to purchase and prepare a replacement waste toner container in advance as a consumable, and to prepare a storage place for the replacement waste toner container. there were.

  In general, the capacity of the waste toner storage container is increased so that the frequency of replacement of the waste toner storage container can be reduced. However, if the capacity of the waste toner storage container is increased, the capacity of the image forming apparatus itself is increased. There was a problem that the size also increased. Further, in this case, there is a problem that the storage place for the replacement waste toner container becomes large.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a toner container that does not require a new waste toner container for replacement.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a toner replenishing container for supplying toner to an image forming apparatus and a waste toner container for storing waste toner generated when the image forming apparatus is used. Provided is a toner container that can be used.

  According to the present invention, since the toner container that can be used as the toner replenishing container and the waste toner container is used, the used toner replenishing container can be used as the waste toner container. This eliminates the need for the user to purchase and prepare a replacement waste toner container, and eliminates the need to secure a storage space for the replacement waste toner container, thereby improving user convenience. be able to.

  In addition, it is not necessary to manufacture a different standard product as a toner replenishing container and a waste toner container as in the prior art, and parts can be shared, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified.

Explanatory drawing of the configuration of a monochrome image forming apparatus Explanatory drawing of the toner container which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing of the opening part of the toner storage container which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the toner container which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing when filling the toner container with waste toner Explanatory drawing of the aspect which uses the toner storage container which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention as a waste toner storage container. Explanatory drawing of the aspect which uses the toner storage container which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention as a toner replenishment container. Explanatory drawing of the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the modification of a structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the structure of the monochrome image forming apparatus which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the structure of the color image forming apparatus which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 9th Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory diagram of a tri-level developing method according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention Explanatory drawing of the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 10th Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the modification of the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 10th Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.
[First Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, an embodiment of the toner container of the present invention will be described.

  The toner container of the present invention may be any container that can be used in common for both the toner replenishing container and the waste toner container.

  Here, the toner replenishing container is a container for supplying (replenishing) toner to the developing device when the toner in the developing device (of the image forming apparatus) is insufficient.

  The waste toner storage container is a container for storing waste toner collected from the transfer residual toner on the photoreceptor of the image forming apparatus and / or waste toner collected from the transfer residual toner on the (intermediate) transfer belt. That's it.

  The image forming apparatus referred to in the present invention may be either a one-component development system or a two-component development system using a carrier and toner. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  The shape and size of the toner container of the present invention is not limited, and can be selected according to the specifications of the image forming apparatus to be connected. The shape is, for example, a cylindrical shape or a quadrangular prism shape. It can be set as various shapes, such as.

  The toner container can be provided with an opening for taking in and out the toner. Applications of the opening include a toner replenishing port for supplying toner by connecting to an image forming apparatus (developing device), and a toner filling port for prefilling toner when the toner container is used as a toner replenishing container. And a waste toner filling port for filling the container with waste toner when used as a waste toner container.

  Although an opening can be provided separately for each of these applications, if a large number of openings are provided, the strength of the container decreases or toner leakage in the container tends to occur. It is preferable to provide two openings and use them in common regardless of the application.

  For example, one opening is provided, used as a toner replenishing port for supplying toner to the image forming apparatus when used as a toner replenishing container, and waste toner in the toner containing container when used as a waste toner containing container It is preferably used as a waste toner filling port for introducing the toner. In this case, the opening can be used as a toner filling port. Also, two openings can be provided, and one can be used as a toner replenishing port and the other can be used in common as a toner filling port and a waste toner filling port.

  The opening provided in the toner container is preferably provided with a lid (screw cap or the like) and a shutter for opening and closing the toner in the toner container so that the toner does not scatter outside the container.

  A specific configuration example of the toner container will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The toner container shown in FIG. 2 is a cylindrical toner container, but is not limited to the shape as described above. An opening is provided in each of the upper and lower portions of the toner container. In FIG. 2, two toner storage containers are shown, but this shows the same container upside down so that the upper and lower openings can be seen. Show. The right container in the figure shows a state in which the lower part of the left container is the upper part.

  In the toner container shown in FIG. 2, when used as a toner replenishing container (when used as a toner cartridge), the toner replenishing port 22 as one opening is connected (attached) to the developing device of the image forming apparatus. The toner can be supplied to the developing device from the opening.

  FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of only the toner supply port 22. 3A is a view of the toner supply port as viewed from above, and FIG. 3B schematically shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 3A. Note that the description of the toner container main body is omitted in both FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b).

  As shown in FIG. 3A, on the upper surface of the opening 24 of the toner container, a shutter 23 is provided that can rotate in the direction of the arrow in the drawing along a rail provided in the toner container. Therefore, the toner can be taken in and out when the opening 22 of the shutter 23 and the opening 24 of the toner container are aligned.

  An elastic body 25 such as sponge or rubber is preferably provided inside the shutter 23 (the surface of the shutter 23 facing the toner container 4). When having such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the shutter 23 is in a position covering the opening 24 of the toner container, the elastic body is compressed in the gap between the toner container and the shutter. The gap between the toner container and the shutter can be filled. Therefore, the elastic body presses the periphery of the toner container opening 24, and the toner container opening 24 is sealed to prevent the toner inside from being scattered outside. In addition, since the elastic body is provided inside the shutter 23 as described above, resistance can be added when the shutter 23 is moved. Therefore, the shutter 23 moves unintentionally, and the inside of the toner container is moved. The toner can be prevented from unexpectedly leaking and scattering.

