CN100476621C

CN100476621C - Developer agitating member and recovery method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN100476621C
Application number: CNB2005101247549A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 皆川浩范
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 1999-10-27
Filing date: 2000-10-27
Publication date: 2009-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-27
Also published as: JP2001125351A; CN101017348A

Abstract

A developer stirring member, provided in a developer container for accommodating a developer, for stirring the developer, the developer stirring member includes a stirring blade stirring the developer; a rotatable supporting member for supporting the stirring blade, the supporting member being provided with a plurality of projections; wherein stirring blade is provided with a plurality of openings for engagement with the projections, respectively.

Description

Developer agitating member and recovery method thereof

The application be the applicant in October 27 2000 applying date submit to, application number is 00120694.X, denomination of invention is divided an application for the application of " developer agitating member and recovery method thereof ".

Invention field

The present invention relates to a kind of be used to the stir mixing component of the developer in the developer reservoir and the recovery or the update method of this mixing component.Developer reservoir for example, is supplied with imaging device with the powdery toner as the supply container of toner.

Background technology

In the imaging device of numerous application electrophotographic image forming methods, for example duplicating machine, laser printer etc., photosensitive drums charged equably and selectively will the part exposure so that on this photosensitive drums, form electrostatic latent image.This sub-image manifests under the developer effect of powdery toner form becomes developed image, this developed image be transferred on the recording materials.

Electrophotographic image forming apparatus is by the method that electrostatic image is shaped image to be formed on the recording materials.Static image forming apparatus comprises Xerox, electrostatic printer (laser printer or LED printer), facsimile recorder, word processor etc.For these devices, after the powdery toner runs out, the powdery toner must recharged at every turn.The inside of some toner supply containers is provided with the toner mixing component that is used to stir or supply with toner.

This toner mixing component comprises a rigidity shaft (supporting member) and flexible stirring vane, by thermo-compressed, ultrasound wave crimping, mode such as rivet, be threaded axle and vanes fixed is in the same place.

On the other hand, be used for toner is supplied with imaging device as the toner cartridge of toner supply container, this toner cartridge is divided into two kinds of so-called additional flask and so-called fixedly flasks usually.Wherein for additional flask, be contained in wherein toner and be supplied to by the gross in the toner receiving vessel of main body of imaging device; And for so-called fixedly flask, this fixedly flask be installed in the main body of imaging device, toner little by little be supplied in the developing apparatus until this fixedly the toner in the flask run out.

Recently, from the viewpoint that reduces the image-forming apparatus in size, people are more prone to use fixedly flask.Stablize a certain amount of toner of maintenance when supplying toner for making in developing apparatus, the toner cartridge of many types is provided with aforesaid mixing component (supply part).

Because stirring vane is flexible, thus this blade be easy to take place creep and be difficult to reclaim, but shaft can be reused.Yet traditional shaft is non-dismountable the connection with the connected mode of blade.If stirring vane is damaged in the time of on the main body that stirring vane is assembled into imaging device, so whole shaft need be changed.

Under the situation of thermo-compressed or ultrasound wave crimping, fine hair or other exotic might be sneaked into, and like this, perhaps just need to increase extra cleaning step.In addition, need special equipment to fix shaft and blade, it is complicated that number of assembling steps becomes, and like this, production cost will increase.When toner supply container was collected recycling, shaft and blade can not be opened.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, fundamental purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer agitating member and recovery method thereof, and wherein production stage is simplified, and production cost is minimized, and in addition, can realize the utilization again of parts.

After in conjunction with the accompanying drawings most preferred embodiment of the present invention being illustrated, it is more clear that these and other objects of the present invention, feature and advantage will become.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the General Arrangement of the imaging device with toner mixing component and toner supply container in one embodiment of the present of invention;

Fig. 2 is another skeleton view of toner supply container outward appearance;

Fig. 3 faces and side view for the toner mixing component;

Fig. 4 is the sectional drawing and the side view of toner supply container;

Fig. 5 is the detail drawing of the coupling part of toner mixing component;

Fig. 6 is the relational view between the various sizes of wheel hub;

Fig. 7 is the blade synoptic diagram that is installed on the shaft;

Fig. 8 is the synoptic diagram of the coupling part in the another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is the synoptic diagram of the coupling part in the another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is the skeleton view of toner supply container, and this figure draws from watching along the front side of installation direction;

Figure 11 is the skeleton view of toner supply container, and this figure draws from watching along the rear side of installation direction;

Figure 12 is the skeleton view of toner supply container, and this figure watches from the below in the downstream of installation direction drawing diagonally;

Figure 13 is the skeleton view of the decomposition of toner supply container;

Figure 14 is vertical sectional drawing of toner supply container;

Figure 15 is the vertical sectional drawing of the drive system of toner supply container shutter;

Figure 16 is the vertical sectional drawing (being in locked state) of handle lock;

Figure 17 is the vertical sectional drawing (being in opening) of handle lock;

Figure 18 is the rear view of toner supply container;

Figure 19 is the skeleton view of toner supply container, and this figure watches from the top of the upstream side of installation direction drawing diagonally;

Figure 20 is the vertical sectional drawing of toner feeding mechanism, dissects direction and is vertical (shutter is in open mode) perpendicular to the toner feeding mechanism;

Figure 21 is the vertical sectional drawing of toner feeding mechanism, dissects direction and is vertical (shutter is in closed condition) perpendicular to the toner feeding mechanism;

Figure 22 is the vertical sectional drawing of toner feeding mechanism, dissects direction and is vertical (shutter is in the state that just is opened or closed) perpendicular to the toner feeding mechanism;

Figure 23 is the enlarged drawing of the major part among Figure 20;

Figure 24 is the enlarged drawing of the major part among Figure 21;

Figure 25 is the enlarged drawing of the major part among Figure 22;

Figure 26 is the enlarged drawing of the major part in the vertical sectional drawing of toner feeding mechanism that is not provided with seal member, dissect direction for perpendicular to the toner feeding mechanism vertically, Figure 26 is corresponding with Figure 25;

Figure 27 is the enlarged drawing of the major part in the vertical sectional drawing of toner feeding mechanism that is not provided with seal member, dissect direction for perpendicular to the toner feeding mechanism vertically, Figure 27 is corresponding with Figure 22;

Figure 28 is the vertical sectional drawing of toner feeding mechanism, dissect direction for perpendicular to the toner feeding mechanism vertically, wherein be not provided with toner supply container;

Figure 29 (a) and Figure 29 (b) are the vertical sectional drawing of toner supply container shutter, dissect direction for perpendicular to toner supply container vertically;

Figure 30 is the vertical sectional drawing of major part of the major part of toner supply container, dissects direction and is the cutting plane perpendicular to Figure 29 (a);

Figure 31 is the vertical sectional drawing of electric photographic imaging apparatus;

Figure 32 is the skeleton view of electric photographic imaging apparatus;

Figure 33 is for being installed to toner supply container the synoptic diagram of toner feeding mechanism;

Figure 34 is a normal cross sectional drawing, and this figure is used for explanation toner supply container is installed to the toner feeding mechanism;

Figure 35 is provided with the front elevation of the toner feeding mechanism of toner supply container in being, wherein, the handle of toner supply container is not installed;

Figure 36 is provided with the front elevation of the toner feeding mechanism of toner supply container in being, wherein, the handle of toner supply container is not installed;

Figure 37 is the vertical sectional drawing of toner feeding mechanism, dissect direction for perpendicular to toner supply container vertically, wherein express the sealed position component of handle;

Figure 38 is the surface level figure of toner feeding mechanism;

Figure 39 also is the surface level figure of toner feeding mechanism;

Figure 40 is a synoptic diagram, wherein expresses the function of instrument, and this instrument is pre-rotation or rotation rotary part to a preposition always;

Figure 41 also is a synoptic diagram, wherein expresses the function of instrument, and this instrument is pre-rotation or rotation rotary part to a preposition always;

Figure 42 also is a synoptic diagram, wherein expresses the function of instrument, and this instrument is pre-rotation or rotation rotary part to a preposition always;

Figure 43 is the planimetric map of toner supply container;

Figure 44 is a synoptic diagram, and this figure is used to illustrate the locked portions between developer replenishing axle and the developer replenishing blade, wherein, and (a) cross-sectional view for dissecing along the plane that comprises axle; (b) be the side view of developer replenishing blade;

Figure 45 is a schematic side view, and this figure is used to illustrate sealed between developer replenishing axle and the developer replenishing blade;

Figure 46 is the filling synoptic diagram of toner.

Embodiment

Below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings toner mixing component and developer reservoir in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention are illustrated.Fig. 1 is the General Arrangement of the imaging device with toner mixing component and toner supply container in the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is another skeleton view of toner supply container; Fig. 3 faces and side view for the toner mixing component; Fig. 4 is the sectional drawing and the side view of toner supply container; Fig. 5 is the detail drawing of the coupling part of toner mixing component; Fig. 6 is the relational view between the various sizes of wheel hub; Fig. 7 is the blade synoptic diagram that is installed on the shaft; Fig. 8 is the synoptic diagram of the coupling part in the another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is the synoptic diagram of the coupling part in the another embodiment of the present invention.

(general structure)

With reference to Fig. 1, the general layout of imaging device is illustrated.The main body 301 of the imaging device shown in this figure is an Xerox.In this main body 301, the original copy bearing flat plate original copy S on glass that is placed on device top is scanned by an optical system 303, is projected on the image bearing member 306 via catoptron 304 and lens 305 by the light that original copy reflected.This image bearing member 306 is recharged device 307 and charges equably, and catoptrical being incident upon forms sub-image on the photosensitive-member.By developing apparatus 308, this sub-image is appearsed as the developer image under the effect of developer.The powdery toner (ink powder) of this developing apparatus 308 is supplied with by toner supply container 325, and this container will be spoken of hereinafter.

Bottom in the main body 301 of this developing apparatus 308 is provided with the carton 310,311,312,313 that is used to hold different types of paper P.Select the paper of suitable species in the size of the information of operation place (not shown) input or original copy S according to the

operator.By supply part

310a, 311a, 312a, 313a, P confesses continuously with paper, and supplies to registration roller 315 by feed path 14.Paper p is sandwiched in 315 the roll gap, and the gradient of paper is adjusted, and the rotation f along with image bearing member 306 synchronously resupplies paper then.

When by transfer printing charger 316 with the developer image from image bearing member 306 after the transfer printing, the separated charger 317 of paper P separates from image bearing member 306, utilize feedway 318 that paper P is fed to photographic fixing part 319, pass through heating, pressurization at photographic fixing part 319 places the developer image fixing.After the developer image is transferred, utilize burnisher 309 cleaning image bearing members 306 so that remove the developer of not transfer printing, for next image forming is prepared.

Paper P of the developer image of existing photographic fixing is discharged on the discharge dish 322 by discharge/flip portion 320 and by the effect of distributing roller 321 on it.Under the double-sided recording modes pattern, be positioned at the flapper 323 at discharge/flip portion 320 places by control, paper is supplied to and resupplies path 324, and overturn its towards, be supplied to registration roller 315 places then, and then be discharged to discharge dish 322 in mode with the pattern similarity of above-mentioned one side record.

Under overlapping logging mode, paper P is by discharge/flip portion 320, and part paper temporarily is discharged to the outside of device by distributing roller 321.When the terminal of paper still is sandwiched between the distributing roller 321 by flapper 323 and paper, control this flapper 323, this distributing roller 321 along opposite direction rotation so that paper is fed in the device again.This paper via resupply path 324 still be supplied to registration roller 315 places and do not change its towards, be discharged on the discharge dish 322 in mode with the pattern similarity of above-mentioned one side record.

(toner supply container)

With reference to accompanying drawing 2, opposition side in the main body 326 of this container is provided with a toner supply container 325, this container has flange 327 and shank portion 328, be provided with an opening 329 that is used for supply developer in the bottom, also be provided with a toner mixing component 330 on the main body 326 of this container, this toner mixing component 330 is a toner mixing component.This toner supply container 325 is used for developer is fed in the aforesaid developing parts 308.By utilizing the control of shank portion 328, the user removably is installed to this toner supply container 325 on the main body 301.

