JP2020052196A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique that enables cost reduction in providing a mechanism for determining whether a waste powder collection unit is installed to an image formation device.SOLUTION: A waste powder collection unit 40 has a gear part 62 rotated when a driving force of a drive part is transmitted in a state where the waste powder collection unit 40 is installed to an image formation device 1, and a cam part 66 rotated synchronously with the gear part 62. The image formation device 1 has a link part 71 performing reciprocating motion between a first position and a second position according to rotation of the cam part 66 in a state where the waste powder collection unit 40 is installed to the image formation device 1, and a sensor 72 capable of making a detection by distinguishing a first state where the link part 71 is present at the first position from a second state where the link part 71 is not present at the first position. It is then determined whether the waste powder collection unit 40 is installed to the image formation device 1 on the basis of the detection result of the sensor 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  There is a technology that uses an encoder (rotary encoder) to determine whether or not a waste powder collection unit that collects waste powder (waste toner and / or waste developer, etc.) is mounted on an image forming apparatus (patent). Reference 1).

JP-A-2005-257813

  However, in a configuration like Patent Document 1, relatively expensive components such as an encoder are used, and the cost is high when a mechanism for determining whether or not the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus is provided. There is a problem.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of reducing costs when providing a mechanism for determining whether or not a waste powder storage unit is attached to an image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, which is a waste powder collecting unit for collecting waste powder, wherein the waste powder collecting unit is detachable with respect to the image forming apparatus. And a determining means for determining whether or not the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus, wherein the waste powder collecting unit is configured such that the waste powder collecting unit is attached to the image forming apparatus. In the mounted state, a gear unit that rotates around a first rotation axis by transmitting a driving force of a driving unit provided in the image forming apparatus, and a cam unit that rotates in synchronization with the gear unit. The image forming apparatus has a reciprocating motion between a first position and a second position in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion in a state where the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The link portion to be A sensor capable of distinguishing and detecting a first state in which the link portion exists at a position and a second state in which the link portion does not exist at the first position, And determining whether or not the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus based on a detection result by the sensor.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the link portion is rotatable around a predetermined axis parallel to the first rotation axis, and the waste powder collecting unit is Swings about the predetermined axis between the first position and the second position in response to rotation of the cam portion in a state where the cam member is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes an urging force applying unit that applies an urging force in a direction toward the second position to the link unit. In a state where the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the link portion and the cam portion in the radial direction of the gear portion in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion accompanying the application of the driving force by the driving portion. As the contact position is changed and the contact position approaches the first rotation axis in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion, the link portion moves from the first position to the second position by the urging force. As the contact position moves away from the first rotation axis in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion, the link portion is pressed against the urging force by the pressing force from the cam portion to move the second position against the urging force. Forward from position Thus being moved toward the first position.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the waste powder collecting unit is not mounted on the image forming apparatus, the cam portion is disposed. The link portion does not rotate and does not perform the reciprocating motion.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the determination unit should make one rotation of the gear unit in response to the application of the driving force by the driving unit. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus based on a detection result obtained from the sensor within a predetermined period.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the determination unit generates a state transition between the first state and the second state within the predetermined period. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the waste powder recovery unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus based on whether or not the waste powder recovery unit is mounted.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the determination unit is configured to rotate the gear unit in accordance with application of a driving force by the driving unit. Determining whether or not the waste powder recovery unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus based on whether or not a state transition between the first state and the second state occurs; It is characterized by.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the waste powder recovery unit comprises: a waste powder storage unit that stores the waste powder; In a state where the powder recovery unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the gear unit operates normally, the waste powder in the waste powder storage unit is removed according to rotation of the gear unit in the waste powder storage unit. And a transport unit for transporting from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the determination unit determines whether the transport operation by the transport unit is normally performed based on a detection result by the sensor. It is characterized by determining.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first rotating shaft is supported by a through hole provided at an end of the waste powder container main body. A shaft member that rotates around, the shaft member protrudes to the outside of the waste powder container main body through the through hole and is fixed to the gear portion, and the sensor is It is characterized in that it is arranged at a location separated from the space immediately below the through hole by a predetermined degree or more.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the transport unit is a first transport unit, the gear unit is a first gear unit, and the waste powder collection is performed. A unit configured to collect the waste powder discharged from the imaging unit of the image forming apparatus; and a unit configured to drive the drive unit in a state where the waste powder recovery unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus. A second gear portion to which a driving force is transmitted to rotate around a second rotation axis, and a state in which the waste powder recovery unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the second gear portion operates normally. A second transport unit that transports the waste powder in the waste powder recovery unit from upstream to downstream in the waste powder recovery unit in accordance with rotation of the second gear unit. And the first gear portion is provided with the second gear portion. Rotating according to the driving force transmitted from the drive unit via a gear unit, the determination unit is based on the detection result by the sensor, not only the normality of the transport operation by the first transport unit, The normality of the transport operation by the second transport unit is also determined.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the second transport unit is configured to supply the waste powder storage unit from an outlet provided downstream of the waste powder recovery unit. The waste powder is conveyed to the waste powder storage unit via an inlet provided in the waste water outlet and communicating with the outlet.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the waste powder container is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus separately from the waste powder recovery unit. Is possible.

  According to the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, the waste powder collecting unit has a gear portion and a cam portion. When the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the gear unit rotates around the first rotation axis by transmitting the driving force of the driving unit. The cam rotates in synchronization with the gear. The image forming apparatus has a link unit and a sensor. The link portion reciprocates between the first position and the second position in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion when the waste powder recovery unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The sensor can detect the first state in which the link portion is present at the first position and the second state in which the link portion is not present at the first position. Then, based on the detection result by the sensor, it is determined whether the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the waste powder collecting unit is attached to the image forming apparatus without using a relatively expensive structure, thereby making it possible to reduce costs.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 8, it is determined whether or not the transport operation by the transport unit is normally performed based on the detection result by the sensor. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor for determining the normality of the transport operation by the transport unit. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and to save space.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration near an imaging unit. FIG. 2 is a front view of the image forming apparatus with a front cover opened. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system. It is a perspective view of the waste powder collection unit seen from + Z side. It is a perspective view of the waste powder collection unit seen from the -Z side. It is a sectional perspective view of the waste powder collection unit seen from + Z side. It is a sectional perspective view of a waste powder storage part seen from + Z side. It is sectional drawing near the -X side end part of the shaft member of the conveyance part in a waste powder collection part. It is sectional drawing near the -X side end part of the shaft member of the conveyance part in a waste powder storage part. It is a side view (a figure showing a cam part which has an outer peripheral non-contact state) of a waste powder collection unit seen from the -X side. It is a side view (a figure showing a cam part which has a peripheral contact state) of the waste powder collection unit seen from the -X side. It is a figure showing a link part and an urging force giving part. It is a figure showing a link part and an urging force giving part. It is a figure showing signs that light from a light projection part of an on-off sensor is received by a light sensing part, without being interrupted. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which light from a light emitting unit of an on / off sensor is blocked by a link unit and is not received by a light receiving unit. It is a figure regarding the output signal (detection result) of an on-off sensor. It is a figure regarding the output signal (detection result) of an on-off sensor. It is a figure regarding the output signal (detection result) of an on-off sensor. It is a figure regarding the output signal (detection result) of an on-off sensor. It is a figure which shows the outflow port of the waste powder in the waste powder collection part, and the inflow port of the waste powder in a waste powder storage part.

