Developer collection device and image forming apparatus

A developer collection device includes: a collection unit including: a collection container that contains a developer to be collected; an upstream connection part that is formed with an inlet port through which the developer flows in; and a collection conveying part that conveys the developer flown in through the inlet port toward the collection container; and a connection unit including: an upstream connection port that is connected to an upstream conveying path; a connection conveying part that conveys the developer flown in through the upstream connection port in a developer conveying direction; and a connection outlet port that is formed at a downstream end in the developer conveying direction, wherein the connection unit is configured to be movable between an extracted position and a retracted position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-080028 filed Mar. 27, 2009.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to developer collection device and an image forming apparatus.

2. Related Art

There is known a technique for an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type such as copying machines and printers in which a developer remaining on the surface of an image carrier at the time of image formation and a residue such as a discharge product and a paper powder are collected and conveyed.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a developer collection device including: a collection unit that is supported by a first frame; and a connection unit that is supported by a second frame that is detachable from the first frame. The collection unit includes: a collection container that contains a developer to be collected; an upstream connection part that is formed with an inlet port through which the developer flows in; and a collection conveying part that conveys the developer flown in through the inlet port toward the collection container. The connection unit includes: an upstream connection port that is connected to an upstream conveying path; a connection conveying part that conveys the developer flown in through the upstream connection port in a developer conveying direction; and a connection outlet port that is formed at a downstream end in the developer conveying direction. The connection unit is configured to be movable between an extracted position, at which the connection unit is extracted from the second frame to enter the first frame to connect the connection conveying part with the upstream connection part for connecting the connection outlet port with the inlet port, and a retracted position, at which the connection unit is retracted into the second frame to separate the connection conveying part from the upstream connection part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described below.

In order to improve the understanding of the following explanation, the back and forth direction is defined as an X-axis direction; the left and right direction is defined as a Y-axis direction; and the up and down direction is defined as a Z-axis direction, respectively in the drawings. Also, directions or sides shown by arrows X, −X, Y, −Y, Z and −Z are defined as a forward direction, a rearward direction, a rightward direction, a leftward direction, an upward direction and a downward direction, respectively, or a forward side, a rearward side, a right side, a left side, an upward side and a downward side, respectively.

Also, in the drawings, a symbol having a dot in a circle represents an arrow pointing from the rear to the front in the drawings; and a symbol having a cross in a circle represents an arrow pointing from the front to the rear in the drawings.

In the accompanying drawings, illustration of components other than those which should be explained is properly omitted.

FIG. 1is an explanatory view of an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus of an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, a copying machine U, which is shown as an example of the image forming apparatus, includes an user interface UI, a scanner unit U1, a sheet feeding unit U2, a main unit U3and a sheet processing unit U4. In the exemplary embodiment, the scanner unit U1, the sheet feeding unit U2, the main unit U3and the sheet processing unit U4are configured to be detachable from one another.

The user interface UI includes an input button UIa which is used for starting copying, setting up the number of copying sheets and the like. Also, the user interface UI includes a display unit UIb in which the details inputted by the input button UIa and the state of the copying machine U are displayed.

The scanner unit U1is configured to have an automatic original conveying device and an image scanning device. In the scanner unit U1, an original disposed therein is exposed to light, and a reflected light is received by a solid imaging element and converted into image information of red (R), green (G) and blue (B), which is then inputted into the main unit U3at a preset time, so-called timing.

The sheet feeding unit U2includes a plurality of sheet feeding trays TR1, TR2, TR3and TR4, which serves as an example of a sheet container. Also, the sheet feeding unit U2includes a sheet feeding path SH1in which a sheet S shown as an example of a sheet on which an image is formed, which is accommodated in each of the sheet feeding trays TR1to TR4, is taken out and conveyed into the main unit U3.

As shown inFIG. 1, the main unit U3is provided with an image forming section for performing image formation on the sheet S which is conveyed from the sheet feeding unit U2, a developer supplying device U3a, a sheet conveying path SH2, a sheet discharging path SH3, a sheet reversing path SH4, and a sheet circulating path SH6.

The main unit U3is also provided with a controller C, a laser drive circuit D as an example of a latent image forming device drive circuit, which is controlled by the controller C, and a power circuit E. The laser drive circuit D performs conversion into image information of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black) based on the image information of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) which has been inputted from the scanner unit U1and outputs drive signals corresponding thereto into latent image forming device of respective colors, ROSy, ROSm, ROSc and ROSk at a preset timing.

FIG. 2is an enlarged explanatory view of a visible image forming apparatus and an intermediate transfer member cleaner.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, photoconductor units UY, UM, UC and UK, which serves as an example of a bearing member unit, are disposed in lower parts of the latent image forming devices of respective colors, ROSy, ROSm, ROSc and ROSk.

The photoconductor unit UK of a K color includes a photoconductor drum Pk as an example of an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image or a toner image as an example of a visible image is formed, a charge roller CRk as an example of a charger and a photoconductor cleaner CLk as an example of an image carrier cleaner.

A developing device Gk as an example of a developer is disposed on the right side of the photoconductor unit UK. The developing device Gk is disposed opposite to the photoconductor drum Pk, include a developing roller ROk as an example of a developer bearing member which bears a developer on the surface thereof and rotates and develops a latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum Pk into a visible image.

With respect to other colors Y, M and C, there are similarly provided photoconductor units UY, UM and UC including photoconductor drums Py, Pm and Pc, charge rollers CRy, CRm and CRc and cleaners CLy, CLm and CLc, respectively and developing devices Gy, Gm and Gc including developing rollers ROy, ROm and ROc, respectively.

