JP2010224133A - Image forming apparatus and collecting container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact image forming apparatus for utilizing a space above a conveying member in a gravity direction, and to provide a collecting container for utilizing the space above the conveying member in the gravity direction in the image forming apparatus body, to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 10 includes: the image forming apparatus body 12; an image forming unit 40 mounted on the image forming apparatus body 12 to form a developer image; an intermediate transfer belt 62 configured to convey the developer image formed by the image forming unit 40; a developer removing device 350 configured to remove the developer adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 62; and a removed developer collecting container 250 configured to collect the developer removed by the developer removing device 350. The removed developer collecting container 250 is arranged above the intermediate transfer belt 62 in the gravity direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a collection container.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a process apparatus including an image carrier, an image exposure unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, a transfer member that contacts the image carrier, and a development remaining on the transfer member. In the image forming apparatus having the cleaning device for removing the agent, the image exposure unit is disposed at a position that does not intersect with a line drawn vertically downward from a contact portion between the cleaning device and the transfer body. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, an endless belt having an internal space, an image carrier that is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt and carries a developer charged to a predetermined polarity, and an internal space of the endless belt are arranged. And a transfer member that transfers the developer to the endless belt or a recording medium carried on the endless belt, and a cleaning unit that removes foreign matter and developer adhering to the surface of the transfer member There is disclosed a transfer apparatus characterized in that

JP 2007-225830 A

JP 2008-170815 A

  The present invention can utilize the space above the gravity direction of the conveying member and can utilize the space above the gravity direction of the conveying member of the image forming apparatus that can be downsized and the image forming apparatus, An object of the present invention is to provide a collection container capable of downsizing the image forming apparatus.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus main body, an image forming section that is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body and forms a developer image, a developer image formed by the image forming section, and the image A conveying member that conveys at least one of the recording medium onto which the developer image formed by the forming unit has been transferred, a removing device that removes the developer that adheres to the surface of the conveying member, and a removing device that removes the developer. A collecting container for collecting the developer, and the collecting container is an image forming apparatus disposed above the conveying member in the gravity direction.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment / detachment opening / closing portion that opens / closes an attachment / detachment opening that communicates the inside of the image forming apparatus body and the outside of the image forming apparatus body, and is disposed above the conveying member. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: the image forming apparatus, wherein the collection container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body through the attachment / detachment opening portion opened by opening the attachment / detachment opening / closing portion. is there.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the collection container is movable between a collection position for collecting the developer and an attachment / detachment position where the collection container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus moves from the collection position to the attachment / detachment position in association with opening, and moves from the attachment / detachment position to the collection position in association with closing the opening / closing portion.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the collection container is movable between a collection position for collecting the developer and an attachment / detachment position where the collection container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. The collection container is provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body, is opened above the image forming apparatus with the discharge surface of the discharge unit from which the recording medium is discharged as a rotation center, and extends in the direction along the openable / detachable opening / closing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein is attached and detached.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the recovery container includes a recovery container main body having a recovery port for receiving the developer removed by the removing device, an open position for opening the recovery port, and the recovery port. A recovery port sealing part that moves a position relative to the recovery container body between the sealing position to be stopped, and
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the collection container is linked to an operation for mounting the collection container in the image forming apparatus main body, and the collection port sealing portion is moved from the sealed position to the open position. 6. The image according to claim 5, wherein the recovery port sealing portion moves from the open position to the sealing position in conjunction with an operation for removing the recovery container from the image forming apparatus main body. Forming device.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the removing device includes a removing device main body having a discharge port for discharging the removed developer, an open position for opening the discharge port, and a seal for sealing the discharge port. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a discharge port sealing portion that moves a position relative to the removal container main body between the positions.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the removal device is linked to an operation for mounting the collection container in the image forming apparatus main body, and the discharge port sealing portion is moved from the sealing position to the open position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus moves to the sealing position from the open position in conjunction with an operation of removing the collection container from the image forming apparatus main body.

  The present invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the collection container is disposed adjacent to the removing device.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the developer image formed in the image forming unit that is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body and forms the developer image, and the developer image formed in the image forming unit are transferred. A collection container that collects the developer removed by a removing device that removes the developer adhering to the surface of the conveyance member that conveys at least one of the recording media, and is disposed above the conveyance member in the gravitational direction. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can utilize the space above the gravity direction of the conveying member and can be miniaturized.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, the collection container can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body from above the conveying member without moving the conveying member. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the second aspect of the present invention, it is recovered in the image forming apparatus main body with a simple operation as compared with the case without the present configuration. An image forming apparatus in which a container can be attached and detached can be provided.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects provided by the second aspect of the present invention, it can be collected in the main body of the image forming apparatus with a simple operation as compared with the case without the present configuration. An image forming apparatus in which a container can be attached and detached can be provided.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the development is less likely to spill from the collection container as compared with the case without the present configuration. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the developer recovery container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, the recovery port sealing member is provided. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can eliminate the operation of moving.

