JP2002341650A - Sealing material, developer supply device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a copying machine capable of restraining toner from being leaked because the edge part of sealing material 267b provided around the toner discharge port 261 of a feeding port cover 260 in a toner supply device (250) is turned up in the case of setting the toner supply device (250) in a developer storing part 200B-2. SOLUTION: The sealing material 267 is constituted of a base layer 267a consisting of polyurethane foam and a rubbing layer 267b consisting of PET, and the edge side of the layer 267b is made to project more than the base layer 267a, then the projecting part is made to take attitude that it does not rub on sealing material 213 being the other member.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sealing material which is interposed between two members in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer or the like to suppress leakage of a developer from the member, and a developer replenisher using the same. The present invention relates to an apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of sealing material is made of an elastic material, and is pressed between two members that are pressed against each other and freely deformed, so that the two members are brought into close contact with each other to prevent developer leakage. Something to suppress is known.

However, in this sealing material, one member relatively moves with respect to the other member for attachment / detachment and the like, for example, in a combination of a developing device and a developer supply device for supplying the developer thereto. With such a combination of members,
The following problems may be caused. That is, there is a problem that the sealing material is rubbed against the other member with the relative movement of the one member, and the sealing property is gradually reduced due to wear caused by the rubbing.

[0004] Therefore, there is a seal material in which a material having excellent lubricity is used for a surface layer (a layer on the rubbing side) of the seal material having a multilayer structure so as to suppress a decrease in sealability due to wear of the seal material. Known (for example, JP-A-2000-23)
No. 5304). According to this type of sealing material, the surface layer is made of a material having excellent lubricity such as Teflon (registered trademark) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, instead of a non-slip material such as rubber or polyurethane foam. Wear due to rubbing can be suppressed.

[0005]

However, the present inventor has confirmed through experiments that even in this type of sealing material, the sealing property may be significantly reduced due to the phenomenon described below. That is, the edge portion of the sealing material on the leading end side in the relative movement direction of one of the members sometimes slips into the space between the other member and the rear end side of the sealing material with sliding. If the edge portion of the sealing material is sunk in this way, a gap is formed between the sealing material and the other member, and the developer easily leaks from the gap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a developing method by sneaking in an edge portion of a sealing material which occurs when one member moves relative to the other member. An object of the present invention is to provide a seal material capable of suppressing leakage of a developer, and a developer supply device and an image forming device using the same.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided around the opening of at least one of the two members for sending and receiving the developer through the openings provided in the housing. The second member is rubbed with the other member along with the movement of the one member relative to the other member to form an opening opposing portion that opposes the openings of the two members. At least a base layer fixed to the one member, and the other member laminated to the other member, in a sealing material formed around the opening facing portion to seal around the opening opposing portion to prevent developer leakage from between the two members. A rubbing layer that rubs against the base member, and the end of the rubbing layer that is on the tip side in the relative movement direction is protruded more toward the tip side than the base layer in a posture that does not rub against the other member. It is characterized by the following.

In this sealing material, the end of the rubbing layer, which is the edge of the sealing material provided on one member, is made to protrude beyond the base layer toward the tip of the member (downstream in the direction of relative movement). An attitude is taken such that the other member does not rub against the end of the rubbing layer. Therefore, when one member is relatively moved with respect to the other member to form the opening opposing portion, there is almost no possibility that the edge portion of the sealing material provided on the one member will rub against the other member. In addition, squeezing of the edge portion due to rubbing is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the developer leakage due to the intrusion of the sealing material edge portion which occurs when one member relatively moves with respect to the other member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sealing material of the first aspect, the rubbing layer is formed of a layer made of polyethylene terephthalate and having a thickness of 0.1 mm or more. The above-mentioned posture is taken by bending.

[0010] In this sealing material, abrasion of the sealing material due to relative movement of one member can be suppressed by the rubbing layer made of polyethylene terephthalate having excellent lubricity. Further, for the reason described below, it is possible to suppress the rubbing with the other member due to the bending of the end of the rubbing layer which is the edge portion of the sealing material. That is, when bending the end portion of the rubbing layer so that the other member does not rub against the other member, a material that exhibits good flexibility is used as the material of the rubbing layer. The end of the rubbing layer may be bent in the direction of gravity to rub against the other member. Therefore, the present inventors have conducted intensive studies on the relationship between the thickness and the flexibility of the rubbing layer made of polyethylene terephthalate. Then, it was found that if the thickness of the rubbing layer made of polyethylene terephthalate was 0.1 [mm] or more, the rubbing with the other member due to the bending of the end portion of the rubbing layer could be effectively suppressed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the sealing material of the first aspect, the rubbing layer is formed of a layer of polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of 0.1 [mm] or more, and an end portion of the rubbing layer is provided. The above-mentioned posture is taken by bending.

[0012] In this sealing material, an end portion of the rubbing layer in which the other member is positioned so as not to rub against the other member,
Since the tip is fixed to the member provided with the rubbing layer, the posture is maintained irrespective of the influence of the force applied when the member moves relative to the end of the rubbing layer. It becomes possible. Therefore, rubbing with the other member due to bending of the rubbing layer end can be eliminated irrespective of the influence of the force applied at the time of relative movement of one member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sealing material of the third aspect, the material of the rubbing layer has a thickness of 0.05 [m].
m] or more and 0.075 [mm] or less.

