Development device and image forming device

Abstract

To improve discharge efficiency of a developer compared to a constitution in which, when discharging a developer, a conveyance part operates together with a developer holding body.SOLUTION: A development device includes: a development roll 332 for supplying a developer to a photoreceptor drum where an electrostatic latent image is formed; a removal member 338 for removing the developer remained in the development roll 332 without being supplied to the photoreceptor drum; a first conveyance part 334 to a third conveyance part 336 having a spiral rotation body, for conveying the developer by rotating the rotation body, and for supplying it to the development roll 332; a storage part 331 where the development roll 332, the removal member 338 and the first conveyance part 334 to the third conveyance part 336 are stored; and a drive mechanism for, in a first operation mode for forming an image, allowing the development roll 332 and the first conveyance part 334 to the third conveyance part 336 to operate together, and for, in a second operation mode for cleaning the developer in the storage part 331, allowing the development roll 332 and the first conveyance part 334 to the third conveyance part 336 to operate individually.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming devices, a developer containing toner and carrier is generally used. This type of developer gradually deteriorates with use, and the deterioration of the developer causes a decrease in the quality of the formed image. For this reason, it is necessary to periodically replace the developer in the developing device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of discharging developer from a container, in which a developer discharge port is opened, a transport section (transport screw) is rotated in the opposite direction to discharge the developer accumulated at the bottom of the container, the developer carrier is then rotated forward, and the developer adhering to the developer carrier is repeatedly scraped off to the bottom of the container with a peeling member, and then the transport section is rotated in the opposite direction to discharge the developer that has been scraped off. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-230668 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the developer adhering to the developer carrier is peeled off, if the transport unit operates together with the developer carrier, the developer is supplied from the transport unit to the developer carrier. Since the developer supplied from the transport unit adheres to the developer carrier, the developer discharge efficiency is reduced.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of discharging developer as compared with a configuration in which a transport section operates together with a developer carrier when discharging developer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention according to claim 1 is a developer carrier for supplying a developer to an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a removing member for removing the developer remaining on the developer carrier without being supplied to the image carrier; a conveying section that has a spiral rotating body and conveys the developer by rotating the rotating body, and supplies the developer to the developer holder; a housing section in which the developer carrier, the removing member, and the transport section are housed; a drive mechanism for operating both the developer holder and the transport unit in a first operation mode for forming an image, and for operating the developer holder and the transport unit separately in a second operation mode for cleaning the developer in the developer container; The developing device is characterized by comprising: The present invention according to claim 2 is The developing device described in claim 1 is characterized in that in the second operating mode, the driving mechanism operates the developer holder, and then operates the transport section with an outlet provided in the storage section open, thereby discharging the developer from the outlet. The present invention according to claim 3 is 3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism operates the developer carrier in the second operation mode with the transport section stopped. The present invention according to claim 4 is The developing device described in claim 1 is characterized in that in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the rotating body of the transporting unit in the forward and reverse directions a predetermined number of times, and then operates the transporting unit with an outlet provided in the storage unit open, thereby discharging developer from the outlet. The present invention according to claim 5 is The developing device described in claim 4 is characterized in that in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the transport unit with the developer holder stopped, at least when operating the rotating body of the transport unit in the forward and reverse directions a predetermined number of times. The present invention according to claim 6 is a developer relay unit that accumulates the developer transported by the transport unit and supplies the developer to the developer carrier, The drive mechanism operates the developer carrier, the developer relay unit, and the transport unit together in the first operation mode, and operates the developer carrier, the developer relay unit, and the transport unit individually in the second operation mode. The developing device according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The present invention according to claim 7 is The developing device described in claim 6 is characterized in that in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the developer relay section, then operates the developer holder, and then operates the transport section with an outlet provided in the storage section open, thereby discharging the developer from the outlet. The present invention according to claim 8 is An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the developer can be removed more effectively than in a configuration in which the developer carrier and the transport portion are both operated during cleaning. According to the invention of claim 2, by removing the developer from the developer holder and then discharging it, it is possible to prevent the developer removed from the developer holder from remaining in the storage section. According to the invention of claim 3, unlike a configuration in which the transport section is operated when the developer holder is in operation, it is possible to prevent developer from being supplied from the transport section when removing developer from the developer holder. According to the invention of claim 4, compared to a configuration in which the transport section is operated in only one direction, lumps of developer remaining in the container section can be broken up and discharged. According to the invention of claim 5, the load on the drive mechanism can be reduced, compared to a configuration in which the developer carrier is operated when the transport section is in operation. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the developer can be removed more effectively than in a configuration in which the developer carrier, the developer relay section, and the transport section all operate together. According to the invention of claim 7, by removing the developer from the developer relay section and the developer holder and then discharging it, it is possible to prevent the developer removed from the developer relay section and the developer holder from remaining in the storage section. According to the invention of claim 8, in a fixing device provided in an image forming apparatus, developer can be removed more effectively compared to a configuration in which the developer holder and the transport section operate together during cleaning. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus to which the present embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a developing unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a developing unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operations of the first to third transport units in a second operation mode. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the developing unit in a second operation mode. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a drive mechanism that distributes a single drive force, and shows a state in which a solenoid switching unit is turned off. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a drive mechanism that distributes a single drive force, and shows a state in which a solenoid switching unit is turned on. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 1 to which this embodiment is applied. The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a paper feed unit 1A, a printing unit 1B, and a paper discharge unit 1C. The paper feed unit 1A includes a first paper storage section 11 to a fourth paper storage section 14 that store paper P as an example of a recording medium. The paper feed unit 1A also includes feed rolls 15 to 18 that are provided corresponding to the first paper storage section 11 to the fourth paper storage section 14, respectively, and that feed paper P stored in each paper storage section to a transport path connected to the printing unit 1B.

