JP2001324905A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which has a waste toner box capable of sufficiently securing the recovery capacity of waste toner, restraining space necessary for installation to be small and hardly influencing the external size of the device and where the waste toner inside the waste toner box does not overflow. SOLUTION: This device has image forming units 7 to 10 equipped with a photoreceptor drum on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by an exposure device 6, a developing roller 4 developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum with toner and a cleaning blade; a belt cleaning unit 11 removing residual toner on an intermediate transfer belt 2; the flat housing type waste toner box 14 having a vibration applying part and recovering the waste toner discharged from the unit 11 and the cleaning blade from one waste toner recovery port 14a and storing it inside; and a waste toner detecting sensor disposed at the upper part of the box 14 near the recovery port 14a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image in accordance with image information using electrophotographic technology or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic technique, an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image carrier is charged by a charger, and the photosensitive member is irradiated with light according to image information. 2. Description of the Related Art A latent image is formed, and the latent image is developed by a developing device, and the visualized toner image is transferred to a sheet material (transfer material) to form an image.

On the other hand, a plurality of image carriers on which such a series of image forming processes are developed in accordance with colorization of an image are provided, and each color image of a cyan image, a magenta image, a yellow image, and preferably a black image is provided. A number of tandem-type image forming apparatuses that form a full-color image by forming a color image on each image carrier and superimposing and transferring each color image on a sheet material at a transfer position of each image carrier have been proposed. I have. Such a tandem-type multiplex image forming apparatus has an image forming unit for each color, and is said to be advantageous for speeding up.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a conventional tandem type color image forming apparatus.

In FIG. 9, reference numerals 51, 52, 53, and 54 denote image forming units for forming toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Is a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by a laser beam from an exposure unit 55 described later, 51b is a charger for charging the photosensitive drum 51a, and 51c is an electrostatic latent image formed by attaching toner. A developing roller for visualizing the toner image, a cleaner 51d for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum 51a after transferring the toner image to an intermediate transfer belt 56 described later, a screw 51e
Is an exposure device for irradiating a laser beam corresponding to an image signal to form an electrostatic latent image, 56 is an intermediate transfer belt formed and running on a closed loop, 57 is a fixing device, 57 is a paper cassette, and 59 is a paper cassette. A transfer roller, 60 is a belt cleaner,
61 is a waste toner box, 61a, 61b, 61c, 6
Reference numerals 1d and 61e denote waste toner collecting ports, and P denotes paper.

The configuration, function, operation, and the like of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described. Here, a method in which the sheet P is transported by the transfer belt without using the intermediate transfer belt 56 and a toner image is directly transferred onto the sheet to form a color image is generally used. The case where the belt 56 is used will be described.

As shown in FIG. 9, a color image forming apparatus includes image forming units 51 to 54 for forming toner images of respective colors of Y, M, C, and K, and an exposing unit 55.
, An intermediate transfer belt 56, and a fixing device 57, and the intermediate transfer belt 5 is attached to the sheet P supplied from the sheet cassette 58.
The toner image on the sheet 6 is transferred, and the fixing device 57 fixes the toner image on the paper P. The Y image forming unit 51 includes a photosensitive drum 51a, a charger 51b, and a developing roller 51c.
And a cleaner 51d and a screw 51e. Other M, C, K image forming units 52, 5
3 and 54 have the same configuration.

In the multiplex image forming apparatus having such a configuration, for example, first, a latent image of a yellow component color of image information is formed on a photosensitive drum 51a of a yellow image forming unit 51 by an exposure device 55. This latent image is visualized as a yellow toner image by the developing roller 51c, and the visualized image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 56 running around in the direction of arrow A in the figure. During this time, a latent image of the magenta component color is formed, and the image forming unit 52 visualizes the magenta toner image using the magenta toner. And
Intermediate transfer belt 56 on which transfer of the yellow toner image has been completed
The magenta toner image is transferred to the toner image and superimposed on the yellow toner image. Thereafter, image formation is performed in the same manner for the cyan toner image and the black toner image, and the superposition of the four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 56 is completed.
Then, after the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 56 is transferred to the sheet P conveyed from the sheet cassette 58 by the transfer roller 59, the sheet P passes through the fixing device 57, where the toner is fixed, and the sheet P is moved in the direction of arrow B. Is discharged. After the toner image is transferred onto the sheet P, the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 56 without being transferred onto the sheet P is removed by the belt cleaner 60.

