JPH04116867U - electrophotographic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which the toner collecting unit can be disposed at the most preferable position, allowing the toner collecting unit to be replaced at accurate collection intervals without overflow. shall be. [Structure] The present invention provides a residual toner collection section integrally at the end of the drum axis direction of a toner container detachably attached to the developing device, and a second residual toner collection section between the toner collection section and the terminal end of the cleaning mechanism. The present invention is characterized in that a second conveying means is provided, and the residual toner can be stored in the collecting section via the second conveying means. In this case, it is preferable that the drive of the second conveying means be connected to a residual toner conveying screw shaft in the cleaning mechanism.

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

0001

[Industrial application field]

This invention relates to electrophotographic devices used as facsimiles, printers, and copying machines. In particular, there is a cleaner that can convey the residual toner removed from the photoreceptor drum to the end of the drum shaft. The present invention relates to an electrophotographic device equipped with a cleaning mechanism.

0002

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, electrophotographic devices used as facsimiles, printers, and copiers are This type of device generally transfers a toner image carried on a photoreceptor drum to a developing device. After the toner image is visualized by positioning, the toner image is synchronized with registration rollers and transferred to the transfer position. The image is transferred onto the recording paper guided to the printer, and the image is fixed while the recording paper is conveyed along the conveyance path. After the toner image has been transferred, the paper is discharged to the paper output tray side, and on the other hand, after the toner image is transferred, the toner image is deposited on the photoreceptor drum. After removing residual toner using the cleaning mechanism, remove the eraser and charger. The drum surface is uniformly charged by using this method, and the above-mentioned operation can be repeated thereafter. This type of cleaning mechanism generally uses A cleaning blade that scrapes off the toner, and a cleaning blade that scrapes off the toner and removes the scraped toner from the end of the drum shaft. It consists of a screw-shaped conveying member that leads to a collection bottle placed on the side.

0003

[Problem that the idea aims to solve]

The collection bottle needs to be replaced every time the number of sheets is printed. Printing continues without knowing that the toner is full, causing contamination inside the machine due to overflow. Not only may this occur, but the user may be forced to periodically replace the collected bottles. This makes maintenance work complicated.

0004 In order to eliminate this drawback, it may be possible to increase the volume of the collection bottle. However, a large-capacity toner collection container is installed in a restricted area at the shaft end of the cleaning mechanism. Providing a Ru.

[0005] Also, between the shaft end (terminal end) side of the conveying member (hereinafter referred to as the screw shaft) and the developing container. A second conveying member is provided so that the residual toner is removed from the developer container side by the second conveying member. A device has been proposed that is capable of storing . (Special Public Interest Publication 57-18187)

[0006] In addition, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is possible to reuse the residual toner stored in the developer container. The residual toner should be removed by mixing it with a sufficiently large amount of developer in the developer container to The ridge caking etc. are destroyed and the powder is restored to a stable powder state. Configuring the developer to be reusable means that there must always be a sufficient amount of developer in the developer container. However, it also requires a mixing means to break the caking, which makes the configuration rather complicated. Not only does this create design constraints, but also paper dust, etc. may be mixed into the residual toner. Therefore, it is difficult to restore the developer to a highly pure and highly stable developer.

[0007] In addition, providing the second conveyance member as described above means that an independent This requires a driving source, complicates the device configuration, and restricts miniaturization of the device.

[0008] In order to eliminate this drawback, it is possible to connect the conveying member to the drive system on the device main body side. It is also possible, but with this configuration, synchronization with the screw shaft side may not necessarily be achieved. First, residual toner may overflow at the terminal end of the screw shaft.

[0009] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a toner collection section (container, space) within the device. Although it is possible to install a It is possible to form a toner collecting section, and to provide accurate spacing without overflow. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic apparatus in which the collecting section can be replaced. Another object of the present invention is that, as mentioned above, the distance between the screw shaft and the toner collecting section is Even if a second conveyance means is installed in the area, a drive source for the second conveyance means is not required Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrophotographic device that can eliminate the fear of overflow. .

0010

[Means to solve the problem]

The invention according to claim 1 transfers a toner image corresponding to image information to the photosensitive drum side. The toner container is removably attached to the developing device. The residual toner collection section can be removed integrally with the toner container at the end of the drum axial direction of the container. The first feature is that it is arranged in a Noh style. A second feature is that a second a second conveying means is provided, and the residual toner is collected in the collecting section via the second conveying means. The reason is that it is configured so that it can be easily delivered.