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

<1. Equipment Overview>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1 and the like, directions and the like are shown using an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier to form an image. Here, as the image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic print output device, more specifically, a tandem type full color print output device is exemplified.

  The image forming apparatus 1 prints out an image based on image data transmitted from another information processing apparatus (a personal computer or the like) connected via a network or the like by using a printing mechanism described below, thereby performing color printing. Functions as a page printer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a plurality (specifically, four) of imaging units 10 (specifically, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a yellow imaging unit 10Y, a magenta imaging unit 10M, a cyan imaging unit 10C, and a black imaging unit 10K. Each of the imaging units 10 converts the image of each color component (specifically, each component of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black)) of the final output image into an electrophotographic image. It is formed by a method, and is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt (also referred to as an intermediate transfer body) 21. Then, the image of each color component superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is further transferred to a sheet (transfer material), so that a full-color image is formed on the sheet. The intermediate transfer belt 21 is also expressed as an image carrier that temporarily carries the toner image transferred from each photoconductor.

  The four imaging units 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K) mainly include the lower linear portion at the lower portion of the lower linear portion of the intermediate transfer belt 21 wound around the driving roller 23 and the winding roller 24. Are arranged in series. Each imaging unit 10 includes a photoconductor 11, a charger 12, an exposure unit 13, a developing unit 14, a first transfer unit (primary transfer unit) 15, an eraser (static eliminator) 16, and a cleaner 17, respectively. I have. More specifically, in each imaging unit 10, the charger 12, the exposure device 13, the developing device 14, the first transfer device 15, the eraser 16, and the cleaner 17 surround the outer periphery of the substantially cylindrical photoconductor 11. They are arranged clockwise in order. Among them, the first transfer unit 15 (specifically, the transfer roller) is disposed at a position facing the photoconductor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 21 interposed therebetween.

  The intermediate transfer belt 21 moves in the direction of arrow R1 (FIG. 1) by driving of the driving roller 23. A transfer roller (secondary transfer roller) 25 is provided at a position facing the drive roller 23 with the intermediate transfer belt 21 interposed therebetween.

  A paper feed unit 30 is provided below each imaging unit 10 (upstream on the transport path). The paper supply unit 30 includes a feed roller 32, a paper supply roller 33, a sabaki roller 34, and registration rollers 35 and 36.

  A fixing device 26 is provided downstream of the transfer roller (secondary transfer roller) 25 in the transport direction of the sheet, and a discharge unit 27 (FIG. 1) is further provided downstream of the transfer direction. ing.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller (control unit) 90 (see FIG. 4).

  The controller 90 is a control device that is built in the image forming apparatus 1 and controls the image forming apparatus 1 overall. The controller 90 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM, ROM, and the like). The controller 90 implements various processing units by executing predetermined software programs (hereinafter, also simply referred to as programs) stored in a ROM (for example, an EEPROM) in the CPU. The program (specifically, a group of program modules) may be installed in the image forming apparatus 1 via a portable recording medium such as a USB memory or a network.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 90 implements various processing units including the determination unit 91 by executing the program.

  The determination unit 91 is a processing unit that performs various types of determination processing.

  For example, based on an output signal (detection result) from presence / absence detection sensor (on / off sensor) 72 (FIG. 11), determination unit 91 determines whether waste powder recovery unit 40 (described later) is mounted on image forming apparatus 1 or not. Determine whether or not. The determining unit 91 also determines the normality of the transport operation by each of the transport units 51 and 62 (described later) based on the output signal (detection result) from the on / off sensor 72 (FIG. 11). Further, the determination unit 91 determines whether the waste powder recovery unit 40 (specifically, the waste powder storage unit 60 (described later)) is in the waste powder recovery unit 40 based on the output signal (detection result) from the fullness detection sensor 69 (FIG. 8). It is determined whether or not the waste powder is full.

<2. About the collection mechanism of waste powder>
The image forming apparatus 1 includes a waste powder recovery unit (waste powder recovery device) 40 (see FIG. 3) that recovers waste powder (waste toner and / or waste developer) discharged from each imaging unit 10. Is provided. The waste powder collecting unit 40 is provided, for example, at a position on the near side in the image forming apparatus 1 (a position on the forefront when the front cover of the image forming apparatus 1 is opened) (see FIG. 3). FIG. 3 is a front view of the image forming apparatus 1 with a front cover (front door) opened. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the waste powder collecting unit 40 viewed substantially from the front side (+ Z side) of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 6 is viewed substantially from the back side (−Z side) of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a waste powder recovery unit 40.

  The waste powder collecting unit 40 includes a waste powder collecting unit 50 (also referred to as a waste powder collecting unit or a waste powder receiving unit) and a waste powder storage unit 60 (see FIG. 3). As will be described later, in a state where the waste powder collecting unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 (normal mounting state), the waste powder discharged from each imaging unit 10 is transferred to the waste powder collecting unit. After being collected by 50, it is stored in the waste powder storage unit 60.

  First, the waste powder recovery unit 50 will be described.

  The waste powder collecting unit 50 includes a plurality of outlets 80 (81 to 89) (see FIGS. 6 and 7) for discharging the waste powder discharged from each of the imaging units 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K). Have. In a state where the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the waste powder removed from each of the imaging units 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K) flows through the discharge ports 80 (81 to 89). It is discharged to the waste powder recovery unit 50. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the waste powder collecting unit 40 viewed from the front side (+ Z side) of the image forming apparatus 1.