[0011] The printing unit 1B includes an image forming section 20 that forms an image on a sheet P. The printing unit 1B also includes a control section 21 that controls each section of the image forming device 1. In this embodiment, the control section 21 controls the operation of the developing device 33 of the image forming section 20, which will be described later, in a first operation mode, which is an operation mode during image formation, and in a second operation mode, which is an operation mode during cleaning of the developing device 33. Specific operation control contents in each operation mode will be described later. The printing unit 1B also includes an image processing section 22. The image processing section 22 performs image processing on image data transmitted from the image reading device 4 or a personal computer (PC) 5. The printing unit 1B also includes a UI (User Interface) 23, which is composed of a touch panel or the like, and notifies the user of information and accepts input of information from the user.

[0012] Image forming section 20, which is an example of an image forming means, is provided with six image forming units 30T, 30P, 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "image forming units 30") that are arranged in parallel at regular intervals. Each image forming unit 30 is provided with a photoconductor drum 31 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed while rotating in the direction of arrow A, a charging roll 32 that charges the surface of photoconductor drum 31, a developing device 33 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on photoconductor drum 31, and a drum cleaner 34 that removes toner and the like from the surface of photoconductor drum 31.

[0013] The image forming section 20 is also provided with an exposure device 26 that exposes the photoconductor drum 31 of each image forming unit 30 with laser light. The exposure of the photoconductor drum 31 by the exposure device 26 is not limited to using laser light. For example, a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be provided for each image forming unit 30, and the photoconductor drum 31 may be exposed using light emitted from the light source.

[0014] Each image forming unit 30 is configured similarly, except for the toner contained in the developer 33. The image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K form toner images in yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. The image forming units 30T and 30P form toner images using toner corresponding to the corporate color, foaming toner for Braille, fluorescent toner, toner for improving gloss, and the like. In other words, the image forming units 30T and 30P form toner images using toner of a special color.

[0015] The image forming section 20 is also provided with an intermediate transfer belt 41 onto which the toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drums 31 of the image forming units 30 are transferred. The image forming section 20 is also provided with a primary transfer roll 42 that transfers the toner images of each color of the image forming units 30 onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 at a primary transfer section T1. The image forming section 20 is also provided with a secondary transfer roll 40 that collectively transfers the toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 onto the paper P at a secondary transfer section T2. ​​The image forming section 20 is also provided with a belt cleaner 45 that removes toner, etc. from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 41, and a fixing device 80 that fixes the secondarily transferred image onto the paper P.

[0016] The image forming section 20 performs an image forming operation based on a control signal from the control section 21. Specifically, in the image forming section 20, first, image processing is performed by the image processing section 22 on the image data input from the image reading device 4 or the PC 5, and the image data after the image processing is supplied to the exposure device 26. Then, for example, in the magenta (M) image forming unit 30M, after the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is charged by the charging roll 32, the exposure device 26 irradiates the photosensitive drum 31 with laser light modulated by the image data obtained from the image processing section 22.

[0017] As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 31. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the developer 33, and a magenta toner image is formed on the photoconductor drum 31. Similarly, yellow, cyan and black toner images are formed in the image forming units 30Y, 30C and 30K, and special color toner images are formed in the image forming units 30T and 30P.

[0018] The color toner images formed in the image forming units 30 are sequentially electrostatically transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 41 rotating in the direction of arrow C in Fig. 1 by a primary transfer roll 42, and superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41. The superimposed toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 are transported to a secondary transfer section T2 constituted by a secondary transfer roll 40 and a backup roll 49 as the intermediate transfer belt 41 moves.

