JP4992492B2 - Cleaning device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Cleaning device and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP4992492B2
JP4992492B2 JP2007065884A JP2007065884A JP4992492B2 JP 4992492 B2 JP4992492 B2 JP 4992492B2 JP 2007065884 A JP2007065884 A JP 2007065884A JP 2007065884 A JP2007065884 A JP 2007065884A JP 4992492 B2 JP4992492 B2 JP 4992492B2
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conveying
cleaning
image carrier
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洋二 山口
茂雄 大野
智也 市川
将行 河野
有周 田中
美穂子 田中
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Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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Fuji Xerox Co Ltd
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Description

本発明は、清掃器および前記清掃器を備えた画像形成装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a cleaning device and an image forming apparatus including the cleaning device.

従来の電子写真方式の複写機、プリンタ等の画像形成装置では、感光体等の像保持体表面が帯電器により帯電され、帯電された像保持体表面に静電潜像を形成、現像し、媒体に転写して画像を形成している。転写後の像保持体表面に残留した現像剤は、板状の掻き取り部材、いわゆるクリーニングブレードや、刷毛状の清掃部材、いわゆるクリーニングブラシ等を備えた清掃器、いわゆる、クリーナにより清掃され、回収された現像剤は搬送部材により搬送、廃棄される。
このような清掃器として、下記の特許文献1〜3記載の技術が従来公知である。
In conventional image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and printers, the surface of an image carrier such as a photoreceptor is charged by a charger, and an electrostatic latent image is formed and developed on the charged image carrier surface. An image is formed by transferring to a medium. The developer remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the transfer is cleaned and collected by a cleaning device equipped with a plate-like scraping member, a so-called cleaning blade, a brush-like cleaning member, a so-called cleaning brush, etc., a so-called cleaner. The developed developer is transported and discarded by the transport member.
As such a cleaner, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 below are conventionally known.

特許文献1(特開平5−72952号公報)には、像担持体(10)のクリーナ(11)で回収されたトナーを搬送する廃トナー搬送スクリュー(13)において、搬送方向下流側にクリーナ(11)からのトナーに加えて、上流側から搬送された廃トナーが加わって堆積され、廃トナーが廃トナー溜部に搬送されなくなることを防止するために、搬送スクリューの搬送羽根の外径を下流側に行くにつれて大きくしたり、搬送スクリューのピッチを大きくしたり、搬送スクリューを下流側が鉛直方向下方になるように傾斜させることで、搬送方向上流側に比べて下流側の搬送量を増やす技術が記載されている。   Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-72952 discloses a waste toner conveying screw (13) that conveys toner collected by a cleaner (11) of an image carrier (10). 11) In addition to the toner from 11), waste toner conveyed from the upstream side is added and accumulated, and the outer diameter of the conveying blade of the conveying screw is reduced to prevent the waste toner from being conveyed to the waste toner reservoir. Technology that increases the transport amount on the downstream side compared to the upstream side in the transport direction by enlarging it as it goes downstream, increasing the pitch of the transport screw, or tilting the transport screw so that the downstream side is vertically downward. Is described.

特許文献2(米国特許第5101961号明細書)には、清掃器は記載されていないが、回転軸と回転軸の外周に支持された螺旋状の搬送羽根とを有する搬送スクリューにおいて、搬送スクリューの搬送方向下流側に行くにつれて回転軸の軸径を段階的に細くする技術が記載されている。
特許文献3(特開2001−075445号公報)には、クリーニングブレード(29)で掻き取られたトナーを塞き止める塞き止めシート(31)を設け、掻き取られたトナーを塞き止めシート(31)で塞き止めてトナーをクリーニングブレード(29)と感光体(1)との接触領域に供給することで掻き取ったトナーをクリーニングブレード(29)の潤滑に使用する技術が記載されている。
Patent Document 2 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,961) does not describe a cleaner, but in a conveying screw having a rotating shaft and a spiral conveying blade supported on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, A technique is described in which the diameter of the rotary shaft is gradually reduced as it goes downstream in the conveying direction.
Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-074445) provides a blocking sheet (31) that blocks toner scraped off by a cleaning blade (29), and blocks the scraped toner. A technique is described in which the toner scraped off by (31) and supplied to the contact area between the cleaning blade (29) and the photoreceptor (1) is used to lubricate the cleaning blade (29). Yes.

特開平5−72952号公報(「0005」、「0012」〜「0015」、図1〜図3)JP-A-5-72952 ("0005", "0012" to "0015", FIGS. 1 to 3) 米国特許第5101961号明細書(図2、図3)US Pat. No. 5,101,961 (FIGS. 2 and 3) 特開2001−075445号公報(「0026」〜「0028」、「0042」〜「0050」、図5、図10、図13)JP 2001-074445 ("0026" to "0028", "0042" to "0050", FIG. 5, FIG. 10, FIG. 13)

本発明は、前述の事情に鑑み、堰き止め部材の破損を防止することを技術的課題とする。   This invention makes it a technical subject to prevent the breakage of a damming member in view of the above-mentioned situation.

また、前記課題を解決するために請求項1に記載の発明の清掃器は、
トナーを含む現像剤で形成された像を保持する像保持体の表面に接触して前記像保持体表面の現像剤を除去することで前記像保持体表面を清掃する清掃部材と、
前記清掃部材で前記保持体表面から除去した現像剤が収容される清掃容器と、
前記清掃容器内部に配置され且つ、前記現像容器に収容された現像剤を予め設定された所定の搬送方向に搬送する搬送部材と、
前記清掃部材と前記搬送部材との間に配置され、重力方向の下端部が前記清掃容器に支持されると共に、重力方向の上端部が、前記清掃容器との間で、除去された現像剤の通過量を規制する間隙を構成する弾性変形可能な部材であって、前記搬送方向の上流側および下流側の端縁が固定されておらず、且つ、前記間隙の高さが、前記搬送方向に対して、上流側および下流側に比べて、中央部が高く設定された前記弾性変形可能な部材と、
を備え、
前記搬送部材は、前記弾性変形可能な部材の搬送方向下流側端縁と対向する領域における搬送能力が、搬送方向中央部の搬送能力に比べて高く、且つ、弾性変形可能な部材の搬送方向上流側端縁と対向する領域における搬送能力が、搬送方向中央部の搬送能力に比べて高い、
とを特徴とする。
Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the cleaning device of invention of Claim 1 is the following.
A cleaning member that cleans the surface of the image carrier by removing the developer on the surface of the image carrier by contacting the surface of the image carrier that holds an image formed with a developer containing toner;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A transport member disposed inside the cleaning container and transporting the developer contained in the developer container in a predetermined transport direction set in advance;
The lower end of the gravitational direction is disposed between the cleaning member and the conveying member and is supported by the cleaning container, and the upper end of the gravitational direction is removed between the cleaning container and the developer. An elastically deformable member that constitutes a gap that regulates the amount of passage, the upstream and downstream edges of the conveyance direction are not fixed , and the height of the gap is in the conveyance direction. On the other hand, compared with the upstream side and the downstream side, the elastically deformable member whose central portion is set high,
With
The conveying member has higher conveying ability in the region facing the downstream edge of the elastically deformable member in the conveying direction, and higher in the conveying direction upstream of the elastically deformable member. The conveyance capacity in the area facing the side edge is higher than the conveyance capacity at the center in the conveyance direction.
And wherein a call.

請求項2に記載の発明は、請求項1に記載の清掃器において、
前記搬送能力が変化する変化基準位置が、前記搬送方向に対して前記弾性変形可能な部材の両端よりも内側に設定された前記搬送部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
Invention of Claim 2 is the cleaning device of Claim 1,
The transfer member in which the change reference position at which the transfer capability changes is set on the inner side than both ends of the elastically deformable member with respect to the transfer direction,
It is provided with.

請求項に記載の発明は、請求項1または2に記載の清掃器において、
前記搬送方向下流側の外径が前記搬送方向上流側の外径よりも小さい回転軸と、前記回転軸の外周に支持され且つ前記搬送方向の上流側から下流側に渡って外縁の軸中心からの高さが一定の搬送羽根とを有する前記搬送部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
The invention according to claim 3 is the cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A rotating shaft whose outer diameter on the downstream side in the conveying direction is smaller than the outer diameter on the upstream side in the conveying direction, and supported on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft and from the axial center of the outer edge from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction. The conveying member having a conveying blade having a constant height ,
It is provided with.

請求項に記載の発明は、請求項1ないしのいずれかに記載の清掃器において、
回転軸と、前記回転軸の外周に支持され且つ前記搬送方向下流側の搬送羽根の外径が前記搬送方向上流側の搬送羽根の外径よりも大きな前記搬送羽根と、を有する前記搬送部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
The invention according to claim 4 is the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The transport member having a rotation shaft and the transport blade supported on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft and having an outer diameter of the transport blade on the downstream side in the transport direction larger than the outer diameter of the transport blade on the upstream side in the transport direction;
It is provided with.

前記課題を解決するために請求項に記載の発明の画像形成装置は、
表面に静電潜像が形成される被清掃体としての像保持体と、
前記像保持体表面の静電潜像を可視像に現像する現像器と、
前記像保持体表面の静電潜像を媒体に転写する転写器と、
転写後の前記像保持体表面に残留した付着物としての現像剤を清掃する請求項1ないしのいずれかに記載の清掃器と、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 5 is provided.
An image carrier as a member to be cleaned on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
A developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the developer as an adhering matter remaining on the surface of the image carrier after transfer is cleaned.
It is provided with.