(toner mixing component)

Toner mixing component 330 as shown in Figure 3 comprises a shaft 331 (support unit) and a stirring vane that is attached thereto 333, and as shown in Figure 4, this toner mixing component 330 is located in the main body 326 of this container.This shaft 331 is a bar-like member, and the one end is formed with and is used for the coupling part 331a that links to each other with hookup 327a by flange 327.This hookup 327a reaches toner mixing component 330 with driving force from main body effectively.The other end of this shaft 331 inserts in the rib 331c in the main body 326 of being located at this container.

On the peripheral edge portion of shaft 331, be provided with many projections 332.

Shown in Fig. 5 (a), this projection 332 comprises one away from the major diameter part 332a of shaft 331 and the small diameter portion 332b near shaft 331, therefore, has a projection that diameter is bigger at the free end of this projection 332.In the present embodiment, the xsect of this major diameter part 332a and small diameter portion 332b is circle.

As shown in Figure 3, this stirring vane 333 is to make with flat flexible member.Blade alternately is arranged on the side of coupling part along the direction of this shaft 331.By a lock part 334 with this stirring vane 333 be arranged on projection 332 corresponding positions on.

Shown in Fig. 5 (b), this lock part 334 comprises a center pit 334a, two along radially outward extending in the opposite direction slit 334b, and one is positioned at and prevents inflation port 334c on this slit 334b least significant end.These three holes (center pit 334a, two prevent inflation port 334c) are axial arranged along this shaft 331, and the position of this center pit 334a corresponds to projection 332.This that is positioned at this center pit 334a two opposite sides prevents that inflation port 334c is used to prevent this slit 334b expansion when inserting this projection 332.The material of this stirring vane 333 should have suitable elasticity and certain creep resistance, for example rubber of polyacetal plate, urethane rubber plate, coated fiber etc., preferably polyester (PET) film.The thickness of polyester (PET) film is about 50 μ m-500 μ m, preferably is about 150 μ m-300 μ m.

If thickness is less than 50 μ m, the too low so that supply power of toner of elasticity and become very low with the adhesion of projection.On the other hand, when thickness during greater than 500 μ m, elasticity is too low so that this stirring vane 333 can not smear the inwall of main body 326, so just needs bigger torque.In addition, the difficulty of moulding increases the difficulty that causes assembly operation, and in the process of dismounting, projection 332 is damaged easily or deforms.In the present embodiment, the thickness of this stirring vane 333 is 188 μ m.From reducing cost and guaranteeing the consideration of high precision aspect,, preferably adopt stamping press to finish for the manufacturing of this stirring vane 333.

With reference to Fig. 6, the relation of the optimum dimension between projection 332 and the lock part 334 is illustrated.The width D of the major diameter part 332a of this projection 332 is greater than the width d of small diameter portion 332b.Like this, the lock part 334 of this stirring vane 333 deforms and can be hooked on the major diameter part 332a, so that this stirring vane 333 is fastening.(d＞A), produce certain pressure between the link engagement prevents loosening and uncoupling like this because the width d of small diameter portion 332b is greater than the width A of lock part 334a.

The height h of this small diameter portion 332b is more preferably greater than half of the difference of the width A of the width D of major diameter part 332a and lock part 334a, i.e. 2h＞D-A.The whole width B of this lock part 334 is equal to or greater than lock part 334a ideally and prevents inflation port 334c sum.When plug-in mounting, this B is more preferably greater than the width D of major diameter part 332a.Be B＞A+2C＞D.This lock part 334a just can not be damaged because of expansion like this, when mounted.Dismounting becomes easily, reliable.In addition, make this stirring vane 333 be reduced from these shaft 331 possibilities loosening or protuberance.

Ideally, the height h of this small diameter portion 332b is greater than half of the difference of the width A of the width of small diameter portion 332b and lock part 334a, i.e. 2h＞d-A.Like this, this stirring vane 333 easily can be fixed on the shaft 331, thus the generation of avoiding becoming flexible phenomenon.In addition, this stirring vane 333 also is not easy to come off from this shaft 331.

In the present embodiment, above-mentioned being of a size of: A=1.5mm, B=5.0mm, C=1.0mm, D=3.0mm, d=2.0mm, h=2.0mm.

(assembling of toner mixing component)

When this toner mixing component 330 of assembling, this lock part 334 of this stirring vane 333 is inserted into projection 332 interior the getting final product of shaft 331.Fig. 7 is used to illustrate this projection 332 and this lock part 334 after inserting.This lock part 334 is expanded by the major diameter part 332a of projection 332 because of insertion, but owing to be provided with at the end of slit 334b and prevent inflation port 334c, makes pressure concentrate to be alleviated and prevents that this major diameter part 332a is bursting at the collision.After this lock part 334 was passed through, under the effect of elastic-restoring force, this lock part 334 was clamped on the small diameter portion 332b of projection 332, and like this, this stirring vane 333 is able to fastening.This stirring vane 333 is positioned properly under the effect of holding force, can not become flexible like this.As shown in Figure 7, the width of this major diameter part 332a is greater than the width of small diameter portion 332b, and like this, this lock part 334 is able to the hook knot mutually with this major diameter part 332a, and this blade can not come off like this.Toner mixing component 330 after the assembling is inserted in the main body 326, and is rotatably supported by flange 327.

(other embodiment)

In the above-described embodiment, 334 center pit 334a is extended with two slit 334b and two and prevents inflation port 334c from the lock part.Certainly also can be provided with three or more slit 334b and prevent inflation port 334c.

The lock part 334 of this stirring vane 333 is subjected to the weight (revolving force) along sense of rotation, therefore, slit 334b preferably extends along the axial direction of this shaft 331, like this, the uncoupling phenomenon can not take place when rotated, this stirring vane 333 is also relatively easily by disassembling along axial disengaging.

As shown in Figure 8, this lock part 335 also may not be provided with center pit, can be provided with two or more slit 335a and this slit 335a terminal be provided with prevent inflation port 334c.In this figure, this slit 335a extends along four direction, but also can be along three or five directions extensions.

As shown in Figure 9, the xsect of projection 336 and lock part 337 is also non-circular.

For example, shown in Figure 9, projection 336 among Fig. 9 (a) comprises one than major diameter part 336a and the smaller diameter portion 336b with rectangular cross section, and the lock part 337 among Fig. 9 (b) has a rectangular central aperture 337a and slit 337b/ prevents inflation port 337c.Below, developer agitating member in one embodiment of the present of invention and developer reservoir are illustrated.Mainly following several aspects are illustrated: an integral arrangement of using the duplicating machine of developing apparatus wherein is equipped with the developer reservoir that occurs with the toner cartridge form on this developing apparatus; The structure of toner cartridge; Constitute, dismantle the various parts of toner cartridge; The recovery of toner cartridge.

Below embodiments of the invention are illustrated.At first introduce first embodiment, other embodiment subsequent introduction.

Embodiment described below of the present invention relates to a kind of toner supply container that is used for the main body of developer replenishing static image forming apparatus.This toner supply container comprises: a toner holding portion; The developer outlet of the developer discharge in the toner holding portion will be contained in; A shutter that is used to open and close developer outlet; A driving force is accepted part, and this part is used to accept driving force and moves this shutter and developer outlet is opened.

(static image forming apparatus)

Figure 31 is the vertical cross-section diagram of static image forming apparatus, wherein is provided with toner supply container of the present invention (toner container).

The user is placed on original copy 101 on the glass plate 102.Then, under the effect of included a plurality of catoptrons of opticator 103 and lens, the optical imagery on the original copy 101 is formed on the photosensitive drums 104 as image bearing member.Simultaneously, according to the information of the paper size of being imported by the control panel (not shown) by the user, select to accommodate to stratification in it one of paper feeding cassette 105-108 of recording medium P (for example after this paper, OHP sheet etc. use " paper " without exception).Then, in numerous paper feed roller 105A-108B, the roller of selected paper feeding cassette rotates and individual recording medium P is confessed.After paper was confessed paper feeding cassette, recording medium P was passed to registration roller 110 via transmission channel 109.In the time of along with the scanning of the rotation of this photosensitive drums 104 and this opticator opticator 103, this registration roller 110 passes to this photosensitive drums 104 with recording chart.By this transfer member 111, the developer image on this photosensitive drums 104 is transferred on the recording chart P.After this, by this separating component 112 this recording chart P is separated from this photosensitive drums 104.Then, this recording chart P is transferred to this photographic fixing part 114 via this hop 113.At these photographic fixing part 114 places, the heating and pressurized conditions under, the toner image on this recording chart P by photographic fixing on this recording chart P.

Below

1) in the single-sided copying pattern, this recording chart P is discharged to this row's paper disc 117 by a container shutter 16 via upset path 115.

2) in the multilayer copy mode, this recording chart P is directly guided into this

hop

119 and 120 by the flapper 118 of this upset path 115, then is transferred to this registration roller 110.After this, image forming course is the same as the aforementioned, and this recording chart p flow through image forming portion, hop, and photographic fixing part then, are drained into this row's paper disc 117.

3) in the double-sided copying pattern, this recording chart P this upset path 115 of flowing through, in outside that the part of the effect lower part of this container shutter 16 recording chart P extends to device until its tail end by this flapper 118.Then, when the tail end one of recording chart P passed through this flapper 118, this distributing roller entered this device to 116 reverse rotations so that recording chart P is transmitted again.After this, this recording chart P is transferred to hop 119 and 120 places, until registration roller 110 places.Then, the image forming portion of flowing through, hop, and photographic fixing part then, are drained into this row's paper disc 117.

In aforesaid static image forming apparatus, around this photosensitive drums 104, be provided with developing apparatus 201, burnisher 202 and main charging unit 203.This developing apparatus 201 is formed at electrostatic latent image on this photosensitive drums 104 developing under the effect of developer.Be used for this toner feeding mechanism 100 of this developing apparatus 201 of developer replenishing is removably mounted on apparatus main body 124.

This developing apparatus 201 comprises a developer roll 201a, and this developer roll 201a is used to keep the minimum gap (about 300 μ m) between this developing apparatus 201 and the photosensitive drums 104.In developing process,, on the outside surface of developer roll 201a, be formed with the skim developer by the effect of developing blade 201b.Then, when the developer bias effect after this developer roll 201a goes up, the electrostatic latent image that has been formed on the photosensitive drums 104 is developed.

This main charging unit 203 is used for to 104 chargings of this photosensitive drums.This burnisher 202 is used to remove the developer that is retained on the photosensitive drums 104.The new developer that the minimizing of the developer level in this developing apparatus 201 is little by little supplied by this toner feeding mechanism 100 is replenished.

Herein, the replacing to this toner supply container 301 is illustrated.

When the toner in this toner feeding mechanism 100 exhausted, this information was delivered to caution part 124a shown in Figure 32.Then, the operator opens covers 121, and this lid 121 is covered with the opening 122 that is provided with on the apparatus main body 124, shown in figure 32.In these opening 122 inside, be provided with fixator 31, this toner supply container 1 slidably is installed on this fixator 31 (erecting tools, more particularly, the main body 54 of toner feeding mechanism as shown in Figure 32).This toner supply container 1 is inserted in this fixator 31 along the longitudinal.In this operating process, this toner supply container 1 is guided along the longitudinal by a guide rail that is arranged on this fixator 31, arrives a predetermined point until the front end of toner supply container 1.Then, after the front end of toner supply container 1 arrived a predetermined point, when the operator rotated the handle 15 of toner supply container 1, the developer in the toner supply container 1 was infeeded in the developing apparatus 201.Then, when the operator closes this lid 121, the opening power shutter is prepared to carry out image and is formed.