  2 and 3, the opening 24 of the toner container and the opening of the shutter 23 are shown by a quarter circle. However, the shape is not limited to this shape, and the image connecting the toner container is not limited thereto. The selection can be made according to the connecting portion on the forming apparatus side, the required toner supply amount, and the like. Specifically, for example, a semicircular shape, a triangular shape, a polygonal shape such as a quadrangular shape, or the like can be used.

  In addition, in order to use the toner container as a toner replenishing container, it is necessary to fill the toner container with toner in advance. However, in this case, the toner replenishing port 22 can be used. The toner filling port 21 which is the other opening can also be used. The toner filling port 21 can also be provided with a shutter similar to the toner supply port 22, but can also be provided with a lid such as a screw cap.

  Next, the toner storage container is used as a waste toner storage container by connecting the opening of the toner storage container to the waste toner conveying means (exit) of the image forming apparatus. Can do.

  At this time, either the toner filling port 21 or the toner replenishing port 22 may be used as the opening of the toner container connected to the waste toner conveying means of the image forming apparatus.

  In particular, the toner replenishing port 22 when used as a toner replenishing container is preferably used as a waste toner filling port when used as a waste toner container. In this case, only the toner replenishing port 22 is sufficient, and it is not necessary to provide the toner filling port 21 separately. Therefore, the opening and the members attached thereto can be omitted, so that a toner container having a simpler shape can be provided. Therefore, it is preferable.

The toner storage container of the present invention described in the present embodiment can be used as a toner replenishment container and a waste toner storage container. Therefore, a toner replenishment container that is empty after use can be used as a waste toner storage container. This eliminates the need to prepare a replacement waste toner container. For this reason, it is not necessary to purchase and store a new waste toner container in advance, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Further, it is not necessary to manufacture a different standard product as a toner replenishing container and a waste toner container as in the prior art, and parts can be shared, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified.
[Second Embodiment]
In this embodiment, another embodiment of the toner container of the present invention will be described.

  The toner storage container of the present invention can include a mechanism for transporting and / or stirring toner or waste toner stored in the toner storage container in the toner storage container. The toner storage container including such a mechanism is described below. Explained.

  A specific configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration example of a toner container having a mechanism for transporting and / or stirring toner or waste toner in the toner container, and shows an external view thereof. In the figure, two toner storage containers are shown. As in the case of FIG. 2, the same container is inverted so that the upper and lower states of the toner storage container can be seen. Each is shown.

  The toner container 40 of FIG. 4 is provided with an opening 41, and the opening 41 can be used as a toner supply port and a waste toner filling port. The opening 41 is provided with a shutter 51 that can be moved in the direction of the arrow in the figure and that can open and close the opening. A packing 50 (not shown in FIG. 4) is provided on the surface of the shutter 51 that faces the toner container 40 so that the opening 41 can be sealed.

  Here, a toner container having a horizontally long shape as shown in FIG. 4 will be described as an example. However, the shape is not limited to the shape as described in the first embodiment. However, the mechanism for transporting and / or stirring the toner or waste toner described in the present embodiment in the toner storage container is a container having a long distance in a direction perpendicular to the toner flow direction when the toner is filled or supplied. In particular, the effect can be expected.

  The mechanism for transporting and / or stirring the toner or waste toner inside the toner storage container installed inside the toner storage container is not particularly limited, and is generally used for transporting and / or stirring the powder. Any device can be used. For example, a stirrer, a powder conveying device, a device for applying ultrasonic vibration, or the like can be used. Further, the number of the mechanisms installed in the container is not limited and can be selected according to the size and shape of the toner container.

  First, a case where the toner container is used as a waste toner container will be described.

  Waste toner has a lower fluidity than a new (unused) toner, and has a property of not easily collapsing. For this reason, for example, when the mechanism described in the present embodiment is not provided, an opening (waste toner filling port) 41 provided on the upper portion of the waste toner container 40 is disposed in the waste of the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. In the case where the waste toner 42 is simply dropped from the upper part of the waste toner container 40 by being connected to the toner conveying means, it accumulates in a conical shape. At this time, when the inclination angle of the side surface of the cone (43 in the figure) exceeds the repose angle, the toner slides due to the weight of the toner, but the repose angle of the waste toner is larger than that of the new toner. For this reason, depending on the shape or the like of the waste toner container, the waste toner rises to the opening (waste toner filling port) despite the space 44 in the waste toner container 40. If the waste toner continues to be fed in this state, the waste toner is clogged without moving in the vicinity of the opening 41. When the waste toner is clogged, the waste toner may leak out from the periphery of the opening 41, or the member for transporting the waste toner on the image forming apparatus side and the surrounding members may be broken.

  For this reason, as will be described in this embodiment, the toner storage container includes a mechanism for transporting and / or stirring waste toner in the toner storage container, and the waste toner filled in the toner storage container is dispersed in the container. It is preferable to configure as described above.

  A configuration example of the toner container is shown in FIG.

  Here, a case where the toner container shown in FIG. 6 is used as a waste toner container will be described.

  A screw 45 for agitating and conveying waste toner and an agitator 46 for agitation for breaking up a lump of toner are mounted inside the toner container 40.

  In FIG. 6, a screw 45 has a spiral projection formed on a rotating shaft, and conveys waste toner in the direction of an arrow 49 in the figure by rotating. Therefore, the waste toner can be transported to the end of the toner container without accumulating around the opening. In the figure, the screw 45 has a continuous spiral protrusion, but it does not necessarily have to be continuous. If the screw 45 is partially cut off, the plate-like protrusion is inclined with respect to the rotational direction of the shaft. A plurality of them may be arranged.

