JP3519975B2 - Cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to an electronic process.
To transfer the toner image formed on the image carrier.
Cleaner for removing toner remaining on the image carrier afterwards
Printers, copiers and fax machines.
Image to which the cleaning device such as a similiar device is applied
It relates to a forming apparatus. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic process generally includes charging,
Exposure, development, transfer, fixing, cleaning and static elimination
Process. A predetermined potential is applied to the surface of the image carrier during the charging process.
After charging, an electrostatic latent image was formed in the exposure step,
The electrostatic latent image is developed in a developing process, and a predetermined recording paper is used in a transferring process.
To form an image. Ma
Also, the toner remaining on the image carrier after transfer is cleaned.
Remaining in the image carrier after the charge removal process
Charge is eliminated. In the electrophotographic process,
An image is formed in such a process, and after the neutralization process, the charging process is performed again.
And a series of steps is repeatedly performed. like this
An image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic process
Chargers, exposure units, developing units, transfer units, and cleaners around the body
And the static eliminator are arranged in this order. FIG. 7 shows a conventional cleaning device 3.
Shown together with a photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier and a developing unit 2
It is sectional drawing. The photosensitive drum 1 moves in the direction of arrow S11.
It is configured to be rotatable. Predetermined surface with charger (not shown)
After the surface is charged to a potential of
A photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by being illuminated
The developing device 2 develops the electrostatic latent image with respect to the system 1. [0004] In a container 4 constituting the developing device 2, toner is contained.
And a developer 5 composed of a carrier and
The developing roller 6 and the stirring rollers 7 and 8 are accommodated. Content
The unit 4 is provided with an opening facing the photosensitive drum 1.
In this opening, the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 1
Are arranged opposite to each other. The developing roller 6 is a photosensitive drum
It is configured to be rotatable in a direction S12 opposite to 1. [0005] The developer 5 supplied by the developing roller 6
Of the toner along the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1
The electrostatic latent image is developed in this way,
A toner image is formed on the body drum 1. The toner image is
After the image is transferred to the specified recording paper by a transfer unit (not shown),
Not fixed by the fixing unit. [0006] The cleaning device 3 includes a photoconductor drum after the transfer.
The toner remaining on the ram 1 is removed. cleaning
The collected toner is collected in a container 13 constituting the apparatus 3.
Rotating brush 10, flicker 11 and transport
The auger 12 is accommodated. The container 13 includes the photosensitive drum 1
Is provided, and the upper part of the opening is exposed to light.
A blade 9 that contacts the body drum 1 is provided. Ma
In addition, the rotating brush 10 and the photosensitive drum 1 alternate with each other at the opening.
Is in contact. Rotation direction S13 of rotating brush 10
Is set to be the same as the rotation direction S11 of the photosensitive drum 1.
You. The blade 9 scrapes the photosensitive drum 1 from the photosensitive drum 1.
The removed toner is conveyed by the rotating brush 10 to the transport auger.
It is led to 12. Tona adhered to the surface of the rotating brush 10
Are removed by the flicker 11. [0008] The photosensitive drum by the cleaning device 3
1 is collected and discarded.
However, in recent years, there has been a
The life of each part of the equipment in response to demands for reduced cost
Is being considered. One example is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-2512.
No. 64 discloses that the consumed toner is supplied to a developing device.
Replenish repeatedly and use the developing unit for a long time.
A loose toner supply type image forming apparatus has been proposed. [0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Reuse in an image forming apparatus
Toners that are originally intended to maintain electrical polarity
In addition, foreign substances and impurities such as paper dust and carrier are completely
Must be removed. However, toner and
With an image forming apparatus that adopts a two-component development system including the rear
Is not only the toner in the cleaning device 3 but also the key.
Carrier. In particular, the toner is exposed on the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 1
The above-mentioned image adopting the reversal development method of attaching
In the image forming apparatus, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is
Even if the carrier on the surface is removed, the rotating brush 10
Flicker 11 mechanically in contact with the tip of
The carrier electrostatically attached to the rotating brush 10 is completely removed.