In the sealing material, for the reason described below, developer leakage due to wrinkles of the rubbing layer, which is likely to occur when an elastic member such as urethane foam is used for the base layer, can be suppressed. That is, when the elastic member rubs against another member, the elastic member is easily deformed and wrinkles are easily generated on the rubbing surface. For this reason, if the sealing member is formed of only the elastic member, wrinkles are easily generated on the sliding surface of the sealing member. On the other hand, when a multilayer structure including at least the base layer and the rubbing layer is adopted as in the present sealing material,
Even if an elastic material is used for the base layer, if a material having excellent lubricity is used for the rubbing layer, wrinkles generated in the base layer can be suppressed to some extent. However, when the thickness of the rubbing layer is too thin, the rubbing layer easily deforms by following the base layer that is going to be deformed in a wrinkle shape with the rubbing between the rubbing layer and the other member. As a result, wrinkles may be generated in the base layer and the rubbing layer. Therefore, the present inventor tested the relationship between the thickness of the rubbing layer and the occurrence of wrinkles using a combination of a base layer made of foamed polyurethane and a rubbing layer made of polyethylene terephthalate. Then, it was found that even if an elastic member was used for the base layer, if the thickness of the rubbing layer made of polyethylene terephthalate was 0.05 [mm] or more, wrinkles generated in the rubbing layer could be effectively suppressed. Further, in the present sealing material, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the slipperiness of the sealing material due to elongation of the base layer, which is likely to occur when the sliding member is fixed to one member while bending the end portion thereof, for the following reason. . That is, a rubbing layer made of a flexible material such as a plastic plate is laminated on the base layer, and the rubbing layer is fixed to the other member while bending the end of the rubbing layer (protruding portion from the base layer). When the posture of the other member is made not to rub against the end portion, the end portion of the rubbing layer pulls the base layer to return to the original shape. The tensile force increases as the thickness of the rubbing layer increases, and the base layer made of the elastic material is easily stretched. The inventor of the present invention has made extensive studies and found that, when the base layer is significantly elongated, the sliding surface of the sliding layer deteriorates in flatness and the lubrication of the sealing material decreases. Therefore, using a combination of a base layer made of foamed polyurethane and a rubbing layer made of polyethylene terephthalate, the relationship between the thickness of the rubbing layer and the lubricity of the sealing material was tested. Then, even if the end portion of the rubbing layer made of polyethylene terephthalate is fixed to the other member while being bent, the thickness is reduced to 0.0
It has been found that if the thickness is 75 mm or less, the rubbing layer can effectively suppress the elongation of the base layer made of polyurethane foam by pulling the base layer in an attempt to return to the original shape.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sealing material of the fourth aspect, the base layer is formed of an elastic member, and is not fixed to the one member at a rear end side of the end of the rubbing layer. A fixed portion is provided, and a space is formed between the non-fixed portion and the tip of the base layer.

In this sealing material, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricity of the sealing material due to the end of the rubbing layer hindering the deformation of the base layer for the following reason. That is, when the sealing material is pressed while rubbing against the other member, the pressure can deform the base layer made of the elastic member to maintain good lubricity. The base layer deforms when pressed to increase its length, instead of reducing its thickness. However, when the tip of the rubbing layer is fixed to the other member so as to maintain the posture such that the other member does not rub against the end of the rubbing layer, as in the present sealing material, Is pressed by the end of the rubbing layer, the deformation of the base layer in the longitudinal direction is hindered. As a result, the lubricity of the sealing material is reduced. Therefore, in the present sealing material, a non-fixed portion that is not fixed to one member is formed on the sliding layer so that a space is formed between the end portion of the sliding layer protruding from the base layer and the tip of the base layer. It is provided on the rear end side of the front end of the end. In such a configuration, an increase in the length of the base layer, which is deformed by pressurization, in the length direction enters this space, so that the base layer can be easily deformed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricity of the sealing material caused by the end portion of the rubbing layer inhibiting the deformation of the base layer.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for accommodating a developer, an outlet for discharging the developer in the container,
A sealing member provided around the discharge port, and the developing device is engaged with the developing device so that the discharge port faces the developer receiving port of the developing device. In the developer supply device for supplying the developer, the seal material according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 is used as the seal material.

In this developer supply device, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the developer from between the development device and the developer supply device due to the infiltration of the edge portion of the sealing material provided around the discharge port.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a latent image carrier for carrying a latent image, a developing device for developing the latent image, and a developer supply device for supplying a developer to the developing device. An image forming apparatus for forming an image by developing a latent image on an image carrier by the developing device, wherein the developer supply device according to claim 6 is used as the developer supply device. .

