JP2003323034A - Image forming apparatus and copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain the lowering of image quality and the lowering of durability caused by the intrusion of factor substance harmful to image formation in an image forming unit into a toner case or a toner container, for example, due to the exchange of the toner container. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus, toner is supplied to the electrophotographic image forming unit 12 forming a toner image on an image carrier 13 from the toner case 40 forming nearly hermetically sealed space around the toner container 41 holding developer including the toner. The apparatus is provided with a toner case air conditioning means for removing the factor substance harmful to the image formation in the image forming unit 12 and flowing into the toner case 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image carrier has been used with an image forming unit.
There is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a (photoreceptor) to a sheet or the like. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, since image formation is generally performed using charged fine particles such as toner and carrier, and a charged photoconductor, the image quality is affected by the temperature and composition of the air inside the apparatus body. Be stable. In particular, the presence of ionized substances such as humidity, ammonia gas, and nitric acid compounds changes the charging state, which makes the image quality unstable. Further, the ionized substance causes deterioration of the toner, carrier, etc., and shortens the life.

Such a problem does not become a serious problem in a so-called office environment, which is a working environment in which an air-conditioning environment attached to a building is prepared. For example, in an area with a high humidity, the inside of the apparatus main body becomes hot. It is known that the image quality becomes unstable, abnormal wear of the photoconductor occurs, the durability of the image forming unit is significantly reduced, and an abnormal image called “image deletion” occurs. . Various studies have been conducted on these causes, and it has been known that the following mechanisms cause problems.

Charged fine particles such as toners and carriers used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus generally stabilize the electrostatic charge state by adding a charge control agent to a polymer resin. Is designed. However, the electrical characteristics of the polymer resin are that even if the hydrophobic treatment is exhausted, it takes in moisture in the air, causing changes in electrical resistance, frictional resistance between powders, and fluidity, and thus the toner charge amount in the developing process. The image quality may be lowered, and the image quality may be changed due to an increase in density.

Further, in a charger which utilizes a discharge phenomenon for charging, nitric acid compounds are produced with discharge.
When this nitric acid compound binds to water in the air, ionized substances such as nitric acid and nitrates are generated.If the generated ionized substances adhere to the surface of the photoconductor, deterioration of the photoconductor surface is accelerated and abnormalities of the photoconductor occur. Abrasion may occur, or the surface of the photoconductor may become conductive due to the ionized substance, so that the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor may be blurred and "image deletion" may occur.

Since all of these problems are serious problems in an environment where the absolute humidity is high, they are problems that can be improved by providing a dehumidifying device.

However, when an electrophotographic apparatus is installed in the vicinity of a diazo-type copying machine that uses ammonia, which is called blue-burning, ammonia gas generated in the diazo-type copying machine is affected by the discharge of the charging means in the image forming apparatus. To be ammonium nitrate. This ammonium nitrate is a substance that is extremely harmful to the photoconductor, and it has been known that it causes a problem like water.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, ozone is generated due to the influence of the discharge of the charging means. This ozone lowers the durability of the photoconductor, so in order to improve the durability of the photoconductor and to improve the quality of the image formed, it is necessary to ionize moisture, ammonia gas, nitric compounds, etc. from the periphery of the photoconductor. It is necessary to remove or reduce substances, ozone, etc.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-72770 discloses an electrophotographic system in which adjusted air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted by an air conditioner is generated and the generated adjusted air is introduced into the environment of an image generating unit. Image forming apparatus is disclosed. Further, the image forming apparatus disclosed in this publication generates conditioned air from which dust and ozone contained in the air coming out of the environment of the image generating unit are removed.

In addition, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-130773, a process cartridge including an image carrier and a plurality of developing devices provided around the image carrier, and an image carrier are described. By arranging a sealing device between the exposure device that performs exposure through the exposure irradiation opening and limiting the inflow of air from the exposure irradiation opening into the process cartridge,
An image forming apparatus is disclosed which prevents the toner from scattering.

Further, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-82234, in order to efficiently discharge ozone and the like generated by the charging device to the outside of the device, air flow from outside the device to the outside of the device via the periphery of the charging device. An image forming apparatus having a path is disclosed. According to the publication, a part of the air circulation path that intersects the optical path emitted from the exposure lamp is
By forming the transparent seal member, it is possible to make the air circulation path airtight without blocking the light emitted from the exposure lamp.

[0012]

By the way, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the toner is generally held in a toner container, and when the toner in the toner container is exhausted, the toner is not stored. It is possible to replace it with another filled toner container.

However, when the toner container is replaced, a substance harmful to the image formation flows into the atmosphere of the toner container. Therefore, by replenishing the toner in this state, the image quality is deteriorated as described above. And problems such as deterioration of durability occur. Such a problem similarly occurs in the technologies disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 7-72770, 6-130773, and 6-82234.

Further, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-72770, the temperature and humidity are adjusted, and the adjusted air from which dust and ozone have been removed is supplied to the image forming section to stabilize the image quality. However, since the structure is such that the entire area of the main body of the apparatus is air-conditioned, an extremely large-sized and costly air-conditioning means is required, and the market value is greatly impaired. As a result, the scope of application is limited to industrial machine applications such as printing machines, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to apply it to office equipment applications such as copying machines and printers.

Further, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-130773, the scattering of toner is prevented by suppressing the air flow from the exposure irradiation opening to the process cartridge by the function of the seal member. However, since airtightness around the photoconductor is not ensured, air containing a substance harmful to image formation enters from a place other than the exposure irradiation opening, and it is difficult to eliminate the above-mentioned problems due to humidity and the like.

In addition, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-82234, the ozone generated by the discharge in the charging device is exhausted by directly introducing the outside air to the charging means (charging device). Unconditioned air is sent to the photoconductor (photosensitive drum), and it is not possible to effectively stabilize the image quality. Also,
According to the technique disclosed in this publication, an ozone filter is provided in the exhaust path, but this is for the purpose of reducing ozone in the exhaust, so the air conditioning function inside the process cartridge cannot be exhibited.

An object of the present invention is, for example, deterioration of image quality caused by a substance that is harmful to image formation in an image forming unit in a toner case or a toner container due to replacement of the toner container or the like, and , To suppress the deterioration of durability.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the size of the air conditioning means, reduce the noise generated during the operation of the air conditioning means, and operate the air conditioning means as compared with the case where the entire inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus is air conditioned. It is to be able to reduce the accompanying power consumption.

[0019]

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image carrier, an electrophotographic image forming unit for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and toner. A toner case that forms a substantially closed space around the toner container that holds the developer, a toner supply unit that supplies the toner held in the toner container to a specific image forming unit, and a toner case in the toner case. And a toner case air-conditioning unit that removes a substance that is harmful to the image formation by the inflowing image formation unit.

Therefore, inflow of the factor substance into the toner container housed in the toner case is prevented. This prevents the toner held in the toner container from being affected by the factor substance.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the toner supply means is provided in the toner case, and an air pump for sending air into the toner container, and the toner container. A communication path that communicates with the specific image forming unit, and a screw pump including a rotor that is provided in the communication path and that has a spiral blade member around the axis are provided.

Therefore, the air in the toner case is sent into the toner container by the air pump, and the rotor of the screw pump is rotated in the communication path to supply the toner to the image forming unit.