It is difficult to leave. Key attached to rotating brush 10
Carrier adheres again to the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 and the blade 9
The blade 9 scrapes the toner
Sometimes, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is damaged. The tip of the rotating brush 10 and the photosensitive drum
Since the surface of the drum 1 is always in mechanical contact and sliding,
The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is scratched by the rotating brush 10
Good. This significantly degrades the quality of the formed image
I do. The object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical
Toner remaining on image carrier without using contact means
Is collected, and any foreign matter or foreign matter contained in the collected toner is
High quality recycled toner can be obtained by separating pure substances.
Providing a cleaning device, and such
Images that can form high-quality images using a cleaning device
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus. [0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a rotatable image.
It is placed close to the carrier and remains on the image carrier after transfer.
In a cleaning device that removes residual toner,Previous
The cleaning device isElastic breaker in contact with image carrier
On the upstream side in the image carrier rotation direction from the elastic blade.
It is provided so as to face and not contact the image carrier, and stir the toner.
A rotatable stirring and conveying member for stirring and conveying, and a stirring and conveying member
AboveAway from the photoreceptorProvidedWasContains impurities
A first toner collecting member for collecting the toner for disposal;
Below the stirring conveying memberAway from the photoreceptorProvidedWasCorrect
Second toner collecting member for collecting normal toner for reuse
And direct current to the first and second toner collecting members.
Voltage applying means for applying bias voltages of opposite polarities respectively
IncludingTeori,The first toner collecting member is rotatable.
A cylindrical conductive magnetic roller;
The receiving member is a rotatable cylindrical conductive roller.
The rotation directions of the first and second toner collecting members and the stirring
The rotation directions of the stirring and conveying members are the same as each other, and
The application means isThe bias applied to the first toner collecting member
Assume that the bias voltage is V1 and the voltage applied to the second toner collecting member is
When the bias voltage to be applied is V2,Each voltage V1, V2
To| V1 |> | V2 |,Apply each
A cleaning device characterized in that: According to the present invention, the toner on the image carrier is elastic.
Is scraped by a sexual blade. The scraped toner is agitated.
The fluidity is enhanced by the agitation transporting member.
At the boundary between the image carrier and the cleaning device.
Stagnant toner is prevented. Also, the scraped toner
Transported by the agitation transporting member, and further the first and second
The toner is separated and collected by the toner collecting member. [0015] The stirring and conveying member of the present invention is in non-contact with the image carrier.
Is provided. Therefore, the image carrier is
Damage to the surface of the holding body can be prevented. In addition, stirring conveyance
The member is arranged relatively close to the image carrier,
The first and second toner collecting members are located far from the image carrier.
Is placed. First and second toner collecting members are toner only
It is a member for recovering impurities as well.
If you place a member close to the image carrier,
Although the surface of the image carrier may be damaged,
Such a member is located away from the image carrier.
Can prevent the image carrier surface from being damaged.
You. In the cleaning device, there is no toner fog.
In addition, impurities such as carriers are mixed in,
And the second toner collecting member easily separates impurities.
You. Therefore, re-adhesion of impurities to the image carrier can be prevented.
The amount of impurities reaching the tip of the elastic blade decreases.
Due to impurities when scraping toner with elastic blade
Damage to the surface of the image carrier can be prevented. Ma
In addition, high quality recycled toner can be easily separated by separating impurities.
Can be collected. [0017] [0018] [0019] According to the present invention, the first and second toner
To apply bias voltages of opposite polarities to the storage member
Therefore, toner and impurities can be reliably separated and collected.
Can be. In other words, the toner charged to normal polarity
Separate and collect impurities with opposite polarity
Therefore, the first toner collecting member has the same polarity as the normal toner.
