JP6413679B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, the techniques described in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3 are conventionally known with respect to the transport path for transporting the developer collected by the cleaner.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-86169 as Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which developer collected by a cleaning blade (11e) is transported to a developing device (11d) through a transport duct (111f). In which a forced conveying member (112f) is arranged. In Patent Document 1, the upper end of the forced conveying member (112f) is supported at a position eccentric from the rotation center of the auger (113f). Therefore, the forced transfer member (112f) moves up and down in the transfer duct (111f) as the auger (113f) rotates. Therefore, the developer in the transport duct (111f) is transported by the vertical movement of the forced transport member (112f) and the developer is prevented from being clogged.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-116138 as Patent Document 2 discloses that in a connecting portion (11) where toner collected from an image holding member falls toward a conveying portion (12), inside the connecting portion (11), A configuration in which the swing member (15) is arranged is described. The oscillating member (15) is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation support shaft (22) extending in the front-rear direction at a central portion in the vertical direction. Further, a plate-like scraping member (16) is supported on the swing member (15). The lower end of the swing member (15) is in contact with the blade portion (20) of the transport auger (19) in the lower transport section (12), and swings as the transport auger (19) rotates. .

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-296042 as Patent Document 3 describes a configuration in which a toner cross-linking prevention member is provided in a dropping path through which the developer removed by the cleaning member is conveyed. In the toner cross-linking prevention member of Patent Document 3, the hook portion at the upper end is hooked on the eccentric shaft portion of the rotary conveyance member, and the toner cross-linking prevention member reciprocates in the dropping path as the rotary conveyance member rotates. do.

JP 2007-86169 A (FIGS. 2 to 4) JP 2009-116138 A (“0041” to “0047”, FIGS. 3 to 9) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-296042 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 4)

  The present invention stabilizes the posture of the conveying member as compared to the case where the conveying member is not supported by the support member, prevents clogging of the developer at the downstream end of the conveying path, and prevents the developer on the upstream side of the conveying member. The technical challenge is to increase the effect of preventing clogging.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
A developing device that has a stirring member that rotates inside to stir the developer, and that develops the latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A cleaner for collecting and cleaning the developer remaining on the surface of the image carrier;
A transport path connecting the cleaner and the developing device and transporting the collected developer;
A transport member that is supported movably along the transport path and transports the developer downstream. The support member is disposed at an upper end of the transport member and supports the transport member in the transport path. A supported portion that is formed to have an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter and supported by the support member, and a regulating portion that is disposed in the lower portion and contacts the inner surface of the conveyance path and regulates a moving range in a direction that intersects the vertical direction And the conveying member having a contact portion disposed at the lower end and capable of contacting the stirring member,
Equipped with a,
The stirring member moves the transport member upward while the contact portion is in contact with the stirring member in a state where the regulating portion is in contact with the inner surface of the transport path .

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is provided.
A developing device that has a stirring member that rotates inside to stir the developer, and that develops the latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A cleaner for collecting and cleaning the developer remaining on the surface of the image carrier;
A transport path connecting the cleaner and the developing device and transporting the collected developer;
A transport member that is supported movably along the transport path and transports the developer downstream, and is disposed at the upper end and supported in the transport path with play. A regulating portion that is disposed at a lower portion and that regulates a moving range in a direction that intersects with the inner surface of the conveyance path and intersects the vertical direction; and a contact portion that is disposed at a lower end and is capable of contacting the stirring member. A conveying member;
Equipped with a,
The stirring member moves the transport member upward while the contact portion is in contact with the stirring member in a state where the regulating portion is in contact with the inner surface of the transport path .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
A ramp which is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity, and the conveying path with a drop passage extending and along the direction of gravity is connected downstream of the ramp with respect to the conveying direction of the developer,
Said conveying member having an inclined portion that will be placed along the ramp, and a vertical portion that have a and the contact portion extends along the drop path,
It is provided with.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The contact portion inclined toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the stirring member;
It is provided with.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The transport member having a projecting portion extending toward the surface of the transport path, and a main body of a scraping unit supported by the projecting portion and extending in a direction crossing the transport direction of the developer and the surface of the transport path;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A collar portion provided only on the upper side of the supported portion and extending in the width direction of the transport member,
It is provided with.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
A support member disposed at a position eccentric from the rotation center with respect to the rotating body rotating about the rotation center and supporting the upper end of the supported portion with play;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The supported portion configured by a long hole extending along the developer conveyance direction of the conveyance path;
It is provided with.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
  The width of the contact portion is wider than the width of the restriction portion with respect to the vertical direction and the width direction intersecting the direction in which the movement range is restricted by the restriction portion.
  It is characterized by that.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects,
  The transport path and the transport member are formed in a shape in which a downstream part is bent with respect to an upstream part in the transport direction,
  One of the restricting portions is disposed at the downstream portion,
  The regulating portion has the longest length in the direction toward the inner surface of the conveyance path in the downstream portion.
  It is characterized by that.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects,
  The stirring member has a rotating shaft and a blade disposed on an outer periphery of the shaft.
  It is characterized by that.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the attitude of the conveying member can be stabilized as compared with the case where the conveying member is not supported by the support member, and clogging of the developer at the downstream end of the conveying path is prevented. However, the effect of preventing clogging on the upstream side of the conveying member in the conveying path can be enhanced.
According to the third aspect of the invention, the effect of preventing clogging in the upstream inclined portion can be enhanced.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the breakage of the conveying member and the stirring member as compared with the case where the contact portion is not inclined toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the stirring member.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the clogging of the developer in the sealed space as compared with the case where the protruding portion and the main body of the scraping portion are not provided.