[0011] According to the second aspect of the invention, the drum shaft is arranged parallel to the drum shaft like the screw shaft. It has a conveying means that can convey the residual toner to the end of the drum shaft using rotation of the rotating shaft. This applies to electrophotographic equipment equipped with a cleaning mechanism that The first feature is that the conveyance means (screw shaft) has a terminal position. and a second conveying means extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the drum axis, The remaining toner is configured to be stored in the toner collecting section via the conveyance means, Of course, the collecting section is provided on the shaft end side of the toner container that is detachably attached to the developing device. However, it is not limited to this.

0012 A second feature is that the driving end of the second conveying means is connected to the first conveying means. The point is that it is configured to be connectable to the rotating shaft end of the means (screw shaft).

[0013]

[Effect]

According to the first idea, the amount of developer used in the toner container and the amount of residual toner discharged are are highly correlated, so the volume of the toner collection section can be calculated as follows: If you set it according to the amount, the time to replace the toner container and the time to replace the collection unit will match. The time to replace the toner container is automatically determined based on the developer detection sensor and the number of prints. Because this is possible, it is possible to accurately replace the collection unit along with the toner container. Ru.

[0014] However, in the present invention, since the collection section and the toner container are integrated, the collection section It completely eliminates the risk of forgetting to replace the battery and leaving it behind by mistake, and also protects the global environment. In today's world, where recycling of discarded parts is called for in order to Integration of products is also preferable in terms of parts recovery efficiency.

[0015] Also, the developing device and toner container occupy the largest volume compared to other processes. In addition, the collecting portion is formed on the shaft end side, except for the developing sleeve side. There is little risk of adverse effects on image formation even if a part of it is recessed in order to There is no problem in terms of design freedom and space saving.

[0016] Furthermore, the collection section is not located at the center or back side of the toner container, but is located outside the image forming area. Because it is on the end of the drum shaft, there are cleaning machines on both sides of the photoreceptor drum. Even if a developing system and a developing device are installed, it is possible to connect the two without detouring around the drum. It is possible to use a second conveying means that communicates in a straight line, which simplifies the configuration. It will be done. In this case, since the toner container has a rotating shaft for stirring, as shown in the example below. Instead of taking drive only from the screw shaft, it uses the rotating shaft on the toner container side. It is also possible to drive the second conveyance means by using the same method, and there is a high degree of freedom in design in this respect as well. .

[0017] Now, in the second invention, the drum shaft extends along the plane direction perpendicular to the drum axis. Because the end of the conveyance means and the toner collection section are communicated via the second conveyance means. , The collecting section is located at the end of the first conveyance means, in other words, near the cleaning mechanism. It can be placed at the most preferable position within the device without any limitations.

[0018] The second conveying means does not require an independent drive source, and the second conveyance means does not require an independent drive source, A cleaner that transports residual toner without being connected to the drive system of other process means. In other words, the first conveying means in the cleaning mechanism is directly connected to the screw shaft. In addition, the synchronization between both conveyance means is completely achieved, and residual toner remains at the end of the screw shaft. It can be conveyed continuously to the collecting section side without any It can completely eliminate the fear of flow.

[0019] In this case, the second conveying means does not necessarily include a pulley and a belt as in the embodiment described later. Although not limited to a belt mechanism consisting of The pulley can be directly fitted to the end of the rotating shaft, and the width and thickness can be made smaller than the number of parts. This is preferable because space can be saved.

[0020]

【Example】

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. However, this fruit The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the examples are particularly specific. Unless there is a specific description, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to only that. This is just an illustrative example. FIG. 1 shows the internal structure of an electrophotographic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. To explain its configuration in detail, this device has a roughly rectangular shape with the operation surface on the right side in the figure. , the photoreceptor drum 1 is disposed approximately in the center thereof, and the rotation direction of the photoreceptor drum 1 is Exposure optical system 2 is located above along the line, development unit 3 is located on the right, and transfer device is located below. 4, and a cleaning mechanism 5, an eraser 6, and a charger 61 are respectively arranged on the left side, A known electrophotographic process is performed while rotating the photosensitive drum 1 in the direction of the arrow. It is configured as follows.

