Developing agent collecting container and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The collection container of the developer has: a transfer portion that transfers the developer of the first collection portion toward the outside; and a transmitted portion that is transmitted drive from a drive portion of a main body of the image forming apparatus and transmits the drive to the transfer portion, the transmitted portion is arranged in a state of having a portion that is exposed to the outside from one end surface in the upper and lower directions of the first collection portion and the second collection portion, and the exposed portion is in contact with the drive portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a developer collection container and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In image forming apparatuses, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is conventionally known regarding removable developer collection containers such as toner cartridges or waste toner cartridges.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a toner cartridge with a toner collection chamber at the top and a toner discharge chamber at the bottom. In the toner cartridge of Patent Document 1, a toner discharge chamber is located at the lower end of the toner collection chamber and at the center of the toner cartridge in the vertical direction, discharging the toner towards the developing unit using a stirring and conveying member. A gear protruding from the outside is provided at the axial end of the stirring and conveying member, meshing with the upper end of the gear of the device body when the toner cartridge is mounted on the device body. That is, in the structure of Patent Document 1, the drive from the device body is transmitted using a gear located at the center of the toner cartridge in the vertical direction.

[0004] Previous technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-232399 (“0058”-“0075”) Figures 1-5 ) Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a developer collection container that integrally comprises a new developer collection section and a waste developer collection section, wherein, compared to a structure in which the transfer section that drives the transfer section for transferring the developer is located entirely inside the end face in the vertical direction of either collection section, the capacity of at least one collection section is increased.

[0009] means for solving technical problems

[0010] [1] According to one aspect of the present invention, a developer collection container is provided, comprising:

[0011] The first collection section collects the new developer;

[0012] The second collection section collects the developer;

[0013] A conveying unit that conveys the developer from the first collecting unit toward the outside of the first collecting unit; and

[0014] The receiving unit, which is driven by the driving unit of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the driving is transmitted to the conveying unit.

[0015] The transfer portion is configured such that one end face of the first and second collection portions protrudes outward in the vertical direction, and the protruding portion contacts the drive portion.

[0016] [2] The developing agent collection container described in [1] may also be:

[0017] The first collecting section is configured such that its upper end is positioned higher than the upper end of the second collecting section.

[0018] The conveying unit is located at the lower end of the first collecting unit.

[0019] [3] The developing agent collection container described in [2] may also be:

[0020] The receiving part is positioned lower than the transmitting part and protrudes further downward than the lower end face of the second collecting part.

[0021] [4] The developing agent collection container described in [2] may also be:

[0022] The opening for the developer to flow into the second collection section is positioned higher than the conveying section.

[0023] [5] The developing agent collection container in any one of [1] to [4] may also be:

[0024] The drive unit is disposed on the outer side of the developer collection container in the vertical direction.

[0025] [6] The developing agent collection container in any one of [1] to [4] may also be:

[0026] The transfer part is positioned in front of the developer collection container in the loading / unloading direction of the image forming apparatus body.

[0027] The developer collection container also has a protective section, which is positioned further forward than the transferred part in the loading / unloading direction, and protects the transferred part.

[0028] [7] The developing agent collection container described in [6] may also be:

[0029] The second collecting part extends in the loading and unloading direction to the front end of the protective part.

[0030] [8] The developing agent collection container described in [6] or [7] may also be:

[0031] The first collecting part extends in the loading and unloading direction to the front end of the protective part.

[0032] [9] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0033] Image holding section;

[0034] The developing section develops the latent image held in the image holding section;

[0035] The transfer unit transfers the developed image from the image holding unit to the media;

[0036] The cleaning unit, which cleans the image holding unit after the transfer; and

[0037] The developer collection container described in any one of [1] to [8] collects new developer supplied to the developing section in the first collection section and collects developer removed by the cleaning section in the second collection section, and the developer collection container is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0038] Invention Effects

[0039] According to [1] and [9], in a developer collection container that integrally has a new developer collection section and a waste developer collection section, the capacity of at least one collection section can be increased compared to a structure in which the transfer section that drives the transfer section for transferring the developer is located entirely inside the end face in the vertical direction of either collection section.

[0040] According to [2], compared with the case where the upper end of the first collecting part is located at a position lower than the upper end of the second collecting part or the case where the conveying part is located at a position higher than the lower end of the first collecting part, the capacity of the first collecting part can be increased.

[0041] According to [3], compared with the case where the transfer part is arranged on the upper side of the second collection part, it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of components.

[0042] According to [4], compared to the case where the opening of the second collection section is located at a lower position than the conveying section, the capacity of the second collection section can be increased.

[0043] According to [5], compared with the case where the drive unit is disposed inside the developer collection container in the vertical direction, the capacity of the developer collection container can be increased.

[0044] According to [6], compared with the case without a protective part, it is possible to suppress the damage of the transmitted part.

[0045] According to [7], compared with the structure in which the second collection section does not extend to the front side of the protection section, the capacity of the second collection section can be increased.

[0046] According to [8], compared with the structure in which the first collecting part does not extend to the front side of the protective part, the capacity of the first collecting part can be increased. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2A This is an explanatory diagram of the side portion of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1, showing the state in which the toner cartridge is installed.

