JP3851722B2 - Toner recycling device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a toner recycling apparatus, and more particularly, to a toner recycling apparatus that reuses toner remaining on an image carrier.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine using toner, toner collected from a photosensitive member by a cleaner is discarded or a developing unit that forms an image as it is. Mostly returned to the development section.
[0003]
  Therefore, in recent years, there has been a demand for recycling (recycling) toner collected from the photoconductor by a cleaner, while there is a demand for effective use of resources. An image forming apparatus including a toner recycling device that returns the toner to the developing unit has been proposed.
[0004]
  However, when the collected toner is reused, the collected toner is a paper powder, a piece of paper, a fiber typified by paper fibers, dust, and agglomerated to increase the particle size. In addition, fine toner with a reduced particle size, on the other hand, is suitable for image formation because it has adverse effects such as clogging in the development unit, reduced developer fluidity, image defects, and background smudges in the output image. A foreign particle having a diameter larger than the toner particle size (hereinafter referred to as a proper toner particle size) or toner, and a foreign particle having a diameter smaller than the proper toner particle size or toner are removed and recycled.
[0005]
  Examples of such an image forming apparatus for recycling toner include image forming apparatuses described in JP-A-7-219349, JP-A-7-210047, JP-A-5-249820, and the like. The image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-219349 conveys used toner collected by a cleaner in the cartridge to a separation device that separates contaminants from used toner disposed on the apparatus main body side. A toner conveying means, a toner conveying driving means for transmitting a driving force to the toner conveying means, a toner conveying means for conveying the separated toner from which foreign matter has been removed by the separating device to a developing device in the cartridge, and a separated toner conveying means. A separated toner transport driving means for transmitting the drive is provided.
[0006]
  The toner recycling devices used in these image forming apparatuses all use a drop due to gravity or a screw conveyor to convey the toner collected from the image carrier after the transfer.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in such a conventional image forming apparatus and toner recycling apparatus, the fall of the gravity and a screw conveyor are used to convey the collected toner to the developing unit. Therefore, the collected toner is supplied to the cleaning unit and the developing unit. Since the conveyance part is disposed adjacent to each other, the degree of freedom in design is extremely small, which is a problem in reducing the size of the image forming apparatus. Further, when the toner collected by the cleaning unit from the photosensitive member is transported to the developing unit, toner aggregation and toner clogging are not considered in the transport path. There was a phenomenon that the toner could not be reused properly.
[0008]
  That is, as described above, the collected toner has a non-constant particle size, is charged, or contains more water than unused toner, and the collected toner is removed from the cleaner. There is a phenomenon in which toner aggregation and toner clogging are likely to occur in the conveyance path conveyed to the developing unit, and in particular, toner aggregation and toner clogging are likely to occur in the discharge unit to the developing unit.
[0009]
  When such toner clogging occurs, the collected toner is not conveyed to the developing unit and the toner cannot be reused, and it is necessary to stop the image forming apparatus and perform maintenance. There was a problem of poor usability. In this case, when the collected toner is conveyed to the developing unit side by a mechanical driving force such as an agitator, there is a problem that the image forming apparatus becomes large and the cost increases.
[0010]
  Therefore,eachClaimEntryThe invention described isnextFor the purpose.
[0011]
  Claim1In the described invention, the toner collected by the cleaning unit from the image carrier is connected to the cleaning unit and the connection unit on the developing unit side by a circulation conveyance path pipe including a conveyance pipe and an intake pipe, and the circulation conveyance path A plurality of air pumps are arranged in the middle of the pipe, and an air flow is generated by the plurality of air pumps in the circulation conveyance path pipe, and the recovered toner is conveyed to the connection unit through the circulation conveyance path pipe by the air flow, and the circulation conveyance Strong air that circulates in the circulation conveyance path pipe via the connection unit by generating an air flow that is weaker than the air flow of the air pump and in the opposite direction to the air flow of the air pump by a reverse air pump arranged in the middle of the path pipe Flow is generated by multiple air pumps, and the collected toner, which is prone to toner aggregation, is properly conveyed from the cleaning unit side to the connection unit. In addition, a toner recycling apparatus that can further prevent toner aggregation that causes toner clogging in the circulation conveyance path tube by an air flow in the reverse direction and can efficiently and appropriately convey the collected toner. The purpose is that.
[0012]
  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the toner collected by the cleaning unit from the image carrier is connected to the cleaning unit and the connection unit on the developing unit side through a circulation conveyance path pipe including a conveyance pipe and an intake pipe. A plurality of air pumps are arranged in the middle of the circulation conveyance path pipe, an air flow is generated in the circulation conveyance path pipe by the plurality of air pumps, and the collected toner is conveyed to the connection unit through the circulation conveyance path pipe by the air flow. As a result, a powerful air flow that circulates through the circulation conveyance path pipe through the connection unit is generated by a plurality of air pumps, and the collected toner that is likely to cause toner aggregation is prevented while preventing toner aggregation that causes toner clogging. Providing a toner recycling device that can properly transport the recovered toner from the cleaning unit side to the connection unit. It is intended to be. Further, by providing a predetermined number of toner aggregation detection means for detecting the presence or absence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe, the operation of the toner recycling apparatus can be appropriately performed according to the presence / absence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner recycling apparatus capable of appropriately transporting the collected toner by performing the above control.Further, when a plurality of vibration means for applying a predetermined vibration to the circulation conveyance path pipe are provided, and one of the plurality of toner aggregation detection means detects the occurrence of toner aggregation, the position closest to the toner aggregation occurrence position. Is driven for a predetermined time, so that the toner agglomeration generated in the circulation conveyance path tube by the vibration applied by the vibration means is reliably eliminated, and the recovered toner is conveyed more appropriately. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner recycling apparatus that can perform such a process.