請求項1に記載の発明によれば、像保持体から除去した現像剤が堰き止め部材の搬送部材が配置された内部の下流側端縁において過剰な状態となることを防止できる。このため、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、搬送方向下流側の内部で過剰となった現像剤により、堰き止め部材の下流側端縁が押されて発生する変形、破損を低減でき、清掃部材への現像剤の供給する機能の低下を低減できる。 According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the developer removed from the image holding body from becoming excessive at the downstream downstream edge inside the transport member of the damming member. For this reason, compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, it is possible to reduce deformation and breakage caused by the downstream edge of the damming member being pushed by the excess developer on the downstream side in the transport direction. Further, it is possible to reduce a decrease in the function of supplying the developer to the cleaning member.

請求項2記載の発明によれば、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、現像剤の回収量が多い部分の内側から速やかに搬送することができ、下流側で清掃容器内部の現像剤が過剰となることを低減できる。   According to the second aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, the developer can be quickly transported from the inside of the portion where the recovered amount of the developer is large, and the developer inside the cleaning container on the downstream side Can be reduced.

請求項記載の発明によれば、回転軸の径を調整することで、搬送方向下流側の搬送量を多くすることができる。
請求項記載の発明によれば、搬送羽根の外径を調整することで、搬送方向下流側の搬送量を多くすることができる。
請求項記載の発明によれば、清掃器で回収された現像剤を擦り落とし部材の潤滑剤として使用できると共に、堰き止め部材の機能低下が防止されるため、擦り落とし部材と像保持体との間の潤滑を確実に行うことができる。
According to invention of Claim 3, the conveyance amount of the conveyance direction downstream can be increased by adjusting the diameter of a rotating shaft.
According to invention of Claim 4, the conveyance amount of the conveyance direction downstream can be increased by adjusting the outer diameter of a conveyance blade | wing.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the developer recovered by the cleaner can be used as a lubricant for the scraping member, and the function of the blocking member is prevented from being lowered. It is possible to reliably perform lubrication during the interval.

次に図面を参照しながら、本発明の実施の形態の具体例(実施例)を説明するが、本発明は以下の実施例に限定されるものではない。
なお、以後の説明の理解を容易にするために、図面において、前後方向をX軸方向、左右方向をY軸方向、上下方向をZ軸方向とし、矢印X,−X,Y,−Y,Z,−Zで示す方向または示す側をそれぞれ、前方、後方、右方、左方、上方、下方、または、前側、後側、右側、左側、上側、下側とする。
また、図中、「○」の中に「・」が記載されたものは紙面の裏から表に向かう矢印を意味し、「○」の中に「×」が記載されたものは紙面の表から裏に向かう矢印を意味するものとする。
Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

図1は本発明の実施例1の画像形成装置の全体説明図で断面図である。
図1において、画像形成装置Uは、上面に透明な原稿台PG、いわゆる、プラテンガラスを有する画像形成装置本体の一例としてのデジタル式の複写機本体U1と、前記プラテンガラスPG上に着脱自在に装着される自動原稿搬送装置U2とを備えている。
前記自動原稿搬送装置U2は、複写しようとする複数の原稿Giが重ねて収容される原稿給紙部TG1を有している。前記原稿給紙部TG1に載置された複数の各原稿Giは順次プラテンガラスPG上の複写位置、すなわち、原稿搬送部材の一例としてのプラテンロールGR1の圧接位置を通過して、原稿排出部材GR2により原稿排紙部TG2に排出されるように構成されている。
FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and is a sectional view.
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus U is a digital copy machine main body U1 as an example of an image forming apparatus main body having a platen glass PG having a transparent upper surface, that is, a platen glass, and is detachably mounted on the platen glass PG. And an automatic document feeder U2 to be mounted.
The automatic document feeder U2 has a document feeder TG1 in which a plurality of documents Gi to be copied are accommodated. Each of the plurality of documents Gi placed on the document feeder TG1 sequentially passes a copy position on the platen glass PG, that is, a pressure contact position of a platen roll GR1 as an example of a document transport member, and a document discharge member GR2. Thus, the document is discharged to the document discharge unit TG2.

前記複写機本体U1は、前記プラテンガラスPGを有する画像読取装置の一例としてのスキャナ部U1aおよび画像記録装置の一例としてのプリンタ部U1bを有している。
前記スキャナ部U1aは、読取り基準位置に配置された露光系位置検出部材、いわゆる露光系レジセンサSp、および露光光学系Aを有している。
前記露光光学系Aは、その移動および停止が露光系レジセンサSpの検出信号により制御され、常時は読取り基準位置に停止している。
前記自動原稿搬送装置U2を使用して複写を行う自動原稿搬送動作の場合は、前記露光光学系Aは読取り基準位置に停止した状態で、プラテンガラスPG上の複写位置を順次通過する各原稿Giを露光する。
原稿Giを作業者が手でプラテンガラスPG上に置いて複写を行う手動原稿配置動作の場合、露光光学系Aは移動しながらプラテンガラスPG上の原稿Giを露光走査する。
露光された前記原稿Giからの反射光は、前記露光光学系Aを通って固体撮像素子CCD上に収束される。前記固体撮像素子CCDは、その撮像面上に収束された原稿反射光を電気信号に変換する。
The copying machine main body U1 includes a scanner unit U1a as an example of an image reading apparatus having the platen glass PG and a printer unit U1b as an example of an image recording apparatus.
The scanner unit U1a includes an exposure system position detection member, a so-called exposure system registration sensor Sp, and an exposure optical system A, which are arranged at a reading reference position.
The movement and stop of the exposure optical system A is controlled by the detection signal of the exposure system registration sensor Sp, and is always stopped at the reading reference position.
In the case of an automatic document conveying operation in which copying is performed using the automatic document conveying device U2, each document Gi that sequentially passes through the copying position on the platen glass PG while the exposure optical system A is stopped at the reading reference position. To expose.
In the case of a manual document placement operation in which an operator places a document Gi on the platen glass PG by hand, the exposure optical system A exposes and scans the document Gi on the platen glass PG while moving.
The exposed reflected light from the original document Gi passes through the exposure optical system A and is converged on the solid-state image sensor CCD. The solid-state imaging device CCD converts the document reflected light converged on the imaging surface into an electric signal.

画像処理部IPSは、前記固体撮像素子CCDから入力された読取画像信号をデジタルの画像書込信号に変換してプリンタ部U1bの書込駆動信号出力装置DLに出力する。
プリンタ部U1bの制御部Cにより動作タイミングを制御される前記書込駆動信号出力装置DLは、入力された画像データに応じた書込駆動信号を潜像書込装置ROSに出力する。
前記潜像書込装置ROSの下方に配置された被清掃体の一例としての像保持体PRは、矢印Ya方向に回転する。前記像保持体PR表面は、帯電領域Q0において帯電器の一例としての帯電ロールCRにより帯電された後、潜像書込位置Q1において前記潜像書込装置ROSの潜像書込光の一例としてのレーザビームLにより露光走査されて静電潜像が形成される。前記静電潜像が形成された像保持体PR表面は回転移動して現像領域Q2、転写領域Q4を順次通過する。
The image processing unit IPS converts the read image signal input from the solid-state imaging device CCD into a digital image writing signal and outputs the digital image writing signal to the writing drive signal output device DL of the printer unit U1b.
The write drive signal output device DL whose operation timing is controlled by the control unit C of the printer unit U1b outputs a write drive signal corresponding to the input image data to the latent image writing device ROS.
An image carrier PR, which is an example of a member to be cleaned, disposed below the latent image writing device ROS rotates in the direction of the arrow Ya. As an example of the latent image writing light of the latent image writing device ROS at the latent image writing position Q1, the surface of the image carrier PR is charged by a charging roll CR as an example of a charger in the charging region Q0. The laser beam L is exposed and scanned to form an electrostatic latent image. The surface of the image carrier PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed rotates and moves sequentially through the development area Q2 and the transfer area Q4.

前記現像領域Q2において前記静電潜像を現像する現像器Dは、現像剤を現像ロールR0により現像領域Q2に搬送し、前記現像領域Q2を通過する像保持体PR上の静電潜像を可視像の一例としてのトナー像Tnに現像する。
前記転写領域Q4において前記像保持体PRに対向する転写器の一例としての転写ロールTRは、像保持体PR表面のトナー像Tnを媒体の一例としてのシートSに転写する部材であり、現像器Dで使用される現像用のトナーの帯電極性と逆極性の転写電圧が電源回路Eから供給される。前記帯電ロールCRに印加する帯電電圧、現像ロールR0に印加する現像電圧、転写ロールTRに印加する転写電圧等の印加電圧、後述の定着装置Fの加熱ロールのヒータを加熱するヒータ電源等を有する電源回路Eは前記制御部Cにより制御される。
The developing device D that develops the electrostatic latent image in the developing area Q2 conveys the developer to the developing area Q2 by the developing roll R0, and causes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier PR that passes through the developing area Q2 to be developed. The toner image Tn as an example of a visible image is developed.
A transfer roll TR, which is an example of a transfer device facing the image carrier PR in the transfer region Q4, is a member that transfers a toner image Tn on the surface of the image carrier PR to a sheet S, which is an example of a medium. A transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the developing toner used in D is supplied from the power supply circuit E. A charging voltage applied to the charging roll CR, a developing voltage applied to the developing roll R0, an applied voltage such as a transfer voltage applied to the transfer roll TR, a heater power source for heating a heater of a heating roll of the fixing device F described later, and the like. The power supply circuit E is controlled by the control unit C.