  Further, the agitator 46 is obtained by adding a stirring plate to the rotating shaft, and the stirring plate rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft, and performs the operation of stirring the surrounding waste toner (toner). As described above, the normal waste toner has a poor fluidity and a large angle of repose when left unattended, and may not flow even if there is a space below the container. However, since the fluidity of the entire waste toner is increased by stirring with the agitator 46, the waste toner can be more uniformly distributed in the container. Further, an elastic body such as a PET sheet can be used as the stirring plate of the agitator 46. In this case, the length of the stirring plate is increased to reduce the possibility of damage even if it hits against the wall surface of the toner container, and the stirring plate can be elastically deformed and rotated as it is. For this reason, it becomes possible to stir about a wide range.

  A means for driving the screw 45 and the agitator 46 is not particularly limited, and the screw 45 and the agitator 46 can be separately connected to a driving mechanism (rotating mechanism) and moved. For example, in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the gear 47 connected to the screw 45 and the gear 48 connected to the agitator 46 are coupled, and driving force is applied to either one of the gears from outside the waste toner container. By giving, it is configured to rotate both at the same time. Such a configuration is preferable because the screw 45 and the agitator 46 can be moved by a simple mechanism.

  In particular, as will be described later, when the waste toner collected in the waste toner container is reused, the waste toner can be regenerated by adding the additive to the waste toner. After the toner is added, the waste toner and the additive are mixed almost uniformly. In the step of mixing the waste toner and the additive, it is preferable that a mechanism for conveying and / or stirring the toner or waste toner described in the present embodiment in the toner container can be used. For this reason, for example, it is preferable that the handle 52 as shown in FIG. 4 can be connected to the mechanism and can be moved manually.

  Next, the case where the toner container shown in FIG. 6 is used as a toner replenishing container for supplying toner to the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  When connecting the toner replenishing container to the image forming apparatus, the toner replenishing container is generally connected to the image forming apparatus (developing apparatus) with an opening serving as a toner replenishing port facing downward.

  At this time, as a method of supplying and filling the toner from the toner replenishing container, the toner replenishing container has a large opening, and the toner is put into the developing apparatus in a lump, or the small opening (toner There are two methods of supplying toner little by little from the supply port).

  However, if the opening (toner supply port) connected to the image forming apparatus is large, it may fall due to the weight of the toner and be supplied to the developing device, but it still adheres to the wall surface of the container and remains in the toner replenishing container. May not be supplied. In addition, when the opening (toner supply port) connected to the image forming apparatus is small, the toner hardly falls due to its own weight and may not be supplied to the image forming apparatus.

  Here, FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which a toner container having a mechanism for conveying and / or stirring toner or waste toner stored in the toner container is used as a toner replenishing container. .

  FIG. 7 shows a state in which the toner container shown in FIG. 6 is turned upside down. This is because when the toner container is used as a toner replenishing container, the opening 41 faces down and is connected to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is connected to the image forming apparatus in the form as shown in FIG.

  In this case, by rotating the screw 45 in the direction opposite to that in the case where the toner container is used as a waste toner container, the toner can be conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow 53, and the toner is supplied from the opening. Can be easier.

  Further, since the agitator 46 rotates to increase the fluidity of the toner, it is possible to distribute the toner to the screw portion at the lower position in the gravity direction of the agitator. When used in combination with the screw 45 as described above, the toner can be moved toward the screw 45 by the agitator 46 to convey and supply the toner from the opening to the image forming apparatus.

  In particular, when the stirring plate of the agitator 46 is formed of an elastic material such as a PET sheet, there is little risk of damage to the toner container even if it collides with the wall surface of the toner container as described above. Can rotate. Therefore, it is preferable that the length of the stirring plate is increased so that the toner adhering to the wall surface of the toner container 40 can also be collected.

As described above, if the toner storage container is provided with a mechanism for transporting and / or stirring toner or waste toner in the toner storage container, the waste toner is stored in the case where the toner storage container is used. It becomes possible to transport and fill the container uniformly. Further, when used as a toner replenishing container, the toner in the toner container can be flowed, and the toner can be stably and efficiently conveyed to the image forming apparatus regardless of the size of the opening.
[Third Embodiment]
In this embodiment, a mode when the toner container described in the first and second embodiments is mounted on a monochrome image forming apparatus will be described.

  First, an outline of the configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 1, first, the photosensitive layer on the surface of the cylindrical photosensitive member 1 that is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure is charged to a uniform high potential by a charging unit (charging roller) 9. The uniformly charged photosensitive layer is exposed with a light beam (for example, laser light) 11 based on image information from an exposure apparatus which is a latent image forming unit. By this exposure, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive layer, which is composed of a low potential portion where the potential is attenuated and a high potential portion initialized by the charging portion. Next, when the low potential portion (or high potential portion) of the electrostatic latent image reaches a position where the photosensitive member and the developing roller 3 face each other, the developing roller 3 carrying a toner thin layer on the surface thereof is transferred to the photosensitive member 1. As a result, a toner image (visible image) as a transferable image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1. When the photosensitive member 1 further rotates, the toner on the photosensitive member is transferred to the recording material (recording paper) 12 in the transfer unit 5 and then fixed. At this time, there is residual transfer toner remaining on the photosensitive member 1 without being transferred to the recording material (recording paper). This residual transfer toner is removed from the photosensitive member by the cleaning blade 7. A neutralizing device (not shown) is provided downstream of the cleaning blade 7 in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 1 to remove the residual potential on the surface of the photoconductor 1. Thereafter, since the photosensitive member 1 reaches the charging unit 9 again by rotating, the above-described steps can be repeated.

  The two toner storage containers of the present invention described so far are arranged as a toner replenishment container 4 and a waste toner storage container 10 in FIG.