[0013]
  Claim3The described inventionThe collected toner collected by the cleaning unit from the image carrier is connected to the cleaning unit and the connection unit on the developing unit side by a circulation conveyance path pipe including a conveyance pipe and an intake pipe, and a plurality of toners are disposed in the middle of the circulation conveyance path pipe. The plurality of air pumps generate an air flow in the circulation conveyance path pipe and convey the recovered toner through the circulation conveyance path pipe to the connection unit through the connection unit. A powerful air flow that circulates in the circulation conveyance path pipe is generated by multiple air pumps, and the collected toner, which is likely to cause toner aggregation, is properly connected from the cleaning unit side while preventing toner aggregation that causes toner clogging. To provide a toner recycling device that can be transported to a unit and efficiently transport the collected toner That. In addition,When the toner aggregation detecting means detects the occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation conveyance path pipe, a plurality of reverse air pumps generate an air flow in a direction opposite to that of the air pump and generate an air flow having a smaller air flow rate than the air pump. Among them, the reverse air pump disposed at a position closest to the toner aggregation occurrence position is driven until the toner aggregation is eliminated, so that the recovered toner is conveyed and the circulation conveyance path is performed with the air flow in the reverse direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner recycling apparatus that can appropriately eliminate toner aggregation in the tube and efficiently and more appropriately convey the collected toner.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, by providing a predetermined number of toner aggregation detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe, it is possible to appropriately select the amount of toner aggregation within the circulation / conveyance path pipe. Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner recycling apparatus that can control the operation of the toner recycling apparatus and appropriately transport the collected toner.
[0014]
  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the toner aggregation detecting means detects the presence or absence of toner aggregation by measuring the static pressure in the circulation conveyance path tube, so that the toner can be appropriately configured with a simple configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide a toner recycling apparatus that can detect the aggregation and appropriately control the operation of the toner recycling apparatus to convey the collected toner more appropriately at a low cost.
[0015]
  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, if the toner aggregation is not eliminated even if the reverse air pump is driven for a predetermined time, the air pump is stopped so that only the air flow in the reverse direction of the reverse air pump flows into the circulation conveyance path pipe. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toner recycling apparatus that can reliably eliminate toner aggregation and transport the collected toner more appropriately.
[0016]
  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of vibration means for applying a predetermined vibration to the circulation conveyance path pipe are provided, and when one of the plurality of toner aggregation detection means detects the occurrence of toner aggregation, the toner aggregation is detected. By driving the vibration means arranged at the position closest to the generation position for a predetermined time, the toner aggregation generated in the circulation conveyance path pipe by the vibration applied by the vibration means is surely eliminated, and more appropriately. An object of the present invention is to provide a toner recycling apparatus capable of transporting collected toner.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Claim 1To 7The toner recycling apparatus of the described inventionHas the following basic configuration.The collected recovered toner is transported from a cleaning unit that recovers toner remaining on the image carrier to a toner supply unit that supplies the toner to a developing unit that supplies toner to the image carrier and forms a toner image. In the toner recycling apparatus, a connection unit that is disposed on the developing unit side and has a hollow portion having a predetermined shape, stores the collected toner conveyed and supplies the collected toner to the toner supply unit, and the connection A circulation conveyance path pipe comprising a conveyance pipe and an intake pipe which are communicated with the hollow portion of the unit and extended to the cleaning unit side and supplied with the collected toner collected by the cleaning unit; A plurality of air pumps disposed in the middle of the circulation conveyance path pipe and generating an air flow in the circulation conveyance path pipe Comprises, to convey the collected toner to be supplied from the cleaning unit, the connecting unit through the circulation transport path tube by the air flow generated by the plurality of air pumpThe
[0018]
  the aboveBasicAccording to the configuration, the collected toner collected by the cleaning unit from the image carrier is connected to the cleaning unit and the connection unit on the developing unit side through the circulation conveyance path pipe including the conveyance pipe and the intake pipe, and the circulation conveyance path Since a plurality of air pumps are arranged in the middle of the pipe, air flow is generated by the plurality of air pumps in the circulation conveyance path pipe, and the collected toner is conveyed to the connection unit through the circulation conveyance path pipe by the air flow. A powerful air flow that circulates in the circulation conveyance path pipe through the connection unit is generated by a plurality of air pumps, and the collected toner that is likely to cause toner aggregation is appropriately collected while preventing toner aggregation that causes toner clogging. In addition, the toner can be transported from the cleaning unit side to the connection unit, and the recovered toner can be transported efficiently.
[0019]
  AndClaim1The toner recycling apparatus of the described inventionIn addition to the above basic configuration, the following configuration is provided. That is,A predetermined number of reverse air pumps arranged in the middle of the circulation conveyance path pipe and generating an air flow in a direction opposite to that of the air pump and generating less air flow than the air pump.TheThe recovered toner supplied from the cleaning unit is generated by the plurality of air pumps while the aggregation of the recovered toner in the circulation conveyance path pipe is suppressed by the reverse air flow generated by the reverse air pump. Transported to the connection unit through the circulation transport path pipe by an air flowThe
[0020]
  According to the above configuration, the collected toner collected by the cleaning unit from the image carrier is connected to the cleaning unit and the connection unit on the developing unit side by the circulation conveyance path pipe including the conveyance pipe and the intake pipe, and the circulation conveyance is performed. A plurality of air pumps are arranged in the middle of the path pipe, and an air flow is generated by the plurality of air pumps in the circulation transport path pipe, and the collected toner is transported to the connection unit through the circulation transport path pipe by the air flow and circulated. The reverse air pump arranged in the middle of the transfer path pipe generates an air flow that is weaker than the air flow of the air pump and in the opposite direction to the air flow of the air pump. Air flow is generated by multiple air pumps, and the collected toner, which is likely to cause toner aggregation, is properly transported from the cleaning unit side to the connection unit. In addition, the air flow in the opposite direction can further prevent toner aggregation that causes toner clogging in the circulation conveyance path tube, and the collected toner can be conveyed efficiently and appropriately. it can.
[0021]
  The basic configuration and the configuration of claim 1In, ContractClaim2 and claim 4As described above, the toner recycling apparatus may further include a predetermined number of toner aggregation detecting means for detecting whether or not toner aggregation occurs in the circulation conveyance path pipe.
[0022]
  According to the above configuration, since the predetermined number of toner aggregation detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of the occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe is provided, depending on the presence / absence of the occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe, The operation of the toner recycling apparatus can be controlled, and the collected toner can be appropriately conveyed.
[0023]
  Also,In the above basic configuration,Claim3As described above, the toner recycling apparatus includes a plurality of toner aggregation detecting means for detecting presence / absence of occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe, and the reverse direction to the air pump. And a plurality of reverse air pumps for generating an air flow with a lower air flow rate than the air pump are disposed in the circulation conveyance path pipe, and one of the plurality of toner aggregation detecting means is When the occurrence of toner aggregation is detected, the toner aggregation detection means eliminates the toner aggregation in the reverse air pump disposed at a position closest to the position of the toner aggregation detection means that has detected the occurrence of toner aggregation. It may be driven until it is detected.
