JP3547299B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine or a multifunction peripheral thereof, and more particularly, to a collected toner obtained by collecting toner remaining on an image carrier after a transfer process in an electrophotographic system. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a toner recycling mechanism that transfers a gas mixture with a gas and reuses the mixture for image formation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The collected toner obtained by collecting the toner remaining on the image carrier after the transfer process in the electrophotographic image forming unit by the cleaning device is supplied to the developing device for reuse or collected in a waste toner container. Such an image forming apparatus is well known.
In addition, in order to transfer the collected toner to a collected toner storage unit provided separately from the cleaning device, a collected toner storage unit is provided near the collected toner discharge unit of the cleaning device, and is mainly transferred to the collected toner storage unit by gravity. A technique is known in which the collected toner discharge portion of the cleaning device is connected to a collected toner storage portion provided separately from the cleaning device by a pipe, and the collected toner is collected by a coil screw provided inside the pipe. A technique for transferring toner to a developing device or a collected toner storage unit is also known (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-175488).
By the way, it is known that toner used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus usually has extremely poor fluidity and is difficult to transfer.
In addition, in the collected toner collected by the cleaning device, foreign matters such as paper powder are mixed in addition to the toner, so that the fluidity is further deteriorated.
Originally, when transferring the collected toner, it is not desirable to apply a large mechanical stress to the collected toner. That is, when an abnormal stress is applied to the recovered toner, the recovered toner causes blocking or crushing due to thermal fusion, and thus, the transfer is not only impossible, but also a transfer member or a drive member such as a coil, a screw, or a pipe. There are prisoners who are damaged. Therefore, when transferring the collected toner, it is important to devise as much as possible so that abnormal mechanical stress is not applied to the collected toner.
However, in the conventional collected toner transfer device, as described above, the collected toner is transferred by the screw and the pipe, so that the mechanical stress by the screw and the mechanical stress by the friction generated between the screw and the pipe are extremely low. I had to get bigger.
[0003]
These mechanical stresses become worse as the transfer amount of the collected toner is increased, as the transfer distance of the collected toner is increased, and as the transfer direction of the collected toner is displaced. Needless to say, due to these mechanical stresses, the torque required to drive the screw becomes very large.
For this reason, in the conventional apparatus, when it is desired to increase the transfer amount of the collected toner, the screw and the pipe are made large and rotate at high speed, and when it is desired to increase the transfer distance or to displace the transfer direction, a plurality of screws and the pipe are connected. It was necessary to perform a multi-stage transfer for connection by using the same.
However, such a transfer method involves an increase in the number of parts, an increase in cost, a decrease in reliability, a decrease in maintenance and productivity of the apparatus, an increase in the size of the apparatus main body due to an increase in the installation volume of the collected toner transfer apparatus, and an increase in the apparatus installation. This has led to an increase in area.
Further, in a developing unit or a toner supply unit of a developing device, a technique of transferring powder such as a new developer or toner by using various shapes of paddles, buckets, coil screws, or the like is also known. As described above, there is also known a technique in which new toner is transferred by a powder screw pump called a so-called mono pump, which can transfer powder as a mixture of air and toner without using a coil screw (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-1995). 219329).
However, when transferring the collected toner by the coil screw, the coil screw must be extended to the vicinity of the developing device or the collected toner storage unit, and furthermore, the transfer must be bent in order to guarantee the reliable rotation of the coil screw. Since the path cannot be used, it is necessary to secure a transfer path that is a linear transfer or a large curved transfer, and the installation position of the collected toner storage unit is preferably lower than the horizontal direction with respect to the collected toner discharge unit of the cleaning device. is there.
Further, the coil screw generates a very large frictional load between the coil screw and the pipe due to its rotational driving torque. However, it is difficult to reduce the frictional load or to transfer the coil screw over long distances, and the components are large, complicated and durable. And it is difficult to operate the apparatus during maintenance. In addition, the image forming apparatus to which such a transfer means can be applied is not only limited in size, complexity, and cost, but also due to restrictions on the amount of stored toner and the like due to restrictions on piping and mounting positions. There were problems such as being limited to low-speed models with a small amount.