In this image forming apparatus, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the developer due to the edge portion of the seal material sunk between the discharge port of the developer supply device and the developer reception port of the development device.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic copying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a copying machine) will be described below. First, a basic configuration of the copying machine according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the copying machine. As shown in the drawing, the copying machine includes a scanner unit 100 that reads image information of a document, an image forming unit 200 that forms an image on a transfer sheet P, and a paper feeding unit that supplies the transfer sheet P to the image forming unit 200. 300. Also, a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of each device in the copying machine is provided.

The scanner section 100 reads image information of a document placed on a contact glass (not shown) by the light receiving device 101 and sends the read image information to the control section.

Based on the image information received from the scanner unit 100, the control unit controls a laser diode, a polygon mirror, and the like (not shown) provided in the laser writing unit 200A of the image forming unit 200 to process the cartridge 200B. Is irradiated with the laser writing light L toward the photosensitive drum 201. By this irradiation, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201, and this latent image is developed into a toner image via a predetermined developing process. The image forming unit 200 includes a transfer device 200C, a fixing device 200D, and a paper discharging device 200 in addition to the laser writing unit 200A and the process cartridge 200B.
E, a door 200F that can be opened and closed in the direction of the arrow around the rotation shaft 214, a door 200G that can be opened and closed in the front and rear direction around the rotation shaft 215, a toner supply device as a developer supply device (not shown), and the like. It also has. The developing process will be described later in detail.

The paper supply unit 300 includes four paper supply cassettes 301a, 301b, 301c and 301d, and four registration rollers 302.
a, b, c, d, four paper transport roller pairs 303a, b,
c, d, etc. are provided.

Four paper cassettes 301a, 301b, 301c and 301d
Are for placing and accommodating transfer paper P, respectively, and are configured to be attached to and detached from the copier body in the front-rear direction in FIG.

The above-mentioned registration rollers 302a, b, c, d
Ejects only one transfer sheet P placed on each of the sheet cassettes 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d, and sends the sheet to a sheet transport path including a pair of transport rollers 303a, 303b, 303d, and the like.

When the control section receives the image information from the scanner section 100, the control section executes the laser writing as described above and a developing process as described later to execute the developing process.
One of the four registration rollers 302 is operated to form a toner image on the sheet 1 and feed a transfer sheet P having a size corresponding to the image information. With this operation, one transfer sheet P is ejected from one of the four sheet cassettes 301 and passes through the pair of sheet conveyance rollers 303, and then is transferred to the process cartridge 200B and the transfer device 200C.
Is transported to a transfer position between. At this transfer position, a transfer roller to which a transfer bias is applied by a bias applying unit (not shown) is in contact with the photosensitive drum 201 to form a nip. The toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 201 is superimposed on the transfer paper P sandwiched between the nips. The transfer electric field formed in the nip by applying the transfer bias,
The image is transferred onto the transfer paper P under the influence of the contact pressure between the photosensitive drum 201 and the transfer roller.

The transfer paper P on which the toner image has been transferred in this manner is sent into the fixing device 200D, where the pressure roller 21
The toner image is fixed under the influence of the pressing force and heating between the roller 6 and the heating roller 217. Then, after being discharged from the transfer device 200D, the paper is discharged to the outside of the apparatus via a pair of paper discharge rollers of the paper discharge device 200E.

The developing process in the copying machine is as described below. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a process cartridge of the copying machine. 2, the illustration of the toner supply device is omitted for convenience. FIG.
The process cartridge 200B includes a developing unit 200B-3 as a developing device and a latent image forming unit 200B-
4 and a cleaning unit 200B-5.

The photosensitive drum 201, which is a latent image carrier, is rotatably attached to the latent image forming section 200B-4. The photosensitive drum 201 is turned upside down in the figure by a drive system (not shown). It is driven to rotate clockwise. Further, the latent image forming section 200B-4 includes a charging roller 21.
1. A static elimination lamp 212 and the like are provided around the photosensitive drum 201.

The surface of the photosensitive drum 201 is firstly discharged by irradiating a neutralizing light from a neutralizing lamp 212 with a counterclockwise rotation in FIG.
And is uniformly charged. Next, as described above, the laser writing light L is emitted from the laser writing unit 200A. The surface of the photosensitive drum 201 carries an electrostatic latent image by this irradiation. When the electrostatic latent image passes through a position (development position) facing a later-described agent carrying portion 200 </ b> B- 1 as the photosensitive drum 201 rotates, toner as a developer is attached to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image. Is developed.

The developing section 200B-3 includes a
0B-1 and a medicine container 200B-2.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the agent container 200B-2. In the figure, this agent storage section 200B
-2 is the first toner receiving port 202, the second toner receiving port 2
03, first transport screw 204, second transport screw 205, housing casing 206, toner density sensor 2
07 (see FIG. 1). The first transport screw 204 and the second transport screw 205 are disposed so as to maintain a parallel positional relationship with each other, and are driven to rotate by a drive system (not shown). A partition wall 206a integrally formed with the housing casing 206 is provided between these transport screws, and thereby,
A developer accommodating space for accommodating a two-component developer composed of a toner and a magnetic carrier is individually secured around the two. However, a partition wall 206a is not provided in a region corresponding to the vicinity of both ends of each transport screw, and the two developer accommodating spaces communicate with each other near the both ends.

