JP4964035B2 - Waste toner collection container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Waste toner collection container and image forming apparatus Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
Description
本発明は画像形成装置に用いる廃トナー回収容器に関する。 The present invention relates to a waste toner collecting container used in an image forming apparatus.
複写機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ、これらの複合装置等の画像形成装置に用いる廃トナー回収容器では、満杯状態に近付いた時点で機械から外され、回収容器本体中に貯まった回収トナーを抜き取り、簡単な清掃を行った後、再び機械に設置されるのが一般的である。 Waste toner collection containers used in image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, facsimiles, and composite devices such as these are removed from the machine when they are almost full, and the collected toner stored in the collection container main body is removed to simplify the process. After cleaning, it is generally installed on the machine again.
ただし、廃トナーは長い時間をかけ徐々に蓄積されて行くため、回収容器本体内で自重や振動により押し固められてしまい、回収容器本体中からトナーが抜き取り難くなってしまっていることが多い。 However, since the waste toner is gradually accumulated over a long period of time, it is often pressed and solidified by its own weight or vibration in the collection container main body, and it is often difficult to remove the toner from the collection container main body.
押し固められたトナーを抜き取るためには、エアを吹き付ける方法があるが（特許文献１参照）、この方法を用いると、トナーを撒き散らしてしまい、回収容器の外面が飛び散ったトナーで汚れたり、作業者がトナーを吸い込んでしまったりする等の恐れがある。また吸引式掃除機で吸い取る方法も考えられるが、フィルターの交換、清掃等の作業が煩雑になるおそれがある。 In order to remove the pressed toner, there is a method of blowing air (see Patent Document 1). However, if this method is used, the toner is scattered, and the outer surface of the collection container becomes dirty with the scattered toner. There is a risk that the operator may inhale the toner. A method of sucking with a vacuum cleaner is also conceivable, but there is a risk that operations such as filter replacement and cleaning will become complicated.
そのため、廃トナー回収容器では、回収容器本体中からトナーを抜き取る作業としては、押し固められたトナーをいったんほぐして流し出す方法が望ましいとされている。 For this reason, in the waste toner collecting container, as a work for extracting the toner from the collecting container main body, it is desirable to loosen and discharge the pressed toner once.
本発明はこのような従来の問題点にかんがみてなしたもので、回収トナーを流し出す様に抜き取り作業ができ、回収容器の清掃を容易に行うことができる廃トナー回収容器、及びこれを用いた画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems. A waste toner recovery container that can be removed so as to flow out the recovered toner and can be easily cleaned, and the use thereof. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.
本発明の廃トナー回収容器のうち請求項１に係るものは、
廃トナーの回収容器本体内から回収した廃トナーを抜き取る際に、前記回収容器本体内で押し固められた廃トナーをほぐすためのほぐし部材を前記回収容器本体内に設け、
前記ほぐし部材がコイル状の部材であって、前記回収容器本体の外から前記廃トナーのほぐし動作をさせ得るものであり、かつ、
前記回収容器本体が画像形成装置等の機械に設置されて廃トナーの回収動作を行っている際には、前記ほぐし部材が回収した廃トナーをならす動作を行えるものであることを特徴とする。
Among the waste toner collection containers of the present invention, the one according to claim 1 is
When the waste toner collected from the waste toner collection container body is extracted, a loosening member for loosening the waste toner pressed and solidified in the collection container body is provided in the collection container body ,
The loosening member is a coil-shaped member, and is capable of loosening the waste toner from outside the recovery container body; and
Wherein when the collection container body is performing recovery operation of the installation has been waste toner in a machine such as an image forming apparatus is characterized in der Rukoto which perform an operation to smooth a waste toner wherein the loosening member is recovered .
請求項２に係るものは、請求項１の廃トナー回収容器において、前記ほぐし部材を、前記回収容器本体の抜き取り口の蓋に取り付けて設け、該蓋を前記回収容器本体から外す動作と連動して前記ほぐし動作を行うことを特徴とする。
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the waste toner collecting container according to the first aspect, wherein the loosening member is provided by being attached to a lid of the extraction port of the collecting container main body, and interlocked with an operation of removing the lid from the collecting container main body. The unwinding operation is performed .