According to invention of Claim 6, compared with the case where it does not have a collar part, the movement of a conveyance member can be stabilized. Further, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of the developer on the collar as compared with the case where the collar is formed on the lower side.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the movement of the conveying member can be complicated and irregular as compared with the case where the conveying member is not driven by the support member at the upper end.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the ability to convey the developer downstream can be improved as compared with the case where the long hole supported portion is not provided.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, compared to a case where the width is narrow, the contact portion is surely easily subjected to a force from the stirring member, and the conveying member is easily moved in the vertical direction.
  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the restriction portion is less likely to be caught on the inner surface of the conveyance path when the conveyance member is moved, as compared with a configuration in which the plurality of restriction portions have the same length in the downstream portion.
  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the conveying member can be easily moved upward by the stirring member as compared with the case where the shaft is not provided.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the toner image forming apparatus portion of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the collected developer conveying member, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 4A and 4B are explanatory views of the process unit, FIG. 4A is a side view of the process unit, FIG. 4B is a side view with the replenishment path cover removed, and FIG. 4C is a sectional view taken along line IVC-IVC in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the conveying member of Example 1 and the developing device. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the conveying member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the conveying member of Example 1, FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a state where the conveying member is lowered, and FIG. 7B is a state where the lower end of the conveying member starts to contact the blades of the stirring member FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram of a state where the agitating member is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 7B and the conveying member is moved upward. FIG. 7D is a lower end of the conveying member when the agitating member is rotated from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which is separated from the blades of the stirring member. FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram of the first embodiment, FIG. 8A is an operation explanatory diagram of the configuration of the embodiment, FIG. 8B is an operation explanatory diagram of the conventional configuration, and FIG. 8C is a lower scraping portion in the conventional configuration. FIG. 8D is an operation explanatory view of the inclined plate of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the conveying member according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the state of the conveying member of Example 2, FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram when the eccentric pin is located in the upper left, and FIG. 10B is a state where the stirring member is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 10A FIG. 10C is an explanatory view of the state where the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 10B, FIG. 10D is an explanatory view of the state where the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 10C, and FIG. 10D is a diagram illustrating a state in which the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state illustrated in FIG. 10D, FIG. 10F is a diagram illustrating the state in which the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state illustrated in FIG. 10E, and FIG. FIG. 10H is an explanatory view showing a state where the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 10G. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the state of the conveying member of the second embodiment. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is located at the upper left and the blade phase of the stirring member is delayed by about 140 degrees compared to FIG. 10A. 11B is an explanatory view of the state where the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11A, FIG. 11C is an explanatory view of the state where the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11E is an explanatory diagram of a state where the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state, FIG. 11E is an explanatory diagram of a state where the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11D, and FIG. 11F is an explanatory diagram of the eccentric pin rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11G is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11F, and FIG. 11H is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11G. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the state of the conveying member of the second embodiment, FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a state where the eccentric pin pushes up the conveying member, and FIG. 12B is an eccentric pin rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. FIG. 12C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. 12B. FIG. 12D is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. FIG. 12E is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. 12D. FIG. 12F is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. FIG. 12G is an explanatory diagram of the state at the position where the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. 12F, and FIG. It is an explanatory view of a state in degrees rotated position.

Next, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as examples) 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.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a printer U that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment and that is an example of an installation tool includes a printer main body U <b> 1 that is an example of an apparatus main body. A first discharge tray TRh as an example of a first medium discharge unit is provided on the upper surface of the printer body U1. An operation unit UI is provided on the upper surface of the right part of the printer main body U1. The operation unit UI includes a display unit (not shown). The operation unit UI is configured so that a user can perform an input operation.
The printer U according to the first embodiment illustrates a host computer as an example of an image information transmission device, and specifically, a personal computer is electrically connected thereto.

The printer U includes a controller C as an example of a control unit. The controller C can receive electrical signals such as image information and control signals transmitted from the personal computer PC. The controller C is configured to be able to output a control signal to the operation unit UI and the electric circuit E. Further, the controller C is electrically connected to the write circuit DL.
The writing circuit DL outputs a drive signal to an exposure device ROS as an example of a writing device in accordance with the input information. The exposure machine ROS is configured to be able to output a laser beam L as an example of writing light in accordance with an input signal.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the toner image forming apparatus portion of FIG.
1 and 2, a photoconductor PR as an example of an image carrier is disposed on the left side of the exposure machine ROS. The photoconductor PR of Example 1 is supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow about the rotation axis PRa. The photoconductor PR is irradiated with laser light L in the writing area Q1.
Around the photoconductor PR, along the rotational direction of the photoconductor PR, a charging roll CR as an example of a charging member, a developing device G, and a photoconductor cleaner CL as an example of a cleaner for an image carrier. Is arranged.
In the printer U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the photosensitive member PR, the charging roll CR, the developing device G, and the photosensitive member cleaner CL are integrated into a unit that can be attached and detached. That is, the photoconductor PR, the charging roll CR, the developing device G, and the photoconductor cleaner CL are configured to be detachable from the printer body U1 as a process unit U2.

A charging voltage is applied from the electric circuit E to the charging roll CR.
The developing device G includes a developing container V that accommodates toner as an example of a developer. Inside the developing container V, a developing roll Ga as an example of a developer holding body is rotatably supported. The developing roll Ga is disposed to face the photoreceptor PR in the developing area Q2.
Further, a developing voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the developing roll Ga. Further, augers Gb and Gc, which are examples of a developer conveying member, are rotatably supported in the developing container V.
The photoconductor PR, the charging roll CR, the exposure machine ROS, the developing device G, and the like constitute a toner image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on the photoconductor PR.