A bias voltage is applied, and the second toner collecting member is
A bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the normal toner is applied. This
As described above, impurities are collected by the first toner collecting member.
And normal toner is collected by the second toner collecting member.
Toner can be separated and collected efficiently.
it can. Further, according to the present invention, for example, the first
Bias voltage V1 applied to the toner collecting member is +400
V to +450 V is appropriate and is marked on the second toner collecting member.
The applied bias voltage V2 is -350V to -400V.
Is appropriate. As described above, the absolute value of V1 is the absolute value of V2.
By setting it slightly higher than the first toner collection
The efficiency of collecting impurities by the members can be improved.
As a result, the ability to transport toner to the second toner collection member and
Of toner collection by the second and second toner collection members
can do. [0021] [0022] The first and second collection members are screwed together.
-You can use an auger. This allows the toner
And impurities can be separated and screw auger
Transport in the direction along the axis of rotation by the rotation of
Can be. Further, the present inventionsoIs the rotation of the stirring and conveying member.
The direction and the rotation direction of the image carrier are opposite to each other, and
In the area where the stirring and conveying member and the image carrier face each other
Toner is transported upwardMay be. [0025]By doing soScratched by an elastic blade
The removed toner is rotated by the rotation of each member as described above.
First, the toner is conveyed to the first toner collecting member,
Is collected. Next, the second toner is collected by natural fall
The toner arrives at the member and is collected. Therefore,
The recovery of toner for use is improved. [0026] [0027] [0028] [0029]AlsoAccording to the present invention, a rotatable cylindrical
The first and second toner collecting members realized by rollers
In the area where the agitating and conveying members face each other, the toner collecting section
Of toner transport by material and toner by agitating transport member
So-called counters in which the transport directions are opposite to each other
Rotation is achieved. Therefore, in the facing area
The toner conveyance resistance increases and the close contact increases,
Can improve collection efficiency. Further, the present inventionsoAre the first and second toners.
-The collection member is a rotatable cylindrical roller.
And voltage application together with the rotation start of the second toner collecting member.
To start and end the voltage application when the rotation stops.
Including control means for controlling the voltage applying meansLike that
Good. [0031]By doing soThe first and second toner cycles
Voltage is applied in conjunction with the rotation start and stop of the storage member
The sudden start and stop of rotation
The toner that adheres to the toner collection member due to
Toner and impurities can be removed. Therefore,
Mechanical recovery capacity, recovery capacity and electrostatic
Maintaining high adsorption performance at a high
Prevents toner and impurities from staying and aggregating in the
Cleaning device can be used. [0032] [0033] The present inventionsoIs the second toner collecting member.
Provided below the container for storing the collected toner.
includingMay be. [0035]By doing soBelow the second toner collecting member
The container provided on the side is provided with the second toner collecting member.
Contains collected toner, for example, normal toner
You. For example, the container is attached to and detached from the cleaning device.
If possible, the container can be removed and collected
By supplying normal toner to the developing device,
Cycle use becomes possible. Also for example, Cleanin
To connect the container of the developing device and the toner container of the developing device.
Provide a feeding path and supply collected normal toner to the developing device
By doing so, the toner can be recycled. This
Prevent contamination of impurities by providing a container such as
As a result, high-quality reused toner can be collected. [0036] [0037] [0038] [0039]AlsoAccording to the present invention, the first toner collecting member
The first toner collection by realizing
Depending on the material, not only impurities such as paper powder but also carriers
Can also be easily recovered. [0040] [0041] [0042] [0043] The present inventionsoDenotes an image carrier for carrying a latent image
A developing device for developing the carried latent image with toner;
A transfer device for transferring the transferred toner image onto a predetermined recording paper;
Fixing device for fixing the transferred toner image, and image transfer after transfer
Any of the above to remove residual toner on the body
With the cleaning device described inFor image forming equipmentPrepare
May be. [0045]By doing soIn the image forming apparatus,
Reduces scratches on the surface of the carrier, forming high-quality images
can do. In addition, a long-life cleaning device
Included, and because toner can be recycled, images
The running cost of the forming apparatus can be reduced. [0046] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
A cleaning device 23 includes a photosensitive drum 21 and a developing device.