請求項３に係るものは、請求項２の廃トナー回収容器において、前記コイル状の部材である前記ほぐし部材は、前記回収容器本体内に設置された部分の途中部位の径が前記抜き取り口の開口径より大きくしてあることを特徴とする。
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the waste toner collecting container of the second aspect , the loosening member, which is the coiled member, has a diameter at a midway portion of the portion installed in the collecting container main body . It is characterized by being larger than the opening diameter .
請求項４に係るものは、請求項１ないし３のいずれかの廃トナー回収容器において、回収する廃トナーが重合トナーの廃トナーであることを特徴とする。
Pertaining to claim 4, in any of the waste toner collecting container of claims 1 to 3, the waste toner recovery and wherein the waste toner der Rukoto polymerized toner.
請求項５に係る画像形成装置は、請求項１ないし４のいずれかの廃トナー回収容器を用いたことを特徴とする。
An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect uses the waste toner collecting container according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.
本発明は、以上説明してきたように、回収トナーの抜き出しの妨げとなる押し固められたトナーをほぐすため、抜き取り作業性が向上し、回収トナーを流し出す様に抜き取り作業ができ、回収容器の清掃を容易に行うことができる。また、ほぐし部材を回収容器本体内に設けることにより、ほぐす際に汚れてしまうほぐし部材により、作業者、作業場所や容器外壁などを汚さずに抜き取り作業を行うことができる。 As described above, the present invention loosens the pressed toner that hinders the extraction of the collected toner, so that the extraction workability is improved, and the extraction operation can be performed so that the collected toner flows out. Cleaning can be performed easily. Further, by providing the loosening member in the collection container main body, the loosening member that becomes dirty when loosening can be used to extract the worker, the work place, the outer wall of the container, etc. without being dirty.
以下本発明を実施するための最良の形態を、図に示す実施例を参照して説明する。 The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.
図１は、本発明の実施対象となり得る画像形成装置の一例の概略構成を示す図である。本例の画像形成装置は、その内部の略中央に中間転写ベルト５６を備えている。中間転写ベルト５６は、ポリイミドやポリアミド等の耐熱性材料からなり、中抵抗に調整された基体からなる無端状ベルトで、４つのローラ５２、５３、５４、５５に掛け回して支持され、図中矢印Ａ方向に回転駆動される。中間転写ベルト５６の下方にはイエロー（Ｙ）、マゼンタ（Ｍ）、シアン（Ｃ）、ブラック（Ｋ）の各色トナーに対応した４つの作像ユニットが中間転写ベルト５６のベルト面に沿って並んでいる。 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus that can be an object of the present invention. The image forming apparatus of the present example includes an intermediate transfer belt 56 in the approximate center of the inside thereof. The intermediate transfer belt 56 is an endless belt made of a heat-resistant material such as polyimide or polyamide and made of a base adjusted to a medium resistance, and is supported by being wound around four rollers 52, 53, 54, and 55. It is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow A. Below the intermediate transfer belt 56, four image forming units corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners are arranged along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 56. It is out.
４つの作像ユニットの下方には、帯電した各感光体の表面に各色の画像データに基づいて露光をし、潜像を形成する露光装置９が備えられている。中間転写ベルト５６を挟んで、各感光体１と対向する位置には、感光体１上に形成されたトナー像を中間転写ベルト５６上に一次転写する一次転写ローラ５１がそれぞれ配置されている。一次転写ローラ５１は、図示しない電源に接続されており、所定の電圧が印加される。 Below the four image forming units, there is provided an exposure device 9 that exposes the surface of each charged photoconductor based on image data of each color to form a latent image. A primary transfer roller 51 that primarily transfers a toner image formed on the photoconductor 1 onto the intermediate transfer belt 56 is disposed at a position facing each photoconductor 1 with the intermediate transfer belt 56 interposed therebetween. The primary transfer roller 51 is connected to a power source (not shown) and is applied with a predetermined voltage.
