JP4992495B2 - Cleaning device, image carrier unit, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaner , an image carrier unit including the cleaner, and an image forming apparatus.

In conventional image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and printers, the surface of an image carrier such as a photoreceptor is charged by a charger, and an electrostatic latent image is formed and developed on the charged image carrier surface. An image is formed by transferring to a medium. The developer remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the transfer is cleaned and collected by a cleaning device equipped with a plate-like scraping member, a so-called cleaning blade, a brush-like cleaning member, a so-called cleaning brush, etc., a so-called cleaner. The developed developer is transported and discarded by the transport member.
As such a cleaner, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 below are conventionally known.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-72952 discloses a waste toner conveying screw (13) that conveys toner collected by a cleaner (11) of an image carrier (10). 11) In addition to the toner from 11), waste toner conveyed from the upstream side is added and accumulated, and the outer diameter of the conveying blade of the conveying screw is reduced to prevent the waste toner from being conveyed to the waste toner reservoir. Technology that increases the transport amount on the downstream side compared to the upstream side in the transport direction by enlarging it as it goes downstream, increasing the pitch of the transport screw, or tilting the transport screw so that the downstream side is vertically downward. Is described.

Patent Document 2 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,961) does not describe a cleaner, but in a conveying screw having a rotating shaft and a spiral conveying blade supported on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, A technique is described in which the diameter of the rotary shaft is gradually reduced as it goes downstream in the conveying direction.
Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-074445) provides a blocking sheet (31) that blocks toner scraped off by a cleaning blade (29), and blocks the scraped toner. A technique is described in which the toner scraped off by (31) and supplied to the contact area between the cleaning blade (29) and the photoreceptor (1) is used to lubricate the cleaning blade (29). Yes.

JP-A-5-72952 ("0005", "0012" to "0015", FIGS. 1 to 3) US Pat. No. 5,101,961 (FIGS. 2 and 3) JP 2001-074445 ("0026" to "0028", "0042" to "0050", FIG. 5, FIG. 10, FIG. 13)

  In view of the above-described circumstances, an object of the present invention is to prevent functional degradation due to deformation of a damming member.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the cleaning device of the invention according to claim 1,
A cleaning member that cleans the surface of the image carrier by removing the developer on the surface of the image carrier by contacting the surface of the image carrier that holds an image formed with a developer containing toner;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A transport member that is disposed inside the cleaning container and transports the developer contained in the cleaning container in a predetermined transport direction that is set in advance , and the transport capability downstream in the transport direction is upstream in the transport direction High conveying member compared to the conveying capacity of
Is disposed between the conveying member and the cleaning member, with the upper end portion in the gravity direction is supported by the cleaning container, the lower end of the direction of gravity, between the cleaning container, the removed developer An elastically deformable member that constitutes a gap that regulates the amount of passage of the image, and the gravity direction at the axial end of the image carrier compared to the lower end in the gravity direction of the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier An elastically deformable member disposed at a lower end of the
It is provided with.

In order to solve the above problem, an image carrier unit according to claim 2 is provided.
An image carrier for holding an image formed with a developer containing toner;
A cleaning member that contacts the surface of the image carrier and removes the developer on the surface of the image carrier to clean the surface of the image carrier;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A transport member disposed inside the cleaning container and for discharging the developer stored in the cleaning container in a predetermined transport direction set in advance;
The upper end in the gravitational direction is supported by the cleaning container and the lower end in the gravitational direction is disposed between the contact portion between the image carrier and the cleaning member and the transport member . between, a resiliently deformable member forming a gap to restrict the passage amount of the removed developer, passing through the passing area in the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier toward said conveying member developing compared to agent amount, the rather small, the amount of developer passing through the passage area at the end portion in the axial direction of the image carrier, and, as compared with the gravity direction lower end of the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier, An elastically deformable member disposed at a position where the lower end in the gravitational direction at the axial end of the image carrier is low;
With
The transport member has a transport capability downstream of the transport direction and at least a portion with a small amount of developer passing therethrough in the passage region, compared to a transport capability upstream of the transport direction .
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the technical problem, the image carrier unit of the invention according to claim 3 comprises:
A cleaning member that cleans the surface of the image carrier by removing the developer on the surface of the image carrier by contacting the surface of the image carrier that holds an image formed with a developer containing toner;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A transport member disposed inside the cleaning container and transporting the developer contained in the cleaning container in a predetermined transport direction set in advance;
Located between the cleaning member and the transport member, the lower end in the direction of gravity is supported by the cleaning container, and constitutes a passage region for the developer removed by the cleaning member to pass toward the transport member opening, an elastically deformable member for regulating the passing amount of the developer in the axial direction is eliminated by being formed with a plurality of the image carrier, the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier to and the image carrier the opening of the opening area is small not part material formed on the end portion in the axial direction as compared to the opening area of the opening formed in,
With
The transport member has a transport capability downstream of the transport direction and at least a portion with a small amount of developer passing therethrough in the passage region, compared to a transport capability upstream of the transport direction.
Image carrier unit, wherein the this.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the invention includes the following structural requirements (A01) to (A05).
(A01) Rotating image carrier,
(A02) A latent image writing device for writing a latent image in a predetermined width in the axial direction of the image carrier,
(A03) a developing device for developing the latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
(A04) a transfer device for transferring a visible image on the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
(A05) a cleaning member that contacts the surface of the image carrier and removes the developer on the surface of the image carrier after transfer to clean the surface of the image carrier;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A conveying member disposed inside the cleaning container and discharging developer stored in the cleaning container in a predetermined conveying direction set in advance , wherein the conveying ability downstream in the conveying direction is upstream in the conveying direction. High conveying member compared to the conveying capacity of
The upper end in the gravitational direction is supported by the cleaning container and the lower end in the gravitational direction is disposed between the contact portion between the image carrier and the cleaning member and the transport member . Development that is an elastically deformable member that forms a gap that regulates the passage amount of the removed developer, and that passes through the passage region in the axial center of the image carrier toward the conveying member. Compared to the amount of developer, the amount of developer passing through the passage region at the axial end of the image carrier is small, and compared to the lower end in the gravity direction of the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier. An elastically deformable member disposed at a position where the lower end of the gravitational direction is low at the axial end of the image carrier;
Having a cleaner.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent deformation of the damming member that occurs when the amount of developer dammed up by the damming member increases compared to the case without the configuration of the present invention. .
According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the amount of developer recovered by the cleaning member is increased and the amount of developer is reduced at a portion where the passage amount by the damming member is small as compared with the case without the configuration of the present invention. It is possible to prevent the damming member from being deformed when it increases.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the amount of the damming member generated when the amount of developer recovered from the image carrier and dammed by the damming member increases as compared with the case without the configuration of the present invention. Deformation can be prevented.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and is a sectional view.
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus U is a digital copy machine main body U1 as an example of an image forming apparatus main body having a platen glass PG having a transparent upper surface, that is, a platen glass, and is detachably mounted on the platen glass PG. And an automatic document feeder U2 to be mounted.
The automatic document feeder U2 has a document feeder TG1 in which a plurality of documents Gi to be copied are accommodated. Each of the plurality of documents Gi placed on the document feeder TG1 sequentially passes a copy position on the platen glass PG, that is, a pressure contact position of a platen roll GR1 as an example of a document transport member, and a document discharge member GR2. Thus, the document is discharged to the document discharge unit TG2.