[0004]
On the other hand, the present applicant transfers the collected toner collected from the cleaning device as a mixture of gas and air with a powder screw pump called a so-called mono pump, which can transfer the powder, so that the device can be downsized. A technique has been proposed that satisfies the quality, performance, and function of the cleaning device and eliminates the above-described problem of transfer of the collected toner due to a coil screw or the like.
FIG. 7 is a main part configuration diagram of an example of the conventional powder screw pump. In FIG. 7, a powder screw pump 1004 includes a rotating rotor 1004c, a rubber material fixed to surround the rotor 1004c, and the like. And a holder 1004a for holding the stator 1004b. One end of the rotor 1004c in the axial direction is engaged with the collected toner discharging member 1003d.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a positional relationship of a group of components centering on a toner recycling mechanism including a cleaning device and a powder screw pump, and is commonly known as capable of transferring collected toner as a gaseous mixture with air. A powder screw pump 1004 called a Mono pump is connected to the cleaning device 1003.
When removing the cleaning device 1003 from the image forming apparatus main body and replacing it, the cleaning device cannot be separated from the apparatus main body 1000 unless the powder screw pump 1004 is separated from the air pump 1005 and the mixture transport path 1006. While the apparatus is provided on the rear side of the apparatus main body, the powder screw pump 1004 is provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 1000 for convenience of the separating operation. When the cleaning means is pulled out from the apparatus main body in order to replace the cleaning means, there is a necessity of a separation operation of the powder screw pump, and there are problems such as toner leakage. In other words, both the air supply pipe 1005b for supplying air from the discharge port 1005a of the air pump 1005 to the gas supply port 1004d provided in the holder 1004a or the mixture transport path 1006 are tubes, and the tubes themselves can be separated and joined. Since it cannot be configured, it is necessary to remove the tube from an air pump or the like, and it is difficult to separate the powder screw when removing the cleaning device 1003.
Although it is ideal to unitize the powder screw pump 1004 in the cleaning device 1003, it is difficult to remove and attach the powder screw pump and the air pump 1005 when taking out the cleaning device when integrated. To date, it has never been put to practical use.
In addition, if the powder screw pump 1004 is integrated with the cleaning device 1003 to form a unit, there is a risk that the cost and weight will increase. Further, although the life of the components of the powder screw pump 1004 is longer than that of the components of the cleaning device 1003, the powder screw pump 1004 is also replaced at the same time as the cleaning device 1003. There was a possibility that it would be high.
When the cleaning device and the toner recycling mechanism are unitized, when the cleaning device is pulled out of the main body to replace the cleaning device, the separation operation of the collection toner tube and the powder screw pump in the air-fuel mixture transport path is performed. There has been a problem that hands and the like are stained by the toner, maintenance properties are deteriorated, and cost increases when the unit is formed.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional image forming apparatus, when the cleaning device is pulled out of the device body for replacement, if the separating operation of the collected toner tube and the powder screw pump in the air-fuel mixture conveyance path is performed, the collected toner is hand-washed. However, there is a problem that the unit is dirty and the maintenance property is poor, and if the unit is formed, the cost increases.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve such a problem. That is, when the cleaning unit is pulled out of the apparatus main body for replacement, the air-fuel mixture transfer path and the gas flow transfer unit are automatically separated, so that the operator's hands and the like are not stained and the maintenance performance is good, and the cleaning unit is also provided. It is an object to provide a low-cost image forming apparatus.
In addition, since the stator and the rotor of the gas flow transfer means having a service life substantially equal to the service life of the components of the cleaning means are provided integrally on the cleaning unit side, there is no waste of discarding parts having different service lives at once. .
