JP4525739B2 - Developer transport device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer conveying device and an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer to which an electrophotographic system is applied, a developer transport device that transports a replenishment developer or a collected waste developer is provided.
With respect to the developer conveying device provided in the image forming apparatus, techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below have been proposed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-319245 as Patent Document 1 discloses a recovery screw (22) that transports a developer recovered by a cleaning device (14) in a horizontal direction, and a developer that is transported by a recovery screw (22). A vertical pipe part (26a) in which a fall path (27) in which the water drops fall is formed, a horizontal pipe part (26b) connected to the lower end of the vertical pipe part (26a), and a horizontal pipe part ( 26b) describes a developer recovery device (25) having a transport screw (32) for transporting the developer. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, in order to prevent the falling path (27) from sticking to the wall surface of the dropping path (27) and growing up and clogging the falling path (27), A developer agglomeration is removed by disposing an agitator (29) which is disposed at a lower portion of the screw (22, 32) and is driven to rotate.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-131534 as Patent Document 2 discloses a residual toner transport mechanism (30) that transports residual toner removed by the cleaning mechanism (8) of the intermediate transfer body (6) to a residual toner collection container (21). ) Is described. In the technique described in Patent Document 2, a conveyance screw (10) that conveys the residual developer in the conveyance path (310) at the junction of the residual toner dropping path (322, 332) and the conveyance path (310) where the developer falls. 34) is arranged so that the spheres (37, 38) that generate noise or wear on the transport screw (34) are placed on the spiral blade (343) of the transport screw (34) by the rotation of the transport screw (34). The contacting spheres (37, 38) move up and down in the residual toner dropping path (322, 332), thereby scraping off the developer adhering to the spiral blade (343).

JP-A-7-319245 ("0002" to "0003", "0018" to "0025", FIGS. 1 and 4) JP 2003-131534 A (“0014” to “0021”, FIG. 2)

  The present invention is technically capable of reducing clogging of a developer that occurs between a conveyance member and a conveyance member at a connection portion of a conveyance path in which a conveyance member is disposed inside and the conveyance direction of the developer changes. Let it be an issue.

In order to solve the technical problem, a developer conveying device according to claim 1 is provided.
A first transport path through which the developer is transported;
A first conveying member that is disposed in the first conveying path and rotates to convey the developer in the first conveying path;
A second developer transport path connected to the first transport path and transporting the developer flowing in from the first transport path;
A second transport member disposed in the second transport path and rotated to transport the developer in the second transport path in a direction different from the transport direction of the first transport member;
A drive receiving unit that receives from the first transport member a drive for contacting the first transport member and rotating in response to the rotation of the first transport member; and the first transport path and the second transport path. A third conveying member having a connecting portion and a breaking portion for breaking the developer disposed on an extension line of the first conveying member;
With
The first conveying member is
It has a drive transmission part that contacts the drive reception part and transmits the rotation to the third conveying member, and is formed by forming a wire in a spiral shape, and is arranged in a state where the drive reception part enters the spiral. And
The third conveying member is
The breaker portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and the drive receiving portion formed to protrude from the breaker portion toward the first transport member, and is in contact with the second transport member and According to the rotation of the second transport member, the reciprocating motion is performed in the connecting portion, and the second transport member rotates with the rotation of the first transport member.

In order to solve the technical problem, a developer conveying device according to claim 2 is provided.
A first transport path through which the developer is transported;
A first conveying member that is disposed in the first conveying path and rotates to convey the developer in the first conveying path;
A second developer transport path connected to the first transport path and transporting the developer flowing in from the first transport path;
A second transport member disposed in the second transport path and rotated to transport the developer in the second transport path in a direction different from the transport direction of the first transport member;
A drive receiving unit that receives from the first transport member a drive for contacting the first transport member and rotating in response to the rotation of the first transport member; and the first transport path and the second transport path. A third conveying member having a connecting portion and a breaking portion for breaking the developer disposed on an extension line of the first conveying member;
With
The first conveying member is
A spiral portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and the drive transmission portion formed so as to protrude from the spiral portion toward the third transport member,
The third conveying member is
A breaker portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and a drive receiving portion that contacts the drive transmission portion and receives the drive of the first transport member, and contacts the second transport member and the first transport member. 2 reciprocating within the connecting portion according to the rotation of the conveying member, and rotating with the rotation of the first conveying member.

The invention described in claim 3 is the developer conveying device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The third conveying member supported by the drive receiving portion so as to be movable along the direction in which the developer is conveyed by the first conveying member;
It is provided with.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the developer conveying device according to any one of the first to third aspects,
A contact member supported by an end of the third transport member on the second transport member side and made of the same material as the second transport member;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 5 is the developer conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The second transport member rotating at a rotational peripheral speed different from the rotational peripheral speed of the first transport member;
It is provided with.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention provides:
A visible image forming apparatus for forming a visible image on the medium surface;
A first transport path through which the discharged developer discharged from the visible image forming apparatus is transported;
A first conveying member that is disposed in the first conveying path and rotates to convey the developer in the first conveying path;
A second developer transport path connected to the first transport path and transporting the developer flowing in from the first transport path;
A second transport member disposed in the second transport path and rotated to transport the developer in the second transport path in a direction different from the transport direction of the first transport member;
A drive receiving unit that receives from the first transport member a drive for contacting the first transport member and rotating in response to the rotation of the first transport member; and the first transport path and the second transport path. A third conveying member having a connecting portion and a breaking portion for breaking the developer disposed on an extension line of the first conveying member;
With
The first conveying member is
It has a drive transmission part that contacts the drive reception part and transmits the rotation to the third conveying member, and is formed by forming a wire in a spiral shape, and is arranged in a state where the drive reception part enters the spiral. And
The third conveying member is
The breaker portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and the drive receiving portion formed to protrude from the breaker portion toward the first transport member, and is in contact with the second transport member and The reciprocating motion is performed in the connecting portion according to the rotation of the second transport member, and the second transport member rotates with the rotation of the first transport member .