[0024]
  According to the above configuration, when the toner aggregation detection unit detects the occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation conveyance path pipe, it generates an air flow in a direction opposite to that of the air pump and an air flow having a smaller air flow rate than the air pump. Among the plurality of reverse air pumps, the reverse air pump disposed at the position closest to the toner aggregation occurrence position is driven until the toner aggregation is eliminated. The toner aggregation in the circulation conveyance path pipe can be appropriately eliminated by the flow, and the recovered toner can be conveyed efficiently and more appropriately.
[0025]
  Further, for example, as described in claim 5, the toner aggregation detection unit may measure the static pressure in the circulation conveyance path tube to detect the presence or absence of the toner aggregation.
[0026]
  According to the above configuration, the toner aggregation detection unit measures the static pressure in the circulation conveyance path tube and detects the presence or absence of toner aggregation. Therefore, the toner aggregation is detected appropriately with a simple configuration. Thus, the operation of the toner recycling apparatus can be appropriately controlled, and the recovered toner can be conveyed more appropriately at a low cost.
[0027]
  Further, for example, as described in claim 6, if the toner recycling apparatus does not detect that the toner aggregation has been eliminated even if the reverse air pump is driven for a predetermined time, The driving of the air pump may be stopped.
[0028]
  According to the above configuration, even if the reverse air pump is driven for a predetermined time, if the toner aggregation is not eliminated, the drive of the air pump is stopped. Therefore, only the air flow in the reverse direction of the reverse air pump is caused to flow in the circulation conveyance path pipe, Aggregation can be reliably eliminated, and the recovered toner can be conveyed more appropriately.
[0029]
  Further, for example, as described in claim 7, the toner recycling apparatus further includes a plurality of vibration units that apply predetermined vibrations to the circulation conveyance path tube, and among the plurality of toner aggregation detection units When one of the toners detects the occurrence of toner aggregation, the vibration means arranged at a position closest to the arrangement position of the toner aggregation detection means that detects the occurrence of toner aggregation is driven for a predetermined time. Also good.
[0030]
  According to the above configuration, when a plurality of vibration units for applying a predetermined vibration to the circulation conveyance path pipe are provided, and one of the plurality of toner aggregation detection units detects the occurrence of toner aggregation, the toner aggregation occurrence position is detected. Since the vibration means disposed at the position closest to the head is driven for a predetermined time, the toner aggregation generated in the circulation conveyance path pipe by the vibration applied by the vibration means can be surely eliminated, and more appropriately The collected toner can be conveyed.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. As long as there is no description which limits, it is not restricted to these aspects.
[0032]
Figure1 is, Toh according to the reference example2 is a front cross-sectional view of the toner recycling apparatus 1. FIG.
[0033]
  In FIG. 1, the toner recycling apparatus 1 converts the collected toner Ta (indicated by white circles in FIG. 1) recovered from the photosensitive body (image carrier) of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus by the cleaning unit 2 into unused toner Tb. (Indicated by black circles in FIG. 1) is mixed and conveyed to a toner supply unit 10 which is conveyed to a developing unit (not shown).
[0034]
  This image forming apparatus transfers and records a toner image on a transfer sheet by a normal electrophotographic method. That is, a uniformly charged photoconductor is irradiated with writing light modulated by image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor, and the photoconductor on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. The toner is supplied from the developing unit to form a toner image on the photoreceptor and developed. After the toner image on the photoconductor is transferred to transfer paper at the transfer section, the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor is collected by a method such as scraping by the cleaning unit 2. The image forming apparatus transports the collected toner Ta collected by the cleaning unit 2 to the toner supply unit 10 by the toner recycling apparatus 1, mixes it with unused toner Tb by the toner supply unit 10, and conveys it to the developing unit side. Then, the toner is supplied again to the photosensitive member by the developing unit, and the collected toner Ta is reused (recycled).
[0035]
  The toner recycling apparatus 1 includes a main air pump 3, two sub air pumps 4 and 5, a connection unit 6, and an exhaust tube 7 and an intake tube 8 that connect and communicate the air pump 3 and the connection unit 6.
[0036]
  The cleaning unit 2 has a built-in toner classifier that selects only toner having a certain particle diameter from the collected toner Ta collected from the photoreceptor, and is connected to the exhaust tube 7 by a connecting tube 9. The cleaning unit 2 selects only the toner having a certain particle size from the collected toner Ta, and supplies the selected collected toner Ta to the exhaust tube 7 through the connection tube 9.
[0037]
  As described above, the main air pump 3 is connected to the connection unit 6 by the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8, and the sub air pump 4 is in the middle of the exhaust tube 7, and the sub air pump 5 is in the middle of the intake middle portion 8. It is arranged.
[0038]
  The main air pump 3 includes a rubber portion made of a rubber material or the like. A motor shaft (not shown) is connected to the central portion of the rubber portion, and the rubber portion is vibrated by rotating the motor. . The main air pump 3 sucks air from the intake tube 8 and discharges air from the exhaust tube 7 as shown by arrows in FIG. The sub air pump 4 is disposed between the connection tube 9 of the exhaust tube 7 and the main air pump 3, and further sends out the air discharged from the main air pump 3 toward the connection unit 6, Assist discharge operation. The sub air pump 5 is disposed in the middle of the intake tube 8 and sucks air from the connection unit 6 and sends it out toward the main air pump 3 to assist the air suction operation of the main air pump 3.
[0039]
  A connecting tube 9 communicating with the cleaning unit 2 communicates between the auxiliary air pump 4 of the exhaust tube 7 and the connection unit 6, and the recovered toner Ta supplied from the cleaning unit 2 to the connecting tube 9 is exhausted. The air flowing in the tube 7 toward the connection unit 6 is sucked into the exhaust tube 7, passes through the exhaust tube 7, and is conveyed to the connection unit 6.
[0040]
  The connection unit 6 has the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8 attached to the side surfaces thereof, and the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8 are attached to the connection unit 6 in a predetermined proximity.
[0041]
  The connection unit 6 is formed in a predetermined box shape, for example, a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape whose upper portion is narrower than the lower portion, and a hollow portion 6a corresponding to the shape of the connection unit 6 is formed inside. The connection unit 6 is disposed on the toner supply unit 10 and communicates with the toner supply unit 10 through a lower opening. Accordingly, the collected toner Ta that has been conveyed into the hollow portion 6 a of the connection unit 6 via the exhaust tube 7 is supplied to the toner supply unit 10 from the lower opening of the connection unit 6.