First, the toner received by the toner supply device (not shown) into the agent container 202B-2 through the first toner receiving port 202 is supplied to the first conveying screw 204.
Falls into the developer accommodating space in which is accommodated. And
After coming into contact with the two-component developer around the first transport screw 204, it is mixed and stirred with the two-component developer with the rotation of the first transport screw 204, and moves inward as shown by the arrow in the figure. It is transported. During this transfer,
The toner is rubbed by the magnetic carrier, the first transport screw 204, and the like, and is charged to, for example, a negative polarity.

The two-component developer conveyed to the far end in the figure by the first conveying screw 204 passes through a communication space between the first conveying screw 204 and the second conveying screw 205 and the second conveying screw 205 To the developer storage space on the side. Then, by the rotation of the second conveying screw 205, the sheet is conveyed to the near side as shown by the arrow in the figure. This transport further promotes charging of the toner in the two-component developer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the developer accommodating space on the second transport screw 205 side is
00B-1 toward the developing sleeve 209. The developing sleeve 209 is composed of, for example, a magnet roller (not shown) having five magnetic poles and a cylindrical non-magnetic pipe that covers the magnet roller. Only the non-magnetic pipe is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. It is supposed to be. The non-magnetic pipe draws up and carries the two-component developer conveyed to the near side in the drawing by the second conveying screw 205 with the rotation thereof by the magnetic force generated by the magnet roller. The two-component developer carried in this manner is taken into the developer carrying portion 200B-1 as the nonmagnetic pipe rotates.

A developer doctor 210 is provided in the developer carrier 205B-1 to be in contact with the developing sleeve 209. The two-component developer taken in the developer carrier 200B-1 is supplied by the doctor blade 210B-1. The thickness of the layer on the developing sleeve 209 is regulated when passing through the position opposed to.

The agent carrier 205B-1 has, in addition to the opening opening toward the second transport screw 205, an opening opening toward the photosensitive drum 201 described above. , A part of the developing sleeve 209 is exposed. The two-component developer on the developing sleeve 209 whose layer thickness is regulated by the doctor blade 210 is transported to a developing position which is a position facing the photosensitive drum 201 via the latter opening.

A developing bias of, for example, about -800 [V] is applied to the developing sleeve 209 by bias applying means (not shown).
01 and the developing sleeve 209, a potential difference is generated. Due to this potential difference, the photosensitive drum 201
A developing electric field is formed between the developing sleeve 209 and the developing sleeve 209.

When the two-component developer conveyed to the developing position as described above is affected by the developing electric field,
The electrostatic adhesion between the toner and the magnetic carrier is released, and the toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 201. However, the non-image portion on the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing sleeve 2
Since no effective developing electric field acts between the two-component developer and the non-image portion on 09, no toner adheres to the non-image portion. By attaching toner to only the electrostatic latent image in this way,
The electrostatic latent image is developed.

The above-mentioned doctor blade 210 is
By regulating the layer thickness of the two-component developer on the developing sleeve 209, the amount of the two-component developer conveyed to the developing position is made constant to stabilize the image density. Also,
The application of pressure accompanying regulation also plays a role of promoting triboelectric charging of the toner in the developer.

The two-component developer having passed the above-mentioned developing position is
With the rotation of the developing sleeve 209, the agent holding portion 200
After being taken into B-1, it is collected in the agent container 200B-2. The two-component developer recovered in this way,
The two-component developer not carried on the developing sleeve 209 is transported to the front end in FIG. 3 by the rotation of the second transport screw 205. Then, the first transport screw 204
The developer is returned to the developer accommodating space on the first transport screw 204 side via a communication space between the first transport screw 204 and the second transport screw 205.

In the two-component developer returned to the developer accommodating space on the side of the first transport screw 204, the toner density is lower than usual because the toner is consumed during the development. For this reason, the toner supplied from the toner supply device (not shown) is received from the first toner receiving port 202, and the toner density is restored.

The toner density sensor 207 is composed of, for example, a magnetic permeability sensor for detecting magnetic permeability, and has an output voltage corresponding to the toner density in the two-component developer accommodated in the developer accommodating space on the first transport screw 204 side. Change the value of.

The above-mentioned controller is provided with the toner density sensor 20.
7, the first transport screw 2
The toner concentration of the two-component developer stored in the developer storage space on the 04 side is detected. After determining the number of rotations of the toner bottle 251 shown in FIG. 1 based on the detection result, the toner bottle 251 is driven to rotate.
The toner contained in the toner bottle 251 is discharged from a discharge port (not shown) of the toner bottle 251 by this rotational driving, passes through a supply path (not shown) and the first toner receiving port 202, and the agent container 200B- 2. In this way, a necessary amount of toner is supplied into the agent storage unit 200B-2, so that the agent storage unit 200B-
The toner concentration of the developer in 2 is maintained substantially constant.

The toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 201 is transferred to the transfer device 200 as the photosensitive drum 201 rotates.
The sheet is conveyed to a transfer position which is a position facing the transfer roller C (see FIG. 1), and is transferred onto the transfer paper P as described above. Then, the transfer paper P on which the toner image has been transferred is
After being separated from the photosensitive drum 201 by the above, the sheet is conveyed to the above-described fixing device 200D.

The residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 after passing the transfer position is transferred to the cleaning blade 200B-5 shown in FIG. Is mechanically scraped off. Then, the cleaning unit 200B-
After being collected in the casing of No. 5 to become a collected toner,
It is conveyed to the near side in the figure by the collection screw 219. Further, the agent container 200 is connected via a collection path (not shown) and the second toner receiving port 203 shown in FIG.
B is returned within -2 and recycled.

As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 200B has a photosensitive drum shutter 223 for covering the photosensitive drum 201. When the process cartridge 200B is removed from the apparatus main body, the photoconductor shutter 223 moves in the direction of arrow F in the figure to cover and protect the photoconductor drum 201.

The process cartridge 200B
As shown in FIG. 3, in the initial state immediately after shipment from the factory, a seal member 208 is provided between the agent carrying section 200B-1 and the agent accommodating section 200B-2, thereby forming a communication space therebetween. It is shut off.

Although not shown in FIG. 2 for convenience, the toner supply device 250 shown in FIG. 4 is provided at the upper left of the inside of the agent container 200B-2 shown in FIG. Have been. In FIG. 4, the toner supply device 250
Includes a toner bottle 251, a bottle cap 252, a bottle support 253, a support case 254, an outlet cover 260 shown in FIG.

The toner bottle 251 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow A in FIG. The toner bottle 251 is provided with a spiral protrusion 251a on the inner wall surface thereof.
It is conveyed toward the bottle head provided with 51b. This bottle head 251b has a circular opening 2 for receiving it.
A bottle cap 252 having 52a, a plurality of ribs 252b radially provided around the circular opening 252a, and a plurality of supply blades 252c made of an elastic material such as mylar or rubber fixed to each rib 252b is mounted. Is done.

The bottle support section 253 supports the toner bottle 251 with the bottle cap 252 mounted on the bottle head on the bottle base 253a, and covers the bottle cap 252 with the cap cover section 253b. ing. The cap cover 253b includes
A delivery port 253c for delivering toner from here is provided. An outlet cover 260 that covers the toner outlet 253c is attached. A toner outlet (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the outlet cover 260 in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the toner supply device 250 having such a configuration, the toner discharge port 261 provided in the outlet cover 260 is connected to the first of the agent container 200B-2.
The agent storage unit 2 is arranged so as to face the toner receiving port 202.
00B-2. When the toner bottle (251) rotates in the state of being mounted as described above, the toner inside the toner bottle (251) is transported toward the head of the bottle, and the opening 251 is opened.
b to the cap cover 25 of the bottle support (253)
It spills into 3b. On the other hand, the bottle cap 2
Numeral 52 is configured to rotate integrally with the toner bottle 251, and the toner spilled out in this manner is rotated by the supply blade 252 c so that the cap cover 25 is rotated.
It is pumped up along 3b and sent to the outlet (253: not shown). Then, the fed toner is discharged from the toner outlet 261 from the outlet through the outlet cover 260, and is supplied to the first toner inlet 202 of the agent container 200B-2.

FIGS. 6A to 6G are explanatory views for explaining the replacement operation of the toner supply device 250. Toner supply device 250 of copying machine according to this embodiment
Is a so-called THM (toner / hopper / magazine) type apparatus.
When the toner in 1) runs out, the toner supply device 25
This is a method of exchanging 0. The toner supply device 250 is engaged with the agent container (200B-2) in the copying machine, and slides on the agent container. However, usually, it is fixed so as not to slide in a state of being engaged with the agent container. When the release lever 270 is operated, the fixing of the toner supply device 250 in which the toner in the toner bottle (251) has run out is released, and the toner supply device 250 is slid (see FIG. 6).
(A)). When pulled by the operator in this state, FIG.
As shown in (b), it is pulled out from the copying machine body. The new toner supply device 250 to be replaced with the toner supply device 250 thus pulled out is first taken out of the packing box (FIG. 6 (c)), and then swung right and left by the operator's hand to make the inside thereof. Is loosened (FIG. 6D).
Next, after the heat seal 254 sealing the delivery port (253c) is removed (FIG. 6 (e)) in order to avoid toner leakage during shipping and transportation, the slide is inserted into the copying machine main body (FIG. 6E). 6 (f)). Then, when it reaches the regular insertion position, the slide movement is locked by a lock mechanism (not shown) (FIG. 6 (g)).

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing the outlet cover 260 mounted on the cap cover 253b. In the drawing, the outlet cover 260 includes a casing 264, a toner outlet 261, a shutter 262, a shutter guide 263, a spring 265, an engaging portion 266, and the like.