The invention according to claim 3 is the same as claim 1 or 2.
In the image forming apparatus described in (1), an image forming case that houses the image carrier and the image forming unit and forms a substantially closed space around the image carrier except for a transfer position of a toner image to a transfer target. And an image forming case air-conditioning unit that removes the causative substance flowing into the image forming case.

Therefore, the inflow of the factor substance into the substantially closed space formed around the image carrier by the image forming case is
This is prevented by the image forming case air conditioning means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the toner case air conditioning means and the image forming case air conditioning means are provided on the intake side of the toner case and the intake side of the image forming case. It is a single air conditioner that communicates with each other and sends out the air from which the factor substances have been removed.

Therefore, the toner case air conditioning means and the image forming case air conditioning means can be realized by a single air conditioning device.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the exhaust side of the toner case and the exhaust side of the image forming case are connected to the intake side of the air conditioner.

Therefore, the factor substances contained in the air exhausted from the image forming case and the toner case are removed by the air conditioner, and the air from which the factor substances have been removed is supplied again into the image forming case and the toner case. As a result, air is circulated between the air conditioner and the image forming case, and between the air conditioner and the toner case.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second, third or fourth aspect, the air pump is
The air from which the factor substances have been removed by the air conditioner is sent directly into the toner container.

Here, "feed directly into the toner container"
Here, the air conditioner means that the air from which the factorial substance has been removed is sent into the toner container via only the air pump. In addition, sending air from the air conditioner into which the factor substances have been removed into the toner container via a member other than the air pump, such as a toner case, is referred to as “directly sending the toner directly into the toner container”. Send it into the container "
And

Therefore, the air conditioned by the air conditioner is directly sent into the toner container by the air pump.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claims 1, 2 and
The image forming apparatus described in item 3, 4, 5 or 6 further includes a filter provided in the toner container and having a hole smaller than a particle diameter of the developer held in the toner container and permitting air permeation.

Therefore, the inflow and outflow of air between the toner case and the toner container is promoted, and the scattering of powder such as toner is prevented.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the image forming apparatus is provided with an exhaust introducing means for introducing the air exhausted from the toner container into the air conditioner through the filter.

Therefore, the air exhausted from the toner container is directly introduced into the air conditioner by the exhaust introduction means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the closed position for forming a substantially closed space in the toner case and the degree to which the toner container can be attached / detached to / from the toner case. An opening / closing member is provided so as to be displaceable between an opening position for opening the toner case, and the exhaust gas introducing means has one end communicated with the air conditioner and the other end side provided in the opening / closing member. When the opening / closing member is located at the closed position, the air conditioner and the toner container are communicated with each other, and when the opening / closing member is located at the open position, the air conditioner and the toner container are separated from each other.

Therefore, when the open / close member is located at the closed position, the air conditioner and the toner container are in communication with each other, and when the open / close member is located at the open position, the air conditioner and the toner container are connected to each other. To be separated.

The invention described in claim 10 is,
In the image forming apparatus described in 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, a plurality of toner cases are provided for each color of toner held in the toner container, and the image forming case is provided for each toner case. A plurality are provided corresponding to.

Therefore, for example, even when a plurality of toner cases and image forming cases are provided, such as a color image forming apparatus which forms a color image by superposing the formed toner images of each color, it is also preferable that the case is provided. It is possible to obtain the action of the invention described in 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.

A copying machine according to the invention of claim 11 uses the reading means for reading the image of the original and the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to read the image read by the reading means. An image forming unit formed on a recording medium.

Therefore, a copying machine having the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided.

[0042]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment shows an application example to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional front view showing the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. In the main body case 1 of the image forming apparatus A according to the present embodiment, a paper discharging unit 3 that discharges the recording medium after the image formation from a paper feeding unit 2 in which the recording medium as the transfer target is stacked and held. The recording medium conveyance path 4 is formed. Examples of the recording medium include sheet-shaped paper and the like. On the recording medium conveyance path 4, a registration unit 5 for adjusting the conveyance timing of the recording medium conveyed in the recording medium conveyance path 4, an image forming module 6 for forming a toner image formed on the recording medium, and an image forming unit. Transfer means 7 for transferring the toner image formed by the module 6 to a recording medium,
Further, a fixing unit 8 for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium is arranged. The fixing unit 8 is, for example,
The heating roller and the pressure roller heat and press the recording medium onto which the toner image has been transferred to fix the toner image on the recording medium.

In the main body case 1, during the image forming operation of the image forming module 6, a laser beam, which is a latent image forming light, is emitted in accordance with image data, so that the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 13 to be described later can be stopped. Exposure means 9 for forming a latent image
And a developing means 1 which will be described later while holding a developer containing toner.
A toner supply unit 10 that supplies toner to the second unit 2 and an air conditioner 11 that removes a substance harmful to the image formation in the image formation module 6 from the air are provided.

Although not particularly shown, the image forming apparatus A includes
The main body case 1 is provided with an intake means for intake air, and an exhaust means for exhausting the air inside the main body case 1.
The intake means sucks the air outside the main body case 1 into the main body case 1 through a slit-shaped opening (not shown) provided in the main body case 1. The inside of the main body case 1 can be cooled by sucking the outside air into the main body case 1 by the intake means. The exhaust means exhausts the air in the main body case 1 to the outside of the main body case 1 through a slit-shaped opening (not shown) provided in the main body case 1. By exhausting the air in the main body case 1 by the exhaust means, for example, the heat generated during the fixing operation by the fixing means 8 is exhausted to the outside of the main body case 1, and the inside of the main body case 1 can be cooled. Further, by exhausting the air in the main body case 1 by the exhaust means, the charging means 1 described later
It is possible to discharge the discharge products harmful to the image forming apparatus A, such as ozone and nitrogen oxides generated during the charging operation of No. 4, outside the main body case 1. A temperature sensor (not shown) is provided near the exhaust means, and the exhaust means performs the exhaust operation according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Next, the image forming module 6 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming module 6 includes a developing unit 12 as a specific image forming unit and a photoconductor 1 as an image carrier.
3, an image forming case 1 containing a charging unit 14 as an image forming unit and a cleaning unit 15 as an image forming unit
Have six.

The developing means 12 has a particle size of about 5 to 200 μm.
It has a toner hopper 17 containing powder such as toner of a certain degree, and supplies toner to the photoconductor 13 by rotation of the developing roller 18. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 13. The density of the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 13 is detected by the image density sensor Sa provided in the image forming case 16. Toner hopper 1
The toner density inside 7 is detected by the toner density sensor Sb. The supply of toner into the toner hopper 17, which will be described later, is performed based on the detection result of the toner concentration sensor Sb.

The cleaning means 15 removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 13 after the toner image is transferred onto the recording medium from the surface of the photoconductor 13 by the cleaning roller 19 and collects it in the collected toner case 20. As a result, the next image forming operation can be continued. The surface of the photoconductor 13 from which the residual toner has been removed by the cleaning unit 15 is decharged by the decharging unit E.

The toner hopper 17 and the collected toner case 20 are provided with openings 17a and 20 at positions facing the photoconductor 13.
a. The toner powder held in the toner hopper 17 and the collected toner case 20 has a particle size of about 5 to 5.
Since it is about 200 μm, the openings 17a and 20a have
For example, by providing a sealing member or the like, the substantially airtightness is maintained to the extent that powder such as toner is not scattered.