The copying machine main body U1 includes a scanner unit U1a as an example of an image reading apparatus having the platen glass PG and a printer unit U1b as an example of an image recording apparatus.
The scanner unit U1a includes an exposure system position detection member, a so-called exposure system registration sensor Sp, and an exposure optical system A, which are arranged at a reading reference position.
The movement and stop of the exposure optical system A is controlled by the detection signal of the exposure system registration sensor Sp, and is always stopped at the reading reference position.
In the case of an automatic document conveying operation in which copying is performed using the automatic document conveying device U2, each document Gi that sequentially passes through the copying position on the platen glass PG while the exposure optical system A is stopped at the reading reference position. To expose.
In the case of a manual document placement operation in which an operator places a document Gi on the platen glass PG by hand, the exposure optical system A exposes and scans the document Gi on the platen glass PG while moving.
The exposed reflected light from the original document Gi passes through the exposure optical system A and is converged on the solid-state image sensor CCD. The solid-state imaging device CCD converts the document reflected light converged on the imaging surface into an electric signal.

The image processing unit IPS converts the read image signal input from the solid-state imaging device CCD into a digital image writing signal and outputs the digital image writing signal to the writing drive signal output device DL of the printer unit U1b.
The write drive signal output device DL whose operation timing is controlled by the control unit C of the printer unit U1b outputs a write drive signal corresponding to the input image data to the latent image writing device ROS.
An image carrier PR, which is an example of a member to be cleaned, disposed below the latent image writing device ROS rotates in the direction of the arrow Ya. As an example of the latent image writing light of the latent image writing device ROS at the latent image writing position Q1, the surface of the image carrier PR is charged by a charging roll CR as an example of a charger in the charging region Q0. The laser beam L is exposed and scanned to form an electrostatic latent image. The surface of the image carrier PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed rotates and moves sequentially through the development area Q2 and the transfer area Q4.

The developing device D that develops the electrostatic latent image in the developing area Q2 conveys the developer to the developing area Q2 by the developing roll R0, and causes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier PR that passes through the developing area Q2 to be developed. The toner image Tn as an example of a visible image is developed.
A transfer roll TR, which is an example of a transfer device facing the image carrier PR in the transfer region Q4, is a member that transfers a toner image Tn on the surface of the image carrier PR to a sheet S, which is an example of a medium. A transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the developing toner used in D is supplied from the power supply circuit E. A charging voltage applied to the charging roll CR, a developing voltage applied to the developing roll R0, an applied voltage such as a transfer voltage applied to the transfer roll TR, a heater power source for heating a heater of a heating roll of the fixing device F described later, and the like. The power supply circuit E is controlled by the control unit C.

A first paper feed tray TR1 and a second paper feed tray TR2 as an example of a paper feed container are arranged vertically below the copier body U1.
A pick-up roll Rp as an example of a sheet take-out member is disposed at the upper end of the right end of the first paper feed tray TR1 and the second paper feed tray TR2, and the sheet S taken out by the pick-up roll Rp is: It is conveyed to the separating member Rs.
The separating member Rs includes a feed roller Rs1 as an example of a sheet feeding member that is pressed against each other and a retard roll Rs2 as an example of a separating member. The sheets conveyed to the nip portion are separated one by one by the sheet feeding member Rs and conveyed to a sheet conveying path SH1 as an example of a medium conveying path.
In the sheet conveyance path SH1, a conveyance roll Rb as an example of a conveyance member that can rotate forward and backward is disposed. The sheet S transported to the sheet transport path SH1 is transported to the upper pre-transfer sheet transport path SH2 by a transport roll Rb that can rotate forward and backward.