FIG. Figure 2 shows cleaning
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus 59 including the apparatus 23.
You. FIG. 3 shows the separation of toner by the cleaning device 23.
It is sectional drawing which shows a mode. First, the electrophotographic process
Adopt two-component developer containing toner and carrier
The used image forming apparatus 59 will be described. The electrophotographic process generally includes charging, exposure,
Development, transfer, fixing, cleaning and static elimination
And an image forming apparatus 5 employing such a process.
Reference numeral 9 denotes a photosensitive drum 21 as an image carrier, a charger 51,
Optical device 52, developing device 22, transfer device 54, fixing device 55,
The cleaning device 23 and the static eliminator 56 are provided. Photoconductor
Around the ram 21, a charger 51, an exposure device 52, a developing device
22, transfer device 54, cleaning device 23, and static eliminator
56 are arranged in this order. The photosensitive drum 21 is indicated by an arrow S1.
It is configured to be rotatable in the direction. The photosensitive drum 21 is made of gold
Metal or resin conductive substrate and formed on its surface
Including an undercoat layer and a photosensitive layer formed on the undercoat layer
Be composed. The photosensitive layer is formed, for example, in a function-separated type.
You. The function-separated type photosensitive layer is a carrier generation layer (CGL).
It is configured by laminating a carrier transfer layer (CTL).
For example, a carrier generation layer is formed on the undercoat layer. The surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is
Charging realized by the charger and contact roller charger
After being uniformly charged to a predetermined charge amount by the device 51,
Forming a predetermined potential by the exposure device 52
Carry an electrostatic latent image. Exposure carrier generation layer
A carrier is generated by the photosensitive drum.
The electric charge charged to 21 is canceled, and the potential of the electrostatic latent image is reduced.
Is formed. An electrostatic latent image carried on the photosensitive drum 21
Is developed by rotating the photosensitive drum 21.
It is transported to the area 57. The development area 57 is a photosensitive drum
21 is a developing roller 26 which is a developer carrier of a developing device 22
This is a region that is arranged to face. In this development area 57
The developing unit 22 is an electrostatic latent image carried on the photosensitive drum 21.
Develop. The container 24 constituting the developing unit 22 contains
Contains a developer 25 composed of a toner 53 and a carrier
And the developing roller 26 and the stirring rollers 27 and 28
Is accommodated. The container 24 has an opening facing the photosensitive drum 21.
An opening is provided, and the opening is in contact with the developing roller 26.
The optical drum 21 is arranged to face each other. Development
Roller 26 rotates in the direction S2 opposite to the photosensitive drum 21.
It is configured to be rollable. The developer supplied by the developing roller 26
25, the toner 53 is electrostatically charged on the photosensitive drum 21.
Adheres according to the latent image, thus developing the electrostatic latent image
To form a toner image. The developing roller 26 has
A predetermined bias voltage is applied from a voltage application device. Toner image formed on photosensitive drum 21
Is transferred by rotating the photosensitive drum 21.
It is transported to the area 58. The transfer area 58 is
Paper P, such as paper fed, and the photosensitive drum 21
Is an area that contacts in synchronization. In the transfer area 58
Then, the transfer device 54 transfers the toner image to the recording paper P. The transfer device 54 includes, for example, a high-voltage power supply.
Charger type and contact roller type
Is applied to the photosensitive drum 21 with the polarity of the polarity to which the image is transferred
I do. As a result, the toner 53 moves to the recording paper P,
The toner image is transferred. After the transfer of the toner image, the photosensitive drum 2
1 is conveyed to the fixing device 55 and is
Here, the toner image is fixed. The fixing device 55 is, for example,
The toner image is melted by heat and fixed. Toner image
After fixing, the recording paper P is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 59.