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 7 is provided.
A visible image forming apparatus for forming a visible image on the medium surface;
A first transport path through which the discharged developer discharged from the visible image forming apparatus is transported;
A first conveying member that is disposed in the first conveying path and rotates to convey the developer in the first conveying path;
A second developer transport path connected to the first transport path and transporting the developer flowing in from the first transport path;
A second transport member disposed in the second transport path and rotated to transport the developer in the second transport path in a direction different from the transport direction of the first transport member;
A drive receiving unit that receives from the first transport member a drive for contacting the first transport member and rotating in response to the rotation of the first transport member; and the first transport path and the second transport path. A third conveying member having a connecting portion and a breaking portion for breaking the developer disposed on an extension line of the first conveying member;
With
The first conveying member is
A spiral portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and the drive transmission portion formed so as to protrude from the spiral portion toward the third transport member,
The third conveying member is
A breaker portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and a drive receiving portion that contacts the drive transmission portion and receives the drive of the first transport member, and contacts the second transport member and the first transport member. 2 Reciprocating within the connecting portion according to the rotation of the conveying member, and rotating with the rotation of the first conveying member.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, the conveying member and the conveying member are arranged at the connection portion of the conveying path where the conveying member is disposed inside and the conveying direction of the developer is changed. It is possible to prevent clogging of the developer that occurs between the members. Further, the drive receiving portion that has entered the inside of the first transport member can guide the reciprocation of the third transport member, and the third transport member is installed in the connection portion as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided. It can be reciprocated stably.
According to the invention described in claim 2, as compared with the case not employing the present invention, respectively disposed conveying member inside, at the connection portion of the transport path is conveying direction of the developer changes, the transport and the transport member It is possible to prevent clogging of the developer that occurs between the members. Further, the drive transmission unit that has entered the inside of the third conveyance member can guide the reciprocation of the third conveyance member, and the third conveyance member can be guided in the connection unit as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided. It can be reciprocated stably.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the third conveying member can be reliably reciprocated along the direction in which the developer is conveyed by the first conveying member, as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided. it can.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce wear due to contact between the contact member and the second transport member as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, it is possible to reduce the contact between the same positions of the third transport member and the second transport member, and the specific position is worn out. Or damage can be reduced.
According to the invention described in claim 6, 7, inside the conveying member is arranged at a connecting portion of the conveying path conveying direction of the developer discharged from the visible image forming apparatus changes, clogging of the developer Can be prevented, and discharge failure due to clogging and image failure due to discharge failure can be prevented.

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

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus including a developer conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus U includes a copying machine U1 as an image forming apparatus main body having a transparent document table PG on the upper surface, and an automatic document feeder U2 which is detachably mounted on the document table PG. ing.
The automatic document feeder U2 has a document feeder TG1 which is accommodated on a plurality of documents Gi to be copied and fed to a copy position. Each of the plurality of documents Gi stored in the document feeder TG1 is sequentially discharged through the copy position on the document table PG to the document delivery unit TG2.

The copying machine U1 includes an operation instruction input unit U0 for inputting an instruction by an operator, an image reading unit U1a and an image recording unit U1b sequentially disposed below the document table PG, and the image reading unit U1a or the image recording unit. And an image processing unit GS provided in the unit U1b.
An image reading unit U1a as a document reading device disposed below the transparent document table PG on the upper surface of the copying machine U1 includes a platen registration sensor Sp as an example of a reading position detection member disposed at the image reading position, and exposure optics. It has system A.

The movement and stop of the exposure optical system A are controlled by the detection signal of the reading position detection member Sp, and are always stopped at the reference position.
At the time of automatic document conveyance work in which copying is performed using the automatic document conveyance device U2, each document Gi that sequentially passes through the copy position F1 on the document table PG is exposed while the exposure optical system A is stopped at the reference position. To do.
At the time of reading the document table where the operator places the document Gi on the document table PG by hand, the exposure optical system A exposes and scans the document on the document table PG while moving.
The reflected light from the exposed document Gi passes through the exposure optical system A and is converged on the CCD, which is a solid-state image sensor. The CCD converts the reflected document light converged on the imaging surface into an electric signal.

The image processing unit GS converts the read image signal input from the CCD of the image reading unit U1a into a digital image writing signal and outputs the digital image writing signal to the laser drive signal output device DL of the image forming unit U1b.
The laser drive signal output device DL outputs a laser drive signal corresponding to the input image information to an exposure device ROS as an example of an image writing device.

  The photoconductor PR disposed below the exposure apparatus rotates in the arrow Ya direction. The surface of the photosensitive drum PR is charged by the charger CR in the charging region Q0, and then exposed and scanned by a laser beam L as an example of latent image writing light of the exposure device ROS at the latent image writing position Q1. Electrostatic latent image is formed. The surface of the photoconductor PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed rotates and moves sequentially through the development area Q2 and the transfer area Q3.