Here, for example, the waste toner in the yellow image forming unit 51 will be described. The waste toner discharged from the photoreceptor 51a removed by the cleaner 51d is interposed by a screw 51e in the rotation axis direction of the photoreceptor drum 51a. The toner is conveyed outside the area of the transfer belt 56 and is transferred into the waste toner box 61 through the waste toner collecting ports 61a to 61d, respectively. Further, the waste toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 56 removed by the belt cleaner 60 is also intermediate in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 56 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the drawing). The toner is conveyed outside the area of the transfer belt 56 and collected into the waste toner box 61 through the waste toner collecting port 61e.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the waste toner box 61.

In FIG. 10, a waste toner box 61,
Since the waste toner collecting ports 61a to 61e are the same as those in FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. 62a is a light emitting window of the waste toner detection sensor (not shown), and 62b is a light receiving window of the waste toner detection sensor.

The state of accumulation of waste toner in the waste toner box 61 will be described. Vibration is applied to the waste toner box 61 so that the inefficient accumulation state will not be concentrated only immediately below the collection port. In addition, a device is devised such that the waste toner in the inside is evenly smoothed. Although there are various methods for detecting the amount of waste toner accumulated in the waste toner box 61, a method using a light transmission type photosensor will be described here. As described above, the windows 62a, 62
b represents an image of the waste toner detection sensor,
The windows 62a and 62b constitute windows for projecting and receiving light, respectively, and the amount of waste toner is detected by detecting the reception of the light. As described herein, in the waste toner box 61 having five waste toner collecting ports,
If it is attempted to use only the two waste toner detection sensors 62a and 62b, a detection method using a configuration as shown in FIG. 10 is generally used. When the amount of waste toner reaches the line indicated by the dotted line in FIG. A print stop command is issued to the image forming apparatus so that the toner is not discharged.

[0013]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional image forming apparatus, the amount of waste toner discharged from the image forming units 51 to 54 and the belt cleaner 60 increases as the number of multiplexed images increases, and the amount of collected waste toner is increased. When the size of the waste toner box 61 itself is made as large as possible to increase the size of the waste toner box 61, not only the outer size of the image forming apparatus itself becomes large, but also the waste toner detection sensor 6
Since the detection width of 2a and 62b is widened, there is a problem that the accuracy of full state detection is reduced. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to secure a sufficient waste toner collecting capacity when considering not to affect the external size of the image forming apparatus itself.

In this image forming apparatus, a sufficient amount of waste toner can be collected, a space required for installation is small, and a waste toner box which hardly affects the outer shape of the apparatus is provided. It is required that the toner does not overflow.

In order to satisfy this requirement, the present invention has a waste toner box which can secure a sufficient amount of collected waste toner, has a small space required for installation, and hardly affects the outer shape of the apparatus, and has a waste toner box. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which waste toner in a box does not overflow.

[0016]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image on an intermediate transfer belt to a transfer material. An image forming unit including a photosensitive drum capable of forming an image, a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner, and a cleaning blade for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum; A belt cleaning unit that removes residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt; and a vibration applying unit to which vibration is added. The vibration cleaning unit collects waste toner discharged from the belt cleaning unit and the cleaning blade from one waste toner recovery port. A flat housing waste toner box to be stored inside and a waste toner box is located above the waste toner box near the waste toner collection port of the waste toner box. And a structure having a waste toner sensor.