[0049] Figure 2B This is an explanatory diagram of the side portion of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1, showing the state with the toner cartridge removed.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the toner box of Example 1 viewed from the oblique front.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the toner box of Example 1 viewed from a rearward angle.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the toner box in Example 1.

[0053] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the toner cartridge in Example 1 with the protective components removed.

[0054] Figure 7A This is a diagram illustrating the function of Example 1, and it is an explanatory diagram of the rotation of the toner cartridge along the rotation direction of the gear.

[0055] Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating the function of Embodiment 1, showing the rotation caused by the radial reaction force along the gear.

[0056] Figure 8A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation when the stopping rotating part and the part whose rotation is stopped are ribs and grooves.

[0057] Figure 8B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation when the stopped rotating part and the part whose rotation is stopped are notches and block-shaped protrusions.

[0058] Figure 8C This is an explanatory diagram illustrating variations when the stopped rotating part and the part whose rotation is stopped are concave and convex. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Next, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0060] Furthermore, for ease of understanding of the following explanations, in the accompanying drawings, the front-to-back direction (the direction of media transmission) is set as the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction (the width direction of the media) is set as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction is set as the Z-axis direction. The directions or sides represented by the arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, Z, and -Z are respectively set as front, back, right, left, top, bottom, or front side, back side, right side, left side, top side, and bottom side.

[0061] Additionally, in the diagram, the symbol “·” inside “○” indicates an arrow pointing from the back of the paper to the front, and the symbol “×” inside “○” indicates an arrow pointing from the front of the paper to the back.

[0062] Furthermore, in the following description of the use of the accompanying drawings, for ease of understanding, illustrations other than those required in the description have been appropriately omitted.

[0063] Example 1

[0064] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0065] exist Figure 1 In this invention, a printer U, as an example of an image forming apparatus, has an apparatus body U1. A front cover U2, as an example of a media replenishment opening and closing part for replenishing new media, is supported on the front surface of the apparatus body U1 so that it can be opened and closed with its lower end as the center. The front cover U2 is supported so that paper, as an example of a medium, can be inserted. Figure 1 The solid line indicates the open position and Figure 1 The device moves between the closed positions indicated by the dashed lines. A discharge tray TRh, serving as an example of a paper discharge collection section, is provided on the upper surface of the main body U1 of the device.

[0066] exist Figure 1 In this printer U, a control board SC is disposed at the lower part, and the control board SC is provided with various control circuits or storage media, etc. The control board SC includes a control unit C that performs various controls on the printer U, an image processing unit GS that is controlled by the control unit C, a write drive circuit DL (an example of a drive circuit for a latent image forming apparatus), and a power supply circuit E (an example of a power supply device). The power supply circuit E applies voltage to charging rollers CRy-CRk (an example of a charging unit), developing rollers G1y-G1k (an example of a developer holding unit), and primary transfer rollers T1y-T1k (an example of a primary transfer unit).

[0067] The image processing unit GS converts printing information input from a personal computer (PC) or similar device, which is an image information transmitting device electrically connected to the main body U1, into latent image information corresponding to the four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (Y, M, C, K), and outputs it to the write drive circuit DL at a preset time.

[0068] Furthermore, when the original image is a monochrome image, also known as a monochrome painting, only the black image information is input to the write driver circuit DL.

[0069] The write drive circuit DL has drive circuits for each color Y, M, C, and K (not shown). At a preset time, it outputs signals corresponding to the input image information to LED heads LHy, LHm, LHc, and LHk, which are examples of latent image forming units configured according to each color.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In this example, image generation devices UY, UM, UC, UK are arranged above the control substrate SC, serving as an image generation unit for forming images (toner images) of various colors such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Figure 1 In this image generation device UK, black (K color) has a photoreceptor Pk as an example of an image holding unit. Around the photoreceptor Pk are arranged a charging roller CRk for charging the surface of the photoreceptor Pk, an LED head LHk for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor Pk, a developing machine Gk as an example of a developing unit for developing the latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor Pk, and a photoreceptor cleaner CLk as an example of a cleaning unit for removing developer residue from the surface of the photoreceptor Pk.

[0071] Image generation devices UY, UM, and UC for other colors are constructed in the same way as the black image generation device UK. Photoreceptor cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk are examples of cleaning units used for image storage.

[0072] The photoreceptors Py to Pk are uniformly charged on their surfaces by the charging rollers CRy to CRk in the charging regions Q1y, Q1m, Q1c, and Q1k opposite to the charging rollers CRy to CRk. Then, a latent image is written into the latent image forming regions Q2y, Q2m, Q2c, and Q2k by the LED heads LHy to LHk. The written electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image in the developing regions Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k opposite to the developing machines Gy to Gk. The developed toner image is then transferred to the primary transfer regions Q4y, Q4m, Q4c, and Q4k, which are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt B, an example of an intermediate transfer body. In the primary transfer areas Q4y, Q4m, Q4c, and Q4k, a primary transfer voltage with the opposite polarity to the polarity of the toner is applied from the power supply circuit E controlled by the control unit C to the primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k, which are examples of primary transfer units disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt B, at a predetermined time.

[0073] The toner images on each photoreceptor Py to Pk are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt B in one pass through the primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k.

[0074] After a single transfer, residual toner or discharge products and other residues on the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are cleaned by photoreceptor cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk. The cleaned surfaces of the photoreceptors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are then recharged by charging rollers CRy, CRm, CRc, and CRk.