However, the openings 17a and 20a provided in the toner hopper 17 and the recovered toner case 20 at positions facing the photoconductor 13 are kept substantially sealed by a seal member or the like so that powder such as toner does not scatter. Although such a configuration is provided, it is difficult to achieve a completely sealed state during the image forming operation because the intake and exhaust airflows are generated in the openings 17a and 20a with the rotational movement of the developing roller 18 and the cleaning roller 19. Is. Therefore, the developing means 1
A toner ventilation opening (not shown) is provided in the toner hopper 17 in order to prevent the powder from being blown out by the exhaust airflow from the inside of the developing means 12 to the outside around the developing roller.
May be provided, and a toner blocking filter for blocking the ejection of powder may be attached to this ventilation opening.

The image forming case 16 has a transfer opening 21 for transferring a toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 13 in the image forming module 6 to a recording medium, and a laser emitted from the exposing means 9. A slit-shaped exposure port 22 for exposing the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 13 with light (latent image forming light) is formed. The exposure opening 22 is formed by the transparent member 2 such as glass or resin.
3, which enhances the hermeticity of the space inside the image forming module 6. The transparent member 23 is attached via a sealing member such as a rubber packing (not shown) that improves the airtightness between the transparent member 23 and the exposure port 22 as necessary. Thereby, the airtightness inside the image forming case 16 can be improved.

The image forming case 16 has the transfer opening 21.
Besides, there is no opening for communicating the inside and outside of the image forming case 16, and there is no possibility that the atmosphere outside the image forming module 6 will enter the image forming case 16. Therefore, a substantially closed space is formed around the photoconductor 13 by the image forming case 16.

In the "substantially closed space" of the present embodiment, there is no opening through which the atmosphere outside the image forming module 6 may enter other than the transfer opening 21. In addition to indicating a space having a distinguishable degree of airtightness, it means a space having a degree of airtightness that allows air conditioning by the air conditioner 11 to be distinguished between the inside and outside of the image forming case 16. To do.

Further, the image forming case 16 has an inlet 25 through which the air flowing into the substantially closed space inside the image forming case 16 passes, and an outlet 26 through which the air flowing out of the image forming case 16 passes. Is provided. In the image forming case 16, the air flowing into the image forming case 16 through the inflow port 25 passes through the substantially closed space of the image forming case 16 and flows out of the outflow port 2.
A flow path (not shown) communicating with the outside of the image forming case 16 via 6 is formed.

The image forming module 6 of this embodiment is slidably supported by the main body case 1 by a guide member (not shown) provided in the main body case 1. Thus, the image forming module 6 is provided so as to be slidable along the guide member so that it can be pulled out of the main body case 1 and stored in the main body case 1. As a result, the developer held by the developing unit 12, the photoconductor 13, the charging unit 14, the cleaning unit 15, etc., such as the group of parts that need to be replaced due to the life and failure, can be collectively repaired and replaced.

Next, the air conditioner 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner 11 includes a pump 28 that sucks outside air into the storage case 27 and exhausts air inside the storage case 27 to the outside. Pump 2
The intake / exhaust by 8 is performed through an intake port 29 and a delivery port 30 which are provided in the storage case 27 and communicate the inside and outside of the storage case 27.

A photocatalyst means 31 and an ultraviolet light emitting means 32 for activating the photocatalyst means 31 are provided in the housing case 27 of the air conditioner 11. The photocatalyst means 31 has a function of decomposing a nitric acid compound or the like which is a harmful factor (stability inhibiting factor) substance for image formation existing in the air, and is, for example, titanium oxide or the like.

In the present embodiment, the substance that changes the charging characteristics of the toner and the carrier, the substance that changes the developing conditions in the developing means 12, and the photoconductor 13 that is generated by the charging by the charging means 14 are harmful. Substances, etc. are defined as harmful substances for image formation.

In the air conditioner 11, the nitric acid compound or the like contained in the outside air sucked into the storage case 27 through the suction port 29 by the drive of the pump 28 is decomposed by the photocatalyst means 31, and then stored in the storage case 27. Outlet of air 3
The air is exhausted to the outside of the storage case 27 via 0.

The air conditioner 11 of the present embodiment has the photocatalytic means 31 activated by the ultraviolet light emitting means 32.
Although the factor that is harmful to the image formation is removed by decomposing the nitric acid compound contained in the air in the storage case 27 by the above, the present invention is not limited to this. Any substance may be used as long as it decomposes or removes a factor substance harmful to the image formation contained therein. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, cooling dew condensation means 33 such as a Peltier element and adsorption transportation means 34 for discharging dew condensation from the evaporation section 34a to the outside of the storage case 27 mainly by utilizing a capillary phenomenon are provided in the storage case 27. An air conditioner 11 ′ may be provided in which the dehumidifying device 35 including is provided, and the dehumidifying device 35 removes moisture contained in the air in the storage case 27 to remove a factor substance harmful to image formation. Further, for example, an air conditioner (not shown) that decomposes a factor substance harmful to image formation in the image forming module 6 by adsorbing and removing ammonia ions and the like generated from ammonia gas etc. by an ion-adsorbing substance (not shown) ).

Further, the "causative substance harmful to image formation" targeted by the air conditioner 11 is not limited to a single causative substance, and for example, the photocatalytic means 31, the ultraviolet light emitting means 32 and the dehumidifying device 35 described above are used. As described above, a plurality of factor substances may be targeted for decomposition or removal.

As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming case 16 of the image forming module 6 and the storage case 27 of the air conditioner 11 are connected to the inlet 25, the outlet 30 and the outlet 26 by tubular connecting means 36a and 36b. And the suction port 29 communicate with each other. The air conditioner 11 sends out the conditioned air to the image forming case 16 via the outlet 30, the connecting means 36 a, and the inlet 25. Further, the air conditioner 11 allows the air in the image forming case 16 to flow out from the outlet 26, the connecting means 36b, and the suction port 29.
Moisture contained in the air exhausted from the image forming case 16 through the storage case 27, ionized substances such as nitric acid compounds and ammonia gas, and other harmful factors for image formation in the image forming module 6. Are removed or reduced and supplied again into the imaging case 16.

In the present embodiment, the connecting means 36
The inlet 25 and the outlet 30 and the outlet 26 and the inlet 29 are communicated with each other by a and 36b so that air circulates between the image forming module 6 and the air conditioner 11. It is not limited.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a suction port 29 may be provided by using a tubular connecting means 36 'such as a pipe if necessary.
The outlet 26 may be opened to the outside. As a result, the air conditioner 11 sucks the outside air into the storage case 27 to air-condition it, and after the conditioned air is supplied into the image forming module 6, the outside of the image forming module 6 is supplied through the outlet 26. Exhausted to.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, there is provided a non-contact type developing means 12 ′ having a developing sleeve 18 ′ opposed to the photoconductor 13 in a non-contact manner, and is supplied through an inflow port 25. The conditioned air is supplied to the photoconductor 13 and the developing sleeve 1.
It may be discharged to the outside of the image forming module 6 ′ through a gap G formed between the image forming module 6 ′ and 8 ′. At this time, the outflow port 26 is not formed in the image forming case 16. As a result, it is not necessary to provide an opening (outflow port 26) for exhausting the image forming case 16, so that it is possible to improve the airtightness inside the image forming module 6 ′.