The sheet S conveyed to the pre-transfer sheet conveyance path SH2 is conveyed to a registration roll Rr as an example of a transfer region conveyance timing adjustment member by a conveyance roll Ra.
Further, a sheet S fed from a manual paper feed tray TR0 as an example of a manual paper feed unit is also conveyed to the registration roll Rr.
The sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr comes from a pre-transfer sheet guide SG1 as an example of a pre-transfer medium guide member in time with the toner image Tn on the image carrier PR moving to the transfer area Q4. It is conveyed to the transfer area Q4.
The toner image Tn developed on the surface of the image carrier PR is transferred onto the sheet S by the transfer roll TR in the transfer region Q4. After the transfer, the surface of the image carrier PR is cleaned by a cleaner CL1 as an example of a cleaning device to remove residual toner as an example of an adhering matter, and is recharged by the charging roll CR.
The image carrier PR, the charging roll CR, the latent image writing device ROS, the developing device D, and the like constitute a toner image forming device G (PR + CR + ROS + D).

A post-transfer sheet conveyance path SH3 that conveys the recorded sheet S on which the toner image Tn is recorded in the transfer area Q4 to the fixing area Q5 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer area Q4 in the sheet conveyance direction. The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roll TR in the transfer area Q4 is peeled off from the surface of the image carrier PR, and a sheet guide SG2 as an example of a post-transfer medium guide member in the post-transfer sheet conveyance path SH3. Guided and conveyed to the fixing device F by a sheet conveying belt BH as an example of a post-transfer medium conveying member.
The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating fixing member having a heater as a heat source therein, and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member. When the sheet S conveyed to the fixing device F passes through the fixing region Q5 configured by the pressure contact region between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp, the toner image is heated and fixed, and then the sheet discharge path SH4. And is conveyed to a paper discharge tray TRh as an example of a medium discharge unit.

In the sheet discharge path SH4, a switching gate GT1 as an example of a transport path switching member is disposed on the downstream side of the fixing device F. The switching gate GT1 switches the conveyance direction of the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device F to either the discharge tray TRh side or the sheet reverse connection path SH5. The sheet reversing connection path SH5 connects the upstream end of the sheet discharge path SH4, that is, the downstream portion of the fixing device F and the vertical sheet transport path SH1.
In the case of duplex copying, the one-side recorded sheet S on which the first-side toner image is recorded is conveyed to the sheet reversal connection path SH5 by the switching gate GT1, and passes through a Mylar gate GT2 as an example of a conveyance direction regulating member. The sheet is conveyed to the sheet reversing path SH6 by the reverse rotation of the forward / reverse rotation conveyance roll Rb. The sheet S conveyed to the sheet reversing path SH6 is conveyed in the reverse direction by the normal rotation of the normal / reverse rotation conveyance roll Rb, so-called switchback, and is retransmitted to the transfer region Q4 with the front and back reversed.
A sheet conveyance path SH as an example of a medium conveyance path is configured by the elements indicated by the symbols SH1 to SH6.
A sheet conveying device US as an example of a medium conveying device is configured by the sheet conveying path SH and rollers Ra, Rb, Rr, and the like having a sheet conveying function arranged there.

(Description of cleaner)
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the cleaner part of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view showing a state where the cleaning member of the cleaner according to the first embodiment is removed.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of a state in which the leakage preventing member is removed from the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of a front portion of the cleaner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory view of a rear portion of the cleaning device of the first embodiment.
In addition, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, illustration of members is appropriately omitted in the drawings.

  2-7, cleaner CL1 as a cleaner of Example 1 of this invention has the housing 1 as an example of a cleaning container. The housing 1 has an opening 1a that is open on the image carrier PR side, and a cleaning member support 1b is formed at the upper end of the housing 1. A dam member mounting portion 1c is provided on the image carrier PR side of the lower portion of the housing 1, and a cleaning member fixing portion 1e is formed on both front and rear sides of the opening 1a. A pair of image carrier support portions 1 d are formed at both front and rear ends of the housing 1. Sealing members 2, 3, 4 for preventing leakage are affixed to the front and rear ends and the upper part of the opening 1 a of the housing 1. The sealing members 2, 3 and 4 can be formed of a porous elastic body, so-called sponge. 6 and 7, protective members, so-called covers U3a and U3b, are attached to the image carrier support 1d.

An inverted L-shaped attachment member 6 is supported on the cleaning member support portion 1b with the sealing member 4 interposed therebetween, and the attachment member 6 is fixed by being screwed to the cleaning member fixing portion 1e. A cleaning blade 7 as an example of a cleaning member is supported on the surface of the attachment member 6 on the image carrier PR side. The cleaning blade 7 contacts the surface of the image carrier PR and scrapes off residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier PR.

A damming film 8 as an example of a damming member is supported on the damming member mounting portion 1c. The damming film 8 according to the first embodiment includes a damming member main body 8a having a width in the front-rear direction that is narrower than the width of the opening 1a of the housing 1, and a lower end of the damming member main body 8a. And a mounted portion 8b having a longer width in the front-rear direction than 8a. The damming film 8 is fixedly supported on the damming member mounting portion 1c by a supported portion 8b via a double-sided tape 9, and both front and rear ends of the damming member main body 8a are not fixed to the housing 1. .