  First, one toner container used as the toner replenishing container 4 is filled with toner in advance, and the toner container is opened at the opening (toner replenishing port) in order to supply the toner to the developing device 2. Connected to device 2.

  Further, since the other toner container is used as the waste toner container 10, its opening (waste toner filling port) is connected to the waste toner conveying means. Here, the waste toner conveying means is a path through which the waste toner collected from the transfer residual toner on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 is conveyed by the conveying means 8 composed of a screw or the like.

  In the above configuration, when the toner in the toner replenishing container 4 is emptied and replaced with a new toner replenishing container, the emptied toner replenishing container 4 can be used as the waste toner container 10. This eliminates the need to newly prepare the waste toner container 10.

As a specific replacement procedure, for example, the following steps can be performed.
(1) Remove the empty toner replenishing container 4 (2) Mount a new toner replenishing container 4 filled with toner on the image forming apparatus (3) Remove the waste toner container 10 (4) (1) Attach the toner container 4 removed in the process to the image forming apparatus as a new waste toner container 10 When replacing the toner container according to the above procedure, the waste toner container 10 is replaced with the replacement of the toner replenishing container 4. Since the replacement can be performed, the time during which the image forming apparatus is stopped can be shortened.

  The collected waste toner container and the waste toner filled therein can be discarded as they are, or can be reused as image forming toner as described later.

  The amount of waste toner generated in a normal image forming apparatus varies depending on the image to be printed. Generally, when the printing rate is low, the amount of waste toner generated increases, and when the printing rate increases, the amount of waste toner increases. The amount of toner generated is reduced. However, even when the printing rate is low, which is a condition where waste toner is likely to be generated, the amount of waste toner generated is about 50% with respect to the weight of the original new toner. Therefore, when the toner replenishing container is replaced, the waste toner container can be replaced and recovered before the waste toner container is full.

  In addition, when replacing the toner replenishing container, if the amount of waste toner in the waste toner container is small, for example, the replacement frequency of the waste toner container is small, for example, while the toner replenishing container is replaced twice. It is also possible to replace the waste toner container once.

  Here, the installation direction and the like when the toner container is attached to the image forming apparatus are not particularly limited, and can be selected according to the use of the image forming apparatus and the toner container to be used.

  For example, the case of the toner container having one opening described in the first embodiment will be described. In this case, the opening is used as a toner replenishing port for supplying toner to the image forming apparatus when used as a toner replenishing container, and waste toner is contained in the toner containing container when used as a waste toner containing container. It is used as a waste toner filling port to be introduced.

  For this reason, when used as the toner replenishing container 4, it is preferable that the opening (toner replenishing port) is directed downward in the same direction as the direction of gravity as shown in FIG. 1. This is because the weight of the toner can be used, and the toner can be easily taken out from the toner container.

  Further, when used as a waste toner container 10, it is easier to fill the toner container with waste toner when the opening (waste toner filling port) is directed upward as shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, it is preferable.

  That is, the orientation of the opening when the toner storage container is mounted on the image forming apparatus can be mounted so that it is 180 degrees different when used as a toner replenishing container and when used as a waste toner storage container. preferable.

  In FIG. 1, the container faces the vertical direction in any case, but is not limited to such a mode, and can be installed in an inclined state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the toner supply port has two openings, and one of the openings is used as a toner replenishing container, and the waste toner is charged when the other opening is used as a waste toner container. When used as a mouth, each opening may be connected to the image forming apparatus. Also in this case, if the image forming apparatus is configured so that the toner replenishing port is installed in the downward direction and the waste toner filling port is installed in the upward direction as described above, it is easy to supply the toner. It is also preferable because waste toner can be easily filled.
[Fourth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, one mode of mounting the toner container of the present invention in a color image forming apparatus will be described.

  The configuration of the color image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the color image forming apparatus, unlike the monochrome image forming apparatus described in the third embodiment, developing devices for each color of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). 2a to 2d are arranged along the traveling direction of the (intermediate) transfer belt. In each color developing device, toner images (of each color) are formed on the photoreceptors 1a to 1d by the same procedure as in the case of monochrome, and transferred onto the transfer belt 14 by a primary transfer roller (not shown). For this reason, although omitted in FIG. 8, a charging unit, a member for irradiating a light beam for exposure, a developing roller, and the like are disposed around the photosensitive member.

  Next, the color toner image formed on the transfer belt 14 is transferred onto the recording material (recording paper) 12 by the secondary transfer roller 16 and then fixed.

  In the image forming process in such a color image forming apparatus, there is residual toner that remains without being transferred to the transfer belt as in the case of monochrome, and this is exposed to light by a cleaning blade provided on each photosensitive member (not shown). Remove from the body. Further, when transferring from the transfer belt to the recording material (recording paper), residual toner remaining without being transferred onto the transfer belt is generated, but this is removed by the transfer belt cleaning unit 17.

  In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 8, the waste toner from each color developing device (photosensitive unit) and the waste toner on the transfer belt are collected together. In the developing devices of the respective colors, the waste toner collected from the transfer residual toner on the photoreceptor is collectively transported to the waste toner storage container 10a by the waste toner transport means 19. For example, the waste toner conveying unit 19 may be a structure having a screw-like rotating object inside a pipe-like path. Then, by being driven by a driving source (not shown), the screw rotates and transports waste toner from each developing device to the waste toner container 10a.

  The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 8 includes a storage unit 81 that can store three waste toner storage containers 10b, 10c, and 10d in addition to the toner storage container 10a connected to the waste toner outlet of the waste toner conveying unit. ing. These waste toner storage containers 10a to 10d use the same toner storage container as the toner replenishment container 4, and have the same shape.