  For example, among the developers (developer including toner and carrier) in the developing device 14 of each imaging unit 10, the overflowed developer (waste developer) flows to the discharge ports 86 to 89 corresponding to each imaging unit 10. And discharged from each of the outlets 86 to 89 to the waste powder collecting unit 50. Further, the waste toner removed by the cleaner 17 on the photoreceptor 11 of each imaging unit 10 is transported to outlets 81 to 84 corresponding to each imaging unit 10, and the waste powder is discharged from each outlet 81 to 84. It is discharged to the collection unit 50. Further, the toner (waste toner) remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is removed by a cleaning blade (not shown) and conveyed to an outlet 85 (FIG. 7). Is discharged to

  The waste powder collected by the waste powder recovery unit 50 is transported to the waste powder storage unit 60 via the transport unit 51 (see FIG. 7) in the waste powder recovery unit 50. However, the transport operation of the waste powder by the transport unit 51 is performed in a state where the waste powder recovery unit 40 is (normally) attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and the gear unit 52 (FIG. 7) operates normally (the gear unit). 52 in the normal operation state). More specifically, the gear portion 79 (FIG. 5) and the gear portion 52 mesh with each other, so that the driving force from the driving portion 78 is transmitted to the gear portion 52, and the gear portion 52 rotates about its rotation axis AX. In the state (the normal operation state of the gear section 52), the transport operation of the waste powder by the transport section 51 (mainly in the transport section 51) is performed.

  In the normal operation state, the transport unit 51 transfers the waste powder in the waste powder recovery unit 50 from the upstream in the transport direction (+ X side in FIG. 7) to the downstream in the transport direction (+ X side in FIG. 7). (The −X side in FIG. 7).

  The transport section 51 has a shaft member 51a and a spiral blade member 51b (also referred to as a spiral blade or a transport screw) (see FIG. 7). The shaft member 51a is provided with a through hole 53 (FIG. 9) provided at the −X side end of the waste powder recovery unit 50 and a bearing unit (at the + X side end of the waste powder recovery unit 50). (Not shown), and rotates around the rotation axis AX. The shaft member 51a protrudes to the outside of the waste powder recovery unit 50 through the through hole 53 at the downstream end (−X side end), and is provided outside the waste powder recovery unit 50 main body. Is fixed to the gear portion 52 provided.

  When the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the driving force of the driving unit 78 (FIG. 5) is transmitted to the gear unit 52 via the driving transmission gear unit 79. As a result, the transfer unit 51 rotates around the rotation axis AX. Then, the rotational force of the gear section 52 is transmitted to the shaft member 51a of the transport section 51, and the spiral blade member 51b of the transport section 51 rotates around the rotation axis AX of the transport section 51. Thereby, the waste powder discharged from each of the outlets 81 to 89 is transported from the upstream side in the transport direction (+ X side) to the downstream side in the transport direction (−X side). Further, the waste powder transported downstream in the transport direction in the transport unit 51 falls from an outlet 55 (described below) provided on the downstream side (−X side) or the like, and stores the waste powder. It is transported to the unit 60.

  Next, the waste powder container 60 will be described.

  The waste powder storage unit 60 stores the waste powder collected by the waste powder recovery unit 50 as described above. On the upper surface U60 of the body of the waste powder storage unit 60, an inflow port 65 (see FIGS. 8 and 21) for the waste powder is provided at a position upstream (near the -X side end) of the transport unit 61 in the transport direction. Is provided. The inflow port 65 is provided at a position directly below the outflow port 55 provided on the bottom face D50 of the transport section 51 on the downstream side in the transport direction (near the end on the −X side), and communicates with the outflow port 55. (See FIG. 21). The waste powder collected by the waste powder recovery unit 50 flows into the waste powder storage unit 60 from the outlet 55 and the inlet 65. Note that the direction of conveyance in the conveyance unit 61 is opposite to the direction of conveyance in the conveyance unit 51, and the upstream side (−X side) in the conveyance direction of the conveyance unit 61 is downstream (−− side) in the conveyance direction of the conveyance unit 51. X side).

  Then, the waste powder transported from the waste powder recovery unit 50 to the waste powder storage unit 60 is transferred to the downstream side in the transport direction via the transport unit 61 (FIG. 8) in the waste powder storage unit 60. Conveyed. However, the transport operation of the waste powder by the transport unit 61 is performed when the waste powder collecting unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and the gear unit 62 (FIG. 8) operates normally (gear unit). 62 in the normal operation state). More specifically, the gear portion 79 (FIG. 5) and the gear portion 52 mesh with each other, and the gear portion 52 and the gear portion 62 mesh with each other, so that the driving force from the driving portion 78 is transmitted to the gear portion 62 and In a state where the gear portion 62 rotates around its rotation axis BX (a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis AX) (FIG. 7) (normal operation state of the gear portion 62), the waste powder is transported by the transport portion 61 (transportation). The transport operation (in the section 61) is performed.

  In the normal operation state, the transport section 61 transfers the waste powder in the waste powder storage section 60 from the upstream side in the transport direction (−X side in FIG. 8) in the waste powder storage section 60 to the downstream side in the transport direction. (+ X side in FIG. 8).

  The transport section 61 has a shaft member 61a and a spiral blade member 61b (also referred to as a spiral blade or a transport screw) (see FIG. 8). The shaft member 61a includes a through hole 63 (see FIG. 10) provided at the −X side end of the waste powder storage unit 60 and a bearing unit provided at the + X side end of the waste powder storage unit 60. (Hole portion) (not shown), and rotates around the rotation axis BX. The shaft member 61a protrudes to the outside of the waste powder storage unit 60 at the upstream end (−X side end) through the through hole 63, and is provided outside the waste powder storage unit 60 main body. Fixed to the gear portion 62 provided.

  When the waste powder collecting unit 40 is (normally) attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the driving force of the driving unit 78 (FIG. 5) is transmitted to the driving transmission gear unit 79 and the gear unit 52. Is transmitted to the gear unit 62 through the rotation of the transport unit 61 around the rotation axis BX. Then, the rotational force of the gear section 62 is transmitted to the shaft member 61a of the transport section 61, and the spiral blade member 61b of the transport section 61 rotates around the rotation axis BX. Thus, the waste powder is transported from the upstream side in the transport direction (−X side) to the downstream side in the transport direction (+ X side).

  Thus, in a state where the waste powder collecting unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the waste powder discharged from each imaging unit 10 is collected by the waste powder collecting unit 50. It is stored in the waste powder storage unit 60.

  A full detection sensor 69 is provided on the downstream side (+ X side) of the waste powder container 60 in the transport direction with a partition wall 68 interposed therebetween (see FIG. 8). When the waste powder in the waste powder container 60 is full, the waste powder passes through an opening 67 provided on the upper side of the partition wall 68, and the waste powder is located above the full detection sensor 69. It is accumulated so as to cover 69. Whether or not such an accumulation state has occurred is detected by the fullness detection sensor 69, and it is determined whether or not the waste powder in the waste powder storage unit 60 is full.