A visible image forming apparatus (UK+Gk) of a K color is configured by the photoconductor unit UK of a K color and the developing device Gk including the developing roller ROk. Similarly, visible image forming apparatus (UY+Gy), (UM+Gm) and (UC+Gc) of Y, M and C are configured of the photoconductor units UY, UM and UC of Y, M and C and the developing devices Gy, Gm and Gc including developing rollers ROy, ROm and ROc, respectively.

The photoconductor units UY, UM, UC and UK and the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc and Gy are each installed in a detachable manner relative to the main unit U3.

As shown inFIG. 1, the surfaces of the rotating photoconductor drums Py, Pm, Pc and Pk are uniformly charged by the charge rollers CRy, CRm, CRc and CRk, respectively, and thereafter, electrostatic latent images are formed on the surface of the rotating photoconductor drums Py, Pm, Pc and Pk, respectively by laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc and Lk as an example of latent image writing light, which are outputted by the image forming apparatus ROSy, ROSm, ROSc and ROSk. The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums Py, Pm, Pc and Pk are developed into toner images as an example of visible images of colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black), respectively by the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc and Gk.

In the developing devices Gy to Gk, developers consumed by the development are supplied from toner cartridges Ky, Km, Kc and Kk, respectively as an example of a developer accommodating container, which are installed in the developer supplying device U3ain a detachable manner. In the exemplary embodiment, a two-component developer containing a toner and a carrier is used as the developer, and so-called high-concentration developers in which a proportion of the toner is higher than the toner concentration of each of the developing devices Gy to Gk are supplied from the toner cartridges Ky, Km, Kc and Kk, respectively. Accordingly, in the developing devices Gy to Gk of the exemplary embodiment, the developers each containing the deteriorated carrier are discharged little by little from the developing devices Gy to Gk while supplying the high-concentration developers each containing a small amount of the carrier, thereby exchanging the carrier.

In the developing devices Gy to Gk, not only the developers containing a deteriorated carrier are discharged from deteriorated developer discharge ports G1yto G1kinto rear end parts of the developing devices Gy to Gk, but developers containing a fresh carrier are supplied from the toner cartridges Ky to Kk, whereby the developers within the developing devices Gy to Gk are each exchanged with a fresh developer little by little. The developers discharged from the deteriorated developer discharge ports G1yto G1kflow into deteriorated developer conveying paths G2yto G2kextending rearward and are conveyed rearward, respectively from deteriorated developer conveying components G3yto G3kdisposed within the deteriorated developer conveying paths G2yto G2k.

The toner images on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums Py, Pm, Pc and Pk are successively overlapped and transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt B as an examples of an intermediate transfer member by primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1cand T1kas an example of a primary transfer unit, whereby a multicolored image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B. A color toner image as an example of a multicolored visible image which has been formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is conveyed into a secondary transfer region Q4.

In case of only image information of a K color, only the photoconductor drum Pk of a K color and the developing device Gk are used, and only the toner image of a K color is formed.

After the primary transfer, the residual developer and a residue such as a discharge product, which are deposited on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums Py, Pm, Pc and Pk, are removed by the cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc and CLk.

A belt module BM as an example of an intermediate transfer device is supported in a lower part of each of the visible image forming apparatus (UY+Gy), (UM+Gm), (UC+Gc) and (UK+Gk).

The belt module BM includes the intermediate transfer belt B. The intermediate transfer belt B is supported to be rotatable in an arrow Ya direction by a belt supporting roller (Rd+Rt+Rw+Rf+T2a) as an example of an intermediate transfer component supporting component, which is configured by a drive roller Rd as an example of an intermediate transfer member drive component, a tension roller Rt as an example of a tension generating component, a working roller Rw as an example of a meandering preventing component, plural idle rollers Rf as an example of a driven component and a backup roller T2aas an example of a secondary transfer opposing component.

The belt module BM of the exemplary embodiment is configured by the intermediate transfer belt B, the belt supporting roller (Rd+Rt+Rw+Rf+T2a) and the primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1cand T1k.

A secondary transfer unit Ut is disposed in a lower part of the backup roller T2a. The secondary transfer unit Ut includes a secondary transfer roller T2bas an example of a secondary transfer component. The secondary transfer roller T2bis disposed across the intermediate transfer belt B such that it may be isolated from and brought into press contact with the backup roller T2a, and the secondary transfer region Q4is provided by a region where the secondary transfer roller T2bis brought into press contact with the intermediate transfer belt B. Also, the backup roller T2ais brought into contact with a contact roller T2cas an example of a contact electric supply component. A secondary transfer voltage with the same polarity as a charge polarity of the toner is applied to the contact roller T2cfrom the power circuit E which is controlled by the controller C at a preset timing.

A secondary transfer unit T2is configured by the backup rollers T2a, the secondary transfer roller T2band the contact roller T2c.

Also, a transfer device (BM+T2) of the exemplary embodiment is configured by the belt module BM and the secondary transfer unit T2.

The sheet conveying path SH2is disposed in a lower part of the belt module BM. The sheet S fed from the sheet feeding path SH1of the sheet feeding unit U2is conveyed into a registration roller Rr as an example of a timing regulating component of the sheet conveying path SH2by a sheet conveying roller Ra as an example of a sheet conveying component. The registration roller Rr conveys the sheet S into a downstream side in conformity with a timing at which a color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is conveyed into the secondary transfer region Q4, and the sheet S is conveyed into the secondary transfer region Q4upon being guided by a register guide SGr and a pre-transfer guide SG1.