[0075] As an example of the cleaning section of the charging component, the charging cleaners CCy, CCm, CCc, and CCk come into contact with the charging rollers CRy to CRk. Therefore, the charging cleaners CCy to CCk remove residues and other contaminants that were not completely removed by the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk and adhered to the charging rollers CRy to CRk from the photoreceptors Py to Pk.

[0076] exist Figure 1 In this design, a belt module BM, serving as an example of an intermediate transfer unit, is disposed above the photoreceptors Py to Pk. The belt module BM has an intermediate transfer belt B, serving as both an image holding unit and an intermediate transfer unit. The intermediate transfer belt B is rotatably supported by an intermediate transfer support system, which consists of a belt drive roller Rd, serving as an example of a drive unit; a support roller T2a, serving as an example of a driven unit and a secondary transfer unit; and primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k, arranged opposite to each photoreceptor Py to Pk.

[0077] A belt cleaner CLb, which serves as a cleaning section for the intermediate transfer body, is disposed in front of the intermediate transfer belt B.

[0078] A secondary transfer roller T2b, serving as an example of a secondary transfer section, is disposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B, which is in contact with the support roller T2a. The support roller T2a and the secondary transfer roller T2b constitute the secondary transfer apparatus T2 of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the area where the secondary transfer roller T2b and the intermediate transfer belt B face each other forms a secondary transfer area Q5.

[0079] The monochrome or multicolor toner image, which is sequentially and overlappingly transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k in the primary transfer areas Q4y, Q4m, Q4c, and Q4k, is then transferred to the secondary transfer area Q5.

[0080] The transfer device of Embodiment 1, which is an example of a transfer unit, consists of the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, and the secondary transfer device T2.

[0081] Below the control board SC, a manual paper feed tray TR1, serving as an example of a media stacking section, is provided. A lifting plate PL1, serving as an example of a lifting section, is disposed on the manual paper feed tray TR1. The lifting plate PL1 can stack recording sheets S, serving as an example of a media, on its upper surface. During printing, the rear end of the lifting plate PL1 rises, causing the rear end of the recording sheets S to rise as well. A paper feed roller Rp, serving as an example of a delivery section, is disposed behind the lifting plate PL1. When the lifting plate PL1 is in the raised position, the paper feed roller Rp contacts the uppermost recording sheet S of the stacked recording sheet bundle. A retard pad Rpd, serving as an example of a separating section, is disposed behind the paper feed roller Rp.

[0082] Recording sheets S, stacked on the manual paper feed tray TR1, are fed out by the paper feed roller Rp. They are separated one by one in the contact area between the deceleration pad Rpd and the paper feed roller Rp, and then conveyed to the manual paper feed path SH0, an example of a media transport path. The recording sheets S on the manual paper feed path SH0 merge with the first paper feed path SH6, another example of a media transport path. A positioning roller Rr, serving as a transport unit and an adjustment component for paper feeding timing, is positioned at the upper end of the first paper feed path SH6. The positioning roller Rr synchronously feeds the recording sheets S towards the secondary transfer area Q5, at the same time the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt B arrives at the secondary transfer area Q5, onto the media transport path SH.

[0083] The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the recording sheet S, which is then sent to the secondary transfer area Q5. After the toner image is transferred in the secondary transfer area Q5, the intermediate transfer belt B is cleaned by the belt cleaner CLb to remove and clean any residual toner or discharge products remaining on the surface.

[0084] The recording sheet S, on which the toner image has been transferred, is conveyed to the fixing area Q6 of a fixing device F, which is an example of a fixing unit. The fixing device F has a heating roller Fh, which is an example of a heating unit, and a pressure roller Fp, which is an example of a pressure unit. The fixing area Q6 is formed by the area where the heating roller Fh and the pressure roller Fp contact each other at a predetermined pressure. The unfixed toner image on the surface of the recording sheet S is fixed by heat and pressure as it passes through the fixing area Q6.

[0085] The image-fixed recording sheet S is discharged from the discharge roller Rh, which serves as a media discharge section, to the discharge tray TRh.

[0086] An additional connecting path SH1 for reversing is formed to the right of the discharge roller Rh, which branches from the media transmission path SH and extends to the right as an example of a transmission path. A door GT1, as an example of a switching unit, is arranged at the branch of the additional connecting path SH1 and the media transmission path SH.

[0087] In the printer U of Embodiment 1, a reversing unit U5 is supported on the rear surface of the device body U1. A reversing path SH2, serving as an example of a second transport path, is formed inside the reversing unit U5. The upstream end of the reversing path SH2 is connected to the right end of an additional connecting path SH1 of the device body U1. The downstream end of the reversing path SH2 merges with a first paper feed path SH6 upstream of the positioning roller Rr of the device body U1.

[0088] Therefore, during double-sided printing, when the recording sheet S with the image on the first side is conveyed in the media transport path SH and its rear end passes through the gate GT1 in the transport direction, the discharge roller Rh rotates in the reverse direction, and the recording sheet S is sent to the additional connecting path SH1 and the reversing path SH2. The recording sheet S is then transported by the transport roller Ra, which is an example of a transport component configured on the reversing path SH2, and is then transported again to the positioning roller Rr in a state where the front and back sides of the recording sheet S are reversed.