  As the full detection sensor 69, a photoelectric sensor (photo sensor) or the like is exemplified. Specifically, the fullness detection sensor 69 (photoelectric sensor) has a light projecting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light from the light projecting unit. Then, the determination unit 91 (FIG. 4) determines whether or not the waste powder in the waste powder storage unit 60 is full (whether or not the full state has been reached) based on the output signal from the full detection sensor 69. Is determined.

  Specifically, the waste powder that has flowed into the waste powder storage unit 60 is transported downstream in the transport direction via the transport unit 61, and is gradually accumulated in the waste powder storage unit 60. Go. Then, when the waste powder accumulates in the waste powder storage unit 60 higher (more) than a certain level, the waste powder passes through an opening 67 (FIG. 8) provided on the upper side of the partition wall 68. Then, the waste powder is transported by the transport unit 61 to the installation unit side of the fullness detection sensor 69.

  Before the waste powder is conveyed to the installation part side of the full detection sensor 69, the light emitted from the light emitting part of the full detection sensor 69 is received by the light receiving part. It is determined that the waste powder in the powder container 60 is not yet full.

  On the other hand, when the waste powder is conveyed to the installation portion side of the full detection sensor 69, the light from the light emitting unit of the full detection sensor 69 is blocked by the waste powder and is not received by the light receiving unit. In this case, the determination unit 91 determines that the waste powder in the waste powder storage unit 60 is full.

<3. About the mounting detection mechanism>
The waste powder collecting unit 40 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 1 (specifically, the main body of the image forming apparatus 1). Specifically, the waste powder recovery unit 40 is provided with a lever 45 (FIG. 5), and after opening the front cover of the image forming apparatus 1, the user operates the lever 45 to open the front cover. The waste powder recovery unit 40 can be removed.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the user can attach and detach the entire waste powder recovery unit 40 including the waste powder recovery unit 50 and the waste powder storage unit 60, and collect waste powder. Of the unit 50 and the waste powder storage unit 60, only the waste powder storage unit 60 storing the waste powder can be independently attached and detached. In other words, the waste powder storage unit 60 can be detached from the waste powder recovery unit 50 (as a separate body from the waste powder recovery unit 50) and can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the waste powder recovery unit 40 is provided with levers 47 and 48 (FIG. 5), and the user operates the levers 47 and 48 to remove only the waste powder storage unit 60. Is possible.

  When the detached waste powder collecting unit 40 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 again, the image forming apparatus 1 causes the waste powder collecting unit 40 (whole) to be (normally) attached to the image forming apparatus 1. It is determined whether or not it is attached. Specifically, using the cam mechanism (the cam portion 66 (the drive joint) and the link portion 71 (the follower joint)) (see FIG. 11) and the presence / absence detection sensor (on / off sensor) 72, the discarding to the image forming apparatus 1 is performed. It is determined whether the powder recovery unit 40 is mounted.

  The cam portion (eccentric cam) 66 is fixed to a gear portion 62 (a gear portion 62 that applies a rotational force to the transporting portion 61) of the waste powder container 60 (see FIGS. 5 and 11). In other words, the cam portion 66 is formed integrally with the gear portion 62. When the waste powder collecting unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the cam 66 synchronizes with the gear 62 in response to the application of the driving force by the driving unit 78 (FIG. 5). And rotate.

  Here, the cross-sectional shape of the cam portion 66 (the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the X direction (FIG. 11)) is substantially triangular. One of three vertexes of the substantially triangular cam portion 66 (also referred to as a triangular cam) is provided on the inner peripheral side (center side) of the gear portion 62, and among the three vertices. Are provided on the outer peripheral side of the gear portion 62 (see FIG. 11). Note that the outer peripheral side arc portion (the arc-shaped portion provided along the outer peripheral portion of the gear portion 62) 66a (see FIG. 12) of the cam portion 66 is connected to the link portion 71 (specifically, the sloping portion 71b of the link portion 71). ) Is also referred to as an “outer peripheral contact state”. For example, in a state where the outer peripheral side arc portion 66a of the cam portion 66 is located at a lower (lower) position in the gear portion 62 (also referred to as a “lower state”) (see FIG. 12), the cam portion 66 It has an outer peripheral contact state. In addition, a state in which the outer peripheral side arc portion 66a of the cam portion 66 is not in contact with the link portion 71 (the sloping portion 71b) is also referred to as an "outer peripheral non-contact state". For example, in a state where the outer peripheral side arc portion 66a of the cam portion 66 is located at an upper (upper) position in the gear portion 62 (also referred to as an “upper state”) (see FIG. 11), the cam portion 66 has an outer peripheral portion. It has a non-contact state.

  Thus, the cam portion 66 is provided on the waste powder recovery unit 40 side.

  On the other hand, the link portion 71 and the on / off sensor 72 are provided on the image forming apparatus 1 side (specifically, on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 1).

  The on / off sensor 72 (FIG. 11) is a sensor that can detect an on state and an off state separately. The on / off sensor 72 is an inexpensive component compared to an encoder or the like. As the on / off sensor 72, for example, a photoelectric sensor (photo sensor) or a mechanical switch sensor is exemplified. Here, an example in which a photoelectric sensor is used as the on / off sensor 72 is illustrated.

  In addition, here, as the photoelectric sensor 72, a “light emitting / receiving” type sensor including a light emitting unit 72a that emits light and a light receiving unit 72b that receives the light is exemplified (see FIG. 15). The invention is not limited to this, and the photoelectric sensor 72 may be another type (such as a “reflection type”).

  In addition, as an output method of the photoelectric sensor 72, any method (type) of the “light-in ON” method and the “light-in ON” method may be used. Here, it is assumed that the photoelectric sensor 72 of the “ON when light is shielded” method is used.

  In the photoelectric sensor 72 (“light emitting / receiving” type and “light-shielded ON” type photoelectric sensor), when light emitted from the light emitting unit 72a is received by the light receiving unit 72b (see FIG. 15), it is turned on / off. The sensor 72 detects an off state (a state where no object exists at the detection position P10 (FIG. 12)). On the other hand, when the light emitted from the light projecting unit 72a is blocked by the object (specifically, the distal end 71a of the link unit 71) and is not received by the light receiving unit 72b (see FIG. 16), the on / off sensor 72 is turned on. A state (a state where an object is present at the detection position P10) is detected.