One end of a replenishment path of a toner replenishing device TH1 as an example of a developer replenishing device fixedly supported by the printer U is connected to the developing container V. The other end of the supply path of the toner supply device TH1 is connected to a discharge port TC3 of a toner cartridge TC as an example of a developer container.
In FIG. 1, the toner cartridge TC has a cartridge main body TC1 as an example of a container main body that accommodates toner therein. A toner transport member TC2 as an example of a developer transport member is rotatably supported in the cartridge body TC1. The toner cartridge TC is configured to be detachable by being inserted into and removed from the printer U in the front-rear direction.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of paper feed trays TR <b> 1 to TR <b> 4 are provided below the printer U as an example of a medium storage unit. Each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 accommodates a recording sheet S as an example of a medium.
In FIG. 1, rails RL1 as an example of container guide members are arranged on the left and right sides of each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. The rail RL1 movably supports the left and right ends of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. Accordingly, the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 are supported by the pair of left and right rails RL1 so as to be able to enter and exit in the front-rear direction.

In FIG. 1, a paper feeding device K is disposed at the upper left of each of the paper feeding trays TR1 to TR4. The paper feeding device K has a pickup roll Rp as an example of a medium take-out member. On the left side of the pick-up roll Rp, a separating roll Rs as an example of a separating member is disposed. The separating roll Rs includes a feed roll as an example of a medium conveying member and a retard roll as an example of a medium separating member.
On the left side of the sheet feeding device K, a sheet feeding path SH1 as an example of a medium transport path is disposed. The sheet feed path SH1 extends upward. A plurality of transport rolls Ra as an example of a medium transport member are arranged in the paper feed path SH1. A registration roll Rr, which is an example of a medium transport timing adjustment member, is disposed at the upper end, which is the downstream end of the sheet feed path SH1.

A manual feed tray TR0 as an example of a manual feed unit is mounted on the left side of the printer U. The right end of the manual feed tray TR0 is connected to the left end of a manual feed path SH2 as an example of a manual feed path. The right end of the manual feed path SH2 is connected to the paper feed path SH1.
In FIG. 1, a transfer roll Rt as an example of a transfer device is disposed above the registration roll Rr. The transfer roll Rt faces and contacts the photoconductor PR in the transfer region Q3. Accordingly, the transfer roll Rt according to the first exemplary embodiment rotates following the rotation of the photoconductor PR. A transfer voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the transfer roll Rt.

The photoreceptor cleaner CL is disposed on the downstream side of the transfer roll Rt with respect to the rotation direction of the photoreceptor PR. The photoreceptor cleaner CL includes a cleaning blade 42 as an example of a cleaning member. The cleaning blade 42 is formed in a plate shape. One end of the cleaning blade 42 is in contact with the photoconductor PR.
A cleaner container 41 as an example of a cleaning container is disposed above the cleaning blade 42. The cleaning blade 42 is supported by the cleaner container 41. A space in which the developer can be stored is formed inside the cleaner container 41. Inside the cleaner container 41, a recovery auger 43 as an example of a developer conveying member is rotatably supported. A recovery path CL4 as an example of a developer transport path is supported at the front end of the cleaner container 41. The recovery path CL4 extends from the photoconductor cleaner CL to the developing device G.

In FIG. 1, a fixing device F is supported above the transfer roll Rt. The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heat fixing member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member. The heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp are in contact with each other in the fixing region Q4. Driving is transmitted to the heating roll Fh from a driving source (not shown) to rotate. The heating roll Fh is supplied with electric power for heating a heater (not shown) from the electric circuit E.
The process unit U2 as an example of the toner image forming apparatus, the transfer roll Rt, and the fixing device F constitute an image recording unit U2 + Rt + F that records an image on the sheet S.

Above the fixing device F, a sheet guide F1 as an example of a medium guiding portion is formed. A sheet discharge roll R1 as an example of a medium discharge member is disposed on the right side of the sheet guide F1. A medium discharge port Ha is formed on the right side of the paper discharge roll R1. A first discharge tray TRh is disposed below the medium discharge port.
In FIG. 1, a connection path SH3 as an example of a medium transport path is disposed above the fixing device F and on the left side of the paper discharge roll R1. The connection path SH3 extends to the left from the discharge port Ha.

A reversing unit U3, which is an example of a medium reversing device, is supported on the left side surface of the printer body U1 above the manual feed tray TR0. A reversing path SH4 as an example of a medium transport path is formed inside the reversing unit U3. The upper end of the inversion path SH4 is connected to the left end of the connection path SH3. The lower end of the reversing path SH4 joins the sheet feeding path SH1 on the upstream side of the registration roll Rr.
A second discharge path SH6 as an example of a medium transport path is formed above the reversing unit U3. The second discharge path SH6 has a right end connected to the connection path SH3 and branches off from the inversion path SH4. The left end of the second discharge path SH6 extends to the left side surface of the reversing unit U3. A face-up tray TRh1 as an example of a second discharge unit is supported on the left side surface of the reversing unit U3. Accordingly, the sheet S that has passed through the second discharge path SH6 is configured to be discharged to the face-up tray TRh1.

(Function of image forming apparatus)
In the printer U of the first embodiment having the above configuration, the image information transmitted from the personal computer PC is input to the controller C. The controller C converts the inputted image information into information for forming a latent image at a preset time and outputs it to the writing circuit DL. The exposure machine ROS outputs a laser beam L based on the signal received by the writing circuit DL. The controller C controls operations of the operation unit UI, the writing circuit DL, the power supply circuit E, and the like.
1 and 2, the surface of the photoreceptor PR is charged by a charging roll CR to which a charging voltage is applied. The surface of the photoconductor PR charged by the charging roll CR is exposed and scanned by the laser beam L of the exposure machine ROS at the writing position Q1 to form an electrostatic latent image. The surface of the photoconductor PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed sequentially passes through the development area Q2 and the transfer area Q3.