[0042]
  The exhaust tube 7 and the connection tube 9 function as a transfer pipe, the intake tube 8 functions as an intake pipe, and the exhaust tube 7, the connection tube 9 and the intake tube 8 function as a circulation transfer path pipe as a whole. It is functioning.
[0043]
  A toner bottle 11 that stores unused toner Tb is connected to the toner supply unit 10, and the toner supply unit 10 receives unused toner Tb in the toner bottle 11 and recovered toner Ta supplied from the connection unit 6. Mix and transport to a developing unit (not shown).
[0044]
  Then bookReference exampleThe operation of will be described. The toner recycling apparatus 1 attaches the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8 connected to the main air pump 3 to the connection unit 6 connected to the toner supply unit 10, and connects the auxiliary air pump 4 to the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8. 5 is provided, and the collected toner Ta is efficiently conveyed while preventing toner clogging by utilizing the air flow of the plurality of air pumps 3 to 5.
[0045]
  That is, the image forming apparatus to which the toner recycling apparatus 1 is applied supplies toner by a developing unit to a photosensitive member (not shown) on which an electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image, and the toner image on the photosensitive member is formed. Transfer to transfer paper at transfer section. The toner remaining on the photoreceptor after the transfer is collected by the cleaning unit 2, and only the collected toner Ta having a certain particle size is selected from the collected toner Ta by the cleaning unit 2, and the collected collected toner Ta is connected to the connecting tube 9. To the exhaust tube 7. The exhaust tube 7 communicates with the main air pump 3 and the connection unit 6, and the intake tube 8 is coupled to the main air pump 3 and the connection unit 6. A sub air pump 4 is disposed in the exhaust tube 7, and a sub air pump 5 is disposed in the intake tube 8.
[0046]
  The main air pump 3 sucks air from the intake tube 8 and discharges air from the exhaust tube 7 to the connection unit 6, the sub air pump 4 assists the exhaust operation of the main air pump 3, and the sub air pump 5 It assists the intake operation of the main air pump 3. Then, the recovered toner Ta selected by the cleaning unit 2 is supplied through the connecting tube 9 between the sub air pump 4 and the connection unit 6 of the exhaust tube 7.
[0047]
  Therefore, the collected toner Ta selected by the cleaning unit 2 is conveyed into the hollow portion 6a of the connection unit 6 through the connection tube 9 and the exhaust tube 7 by the strong air flow generated by the three air pumps 3 to 5. The
[0048]
  The collected toner Ta conveyed to the connection unit 6 is supplied to the toner supply unit 10 through the opening at the lower end, and the toner supply unit 10 uses the collected toner Ta supplied from the connection unit 6 as unused in the toner bottle 11. The toner Tb is transported to a developing unit (not shown) and is again developed by the developing unit.
[0049]
  And the sub air pump 4 which produces | generates the air flow of the same direction as the air flow which the main air pump 3 produces | generates is arrange | positioned at the exhaust tube 7 which the main air pump 3 discharges | emits an air flow, and the main air pump 3 attracts | sucks an air flow Since the auxiliary air pump 5 that generates an air flow in the same direction as the air flow generated by the main air pump 3 is disposed in the intake tube 8, the auxiliary air pump 4 is discharged from the main air pump 3 and assisted by the auxiliary air pump 4. Air having substantially the same volume as the air that has flowed into the hollow portion 6 a from the exhaust tube 7 flows into the intake tube 8, is assisted by the sub air pump 5, and is returned to the air pump 3. Therefore, the recovered toner Ta can be efficiently transported by effectively using a strong air flow, and the recovered toner Ta is clogged in the circulation transport path pipes such as the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8, and the toner Aggregation can be prevented from occurring. As a result, the recovered toner Ta can be appropriately conveyed while suppressing the occurrence of toner aggregation.
[0050]
  Further, the recovered toner Ta conveyed from the exhaust tube 7 into the hollow portion 6a of the connection unit 6 by the air flow falls in the hollow portion 6a by its own weight and is supplied to the toner supply unit 10 from the opening at the lower end. Is done. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent toner clogging by applying a static pressure between the conveyance paths of the exhaust tubes 7 and the intake tubes 8 between the air pumps 3 to 5 while efficiently utilizing the air flow. As a result, the recovered toner Ta can be appropriately conveyed to the connection unit 6 and the toner can be appropriately recycled.
[0051]
  BookReference exampleIn FIG. 2, a total of three air pumps, ie, the main air pump 3 and the two sub air pumps 4 and 5, are provided. The air pump may be provided in the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube.
[0052]
  FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the toner recycling apparatus of the present invention.1In the present embodiment, a reverse air pump that generates an air flow in a direction opposite to the air flow generated by the main air pump is disposed in the transport path.1It corresponds to.
[0053]
  This embodiment is the aboveReference exampleAnd is applied to the same toner recycling apparatus.Reference exampleThe same reference numerals are given to the same components as in FIG.
[0054]
  FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the toner recycling apparatus of the present invention.1It is a schematic block diagram of the toner recycling apparatus 20 to which the embodiment is applied.
[0055]
  In FIG. 2, the toner recycling apparatus 20 according to the present embodimentReference exampleAs in the toner recycling apparatus 1, the main air pump 3 and the connection unit 6 are connected and communicated by the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8, and the connection unit 6 is arranged in a state where the hollow portion 6 a communicates with the toner supply unit 10. It is installed. A connecting tube 9 connected to the cleaning unit 2 is connected in the middle of the exhaust tube 7, and a sub air pump 4 is disposed between the connecting portion of the exhaust tube 7 to the connecting tube 9 and the main air pump 3. Yes. Further, a sub air pump 5 is disposed in the middle of the intake tube 8, and the sub air pump 4 and the sub air pump 5 have an air flow in the same direction as the air flow generated by the main air pump 3, as indicated by arrows in FIG. To assist the main air pump 3.