[0089] In the printer U of Embodiment 1, a paper feeding module U6 is disposed below the main body U1. A paper feeding tray TR2 is formed inside the paper feeding module U6. A second paper feeding path SH7, as an example of a conveying path, is formed at the rear of the paper feeding module U6. The second paper feeding path SH7 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the second paper feeding path SH7 is connected to the lower end of the first paper feeding path SH6.

[0090] Furthermore, the paper feed tray TR2 in Embodiment 1 is configured to be longer in the front-to-back direction than the manual paper feed tray TR1, but otherwise configured the same as the manual paper feed tray TR1. Therefore, in the paper feed module U6, a paper feed roller Rp′ or a lifting plate PL1′ is arranged in the same way as the manual paper feed tray TR1. The recording sheet S supplied by the paper feed roller Rp′ is conveyed to the first paper feed path SH6. In addition, when a paper feed module U6 is added below the paper feed module U6, the second paper feed path SH7 is configured to allow the recording sheet S from below to pass through.

[0091] (Instructions for the toner kit)

[0092] Figure 2A , 2B This is a diagram illustrating the side portion of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1. Figure 2A This is an illustrative diagram showing the toner cartridge installed. Figure 2B This is an illustrative diagram showing the state of the toner cartridge after it has been removed.

[0093] exist Figure 2A In this embodiment, toner cartridges 1y, 1m, 1c, and 1k, serving as examples of developer collection containers, are detachably supported on the right side of the printer U. Toner cartridges 1y, 1m, 1c, and 1k are provided corresponding to each of the colors Y, M, C, and K. Furthermore, the toner cartridges 1y, 1m, and 1c for colors Y, M, and C are formed to the same size. To increase the amount of toner collected, the toner cartridge 1k for the frequently used color K is made larger than the toner cartridges 1y to 1c for colors Y, M, and C.

[0094] exist Figure 2B In this embodiment, each toner cartridge 1y to 1k is detachably collected in cartridge collection chambers 2y, 2m, 2c, and 2k on the right side of the main body U1 of the printer U. An example of a developer discharge section is provided at the center of the cartridge collection chambers 2y, 2m, 2c, and 2k in the vertical direction, extending from each photoreceptor cleaner CLy to CLk. The toner discharge cylinders 3y, 3m, 3c, and 3k protrude to the right within the cartridge collection chambers 2y, 2m, 2c, and 2k.

[0095] In each collection chamber 2y to 2k, a toner receiving section 4y, 4m, 4c, 4k is disposed below the front side of the toner discharge cylinder 3y to 3k, serving as an example of a toner supply section. The toner receiving section 4y to 4k is formed as a semi-cylindrical shape protruding to the right within the collection chambers 2y, 2m, 2c, 2k, and has an opening on its upper surface for toner to flow in.

[0096] At the lower end of each collection chamber 2y to 2k, there are main gears 6y, 6m, 6c, and 6k, which serve as drive units. Drive is transmitted from a motor (not shown), which serves as a drive source, to the main gears 6y to 6k. The main gears 6y to 6k are arranged such that only the upper ends of the gears are exposed to the outside.

[0097] Therefore, the main gears 6y to 6k are positioned on the lower side of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k, that is, on the outer side in the vertical direction.

[0098] Above the main gears 6y to 6k, there are stop-rotation protrusions 7y, 7m, 7c, and 7k, which serve as examples of the first stop-rotation part. The stop-rotation protrusions 7y to 7k are formed as cylindrical protrusions protruding to the right within the box collection chambers 2y, 2m, 2c, and 2k.

[0099] In the upper part of the collection chambers 2y to 2k, there are stop-rotation recesses 8y, 8m, 8c, and 8k, which serve as an example of a second stop-rotation part. The stop-rotation recesses 8y to 8k are composed of cylindrical recesses that are recessed toward the interior of the device body U1. In Embodiment 1, the stop-rotation recesses 8y to 8k are formed as elongated holes extending in the vertical direction.

[0100] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the toner box of Example 1 viewed from the oblique front.

[0101] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the toner box of Example 1 viewed from a rearward angle.

[0102] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the toner box in Example 1.

[0103] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the toner cartridge in Example 1 with the protective components removed.

[0104] Next, the toner cartridges 1y to 1k will be explained. Since all toner cartridges 1y to 1k are the same, or only differ in size, and have the same structure, only the toner cartridge 1y for color Y will be described in detail. The toner cartridges 1m, 1c, and 1k for other colors will be omitted.

[0105] exist Figures 3-6In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 1 (1y) has an upper new toner collection section 11 and a lower waste toner collection section 12. The collection section of Embodiment 1 is composed of the new toner collection section 11 and the waste toner collection section 12. Specifically, in Embodiment 1, the upper end of the new toner collection section 11 is positioned higher than the upper end of the waste toner collection section 12. The new toner collection section 11, as an example of a first collection section, collects the new developer, or so-called new toner, supplied to the developer machine Gy. The waste toner collection section 12, as an example of a second collection section, collects the developer or discharge products recovered by the photoreceptor cleaner CLy.