  As described above, the on / off sensor 72 has a state where the link portion 71 exists at the detection position P10 (existing state) (see FIG. 12) and a state where the link portion 71 does not exist at the detection position P10 (absence state) (FIG. 11). ) Can be detected separately.

  The on / off sensor 72 is disposed at a location separated from the space (direct position) immediately below the through hole 63 (FIG. 10) for the transport unit 61 in the waste powder storage unit 60 by a predetermined degree or more. For example, the on / off sensor 72 is disposed at a position separated from the position immediately below the through-hole 63 for the transporting unit 61 by a predetermined distance in the back (-Z side) in the Z direction.

  Here, the waste powder may leak from the through-hole 63 for the transport unit 61 in the waste powder storage unit 60. If the waste powder leaked from the waste powder storage unit 60 adheres (accumulates) to the detection position of the on / off sensor 72 (specifically, near the light emitting unit 72a or near the light receiving unit 72b), the light from the light emitting unit 72a Light is no longer received by the light receiving section 72b, and erroneous detection may occur (the ON state is always detected).

  In consideration of this point, it is more preferable that the on / off sensor 72 is disposed at a place separated from the space just below the through-hole 63 for the transport unit 61 in the waste powder storage unit 60 by a predetermined degree or more. That is, it is more preferable that the on / off sensor 72 is arranged in a place other than a place where the waste powder leaking from the through hole 63 is relatively likely to adhere to the on / off sensor 72 (space immediately below the through hole). According to this, even when the waste powder leaks from the through hole 63, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous detection in the on / off sensor 72 due to the adhesion of the waste powder to the on / off sensor 72. It is.

  The link portion 71 contacts the cam portion 66 in a state where the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, and the first position P1 (posture position (angle)) according to the rotation of the cam portion 66. (See FIG. 12) and the second position P2 (see FIG. 11) reciprocates (oscillates in detail). As will be described later, the state of the on / off sensor 72 transitions between the on state and the off state according to the reciprocating movement (oscillating movement) of the link part 71.

  In a state where the waste powder collecting unit 40 (specifically, at least the waste powder storing unit 60 of the waste powder collecting unit 50 and the waste powder storing unit 60) is not mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, , The gear portion 62 is separated from the driving portion 78, and the driving force of the driving portion 78 is not transmitted to the gear portion 62. Therefore, when the waste powder collecting unit 40 is not mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the cam portion 66 fixed to the gear portion 62 does not always rotate, and the link portion 71 does not reciprocate. . The reciprocating motion of the link unit 71 is performed in a state where the waste powder collecting unit 40 (entire) is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1.

  A shaft member 71c (see FIG. 13) protruding from both sides (+ X side and -X side) of the link portion 71 in the X direction is provided below the link portion 71 (near a rotation axis CX (described later)). The shaft member 71c is rotatably supported by a bearing 74 (FIG. 13). The bearing 74 is provided on a detection mechanism mounting member 70 (see also FIG. 11) fixed to the main body 110 of the image forming apparatus 1. The link portion 71 is rotatable around a rotation axis CX (FIG. 7) parallel to the rotation axes AX and BX using a rotation support mechanism including a shaft member 71c and a bearing portion 74. When the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the link portion 71 swings between the position P1 and the position P2 around the rotation axis CX according to the rotation of the cam portion 66. Move.

  An urging force applying portion 73 (FIG. 13) that applies an urging force toward the predetermined axis BX to the link portion 71 is provided below the link portion 71 (detection mechanism mounting member 70). As the urging force applying portion 73, for example, an elastic member (a coil spring or the like) is exemplified. Specifically, the urging force applying unit 73 is fixed to the detection mechanism mounting member 70, and applies an urging force in the + Y direction (upward) (urging force toward the predetermined axis BX) to the link unit 71. It is possible to

  For example, when the cam portion 66 has an outer peripheral non-contact state (FIG. 11) in a state where the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, as described later, the pressing force from the cam portion 66 is a link. It is not given to the unit 71. In other words, the cam portion 66 has a state in which no pressing force is applied to the link portion 71 (non-pressed state). In this case, the coil spring 73 has a natural length (non-compressed state), and the distal end portion 71a of the link portion 71 is not present at the detection position P10 of the on / off sensor 72, and is not located at the detection position P10. It is located at a remote position P2 (see FIGS. 11 and 13).

  On the other hand, in a state where the waste powder collecting unit 40 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and the cam portion 66 has an outer peripheral contact state (FIG. 12), the cam portion 66 A pressing force in the −Y direction (downward) (a force larger than the urging force of the urging force applying unit 73) is applied. In other words, the cam portion 66 has a state in which the pressing force is applied to the link portion 71 (pressed state). In this case, the tip portion 71a of the link portion 71 is pushed in the −Y direction by receiving the pressing force, and is located at the detection position P10 of the on / off sensor 72 (see FIGS. 12 and 14).

  The contact position between the link portion 71 and the cam portion 66 in the radial direction of the cam portion 66 is changed in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion 66 accompanying the application of the driving force by the driving portion 78, and the link portion 71 moves the rotation axis CX. It swings between the position P1 and the position P2 as a center. When the link 71 is at the position P1, the tip 71a of the link 71 is at the position P10 (FIG. 12). When the link 71 is located at the position P2, the tip 71a of the link 71 is not located at the position P10 but is located at the position P20 (FIG. 11). The on / off sensor 72 switches between a first state in which the link portion 71 exists at the position P1 (also referred to as an existing state) and a second state in which the link portion 71 does not exist at the position P1 (also referred to as an absent state). Detect separately. The details of the swinging motion of the link 71 in accordance with the rotation of the cam 66 will be described later.

<4. About mounting judgment operation>
The determination unit 91 (FIG. 4) determines whether the waste powder recovery unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 based on the output signal from the on / off sensor 72.

  Specifically, first, the user mounts the waste powder collection unit 40 removed from the image forming apparatus 1 (specifically, the main body 110 of the image forming apparatus 1) on the image forming apparatus 1 (mounting). Operation), and the front cover of the image forming apparatus 1 is closed.

  Here, it is assumed that when the mounting operation is performed, the cam portion 66 has an outer peripheral non-contact state (FIG. 11).

  When the cam portion 66 has the outer peripheral non-contact state, as described above, the cam portion 66 has the non-pressed state, and the distal end portion 71a of the link portion 71 does not exist at the detection position P10 of the on / off sensor 72. , At position P2 (see FIG. 11). In this case, the light from the light projecting portion 72a of the on / off sensor 72 is received by the light receiving portion 72b without being blocked by the tip portion 71a of the link portion 71 (FIG. 15), and the on / off sensor 72 is in the "off state" (FIG. 15). A state where the link unit 71 does not exist at the detection position P10 (absence state) is detected as an initial detection result.