The color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred onto the sheet S by the secondary transfer unit T2during passing through the secondary transfer region Q4. In case of a multicolored image, the toner images which have been overlapped on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B and subjected to primary transfer are collectively subjected to secondary transfer onto the sheet S.

The intermediate transfer belt B after the secondary transfer is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLB as an example of the clear for intermediate transfer member, which is provided in a lower part of the right side of the intermediate transfer belt B. The developer remaining on the intermediate transfer belt B without being transferred at the time of secondary transfer and a residue such as a paper powder are removed from the intermediate transfer belt B by the belt cleaner CLB. As shown inFIG. 2, the residue which has been removed from the intermediate transfer belt B flows into a belt cleaner residue conveying path CLB1extending rearward, which is provided in a bottom part within the belt cleaner CLB and is conveyed into the rear side of the main unit U3by a belt cleaner residue conveying component CLB2which is disposed within the belt cleaner residue conveying path CLB1. The secondary transfer roller T2band the belt cleaner CLB are disposed such that they are freely isolated from and brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt B.

The sheet S onto which a toner image has been subjected to secondary transfer passes through a post-transfer guide SG2as an example of a guide component and a sheet conveying belt BH as an example of a conveying component and is conveyed into a fixing device F. The fixing device F includes a heating roller Fh as an example of a heat fixing component and a pressure roller Fp as an example of a pressure fixing component, and the sheet S is conveyed into a fixing region Q5as a region where the heat roller Fh and the pressure roller Fp are brought into press contact with each other. The toner image on the sheet S is heat fixed by the fixing device F during passing through the fixing region Q5. A switching gate GT1as an example of a switching component is provided on a downstream side of the fixing device F. The switching gate GT1switches the sheet S which has been conveyed in the sheet conveying path SH2and heat fixed in the fixing region Q5to the side of either the sheet discharging path SH3or the sheet reversing path SH4of the sheet processing unit U4selectively depending upon setting.

The sheet S which has been conveyed into the sheet discharging path SH3is conveyed into a sheet conveying path SH5of the sheet processing unit U4and after a warp of the sheet S, a so-called curl, has been corrected by a curl correcting member U4aas an example of a warp correcting member, which is disposed in the sheet conveying path SH5, is discharged from a discharge roller Rh as an example of a sheet discharge component into a discharge tray TH1as an example of a sheet disparage part of the sheet processing unit U4in a state where the image recording face of the paper faces upward, a so-called face-up state.

The sheet S which has been conveyed into the side of the sheet reversing path SH4of the main unit U3by the switching gate GT1passes through a mylar gate GT2as an example of a flexible switching member and is conveyed into the sheet reversing path SH4of the main unit U3.

At that time, when the sheet S is discharged in a state where the image fixing face faces downward, immediately after a rear end of the sheet S has passed through the mylar gate GT2, the sheet S is reversed. On that occasion, the mylar gate GT2makes the sheet S which has been conveyed into the sheet reversing path SH4pass therethrough once as it is, and when the passed sheet S has been reversed, conveys it into the sides of the sheet conveying paths SH3and SH5. The sheet S is then discharged into the discharge tray TH1in a state where the image fixing face faces downward, a so-called face-down state.

The sheet circulating path SH6is connected on the way of the sheet reversing path SH4of the main unit U3, and a mylar gate GT3is disposed in its connection part. A downstream end of the sheet reversing path SH4of the main unit U3is connected to a sheet reversing path SH7of the sheet processing unit U4.

The sheet S which has passed through the switching gate GT1and been conveyed into the sheet conveying path SH4is conveyed into the side of the sheet reversing path SH7of the sheet processing unit U4by the mylar gate GT3. The mylar gate GT3makes the sheet S which has been conveyed into the sheet reversing path SH4pass therethrough once as it is, and when the passed sheet S has been reversed, conveys it into the side of the sheet circulating path SH6. The sheet S which has been conveyed into the sheet circulating path SH6passes through the sheet feeding path SH1and is again sent to the transfer region Q4, subjected to duplex printing, conveyed into the sheet processing unit U4and then discharged into the discharge tray TH1.

A sheet conveying path SH is configured by the elements represented by the symbols SH1to SH7. A paper conveying device SU is configured by the elements represented by the symbols SH, Ra, Rr, Rh, SGr, SG1, SG2, BH and GT1to GT3.

FIG. 3is an explanatory view of a part of a developer conveying device.

A waste developer conveying device UH, which serves as an example of a developer conveying device, is supported in a rear part of the main unit U3.

The waste developer conveying device UH includes five developer dropping units UH11, UH12, UH13, UH14and UH16, which extend in the up and down direction. The first developer dropping unit UH11which is disposed on the most left side, namely the most −Y side (the most right side in the expression of FIG.3) is connected with a residue conveying path CLk1extending from the cleaner CLk. The second developer dropping unit UH12disposed on the right side of the first developer dropping unit UH11is connected with a residue conveying path CLc1extending from the cleaner CLc of a C color and the deteriorated developer conveying path G2kextending from the developing device Gk of a K color.