中間転写ベルト５６のローラ５２で支持された部分の外側には、二次転写ローラ６１が圧接されている。二次転写ローラ６１は、図示しない電源に接続されており、所定の電圧が印加される。二次転写ローラ６１と中間転写ベルト５６との接触部が二次転写部であり、中間転写ベルト５６上のトナー像が転写紙に転写される。また中間転写ベルト５６のローラ５５で支持された部分の外側には、二次転写後の中間転写ベルト５６の表面をクリーニングする中間転写ベルトクリーニング装置５７が設けられている。 A secondary transfer roller 61 is pressed against the outside of the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 56 supported by the roller 52. The secondary transfer roller 61 is connected to a power source (not shown) and is applied with a predetermined voltage. A contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 61 and the intermediate transfer belt 56 is a secondary transfer portion, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 56 is transferred onto a transfer sheet. An intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 57 for cleaning the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 56 after the secondary transfer is provided outside the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 56 supported by the roller 55.
二次転写部の上方には、転写紙上のトナー像を転写紙に半永久的に定着させる定着装置７０が備えられている。定着装置７０は、内部にハロゲンヒータを有する加熱ローラ７２及び定着ローラ７３に巻き掛けられた無端の定着ベルト７１と、定着ベルト７１を介して定着ローラ７３に対向、圧接して配置される加圧ローラ７４とから構成されている。 Above the secondary transfer portion, a fixing device 70 is provided that fixes the toner image on the transfer paper semi-permanently to the transfer paper. The fixing device 70 includes a heating roller 72 having a halogen heater therein and an endless fixing belt 71 wound around the fixing roller 73, and a pressurization disposed so as to be opposed to and in pressure contact with the fixing roller 73 via the fixing belt 71. And a roller 74.
さらに、画像形成装置の下部には、転写紙を載置し、二次転写部に向けて転写紙を送り出す給紙装置２０が備えられている。 Further, a paper feeding device 20 is provided below the image forming apparatus, on which the transfer paper is placed and the transfer paper is fed toward the secondary transfer unit.
なお図の例の装置は、タンデム中間転写ベルト方式と称されるものであるが、本発明はこのタンデム中間転写ベルト方式のものには限定されない。また本例の装置は中間転写ベルト下方に感光体を配置した構成としてあるが、本発明に係る画像形成装置では、感光体が転写ベルトの下方に配置されている必要もない。 The apparatus shown in the figure is called a tandem intermediate transfer belt system, but the present invention is not limited to this tandem intermediate transfer belt system. The apparatus of this example has a configuration in which the photoconductor is disposed below the intermediate transfer belt. However, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the photoconductor does not need to be disposed below the transfer belt.
ところでこの種の画像形成装置で用いる廃トナー回収方式としては、例えば特開平５−２９７７７３号公報に開示されているものがある。この例を図２、図３に示す。図２は、この方式例の概要を示す正面断面図、図３は同側面断面図である。 Incidentally, as a waste toner collecting method used in this type of image forming apparatus, there is one disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-297773. Examples of this are shown in FIGS. FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing an outline of this method example, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the same.
この装置では、図示のように、画像形成装置本体１００内にクリーニング装置４を配設し、その中に設けた搬送オーガ５の廃トナー排出口に廃トナー中継オーガ１０の一端を接続し、その他端は、カセットバンク１３内に設けられていて、圧縮搬送手段である加圧装置１１を介して廃トナーの回収容器本体１１０に連結する。加圧装置１１は加圧搬送オーガ１２を有し、専用の駆動モータ１５を設けて廃トナーの加圧搬送をする。また図示しないが、制御装置は駆動モータ１５の逆回転や停止の制御をする。駆動モータ１５を設けないで、図示しないギアとフレキシブルシャフトなどを用いて、加圧装置１１の駆動を、カセットバンク内の給紙駆動装置、又は画像形成装置本体の像担持体駆動系又はレジスト駆動系の駆動装置で駆動を行ってもよく、そうすればコストダウンがはかれる。 In this apparatus, as shown in the figure, the cleaning device 4 is disposed in the image forming apparatus main body 100, one end of the waste toner relay auger 10 is connected to the waste toner discharge port of the transport auger 5 provided therein, and the others. The end is provided in the cassette bank 13 and is connected to a waste toner collecting container main body 110 via a pressurizing device 11 which is a compressing and conveying means. The pressure device 11 has a pressure conveyance auger 12 and is provided with a dedicated drive motor 15 for pressure conveyance of waste toner. Although not shown, the control device controls reverse rotation and stop of the drive motor 15. Without providing the drive motor 15, the pressurizing device 11 is driven by using a gear and a flexible shaft (not shown), the paper feed drive device in the cassette bank, the image carrier drive system of the image forming apparatus main body, or the resist drive. The system may be driven by a system drive device, and cost can be reduced.