[0106] The new toner collection section 11 has an upper main collection section 21 and a lower supply section 22. Figure 5 In this assembly, a stirring screw conveyor 23, serving as an example of a stirring unit, is disposed at the lower end of the main collecting section 21. The stirring screw conveyor 23 consists of a rotating shaft 23a and helical blades 23b supported on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 23a.

[0107] The end of the rotating shaft 23a is rotatably supported on the outer wall 21a of the main collection section 21. On the outer side of the outer wall 21a of the main collection section 21, i.e., on the front side in the loading and unloading direction of the toner cartridge 1y, a stirring gear (gear) 24, as an example of a second transfer section, is supported on the outer end of the rotating shaft 23a. The stirring screw conveyor 23 of Embodiment 1 is configured to stir the developer in the main collection section 21 while conveying it to the outer wall 21a side during rotation.

[0108] The supply section 22 is formed as a cylindrical section extending parallel to the rotation axis 23a, and its end on the outer wall 21a side is connected to the main collection section 21. In the supply section 22, a supply port 22a opening downwards is formed at the inner end of the device body U1. The supply section 22 is positioned corresponding to the toner receiving section 4y, and is configured such that when the toner cartridge 1y is installed on the device body U1, the supply port 22a is connected to the opening of the toner receiving section 4y.

[0109] Inside the supply section 22, a conveying screw conveyor 26, as an example of a conveying section, is disposed. The conveying screw conveyor 26 has a rotating shaft 26a extending parallel to the rotating shaft 23a of the stirring screw conveyor 23, and helical blades 26b supported on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 26a. A conveying gear 27, as an example of a third conveyed section, is supported at the outer end of the conveying screw conveyor 26. The conveying gear 27 meshes with the stirring gear 24. The conveying screw conveyor 26 of Embodiment 1 is configured to convey the developer in the supply section 22 towards the supply port 22a while stirring it during rotation.

[0110] Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the toner collected in the new toner collection section 11 is stirred and conveyed toward the supply port 22a by the stirring screw conveyor 23 and the conveying screw conveyor 26 disposed at the lower end, and supplied to the developing machine Gy via the toner receiving section 4y of the device body U1.

[0111] exist Figure 4 In the waste toner collection section 12, a waste toner inlet 32 ​​is formed at the upper end of the inner wall 31 inside the device body U1, serving as an opening for the developer to flow in. The waste toner inlet 32 ​​is formed at a position corresponding to the toner discharge cartridge 3y. In Embodiment 1, the waste toner inlet 32 ​​is positioned higher than the height of the conveyor screw pusher 26. In Embodiment 1, when the toner cartridge 1y is installed on the device body U1, the toner discharge cartridge 3y is inserted into the waste toner inlet 32, and the toner flows in from the opening (not shown) at the end of the toner discharge cartridge 3y and is collected inside the waste toner collection section 12.

[0112] Furthermore, the loading and unloading structure of the waste toner inlet 32 ​​and the toner discharge cylinder 3y, or the loading and unloading structure of the supply section 22 and the toner receiving section 4y, can, for example, adopt the structure described in Patent Document 1, etc.

[0113] exist Figure 6 In Embodiment 1, a first intermediate gear 34, serving as an example of a first intermediate transmission unit, is disposed on the outer surface of the outer wall 33 of the waste toner collection section 12, diagonally below the transmission gear 27. The first intermediate gear 34 meshes with the transmission gear 27.

[0114] A second intermediate gear 36, serving as an example of a second intermediate transmission unit, is disposed diagonally below the first intermediate gear 34. The second intermediate gear 36 meshes with the first intermediate gear 34.

[0115] Below the second intermediate gear 36, a transfer gear 37, serving as an example of a transfer section, is disposed. The transfer gear 37 meshes with the second intermediate gear 36. In Embodiment 1, the transfer gear 37 is disposed with its lower end protruding further downward than the lower end face 38 of the toner cartridge 1y. Here, "upper end face or lower end face" is used to refer to the outermost surface of the upper or lower surface of the new toner collection section or the waste toner collection section of the cartridge. When the toner cartridge 1y is mounted on the device body U1, the transfer gear 37 is configured to mesh with the main gear 6y.

[0116] exist Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6In Example 1, the toner cartridge 1y has an outer cover 41, which serves as a protective part, located further outward of each gear 24, 27, 34-37, i.e., further forward in the loading and unloading direction of the toner cartridge 1y. The outer cover 41 covers the outer side of each gear 24, 27, 34-37 to prevent external components from contacting each gear 24, 27, 34-37.

[0117] In Embodiment 1, a plurality of openings 41a, 41b, and 41c are formed on the outer cover 41. The new toner collection section 11 of Embodiment 1 has an outwardly bulging portion 42 formed at a position corresponding to the openings 41a and 41b of the outer cover 41. The bulging portion 42 of Embodiment 1 is formed in the loading / unloading direction to a position corresponding to the outer end (outer surface) of the outer cover 41. Therefore, compared to a structure without the bulging portion 42, the amount of developer that can be collected inside the new toner collection section 11 can be increased. Furthermore, in the waste toner collection section 12 of Embodiment 1, an outwardly bulging portion 43, similar to the bulging portion 42, is formed at a position corresponding to the opening 41c of the outer cover 41. Therefore, compared to a structure without the bulging portion 43, the amount of developer that can be collected inside the waste toner collection section 12 can be increased.