  In response to the closing of the front cover of image forming apparatus 1, in image forming apparatus 1, the driving operation by drive section 78 (FIG. 5) is started. The drive section 78 and the drive transmission gear section 79 (FIG. 5) are provided not on the waste powder recovery unit 40 side but on the image forming apparatus 1 side.

  When the waste powder collecting unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the driving force of the driving unit 78 is transmitted to the waste powder collecting unit 50 via the drive transmission gear unit 79 (FIG. 5). Is transmitted to the gear portion 52. When the gear unit 52 has a normal operation state, the gear unit 52 rotates around the rotation axis AX of the transport unit 51 of the waste powder recovery unit 50, and the rotational force of the gear unit 52 is reduced. And the shaft member 51a and the spiral blade member 51b of the transport section 51 also rotate around the rotation axis AX.

  When the waste powder collection unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and the gear unit 52 of the waste powder collection unit 50 has a normal operation state, the driving force of the driving unit 78 is Further, the power is further transmitted to the gear portion 62 of the waste powder storage portion 60 through the second portion 52. When the gear unit 62 has a normal operation state, the gear unit 62 rotates around the rotation axis BX of the transport unit 61 of the waste powder storage unit 60, and the rotational force of the gear unit 62 is reduced. And the shaft member 61a and the spiral blade member 61b of the transport section 61 also rotate around the rotation axis BX.

  Further, with the rotation of the gear section 62, the cam section 66 provided on the gear section 62 also rotates.

  Specifically, the cam portion 66 (specifically, an outer peripheral side arc portion 66a of the cam portion 66) rotates while being in contact with a link portion 71 (specifically, a skewing portion 71b provided on the link portion 71). Then, the state transitions from the outer peripheral non-contact state (see FIG. 11) to the outer peripheral contact state (see FIG. 12). In other words, as the contact position between the cam portion 66 and the link portion 71 in the radial direction of the gear portion 62 in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion 66 moves away from the rotation axis BX, the link portion 71 pushes from the cam portion 66. The pressure moves from the second position P2 (FIG. 11) to the first position P1 (FIG. 12) against the urging force of the urging force applying unit 73 (see FIG. 14).

  The cam portion 66 that has transitioned to the outer peripheral contact state pushes downward (in a direction opposite to the direction of the urging force of the urging force applying portion 73) against the sloping portion 71b of the link portion 71 (a force larger than the urging force). ). The link portion 71 according to the pressing force from the cam portion 66 (operation of applying the pressing force) (in other words, according to the change in the contact position between the cam portion 66 and the link portion 71 in the radial direction of the gear portion 62). , The tip portion 71a of the link portion 71 reaches the detection position P10 of the on / off sensor 72 (see FIG. 12). As a result, the distal end portion 71a of the link portion 71 blocks light from the light projecting portion 72a of the on / off sensor 72 (FIG. 16), and the on / off sensor 72 is in the on state (the state where the link portion 71 exists at the detection position P10 ( Presence state)) is detected.

  Thereafter, the cam portion 66 further rotates while being in contact with the link portion 71 (the skewed portion 71b), and conversely transits from the outer peripheral contact state (FIG. 12) to the outer peripheral non-contact state (FIG. 11). In other words, as the contact position between the cam portion 66 and the link portion 71 in the radial direction of the gear portion 62 approaches the rotation axis BX in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion 66, the link portion 71 is attached by the urging force applying portion 73. It moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by the force (returns to the second position P2). As a result, the cam portion 66 transitions from the pressed state to the non-pressed state, and the link portion 71 (specifically, the distal end portion 71a) moves away from the detection position P10 of the on / off sensor 72 (see FIG. 11). As a result, the light from the light projecting portion 72a of the on / off sensor 72 is received again by the light receiving portion 72b (FIG. 15), and the on / off sensor 72 is turned off (the state where the link portion 71 does not exist at the detection position P10 (the absence of the link portion 71). State)) is detected.

  Then, the determination unit 91 determines whether the waste powder recovery unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 based on the output signal (detection result) from the on / off sensor 72. Further, the determination unit 91 determines whether the transport operation by the transport unit 61 of the waste powder storage unit 60 is normal and the transport unit 51 of the waste powder recovery unit 50 based on the output result (detection result) from the on / off sensor 72. The normality of the transport operation is also determined.

  Here, for example, when the cam portion 66 has an outer peripheral non-contact state (non-pressed state) (FIG. 11) at the time of the mounting operation of the waste powder recovery unit 40, the “off state” is turned on / off as an initial detection result as described above. It is detected by the sensor 72 (see time point T1 in FIG. 17). When the waste powder collecting unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and the gear units 52 and 62 operate normally, the link unit 71 is moved to the position while the gear unit 62 makes one rotation. It swings between P1 and the position P2, and the state transition of the on / off sensor 72 occurs twice. Specifically, a transition from the “off state” to the “on state” and a transition from the “on state” to the “off state” occur. That is, when the waste powder recovery unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and the gear units 52 and 62 operate normally, an initial detection result (here, “OFF state”) is obtained. After that, the output signal of the on / off sensor 72 switches twice within a predetermined period Q10 (FIG. 17). Here, the predetermined period Q10 is a period in which the gear unit 62 should make one rotation in accordance with the application of the driving force by the driving unit 78.

  In consideration of this point, based on an output signal (detection result) obtained from the on / off sensor 72 during the predetermined period Q10, whether or not the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and whether each of the transport units 51 , 61 are determined to be normal.

  For example, after the initial detection result of the “OFF state” is obtained (see time point T1 in FIG. 17), the detection result of the “ON state” and the detection result of the “OFF state” are sequentially obtained within the predetermined period Q10. In this case, the determination unit 91 determines that the waste powder recovery unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the determination unit 91 also determines that the transport operation by the two transport units 51 and 61 is performed normally.

  On the other hand, after the initial detection result of the “off state” is obtained (see the time point T3 in FIG. 19), if the detection result of the “on state” is not obtained within the predetermined period Q10, the determination unit 91 sets the waste powder It is determined that the body recovery unit 40 is not (normally) attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the determination unit 91 also determines that at least the transport operation of the transport unit 61 of the two transport units 51 and 61 is not performed normally.

  For example, when the waste powder recovery unit 40 is not attached (normally) to the image forming apparatus 1 and the front cover is closed, the driving force of the driving unit 78 is not transmitted to the gear unit 62, and the link unit is not transmitted. The swing operation of 71 is not performed. Further, although the waste powder collecting unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the gear unit 62 is damaged due to a failure of any member constituting the drive mechanism (the drive unit 78 or the gear units 52, 62, etc.). Does not rotate, the cam 66 does not rotate, and the link 71 does not swing.