A developing unit G that develops the electrostatic latent image in the developing area Q2 conveys developer including toner and carrier to the developing area Q2 by a developing roll R0 as an example of a developing member, and passes through the developing area Q2. The electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image as an example of a visible image. The toner image on the surface of the photoconductor PR is conveyed to the transfer area Q3. The photoreceptor PR, the charger CR, the exposure device ROS, the developing device G, and the like constitute a visible image forming device U3 that forms a visible image.
A developer cartridge K as an example of a developer supply container for supplying the developer consumed in the developing device G is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting member KS. The developer in the developer cartridge K is transported while being stirred in the developer container RT, and is transported to the developing device G by the developer transport device GH disposed in the developer container RT. Note that the developing device G of Example 1 uses a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier, and the developer G is replenished with a developer containing toner and carrier from the developer cartridge K. In addition, the deteriorated developer is discharged little by little. Note that a developing device that discharges a deteriorated developer little by little while replenishing a new developer as described above is conventionally known as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-208340. Detailed description is omitted.

  The transfer unit TU disposed opposite to the photoconductor PR in the transfer region Q3 is an example of a transfer conveyance member that is rotatably supported by belt support members Rd and Rf having a drive roll Rd and a driven roll Rf. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt TB, a transfer roll TR and a peeling claw SC as an example of a transfer device, and a belt cleaner CLb as an example of a developer recovery device. The transfer roll TR is a member that transfers a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor PR to a sheet S as an example of a medium, and a transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the developing toner used in the developing device G is a power supply circuit. Supplied from E. The power supply circuit E is controlled by a controller C as an example of control means.

The sheet S accommodated in the paper supply containers TR1 to TR4 is conveyed to the transfer area Q3 through the sheet supply path SH1. That is, the sheets S accommodated in the respective paper supply containers TR1 to TR4 are taken out by a pick-up roll Rp as an example of a medium taking-out member, and separated one by one by a separating roll Rs as an example of a separating member, A plurality of conveying members Ra are conveyed to a registration roll Rr as an example of a transfer area conveying member.
Further, a manual sheet feeding unit TRt, which is an example of a manual sheet feeding member, is installed on the left side of the cartridge mounting member KS and the developer container RT, and the sheet S fed from the manual sheet feeding unit TRt. Is also conveyed to a predetermined transfer area Q3. In the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the manual sheet feeding unit TRt is supported to be rotatable about the rotation center TRt0, and the manual sheet feeding unit TRt is disposed inside the image forming apparatus U as indicated by a solid line in FIG. In this state, a part TRt1 on the rotation center TRt0 side of the manual feed portion TRt is accommodated in a state of entering the space below the cartridge mounting member KS and on the left side of the developer accommodating container RT. The manual sheet feeding unit TRt is accommodated in a state where the entire apparatus U is space-saving and compact.
The sheet S transported to the registration roll Rr is transferred from the pre-transfer sheet guide SG1 as an example of a guide member to the transfer unit TU in synchronization with the timing when the toner image on the photoconductor PR moves to the transfer region Q3. It is conveyed to the belt TB. The transfer belt TB conveys the conveyed sheet S to the sheet transfer area Q3.

  The toner image Tn developed on the surface of the photoreceptor PR is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer roll TR in the transfer region Q3. After the transfer, the surface of the photoconductor PR is cleaned by a cleaning brush CLp1 as an example of a developer removing member of a photoconductor cleaner CLp as an example of a developer recovery device, and residual toner is removed. The residual toner removed by the cleaning brush CLp1 is conveyed by a photoreceptor toner conveying member CLp2 as an example of a developer conveying member. The surface of the photoreceptor PR whose surface has been cleaned is recharged by the charger CR.

The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer roll TR in the transfer area Q3 is peeled from the surface of the transfer belt TB by the peeling claw SC on the downstream side of the transfer area Q3. The surface of the transfer belt TB from which the sheet S has been peeled is cleaned by a cleaning blade CLb1 as an example of a developer removing member of the belt cleaner CLb. The toner, paper dust, discharge products, and the like removed by the cleaning blade CLb1 are transported by a belt toner transport member CLb2 as an example of a developer transport member.
The peeled sheet S is an elastic sheet-made conveyance path switching member after the toner image is heated and fixed by a fixing device F having a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure member. It passes through MG and is transported to a transport member Rb that can rotate forward and backward in the discharge path SH2. The conveyance path switching member MG is elastically deformed and directs the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device F toward the discharge path SH2.

  The sheet S to be discharged to the paper discharge unit TRh is conveyed through a discharge path SH2 in which a conveyance member Rb that can rotate forward and backward and a plurality of conveyance members Ra are arranged. A post-processing switching member GT1 is disposed at the downstream end of the discharge path SH2. When the post-processing device (not shown) is connected to the image forming apparatus U, the post-processing switching member GT1 discharges the conveyed sheet S to either the paper discharge unit TRh or the post-processing device (not shown). Is switched to. In the state where the post-processing apparatus is not mounted, the post-processing switching member GT1 discharges the sheet S conveyed to the downstream end of the discharge path SH2 to the paper discharge unit TRh.