[0118] In Example 1, a pair of upper and lower operation holes 46 are formed on the outer side of the toner cartridge 1y as an example of an operation part. Regarding the operation holes 46, the operator performing the toner cartridge 1y replacement operation inserts the thumb and forefinger into the upper and lower holes, pinches them, and pulls them forcefully towards the front. This allows the toner cartridge 1y to be removed towards the front, or it can be installed by pressing it deep into the cartridge.

[0119] exist Figure 4 In the toner cartridge 1 of Embodiment 1, a stop-rotation recess 51, which serves as an example of a first stop-rotation portion, is formed on the lower part of the inner wall 31 of the waste toner collection section 12. The stop-rotation recess 51 is positioned corresponding to the stop-rotation protrusion 7y and is formed of a cylindrical recess for the stop-rotation protrusion 7y to be inserted.

[0120] A stop-rotation protrusion 52, serving as an example of a second stop-rotation portion, is formed on the inner wall 21b of the new toner collection section 11. The stop-rotation protrusion 52 is positioned corresponding to the stop-rotation recess 8y. The stop-rotation protrusion 52 is formed in a cylindrical protrusion shape, and its outer diameter is approximately equal to the minor diameter of the elongated stop-rotation recess 8y.

[0121] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, a difference in the size of a "space margin," referred to as a "clearance," "allowance," or "freeway," is provided between the stop-rotation protrusion 7y and the stop-rotation recess 51, and between the stop-rotation recess 8y and the stop-rotation protrusion 52. Here, "space margin" or "freeway" is used to mean the amount of space that the toner cartridge 1y can move relative to the device body U1 when it is positioned. In a structure without any "freeway," if the manufacturing error or assembly error is large, there is a problem that the toner cartridge 1y cannot be installed or removed, or if the operator does not accurately align it manually during installation or removal, there is a problem that it cannot be installed and has poor operability. Therefore, a "freeway" must be provided. In Embodiment 1, the freeway between the stop-rotation protrusion 7y and the stop-rotation recess 51 is set to be smaller than the freeway between the stop-rotation recess 8y and the stop-rotation protrusion 52.

[0122] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the protrusion length of the stop-rotation protrusion 7y is formed to be longer than the protrusion length of the stop-rotation protrusion 52. Also, in Embodiment 1, the length (depth) of the stop-rotation recess 51 is configured to be longer than the length of the stop-rotation protrusion 52.

[0123] (The function of Example 1)

[0124] In the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Embodiment 1, which have the aforementioned structure, a conveying screw conveyor 26 is disposed in the central part in the vertical direction. The driving force of the conveying screw conveyor 26 is transmitted from the main body of the device U1 via the conveyed gear 37, which is exposed downwards from the end face below the waste toner collection section 12.

[0125] In conventional structures where the driving force is transmitted from the device body U1 at the position of the transmission gear 27, the presence of a structure on the device body U1 side prevents the arrangement of components on the toner cartridge 1y side around the supply section 22. That is, in conventional structures, the transmission components such as the rotating shaft or gear on the device body side that transmit the drive to the transmission screw conveyor are positioned further inward than the vertical end face of the new toner collection section or the waste toner collection section. Therefore, the location of the transmission components on the device body side makes it structurally difficult to increase the capacity of the waste toner collection section 12.

[0126] In contrast, in Embodiment 1, the drive gear 37, which receives drive from the device body U1, is positioned further below the lower end face of a portion of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k. This increases the capacity of the waste toner collection section 12, which serves as at least one collection unit, compared to conventional structures.

[0127] In the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Embodiment 1, the conveying screw conveyor 26 is positioned at the lower end of the new toner collection section 11, and further lower than the upper end of the waste toner collection section 12. Therefore, in Embodiment 1, compared to the case where the conveying screw conveyor 26 is positioned higher than in the embodiment, the capacity of the new toner collection section 11 can be increased.

[0128] Furthermore, in the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Embodiment 1, the transmission gear 37 is positioned lower than the conveying screw conveyor 26 and lower than the upper end of the waste toner collection section 12. In Embodiment 1, the conveying screw conveyor 26 is positioned lower than the central portion in the vertical direction of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k. If the transmission gear 37 is to be placed at the upper end of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k, the number of intermediate gears increases. In particular, in toner cartridges 1y to 1k that are long in the vertical direction (vertical direction being the length direction) as in Embodiment 1, the number of intermediate gears tends to increase. In addition, if the transmission gear 37 is to be placed at the upper end, intermediate gears need to be placed on the outer surface of the new toner collection section 11, making it difficult to place the bulge 42 of the new toner collection section 11, and also reducing the capacity of the new toner collection section 11. In contrast, in Embodiment 1, the transmission gear 37 is located at the lower end, which can suppress the increase in the number of components and increase the capacity of the new toner collection section 11.

[0129] In the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Embodiment 1, the waste toner inlet 32 ​​of the waste toner collection section 12 is positioned higher than the conveying screw conveyor 26. Therefore, in Embodiment 1, compared to a structure where the waste toner inlet 32 ​​is positioned lower than the conveying screw conveyor 26, the capacity of the waste toner collection section 12 can be increased.

[0130] Furthermore, in the printer U of Embodiment 1, the main gears 6y to 6k of the device body U1 are positioned further outward than the lower end face of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k. Therefore, compared to the case where the main gears 6y to 6k are positioned further inward than the lower end face of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k, the capacity of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k can be increased.