  If the swing operation of the link unit 71 is not performed after the initial detection result of the “off state” is obtained (see the time point T3 in FIG. 19), the “off state” of the on / off sensor 72 within the predetermined period Q10. Does not transition to the “ON state”. In this case, the determination unit 91 determines that the waste powder recovery unit 40 is not (normally) attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and at least the transport operation by the transport unit 61 of the two transport units 51 and 61. Is determined not to be performed normally.

  When the waste powder collecting unit 40 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and the cam portion 66 has an outer peripheral contact state (pressed state) (FIG. 12), the disposal to the image forming apparatus 1 is similarly performed. It is determined whether or not the powder recovery unit 40 is mounted and whether or not the transport operation by the transport units 51 and 61 is normal.

  Specifically, when the cam portion 66 has an outer peripheral contact state (pressed state) when the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the waste powder collecting unit 40 to the image forming apparatus 1 At the time of mounting, a pressing force from the cam portion 66 is applied to the link portion 71. Then, the distal end portion 71a of the link portion 71 reaches the detection position P10 of the on / off sensor 72 (see FIG. 12). Thus, the “ON state” is detected as an initial detection result (time T2 (see FIG. 18)).

  Thereafter, when the waste powder collecting unit 40 is (normally) mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and the gears 52 and 62 are operating normally, the link 71 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the cam 66. Swings, and output signals of “OFF state” and “ON state” are sequentially detected.

  After the initial detection result of the “ON state” is obtained (see time point T2 in FIG. 18), the detection result of the “OFF state” and the detection result of the “ON state” are sequentially obtained within the predetermined period Q10. It is determined that the waste powder recovery unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and that the transport operation by the two transport units 51 and 61 is normally performed.

  On the other hand, after the initial detection result of the “ON state” is obtained (see time point T4 in FIG. 20), if the detection result of the “OFF state” is not obtained within the predetermined period Q10, the waste powder collecting unit 40 Is determined not to be mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 (normally), and it is also determined that at least the transport operation of the transport unit 61 of the two transport units 51 and 61 is not performed normally.

<5. Effects of Embodiment>
As described above, in the above embodiment, the gear portion 62 and the cam portion 66 are provided on the side of the waste powder collecting unit 40 that is detachable from the image forming apparatus 1 (specifically, the main body thereof). (See FIG. 11). The gear unit 62 rotates in response to the application of the driving force of the driving unit 78 when the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, and the cam unit 66 synchronizes with the gear unit 62. Rotate. A link 71 and an on / off sensor 72 are provided on the image forming apparatus 1 side (main body side) (see FIG. 11). The link portion 71 swings in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion 66 in a state where the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, and the on / off sensor 72 turns the link portion 71 at the detection position P10. The presence state and the non-existence state are detected separately. Then, based on the output signal from the on / off sensor 72, it is determined whether the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the waste powder collecting unit 40 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 without using a relatively expensive configuration (a configuration using an encoder or the like), so that it is possible to reduce costs. .

  The cam portion 66 is provided on a gear portion 62 for rotating the transport portion 61 of the waste powder container 60 (see FIG. 11). That is, when determining whether the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, a dedicated gear for rotating only the cam 66 is not separately provided, but the cam is mounted on an existing member (gear 62). A part 66 is provided. From such a viewpoint, it is possible to reduce costs.

  Here, for example, if the transport unit 61 in the waste powder storage unit 60 (FIG. 8) does not rotate (normally) due to a malfunction of the gear unit 62, the following problem may occur.

  Specifically, the waste powder transported from the waste powder recovery unit 50 to the waste powder storage unit 60 by the transport operation of the transport unit 51 moves downstream in the transport direction in the waste powder storage unit 60. Instead of being conveyed, they accumulate below (only) the inlet 65. Then, the waste powder in the waste powder storage unit 60 is not conveyed to the installation unit side of the fullness detection sensor 69 (FIG. 8), and the waste powder reaches the inflow port 65 and the inflow port 65. Is clogged.

  When the inflow port 65 is clogged, the waste powder collected by the waste powder recovery unit 50 is not transported to the waste powder storage unit 60, and the waste powder accumulates in the waste powder recovery unit 50. Go. As a result, the transport unit 51 in the waste powder recovery unit 50 is buried in the waste powder, the rotation of the transport unit 51 stops (reduces the speed), and the transport unit 51 may malfunction.

  In order to prevent such a problem from occurring, it is preferable to determine whether or not the transport operation by the transport unit 61 in the waste powder storage unit 60 is normally performed.

  However, when a dedicated sensor for judging the normality of the transfer operation by the transfer unit 61 is separately provided, the cost is increased and a place (space) for installing the dedicated sensor is required.

  On the other hand, in the above embodiment, not only the presence or absence of the waste powder recovery unit 40 but also the normality of the transport operation by the transport unit 61 is determined based on the detection result of the on / off sensor 72. In short, one detection mechanism is used to determine both the presence or absence of the waste powder recovery unit 40 and the normality of the transport operation by the transport unit 61. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a dedicated sensor for determining the normality of the transport operation by the transport unit 61. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and to achieve space saving (miniaturization).

<6. Modification>
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described contents.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus is based on an output signal obtained from the on / off sensor 72 within a predetermined period Q10 in which the gear unit 62 (FIG. 11) should make one rotation in response to the application of the driving force by the driving unit 78. It is determined whether or not the waste powder recovery unit 40 is mounted on the first unit 1 (and the normality of the transport operation by the transport units 51 and 61).

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the state between the ON state (see FIG. 12) and the OFF state (see FIG. 11) by rotating the gear unit 62 in response to the application of the driving force by the driving unit 78. Whether or not the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 (and whether or not the transport operation by the transport units 51 and 61 is normal) may be determined based on whether or not the transition occurs. In other words, whether or not the state changes from one of the two states (the ON state and the OFF state) to the other by rotating the gear unit 62 in response to the application of the driving force by the driving unit 78. The presence / absence of attachment of the waste powder collecting unit 40 to the image forming apparatus 1 (and the normality of the transport operation by the transport units 51 and 61) may be determined based on the above.

  Specifically, when the cam portion 66 has the outer peripheral non-contact state (FIG. 11) at the time of the mounting operation of the waste powder recovery unit 40, as described above, the “off state” (link to the detection position P10 of the on / off sensor 72). The state in which the unit 71 is not present) is detected by the on / off sensor 72 as an initial detection result (see also FIG. 17).