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship among the cleaning blade, the damming member, and the conveying member according to the first embodiment.
3 to 8 The dam member main body 8a is formed with a plurality of internal passage area forming ports 8c along the front-rear direction as an example of the passage area as shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the internal passage area forming port 8c is formed in correspondence with a multi-recovery area A1 that assumes that an image is formed on the surface of the image carrier PR during the image forming operation and a large amount of residual toner is recovered. A collection area internal passage area forming port 8c1, and a small collection area internal passage area forming port 8c2 formed corresponding to a small collection area A2 that is assumed to have a smaller amount of residual toner than the multiple collection area A1; Have The position of the internal passage region forming port 8c1 for the multiple recovery region is formed higher in the vertical direction than the internal passage region forming port 8c2 for the small recovery region. In the first embodiment, the multiple recovery area A1 is set at the center in the front-rear direction, and the low recovery area A2 is set on both sides before and after the multiple recovery area A1. In the first embodiment, the multiple collection area A1 is set inside the width in the front-rear direction of the maximum size sheet S that can be used in the image forming apparatus U. The width A1a of the maximum size sheet S It is set wider than the width in the front-rear direction of the collection area A1. Note that the multiple collection area and the small collection area are set corresponding to the width A1a of the maximum size sheet S. However, the sheet widths of A4 horizontal and A3 vertical, which are generally considered to have a large number of image formations, are set. Correspondingly, a multiple recovery area and a low recovery area may be set.

2 to 8, an internal passage region R <b> 1 in which the residual toner dammed by the damming film 8 moves into the housing 1 is configured by the space formed by the inner passage region forming port 8 c. In the first embodiment, the internal passage region R1 is formed by the multiple recovery region internal passage region R1a formed by the multiple recovery region internal passage region formation port 8c1 and the small recovery region internal passage region formation port 8c2. And a small collection area internal passage area R1b.
In FIG. 2, the second internal passage region R <b> 2 is formed by the gap between the upper end of the damming film 8 and the wall surface of the housing 1, that is, the upper portion of the opening 1 a that is not blocked by the damming film 8. It is configured.

  2 to 7, a leakage preventing member 11 is fixedly supported on the damming film 8 on the image carrier PR side. The leakage prevention member 11 has a lower end fixed to the surface of the attachment portion 8b of the damming film 8 via a double-sided tape 12, and comes into contact with the surface of the image carrier PR with a weak pressing force, thereby cleaning the blade 7 The residual toner that is scraped off and collected is prevented from leaking outside. Therefore, in FIG. 2, a residual toner damming space as an example of an adhering matter damming space by a space surrounded by the cleaning blade 7, the damming film 8, the leakage prevention member 11, and the image carrier PR. K1 is configured.

2 and 8, the transfer space K2 inside the housing 1 is an example of a transfer member that transfers the residual toner collected in the transfer space K2 housing 1 through the internal passage region R1 in the discharge direction Ya. The transfer auger 13 is arranged. The conveyance auger 13 includes a rotation shaft 13a and a helical conveyance blade 13b supported on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft 13a. In addition, although the conveyance auger 13 was used as a conveyance member of Example 1, it is also possible to use what is called a coil auger which formed the wire in the shape of a spiral.
In FIG. 2, in the conveyance auger 13 of Example 1, the upper end of the conveyance blade 13b is set to a position higher than the lower end of the internal passage region forming port 8c.
The transport auger 13 according to the first embodiment includes a large-diameter portion 13a1 corresponding to the multiple recovery region A1, and a small-diameter portion 13a2 corresponding to the small recovery region A2 set downstream and upstream in the discharge direction of the multiple recovery region A1. And have. That is, in the small diameter portion 13a2, the cross-sectional area that can be conveyed by the conveying blade 13b is larger than the cross-sectional area of the large diameter portion 13a1, so that the amount of residual toner collected in the small diameter portion 13a2 is increased.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the cleaner CL1 of the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the developer scraped off from the image holding member PR by the cleaning blade 7 is not transported by the transport auger 13, and is a blocking film. 8 is dammed up. The damped developer is accumulated in the residual toner dam space K1. The residual toner in the residual toner damming space K1 receives a force toward the contact portion between the cleaning blade 7 and the image carrier PR by the elastic restoring force of the film-like damming film 8, and the cleaning blade 7 and the image carrier PR. Is supplied to the contact portion. Therefore, the accumulated developer, mainly the external additive externally added to the developer, is supplied to the contact portion between the image carrier PR and the cleaning blade 7 to be lubricated, and the cleaning blade 7 is turned over or minutely. Vibration is prevented.

At this time, in the residual toner damming space K1, the amount of developer collected is different in the large collection area A1 and the small collection area A2 with respect to the front-rear direction, that is, the axial direction of the image carrier PR, and the accumulated speed is high. Is different. At this time, in Example 1, since the damming film 8 and the leakage preventing member 13 are close to each other, at first, the leakage preventing member 13 is almost closed at the small collection region internal passage region forming port 8c2. In this form, the developer does not pass through the small collection area internal passage area R1b and is easily accumulated. Then, when the developer is accumulated to some extent and is pushed by the accumulated developer and the space between the damming film 8 and the leakage preventing member 13 is widened, the developer passes through the small collection area internal passage area R1b and is conveyed. It flows into the space K2. On the other hand, since a part of the internal passage area forming port 8c1 for the multiple recovery area is located above the upper end edge of the leakage preventing member 13, the developer removed by the cleaning blade 7 is partially even at the beginning. Passes through the internal passage area R1a for the multiple recovery area and flows into the conveyance space K2, and the remaining part is blocked by the residual toner blocking space K1.
Further, in the first embodiment, since the height of the multi-recovery area internal passage area forming port 8c1 is high, the residual toner collected in the multi-recovery area A1 having a large amount of residual toner has a small residual toner collection amount. The developer as a lubricant is efficiently supplied to the entire area of the cleaning blade 7 in the front-rear direction.