The third developer dropping unit UH13disposed on the right side of the second developer dropping unit UH12is connected with a residue conveying path CLm1extending from the cleaner CLm of an M color and the deteriorated developer conveying path G2cextending from the developing device Gc of a C color. The fourth developer dropping unit UH14disposed on the right side of the third developer dropping unit UH13is connected with a residue conveying path CLy1extending from the cleaner CLy of a Y color and the deteriorated developer conveying path G2mextending from the developing device Gm of an M color. The fifth developer dropping unit UH16disposed on the right side of the fourth developer dropping unit UH14is connected with the deteriorated developer conveying path G2yextending from the developing device Gy of a Y color. Furthermore, the belt cleaner residue conveying path CLB1extending from the belt cleaner CLB is connected to the left side of the fifth developer dropping unit UH16.

Lower ends of the developer dropping units UH11to UH16are connected to each other via a merging conveying path UH2extending in the horizontal direction. The merging conveying path UH2of the exemplary embodiment is connected in a state where the lower ends of the developer dropping units UH11to UH16penetrate therethrough in the left and right direction, and a merging conveying auger UH2cas an example of the conveying component extending in the left and right direction is accommodated in the inside of the merging conveying path UH2. Driving power is transmitted from a merging conveying motor UH2d, which serves as an example of a drive source, to a left end of the merging conveying auger UH2c, and the waste developer within the merging conveying path UH2is conveyed from the left to the right.

An upper end of a dropping conveying path UH3, which serves as an example of the path extending in the up and down direction, is connected in a right end of the merging conveying path UH2, and the waste developer which has been conveyed to the right end of the merging conveying path UH2flows into the dropping conveying path UH3and drops and is then conveyed. A crosslinking preventing member UH3cwhich extends in the up and down direction and breaks the deposited waste developer on the inner wall surface of the dropping conveying path UH3upon being reciprocated in the up and down direction is accommodated in the inside of the dropping conveying path UH3of the exemplary embodiment. The crosslinking preventing member UH3cof the exemplary embodiment is configured by a coil spring in which a wire is formed in a spiral form. A crosslinking preventing motor unit UH3dfor reciprocating the crosslinking preventing member UH3cin the up and down direction is supported on the upper right side of the dropping conveying path UH3.

(Explanation of Developer Collection Device)

FIG. 4is an explanatory view of a part of a developer collection device of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5is a plan view of a developer collection device of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6is an oblique view of the developer collection device of the exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7Fare explanatory views of a connection unit of the exemplary embodiment, wherein:FIG. 7Ais a plan view;FIG. 7Bis a side view;FIG. 7Cis an oblique view;FIG. 7Dis a plan view in a state where a lid is removed fromFIG. 7A;FIG. 7Eis an enlarged view of a right end part of a pipe cover in a state where a connection pipe is removed inFIG. 7D; andFIG. 7Fis a view seen from an arrow VIIF direction ofFIG. 7E.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 6, a waste toner collection device UH4, which serves as an example of a developer collection device, is supported in a lower end of the dropping conveying path UH3. A pipe cover1, which serves as an example of a movable supporting member extending in the left and right direction, is supported in the waste toner collection device UH4. As shown inFIGS. 7Ato7F, the pipe cover1includes a cover base2as an example of a supporting part main body and a cover lid3as an example of a lid component. The cover base2includes a plate-shaped base part2aextending in the left and right direction and a fixed part2bextending upward from a front end of the base part2a. Accordingly, the cover base2of the exemplary embodiment is fixed and supported in a rear frame U3bof the main unit U3as an example of a second frame by the fixed part2b.

As shown inFIGS. 7D and 7F, a semicylindrical pipe guide groove2cas an example of a connection supporting part, which extends in the left and right direction, is provided in the base part2a. As shown inFIG. 7E, a pipe seal4, which serves as an example of a leak preventing component for preventing a leak of the developer, is adhered to a right end part of the pipe guide groove2c. As shown inFIG. 7E, a guide concave groove2d, which serves as an example of a protrusion guiding part, which extends in the left and right direction, is provided in the bottom of the pipe guide groove2c.

As shown inFIGS. 7A to 7F, a sensor holder5as an example of a detection supporting part, which extends upward, is fixed and supported on a rear face of the center of the base part2ain the left and right direction, and a photo sensor6as an example of a detection component is supported in the sensor holder5.

As shown inFIG. 7D, plate guide faces7and8as an example of a guide face, which are provided before and after the pipe guide groove2cand which extend in the left and right direction, are provided in the left relative to the sensor holder5.

As shown inFIGS. 7A to 7F, a cover port11as an example of an opening, to which is connected a lower end of the dropping conveying path UH3, is provided in the center of the cover lid3in the left and right direction.

A first screw receiving part12as an example of an extracted position fixing part, which protrudes rearward, is provided in the left of the cover port11, and a second screw receiving part13as an example of a retracted position fixing part, which protrudes rearward, is provided in a left end part of the cover lid3. Position fixing screws14and15as an example a position fixing component are screwed in the screw receiving parts12and13, respectively. As shown inFIG. 7B, the position fixing screws14and15are disposed at a position of the same height.

A plate-shaped installing part16extending in the left and right direction is provided in a portion other than the regions corresponding to the plate guide faces7and8in both of the front and rear terminal edges of the cover lid3, and the cover lid3is fixed and supported in the cover base2by the screw17in the stalling part16.

As shown inFIG. 7F, a semicylindrical pipe guide groove3acorresponding to the pipe guide groove2cis provided on the lower face of the cover lid3. Thus, a non-illustrated cylindrical pipe accommodating part (2c+3a) extending in the left and right direction is provided by the cover base2and the pipe cover grooves2cand3aof the cover lid3in the inside of the pipe cover1.