[0056]
  The exhaust tube 7 is provided with a reverse air pump 21 between the main air pump 3 and the sub air pump 4, and the intake tube 8 is provided with a reverse air pump 22 between the main air pump 3 and the sub air pump 5. Is arranged. The reverse air pump 21 and the reverse air pump 22 have an ability to generate an output of the main air pump 3 and the auxiliary air pumps 4 and 5, that is, an air flow rate smaller than the generated air flow rate, and as indicated by arrows in FIG. In addition, an air flow in a direction opposite to the air flow generated by the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 is generated, and between the main air pump 3 and the reverse air pump 21 of the exhaust tube 7 and between the reverse air pump 21 and the sub air pump 4. In the meantime, a static pressure in a direction opposite to the static pressure generated by the main air pump 3 and the sub air pump 4 is generated, and between the main air pump 3 and the reverse air pump 22 of the intake tube 8 and between the reverse air pump 22 and the sub air pump 5. In between, the static pressure of the direction opposite to the static pressure which the main air pump 3 and the sub air pump 5 generate | occur | produce is produced | generated.
[0057]
  In the toner recycling apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the main air pump 3 sucks air from the intake tube 8 and discharges air from the exhaust tube 7 to the connection unit 6, and the sub air pump 4 performs the exhaust operation of the main air pump 3. In addition to assisting, the reverse air pump 21 generates an air flow in a direction opposite to the air flow generated by the main air pump 3 and the sub air pump 4 and having a smaller output than the air flow generated by the main air pump 3 and the sub air pump 4. The auxiliary air pump 5 assists the intake operation of the main air pump 3, and the reverse air pump 22 is in the opposite direction to the air flow generated by the main air pump 3 and the auxiliary air pump 5 and the air flow generated by the main air pump 3 and the auxiliary air pump 5. Produces an air flow with a lower output. Then, the recovered toner Ta selected by the cleaning unit 2 is supplied through the connecting tube 9 between the sub air pump 4 and the connection unit 6 of the exhaust tube 7.
[0058]
  Therefore, the collected toner Ta selected by the cleaning unit 2 is conveyed into the hollow portion 6a of the connection unit 6 through the connection tube 9 and the exhaust tube 7 by the strong air flow generated by the three air pumps 3 to 5. At the same time, the flow of the collected toner Ta flowing in the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8 is disturbed by the air flow generated by the reverse air pump 21 and the reverse air pump 22, and the collected toner Ta aggregates in the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8. Is further suppressed.
[0059]
  That is, if only one-way air flow from the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 flows in the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8, the toner aggregation may be stabilized when toner aggregation occurs. When there is a small air flow in the reverse direction by the reverse air pumps 21 and 22, the generated toner agglomeration can be destroyed by the air flow in the reverse direction, and the toner agglomeration can be further suppressed. As a result, the recovered toner Ta can be more appropriately conveyed while further suppressing the occurrence of toner aggregation.
[0060]
  FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the toner recycling apparatus of the present invention.2In the present embodiment, toner aggregation detection means for detecting a toner aggregation location is provided in the conveyance path, and the operation of the air pump is controlled based on the detection result of the toner aggregation detection means. Control and impart vibration to the transport path,2, 4To claim 7.
[0061]
  In addition, this Embodiment is the above-mentionedReference exampleAnd the second1The present invention is applied to a toner recycling apparatus similar to that in the above embodiment, and in the description of this embodiment,Reference exampleAnd the second1The following description will be made using the reference numerals used in the description of the embodiment.
[0062]
  FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the toner recycling apparatus of the present invention.23 is a front view of a toner aggregation detection unit 30 used in a toner recycling apparatus to which the present embodiment is applied. FIG.
[0063]
  In FIG. 3, the toner recycling apparatusReference exampleThe cleaning unit 2, air pumps 3 to 5, connection unit 6, and the like similar to the toner recycling apparatus 1 are provided, and the air pump 3 and the connection unit 6 are connected by an exhaust tube 7 and an intake tube 8. The recovered toner Ta selected by the cleaning unit 2 is supplied through the connecting tube 9 between the sub air pump 4 of the exhaust tube 7 and the connection unit 6. Further, in this toner recycling apparatus, the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8 are connected to the above-mentioned first as necessary.1The reverse air pump 21 and the reverse air pump 22 similar to those of the embodiment are provided. Further, the toner recycling apparatus is provided with a vibration mechanism for applying a predetermined vibration to the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8 as necessary.
[0064]
  The exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8, particularly the exhaust tube 7, are provided with a toner aggregation detection unit (toner aggregation detection means) 30 at an appropriate location where toner aggregation Tg is likely to occur. The location where the toner aggregation detection unit 3 is provided is not limited to one location, and may be provided at a plurality of locations where toner aggregation Tg is likely to occur.
[0065]
  The toner aggregation detection unit 30 includes a narrow tube 31, a cylinder 32, a U-shaped manometer 33, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 34, an LED detector 35, and the like, and the narrow tube 31 includes toner aggregation in the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8. It is connected in communication with a place where Tg is likely to occur.
[0066]
  The thin tube 31 is connected in communication with a cylinder 32, and a U-shaped manometer 33 is connected in communication with the cylinder 32. The LED 34 is disposed in the U-shape of the U-shaped manometer 33, and the manometer water level of the U-shaped manometer 33 increases when toner aggregation Tg occurs in the exhaust tube 7 or the intake tube 8. It is arranged toward the tube, and projects light toward the tube of the U-shaped manometer 33 as indicated by an arrow in FIG.
[0067]
  The LED detector 35 is disposed at an appropriate position in the traveling direction of the light projected by the LED 34, detects the presence or absence of light incident from the LED 34, and outputs the detection result to a control unit (not shown). Based on the detection signal from the LED 34, the control unit performs drive control of the main air pump 3, sub air pumps 4, 5, reverse air pumps 21, 22 and drive control of the vibration mechanism.
[0068]
  The vibration mechanism (vibration means) includes, for example, a semicircular vibration cam and a vibration motor that rotationally drives the vibration cam, and generates toner aggregation Tg in the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8. The vibration cam is disposed in the vicinity of the exhaust tube 7 or the intake tube 8 at a place where it is easy to perform (may be a plurality of places). The vibration mechanism rotates the vibration cam by a vibration motor and rotates the vibration cam to apply predetermined shock vibration to the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8.
[0069]
  In the toner recycling apparatus of the present embodiment, the recovered toner Ta selected by the cleaning unit 2 is driven to the connection unit 6 through the connection tube 9 and the exhaust tube 7 while the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 are driven. The recovered toner Ta is sequentially conveyed to the connection unit 6 while being returned to the main air pump 3 through the intake tube 8 through the air flow conveyed and sent to the connection unit 6. Then, the toner recycling apparatus supplies the collected toner Ta from the connection unit 6 to the toner supply unit 10 and conveys it to the developing unit together with the unused toner Tb in the toner bottle 11.