More particularly, send signal when the sensor (not shown) and show tone dosage in this developing apparatus 201 very little the time, the

conveyor screw

46,47 shown in rotation Figure 21.Like this, the toner in the housing 48 little by little is fed in this developing apparatus 201.Then, after the tone dosage in the developing apparatus 201 reaches certain level, stop the rotation of this conveyor screw 46,47.Repeating said process.At last, the toner quantitative change in the housing 48 gets seldom.Then, the sensor (not shown) send signal show in this housing 48 tone dosage very little.Then, transmission part 29 (following will the speaking of) rotation in this toner supply container 1 is so that be fed to toner in the housing 48.Then, after the tone dosage in this housing 48 reaches certain level, stop this transmission part 29.Repeating said process.Even, also do not supply with toner, show the information of changing toner supply container 1 by caution part 124a so if the sensor in the housing 48 sends above-mentioned signal.

(toner supply container)

This toner supply container 1 in the present embodiment (Figure 10-12) is installed in the toner feeding mechanism 100 in the imaging device, like this, the toner in this toner supply container 1 little by little is fed to the developer of development place in toner supply container 1 and is exhausted.In other words, Here it is so-called built in type.Yet the present invention not only is confined to the type of above-mentioned toner supply container 1.The present invention also can use so-called monolithic devices toner supply container, and in this pattern, this container not only holds toner but also it is fed to developing location.

With reference to Figure 13, Figure 13 is the decomposition diagram of above-mentioned toner supply container 1, and this toner supply container 1 has a toner holding portion 11 and one first flange 12 and one second flange 13 that is connected respectively with vertical end of toner holding portion 11.In addition, this has 15, one rotary parts of 14, one handles of cap that insert in first flange 12, these parts be rotatably installed in this first flange 12 around on.In addition, the container shutter 16 that also has the toner outlet 11a that is used to open or close toner holding portion 11.In the inside of toner holding portion 11, be provided with a transmission part 29 as developer delivery means (Figure 14).

(toner container)

With reference to Figure 13, the shape of cross section of toner holding portion 11 is the combination of semicircle 11g and rectangle 11h.For having the hollow tube of above-mentioned xsect, accommodate developer in its toner holding portion 11.This toner holding portion 11 is provided with toner outlet 11a, and this toner outlet 11a is positioned on the curved wall of toner holding portion 11.This toner holding portion 11 also is provided with a pair of shutter support unit 11e, also shutter support unit 11e is positioned on the curved wall of toner holding portion 11, according to toner holding portion 11 vertically, one is positioned at the front side of toner outlet 11a, another is positioned at the rear side of toner outlet 11a, along the circumferencial direction extension of toner holding portion 11.So that this container shutter 16 can (Figure 20) in the closed position, this container shutter 16 seals up toner outlet 11a to this container shutter 16 in this position by shutter support unit 11e supporting; Or open position (Figure 21), this container shutter 16 retreats to open this toner outlet 11a in this position.

In addition, this toner holding portion 11 is provided with a pair of leader 11k, and this leader 11k extends along vertical sidepiece of toner holding portion 11.These leaders 11k is used to limit toner supply container 1 and moves along rectilinear direction to guarantee to make toner supply container 1 when toner supply container 1 being packed into or shift out toner feeding mechanism 100.

As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the xsect of this toner holding portion 11 is a tubulose, its first half be shaped as semicircle, Lower Half is shaped as rectangle.Yet the shape of this toner holding portion 11 not only is confined to above-mentioned shape.For example, the xsect of this toner holding portion 11 can also be for circular, oval or square.In addition, structure and the component count for toner holding portion 11 do not have concrete qualification yet.

Accommodate the toner (after this, all toner be powdery) of powdery in this toner holding portion 11.The classification of toner is various: as black toner, color toner, one-component magnetic developer, the non magnetic toner of one-component etc.From numerous toners, can select suitable toner.

(structure of first flange 12 and second flange 13)

This first flange 12 and second flange 13 are hollow tube, and all are installed to coupling on the corresponding vertically end of toner holding portion 11.When all by coupling be installed on corresponding vertical end of toner holding portion 11 after, by bonding agent with the gap sealing between this toner holding portion 11 and first flange 12 and second flange 13.This first flange 12 comprises an end plate 12b and a column part 12e.The longitudinal centre line of the axis of this column part 12e and the semicircle 11g of toner holding portion 11 coincides.This first flange 12 comprises a toner inlet 12a who is positioned within the column part 12e.This second flange 13 comprises an end plate 13a.

This second flange 13 is removably mounted on the inside surface of rear end of toner holding portion 11.As shown in figure 14, all be stained with adhesive tape 64 on the circumferencial direction of the toner holding portion 11 and second flange 13 so that toner holding portion 11 and sealed with whole circumference seam between second flange 13 that toner holding portion 11 links to each other outside.Like this, second flange 13 just removably links to each other with toner holding portion 11, thereby prevents that toner from leaking from the coupling part between the toner holding portion 11 and second flange 13.

This first flange 12 and second flange 13 can be made an integral body with toner holding portion 11, perhaps are a part of this toner holding portion 11.In other words, the major part of this toner holding portion 11 can be single member.

As mentioned above, this first flange 12 is provided with a toner inlet 12a, and the opening of this toner inlet 12a is positioned at vertical end, promptly is positioned at upstream side according to the direction of inserting toner holding portion 11.Radially be provided with internal-rib 12c (Figure 35 and 36) along it in this toner inlet 12a, in addition, this toner inlet 12a is provided with the cylinder type hollow axle, and the axis of its axis and toner inlet 12a coincides, and this tubular shaft is used to support the toner transmission part that hereinafter will address.Around the column part 12e (being cylindrical wall) of toner inlet 12a, be provided with the handle 15 that hereinafter will address.When toner be filled full after, by this cap 14 being inserted in toners inlet 12a and with this toner inlet 12a sealing.Then, by a suitable fastening means this first flange 12 is linked to each other with toner holding portion 11.

The end plate 13a of second flange 13 is provided with a hole 13c, and a driving force transmission bearing (as being connected) that is used to support the axle of transmission part 29 and transmit driving force is installed in this hole 13c from the outside.In addition, also be provided with column part 13d (Figure 13 and 14) on the end plate 13a, this column part 13d is outwards protruded and is supported the outer surface of above-mentioned connection by the outward flange of hole 13c.

(handle)

This handle 15 is a rotary part, mainly comprises three parts: handle portion 15e; Has cylindrical hollow part 15h (center section) than minor diameter; Has larger-diameter cylindrical hollow part.This handle portion 15e is the outboard end of handle 15, and is made by the slab with thicker end head.Have larger-diameter cylindrical hollow and be divided into the medial extremity of handle 15 and inboard upper shed.By manually this cylindrical hollow part 15h is installed in handle supporting part 12f around, thereby make this handle 15 rotatably link to each other with toner holding portion 11.This handle supporting part 12f is a part (Figure 16 and 17) that is positioned at the column part 12e on one of vertical end of toner holding portion 11.This handle 15 also comprises a coupling part 15a, and this coupling part 15a is a drive transmitting portion that is used to transmit driving force.This coupling part 15a is positioned on the outside surface of handle 15.

With reference to accompanying drawing 15 and 19, this coupling part 15a is a sector gear, like this, in toner supply container 1 is inserted into toner feeding mechanism 100 after, this coupling part 15a can be meshed with the coupling part 21a of the driving force transmission part 21 that is provided with on the toner feeding mechanism 100.The operation of the insertion toner supply container 1 by subsequently, this coupling part 15a is meshed with coupling part 21a.

With reference to accompanying drawing 15 and 19, comprise: axle 21s as the driving force transmission part 21 of revolving force delivery means; Be used to accept the coupling part 21a of driving force; The coupling part 21b of transmission driving force.Two of this 21s vertically is separately installed with coupling part 21a and coupling part 21b on the end, and this 21s is rotatably mounted by toner feeding mechanism 100.Coupling part 21a and coupling part 21b comprise multiple tooth gear.The coupling part 21a that driving force accepts on the side that is positioned in the present embodiment comprises single gear.Yet, do not limit particularly for the structure or the number of gears of coupling part 21a, as long as this structure can be as the machinery of accepting driving force.The coupling part 21b that is positioned on the driving force transmission equipment side is meshed with the coupling part 21g that is meshed with coupling part 16d on being positioned at the driving force transmission equipment side as idle pulley, and this coupling part 16d is a sector gear that is positioned on the driving force transmission equipment side.In the present embodiment, this driving force transmission part 21 (comprising a 21s, coupling part 21a, coupling part 21b, coupling part 21g) is set in place on main body 124 sides of imaging device.

(toner transmission part)

With reference to Figure 14, this 27 the end (support unit) that is used to support this toner transmission part 29 (mixing component) is rotatably mounted by hole 12d (Figure 37), the bearing 13d that the other end is installed in the hole 12d supports, like this, rotary driving force is transferred to this end of axle 27 by the web member 26a that installs.In addition, this toner transmission part 29 comprises a toner supply blade 28 (stirring vane), and this blade is the compliant member that is fixed on the axle 27.This web member 26a is rotatably mounted by toner holding portion 11.

As shown in figure 14, this supply blade 28 comprises having whole claw portion 28a and the flexible sheets of mounting portion 28f.This whole claw portion 28a protrudes to the direction of toner outlet 11a, and facing to the inside surface of toner holding portion 11 slidably.When supply blade 28 was not installed in this device, this supplies with blade 28 was one flat plate.This mounting portion 28f extends and its surface parallel with planar section 27a (Figure 20) along the direction of axle 27, and this planar section 27a parallels with the axle of axle 27.Be provided with the claw portion 28a of a plurality of integral body on the both sides with certain degree of tilt and mounting portion 28c that be provided with at interval, the claw portion 28a of the integral body on the side of mounting portion 28f and the claw portion 28a of the integral body on the opposite side are arranged alternately.Claw portion 28a that this is whole and the base portion of mounting portion 28f all parallel with the surface shown in Figure 14.As shown in figure 20, when this whole claw portion 28a is not used, this whole claw portion 28a so crooked so that when this supplys blade 28 when turning clockwise, the free end hysteresis is mobile.When this supplied with blade 28 rotations, the free end side of the claw portion 28a that this is whole was with respect to this axial bending of 27, and after this this point will illustrated.

Shown in Figure 44 and 45, this supply blade 28 has been fixed on this axle 27.More specifically, this 27 is provided with a plurality of jut 27b that are used for fixing this supply blade 28.This jut 27b arranges vertically.This supply blade 28 is provided with the opening that has mounting portion,

hole

28c, 28d, and the position of this opening is corresponding with the slit 28b that is connected this jut 27b with this jut 27b.By this jut 27b is passed this mounting

portion

28c, 28d, slit 28b, this confession grade blade 28 is fixed on this axle 27.This jut 27b is provided with a larger-diameter part 27c on its position away from the axial region of axle 27, be provided with a part 27d than minor diameter on the position of close 27 axial region.By such structure is set, this supply blade 28 can be disassembled from this axle 27 at an easy rate.

This jut 27b and this axle 27 are integrally molded.This axle 27 is made by synthetic resin material or die casting aluminium etc.Jut 27b is positioned at free end than major diameter part 27c, and this smaller diameter portion 27d is positioned at base portion side, and this jut 27b erects from the planar section 27a of axle 27.Therefore, this jut 27b extends to the rotation center away from axle 27.As shown in figure 14, this jut 27b is provided with accordingly with this whole claw portion 28a respectively.

This jut 27b comprises this than major diameter part 27c, should be hemisphere face than the free end of major diameter part 27c, and its basic side is and the contacted face of cylinder of sphere.This stepped portion 27e is arranged at this smaller diameter portion 27d, than between the major diameter part 27c.This smaller diameter portion 27d is a right cylinder.In this example, should have identical central line in the same plane than major diameter part 27c and this smaller diameter portion 27d, wherein this plane is perpendicular to the rotation center of axle 27.

On the other hand, this supply blade 28 is provided with a notch or a hole part 28A as shown in figure 44.This hole part 28A is arranged at the inside of mounting portion 28f.This hole part 28A has slit 28b, mounting portion 28c, 28d.This slit 28b is along prolonging with the axial identical direction of axle 27.This slit 28b links to each other mounting portion 28c with 28d.This mounting

portion

28c and 28d be positioned at this straight line that axially parallels of 27 on.This mounting portion 28c links to each other with the smaller diameter portion 27d of this jut 27b.