複写機本体U1の下部には、給紙容器の一例としての第1給紙トレイTR1および第2給紙トレイTR2が上下に並んで配置されている。
前記第1給紙トレイTR1および第2給紙トレイTR2の右端部の上端部には用紙取出部材の一例としてのピックアップロールRpが配置されており、前記ピックアップロールRpにより取り出されたシートSは、さばき部材Rsに搬送される。
前記さばき部材Rsは、互いに圧接する給紙部材の一例としてのフィードローラRs1および分離部材の一例としてのリタードロールRs2を有している。前記ニップ部に搬送されたシートは給紙部材Rsにより1枚づつ分離されて、媒体搬送路の一例としてのシート搬送路SH1に搬送される。
シート搬送路SH1には、正逆回転可能な搬送部材の一例としての搬送ロールRbが配置されている。シート搬送路SH1に搬送された前記シートSは正逆転回転可能な搬送ロールRbにより、上方の転写前シート搬送路SH2に搬送される。
A first paper feed tray TR1 and a second paper feed tray TR2 as an example of a paper feed container are arranged vertically below the copier body U1.
A pick-up roll Rp as an example of a sheet take-out member is disposed at the upper end of the right end of the first paper feed tray TR1 and the second paper feed tray TR2, and the sheet S taken out by the pick-up roll Rp is: It is conveyed to the separating member Rs.
The separating member Rs includes a feed roller Rs1 as an example of a sheet feeding member that is pressed against each other and a retard roll Rs2 as an example of a separating member. The sheets conveyed to the nip portion are separated one by one by the sheet feeding member Rs and conveyed to a sheet conveying path SH1 as an example of a medium conveying path.
In the sheet conveyance path SH1, a conveyance roll Rb as an example of a conveyance member that can rotate forward and backward is disposed. The sheet S transported to the sheet transport path SH1 is transported to the upper pre-transfer sheet transport path SH2 by a transport roll Rb that can rotate forward and backward.

転写前シート搬送路SH2に搬送されたシートSは、搬送ロールRaにより転写領域搬送時期調整部材の一例としてのレジロールRrに搬送される。
また、手差し給紙部の一例としての手差し給紙トレイTR0から給紙されたシートSもレジロールRrに搬送される。
前記レジロールRrに搬送されたシートSは、前記像保持体PR上のトナー像Tnが転写領域Q4に移動するのにタイミングを合わせて、転写前媒体案内部材の一例としての転写前シートガイドSG1から転写領域Q4に搬送される。
前記像保持体PR表面に現像されたトナー像Tnは、前記転写領域Q4において、転写ロールTRによりシートSに転写される。転写後、像保持体PR表面は、清掃器の一例としてのクリーナCL1によりクリーニングされて付着物の一例としての残留トナーが除去され、前記帯電ロールCRにより再帯電される。
前記像保持体PR、帯電ロールCR、潜像書込装置ROS、現像器D等によりトナー像形成装置G(PR+CR+ROS+D)が構成されている。
The sheet S conveyed to the pre-transfer sheet conveyance path SH2 is conveyed to a registration roll Rr as an example of a transfer region conveyance timing adjustment member by a conveyance roll Ra.
Further, a sheet S fed from a manual paper feed tray TR0 as an example of a manual paper feed unit is also conveyed to the registration roll Rr.
The sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr comes from a pre-transfer sheet guide SG1 as an example of a pre-transfer medium guide member in time with the toner image Tn on the image carrier PR moving to the transfer area Q4. It is conveyed to the transfer area Q4.
The toner image Tn developed on the surface of the image carrier PR is transferred onto the sheet S by the transfer roll TR in the transfer region Q4. After the transfer, the surface of the image carrier PR is cleaned by a cleaner CL1 as an example of a cleaning device to remove residual toner as an example of an adhering matter, and is recharged by the charging roll CR.
The image carrier PR, the charging roll CR, the latent image writing device ROS, the developing device D, and the like constitute a toner image forming device G (PR + CR + ROS + D).

前記転写領域Q4のシート搬送方向下流側には、前記転写領域Q4でトナー像Tnが記録された記録済シートSを定着領域Q5に搬送する転写後シート搬送路SH3が設けられている。前記転写領域Q4において転写ロールTRによりトナー像が転写された前記シートSは、像保持体PR表面から剥離され、前記転写後シート搬送路SH3の転写後媒体案内部材の一例としてのシートガイドSG2により案内され、転写後媒体搬送部材の一例としてのシート搬送ベルトBHにより、定着装置Fに搬送される。
定着装置Fは、内部に熱源としてのヒータを有する加熱定着部材の一例としての加熱ロールFhと、加圧定着部材の一例としての加圧ロールFpとを有する。定着装置Fに搬送されたシートSは、前記加熱ロールFhと加圧ロールFpとの圧接領域により構成される定着領域Q5を通過する際に、トナー像が加熱定着されてから、シート排出路SH4を通って媒体排出部の一例としての排紙トレイTRhに搬送される。
A post-transfer sheet conveyance path SH3 that conveys the recorded sheet S on which the toner image Tn is recorded in the transfer area Q4 to the fixing area Q5 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer area Q4 in the sheet conveyance direction. The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roll TR in the transfer area Q4 is peeled off from the surface of the image carrier PR, and a sheet guide SG2 as an example of a post-transfer medium guide member in the post-transfer sheet conveyance path SH3. Guided and conveyed to the fixing device F by a sheet conveying belt BH as an example of a post-transfer medium conveying member.
The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating fixing member having a heater as a heat source therein, and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member. When the sheet S conveyed to the fixing device F passes through the fixing region Q5 configured by the pressure contact region between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp, the toner image is heated and fixed, and then the sheet discharge path SH4. And is conveyed to a paper discharge tray TRh as an example of a medium discharge unit.

前記シート排出路SH4には、前記定着装置Fの下流側に搬送路切替部材の一例としての切替ゲートGT1が配置されている。切替ゲートGT1は、前記定着装置Fを通過したシートSの搬送方向を前記排紙トレイTRh側またはシート反転接続路SH5のいずれかの方向に切り替える。シート反転用接続路SH5は、前記シート排出路SH4の上流端、すなわち、定着装置Fの下流側部分と前記上下方向シート搬送路SH1とを接続する。
両面複写の場合、1面目のトナー像が記録された片面記録済シートSは、前記切替ゲートGT1によりシート反転接続路SH5に搬送され、搬送方向規制部材の一例としてのマイラーゲートGT2を通って、正逆回転搬送ロールRbの逆回転によりシート反転路SH6に搬送される。シート反転路SH6に搬送されたシートSは、正逆回転搬送ロールRbの正回転により、逆方向に搬送、いわゆる、スイッチバックされ、表裏が反転した状態で転写領域Q4に再送される。
前記符号SH1〜SH6により示された要素により媒体搬送路の一例としてのシート搬送路SHが構成されている。
前記シート搬送路SHおよびそこに配置されたシート搬送機能を有するローラRa,Rb,Rr等により媒体搬送装置の一例としてのシート搬送装置USが構成されている。
In the sheet discharge path SH4, a switching gate GT1 as an example of a transport path switching member is disposed on the downstream side of the fixing device F. The switching gate GT1 switches the conveyance direction of the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device F to either the discharge tray TRh side or the sheet reverse connection path SH5. The sheet reversing connection path SH5 connects the upstream end of the sheet discharge path SH4, that is, the downstream portion of the fixing device F and the vertical sheet transport path SH1.
In the case of duplex copying, the one-side recorded sheet S on which the first-side toner image is recorded is conveyed to the sheet reversal connection path SH5 by the switching gate GT1, and passes through a Mylar gate GT2 as an example of a conveyance direction regulating member. The sheet is conveyed to the sheet reversing path SH6 by the reverse rotation of the forward / reverse rotation conveyance roll Rb. The sheet S conveyed to the sheet reversing path SH6 is conveyed in the reverse direction by the normal rotation of the normal / reverse rotation conveyance roll Rb, so-called switchback, and is retransmitted to the transfer region Q4 with the front and back reversed.
A sheet conveyance path SH as an example of a medium conveyance path is configured by the elements indicated by the symbols SH1 to SH6.
A sheet conveying device US as an example of a medium conveying device is configured by the sheet conveying path SH and rollers Ra, Rb, Rr, and the like having a sheet conveying function arranged there.

(清掃器の説明)
図2は本発明の実施例1の清掃器部分の要部拡大図である。
図3は実施例1の清掃器の清掃部材が取り外された状態の斜視説明図である。
図4は図3に示す状態から漏出防止部材が取り外された状態の斜視説明図である。
図5は図3の要部断面図である。
図6は実施例1の清掃器の前側部分の斜視説明図である。
図7は実施例1の清掃器の後側部分の斜視説明図である。
なお、説明をわかりやすくするために、図面において、部材の図示が適宜省略されている。
(Description of cleaner)
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the cleaner part of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view showing a state where the cleaning member of the cleaner according to the first embodiment is removed.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of a state in which the leakage preventing member is removed from the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of a front portion of the cleaner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory view of a rear portion of the cleaning device of the first embodiment.
In addition, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, illustration of members is appropriately omitted in the drawings.