Thus, a sufficient capacity for collecting the waste toner can be ensured, a space required for installation is small, and a waste toner box which hardly affects the outer shape of the apparatus is provided.
An image forming apparatus in which the waste toner inside the waste toner box does not overflow can be obtained.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image on an intermediate transfer belt to a transfer material, wherein an electrostatic latent image is formed by an exposure device. An image forming unit including a photosensitive drum, a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner, and a cleaning blade for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum; and an intermediate transfer belt. It has a belt cleaning unit for removing the upper residual toner, and a vibration applying section for applying vibration, and collects waste toner discharged from the belt cleaning unit and the cleaning blade from one waste toner collecting port and stores it inside. A waste toner box having a flat housing shape and a waste toner detection sensor disposed above the waste toner box near the waste toner collecting port of the waste toner box. In which it was decided to have the support.

According to this configuration, the waste toner in the waste toner box is pushed toward the vibration applying portion and is accumulated from the vibration applying portion side, and becomes full when the vicinity of the waste toner collecting port is sufficiently accumulated. Since this full state is detected by a waste toner detection sensor disposed near the waste toner collection port, a sufficient amount of waste toner is stored, and the waste toner detection sensor is disposed above the waste toner box. As a result, the full state of the waste toner is reliably detected, and the situation where the waste toner amount far from the full state is detected as the full state, the situation where the waste toner amount overflows the full state, and the waste toner amount is prevented, is further reduced. Even if the waste toner spills around the collection port, the waste toner detection sensor is less likely to be contaminated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image can be formed by an exposure device; a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner; A plurality of image forming units arranged in tandem with a cleaning blade for removing residual toner on the body drum; and a plurality of image forming units are circulated along the arrangement direction to be developed on the photosensitive drum. An endless intermediate transfer belt for collectively transferring a color image formed by sequentially transferring toner images of each color to a transfer material;
A belt cleaning unit that removes residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt, a paper storage unit disposed below the intermediate transfer belt, an engagement unit that engages with a vibrator to transmit vibration, and an engagement unit. A flat body-shaped waste toner box disposed between the intermediate transfer belt and the paper storage section, and a center of the other end of the waste toner box. A waste toner collecting port disposed on the upper surface for collecting waste toner discharged from the cleaning blade and the belt cleaning unit; a waste toner detection sensor disposed near the waste toner collecting port and above the waste toner box; Is to be provided.

According to this configuration, the waste toner in the waste toner box is pushed toward the vibration applying portion and is accumulated from the vibration applying portion side, and becomes full when the vicinity of the waste toner collecting port is sufficiently accumulated. Since this full state is detected by a waste toner detection sensor arranged near the waste toner collecting port, a sufficient amount of waste toner is stored, and a waste toner detecting sensor is provided near the waste toner collecting port. As a result, the full state of the waste toner is reliably detected.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an image forming apparatus (color image forming apparatus) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a drive roller for driving an intermediate transfer belt 2, which will be described later. Reference numeral 2 denotes an intermediate transfer belt arranged in a closed loop which is driven and driven by the drive roller 1 in the direction of arrow B. Reference numeral 3 denotes a transfer material. A paper cassette 4 for storing recording paper P as a transfer roller for transferring a color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 2 to the paper P;
5 is a fixing device for fixing the color image transferred to the paper P,
6, an exposure device for irradiating a laser based on image information;
Reference numerals 8, 9, and 10 denote yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) image forming units provided between the intermediate transfer belt 2 and the exposing unit 6, and 11 denotes an intermediate transfer. A belt cleaning unit 12 for removing residual toner on the belt, and a waste cleaning unit 12 for collecting waste toner discharged from the YMCK image forming unit (more precisely, a cleaning blade 7c and a waste toner screw 7d to be described later) and the belt cleaning unit 11 Toner collection port 13a,
A waste toner transport screw 12 that transports waste toner from 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e to one outlet 13f
a is a transporting unit, and 14 is one waste toner collecting port 1.
4a shows a waste toner box having a waste toner box 4a.

The operation of the thus configured image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing the image forming unit 7, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a waste toner processing unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a waste toner accumulation state inside a flat housing-like waste toner box 14, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the progress of waste toner accumulation in the waste toner box 14, FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the positional relationship between the waste toner box 14 and the waste toner detection sensor, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a positional relationship between the waste toner box 14 and a waste toner detection sensor.