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 is to transfer the collected toner obtained by removing the toner remaining on the image carrier by a cleaning unit after the transfer step in the electrophotographic method as a gaseous mixture with a gas and re-use the gas. In an image forming apparatus provided with a toner recycling mechanism for using or discarding, an image carrier for carrying a toner image, a transfer unit for transferring the toner image formed on the image carrier to a transfer body, and the transfer device Cleaning means for removing and collecting residual toner remaining on the image carrier after transfer by means, and gas flow transfer means for fluidizing and transferring the collected toner removed by the cleaning means as a gaseous mixture with gas. , A mixed gas transport path for transporting the recovered toner that has passed through the gas flow transport means; Gas supply means for supplying a gas for fluidizing the collected toner transferred by the gas flow transfer means, wherein an opening of the collected toner passage of the gas flow transfer means is provided on the cleaning means side, An opening of the collected toner passage on the unit side, and a detachable unit for detachably communicating the collected toner passage on the apparatus main body side connected to the air-fuel mixture conveyance path, The attachment / detachment means includes a first attachment / detachment means provided on the cleaning unit side in which cleaning means and a gas flow transfer means are detachably attached to the apparatus main body, and a second attachment / detachment means provided on the apparatus main body side. It is characterized by the following.
Claim 2 The invention of claim 1 In the image forming apparatus described above, the first attaching / detaching unit is capable of moving forward / backward in an axial direction of a holder of the gas flow transfer unit and fitted with a receiving port of the second attaching / detaching unit, and the first attaching / detaching unit is provided. It is characterized in that it is fitted with the receptacle of the second attaching / detaching means when it is moved to the apparatus main body side.
Claim 3 The invention of claim 1 In the image forming apparatus described above, the first attaching / detaching means is extendable and contractable in an axial direction of a holder of the gas flow transfer means, and is fitted with a receptacle of the second attaching / detaching means when the first attaching / detaching means is extended. It is characterized by doing.
Claim Four The invention is claimed 1, 2, or 3 In the image forming apparatus described above, the second attaching / detaching means includes a collected toner passage on the apparatus main body side, a gas supply port for discharging gas supplied from a gas supply means into the collected toner passage, and the gas flow transfer means. The above mixture transferred by the above And a transfer port for sending the mixture to a mixture transport path.
[0007]
[Action]
The image forming apparatus configured as described above, In claim 1, the attaching / detaching means is The cleaning means comprises a first attaching / detaching means provided on the cleaning unit side, in which the cleaning means and the gas flow transfer means are detachably attached to the apparatus main body, and a second attaching / detaching means provided on the apparatus main body side. Is removed from the apparatus body for replacement, the mixture transport path and the gas flow transfer means are automatically separated, so that the operator's hands and the like are not stained and the maintenance performance is good, and the cleaning unit and the cost are low. Image forming apparatus can be provided.
Claim 2 Wherein the first attaching / detaching means is capable of moving back and forth in the axial direction of the holder of the gas flow transfer means so as to be fitted with the receptacle of the second attaching / detaching means, and wherein the first attaching / detaching means is provided in the apparatus main body. When it moves to the side, it engages with the receptacle of the second attaching / detaching means. For this reason, when the cleaning means is pulled out of the apparatus main body for replacement, the air-fuel mixture transfer path and the gas flow transfer means are automatically separated from each other, so that the operator's hands and the like are not stained, and the first mounting / dismounting means of the mounting / dismounting means. Even if the means and the second attaching / detaching means are separated and the opening of the collected toner passage of the gas flow transfer means is opened, the collected toner is prevented from dropping, the maintenance property is good, and the cleaning unit is low in cost. An image forming apparatus can be provided.
Claim 3 In this case, the first attaching / detaching means is extendable and contractable in the axial direction of the holder of the gas flow transfer means, and is fitted with the receptacle of the second attaching / detaching means when the first attaching / detaching means is extended. When the cleaning means is pulled out of the apparatus main body for replacement, the air-fuel mixture transport path and the gas flow transfer means are automatically separated from each other so that the operator's hands and the like are not stained, and the first attaching / detaching means of the attaching / detaching means is removed. (2) Provided is an image forming apparatus in which even if an attaching / detaching means is separated and an opening of a collected toner passage of a gas flow transfer means is in an open state, the collected toner is prevented from dropping, the maintenance property is good, and the cleaning unit is low in cost. I can do it.