When the single-side recorded sheet for performing duplex printing is conveyed, the conveyance member Rb capable of rotating forward and reverse is reversely rotated immediately before the trailing edge of the single-side recorded sheet S passes through the conveyance member Rb. The single-sided recorded sheet S is conveyed in the opposite direction, so-called switch back. The conveyance path switching member MG directs the sheet S that has been switched back by the conveyance member Rb to the circulation conveyance path SH3. The single-side recorded sheet S conveyed to the circulation conveyance path SH3 is retransmitted to the transfer area Q3 in a state where the front and back sides are reversed. The toner image is transferred to the second side of the single-side recorded sheet S retransmitted to the transfer area Q3.
Note that a sheet conveying device SH is constituted by the constituent elements indicated by the symbols SH1 to SH3, Rp, Rs, Rr, Ra, Rb, MG and the like.

(Waste developer transport device)
FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory view of a waste developer conveying device as an example of the developer conveying device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the waste developer conveying apparatus shown in FIG.
4 is a rear view of the waste developer conveying device shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the waste developer conveying device shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the waste developer conveying device of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG.
2-6, the waste developer conveying apparatus 1 as an example of the developer conveying apparatus of the present invention has a hollow cylindrical first conveying path forming member 2 extending from the upper left to the lower right. The first transport path forming member 2 has a plurality of fixed portions 2a which are fixed by screwing to a fixing portion provided on the rear side of the copying machine U1 main body (not shown). A first drop path connecting portion 2 b is formed at the upper left portion of the first transport path forming member 2, and a second drop path connecting portion 2 c is formed at the center of the first transport path forming member 2. ing. A first waste toner transport path 2d is formed inside the first transport path forming member 2 as an example of the first transport path. In the first waste toner transport path 2d, a coil auger 4 formed by spirally winding a wire is accommodated as an example of a first transport member. In Example 1, the coil auger 4 is formed by spirally winding a metal wire, and the lower end portion of the coil auger 4 is lower than the lower end of the first waste toner conveyance path 2d. It extends to.

The upper left end of the coil auger 4 is supported by a transport member end support member 6 that is rotatably supported by the first transport path forming member 2 via a bearing. A driven gear 7 is fixedly supported on the transport member end support member 6. A driving motor 8 as an example of a driving device is fixedly supported on the upper left end portion of the first transport path forming member 2, and a driving gear 9 supported by a driving shaft 8 a of the driving motor 8 is the driven gear. 7 is engaged. Accordingly, when the drive motor 8 is driven, the coil auger 4 is rotated via the drive gear 9 and the driven gear 7, and the developer in the first waste toner conveyance path 2d is conveyed from the upper left to the lower right. .
In FIG. 5, a first drop path forming member 11 is fixedly supported by a screw 12 on the first drop path connecting portion 2 b. A first drop path 11a as an example of a drop path connected to the first waste toner transport path 2d is formed in the first drop path forming member 11, and an upper end portion of the first drop path 11a is formed at the upper end portion of the first drop path 11a. A first developer dropping port 11b as an example of the developer dropping port is formed. A discharge developer transport member (not shown) that transports the discharged developer discharged little by little from the developing device G passes through the first developer dropping port 11b. Accordingly, the discharged developer discharged from the developing device G is conveyed from the developer dropping port 11b to the first dropping path 11a, and the developer that has dropped through the first dropping path 11a flows into the first waste toner conveying path 2d. To do.

  In FIG. 5, an aggregation preventing member 16 is supported on the second drop path connecting portion 2c. In FIG. 5, the agglomeration preventing member 16 is constituted by a leaf spring formed by bending a metal plate, and is supported in a cantilevered state by a fixed portion 17 supported on the upper left side of the second drop path connecting portion 2c. Has been. The central portion of the aggregation preventing member 16 has a scraping portion 20 that is disposed along the inner wall surface of the second drop path connecting portion 2c on both sides of the coil auger 4 and scrapes off the developer attached to the inner wall surface. A tip contact portion 21 is formed at the right end portion and is arranged so as to be embedded inside the spiral of the coil spring-shaped coil auger 4. The tip contact portion 21 intermittently contacts the coil auger 4 as the coil auger 4 rotates. The developer that is repelled by contact and vibrated by the elastic force of the leaf spring is rubbed off to adhere to the inner wall surface.

  5 and 6, a second drop path forming agent 26 is fixedly supported by a screw 27 on the second drop path connecting portion 2c. In FIG. 5, a second developer dropping port 26a as an example of a developer dropping port is formed at the upper end portion of the second dropping path forming member 26, and the second developer dropping port 26a has the above-mentioned The rear end portion of the toner transport member CLp2 for the photoreceptor passes therethrough. Below the first developer dropping port 26a, there are a vertical falling path inner wall 26b extending vertically downward and a diagonal falling path inner wall 26c extending diagonally to the left, and the falling path vertical inner wall 26b and the falling path diagonal inner wall 26c. A second fall path 26d as an example of a fall path is configured by a space surrounded by, for example. Therefore, in the second fall path forming member 26 of the first embodiment, the distance between the fall path vertical inner wall 26b and the fall path diagonal inner wall 26c increases as it goes downward, and the second fall path 26d has a so-called divergent shape. Is formed. As a result, the anti-aggregation member 16 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the second drop path spreading toward the end, and the band-shaped scraping portion 20b and the tip of the anti-agglomeration member are vertically below the second developer dropping port 26a. Part 21 is arranged.