[0019] On the other hand, the paper P is taken out of the first paper storage unit 11 by, for example, the delivery roll 15, and then transported to the position of the registration roll 74 via the transport path. When the superimposed toner image is transported to the secondary transfer unit T2, the paper P is supplied from the registration roll 74 to the secondary transfer unit T2 in accordance with the timing. Then, at the secondary transfer unit T2, the superimposed toner image is electrostatically transferred onto the paper P all at once due to the action of the transfer electric field formed between the secondary transfer roll 40 and the backup roll 49.

[0020] Thereafter, the paper P onto which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred is transported to the fixing device 80. In the fixing device 80, pressure and heat are applied to the paper P on which the unfixed toner image has been formed, and the toner image is fixed to the paper P. Then, the paper P which has undergone the fixing process passes through a curl correction section 81 provided in the paper discharge unit 1C, and is then transported to a paper stacking section (not shown).

[0021] <Configuration of Developer 33> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of developing device 33. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of developing device 33 seen from the front side (the front side of the paper in Fig. 1) of printing unit 1B of image forming apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 toward the rear side (the rear side of the paper in Fig. 1), and is a cross-sectional view with the front side broken away.

[0022] The developing device 33 has a housing 331 that is adjacent to the photosensitive drum 31 and is configured to extend from the front side to the rear side of the printing unit 1B. The housing 331 has an opening 331a at a position facing the photosensitive drum 31. Inside the housing 331, a developing roll 332, a pickup roll 333, a first conveying section 334, a second conveying section 335, a third conveying section 336, a regulating member 337, and a removing member 338 are housed together with the developer. Each of the members inside the housing 331 is a long member having approximately the same length and is arranged approximately in parallel. The developer housed in the housing 331 is composed of a mixture of toner for forming an image and carrier, which is magnetic particles for transporting the toner.

[0023] The developing roll 332 includes a cylindrical shaft member 332a and a cylindrical sleeve 332b that covers the shaft member. The developing roll 332 is disposed such that a part of the side surface of the sleeve 332b is exposed from the opening 331a of the storage section 331, and the exposed surface faces the photosensitive drum 31. The shaft member 332a has a magnetic force. The sleeve 332b rotates around the shaft member 332a in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. The developing roll 332 attracts the developer to the surface of the sleeve 332b by the magnetic force of the shaft member 332a, and conveys the developer to the opening 331a by rotating the sleeve 332b, and develops the electrostatic latent image by attaching the toner to the charged photosensitive drum 31. The developing roll 332 is an example of a developer holder.

[0024] The pickup roll 333 is provided adjacent to and parallel to the developing roll 332. The pickup roll 333 includes a cylindrical shaft member 333a and a cylindrical sleeve 333b that covers the shaft member. The shaft member 333a has magnetic force. The sleeve 333b rotates around the shaft member 333a. The pickup roll 333 attracts the developer onto the surface of the sleeve 333b by the magnetic force of the shaft member 333a, and transports the developer by rotating the sleeve 333b to transfer it to the developing roll 332. The pickup roll 333 is an example of a developer relay section.

[0025] The first conveying section 334, the second conveying section 335, and the third conveying section 336 are augers having spiral blades around a rotation axis. The first conveying section 334, the second conveying section 335, and the third conveying section 336 are arranged inside the storage section 331 with their rotation axes parallel to the developing roll 332 and the pick-up roll 333. By rotating the first conveying section 334, the second conveying section 335, and the third conveying section 336 around their respective rotation axes, the developer is agitated and conveyed in a direction along the rotation axis of each of the conveying sections 334 to 336. In addition, the developer is conveyed in the order of the first conveying section 334, the second conveying section 335, and the third conveying section 336 in accordance with the rotational operation of the first conveying section 334, the second conveying section 335, and the third conveying section 336, and is supplied from the third conveying section 336 to the pick-up roll 333. The direction in which the developer is transported to the pickup roll 333 during image formation is called the "forward direction."

[0026] The regulating member 337 is provided along the side surface of the developing roll 332 downstream of the position where the sleeve 332b faces the pickup roll 333 and upstream of the position where the sleeve 332b faces the photosensitive drum 31. Here, the downstream side and the upstream side refer to the downstream side and the upstream side in the rotation direction of the sleeve 332b of the developing roll 332. The regulating member 337 scrapes off the developer supplied from the pickup roll 333 and held on the surface of the sleeve 332b of the developing roll 332, and regulates it to a certain height. The developer scraped off by the regulating member 337 is collected inside the storage section 331 and returns to the transport path formed by the first transport section 334, the second transport section 335, and the third transport section 336.

