JP2003287948A - Toner container - Google Patents
Toner containerInfo
- Publication number
- JP2003287948A JP2003287948A JP2002090991A JP2002090991A JP2003287948A JP 2003287948 A JP2003287948 A JP 2003287948A JP 2002090991 A JP2002090991 A JP 2002090991A JP 2002090991 A JP2002090991 A JP 2002090991A JP 2003287948 A JP2003287948 A JP 2003287948A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- sheet member
- cleaning sheet
- light
- toner
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、静電式複写機、レ
ーザプリンタあるいは静電式ファクシミリなどの画像形
成機に備えられる現像装置の現像ハウジングにトナーを
補給するためのトナーコンテナ、更に詳しくは光透過窓
及び反射板を備えかつそれらを清掃する清掃部材を備え
ているトナーコンテナに関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toner container for supplying toner to a developing housing of a developing device provided in an image forming machine such as an electrostatic copying machine, a laser printer or an electrostatic facsimile, and more specifically, a toner container. The present invention relates to a toner container including a light transmitting window and a reflector and a cleaning member for cleaning them.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】静電式複写機、レーザプリンタあるいは
静電式ファクシミリなどの画像形成機においては、静電
感光体上に静電潜像を形成し、次いで静電潜像をトナー
像に現像する。静電潜像をトナー像に現像するための現
像装置は、トナーのみからなるいわゆる一成分現像剤あ
るいはトナーとキャリア粒子とからなるいわゆる二成分
現像剤を収容する現像ハウジング、現像ハウジング内に
収容されている現像剤を現像域に搬送して静電感光体に
適用する現像剤適用手段、及び現像ハウジングにトナー
を補給するためのトナーコンテナを備えている。トナー
コンテナの典型例は、トナー排出口が配設された底壁、
それぞれ一対の側壁及び端壁を有する容器と、容器内に
収容されたトナーを底壁に配設されたトナー排出口に向
けて移送する移送機構と、容器内に収容されたトナーを
撹拌するため容器内に回転自在に配設された撹拌機構と
を備えている。容器の底壁には、シャッタ部材がトナー
排出口を閉じる閉位置とトナー排出口を開く開位置との
間を移動自在に装着されている。2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming machine such as an electrostatic copying machine, a laser printer or an electrostatic facsimile, an electrostatic latent image is formed on an electrostatic photoreceptor and then the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. To do. A developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image into a toner image is housed in a developing housing for housing a so-called one-component developer containing only toner or a so-called two-component developer containing toner and carrier particles, and a developing housing. It is provided with a developer applying means for conveying the developing agent to a developing zone and applying it to the electrostatic photoreceptor, and a toner container for replenishing the developing housing with toner. A typical example of the toner container is a bottom wall provided with a toner discharge port,
A container having a pair of side walls and an end wall, a transfer mechanism for transferring the toner contained in the container toward a toner discharge port provided on the bottom wall, and agitating the toner contained in the container. And a stirring mechanism rotatably arranged in the container. A shutter member is movably mounted on the bottom wall of the container between a closed position for closing the toner discharge port and an open position for opening the toner discharge port.
【０００３】上記移送機構及び撹拌機構の回転軸の一端
部は容器の端壁を越えて容器外へ突出せしめられてお
り、回転軸の各々の突出端には入力歯車が装着されてい
る。トナーコンテナが現像ハウジングの所要位置又は画
像形成機本体の所要位置に装着されると、シャッタ部材
が閉位置から開位置に移動させられる。また、移送機構
及び撹拌機構の回転軸に装着された入力歯車が伝動歯車
列を介して電動モータに駆動連結される。現像ハウジン
グ内に配設されたトナー濃度検出センサ（二成分現像剤
の場合）又はトナー量検出センサ（一成分現像剤の場
合）からの信号により電動モータが回転駆動されると、
移送機構及び撹拌機構が回転駆動させられる。容器内に
存在するトナーは、撹拌機構により撹拌され、同時に移
送機構によりトナー排出口に向かって移送され、開放さ
れているトナー排出口からトナーコンテナの下方に配置
されている現像ハウジング内に直接排出（落下）させら
れ、あるいはトナー排出口からトナーコンテナの下方に
配置されているトナーホッパ内に排出させられる。トナ
ーホッパ内に排出されたトナーはトナーホッパ内に配設
された他の移送機構を介して現像ハウジング内に移送さ
れる。このようにして、トナーコンテナから現像ハウジ
ングにトナーが補給される。One end of the rotary shaft of the transfer mechanism and the stirring mechanism is projected to the outside of the container beyond the end wall of the container, and an input gear is attached to each projecting end of the rotary shaft. When the toner container is attached to the required position of the developing housing or the required position of the main body of the image forming machine, the shutter member is moved from the closed position to the open position. Further, the input gears mounted on the rotating shafts of the transfer mechanism and the stirring mechanism are drivingly connected to the electric motor through the transmission gear train. When the electric motor is rotationally driven by a signal from the toner concentration detection sensor (in the case of two-component developer) or the toner amount detection sensor (in the case of one-component developer) arranged in the developing housing,
The transfer mechanism and the stirring mechanism are driven to rotate. The toner existing in the container is agitated by the agitation mechanism, and at the same time transferred by the transfer mechanism toward the toner discharge port, and is directly discharged from the opened toner discharge port into the developing housing disposed below the toner container. It is dropped (dropped) or discharged from the toner discharge port into the toner hopper arranged below the toner container. The toner discharged into the toner hopper is transferred into the developing housing through another transfer mechanism provided in the toner hopper. In this way, toner is supplied from the toner container to the developing housing.