FIGS. 8A-8Eare explanatory views of the connection unit of the exemplary embodiment, wherein:FIG. 8Ais a plan view;FIG. 8Bis a view seen from an arrow VIIIB direction ofFIG. 8A;FIG. 8Cis a sectional view of a VIIIC-VIIIC line ofFIG. 8B;FIG. 8Dis an oblique view; andFIG. 8Eis a view seen from an arrow VIIIE direction ofFIG. 8D.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 8E, a connection pipe21as an example of a connection unit is supported to be movable in the left and right direction in the pipe accommodating part (2c+3a) in the inside of the pipe cover1. As shown inFIGS. 8A to 8E, the connection pipe21includes a cylindrical pipe main body22as an example of a connection conveying part, which extends in the left and right direction. As shown inFIG. 8C, a connection path22ais provided in the inside of the pipe main body22.

As shown inFIGS. 8A and 8D, a pipe inlet port23as an example of an upstream connection port, which is opened in an upper face and which makes a developer flow into the connection path22a, is provided in a left end of the pipe main body22. As shown inFIGS. 8C and 8E, a pipe outlet port24as an example of a connection outlet port, which is opened in a lower face and through which a developer flows out from the connection path22a, is provided in a right end of the pipe main body22.

As shown inFIG. 8E, a convex part26extending in the left and right direction is provided in a lower face of the left of the pipe main body22and configured such that it may be guided in the left and right direction in a fitted state in the guide concave groove2d.

As shown inFIGS. 7A to 7Fand8A to8E, plate-shaped front guide plate27and rear guide plate28as an example of a part to be guided, each of which protrudes in the back and forth direction, are provided in a left end of the pipe main body22and configured such that they may be guided in the left and right direction along the plate guide faces7and8. The front guide plate27and rear guide plate28are exposed to the outside from the pipe accommodating part (2c+3a) through a space between the cover base2provided along the plate guide faces7and8and the cover lid3.

A rear end wall29extending upward is provided in a rear end part of the rear guide plate28. A plate to be detected31as an example of a detected part, which when the connection pipe21moves to the extracted position shown inFIGS. 4 to 6, enters a position of the photo sensor6and is detected, is integrally provided in a right end of the rear end wall29.

A knob part32as an example of an user interface, which protrudes rearward such that a worker may pinch and operate it, is provided in the left of the read end wall29.

Furthermore, a left-and-right pair of notch-shaped retracted position fixing slit33and extracted position fixing slit34as an example of a position fixing part, each of which extends from the outside to the inside, is provided on the left-and-right both sides of the knob part32in the rear end wall29. As shown inFIG. 7B, the respective slits33and34are provided corresponding to the positions of the position fixing screws14and15. Accordingly, in a state where the connection pipe21moves to the retracted position shown inFIG. 7B, the retracted position fixing slit33is in a state where it is fitted in the left-side position fixing screw15, and when the position fixing screw15is fastened, the connection pipe21is in a state where it may be fixed at the retracted position. Also, in a state where the connection pipe21moves from the retracted position shown inFIG. 7Bto the right to arrive at the extracted position shown inFIGS. 4 and 6, the extracted position fixing slit34is in a state where it is fitted in the right-side position fixing screw14, and when the position fixing screw14is fastened, the connection pipe21is in a state where it may be fixed at the extracted position.

In the exemplary embodiment, in the extracted position, the pipe inlet port23and the cover port11are connected, whereby the developer from the dropping conveying path UH3may flow into the connection path22a; and at the retracted position, the pipe inlet port23and the cover port11are deviated from each other, whereby the developer may not flow thereinto.

As shown inFIGS. 8A,8C and8D, a relay auger36as an example of a connection conveying member is supported in a rotatable manner within the connection path22ain the inside of the pipe main body22. The relay auger36includes a rotation axis36aextending in the left and right direction. A helical conveying blade36bwhich is supported on the outer periphery corresponding to a region of the pipe outlet port24from a left end of the connection path22ais provided on the rotation axis36a, and as shown inFIG. 8C, a helical reverse conveying blade36cwhich is wound in a reverse direction to the conveying blade36bis provided in a portion of the right side relative to the pipe outlet port24.

As shown inFIGS. 8A to 8E, a right end part of the rotation axis36apenetrates through the right end of the pipe main body22and protrudes outward, and a coupler37having plural tabs37aas an example of a transmitted member is supported in the protruded right end.

As shown inFIG. 3, a collection unit41, which serves as an example of a collection unit, is disposed in the right of the pipe cover1. As shown inFIGS. 3 to 6, the collection unit41includes a plate-shaped collection unit base42as an example of a unit base part, which extends in the left and right direction. A fixed part42aextending downward is provided in a front end of the collection unit base42, and the collection unit41is supported in a frame U4bof the sheet processing unit U4as an example of a first frame by the fixed part42a. A left-and-right pair of motor unit supporting parts42band42cas an example of a drive system supporting part, each of which extends upward, is provided in a rear end of the collection unit base42.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 6, box installing parts46and47as an example of a container installing part are provided on the lower face of the collection unit base42. As shown inFIG. 4, an opening48through which the developer may pass and which penetrates in the up and down direction is provided corresponding to the box installing parts46and47, respectively.