Claim 4 Preferably, the second attaching / detaching means is transported by the gas flow transporting means, and a gas supply port for discharging gas supplied from a gas supply means into the collected toner passage in the apparatus body. And a transfer port for sending the air-fuel mixture to the air-fuel mixture transport path. When the cleaning means is pulled out of the apparatus main body for replacement, the air-fuel mixture transport path and the gas flow transport means are automatically separated from each other, and It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the hands and the like are not stained, the maintenance is good, and the cleaning unit is low in cost.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. A photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier is rotatably supported on a side plate (not shown) and is driven by a driving unit (not shown). It is driven to rotate clockwise in the direction of arrow A.
After the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by the main charger 8, the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed by image information of light obtained by reading a document image on the contact glass CG by the document reading unit 9. In this example, the light image information is irradiated on the photosensitive drum as light emitted from the writing unit 10 in the direction of arrow B to form an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 11 to become a toner image.
Incidentally, the photoconductor drum 1 may be an endless belt-shaped photoconductor. Further, if the writing unit 10 is configured to perform optical writing on the image carrier 1 in accordance with an image signal by using a laser scanning optical system having a laser light source and a deflector (not shown), the configuration of a laser printer is obtained. It can also be used as a digital copier or facsimile machine.
A transfer unit as a transfer unit 2 transfers a toner image formed on the image carrier 1 from a paper feed unit 12 in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 in a direction indicated by an arrow C in FIG. The separator 13 is a unit for electrostatically separating the transfer paper (P) on which the toner image has been transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.
[0009]
At this time, the transfer residual toner slightly remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by the cleaning unit 3, and the residual charge on the photosensitive drum 1 after passing through the cleaning unit 3 is removed by the discharging lamp 14. .
As shown, a plurality of image forming units for performing such an electrophotographic image forming operation are arranged side by side, that is, in a tandem shape.
Therefore, each image forming unit operates with a predetermined time difference in each image forming order. This time difference is set by sequentially shifting the exposure start timing for each photosensitive drum when the exposure according to the image information is mainly performed on the photosensitive drum 1.
The transfer paper (P) sent from the paper supply unit 12 is electrostatically attracted onto a transfer paper attracting / conveying belt 15 which rotates so as to be further synchronized with the photosensitive drum 1 rotating at the same speed, so that each of the transfer papers (P) is moved. After being sequentially conveyed to the photoconductor drums 1 and the toner images formed on the respective photoconductor drums 1 are superimposed and transferred, the toner images are separated from the transfer paper suction conveyance belt 15 by a transfer paper separation charger and transfer separation claws (not shown). Then, the paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 17 through the fixing device 16 and stored in the paper discharge tray.
In addition, after the transfer paper (P) is separated from the photosensitive drum, the toner attached to the outside of the transfer image portion remaining on the surface of the transfer paper suction and conveyance belt 15 is removed by the transfer paper suction and conveyance belt surface cleaning means 30. Then, like the toner removed by the cleaning means 3 for the photosensitive drum, the toner is treated as waste toner.
[0010]
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an example of the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit 3 or a cleaning unit 30 for cleaning the surface of the transfer paper suction and conveyance belt (not shown) removes residual toner from the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 3a and the brush roller 3b. Remove by scraping.
Residual toner scraped off from the photosensitive drum 1 or from the transfer paper suction / conveyance belt 15 (not shown) is used as waste toner to clean the cleaning unit 3 or the structure of the transfer paper suction / conveyance belt surface cleaning means 30 (not shown) and the toner guide. The collected toner is collected in the housing 3c that also serves as the housing 3c, and is transferred to the powder screw pump of the gas flow transfer unit 4 located on the rear side of the apparatus main body O by the collected toner discharging member 3d arranged at the bottom of the housing 3c. .