  According to the present invention of claim 7, in addition to the effects of the present invention of any of claims 1 to 6, foreign matter is mixed in the removal device as compared with the case without this configuration. An image forming apparatus that can be made difficult can be provided.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the developer recovery container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, the discharge port sealing portion is provided. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can eliminate the operation of moving.

  According to the present invention of claim 9, in addition to the effects of the present invention of claims 1 to 8, there is no need for a transport path for transporting the developer removed by the removing device to the collection container. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the conveyance path can be shortened as compared with the image forming apparatus in which the collection container is disposed at a position separated from the removing device.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a collection container that can utilize the space above the conveying member in the direction of gravity and can downsize the image forming apparatus.

1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the right side surface. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a main opening / closing part opens and closes with respect to a main body of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a photoreceptor unit used in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the right side. The operation of the photosensitive drum shutter member included in the photosensitive unit shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the photosensitive drum shutter member is in the second position from the right side. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the photosensitive drum shutter member is in the first position from the right side. In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the sub-opening / closing portion is opened and closed, FIG. 6 (a) is a right side view showing the state where the sub-opening / closing portion is closed, and FIG. It is a right view which shows the open state. It is sectional drawing which shows the protrusion 110 for a press which the sub opening-and-closing part shown in FIG. 6 has from the front side. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a push-up protrusion 112 included in the sub opening / closing portion shown in FIG. 6 from the front side. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a developer removing device and a removed developer collecting container included in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the right side. FIG. 10 is a left side view showing a left side plate of the developer removing device shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the developer removing device and the removed developer collecting container shown in FIG. 9. The developer removing device shown in FIG. 9 is shown, FIG. 12 (a) is a sectional view showing the removing device in a state where the discharge port is opened from the right side, and FIG. 12 (b) is a diagram showing the discharge port sealed. It is sectional drawing which shows the removal apparatus of a state from the right side. The recovery container shown in FIG. 9 is shown, FIG. 13 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the recovery container with the recovery port opened from the right side, and FIG. 13 (b) is a state with the recovery port sealed. It is sectional drawing which shows a collection container from the right side. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement linked to the operation | movement which opens a subopening-closing part. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement linked | related with the operation | movement which closes a subopening-closing part.

Next, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 show an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 12.

  A front-side opening / closing part 18 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12 so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12 using a hinge 20. In addition, the main opening / closing portion 26 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12 so as to be opened and closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12 using a hinge 28. An operation unit 32 is attached to the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 12.

  For example, the upward surface of the main opening / closing unit 26 corresponding to the upward surface of the image forming apparatus 10 is used as the discharge unit 14 from which the recording medium on which the image is formed is discharged.

  A supply opening / closing part 22 is attached to the front opening / closing part 18 so as to be opened and closed. The supply opening / closing part 22 is normally closed with respect to the front opening / closing part 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. When a recording medium different from a recording medium stored in a recording medium supply device 510 described later is used, the supply opening / closing part 22 is opened with respect to the front opening / closing part 18.

  The main opening / closing part 26 is normally closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12. The main opening / closing part 26 is opened when a photoreceptor unit 200Y, 200M, 200C, 200B, which will be described later, is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12. Prior to opening the main opening / closing portion 26, the front opening / closing portion 18 is attached to the main opening / closing portion 26 in order to prevent a support roll 70, an intermediate transfer belt 62 and the like described later from interfering with the front opening / closing portion 18. Opened to the image forming apparatus main body 12.

  When closing the front opening / closing part 18 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12, the main opening / closing part 26 is closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12 prior to closing the front opening / closing part 18.

  The main opening / closing part 26 is attached so that the sub opening / closing part 100 can be opened and closed with respect to the main opening / closing part 26. The sub opening / closing part 100 is arranged above the intermediate transfer belt 62 described later in the gravity direction, and is used as an attaching / detaching opening / closing part for opening / closing an opening / closing opening 27 (see FIG. 6) described later.

  The operation unit 32 includes, for example, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of recording media on which image formation is performed, a start button that is operated when image formation is started, and the like.

  In the image forming apparatus main body 12, an image forming unit 40 for forming an image (developer image) on a recording medium is provided. The image forming unit 40 includes, for example, four photoconductor units 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K.

  Each of the photoreceptor units 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K is used as an image forming structure, and each has a photoreceptor drum 210Y, 210M, 210C, and 210K, and each is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12. can do. The photoconductor units 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K are arranged in the order of the photoconductor units 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K from the rear side (the right side in FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus main body 12. Details of the photoreceptor units 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K will be described later.

  Each of the photosensitive drums 210Y, 210M, 210C, and 210K is used as an image holding body that holds an image.

  Further, the image forming unit 40 includes an optical writing device 44 used as a latent image forming device. The optical writing device 44 irradiates each of the photosensitive drums 210Y, 210M, 210C, and 210K to form a latent image on the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 210Y, 210M, 210C, and 210K. To do.