このような構成では、クリーニング装置４の搬送オーガ５から排出された廃トナーは、廃トナー中継オーガ１０によってカセットバンク１３内の上部に配置され、廃トナーの回収容器本体１１０と連結された加圧装置１１の加圧搬送オーガ１２に搬送される。そして加圧搬送オーガ１２は駆動モータ１５により駆動されて廃トナーを強制的に圧縮しながら回収容器本体１１０につめ込まれて収容される。そして、このように強制的搬送手段で廃トナーを圧縮して収容器に収容するので、自重落下による廃トナーの収容は０．３〜０．３５ｇ／ｃｍ３しかできなかったのに比べて０．４〜０．５５ｇ／ｃｍ３の収容ができ、少ない容積で大量の廃トナーを収容できて省スペースが可能となる。また、回収容器本体１１０はサービスの作業性の向上のため、カセットバンク１３に脱着可能に装着できるようにすることが好ましい。 In such a configuration, the waste toner discharged from the conveyance auger 5 of the cleaning device 4 is disposed in the upper portion of the cassette bank 13 by the waste toner relay auger 10 and is connected to the waste toner collection container main body 110. It is conveyed to the pressure conveyance auger 12 of the apparatus 11. Then, the pressure conveying auger 12 is driven by the driving motor 15 and is squeezed into the collecting container main body 110 while forcibly compressing the waste toner. Since the waste toner is compressed by the forced conveying means and stored in the container as described above, the waste toner can be stored only 0.3 to 0.35 g / cm 3 due to falling due to its own weight. .4 to 0.55 g / cm 3 can be accommodated, and a large amount of waste toner can be accommodated with a small volume, thereby saving space. Further, it is preferable that the collection container main body 110 can be detachably mounted on the cassette bank 13 in order to improve service workability.
図示の例において、駆動モータ１５はコピー時には、加圧搬送オーガ１２が廃トナーを搬送する方向に回転しているが、コピー終了時に制御装置は駆動モータ１５を逆回転して廃トナーを引き込み、サービスマンがカセットバンク１３から回収容器本体１１０を脱着する時に、加圧装置１１のトナー排出口からトナー落ちがないようになっている。 In the illustrated example, the drive motor 15 rotates in the direction in which the pressure conveyance auger 12 conveys waste toner during copying, but the control device reversely rotates the drive motor 15 to draw in waste toner at the end of copying. When the service person removes the collection container main body 110 from the cassette bank 13, no toner is dropped from the toner discharge port of the pressurizing device 11.
ただし加圧搬送オーガ１２が廃トナーを送り続けると、廃トナー収容器９が満杯になってくるが、それでも強制的にどんどん送りつづけると、駆動モータ１５にかかるトルクが増加する。このトルクを加圧搬送オーガ１２の駆動機構に設けた図示しないトルク検出手段が検出し、その出力を制御装置に入力し、トルク値があらかじめ設定した限度値を超えた場合、制御装置はモータ１５、又は他の駆動系からの搬送駆動を停止させるようにすることができる。すなわち、廃トナーを圧縮しながら収容するので、廃トナー収容のための容器に大きなものを用いなくてよく、小さなスペースで多くの廃トナーを回収することができる。 However, if the pressure transfer auger 12 continues to send waste toner, the waste toner container 9 becomes full, but if it continues to forcibly continue feeding, the torque applied to the drive motor 15 increases. When this torque is detected by a torque detection means (not shown) provided in the drive mechanism of the pressure conveying auger 12 and the output is input to the control device, and the torque value exceeds a preset limit value, the control device Alternatively, the conveyance drive from another drive system can be stopped. That is, since waste toner is stored while being compressed, it is not necessary to use a large container for storing waste toner, and a large amount of waste toner can be collected in a small space.