[0027] The removing member 338 is provided along the side surface of the developing roll 332, downstream of the position where the sleeve 332b faces the photosensitive drum 31. The downstream side is the downstream side in the rotation direction of the sleeve 332b of the developing roll 332. The removing member 338 scrapes off the developer remaining on the surface of the sleeve 332b after the developing roll 332 supplies the developer to the photosensitive drum 31. The developer scraped off from the developing roll 332 by the removing member 338 is collected inside the storage section 331 and returns to the transport path configured by the first transport section 334, the second transport section 335, and the third transport section 336.

[0028] <Developer discharge and input> 3 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of developing unit 33. Developing unit 33 is disposed so as to extend from the front side to the rear side of printing unit 1B. In developing unit 33, housing section 331, and developing roll 332, pickup roll 333, first conveying section 334 to third conveying section 336, regulating member 337, and removing member 338 housed in housing section 331 are supported by frame 330.

[0029] An openable / closable discharge port 331b and an openable / closable filling port 331c are provided at the front end of the storage section 331. The discharge port 331b is opened when replacing the developer in response to deterioration of the carrier of the developer, etc., and the developer inside the storage section 331 is discharged from this discharge port 331b. The filling port 331c is opened when filling the developing device 33 with the developer or toner, and the developer or toner is put into the storage section 331 from this filling port 331c. The opening and closing operations of the discharge port 331b and the filling port 331c are performed, for example, under the control of the control section 21 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] When an image is formed by the image forming section 20 (see FIG. 1) of the printing unit 1B, toner is supplied from the developing roll 332 to the photoconductor drum 31 in the developing device 33 to form a toner image. Due to this consumption of toner, the toner concentration in the developer inside the storage section 331 of the developing device 33 decreases. Therefore, for example, when the toner concentration in the developer inside the storage section 331 falls below a certain level, the filling port 331c is opened and toner is replenished from a hopper (not shown) through the filling port 331c.

[0031] Furthermore, when an image is formed by the image forming unit 20, the carrier in the developer inside the storage unit 331 deteriorates due to wear and the like. Therefore, for example, when the number of operations of the printing unit 1B reaches a certain number or more, the developer inside the storage unit 331 is replaced. At this time, first, the discharge port 331b is opened and the developer inside the storage unit 331 is discharged, then the discharge port 331b is closed, and the filling port 331c is opened and new developer is filled into the storage unit 331.

[0032] When the developer inside the container 331 is discharged, the developing unit 33 cleans the inside of the container 331 by an operation different from the operation during image formation, and discharges a larger amount of developer. Specifically, in a second operation mode which is an operation mode during cleaning, the developing unit 33 operates the developing roll 332, the pick-up roll 333, and the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336 individually. For this reason, the developing unit 33 has a drive mechanism capable of operating these components individually.

[0033] <Driving mechanism of developing unit 33> As shown in FIG. 3, the developing device 33 includes a first driving section 51, a second driving section 52, and a third driving section 53 as driving mechanisms. The first driving section 51 has a motor that rotates the developing roll 332, and in the example shown in FIG. 3, is provided at a position corresponding to the developing roll 332 on the rear side of the developing device 33. The second driving section 52 has a motor that rotates the pick-up roll 333, and in the example shown in FIG. 3, is provided at a position corresponding to the pick-up roll 333 on the front side of the developing device 33. The third driving section 53 has a motor that rotates the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336, and in the example shown in FIG. 3, is provided at a position corresponding to the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 on the rear side of the developing device 33. Although the third drive unit 53 is assumed to use one motor to drive each of the first transport unit 334 to the third transport unit 336 simultaneously, it may also be possible to drive the first transport unit 334 to the third transport unit 336 individually by using multiple motors or a configuration in which the driven object can be changed using gears and clutches.

[0034] <Operation of Developer 33> The operation of the developing device 33 includes a first operation mode which is an operation mode during normal image formation, and a second operation mode which is an operation mode during cleaning of the inside of the container 331 accompanying replacement of the developer, etc. Switching between the operation in the first operation mode and the operation in the second operation mode is performed, for example, by the control of the control unit 21 (see FIG. 1).

[0035] In the first operation mode, the developing device 33 simultaneously operates the developing roll 332, the pick-up roll 333, and the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 by the first driving section 51 to the third driving section 53. As a result, the developer stored in the storage section 331 of the developing device 33 is transported by the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 and supplied to the developing roll 332 via the pick-up roll 333. Then, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 by the developing roll 332. The developer remaining on the developing roll 332 after the development of the photosensitive drum 31 is removed by the removing member 338 and returned to the transport path by the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 in the storage section 331.

[0036] In the second operation mode, the developing device 33 drives the developing roll 332 by the first drive unit 51, the pick-up roll 333 by the second drive unit 52, and the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336 by the third drive unit 53 individually. During cleaning, the developing roll 332 is operated to scrape off the developer on the surface of the developing roll 332 by the removing member 338. At this time, when the pick-up roll 333 and the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336 operate, the developer is supplied to the developing roll 332, and new developer adheres to the surface of the developing roll 332 from which the developer has been scraped off. Therefore, in the second operation mode, the developing roll 332, the pick-up roll 333, and the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336 are individually operated to prevent the developer from being supplied to the members from which the developer has been removed.