  The image forming unit 40 includes developing devices 46Y, 46M, 46C, and 46K. The developing device 46Y develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 210Y using yellow toner stored therein. The developing device 46M develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 210M using magenta toner stored therein. The developing device 46C develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 210C using cyan toner stored therein. The developing device 46K develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 210K using black toner stored therein.

  A transfer device 58 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 12. The transfer device 58 includes an intermediate transfer belt unit 60 and a secondary transfer device 84, and the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 includes an intermediate transfer belt 62.

  The intermediate transfer belt 62 is used as a conveying member that conveys at least one of the toner image formed by the image forming unit 40 and the recording medium to which the toner image formed by the image forming unit 40 is transferred. The toner images transferred from the body drums 210Y, 210M, 210C, and 210K are conveyed. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 62 is endless and is stretched around the support rolls 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 so as to be able to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. For example, drive from a drive source (not shown) such as a motor is transmitted to the support roll 70, and the support roll 70 transmits drive to the intermediate transfer belt 62 by rotating by receiving drive transmission from the drive source. To do.

  In addition, the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 includes primary transfer rolls 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K that are used as a primary transfer device. The primary transfer rolls 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K are respectively a yellow toner image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 210Y, 210M, 210C, and 210K. The intermediate transfer belt 62 is transferred.

  The secondary transfer device 84 has a secondary transfer roll 86. The secondary transfer roll 86 further transfers the yellow toner image, magenta toner image, cyan toner image, and black toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 62 to the recording medium.

  The transfer device 58 includes a developer removing device 350. The developer removing device 350 is used as a removing device that removes the developer adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 62, and after the toner image is transferred to the recording medium by the secondary transfer device 84, The toner remaining on the surface is removed. The developer removing device 350 is arranged above the intermediate transfer belt 62 in the gravity direction as shown in FIG. Therefore, the space above the intermediate transfer belt 62 in the gravitational direction can be utilized in the image forming apparatus main body 12, and the image forming apparatus 10 can be downsized.

  Further, the transfer device 58 has a removed developer collection container 250. The removed developer collection container 250 is used as a collection container for collecting the developer removed from the intermediate transfer belt 62 by the developer removing device 350. The removed developer collection container 250 is mounted so as to be detachable from the developer removing device 350. Further, the removed developer collection container 250 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12 via an attaching / detaching opening 27 (see FIG. 6) described later, which is opened by opening the sub opening / closing part 100. It has become.

  The removed developer collection container 250 is disposed above the intermediate transfer belt 62 in the gravity direction as shown in FIG. Therefore, the space above the intermediate transfer belt 62 in the gravitational direction can be utilized in the image forming apparatus main body 12, and the image forming apparatus 10 can be downsized.

  The removed developer collection container 250 is disposed adjacent to the developer removing device 350 as shown in FIG. This eliminates the need for a transport path for transporting the developer removed by the developer removing device 350 to the removed developer collection container. Even when such a conveyance path is necessary, the developer conveyance path can be shortened as compared with the case where the removed developer collection container 250 is disposed at a position separated from the developer removing device 350. Can do.

  Of the members constituting the transfer device 58, the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 and the developer removing device 350 are mounted on the main opening / closing part 26. Of the transfer device 58, the secondary transfer roll 86 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 12.

  In the image forming apparatus main body 12, a fixing device 50 is provided for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium by the secondary transfer roll 86 to the recording medium. The fixing device 50 includes a heater 51. The fixing device 50 fixes the toner image on the recording medium by pressurizing the toner image onto the recording medium and applying heat generated by the heater 51.

  Further, an excess developer collecting container 240 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 12. The excess developer discharged from the developing devices 46Y, 46M, 46C, and 46K is collected in the excess developer collection container 240. The excess developer recovery container 240 is integrated with, for example, the photoreceptor unit 200K.

  A recording medium supply device 510 that supplies a recording medium to the image forming unit 40 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 12. The recording medium supply device 510 can be pulled out to the front side (left side in FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus main body 12, and the recording medium can be loaded with the recording medium supply apparatus 510 pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body 12. To be replenished.

  The recording medium supply device 510 includes a recording medium storage container 512 that stores recording media such as plain paper in a stacked state. In addition, the recording medium supply device 510 includes a transport roll 514 that extracts the uppermost recording medium stored in the recording medium storage container 512 and transports the extracted recording medium toward the image forming unit 40. The recording medium supply device 510 has a retard roll 516 that is used to roll over the recording medium and prevent a plurality of recording media from being conveyed to the image forming unit 40 in an overlapping state.

  Further, a conveyance path 530 used for conveying the recording medium is formed in the image forming apparatus main body 12. The conveyance path 530 includes a main conveyance path 532, a reverse conveyance path 534, and a sub conveyance path 536.