When the amount of residual toner accumulated in the toner blocking space K1 increases and the height exceeds the height of the internal passage region forming port 8c, it flows into the conveyance space K2 inside the housing 1 through the internal passage region R1, Discharged and discarded. In addition, when the amount of residual toner collected is larger than the amount of residual toner moving through the internal passage region R1, due to the continuous formation of high density images such as so-called solid images, It is configured to be able to flow over the upper end of the damming film 8, that is, from the toner damming space K1 to the conveying space K2 side through the second internal passage region R2.
The residual toner transported to the transport space K2 inside the housing 1 is transported from the upstream side to the downstream side by the transport auger 13. At this time, on the downstream side, in addition to the residual toner flowing in from the toner damming space K1, there is residual toner conveyed from the upstream side, so the amount of toner in the conveyance space K2 tends to increase as the downstream side.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation, FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which clogging is started by a conventional cleaner equipped with a damming member, and FIG. FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram of a state where the amount of toner collected in the toner damming space becomes excessive and the damming member is bent from the state of FIG. 9B.
In FIG. 9, in the cleaning device 02 provided with the damming member 01 as in the prior art, only the same conveying amount is used as the conveying member 03 along the axial direction. There was more developer on the side. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the amount of developer in the middle stream to the downstream side increases, the internal passage area 04 is blocked, and the developer cannot move from the internal passage area 04 to the inside, and can only flow in the form of getting over. If the residual toner does not move from the toner dam space 06 through the internal passage area 04 to the transport member 03 and the residual toner collected by the cleaning blade 07 continues to accumulate, the pressure inside the toner dam space 06 becomes excessive. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9C, the damming member 01 may be plastically deformed and fall down, or the cleaning blade 07 may be poorly cleaned or toner may leak out.

On the other hand, in the cleaning device CL1 of the first embodiment, the small diameter portion 13a2 is formed on the downstream side of the rotation shaft 13a of the transport auger 13, and the transport amount per unit time, that is, the transport capability is increased. More residual toner is conveyed than the conveyance amount in the large-diameter portion 13a1 on the side. That is, since the toner can be transported more than the amount of toner transported from the upstream side, the developer flowing in through the internal passage region R1b is transported.
Further, in the cleaner CL1 of the first embodiment, the upper end of the transport blade 13b of the transport auger 13 is set to a position higher than the lower end of the internal passage region forming port 8c, and the developer transported by the transport member 13 is When the number increases, the internal passage region R1 is likely to be blocked, but the conveyance capability is high on the downstream side and the sheet is quickly transported to reduce the blockage.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 10, in the cleaning device CL <b> 1 of the second embodiment, the internal passage region forming port 8 c ′ includes an internal passage region forming port 8 c <b> 1 ′ for the multiple recovery region formed corresponding to the large diameter portion 13 a 1 of the transport auger 13, A small recovery area internal passage area forming port 8c2 'formed corresponding to the small diameter portion 13a2 of the transfer auger 13, and the opening area of the multiple recovery area internal passage area forming port 8c1' is small recovery area It is formed larger than the opening area of the internal passage region forming port 8c2 '.

(Operation of Example 2)
In the cleaning device CL1 of Example 2 having the above-described configuration, the conveyance force of the conveyance auger 13 inside the small collection area internal passage area forming port 8c2 ′ having a small opening area is large, and is quickly conveyed downstream. That is, the amount of toner in the conveyance space K2 inside the damming film 8 is increased, and the small collection area internal passage area R1b is prevented from being blocked, and residual toner is conveyed through the small collection area internal passage area R1b. It flows into K2 and is discharged. Further, since the opening area of the internal passage area forming port 8c1 ′ for the multiple recovery area is large and is not easily blocked, the residual toner recovered in the multiple recovery area A1 is conveyed through the internal passage area R1a for the multiple recovery area. It flows into the space K2 and is discharged.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 according to the first embodiment.
Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 11, in the cleaner CL1 of the third embodiment, the small diameter portion 13a2 is formed only in the portion corresponding to the small recovery area A2a on the downstream side in the discharge direction on the rotation shaft 13a ′ of the transport auger 13, and A portion corresponding to the small recovery region A2b is a large diameter portion 13a1.

(Operation of Example 3)
In the cleaning device CL1 of Example 3 having the above-described configuration, the conveyance auger 13 has a high conveyance capability in the downstream portion in the discharge direction where the total amount of residual toner is the largest, and the most residual toner is not conveyed from the upstream side. The upstream side is not increased because there is no need to increase the conveying capacity. Therefore, the residual toner on the downstream side in the discharge direction of the transfer space K2 is efficiently transferred and discharged.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.
Next, a description will be given of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
12, in the cleaning device CL1 of the fourth embodiment, in the conveyance blade 13b ′ of the conveyance auger 13, the interval between the conveyance blades of the downstream conveyance blade 13b1 ′ corresponding to the small recovery area A2a on the downstream side in the discharge direction, so-called pitch. However, the pitch is set larger than the pitch of the upstream conveying blades 13b2 'corresponding to the multiple recovery region upstream of the discharge direction and the small recovery region A2b. That is, the conveyance distance when the rotation shaft 13a makes one rotation is longer in the downstream conveyance blade 13b1 ', and the conveyance capacity is set high.

(Operation of Example 4)
In the cleaning device CL1 of Example 4 having the above-described configuration, the conveyance auger 13 has a high conveyance capability in the downstream portion in the discharge direction where the total amount of residual toner is the largest, and the residual toner in the discharge direction downstream side of the conveyance space K2. Is efficiently transported and discharged.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the image carrier PR and the cleaner according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device of the fifth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.
Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.