  Here, in the case of a color image forming apparatus, a plurality of waste toner storage containers are arranged so that the waste toner storage container becomes full before any one of the toner replenishment containers for each color becomes empty. Therefore, when the waste toner container 10a becomes full, it can be replaced immediately. When any of the toner replenishing containers 4a to 4d becomes empty, the toner replenishing containers 4a to 4d may be set in the accommodating portion 81 that accommodates the waste toner accommodating container.

  The full waste toner container 10a and the waste toner filled therein can be discarded as they are, or can be reused as image forming toner as will be described later.

  In addition, it is preferable to have means for detecting the amount of waste toner filling in the waste toner storage container in order to facilitate replacement of the waste toner storage container when the waste toner storage container 10a is full.

  Specifically, for example, there is a method of providing a sensor for detecting a filling amount of the waste toner in the waste toner container. In addition to this, there is a method of calculating the amount of waste toner filling in the waste toner container from parameters such as the print count after replacing the waste toner container, the driving time of the apparatus, and the number of output sheets. .

There is also a method of detecting the fullness of the waste toner by providing a light detection sensor at a predetermined place of the main body of the image forming apparatus and through a transparent part through which light passes through the corresponding place of the waste toner container. In this case, when the toner container is used as a toner replenishing container, it can be used as a means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner container.
[Fifth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, another embodiment in which the toner container of the present invention is mounted in a color image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the same member as FIG.

  As described in the fourth embodiment, the color image forming apparatus includes a developing device for each of four colors K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). . The toner replenishing containers of colors corresponding to the respective developing devices are used. However, the amount of color consumed varies depending on the image to be printed, and the order in which the toner replenishing containers are emptied changes. The toner replenishing containers for four colors may be emptied almost simultaneously, but there are also cases where black is emptied first and yellow is hardly emptied because it is hardly used.

  For this reason, the replacement timing of the toner replenishing container and the replacement of the waste toner containing container are shifted, and it may be necessary to replace the waste toner containing container separately from the replacement of the toner replenishing container. When replacing the toner replenishing container or the waste toner container, the image forming apparatus needs to be stopped during that time. It will be inconvenient. Moreover, since maintenance work is performed each time, it takes time.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, four waste toner storage containers 10a to 10d are installed in a waste toner storage container storage portion 91 that stores a plurality of waste toner storage containers. The waste toner container container 91 can be moved in the direction of the arrow in the figure with the four waste toner containers installed.

  Thus, by moving the waste toner container container 91, the waste toner container connected to the waste toner outlet of the waste toner transport means 19 can be changed.

  For example, when the waste toner container 10a becomes full, the waste toner container connected to the waste toner outlet of the waste toner transport means 19 is switched to one of the waste toner containers that is not full. Supply toner. By repeating such an operation, when any of the toner replenishing containers 4a to 4d is replaced, any of the waste toner containing containers is full. It may be replaced with a full waste toner container.

  In order to detect that the waste toner container is full, it is preferable to have means for detecting the amount of waste toner filled in the waste toner container described in the fourth embodiment.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the waste toner can be replaced at the same timing as the replacement of the toner cartridge, so that maintainability can be improved.
[Sixth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a monochrome image forming apparatus in which a toner container that contains waste toner is attached to a developing device of an image forming apparatus and waste toner is used for image formation will be described.

  As described in the third embodiment, in the monochrome image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the toner is supplied from the toner replenishing container 4 connected to the developing device 2 to form an image. The waste toner is collected in the waste toner container 10.

  The toner container of the present invention can be used as the toner replenishing container 4 and the waste toner container 10. For this reason, when the toner replenishing container 4 becomes empty, the toner replenishing container 4 and the waste toner container 10 are exchanged. The toner replenishing container 4 is used as the waste toner container 10 and the waste toner containing container 10 is the toner replenishing container. 4 can be used. Then, by supplying the waste toner stored in the waste toner storage container 10 to the developing device 2, the image forming process can be performed again.

  In this way, it is possible to reduce waste by reusing waste toner.

Further, since the toner container of the present invention can be used as the toner replenishing container 4 and the waste toner container 10, the waste toner can be easily reused by attaching the waste toner container 10 to the developing device. .
[Seventh Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a color image forming apparatus in which a toner container that contains waste toner is attached to a developing device of an image forming apparatus and waste toner is used for image formation will be described.

  In the color image forming apparatus, as described in the fourth embodiment, the toner image formed in each color developing apparatus is once transferred to a transfer belt, and then transferred and fixed to a recording material (recording paper). Have.

  For this reason, the waste toner obtained by individually collecting (for each color) the transfer residual toner remaining on the photoreceptor of the developing device for each color is composed of toner of each color, although some color mixing may occur. . However, the waste toner from which the transfer residual toner on the transfer belt has been collected is in a state in which all colors are included in the waste toner while changing according to the time depending on the various images formed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the color mixture state as much as possible, the waste toner generated on the transfer belt is not used, but the waste toner generated on each color is individually collected and reused as it is. is there.

  A specific configuration will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the same member as FIG. Further, since the configuration of the color image forming apparatus has been described in the fourth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The toner replenishing containers 4a to 4d are connected to the developing devices 2a to 2d for the respective colors, and the transfer residual toner on each photoconductor is transferred to the corresponding waste toner storage containers 10a to 10d by the waste toner conveying means 19a to 19d. Collect separately.