In the developing area Q2, the developing roll Ga faces the photoconductor PR. The developing roll Ga rotates while holding the developer inside the developing container V on the surface. Therefore, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor PR is developed into a toner image as an example of a visible image by the toner image held on the surface of the developing roll Ga. The developer inside the developing container V is circulated while being stirred by the augers Gb and Gc.
When the developer inside the developing container V is consumed with the development by the developing roll Ga, the developer is supplied from the toner cartridge TC. That is, according to the consumption amount of the developer, the toner transport member TC2 is rotationally driven to transport the toner in the cartridge body TC1 to the discharge port TC3. The toner discharged from the discharge port TC3 is transported to the developing container V by a replenishment transport member (not shown) in the replenishment path of the cartridge toner replenishing device TH1.

Each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 accommodates a sheet S on which an image is recorded. The sheets S accommodated in the respective sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp of the sheet feeding device K. The sheets S taken out by the pickup roll Rp are separated one by one by the separating roll Rs. The sheet S separated by the separating roll Rs is fed to the sheet feeding path SH1. The sheet S in the sheet feeding path SH1 is conveyed toward the registration roll Rr by the conveyance roll Ra.
The sheet S fed from the manual feed tray TR0 is conveyed to the registration roll Rr through the manual feed path SH2. The sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is conveyed to the transfer area Q3 by the registration roll Rr in accordance with the timing when the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor PR moves to the transfer area Q3.

In the transfer area Q3, the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor PR is transferred to the sheet S passing through the transfer area Q3 by the transfer roll Rt to which the transfer voltage is applied.
In FIG. 2, the photosensitive member PR after passing through the transfer region Q3 is cleaned by removing the toner attached to the surface by the cleaning blade. The toner removed by the cleaning blade 42 is collected in the cleaner container 41. The toner collected in the cleaner container 41 is conveyed by the collection auger 43. The toner conveyed by the collection auger 43 is returned to the inside of the developing container V through the collection path CL4. That is, the developer collected by the photoreceptor cleaner CL is reused by the developing device G.
The photoconductor PR whose surface is cleaned by the photoconductor cleaner CL is charged again by the charging roll CR.

The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred in the transfer area Q3 is conveyed to the fixing area Q4 of the fixing device F in a state where the toner image is not fixed.
In the fixing region Q4, the sheet S is sandwiched between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp, and the toner image is heated and fixed.
The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device F is guided by the sheet guide F1 and conveyed to the paper discharge roll R1. When the sheet S is discharged to the first discharge tray TRh,
The sheet S sent to the discharge roll R1 is discharged from the discharge port Ha to the first discharge tray TRh.

During double-sided printing, the sheet S on which an image is recorded on the first side rotates the paper discharge roll R1 in a state where the trailing end in the transport direction has passed the sheet guide F1. Accordingly, the sheet S is conveyed to the reversing path SH4 through the connection path SH3. The sheet S conveyed on the reversing path SH4 is conveyed to the registration roll Rr in a state where the front and back sides are reversed. Therefore, the image on the second side is recorded again from the registration roll Rr to the transfer area Q3.
When the sheet S is discharged to the face-up tray TRh1, the sheet S conveyed through the connection path SH3 by the reverse rotation of the discharge roll R1 is carried into the second discharge path SH6. Then, the sheet S conveyed through the second discharge path SH6 is discharged to the face-up tray TRh1.

(Description of cleaner)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the collected developer conveying member, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG.
In FIG. 3, the photoreceptor cleaner CL has a cleaner container 41 as an example of a cleaning container. The cleaner container 41 is disposed along the axial direction of the photoconductor PR. A cleaning blade 42 as an example of a cleaning member is supported at the lower right side of the cleaner container 41. The cleaning blade 42 comes into contact with the surface of the photoconductor PR, removes the toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor PR, and collects it in the cleaner container 41. Above the cleaning blade 42, a recovery auger 43 as an example of a recovery developer conveying member is disposed.

In FIG. 3, the collection auger 43 has a rotation shaft 46. A spiral blade 47 as an example of a transport blade is supported around the rotation shaft 46.
The spiral blade 47 conveys the developer collected in the cleaner container 41 from the rear to the front.
In FIG. 3, the rotating shaft 46 is rotatably supported by the rear end wall 41a of the cleaner container 41, and a gear G4 is supported at the rear end. The gear G4 meshes with a gear G6 supported at the rear end of the photoconductor PR. A driving force of a main motor as an example of a driving source (not shown) is transmitted to the gear G6, and the photoconductor PR and the collection auger 43 are configured to be rotatable.

In FIG. 3, the rotation shaft 46 of the recovery auger 43 has a front end passing through a discharge port 41 c formed in the front end wall 41 b of the cleaner container 41.
In FIG. 3, a pin 51 as an example of a support member is provided at the front end of the rotation shaft 46 of the collection auger 43. The pin 51 of the first embodiment is disposed on the extension of the rotation center of the rotation shaft 46.
A toner collecting device TK is constituted by the cleaner container 41, the collecting auger 43, the discharge port 41c and the like. The cleaning blade 42, the toner recovery device TK, and the like constitute a photoreceptor cleaner CL.

(Description of recovered developer transport path)
4A and 4B are explanatory views of the process unit, FIG. 4A is a side view of the process unit, FIG. 4B is a side view with the replenishment path cover removed, and FIG. 4C is a sectional view taken along line IVC-IVC in FIG.
In FIG. 4B, a supply path wall 41 d is formed on the front end wall 41 b of the cleaner container 41. The supply path wall 41d is formed in a substantially U shape that protrudes forward and is inclined in the lower right direction. In FIG. 4A, a supply path forming plate 61 as an example of a supply path forming member is mounted on the front end surface of the process unit U2. 4A and 4C, the supply path forming plate 61 includes an upper plate portion 61a and a lower cylindrical portion 61b. The plate portion 61a contacts the front end surface of the supply path wall 41d and closes the front surface of the supply path wall 41d.

