JP2012008381A - Developer recovering device and picture forming device equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a developer recovery device capable of stabilizing an overload of a stirring member when a shaft of a torque limiter is not twisted and a shaft is interrupted.
If the lower container 72-2 of the toner collecting container 72 is not full of toner and the stirring blade 77 is not overloaded, a cam 96d of a coupling flange 96 and a cam 95d of a coupling gear 95 are provided. The engaging force is transmitted to the coupling gear 95 → the coupling flange 96 → the output gear 92 → the gear 95, and the stirring blade 77 rotates. When the lower container 72-2 is full of toner and the agitation blade 77 is overloaded, the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam of the coupling gear 95 are resisted against the biasing force of the coil spring 97. 95d slips and the stirring blade 77 stops. Since both the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 rotate, both ends of the coil spring 97 also rotate.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer recovery device that recovers and stores a developer remaining on an image carrier, and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  As this type of image forming apparatus, there is an electrophotographic type. In this type of apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on an image carrier, the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier is developed with toner, a toner image is formed on the image carrier, and the toner image is imaged. The toner image is fixed on the recording paper by transferring it from the carrier to the recording paper and heating and pressing the recording paper.

  In such an image forming apparatus, if the toner remaining on the image carrier is left unattended, the image quality deteriorates. Therefore, the toner remaining on the image carrier can be removed and collected in a collection container. is there. In addition, when the collection container is full of toner, this may be detected and notified to prompt replacement of the collection container.

  For example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum and the transfer belt is removed, and the toner is transported to a recovery container by a transport screw and recovered. In addition, a stirring member is provided in the collection container, and the toner is stirred by the stirring member, or a torque limiter is provided on the shaft that transmits the rotational force to the stirring member, and the collection container becomes full of toner, and the stirring member is overloaded. Therefore, when the stirring member stops rotating and the torque limiter is in a shut-off state, this is detected to determine whether the collection container is full.

JP 2006-235382 A JP-A-8-129329

  By the way, in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, as a torque limiter, the cams engaged with each other provided on the two shafts that transmit the rotational force to the stirring member and one of the cams are urged and moved. A spring that engages each cam and couples the two shafts together, and when the agitating member is overloaded, the agitating member stops and one of the shafts also stops, the spring is attached. Applying the fact that each cam slides against the force and the shaft is cut off, the block between the shafts is detected to determine the fullness of the collection container.

  However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, one end of the spring is brought into contact with the frame or the wall surface. In this case, due to the biasing force of the spring, one end of the spring is in strong contact with the frame or the wall surface and is difficult to rotate. When one of the shafts rotates in this state, the spring is twisted, and the biasing force of the spring fluctuates due to this twist, and the overload of the agitating member when the distance between the shafts is interrupted also fluctuates. For this reason, the determination of the full state of the recovery container becomes inaccurate, and the replacement of the recovery container cannot be performed properly.

  For example, when the biasing force of the spring is reduced, the recovery container is less than full, and even before the agitation member is overloaded, the shaft is blocked and the recovery container is determined to be full. The

  Further, when the frame or the wall surface was formed of synthetic resin or the like, one end of the spring was rotated while being in strong contact with the frame or the wall surface, and the frame or the wall surface was worn or abnormal noise was generated.

  In Patent Document 1, it is not possible to specify the contact location of one end of the spring from the specification and drawings, but it is necessary to compress the spring. It is thought that it is in pressure contact with the wall surface.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and the spring of the torque limiter is not twisted, and it is possible to stabilize the overload of the stirring member when the shaft is interrupted. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer recovery device that can be used and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  In order to solve the above problems, a developer recovery device of the present invention includes a recovery container that receives and stores a developer recovered from an image carrier, a stirring member that stirs the developer in the recovery container, A torque limiter that couples or shuts off the two shafts that transmit the rotational force to the agitating member, and a shut-off state between the shafts is detected. Based on the detected shut-off state, the recovery container is connected to the developer. A developer recovery device including a full determination unit that determines that the shaft is full, wherein the torque limiter includes a cam that is provided on each shaft and that is engaged with each other, And a spring for urging and moving one of the cams so that the cams are engaged with each other and connecting the shafts. The spring is provided on the one cam and rotates together with the one cam. The first rotating member and the one cam Is positioned along the resulting shaft, it is provided between the second rotary member which rotates together with the one cam.

  In the present invention, a spring is sandwiched between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and the first rotating member and one of the cams are urged against the second rotating member by the spring, and each cam is moved. The two shafts are engaged with each other so as to connect the two shafts. Therefore, if the collection container is not filled with the developer and the stirring member is not overloaded, the cams are engaged, the shafts are coupled, and the rotational force is applied to the stirring member through the shafts. As a result, the stirring member rotates. In addition, when the collection container is full of developer, the agitating member is overloaded and the agitating member stops rotating, each cam slides against the biasing force of the spring, and the shaft is blocked. .