Next, the toner supply section 10 will be described. The toner supply unit 10 has a toner case 40 whose inside is a substantially closed space, and a toner container 41 for holding a developer containing toner is provided in the toner case 40.
Is provided.

The "substantially closed space" referred to here is equivalent to the "substantially closed space" in the image forming case 16 described above.
The toner case 40 has an airtightness capable of distinguishing the inside and the outside, and air conditioning by a toner air-conditioning unit 44 described later is performed separately from the outside of the toner case 40, and the toner is scattered to the outside of the toner container 41. It means a space having a sealability that can be prevented.

The toner container 41 is detachably attached to the toner case 40, and when the toner runs out, it can be replaced with another toner container 41 filled with toner. The toner container 41 is provided with a filter 42 having pores that allow air to pass therethrough and prevent passage of powder such as toner held in the toner container 41. Air in the toner case 40 and the toner container 4
The air in 1 is efficiently adapted to the air through the filter 42, and the environment is about the same. Since the filter 42 is provided, even when the air in the toner case 40 and the air in the toner container 41 are made compatible with each other, the toner in the toner container 41 does not scatter to the outside of the toner container 41. .

One end of the toner case 40 is the developing means 1
The other end of the toner transport path 43, which is a tubular communication path communicating with the second toner hopper 17, is provided. The other end of the toner transport path 43 communicates with the toner container 41 inside the toner case 40. The toner transport path 43 is provided with a transfer screw (not shown). The transfer screw is rotated by a driving unit (not shown) such as a motor, so that the toner in the toner conveyance path 43 is removed.
The toner is transferred (supplied) from the toner container 41 into the toner hopper 17. Here, the function as a toner supply unit is realized.

Further, inside the toner case 40, there is provided a toner air-conditioning means 44 for air-conditioning the inside of the toner case 40 by removing or reducing a factor substance harmful to image formation contained in the air. The toner air conditioning unit 44 of the present embodiment adjusts the humidity in the air inside the toner case 40 so that the charging characteristics of the toner are in a good state for image formation.

In this embodiment, the toner case 4
Although the toner air-conditioning unit 44 that adjusts the humidity in the air inside 0 is not limited to this, any unit that removes a factor substance that adversely affects the state of the toner transferred into the toner hopper 17 may be used.

Further, the toner air-conditioning means 44 is not limited to the removal of the causative substance that adversely affects the toner state, and, for example, like the air-conditioning device 11, the toner case 40 is not provided.
A factor substance contained in the air inside and adversely affecting the image forming operation in the image forming module 6 may be removed.

In addition, the image forming apparatus A is provided with a control system for driving and controlling each section of the image forming apparatus A. Image forming module 6, toner supply unit 10, air conditioner 1
1. Each part such as the toner air conditioner 44 is drive-controlled by a control system.

In such a structure, by driving the pump 28 of the air conditioner 11, air is sucked into the storage case 27 and the air in the storage case 27 is sent to the image forming module 6. At this time, the nitric acid compound contained in the air in the storage case 27 is removed by the photocatalyst means 31.
As it is disassembled by the
The nitric acid compound is not contained in the air sent into the chamber 2, and even if it is contained, the amount thereof is very small. Here, the function as the image forming case air conditioning means is realized.

In the image forming operation of the image forming module 6, by charging the photoconductor 13 by the charging means 14, ionized substances such as nitric acid and nitric acid compounds are generated in the image forming case 16, but they are generated. The ionized substance is discharged to the outside of the image forming case 16 by the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioner 11 into the image forming case 16. This prevents the factor substances harmful to image formation from staying around the photoconductor 13.

As a result, it is possible to prevent a factor substance such as an ionized substance from adhering to the image carrier, and downsizing the air conditioning means as compared with the case where the entire inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus is air-conditioned. The noise generated during the operation of the air conditioner and the power consumption accompanying the operation of the air conditioner can be reduced, and the image forming case 16 can always be maintained in a good state for image formation.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the air conditioner 11
Since air circulates between the image forming module 6 and the image forming module 6, compared with the entire space inside the main body case 1 of the image forming apparatus A, the air conditioner 11 significantly restricts the amount of air to be air-conditioned. The control capability required by the apparatus 11 is significantly reduced, and, for example, a factor substance such as water that enters from the outside and adversely affects the image formation is prevented from entering the image formation case 16 and the toner case 40. You can

Further, by removing the water contained in the air in the toner case 40 by the toner air-conditioning means 44, the environment in the toner container 41 communicating with the inside of the toner case 40 through the filter 42 becomes Case 4
Since the environment is the same as the environment inside 0, the toner supplied into the toner hopper 17 via the toner transport path 43 does not contain water, and even if it contains, it is considered to be a small amount. Become. Here, the function as the toner case air conditioning unit is realized.

Here, the factor substance is prevented from flowing into the toner container housed in the toner case, and the toner retained in the toner container is prevented from being affected by the factor substance. By supplying toner from the outside of the case 16, that is, from the toner container 41 to the inside of the image forming case 16, the environment inside the image forming case 16 is improved for image formation without deteriorating the environment inside the image forming module 6. Can be maintained in a good state.

This makes it possible to stabilize the charged state of the toner and prevent the causative substances such as ionized substances from adhering to the image carrier. For example, by replacing the toner container, the toner case or It is possible to suppress the deterioration of image quality and the deterioration of durability, which are caused by the entry of the harmful factor substance for the image formation in the image forming module into the toner container.

In this embodiment, the air conditioner 11 shown in FIG. 3 is used for air conditioning. However, when the air conditioner 11 'having the dehumidifier 35 shown in FIG. The water contained in the air in the case 27 is removed, and the air exhausted from the outlet 30 does not contain the water, or a small amount of the water is contained. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, by connecting the air conditioner 11 and the image forming module 6 so that air circulates between the storage case 27 and the image forming case 16, for example, moisture or the like enters. Since it is possible to prevent this, it is possible to more effectively suppress the adverse effect of harmful substances that enter from the outside.

Further, in the case of an air conditioner having an ion-adsorptive substance in the storage case 27, ammonia ions and the like contained in the air in the storage case 27 are adsorbed by the ion-adsorptive substance and sent. The air exhausted from the outlet 30 does not contain ammonia ions, or even a small amount of ammonia ions is contained therein.

In addition, in the air conditioner 11 having the ozone decomposing means in the storage case 27, the ozone contained in the air in the storage case 27 is decomposed by the ozone decomposing means, so that the ozone is exhausted from the delivery port 30. The ozone contained in the air does not contain ozone, or even if it contains ozone, the amount becomes very small.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The same applies hereinafter.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. The image forming apparatus B according to the present embodiment has a toner air-conditioning unit 44 in the toner case 40.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the single air-conditioning device 11 is used to perform the air conditioning in the image forming case 16 and the air conditioning in the toner case 40.

As shown in FIG. 8, the toner case 40 is provided with an inflow port 50 and an outflow port 51 that communicate the inside and outside of the toner case 40, and the storage case 2
7, a delivery port 52 and a suction port 53 that communicate the inside and the outside of the storage case 27 are provided. Inlet 50
The outlet 52, the outlet 51, and the inlet 53 are communicated with each other via tubular air-conditioning circulation paths 54a and 54b.