A seal 61c as an example of a leakage preventing member is supported on the upper end of the cylindrical portion 61b. The seal 61c contacts the lower end surface of the replenishment path wall 41d to prevent the developer from leaking out. The seal 61c of the first embodiment is made of sponge, but can be made of rubber or the like.
The lower end of the cylindrical portion 61 b is connected to the collected toner supply port 2 a of the developing container V.
Therefore, the inclined path 63a is configured by a space extending in the oblique direction surrounded by the front end wall 41b of the cleaner container 41, the supply path wall 41d, and the plate portion 61a. In addition, a drop path 63b as an example of a transport path extending in the direction of gravity is configured by the space inside the cylindrical portion 61b. The inclined path 63a and the drop path 63b constitute the recovered developer transport path 63 of the first embodiment.

(Description of the collected developer conveying member)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the conveying member of Example 1 and the developing device.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the conveying member according to the first embodiment.
4B, 5, and 6, a recovered developer transport member 66 is disposed inside the recovered developer transport path 63. The collected developer conveying member 66 includes an inclined portion 67 as an example of an upstream portion disposed in the inclined path 63a, and a vertical portion 68 as an example of a downstream portion disposed in the dropping path 63b. .

A through hole 66 a is formed in the upper left end portion of the inclined portion 67. The through hole 66 a of the first embodiment is formed in a round hole shape whose inner diameter is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the pin 51. Therefore, the pin 51 passes through the through hole 66a with play. Therefore, the upper end of the conveying member 66 is supported by the pin 51 with play.
Moreover, the collar part 66b is formed in the upper part of the through-hole 66a along the outer edge above the through-hole 66a. The flange portion 66 b is formed in a partial cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction, which is the width direction of the transport member 66. Therefore, the flange 66b is not provided below the through hole 66a.

The inclined portion 67 according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a plate-like base portion 67a that extends in the direction of rising with respect to the inclined surface of the inclined path 63a and the developer conveying direction. A protruding portion 67b that protrudes toward the inclined surface 63a is formed on the inclined surface 63a side of the base 67a. In the first embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 67b are formed at intervals along the developer transport direction. A rod-shaped scraping bar 67c is supported at the tip of each protruding portion 67b as an example of the main body of the scraping portion. The scraping bar 67c extends in the front-rear direction, which is a direction intersecting the developer transport direction. The protruding portions 67b and the scraping bar 67c constitute scraping portions 67b and 67c of the first embodiment.
Therefore, in Example 1, it does not have a site | part along the inclined path 63a, such as a hook-shaped member and the roof-shaped member which connects the scraping parts 67b, at the upper end of the scraping parts 67b and 67c.

The vertical part 68 of Example 1 is formed in the plate shape extended in an up-down direction and the left-right direction. Further, a left end surface 68a as an example of a restricting portion is formed at the lower end portion of the vertical portion 68 of the first embodiment so as to protrude to the left. Furthermore, a guide plate 68b as an example of a driven member is supported on the right surface of the lower end portion of the vertical portion 68 of the first embodiment. The guide plate 68b according to the first embodiment is formed in a square plate shape that extends downward. A contact plate 68c, which is an example of a contact portion and an example of a driven portion, is integrally formed at the lower end of the guide plate 68b. The contact plate 68c according to the first embodiment is formed in a plate shape that is inclined obliquely downward to the left. The contact plate 68c according to the first embodiment is configured to be able to contact a blade 69 of an auger Gb as an example of a stirring member disposed inside the developing container V.
The developer container V2, the collected developer conveying path 63, the collected developer conveying member 66, and the like constitute a collected toner supply device TH2.

(Operation of Collected Toner Replenishing Device of Example 1)
In the printer U of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the developer collected by the photoreceptor cleaner CL from the surface of the photoreceptor PR at the time of image formation is transported to the transport path 63 by the recovery auger 43. The developer that has flowed into the conveyance path 63 falls to the inclined path 63a. The developer that has fallen on the inclined path 63a is sent to the downstream drop path 63b as the recovered developer transport member 66 moves. The developer conveyed to the dropping path 63b falls by its own weight and is sent to the developing device G. The developer returned to the developing device G is reused for development.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the conveying member of Example 1, FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a state where the conveying member is lowered, and FIG. 7B is a state where the lower end of the conveying member starts to contact the blades of the stirring member FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram of a state where the agitating member is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 7B and the conveying member is moved upward. FIG. 7D is a lower end of the conveying member when the agitating member is rotated from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which is separated from the blade of the stirring member.
In FIG. 7, in the printer U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the auger Gb of the developing device G is also rotated with the image forming operation. In FIG. 7, when the auger Gb rotates, the conveying member 66 contacts the blades 69 of the auger Gb and receives a force that moves in the vertical direction. Here, in the conveyance member 66 of Example 1, it has the shape of the substantially "<" shape which has the inclination part 67 and the vertical part 68, and the position of the gravity center and the position of the upper end supported are vertical parts. It exists on the left side of 68. Therefore, when the conveying member 66 is lifted from below, the conveying member 66 moves so as to be tilted to the left due to the position of the center of gravity or the like. At this time, the left end surface 68a is formed on the left side of the conveying member 66 so that the left end surface 68a protrudes, and when it is going to tilt, it is regulated so that the tilt does not become too large by contacting the inner surface of the dropping path 63b. The Accordingly, the conveyance member 66 moves in the vertical direction in the conveyance path 63.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the pin 51 is supported with play by the upper end through-hole 66a. That is, the conveying member 66 according to the first exemplary embodiment is in a state in which a vertically long object is moved up and down at the lower end while the upper end is relatively free to move. Therefore, when the lower end moves up and down, the upper portion is likely to fluctuate from side to side, and the amplitude tends to be relatively large. Therefore, compared with the structure supported in the state without play like patent documents 1-3, especially the structure supported in the state without play like patent documents 1 and 3, the upper part of conveyance member 66 It is possible to widen the range in which the inclined portion 67 moves within the conveyance path 63, and the locus during movement tends to be irregular. If the movement is regular, the area through which the conveying member passes is limited, and the developer may solidify in the area that does not pass. If the developer lump grows and then is supplied to the developing device G, the developer is not sufficiently loosened and used for development, which may cause development failure. On the other hand, in the first embodiment in which the movement range is wide and irregularly moved, it is easier to break the developer on the upstream side of the conveyance path 63 than in the conventional configuration. Therefore, the occurrence of defective development is reduced.