  Since the first and second rotating members rotate together with one of the cams, both ends of the spring sandwiched between them rotate together, the spring is not twisted, and the urging force of the spring is stabilized. For this reason, the overload of the stirring member when the shaft is shut off against the biasing force of the spring is stabilized, and the determination of the full state of the recovery container based on the shut off state between the shafts becomes accurate, and the recovery container It is possible to exchange at the correct timing.

  In addition, no excessive load is applied to any of the first and second rotating members, the first and second rotating members are not worn, and the durability of the apparatus is improved.

  In the developer recovery apparatus of the present invention, the second rotating member is a gear and meshes with a gear fixed to the shaft of the stirring member.

  In this case, the second rotating member not only presses one end of the spring but also functions as a gear that transmits the rotational force.

  Furthermore, in the developer recovery apparatus of the present invention, the fullness determination unit determines a position of the first rotating member when the cams slide against the biasing force of the spring and the shafts are blocked. When detected, it is determined that the collection container is full of developer.

  When the collection container is full of developer, the agitation member is overloaded, the cams slide against the urging force of the spring, and the first rotating member moves together with one of the cams. For this reason, the position of the first rotating member can be detected, and it can be determined that the collection container is filled with the developer based on the detected position.

  In the developer recovery apparatus of the present invention, the shaft of the first rotating member is movably passed through the central hole of the second rotating member, and the claw of the shaft of the first rotating member is the second. The second rotating member is prevented from coming off from the shaft of the first rotating member by being caught on the peripheral edge of the hole in the center of the rotating member, and the rib of the first rotating member is engaged with the groove of the second rotating member. As a result, the first and second rotating members rotate together.

  Furthermore, in the developer recovery apparatus of the present invention, the spring is a coil spring passed through the one shaft.

  On the other hand, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the developer recovery apparatus of the present invention. Such an image forming apparatus of the present invention also has the same effects.

  According to the present invention as described above, the spring is sandwiched between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and the first rotating member and one cam are urged against the second rotating member by the spring. The cams are engaged with each other to couple the two shafts together. Therefore, if the collection container is not filled with the developer and the stirring member is not overloaded, the cams are engaged, the shafts are coupled, and the rotational force is applied to the stirring member through the shafts. As a result, the stirring member rotates. Also, when the collection container is full of developer, the agitating member is overloaded, the agitating member stops rotating, and one of the shafts stops, each cam slides against the biasing force of the spring. The shaft is cut off.

  Since the first and second rotating members rotate together with one of the cams, both ends of the spring sandwiched between them rotate together, the spring is not twisted, and the urging force of the spring is stabilized. For this reason, the overload of the stirring member when the shaft is shut off against the biasing force of the spring is stabilized, and the determination of the full state of the recovery container based on the shut off state between the shafts becomes accurate, and the recovery container It is possible to exchange at the correct timing.

  In addition, no excessive load is applied to any of the first and second rotating members, the first and second rotating members are not worn, and the durability of the apparatus is improved.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of a developer recovery apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a toner recovery container and a rotation drive unit in the developer recovery apparatus as viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a toner recovery container in a developer recovery apparatus as viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus, and shows an internal structure on the back side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner recovery container and a toner recovery part provided on each cleaning device side in the developer recovery device. It is a perspective view which shows the rotation drive unit in a developer collection | recovery apparatus seeing from the front. It is a perspective view which shows the rotation drive unit in a developer collection | recovery apparatus seeing from back. It is a front view showing a rotation drive unit in the developer recovery device. (A) is sectional drawing which expands and shows the output gear in a rotation drive unit, a coupling gear, a coupling flange, and a coil spring, (b) is a top view which shows an output gear etc. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a rotation drive unit when a toner recovery container is mounted. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state where the torque limiter is shut off when the toner recovery container is mounted.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of a developer recovery apparatus of the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called multi-function machine having a scanner function, a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like, and transmits an image of a document read by the image reading apparatus 2 to the outside (corresponding to a scanner function). The image of the read original or the image received from the outside is recorded and formed in color or single color on a recording sheet (corresponding to a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function).

  In order to print an image on a recording paper, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a laser exposure device 11, a developing device 12, a photosensitive drum 13, a drum cleaning device 14, a charger 15, an intermediate transfer belt device 16, a fixing device 17, and a paper transport. A path S, a paper feed tray 18, a paper discharge tray 19, and the like are provided.

  The image data handled in the image forming apparatus 1 uses data corresponding to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or a single color (for example, black). This is in accordance with the monochrome image. For this reason, four each of the developing device 12, the photosensitive drum 13, the drum cleaning device 14, and the charger 15 are provided so as to form four types of toner images corresponding to the respective colors, and black, cyan, Four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured in association with magenta and yellow.

  Each photosensitive drum 13 has a photosensitive layer on the surface thereof. Each charger 15 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 to a predetermined potential. In addition to a contact-type roller-type or brush-type charger, a charger-type charger. Is used.