  Also, the waste toner collected from the residual toner attached to the transfer belt is not used because it is mixed, and the waste toner is transported to the waste toner collection container 101 and collected by the waste toner transport means, and is then discarded.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the mixing of colors and reuse the toner of each color.

  The corresponding colors of the toner replenishing containers 4a to 4d and the waste toner storage containers 10a to 10d use the same toner storage container, so that they can be attached to each other. For this reason, for example, when the toner replenishing container 4a becomes empty, the toner replenishing container 4a and the waste toner container 10a are exchanged to supply waste toner accumulated in the waste toner container 10a to the developing device 2a, thereby forming an image. Can be used. Further, the toner replenishing container 4a can function as a waste toner container.

  Note that all colors are deposited and mixed on the transfer belt in various mixing ratios, so that the overall color is close to brown. Therefore, it is possible to put it into the black developing device, but it is also a black that is close to brown, and when color printing is performed, YMC becomes a standard color, but only black becomes a brown color. There is a possibility that the color will be broken.

  However, if it does not matter even if the color changes, as shown in FIG. 11, the waste toner collected by the cleaning unit of the black developing device and the waste toner collected by the residual transfer toner on the transfer belt It is good also as a structure which mixes. Even in this case, by replacing the positions of 4a and 10a when the black toner replenishing container 4a becomes empty, the waste toner in the waste toner container 10a can be supplied to the developing device and used for image formation. .

In this case, since the amount of waste toner in the waste toner container 10a is larger than that in other colors, the capacity of the toner container for black is larger than that in other colors as shown in FIG. It can also be large.
[Eighth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, another embodiment in which a toner container that contains waste toner is mounted on a developing device of the image forming apparatus and the waste toner is used for image formation in a monochrome image forming apparatus will be described. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in the figure, the same number is attached | subjected about the same member as FIG.

  As described in the sixth embodiment, when a new toner is normally used and the waste toner (regenerated toner) is used by replacing the toner container when the waste toner is accumulated, the black color is discarded. It may change when the toner is used.

  In view of this, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a waste toner cartridge as well as a new toner cartridge can be simultaneously attached to the developing device. That is, the image forming apparatus includes a developing device in which a toner storage container containing unused toner and a toner storage container containing unused toner can be mounted simultaneously. In this case, the toner replenishing container 4, the waste toner containing container 10, and the toner replenishing container (waste toner replenishing container) 121 in FIG. 12 are configured such that the same toner containing container can be used.

  For this reason, for example, when the toner replenishing container 4 becomes empty, the empty toner replenishing container 4 is used as the waste toner container 10, and the waste toner container 10 filled with the waste toner is used as the developing device 2. To a toner replenishing container (waste toner replenishing container) 121. Further, as the toner replenishing container 4, the toner container can be replaced by a procedure of preparing and connecting a new (unused) toner filled.

  With this configuration, waste toner (regenerated toner) enters the developing device 2 from the toner container 121 filled with waste toner, and new toner is charged from the toner replenishment container 4 filled with new toner. Then, mixing and stirring are performed inside the developing device 2. For this reason, a change in color can be suppressed.

  Here, the case of a monochrome image forming apparatus has been described, but a similar configuration can be adopted in a color image forming apparatus. A specific configuration example is shown in FIG. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the same member as FIG.

  In this case, all waste toners are mixed and collected in the waste toner container 10. For this reason, all the colors are mixed, and the color is close to brown as described in the seventh embodiment.

  In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 13, the waste toner container is used as a waste toner replenishing container 121 and can be attached to the black developing device 2a at the same time as the new toner replenishing container 4a. Therefore, in the developing device 2a, waste toner enters from the toner container 121 filled with waste toner, and new toner is charged from the toner replenishing container 4 filled with new toner, and mixed and stirred. For this reason, the color of the waste toner becomes closer to black than the brown color of the waste toner, and color change due to cartridge replacement can be suppressed.

Although all the waste toners are mixed and collected in FIG. 13, the waste toner collected by the cleaning unit of the black developing device and the residual transfer on the transfer belt as in the seventh embodiment. A waste toner obtained by mixing the waste toner collected from the toner may be used as the waste toner supplied from the toner container 121. In this case, as in the seventh embodiment, waste toner generated in each color other than black can be individually collected and reused by the developing device of the corresponding color.
[Ninth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the image forming apparatus is a monochrome image forming apparatus that includes a developing device in which only a toner container that contains waste toner is mounted.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the configuration. In addition, in the figure, the same number is attached | subjected in the same member as FIG.

  In FIG. 14, in addition to the developing device 2 connected to the toner replenishing container 4, the developing device 142 dedicated to waste toner connected to the toner storage container 141 that stores (fills) the waste toner on the rotation path of the photoreceptor. 2 shows an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus having the above.

  In addition to the standard developing device 2 (which does not use waste toner) with respect to the photoreceptor 1, a developing device 142 for mounting a toner container 141 containing waste toner (regenerated toner) exclusively is provided. In other words, the photoconductor is provided with two developing devices.

  Since there are two developing devices, the toner is not developed from the other developing device when developing the toner from one developing device to the photoreceptor so that the toners of different colors are not mixed. Preferably it is.

  The method for preventing the toner from developing from one developing device (developing roller) on the photosensitive member is not particularly limited. For example, the developing device may be physically separated from the photosensitive member so as not to develop the toner. In general, there are a method of using a potential difference between an optical system and a developing bias, and the like. As a physical movement method, for example, in order to manage the gap between the photosensitive member and the developing device, the developing device is usually pressed in the direction of the photosensitive member. However, when development is not performed, the developing device is exposed by rotating a cam or the like. There is a way to retreat against the body. As a result, it is possible to secure a distance between the photosensitive member and the developing roller of the developing unit so that the toner does not contact the photosensitive member, and even if the developing device is operated, it is not developed.