図2〜図7において、本発明の実施例1の清掃器としてのクリーナCL1は、清掃容器1を有する。前記清掃容器1は、像保持体PR側が開放された開口1aを有し、前記清掃容器1の上端部には、清掃部材支持部1bが形成されている。前記清掃容器1の下部の像保持体PR側には、堰き止め部材取付け部1cが設けられており、開口1aの前後両側には清掃部材固定部1eが形成されている。前記清掃容器1の前後両端部には一対の像保持体支持部1dが形成されている。前記清掃容器1の開口1aの前後両端部および上部には、漏出防止用の密閉部材2、3、4が貼付されている。前記密閉部材2,3,4は、多孔質の弾性体、いわゆる、スポンジで構成することができる。また、図6,図7において、前記像保持体支持部1dには、保護部材、いわゆるカバーU3a、U3bが装着される。   2-7, the cleaner CL1 as a cleaner of Example 1 of this invention has the cleaning container 1. FIG. The cleaning container 1 has an opening 1 a that is open on the image carrier PR side, and a cleaning member support 1 b is formed at the upper end of the cleaning container 1. A dam member mounting portion 1c is provided on the image carrier PR side of the lower portion of the cleaning container 1, and cleaning member fixing portions 1e are formed on both front and rear sides of the opening 1a. A pair of image carrier support portions 1 d are formed at both front and rear ends of the cleaning container 1. Sealing members 2, 3, 4 for preventing leakage are affixed to the front and rear ends and the upper part of the opening 1 a of the cleaning container 1. The sealing members 2, 3 and 4 can be formed of a porous elastic body, so-called sponge. 6 and 7, protective members, so-called covers U3a and U3b, are attached to the image carrier support 1d.

前記清掃部材支持部1bには、密閉部材4を挟んで逆L字形の取付け部材6が支持されており、取付け部材6は、清掃部材固定部1eにねじ止めされることで固定される。前記取付け部材6の像保持体PR側表面には、清掃部材の一例としてのクリーニングブレード7が支持されている。前記クリーニングブレード7は、像保持体PR表面に接触して像保持体PR表面に残留した残留トナーを擦り取る。
前記堰き止め部材取付け部1cには、堰き止め部材8が支持されている。実施例1の堰き止め部材8は、薄膜、いわゆる、フィルム状の部材により構成されており、前後方向の幅が清掃容器1の開口1aの幅よりも狭く形成された堰き止め部材本体8aと、堰き止め部材本体8aの下端に連続し且つ堰き止め部材本体8aよりも前後方向の幅が長い被支持部8bとを有する。前記堰き止め部材8は、両面テープ9を介して被支持部8bで前記堰き止め部材取付け部1cに固定支持されており、堰き止め部材本体8aの前後両端部は、清掃容器1に固定されていない。図2において、前記堰き止め部材8の上端と、清掃容器1の壁面との間の隙間により内部通過領域R1が構成されている。
An inverted L-shaped attachment member 6 is supported on the cleaning member support portion 1b with the sealing member 4 interposed therebetween, and the attachment member 6 is fixed by being screwed to the cleaning member fixing portion 1e. A cleaning blade 7 as an example of a cleaning member is supported on the surface of the attachment member 6 on the image carrier PR side. The cleaning blade 7 contacts the surface of the image carrier PR and scrapes off residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier PR.
A damming member 8 is supported on the damming member mounting portion 1c. The damming member 8 of Example 1 is formed of a thin film, a so-called film-like member, and a damming member main body 8a formed so that the width in the front-rear direction is narrower than the width of the opening 1a of the cleaning container 1, And a supported portion 8b which is continuous with the lower end of the damming member main body 8a and has a longer width in the front-rear direction than the damming member main body 8a. The damming member 8 is fixedly supported on the damming member mounting portion 1c by a supported portion 8b via a double-sided tape 9, and both front and rear ends of the damming member main body 8a are fixed to the cleaning container 1. Absent. In FIG. 2, an internal passage region R <b> 1 is configured by a gap between the upper end of the damming member 8 and the wall surface of the cleaning container 1.

図2〜図7において、前記堰き止め部材8の像保持体PR側には、漏出防止部材11が固定支持されている。前記漏出防止部材11は、下端部が前記堰き止め部材8の被支持部8bの表面に両面テープ12を介して固定されており、像保持体PR表面に弱い押付け力で接触してクリーニングブレード7で擦り落とされて回収された残留トナーが外部に漏出することを防止する。したがって、図2において、前記クリーニングブレード7と、堰き止め部材8と、漏出防止部材11と、像保持体PRとにより囲まれた空間により、付着物堰き止め空間の一例としての残留トナー堰き止め空間K1が構成されている。   2 to 7, a leakage preventing member 11 is fixedly supported on the damming member 8 on the image carrier PR side. The leakage prevention member 11 has a lower end fixed to the surface of the supported portion 8b of the damming member 8 via a double-sided tape 12, and comes into contact with the surface of the image carrier PR with a weak pressing force, thereby cleaning the blade 7 The residual toner that is scraped off and collected is prevented from leaking outside. Accordingly, in FIG. 2, a residual toner damming space as an example of an adhering matter damming space by a space surrounded by the cleaning blade 7, the damming member 8, the leakage preventing member 11, and the image carrier PR. K1 is configured.

図8は実施例1のクリーニングブレードと堰き止め部材と搬送部材との関係を説明する説明図である。
図2,図8において、前記清掃容器1の内部の排出空間K2には、内部通過領域R1を通過して清掃容器1の内部に回収された残留トナーを搬送方向Yaに搬送する搬送部材13が配置されている。前記搬送部材13は、いわゆるオーガにより構成されており、回転軸13aと、回転軸13aの外周に支持された螺旋状の搬送羽根13bとを有する。実施例1の搬送部材13は、大径部13a1と、小径部13a2とを有し、前記大径部13a1と小径部13a2との境界である変化基準位置P1は、堰き止め部材8の搬送方向Yaの下流端よりも上流側に設定されている。また、省略可能であるが、堰き止め部材8の搬送方向Yaの上流端よりも下流側にも変化基準位置P2が設定されている。したがって、実施例1の搬送部材13では、小径部13a2では搬送羽根13bにより搬送可能な断面積が、大径部13a1の断面積よりも大きくなるため、小径部13a2の部分で回収された残留トナーの単位時間当りの搬送量が多く、搬送能力が高くなっている。
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship among the cleaning blade, the damming member, and the conveying member according to the first embodiment.
2 and 8, in the discharge space K2 inside the cleaning container 1, a transport member 13 that transports the residual toner collected in the cleaning container 1 through the internal passage region R1 in the transport direction Ya. Has been placed. The said conveyance member 13 is comprised by what is called an auger, and has the rotating shaft 13a and the helical conveying blade 13b supported by the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 13a. The conveyance member 13 of Example 1 has a large diameter portion 13a1 and a small diameter portion 13a2, and the change reference position P1 that is a boundary between the large diameter portion 13a1 and the small diameter portion 13a2 is the conveyance direction of the damming member 8 It is set upstream of the downstream end of Ya. Further, although it can be omitted, the change reference position P2 is also set on the downstream side of the upstream end of the damming member 8 in the transport direction Ya. Therefore, in the conveyance member 13 of the first embodiment, the cross-sectional area that can be conveyed by the conveyance blade 13b in the small-diameter portion 13a2 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the large-diameter portion 13a1, and therefore residual toner collected in the small-diameter portion 13a2 The transport amount per unit time is large and the transport capacity is high.

なお、実施例1では、像保持体PR表面において画像形成動作時に画像が形成されて残留トナーが多く回収される多回収領域A1は前後方向中央部に設定されており、残留トナーの回収量が多回収領域A1に比べて少ない少回収領域A2は多回収領域A1の前後両側に設定されている。また、実施例1では、前記多回収領域A1は、画像形成装置Uで使用可能な最大サイズのシートSの前後方向の幅の内側に設定されており、最大サイズシートSの幅は、多回収領域A1の前後方向の幅に比べて広く設定されている。   In the first embodiment, the multiple recovery area A1 in which an image is formed on the surface of the image carrier PR during the image forming operation and a large amount of residual toner is recovered is set at the center in the front-rear direction, and the amount of residual toner recovered is A small recovery area A2 that is smaller than the multiple recovery area A1 is set on both front and rear sides of the multiple recovery area A1. In the first embodiment, the multiple collection area A1 is set inside the width in the front-rear direction of the maximum size sheet S that can be used in the image forming apparatus U. The width of the maximum size sheet S is the multiple collection range. It is set wider than the width of the area A1 in the front-rear direction.

(実施例1の作用)
前記構成を備えた本発明の実施例1の画像形成装置Uの清掃器CL1では、クリーニングブレード7で像保持体PRから擦り取られた現像剤は、搬送部材13によって搬送されず、堰き止め部材8により堰き止められる。堰き止められた現像剤は、残留トナー堰き止め空間K1に蓄積される。残留トナー堰き止め空間K1の残留トナーは、フィルム状の堰き止め部材8の弾性復元力によりクリーニングブレード7と像保持体PRとの接触部側に向かう力を受け、クリーニングブレード7と像保持体PRとの接触部に供給される。このため、蓄積された現像剤、主として、現像剤に外添された外添剤は、像保持体PRとクリーニングブレード7との接触部に供給されて潤滑がされ、クリーニングブレード7のめくれや微小振動が防止される。
(Operation of Example 1)
In the cleaner CL1 of the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the developer scraped off from the image carrier PR by the cleaning blade 7 is not transported by the transport member 13 and is a blocking member. 8 is dammed up. The damped developer is accumulated in the residual toner dam space K1. The residual toner in the residual toner damming space K1 receives a force toward the contact portion between the cleaning blade 7 and the image carrier PR by the elastic restoring force of the film-like damming member 8, and the cleaning blade 7 and the image carrier PR. Is supplied to the contact portion. Therefore, the accumulated developer, mainly the external additive externally added to the developer, is supplied to the contact portion between the image carrier PR and the cleaning blade 7 to be lubricated, and the cleaning blade 7 is turned over or minutely. Vibration is prevented.