[0021] Further, below the photosensitive drum 1, the transfer device 4, paper feed cassette 13, etc. are integrated. A transport unit 10 incorporated in the device is disposed over almost the entire area of the device, and the unit is The knit 10 is inserted together with the paper feed cassette 13 through the opening 21 provided on the operation surface side on the right side of the figure. It is constructed so that it can be drawn out integrally with the main body. That is, the transport unit 10 has a paper feed cassette formed over almost the entire bottom area of the apparatus. The sheet storage portion 11 and the upper surface of the storage portion 11 in a substantially tangential direction of the transfer position of the drum 1. It consists of a unit body 12 with a conveyance path formed along it, and the body is located on the right side of the figure. The paper feed roller 8 and the registration roller 9 are sequentially moved along the conveyance path from the cassette paper feed end side. , the transfer device 4, and the conveyance guide 14 extending to the inlet end of the fixing unit 30 are arranged/ Form.

[0022] Further, a paper feed cassette 13 is removably installed in the storage section 11. With the transport unit 10 attached to the device main body side, or with the transport unit 10 After attachment and detachment, the paper feed cassette 13 is configured to be removable.

[0023] On the other hand, the fixing unit 30 includes a pair of fixing rollers 31 and a pair of paper ejection rollers disposed on the exit side thereof. 32, and a switching lever 23 disposed downstream of the fixing unit 30. By switching operation, the recording material after fixing the image moves to the reversing guide 24 and the ejection roller 27. Paper is ejected to the top side of the device via the It is configured so that it can be performed selectively.

[0024] In addition, the main body of the device, including the reversing guide 24, passes from the left side wall through the paper ejection section on the top of the device. The housing portion 26 on the upper wall of the device that reaches the upper surface of the developing device 3 is attached to a support (not shown) provided on the paper ejection side. It is structured so that it can be divided and opened around a point, and can be detached from the upper part of the developing device 3. The installed toner container is configured to be easily replaceable.

[0025] Next, the cleaning mechanism 50, the toner container 70, and the residual toner, which are the main components of the present invention. The mechanism for recovering the toner will be explained below. First, as shown in FIG. A cleaning blade 51 that scrapes off the remaining toner and a drive that removes the scraped toner. It consists of a screw shaft 52 that is conveyed to the end of the ram shaft. As shown in FIG. 1, the screw shaft 52 is connected to a drive shaft 53 extending parallel to the drum 1. is formed around the screw shaft 5 in a spiral shape surrounding the helical blade 54. The opening 1 of the drum frame 19 that pivotally supports the drum 1 on the downstream side in the spiral rotation direction of 2 A drive shaft end 52 extends further from 8 toward the outer wall of the device and has a rectangular cross section at the extended end. Protrude a.

[0026] 60 is a fitting portion 63a provided at the open end 19a of the drum frame 19 and a pulley. The second carrier is fitted and held in the recess 19b of the frame 19 via the bearing 64. The transport mechanism 60 includes a drive pulley fitted to the screw shaft end 52a. 61, a driven drive disposed at a position facing an opening 72 of a toner collection section 71, which will be described later. The pulley 65, the belt 62 stretched between the pulleys 61 and 65, and the belt 62 that surrounds these pulleys 61 and 65. It consists of a frame 63 that extends along the inner wall space of the device located outside the recording paper conveyance path. In other words, the narrow space on the end side of one shaft of the photoreceptor drum is within the plane orthogonal to the drum shaft 1a. It extends obliquely upward toward the toner container 70 side along.

[0027] The driving pulley 61 has one end supported on the side wall surface of the frame body 63 and a shaft end on the other end side. The shaft hole 61a is recessed and configured to be able to fit with the screw shaft end 52a. The belt 62 has partition walls 66 made of a flexible elastic material erected at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral surface. It consists of a rubber-like belt. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame body 63 has a substantially oval shape surrounding the belt 62, An opening 63c that allows the drive pulley 61 side to fit into the drum frame opening end 19a, Also, the side facing the opening 72 of the toner collection section 71 below the driven pulley 65 is opened. This is the toner discharge port 63d.