In such a structure, by driving the pump 28 of the air conditioner 11, the air conditioned in the storage case 27 is sent to the outside of the storage case 27 via the outlet 30 and the outlet 52. To be done. From the delivery port 30, the air from which the factor harmful to the image formation in the image formation module 6 has been removed is delivered, and this air is connected to the connecting means 36a,
It is supplied into the image forming case 16 through the inflow port 25. Here, the function as the image forming case air conditioning means is realized. Further, from the delivery port 52, the air from which the factor harmful to the image formation in the image forming module 6 is removed is delivered, and this air is supplied into the toner case 40 via the air conditioning circulation path 54 a and the inflow port 50. To be done. Here, the function as the toner case air conditioning unit is realized.

Then, the image forming case 1 is provided through the outlet 26.
The air exhausted from No. 2 is connected to the connecting means 36b and the suction port 29.
Air sucked into the storage case 27 via the air outlet 51 and exhausted from the toner case 40 via the outlet 51 is sucked into the storage case 27 via the air conditioning circulation path 54 b and the suction port 53. The air conditioner 11 removes a harmful substance for image formation contained in the air sucked from the suction ports 29 and 53 and supplies the substance to the image forming case 12 and the toner case 40 again. This also realizes the functions of the image forming case air conditioning unit and the toner case air conditioning unit.

As in this embodiment, a single air conditioner 1
The air conditioned in 1 is sent into the image forming case 16 and the toner case 40 to air-condition the inside of the image forming case 16 and the toner case 40, thereby suppressing heat generation in the apparatus main body 1 and It is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as melting of the toner in the image forming module 6 or the toner case 40 due to the heat generated by the driving of 11, and to stabilize the image quality and improve the durability of the photoconductor 13 or the like. be able to.

Further, as compared with the case where the air-conditioning device is provided corresponding to each of the image forming case 16 and the toner case 40 by air-conditioning the inside of the image forming case 16 and the toner case 40 by the single air-conditioning device 11. It is possible to reduce the size of the air conditioner 11, reduce noise generated during operation of the air conditioner 11, and reduce power consumption associated with operation of the air conditioner.

Further, the air conditioner 11 and the image forming case 16,
In addition, by circulating air between the air conditioner 11 and the toner case 40, the amount of air to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is significantly limited, and the control capacity required by the air conditioner 11 is significantly increased. In addition to reducing the size, for example, it is possible to prevent a factor substance such as water that enters from the outside and adversely affects the image formation from entering the image forming case 16 and the toner case 40. It is possible to more effectively reduce the size, reduce the noise generated during the operation of the air conditioner 11, and reduce the power consumption accompanying the operation of the air conditioner 11.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The present embodiment is different from the second embodiment in the structure of the toner supply unit 10.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional front view showing the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. In the toner case 40 of the image forming apparatus C according to the present exemplary embodiment, the toner container 41 and the toner transport path 43 are disposed in the vicinity of the communicating position, and the air in the toner case 40 is sucked in to the toner container 41. An air pump 60 for supplying air is provided therein. The toner transport path 43 of this embodiment is formed by a flexible tube.

Toner container 41 and toner transport path 43
Since the configuration of the connecting portion between the communication position and the air pump 60 is the same as the configuration disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-356898, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-258961, or the like, detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, inside the opening 41a of the toner container 41, as shown in FIG.
One end of the connecting pipe 61 having a diameter smaller than the opening diameter of the opening 41a is inserted. The other end of the connection pipe 61 communicates with the toner transport path 43. The connection pipe 61 is inserted into the opening 41a of the toner container 41 via an elastic member 62 such as rubber or sponge, and thus the airtightness of the opening 41a of the toner container 41 is ensured.

The connection pipe 61 has a double pipe structure of an air flow passage pipe 61a provided on the outer peripheral side and a toner discharge pipe 61b provided on the inner peripheral side between the outside and the toner discharge pipe 61.
An opening 61c for discharging toner is formed on the toner container 41 side of b. A branch pipe 61d that branches from the middle is connected to the air flow pipe 61a. The air pump 60 described above is provided at the tip of the branch pipe 61d. When the air pump 60 is operated, air is sent from the air pump 60 into the toner container 41, and the sent air is transferred to the toner container 4
An air flow is formed within 1. The air flow fluidizes the toner in the toner container 41.

A screw pump 63 is provided at the end of the toner transport path 43 on the image forming module 6 side. Although the description is omitted because it is a known technique, the screw pump 63 is formed in a two-screw shape with a rotor (not shown) provided in the toner conveying path 43 and having a spiral blade member around the axis. It is equipped with a fixed stator. The rotor is rotationally driven by receiving a driving force from a driving unit (not shown) such as a motor. Screw pump 63
Generates a strong self-priming force when the rotor is driven to rotate. During the toner supply operation, the screw pump 63
The toner in the toner container 41 is sucked and supplied to the toner hopper 17 by the self-sucking force generated by the toner.
Here, the function as a toner supply unit is realized.

The intake side of the storage case 27 and the exhaust side of the toner case 40 supply the air-conditioned air sent from the storage case 27 into the toner case 40, and the air inside the toner case 40 inside the storage case 27. Are communicated with each other so that air can be sucked into the storage case 27 and the toner case 40, and air can be circulated between the storage case 27 and the toner case 40.

In such a structure, the pump 28 of the air conditioner 11 is driven, so that the air that has been air-conditioned in the storage case 27 and the factor substances harmful to the image formation in the image formation module 6 have been removed, It is sent into the image forming case 16 and the toner case 40. Here, the functions as an image forming case air conditioning means and a toner case air conditioning means are realized.

More specifically, the conditioned air sent from the storage case 27 into the image forming case 16 through the outlet 30, the connecting means 36a, and the inlet 25 fills the image forming case 16 and flows. It is sucked into the storage case 27 through the outlet 26, the connecting means 36b, and the suction port 29. On the other hand, from the storage case 27 to the outlet 52, the air circulation path 54a, the inlet 5
The conditioned air sent into the toner case 40 through 0 fills the toner case 40 and is sucked into the storage case 27 through the outflow port 51, the air circulation path 54b, and the suction port 53.

Further, as the rotor is rotationally driven, the toner in the toner container 41 is sucked and supplied to the toner hopper 17. When the air pump 60 is operated according to the operation of the screw pump 63, the air pump 6
Since the toner in the toner container 41 is fluidized by the air flow formed by the air sent from 0, by sucking this toner, the toner supply is stabilized without depending on the toner supply direction. be able to. In addition, since the toner conveying path 43 is formed by a flexible tube, the degree of freedom in layout of the image forming module 6 and the toner container 41, that is, the toner case 40 is not limited to limiting the toner supply direction from above to below. Can be improved.

In addition, the air pump 60 is installed in the toner container 41.
The air sent into the toner case 40 is conditioned air in the toner case 40. Therefore, by sending the air into the toner container 41, the charging property of the toner is not adversely affected, and the inside of the toner container 41 can be moved more quickly. Can be air-conditioned.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is different from the third embodiment in the intake position of the air sent by the air pump 60 into the toner container 41.