  The main conveyance path 532 is used for conveying the recording medium supplied from the recording medium supply device 510 to the image forming unit 40 and discharging the recording medium on which the image is formed to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 12. In order from the upstream side in the direction in which the recording medium is transported along the main transport path 532, the transport roll 514 and the retard roll 516, the resist roll 542, the secondary transfer roll 86, and the fixing device described above. 50 and a discharge roll 544 are arranged.

  The registration roll 542 temporarily stops the leading end of the recording medium conveyed from the recording medium supply device 510 side, and causes the recording medium to match the timing at which each color toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 62. It sends out toward the secondary transfer roll 86.

  The discharge roll 544 discharges the recording medium on which the toner of each color is fixed by the fixing device 50 to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 12.

  The reverse conveyance path 534 is a conveyance path that is used for reversing and supplying the recording medium having the toner image fixed on one surface thereof to the image forming unit 40. For example, two reverse transfer rolls 548 and 548 are arranged along the reverse transfer path 534. A recording medium is supplied to the reverse conveyance path 534 from the rear end side by rotating the discharge roll 544 in a reverse direction with the rear end of the recording medium interposed therebetween, and the supplied recording medium is supplied to the reverse conveyance roll 548. By 548, the sheet is conveyed to a position upstream of the registration roll 542.

  The sub-transport path 536 is a transport path for supplying a recording medium different from the recording medium stored in the recording medium supply apparatus 510 to the image forming unit 40. A recording medium is supplied to the sub-transport path 536 from the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 12 with the supply opening / closing part 22 opened. A transport roll 552 and a retard roll 554 are provided along the sub-transport path 536. The transport roll 552 is supplied to the sub transport path 536 and transports the recording medium toward the image forming unit 40. The retard roll 554 is used to roll the recording medium supplied to the sub-conveying path 536 and prevent the recording medium from being conveyed to the image forming unit 40 in a state where a plurality of recording media are overlapped.

Further, a first power supply unit 410 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 12.
The first power supply unit 410 has a high voltage power supply circuit and supplies power to, for example, the developing devices 46Y, 46M, 46C, and 46K.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, the second power supply unit 420 is disposed above the intermediate transfer belt 62. The second power supply unit 420 is attached to the main opening / closing part 26 and supplies power to, for example, the primary transfer rolls 80Y, 80M, 80C, 80K and the like. The second power supply unit 420 is disposed in a space formed between the intermediate transfer belt 62 and the discharge unit 14.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, the developer removing device 350 and the fixing device 50 are arranged with the second power supply unit 420 interposed therebetween.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the main opening / closing part 26 is opened and closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12 and a state in which the photoconductor unit 200 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the main opening / closing part 26 is opened with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12, the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 and the developer removing device 350 of the transfer device 58 and the second power supply unit 420 are main. It moves together with the opening / closing part 26. That is, the intermediate transfer belt unit 60, the developer removing device 350, and the second power supply unit 430 are opened / closed integrally with the main opening / closing portion 26 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12.

  When the main opening / closing part 26, the intermediate transfer belt unit 60, the developer removing device 350, and the second power supply unit 420 are opened with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12, an opening 36 is formed in the image forming apparatus main body 12. . The photoreceptor units 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K are attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12 through the openings 36, respectively. The surplus developer recovery container 240 is integrated with the photosensitive unit 200K as described above. For this reason, the excess developer collection container 240 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12 together with the photosensitive unit 200.

  FIG. 4 shows the photoreceptor unit 200Y. The photoconductor units 200M, 200C, and 200K have the same configuration as the photoconductor unit 200Y, although the developer color used is different, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the photoconductor unit 200Y has a photoconductor unit main body 202Y, and the above-mentioned photoconductor drum 210Y is mounted on the photoconductor unit main body 202Y. A charging device 220Y for uniformly charging the surface of the photoreceptor drum 210Y is mounted in the photoreceptor unit main body 202Y. The charging device 220Y includes a charging roll 222Y that comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 210Y. A latent image is written by the optical writing device 44 (see FIG. 1) on the surface of the photosensitive drum 210Y uniformly charged by the charging device 220Y.

  Further, a scraping member 224Y used as a cleaning device is mounted in the photoconductor unit main body 202Y. The scraping member 224Y scrapes off the yellow toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 210Y after the yellow toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 62 by the primary transfer roll 80Y (see FIG. 1).

  In the photoreceptor unit main body 202Y, a recovery chamber 226Y that collects yellow toner scraped off from the surface of the photoreceptor drum 210Y by the scraping member 224Y is provided.