The developer transported to the second developer drop port 26a by the photosensitive member toner transport member CLp2 falls on the second drop path 26d and is transported to the first waste toner transport path 2d.
In FIG. 5, a third developer dropping port 26e is formed on the right side of the second dropping path forming member 26, and the rear end portion of the belt toner conveying member CLb2 is formed in the third developer dropping port 26e. Has penetrated. A third drop path 26f as an example of a drop path is formed below the third developer drop opening 26e, and the developer conveyed to the third developer drop opening 26e by the belt toner conveying member CLb2. Falls on the third drop path 26f and is transported to the first waste toner transport path 2d.

FIG. 7 is an overall perspective explanatory view of a waste developer conveying device as an example of the developer conveying device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part of a connection portion between the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path of the waste developer conveyance device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the conveying members.
In FIG. 7, in the waste developer conveyance device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the second conveyance path forming member 31 is connected to the lower end portion of the first conveyance path forming member 2, and the front end of the second conveyance path forming member 31. Is connected to a waste developer container 32 as an example of a developer container. 7 and 8, the second conveyance path forming member 31 is formed with a second waste toner conveyance path 33 as an example of a second conveyance path that extends horizontally in the front-rear direction and extends to the waste developer container 32. Has been. The upstream end of the second waste toner transport path 33 is connected to a connection path 34 that extends upward and is connected to the first waste toner transport path 2d as an example of a connection section. In this embodiment, the connection path 34 is formed of a member different from the first waste toner transport path 2d and the second waste toner transport path 33, but the connection path 34 and the first waste toner transport path 2d are connected to each other. It is also possible to configure with an integral member, or to configure the connection path 34 and the second waste toner conveyance path 33 with an integral member.

A conveyance auger 36 as an example of a second conveyance member is disposed inside the second waste toner conveyance path 33. 8 and 9, the transport auger 36 according to the first embodiment includes a rotation shaft 36a and a spiral transport blade 36b supported on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft 36a, and is configured by a so-called auger. . In the first embodiment, the transfer auger 36 is integrally formed of a resin material.
In FIG. 8, the rear end portion of the rotary shaft 36a is rotatably supported by a second conveyance path forming member 31 by a bearing 37, and a pulley 38 as an example of a final drive transmission member is supported by the rear end. ing. In FIG. 7, a drive belt 39 as an example of an intermediate drive transmission member is attached to the pulley 38, and drive from a drive source (not shown) of the fixing device F is transmitted to the pulley 38 via the drive belt 39. The transport auger 36 rotates.

FIG. 10 is a perspective explanatory view of the third transport member of Example 1, FIG. 10A is an overall perspective view of the third transport member, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the contact member.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the drive transmission unit and the drive receiving unit of the first embodiment.
8 and 9, a reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 as an example of a third conveying member is disposed inside the connection path 34.
9 and 10, the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 includes a helical part 41a as an example of a breaking part in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape and destroys the developer, and a coil auger from the helical part 41 as an example of a drive receiving part. 4 and a hook portion 41b formed in a hook shape. In Example 1, the spiral portion 41a and the hook portion 41b are made of a metal wire.
The hook portion 41b has an upward extending portion 41b1 extending upward. At the upper end of the upward extending portion 41b1, a folded portion 41b2 formed by being folded back in an inverted V shape so that the hook portion 41b can be easily inserted inside the spiral of the coil auger 4 is continuously formed. Yes. A downward extending portion 41b3 as an example of a connecting joint extending downward is formed continuously with the folded portion 41b2. At the lower end of the downwardly extending portion 41b3, when the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 moves up and down in a shape bent obliquely in the direction toward the inside of the spiral, it does not get caught in the winding gap of the coil auger 4 A bent portion 41b4 is formed for this purpose.

  The interval between the upper extending portion 41b1 and the lower extending portion 41b3 is set to be narrower than the inner diameter of the coil auger 4, and each of the extending portions 41b2 is inserted into the coil auger 4 from below. The portions 41b1 and 41b3 are set to be insertable into the spiral coil auger 4. In FIG. 11, a bent portion 4a extending in the radial direction of the coil auger 4 is formed at the lower end of the coil auger 4 as an example of a drive transmission portion, and the downward extending portion of the hook portion 41b is formed on the bent portion 4a. 41b3 is supported in a hooked state. Therefore, in the reciprocating rotary conveyance member 41 of the first embodiment, the rotation of the coil auger 4 is transmitted to the reciprocating rotary conveyance member 41 by the connection between the bent portion 4a and the downward extending portion 41b3, and the downward extending portion 41b3 is rotatable. And the bent portion 4a are supported in a state where they can freely move up and down.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the transport path and the third transport member.
8 to 12, a collar 42 as an example of a contact member is fixedly supported at the lower end of the spiral portion 41 a of the reciprocating rotary conveyance member 41. The collar 42 of the first embodiment is formed in an annular shape, and has a large-diameter portion 42a at the lower end formed substantially in the same shape as the outer diameter of the spiral portion 41a, a large-diameter portion formed above the large-diameter portion 42a. A small-diameter portion 42b having a smaller diameter than 42a and a medium-diameter portion 42c formed above the small-diameter portion 42b and having a larger diameter than the small-diameter portion 42b and smaller than the inner diameter of the spiral portion 41a. A spiral portion fixing hole 42b1 as an example of a spiral portion fixing portion is formed in the small diameter portion 42b, and the lower end of the spiral portion 41a is fixed through.
In Example 1, the collar 42 is made of a resin material in the same manner as the transport auger 36 in order to reduce wear due to contact with the transport auger 36. The lower surface of the collar 42 is disposed in contact with the conveying blade 36b of the conveying auger 36. As the conveying auger 36 rotates, the contact position between the conveying blade 36b and the collar 42 changes, so that the collar 42 is changed. Periodic reciprocation in the vertical direction causes the reciprocating rotary conveyance member 41 to reciprocate in the vertical direction, that is, in the developer conveyance direction by the coil auger 4.