The conveying member 66 according to the first exemplary embodiment moves up and down in a state where the vertical portion 68 penetrates the collected toner supply port 2a of the developing container V. Therefore, clogging of the developer in the vicinity of the collected toner supply port 2a is also prevented. Furthermore, in the conveyance member 66 of the first embodiment, when the vertical portion 68 moves up and down, the left end surface 68a may move up and down while being in contact with the inner surface of the dropping path 63b. Therefore, the developer attached to the inner surface of the dropping path 63b is scraped off. Therefore, clogging of the developer in the dropping path 63b is also prevented.
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the upper end of the conveying member 66 is supported in a state having play on the pin 51 disposed on the extension of the rotation center of the collection auger 43. Therefore, if the upper end is not supported at all, there is a problem that the behavior of the recovery auger 43 becomes too unstable. If the behavior becomes too unstable, the conveying member 66 may be caught inside the conveying path 63 or may collide with the wall surface of the conveying path 63 with a strong force. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the pin 51 is supported with play, and the range in which the conveying member 66 moves is limited to some extent as compared with the case where the pin 51 is not supported at all. Therefore, it is reduced that the conveyance member 66 is caught inside the conveyance path 63.

FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram of the first embodiment, FIG. 8A is an operation explanatory diagram of the configuration of the embodiment, FIG. 8B is an operation explanatory diagram of the conventional configuration, and FIG. 8C is a lower scraping portion in the conventional configuration. FIG. 8D is an operation explanatory view of the inclined plate of the first embodiment.
In FIG. 8A, in the conveyance member 66 of Example 1, the base 67a is a plate-like shape that stands up with respect to the ramp 63a, and no hook-like member or the like is provided at the upper end of the scraping portion 67b. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the conventional conveying member 01, a scraping portion 04 extends from a plate-like base portion 03 along the inclined path 02. Therefore, the upper end of the scraping portion 04 is connected by the roof-like base portion 03. In the conventional conveying member 01, the base portion 03 is formed in a plate shape so as to be elastically deformable in order to move the vertical portion 05 so as to make it difficult to clog the developer in the dropping path 06.

  However, in the conventional conveying member 01, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the conveying member 01 moves downstream while being in contact with the inclined path 02, it is surrounded by the base 03, the scraping part 04, and the inclined path 02. The space 07 was sealed. In this configuration, for example, when a high-density image is printed, when a large amount of developer temporarily flows into the slope 02, the developer is compressed in the space 07 and the space 071 between the slope 02 and the base 03. There was a risk that this would occur. When the developer is pressed and hardened in the space 07 and the space 071 between the inclined path 02 and the base 03, the developer is clogged, the movement of the transport member 01 becomes worse, and the developer cannot be transported to the downstream side. There are problems such as clogging 02, the developer being rubbed against the slope 02 and sticking, or the pressed developer being deteriorated.

On the other hand, the conveying member 66 of the first embodiment is not provided with a roof-like member, a bowl-like member, or the like as in the conventional base 03. Therefore, it does not become a sealed state like the space 07 and the space 071 in the conventional configuration. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, even if a large amount of developer flows temporarily, the developer is prevented from being pressed and hardened in the sealed space, and the developer is clogged by the scraping portions 67b and 67c. The occurrence of such problems is reduced.
Further, in the conveyance member 66 of Example 1, a gap is formed between the base portion 67a and the inclined surface 63a. In the configuration in which the base portion 67a is in contact with the inclined surface 63a, the base portion 67a has almost no ability to send the developer downstream, and the developer sandwiched between the base portion 67a and the inclined surface 63a is rubbed against the inclined surface 63a. There is a risk of getting stuck. On the other hand, in the conveyance member of Example 1 in which the gap is formed, the sticking of the developer is reduced as compared with the configuration in which the gap is formed.

  In addition, when the transport member 66 according to the first embodiment moves upward due to the irregular behavior, the developer on the inclined path 63a may be moved upstream in the transport direction. On the other hand, in the conveying member 66 according to the first embodiment, the scraping bar 67c is formed in a bar shape protruding from the thickness in the front-rear direction of the base portion 67a. Therefore, even if the conveying member 66 moves upward in a state where the scraping bar 67c is in contact with the inner surface of the inclined path 63a, the developer easily gets over the scraping bar 67c. Therefore, the backflow of the developer is reduced as compared with the configuration of the scraping unit 04 having the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 8B.