Herein, A: the diameter of supplying with the mounting portion 28c of blade;

B: the whole width of supplying with the hole part 28A of blade;

C: the diameter of supplying with the 28d of blade;

D: the diameter than major diameter part 27c of lug boss;

D: the diameter of the smaller diameter portion 27d of lug boss (minimum diameter of smaller diameter portion 27d);

H: the height of the smaller diameter portion 27d of lug boss;

Satisfy simultaneously:

B＞A+2C＞D，d＞A，2h＞D-A，2h＞d-A

...(1)

Useful effect is as follows:

This toner transmission part 29 comprises an axle 27 and the flexible blade 28 of supplying with.This 27 is provided with and is used for the jut 27b that this supply blade 28 is fixed thereon.This supply blade 28 is provided with and the corresponding mounting portion 28c of

jut

27b, 28d and the slit 28b that is connected this mounting portion 28c and 28d.By this jut 27b is inserted this mounting portion 28c and slit 28b, this supply blade 28 just is fixed on the axle 27.

In such structure, when this conveying axis rotation, this supply blade just is fixed on this conveying axis.When needs are changed the supply blade, can disassemble from this conveying axis supplying with blade at an easy rate.

When the supply blade 28 new with is installed on this axle 27, the mounting portion 28c of this supply blade 28 and this jut 27b align than major diameter part 27c, pushed to this planar section of 27 by finger tip away from supply blade 28 parts of this mounting portion 28c a little, like this, this mounting portion 28c expand into the suitable A of A+ (FairA)=D, and is connected in the smaller diameter portion 27d of this lug boss.Because upwards distortion as shown in figure 45 takes place in d＞A, the periphery of this mounting portion 28c.Because this jut 27b and hole part 28A aim at each other, so, by jut 27b is linked to each other with hole part 28A, make this supply blade 28 be secured in position on this axle 27.

The mounting portion 28f that installs preferably closely contacts to guarantee to satisfy inequality (1) mutually with the planar section 27a of axle 27.The periphery of supplying with this mounting portion 28c of blade 28 closely is connected the corner of the stepped portion 27e of this smaller diameter portion 27d.

In the process of only changing a supply blade 28, hold on an axial end portion supplying with blade, and spur along axial direction, like this, this supply blade 28 is just removed from this axle 27, and its reason is that this mounting

portion

28c, 28d and slit 28b arrange along axial direction.

At this moment, this smaller diameter portion 27d of 27 enters this slit 28b from the mounting portion 28c of hole part 28A, and like this, the width of this slit 28b increases, and the diameter of this mounting portion 28c also increases.Then, the mounting portion 28f of this supply blade 28 is crooked and away from this axle 27 that is positioned at this mounting portion 28c side, begin this jut 27b subsequently from the end and remove from hole part 28A.

In such structure, when this conveying axis rotation, this supply blade can not break away from from this conveying axis.When needs are changed the supply blade, can disassemble from this conveying axis supplying with blade at an easy rate.

The jut 27b of transmission part 29 has such configuration, promptly the position away from axial region is provided with one than major diameter part 27c, be provided with a smaller diameter portion 27d near the axial region, this lug boss is inserted into and guarantees that this smaller diameter portion 27d can arrive the degree of the mounting portion 28c of this slit 28b and this supply blade 28, like this, this supply blade 28 just is secured on this axle.

In another structure, be arranged on the diameter of this mounting portion 28c on this supply blade 28 or width (A) diameter or width (d) less than the least part of the jut 27b of axle 27.

In transmission part 29, the width (B) of the bore portion that links to each other with jut 27b is greater than diameter or the width (D) than major diameter part 27c of jut 27b.

Herein, along the whole width of this axial measured hole cavity portion 28A of 27.Be B＞A+2C＞D.

In the structure of another transmission part 29, half height (h) of the diameter of the diameter of the smaller diameter portion 27d of jut 27b or width (d) and mounting portion 28c or the difference of width (A) less than the smaller diameter portion 27d of this jut 27b.Be 2h＞D-A.

In another structure, half height (h) of jut 27b less than this smaller diameter portion 27d than the difference of the diameter of the diameter of major diameter part 27c or width (D) and mounting portion 28c or width (A).

Selecting the diameter of mounting portion 28c, the diameter of jut 27b according to above-mentioned relation, and during the diameter of smaller diameter portion 27d, its xsect be a circle than major diameter part 27c.When if profile is not circle, minimum widith partly satisfies above-mentioned inequality (1).

This toner transmission wing 28 inside surface friction of toner holding portion 11 vis-a-vis.This toner transmission wing 28 comprises a plurality of fragments with winglet 28a.The toner outlet 11a side direction of this winglet 28a the sense of rotation bending that deviates from this toner transmission wing 28 and is carried so that the toners in this toner holding portion 11 can export 11a to toner.Be inserted into direction in the apparatus main body 124 according to this toner supply container 1, this toner outlet 11a is positioned at upstream side.Like this, all winglet 28a extend with identical direction.Yet all winglet 28a differ to establish a capital with identical direction and extend.It is different and different that the bearing of trend of this winglet 28a can export the position of 11a according to toner.When being inserted into this toner supply container 1 in this toner feeding mechanism 100, above-mentioned web member 26a accept be arranged on toner feeding mechanism 100 sides on web member 44 (Figure 28) be meshed and the driving force that transmits, make this transmission part 29 rotate.

Below, with reference to Figure 18, wherein, describing the driving force of this toner supply container 1 and accept the end, the web member 26a that accepts parts as driving force is rotatably mounted by the base plate of toner holding portion 11.Two ends along axial web member 26a are shaft coupling.The end of this web member 26a is positioned at this toner holding portion 11 and links to each other with axle 27 the end of transmission part 29; And being provided with revolving force, the other end of web member 26a (being positioned at the outside of toner holding portion 11) accepts part.When in this apparatus main body 124 that this toner supply container 1 is packed into, this revolving force is accepted part and is linked to each other with the web member 44 that is arranged on toner feeding mechanism 100 sides to transmit revolving force.With reference to Figure 18, it is that form with projection 26a1 occurs that this revolving force is accepted part, and this projection of part 26a1 is along the radially extension of web member 26a.This web member 26 and web member 44 are connected with each other, and simultaneously, the web member 44a of this web member 44 is inserted into respectively among two space 26a2 between two projection 26a1.

(container shutter)

With reference to Figure 15, this container shutter 16 is provided with pair of slide portions 16f, direction of insertion according to this toner supply container 1, this slipper 16f lays respectively at vertical two ends of container shutter 16, this slipper 16f links to each other with a pair of shutter support unit 11e as guide member respectively, wherein, circumferencial direction with toner holding portion 11 extends on toner holding portion 11 this shutter support unit 11e along the bent limit of toner outlet 11a, direction of insertion according to this toner supply container 1, one is positioned at the front side of toner outlet 11a, and another is positioned at the rear side of toner outlet 11a.This container shutter 16 slides to expose or sealing toner outlet 11a along the circumferencial direction of toner holding portion 11.More specifically, be circular arc perpendicular to the xsect of this container shutter 16 longitudinally of this toner supply container 1, the size of its radian with guarantee this container shutter 16 just and the outside surface of the semicircle 11g of toner holding portion 11 be complementary.As for this slipper 16f and shutter support unit 11e, its shape of cross section is the form (Figure 15) of interlocking hook, and the plane of this xsect comprises the hypothetical hollow round column axis of (this container shutter 16 belongs to this hollow round column).The shape of cross section of shutter support unit 11e (being interlocking hook) is all identical on the whole length of these parts.

With reference to Figure 29,30,38,39,43, this slipper 16f is provided with the little hook-type horizontal protrusion 16u that a plurality of little vertical base portions from slipper 16f inside (for toner outlet 11a) extend.To be provided with and to pass the position of hole 16t of container shutter 16 corresponding with a plurality of bent limits along container shutter 16 respectively in the position of this little hook-type horizontal protrusion 16u.With reference to Figure 43, each little hook-type horizontal protrusion 16u is provided with the kick 16u1 (to reader's lateral process of this page) that is shaped as H or T, and this kick 16u1 is arranged on the surface of little hook-type horizontal protrusion 16u and facing to shutter support unit 11e.The function of each little hook-type horizontal protrusion 16u is to use as an elastomeric element, and these parts are used to produce certain pressure so that container shutter 16 closely contacts with elastic insert 35.Therefore, in the switching process of container shutter 16, pressure that this little hook-type horizontal protrusion 16u accepts from this elastic insert 35 is changed according to the variation of the position of container shutter 16, and being arranged so that of this little hook-type horizontal protrusion 16u keeps this container shutter 16 to be able to balance (Figure 30) with these elastic insert 35 tight pressure that contact.

With reference to Figure 19, this container shutter 16 is provided with above-mentioned driving force and receives coupling part 16d, this coupling part 16d is used as parts to accept rotary driving force, when inserting toner supply container 1 in this toner feeding mechanism 100, this coupling part 16d can link to each other with the gear that receives coupling part 21g as above-mentioned driving force.This coupling part 16d has many teeth, and after inserting this toner supply container 1 in this toner feeding mechanism 100, this tooth can receive coupling part 21g with this driving force and link to each other.This coupling part 16d cuts to scrape out shape on the outside surface 16m of container shutter 16.In other words, comprise that the hypothetical diameter of a circle of sector teeth point is substantially the same with the hypothetical diameter of a circle of the outside surface that comprises container shutter 16, like this, can reduce the radial dimension of toner supply container 1.Because this coupling part 16d must link to each other with this coupling part 21g or be separated, so this coupling part 16d is scraping out shape on the outside surface of container shutter 16 and near cutting on the bent limit of web member 26a side.Like this, when container shutter 16 was in closed condition, this coupling part 16d linked to each other with this coupling part 21g or is separated.As mentioned above, after in the toner feeding mechanism 100 that toner supply container 1 is inserted, this coupling part 16d that this coupling part 21g and the container shutter 16 that this toner feeding mechanism 100 is provided with is provided with links to each other.Therefore, the slipper 16f (16f1) of this container shutter 16 (promptly this side is provided with this web member 26a) is than this coupling part 16d short (among Figure 13,19,43 with the part shown in the Reference numeral A).In other words, the plane that the edge surface 16h that guarantees container shutter 16 is set of this slipper 16f1 (vertically is positioned at the downstream according to toner holding portion 11, in the time of in toner supply container 1 inserts toner feeding mechanism 100, this surface is just in time over against this coupling part 21g) and the plane (direction of insertion according to toner supply container 1 is positioned at the downstream) of the tooth surface of coupling part 16d match.Therefore, in the present embodiment, this part 16g is removed to shorten this slipper 16f1.Because of removing in two planes that this part 16g produces, wherein the plane longitudinally perpendicular to this toner holding portion 11 is above-mentioned this edge surface 16h, and like this, this coupling part 21g and this container shutter 16 can be not interfering with each other.

When container shutter 16 is thicker, this slipper 16f1 extends through the whole bent limit of this container shutter 16, for preventing that this coupling part 21g and this slipper 16f1 from colliding, this slipper 16f1 is provided with that recess is replaced above-mentioned this part 16g so that this coupling part 21g can pass through.

With reference to accompanying drawing 11, this container shutter 16 be installed between the surperficial 34b1 that is formed at the shutter 34 that is positioned at main device side (this shutter 34 is used to open or close the toner inlet 33 that toner feeding mechanism 100 is provided with) groove part 34c.Because be installed in the groove part 34c, so when the container shutter 16 on being positioned at this toner supply container 1 side slided, this container shutter 16 can make the shutter 34 that is positioned at this main device side slide.

In the present embodiment, be positioned at this coupling part 21b on the driving force transmission equipment side and the coupling part 21g that is arranged on this apparatus main body 124 comprises as shown in Figure 15 two gears.Yet,, its structure or number of gears are not done concrete qualification as long as be provided with this driving force transport sector.With reference to Figure 12, this container shutter 16 is provided with an elastic part 16b, and this elastic part 16b occurs and is used for to handle 15 vertically exerting pressure with toner holding portion 11 with the form of arm.The tip of this elastic part 16b contacts with the flange 15b of this handle 15.