8, 9, and 12, the reciprocating rotary conveyance member 41 of the first embodiment may be tilted during vertical reciprocation or rotation. For example, the folded portion 41 b 2 of the reciprocating rotary conveyance member 41 may be a coil auger. In order to prevent so-called locking that enters between the spiral wire rods 4 and is fixed in an inclined state, the length of the extending portions 41b1 and 41b3 in the vertical direction is determined by the coil auger 4 The spiral is set to two turns of the spiral, that is, a length of 2 pitches or more. The length in the up and down direction can be set to any length as long as it corresponds to two or more turns, but the range of reciprocating movement of the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 in the up and down direction, manufacturing, and mounting are considered. Therefore, it is desirable to make it 6 or less.
In FIG. 12, when the vertical height of the spiral portion 41a is a and the maximum gap between the inner surface of the connection path 34 and the outer surface of the spiral portion 41a is b, b / a = tan θ = 0 .0345 or less, the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 can be reciprocated in the vertical direction without falling down in the connection path 34, and the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 is in contact with the connecting path 34 at an extremely specific position. Since it has been confirmed by experiments that so-called one-sided contact is prevented, it is desirable to set tan θ = 0.0345 or less.
Furthermore, in the waste developer conveying apparatus 1 of Example 1, the rotational peripheral speed of the coil auger 4 is set to be different from the rotational peripheral speed of the transport auger 42, and the coil auger 4 and the transport auger 42 It is reduced that the collar 42 and the conveying blade 36b come into contact only at the same position in synchronization with the rotational peripheral speed.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the waste developer transport device 1 is operated by the operation of the image forming apparatus U, the coil auger 4 and the transport auger 36 are rotated, and the developing device G and the photosensitive device are rotated. The developer and paper dust collected by the body cleaner CLp and the belt cleaner CLb are conveyed to the waste developer container 32. As the coil auger 4 rotates, the rotation of the coil auger 4 is transmitted to the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 due to the connection between the bent portion 4a and the downward extending portion 41b3, and the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 rotates. Further, as the transport auger 36 rotates, the contact position between the spiral transport blade 36b and the collar 42 changes, so that the collar 42 moves in the vertical direction and is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction. At the same time, the reciprocating rotary conveyance member 41 that is formed by being wound spirally and elastically deformable moves and expands and contracts in the vertical direction.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional configuration for explaining the operation of the first embodiment, FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram of a state before the developer is transported, and FIG. 13B is an inner wall surface of the transport path of the developer. FIG. 13C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which developer is deposited on the upper portion of the bowl attached, and FIG. 13D is an explanatory diagram of a state in which developer is further deposited from the state of FIG. 13C. It is.
In FIG. 13, in the conventional configuration in which the reciprocating rotation conveyance member 41 is not provided, as shown in FIG. 13A, the connection portion 01 is arranged with a gap between the coil auger 02 and the conveyance auger 03. Has been. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, when the developer is transported, the developer at the inner portion of the rotational radius of the spiral transport blade 03b supported by the transport auger 03 at the connection portion 01 at the connection auger 03. The developer 06 that is transported and is not transported on the outer upper portion of the rotation radius of the transport blade 03b adheres to the inner wall surface of the connecting portion 01 and projects in a bowl shape. Normally, even if the developer 06 protrudes like a bowl, the inner tip of the bowl hangs down due to vibration or gravity during operation of the image forming apparatus, moves within the rotation radius, and is conveyed by the conveyance auger 03. However, in the state in which the bowl-shaped developer 06 is formed, for example, the sheet feeding container is pulled out or pushed in for replacement of members inside the image forming apparatus or replenishment of the medium. When vibration or impact is applied to the developer, the developer adhering to the upper wall surface of the connecting portion 01 falls and accumulates on the bowl-shaped developer 06, and as shown in FIG. 13C, the coil auger 02 and the transport auger In some cases, the developer layer 07 is formed in the gap between the developer 03 and 03. In this state, when the image forming apparatus is not used for a while, for example, when it is left overnight, the developer in the developer layer 07 is cooled and solidified, and is not easily broken. When the image forming apparatus operates in this state, the developer layer 07 does not collapse, and the developer conveyed by the coil auger 02 is deposited above the developer layer 07, and the developer is clogged at the connection portion 01. An image defect may be caused by poor cleaning.

  In the first embodiment, a reciprocating rotary conveyance member 41 is disposed in a gap between the coil auger 02 and the conveyance auger 03, and the developer that adheres in a bowl shape is collapsed and conveyed downward to be conveyed. It is conveyed by the auger 36. Further, even if the developer falls due to the insertion and removal of the paper feed containers TR1 to TR4 while the image forming apparatus is stopped, the developer accumulated by the reciprocating rotary conveyance member 41 is destroyed when the next waste developer conveyance apparatus 1 is driven. Then, it is transported downward and transported by the transport auger 36. That is, in the connection path 34, the occurrence of clogging of the developer is prevented.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory perspective view of the third conveying member according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 9 according to the first embodiment.
Next, the image forming apparatus having the third conveying member according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment. The detailed description is omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.