  Moreover, in the conveyance member 66 of Example 1, the contact plate 68c is formed so as to be inclined downstream with respect to the rotation direction of the auger Gb. 8C, when the lower end of the lower scraping portion 011 is simply extended in the conventional conveying member 01 as shown in FIG. 8C, the blades of the auger 012 Contact. Therefore, the lower scraping portion 011 enters the auger 012. In this case, the lower end of the lower scraping portion 011 is pushed by the auger 012 and the conveying member 013 is pushed against the inner wall surface 014a of the dropping path 014. Even after being pushed, the fourth scraping is performed from the auger 012. The part 011 receives a force. Therefore, there are problems such as the lower scraping portion 011 being broken, the blades of the auger 012 being damaged, and the motor driving the auger 012 being subjected to a load. On the other hand, in Example 1, as shown in FIG. 8D, the inclined plate 68c is inclined downstream with respect to the rotation direction of the auger Gb. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7B to 7D, when contacting the auger Gb, the inclined surface of the contact plate 83 c becomes a guide surface, a so-called guide surface, and the conveying member 81 receives a force to move upward. Therefore, problems such as breakage of the contact plate 83c are reduced.

  Further, the conveying member 66 of the first embodiment is provided with a flange portion 66b. In the configuration in which the flange 66b is not provided, the transport member 66 is easy to move in the axial direction (front-rear direction in the figure) with respect to the pin 51, and the transport member 66 is in the vertical and horizontal planes as shown in FIG. In addition to movement, there is a possibility of showing a three-dimensional behavior including tilting and twisting in the front-rear direction. When tilting in the front-rear direction or the like occurs, there is less play in the portion of the through hole 66a and the pin 51 that have play, and in the worst case, play is eliminated and the transport member 66 is caught. It may become impossible to move.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, even if the conveying member 66 is inclined in the front-rear direction with respect to the pin 51, the flange portion 66 b comes into contact with the pin 51 and both front and rear walls of the conveying path 63. Therefore, the conveyance member 66 is suppressed from being largely inclined. Therefore, compared with the case where the collar part 63b is not provided, it is reduced that the conveyance member 66 cannot move.
Moreover, in Example 1, the collar part 66b is provided only in the upper side. In the case where it is also provided on the lower side, the developer may accumulate on the upper surface of the lower collar part and may be hardened. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the developer is prevented from collecting around the through hole 66a.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the conveying member according to the second embodiment.
In the description of the second embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is 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. 9, the collected toner supply device TH <b> 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment includes a conveyance member 66 ′ instead of the conveyance member 66. The conveying member 66 ′ of the second embodiment is formed with a through hole 66 a ′ as an example of a supported portion instead of the through hole 66 a of the first embodiment. The through hole 66a ′ according to the second embodiment is configured by a long hole extending along the inclination direction of the inclined path 63a. Further, in the second embodiment, instead of the pin 51 of the first embodiment, an eccentric pin 51 ′ is provided at a position eccentric with respect to the rotation center of the recovery auger 43. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the conveying member 66 ′ is supported by the eccentric pin 51 ′ in a state in which the eccentric pin 51 ′ is free to move along the through hole 66a ′, that is, with play.
In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a flange 66b ′ is formed on the upper portion of the through hole 66a ′ along the outer edge on the upper side of the through hole 66a ′. The flange portion 66b ′ of the second embodiment is formed in a semi-elliptical cylinder shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole 66a ′. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the flange 66b ′ is not provided below the through hole 66a ′.

(Operation of Example 2)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the state of the conveying member of Example 2, FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram when the eccentric pin is located in the upper left, and FIG. 10B is a state where the stirring member is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 10A FIG. 10C is an explanatory view of the state where the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 10B, FIG. 10D is an explanatory view of the state where the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 10C, and FIG. 10D is a diagram illustrating a state in which the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state illustrated in FIG. 10D, FIG. 10F is a diagram illustrating the state in which the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state illustrated in FIG. 10E, and FIG. FIG. 10H is an explanatory view showing a state where the stirring member has been rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 10G.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the state of the conveying member of the second embodiment. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is located at the upper left and the blade phase of the stirring member is delayed by about 140 degrees compared to FIG. 10A. 11B is an explanatory view of the state where the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11A, FIG. 11C is an explanatory view of the state where the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11E is an explanatory diagram of a state where the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state, FIG. 11E is an explanatory diagram of a state where the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11D, and FIG. 11F is an explanatory diagram of the eccentric pin rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11G is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11F, and FIG. 11H is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 11G.

In the transport member 66 ′ according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the through hole 66 a ′ at the upper end is supported with play like the transport member 66 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the developer clogging on the upstream side of the conveyance path 63 is improved as compared with the case where no play is provided.
In the second embodiment, the conveyance member 66 ′ moves in the conveyance path 63 in response to the vertical movement associated with the contact with the auger Gb and the rotational movement associated with the rotation of the eccentric pin 51 ′. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the conveying member 66 ′ reciprocates by receiving driving from two different driving sources. Therefore, the movement of the conveying member 66 ′ tends to be irregular. Therefore, the developer is not easily clogged.

  Here, in the conveying member 66 ′ of the second embodiment, a long hole-like through hole 66 a ′ is supported by the rotating eccentric pin 51 ′. And the rotation direction of the eccentric pin 51 'is rotating in the upper left, lower left, lower right, and upper right directions. Therefore, as can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, when the scraping portions 67b and 67c come into contact with the surface of the inclined path 63a, the scrapers 67b move from the upper left to the lower right. Conversely, when the scraping portions 67b and 67c move from the lower right to the upper left, the scraping portions 67b and 67c move in a state of being separated from the surface of the ramp 63a. Therefore, when the conveying member 66 ′ moves downstream of the inclined path 63 a, the conveying member 66 ′ conveys the developer downstream while moving the developer upstream of the inclined path 63 a. Do not carry. Therefore, the back flow of the developer is further suppressed as compared with the configuration of the first embodiment, and the developer transport performance is improved.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the state of the conveying member of Example 2, FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the agitating member pushes up the conveying member, and FIG. 12B is an eccentric pin rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. FIG. 12C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. 12B. FIG. 12D is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. FIG. 12E is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. 12D. FIG. 12F is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the eccentric pin is rotated 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. FIG. 12G is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the eccentric pin is rotated by 45 degrees compared to the state shown in FIG. 12F. FIG. 12H is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the eccentric pin is 4 in comparison with the state shown in FIG. It is an explanatory view of a state in degrees rotated position.
In particular, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the rotation cycle of the auger Gb of the developing device G and the rotation cycle of the eccentric pin 51 ′ are different. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12, even when the transport member 66 ′ is lifted by the auger Gb, the posture of the transport member 66 ′ varies depending on the position of the eccentric pin 51 ′. Therefore, compared with the case where the rotation period of the auger Gb and the rotation period of the eccentric pin 51 ′ are the same, the behavior of the conveying member 66 ′ tends to be irregular. Therefore, the performance of making the developer difficult to clog is improved.