[0011]
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning means and the gas flow transfer means and the like according to the embodiment of the present invention. The rotational driving force from a main driving source (main motor) (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body O is applied to the main body coupling. It is transmitted to the brush roller drive coupling 3e via Ob.
The brush roller 3b is provided with a gear 3f on the front side of the apparatus main body O. The gear 3f is rotatably supported between the front plate 3g and the rear plate 3h of the housing 3c, and the collected toner discharge member 3d and 3g. Engagement with a gear 3i provided coaxially with a rotor 4c constituting a powder screw pump of the gas flow transfer means 4 drives the recovered toner discharge member 3d and the rotor 4c to rotate. That is, the driving force from the main driving source is transmitted to the main body coupling Ob, the brush roller driving coupling 3e, the brush roller 3b, the gear 3f, the gear 3i, the collected toner discharging member 3d, and the rotor 4c.
In this embodiment, an air pump as the gas supply means 5 is arranged on the apparatus main body O side, and the discharge port 5a of the gas supply means 5 communicates with the gas supply port 4d via the gas supply pipe 5b. The gas supply means 5 and the holder 7b are also provided on the apparatus main body 0 side.
The gas supply means 5 sends air to the waste toner through the gas supply port 4d at a blowing rate of about 0.5 to 1.0 liter / min.
As a result, the toner discharge side of the powder screw pump serving as the gas flow transfer means 4 is set at a negative pressure, so that the waste toner is easily transported toward the rotor 4c of the gas flow transfer means 4, and the waste toner transfer is performed. Is performed more reliably.
The waste toner that has passed through the gas flow transfer means 4 is transported to the waste toner recovery tank 18 via the air-fuel mixture transport path 6 (see FIG. 1).
[0012]
It is effective to use a flexible and excellent toner-resistant material such as soft vinyl chloride, nylon, and Teflon, for example, as the mixture-gas transport path 6.
Therefore, the transfer direction of the waste toner can be selected in any direction of up, down, left, and right. Usually, the transfer amount of the waste toner is set to 5 g to 20 g / min, and the transfer distance of the waste toner is set to about 2 m at the maximum. .
Further, in this embodiment, the stator 4b and the rotor 4c of the gas flow transfer means 4 having a life substantially equal to the life of the components of the cleaning means 3 are integrally provided on the cleaning unit 300 side.
The gas supply means 5 having a relatively long service life of the component parts and a long maintenance interval, the air-fuel mixture transport path 6 and the waste toner recovery tank 18 are provided on the apparatus main body O side.
The collection toner passage of the gas flow transfer unit 4 is provided by a first attachment / detachment unit 7a (coupling) as the attachment / detachment unit 7 provided on the cleaning unit 300 side and a holder as the second attachment / detachment unit 7b provided in the apparatus main body 0. The opening 4e1 of 4e and the collected toner passage Oa on the apparatus main body 0 side are detachably connected to each other.
[0013]
FIG. 4 is an external view showing a configuration of a connection state between the cleaning unit side and the apparatus main body side in a separated state, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part on the cleaning unit side. On the cleaning unit 300 side, together with the cleaning means 3, a coupling of the holder 4a of the gas flow transfer means 4, the stator 4b, the rotor 4c, and the first attaching / detaching means 7a which also serves to prevent the collected toner (T) from falling is provided. I have.
On the side of the apparatus main body O, a gas supply port 4d connected to a gas supply pipe 5b connected to the gas supply means 5, a mixed gas transport path 6 connected to a waste toner recovery tank 18, and a holder for the second attaching / detaching means 7b are provided with side plates. Oc.
When the first attaching / detaching unit 7a as the attaching / detaching unit 7 and the second attaching / detaching unit 7b are separated as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the toner in the opening 4e1 of the collected toner passage 4e constituting the gas flow transfer unit 4 is removed. T is in an open state and is easy to fall. In this case, the coupling of the first attaching / detaching means 7a is fitted to the outer periphery of the holder 4a and supported so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction. As a result, the toner T is prevented from dropping because it is urged by the spring of the elastic member 7a1 whose one end is supported in the projecting direction indicated by the arrow D.