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional front view showing the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. An air pump 60 provided in the toner case 40 is connected to the delivery port 52 of the storage case 27 of the image forming apparatus D according to the present embodiment via a tubular air carrying path 70. The air pump 60 of this embodiment supplies the conditioned air sent from the storage case 27 into the toner container 41 via the air carrying path 70.

In such a structure, the pump 28 of the air conditioner 11 is driven so that the air that has been air-conditioned in the storage case 27 and the factor harmful to the image formation in the image forming module 6 has been removed is Outlet 30, connection means 36a,
After being fed into the image forming case 16 through the inflow port 25 and filling the image forming case 16, the outflow port 26 and the connecting means 3 are provided.
6b, and is sucked into the storage case 27 through the suction port 29. Here, the function as the image forming case air conditioning means is realized.

When the air pump 60 is driven, the conditioned air from which the harmful substances for image formation in the image forming module 6 have been removed from the storage case 27 via the outlet 52 and the air conveying path 70 becomes toner. It is sent into the container 41. Then, after the toner container 41 is filled, the toner case 40 is filled through the filter 42 to air-condition the inside of the toner case 40. Here, the function as the toner case air conditioning unit is realized. By directly feeding the air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 into the toner container 41 by the air pump 60, the inside of the toner container 41 can be more quickly air-conditioned, and the inside of the toner case 40 can be indirectly air-conditioned. It is possible to improve the air conditioning efficiency by reducing the target air conditioning space as compared with the case of air conditioning.

Further, since the toner container 41 is provided with the filter 42, the pressure in the toner container 41 is prevented from rising excessively even when air is sent into the toner container 41, and the toner is not collected. Scattering outside the toner container 41 is prevented.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in the communication state between the toner case 40 and the storage case 27.

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. In the image forming apparatus F of the present embodiment, one end is connected to the suction port 53 of the storage case 27, the other end is connected to the toner container 41, and the other end is connected to the toner container 41. I have it. The other end of the connection path 80 is positioned at the filter 42 portion provided in the toner container 41, and the connection path 80 and the inside of the toner container 41 are communicated via the filter 42. The connection path 80 of the present embodiment is formed by a tubular member such as a flexible tube. The connection path 80 and the toner case 40 are sealed by a sealing member such as resin or rubber.

In such a structure, the air conditioned in the storage case 27 is sent into the image forming case 16 and the toner case 40 by driving the pump 28 of the air conditioner 11. Outlet 3 from storage case 27
0, the connecting means 36a, and the inflow port 25 through the image forming case 1
The conditioned air sent into the inside 6 fills the image forming case 16 and is sucked into the storage case 27 through the outlet 26, the connecting means 36b, and the suction port 29. Here, the function as the image forming case air conditioning means is realized.

When the air pump 60 is driven, the conditioned air is sent from the storage case 27 into the toner container 41 through the outlet 52 and the air carrying path 70, and the conditioned air sent into the toner container 41 is sent. Part of the toner is filled in the toner case 40 through the filter 42 to air-condition the inside of the toner case 40. Here, the function as the toner case air conditioning unit is realized. Then, the toner container 4
After being filled in 1, the filter 42 and the connection path 80 are sucked into the storage case 27 through the suction port 53 and are again air-conditioned. Accordingly, the air conditioned by the air conditioner 11 is directly sent into the toner container 41 by the air pump 60, so that the inside of the toner container 41 can be air-conditioned more quickly, and the inside of the toner case 40 can be air-conditioned. Compared with the case where the inside of the container 41 is indirectly air-conditioned, the target air-conditioned space can be made smaller and the air-conditioning efficiency can be improved.

In the present embodiment, since the toner container 41 and the storage case 27 are communicated with each other via the connection path 80, they are sent into the toner container 41 and pushed out to the toner case 40 via the filter 42. By air,
The pressure inside the toner case 40 will not be excessively increased.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in the communication state between the toner container 41 and the storage case 27.

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional front view showing a part of the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. Toner container 4
1, a ring-shaped connected member 90 into which one end of the connection path 80 is removably fitted is provided at the position where the filter 42 is provided. The connected member 90 is, for example,
It has a shape that allows air to flow, such as a pipe. The connected member 90 has a shape such that the tip thereof becomes thin, which facilitates the insertion / removal of the connection path 80 with respect to the connected member 90.

The toner case 40 has a closed position for sealing the inside of the toner case 40 (see FIG. 13A) and an open position for opening the inside of the toner case 40 to the extent that the toner container 41 can be attached to and detached from the toner case 40. (See FIG. 13B), and an opening / closing member 91 that is displaceable between them. The connection path 80 is fixedly provided to the opening / closing member 91 so as to penetrate the opening / closing member 91, and is communicated with the connected member 90 in a state where the opening / closing member 91 is positioned at the closed position, and the opening / closing member 91. Are separated from the connected member 90 in the open position, and are inserted into and removed from the connected member 90 as the opening / closing member 91 is displaced.

In such a structure, the toner container 41
In the replacement work, the opening / closing member 91 located at the closed position is simply located at the open position, and the connection path 80 fitted to the connected member 90 is connected to the connected member 90.
The toner container 41 in the toner case 40 can be exposed. As a result, the same effect as that of the image forming apparatus F of the fifth embodiment is obtained, and
It is possible to improve workability when replacing the toner container 41.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment shows an application example to a tandem type color image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming modules as an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of the color image forming apparatus of this embodiment. In the main body case 1 of the color image forming apparatus G of the present embodiment, a recording medium conveyance path 4 extending from the paper feed unit 2 to the paper discharge unit 3 is formed. The registration means 5 and 4 are provided on the recording medium conveyance path 4.
An image forming unit 100 including one image forming module 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B), a fixing unit 8 and the like are arranged.

Here, the image forming module 6 (6Y, 6M,
6C, 6B), the subscripts Y, M, C, B are
Color of image to be formed (Y is yellow, M is magenta, C
Means cyan and B means black). The same applies hereinafter.

The image forming means 100 includes a transfer belt 101 arranged so as to face the four image forming modules 6Y, 6M, 6C and 6B via the recording medium conveying path 4, and a transfer belt 101 via the transfer belt 101. Image forming modules 6Y, 6M,
Four transfer means 7 (7Y,
7M, 7C, 7B). Transfer belt 101
Has an endless belt shape wound around a pair of rollers 102, and has four image forming modules 6Y, 6M, 6C and 6B.
The outer peripheral surfaces of the respective photoconductors are arranged so as to face each other. The transfer means 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7B) is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the endless belt-shaped transfer belt 101. The image forming unit 100 also includes a belt cleaner 102 that removes toner and the like remaining on the transfer belt 101.

Image forming modules 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B
The toner supply units 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10B) similar to the toner supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 13 are connected to each other, and the toners of the corresponding colors are supplied.