このとき、残留トナー堰き止め空間K1において、前後方向、すなわち、像保持体PRの軸方向に対して、多回収領域A1と少回収領域A2では回収される現像剤量が異なり、蓄積される速さが異なる。実施例1では、内部通過領域R1の高さが高くなっているので、残留トナーが多い多回収領域A1で回収された残留トナーは、内部通過領域R1の高さまで蓄積されるまでに、残留トナーの回収量が少ない少回収領域A2側に流れ込むようにして移動する。このため、クリーニングブレード7の前後方向、すなわち幅方向全域に効率的に潤滑剤としての現像剤が供給される。   At this time, in the residual toner damming space K1, the amount of developer collected is different in the large collection area A1 and the small collection area A2 with respect to the front-rear direction, that is, the axial direction of the image carrier PR, and the accumulated speed is high. Is different. In the first embodiment, since the height of the internal passage region R1 is high, the residual toner collected in the multiple collection region A1 having a large amount of residual toner is accumulated until the height of the internal passage region R1 is accumulated. It moves so as to flow into the small collection area A2 side with a small collection amount. Therefore, the developer as the lubricant is efficiently supplied in the front-rear direction of the cleaning blade 7, that is, in the entire width direction.

前記トナー堰き止め空間K1に蓄積された残留トナーの量が多くなり、高さが堰き止め部材8の上端を越えると、内部通過領域R1を通じてトナー堰き止め空間K1から搬送空間K2側に流入する。
前記清掃容器1の内部の搬送空間K2に流入した残留トナーは、搬送部材13により上流側から下流側に搬送される。このとき、下流側に行くにつれて、内部通過領域R1を通じてトナー堰き止め空間K1から流入してくる残留トナーに加えて、上流側から搬送された残留トナーがあるため、搬送空間K2内のトナー量は下流側ほど多くなりやすい。
When the amount of residual toner accumulated in the toner blocking space K1 increases and the height exceeds the upper end of the blocking member 8, the toner flows from the toner blocking space K1 to the conveying space K2 through the internal passage region R1.
The residual toner that has flowed into the transport space K2 inside the cleaning container 1 is transported from the upstream side to the downstream side by the transport member 13. At this time, since there is residual toner conveyed from the upstream side in addition to the residual toner flowing from the toner blocking space K1 through the internal passage region R1 as going downstream, the amount of toner in the conveyance space K2 is It tends to increase on the downstream side.

図9は作用説明図であり、図9Aは従来の清掃器における堰き止め部材の幅方向に対するトナー堰き止め空間と排出空間の総量の説明図、図9Bは図9AのIXB−IXB線断面図、図9Cは図9AのIXC−IXC線断面図、図9Dは端部が変形した状態の説明図である。
図9において、従来のように堰き止め部材01を設けた清掃器02では、搬送部材03は、軸方向に沿って同じ搬送量のものしか存在しなかったため、搬送部材03の搬送方向下流側で現像剤が多くなっていた。いわゆる、べた画像のような高濃度画像が連続して形成されて中央部の多回収領域A1の回収量が多くなると、図9Aに示すように、内部通過領域04の中央部から乗り越えて内部に移動するため、図9B,図9Cに示すように、堰き止め部材01を挟んだ両側の空間で、偏った状態となることがあった。図9Cに示すように、搬送部材03により搬送された下流側では、内部の総量が過剰となる一方で、トナー堰き止め空間06の総量は少ない状態となる。このとき、堰き止め部材01の端部が固定されていないと、内部側のトナーにより力を受け、図9Dに示すように堰き止め部材01の下流端部がめくれるように塑性変形してしまうことがあった。前記堰き止め部材01が変形すると、搬送方向下流側で内側からトナー堰き止め空間06側にトナーが戻ってしまい、下流端部でクリーニングブレード07へのトナーの過剰供給が発生し、クリーニングブレード07でのクリーニング不良やトナーの漏れ出し等が発生することがあった。
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the operation, FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of the total amount of the toner damming space and the discharge space with respect to the width direction of the damming member in the conventional cleaner, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view taken along the line IXB-IXB in FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXC-IXC in FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9D is an explanatory view showing a state in which the end portion is deformed.
In FIG. 9, in the cleaning device 02 provided with the damming member 01 as in the prior art, the conveying member 03 has only the same conveying amount along the axial direction. There was a lot of developer. When a high density image such as a so-called solid image is continuously formed and the collection amount in the central multiple recovery area A1 increases, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, there is a case where the two sides of the damming member 01 are in a biased state as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C. As shown in FIG. 9C, on the downstream side conveyed by the conveying member 03, the total amount inside becomes excessive, while the total amount of the toner blocking space 06 becomes small. At this time, if the end portion of the damming member 01 is not fixed, a force is received by the toner on the inner side, so that the downstream end portion of the damming member 01 is plastically deformed as shown in FIG. 9D. was there. When the dam member 01 is deformed, the toner returns from the inner side to the toner dam space 06 on the downstream side in the transport direction, and excessive supply of toner to the cleaning blade 07 occurs at the downstream end. Inadequate cleaning or toner leakage may occur.

図10は実施例1の作用説明図である。
図10において、実施例1の清掃器CL1では、搬送部材13の回転軸13aの下流側に小径部13a2が形成され、搬送能力が高くなっており、上流側の大径部13a1での搬送量よりも多くの残留トナーが搬送される。すなわち、図10に示すように、堰き止め部材8の下流側の搬送空間K2のトナー量が少なくなり、堰き止め部材8の搬送方向下流端部に作用する力が軽減される。
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.
In FIG. 10, in the cleaner CL1 of Example 1, the small diameter part 13a2 is formed in the downstream of the rotating shaft 13a of the conveyance member 13, the conveyance capability is high, and the conveyance amount in the large diameter part 13a1 on the upstream side. More residual toner is conveyed. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the amount of toner in the transport space K2 on the downstream side of the damming member 8 is reduced, and the force acting on the downstream end of the damming member 8 in the transport direction is reduced.

図11は本発明の実施例2の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。
次に、本発明の実施例2の説明をするが、この実施例2の説明において、前記実施例1の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例2は、下記の点で前記実施例1と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1と同様に構成されている。
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.

図11において、実施例2の清掃器CL1では、前記堰き止め部材本体8aには、前後方向に沿って複数の内部通過領域形成口8cが形成されている。前記内部通過領域形成口8cは、像保持体PR表面において画像形成動作時に画像が形成されて残留トナーが多く回収される多回収領域A1に対応して形成された多回収領域用内部通過領域形成口8c1と、残留トナーの回収量が多回収領域A1に比べて少ない少回収領域A2に対応して形成された少回収領域用内部通過領域形成口8c2とを有する。前記少回収領域用内部通過領域形成口8c2に対して、多回収領域用内部通過領域形成口8c1の位置は、鉛直方向で高く形成されている。なお、実施例1では、多回収領域A1は前後方向中央部に設定されており、少回収領域A2は多回収領域A1の前後両側に設定されている。また、実施例1では、前記多回収領域A1は、画像形成装置Uで使用可能な最大サイズのシートSの前後方向の幅の内側に設定されており、最大サイズシートSの幅A1aは、多回収領域A1の前後方向の幅に比べて広く設定されている。
前記内部通過領域形成口8cにより第2の内部通過領域R2が構成されている。
In FIG. 11, in the cleaner CL1 of Example 2, the dam member main body 8a is formed with a plurality of internal passage region forming ports 8c along the front-rear direction. The internal passage area forming port 8c is formed as an internal passage area for the multiple recovery area formed corresponding to the multiple recovery area A1 where an image is formed on the surface of the image carrier PR during the image forming operation and a large amount of residual toner is recovered. It has a small collection area internal passage area forming port 8c2 formed corresponding to a small collection area A2 in which the amount of residual toner collected is smaller than that in the multiple collection area A1. The position of the internal passage region forming port 8c1 for the multiple recovery region is formed higher in the vertical direction than the internal passage region forming port 8c2 for the small recovery region. In the first embodiment, the multiple recovery area A1 is set at the center in the front-rear direction, and the low recovery area A2 is set on both sides before and after the multiple recovery area A1. In the first embodiment, the multiple collection area A1 is set inside the width in the front-rear direction of the maximum size sheet S that can be used in the image forming apparatus U. The width A1a of the maximum size sheet S It is set wider than the width in the front-rear direction of the collection area A1.
A second internal passage region R2 is configured by the internal passage region forming port 8c.

(実施例2の作用)
前記構成を備えた実施例2の清掃器CL1では、トナー堰き止め空間K1の回収トナー量が、内部通過領域形成口8cの高さになると、内部通過領域形成口8cから搬送空間K2側に流入する。また、高濃度画像の連続印刷等が行われ、内部通過領域形成口8cを通じた流入量以上にトナーの回収がされた場合には、トナー堰き止め空間K1内で回収トナー量が蓄積され、回収トナーの高さが堰き止め部材8の上端を越えると内部通過領域R1から搬送空間K2に流入させることができる。このほか、実施例2は、実施例1と同様の作用を有する。
(Operation of Example 2)
In the cleaning device CL1 of Example 2 having the above-described configuration, when the amount of collected toner in the toner blocking space K1 reaches the height of the internal passage region formation port 8c, the toner flows into the conveyance space K2 side from the internal passage region formation port 8c. To do. Further, when the high density image is continuously printed or the like and the toner is collected more than the inflow amount through the internal passage region forming port 8c, the collected toner amount is accumulated in the toner blocking space K1 and collected. When the height of the toner exceeds the upper end of the damming member 8, the toner can flow from the internal passage region R1 into the conveyance space K2. In addition, the second embodiment has the same operation as the first embodiment.