The sheet P from the sheet cassette 3 disposed below the intermediate transfer belt 2 passes between the transfer roller 4 and the intermediate transfer belt 2 and passes from the fixing device 5 in the direction of arrow C. First, an exposing device 6 disposed above the intermediate transfer belt 2 and Y, M, C, and K image forming units 7, 8, 9, 10 arranged in the running direction of the intermediate transfer belt 2 in order.
The toner images visualized by (1) and (2) are sequentially transferred and synthesized on the intermediate transfer belt 2 to form a color toner image. Thereafter, the toner image is transferred onto the sheet P by the transfer roller 4, and the transferred toner image is fixed by the fixing device 5. Note that the toner slightly remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 2 without being transferred to the transfer roller 4 is removed by the belt cleaning unit 11.

The inside of the image forming unit 7 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. Each of the image forming units 7 to 10 has the same configuration, and FIG. 2 representatively shows a Y image forming unit.

The image forming unit 7 includes a photosensitive drum 7a
A brush type charger 7b for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 7a, a cleaning blade 7c for removing residual toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 7a, and a waste toner scraped by the cleaning blade 7c. A waste toner screw 7d to be conveyed, a developing roller 7e, a supply roller 7f for supplying toner from a toner tank (not shown) to the surface of the developing roller 7e, and a toner image on the developing roller 7e to a uniform and predetermined potential. And a charging thinning blade 7g. Here, the waste toner is conveyed to the outside of the area of the intermediate transfer belt 2 in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface by the rotation of the waste toner screw 7d.

Next, the belt cleaning unit 11 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The belt cleaning unit 11 includes a cleaning blade 11a that scrapes toner from the intermediate transfer belt 2 and a cleaning blade 11
a brush roller 11b for adsorbing the toner scraped by a and the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 2;
cleaning roller 11c for cleaning b
A cleaning blade 11d for cleaning waste toner on the cleaning roller 11c;
Here, a waste toner screw 11e for transporting the waste toner discharged from 1c to the outside of the area of the intermediate transfer belt 2 in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface is provided.

Next, the waste toner processing section shown in FIG. 4 will be described. Waste toner discharged from the image forming units 7 to 10 and the belt cleaning unit 11 of each color is
Here, the waste toner box 14 is conveyed outside the area of the intermediate transfer belt 2 in the direction of arrow D, and the waste toner box 14 has the waste toner conveying screw 12a because of the advantage that the size of the waste toner box 14 can be freely configured by using only one recovery port. A transport unit 12 is provided. After the waste toner is discharged into the transport unit 12 through the waste toner collecting ports 13a to 13e and collected at one place, the waste toner box 14 is disposed below the transport unit 12. It is discharged and collected (in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 5).

Here, the waste toner in the waste toner box 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, by applying a vector impact force in the direction of arrow G from the vibrator 16 to the waste toner box 14, the waste toner that tends to accumulate immediately below the discharge port 13 f of the transport unit 12 is different from the arrow G. Opposite arrow H
In the direction, that is, in the direction opposite to the waste toner collecting port 14a of the waste toner box 14, and the toner is deposited. The portion to which the impact force of the vector in the direction of arrow G is applied is the vibration applying portion of the waste toner box 14. Usually, an engaging portion is provided between the vibration applying portion and the vibrator. Vibration is applied to the vibration applying section. FIG.
Reference numeral 14b denotes a projection for detecting a full state of waste toner.

Next, the details of this deposition situation will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the dashed lines T1 to T4 are:
This shows the progress of the accumulation state of the waste toner dropped from the waste toner collecting port 14a. The waste toner dropped from the waste toner recovery port 14a is deposited in a shape such as T1, T2, and T3 by impact vibration, and becomes full at the position of T4. When this state is reached, the waste toner is clogged up to the inside of the convex portion 14b arranged near the waste toner collecting port 14a. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 17 denotes a vibration applying unit.