[0037] As a specific operation in the second operation mode, for example, the following procedure is considered. First, while the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 are stopped, the pickup roll 333 is operated to transfer the developer adhering to the pickup roll 333 to the developing roll 332, and the developing roll 332 is further operated to remove the developer adhering to the developing roll 332. Thereafter, while the pickup roll 333 and the developing roll 332 are stopped, the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 are operated to discharge the developer from the discharge port 331b. The operation of the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 when discharging the developer in the second operation mode is different from the operation of the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 when forming an image in the first operation mode.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 in the second operation mode. FIG. 4 shows the state in which the developing device 33 is seen from the bottom side of the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 through the container section 331, and only the second conveying section 335 and the third conveying section 336 located at the bottom are shown. The first conveying section 334 located above the second conveying section 335 and the third conveying section 336 in the configuration example shown in FIG. 2 is not shown, but operates in conjunction with the second conveying section 335 and the third conveying section 336. In FIG. 4, other members contained in the container section 331 are also not shown. In FIG. 4, the discharge port 331b provided in the container section 331, which is not shown because it is seen through, is shown by a broken line.

[0039] In the second operation mode, the first transport section 334 to the third transport section 336 repeat multiple times the operation of transporting the developer in the forward direction in the first operation mode and the operation of transporting the developer in the direction opposite to the forward direction (hereinafter referred to as the "reverse direction"). When the developer accumulates at the bottom of the storage section 331, the developer adheres to each other and forms a layer (accumulated layer). In the operation of the first transport section 334 to the third transport section 336 in the second operation mode, the developer collapses the accumulated layer by repeatedly switching between the forward direction operation and the reverse direction operation, and the collapsed developer is transported.

[0040] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the developing device 33 in the second operation mode. When the operation in the second operation mode is started to replace the developer in the developing device 33 and clean the inside of the container 331 (S101), the discharge port 331b of the container 331 is opened (S102), and the developing roll 332, the pickup roll 333, and the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336 are driven in the second operation mode by the first driving unit 51 to the third driving unit 53.

[0041] In the driving in the second operation mode by the first driving unit 51 to the third driving unit 53, first, the second driving unit 52 drives the pickup roll 333 in the forward direction (S103). As a result, the developer adhering to the pickup roll 333 is transferred to the developing roll 332. At this time, only the pickup roll 333 operates, and the developing roll 332 and the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336 are stopped. Therefore, the developer is not supplied to the pickup roll 333 from the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336.

[0042] Next, the first driving unit 51 drives the developing roll 332 in the forward direction (S104). As a result, the developer adhering to the developing roll 332 is scraped off by the regulating member 337 and the removing member 338. At this time, only the developing roll 332 operates, and the pick-up roll 333 and the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336 are stopped. Therefore, the developer is not supplied from the pick-up roll 333 to the developing roll 332.

[0043] Next, the third drive unit 53 repeatedly drives the first conveyor 334 to the third conveyor 336 in the forward and reverse directions multiple times. Specifically, the third drive unit 53 first drives the first conveyor 334 to the third conveyor 336 in the forward direction for a fixed time (S105), and then drives them in the reverse direction for a fixed time (S106). The third drive unit 53 repeats this operation a specified number of times (S107). That is, the third drive unit 53 repeats driving the first conveyor 334 to the third conveyor 336 in the forward direction (S105) and the reverse direction (S106) until the specified number of times is performed (NO in S107), and ends driving the first conveyor 334 to the third conveyor 336 when the specified number of times is reached (YES in S107). Here, the execution time of the operation in each direction is not particularly limited, but may be a time (e.g., about 20 seconds) required for the developer to be transported from one end side to the other end side of one transport section (e.g., third transport section 336) in consideration that the operation is for discharging the developer in the container section 331. In addition, the number of times that the forward driving and the reverse driving are repeated is also not particularly limited, but may be, for example, about 3 to 4 times.

[0044] After the third driving unit 53 has completed driving the first to third transport units 334 to 336, the discharge port 331b is closed (S108). Then, the filling port 331c is opened, and a container (such as a hopper) containing the developer is set in the filling port 331c (S109). Thereafter, the first to third driving units 51 to 53 drive the entire developing roll 332, the pickup roll 333, and the first to third transport units 334 to 336 in the forward direction (S110).