  The laser exposure device 11 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser diode and a reflection mirror, and exposes the surface of each charged photosensitive drum 13 according to image data and corresponds to the image data on those surfaces. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  Each developing device 12 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 with toner of each color, and forms a toner image on the surface of these photosensitive drums 13. Each drum cleaning device 14 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt device 16 is disposed above each photosensitive drum 13 and includes an intermediate transfer belt 21, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 22, a driven roller 23, four intermediate transfer rollers 24, and a belt cleaning device 25. ing.

  The intermediate transfer belt 21 is a film formed in an endless belt shape. The intermediate transfer belt drive roller 22, the driven roller 23, each intermediate transfer roller 24, and the like stretch and support the intermediate transfer belt 21, and rotate the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction of arrow C.

  Each intermediate transfer roller 24 is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and is pressed against the respective photosensitive drums 13 via the intermediate transfer belt 21. The toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 13 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 so as to form color toner images (each color toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 21. Transfer of the toner image from each photosensitive drum 13 to the intermediate transfer belt 21 is performed by each intermediate transfer roller 24 that is in pressure contact with the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Each intermediate transfer roller 24 is a roller having a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft as a base and a surface covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). Each intermediate transfer roller 24 is applied with a high-voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) in order to transfer the toner image. A high voltage is uniformly applied to the recording paper by the material.

  Thus, the toner image on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 is transferred and laminated by the intermediate transfer belt 21 to be a color toner image indicated by the image data. This color toner image is conveyed together with the intermediate transfer belt 21 and transferred onto a recording sheet in a nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26.

  The transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26 has a voltage (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (-)) for transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 21 onto a recording sheet. Is applied.

  In addition, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 21 may not be completely transferred onto the recording paper by the secondary transfer device 26, and the toner may remain on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Causes color mixing. For this reason, the residual toner on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is removed and collected by the belt cleaning device 25. The belt cleaning device 25 is provided with, for example, a cleaning blade that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and removes residual toner as a cleaning member, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 is driven by the driven roller 23 at a portion where the cleaning blade comes into contact. The back side is supported.

  The recording sheet is conveyed to the fixing device 17 after the color toner image is transferred in the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26 a of the secondary transfer device 26. The fixing device 17 includes a heating roller 31, a pressure roller 32, and the like, and sandwiches and conveys a recording sheet between the heating roller 31 and the pressure roller 32.

  The heating roller 31 is controlled so as to have a predetermined fixing temperature based on a detection output of a temperature detector (not shown), and the color transferred to the recording paper by thermocompression bonding the recording paper together with the pressure roller 32. The toner image is melted, mixed, and pressed, and thermally fixed to the recording paper.

  In addition, a paper feed tray 18 for supplying recording paper is provided below the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a paper transport path S for sending the recording paper supplied from the paper feed tray 18 to the paper discharge tray 19 via the secondary transfer device 26 and the fixing device 17.

  A paper pickup roller 33 is provided at the end of the paper feed tray 18, and the recording paper is pulled out from the paper feed tray 18 one by one by the paper pickup roller 33 and conveyed to the paper conveyance path S.

  A paper registration roller 34, a fixing device 17, a transport roller 35, a paper discharge roller 36, and the like are arranged along the paper transport path S. The conveyance roller 35 is a small roller for promoting and assisting conveyance of the recording paper, and a plurality of sets are provided.

  The paper registration roller 34 temporarily stops the recording paper that has been conveyed, aligns the leading edge of the recording paper, and is placed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26. In order to transfer the color toner image onto the recording sheet, the recording sheet is conveyed in a timely manner in accordance with the rotation of each photosensitive drum 13 and the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  Further, the recording paper is fixed with a color toner image by the fixing device 17, passes through the fixing device 17, and is then discharged face down on the paper discharge tray 19 by the paper discharge roller 36.

  When printing not only on the front side of the recording paper but also on the back side, the recording paper is transported by the paper discharge roller 36, and then the paper discharge roller 36 is stopped and then reversely rotated, so that the recording paper is reversed. , Reverse the front and back of the recording paper, guide the recording paper to the paper registration roller 34, record and fix the image on the back of the recording paper, as well as the front of the recording paper, and eject the recording paper to the paper It is discharged to the tray 19.

  Next, the image reading device 2 mounted on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image reading apparatus 2 includes a lower reading scanner 41 and an upper document conveying unit 42. The upper document conveying device 42 is pivotally supported on the inner side of the lower scanning scanner 41 by a hinge (not shown) and opened and closed by moving the front portion up and down. When the document conveying device 42 is opened, the platen glass 44 of the reading scanner 41 is opened, and the document is placed on the platen glass 44.