図４は本発明の実施例１に係る廃トナー回収容器の概略斜視図を示し、図５にはその概略断面図を示す。本例の廃トナー回収容器２００でも、図２、３の例と同様に、画像形成装置の機械本体に設置された状態では、図示していない機械本体の廃トナー回収経路を経て回収口２０１から容器本体２０２内に廃トナーが集められる。容器本体２０２内には、ほぐし部材２０３が設けられており、容器本体２０２の外部（回収口２０１と反対側に位置する端面２０４）に設けてあるダイアル状のほぐし部材駆動部２０５と連結し、外部から回すことができるようになっている。なお図中２０６は容器本体２０２の内部から廃トナーを抜き取るための抜き取り口２０７の蓋である。 4 is a schematic perspective view of a waste toner collecting container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view thereof. In the waste toner collecting container 200 of this example, as in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, when the waste toner collecting container 200 is installed in the machine main body of the image forming apparatus, it passes through the waste toner collecting path of the machine main body (not shown) from the collection port 201. Waste toner is collected in the container body 202. In the container main body 202, a loosening member 203 is provided, which is connected to a dial-shaped loosening member driving unit 205 provided outside the container main body 202 (an end face 204 located on the side opposite to the recovery port 201). It can be turned from outside. In the figure, reference numeral 206 denotes a lid of an extraction port 207 for extracting waste toner from the inside of the container body 202.
ほぐし部材としては、図示のようなスクリュー形状のものだけでなく、図示しないがパドル形状のものなどでもよいが、コイル形状とすると配設に容積を取らず、しかも安価な構成で済み、より確実に回収容器本体２０１内の廃トナーをほぐすことができるので、より好ましい。 The loosening member is not limited to the screw shape shown in the figure, but may be a paddle shape (not shown). Further, the waste toner in the collection container main body 201 can be loosened, which is more preferable.
図６は本発明の実施例１に係る廃トナー回収容器によるトナー抜き取り作業の概略斜視図を示す。容器本体２０２内で上述のように押し固められたトナーを、ほぐし部材２０３を回転させることによってほぐしながら、蓋２０６を外し、抜き取り口２０７からトナーＴを流し出し、容器２０８内へ入れる。 FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the toner removing operation by the waste toner collecting container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. While the toner pressed in the container body 202 is loosened by rotating the loosening member 203, the lid 206 is removed, and the toner T is poured out from the extraction port 207 and put into the container 208.
なお本例のほぐし部材２０３は、回収容器本体２０２が機械内に設置された状態では、ならし部材としての機能も併せ持つことができ、図示していない機械本体からの駆動機構を経て、ほぐし部材２０３を回転駆動するようにほぐし部材駆動部２０５に駆動力を伝達させると、回収された廃トナーを回収容器本体２０２内でならす動作を行える。 The loosening member 203 of this example can also have a function as a smoothing member in a state where the collection container main body 202 is installed in the machine, and the loosening member 203 is driven through a drive mechanism from the machine main body (not shown). When the driving force is transmitted to the loosening member driving unit 205 so as to drive the rotation 203, an operation of leveling the collected waste toner in the collection container main body 202 can be performed.
図７は本発明に係る廃トナー回収容器の実施例２の概略斜視図を、図８はその概略断面図を示す。本実施例では、廃トナーの回収口２０１が抜き取り口を兼ねている。 7 is a schematic perspective view of a waste toner collecting container according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view thereof. In the present embodiment, the waste toner collection port 201 also serves as an extraction port.
すなわち、回収容器本体２０２内に設けられたコイル状のほぐし部材２０３が、回収容器本体２０２外部のほぐし部材駆動部２０５と連結し外部から回すことができる点は先の例と同様であるが、ほぐし部材２０３はさらに伸びて回収容器本体２０２の底部、すなわち先の例では回収口２０１を設けていた端面２０９のすぐ内側まで達している。そして、回収容器本体２０２が機械内に設置された状態では、ほぐし部材２０３はならし部材としての機能も併せて発揮し得るので、図示していない機械本体からの駆動機構を経て、ほぐし部材駆動部２０５に駆動力が伝達されると、回収された廃トナーを回収容器本体２０２内でならす動作を行える。 That is, the coil-shaped loosening member 203 provided in the collection container main body 202 is connected to the loosening member driving unit 205 outside the collection container main body 202 and can be rotated from the outside, similar to the previous example, The loosening member 203 further extends to reach the bottom of the collection container main body 202, that is, the inner side of the end face 209 provided with the collection port 201 in the previous example. In the state where the recovery container main body 202 is installed in the machine, the loosening member 203 can also function as a leveling member, so that the loosening member driving is performed through a drive mechanism from the machine main body (not shown). When the driving force is transmitted to the unit 205, an operation of leveling the collected waste toner in the collection container main body 202 can be performed.