The image forming module 6 in the image forming means 100.
(6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B) and toner supply unit 10 (1
0Y, 10M, 10C, 10B), each imaging case 1
6 (16Y, 16M, 16C, 16B) and the air conditioners 11 (11Y, 11M, 11) for air conditioning the inside of each toner case 40 (40Y, 40M, 40C, 40B).
C, 11B) are associated. Each image forming case 16 of each image forming module 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B) and each storage case 27 of each air conditioner 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11B) communicate with each other via a connecting means 36. Has been done. Each toner supply unit 10 (10Y, 10M, 10
C, 10B) toner cases 40 (40Y, 40M, 4)
0C, 40B) and each air conditioner 11 (11Y, 11M, 11
(C, 11B) each of the storage cases 27 and the air carrying path 7
0, and the connection path 80 communicates with each other.

In such a configuration, each air conditioner 11
By driving the pump 28 of (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11B), the corresponding image forming case 16 (16Y,
16M, 16C, 16B) are air-conditioned. As a result, a plurality of image forming modules 6 (6Y, 6
Also in the color image forming apparatus G having M, 6C and 6B), the same effect as described above can be obtained.

In the tandem type color image forming apparatus G, the image forming modules 6 (6Y, 6M, 6Y, 6M,
6C, 6B) and the air flow around each image forming module 6 (6
Y, 6M, 6C, and 6B), the image forming modules 6 are selected based on the number of operations of the photoconductor 13, the charging unit 14, and the like.
The environment is different for each (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B).

In the color image forming apparatus G of this embodiment, each image forming module 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B) and each toner supply unit 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C,
Air conditioner 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11
B) is associated with each air conditioner 11 (11
Y, 11M, 11C, and 11B) are individually driven and controlled, so that air conditioning suitable for the properties of the toner of each color can be performed. As a result, the image forming module 6 (6Y, 6Y
Since the optimum environment can be maintained for each of M, 6C, and 6B), it is possible to stabilize the image quality in the color image forming apparatus G that holds toners of a plurality of colors having different properties for each color.

In this embodiment, each image forming module 6 is manufactured by using the air conditioning method similar to that of the fifth embodiment.
(6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B) each image forming case 16 (16
Y, 16M, 16C, 16B) is air-conditioned, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each of the image forming cases 1 can be performed by using the air-conditioning method described in the first, second, third or fourth embodiment.
The inside of 6 (16Y, 16M, 16C, 16B) may be air-conditioned. Further, as described in the sixth embodiment, the toner container 41 is opened or closed according to the opening / closing of the opening / closing member 91.
When the separation / communication between the storage case 27 and the storage case 27 is performed, the opening / closing member 91 in each toner case 40 is not limited to the above-described open form, and may be, for example, a structure that opens to the front or side. Good.

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment shows an example of application to a tandem type color image forming apparatus as an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional front view showing the schematic structure of the electrophotographic color image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The color image forming apparatus H of the present embodiment transfers the toner image formed by each image forming module 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B) onto a recording medium via an intermediate transfer belt 110 as a transfer target. Unlike the seventh embodiment in the point, the image forming unit 100 includes four image forming modules 6Y, 6M, and 6M.
The intermediate transfer belt 110 is arranged so as to face C and 6B and partially face the recording medium conveyance path 4. The transfer means 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7B) is connected to each image forming module 6 (6Y,
6M, 6C, 6B).

Further, the image forming means 100 has a sheet transfer means 7'opposed to the intermediate transfer belt 110 with the recording medium conveyance path 4 in between, and an intermediate portion for removing toner and the like remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 110. Transfer cleaning means 111
It has and.

In such a structure, for example, when there is a possibility that harmful factor substances for image formation in the image forming module 6 may enter the toner case 40 or the toner container 41 due to replacement of the toner container 41, By adjusting the air in the substantially closed space in the image forming case 16 and the toner case 40 to remove the substance that is detrimental to image formation, the space is significantly larger than the entire space in the main body case 1 of the image forming apparatus H. By simply air-conditioning a small space, it is possible to stabilize the charged state of the toner and prevent the ionized substance from adhering to the photoconductor 13, etc., thus stabilizing the image quality and improving the durability of the apparatus. In addition, the size of the air conditioner 11 can be reduced, noise generated during operation of the air conditioner 11 can be reduced, and operation of the air conditioner 11 can be performed as compared with the case where the entire main body of the image forming apparatus H is air-conditioned. It is possible to reduce the cormorant power consumption.

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment shows an application example to a copying machine.

FIG. 16 is a vertical sectional front view showing the schematic structure of the copying machine of the present embodiment. The copying machine 150 includes an image reading device 151 that reads an image of a document and an image reading device 15
The image forming apparatus A forms the image read in 1 on a sheet.

The description is omitted because it is a known technique.
The image reading device 151 includes a contact glass 152 on which a document is placed, and an exposure optical system 153 and an exposure optical system 153 for exposing and scanning the image of the document placed on the contact glass 152 through the contact glass 152. A reading sensor 15 that optically reads the original image scanned by exposure.
It has 4 mag. The exposure optical system 153 includes a light source 155 that emits light, mirrors 156, 157, 158 that guide the reflected light from the document to the reading sensor 154, and the like.
The light source 155 and the mirrors 156, 157, 158 are mounted on traveling bodies 159, 160 that reciprocate along the contact glass 152 at a speed ratio of 2: 1.

With such a structure, during the image copying operation, the traveling body 15 is turned on with the light source 155 turned on.
The original image is exposed and scanned by running 9, 160 to read the original image. Here, the function as the reading unit is realized. In addition, the exposure unit 9 exposes and scans the photoconductor 13 based on the read image data. After that, the image is formed on the sheet in the same manner as described above. Here, the function as an image forming unit is realized.

According to the copying machine 150 of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the image forming apparatus A of each of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the image reading device 1
The image read by 51 is formed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus A, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the image forming apparatus A, the image forming apparatuses B, C, and
Any of the D, F, G, and H image forming apparatuses may be used.

[0136]

According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the toner held in the toner container is used as a cause by preventing the factor substance from flowing into the toner container housed in the toner case. By preventing the influence of the substance, it is possible to stabilize the charged state of the toner, so that it is possible to prevent the factor substance such as the ionized substance from adhering to the image carrier. This gives, for example,
It is possible to suppress deterioration in image quality and durability, which are caused by a substance that is harmful to the image formation in the image forming module when it enters the toner case or the toner container due to replacement of the toner container or the like. it can.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the air in the toner case is sent into the toner container by the air pump, so that the inside of the toner container can be more quickly air-conditioned and the toner can be discharged. The toner in the container is fluidized, and in this state, the rotor of the screw pump is rotated in the communication path to supply the toner to the image forming unit, thereby stabilizing the supply of the toner to the image forming unit. it can. As a result, the degree of freedom in the layout of the image forming unit and the toner container can be improved without limiting the toner supply direction from above to below.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the inflow of the factor substance into the substantially enclosed space formed around the image carrier by the image forming case is prevented. By preventing the factor substances such as ionized substances from adhering to the image carrier, the size of the air conditioning means can be reduced and the air conditioning means can be made smaller than the case where the entire body of the image forming apparatus is air-conditioned. It is possible to reduce the noise generated during the operation, and the power consumption accompanying the operation of the air conditioning unit.