(toner feeding mechanism)

With reference to Figure 20-22, this toner feeding mechanism 100 is provided with a main body 54, a toner cartridge receiving unit, this main body 54 comprises a bottom 54a and a top 54b, be respectively semicircle and rectangle perpendicular to the xsect on the direction of its length direction, this main body 54 is used to hold this toner holding portion 11.This top 54b is provided with a plurality of projection 54c that are used to guide a pair of leader 11k of toner supply container 1.This projection 54c is positioned on the inside surface of top 54b.Wherein a pair of projection 54c lays respectively at the both sides, porch of this main body 54, other each the inboard in main body 54 is arranged, 1/2 couple who is arranged at the projection 54c of main body 54 inboards is positioned at and corresponding straight line top, the position of this leader 11k, its in addition 1/2 pair be positioned at and corresponding straight line below, the position of this leader 11k.This bottom 54a is provided with the guide rail 55 of pair of parallel, and this guide rail 55 is positioned at the surface of inwardly facing of bottom 54a and along the extension of the circumferencial direction of this bottom 54a.The guide rail 34a of this shutter 34 links to each other with these guide rails 55 respectively.The xsect of this guide rail 55 and guide rail 34a is all similar to be hook-shaped, interlocked with one another linking together.From above-mentioned description clearly as can be seen, these two guide rails 55 and two guide rail 34a, and be parallel each other.In other words, this shutter 34 is by these main body 54 supportings.The radius on the radius on the surface of inwardly facing of the projection 34b of this shutter 34 and the surface of inwardly facing of container shutter 16 much at one.This shutter 34 is provided with pair of guide rails 34a, and this guide rail 34a lays respectively on the both sides of this shutter 34 and perpendicular to the moving direction of shutter 34.This shutter 34 is provided with an opening 34d.This opening 34d can expose or seal this toner inlet 33.Only has an xsect, i.e. cross section 34d1.Along the circumferencial direction of main body 54, between two projection 34b face width shutter 34, that inwardly face with along the face width of inwardly facing of the circumferencial direction of main body 54, container shutter 16 much at one.Therefore, when inserting toner supply container 1 in this toner feeding mechanism 100, this toner supply container 1 groove part 34c between two projection 34b of shutter 34 that just packs into, wherein this projection 34b is inwardly outstanding with the radial direction of toner supply container 1.The two edges with the longitudinal extension of main body 54 of this container shutter 16 really contact with the surperficial 34b1 of corresponding projection 34b.Therefore, when this container shutter 16 was opened or closed, this shutter 34 was along with container shutter 16 moves.Like this, toner outlet 11a and toner enter the mouth 33 aligned with each other if design has two container shutters 16 and shutter 34.When opening container shutter 16, developer can stir transmitting device 45 by a toner and be infeeded this developing apparatus 204.This opening 34d and groove part 34c are close to each other at the circumferencial direction of this shutter 34 immediately, and the two is separated by projection 34b.

(liner component)

This elastic insert 35 as seal member is an elastomeric element (Figure 13,20-26).These parts are used to guarantee that this toner outlet 11a is sealed by container shutter 16 airtightly.For example, this elastic insert 35 prevents that the toner that collision that the toners in the toner holding portion 11 cause because of reasons such as coming off of toner supply container brings from leaking.Consider that from the efficient aspect this elastic insert 35 sticks on the right to the outside surface of toner holding portion 11 in the mode round toner outlet 11a.More specifically, the material of this elastic insert 35 is an elastomeric material, as silicon rubber, urethane rubber, foamed polyethylene rubber etc., or the sponge of making by above-mentioned rubber.Best, adopt the tygon that bubbles a little, this poly hardness is the 20-70 degree, is no more than 10% permanent compression deformation, the particle size of 60-300 μ m, 0.15-0.50g/ density, the ratio of compression of 5-50%.

The design of elastic insert 35 is so that to adjoin the upper surface of part of vertical end of toner outlet 11a downward-sloping towards toner outlet 11a.

Utilize things such as cementing agent, this elastic insert 35 that will have aforesaid shape is fixed on the surface of adjoining toner outlet 11a.

(seal member)

In the time of in toner supply container 1 is inserted into toner feeding mechanism 100, this container shutter 16 pack into (space between two projection 34b) in the groove part 34c of this shutter 34.This groove part 34c extends on shutter 34 along the longitudinal, and this surface 34b1 is as the guide rail of container shutter 16.After in the groove part 34c of this shutter 34 that container shutter 16 is packed into, the plane on the surface of inwardly facing of the plane on the surface of inwardly facing of this projection 34b (i.e. the edge of this opening 34d) and container shutter 16 almost is in same surface level.With reference to Figure 20-26, this container shutter 16 is provided with a lip-deep seal member 41 that is positioned at this vessel side.For the surface of inwardly facing of the projection 34b that covers the toner inlet 33 that adjoins this shutter 34, sealing parts 41 (according to the closing direction of container shutter 16) downstream extend beyond this container shutter 16.Sealing parts 41 are used to prevent that toner from entering the gap g between this container shutter 16 and shutter 34.As long as can achieve this end, the material of sealing parts 41, shape, size, and parameters such as method of attachment all can be selected.

Optimum structure as for the sealing parts 41 in the present embodiment is such, and (#5000NC:Nitto Denko Co., Ltd) the thick polyester sheet with one 125 μ m is bonded on this container shutter 16 as seal member promptly to utilize double sticky tape.(Figure 29).

More specifically, as mentioned above, because the structural design of sealing parts 41 is to guarantee to cover the projection 34b of this shutter 34, so sealing parts 41 are not preferably because of ending or collide the installation or removal of this toner holding portion 11 interference colours adjustment holding portion 11.This shutter 34 with the right one side of vessel faces needn't be smooth.But sealing parts 41 need very identical with the right one side of vessel faces with this shutter 34.Because aforesaid demand, sealing parts 41 need to form by flexible sheets shape or by flexure strip.

As for the method that connects sealing parts 41, except aforesaid double sticky tape, can utilize any known method of attachment, as long as satisfy when being repeated repeatedly to open in the toner supply container 1 quilt installation or removal process repeatedly or during closing containers shutter 16, sealing parts 41 this requirement that can not come off gets final product.

Best, the material of sealing parts 41 uses ameripol, by the injection-moulding plastic of two kinds of colors, sealing parts 41 and this container shutter 16 is formed.In this case, the ameripol of sealing parts 41 is preferably selected with the material of container shutter 16 mutually compatiblely.In addition, sealing parts 41 and this container shutter 16 can be selected commaterial for use.In this case, utilize simple method that sealing parts 41 and this container shutter 16 are formed.

(function of seal member)

Below, the function of sealing parts 41 is illustrated.

When taking out this toner supply container 1 back (promptly when container shutter 16 does not link to each other with this shutter 34), the state of the main body of this toner feeding mechanism 100 as shown in figure 28.At this moment, this shutter 34 is used to seal this toner inlet 33, thereby prevents that exterior materials such as dust from entering this toner supply container 1 by this toner inlet 33.

Figure 21 expresses the state after toner supply container 1 has been loaded into, and developer is added full once more.At this moment, this container shutter 16 is return from toner outlet 11a, allow by this toner outlet 11a, the fast door opening 34d of main body, and the passage of toner inlet 33 forms.In addition, the plane of the one side relative with container of this container shutter 16 is in same surface level basically with the plane of the one side relative with container of the projection 34b of the opening 34d that is adjacent to shutter 34.Therefore, sealing parts 41 contact with the projection 34b of this shutter 34, make that the developer channel seal is airtight, simultaneously, prevent that toner is bonded on the surface of projection 34b of shutter 34.In addition, under the effect of the transmission part 29 in being located at toner supply container 1, the toner that is stored in the toner supply container 1 exports 11a, opening 34d, toner inlet 33 (above-mentioned three openings constitute the developer passage) to this toner stirring transmitting device 45 (being the toner receiving trap) conveying via toner.

With reference to Figure 23 and 24, above-mentioned two figure are respectively the partial enlarged drawing of Figure 20 and driving force transmission part 21.Even when this container shutter 16 and this shutter 34 towards the direction of opening when position shown in Figure 24 is shifted in position shown in Figure 23, the end of sealing parts 41 is retracted between the projection 34b of this shutter 34 and elastic insert 35, because sealing parts 41 are to be made by thin PET sheet, so the impermeability that is positioned at the developer passage of this position can be not destroyed.For safety, the ideal thickness scope of sealing parts 41 is 50 μ m～300 μ m, and best scope is 70 μ m～200 μ m, and wherein optimum value is 125 μ m.If seal member is blocked up, these parts can not seal the gap between shutter 34 and the toner supply container 1 well.On the other hand, if seal member is thin excessively, these parts can not be carried out its main function (preventing that promptly toner from entering between this container shutter 16 and this shutter 34) well.Like this, when handling this toner supply container 1, especially with toner supply container 1 when toner feeding mechanism 100 is installed or is pulled down, many problems can take place.For example, 41 shellings of sealing parts or contraction.

By such structure is provided, in this structure, sealing parts 41 be recovered to sealing parts 41 not with these elastic insert 35 position contacting, thereby can eliminate requirement to the thickness of seal member 41.Yet such structure makes that the shutter stroke is longer, is unfavorable for the miniaturization Design of toner feeding mechanism and toner supply container.

Below, following two aspects are illustrated: promptly the lamp of " not having toner " is shinny on this caution part 124a takes out this state with this toner supply container 1 before, and the function that is in the sealing parts 41 under this state.Under this state, in toner supply container 1, still store considerable toner.In other words, any opening (toner outlet 11a, the opening 34d and the toner inlet 33 that comprise toner supply container 1) all is filled with toner.The first step of being taked for taking-up toner supply container 1 in this state is the sealed open part.When container shutter 16 was shifted to closing direction, this shutter 34 that links to each other with this container shutter 16 was along with this container shutter 16 is shifted to the direction of closing toner supply container 1.The toner that is positioned at this opening 34d place is not shifted to closing direction not disturbedly, and is separated with toner that toner supply container 1, toner stir in the transmitting device 45, as shown in figure 25.During closing step, below the clearance G between this shutter 34 and the container shutter 16 just is positioned at as shown in figure 25 this toner outlet 11a.Like this, if there is not seal member 41 as shown in Figure 26,27, the toner in the toner supply container 1 will enter this gap g.Yet in fact, sealing parts 41 cover gap g as shown in Figure 25, thereby make toner can not enter gap g.

In addition, during closing step, sealing parts 41 and container shutter 16 are subjected to the pressure of downward (in the drawings) of elastic insert 35 generations.Therefore, this 41a of sealing parts 41 (this 41a extends beyond the edge of sealing parts 41) also is crushed on the container opposed face of this shutter 34, has not only obtained sealing property, and has prevented that toner is bonded on the surface of projection 34b of this shutter 34.

This shutter 34 and container shutter 16 are by closing state fully as shown in figure 23.In this state, although developer can be bonded on the surface of part 41a of the seal member 41 that is positioned at toner supply container 1 side, toner can not be bonded on the outside surface of this container shutter 16 and toner holding portion 11.The lip-deep developer level of inwardly facing of above-mentioned this part 41a that is bonded in seal member 41 is quite few, and is bonded in the alveole of toner between this part 41a and toner holding portion 11 on this part 41a.Therefore, this part 41a is upward just very difficult to come out again in case toner is bonded in.Can loose hardly from going out this alveole.

Because following will addressing, the length that this part 41a extends preferably approximates the width of the projection 34b of this shutter 34.More specifically, it is between 2mm～10mm that this length wants to be provided with scope, and best, this scope is between 4mm～8mm, and optimum value is 6mm.If it is long that this part 41a extends, can not prevent effectively that toner from entering above-mentioned gap g, in addition, become more shallow and can not receiving photographic developer by sealing parts 41 and toner holding portion 11 formed above-mentioned alveoles.In addition, toner also can be bonded on the surface of projection 34b of shutter 34.