In FIG. 14, in the waste developer conveying apparatus 1 as the second embodiment of the developer conveying apparatus, compared to the case of the first embodiment, the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 ′ as an example of the third conveying member has a hook portion. Are provided, and a coil auger 4 'as an example of a first transport member is formed with a spiral portion 4b and a hook portion 4c formed at the tip of the spiral portion 4b as an example of a drive transmission portion. The hook portion 4c includes an upward extending portion 41b1 and a folded portion 41b2 of the hook portion 41b of the first embodiment, a downward extending portion 41b3 as an example of a coupling joint, and a downward extending portion 4c1 in which bent portions 41b4 are arranged symmetrically in the vertical direction. It has the part 4c2, the upward extension part 4c3 as an example of a connection joint, and the bending part 4c4.
Accordingly, a bent portion having substantially the same shape as the bent portion 4a provided in the coil auger 4 of the first embodiment is formed at the upper end of the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 ′ in the second embodiment. It is formed as a bent portion 41c as an example.
Therefore, by connecting the bent portion 41c and the upward extending portion 4c3, the reciprocating rotary conveying member 41 ′ can move in the vertical direction with respect to the coil auger 4 ′ and can transmit the rotation of the coil auger 4 ′. It is supported.

(Operation of Example 2)
In the waste developer conveying apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the image forming apparatus U is operated, the coil auger 4 ′ and the conveying auger 36 rotate to reciprocate and convey in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The member 41 'rotates and reciprocates in the vertical direction within the connecting portion 34, and conveys the developer downward while breaking the developer.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H09) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the copying machine as the image forming apparatus has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a FAX, a printer, or a multifunction machine having all or a plurality of functions may be used. The image forming apparatus is not limited to a monochrome image forming apparatus, and may be configured by a color image forming apparatus.

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the waste developer transport device that transports the developer to be discarded has been described as the developer transport device. However, the developer transport device is not limited to this, and a dropping path through which the developer falls and is transported is described. The present invention can be applied to any developer transport device having the above. That is, to a developer conveying device for replenishing a new developer to the developing device G, or a developer conveying device for conveying the collected developer when the developer collected by a cleaner or the like is reused by the developing device G Is also applicable.
(H03) In the above-described embodiment, a coil spring-shaped developer conveying member is exemplified as the first conveying member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the developer conveying includes a rotating shaft and a conveying member having conveying blades fixed to the rotating shaft. It is also applicable to the device. On the contrary, although the conveyance auger 36 having the rotation shaft 36a and the conveyance blade 36b is illustrated as the second conveyance member, it may be a coil spring-shaped conveyance member.

(H04) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to provide the aggregation preventing member 16, but it can be omitted.
(H05) In the above embodiment, the coil auger as an example of the first conveying member is extended until it contacts the conveying auger 36, that is, it is impossible to integrate the third conveying member and the first conveying member. However, if the coil auger is extended, manufacturing tolerances become a problem, and if the coil auger length is short, a gap is generated between the coil auger and the transfer auger 36, and the developer accumulation shown in FIG. If the coil auger is long, the coil auger presses the transfer auger 36 and wears the coil auger 36, so that the coil auger 36 is worn. It is desirable to provide three conveying members.
(H06) In the above-described embodiments, the numerical values and materials illustrated in the embodiments are not limited to those illustrated in the embodiments, and can be changed to any usable numerical values and materials according to changes in design and specifications. Is possible.

(H07) In the above embodiment, the connection between the coil auger and the reciprocating rotary conveying member is exemplified by the connection between the extending portions 41b3 and 4c3 and the bent portions 4a and 41c, but is not limited thereto. For example, any connection structure can be adopted as long as the connection structure allows the developer to be transported while being reciprocated at the connection portion, such as hooking or tangling wires. Moreover, it is also possible to connect using a drive transmission connecting member that is separate from the coil auger and the reciprocating rotary conveying member, and the shape of the connecting member is not limited to a wire processed.
(H08) In the above embodiment, the case where the downstream end of the first transport path 2 and the connecting portion 34 are set along the direction of gravity and the second transport path 33 is set in the horizontal direction is exemplified. Without being limited thereto, the first conveyance path, the second conveyance path, and the connection portion may be in any direction such as being inclined obliquely.
(H09) In the embodiment, the shapes of the folded portions 41b2 and 4c2 can be arbitrarily changed.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus including a developer conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory view of a waste developer conveying device as an example of the developer conveying device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of the waste developer conveying apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is a rear view of the waste developer conveying device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the waste developer conveying device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the waste developer conveying device of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an overall perspective explanatory view of a waste developer conveying device as an example of the developer conveying device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part of a connection portion between the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path of the waste developer conveyance device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the conveying members. FIG. 10 is a perspective explanatory view of a third transport member according to the first embodiment, FIG. 10A is an overall perspective view of the third transport member, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a contact member. FIG. 11 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the drive transmission unit and the drive receiving unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the transport path and the third transport member. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional configuration for explaining the operation of the first embodiment, FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram of a state before the developer is transported, and FIG. 13B is an inner wall surface of the transport path of the developer. FIG. 13C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which developer is deposited on the upper portion of the bowl attached, and FIG. 13D is an explanatory diagram of a state in which developer is further deposited from the state of FIG. 13C. It is. FIG. 14 is an explanatory perspective view of the third conveying member according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 9 according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Developer transport device,
2 ... 1st conveyance path,
4, 4 '... 1st conveyance member,
4a, 41c ... drive receiving part,
4b ... spiral part,
33 ... second developer conveyance path,
34 ... connection part,
36 ... second conveying member,
41, 41 '... the third conveying member,
41a ... spiral part,
41b, 4c ... drive transmission part,
42 ... contact member,
S ... medium,
U: Image forming apparatus,
U3: Visible image forming apparatus.