As described above, the toner discharge port 261 is an opening for receiving the toner dropped from the outlet 253c of the cap cover 253b and discharging the toner to the outside of the apparatus. The toner discharge port 261 is opened and closed by sliding movement of the shutter 262,
The sliding movement of No. 2 is guided by a shutter guide 263 partially including the sliding movement. At the lower part of the casing 264, a toner supply device (25
0), the above-mentioned agent container (200B-
An engagement portion that engages with 2) is provided. The shutter guide 263 also has a function as an engaging portion. When the toner supply device (250) is not set in the main body of the copying machine, the shutter 262 is urged by the spring 265 to slide to the position where the toner discharge port 261 is closed. Thus, the shutter 262
By closing the toner discharge port 261, the scattering of toner from the toner discharge port 261 of the toner supply device (250) that is not attached to the agent container (200 </ b> B- 2) is avoided. Although not shown in FIG. 7 for the sake of convenience, toner leakage from the shutter 262 and the casing 264 is suppressed between the shutter 262 and the casing 264.
Is provided with a seal member for suppressing toner leakage from between the delivery port cover 260 and the agent container (200B-2) engaging with the delivery port cover 260.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory views showing the process of engaging the outlet cover 260 with the agent storage section 200B-2, respectively. As shown in the drawings, the outlet cover 260 is provided on the toner outlet 261 of the casing 264.
Is provided around the seal member 267. The sealant 267 is configured to exhibit elasticity. When the shutter 262 is closed, the sealant 267 is interposed between the casing 264 and the shutter 262 and pressed against both. By pressing the seal member 267 in this manner, toner leakage from between the casing 264 and the shutter 262 in a state where the shutter 262 is closed (in other words, when replacing the toner supply device) is suppressed.

On the other hand, also around the first toner receiving port 202 of the agent container 200B-2, the sealing material 21 exhibiting elasticity is provided.
3 is fixed.

When the toner supply device, which is newly set in the copying machine main body, is slid and inserted into the copying machine main body to a certain extent with the replacement, as shown in FIG. 200B-2 begins to contact. At this time, the not-shown engaging portion (266: see FIG. 7) of the outlet cover 260 and the shutter guide (263)
Starts to engage with a part (not shown) of the agent container 200B-2.

When the toner supply device is further slid and inserted, the bent portion of the rear end of the shutter 262 is caught on the side surface of the agent container 200B-2 as shown in FIG. Integral movement is prevented. Then, as a result, only the outlet cover 260 slides thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8C, and gradually the toner outlet 261 of the outlet cover 260.
Is opening up. When the toner supply device (not shown) is slid and inserted to a position where the toner outlet 261 and the first toner inlet 202 of the agent container 200B-2 face each other, the sliding movement is locked, and the toner outlet is locked. 261 is completely open.

In this open state, the sealing material 267 around the toner discharge port 261 is
0 and the toner container 200 </ b> B- 2.

Next, the characteristic structure of the copying machine according to the present invention will be described. In FIG. 8B shown above, when the outlet cover 260 starts to move with the shutter 262 hooked on the side surface of the agent container 200 </ b> B- 2, the leading end side of the sealing material 267 separates from the shutter 262 and the agent It starts to rub against the sealing material 213 of the storage section 200B-2. When the sealing material 267 rubs against the sealing material 213 in this manner, the edge portion of the sealing material 267 moves while being hooked on the surface of the sealing material 213, and as shown in the enlarged reference portion of FIG. The tip of 267 may be in a so-called turned state. And by this turn,
A gap is formed between the sealant 267 and the sealant 213, and the toner may leak from the gap.

Therefore, in this copying machine, the sealing material 2
67 is configured as shown in FIG. In FIG.
The sealing material 267 includes a base layer 267a made of an elastic material,
A sliding layer 267b made of a sheet material is attached to the sealing member 213 and the surface on the sliding side. The rubbing layer 267b is longer than the base layer 267a so that the tip side portion in the moving direction of the seal member 267 when the toner supply device (not shown) is slid into the copying machine main body projects beyond the tip of the base layer 267a. Has become. As shown in FIG. 10, the protruding portion of the rubbing layer on the side of the casing 2 as shown in FIG.
It is bent toward 64 and attached to the side surface of the casing 264.

The edge of the sealing material 267 having such a configuration on the tip side is the tip of the rubbing layer 267b, which is attached to the side surface of the casing 264.
There is no rubbing with the sealing member 213, which is the other member. Therefore, the edge of the sealing member 267 on the leading end side is prevented from being turned up due to rubbing with the sealing member 213. And this makes the sealing material 267
The toner leakage due to the curling of the edge portion b is eliminated.

As the material of the base layer 267a, it is preferable to use an elastic material so that the entire sealing material 267 can be pressed against the sealing material 213 while deforming the entire sealing material 267. In particular, foamed polyurethane is preferable. This is because foamed polyurethane exhibits excellent elasticity and is the material most frequently used as a sealing material, so that the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where another elastic material is used. Further, as for the foamed polyurethane, a single-cell foam type is more preferable than an open-cell type in which individual air bubbles are connected, since the amount of toner entering the air bubbles is reduced and a good sealing property is exhibited. However, an open-cell type may be used depending on circumstances such as cost and foaming density.

The shutter 262 is desirably made as thin as possible so as not to deform the sealing material 267 and the sealing material 213 more than necessary. As the material, a thin stainless steel material exhibiting high strength is suitable. . Further, with respect to this stainless material, it is desirable to mold a stainless plate or the like by a method that does not rely on mold processing. When a stainless steel plate is molded, burrs are always generated on one of the surfaces, and the thickness may be increased, or a gap may be easily formed between the stainless steel plate and the sealing material 267. is there.