FIGS. 9A-9Eare explanatory views of a linking component of the exemplary embodiment, wherein:FIG. 9Ais an oblique view;

FIG. 9Bis a side view;FIG. 9Cis a view seen from an arrow IXC direction ofFIG. 9B;FIG. 9Dis a view seen from an arrow IXD direction ofFIG. 9B; andFIG. 9Eis a sectional view of a IXE-IXE line ofFIG. 9C.

As shown inFIGS. 4 to 6, a bottle joint51as an example of a linking component is supported in the collection unit base42. As shown inFIGS. 9A to 9E, the bottle joint51is configured such that a right joint51aas an example of a right-side linking component and a left joint51bas an example of a left-side linking component are screwed.

The bottle joint51includes a cylindrical collection conveying pipe52as an example of a collection conveying part, which extends in the left and right direction. As shown inFIG. 9E, a collection conveying path52aextending in the left and right direction is provided in the inside of the collection conveying pipe52. A first collection port52bwhich is opened downward is provided in a left end part of the collection conveying path52a, and a second collection port52cwhich is opened downward is provided in a right end part of the collection conveying path52a. Also, an inlet port52dwhich is opened upward is provided in the left of the collection conveying path52a.

A first bottle dropping part53as an example of a first container connection part, which extends downward from a position corresponding to the first collection port52b, is integrally provided in a left end part of the collection conveying pipe52. A first bottle dropping path53aas an example of a first container connection path, which extends in the up and down direction, is provided in the inside of the first bottle dropping part53; and an upper end of the first bottle dropping path53ais connected to the first collection port52b, with a lower end thereof being connected to the left-side opening48.

As shown inFIGS. 9A to 9E, a fixed part54extending to the right is integrally provided in the first bottle dropping part53, and the bottle joint51is fixed and supported on a supporting plate43at the fixed part54.

A second bottle dropping part56as an example of a second container connection part, which extends downward from a position corresponding to the second collection port52c, is integrally provided in a right end part of the collection conveying pipe52. A second bottle dropping path56aas an example of a second container connection path, which extends in the up and down direction, is provided in the inside of the second bottle dropping part56; and an upper end of the second bottle dropping path56ais connected to the second collection port52c, with a lower end thereof being connected to the right-side opening48.

A cylindrical linking pipe58as an example of an upstream connection part, which extends in the left and right direction in parallel to the collection conveying pipe52, is integrally provided in the left of the collection conveying pipe52. A pipe penetration part59as an example of a linking supporting part, which the connection pipe21may penetrate therethrough in the left and right direction and be linked therewith, is provided in the inside of the linking pipe58, and the pipe penetration part59is connected to the inlet port52d. A pipe guide face59aas an example of a guide face, which is formed such that an inside diameter thereof increases toward the left, is provided in the left of the inner periphery of the pipe penetration part59of the exemplary embodiment, and the connection pipe21to be inserted is guided thereinto. As shown inFIGS. 4 to 6, the configuration is made such that in a state where the connection pipe21moves to the extracted position, the connection pipe21is linked in a state where it penetrates through the pipe penetration part59, and the pipe outlet port24of the connection pipe21is connected to the inlet port52d, whereby the developer from the connection pipe21may flow into the collection conveying path52a.

As shown inFIG. 9E, a collection auger61as an example of a collection conveying component, which extends in the left and right direction, is supported to be rotatable in the collection conveying path52ain the inside of the collection conveying pipe52. The collection auger61includes a rotation axis61aextending in the left and right direction. A helical principal conveying blade61bis supported in a region between the first collection port52band the second collection port52con the outer periphery of the rotation axis61a; a first helical reverse blade61cwhich is wound in a reverse direction to the principal conveying blade61bis supported in the left side relative to the first collection port52b; and a second helical reverse blade61dwhich is wound in a reverse direction to the principal conveying blade61bis supported in the right side relative to the second collection port52c.

A right end of the rotation axis61apenetrates through the collection conveying pipe52and extends outward, and a gear to be driven62as an example of a component to be driven is supported in an outer end of the rotation axis61a. A semicylindrical gear cover63as an example of a protective component, which covers a front side of the gear to be driven62, is integrally provided in a right end of the collection pipe52.

As shown inFIGS. 4 to 6, a collection motor unit66as an example of a collection drive unit is supported in the right-side motor unit supporting part42b. The collection motor unit66includes a supporting part67including a plate-shaped fixed part67aextending in the left and right direction and a plate-shaped toothed wheel supporting part67bextending forward from a left end of the fixed part67a. Accordingly, the collection motor unit66is fixed and supported in the right-side motor unit supporting part42bin the fixed part67a. A collection motor68as an example of a collection drive source is fixed and supported on the right face of the toothed wheel supporting part67b. A drive axis68aof the collection motor68penetrates through the toothed wheel supporting part67band protrudes to the left, and a drive gear69as an example of a drive toothed wheel is supported in a left end of the drive axis68a.

A first intermediate gear71as an example of an intermediate toothed wheel, which gears with the drive gear69, and a second intermediate gear72which is coaxially disposed with the first intermediate gear71and which gears with the gear to be driven62are supported in a rotatable manner on the front side of the drive gear69.

Accordingly, the collection auger61which rotates integrally with the gear to be driven62via the respectively gears69to72is rotated by drive of the collection motor68. The collection motor68of the exemplary embodiment is configured in a reciprocally rotatable manner, and when the collection motor68is positively driven, the developer within the collection conveying path52ais conveyed toward the first collection port52b, whereas when the collection motor68is reversely driven, the developer within the collection conveying path52ais conveyed toward the second collection port52c.