図12は本発明の実施例3の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。
次に、本発明の実施例3の説明をするが、この実施例3の説明において、前記実施例1の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例3は、下記の点で前記実施例1と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1と同様に構成されている。
図12において、実施例3の清掃器CL1では、搬送部材13の回転軸13a′において、小径部13a2が、搬送方向下流側の少回収領域A2aの下流側に対応する部分にのみ形成され、搬送方向上流側の少回収領域A2bに対応する部分は、大径部13a1となっている。
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.
Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 12, in the cleaner CL1 of the third embodiment, the small diameter portion 13a2 is formed only in the portion corresponding to the downstream side of the small recovery area A2a on the downstream side in the transport direction on the rotation shaft 13a ′ of the transport member 13. A portion corresponding to the small recovery region A2b on the upstream side in the direction is a large-diameter portion 13a1.

(実施例3の作用)
前記構成を備えた実施例3の清掃器CL1では、搬送部材13は、残留トナーの総量が最も多くなる搬送方向下流側の部分の搬送能力が高く、上流側から残留トナーが搬送されてこない最上流側は、搬送能力を高める必要がないため高めていない。したがって、搬送空間K2の搬送空間下流側の残留トナーが効率的に搬送、排出される。
(Operation of Example 3)
In the cleaning device CL1 of Example 3 having the above-described configuration, the conveyance member 13 has a high conveyance capability in the downstream portion in the conveyance direction where the total amount of residual toner is the largest, and the most residual toner is not conveyed from the upstream side. The upstream side is not increased because there is no need to increase the conveying capacity. Therefore, the residual toner on the downstream side of the conveyance space K2 is efficiently conveyed and discharged.

図13は本発明の実施例4の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。
次に、本発明の実施例4の説明をするが、この実施例4の説明において、前記実施例1の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例4は、下記の点で前記実施例1と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1と同様に構成されている。
図13において、実施例4の清掃器CL1では、搬送部材13の搬送羽根13b′において、搬送方向下流側の少回収領域A2aの下流側に対応する下流側搬送羽根13b1′の搬送羽根どうしの間隔、いわゆるピッチが、搬送方向上流側の多回収領域A1および少回収領域A2bに対応する上流側搬送羽根13b2′のピッチに比べて大きく設定されている。すなわち、回転軸13aが一回転した時の搬送距離が下流側搬送羽根13b1′の方が長く、搬送能力が高く設定されている。
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.
Next, a description will be given of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 13, in the cleaner CL <b> 1 according to the fourth embodiment, in the conveyance blade 13 b ′ of the conveyance member 13, the interval between the conveyance blades of the downstream conveyance blade 13 b 1 ′ corresponding to the downstream side of the small recovery area A2 a on the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The so-called pitch is set to be larger than the pitch of the upstream conveying blades 13b2 'corresponding to the multiple recovery area A1 and the small recovery area A2b on the upstream side in the conveyance direction. That is, the conveyance distance when the rotation shaft 13a makes one rotation is longer in the downstream conveyance blade 13b1 ', and the conveyance capacity is set high.

(実施例4の作用)
前記構成を備えた実施例4の清掃器CL1では、搬送部材13は、残留トナーの総量が最も多くなる搬送方向下流側の部分の搬送能力が高く、搬送空間K2の搬送方向下流側の残留トナーが効率的に搬送、排出される。
(Operation of Example 4)
In the cleaning device CL1 of Example 4 having the above-described configuration, the conveyance member 13 has a high conveyance capability in the downstream portion in the conveyance direction where the total amount of residual toner is the largest, and the residual toner in the conveyance direction downstream side of the conveyance space K2. Is efficiently transported and discharged.

図14は本発明の実施例5の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。
次に、本発明の実施例5の説明をするが、この実施例5の説明において、前記実施例1の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例5は、下記の点で前記実施例1と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1と同様に構成されている。
図14において、実施例5の清掃器CL1では、搬送部材13′は、大径部13a1と、小径部13a2とを有し、前記大径部13a1と小径部13a2との境界である変化基準位置P1′は、最大サイズシートSの幅A1aの下流端よりも上流側、すなわち、幅A1aの内側に設定されている。
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.
Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 14, in the cleaner CL <b> 1 of the fifth embodiment, the conveying member 13 ′ has a large diameter portion 13 a 1 and a small diameter portion 13 a 2, and a change reference position that is a boundary between the large diameter portion 13 a 1 and the small diameter portion 13 a 2. P1 ′ is set upstream of the downstream end of the width A1a of the maximum size sheet S, that is, inside the width A1a.

(実施例5の作用)
前記構成要件を備えた実施例5の清掃器CL1では、残留トナーの回収量が多い最大サイズシートSの幅A1aの内側から、搬送部材13′の搬送能力が高くなっており、下流側の現像剤が速やかに排出される。
(Operation of Example 5)
In the cleaning device CL1 of Example 5 having the above-described configuration requirements, the conveyance capability of the conveyance member 13 'is increased from the inside of the width A1a of the maximum size sheet S with a large residual toner collection amount, and the downstream development is performed. The agent is discharged quickly.

図15は本発明の実施例6の像保持体PRおよび清掃器の要部説明図であり、実施例1の図2に対応する図である。
図16は実施例6の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。
次に、本発明の実施例6の説明をするが、この実施例6の説明において、前記実施例1の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例6は、下記の点で前記実施例1と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1と同様に構成されている。
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the image carrier PR and the cleaner according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device of the sixth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.
Next, the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the sixth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The sixth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.

図15、図16において、実施例6の清掃器CL1′では、実施例1の堰き止め部材取付け部1cに替えて、漏出防止部材取付け部1c′が形成されており、漏出防止部材取付け部1c′には漏出防止部材11が固定支持されている。
前記擦り取り部材支持部1bの下方には、堰き止め部材取付け部1fが形成されており、堰き止め部材取付け部1fには堰き止め部材21が固定支持されている。前記堰き止め部材21は、前記堰き止め部材取付け部1fに取付けられる上端の被固定部21aと、下方に延びる堰き止め部材本体21bとを有する。なお、実施例6の堰き止め部材21も、実施例1の堰き止め部材8と同様に、前後両端縁が清掃容器1に支持されていない。
したがって、実施例6では、前記堰き止め部材21の下端と、漏出防止部材取付け部1c′の上面1c1′との間の隙間により、残留トナー堰き止め空間K1から内部の搬送空間K2に残留トナーを移動させる内部通過領域R1′が構成されている。
なお、実施例6では、搬送部材13は、実施例1、2の場合と同様に、下流側の変化基準位置P1〜上流側の変化基準位置P2の間に対応する大径部13a1と、下流側変化基準位置P1から下流側および上流側変化基準位置P2の上流側に対応する小径部13a2とを有する。
15 and 16, in the cleaner CL1 ′ of the sixth embodiment, a leakage preventing member mounting portion 1c ′ is formed instead of the damming member mounting portion 1c of the first embodiment, and the leakage preventing member mounting portion 1c. A leakage prevention member 11 is fixedly supported on '.
A dam member attachment portion 1f is formed below the scraping member support portion 1b, and a dam member 21 is fixedly supported by the dam member attachment portion 1f. The damming member 21 includes a fixed portion 21a at the upper end that is attached to the damming member attachment portion 1f, and a damming member main body 21b that extends downward. In addition, the damming member 21 of the sixth embodiment is not supported by the cleaning container 1 at both front and rear edges, similarly to the damming member 8 of the first embodiment.
Accordingly, in the sixth embodiment, residual toner is transferred from the residual toner blocking space K1 to the internal conveyance space K2 by the gap between the lower end of the blocking member 21 and the upper surface 1c1 ′ of the leakage prevention member mounting portion 1c ′. An internal passage region R1 ′ to be moved is configured.
In the sixth embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the conveying member 13 includes a large-diameter portion 13a1 corresponding to a portion between the downstream change reference position P1 and the upstream change reference position P2, and a downstream portion. A small-diameter portion 13a2 corresponding to the downstream side from the side change reference position P1 and the upstream side of the upstream change reference position P2.

(実施例6の作用)
前記構成を備えた実施例6の清掃器CL1′では、残留トナー堰き止め空間K1に回収された回収トナーは、その一部が堰き止め部材21と漏出防止部材取付け部1c′の上面1c1′との間の内部通過領域R1′から内部の搬送空間K2に移動する。高濃度画像が連続印刷された場合には、多回収領域A1での回収トナー量が多くなり、回収、蓄積されたトナーに押されて堰き止め部材21が湾曲するような形で搬送空間K2への移動量が多くなり、搬送空間K2の下流側での総量が多くなることがある。搬送方向下流側で、堰き止め部材21の搬送空間側K2の回収トナーの総量が多くなりすぎるとめくれるように変形、破損する恐れがあるが、実施例6では、搬送部材13の下流側の搬送能力が高いため、搬送空間K2側の総量が多くなりすぎることなく下流側に排出される。
(Operation of Example 6)
In the cleaning device CL1 ′ according to the sixth embodiment having the above-described configuration, a part of the collected toner collected in the residual toner damming space K1 is formed on the damming member 21 and the upper surface 1c1 ′ of the leakage prevention member mounting portion 1c ′. It moves to the internal conveyance space K2 from internal passage area | region R1 'between. When a high density image is continuously printed, the amount of collected toner in the multiple collection area A1 increases, and the damming member 21 is curved by being pushed by the collected and accumulated toner to the conveyance space K2. May increase, and the total amount on the downstream side of the transport space K2 may increase. On the downstream side in the transport direction, there is a risk that the toner will be deformed or damaged when the total amount of collected toner on the transport space side K2 of the damming member 21 is too large. In Example 6, the transport on the downstream side of the transport member 13 is possible. Since the capacity is high, the total amount on the transport space K2 side is discharged to the downstream side without excessively increasing.