  In addition, a photoreceptor drum covering member 230Y is attached to the photoreceptor unit main body 202Y via a support member 232Y, for example. The photosensitive drum covering member 230Y is used as an image holding member. The photosensitive drum covering member 230Y is connected to a link mechanism (not shown), and the photosensitive drum covering member 230Y is connected to the above-described intermediate transfer belt unit 60 via the link mechanism.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the photosensitive drum covering member 230Y. The photosensitive drum covering member 230Y moves between the position shown in FIG. 5A used as the second position and the position shown in FIG. 5B used as the first position.
The second position shown in FIG. 5A is a position where the photosensitive drum covering member 230Y covers the exposed portion 212Y of the photosensitive drum 210Y (hereinafter referred to as a covering position). The first position shown in FIG. 5B is a position where the photosensitive drum covering member 230Y exposes the exposed portion 212Y from the photosensitive unit main body 202 (hereinafter referred to as an exposed position). .

  The photosensitive drum covering member 230Y is in the covering position shown in FIG. 5A when the photosensitive unit 200Y is detached from the image forming apparatus main body 12. Further, the photosensitive drum covering member 230Y has a structure in which the photosensitive unit 200Y is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 12 and the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 is opened with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12 as shown in FIG. ) In the covering position shown. On the other hand, in the photosensitive drum covering member 230Y, when the photosensitive unit 200Y is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 12 and the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 is closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12, FIG. It is in the position to be exposed as shown in (b).

  The photosensitive drum covering member 230Y is connected to the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 by a link mechanism (not shown), and the operation of the link mechanism opens the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12. It moves to the position which covers from the position exposed in connection with. Further, the photosensitive drum covering member 230Y is moved to a position where the photosensitive drum covering member 230Y is exposed from a position where the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 is closed in association with an operation of closing the intermediate transfer belt unit 60 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 12. ing.

  FIG. 6 shows the sub opening / closing part 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the auxiliary opening / closing part 100 is attached to the main opening / closing part 26 using a hinge 102, and rotates around the hinge 102 so that the main opening / closing part shown in FIG. It can move between a position closed with respect to the portion 26 and a position open with respect to the main opening / closing portion 26 shown in FIG. In a state where the sub opening / closing part 100 is opened with respect to the main opening / closing part 26 shown in FIG. 6B, the attaching / detaching opening part 27 is opened. The detachable opening portion 27 is used as an detachable opening portion that communicates the inside of the image forming apparatus main body 12 and the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 12, and the removed developer collection container 250 is connected to the image through the detachable opening portion 27. It is attached to and detached from the forming apparatus main body 12.

  The sub opening / closing part 100 is formed with a pressing protrusion 110 used as a pressing part so as to protrude inside the image forming apparatus main body 12. Further, the auxiliary opening / closing part 100 is formed with a push-up protrusion 112 used as a push-up part.

  FIG. 7 shows the pressing protrusion 110. The pressing protrusion 110 presses the removed developer collection container 250 as shown by an arrow a2 in conjunction with the operation of closing the sub opening / closing portion 100 with respect to the main opening / closing portion 26. When pressed by the pressing protrusion 110, the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of arrow a3 around a guided protrusion 286, which will be described later.

  FIG. 8 shows the push-up protrusion 112. When the auxiliary opening / closing part 100 is opened with respect to the main opening / closing part 26, the pushing-up protrusion 112 comes into contact with the lower surface of the pushed-up protrusion 282, which will be described later, of the removed developer collection container 250, and the removed developer. The position where the pushed-up protrusion 282 of the recovery container 250 is provided is pulled up as indicated by an arrow b2. When pulled up by the push-up protrusion 112, the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of the arrow b3 around a guided protrusion 286 described later.

  FIG. 9 shows a developer removing device 350 and a removed developer collection container 250 attached to the developer removing device 350. The developer removing device 350 has a developer removing device main body 352 fixed to the main opening / closing part 26 (see FIG. 3). A discharge port 354 is formed in the developer removing device main body 352. The discharge port 354 is used for discharging the developer removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 62 to the outside of the developer removing apparatus main body 352. Further, the discharge port 354 is formed over substantially the entire area of the intermediate transfer belt 62 in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 62 (direction intersecting the direction in which the intermediate transfer belt 62 moves). The developer removing device main body 352 is formed with a recess 356 used as an engaged portion.

  Further, the developer removing device 350 has a scraping member 358. The scraping member 358 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 62 at one end, and scrapes off the toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 62 at the contacted portion. Further, the developer removing device 350 includes a toner conveying member 362. The toner conveying member 362 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9 and conveys the toner scraped off by the scraping member 358 toward the discharge port 354. The developer removing device 350 includes a full detection sensor 366 that detects whether or not the removed developer collection container 250 is full.

  Further, the developer removing device 350 has a discharge port shutter 370. The discharge port shutter 370 is used as a discharge port sealing portion that moves a position relative to the developer removing apparatus main body 352 between an open position where the discharge port 354 is opened and a sealing position where the discharge port 354 is sealed. Yes. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the discharge port shutter 370 is disposed at the open position. A convex portion 372 used as an engaging portion is formed on the discharge port shutter 370 so as to protrude toward the removed developer collection container 250.