[0070]
  A toner aggregation detection unit 30 is disposed at a location where the toner aggregation Tg of the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8 that are the transport path of the collected toner Ta is likely to be generated. The rise of the manometer water level of the U-shaped manometer 33, that is, the change in static pressure, is detected by the LED 34 and the LED detector 35 with the presence or absence of toner aggregation Tg, and the detection result is output to the control unit.
[0071]
  When the toner aggregation detection unit 30 detects the toner aggregation Tg as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit detects any of the toner aggregations among the toner aggregation detection units 30 provided in the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8. Depending on whether the detection unit 30 has detected the toner aggregation Tg, the location where the toner aggregation Tg occurs in the exhaust tube 7 or the intake tube 8 is identified. For example, now, one toner aggregation detection unit is provided for each of the exhaust tube 7 and the intake tube 8. 30 is disposed, toner aggregation Tg is generated in either the exhaust tube 7 or the intake tube 8 depending on which tube the toner aggregation detection unit 30 has detected the toner aggregation Tg. To identify. When the control unit identifies the location where the toner aggregation Tg occurs, the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 are driven, that is, the transport of the collected toner Ta by the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 is continued. However, the reverse air pump 21 or the reverse air pump 22 disposed in the exhaust tube 7 or the intake tube 8 where the toner aggregation Tg is generated is driven, and the main air pump 3 and the sub air pump 3 are connected to the locations where the toner aggregation Tg is generated. An air pressure in a direction opposite to the air pressure generated by the air pumps 4 and 5 is applied. When the reverse air pump 21 or the reverse air pump 22 is driven, an air flow in a direction opposite to the air flow by the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 is generated in the exhaust tube 7 or the intake tube 8 in the toner aggregation Tg portion. Aggregation Tg is appropriately eliminated.
[0072]
  The control unit drives the reverse air pump 21 or the reverse air pump 22 until the toner aggregation detection unit 30 detects that the toner aggregation Tg is eliminated, and when the toner aggregation Tg is eliminated, the reverse air pump that is being driven is driven. 21 or the reverse air pump 22 is stopped.
[0073]
  Therefore, in the toner recycling apparatus of the present embodiment, when the toner aggregation detection unit 30 detects that the toner aggregation Tg is generated during the transport of the collected toner Ta, the exhaust tube 7 or the intake tube in which the toner aggregation Tg is generated. The reverse air pump 21 or the reverse air pump 22 is driven until the toner aggregation Tg is eliminated, and the toner aggregation Tg can be appropriately eliminated while the recovered toner Ta is conveyed to the connection unit 6.
[0074]
  Further, in this case, when the toner aggregation Tg occurs, the control unit generates the toner aggregation Tg while continuing the transport of the collected toner Ta by the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 as described above. When the reverse air pump 21 or the reverse air pump 22 disposed in the exhaust tube 7 or the intake tube 8 is driven and the toner aggregation detection unit 30 does not detect that the toner aggregation Tg has been eliminated even after a predetermined time has elapsed, The driving of the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 is stopped, and only one of the reverse air pump 21 and the reverse air pump 22 or both the reverse air pump 21 and the reverse air pump 22 are driven.
[0075]
  In this way, the air flow in the reverse direction generated by at least one of the reverse air pump 21 and the reverse air pump 22, that is, the air in the direction opposite to the direction of the air flow generated by the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 is generated. The toner aggregation Tg can be efficiently eliminated by the flow.
[0076]
  Further, when the toner recycling apparatus is provided with a vibration mechanism for applying a predetermined shock vibration to the exhaust tube 7 or the intake tube 8, for example, when the toner aggregation detection unit 30 detects the toner aggregation Tg. In a state where only the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 are driven, or in a state where at least one of the main air pump 3, the sub air pumps 4, 5 and the reverse air pumps 21 and 22 is driven, or With the main air pump 3 and the sub air pumps 4 and 5 stopped and at least one of the reverse air pumps 21 and 22 is driven, the vibration mechanism disposed near the toner aggregation Tg is driven. Vibration may be applied to the nearby exhaust tube 7 or intake tube 8 where toner aggregation Tg is generated by the vibration mechanism.
[0077]
  In this way, vibration is applied to the toner aggregation Tg, and the toner aggregation Tg can be more efficiently eliminated. That is, the collected toner Ta has a larger amount of water than the unused toner Tb, and some toners have a large amount of water depending on the type of toner. It is easy to adhere to the tube wall. In many cases, it is difficult to eliminate the collected toner Ta adhering to the tube wall only by the air flow, but the toner aggregation Tg can be appropriately eliminated by applying vibration by the vibration mechanism.
<Example> FIG.Reference exampleTo the second22 is a perspective view of a main part of an electrophotographic copying apparatus 40 of an example to which the toner recycling apparatus and the toner aggregation detection unit according to the embodiment are applied. FIG.
[0078]
  The copying apparatus 40 includes a toner recycling apparatus 41. The toner recycling apparatus 41 includes a cleaning unit 42, a main air pump 43, a connection unit 44, an exhaust tube 45, an intake tube 46, and the like. The copying apparatus 40 includes a toner supply unit 47, a toner bottle 48, and the like, and is necessary for forming an image by an electrophotographic method such as a developing unit, a photosensitive member (image carrier), and a transfer unit (not shown). Each unit is equipped.
[0079]
  The connection unit 44 of the toner recycling apparatus 41 is disposed on the toner supply unit 47, and the connection unit 44 and the main air pump 43 are communicated with each other by an exhaust tube 45 and an intake tube 46. The exhaust tube 45 is communicated with the cleaning unit 42 by a connecting tube 49.
[0080]
  The toner recycling device 41 collects the toner remaining on the photosensitive member by the cleaning unit 42, sorts out only toner having a certain particle diameter, supplies the toner to the exhaust tube 45 through the connection tube 49, and the main air pump 43 passes through the intake tube 46. By sucking air from the connection unit 44 and sending the air to the connection unit 44 through the exhaust tube 45, the recovered toner Ta (not shown) supplied from the cleaning unit 42 through the connection tube 49 is exhausted by the air flow. It is conveyed to the connection unit 44 through 45.
[0081]
  The collected toner Ta conveyed to the connection unit 44 is supplied to the toner supply unit 47, and the toner supply unit 47 is further supplied with unused toner Tb from the toner bottle 48. The toner supply unit 47 agitates the unused toner Tb supplied from the toner bottle 48 and the collected toner Ta supplied from the connection unit 44 and conveys them to a developing unit (not shown).