  The reading scanner 41 includes a platen glass 44, a first scanning unit 45, a second scanning unit 46, an imaging lens 47, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 48, and the like. The first scanning unit 45 includes an illuminating device 51 and a first reflecting mirror 52, and illuminates the original on the platen glass 44 while moving at a constant speed V by a distance corresponding to the original size in the sub-scanning direction. The reflected light is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 52 and guided to the second scanning unit 46, whereby the image on the document surface is scanned in the sub-scanning direction. The second scanning unit 46 includes second and third reflecting mirrors 53 and 54, and follows the first scanning unit 45 while moving at a speed V / 2, while reflecting the reflected light from the document to the second and second. The light is reflected by the three reflecting mirrors 53 and 54 and guided to the imaging lens 47. The imaging lens 47 condenses the reflected light from the document on the CCD 48 and forms an image on the surface of the document on the CCD 48. The CCD 48 repeatedly scans the document image in the main scanning direction, and outputs an analog image signal of one main scanning line each time.

  Further, the reading scanner 41 can read not only a stationary original but also an image on the surface of the original conveyed by the original conveying device 42. In this case, the first scanning unit 45 is moved to a reading range below the original reading glass 55, and the second scanning unit 46 is positioned according to the position of the first scanning unit 45. In this state, the original conveying device 42 Start transporting the document.

  In the document transport device 42, the pickup roller 56 is pressed against the document on the document tray 57 and rotated to pull out the document, transport the document through the document transport path 58, and transport the document between the document reading glass 55 and the reading guide plate 59. Further, the original is further conveyed from the paper discharge roller 61 to the paper discharge tray 62. Along the document conveyance path 58, a registration roller 63 that conveys the document after aligning the front end thereof and a conveyance roller 64 that conveys the document are arranged.

  When the document is conveyed, the illumination device 51 of the first scanning unit 45 illuminates the document surface via the document reading glass 55, and the reflected light from the document surface is reflected on the reflection mirrors of the first and second traveling units 45 and 46. Then, the light is guided to the imaging lens 47, and the reflected light from the document surface is condensed on the CCD 48 by the imaging lens 47, and an image on the document surface is formed on the CCD 48, thereby reading the image on the document surface.

  When reading the back side of the document, the intermediate tray 67 is rotated as indicated by the dotted line around its axis, and the discharge roller 61 is in the process of discharging the document from the discharge roller 61 to the discharge tray 62. Is stopped, the document is received on the intermediate tray 67, the paper discharge roller 61 is rotated in the reverse direction, the document is guided to the registration roller 63 through the reverse conveyance path 68, and the document surface is reversed. In the same manner as the image of FIG. 5, the image on the back side of the document is read, the intermediate tray 67 is returned to the original position indicated by the solid line, and the document is discharged from the discharge roller 61 to the discharge tray 62.

  The original image read by the CCD 48 is output from the CCD 48 as an analog image signal, and the analog image signal is A / D converted into a digital image signal (image data). The image data is subjected to various image processing and then sent to the laser exposure device 11 of the image forming apparatus 1, where the image is recorded on a recording sheet, and the recording sheet is used as a copy original. Is output.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1, as described above, the toner remaining on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 is removed by each drum cleaning device 14, or the toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is removed by the belt cleaning device. 25. The toner removed by the cleaning devices 14 and 25 is transported, collected, and stored by the developer recovery device of this embodiment.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the toner recovery container and the rotation drive unit in the developer recovery apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the toner collecting container in the developer collecting apparatus as viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 1 and shows the internal structure on the back side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner collection container and a toner collection unit provided on each of the cleaning devices 14 and 25 in the developer collection device.

  The developer recovery device 71 of this embodiment includes a toner recovery container 72, a toner recovery unit 73, and a rotation drive unit UN.

  The toner collection container 72 is disposed in a front space in the image forming apparatus 1 and includes an upper container 72-1 and a lower container 72-2. The upper container 72-1 is connected to the toner collection unit 73 on each cleaning device 14, 25 side, and receives and introduces the toner conveyed by each toner collection unit 73. The lower container 72-2 stores the toner introduced into the upper container 72-1.

  The upper container 72-1 has a casing shape, and has a front side wall portion 74, a rear side wall portion 75, a bottom side opening portion 76, and a stirring blade 77 disposed in the bottom side opening portion 76. . The lower container 72-2 is a housing-like thing mounted on the bottom side of the upper container 72-1, and has an upper opening 78.

  A plurality of fitting holes 72a are formed on the lower outer periphery of the upper container 72-1, and a plurality of claws 72c are formed on the upper outer periphery of the lower container 72-2. The upper opening 78 of the upper container 72-1 is fitted inside the bottom opening 76 of the upper container 72-1, and the claws 72c of the lower container 72-2 are fitted into the fitting holes 72a of the upper container 72-1. The lower container 72-2 is mounted on the bottom side of the upper container 72-1.

  Further, a hook 72b is formed on the upper side of the back surface of the upper container 72-1, and projections 72d and 72e are formed on both bottom ends of the lower container 72-2. The lower container 72-2 is placed on the frame (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1, and the protrusion 72d at the bottom left end of the lower container 72-2 is in the recess 79a of the mounting member 79 of the image forming apparatus 1. The toner collection container 72 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 by engaging the hook 72 b on the upper back side of the upper container 72-1 with the engaging portion (not shown) of the frame of the image forming apparatus 1.