図17は本発明の実施例7の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例6の図16に対応する図である。
次に、本発明の実施例7の説明をするが、この実施例7の説明において、前記実施例1〜6の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例7は、下記の点で前記実施例1〜6と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1〜6と同様に構成されている。
図17において、実施例7の清掃器CL1′では、実施例6の搬送部材13に替えて、実施例3の搬送部材13を使用している。
FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of a cleaning device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention and corresponds to FIG. 16 according to the sixth embodiment.
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the seventh embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first to sixth embodiments, and the details thereof will be described. Description is omitted.
Example 7 is different from Examples 1 to 6 in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as Examples 1 to 6 in other points.
In FIG. 17, the cleaner CL <b> 1 ′ of the seventh embodiment uses the transport member 13 of the third embodiment instead of the transport member 13 of the sixth embodiment.

(実施例7の作用)
前記構成を備えた実施例7の清掃器CL1′は、搬送部材13により、搬送空間K2内でのトナー量が多くなる搬送方向下流側のトナーが効率的に排出される。
(Operation of Example 7)
In the cleaner CL1 ′ according to the seventh embodiment having the above-described configuration, the toner on the downstream side in the transport direction in which the amount of toner in the transport space K2 increases is efficiently discharged by the transport member 13.

図18は本発明の実施例8の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例6の図16に対応する図である。
次に、本発明の実施例8の説明をするが、この実施例8の説明において、前記実施例1〜7の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例8は、下記の点で前記実施例1〜7と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1〜7と同様に構成されている。
図18において、実施例8の画像形成装置Uでは、像保持体PRに画像形成動作時に画像が形成される領域が、中央部ではなく、前端を基準として画像が形成されるように設定されている。すなわち、搬送されるシートSも中央部を基準、いわゆるセンターレジではなく、端部を基準、いわゆるサイドレジで搬送される。
これに応じて、実施例8の清掃器CL1′は、多回収領域A1が前端側のみに設定され、少回収領域A2が後端側のみに設定されている。したがって、前記堰き止め部材本体21bの多回収領域部21b1および少回収領域部21b2と、搬送部材13の大径部13a1および小径部13a2の位置が、多回収領域A1および少回収領域A2に対応する位置に設定されている。
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 16 of the sixth embodiment.
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the eighth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first to seventh embodiments, and the details thereof will be described. Description is omitted.
Example 8 is different from Examples 1 to 7 in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as Examples 1 to 7 in other points.
In FIG. 18, in the image forming apparatus U of the eighth embodiment, an area where an image is formed on the image carrier PR during the image forming operation is set so that an image is formed with reference to the front end, not the center. Yes. In other words, the sheet S to be conveyed is also conveyed by a so-called side register based on the end portion instead of a so-called center register instead of the center portion.
Accordingly, in the cleaner CL1 ′ according to the eighth embodiment, the multiple recovery area A1 is set only on the front end side, and the small recovery area A2 is set only on the rear end side. Therefore, the positions of the multiple recovery region portion 21b1 and the small recovery region portion 21b2 of the damming member main body 21b and the large diameter portion 13a1 and the small diameter portion 13a2 of the conveying member 13 correspond to the multiple recovery region A1 and the small recovery region A2. Set to position.

(実施例8の作用)
前記構成を備えた実施例8の清掃器CL1′では、画像が形成される領域の変動に伴い適切な位置に内部通過領域R1′が設定され、クリーニングブレード7が潤滑されると共に、堰き止め部材8の破損が効率的に防止される。
(Operation of Example 8)
In the cleaning device CL1 ′ of the eighth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the internal passage region R1 ′ is set at an appropriate position in accordance with the variation of the region where the image is formed, the cleaning blade 7 is lubricated, and the damming member Eight damage is effectively prevented.

図19は本発明の実施例9の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例6の図16に対応する図である。
次に、本発明の実施例9の説明をするが、この実施例9の説明において、前記実施例1〜8の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例9は、下記の点で前記実施例1〜8と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1〜8と同様に構成されている。
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaner according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 16 according to the sixth embodiment.
Next, the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the ninth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first to eighth embodiments, and the detailed description thereof will be made. Description is omitted.
Example 9 is different from Examples 1 to 8 in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as Examples 1 to 8 in other points.

図19において、実施例9の清掃器CL1′では、搬送部材13の搬送羽根13b″は、下流側の下流側搬送羽根13b1″の外径が、上流側搬送羽根13b2″の外径よりも大きく形成されている。これに伴い、清掃容器1の搬送空間K2の底壁も、下流側搬送羽根13b1″に対応する下流側底壁1gは、上流側底壁1hに比べて深さが深く形成されている。したがって、下流側搬送羽根13b1″により、搬送部材13は下流側の搬送能力が上流側に比べて高く設定されている。   In FIG. 19, in the cleaner CL1 ′ according to the ninth embodiment, the conveyance blade 13b ″ of the conveyance member 13 has a downstream outer conveyance blade 13b1 ″ whose outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the upstream conveyance blade 13b2 ″. Accordingly, the bottom wall of the transport space K2 of the cleaning container 1 is also formed deeper in the downstream bottom wall 1g corresponding to the downstream transport blade 13b1 ″ than the upstream bottom wall 1h. Has been. Therefore, the downstream conveying blade 13b1 ″ sets the conveying member 13 so that the conveying ability on the downstream side is higher than that on the upstream side.

(実施例9の作用)
前記構成を備えた実施例9の清掃器CL1′では、搬送能力が大きな下流側搬送羽根13b1″により、搬送空間K2の下流側の回収トナーが速やかに搬送され、清掃器CL1′から排出される。
(Operation of Example 9)
In the cleaner CL1 ′ according to the ninth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the collected toner on the downstream side of the transport space K2 is quickly transported by the downstream transport blade 13b1 ″ having a large transport capability and is discharged from the cleaner CL1 ′. .

(変更例)
以上、本発明の実施例を詳述したが、本発明は、前記実施例に限定されるものではなく、特許請求の範囲に記載された本発明の要旨の範囲内で、種々の変更を行うことが可能である。本発明の変更例(H01)〜(H06)を下記に例示する。
(H01)前記実施例において、画像形成装置の一例としての複写機に限定されず、プリンタ、FAX等の画像形成装置にも適用可能である。また、単色、いわゆる、モノクロの画像形成装置に限定されず、多色、いわゆる、カラーの画像形成装置にも適用可能である。
(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H06) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a FAX. Further, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a single color, so-called monochrome image forming apparatus, and can be applied to a multicolor, so-called color image forming apparatus.

(H02)前記実施例において、清掃器として被清掃体が像保持体PR表面の清掃を行う清掃器を例示したが、これに限定されず、転写ロールTRの清掃器や帯電ロールCRの清掃器にも適用可能である。このほかにも、カラーの画像形成装置において、ベルト状やドラム状の中間転写体の清掃を行う清掃器にも適用可能である。
(H03)前記実施例において、内部通過領域の位置および大きさは、実施例に例示した構成に限定されず、設計や仕様等に応じて変更可能である。例えば、実施例1、3〜9において、堰き止め部材8,21に、実施例2の内部通過領域形成口を設けることも可能である。このとき、内部通過領域形成口の形状、個数、配置間隔、高さ等は、任意に設定可能である。例えば、形状は、四角状に限定されず、丸形や楕円形、三角形、五角形等の多角形等任意の形状とすることも可能である。他にも、高さや開口面積は高低、大小の2段階に限定されず、3段階以上の段階的あるいは連続的に変化するように構成することができる。
(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning device in which the object to be cleaned cleans the surface of the image carrier PR is exemplified as the cleaning device. However, the cleaning device is not limited to this, and the cleaning device for the transfer roll TR and the cleaning device for the charging roll CR. It is also applicable to. In addition, in a color image forming apparatus, the present invention can also be applied to a cleaner that cleans a belt-shaped or drum-shaped intermediate transfer member.
(H03) In the above embodiment, the position and size of the internal passage region are not limited to the configuration illustrated in the embodiment, and can be changed according to the design, specifications, and the like. For example, in Examples 1 and 3 to 9, the dam members 8 and 21 may be provided with the internal passage region forming port of Example 2. At this time, the shape, number, arrangement interval, height, and the like of the internal passage area forming port can be arbitrarily set. For example, the shape is not limited to a square shape, and may be an arbitrary shape such as a round shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, or a polygonal shape such as a pentagon. In addition, the height and the opening area are not limited to two levels of high, low, and large, and can be configured to change stepwise or continuously in three or more steps.

(H04)前記実施例において、搬送部材は、下流側の搬送力が高くなるように、回転軸の径や搬送羽根のピッチを調整する場合を例示したが、これに限定されず、他にも、上流側に搬送能力を有しない撹拌用の板状部材、いわゆる、パドルを設け、搬送速度を低下させることで、相対的に下流側の搬送能力を高める等の構成を採用することも可能である。また、各実施例の搬送部材の構成を組み合わせることも可能であり、さらに、回転軸の径やピッチの変化のさせ方は、実施例に例示した2段階に限定されず、3段階以上の段階的あるいは連続的に変化するように構成することも可能である。 (H04) In the above-described embodiment, the conveyance member is exemplified to adjust the diameter of the rotation shaft and the pitch of the conveyance blades so that the conveyance force on the downstream side is increased. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration such as providing a plate-like member for stirring that does not have a conveying capacity on the upstream side, a so-called paddle, and relatively increasing the conveying capacity on the downstream side by reducing the conveying speed. is there. Moreover, it is also possible to combine the structure of the conveyance member of each Example, Furthermore, the method of changing the diameter and pitch of a rotating shaft is not limited to 2 steps illustrated in the Example, but 3 steps or more steps It is also possible to configure it to change continuously or continuously.