  The removed developer collection container 250 has a removed developer collection container main body 252, and the developer removed from the intermediate transfer belt 62 is collected in the removed developer collection container main body 252. A recovery port 254 is formed in the removed developer recovery container main body 252. The collection port 254 is used for receiving the developer removed by the developer removing device 350. The collection port 254 is formed over substantially the entire area of the intermediate transfer belt 62 in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt 62 (direction intersecting the direction in which the intermediate transfer belt 62 moves).

  Further, the removed developer collection container 250 is formed with a concave portion 258 used as an engaged portion and into which a convex portion 372 formed on the discharge port shutter 370 is fitted. The convex portion 372 is fitted into the concave portion 258 in a state where the removed developer collection container 250 is mounted on the developer removing device 350. Further, the removed developer collection container 250 has a toner transport member 262. The toner conveying member 262 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7 to convey the toner collected from the collecting port 254 to the back side (left side in FIG. 9) in the removed developer collecting container main body 252.

  The removed developer collection container 250 has a collection port shutter 270. The collection port shutter 270 is removed between the open position where the collection port 254 is opened and the sealing position where the collection port 254 is sealed. It is used as a recovery port sealing part that moves a position relative to the recovery container main body 252. FIG. 9 shows a state where the recovery port shutter 270 is disposed at the open position. The recovery port shutter 270 is formed with a convex portion 272 used as an engaging portion so as to protrude toward the developer removing apparatus main body 352. The convex portion 272 fits into a concave portion 356 formed in the developer removing device main body 352 in a state where the removed developer collecting container 250 is mounted on the developer removing device 350.

  The removed developer collection container 250 is replaced when it is full of developer. That is, when the removed developer collection container 250 is full, the removed developer collection container 250 is detached from the developer removing device 350 and is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 12 through the detachable opening 27 (see FIG. 6). It is taken out. Then, for example, a new removed developer collection container 250 in which no developer is stored is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 12 via the opening / closing opening 27 and attached to the developer removing apparatus 350.

  FIG. 10 shows the left side plate 353 of the developer removing device 350 forming a part of the developer removing device main body 352 from the left side. As shown in FIG. 10, a guide groove 380 is formed in the left side plate 353 from the upper end side to the lower end side. The guide groove 380 has a mounting guide portion 382 and a rotation guide portion 384. The mounting guide 382 guides the mounting of the removed developer collection container 250 with respect to the developer removing device 350. The rotation guide unit 384 has a substantially circular shape with a groove width set larger than that of the mounting guide unit 382, and guides the rotation of the removed developer collection container 250 with respect to the developer removing device 350.

  A fixing protrusion 388 is provided on the inner side (right side surface) of the left side plate 353. A fixing protrusion 280 (see FIG. 11), which will be described later, formed on the removed developer collection container main body 252 is fitted into the fixing protrusion 388.

  FIG. 11 shows the developer removing device 350 and the removed developer collecting container 250 being attached to the developer removing device 350 from the left side. As shown in FIG. 11, a fixing protrusion 280 is formed on the left side surface of the removed developer collection container main body 252. The fixing protrusion 280 is used to fix the removed developer collection container 250 to the developer removal apparatus 350 when the removed developer collection container 250 is attached to the developer removal apparatus 350. Further, on the left side surface of the removed developer collection container 250, a pushed-up projection 282 used as a pushed-up portion is formed. The pushed-up projection 282 is pushed upward by the push-up projection 112 by contacting the push-up projection 112 (see FIG. 8) formed on the sub opening / closing portion 100 with the downward face.

  Further, a guided projection 286 used as a guided portion is provided on the left side surface of the removed developer collection container main body 252. The guided projection 286 is guided by the guide groove 380 when the removed developer collection container 250 is mounted on the developer removing device 350. More specifically, first, a guided projection 286 having a substantially rectangular cross section and a portion that contacts the circular rotation guide portion 384 is inserted into the guide groove 380. The removed developer collection container 250 is attached to the developer removing device 350. At this time, first, the guided projection 286 is guided by the mounting guide portion 382 of the guide groove 380, and the removed developer collection container 250 has the guided projection 286 in the direction indicated by the arrow a 1 at the lower end portion of the guide groove 380. Move to the position to reach. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the guided projection 286 has reached the lower end of the guide groove 380.

  Next, the guided projection 286 is guided by the rotation guide portion 384, and the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of the arrow a3 about the guided projection 286. This rotation is performed in conjunction with an operation (see FIG. 6) in which the sub opening / closing part 100 is closed with respect to the main opening / closing part 26. That is, when the sub-opening / closing portion 100 is closed, the pressing protrusion 110 (see FIG. 7) of the sub-opening / closing portion 100 presses the removed developer collecting container 250 in the direction indicated by the arrow a2, thereby removing the removed developer collecting container. 250 rotates in the direction of arrow a3.