  In a state where the toner collection container 72 is mounted, the protrusion 72e at the bottom right end of the lower container 72-2 is placed on the lever 91a of the rotation drive unit UN provided on the image forming apparatus 1 side, and the lever 91a is pushed down. In addition, a toner recovery unit 73 on the side of each of the cleaning devices 14 and 25 is connected to the back surface of the upper container 72-1.

  Here, four cylindrical introduction parts 75a, 75b, 75c, and 75d and one cylindrical introduction part 75e are formed in the back side wall part 75 of the upper container 72-1. Further, the toner recovery unit 73 on the side of each of the cleaning devices 14 and 25 has a conduit 81 and a conveying screw 82 disposed in the conduit 81. The end portions 81a of the conduits 81 of the toner recovery portions 73 on the cleaning devices 14 and 25 side are inserted into the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e of the rear side wall portion 75 of the upper container 72-1, and the upper container 72-1. A toner recovery unit 73 on each cleaning device 14, 25 side is connected to the rear surface.

  The four cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75d correspond to the respective cleaning devices 14 for cleaning the respective photosensitive drums 13 that form toner images of four colors, and these cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75d include The end portion 81a of the conduit 81 of the toner recovery portion 73 on each cleaning device 14 side is inserted. The conduit 81 of each toner recovery section 73 is disposed along the longitudinal direction of each photosensitive drum 13 and has an opening slit (not shown) along the longitudinal direction. The toner removed from the surface of each photoconductive drum 13 by such as is discarded to each conduit 81 through each opening slit. Each conveying screw 82 is rotationally driven in one direction inside each conduit 81 to convey the toner in each conduit 81 in the direction of the respective cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75d of the upper container 72-1.

  One cylindrical introduction portion 75e corresponds to the cleaning device 25 that cleans the intermediate transfer belt 21 to which the four color toner images are transferred. The cylindrical introduction portion 75e includes a cleaning device 25 side. The end 81a of the conduit 81 of the toner recovery unit 73 is inserted. The conduit 81 of the toner collection unit 73 is disposed along the main scanning direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and has an opening slit (not shown) along the main scanning direction. The toner removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is discarded into the conduit 81 through the opening slit. The conveying screw 82 is rotationally driven in one direction inside the conduit 81 and conveys the toner in the conduit 81 toward the cylindrical introduction portion 75e of the upper container 72-1.

  Inside each cylindrical introduction part 75a-75e, the edge part 81a of each conduit | pipe 81 is rotatable, each waste hole 83 is formed in the side wall of each edge part 81a, and the end surface of each edge part 81a is obstruct | occluded. Has been. Further, the disposal holes 84 are also formed in the side walls of the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e. In the state where the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is rotated and the discard hole 83 of the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is overlapped with the discard hole 84 of each of the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e, the transport is performed by the respective transport screws 82. The toner thus discharged is discharged through the waste holes 83 and 84, and the toner is discharged into the lower container 72-2 through the bottom opening 76 of the upper container 72-1 and the upper opening 78 of the lower container 72-2. Fall into the house.

  Further, when the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is rotated so that the waste hole 83 of the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is shifted from the waste hole 84 of each of the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e, the toner in each conduit 81 is discharged. Is not discharged through the disposal holes 83 and 84. In this state, the upper container 72-1 or the lower container 72-2 is replaced.

  The stirring blade 77 is rotatably supported by a shaft 77a spanning the bottom opening 76 of the upper container 72-1, and a gear 85 fixed to one end of the shaft 77a is connected to the rotation drive unit UN. The gear 85 meshes with the output gear 92, and the gear 85 is rotationally driven by the rotational drive unit UN, so that the stirring blade 77 rotates. The stirring blade 77 stirs and diffuses the toner that has fallen from the disposal holes 84 of the cylindrical introduction portions 75a to 75e so that the height of the toner surface stored in the bottom of the lower container 72-2 is uniform. To do.

  In addition, the conveyance screw 82 in each conduit | pipe 81 is rotationally driven by the power source by each cleaning apparatus 14 and 25 side. Although a mechanism for rotating the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is not shown, the end portion 81a of each conduit 81 is manually rotated.

  Next, the rotation drive unit UN will be described in detail. 5 and 6 are a perspective view showing the rotary drive unit UN as viewed from the front and a perspective view as seen from the rear. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the rotation drive unit UN.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the rotary drive unit UN includes a lever movable portion 91, an output gear (second rotating member) 92, an input gear 93, a worm gear 94, a coupling gear 95, and a coupling flange (first rotating member). ) 96, coil spring 97, switch 98, knob 99, frame 101, and the like.

  The frame 101 has a central upper side wall portion 102, a central lower side wall portion 103, side wall portions 104 and 105 on both sides, and a bottom portion 106.