FIG. 7 shows a waste toner detection sensor 15.
8 shows a configuration for detecting the inside of the above-mentioned waste toner box convex portion 14b. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the waste toner detection sensor 15 and the convex portion 14b of the waste toner box 14 for explaining the detecting portion. . Thus, the waste toner box 14
By providing a sensor for detecting the amount of waste toner in the inside, for example, a waste toner detection sensor 15 such as a light transmission type photosensor at a position where sensing is possible at the position of the above-mentioned convex portion 14b, a sufficient amount of waste toner is provided. Is collected in the waste toner box 14 and it is impossible to collect waste toner any more (that is, when the waste toner is full).
And it is possible to prevent the waste toner from becoming full and overflowing, thereby ensuring safety against device contamination.

Further, since the waste toner sensor 15 is arranged above the waste toner box 14, when the waste toner box 14 is formed thin as shown in FIGS. Can be reliably detected, and even if a small amount of waste toner leaks near the waste toner collecting port 14a, there is little risk that the waste toner detection sensor 15 itself is contaminated. False detection of the quantity is avoided, which leads to ensuring the safety of the equipment.

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to a color image forming apparatus, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a monochromatic image forming apparatus.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum on which the electrostatic latent image can be formed by the exposure device 6 and the developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner Forming units 7 to 10 each including a cleaning blade for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum
A belt cleaning unit 11 for removing residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 2, and a vibration applying unit 17 to which vibration is applied.
1 and a waste toner box 14 in the form of a flat housing in which waste toner discharged from the cleaning blade 7c is recovered from one waste toner recovery port 14a and stored therein, and in the vicinity of the waste toner recovery port 14a of the waste toner box 14. And the waste toner detecting sensor 15 disposed above the waste toner box 14, the waste toner in the waste toner box 14 is pushed toward the vibration applying section 17 and is moved from the vibration applying section side. Stacked and waste toner recovery port 14a
Becomes full when the vicinity of the toner is sufficiently accumulated, and the full state is detected by the waste toner detection sensor 15 disposed near the waste toner collecting port 14a, so that a sufficient amount of waste toner is stored. And the waste toner detection sensor 15
Is disposed above the waste toner box 14, the full state of the waste toner can be reliably detected. Further, since the waste toner detection sensor 15 is disposed above the waste toner box 14, even if the waste toner spills around the waste toner collecting port 14a, the waste toner detection sensor 15 is hardly contaminated.

[0037]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image on an intermediate transfer belt to a transfer material. Image forming unit including a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image can be formed, a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner, and a cleaning blade for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum A belt cleaning unit that removes residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt, and a vibration applying unit to which vibration is added. Waste toner discharged from the belt cleaning unit and the cleaning blade is discharged from one waste toner collecting port. A waste toner box in the shape of a flat housing for collecting and storing inside, and placed above the waste toner box near the waste toner collection port of the waste toner box The waste toner in the waste toner box is pushed toward the vibration applying section by the waste toner detecting sensor, and is accumulated from the vibration applying section side, and when the vicinity of the waste toner collecting port is sufficiently accumulated. The full state is detected by a waste toner detection sensor disposed near the waste toner collecting port, so that a sufficient amount of waste toner can be stored. By disposing it at the top of the waste toner box, it is possible to reliably detect the full state of waste toner,
It is possible to prevent a situation where the amount of waste toner, which is far from being full, is detected as being full, and a situation where the amount of waste toner overflows after being full, and even if waste toner is spilled near the waste toner collection port, waste can be eliminated. An advantageous effect that the toner detection sensor is less likely to be contaminated can be obtained.