[0082]
  The following experiment was conducted by attaching the toner recycling apparatus 41 having the above configuration to the copying apparatus 40.
[0083]
  The main air pump 43 has a flow rate of about 2.2 cubic m / min, and the exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46 have a length of 5 m and a diameter of 6 mmφ. The lengths of the exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46 are intentionally longer than the length used in a normal copying apparatus, and are set so that toner aggregation is likely to occur.
[0084]
  Under the following conditions, a standard original (hereinafter referred to as a 6% original) having a ratio of 6% of the image on the paper surface of the original and an original having a ratio of 12% of the image in the paper surface (hereinafter referred to as the following) The toner recycling apparatus 41 was evaluated by performing continuous copying 30000 times each.
[0085]
  <Condition> Condition A: The sub-air pump is not attached to the exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46, and the recovered toner Ta is conveyed only by the air flow from the main air pump 43. The auxiliary air pump has a flow rate of about 2.2 cubic m / min.
[0086]
  Condition B: The exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46 areReference exampleAnd the second1The auxiliary air pump as shown in the embodiment is attached, and the recovered toner Ta is conveyed by the air flow of the three air pumps together with the main air pump 43.
[0087]
  Condition C: the exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46 are2And a reverse air pump that is driven when the toner aggregation detection unit detects toner aggregation.1As in the first embodiment, the auxiliary air pump and the main air pump 43 of the exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46 are disposed. This reverse air pump has a flow rate of about 0.8 cubic m / min.
[0088]
  Condition D: In addition to the condition C, an excitation mechanism for applying vibration to the exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46 was provided.
[0089]
  <Evaluation> Condition A: The recycling efficiency of the collected toner Ta by the toner recycling device 41 is poor, toner aggregation in the exhaust tube 45 occurs on the way, and the operation of the toner recycling device 41 is stopped.
[0090]
  Condition B: Recycling efficiency was improved compared to Condition A, and both 6% and 12% originals could be copied 30000 times. It was.
[0091]
  Condition C: Recycling efficiency is further improved compared to Condition B, and both 6% and 12% originals can be copied 30000 times, but the copy image tends to deteriorate in the second half. It was observed. Further, toner aggregation on the exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46 hardly occurred.
[0092]
  Condition D: Recycling efficiency was further improved as compared with Condition B, and both 6% and 12% originals could be copied 30000 times. Further, the toner aggregation in the exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46 is completely eliminated, and the exhaust tube 45 and the intake tube 46 are not clogged due to the toner aggregation. Also, the image quality of the copied image was almost constant.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
  Having the basic configuration described aboveAccording to the toner recycling apparatus, the toner collected by the cleaning unit from the image carrier is connected to the cleaning unit and the connection unit on the developing unit side through the circulation conveyance path pipe including the conveyance pipe and the intake pipe, and the circulation is performed. A plurality of air pumps are arranged in the middle of the conveyance path pipe, an air flow is generated by the plurality of air pumps in the circulation conveyance path pipe, and the collected toner is conveyed to the connection unit through the circulation conveyance path pipe by the air flow. Therefore, a powerful air flow that circulates through the circulation conveyance path pipe through the connection unit is generated by a plurality of air pumps, and the collected toner that easily causes toner aggregation is prevented while preventing toner aggregation that causes toner clogging. Thus, the toner can be appropriately conveyed from the cleaning unit side to the connection unit, and the recovered toner can be efficiently conveyed.
[0094]
  Claim1According to the toner recycling apparatus of the described invention, the collected toner collected by the cleaning unit from the image carrier is connected to the cleaning unit and the connection unit on the developing unit side by the circulation conveyance path pipe including the conveyance pipe and the intake pipe. A plurality of air pumps are arranged in the middle of the circulation conveyance path pipe, and an air flow is generated by the plurality of air pumps in the circulation conveyance path pipe, and the recovered toner is supplied to the connection unit through the circulation conveyance path pipe. Since the reverse air pump disposed in the middle of the circulation conveyance path pipe generates an air flow that is weaker than the air pump air flow and in the opposite direction to the air pump air flow, the circulation conveyance path is connected via the connection unit. A powerful air flow that circulates in the tube is generated by multiple air pumps, and the recovered toner that is prone to toner aggregation is properly cleaned. From the toner to the connection unit, and the air flow in the opposite direction can further prevent toner aggregation that causes toner clogging in the circulation conveyance path tube, and can efficiently and appropriately collect the collected toner. Transport can be performed.
[0095]
  Claim2 or 4According to the toner recycling apparatus of the described invention, since the predetermined number of toner aggregation detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe is provided, the presence / absence of occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe is determined. Accordingly, the operation of the toner recycling apparatus can be appropriately controlled, and the collected toner can be appropriately conveyed.
[0096]
  Claim3According to the toner recycling apparatus of the described invention, when the toner aggregation detecting means detects the occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation conveyance path pipe, the air flow in the direction opposite to that of the air pump is generated and the generated air flow rate is higher than that of the air pump. Among the plurality of reverse air pumps that generate a small air flow, the reverse air pump disposed at a position closest to the toner aggregation occurrence position is driven until the toner aggregation is eliminated. The toner flow in the circulation conveyance path pipe can be appropriately eliminated by the air flow in the reverse direction, and the recovered toner can be conveyed efficiently and more appropriately.
[0097]
  According to the toner recycling apparatus of the fifth aspect of the invention, since the toner aggregation detection means detects the presence or absence of toner aggregation by measuring the static pressure in the circulation conveyance path pipe, In addition, it is possible to appropriately detect toner aggregation and appropriately control the operation of the toner recycling apparatus, and it is possible to convey the collected toner more appropriately at low cost.
[0098]
  According to the toner recycling apparatus of the sixth aspect of the invention, even if the reverse air pump is driven for a predetermined time, if the toner aggregation is not eliminated, the drive of the air pump is stopped. Therefore, only the air flow in the reverse direction of the reverse air pump is circulated. It is possible to surely eliminate toner aggregation by flowing in the conveyance path tube, and to convey the recovered toner more appropriately.