  A shaft hole 91b is formed in the lever movable portion 91, and the shaft 103a of the central lower side wall portion 103 of the frame 101 is passed through the shaft hole 91b, and the lever movable portion 91 is rotatably supported around the shaft 103a. ing. A protrusion 91 d is formed in the recess 91 c of the lever movable portion 91, and both ends of the coil spring 112 are fitted into the protrusion 91 d of the lever movable portion 91 and the protrusion 106 a of the bottom portion 106 of the frame 101, and are compressed by the compressed coil spring 112. The lever movable portion 91 is urged in the clockwise direction (the direction in FIG. 7) about the shaft 103a.

  Further, a switch 98 is fixed to one side of the lever movable portion 91, and a movable piece 98a of the switch 98 protrudes upward. The switch 98 has a spring (not shown) for urging the movable element 98a in the right direction. The switch 98 is turned off when the movable element 98a is displaced in the right direction by the spring. On the other hand, it is turned on when the mover 98a is displaced leftward.

  The knob 99 is urged by the coil spring 113 so that the knob 99 protrudes from the central lower wall portion 103.

  5 to 7, the knob 99 is pushed toward the central lower wall portion 103 against the urging force of the coil spring 113, and the collar 99 b of the knob 99 is moved from the engaging portion 91 e of the lever movable portion 91 to the central lower wall wall. Since it is shifted to the part 103 side, the lever movable portion 91 rotates clockwise (direction in FIG. 7) until the engaging portion 91e of the lever movable portion 91 contacts the outer periphery of the knob 99. The lever 91a of the lever movable part 91 is lifted. At this time, the movable element 98a of the switch 98 abuts against the coupling flange 96 and is displaced leftward, so that the switch 98 is turned on.

  The input gear 93 and the worm gear 94 are respectively fixed to both sides of the shaft 111, and the shaft 111 is passed through a shaft hole (not shown) in the central upper side wall portion 102 of the frame 101, so that the input gear 93 and the worm gear 94 are Both are pivotally supported, and the worm gear 94 meshes with the coupling gear 95.

  The output gear 92, the coupling gear 95, and the coupling flange 96 share an axial center and are engaged with each other. A coil spring 97 is compressed and interposed between the output gear 92 and the coupling flange 96.

  The output gear 92 has a cylindrical shaft 92a. The cylindrical shaft 92a is inserted into the shaft hole of the side wall portion 104 and is rotatably supported. The output gear 92 is pressed against the side wall portion 104 and positioned in the axial direction. Has been.

  The coupling gear 95 has a cylindrical shaft 95 a. The cylindrical shaft 95 a is inserted into the shaft hole of the side wall portion 105 and is rotatably supported. The convex portion 95 b of the coupling gear 95 is pressed against the side wall portion 105. Thus, the coupling gear 95 is positioned in the axial direction.

  The coupling flange 96 is supported on both sides of the shaft through the shaft hole of the output gear 92 and the shaft hole of the coupling gear 95, rotates together with the output gear 92, and is movable in the axial direction with respect to the output gear 92. It is.

  FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional view showing the output gear 92, the coupling gear 95, the coupling flange 96, and the coil spring 97. FIG. 8B is a plan view showing the output gear 92 and the like.

  8A and 8B, a shaft 96a is provided at the center of the coupling flange 96, and the left side of the shaft 96a is movably inserted into the shaft hole 92b of the output gear 92. A claw 96 b at the left end of 96 a is hooked on the periphery of the shaft hole 92 b of the output gear 92.

  The coupling flange 96 is movable in the left direction in which the claw 96b of the shaft 96a is separated from the peripheral edge of the shaft hole 92b of the output gear 92, and the claw 96b of the shaft 96a is caught by the peripheral edge of the shaft hole 92b of the output gear 92. Can move rightward and move with the shaft 96a. Further, the output gear 92 is prevented from coming off the shaft 96a by the claw 96b of the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96.

  A pair of guide curved ribs 96 c protruding from the left peripheral surface of the coupling flange 96 enter a pair of curved grooves 92 c formed around the shaft hole 92 b of the output gear 92. The coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 rotate together by the engagement of the guide curved rib 96c and the curved groove 92c.

  Further, the right side of the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 is inserted into the shaft hole 95c of the coupling gear 95 so as to be movable and rotatable.

  The coil spring 97 is compressed and inserted between the coupling flange (first rotating member) 96 and the output gear (second rotating member) 92, and the output gear 92 is moved to the left along the shaft 96 a of the coupling flange 96. The coupling flange 96 and the coupling gear 95 are urged to the right along the axis 96a of the coupling flange 96 so as to be coupled to the coupling by pressing and positioning the side wall portion 104 (shown in FIG. 7). The gear 95 is positioned in pressure contact with the side wall 103 (shown in FIG. 7).

  Further, the coil spring 97 urges the coupling flange 96 to the right (the direction of the coupling gear 95) with respect to the output gear 92.