Paper. The photosensitive drum 21 after the transfer is described later.
Cleaning device according to the present invention
After being cleaned by the device 23, the
The charge remaining on the surface is removed and electrically initialized.
You. The static eliminator 56 includes, for example, a light neutralizing lamp and a contact neutralizing lamp.
It is realized by electric appliances. After the charge is removed, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged.
Are repeated. The cleaning device 23 includes the photosensitive drum 2
1 and on the photosensitive drum 21 after the transfer.
The toner remaining on the drum 21 is removed, and the drum 21 is cleaned.
You. The removed toner is replaced with the normal toner T1 and the impurity T.
Separate and collect. The normal toner T1 is supplied to the developing device 22.
And the impurities T2 are discarded and reused. The container 33 constituting the cleaning device 23
Includes a stirring and conveying member 30, a first and a second toner
The receiving members 31 and 32 are accommodated. In addition, container 33
An opening facing the optical drum 21 is provided.
Elastic blade 2 which contacts the photosensitive drum 21 on the upper part of the section
9 are provided. The elastic blade 29 is attached to the photosensitive drum 21
The attached toner is scraped off. The stirring and conveying member 30 is an elastic block.
Above the rotation direction S1 of the photosensitive drum 21 than the blade 29
Provided on the flow side, facing the photosensitive drum 21 and in a non-contact manner.
It is configured to be rotatable. The stirring and conveying member 30
Stirs the toner scraped by the elastic blade 29
And transport. By this, Tona is scraped off
The fluidity is enhanced, and the photosensitive drum 21 and the cleaning
And staying at the boundary with the switching device 23 is prevented. This
Thus, the ejection of toner can be reduced. Also,
The stirring and conveying member 30 is provided in non-contact with the photosensitive drum 21.
The photosensitive drum 21
Can be prevented from being damaged. The scraped toner is charged to a normal polarity.
In addition to the normal toner T1, the toner charged to the opposite polarity,
An impurity T2 such as a carrier and paper powder is included. First
And the second toner collecting members 31 and 32 separate them.
And collect. That is, the first toner collecting member 31 is stirred.
Provided above the stirring and conveying member 30 to collect the impurity T2
The second toner collecting member 32 is located below the stirring and conveying member 30.
And recovers the normal toner T1. The agitating / conveying member 30 includes the photosensitive drum 21
Of the first and second
The toner collecting members 31 and 32 are compared with the photosensitive drum 21
They are placed apart from each other. Therefore, by the impurity T2
The surface of the photosensitive drum 21 can be prevented from being damaged.
You. Further, the first and second toner collecting members 31 and 32
Therefore, the toner T1 and the impurity T2 are easily separated.
Thus, the re-adhesion of the impurity T2 to the photosensitive drum 21 can be prevented.
When the impurities T2 reaching the tip of the elastic blade 29
When the toner is scraped off by the elastic blade 29,
The surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is damaged by the pure substance T2.
Can be prevented. Thus, the toner T1
And high-quality reusable toner by separating the impurities and impurities T2
Can be recovered. Such a first and second toner collecting member
Reference numerals 31 and 32 specifically denote rotatable cylindrical rollers.
Each is realized. In particular, the first toner collecting member 31
The second toner collecting member 3 is realized by a conductive magnetic roller.
2 is realized by a conductive roller. The first toner collection
The member 31 may be realized by a screw auger. This
As a result, the impurities T2 separated by
Transport in the direction along the axis of rotation
For example, by transporting the impurity T2 to a predetermined container,
Accumulate, replace and discard the container.
Wear. The cleaning device 23 is provided with the first
Apply a DC bias voltage V1 to the toner collecting member 31
Voltage applying device 34 and the second toner collecting member 32
A voltage application device 35 for applying a DC bias voltage V2;
including. As a result, the toner charged to a predetermined potential
T1 and impurity T2 are electrostatically adsorbed and reliably and easily
It can be separated and collected. FIG. 4 is a graph showing bias voltages V1 and V2.