  When the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of arrow a3, the fixing protrusion 280 formed on the removed developer collection container main body 252 is fitted into the fixing protrusion 388 formed on the left plate 353 of the developer removing device 350. The removed developer collection container 250 is fixed at a position (position shown in FIG. 9) for collecting the developer.

  The guided projection 286 is guided by the guide groove 380 when the removed developer collection container 250 is removed from the developer removing device 350. More specifically, first, the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of the arrow b3 such that the guided projection 286 is guided by the rotation guide portion 384. This rotation is performed in conjunction with an operation (see FIG. 6) in which the sub opening / closing part 100 is opened with respect to the main opening / closing part 26. That is, when the sub opening / closing part 100 is opened, the push-up protrusion 112 (see FIG. 6) of the sub-opening / closing part 100 comes into contact with the lower surface of the push-up protrusion 282, and the push-up protrusion 112 is pushed up. By pushing up 282, the removed developer collection container 250 rotates around the guided projection 286 in the direction of the arrow b3 and moves to the position shown in FIG.

  Next, the removed developer collection container 250 is pulled out in the direction indicated by the arrow b1 so that the guided projection 286 is guided by the mounting guide portion 382, and is removed from the developer removing device 350.

  The removed developer collection container 250 can be removed from the developer removal device 350 only when the sub-opening / closing portion 100 is open and the removed developer collection container 250 is in the position shown in FIG. When the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of the arrow a3 from the state shown in FIG. 11, the guided projection 286 is formed on the inner surface of the guide groove 380 even if the removed developer collection container 250 is pulled out in the direction of the arrow b1. The removed developer collection container 250 cannot be pulled out due to interference.

  FIG. 12 illustrates the operation of the discharge port shutter 370. The discharge port shutter 370 is used to open and close the discharge port 354 as described above. The discharge port shutter 370 has an open position for opening the discharge port 354 shown in FIG. 12A and a discharge port 354 shown in FIG. The developer removing device main body 352 is mounted so as to move between the sealing positions to be sealed.

  The discharge shutter 370 is opened and closed in conjunction with the rotation of the removed developer collection container 250 relative to the developer removing device 350. That is, since the convex portion 372 provided on the discharge port shutter 370 is fitted in the concave portion 258 formed on the removed developer collection container main body 252, the removed developer collection container 250 is moved from the position shown in FIG. In conjunction with the rotation, the outlet shutter 370 moves from the sealing position shown in FIG. 12B to the open position shown in FIG. Further, in conjunction with the removal developer collecting container 250 rotating in the direction of the arrow b3 shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 11, the discharge shutter 370 is moved from the open position shown in FIG. It moves to the sealing position shown in b).

  Here, the removed developer collection container 250 is opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the sub opening and closing unit 100 as described above. For this reason, the outlet shutter 370 opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the sub opening and closing unit 100. More specifically, the discharge shutter 370 is sealed from the open position shown in FIG. 12A to the sealing shown in FIG. Move to position. Further, in conjunction with the closing of the sub opening / closing portion 100 with respect to the main opening / closing portion 26, the discharge port shutter 370 moves from the sealing position shown in FIG. 12 (b) to the opening position shown in FIG. 12 (a). To do.

  FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of the recovery port shutter 270. The recovery port shutter 270 is used to open and close the recovery port 254 as described above. The recovery port shutter 270 opens the recovery port 254 shown in FIG. 13A and the recovery port 254 shown in FIG. The position with respect to the removed developer collection container main body 252 is moved between the sealing position and the sealing position for sealing.

  The movement of the recovery port shutter 270 relative to the removed developer recovery container main body 252 is performed in conjunction with the rotation of the removed developer recovery container 250 relative to the developer removal device 350. That is, the removed developer collection container in a state where the convex portion 272 provided on the collection port shutter 270 fits into the concave portion 356 formed in the developer removing apparatus main body 352 and is fixed to the developer removing apparatus main body 352. In conjunction with the rotation of 250 in the direction of arrow a3 from the position shown in FIG. 13 (b) to FIG. 13 (a), the recovery port shutter 270 is removed from the sealed position to the open position. The position relative to 252 moves.

  Further, with the recovery port shutter 270 fixed to the developer removing device main body 352, the removed developer recovery container 250 rotates in the direction of the arrow b3 from the position shown in FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B. In conjunction with this, the position of the recovery port shutter 270 relative to the removed developer recovery container main body 252 moves from the open position to the sealing position.

  Here, the removed developer collection container 250 is opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the sub opening and closing unit 100 as described above. For this reason, the recovery port shutter 270 opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the sub opening and closing unit 100. More specifically, in conjunction with the opening of the sub opening / closing portion 100 with respect to the main opening / closing portion 26, the recovery port shutter 270 is moved from the open position shown in FIG. 13 (a) to the sealing shown in FIG. 13 (b). It moves relative to the removed developer collection container main body 252 to the stop position. Further, in conjunction with the closing of the sub opening / closing portion 100 with respect to the main opening / closing portion 26, the recovery port shutter 270 is removed from the sealing position shown in FIG. 13 (b) to the opening position shown in FIG. 13 (a). It moves relative to the developer recovery container main body 252.