[0045] In this manner, developer is filled into the container 331 through the filling port 331c, and the replacement of the developer is completed. The above operation described with reference to FIG. 5 is merely an example of the operation of the developing device 33 in the second operation mode, and the operation in the second operation mode is not limited to the procedure shown in the figure, so long as the supply of developer from the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 can be suppressed when removing the developer from the developing roll 332 or the pick-up roll 333. For example, in the above operation example, the pick-up roll 333 is operated first, and then the developing roll 332 is operated (S103, S104), but if the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 are stopped, the developing roll 332 and the pick-up roll 333 may be operated simultaneously. Furthermore, if the pickup roll 333 is stopped, the developer is not supplied to the developing roll 332. Therefore, when the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 are switched between driving in the forward direction and driving in the reverse direction (S105 to S107), the developing roll 332 may be operated at the same time.

[0046] <Modification> In the above configuration example, the developing device 33 includes the developing roll 332, the pick-up roll 333, and the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336. Here, depending on the type of the developing device 33, there may be a configuration that does not include the pick-up roll 333. In such a configuration, the developer conveyed by the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 is directly supplied to the developing roll 332 from the third conveying section 336. In the developing device 33 configured as above, when the operation in the second operation mode (see FIG. 5) is performed, after the discharge port 331b is opened in S102, S103 is omitted, and the developing roll 332 is driven first (S104). Then, after the first conveying section 334 to the third conveying section 336 are driven (S105 to S107), the discharge port is closed (S108), and the filling port 331c is opened and the developer is filled (S109, S110).

[0047] In the above example configuration of the developing device 33, the drive mechanism is configured such that the first drive unit 51 to the third drive unit 53 each have a motor and individually drive the developing roll 332, the pick-up roll 333, and the first transport unit 334 to the third transport unit 336. In contrast, the drive mechanism may be configured to use one drive source (motor) and a drive force transmission mechanism using gears to distribute the drive force to the developing roll 332, the pick-up roll 333, and the first transport unit 334 to the third transport unit 336.

[0048] 6 and 7 are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a drive mechanism that distributes a single drive force. In the example shown in Fig. 6 and 7, the developing device 33 is not provided with a pickup roll 333, and is provided with only the developing roll 332 and the first to third transport sections 334 to 336. In this case, in the second operation mode, the developing roll 332 and the first to third transport sections 334 to 336 operate separately.

[0049] (I have interpreted the additional diagram you created as follows. In addition, I have added questions after the explanation regarding the mechanism that I am unclear about. I would appreciate your confirmation and consideration.) The driving mechanism 60 shown in FIG. 6 includes a plurality of rotating shafts 61 to 65 attached to the frame 330 of the developing device 33, gears provided on the rotating shafts, a motor 66, and a solenoid switching unit 67. The rotating shaft 61 is a motor shaft of the motor 66. The rotating shaft 61 is provided with a gear 611 and a gear 612. The rotating shaft 62 is a drive shaft that drives the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336. The rotating shaft 62 is provided with a gear 621. The gear 621 is attached to the rotating shaft 62 via a one-way clutch. The rotating shaft 63 is a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force. The rotating shaft 63 is provided with a gear 631. The gear 631 is attached to the rotating shaft 63 via a one-way clutch. The rotating shaft 64 is a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force. The rotating shaft 64 is provided with a gear 641. The rotating shaft 64 is attached to the solenoid switching unit 67. The rotating shaft 65 is a drive shaft that drives the developing roll 332. The rotating shaft 65 is provided with a gear 651 and a gear 652.

[0050] The motor 66 provides a driving force for driving the developing roll 332 and the first to third transport sections 334 to 336. The solenoid switching section 67 has a solenoid 67a, and moves the rotating shaft 64 forward and backward in the axial direction by turning ON (energizing the solenoid 67a) / OFF (cutting off the current to the solenoid 67a). In the example shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, when the solenoid switching section 67 is ON, the solenoid 67a contracts to move the rotating shaft 64 backward (Fig. 7), and when the solenoid switching section 67 is OFF, the solenoid 67a expands to move the rotating shaft 64 forward (Fig. 6).

[0051] The driving force is transmitted through two routes. One is a route from the gear 611 of the rotating shaft 61 to the gear 621 of the rotating shaft 62 to the gear 641 of the rotating shaft 64 to the gear 651 of the rotating shaft 65. This route is called the first route. The other is a route from the gear 612 of the rotating shaft 61 to the gear 631 of the rotating shaft 63 to the gear 652 of the rotating shaft 65. This route is called the second route. In the first route, a one-way clutch is interposed in the gear 621, so that the rotating shaft 62, which is the driving shaft of the developing roll 332, rotates only in one direction. Also, when the solenoid switching unit 67 is ON, the rotating shaft 64 retracts and the gear 641, the gear 621, and the gear 651 are not in contact with each other, so that the driving force is not transmitted to the rotating shaft 65, which is the driving shaft of the first conveying unit 334 to the third conveying unit 336. In the second path, since a one-way clutch is interposed in the gear 631, the rotation shaft 65 which is the drive shaft of the developing roll 332 rotates in only one direction.