図９は、この実施例２によるトナー抜き取り作業の概略斜視図を示す。回収容器本体２０２内に収納されつつ押し固められたトナーＴを、ほぐし部材２０３を回転させることによってほぐしながら、抜き取り口を兼ねる回収口２０１からトナーＴを流し出す。 FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the toner removing operation according to the second embodiment. The toner T, which is stored in the collection container main body 202 and is pressed and hardened, is loosened by rotating the loosening member 203, and the toner T is poured out from the collection port 201 that also serves as the extraction port.
図１０に本発明に係る廃トナー回収容器の実施例３の概略斜視図を、図１１はその概略断面図を示す。本実施例３では、回収口２０１と対向する端面２０４に抜き取り口２０７が設けてあり、ほぐし部材２０３は抜き取り口２０７の蓋２０６に取り付けられており、抜き取り作業時の蓋２０８を外すひねり回し動作にともない、ほぐし部材２０３が回転し、回収容器本体２０１内でほぐし動作を行う（図１２参照）。 FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of Embodiment 3 of the waste toner recovery container according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view thereof. In the third embodiment, an extraction port 207 is provided on the end face 204 facing the recovery port 201, and the loosening member 203 is attached to the lid 206 of the extraction port 207, and a twisting operation to remove the lid 208 during the extraction operation. Accordingly, the loosening member 203 rotates and performs a loosening operation within the collection container main body 201 (see FIG. 12).
なお本実施例３のほぐし部材２０３のコイルは、途中部分の径が抜き取り口２０７の径より大きく構成されており（大径部２１０という）、この大径部２１０が存在することにより、トナーの抜き取り作業時に蓋２０６を抜き取り口２０７から取り外しても容易には回収容器本体２０１から外れないようになっている。なお、ほぐし部材２０３の大径部２１０は、回収容器本体２０１への組み入れ時には、例えば引き伸ばして縮径させたり、わずかに縮径させつつ回し入れる等して、容易に回収容器本体２０１内に設置できる。 Note that the coil of the loosening member 203 of the third embodiment is configured such that the diameter of the middle portion is larger than the diameter of the extraction port 207 (referred to as the large diameter portion 210). Even if the lid 206 is removed from the extraction port 207 during the extraction operation, it cannot be easily removed from the collection container main body 201. The large-diameter portion 210 of the loosening member 203 is easily installed in the collection container main body 201, for example, by being stretched to be reduced in diameter or rotated while being slightly reduced in diameter when being incorporated into the collection container main body 201. it can.
すなわち本発明の廃トナー回収容器は先行技術のように、エアにより清掃することでトナーにエアを噴きつけ、トナーを撒き散らしてしまい、かえって清掃が大掛かりな煩雑なものとなってしまうことがなく、ほぐし部材の回転等の動作によって回収して押し固められた廃トナーを流し出せるようにほぐして抜き取り作業ができ、回収容器本体等の清掃を容易に行うことができる。 That is, the waste toner collecting container according to the present invention does not cause troubles such as the prior art, in which cleaning with air causes air to be sprayed on the toner and the toner is scattered. The waste toner recovered and pressed by the operation of the loosening member can be loosened and extracted so that the waste toner can be discharged, and the recovery container body and the like can be easily cleaned.
またほぐし部材を回収容器本体の外から動作させることが可能であるため、回収トナーで汚れることなくトナーのほぐし作業ができ、回収容器の清掃を容易に行うことができるようになっている。回収容器本体の抜き取り口の蓋を外す動作と連動させてほぐし部材を動作させることでも同様の作用を奏することができる。 Further, since the loosening member can be operated from outside the collection container main body, the toner can be loosened without being contaminated with the collection toner, and the collection container can be easily cleaned. The same effect can be achieved by operating the loosening member in conjunction with the operation of removing the lid of the extraction port of the collection container main body.