FIG. 14 illustrates an operation that is linked to and opens in conjunction with opening the sub opening / closing unit 100.
As shown in FIG. 14, when the sub opening / closing part 100 is opened with respect to the main opening / closing part 26 in step S100, the removed developer collection container 250 is linked to this in step S110 as described above. It rotates in the direction of arrow b3 shown in FIG. Then, when the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of arrow b3, the collection port shutter 270 seals the collection port 254 as described above. When the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of the arrow b3 in step S110, the discharge shutter 370 moves to a position where the discharge port 354 is sealed as described above in step S120.

FIG. 15 illustrates an operation linked to and closing the sub opening / closing unit 100.
As shown in FIG. 14, when the sub opening / closing part 100 is closed with respect to the main opening / closing part 26 in step S200, the removed developer collection container 250 is linked to this in step S210 as described above. It rotates in the direction of arrow a3 shown in FIG. Then, when the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of the arrow a3, the collection port shutter 270 opens the collection port 254 as described above. When the removed developer collection container 250 rotates in the direction of the arrow a3 in step S210, the discharge shutter 370 moves to a position where the discharge port 354 is released as described above in step S220.

  In the above description, the example in which the intermediate transfer belt 62 that conveys the developer image is used as the conveying member has been described. However, the conveying member is formed by the developer image formed by the image forming unit 40 and the image forming unit 40. Any material may be used as long as it transports at least one of the recording media onto which the developed developer image has been transferred. For this reason, for example, a conveyance belt that conveys a recording medium such as a sheet onto which the developer image formed by the image forming unit 40 is transferred may be used as the conveyance member.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine, and a collection container used in such an image forming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 12 ... Image forming apparatus main body 14 ... Ejection part 40 ... Image forming part 62 ... Intermediate transfer belt 100 ... Sub opening / closing part 110 ... Protrusion 112 for pressing ... Push-up projection 250 ... Removed developer collection container 252 ... Removed developer collection container body 254 ... Collection port 270 ... Collection port shutter 350 ... Developer removal device 352 ... Developer removing device main body 354... Discharge port 370... Discharge port shutter 382... Mounting guide portion 384.

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus main body;
An image forming unit mounted in the image forming apparatus main body and forming a developer image;
A conveying member that conveys at least one of the developer image formed in the image forming unit and the recording medium on which the developer image formed in the image forming unit is transferred;
A removing device for removing the developer adhering to the surface of the conveying member;
A collection container for collecting the developer removed by the removing device;
Have
The collection container is an image forming apparatus arranged above the conveying member in the direction of gravity. Opening / closing a detachable opening that communicates the inside of the image forming apparatus main body and the outside of the image forming apparatus main body, and further includes a detachable opening / closing section disposed above the conveying member;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the collection container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body through the attachment / detachment opening portion opened by opening the attachment / detachment opening / closing portion.   The collection container is movable between a collection position for collecting the developer and an attachment / detachment position that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, and is connected to the opening / closing portion for attachment / detachment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus moves from the attachment / detachment position to the collection position in conjunction with closing the opening / closing portion.   The collection container is movable between a collection position for collecting the developer and an attachment / detachment position in the image forming apparatus main body, and the attachment / detachment opening / closing part is provided on an upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body. 3. The image according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is opened above the image forming apparatus with the discharge surface of the discharge unit from which the recording medium is discharged as a rotation center, and the collection container is attached and detached in a direction along the open / close opening and closing unit. Forming equipment. The collection container is
A collection container body in which a collection port for receiving the developer removed by the removing device is formed;
A recovery port sealing portion that moves a position relative to the recovery container body between an open position that opens the recovery port and a sealing position that seals the recovery port;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   The collection container is linked to an operation for mounting the collection container in the image forming apparatus main body, and the collection port sealing portion moves from the sealed position to the open position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recovery port sealing portion moves from the open position to the sealing position in conjunction with an operation for removing from the inside of the image forming apparatus main body. The removal device includes:
A main body of the removing device in which a discharge port for discharging the removed developer is formed;
A discharge port sealing portion that moves a position relative to the removal container main body between an open position that opens the discharge port and a sealing position that seals the discharge port;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   The removal device is linked to an operation for mounting the collection container in the image forming apparatus main body, the discharge port sealing portion moves from the sealing position to the open position, and the collection container is The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus moves from the open position to the sealing position in association with an operation of removing from the image forming apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the collection container is disposed adjacent to the removing device.   At least one of the developer image formed in the image forming unit that forms the developer image and the recording medium on which the developer image formed in the image forming unit is transferred is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body. A collection container that collects the developer removed by a removing device that removes the developer adhering to the surface of the conveying member, and is disposed above the conveying member in the gravity direction.

Images