[0052] There are three types of operations of the driving mechanism 60: an operation in which the developing roll 332 and the first to third transport sections 334 to 336 are driven simultaneously as an operation in a first operation mode, an operation in which only the developing roll 332 is driven as an operation in a second operation mode, and an operation in which only the first to third transport sections 334 to 336 are driven as an operation in a second operation mode. The driving mechanism 60 shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 realizes these operations by the rotation direction of the motor 66 and the ON / OFF of the solenoid switching section 67. Note that, here, when the motor 66 rotates in a CCW (Counter Clockwise Rotation) manner, the rotating shaft 62 (the driving shaft of the first to third transport sections 334 to 336) is driven via the one-way clutch of the gear 621. On the other hand, when the motor 66 rotates in a CW (Clockwise Rotation) manner, the gear 652 is rotated via the one-way clutch of the gear 631, and the rotating shaft 65 (the driving shaft of the developing roll 332) is driven.

[0053] In the case of the operation during image formation in the first operation mode, the developing roll 332 and the first conveying portion 334 to the third conveying portion 336 are driven simultaneously. In this case, the motor 66 is rotated in the CCW direction, and the solenoid switching portion 67 is turned OFF (see FIG. 6). Considering the transmission of the driving force through the first path, the driving force of the motor 66 is transmitted from the rotating shaft 61 to the rotating shaft 62 via the gears 611 and 621 to drive the first conveying portion 334 to the third conveying portion 336, and is further transmitted from the gear 621 to the rotating shaft 65 via the gears 641 and 651 to drive the developing roll 332. On the other hand, considering the transmission of the driving force through the second path, when the motor 66 rotates in the CCW direction, the transmission of the driving force is interrupted by the one-way clutch of the gear 631. For this reason, the second path does not contribute to the transmission of the driving force for driving the developing roll 332.

[0054] In the case of the cleaning operation in the second operation mode, the developing roll 332 and the first conveying portion 334 to the third conveying portion 336 are driven separately. First, when only the developing roll 332 is driven, the motor 66 rotates in the CW direction. Considering the transmission of the driving force through the first path, when the motor 66 rotates in the CW direction, the transmission of the driving force is interrupted by the one-way clutch of the gear 621. Therefore, the second path does not contribute to the transmission of the driving force for driving the first conveying portion 334 to the third conveying portion 336 and the developing roll 332. Here, in the first path, whether the solenoid switching portion 67 is ON or OFF does not affect the above operation. On the other hand, considering the transmission of the driving force through the second path, the driving force of the motor 66 is transmitted from the rotating shaft 61 to the rotating shaft 65 via the gears 611, 631, and 652, and drives the developing roll 332. Furthermore, since the transmission path of the driving force for driving the first to third transport units 334 to 336 is the first path only, when the motor 66 rotates CW, the first to third transport units 334 to 336 are not driven.

[0055] Next, when only the first conveying portion 334 to the third conveying portion 336 are driven, the motor 66 is rotated in the CCW direction and the solenoid switching unit 67 is turned ON (see FIG. 7). Considering the transmission of the driving force through the first path, the driving force of the motor 66 is transmitted from the rotating shaft 61 to the rotating shaft 62 via the gears 611 and 621, and drives the first conveying portion 334 to the third conveying portion 336. However, since the solenoid switching unit 67 is ON and the gear 641 is retracted, the driving force is not transmitted from the gear 621 to the gear 651, and the developing roll 332 is not driven. On the other hand, considering the transmission of the driving force through the second path, when the motor 66 rotates in the CCW direction, the transmission of the driving force is interrupted by the one-way clutch of the gear 631. For this reason, the second path does not contribute to the transmission of the driving force for driving the developing roll 332.

[0056] As described above, the rotation direction of the motor 66 and ON / OFF of the solenoid switching unit 67 realize an operation in the first operation mode, an operation in which only the developing roll 332 is driven in the second operation mode, and an operation in which only the first transport unit 334 to the third transport unit 336 are driven in the second operation mode. Note that the configuration of the drive mechanism 60 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 is merely an example. Any other configuration may be used as long as it distributes the driving force of the motor to the developing roll 332 and the first transport unit 334 to the third transport unit 336, and realizes switchable driving between driving the developing roll 332 and the first transport unit 334 to the third transport unit 336 simultaneously and driving only one of them.