As a method for fixing the rubbing layer 267b to the base layer 267a or the casing 264, a fixing method using a double-sided tape is superior to other methods from the viewpoint of cost and material availability. Further, with respect to this double-sided tape, the base layer 267a is not deformed at the time of sticking.
It is desirable to use a relatively thick material, for example, # 86100AW manufactured by Dainippon Ink and the like is suitable.

As the material of the rubbing layer 267b, it is desirable to use a material having excellent lubricity, and in particular, PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Furthermore, PET
When the rubbing layer 267b made of aluminum is provided as shown in FIG. 10, its thickness is desirably 0.05 to 0.075 [mm]. According to the test of the inventor, the rubbing layer 26
If 7b is thinner than 0.05 [mm], the rubbing layer 26
The sliding layer 267b is easily deformed by following the base layer 267a that tends to be deformed in a wrinkle shape due to the sliding of the sealing material 213 with the sealing material 213. This is because it has been confirmed that toner leakage occurs. Further, the rubbing layer 267b is set to 0.075
When the thickness is larger than [mm], the rubbing layer 267b bent in the posture as shown in FIG. 10 pulls the base layer 267b to return to the original shape and expands the base layer 267b in the thickness direction. This is because it has been confirmed that the sliding property is significantly impaired.

As for the protruding portion of the rubbing layer 267b from the base layer 267a, as shown in FIG. 10, a non-fixed portion which is not fixed to the casing 264 or the base layer 267a is provided on the rear end side from the front end. The non-fixed portion and the base layer 267
It is desirable to form a space between the tip and the tip a. When the space is formed in this manner, the base layer 2 that is to be deformed so as to increase in size in the length direction instead of becoming thinner due to the pressure contact with the sealing material 213 of the agent container 200B-2.
The increased size of 67a can enter this space. Therefore, the base layer 267a can be deformed when the sealing material 267 is pressed against the sealing material 213, and this deformation is hindered by contact with the tip side portion of the rubbing layer 267b. This is because a decrease in lubricity can be suppressed.

In the rubbing layer 267b of the sealing material 267 of the copying machine, the length of the non-fixed portion is 5 [m].
m] or more. This is because the inventor has confirmed that if the length of the rubbing layer 267b is secured in this manner, an increase in the size in the length direction of the base layer 267a can be effectively accommodated in the space.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modification of the sealing material 267. In this modification, as shown in the figure, a bent rubbing layer 267b made of PET is attached to the base layer 267b such that the tip of the bent portion faces the casing 264. In such a configuration, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the vicinity of the tip of the rubbing layer 267b is bent toward the casing 264, so that the sealing material 2
13 is held at a position where it does not rub. Therefore, the tip of the rubbing layer 267b, which is the edge on the tip side of the sealing material 267, does not rub against the sealing material 213.
The turning is avoided. However, if the thickness of the rubbing layer 267b is too thin, it is difficult to maintain the bent shape, and there is a possibility that the vicinity of the tip may be bent in the direction of gravity and rub against the sealing material 213. According to the test of the present inventor, if the thickness of the PET rubbing layer 267b is set to 0.1 [mm] or more, such bending can be effectively suppressed. Therefore, when forming the sealing material 267 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rubbing layer 267 made of PET is used.
It is desirable that the thickness of b be 0.1 [mm] or more.
It is desirable that the bending angle θ of the rubbing layer 267b be at least 15 [°] or more. PE
This is because the intersection of the bending angle of T at the time of manufacturing is ± 15 [°] or less.

In this embodiment, the copying machine in which the seal structure according to the present invention is applied to the seal member 267 provided around the toner discharge port 261 of the toner supply device (250) has been described. You may apply to the sealing material provided.

Although the copying machine using a two-component developer composed of a toner and a magnetic carrier has been described, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus using a developer composed of only a toner.

Although a dry developing type copying machine using a two-component developer composed of a toner and a magnetic carrier has been described, an image forming apparatus of a wet developing type using a liquid developer composed of a toner and a liquid carrier is also described. The present invention is applicable.

Although the copying machine having the configuration in which the toner image on the photosensitive drum 201 is directly transferred to the transfer paper P has been described, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus that transfers the toner image via an intermediate transfer body. is there.

A developing section 200B as a developing device
Although a copying machine having only one printer 3 has been described, the present invention is also applicable to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of developing devices, such as a revolver developing unit.

Although a copying machine having a so-called THM type toner supply device has been described, the present invention is also applicable to a copy machine having a bottle replacement type toner supply device. This bottle replacement method is shown in FIG.
As described in (a) to (h), a method in which only the toner bottle 251 is removed from the toner supply device 250 and replaced with a new one instead of replacing the toner supply device 250 when the toner runs out. It is.

[0078]

According to the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the developer due to the infiltration of the sealing material edge portion when one member moves relative to the other member. There is an excellent effect that you can.