13 and 14, in the cleaner CL1 ′ of the fifth embodiment, a leakage preventing member mounting portion 1c ′ is formed instead of the damming member mounting portion 1c of the first embodiment, and the leakage preventing member mounting portion 1c. A leakage prevention member 11 is fixedly supported on '.
A dam member attaching portion 1f is formed below the cleaning member support portion 1b, and a damming film 21 is fixedly supported on the dam member attaching portion 1f. The damming film 21 has a fixed portion 21a at the upper end attached to the damming member attachment portion 1f and a damming member main body 21b extending downward. Note that the damming film 21 of Example 5 is not supported by the housing 1 at both front and rear edges, similarly to the damming film 8 of Example 1.

In FIG. 14, the dam member main body 21b has a multiple recovery region portion 21b1 corresponding to the multiple recovery region A1 and a small recovery region portion 21b2 corresponding to the small recovery region A2, and the lower end of the damming film 21 is The length is set so as not to contact the upper surface 1c1 'of the leakage preventing member mounting portion 1c'. In Example 5, the length in the vertical direction of the multiple recovery region portion 21b1, that is, the free length, is shorter than the free length of the small recovery region portion 21b2.
Accordingly, an internal passage region in which the residual toner is moved from the residual toner damming space K1 to the internal conveyance space K2 by a gap between the lower end of the damming film 21 and the upper surface 1c1 'of the leakage prevention member mounting portion 1c'. R1 'is configured. The internal passage region R1 ′ includes a multiple recovery region internal passage region R1a ′ formed by a gap between the multiple recovery region portion 21b1 and the upper surface 1c1 ′, and a small recovery region portion 21b2 and the upper surface 1c1 ′. And a small recovery area internal passage area R1b ′ constituted by a gap. As shown in FIG. 14, the internal passage region R1a ′ for the multiple recovery region is set wider in the vertical direction than the internal passage region R1b ′ for the small recovery region.
In the fifth embodiment, the transfer auger 13 includes a large diameter portion 13a1 corresponding to the multiple recovery region A1 and a small diameter portion 13a2 corresponding to the small recovery region A2, as in the first and second embodiments.

(Operation of Example 5)
In the cleaner CL1 ′ of Example 5 having the above-described configuration, the multiple recovery area A1 having a large recovery amount has a large internal recovery area R1a ′ for the multiple recovery area, and a large amount of excess developer flows into the internal conveyance space K2. To do. Similarly to the first and second embodiments, the transport auger 13 has a high transport capability on the downstream side in the discharge direction, and therefore, the collected toner on the downstream side is quickly transported, and the internal passage area R1b ′ for the small recovery area is blocked. Is reduced.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaner according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 14 according to the fifth embodiment.
Next, the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the sixth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first to fifth embodiments, and the detailed description thereof will be made. Description is omitted.
Example 6 is different from Examples 1 to 5 in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as Examples 1 to 5 in other points.
In FIG. 15, the cleaner CL <b> 1 ′ of the sixth embodiment uses the transport auger 13 of the third embodiment instead of the transport auger 13 of the fifth embodiment.

(Operation of Example 6)
In the cleaner CL1 ′ of Example 6 having the above-described configuration, the toner on the downstream side in the discharge direction in which the toner amount in the transfer space K2 increases is efficiently discharged by the transfer auger 13.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention and corresponds to FIG. 14 according to the fifth embodiment.
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the seventh embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first to sixth embodiments, and the details thereof will be described. Description is omitted.
Example 7 is different from Examples 1 to 6 in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as Examples 1 to 6 in other points.
In FIG. 16, in the image forming apparatus U according to the seventh embodiment, an area in which an image is formed on the image carrier PR during the image forming operation is set so that an image is formed with reference to the rear end instead of the center. ing. Accordingly, in the cleaner CL1 ′ according to the seventh embodiment, the multiple recovery area A1 is set only on the rear end side, and the small recovery area A2 is set only on the front end side. Accordingly, the positions of the multiple recovery region portion 21b1 and the small recovery region portion 21b2 of the damming member main body 21b and the large diameter portion 13a1 and the small diameter portion 13a2 of the transport auger 13 correspond to the multiple recovery region A1 and the small recovery region A2. Set to position.

(Operation of Example 7)
In the cleaning device CL1 ′ of Example 7 having the above-described configuration, the internal passage region R1 ′ is set at an appropriate position in accordance with the variation of the region where the image is formed, the cleaning blade 7 is lubricated, and the damming film 21 is effectively prevented from being damaged.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaner according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 14 according to the fifth embodiment.
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the eighth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first to seventh embodiments, and the details thereof will be described. Description is omitted.
Example 8 is different from Examples 1 to 7 in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as Examples 1 to 7 in other points.

  In FIG. 17, in the cleaner CL1 ′ of the eighth embodiment, the conveyance blade 13b ″ of the conveyance auger 13 has an outer diameter of the downstream conveyance blade 13b1 ″ corresponding to the downstream small collection area A2A, and the upstream conveyance blade 13b2. Accordingly, the bottom wall of the conveyance space K2 of the housing 1 also has a downstream bottom wall 1g corresponding to the small collection area A2A on the downstream side in the upstream bottom wall 1h. The downstream auger 13b1 ″ sets the downstream auger 13 so that the downstream conveyance capacity is higher than that of the upstream side.

(Operation of Example 8)
In the cleaner CL1 ′ according to the eighth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the collected toner on the downstream side of the transport space K2 is quickly transported by the downstream transport blade 13b1 ″ having a large transport capability and is discharged from the cleaner CL1 ′. .

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H010) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a FAX. Further, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a single color, so-called monochrome image forming apparatus, and can be applied to a multicolor, so-called color image forming apparatus.