(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 made in the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. Is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H07) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the printer as an example of the image forming apparatus is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a FAX.

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the holes are formed on the conveying members 66 and 66 'side and the pins are provided on the collection auger 43 side is illustrated as the configuration to be supported with play, but is not limited thereto. . For example, it is possible to provide pins on the conveying members 66 and 66 ′ side and holes on the collection auger 43 side. Moreover, although the structure which provides a support part in the collection | recovery auger 43 was illustrated, it is not limited to this, It is also possible to provide in the wall surface of the conveyance path 63. FIG.
(H03) In the above-described embodiment, the shape and number of the scraping portions 67b and 67c are not limited to the exemplified configurations, and can be arbitrarily changed according to the design, specifications, and the like.

(H04) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration including the inclined path 63a and the falling path 63b as the conveyance path 63 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a configuration including only the inclined path 63a, and can also be applied to a conveyance path extending in the horizontal direction.
(H05) In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable to provide the flange portions 66b and 66b ', but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which they are not provided.
(H06) In the above embodiment, the configuration of the square plate shape is illustrated as the contact plate 68c as an example of the driven portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a round or triangular flat plate or a curvature plate may be used. Further, it may be substantially hemispherical.
(H07) In the above-described embodiment, the protrusion 68d is preferably present in order to reduce the contact area of the plate with the wall of the conveyance path (prevention of rubbing), but it may be omitted.

43 ... Rotating bodies 51, 51 '... Support members,
63 ... transport path,
63a ... ramp,
63b ... Falling path,
66, 66 '... conveying member,
66a, 66a '... supported members,
66b, 66b '... buttocks,
67 ... Inclined part,
67b ... protruding portion,
67c ... main body of scraping part,
68 ... vertical part,
68a ... regulation part,
68c ... contact part,
CL ... cleaner
G: Developing device,
Gb: stirring member,
PR: Image carrier,
Rt: transfer device,
S ... medium
U: Image forming apparatus.

Claims (11)

A developing device that has a stirring member that rotates inside to stir the developer, and that develops the latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A cleaner for collecting and cleaning the developer remaining on the surface of the image carrier;
A transport path connecting the cleaner and the developing device and transporting the collected developer;
A transport member that is supported movably along the transport path and transports the developer downstream. The support member is disposed at an upper end of the transport member and supports the transport member in the transport path. A supported portion that is formed to have an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter and supported by the support member, and a regulating portion that is disposed in the lower portion and contacts the inner surface of the conveyance path and regulates a moving range in a direction that intersects the vertical direction And the conveying member having a contact portion disposed at the lower end and capable of contacting the stirring member,
Equipped with a,
An image forming apparatus , wherein the agitation member moves the conveyance member upward while the contact portion is in contact with the agitation member in a state where the regulation unit is in contact with the inner surface of the conveyance path . A developing device that has a stirring member that rotates inside to stir the developer, and that develops the latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A cleaner for collecting and cleaning the developer remaining on the surface of the image carrier;
A transport path connecting the cleaner and the developing device and transporting the collected developer;
A transport member that is supported movably along the transport path and transports the developer downstream, and is disposed at the upper end and supported in the transport path with play. A regulating portion that is disposed at a lower portion and that regulates a moving range in a direction that intersects with the inner surface of the conveyance path and intersects the vertical direction; and a contact portion that is disposed at a lower end and is capable of contacting the stirring member. A conveying member;
Equipped with a,
An image forming apparatus , wherein the agitation member moves the conveyance member upward while the contact portion is in contact with the agitation member in a state where the regulation unit is in contact with the inner surface of the conveyance path . A ramp which is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity, and the conveying path with a drop passage extending and along the direction of gravity is connected downstream of the ramp with respect to the conveying direction of the developer,
Said conveying member having an inclined portion that will be placed along the ramp, and a vertical portion that have a and the contact portion extends along the drop path,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The contact portion inclined toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the stirring member;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The transport member having a projecting portion extending toward the surface of the transport path, and a main body of a scraping unit supported by the projecting portion and extending in a direction crossing the transport direction of the developer and the surface of the transport path;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A collar portion provided only on the upper side of the supported portion and extending in the width direction of the transport member,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A support member disposed at a position eccentric from the rotation center with respect to the rotating body rotating about the rotation center and supporting the upper end of the supported portion with play;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The supported portion configured by a long hole extending along the developer conveyance direction of the conveyance path;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The width of the contact portion is wider than the width of the restriction portion with respect to the vertical direction and the width direction intersecting the direction in which the movement range is restricted by the restriction portion.
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The transport path and the transport member are formed in a shape in which a downstream part is bent with respect to an upstream part in the transport direction,
  One of the restricting portions is disposed at the downstream portion,
  The regulating portion has the longest length in the direction toward the inner surface of the conveyance path in the downstream portion.
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The stirring member has a rotating shaft and a blade disposed on an outer periphery of the shaft.
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.