On the other hand, if this part 41a is long, can disturbs the installation of toner supply container 1 or take out operation.For example, the various piece of the inside surface of this part 41a and toner feeding mechanism 100 problem that can bump.In addition, the pressure that is produced by above-mentioned elastic insert 35 can not be transferred to this part 41a than distal part, thereby make sealing parts 41 lose sealing property.Apparently, the rigidity by increasing seal member 41 can so that this pressure can be transferred to this part 41a than distal part.Yet the above-mentioned practice can reduce sealing parts 41 possibility mutually harmonious with the surface of shutter 34, makes sealing parts 41 lose sealing property simultaneously.In addition, if this part 41a is long, thereby makes that this opening 34d is too little and influenced passing through of toner.

(Lock Part)

Toner cartridge is provided with a Lock Part 51, so that under the both of these case, this handle 15 is locked to (Figure 16,17) on this toner holding portion 11 after having taken out from apparatus main body 124 before the apparatus main body 124 that toner supply container 1 is installed to imaging device and with toner supply container 1.

This Lock Part 51 be rotatably installed in first flange 12 around, more specifically, be installed in this first flange 12 Lock Part coupling part 12g (this Lock Part coupling part 12g directly adjoins with the end plate 12b of first flange 12) around.In addition, this Lock Part 51 can move (direction of this direction for representing with arrow among Figure 16, and the direction opposite with it) along the direction that toner supply container 1 inserts or takes out from toner feeding mechanism 100 in toner feeding mechanism 100.

This Lock Part 51 comprises a cylindrical ring portion 51a who installs round Lock Part coupling part 12g, and is provided with a groove 51b facing to above-mentioned end plate 12b.The locking projection 12h that is provided with on this groove 51b and first flange 12 links to each other.This Lock Part 51 integrally comprises an arm shape elastic part 51c on the end face 15i that is pressed in handle 15.This first flange 12 be provided with one be positioned at that this column part 12e goes up and circular rings around the rounded protuberance 12i of this column part 12e.In addition, this handle 15 integrally comprises a retainer 15j, and this retainer 15j is that the part of handle 15 is outwardly-bent and form.By the elastic force effect of above-mentioned elastic part 51c, the top of this retainer 15j contacts with rounded protuberance 12i, thereby prevents that handle 15 breaks away from the column part 12e (Figure 12) of first flange 12.In addition, by the elastic force effect of above-mentioned elastic part 51c, this Lock Part 51 contacts with the end plate 12b of first flange 12.

The xsect of elastic part 51c little by little reduces to its top, thus make on its whole length, be able to equably crooked, thereby prevent concentrate cause bleach (white) of the base portion of this elastic part 51c because of bending stress.In other words, when the xsect of this elastic part 51c is rectangle, little by little diminish to its top width or thickness.Therefore, from the base portion to the top, the xsect of this elastic part 51c little by little reduces.

By will this a pair of connection rib 51d respectively loosely be installed in groove 15k, the 15m that offers along the installation or the removing direction of toner supply container 1, thereby make a pair of connection rib 51d on the outside opposed face that is arranged on Lock Part 51 to move along the installation or the removing direction of toner supply container 1.This connection rib 51d Lock Part 51 is connected in the retainer 15j of handle 15.Therefore, make handle 15 can still not allow relative move (shown in Figure 36,37) to take place along relative moving takes place along circumferencial direction along axial direction with Lock Part 51.

According to the installation or the removing direction of toner supply container 1, be arranged at the length that the length of the locking projection 12h on first flange 12 is advanced along the installation or the removing direction of toner supply container 1 respectively less than connection rib 51d in groove 15k, 15m.In addition, according to the installation or the removing direction of toner supply container 1, the length that the length of locking projection 12h is advanced less than the retainer 15j of the connection rib 51i process handle 15 of Lock Part 51.

In said structure, under the elastic force effect of the elastic part 51c by Lock Part 51, the groove 51b of Lock Part 51 keeps linking to each other with the locking projection 12h of first flange 12.Therefore, no matter which kind of state toner supply container 1 is in (this state comprises that toner supply container 1 just is being inserted in the toner feeding mechanism 100, toner supply container 1 is just taken out from toner feeding mechanism 100, or this toner supply container 1 is in the outside of toner feeding mechanism 100), handle 15 can not move along the circumferencial direction with respect to toner holding portion 11.More specifically, in the present embodiment, this handle is allowed to along its circumferencial direction slip 6 degree, and these number of degrees are equal to the shake allowance between the groove 51b of locking projection 12h on first flange 12 and Lock Part 51.It should be noted that when being installed to toner supply container 1 in the toner feeding mechanism 100 the locking projection 12h of first flange 12 also can be used as the instrument that handle 15 and toner feeding mechanism 100 are suitably aimed at the circumferencial direction of handle 15.This point hereinafter will be addressed.

This Lock Part 51 is provided with a latch 51e, and wherein this latch 51e is the thin slice of a projection, and outwards protrudes along radial direction from adjoining connection rib 51d, and this latch 51e prevents that this toner supply container 1 from coming out from this main body 54.

(function of Lock Part)

Below, the function of Lock Part 51 is illustrated.When inserting toner supply container 1 in this toner feeding mechanism 100 by the leader 11k that connects the toner supply container 1 between the projection 54d of main body 54, container shutter 16 and shutter 34 are interconnected.When container shutter 16 linked to each other with shutter 34, the coupling part 16d of container shutter 16 partly was meshed with coupling part 21g, and after this, the coupling part 15a of handle 15 partly is meshed with coupling part 21a.When container shutter 16 with after shutter 34 partly is meshed, the above-mentioned part 41a of seal member 41 is sitting on the projection 34b by the intake section 34e of shutter 34.

Then, when with handle 15 when installation direction promotes, the projection 51d1 that is located on the connection rib 51d contacts with the outstanding surperficial 54e of main body 54, simultaneously, this latch 51e contacts with this surface in contact 54f, shown in Figure 17 (Figure 36 and Figure 33).Then, when with handle 15 when installation direction further promotes, this handle 15, first flange 12, toner holding portion 11, second flange 13 etc. advance along the direction of arrow as shown in Figure 16 together, and make the locking projection 12h of this first flange 12 shift out groove 1b, this point as shown in figure 17.

After this, observe from the upstream side of the installation direction of toner supply container 1, this handle 15 can deasil be rotated (direction of arrow as shown in Figure 17).Then, when rotary handle 15, this Lock Part 51 is with handle 15 rotation, like this, and the groove 54g on the surface in contact 54f of latch 51e and the bottom 54a that integrally is arranged on main body 54 link to each other (Figure 38,39).This groove 54g forms a circular arc with the circumferencial direction extension on the cylindrical wall of the bottom 54a of main body 54.After this latch 51e was inserted this groove 54g, this latch 51e was retained in this groove 54g when toner outlet 11a and shutter 34 are all opened or closed.Therefore, when then carrying out afterwards the supply operation of toner in toner supply container 1 is installed to toner feeding mechanism 100, toner supply container 1 can not be hauled out outside the toner feeding mechanism 100 simply.In other words, only when container shutter 16 and shutter 34 were closed, this toner supply container 1 can take out from toner feeding mechanism 100, and its reason only is that this latch 51e just is able to come out when container shutter 16 and shutter 34 are closed from arcuate furrow.

As for this locking mechanism, if discharging projection, lock only is one, this Lock Part 51 can be subjected to moment loading or/and deform, thereby, stop this toner supply container 1 to slide glossily.In addition, be a plurality of even this lock discharges the number of projection, if identical problem can take place their skewness.Therefore, be preferably in the circumferencial direction proportional spacing ground a plurality of locks of distribution and discharge projections.In the present embodiment, be provided with two projections, and be about 180 degree each other at interval.In the present embodiment, this latch 51e also is used as a lock and discharges projection, connects the angle that forms between the radial line at radial line and the center that is connected latch 51e and Lock Part 51 at center of projection 51d1 and Lock Part 51 and is about 150 and spends.

Below, with reference to accompanying drawing 37, the lock of this Lock Part 51 is illustrated release time.The locking projection 12h that is used to regulate the anglec of rotation of this Lock Part is provided with a projection 12h1, and this projection 12h1 is from the outside opposed face of the locking projection 12h radial direction projection with Lock Part 51, and can link to each other with handle 15.Handle 15 rotate to from the position that locking projection 12h links to each other with groove 51b projection 12h1 and connection rib groove 15m trench wall 15n one of contacted position, the angle B of being rotated be about 90 the degree.As previously mentioned, groove 15m is a groove, accommodates the connection rib 51d (being positioned on the side that latch 51e is set) of handle 15 in it.As for the groove 51b of Lock Part 51 and the relation between the locking projection 12h, the central angle of this groove 51b is enough roomy so that the shake allowances of 6 degree are provided along the circumferential direction for handle 15.

After the toner in the toner supply container 1 exhausts, for changing a new toner supply container 1, must be by rotating this handle 15 in the opposite direction along the side when toner supply container 1 is installed so that handle 15 is rotated to its initial position (when from according to the upstream side that toner supply container 1 is inserted the direction in the toner feeding mechanism 100, for counterclockwise).Like this, this latch 51e becomes and this arc latch 51e is separated, this Lock Part 51 slides backwards on its initial position on the 12g of this Lock Part coupling part, the elastic force effect because of elastic part 51c just makes this locking projection 12h and the groove 51b of the connection rib 51d of Lock Part 51 keep the position that is connected.

As mentioned above, because the pressure effect that Lock Part 51 is subjected to that elastic part 51c produces to the direction of toner holding portion 11, so, this Lock Part 51 slides so that the groove 51b of above-mentioned locking projection 12h and Lock Part 51 is connected with each other to this direction, thereby locks this Lock Part 51.

(package program of toner cartridge)

Package program to toner cartridge is illustrated below.Before assembling, each parts needs to wash in clean (as vacuum cleaning etc.) to avoid the intrusion of exterior materials (fine hair etc.) with wind.

At first, this toner holding portion 11 is linked to each other with first flange 12.This step realizes by ultra-sonic welded, hot-melt adhesive material, adhesive tape etc.

Then, this axle 27 is secured on this toner transmission wing 28.As mentioned above, the jut 27b of axle 27 is passed in the mounting portion 28c that is located on this toner transmission wing 28 and get final product.

By using web member 26a, will be assembled on this second flange 13 by this transmission part 29 that axle 27 and this toner transmission wing 28 that is fastened on the axle 27 are formed.At this moment, liner component (as oil seal or felt seal etc.) is used to prevent that developer from leaking at the part place that web member 26a links to each other with second flange 13.As above Zu Zhuan assembly is installed on the toner holding portion 11.This step also realizes by ultra-sonic welded, hot-melt adhesive material, adhesive tape etc.Consider from improving the organic efficiency aspect, preferably use this adhesive tape 64 (Figure 14).

Then, this elastic insert 35 is bonded to close this toner outlet 11a.The container shutter 16 that is bonded with seal member 41 on it is mounted to close toner outlet 11a.

Then, toner is charged into this toner inlet 12a, and this cap 14 is pressed in this toner inlet 12a.The filling of toner can manual mode be carried out, but preferably uses auger 65 as shown in figure 37.Then, the outside of toner supply container 1 is cleaned.This cleaning method can use air blowing or vacuum cleaning, then, uses wiped clean such as wet cloth.Cleaning step can be omitted.

Then, this Lock Part 51 is installed, and at last this handle 15 is installed.

Like this, toner supply container 1 is assembled successfully.

(toner supply operation)

Below, the toner supply operation that utilizes toner supply container 1 in the present embodiment is summarized.

(1) installation of toner supply container 1

At first, the lid 121 that is arranged on the apparatus main body 124 is opened 90 degree towards operator's direction.Then, the leader 11k of toner supply container 1 links to each other with groove 54h (Figure 20) between the projection 54c of toner feeding mechanism 100.Then, toner supply container 1 is inserted in the toner feeding mechanism 100 from a side that is provided with web member 26a.Like this, at first, the shutter 34 in the container shutter 16 of this toner supply container 1 and the toner feeding mechanism 100 is connected with each other.Below, the coupling part 16d of this coupling part 21g and container shutter 16 is connected with each other.At last, being positioned at the coupling part 21a on the toner feeding mechanism 100 and the coupling part 15a of handle 15 is connected with each other.