  Thereafter, when the waste powder collecting unit 40 is mounted (normally) on the image forming apparatus 1 and the gears 52 and 62 operate normally, the gear 62 is driven in accordance with the application of the driving force by the driving unit 78. (Cam part 66) rotates. Then, the link portion 71 swings in response to the rotation of the cam portion 66, and the tip portion 71a of the link portion 71 reaches the detection position P10 of the on / off sensor 72, and is "on" (the detection position P10 of the on / off sensor 72). (A state where the link portion 71 is present in the first position) is detected by the on / off sensor 72.

  As described above, when the “off state” of the on / off sensor 72 changes to the “on state” after the initial detection result of the “off state” is obtained, the determination unit 91 determines that the waste powder collecting unit 40 1 may be determined to be (normally) attached, and it may be determined that the transport operation by the transport units 51 and 61 is normally performed.

  On the other hand, when the “off state” of the on / off sensor 72 does not change to the “on state” due to the fact that the waste powder collecting unit 40 is not (normally) attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the determination unit 91 determines It is determined that the waste powder recovery unit 40 is not (normally) attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and that the transport operation by at least the transport unit 61 of the transport units 51 and 61 is not normally performed. It may be determined.

  The same applies to the case where the cam portion 66 has an outer peripheral contact state (FIG. 12) during the mounting operation of the waste powder collecting unit 40 (the case where the initial detection result is “ON state”). Specifically, based on whether the “on state” of the on / off sensor 72 changes to the “off state” by rotating the gear unit 62 in response to the application of the driving force by the driving unit 78, the image forming apparatus It is determined whether or not the waste powder recovery unit 40 is attached to the unit 1 and whether or not the transport operation by the transport units 51 and 61 is normal.

  When the cam portion 66 has the outer peripheral contact state (FIG. 12) during the mounting operation of the waste powder collecting unit 40 (when the initial detection result is “ON state”), the state changes from “ON state” to “OFF state”. It may be determined that the waste powder collecting unit 40 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 without waiting for the state transition to.

  In the above-described embodiment and the like, the link portion 71 swings in response to the rotation of the cam portion 66 and reciprocates between the first position P1 (FIG. 12) and the second position P2 (FIG. 11). But not limited to this. For example, the link portion 71 may move linearly in a predetermined direction (vertical direction, horizontal direction, or the like) in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion 66 to reciprocate between the first position and the second position.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 40 Waste powder recovery unit 50 Waste powder recovery part 51 Transport part in waste powder recovery part 52 Gear part on waste powder recovery part 60 Waste powder storage part 61 Transport part in waste powder storage part 62 Gear part on waste powder storage part 71 Link part 72 Existence detection sensor (ON / OFF sensor)

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus,
A waste powder collection unit that collects waste powder, the waste powder collection unit being detachable with respect to the image forming apparatus,
Determining means for determining whether the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus,
With
The waste powder recovery unit,
In the state where the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus, a gear unit that rotates around a first rotation axis by transmitting a driving force of a driving unit provided in the image forming apparatus,
A cam section that rotates in synchronization with the gear section;
Has,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A link unit that reciprocates between a first position and a second position according to rotation of the cam unit in a state where the waste powder collection unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus;
A sensor capable of distinguishing and detecting a first state in which the link portion exists at the first position and a second state in which the link portion does not exist at the first position;
Further comprising
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines whether the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus based on a detection result of the sensor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The link unit is rotatable about a predetermined axis parallel to the first rotation axis, and in response to rotation of the cam unit in a state where the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus swings between the first position and the second position about the predetermined axis. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
An urging force applying unit that applies an urging force in a direction toward the second position to the link unit;
Further comprising
In a state in which the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the link portion and the cam in the radial direction of the gear portion in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion accompanying the application of driving force by the driving portion. The contact position with the part has been changed,
As the contact position approaches the first rotation axis in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion, the link portion moves from the first position to the second position by the urging force,
As the contact position moves away from the first rotation axis in accordance with the rotation of the cam portion, the link portion moves from the second position to the first position against the urging force by a pressing force from the cam portion. An image forming apparatus that moves toward the position of (1). The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus, wherein the cam unit does not rotate and the link unit does not perform the reciprocating motion when the waste powder collecting unit is not mounted on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The determination unit is configured to determine whether the waste powder collection unit is in the image forming apparatus based on a detection result obtained from the sensor within a predetermined period in which the gear unit should make one rotation in response to the application of driving force by the driving unit. An image forming apparatus for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,
The determination unit is configured to determine whether the waste powder collection unit is in the image forming apparatus based on whether a state transition between the first state and the second state occurs within the predetermined period. An image forming apparatus that determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is mounted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The determination unit is configured to determine whether a state transition between the first state and the second state occurs due to rotation of the gear unit in response to application of a driving force by the driving unit. And determining whether or not the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The waste powder recovery unit,
A waste powder storage unit that stores the waste powder,
In a state where the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the gear unit operates normally, the waste powder in the waste powder storage unit is removed according to rotation of the gear unit. A transport unit that transports from the upstream side to the downstream side in the storage unit,
Further having
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit also determines whether or not the transport operation by the transport unit is normally performed based on a detection result by the sensor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The transport unit has a shaft member that is supported by a through hole provided at an end of the waste powder container main body and rotates around the first rotation axis,
The shaft member is fixed to the gear part by protruding to the outside of the waste powder container main body through the through hole.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed at a location separated from the space immediately below the through hole by a predetermined degree or more. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The transport unit is a first transport unit,
The gear unit is a first gear unit,
The waste powder recovery unit,
A waste powder recovery unit that recovers the waste powder discharged from the imaging unit of the image forming apparatus,
A second gear unit that rotates around a second rotation axis by transmitting a driving force of the driving unit when the waste powder collection unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus;
In a state where the waste powder collecting unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the second gear unit operates normally, the waste powder in the waste powder collecting unit is rotated according to the rotation of the second gear unit. A second transport unit that transports the body from the upstream side to the downstream side in the waste powder recovery unit;
Further having
The first gear unit rotates according to a driving force transmitted from the driving unit via the second gear unit,
The determining unit determines not only the normality of the transport operation by the first transport unit but also the normality of the transport operation by the second transport unit based on the detection result by the sensor. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10,
The second transporting section is configured such that, from an outlet provided on the downstream side of the waste powder recovery section, the waste powder is provided through an inlet provided in the waste powder storage section and communicating with the outlet. Image forming apparatus for transporting the toner to the waste powder container. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 10 or 11,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the waste powder storage unit can be detached from the waste powder recovery unit and can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.