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning device in which the object to be cleaned cleans the surface of the image carrier PR is exemplified as the cleaning device. However, the cleaning device is not limited to this, and the cleaning device for the transfer roll TR and the cleaning device for the charging roll CR. It is also applicable to. In addition, in a color image forming apparatus, the present invention can also be applied to a cleaner that cleans a belt-shaped or drum-shaped intermediate transfer member.
(H03) In the above embodiment, the position and size of the internal passage region are not limited to the configuration illustrated in the embodiment, and can be changed according to the design, specifications, and the like. For example, by combining the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the multiple recovery area internal passage area can be arranged at a higher position and the opening area can be made larger than the low recovery area internal passage area. In addition, the height and the opening area are not limited to two levels of high, low, and large, and can be configured to change stepwise or continuously in three or more steps.

(H04) In the above-described embodiment, the conveyance member is exemplified to adjust the diameter of the rotation shaft and the pitch of the conveyance blades so that the conveyance force on the downstream side is increased. However, the present invention is not limited to this. By providing a plate-like member for stirring that does not have a conveyance capability on the upstream side, a so-called paddle, and lowering the conveyance speed, relatively increasing the conveyance capability on the downstream side or reducing the thickness of the conveyance blades It is also possible to adopt a configuration such as increasing the interval between the blades to increase the conveying capability. Moreover, it is also possible to combine the structure of the conveyance member of each Example, Furthermore, the method of changing the diameter and pitch of a rotating shaft is not limited to 2 steps illustrated in the Example, but 3 steps or more steps It is also possible to configure it to change continuously or continuously.
(H05) In Examples 5 to 7, it is also possible to provide the damming film 21 with the internal passage region forming port of Examples 1 to 4.

(H06) In the above embodiment, the auger having the rotating shaft and the conveying blade is exemplified as the conveying member. However, the conveying member is not limited to this, and a helical spring-like conveying member, so-called agitator can be used. . Further, the conveying blade is not limited to the helical conveying blade, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the meniscus blade is inclined and fixed to the rotation axis.
(H07) In the above embodiment, the shape, number, arrangement interval, size, etc. of the internal passage region forming port can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the shape is not limited to a square shape, but a round shape or an oval shape. Alternatively, it may be an arbitrary shape such as a polygon such as a triangle or a pentagon.
(H08) In the above-described embodiment, the configurations of Examples 5 to 8 are applied to the configurations of Examples 1 to 4, and the height of the upper end in the width direction of the damming film supported at the lower end is set to the transport direction Ya. It is also possible to make the height higher on the downstream side, downstream side and upstream side.
(H09) In the above embodiment, the vertical relationship between the internal passage area and the conveying member is not limited to the configuration illustrated in the embodiment, and can be arbitrarily changed according to the design or the like. For example, by setting the upper end of the transport blade 13b of the transport auger 13 below the lower end of the internal passage region forming port, it is possible to make it difficult to block the internal passage region.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the modified example, FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship among the cleaning blade, the damming member, and the conveying member of the modified example corresponding to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 18B is the diagram of FIG. It is XVIIIB-XVIIIB sectional view taken on the line.
(H010) In the previous examples, the deformation of the damming film 8 when the developer accumulation amount is excessive is reduced by increasing the conveyance amount on the downstream side of the conveyance auger. The shape of the damming film may be changed as shown in FIG. For example, in FIG. 18A, in the cleaning device CL1 of the modified example, the damming film 8 ′ as an example of the damming member has an upper end 8a1 on the downstream side in the transport direction Ya, and an upper end on the central portion and the upstream side in the transport direction Ya. It is formed lower than 8a2. In the modified example, the transport auger 13 similar to the transport auger 13 of the eighth embodiment is used, but the upper end 8a1 of the region corresponding to the downstream-side small recovery region internal passage region forming port 8c2 is formed low. Thus, the present invention can be applied to a cleaning device having the same conveying ability on the downstream side and the middle / upstream side. In FIG. 18B, in the modified example, the upper end in the gravity direction of the outer diameter of the downstream conveying blade 13b1 ″ is configured to be higher than the lower end of the small recovery region internal passage region forming port 8c2.