It is an imaging chart. First and second toner collecting units
Materials 31 and 32 are mutually connected by voltage applying devices 34 and 35.
However, bias voltages V1 and V2 of opposite polarities are applied respectively.
It is. In other words, the polarity is opposite to that of toner charged to normal polarity.
The impurity T2 such as the toner or carrier charged positively is positive.
The first to which the bias voltage V1 of the same polarity as the normal toner is applied
The toner is collected by the toner collecting member 31 and has a normal polarity.
The charged toner T1 is a via having a polarity opposite to that of the normal toner.
The second toner collecting member 32 to which the scanning voltage V2 is applied
Collected. Therefore, sorting and efficient
Can be collected. As described above, the first and second toners
-The collection members 31 and 32 are composed of conductive rollers.
Therefore, without the need for complicated bias power supply,
Since the bias voltages V1 and V2 can be easily applied,
Inexpensive cleaning device 23 can be realized with a mold.
You. Especially, the conductive roller is made of conductive resin material or metal material.
The manufacturing is based on the design of the toner collecting members 31 and 32.
This is preferable because the degree of freedom is improved. A first toner collecting unit;
By forming the material 31 with a magnetic roller, paper dust, etc.
Not only impurity T2 but also carrier
Can be. Further, a stirring and conveying member rotatably provided.
30 rotation direction S3 and the feeling of being rotatably provided
The rotation direction S1 of the optical drum 21 is defined as
In a region where the photoconductor drum 21 and the photoconductor drum 21 face each other.
Are set opposite to each other so that the
It is. That is, in FIG. 1, the rotation direction S1 is a clockwise direction.
And the rotation direction S3 is set in the counterclockwise direction.
You. Thereby, it is scraped off by the elastic blade 29.
The first toner is conveyed to the first toner collecting member 31.
The impurity T2 is collected. Next, the second
When the toner reaches the toner collecting member 32, the normal toner T1 is collected.
Is done. In this way, the recovery of recycled toner is improved
can do. Further, the first and second toner collecting members 3
1, 32 rotation directions S4, S5
The rotation direction S3 is set in the same direction as each other. to this
Therefore, the first and second toner collecting members 31 and 32 are stirred.
In each area where the stirring and conveying member 30 faces each other, the toner
Transfer direction and agitation transfer of toner by collection members 31 and 32
The conveying direction of the toner by the member 30 is opposite to the direction.
That is, a so-called counter rotation is realized. Therefore,
The toner conveyance resistance is large in the opposed area.
Increase the close contact force and improve the toner collection efficiency
Can be. The cleaning device 23 is provided with the voltage
The voltage application operation of the application devices 34 and 35 is performed by the first and second triggers.
According to the operation of the rotation drive circuit 37 of the toner collecting members 31 and 32.
Control circuit 36 for controlling the FIG. 5 shows the control circuit 3
6 applying bias voltages V1 and V2 controlled by
It is a timing chart which shows a work. 1st and 2nd
Of the bias voltages V1 and V2 to the toner collecting members 31 and 32
The application is performed by the rotation of the first and second toner collecting members 31 and 32.
With the turning on of the motor drive signal that instructs the start of
Be started. Further, the applied bias voltages V1, V2
Turns off the motor drive signal that instructs the rotation operation to stop.
Both are terminated. As described above, the first and second toner collecting members
Vias linked with the start and stop of rotation of 31, 32
By applying the scanning voltages V1 and V2 continuously.