  At opposite ends of the coupling gear 95 and the coupling flange 96, mountain-shaped valley-shaped cams 95d and 96d that are engaged with each other are formed. Since the coupling flange 96 is biased rightward with respect to the output gear 92 by the coil spring 97, the coupling flange 96 is biased so as to approach the coupling gear 95, and the cam 95d and the cam 96d are mutually connected. The cylindrical shaft 95a of the coupling gear 95 and the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 are coupled to each other. In this state, when the coupling gear 95 rotates, the coupling flange 96 rotates and the output gear 92 also rotates.

  Further, as will be described later, when the output gear 92 is overloaded, the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are difficult to rotate. Therefore, even if the coupling gear 95 and the cam 95d rotate, the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d rotate. 96 and the cam 96d do not rotate, the cam 95d and the cam 96d slide, the cylindrical shaft 95a of the coupling gear 95 and the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 are blocked, and the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are stopped. It becomes a state.

  Therefore, the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95, the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96, and the coil spring 97 constitute a torque limiter.

  In the rotational drive unit UN having such a configuration, the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are rotated together by the engagement of the guide curved rib 96c and the curved groove 92c, and the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are interposed between them. Since the coil spring 97 is sandwiched, the coil spring 97 also rotates together with the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92. For this reason, the coil spring 97 is not twisted, the urging force of the coil spring 97 is stably maintained, the cam 95d and the cam 96d slip, and the excess of the output gear 92 when the shafts 95a and 96a are blocked. The load is also stabilized.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 2, when the toner collection container 72 is disposed in the front space in the image forming apparatus 1, the gear 85 fixed to one end of the shaft 77a of the stirring blade 77 of the toner collection container 72 is rotationally driven. The output gear 92 of the unit UN is engaged, and the protrusion 72e at the bottom right end of the lower container 72-2 is placed on the lever 91a of the rotary drive unit UN provided on the image forming apparatus 1, and the lever 91a is Pushed down. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the lever movable portion 91 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 103a. Further, the knob 99 protrudes by the urging force of the coil spring 113, and the flange 99b of the knob 99 moves to the lower side of the engaging portion 91e of the lever movable portion 91. The rotational position of the lever movable portion 91 is moved by the flange 99b of the knob 99. Retained. Further, the mover 98a of the switch 98 is moved away from the coupling flange 96 and moved to the right, and the switch 98 is turned off. Therefore, if the switch 98 is kept off, it can be considered that the toner recovery container 72 is attached.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 operates in this state, the rotational driving force from the power source of the image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted to the input gear 93 of the rotational drive unit UN, the input gear 93 rotates, and the worm gear 94 also rotates. . When the worm gear 94 is rotated, the coupling gear 95 is rotated, and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 and the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 are engaged, so that the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are rotated. Then, the gear 85 of the stirring blade 77 rotates and the stirring blade 77 rotates. The rotation of the stirring blade 77 stirs the toner that has fallen into the lower container 72-2 of the toner collection container 72, and the height of the toner surface stored in the bottom of the lower container 72-2 is made uniform. The

  Next, when the lower container 72-2 of the toner collection container 72 is filled with toner, the stirring blade 77 is buried in the toner and is difficult to rotate, and the stirring blade 77 is overloaded. In this state, the output gear 92 that meshes with the gear 85 of the stirring blade 77 is also overloaded, and the output gear 92 and the coupling flange 96 are difficult to rotate. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, even if the coupling gear 95 and the cam 95d rotate, the coupling flange 96 and the cam 96d do not rotate, but the cam 95d and the cam 96d slip, and the coupling gear 95 has a cylindrical shape. The shaft 96a is disconnected from the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96, and the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are stopped.

  When the coupling flange 96 is stopped, as the coupling gear 95 rotates, the mountain shape of the cam 95d and the mountain shape of the cam 96d are slid and projecting periodically, and the coupling flange 96 is attached to the coil spring 97. It moves to the left against the force, and the mover 98a of the switch 98 is pushed by the coupling flange 96 to displace to the left, and the switch 98 is turned on (state shown in FIG. 10). Further, periodically, the mountain shape of the cam 95d and the valley shape of the cam 96d, the valley shape of the cam 95d and the mountain shape of the cam 96d are fitted, and the coupling flange 96 moves rightward by the biasing force of the coil spring 97. The mover 98a of the switch 98 moves away from the coupling flange 96 and is displaced to the right, and the switch 98 is turned off (state shown in FIG. 9). Therefore, if the switch 98 is periodically switched on and off as the coupling gear 95 rotates, it can be considered that the toner collection container 72 is full of toner.

  Next, in FIG. 2, if the toner collection container 72 is removed for replacement, the protrusion 72e at the bottom right end of the lower container 72-2 is detached from the lever 91a of the rotation drive unit UN. 5-7, if the knob 99 is pressed, the lever movable portion 91 rotates clockwise until the engaging portion 91e of the lever movable portion 91 contacts the outer periphery of the knob 99. Thus, the lever 91a of the lever movable portion 91 is lifted, the movable element 98a of the switch 98 abuts on the coupling flange 96 and is displaced leftward, and the switch 98 is turned on.