またなお、押し固められた廃トナーが抜き取り口の周辺にあると、トナーをほぐしても流し出すことができないことも考え得るため、抜き取り口周辺のトナーをまずほぐせることが抜き取り作業を円滑に行う上で、より効果的、効率的である。 In addition, if the waste toner that has been compacted is around the extraction port, it may be impossible to drain the toner even if the toner is loosened. Is more effective and efficient.
またなお、本発明の構成であれば、用いられるトナーが重合トナーであっても、廃トナー回収容器内の押し固まりを効果的にほぐし、抜き取ることができる。すなわち、重合トナーの中には、融点が低くて固まりやすいものや、凝集しやすいものがあり、回収容器本体内で押し固められた際に流れ出にくくなるものもあるが、抜き取り作業時に本発明のほぐし部材を用いることで、そのような重合トナーであっても回収容器本体内から容易に出すことができる。 Further, according to the configuration of the present invention, even if the toner to be used is a polymerized toner, it is possible to effectively loosen and remove the pushing solid in the waste toner collecting container. That is, some polymerized toners have a low melting point and tend to harden, and those that tend to aggregate, and some toners are difficult to flow out when pressed in the collection container body. By using the loosening member, even such a polymerized toner can be easily taken out from the collection container main body.
１００ 画像形成装置本体
２００ 廃トナー回収容器
２０１ 回収口
２０２ 容器本体
２０３ ほぐし部材
２０４ 容器本体の端面
２０５ ほぐし部材駆動部
２０６ 蓋
２０７ 抜き取り口
２０８ 容器
２０９ 容器本体の端面
２１０ ほぐし部材の大径部
Ｔ トナー
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus main body 200 Waste toner collection container 201 Collection port 202 Container main body 203 Unraveling member 204 End surface of container main body 205 Unraveling member driving part 206 Lid 207 Extraction port 208 Container 209 End surface of container main body 210 Large diameter part of unraveling member T Toner
Claims (5)
前記ほぐし部材がコイル状の部材であって、前記回収容器本体の外から前記廃トナーのほぐし動作をさせ得るものであり、かつ、
前記回収容器本体が画像形成装置等の機械に設置されて廃トナーの回収動作を行っている際には、前記ほぐし部材が回収した廃トナーをならす動作を行えるものであることを特徴とする廃トナー回収容器。 When the waste toner collected from the waste toner collection container body is extracted, a loosening member for loosening the waste toner pressed and solidified in the collection container body is provided in the collection container body ,
The loosening member is a coil-shaped member, and is capable of loosening the waste toner from outside the recovery container body; and
Wherein when the collection container body is performing recovery operation of the installation has been waste toner in a machine such as an image forming apparatus is characterized in der Rukoto which perform an operation to smooth a waste toner wherein the loosening member is recovered Waste toner collection container.
An image forming apparatus using the waste toner collecting container according to claim 1.
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| US9223288B2 (en) * | 2011-08-25 | 2015-12-29 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Waste toner collecting container and process unit |
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| JPS6147980A (en) * | 1984-08-14 | 1986-03-08 | Toshiba Corp | Cleaning device |
| JPH05303313A (en) * | 1992-04-28 | 1993-11-16 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Waste toner tank for cleaning device |
| JPH0619375A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1994-01-28 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Discharged toner recovering device |
| JP3209833B2 (en) * | 1993-07-28 | 2001-09-17 | 株式会社リコー | Toner supply device |
| JP3509385B2 (en) * | 1995-07-24 | 2004-03-22 | 株式会社リコー | Toner bottle |
| JP3535049B2 (en) * | 1999-08-27 | 2004-06-07 | シャープ株式会社 | Image forming device |
| JP4334792B2 (en) * | 2000-11-24 | 2009-09-30 | 株式会社リコー | Toner for two-component developer, two-component developer, toner container, image forming apparatus and image forming method |
| JP2004044250A (en) * | 2002-07-12 | 2004-02-12 | Ishikawajima Constr Mach Co | Very-small revolving hydraulic shovel |
| JP2005208443A (en) * | 2004-01-26 | 2005-08-04 | Murata Mach Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
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