[0057] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications and alternative configurations that do not depart from the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0058] <Additional Notes> (((1))) a conveying section having a spiral rotating body that conveys developer by rotating the rotating body and supplies the developer to the developer holder; a storage section that accommodates the developer holder, the removing member and the conveying section; and a drive mechanism that operates the developer holder and the conveying section together in a first operation mode for forming an image, and operates the developer holder and the conveying section separately in a second operation mode for cleaning the developer in the storage section. (((2))) The developing device described in (((1))), characterized in that in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the developer holder, and then operates the transport section with an outlet provided in the storage section open, thereby discharging the developer from the outlet. (((3))) The developing device described in (((2))) is characterized in that, in the second operation mode, the drive mechanism operates the developer holder with the transport section stopped. (((4))) The developing device described in any one of (((1))) to (((3))), characterized in that in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the rotating body of the transport unit in the forward and reverse directions a predetermined number of times, and then operates the transport unit with an outlet provided in the storage unit open, thereby discharging developer from the outlet. (((5))) The developing device described in (((4))), characterized in that in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the transport unit with the developer holder stopped, at least when operating the rotating body of the transport unit in the forward and reverse directions a predetermined number of times. (((6))) The developing device described in any one of (((1))) to (((5))) further includes a developer relay unit that accumulates the developer transported by the transport unit and supplies it to the developer holder, and the drive mechanism operates the developer holder, the developer relay unit and the transport unit together in the first operation mode, and operates the developer holder, the developer relay unit and the transport unit individually in the second operation mode. (((7))) The developing device described in any one of (((1))) to (((6))), characterized in that in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the developer relay unit, then operates the developer holder, and then operates the transport unit with an outlet provided in the storage unit open, thereby discharging the developer from the outlet. (((8))) An image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device according to any one of ((1))) to (((7))).

[0059] According to the developing device of (((1))), the developer can be removed more effectively than in a configuration in which the developer carrier and the transport section move together during cleaning. According to the developing device of (((2))), by removing the developer from the developer holder and then discharging it, it is possible to prevent the developer removed from the developer holder from remaining in the storage section. According to the developing device of (((3))), unlike a configuration in which the transport section is operated when the developer holder is in operation, it is possible to prevent developer from being supplied from the transport section when removing developer from the developer holder. According to the developing device of (((4))), compared to a configuration in which the transport section operates in only one direction, lumps of developer accumulated in the container section can be broken up and discharged. According to the developing device of (((5))), the load on the drive mechanism can be reduced, compared to a configuration in which the developer carrier is operated when the transport section is in operation. According to the developing device of (((6))), the developer can be removed more effectively than in a configuration in which the developer carrier, the developer relay section, and the transport section all operate together. According to the developing device of (((7))), by removing the developer from the developer relay section and the developer holder and then discharging it, it is possible to prevent the developer removed from the developer relay section and the developer holder from remaining in the storage section. According to the image forming apparatus of (((8))), the developer can be removed more effectively in the fixing device compared to a configuration in which the developer holder and the transport section operate together during cleaning. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1...image forming apparatus, 1B...printing unit, 33...developing device, 331...storage section, 331a...opening, 331b...discharge port, 331c...filling port, 332...developing roll, 333...pickup roll, 334...first conveying section, 335...second conveying section, 336...third conveying section, 337...regulating member, 338...removing member, 51...first driving section, 52...second driving section, 53...third driving section

Claims

1. a developer carrier for supplying a developer to an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a removing member for removing the developer remaining on the developer carrier without being supplied to the image carrier; a conveying section that has a spiral rotating body and conveys the developer by rotating the rotating body, and supplies the developer to the developer holder; a housing section in which the developer carrier, the removing member, and the transport section are housed; a drive mechanism for operating both the developer holder and the transport unit in a first operation mode for forming an image, and for operating the developer holder and the transport unit separately in a second operation mode for cleaning the developer in the developer container; A developing device comprising:

2. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the developer holder, and then operates the transport section with an outlet provided in the storage section open, thereby discharging the developer from the outlet.

3. 3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism operates the developer carrier in a state where the transport section is stopped in the second operation mode.

4. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the rotating body of the transport unit in a forward and reverse direction a predetermined number of times, and then operates the transport unit with an outlet provided in the storage unit open, thereby discharging developer from the outlet.

5. The developing device according to claim 4, characterized in that in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the transport unit with the developer holder stopped, at least when operating the rotating body of the transport unit in the forward and reverse directions a predetermined number of times.

6. a developer relay unit that accumulates the developer transported by the transport unit and supplies the developer to the developer carrier, the driving mechanism operates the developer carrier, the developer relay unit, and the transport unit together in the first operation mode, and operates the developer carrier, the developer relay unit, and the transport unit individually in the second operation mode.

2. The developing device according to claim 1,

7. The developing device according to claim 6, characterized in that in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism operates the developer relay section, then operates the developer holder, and then operates the transport section with an outlet provided in the storage section open, thereby discharging the developer from the outlet.

8. 8. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 1.

Images