(2) supply of the location of toner supply container and toner

Under the effect of the toner supply container 1 in the toner feeding mechanism 100 of packing into, when the operator manually rotates these handle 1590 degree along clockwise direction after, via the coupling part 21a of this toner feeding mechanism 100, rotary driving force (i.e. the power that is applied by this operator) is transferred to this driving force transmission part 21 from the coupling part 15a (revolving force hop) of handle 15.Then, this power further is transferred to the coupling part 16d of container shutter 16 from coupling part 21g.Under the effect of the driving force of transmitting in above-mentioned mode, this container shutter 16 slides along the circumferencial direction of toner holding portion 11, links to each other with the shutter support unit 11e of this toner holding portion 11 simultaneously.During the slip of this container shutter 16, this shutter 34 is along with this container shutter 16 moves together.Therefore, the opening 34d of the toner of this toner holding portion 11 outlet 11a, shutter 34, and the toner that is positioned at toner feeding mechanism 100 enters the mouth and 33 all opens simultaneously.Then, rotate this transmission part 29 by this web member 26a and just begin the supply of toner, wherein, this web member 26a accepts the driving force that transmits from the web member 44 of apparatus main body 124.

In above-mentioned operating period, this toner holding portion 11 does not rotate.Therefore, this toner supply container 1 is not along with handle 15 rotations.This toner supply container 1 remains fixed in the toner feeding mechanism 100.

(3) taking-up of toner supply container

The operator is revolved handle 15 and is turn 90 degrees along circumferencial direction.Like this, the direction driving force that is different from the driving force that applies during the installation (2) at toner cartridge by with same order (closing toner outlet 11a, shutter 34 as toner supply container closes in the installation of the opening 34d of shutter 34 and toner inlet 33) transmission to finish the additional of toner.

Toner supply container 1 is loaded in this toner feeding mechanism 100 from web member 26a side.This coupling part 16d that needs this container shutter 16 is by the coupling part 21a of this apparatus main body 124, and links to each other with this coupling part 21g (apparatus main body 124 inside).Therefore, the diameter of hypothetical circle (this circle links to each other the crown of coupling part 16d and draws with the form of gear segment) is preferably less than the diameter of hypothetical circle (this circle draws the tooth base of coupling part 15a so that the form of gear segment is continuous).

Under above-mentioned structure, needn't mobile toner holding portion in the toner supply process.Therefore, to the shape of toner holding portion without limits.Therefore, can adopt and to provide the shape of the shape of space-efficient to the toner holding portion as the toner holding portion.In addition, shutter is made two assemblies that separate with handle.Therefore, the outlet of toner not necessarily is positioned at the position of adjoining handle.Therefore, the design for toner supply container can provide bigger degree of freedom.

In addition, in the toner supply container in the present embodiment, the driving force that puts on the handle receives the coupling part via the driving force that a plurality of coupling parts are transferred to shutter, above-mentioned a plurality of coupling parts comprise: the coupling part of the coupling part of handle, driving force transmission part, and the coupling part of shutter.Therefore, can design more freely be arranged to above-mentioned coupling part according to connecting ratio of gear (gear ratio).

Like this, when shutter is slided with the distance that opens or closes when longer, the angle that handle must be rotated by the connection ratio of gear (gear ratio) that increases handle can be reduced, when needs open or close the torque of shutter when higher, the angle that handle must rotation can be reduced by the connection ratio of gear (gear ratio) that reduces handle.

Equally in the present embodiment, handle is rotated with the angle that opens or closes shutter and elects 90 degree as, like this, when this toner supply container being inserted in this toner feeding mechanism, this handle portion 15e vertically places, with after the developer discharge, the handle portion 15e of handle 15 flatly places by the handle dextrorotation is turn 90 degrees.This layout makes the operator operate toner supply container and identification toner supply container 1 residing state more easily.Consider that from the efficient and the convenience aspect of operation the scope that handle is rotated with the angle that opens or closes shutter is preferably the 60-120 degree.

(toner stirring transmitting device)

This toner feeding mechanism 100 is provided with a toner and stirs transmitting device 45.With reference to accompanying drawing 20 and 21, also be provided with a housing 48 on this toner feeding mechanism 100, this housing 48 is fixed on the main body 54 and covers toner from the below and enters the mouth 33.The longitudinal size of this housing 48 approximates the longitudinal size of toner feeding mechanism 100.Be provided with agitating

auger body

46 and 47 in housing 48, this agitating

auger body

46 and 47 is supported by housing 48 so that drive with being rotated.

This agitating

auger

46 and 47 is separated wall 48a and separates, this partition wall 48a is separated into

chamber

48A and 48B with the inside of housing 48, above-mentioned chamber is gone up the hole that enters the mouth on the 33 opposite sides with this toner and is connected by being located at partition wall 48a, this agitating

auger body

46 and 47 distributes and is positioned at this above-mentioned chamber, and this conveyor screw 46 is positioned at the oblique upper of this agitating auger body 47.This housing 48 is provided with toner outlet 48b, and this toner outlet 48b is positioned at toner and enters the mouth on the 33 identical vertical ends, and imports this developing apparatus 201.

In above-mentioned structure is provided with, when toner is supplied to via toner inlet 33, this conveyor screw 46 stirs ground transmission developer by this chamber 48A, with longitudinal direction toner is transferred to its opposition side from this toner 33 sides that enter the mouth, makes toner fall into this chamber 48B by the hole (not shown) of being located on the partition wall 48a.This agitating auger body 47 that is positioned at the bottom stirs ground transmission toner with the direction opposite with the toner transmission direction of conveyor screw 46.Like this, toner is infeeded in the developing apparatus 201 through chamber 48B.

(accurately positioning element)

If producing the expense of toner supply container and assembly thereof is saved, in other words, if in the production of toner supply container and assembly thereof, do not use high-precision assembly, so, transmission from rotatable handle to shutter (driving force transmission abutment) suffers excessive shake allowance and/or distortion inevitably, and above-mentioned shake allowance and/or distortion will cause problems such as backlash.Under above-mentioned a large amount of shake allowance and/or distortion situation, the delivery stroke of transmission is not corresponding with its input travel.Therefore such situation takes place sometimes, after this shutter close, in any case also return less than its initial position.If toner supply container (above-mentioned problem has taken place its shutter) is in case taken out from apparatus main body, and when being loaded in this apparatus main body again, the rearmost position of the shutter of toner supply container and the distance between the initial position are greater than the distance in previous the installation after the shutoff stroke.In other words, above-mentioned distance can constantly increase along with repeatedly installing and taking out.

In above-mentioned design, be integratedly according to main assembling shutter and container shutter and be connected with each other, the misalignment of shutter makes and toner supply container can not be taken out from apparatus main body as mentioned above, or with a new toner supply container (shutter is arranged in its initial position) this apparatus main body of packing into, this is a serious problem.

The problems referred to above can be solved by the dependency structure that a toner supply container and apparatus main body are provided, this apparatus main body has a such characteristic, promptly when toner supply container is installed, begin with before the transmission gear that is positioned at apparatus main body side links to each other at handle and shutter, handle is along the opening direction of shutter rotate a certain angle (except necessary in theory angle); When taking out toner supply container, handle is along the closing direction of shutter rotate a certain angle (except necessary in theory angle).Above-mentioned characteristic has remedied the additional travel length of the needs such as backlash that cause because of excessive shake allowance, guarantees that shutter can return its initial position.

Below, the device that above-mentioned characteristic can be provided is described in detail.

With reference to Figure 10,11,33,34, this handle 15 is provided with a handle projection 61, and as a contact portion, this handle projection 61 is positioned on the right to the outside surface of handle 15.With reference to Figure 40-42, above-mentioned figure is the handle projection 61 and the schematic top plan view of parts on every side thereof, and the shape of this handle projection 61 is similar to a cam follower, the vertical direction from Figure 40-42, and the part with this handle projection 61a is narrower than base portion.Guarantee to contact with the lip-deep main body projection of inwardly facing 62 of the top board of the top 54b that is arranged on main body 54 in the location of this handle projection 61a.This handle projection 61 and main body projection 62 combine respectively as driven device and cam and work.

The cam portion profile of this main body projection 62 is to have an angle.The amplitude of the lift of cam face is enough to make the central angle (promptly by the two angle that forms between the line repeatedly of line between the center (center of bottom 54a) of the base portion of line between the center of the peak of cam face and main body 54 and cam face and main body 54) of cam portion of main body projection 62 enough greatly to remedy the shake allowance on the sense of rotation between toner supply container 1 and the toner feeding mechanism 100.This central angle is not less than 6 degree.In the present embodiment, elect 6 degree as.

Below, the position of this handle projection 61 and main body projection 62 relation and function are illustrated.With reference to Figure 33 and 42, in the time of in toner supply container 1 is inserted into this toner feeding mechanism 100, this handle projection 61 arrives and these main body projection 62 contacted positions, is positioned on the cam face, in the place that does not have lift.Under this state, the coupling part 15a of handle 15 and a coupling part 21a distance L 1 separated from one another that is positioned on the main body side, this L1 equals L2, and the distance of this L2 is exactly that this handle projection 61 that is in this state must move to accept the distance of top lift.

When with toner supply container 1 in the position shown in Figure 33 and 42 is inserted this toner feeding mechanism 100 further the time, this handle projection 61 is slided on main body projection 62 when rotary handle 15.When this handle projection 61 slides into the cam top of main body projection 62, these handle 15 rotations 6 degree.When handle projection 61 arrived the cam top of main body projection 62, the crown of the coupling part 15a of this handle 15 contacted with the corresponding portion of the coupling part 21a of toner feeding mechanism 100.Before the crown of coupling part 15a and coupling part 21a contacted, the crown of the coupling part 16d of container shutter 16 contacted with the corresponding portion of coupling part 21g on being positioned at main body side.In other words, the coupling part 16d of container shutter 16 linked to each other early than the coupling part 15a of handle 15 and the coupling part 21a of toner feeding mechanism 100 a little with linking to each other between the coupling part 21g on the main body side.

With reference to accompanying drawing 40, when toner supply container 1 being inserted further in this toner feeding mechanism 100, the coupling part 15a of handle 15 and the coupling part 21a of toner feeding mechanism 100 are engaged with each other.On the other hand, the coupling part 16d of this container shutter 16 is meshed on its whole tooth with the coupling part 21g shown in Figure 19.Therefore, toner supply container 1 is moved on to position shown in Figure 40 from position shown in Figure 41, this handle 15 does not rotate, and this handle projection 61 is retained in the unfixed position shown in Figure 40, and this position is corresponding with the cam top of main body projection 62.

After this handle projection 61 is shifted in aforesaid mode by this main body projection 62, these handle 15 rotations 6 degree.Therefore, the shake allowance that has some between the surface that faces one another of handle 15 and first flange 12.More specifically, with reference to Figure 16,17, when toner supply container 1 is not positioned at the main body of imaging device, so that the enough big shake allowance of handle 15 rotations 6 degree is arranged on the circumferencial direction of handle 15, this shake allowance is between the locking projection 12h of the side of the groove 51b of Lock Part 51 and first flange 12, equally also between the connection rib 51d of the surface of groove 15k, groove 15m and corresponding first flange 12.

In addition, before handle 15 is by

handle projection

61 and 62 rotations of main body projection, for container shutter 16 is linked to each other in certain position with shutter 34, the bottom 54a of main body 54 is provided with a locator protrusions 63, this locator protrusions 63 is positioned on the surface of inwardly facing of bottom 54a, the end face of container shutter 16 slides (according to the installation direction of toner supply container 1) at upside facing to this locator protrusions 63, shown in Figure 38,39.This locator protrusions 63 has the cam face that a profile has angle, the position and the regular hour at the cam top of this locator protrusions 63 are corresponding, and this time arrives a preposition with one of surperficial 34b1 of the groove (container shutter 16 wherein is installed) that guarantees shutter 34.