The sudden change in electrostatic force accompanying the start and stop of
To remove toner adhering to the toner collecting members 31 and 32
Can be Therefore, the toner collecting members 31 and 3
2. Mechanical transfer capacity, recovery capacity and electrostatic attraction
Performance at a high level, and
To prevent stagnation and agglomeration of the
A cleaning device 23 can be used. Note that
On / off timing of motor drive signal and motor drive
ON / OFF timing is about 500 msec
A shift between A and B. Further, the first trigger is applied by the voltage applying device 34.
The bias voltage V1 applied to the toner collection member 31 and the voltage
Applied to the second toner collecting member 35 by the pressure applying device 35
The bias voltage V2 is set as | V1 |> | V2 |.
It is preferable to specify For example, V1 is + 400V ~
+ 450V is appropriate, and V2 is from -350V to -400.
V is appropriate. By setting the above relationship,
The recovery efficiency of the impurity T2 by the first toner recovery member 31 is improved.
The second toner collecting member.
Transportability of Normal Toner T1 to 32 and Recovery of Second Toner
It is possible to improve the recoverability of the normal toner T1 by the member 32.
it can. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the stirring and conveying member 30.
is there. The stirring and conveying member 30 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis direction.
It has a stirring blade 39 provided in the direction. Stirring blade 39
Is a cylindrical or cylindrical base that extends along the axis of rotation.
It is provided for the body 38. Stirring with stirring blade 39
Scraped by the elastic blade 29 by the conveying member 30
The obtained toner is efficiently stirred, and the first and second toners are stirred.
It can be transported to the collecting members 31 and 32. Stirring blade
39 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the stirring and conveying member 30
Direction, so the toner conveyed in the direction of the rotation axis
First and second toners in reduced amounts and perpendicular to the axis of rotation
Toner conveyed in the vertical direction toward collection members 31 and 32
-The amount increases. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently stir and transport
As a result, the separation and collection efficiency of the toner is improved. Further, the lower portion of the second toner collecting member 32
On the other hand, the positive toner collected by the second toner collecting member 32 is
A container 40 containing the normal toner T1 is provided. for example
The container 40 can be attached to and detached from the cleaning device 23
And the container 40 is removed, and the recovered normal toner T
By supplying 1 to the developing unit 22, the toner can be recycled.
It can be used. Further, for example, the cleaning device 2
3 and the toner container of the developing device 22 are connected.
A transport path is provided, and a spiral coil or
A clue auger is provided to display the recovered normal toner T1.
The toner is recycled by being transported to the imager 22 and supplied.
Can be used. Providing such a container 40
This prevents the impurity T2 from being mixed into the normal toner T1.
As a result, high-quality reused toner can be collected. Further, the second toner collecting member 32 is brought into contact with the second toner collecting member 32.
As a result, the toner adhering to the second toner collecting member 32 is
A scraping member 41 for scraping the toner is provided. By this
To scrape off the toner adhering to the second toner collecting member 32
It can be reliably recovered by scraping with the member 41
You. In particular, the hardness of the scraping member 41 is the second
It is preferable that the hardness is smaller than the hardness of the toner collecting member 32.
No. Thereby, the scraping member 41 is moved to the second toner collecting section.
The second toner collecting unit is operated by the pressure when the toner is brought into contact with the material 32.
The surface of the member 32 can be prevented from being damaged.
For example, the material of the scraping member 41 is elastic.
Materials are preferred. Including the cleaning device 23 as described above
In the image forming apparatus 59 configured by
Reduces scratches formed on the surface of 1 and forms high-quality images
can do. In addition, a long-life cleaning device 2
3 and the toner can be recycled.
The running cost of the image forming apparatus 59 can be reduced.
it can. [0076] As described above, according to the present invention, the image carrier
The upper toner is scraped off by an elastic blade and transported with stirring.
The first and second toners are conveyed while being stirred by a member.
ー The toner containing impurities and the normal toner
It is separated and collected. Therefore, the stirring and conveying member
Therefore, the stagnation of the toner is prevented. Also, a stirring and conveying member
Is provided in non-contact with the image carrier, and includes first and second toners.