Although not shown, a part of the coupling of the first attachment / detachment means 7a is formed in a bellows structure which can be extended and contracted in the direction of arrow D of the holder 4a, and the amount of movement of the first attachment / detachment means 7a is increased to ensure that toner drops. Can be prevented.
[0014]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cleaning unit side and the apparatus main body side are connected to each other. In this connection state, the first mounting / dismounting means 7a as the mounting / detaching means 7 and the second mounting / demounting means 7b are completely in contact with each other. The spring of the elastic member 7a1 is compressed, and the stator 4b and the rotor 4c are set in a state of entering the collected toner passage Oa of the second attaching / detaching means 7b, and are supplied from the gas supply unit 5 into the collected toner passage Oa. Is discharged from the gas supply port 4d, and a mixture of the collected toner transferred by the gas flow transfer means 4 and the gas supplied from the gas supply means 5 for fluidizing the collected toner is transferred from the transfer port 7b2. The mixture is sent out to the air-fuel mixture transport path 6 and transferred.
[0015]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, According to the invention of claim 1, the attaching / detaching means is It comprises a first attaching / detaching means provided on the cleaning unit side, in which cleaning means and a gas flow transferring means are detachably attached to the apparatus main body, and a second attaching / detaching means provided on the apparatus main body side. When the cleaning means is pulled out of the apparatus body for replacement, the air-fuel mixture transfer path and the gas flow transfer means are automatically and easily separated from each other, so that the cleaning means is not required. However, there is no contamination, the maintenance is good, and the cleaning unit is low in cost. Since the cleaning means and the gas flow transfer means can be made into a unit, replacement work becomes easy. In other words, parts on the gas flow transfer means side having a life similar to that of the cleaning means can be replaced together with the cleaning means, thereby saving labor.
[0016]
Claim 2 In the above, the first attaching / detaching means is capable of moving forward / backward in the axial direction of the holder of the gas flow transfer means so as to be fitted with the receptacle of the second attaching / detaching means, and the first attaching / detaching means is provided on the apparatus main body side. When it is moved to, it is fitted with the receptacle of the second attaching / detaching means. For this reason, when the cleaning means is pulled out of the apparatus main body for replacement, the air-fuel mixture transfer path and the gas flow transfer means are automatically separated from each other, so that the operator's hands and the like are not stained, and the first mounting / dismounting means of the mounting / dismounting means. Even if the means and the second attaching / detaching means are separated and the opening of the collected toner passage of the gas flow transfer means is opened, the collected toner is prevented from dropping, the maintenance property is good, and the cleaning unit is low in cost. .
Claim 3 In the method described above, the first attaching / detaching means is extendable and contractible in the axial direction of the holder of the gas flow transfer means, and is fitted with the receptacle of the second attaching / detaching means when the first attaching / detaching means is extended. When the means is pulled out from the apparatus main body for replacement, the air-fuel mixture transfer path and the gas flow transfer means are automatically separated, so that the operator's hands and the like do not become dirty, and the first attaching / detaching means of the attaching / detaching means and the second attaching / detaching means. Even when the attaching / detaching unit is separated and the opening of the collected toner passage of the gas flow transfer unit is in an open state, it is possible to reliably prevent the collected toner from dropping, to improve the maintainability, and to reduce the cost of the cleaning unit.
Claim 4 In the above, the second attaching / detaching means is transferred by the collected toner passage on the apparatus main body side, a gas supply port for discharging gas supplied from the gas supply means into the collected toner passage, and the gas flow transfer means. Since the cleaning means is withdrawn from the apparatus main body for replacement, the air-fuel mixture transfer path and the gas flow transfer means are automatically separated from each other when the cleaning means is pulled out from the apparatus main body, so that the air-fuel mixture is transferred to the air-fuel mixture transfer path. The hands and the like are not stained, the maintenance is good, and the cost of the cleaning unit is low.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an example of a cleaning unit used in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning unit, a gas flow transfer unit, and the like according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an external view showing a configuration of a connection state between a cleaning unit side and an apparatus main body side according to an embodiment of the present invention in a separated state.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part on the cleaning unit side according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the cleaning unit side and the apparatus main body side according to the embodiment of the present invention are connected to each other.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a main part of an example of a conventional powder screw pump.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a positional relationship of a group of components centering on a toner recycling mechanism including a cleaning device and a powder screw pump.