In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the rubbing layer made of polyethylene terephthalate having excellent lubricity has an excellent effect that the abrasion of the sealing material due to the relative movement of one member can be suppressed. is there. Further, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to suppress rubbing with the other member due to bending of the rubbing layer end near the edge of the sealing material.

In particular, according to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the sliding of the sliding member against the other member due to the bending of the end of the sliding layer regardless of the effect of the force applied when the one member moves relatively. There is an excellent effect that can be eliminated.

In particular, according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, while the developer leakage due to wrinkles of the rubbing layer, which tends to occur when an elastic member such as urethane foam is used as the base layer of the sealing material, is suppressed, There is an excellent effect that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricity of the sealing material due to the elongation of the base layer, which is likely to occur when the end portion is bent and fixed to the other member.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 5, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricity of the sealing material caused by the end portion of the rubbing layer inhibiting the deformation of the base layer.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the developer from between the developing device and the developer supply device due to the infiltration of the edge portion of the seal provided around the discharge port. Has an excellent effect.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress developer leakage caused by sneaking into the edge portion of the sealing material between the discharge port of the developer supply device and the developer reception port of the development device. Has an excellent effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a process cartridge of the copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of a medicine container of the process cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a toner supply device of the copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the toner supply device mounted in the agent storage section.

FIGS. 6A to 6G are explanatory diagrams for explaining a replacement operation of the toner supply device.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing an outlet cover 260 attached to a cap cover section of the toner supply device.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams sequentially showing the engagement process between the same outlet opening cover and the same-agent container.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a sealing material of the outlet cover.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view showing a distal end portion of the outlet cover.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modification of the sealing material.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view showing a distal end portion of an outlet cover provided with a sealing material of the modified example.

FIGS. 13A to 13H are explanatory views for explaining a bottle replacement operation in the bottle replacement type toner supply device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Scanner unit 200 Image forming unit 200A Laser writing unit 200B Process cartridge 200B-3 Developing unit 200B-1 Agent carrier 209 Developing sleeve 210 Developing doctor 200B-2 Agent container 202 First toner receiving port 203 First 2 toner receiving port 204 first transport screw 205 second transport screw 206 housing casing 206a partition wall 207 toner density sensor 200B-4 latent image forming section 201 photosensitive drum 211 charging roller 212 static elimination lamp 200B-5 cleaning section 218 cleaning blade 219 Collection screw 200C Transfer device 200D Fixing device 216 Pressure roller 217 Heating roller 200E Paper ejection device 200F Door 200G Door 213 Seal material 250 Toner supply Feeder 260 Feeder outlet cover 261 Toner outlet 267 Sealant 267a Base layer 267b Sliding layer 300 Paper feed unit 301 Paper feed cassette 302 Registration roller 303 Paper transport roller pair

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H077 AA03 AA12 AA14 AA18 AA34 AA37 AB02 AC02 AC16 AD06 AD13 AD35 AE06 BA09 CA12 DA10 DA42 DA52 DB01 EA03 FA22 3J043 AA11 BA10 CB13 DA20

Claims (7)

[Claims] An opening facing portion is provided around an opening of at least one of two members for sending and receiving a developer through an opening provided in a housing, and the openings of the two members face each other. With the movement of the one member moving relative to the other member, the other member is rubbed and rubbed, and the area around the opening facing portion formed after the relative movement is sealed to prevent the member from moving between the two members. In a sealing material for suppressing developer leakage, at least a base layer fixed to the one member and a rubbing layer laminated on the other member and rubbing the other member are provided, and a tip side in the relative movement direction is provided. A sealing material characterized in that an end portion of the rubbing layer protrudes from the base layer in a posture so as not to rub against the other member. 2. The sealing material according to claim 1, wherein said rubbing layer is made of polyethylene terephthalate and has a thickness of 0.1%.
A sealing material comprising a layer having a thickness of [mm] or more, wherein the end portion of the rubbing layer is bent so as to be in the above-mentioned posture. 3. A seal material according to claim 1, wherein the end of said end portion of said rubbing layer is fixed to said one member. 4. The sealing material according to claim 3, wherein the material of the rubbing layer has a thickness of 0.05 mm or more and 0.075 mm or more.
A sealing material using polyethylene terephthalate of [mm] or less. 5. The sealing material according to claim 4, wherein the base layer is formed of an elastic member, and a non-fixed portion which is not fixed to the one member is provided on a rear end side of a tip end of the rubbing layer. A sealing material, wherein a space is formed between the non-fixed portion and a tip of the base layer. 6. A developer receiving device for a developing device, comprising: a housing portion for housing a developer; an outlet for discharging the developer in the housing portion; and a seal member provided around the outlet. A developer supply device that engages with the developing device so that the discharge port faces the inlet and supplies developer from the discharge port to the developer receiving port, wherein the sealant is used as the sealant.
A developer supply device using 3, 4, or 5 sealing materials. 7. A latent image carrier for carrying a latent image, a developing device for developing the latent image, and a developer supply device for supplying a developer to the developing device, 7. An image forming apparatus for forming an image by developing a latent image by the developing device, wherein the developer supply device according to claim 6 is used as the developer supply device.