Claims (7)

A first transport path through which the developer is transported;
A first conveying member that is disposed in the first conveying path and rotates to convey the developer in the first conveying path;
A second developer transport path connected to the first transport path and transporting the developer flowing in from the first transport path;
A second transport member that is disposed in the second transport path and rotates to transport the developer in the second transport path in a direction different from the transport direction of the first transport member;
A drive receiving unit that receives from the first transport member a drive for contacting the first transport member and rotating in response to the rotation of the first transport member; and the first transport path and the second transport path. A third conveying member having a connecting portion and a breaking portion for breaking the developer disposed on an extension line of the first conveying member;
With
The first conveying member is
It has a drive transmission part that contacts the drive reception part and transmits the rotation to the third conveying member, and is formed by forming a wire in a spiral shape, and is arranged in a state where the drive reception part enters the spiral. And
The third conveying member is
The breaker portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and the drive receiving portion formed to protrude from the breaker portion toward the first transport member, and is in contact with the second transport member and A developer transporting device that reciprocates within the connecting portion in accordance with the rotation of the second transporting member and rotates with the rotation of the first transporting member. A first transport path through which the developer is transported;
A first conveying member that is disposed in the first conveying path and rotates to convey the developer in the first conveying path;
A second developer transport path connected to the first transport path and transporting the developer flowing in from the first transport path;
A second transport member disposed in the second transport path and rotated to transport the developer in the second transport path in a direction different from the transport direction of the first transport member;
A drive receiving unit that receives from the first transport member a drive for contacting the first transport member and rotating in response to the rotation of the first transport member; and the first transport path and the second transport path. A third conveying member having a connecting portion and a breaking portion for breaking the developer disposed on an extension line of the first conveying member;
With
The first conveying member is
A spiral portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and the drive transmission portion formed so as to protrude from the spiral portion toward the third transport member,
The third conveying member is
A breaker portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and a drive receiving portion that contacts the drive transmission portion and receives the drive of the first transport member, and contacts the second transport member and the first transport member. 2. A developer transport device that reciprocates within the connecting portion according to the rotation of the transport member and rotates with the rotation of the first transport member. The third conveying member supported by the drive receiving portion so as to be movable along the direction in which the developer is conveyed by the first conveying member;
The developer conveying device according to claim 1 , wherein the developer conveying device is provided. A contact member supported by an end of the third transport member on the second transport member side and made of the same material as the second transport member;
The developer conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising: The second transport member rotating at a rotational peripheral speed different from the rotational peripheral speed of the first transport member;
The developer conveying device according to claim 1 , wherein the developer conveying device is provided. A visible image forming apparatus for forming a visible image on the medium surface;
A first transport path through which the discharged developer discharged from the visible image forming apparatus is transported;
A first conveying member that is disposed in the first conveying path and rotates to convey the developer in the first conveying path;
A second developer transport path connected to the first transport path and transporting the developer flowing in from the first transport path;
A second transport member disposed in the second transport path and rotated to transport the developer in the second transport path in a direction different from the transport direction of the first transport member;
A drive receiving unit that receives from the first transport member a drive for contacting the first transport member and rotating in response to the rotation of the first transport member; and the first transport path and the second transport path. A third conveying member having a connecting portion and a breaking portion for breaking the developer disposed on an extension line of the first conveying member;
With
The first conveying member is
It has a drive transmission part that contacts the drive reception part and transmits the rotation to the third conveying member, and is formed by forming a wire in a spiral shape, and is arranged in a state where the drive reception part enters the spiral. And
The third conveying member is
The breaker portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and the drive receiving portion formed to protrude from the breaker portion toward the first transport member, and is in contact with the second transport member and An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus reciprocates within the connecting portion according to rotation of the second transport member and rotates with rotation of the first transport member. A visible image forming apparatus for forming a visible image on the medium surface;
A first transport path through which the discharged developer discharged from the visible image forming apparatus is transported;
A first conveying member that is disposed in the first conveying path and rotates to convey the developer in the first conveying path;
A second developer transport path connected to the first transport path and transporting the developer flowing in from the first transport path;
A second transport member disposed in the second transport path and rotated to transport the developer in the second transport path in a direction different from the transport direction of the first transport member;
A drive receiving unit that receives from the first transport member a drive for contacting the first transport member and rotating in response to the rotation of the first transport member; and the first transport path and the second transport path. A third conveying member having a connecting portion and a breaking portion for breaking the developer disposed on an extension line of the first conveying member;
With
The first conveying member is
A spiral portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and the drive transmission portion formed so as to protrude from the spiral portion toward the third transport member,
The third conveying member is
A breaker portion in which a wire is formed in a spiral shape, and a drive receiving portion that contacts the drive transmission portion and receives the drive of the first transport member, and contacts the second transport member and the first transport member. 2. An image forming apparatus that reciprocates within the connecting portion in accordance with the rotation of the conveying member and rotates with the rotation of the first conveying member.