  Next, as a method of using the potential difference between the optical system and the developing bias, there is a method in which the laser power by the optical unit is normally in two stages of ON / OFF in monochrome printing, but there are two types of potentials when ON. That is, this is a tri-level method in which the photosensitive layer is given a three-stage potential difference of ON (1) / ON (2) / OFF and the bias value applied to each developing device is changed.

  As shown in FIG. 15, by adjusting the voltage of the latent image portion and the bias of the developing unit, the developing device 2 of the toner container 2 filled with new toner is provided in the developing unit (1). Development is performed only on the latent image portion, and the developing device 142 using waste toner performs development only on the latent image portion of the development unit (2). For this reason, even if the photosensitive member and the developing device are not physically separated from each other, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive member from being developed even if it passes through another developing device in setting the potential difference.

  By managing the physical distance and controlling the potential as described above, it is possible to selectively use a developing device dedicated to waste toner and a developing device equipped with a new toner replenishing container. When a developing device dedicated to waste toner is used, the image quality is naturally inferior to that when developing with a new toner. Therefore, it is preferable to use the developing device properly according to the required image quality.

  There are no particular restrictions on the method of proper use, but it is preferable that the method can be easily selected using, for example, a switch or the like. In addition, for example, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus has a print mode in which a developing device in which only a toner storage container containing waste toner is attached is used with priority. By having such a print mode, it is possible to use the toner properly according to the purpose, and it is possible to reduce the amount of new toner used. Here, it is assumed that the developing device in which only the toner storage container containing the waste toner is used is preferentially used so that when the remaining amount of the waste toner is exhausted, the printing can be switched to printing using new toner. This is because it is preferable that the printing is not interrupted.

If such a printing mode is provided in the image forming apparatus, waste toner (regenerated toner) can be preferentially consumed, so that the amount of new toner used can be reduced, cost reduction, and resource protection. From the viewpoint of
[Tenth embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a case where the image forming apparatus is a color image forming apparatus that includes a developing device in which only a toner container that contains waste toner is mounted.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the configuration. Note that the same members as in FIG. 8 are given the same numbers. As described above, the color image forming apparatus includes the developing devices 2a to 2d of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan. In the present embodiment, in addition to these developing devices, a developing device 161 for attaching and using a waste toner container is added. In other words, by adding a developing device 161 dedicated to waste toner (regenerated toner), a total of five developing devices are arranged in series in the image forming apparatus so as to face the transfer belt.

  As the waste toner, the waste toner from the developing device (photosensitive unit) dedicated to each color and waste toner and the waste toner of the transfer belt are collected together and filled in the waste toner container 10. The waste toner filled in the waste toner container 10 is attached to a developing device 161 dedicated to waste toner and used for image formation.

  In the case of the present embodiment, all colors are deposited and mixed in the waste toner container 10 in various mixing ratios, so that the overall color is close to brown. For this reason, it can be used in place of the black developing device 4a when it is not important even if the color changes.

  However, as in the case of the monochrome image forming apparatus described in the ninth embodiment, for example, the black developing device 4a and the developing device 161 dedicated to waste toner are not mixed so that colors of the same color with different colors are not mixed. When either one is used, it is preferable that the other developing device is not used.

  With the configuration as in the present embodiment, the waste toner container having a large capacity as in the conventional machine is not necessary, so that the height of the image forming apparatus can be reduced, but five developing devices are arranged in series. Since it is in a state, it becomes longer in the horizontal direction of the figure. For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, a developing device 161 dedicated to regenerated toner may be disposed below the transfer belt to reduce the lateral length.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 17, the size of the image forming apparatus is increased by making the developing device 161 dedicated to waste toner (recycled toner) into a horizontally long shape and positioned below the transfer belt. In addition to preventing this, the waste toner container 10 can be made larger.

  The toner storage container (toner replenishment container) 162 mounted on the developing device 161 dedicated to waste toner is only required to have the same size as the waste toner collection container 10, and is the same as the other color toner storage containers 4a to 4d. Although it can also be made into a size, it can also be made into the shape enlarged individually as mentioned above. Further, the developing device 161 that supplies waste toner as described above may not have the same shape as the other four-color developing devices as described above, and can be defined according to the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. .

Printing settings and effects when using waste toner mounted on a developing device dedicated to waste toner are the same as in the case of the monochrome image forming apparatus described in the ninth embodiment, and are therefore omitted here.
[Eleventh embodiment]
In the present embodiment, an embodiment in which waste toner is regenerated in an image forming apparatus and then reused for image formation will be described.

  In the sixth embodiment to the tenth embodiment, the form in which waste toner is reused has been described. However, the waste toner is usually damaged and has a new fluidity and charging characteristic (unused toner). Toner) has changed. Therefore, if waste toner is used as it is, the image will fade, the toner will adhere to the regulating blade, which is a part inside the device, or the developing roller will be filmed, resulting in a change in image density and streaky irregularities. I will let you. When further deteriorated, aggregated lumps may be generated in the machine.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, before the waste toner is reused and supplied to the image forming apparatus, an additive is added to the waste toner so that the quality of the waste toner becomes close to the quality of the unused toner. It is. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image apparatus in which an additive for charge stabilization is added to a toner container that contains waste toner, and then the toner container that contains the waste toner is mounted on a developing device.

