Patent ID: 6317579
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A toner recovery device for an imaging apparatus for forming toner images on a circumferential surface of a photoconductive drum and laterally transferring by a transfer device disposed laterally of the photoconductive drum the toner images formed on the circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum superficially onto sheets conveyed vertically thereto, the toner recovery device for the imaging apparatus comprising:a cleaning unit positioned above the photoconductive drum for removing toner residue on the circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum after a toner image is transferred onto the face of a sheet by the transfer device;a recovered-toner conveying device for conveying toner removed by said cleaning unit from the circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum, said recovered-toner conveying device including a toner conveyance container having a hollow interior and arranged from a first junction with said cleaning unit to a second junction with a toner collector, and a spiral having a screw-shaped periphery, said spiral disposed to be rotary-drivable in said hollow interior of said toner conveyance container;a developing device positioned laterally of the photoconductive drum, for forming toner images on the circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum, and for storing toner conveyed by said recovered-toner conveying device; andsaid cleaning unit and said recovered-toner conveying device being joined in a position higher than said second junction between said toner collector and said recovered-toner conveying device, and said toner conveyance container having at least an inner circumferential bottom-surface junction with said cleaning unit to said second junction with said toner collector, said toner conveyance container being inclined at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees above horizontal.