When inserting toner supply container 1 in this toner feeding mechanism 100, the inclined-plane 16q of this container shutter 16 contacts with locator protrusions 63.Like this, this container shutter 16 is controlled along the circumferencial direction of toner supply container 1 with respect to position of shutter 34 relation with it.Then, when further inserting toner supply container 1 in this toner feeding mechanism 100, when in the groove of this shutter 34 that container shutter 16 is packed into, the longitudinal edge 16r1 that links to each other with inclined-plane 16q of container shutter 16 faces toward locator protrusions 63 slips.Between the moving period of container shutter 16, the inclined-plane 16p of this container shutter 16 (being positioned at the opposition side of container shutter 16) contacts with this inclined-plane 34b2 on the corner that is positioned at projection 34b, be positioned on the corresponding side of shutter 34, equally to correspond to this container shutter 16 of position relation control of shutter 34.When toner supply container 1 was inserted further, this inclined-plane 16q linked to each other with the inclined-plane 34b3 of shutter 34, after this, and in the groove between the surperficial 34b1 of the projection 34b that this container shutter 16 further enters at shutter 34.Then, in container shutter 16 further enters the groove of shutter 34 and when arriving as shown in figure 38 position, be positioned at the coupling part 15a of toner supply container 1 side and coupling part 16d begin be positioned at toner feeding mechanism 100 sides on coupling part 21a and coupling part 21g be meshed.After corresponding coupling part was engaged with each other certain scope (according to the Width of gear), the position relation between container shutter 16 and the shutter 34 as shown in figure 39.In this state, the inclined-plane 16s and the locator protrusions 63 that are positioned at the upstream extremity (according to the working direction of container shutter 16 with respect to shutter 34) of the longitudinal edge 16r on container shutter 16 sides are separated.

In said process, the resistance of motion of container shutter 16 that stops the developer outlet be used to open or close toner holding portion 11 is much larger than the resistance that stops shutter 34 to open or close, and its reason is that container shutter 16 is subjected to the effect of the pressure that produced by elastic insert 35.Therefore, this locator protrusions 63 is regulated the position of container shutter 16, and container shutter 16 is regulated the position of shutter 34.

In above-mentioned 26S Proteasome Structure and Function, the position of shutter 34 and container shutter 16 is always identical after it interconnects.In this state, when the user with handle after clockwise direction (from toner supply container 1 being inserted the upstream side of the direction the toner feeding mechanism 100) rotation 84 degree, container shutter 16 and shutter 34 all rotate 50 degree and are fully opened along its opening direction.

When toner supply container 1 is taken out from toner feeding mechanism 100, the user need along counterclockwise (with above-mentioned side in the opposite direction) rotary handle 15 90 degree.When rotary handle 15, container shutter 16 and shutter 34 are all along its closing direction rotation 50 degree, thus return its initial position that arrives.

As mentioned above, in the anglec of rotation of the open period handle 15 of handle 15 and shutter 34, in the anglec of rotation of the down periods handle 15 of handle 15 and shutter 34, in the anglec of rotation of the down periods of container shutter 16 and shutter 34 container shutter 16 and shutter 34, and the relation between above-mentioned four angles such as the anglec of rotation of the open period container shutter 16 of container shutter 16 and shutter 34 and shutter 34 is not quite identical.The reason that this species diversity takes place is because the distortion of the existence of above-mentioned backlash and handle, shutter, axle etc. or bending make toner supply container rotate with respect to the toner feeding mechanism causes.Therefore, shutter be by will can making shutter return its initial position after handle 15 rotation 6 degree, be installation and the backlash and/or the distortion that take place before the rotary handle to remedy.

After toner supply container 1 is pulled out toner feeding mechanism 100, this handle 15 is along opening direction pre-rotation 6 degree, when toner supply container 1 is installed,, thereby toner supply container 1 is ready to so that following use by being connected of container shutter 16 and main body projection 62.Do not want toner supply container 1 is pulled out if handle 15 is not turn 90 degrees (as only rotating 80 degree) along counterclockwise revolving, this container shutter 16 and shutter 34 can not turn back to its initial position.Yet in the present embodiment, when toner supply container 1 was pulled out, the inclined-plane 16s of container shutter 16 linked to each other with the locator protrusions 63 of toner feeding mechanism 100, forced this container shutter 16 and shutter 34 to turn back to its initial position.Therefore, can avoid above-mentioned inconvenience.

(removal process of toner cartridge)

As mentioned above, the toner cartridge in the present embodiment is used to image and forms, and after toner uses up, needs this toner cartridge is collected recovery.The toner cartridge that is collected reclaims in following mode:

(1) this handle 15 is removed from toner holding portion 11

This point can utilize proper implements to make the coupling part open and be achieved.

Simultaneously, pull down Lock Part 51.

(2) this cap 14 is removed from first flange 12

Can manually pull out, still can utilize the instrument of tweezers and so on.Yet when cap 14 will be utilized once more, this cap 14 was manually removed or is utilized proper implements so that can not destroy this cap 14.

(3) this container shutter 16 is removed from toner holding portion 11

This point can easily be realized by container shutter 16 is slided along opening direction.

(4) this second flange 13 and transmission part 29 are removed from toner holding portion 11

This point can be by peeling adhesive tape 64 to be achieved from the toner holding portion 11 and/or second flange 13.Because this transmission part 29 is supported by second flange 13,, second flange 13 make transmission part 29 pull down from toner holding portion 11 by being pulled down from toner holding portion 11.

(5) the above-mentioned parts of pulling down are cleaned

The method that can be used for cleaning has air-blowing and vacuum cleaning etc.If necessary, wiping such as available wet cloth.

(6) transmission part 29 is separated

Only toner being transmitted the wing 28 herein, pulls down.This point can be by catching the toner transmission wing 28 an end and draw along the axial direction of axle 27 be achieved.When this toner transmission wing 28 both be not folded, thermal treatment, bending, also do not deform (defective that stops the suitable function of this toner transmission wing 28), it can be used again so.Yet, consider from its function aspects, preferably change one new.

(7) toner being transmitted the wing 28 is installed on this axle 27

The hole part 28A that this point can be passed the toner transmission wing 28 by the jut 27b with axle 27 is achieved.

(8) transmission part 29 is assembled on this toner holding portion 11

This point can be fixed on the toner holding portion 11 by second flange 13 that will have transmission part 29 and be achieved.Consider that from the easiness aspect that reclaims this fixing means is preferably and uses aforesaid adhesive tape 64.

(9) container shutter 16 is assembled on this toner holding portion 11

From organic efficiency aspect consideration preferably, this container shutter 16 is preferably utilized once more.Yet, can use a new molded container shutter 16, or only the seal member 41 on the container shutter 16 can be replaced by one new.The elastic insert 35 of sealing toner outlet 11a can be utilized or be changed once more.

(10) via toner inlet 12a toner is supplied with, cap 14 is pressed in this toner inlet 12a

Can manually carry out the filling of toner, but it is best utilizing the screw type tucker 65 shown in Figure 46.The best amount with new toner cartridge of the amount that fill color is adjusted is consistent, but also can be more or few.Consider that from aforesaid organic efficiency preferably aspect this cap 14 preferably is repeated to utilize.Yet, this cap 14 can be one new molded.In this case, the configuration of lid can be with initial different, and 12a gets final product if it can seal this toner inlet.

(11) outside surface with toner supply container 1 cleans

Cleaning method can use air-blowing or vacuum cleaning etc., then, utilizes wiped clean such as wet cloth.This cleaning process can be omitted.

(12) check whether toner is revealed

The purpose of this step is to guarantee that developer can not be leaked to the outside of toner supply container 1.Poly-can being omitted of this step.

(13) handle 15 is installed

Can utilize handle 15 once more, also can use one new.Push hard this handle 15 so as with the retainer 15j of handle 15 safely with the mutual hook knot of the rounded protuberance 12i of first flange 12 (Figure 16).

In above-mentioned mode, can repeat to reclaim toner cartridge, like this, the resource and the energy are saved, and the quantity of rubbish is reduced.

Pulled down the supply shaft of supplying with blade from it and do not had any defective, therefore, can be repeated to utilize repeatedly.

It is the same with the picture quality of utilizing new toner cartridge to obtain good that the toner cartridge that reclaims like this can access, and do not have the coarse particle of toner.The present invention is not limited only to above-mentioned toner cartridge, and to the container that comprises supply part in it, the toner holding portion of process toner cartridge, and the device clearer of development etc. all is suitable for.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to accompanying drawing; but the present invention is not limited only to above-mentioned details; the object of the invention is to cover such distortion or change, as long as above-mentioned distortion is included within the protection domain of above-mentioned improved purpose scope or following claim.

Claims

1. be located at the interior developer agitating member of developer reservoir that is used for receiving photographic developer for one kind, this mixing component is used to stir developer, and this developer agitating member comprises:

Have a plurality of flexible sheets that are used to stir the mixing part (333) of developer;

Be used to support the rotatable support unit (331) of described flexible sheets, this rotatable support unit is provided with a plurality of projections (332);

Wherein, described flexible sheets is provided with a plurality of openings (334) that are used for respectively with described protrusion engagement;

Wherein, each described opening is provided with the hole (334a) that a described projection of confession is passed, and is provided with the slit that extends from described hole along the direction of the rotation of described support unit;

Wherein, described projection (332) is provided with a major diameter part (332a) and a small diameter portion (332b) that is positioned between described major diameter part and the described rotatable support unit (331);

Wherein, the width of described hole (334a) is less than the width of described small diameter portion (332b), and described small diameter portion is inserted in the described hole, thereby described projection and described hatch lock are connected together.

2. developer agitating member according to claim 1, wherein, the thickness of this flexible sheets is 50-500 μ m.

3. developer agitating member according to claim 2, wherein, this flexible sheets is made by material in polyester resin.

4. developer agitating member according to claim 1, it also comprises the additional hole (334c) at the place, end that is arranged on described slit.

5. developer agitating member according to claim 1, wherein, half height of the difference of the width of described major diameter part (332a) and the width of described hole (334a) less than described small diameter portion (332b).

6. developer agitating member according to claim 1, wherein, half height (h) of the difference of the width (d) of described small diameter portion (332b) and the width (A) of described hole (334a) less than described small diameter portion.

7. developer agitating member according to claim 1, wherein, described flexible sheets removably is fixed on the described support unit (331).

8. according to each described developer agitating member among the claim 1-7, wherein, described developer agitating member can be discharged described developer reservoir with developer via the opening of being located on the described developer reservoir effectively.

9. the assemble method of a developer agitating member, this developer agitating member is located in the developer reservoir that is used for receiving photographic developer, and this developer agitating member is used to stir developer, and described method comprises the following steps:

Preparation has a plurality of flexible sheets that are used to stir the mixing part (333) of developer, and this flexible sheets has a plurality of openings (334);

Preparation is used to support the rotatable support unit (331) of described flexible sheets, and this support unit is provided with a plurality of projections (332);

Described projection is locked mutually with described opening;

Wherein, each described opening is provided with a hole (334a), and each described opening is provided with the slit that extends from described hole along the direction of the rotation of described rotatable support unit;

Wherein, the width of described hole (334a) is less than the width of described small diameter portion (332b), and described small diameter portion is inserted in the described hole, thereby described projection and described hatch lock are connected together; And

Described lock step comprises the step that described projection (332) is passed described hole.

10. method according to claim 9, wherein, the length (B) of described opening (334) is greater than the width (D) of described major diameter part (332a).

11. method according to claim 10, wherein, the width (D) of described major diameter part and half height (h) of the difference of the width (A) of described hole (334a) less than described small diameter portion (332b).

12. method according to claim 10, wherein, half height (h) of the difference of the width (A) of width of described small diameter portion (d) and described hole less than described small diameter portion.

13. method according to claim 9, wherein, described flexible sheets is removably mounted on the described support unit.

14. according to each the described method among the claim 9-13, wherein, described assemble method is used to reclaim described developer agitating member.

15. method according to claim 14, wherein, described assemble method is used to reclaim described developer reservoir.