[0099]
  Claim2 orAccording to the toner recycling apparatus of the invention described in item 7, when a plurality of vibration means for applying a predetermined vibration is provided to the circulation conveyance path pipe, and one of the plurality of toner aggregation detection means detects the occurrence of toner aggregation, Since the vibration means disposed at a position closest to the position where the toner aggregation occurs is driven for a predetermined time, the toner aggregation generated in the circulation conveyance path tube by the vibration applied by the vibration means can be surely eliminated. Therefore, the recovered toner can be conveyed more appropriately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[Figure 1]GRecyclerRelated to the reference exampleFIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the toner recycling apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a first view of the toner recycling apparatus of the present invention.1FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of a toner recycling apparatus to which the embodiment is applied.
FIG. 3 is a first view of the toner recycling apparatus of the present invention.2FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of a toner aggregation detection unit of the toner recycling apparatus to which the embodiment is applied.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of a toner recycling device portion of a copying machine used in an experimental example of a toner recycling device of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Toner recycling device
2 Cleaning unit
3 Main air pump
4, 5 Sub air pump
6 Connection unit
6a Hollow part
7 Exhaust tube
8 Intake tube
9 Connecting tube
10 Toner supply unit
11 Toner bottle
Ta recovered toner
Tb unused toner
20 Toner recycling device
21, 22 Reverse air pump
30 Toner aggregation detection unit
31 tubule
32 cylinders
33 U-shaped manometer
34 LED
35 LED detector

Claims (7)

  The collected recovered toner is transported from a cleaning unit that recovers toner remaining on the image carrier to a toner supply unit that supplies the toner to a developing unit that supplies toner to the image carrier and forms a toner image. In the toner recycling apparatus, a connection unit that is disposed on the developing unit side and has a hollow portion having a predetermined shape, stores the collected toner conveyed and supplies the collected toner to the toner supply unit, and the connection A circulation conveyance path pipe comprising a conveyance pipe and an intake pipe which are communicated with the hollow portion of the unit and extended to the cleaning unit side and supplied with the collected toner collected by the cleaning unit; A plurality of air pumps disposed in the middle of the circulation conveyance path pipe and generating an air flow in the circulation conveyance path pipe A predetermined number of reverse air pumps arranged in the middle of the circulation transfer path pipe and generating an air flow in a direction opposite to that of the air pump and generating less air flow than the air pump, The collected toner supplied from the cleaning unit is circulated by the airflow generated by the plurality of air pumps while the aggregation of the collected toner in the circulation conveyance path pipe is suppressed by the generated reverse airflow. A toner recycling apparatus that transports the toner to the connection unit through a transport path tube. The collected recovered toner is transported from a cleaning unit that recovers toner remaining on the image carrier to a toner supply unit that supplies the toner to a developing unit that supplies toner to the image carrier and forms a toner image. In the toner recycling apparatus, a connection unit that is disposed on the developing unit side and has a hollow portion having a predetermined shape, stores the collected toner conveyed and supplies the collected toner to the toner supply unit, and the connection A circulation conveyance path pipe comprising a conveyance pipe and an intake pipe which are communicated with the hollow portion of the unit and extended to the cleaning unit side and supplied with the collected toner collected by the cleaning unit; A plurality of air pumps disposed in the middle of the circulation conveyance path pipe and generating an air flow in the circulation conveyance path pipe The provided, the collected toner to be supplied from the cleaning unit, characterized in that transport to the connection unit through the circulation transport path tube by the air flow generated by the plurality of the air pump,
The toner recycling apparatus includes a predetermined number of toner aggregation detecting means for detecting presence / absence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe, and a plurality of vibration means for applying a predetermined vibration to the circulation / conveyance path pipe . e Bei Furthermore, when the one of the plurality of toner aggregation detecting means is for detecting the occurrence of toner agglomeration, is disposed at a position closest to the arrangement position of the toner aggregation detection means detects the occurrence of the toner aggregation A toner recycling apparatus, wherein the vibrating means is driven for a predetermined time . The collected recovered toner is transported from a cleaning unit that recovers toner remaining on the image carrier to a toner supply unit that supplies the toner to a developing unit that supplies toner to the image carrier and forms a toner image. In the toner recycling apparatus, a connection unit that is disposed on the developing unit side and has a hollow portion having a predetermined shape, stores the collected toner conveyed and supplies the collected toner to the toner supply unit, and the connection A circulation conveyance path pipe comprising a conveyance pipe and an intake pipe which are communicated with the hollow portion of the unit and extended to the cleaning unit side and supplied with the collected toner collected by the cleaning unit; A plurality of air pumps disposed in the middle of the circulation conveyance path pipe and generating an air flow in the circulation conveyance path pipe The provided, the collected toner to be supplied from the cleaning unit, characterized in that transport to the connection unit through the circulation transport path tube by the air flow generated by the plurality of the air pump,
In the toner recycling apparatus, a plurality of toner aggregation detecting means for detecting presence / absence of occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation / conveyance path pipe is disposed in the circulation / conveyance path pipe, and generates an air flow in a direction opposite to that of the air pump. In addition, a plurality of reverse air pumps that generate an air flow with a lower air flow rate than the air pump are disposed in the circulation conveyance path pipe, and one of the plurality of toner aggregation detection means detects the occurrence of toner aggregation. Then, the toner aggregation detection means detects that the toner aggregation has been eliminated by using the reverse air pump disposed at a position closest to the position of the toner aggregation detection means that has detected the occurrence of toner aggregation. A toner recycling apparatus that is driven to a minimum.   2. The toner recycling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a predetermined number of toner aggregation detecting means for detecting presence / absence of occurrence of toner aggregation in the circulation conveyance path pipe. The toner aggregation detecting means, measures the static pressure of the circulation transport path tube, toner recycling according to any one of the preceding claims 2, characterized in that detecting the occurrence of the toner aggregation apparatus. The toner aggregation detecting means measures the static pressure in the circulation conveyance path pipe to detect the presence or absence of the toner aggregation, and the toner recycling apparatus may drive the reverse air pump for a predetermined time. 5. The toner recycling apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein when the toner aggregation detection unit does not detect that the toner aggregation is eliminated, the driving of the air pump is stopped. The toner recycling device further includes a plurality of vibration units that apply predetermined vibrations to the circulation conveyance path pipe, and when one of the plurality of toner aggregation detection units detects the occurrence of toner aggregation, the toner recycling unit according nearest the vibration means which is disposed at a position in the disposition position of the detected toner aggregated detecting means the occurrence of flocculation claims 3, characterized in that to drive a predetermined time to claim 6 Toner recycling equipment.

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