[Explanation of symbols]
0 apparatus main body, 0a collected toner passage, Ob main body coupling, 0c side plate, 1 image carrier, 2 transfer means, 3 cleaning means, 3a cleaning blade, 3b brush roller, 3c housing, 3d collected toner discharge member, 3e brush Roller drive coupling, 3f gear, 3g front side plate, 3h rear side plate, 3i gear, 4 gas flow transfer means, 4a holder, 4b stator, 4c rotor, 4d gas supply port, 4e recovery toner passage, 4e1 opening, 5 gas Supply means, 5a discharge port, 5b gas supply pipe, 6 mixture passage, 7 attaching / detaching means, 7a first attaching / detaching means, 7a1 elastic member, 7b second attaching / detaching means, 7b1 receiving port, 7b2 transfer port, 8 main charger , 9 Document reading unit, 10 Writing unit, 11 Developing unit, 12 Paper feed unit, 13 Separator charger, 14 Static elimination run , 15 transfer paper suction and conveyance belt, 16 fixing device, 17 paper discharge section, 18 waste toner collection tank, 30 transfer paper suction and conveyance belt surface cleaning cleaning means, 300 cleaning unit, 1000 apparatus main body, 1003 cleaning device, 1003d recovered toner Discharge member, 1004 powder screw pump, 1004a holder, 1004b stator, 1004c rotor, 1004d gas supply port, 1005 air pump, 1005a discharge port, 1005b air supply pipe, 1006 mixed gas transport path

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus having a toner recycling mechanism for transferring a collected toner, which has been removed by a cleaning unit after removing a toner remaining on an image carrier after a transfer process in an electrophotographic system as a gaseous mixture, and reusing or discarding the toner, An image carrier that carries the toner image; a transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed on the image carrier to a transfer target; and a residual toner that remains on the image carrier after the transfer by the transfer unit. A cleaning unit for removing and collecting, a gas flow transfer unit for fluidizing and transferring the collected toner removed by the cleaning unit as a gaseous mixture with a gas, and a gas mixture for conveying the collected toner passing through the gas flow transfer unit. comprising a conveying path, and a gas supply means for supplying a gas to the gas flow transfer means to fluidize the collected toner to transport, on An opening of the recovery toner passage of the gas flow transfer means is provided on the cleaning means side, and an opening of the recovery toner passage on the cleaning means side and a recovery toner passage on the apparatus main body side connected to the air-fuel mixture transport path are attached and detached. Detachable means for communicating with the apparatus main body, the detachable means being provided on a cleaning unit side in which cleaning means and a gas flow transfer means are detachably attached to the apparatus main body, and provided on the apparatus main body side. image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a second connecting unit that is. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first attaching / detaching unit is capable of moving forward / backward in an axial direction of a holder of the gas flow transferring unit and fitting with a receiving port of the second attaching / detaching unit. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that when the attaching / detaching means moves to the apparatus main body side, it engages with the receptacle of the second attaching / detaching means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first attachment / detachment means is extendable and contractable in an axial direction of a holder of the gas flow transfer means, and a receptacle of the second attachment / detachment means when the first attachment / detachment means is extended. And an image forming apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second attaching / detaching means is a collection toner passage on the apparatus main body side and a gas supply port for discharging gas supplied from a gas supply means into said collection toner passage. When the image forming apparatus characterized by comprising said mixture to be transported by the gas flow transfer means from the transfer ports to be sent out to the mixture conveyance path.

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