(H05)前記実施例において、搬送部材として、回転軸と搬送羽根とを有するオーガを例示したが、これに限定されず、つるまきばね状の搬送部材、いわゆるアジテータを使用することも可能である。また、搬送羽根は螺旋状の搬送羽根に限定されず、半月板状の羽根を回転軸に傾斜して固定する構成等を採用することも可能である。
(H06)前記実施例において、多回収領域A1や少回収領域A2の幅や、最大シートSのサイズの幅A1a、変化基準位置との関係については、実施例に例示した関係に限定されず、設計や仕様等に応じて上流側あるいは下流側に移動させる等の変更が可能である。
(H05) In the above-described embodiment, the auger having the rotation shaft and the conveyance blade is illustrated as the conveyance member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a helical spring-shaped conveyance member, a so-called agitator can also be used. . Further, the conveying blade is not limited to the helical conveying blade, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the meniscus blade is inclined and fixed to the rotation axis.
(H06) In the above embodiment, the relationship between the width of the multiple recovery region A1 and the small recovery region A2, the width A1a of the maximum sheet S size, and the change reference position is not limited to the relationship illustrated in the embodiment. Changes such as moving to the upstream side or the downstream side can be made according to the design and specifications.

図1は本発明の実施例1の画像形成装置の全体説明図で断面図である。FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and is a sectional view. 図2は本発明の実施例1の清掃器部分の要部拡大図である。FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the cleaner part of the first embodiment of the present invention. 図3は実施例1の清掃器の擦り落とし部材が取り外された状態の斜視説明図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view showing a state in which the scrubbing member of the cleaning device of Example 1 is removed. 図4は図3に示す状態から漏出防止部材が取り外された状態の斜視説明図である。FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of a state in which the leakage preventing member is removed from the state shown in FIG. 図5は図3の要部断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 図6は実施例1の清掃器の前側部分の斜視説明図である。FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of a front portion of the cleaner according to the first embodiment. 図7は実施例1の清掃器の後側部分の斜視説明図である。FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory view of a rear portion of the cleaning device of the first embodiment. 図8は実施例1のクリーニングブレードと堰き止め部材と搬送部材との関係を説明する説明図である。FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship among the cleaning blade, the damming member, and the conveying member according to the first embodiment. 図9は作用説明図であり、図9Aは従来の清掃器における堰き止め部材の幅方向に対するトナー堰き止め空間と排出空間の総量の説明図、図9Bは図9AのIXB−IXB線断面図、図9Cは図9AのIXC−IXC線断面図、図9Dは端部が変形した状態の説明図である。FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the operation, FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of the total amount of the toner damming space and the discharge space with respect to the width direction of the damming member in the conventional cleaning device, and FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXC-IXC in FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9D is an explanatory view showing a state in which the end portion is deformed. 図10は実施例1の作用説明図である。FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. 図11は本発明の実施例2の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. 図12は本発明の実施例3の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. 図13は本発明の実施例4の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. 図14は本発明の実施例5の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. 図15は本発明の実施例6の像保持体PRおよび清掃器の要部説明図であり、実施例1の図2に対応する図である。FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the image carrier PR and the cleaner according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. 図16は実施例6の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例1の図8に対応する図である。FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device of the sixth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. 図17は本発明の実施例7の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例6の図16に対応する図である。FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of a cleaning device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention and corresponds to FIG. 16 according to the sixth embodiment. 図18は本発明の実施例8の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例6の図16に対応する図である。FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 16 of the sixth embodiment. 図19は本発明の実施例9の清掃器の説明図であり、実施例6の図16に対応する図である。FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaner according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 16 according to the sixth embodiment.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1…清掃容器、
1a…開口部、
7…クリーニングブレード、
8…堰き止め部材、
8b…被支持部、
13,13′…搬送部材、
13a,13a′…回転軸、
13b,13b′,13b″…搬送羽根、
CL1,CL1′…清掃器、
D…現像器、
P1,P1′…変化基準位置、
PR…像保持体,被清掃体、
R1,R1′,R2…内部通過領域、
Tn…付着物,現像剤、
TR…転写器、
U…画像形成装置、
Ya…搬送方向。
1 ... Cleaning container,
1a ... opening,
7 ... Cleaning blade,
8 ... Damping member,
8b: supported part,
13, 13 '... conveying member,
13a, 13a '... rotating shaft,
13b, 13b ', 13b "... conveying blades,
CL1, CL1 '... cleaner,
D ... Developer,
P1, P1 '... change reference position,
PR: Image carrier, object to be cleaned
R1, R1 ', R2 ... internal passage region,
Tn: deposits, developer,
TR ... Transfer,
U: Image forming apparatus,
Ya: transport direction.

Claims (5)

トナーを含む現像剤で形成された像を保持する像保持体の表面に接触して前記像保持体表面の現像剤を除去することで前記像保持体表面を清掃する清掃部材と、
前記清掃部材で前記保持体表面から除去した現像剤が収容される清掃容器と、
前記清掃容器内部に配置され且つ、前記現像容器に収容された現像剤を予め設定された所定の搬送方向に搬送する搬送部材と、
前記清掃部材と前記搬送部材との間に配置され、重力方向の下端部が前記清掃容器に支持されると共に、重力方向の上端部が、前記清掃容器との間で、除去された現像剤の通過量を規制する間隙を構成する弾性変形可能な部材であって、前記搬送方向の上流側および下流側の端縁が固定されておらず、且つ、前記間隙の高さが、前記搬送方向に対して、上流側および下流側に比べて、中央部が高く設定された前記弾性変形可能な部材と、
を備え、
前記搬送部材は、前記弾性変形可能な部材の搬送方向下流側端縁と対向する領域における搬送能力が、搬送方向中央部の搬送能力に比べて高く、且つ、弾性変形可能な部材の搬送方向上流側端縁と対向する領域における搬送能力が、搬送方向中央部の搬送能力に比べて高い、
とを特徴とする清掃器。
A cleaning member that cleans the surface of the image carrier by removing the developer on the surface of the image carrier by contacting the surface of the image carrier that holds an image formed with a developer containing toner;
A cleaning container for storing the developer removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning member;
A transport member disposed inside the cleaning container and transporting the developer contained in the developer container in a predetermined transport direction set in advance;
The lower end of the gravitational direction is disposed between the cleaning member and the conveying member and is supported by the cleaning container, and the upper end of the gravitational direction is removed between the cleaning container and the developer. An elastically deformable member that constitutes a gap that regulates the amount of passage, the upstream and downstream edges of the conveyance direction are not fixed , and the height of the gap is in the conveyance direction. On the other hand, compared with the upstream side and the downstream side, the elastically deformable member whose central portion is set high,
With
The conveying member has higher conveying ability in the region facing the downstream edge of the elastically deformable member in the conveying direction, and higher in the conveying direction upstream of the elastically deformable member. The conveyance capacity in the area facing the side edge is higher than the conveyance capacity at the center in the conveyance direction.
Cleaning device which is characterized a call.
前記搬送能力が変化する変化基準位置が、前記搬送方向に対して前記弾性変形可能な部材の両端よりも内側に設定された前記搬送部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の清掃器。
The transfer member in which the change reference position at which the transfer capability changes is set on the inner side than both ends of the elastically deformable member with respect to the transfer direction,
The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising:
前記搬送方向下流側の外径が前記搬送方向上流側の外径よりも小さい回転軸と、前記回転軸の外周に支持され且つ前記搬送方向の上流側から下流側に渡って外縁の軸中心からの高さが一定の搬送羽根とを有する前記搬送部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする請求項1または2に記載の清掃器。
A rotating shaft whose outer diameter on the downstream side in the conveying direction is smaller than the outer diameter on the upstream side in the conveying direction, and supported on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft and from the axial center of the outer edge from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction. The conveying member having a conveying blade having a constant height ,
The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising:
回転軸と、前記回転軸の外周に支持され且つ前記搬送方向下流側の搬送羽根の外径が前記搬送方向上流側の搬送羽根の外径よりも大きな前記搬送羽根と、を有する前記搬送部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする請求項1ないしのいずれかに記載の清掃器。
The transport member having a rotation shaft and the transport blade supported on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft and having an outer diameter of the transport blade on the downstream side in the transport direction larger than the outer diameter of the transport blade on the upstream side in the transport direction;
The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising:
表面に静電潜像が形成される被清掃体としての像保持体と、
前記像保持体表面の静電潜像を可視像に現像する現像器と、
前記像保持体表面の静電潜像を媒体に転写する転写器と、
転写後の前記像保持体表面に残留した付着物としての現像剤を清掃する請求項1ないしのいずれかに記載の清掃器と、
を備えたことを特徴とする画像形成装置。
An image carrier as a member to be cleaned on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
A developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the developer as an adhering matter remaining on the surface of the image carrier after transfer is cleaned.
An image forming apparatus comprising:
JP2007065884A 2007-03-14 2007-03-14 Cleaning device and image forming apparatus Active JP4992492B2 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0572952A (en) * 1991-09-18 1993-03-26 Fujitsu Ltd Discarded toner recovering device for printer
JP3695496B2 (en) * 1997-11-28 2005-09-14 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Photoconductor cleaner
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