  In this state, the coupling flange 96 does not move in the right direction regardless of the operation or stop of the rotary drive unit UN, so that the movable element 98a of the switch 98 is not displaced in the right direction, and the switch 98 Keeps on.

  Therefore, if the switch 98 is kept on, it can be considered that the toner collection container 72 has been removed.

  As described above, in the rotation drive unit UN of the developer recovery apparatus according to the present embodiment, the coil spring 97 is sandwiched between the coupling flange (first rotation member) 96 and the output gear (second rotation member) 92. The coupling flange 96 is urged rightward (in the direction of the coupling gear 95) with respect to the output gear 92, the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 are engaged, and the coupling gear 95 is engaged. A torque limiter for connecting the cylindrical shaft 95a and the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 is provided.

  Therefore, if the lower container 72-2 of the toner collection container 72 is not full of toner and the stirring blade 77 is not overloaded, the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 are engaged. At the same time, the rotational force is transmitted in the order of the coupling gear 95 → the coupling flange 96 → the output gear 92 → the gear 95, and the stirring blade 77 rotates. Further, when the lower container 72-2 is filled with toner and an overload is applied to the stirring blade 77, the output gear 92 and the coupling flange 96 are also overloaded to resist the biasing force of the coil spring 97. As a result, the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 slide, the space between the cylindrical shaft 95a of the coupling gear 95 and the shaft 96a of the coupling flange 96 is cut off, and the stirring blade 77 stops.

  Then, a switch 98 that is turned on / off in accordance with the engagement and separation of the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 is provided, and the toner collection container 72 is filled with toner based on the on / off of the switch 98. It is determined that it is in a state.

  In addition, since the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 rotate together and the coil spring 97 sandwiched between the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 also rotates, the coil spring 97 is not twisted, and the cup The biasing force of the coil spring 97 against the ring flange 96 is stabilized. For this reason, the cam 96d of the coupling flange 96 and the cam 95d of the coupling gear 95 slide to stabilize the overload of the output gear 92 and the stirring blade 77 when the shafts 95a and 96a are shut off. As a result, the determination of the full state of the lower container 72-2 based on ON / OFF of the toner becomes accurate, and the toner recovery container 72 can be replaced at an appropriate timing.

  Further, neither the coupling flange 96 nor the output gear 92 is subjected to an excessive load, the coupling flange 96 and the output gear 92 are not worn, and the durability of the apparatus is improved.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image reading apparatus 11 Laser exposure apparatus 12 Developing apparatus 13 Photosensitive drum 14 Drum cleaning apparatus 15 Charger 16 Intermediate transfer belt apparatus 17 Fixing apparatus 18 Paper feed tray 19 Paper discharge tray 41 Reading scanner 42 Document conveying apparatus 77 Stirrer blade (stirring member)
91 Lever movable part 92 Output gear (second rotating member)
93 Input gear 94 Worm gear 95 Coupling gear 96 Coupling flange (first rotating member)
97 Coil spring (spring)
98 Switch 99 Knob 101 Frame UN Rotation drive unit

Claims (6)

A recovery container that receives and stores the developer recovered from the image carrier, a stirring member that stirs the developer in the recovery container, and a shaft between two shafts that transmit rotational force to the stirring member are coupled to each other. A developing unit including a torque limiter for detecting and shutting off, and a fullness determining unit for detecting a shutoff state between the shafts and determining that the recovery container is filled with a developer based on the detected shutoff state. An agent recovery device comprising:
The torque limiter couples the cams provided on the shafts to each other and the cams that are engaged with each other, and urges and moves one of the cams to engage the cams with each other. And a spring to be
The spring is provided on the one cam and is positioned along a shaft provided on the one cam and a first rotating member that rotates with the one cam, and a first rotating member that rotates with the one cam. A developer collecting apparatus provided between the two rotating members. The developer recovery apparatus according to claim 1,
The developer collecting apparatus, wherein the second rotating member is a gear and meshes with a gear fixed to the shaft of the stirring member. The developer recovery apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The fullness determination unit detects the position of the first rotating member when the cams slide against the biasing force of the spring and the space between the shafts is blocked, and the collection container is filled with developer. It is determined that the developer recovery device has become. The developer recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The shaft of the first rotating member is movably passed through the central hole of the second rotating member, and the claw of the shaft of the first rotating member is caught by the peripheral edge of the center of the second rotating member. The second rotating member is prevented from coming off from the shaft of the first rotating member, and the ribs of the first rotating member are engaged with the grooves of the second rotating member, so that the first and second rotating members are both A developer recovery device that rotates. A developer recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The developer recovery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spring is a coil spring passed through the one shaft.   An image forming apparatus comprising the developer recovery device according to claim 1.

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