  The additive for regenerating the waste toner (for stabilizing the charge) is not particularly limited, and various additives can be used. For example, silica, alumina, titania and the like are preferably used. be able to. In addition, a new toner can be mixed in order to adjust the waste toner color. That is, for example, when a toner container containing waste toner is connected to a black developing device, a new (unused) black toner can be added together to adjust the color. In particular, in a color image forming apparatus, the ratio of toner color consumed varies depending on the state of image output, so the color of waste toner changes. For example, when a large amount of black is used when outputting an image, the waste toner has a black color, and when a large amount of magenta is used, the red color becomes strong. As described above, the waste toner is basically a brownish color in which four colors are mixed. However, the color changes depending on the use situation, and in some cases, the color may become difficult to see. For such a case, by adding a new black toner in addition to the additive, it is possible to adjust the color and make it easy to recognize clearly.

  After adding the additive for stabilizing the charge to the waste toner, it is preferable to mix and stir the waste toner and the additive in the toner container so that the waste toner and the additive are mixed almost uniformly. .

  The means for mixing and stirring is not particularly limited. For example, the mixing and stirring can be performed by manually shaking the toner container a plurality of times. However, although the toner storage container storing the waste toner has a corresponding weight depending on the size, it may require labor and may not be mixed sufficiently. For this reason, it is preferable that a mechanism for mixing the waste toner and the additive in the toner container is provided in the toner container. The mechanism for mixing the waste toner and the additive in the toner container is not particularly limited. For example, a screw, an agitator, or the like shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 described in the second embodiment is used. A mechanism for transporting and / or stirring waste toner in the toner container is preferable.

  In the case of having such a mechanism, the waste toner and the additive can be easily and uniformly mixed by simply moving the mechanism after the additive is added from the opening of the toner container.

  At the time of mixing, as described with reference to FIG. 4 in the second embodiment, a manual handle 52 can be installed in the gears 47 and 48 connected to the screw 45 and the agitator 46 and stirred by hand.

  Even in this case, manpower is required to drive the screw or the like. Therefore, it is more preferable that the mechanism is configured to be driven automatically.

  That is, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus is provided with a mechanism for driving a mechanism provided in the toner container for mixing the waste toner and the additive in the toner container.

  The specific structure of the mechanism for driving the mechanism for mixing the waste toner and the additive in the toner storage container provided in the toner storage container is not limited, and is installed in the toner storage container. Any material that is compatible with a mechanism for mixing waste toner and additives in a toner container may be used.

  Specifically, when the mechanism for mixing the waste toner and the additive in the toner container has a gear outside the toner container as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, for example, a rotating member capable of driving the gear is provided. It is preferable that the image forming apparatus includes a mechanism (for example, a mechanism including a corresponding gear and motor).

When the image forming apparatus has the mechanism, for example, waste toner in the toner container can be regenerated and attached to the developing device of the image forming apparatus by the following procedure.
(1) Take out the waste toner container once and open a shutter covering the opening.
(2) After adding the additive from the opening, the shutter is closed and returned to the inside of the image forming apparatus (position as a waste toner collecting container) again.
(3) A mechanism for driving (rotating) a mechanism (for example, a screw or an agitator) that mixes waste toner and additives provided for waste toner storage in the toner storage container by a switch or the like provided in the image forming apparatus. (Eg motor) is driven for a certain time.
(4) The waste toner container is taken out again and attached to the developing device.

  As described above, with the above-described configuration, the user of the image forming apparatus simply adds the additive from the opening to the toner storage container in which the waste toner is stored, and then returns the toner storage container to the image forming apparatus. It becomes possible to recycle the waste toner in the waste toner container.

  For this reason, conventionally, a method has been used in which the waste toner is once collected together with the waste toner container, regenerated at a dedicated place, and then purchased again by the user. However, by applying the recycling method of the present embodiment, the user can easily recycle the waste toner, thereby eliminating the trouble of collecting the waste toner storage container and the distribution route for selling again, thereby reducing the cost. Can be planned. Moreover, since waste toner can be easily used, it is preferable from the viewpoint of resource protection.

2, 2a to 2d, 142, 161 Developing device 4, 4a to 4d Toner replenishing container 10, 10a to 10d Waste toner container 14 Transfer belt 21 Waste toner filling port 22 Toner replenishing port 45 Screw 46 Agitator

JP 2006-154208 A

Claims (11)

A toner replenishing container for supplying toner to the image forming apparatus; and
A waste toner storage container for storing waste toner generated when the image forming apparatus is used;
A toner container that can be used as a toner container. When used as a toner replenishing container, it is used as a toner replenishing port for supplying toner to the image forming apparatus
The toner container according to claim 1, wherein when used as a waste toner container, an opening used as a waste toner filling port for introducing the waste toner is provided in the toner container.   The orientation of the opening when the toner container is mounted on the image forming apparatus is 180 degrees different when used as a toner replenishing container and when used as a waste toner container. The toner container according to 2.   4. The toner container according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for transporting and / or stirring toner or waste toner stored in the toner container within the toner container. 5. .   An image forming apparatus, wherein the toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 4 containing waste toner is attached to a developing device of the image forming apparatus, and the waste toner is used for image formation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a developing device capable of mounting a toner container containing unused toner at the same time as the toner container containing the waste toner.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a developing device that mounts only a toner container that contains the waste toner.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus has a print mode that preferentially uses a developing device in which only the toner storage container storing the waste toner is mounted.   9. The toner containing container containing waste toner is added to a toner containing container containing waste toner, and the toner containing container containing the waste toner is attached to a developing device. The image forming apparatus according to one item.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a mechanism for mixing the waste toner and the additive in a toner container is provided in the toner container.   11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a mechanism for driving a mechanism provided in the toner storage container for mixing the waste toner and the additive in the toner storage container.

Images