In the cleaning device CL1 of the modified example having such a configuration, the upper end 8a1 on the downstream side of the damming film 8 'is lower than the upper end 8a2 on the middle and upstream sides, and the developer gets over the upper side on the downstream side. Easy to flow in. Therefore, when the amount of developer in the toner blocking space K1 blocked by the blocking film 8 ′ is small, the passing amount passing through the small recovery region internal passage region forming port 8c2 is the multiple recovery region internal passage region R1a. 'Is smaller than the passing amount through', and the developer can be appropriately supplied to the cleaning blade 29. However, when the developer accumulation amount in the toner damming space K1 becomes excessive, the downstream side small recovery amount is small. Since the toner in the dam space K1 corresponding to the region is more likely to pass than the toner in the multiple recovery region, it is possible to reduce the excessive amount of accumulated toner in the toner dam space K1 corresponding to the downstream small recovery region. The deformation and breakage of the damming film 8 'can be reduced.
In this modification, when the upper end 8a1 on the downstream side of the damming film is lower than the upper end 8a2 on the middle and upstream sides, the developer accumulation amount in the toner damming space K1 becomes excessive. The amount of developer accumulated in the toner blocking space K1 becomes excessive by providing the second opening at a position above the lower end of the cleaning blade in the gravitational direction. You may make it increase the passage amount of.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and is a sectional view. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the cleaner part of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view showing a state where the cleaning member of the cleaner according to the first embodiment is removed. FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of a state in which the leakage preventing member is removed from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of a front portion of the cleaner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory view of a rear portion of the cleaning device of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship among the cleaning blade, the damming member, and the conveying member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation, FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which clogging is started by a conventional cleaner equipped with a damming member, and FIG. FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram of a state where the amount of toner collected in the toner damming space becomes excessive and the damming member is bent from the state of FIG. 9B. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the image carrier PR and the cleaner according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device of the fifth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaner according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 14 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention and corresponds to FIG. 14 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaner according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 14 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the modified example, FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship among the cleaning blade, the damming member, and the conveying member of the modified example corresponding to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 18B is the diagram of FIG. It is XVIIIB-XVIIIB sectional view taken on the line.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Cleaning container,
1a ... opening,
7 ... Cleaning blade,
8, 21 ... Damping member,
8c ... Internal passage region forming port,
8c1 ... multi-recovery region internal passage region forming port,
8c2 ... an internal passage area forming port for a small recovery area,
13 ... conveying member,
13a, 13a '... rotating shaft,
13b, 13b ', 13b "... conveying blades,
A1 ... Multiple recovery area,
A2, A2a, A2b ... small recovery area,
CL1, CL1 '... cleaner,
D ... Developer,
PR: Image carrier,
R1, R1 '... internal passage region,
R1a, R1a '... internal passage area for multiple recovery area,
R1b, R1b '... an internal passage area for a small recovery area,
TR ... Transfer,
U: Image forming apparatus.

Claims (4)

A cleaning member that cleans the surface of the image carrier by removing the developer on the surface of the image carrier by contacting the surface of the image carrier that holds an image formed with a developer containing toner;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A transport member that is disposed inside the cleaning container and transports the developer contained in the cleaning container in a predetermined transport direction that is set in advance , and the transport capability downstream in the transport direction is upstream in the transport direction High conveying member compared to the conveying capacity of
Is disposed between the conveying member and the cleaning member, with the upper end portion in the gravity direction is supported by the cleaning container, the lower end of the direction of gravity, between the cleaning container, the removed developer An elastically deformable member that constitutes a gap that regulates the amount of passage of the image, and the gravity direction at the axial end of the image carrier compared to the lower end in the gravity direction of the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier An elastically deformable member disposed at a lower end of the
A cleaning device comprising: An image carrier for holding an image formed with a developer containing toner;
A cleaning member that contacts the surface of the image carrier and removes the developer on the surface of the image carrier to clean the surface of the image carrier;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A transport member disposed inside the cleaning container and for discharging the developer stored in the cleaning container in a predetermined transport direction set in advance;
The upper end in the gravitational direction is supported by the cleaning container and the lower end in the gravitational direction is disposed between the contact portion between the image carrier and the cleaning member and the transport member . between, a resiliently deformable member forming a gap to restrict the passage amount of the removed developer, passing through the passing area in the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier toward said conveying member developing compared to agent amount, the rather small, the amount of developer passing through the passage area at the end portion in the axial direction of the image carrier, and, as compared with the gravity direction lower end of the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier, An elastically deformable member disposed at a position where the lower end in the gravitational direction at the axial end of the image carrier is low;
With
The transport member has a transport capability downstream of the transport direction and at least a portion with a small amount of developer passing therethrough in the passage region, compared to a transport capability upstream of the transport direction .
An image carrier unit characterized by that. A cleaning member that cleans the surface of the image carrier by removing the developer on the surface of the image carrier by contacting the surface of the image carrier that holds an image formed with a developer containing toner;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A transport member disposed inside the cleaning container and transporting the developer contained in the cleaning container in a predetermined transport direction set in advance;
Located between the cleaning member and the transport member, a lower end in the direction of gravity is supported by the cleaning container, and a passage region for allowing the developer removed by the cleaning member to pass toward the transport member is configured. opening, an elastically deformable member for regulating the passing amount of the developer in the axial direction is eliminated by being formed with a plurality of the image carrier, the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier to and the image carrier the opening of the opening area is small not part material formed on the end portion in the axial direction as compared to the opening area of the opening formed in,
With
The transport member has a transport capability downstream of the transport direction and at least a portion with a small amount of developer passing therethrough in the passage region, compared to a transport capability upstream of the transport direction.
Image carrier unit, wherein the this. An image forming apparatus comprising the following structural requirements (A01) to (A05):
(A01) Rotating image carrier,
(A02) A latent image writing device for writing a latent image in a predetermined width in the axial direction of the image carrier,
(A03) a developing device for developing the latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
(A04) a transfer device for transferring a visible image on the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
(A05) a cleaning member that contacts the surface of the image carrier and removes the developer on the surface of the image carrier after transfer to clean the surface of the image carrier;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A conveying member disposed inside the cleaning container and discharging developer stored in the cleaning container in a predetermined conveying direction set in advance , wherein the conveying ability downstream in the conveying direction is upstream in the conveying direction. High conveying member compared to the conveying capacity of
The upper end in the gravitational direction is supported by the cleaning container and the lower end in the gravitational direction is disposed between the contact portion between the image carrier and the cleaning member and the transport member . Development that is an elastically deformable member that forms a gap that regulates the passage amount of the removed developer, and that passes through the passage region in the axial center of the image carrier toward the conveying member. Compared to the amount of developer, the amount of developer passing through the passage region at the axial end of the image carrier is small, and compared to the lower end in the gravity direction of the central portion in the axial direction of the image carrier. An elastically deformable member disposed at a position where the lower end of the gravitational direction is low at the axial end of the image carrier;
Having a cleaner.

Images