[0028] Then, the ceiling wall above the driven pulley 65 of the frame 63 is moved along the moving direction of the belt 62. The partition wall 66 is formed into a knife edge shape so that the width gradually becomes narrower. The stepped portion 67 at the end of the edge 67 is curved toward the direction while applying elastic force. The partition wall 66 is configured to be able to be reversed while elastically releasing the pressure contact at a point a.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 79 and the engagement protrusion 77 provided on the side of the toner collection section 71. and the developing unit 3 side to increase the residual toner storage capacity. While extending out along the surface to the lower end side, the side facing the belt 62 mechanism is It is formed diagonally along the belt 62, and is connected to the toner discharge port 63d of the belt mechanism 60. An opening 72 is formed on the facing side. In addition, 68 in the figure stirs the accumulated toner in the collection container. The rotating shaft end 69a of the stirring member is attached to the wall surface 71a facing the toner container 70. expose. On the other hand, on the wall side of the toner container 70, disposed on the wall side of the container located on the opposite side, Protrude the other end of the toner agitation shaft (not shown) connected to a drive source for toner supply (not shown). The rotary shaft end 69a is configured to be able to fit into a key hole 75a provided in the protrusion. Ru. Therefore, the collecting section 71 can be taken out together with the toner container 70 upward. Become.

[0030] Next, the operation of the present invention will be explained. First, the cleaning blade 51 scrapes the residual toner on the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor drum. After dropping, the helical blade 54 is utilized by rotating the screw shaft 52. The residual toner is conveyed to the end of the first shaft of the drum. At this time, the helical blade 54 has penetrated into the frame 63 of the belt mechanism 60. Therefore, the toner can be carried into the mechanism 60 smoothly.

[0031] The drive pulley 61 of the belt mechanism is connected to the screw shaft 52. The belt mechanism 60 rotates in synchronization with the screw shaft 52 to Using the partition wall 66 of 62, the residual toner is directly conveyed to the driven pulley 65 side. .

[0032] Then, on the driven pulley 65 side, the partition wall 66 is gradually pushed back by the knife edge 67. While curving in the opposite direction, the pressure is released at the edge 67, and the repulsive force causes the partition to The wall 66 rotates around the driven pulley 65 while being urged forward. As a result, the toner that had adhered to the partition wall 66 due to the biasing force is also removed from the partition wall 66. The toner between 6 and 6 is forcibly discharged to the toner collecting section 71 side.

[0033] After repeating the above state for each printing and setup operation, a sensor (not shown) When the developer container 70 is displayed as empty, a message appears on the top of the developing device 3. The housing section 26 on the top wall of the device is opened in parts to collect the toner together with the collecting section 71. The container 70 is replaced.

[0034]

[Effect of the idea]

As described above, according to the invention according to claims 1 and 2, toner collection is carried out in the apparatus. Although the additional parts (containers, spaces) are provided, the device configuration does not become complicated, and it does not become an obstacle to downsizing the device. The toner collecting section can be formed without causing any harm, and overflow may not occur. The collecting section can be replaced at accurate intervals. In addition, especially according to the second aspect of the invention, the screw shaft 52 and the toner are connected as described above. - Even if a second conveyance means is installed between the collection sections, a drive source for the second conveyance means is not required. Toner can be collected smoothly without any overflow and without the risk of overflow. I can do it. It has various effects such as

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the shaft end side of the cleaning mechanism of the electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a toner collection section of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram of an electrophotographic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the toner container shown in FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Photoreceptor drum 5 Cleaning mechanism 3 Developing device 70 Toner container 71 Residual toner collection section 50 Transport means (51 connection part) 60 Second conveyance means 61, 65 pulley 62 Belt

Claims (3)

[Scope of utility model registration request] Claim 1: In an electrophotographic apparatus equipped with a cleaning mechanism having a conveyance means capable of conveying residual toner removed from a photoconductor drum to the end of the drum shaft, the cleaning mechanism is detachable from a developing device that forms a toner image on the photoconductor drum side. It has a toner container that is freely attached, and a residual toner collecting section is integrally and removably disposed on the end side of the drum shaft of the container, and a second toner collecting section is provided between the collecting section and the terminal end of the conveying means. An electrophotographic apparatus characterized in that a conveying means is provided, and residual toner can be stored in the collecting section via the second conveying means. 2. An electrophotographic apparatus provided with a cleaning mechanism having a conveying means capable of conveying residual toner removed from a photosensitive drum to an end of the drum axis by utilizing rotation of a rotating shaft disposed parallel to the drum axis. A second conveying means is provided extending from a terminal position of the conveying means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the drum axis, and the residual toner can be stored in the toner collection section through the second conveying means. An electrophotographic apparatus characterized in that the drive end of the second conveyance means can be connected to the rotating shaft end of the conveyance means. 3. The electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second conveying means is a belt mechanism including a pulley and a belt.