The collection member is located far from the image carrier, and furthermore, the first and the second members.
And the second toner collecting member separates the toner
To prevent damage to the surface of the image carrier.
It is possible to collect the reusable toner. [0077] Further, according to the present invention, each toner collecting member
The bias voltages of opposite polarities are applied.
Can reliably separate toner and impurities.
You. Further, a bias applied to the first toner collecting member
Voltage V1 and bias applied to second toner collecting member
Since the voltage V2 is set to | V1 |> | V2 |, the first
By improving the efficiency of collecting impurities by the toner collection member,
2 Toner transportability to toner recovery member and second toner recovery
It is possible to improve the toner collecting property of the collecting member. [0079] [0080] [0081] Further, according to the present invention, each toner collecting member
Make the rotation direction and the rotation direction of the stirring and conveying member the same direction.
So that each toner collecting member and the stirring and conveying member
Counter rotation is realized in areas facing each other, and toner
Increasing the contact force by increasing the transport resistance and collecting toner
Efficiency can be improved. [0083] [0084] [0085] [0086] Further, according to the present invention, the first toner collecting member
By using a magnetic roller to eliminate impurities such as paper dust.
It is easy to collect not only things but also carriers
You. [0088] [0089] [0090]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a cleaning device 23 according to an embodiment of the present invention, together with a photosensitive drum 21 and a developing device 22. FIG. 2 shows an image forming apparatus 5 including a cleaning device 23.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing 9. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of toner separation by a cleaning device. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing bias voltages V1 and V2. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an operation of applying bias voltages V1 and V2 controlled by a control circuit 36; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a stirring and conveying member 30. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a conventional cleaning device 3 together with a photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier and a developing device 2; DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Photoreceptor drum 22 Developing device 23 Cleaning device 29 Elastic blade 30 Stir and convey member 31 First toner collecting member 32 Second toner collecting member 33 Containers 34, 35 Voltage applying device 36 Control circuit 37 Rotation driving circuit 38 Substrate 39 Stirring blade 40 Container 41 Scraping member 51 Charging device 52 Exposure device 53 Toner 54 Transfer device 55 Fixing device 56 Static eliminator 59 Image forming apparatus P Recording paper S1 Photoconductor drum rotation direction S2 Development roller rotation direction S3 Stirring transport Rotation direction of member S4 Rotation direction of first toner collection member S5 Rotation direction of second toner collection member T1 Normal toner T2 Impurities V1, V2 Bias voltage

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroo Naoi 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Hiroshi Sakata 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) ) Inventor Eiji Saikou 22-22, Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (56) References JP-A-2-120784 (JP, A) JP-A-9-330003 (JP, A) 10-214011 (JP, A) JP-A-4-204785 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/10

Claims (1)

(57) Claims: 1. A cleaning device which is arranged close to a rotatable image carrier and removes toner remaining on the image carrier after transfer, wherein the cleaning device comprises: An elastic blade in contact with the image carrier; and a rotatable stirring / conveying member provided to face and non-contact the image carrier at a position upstream of the elastic blade in the rotation direction of the image carrier, and to stir and convey the toner. Provided above the stirring and conveying member and away from the photoconductor,
A first toner collecting member that collects toner containing impurities for disposal, and a first toner collecting member that is provided below the stirring and conveying member and separated from the photoconductor;
A second toner collecting member for collecting normal toner for reuse, and voltage applying means for applying DC bias voltages having mutually opposite polarities to the first and second toner collecting members, respectively, wherein the first toner The collecting member is a rotatable cylindrical conductive magnetic roller, the second toner collecting member is a rotatable cylindrical conductive roller, and the rotation direction of the first and second toner collecting members. And the rotation direction of the stirring and conveying member are the same as each other, and the voltage applying unit sets the bias voltage applied to the first toner collecting member to V
1, and when the bias voltage applied to the second toner collecting member is V, | V1 |>
| V2 |.