As shown inFIGS. 4 to 6, a connection motor unit76, which serves as an example of a connection drive unit, is supported in the left-side motor unit supporting part42c. The connection motor unit76includes a supporting plate77including a plate-shaped fixed part77aextending in the left and right direction and a plate-shaped toothed wheel supporting part77bextending forward from a right end of the fixed part77a. Accordingly, the connection motor unit76is fixed and supported in the left-side motor unit supporting part42cin the fixed part77a.

The toothed wheel supporting part77bextends forward across the collection conveying pipe52, and a connection motor78as an example of a connection actuator is fixed and supported on the right face of the toothed wheel supporting part77b. A drive axis78aof the connection motor78penetrates through the toothed wheel supporting part77band protrudes to the left, and a drive gear79as an example of a drive toothed wheel is supported in a left end of the drive axis78a.

FIG. 10is an explanatory view of a relevant part in a state where a connection pipe of the exemplary embodiment has moved to a retracted position.

FIG. 11is an explanatory view of a relevant part in a state where a connection pipe of the exemplary embodiment has moved to an extracted position.

A first connection gear81as an example of an intermediate toothed wheel, which gears with the drive gear79, and a second connection gear82which is coaxially disposed with the first connection gear81are supported in a rotatable manner on the front side of the drive gear79. A third connection gear83which gears with the second connection gear82is supported in a rotatable manner on a more forward side of the second connection gear82. A coupler84as an example of a transmitting member, which is corresponding to the coupler37of the connection pipe21, is supported in a movable manner in the axis direction and in a mutually rotatable manner with the third connection gear83in a left end of a rotation axis83aof the third connection gear83. As shown inFIG. 10, a concave84ain which the tab37aof the coupler37of the connection pipe21fits is provided on the left face of the coupler84.

A coil spring86as an example of an elastic component, which energizes the coupler84, is installed between the coupler84and the third connection gear83.

In the case where the connection pipe21moves to the extracted position shown inFIGS. 4 to 6and11, when the connection motor78is driven in a state where the coupler37of the connection pipe21gears with the coupler84of the connection motor unit76, the respective gears79to83rotate, and the relay auger36in the connection pipe21rotates via the couplers37and84. By drive of the relay auger36, the developer within the connection path22ais conveyed from the pipe inlet port23toward the pipe outlet port24.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, collection boxes91and92as an example of a collection container are supported in a detachable manner in the box installing parts46and47. The collection boxes91and92have the same configuration and are provided with collection compartments91aand92afor accommodating the developer therein and box ports91band92b, an upper end of each of which is connected to the opening48, respectively.

In the copying machine U of the exemplary embodiment having the configuration as described above, the developers discharged from the respective developing devices Gy to Gk at the time of forming an image, the developers collected by the respective cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, CLk and CLB, the discharge product and the like are conveyed into the waste toner collection device UH4through the developer dropping units UH11to UH16, the merging conveying path UH2and the dropping conveying path UH3. The developer which has been conveyed into the waste toner collection device UH4flows into the connection pipe21and is conveyed toward the pipe outlet port24by the relay auger36rotating by drive of the connection motor78.

The developer which has been conveyed into the pipe outlet port24flows out from the pipe outlet port24and flows into the collection conveying path52athrough the inlet port52d. The developer within the collection conveying path52ais conveyed into the first collection port52bor the second collection port52cby the collection auger61rotating depending upon the drive of the positive rotation or reverse rotation of the collection motor68and collected by the first collection box91or the second collection box92. That is, the collection motor68rotates in a manner of either one of positive rotation or reverse rotation until either one of the collection box91or92has been filled; and when either one of the collection box91or92is filled, the collection motor68is switched to the other rotation of either one of positive rotation or reverse rotation, and the developer is collected in the other collection box91or92.

Here, in the copying machine U of the exemplary embodiment, in case of installing the copying machine U or changing the installation site, the respective devices of the scanner unit U1, the sheet feeding unit U2, the main unit U3and the sheet processing unit U4should be detached from one another to be separately moved to improve workability in view of the weight and size as compared with the works of moving the whole at once. At that time, in the copying machine U of the exemplary embodiment, the connection pipe21is disposed across the main unit U3and the sheet processing unit U4, and the connection pipe21enters the side of the paper process device4.

Here, as in a conventional image forming apparatus, in the case where the connection pipe21is non-stretchable between the extracted position and the retracted position as in the exemplary embodiment, the sheet processing unit U4may be taken out by drawing out it to the right relative to the main unit U3. At that time, however, the connection pipe21is in a state where it protrudes to the right from the right end of the main unit U3. When the works such as conveyance are carried out in this state, there is a concern that the developer leaks from the pipe outlet port24of the connection pipe21. Also, the connection pipe21protrudes so that there is a concern that the connection pipe21is broken due to contact or the like at the time of conveying the main unit U3. Also, in installing the main unit U3and the sheet processing unit U4, it is necessary to install them while registering the position of the protruded connection pipe21. Thus, not only the works are complicated, but there is a concern that the connection pipe21is broken during the registration.

On the other hand, in the waste toner collection device UH4of the exemplary embodiment, in case of separating the sheet processing unit U4and the main unit U3from each other, by loosening the position fixing screw14and operating the knob part32to move the connection pipe21from the extracted position to the retracted position, the pipe outlet port24and the inlet port of the bottle joint51are separated from each other, and the connection pipe21is accommodated in the main unit U3. Accordingly, the connection pipe21spreading over the main unit U3and the sheet processing unit U4is accommodated in the main unit U3and separated from the bottle joint51supported in the paper process device U4. Accordingly, in the waste toner collection device UH4in which the connection pipe21is accommodated in the main unit U3, breakage of the connection pipe21at the time of conveying the main unit U3is reduced.