According to the invention of claim 4, in the image forming apparatus of claim 3, the toner case air conditioning means and the image forming case air conditioning means can be realized by a single air conditioning device. Compared to the case where multiple air conditioners are provided for each image module and toner case, downsizing of the air conditioner, reduction of noise generated during operation of the air conditioner, and reduction of power consumption accompanying operation of the air conditioner are achieved. Can be planned. Further, for example, by disposing a single air conditioner away from the toner case and the image forming case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem such as toner melting due to heat generated by the operation of the air conditioner.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the air conditioner removes the causative substance contained in the air exhausted from the image forming case and the toner case, and the air is removed. By supplying again into the image forming case and the toner case to circulate the air between the air conditioner and the image forming case, and between the air conditioner and the toner case, for example, a substance that is harmful to the image forming such as moisture. Since it is possible to prevent air from invading from the outside and always perform air conditioning on the same air, the air conditioning system greatly limits the amount of air to be air-conditioned, and the control capacity required by the air conditioning system. Can be significantly reduced. As a result, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to more effectively reduce the size of the air conditioner, reduce the noise generated during the operation of the air conditioner, and reduce the power consumption accompanying the operation of the air conditioner. it can.

According to the invention of claim 6, claim 2,
In the image forming apparatus described in 3 or 4, by directly feeding the air from which the factor substance is removed by the air conditioner into the toner container by the air pump, the inside of the toner container can be air-conditioned more quickly and the inside of the toner case can be air-conditioned. Compared to the case where the inside of the toner container is indirectly air-conditioned, the target air-conditioned space is made smaller to improve the air-conditioning efficiency, the air-conditioner is downsized, the noise generated when the air-conditioner is operated is reduced, It is possible to more effectively reduce the power consumption accompanying the operation of the device.

According to the invention of claim 7, claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6,
Without scattering powder such as toner from the toner container,
Air in and out between the toner case and the toner container can be promoted, and the inside of the toner container can be more quickly air-conditioned.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the air exhausted from the toner container is directly introduced into the air conditioner by the exhaust introduction means, so that the air conditioner is an object of air conditioning. Since the control capacity required by the air conditioner can be further reduced by further limiting the amount of air to be used, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 6, when the air conditioner is downsized and the air conditioner is in operation. It is possible to more effectively reduce the noise generated and the power consumption accompanying the operation of the air conditioner.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, when the opening / closing member is positioned at the closed position, the air conditioner and the toner container are communicated with each other, and the opening / closing member is in the open position. By separating the air conditioner from the toner container when the toner container is positioned at, it is possible to improve the operability when replacing the toner container.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth aspect, for example, the formed toner images of respective colors are superposed. Even when a plurality of toner cases and image forming modules are provided, such as a color image forming apparatus that forms a color image by combining them, the effect of the invention according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 can be obtained. Obtainable.

According to the copying machine of the invention described in claim 11,
It is possible to obtain a copying machine having the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional front view showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an image forming module.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the structure of an air conditioning unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the structure of another air conditioning means.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a connection structure between an image forming unit and an air conditioning unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another connection structure of the image forming unit and the air conditioning means.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing another connection structure between the image forming unit and the air conditioning means.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a toner supply unit.

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a toner supply unit of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic structure of a copying machine according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 toner case air conditioner, image forming case air conditioner, air conditioner 11 'toner case air conditioner, image forming case air conditioner, air conditioner 12 specific image forming unit 12, 14, 15 image forming unit 40 toner case 41 toner container 42 Filter 43 Communication path 60 Air pump 63 Screw pump 80 Exhaust introduction means 91 Opening / closing member 110 Transfer target 150 Copiers A, B, C, D, F, G, H Image forming apparatus

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G03G 21/18 G03G 15/08 507Z 15/00 556 (72) Inventor Yasushi Nakazato Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo 1-3 C6 In Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ken Saito 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In-house Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Takeo Suda 1-3-3 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. 6 In Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Satoshi Inkari No. 3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Incorporated (72) Inventor Yasuo Suzuki 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company F-term in Ricoh (reference) 2H027 DA13 DD07 EA06 ED10 HB13 JA01 JA02 JA03 JA12 JA16 JB02 JB04 JB06 JB13 JB14 JB20 JC06 JC15 2H077 AA02 AA34 AB02 AB13 AB15 AC02 AD06 AE06 CA12 DA1 0 DA18 DA36 DB02 EA03 GA02 2H171 FA02 FA06 FA13 FA30 GA01 GA24 GA25 JA07 JA23 JA27 JA29 JA31 JA48 JA49 KA05 KA16 KA22 NA03 NA04 NA05 NA06 QA02 QA04 QA08 QB03 QB15 QB32 QB35 QB36 QB37 QB54 QB55 QB60 QC03 QC05 QC23 QC24 QC26 QC36 TA15 WA07 WA16 WA23 2H300 EA01 EA05 EA07 EA19 EB04 EB07 EB12 EC02 EC05 EC06 EF02 EF06 EF08 EH15 EH16 EJ09 EJ22 EJ24 EJ25 EJ50 EJ51 EJ56 EJ59 EJ60 EK03 EL02 EL04 GG01 GG11 GG29 GG36H11H12H12 H04H12H12H04H12H04H12H04H12H04H12H04H12H04H12H04H12H04H12H04H12H12H04H12H04H12H12H04H12H04H12H04H12H04H12H12H04

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image carrier, an electrophotographic image forming unit for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and a substantially sealed space formed around a toner container holding a developer containing toner. A toner case, a toner supply means for supplying the toner held in the toner container to the specific image forming unit, and a factor substance harmful to image formation by the image forming unit flowing into the toner case is removed. An image forming apparatus including a toner case air conditioning unit. 2. The toner supply means includes an air pump provided in the toner case for feeding air into the toner container, a communication path for communicating the toner container with the specific image forming unit, and the communication path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a screw pump including a rotor provided in the path and having a spiral blade member around an axis. 3. An image forming case for accommodating the image carrier and the image forming unit and forming a substantially closed space around the image carrier except for a transfer position of a toner image onto a transfer target, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an image forming case air-conditioning unit that removes the causative substance that flows into the image forming case. 4. The toner case air conditioner and the image forming case air conditioner are respectively connected to the intake side of the toner case and the intake side of the image forming case to send out air from which the factor substance has been removed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, which is the air conditioner. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an exhaust side of the toner case and an exhaust side of the image forming case communicate with an intake side of the air conditioner. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the air pump directly sends the air, from which the causative substance is removed by the air conditioner, into the toner container. 7. The filter according to claim 1, further comprising a filter provided in the toner container and having a hole smaller than a particle size of a developer held in the toner container and permitting air to pass therethrough.
The image forming apparatus described in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an exhaust introduction unit that introduces air exhausted from the toner container into the air conditioner through the filter. 9. A displaceable member is provided between a closed position that forms a substantially closed space in the toner case and an open position that opens the toner case to an extent that allows the toner container to be attached to and detached from the toner case. The exhaust gas introducing means has one end communicated with the air conditioner and the other end side provided on the opening / closing member, and the air conditioner is provided with the opening / closing member at the closed position. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus and the toner container are communicated with each other, and the air conditioner and the toner container are separated when the opening / closing member is positioned at the open position. 10. A plurality of the toner cases are provided for each color of toner held in the toner container, and a plurality of the image forming cases are provided for each of the toner cases. The image forming apparatus according to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9. 11. A reading unit for reading an image of a document, and an image forming unit for forming an image read by the reading unit on a recording medium by using the image forming apparatus according to claim 1. , A copying machine equipped with.