According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect,
A photosensitive drum capable of forming an electrostatic latent image by an exposure device; a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner; and a cleaning blade for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum. A plurality of image forming units arranged in a tandem system, and a color formed by sequentially circulating along a direction in which the plurality of image forming units are arranged and sequentially transferring toner images of respective colors developed on a photosensitive drum. An endless intermediate transfer belt that transfers images to a transfer material at once, a belt cleaning unit that removes residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt, a paper storage unit disposed below the intermediate transfer belt, and engagement with a vibrator. And a vibration applying section to which vibration is applied from the vibrator via the engaging section, and a flat casing disposed between the intermediate transfer belt and the paper storage section. Waste toner box, one waste toner collecting port disposed on the central upper surface of the other end of the waste toner box and collecting waste toner discharged from the cleaning blade and the belt cleaning unit, and a vicinity of the waste toner collecting port. And the waste toner detection sensor disposed above the waste toner box, the vibration from the vibrator via the engaging portion is applied to the vibration adding portion, and the waste toner in the waste toner box is Pushed towards
When the toner is accumulated from the vibration applying portion side and the vicinity of the waste toner collecting port is sufficiently accumulated, the state becomes full, and the full state is detected by the waste toner detecting sensor arranged near the waste toner collecting port. In addition, a sufficient amount of waste toner is stored, and a waste toner detection sensor is provided near the waste toner collecting port, so that the full state of waste toner can be reliably detected. An advantageous effect is obtained that it is possible to prevent a situation in which the amount is detected as being full and a situation in which the amount of waste toner overflows the full state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing an image forming unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing a belt cleaning unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a waste toner processing unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a waste toner accumulation state inside a flat housing-like waste toner box.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the progress of waste toner accumulation in the waste toner box.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a positional relationship between a waste toner box and a waste toner detection sensor.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a positional relationship between a waste toner box and a waste toner detection sensor.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional tandem type color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a waste toner box.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Drive roller 2 Intermediate transfer belt 3 Paper cassette 4 Transfer roller 5 Fixing device 6 Exposure device 7, 8, 9, 10 Image forming unit 7a Photoconductor drum 7b Charging device 7c Cleaning blade 7d Waste toner screw 7e Developing roller 7f Supply roller 7g Thinning blade 11 Belt cleaning unit 11a, 11d Cleaning blade 11b Brush roller 11c Cleaning roller 12 Transport unit 12a Waste toner transport screw 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 14a Waste toner recovery port 13f Discharge port 14 Waste toner box 14b Convex part 15 Waste toner detection sensor 16 Vibrator 17 Vibration applying part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Yoshihara 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Kazuhiro Ogata 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Pref. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. BB42 2H032 AA15 BA09 BA23 BA30 2H034 BC01 BF01 CA02 CA04 CA06

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image on an intermediate transfer belt to a transfer material, comprising: a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image can be formed by an exposure device; and a static drum formed on the photosensitive drum. An image forming unit including a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image with toner and a cleaning blade for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum; a belt cleaning unit for removing residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt; A flat housing-shaped waste toner box that has a vibration applying unit to which waste toner is discharged from the belt cleaning unit and the cleaning blade, and collects the waste toner from one waste toner recovery port and stores the waste toner therein.
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a waste toner detection sensor disposed above the waste toner box near the waste toner recovery port of the waste toner box. A photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image can be formed by an exposure device; a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner; and a residual toner on the photosensitive drum. A plurality of image forming units arranged in tandem with a cleaning blade to be removed, and run around the arrangement direction of the plurality of image forming units, and a toner image of each color developed on the photosensitive drum is formed. An endless intermediate transfer belt that collectively transfers color images formed by sequential transfer onto a transfer material, a belt cleaning unit that removes residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt, and disposed below the intermediate transfer belt. A paper storage unit, an engaging unit that engages with the vibrator to transmit vibration, and a vibration applying unit to which vibration is applied from the vibrator via the engaging unit. A waste toner box in the shape of a flat housing disposed between the transfer belt and the paper storage unit, and discharged from the cleaning blade and the belt cleaning unit disposed on the central upper surface of the other end of the waste toner box. An image forming apparatus comprising: one waste toner collecting port for collecting waste toner to be collected; and a waste toner detecting sensor disposed near the waste toner collecting port and above the waste toner box.