In particular, in the connection pipe21of the exemplary embodiment, the right end coupler37is accommodated in the pipe cover1, and the connection pipe21is accommodated in a state where no protruded portion is present. Thus, breakage of the coupler37or the like is reduced.

Also, in a state where the knob part32is operated and moved to the retracted position, when the position fixing screw15is fastened, the connection pipe21is held at the retracted position by the position fixing screw15. Accordingly, even when the main unit U3is, for example, inclined during the conveyance, the connection pipe21does not protrude upon movement, and breakage of the connection pipe21or the coupler37is prevented from occurring.

Furthermore, the pipe inlet port23of the connection pipe21and the cover port11are deviated from each other at the retracted position, and the developer is in a state where it is not able to flow into the connection path22a. Accordingly, leak caused due to flowing in of the developer from the dropping conveying path UH3or the like is reduced. Also, as shown inFIG. 7D, the pipe outlet port24is plugged by the pipe seal4, thereby preventing leak of the developer from the pipe outlet port24from occurring. Thus, flowing out of the developer from the connection pipe21is reduced.

Also, when connecting the main unit U3and the sheet processing unit U4to each other, by loosening the position fixing screw15and operating the knob part32to move it toward the extracted position from the retracted position, the connection pipe21enters the sheet processing unit U4and penetrates through the pipe penetration part59. At that time, in the case where the position of the main unit U3is deviated from that of the sheet processing unit U4, the connection pipe21does not penetrate through the pipe penetration part59or interferes so that a worker recognizes it with ease.

In the exemplary embodiment, the pipe guide face59ain which an inside diameter thereof increases toward the left is provided, and in inserting the connection pipe21into the pipe penetration part59, so far as the deviation is minute, the connection pipe21is guided into the pipe penetration part59upon being guided by the pipe guide face59a. Thus, works for inserting the connection pipe21into the pipe penetration part59may be executed smoothly and easily.

The movement of the connection pipe21to the extracted position completes when the coupler37of the connection pipe21gears with the coupler84of the connection motor unit76. In this state, the extracted position fixing slit34fits in the right-side position fixing screw14. Thus, when the position fixing screw14is fastened, the connection pipe21is held at the extracted position. Thus, the pipe inlet port23of the connection pipe21is connected to the cover port11, and the pipe outlet port24is connected to the inlet port52dof the bottle joint51, thereby making it possible to recover the developer in the collection bottle91or92.

Also, in the connection state, the plate to be detected31which moves integrally with the connection pipe21enters the position of the photo sensor6. Accordingly, in the case where a worker forgets to move the connection pipe21from the retracted position to the extracted position, or the movement of the connection pipe21is accommodated before it moves to the extracted position, it is detected by the photo sensor6that the connection pipe21does not move to the extracted position. Accordingly, an erroneous use of the copying machine U in a state where the connection pipe21is not installed in the bottle joint51is reduced.

Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment takes a configuration in which the connection motor unit76is provided in the sheet processing unit U4but not the main unit U3into which the connection pipe21is accommodated, and the connection motor unit76does not move jointly with the connection pipe21. Accordingly, the weight which is moved in moving the connection pipe21is reduced, thereby making the works easy.

While the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiment, it should not be construed that the invention is limited to the aforementioned the exemplary embodiment. Various modifications can be made therein within the claimed scope of the present invention. Examples of modifications (H06) to (H06) of the exemplary embodiment are described below.

(H01) In the aforementioned the exemplary embodiment, though the copying machine as an example of the image forming apparatus is exemplified, it should not be construed that the invention is limited thereto. The image forming apparatus may be configured of, for example, a printer, a facsimile machine or a complex machine having the plural or all of these functions.

(H02) In the aforementioned the exemplary embodiment, the copying machine U is not limited to the configuration using toners of four colors but may also be applied to image forming apparatus of five colors or more, or image forming apparatus of not more than three colors or a single color.

(H03) In the aforementioned the exemplary embodiment, though it is desirable to provide the photo sensor6and the plate to be detected31, these components may be omitted. Also, detection components other than the photo sensor6, such as conventional known arbitrary sensors, for example, a contact type sensor and a magnetic sensor, may also be used.

(H04) In the aforementioned the exemplary embodiment, though the connection motor unit76is provided in the sheet processing unit U4, it should not be construed that the invention is limited to this configuration. The connection motor unit76may be provided in the main unit U3.

(H05) In the aforementioned the exemplary embodiment, though a configuration in which the scanner unit U1, the sheet feeding unit U2, the main unit U3and the sheet processing unit U4are separable from each other is exemplified as the image forming apparatus, it should not be construed that the invention is limited to this configuration. A configuration in which other devices which may be installed and separated are present may be employed; and reversely, an arbitrary configuration in which the scanner unit U1and the sheet feeding unit U2are integrated so that these devices are not separable from each other may be employed.

(H06) In the aforementioned the exemplary embodiment, though a configuration in which the connection pipe21extends from the main unit U3, and the bottle joint51is provided in the sheet processing unit U4is employed, it should not be construed that the invention is limited to this configuration. For example, the bottle joint51may be provided in the sheet feeding unit U2.