[0131] In the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Example 1, an outer cover 41 is provided. Compared with the structure without the outer cover 41, the damage of each gear 24, 27, 34 to 37 can be suppressed when the toner cartridges 1y to 1k are replaced or transported.

[0132] Furthermore, in the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Embodiment 1, bulges 42 and 43 are formed corresponding to the openings 41a to 41c of the outer cover 41. Therefore, compared with the case where the bulges 42 and 43 are not present, the capacity of the new toner collection section 11 or the waste toner collection section 12 can be increased.

[0133] Figure 7A , 7B This is a diagram illustrating the function of Example 1. Figure 7A This is an explanatory diagram of the rotation of the toner cartridge along the direction of the gear's rotation. Figure 7B This is an illustration of the rotation caused by the radial reaction force along the gear.

[0134] exist Figure 7A In the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Example 1, the state observed from the loading / unloading direction ( Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 6 , Figure 7A In the state of rotation stop, a stop-rotation recess 51 is provided near the gear 37, and a stop-rotation protrusion 52 is provided away from the gear 37. When the drive is transmitted from the main gear 6y to 6k to the gear 37, the toner cartridges 1y to 1k as a whole receive rotational force along the rotation direction centered on the main gear 6y to 6k. Therefore, without a structure for stopping rotation, the toner cartridges 1y to 1k become loose, and the developer may leak from the supply port 22a or the waste toner inlet 32. In particular, in a structure where the toner cartridges 1y to 1k are long vertically as in Example 1, the distance from the gear 37 is prone to become longer, and the adverse effects of rotation are also prone to become greater. In addition, in a structure where rotation is stopped at two locations, if the structures at both locations are the same or the distant location is positioned with a small space margin, the looseness caused by the drive is sometimes large.

[0135] In contrast, in the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Embodiment 1, the structure for stopping rotation includes a rotation-stopping protrusion 7y and a rotation-stopped recess 51, and a rotation-stopping recess 8y and a rotation-stopped protrusion 52. Furthermore, the clearance of the rotation-stopping protrusion 7y and the rotation-stopped recess 51 near the transmitted gear 37 is set to be small. Therefore, even if rotational force is received from the main gears 6y to 6k, rotation will stop near the main gear 6y, and the clearance and looseness are small. Therefore, when transmitting drive in the toner cartridges 1y to 1k, compared to the case where there is no difference in space clearance between the positioning part and the positioned part (equal space clearance) or the case where the positioning part, located far from the drive position, is more strongly positioned (small space clearance), looseness during drive transmission can be suppressed, and adverse effects caused by looseness can be suppressed.

[0136] In the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Embodiment 1, the rotation-stopping protrusion 52 provided in the new toner collection section 11 is formed as a protrusion. When the rotation-stopping portion of the new toner collection section 11 is concave, it will recess towards the interior of the new toner collection section 11, resulting in a decrease in the capacity of the new toner collection section 11. In contrast, in Embodiment 1, the rotation-stopping protrusion 52 provided in the new toner collection section 11 is a protrusion, which can suppress the decrease in the capacity of the new toner collection section 11.

[0137] Furthermore, in the printer U of Embodiment 1, the stop-rotation recesses 8y to 8k on the device body U1 side are formed as elongated holes extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, rotation of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k is suppressed in the short-diameter direction of the elongated hole, and sufficient space and clearance are easily ensured in the long-diameter direction. Thus, compared to cases with less clearance in the long-diameter direction, the loading and unloading of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k can be performed more easily.

[0138] In the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Embodiment 1, the stop-rotation recess 51 provided in the waste toner collection section 12 is formed in a concave shape. Relative to the stop-rotation recess 51, the frame of the manual paper feed tray TR1 is close to the inner side of the device body U1, resulting in less space on the device body U1 side. Therefore, when the structure is recessed towards the device body U1 side, the overall printer U becomes larger. In contrast, in Embodiment 1, the concave stop-rotation recess 51 formed on the toner cartridge 1y to 1k side can suppress the overall increase in the size of the printer U.

[0139] In particular, the stop-rotation recess 51 is provided on the waste toner collection section 12 side instead of the new toner collection section 11, which can suppress the reduction of the capacity of the new toner.

[0140] exist Figure 7B In the toner cartridges 1y to 1k of Example 1, the transmission gear 37 is positioned on the outer side and front side in the loading / unloading direction. Therefore, if the main gears 6y to 6k rotate, the transmission gear 37 receives a radial reaction force f1, and the toner cartridges 1y to 1k receive... Figure 7B The rotational force is in the direction of arrow Y1. Due to this rotational force Y1, adverse effects such as toner leakage may also occur. In contrast, in Embodiment 1, the protruding length of the stop-rotation protrusion 7y near the transmitted gear 37 is formed to be longer than the protruding length of the stop-rotation protrusion 52 far from the transmitted gear 37. Therefore, the rotational force Y1 can be suppressed at a position closer to where the reaction force f1 is received.

[0141] (Example of Change)

[0142] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these modifications or alterations naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention. The following examples illustrate modifications of the present invention (H01) to (H011).

[0143] (H01) In the embodiment described above, a printer U is shown as an example of an image forming apparatus, but it is not limited thereto. An image forming apparatus may also be constituted, for example, a copier, a fax machine, or a multifunction printer having one or more of their functions.

[0144] (H02) In the embodiment described above, a structure is shown in which the transmission gear 37 is disposed at the lower end of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k, but it is not limited thereto. The transmission gear 37 may also be disposed at the upper end of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k.

[0145] (H03) In the embodiment described, a structure with four image generation devices UY to UK is shown, but it is not limited to this and may also be a structure with two, three or more color image generation devices.

[0146] (H04) In the embodiment described above, gears 24, 27, and 34-37 are disposed on the front side surface in the loading and unloading direction of the toner cartridge 1y-1k, but are not limited thereto. Gears 24, 27, and 34-37 may also be disposed on the inner side surface in the loading and unloading direction.

[0147] (H05) In the embodiment described, an outer cover 41 is provided, but the structure may also be without an outer cover.

[0148] (H06) The location of the conveying screw conveyor 26 or the waste toner inlet 32 ​​may also be changed from the embodiments in terms of design or specifications.

[0149] (H07) The combination of protrusions and recesses for stopping rotation is not limited to the structure illustrated in the embodiments. For example, both rotating portions on the 1y to 1k side of the toner cartridge may be protruding, or conversely, both rotating portions may be concave. Alternatively, the arrangement of protrusions and concave sections may be reversed from the embodiments.

[0150] Figure 8A , 8B Figure 8C is used to illustrate a modified example of the stop rotating part and the part whose rotation is stopped. Figure 8A Explanation diagram for ribs and grooves. Figure 8BThis is an explanatory diagram for notches and blocky protrusions. Figure 8C This is an explanatory diagram for concave and convex parts.

[0151] (H08) In the described embodiment, an example is shown where the stop-rotation part and the stopped-rotation part are composed of protruding portions and hole-like portions, but it is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 8A As shown, it can also be structured as follows: a protruding rib shape extending along the length direction is provided on one of the toner cartridges 1y to 1k and the main body U1, and a groove shape for the rib shape to be inserted is provided on the other, and rotation is stopped by the interlocking of the rib shape and the groove shape. Additionally, as... Figure 8B , Figure 8C As shown, it can also be configured as follows: a notch 61 or a recess 62 is provided on the toner cartridges 1y to 1k. When the toner cartridges 1y to 1k are mounted on the device body U1, the block-shaped protrusions 63 and 63' on the side of the device body U1 contact the notch 61 or the recess 62 to stop rotation. Furthermore, in Figure 8B , Figure 8C Alternatively, it can be configured with a notch 61 or a recess 62 on the side of the main body U1 and a protrusion 63, 63′ on the side of the toner box 1y~1k.

[0152] The relationship between the lengths of (H09) protrusions 7y and 52 is not limited to the structure illustrated in the embodiment, and can also be set to the opposite relationship or the same length.

[0153] (H010) The structures 7y~7k, 8y~8k, 51, and 52 used for stopping rotation are not limited to the structures of the embodiments described with two locations, but may be provided in only one location or in three or more locations.

[0154] (H011) In the embodiments described, the clearance setting is not limited to the structure illustrated in the embodiments, and can be appropriately changed according to design or specifications.

[0155] Furthermore, the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-054089, filed on March 26, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A developer collection container, comprising: The first collection section collects the new developer; The second collection section collects the developer; A conveying unit that conveys the developer from the first collecting unit toward the outside of the first collecting unit; and The receiving unit, which is driven by the driving unit of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the driving is transmitted to the conveying unit. The transfer portion is configured such that at least a portion of it protrudes from the upper end face of one of the first collection portion and the lower end face of the other, and the exposed portion is in contact with the drive portion.

2. The developer collection container according to claim 1, wherein, The first collecting section is configured such that its upper end is positioned higher than the upper end of the second collecting section. The conveying unit is located at the lower end of the first collecting unit.

3. The developer collection container according to claim 2, wherein, The receiving part is positioned lower than the transmitting part and protrudes further downward than the lower end face of the second collecting part.

4. The developer collection container according to claim 2, wherein, The opening for the developer to flow into the second collection section is positioned higher than the conveying section.

5. The developer collection container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The drive unit is disposed on the outer side of the developer collection container in the vertical direction.

6. The developer collection container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The transfer part is positioned in front of the developer collection container in the loading / unloading direction of the image forming apparatus body. The developer collection container also includes a protective section, which is positioned further forward than the transfer portion in the loading / unloading direction and protects the transfer portion.

7. The developer collection container according to claim 6, wherein, The second collecting part extends in the loading and unloading direction to the front end of the protective part.

8. The developer collection container according to claim 6, wherein, The first collecting part extends in the loading and unloading direction to the front end of the protective part.

9. The developer collection container according to claim 7, wherein, The first collecting part extends in the loading and unloading direction to the front end of the protective part.

10. An image forming apparatus comprising: Image holding unit; The developing section develops the latent image held in the image holding section; The transfer unit transfers the developed image from the image holding unit to the media; The cleaning unit cleans the image holding unit after the transfer. and The developer collection container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein new developer supplied to the developing section is collected in a first collection section, and developer removed by the cleaning section is collected in a second collection section, the developer collection container being detachable relative to the body of the image forming apparatus.

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