【０００４】上記画像形成機においてはまた、トナーコ
ンテナの容器内に収容されたトナーの残量を検出するト
ナー残量検出装置を備えることが好ましい。トナー残量
検出装置は、光透過窓が配設された該容器を含む該トナ
ーコンテナと、容器の外部から光透過窓を通して容器の
内部に光を照射しかつ該光を受光することによって容器
内に収容されたトナーの残量を検出するトナー検出手段
とにより構成することができる。トナー検出手段は発光
部材と受光部材とから構成される。It is preferable that the image forming machine also includes a toner remaining amount detecting device for detecting the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner container. The toner remaining amount detecting device includes a toner container including the container provided with a light transmitting window, and an inside of the container by irradiating light into the container from the outside of the container through the light transmitting window and receiving the light. And a toner detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the toner stored in. The toner detecting means is composed of a light emitting member and a light receiving member.
【０００５】トナー検出手段の一つの典型例として、こ
れを光学式反射型センサにより構成することができる。
この場合、容器内に反射板を配設する。そして反射板
は、その反射面が光透過窓の内側面に対し間隔をおいて
対向するよう配設される。トナー検出手段の発光部材か
ら光透過窓を通して反射板に向けて照射された光が反射
板により反射されると、該光は光透過窓を通して受光部
材により受光されてトナーの残量が検出される。As a typical example of the toner detecting means, it can be constituted by an optical reflection type sensor.
In this case, a reflection plate is arranged in the container. The reflecting plate is arranged so that its reflecting surface faces the inner side surface of the light transmitting window with a space therebetween. When the light emitted from the light emitting member of the toner detecting means toward the reflecting plate through the light transmitting window is reflected by the reflecting plate, the light is received by the light receiving member through the light transmitting window and the remaining amount of toner is detected. .
【０００６】トナー検出手段の他の典型例として、これ
を光学式透過型センサにより構成することができる。こ
の場合、光透過窓が両側壁に相互に対向して配設され
る。トナー検出手段の発光部材から片方の光透過窓及び
他方の光透過窓を通して受光部材に向けて照射された光
が受光部材により受光されると、トナーの残量が検出さ
れる。As another typical example of the toner detecting means, this can be constituted by an optical transmission type sensor. In this case, the light transmission windows are arranged on both side walls so as to face each other. When the light receiving member receives the light emitted from the light emitting member of the toner detecting means toward the light receiving member through the one light transmitting window and the other light transmitting window, the remaining amount of toner is detected.
【０００７】[0007]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】光透過窓と反射板との
間の空間を充填していたトナーが該光の通過を許容する
程度に減少したときに、又は、相互に対向する光透過窓
間の空間を充填していたトナーが該光の通過を許容する
程度に減少したときに、はじめてトナーの残量が検出さ
れる。トナーの残量を正確に検出するためには、光透過
窓の内面及び反射板の反射面、又は一対の光透過窓の各
々の内面に付着するトナーの量ができるだけ少ないこと
が望まれる。光透過窓と反射板との間の空間を充填して
いたトナーが該光の通過を許容する程度に減少したとし
ても、又は、相互に対向する光透過窓間の空間を充填し
ていたトナーが該光の通過を許容する程度に減少したと
しても、光透過窓の内面と反射板の反射面とに多くのト
ナーが付着していた場合には、又は、相互に対向する光
透過窓の各々の内面に多くのトナーが付着していた場合
には、発光部材から反射板に向けて照射された光が十分
に反射されず、又は発光部材から一対の光透過窓を通し
て受光部材に向けて照射された光が十分に受光されず、
トナーの残量の検出が所要のとおりにできなくなるおそ
れがある。When the toner filling the space between the light transmitting window and the reflecting plate is reduced to such an extent that the light can pass therethrough, or the light transmitting windows facing each other. The remaining amount of toner is detected only when the toner filling the space between them has decreased to such an extent that the light can pass therethrough. In order to accurately detect the remaining amount of toner, it is desirable that the amount of toner adhering to the inner surface of the light transmitting window and the reflecting surface of the reflector, or the inner surface of each of the pair of light transmitting windows is as small as possible. Even if the toner filling the space between the light transmitting window and the reflecting plate is reduced to an extent that allows the passage of the light, or the toner filling the space between the light transmitting windows facing each other. Is reduced to an extent that allows the passage of the light, when a large amount of toner is attached to the inner surface of the light transmitting window and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate, or when the light transmitting windows facing each other are present. When a large amount of toner adheres to each inner surface, the light emitted from the light emitting member toward the reflector is not sufficiently reflected, or from the light emitting member toward the light receiving member through the pair of light transmitting windows. The irradiated light is not received sufficiently,
The remaining amount of toner may not be detected as required.
【０００８】本発明の目的は、相互に対向する光透過窓
の内面及び反射板の反射面を効果的に清掃することを可
能にし、その結果、トナーの残量を正確に検出すること
を可能にする、改良されたトナーコンテナを提供するこ
とである。An object of the present invention is to make it possible to effectively clean the inner surface of the light transmitting window and the reflecting surface of the reflector, which face each other, and as a result, it is possible to accurately detect the remaining amount of toner. To provide an improved toner container.
【０００９】本発明の他の目的は、比較的簡単な構成及
び低コストで、相互に対向する光透過窓の内面及び反射
板の反射面を効果的に清掃することを可能にし、その結
果、トナーの残量を正確に検出することを可能にする、
改良されたトナーコンテナを提供することである。Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to effectively clean the inner surface of the light transmitting window and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate, which face each other, with a relatively simple structure and low cost, and as a result, It is possible to accurately detect the remaining amount of toner,
An object is to provide an improved toner container.
【００１０】[0010]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明によれば、光透過
窓が配設された容器を備え、容器内には反射板が配設さ
れ、反射板の反射面は光透過窓の内面に対し間隔をおい
て対向する、トナーコンテナにおいて、容器内にはトナ
ーを撹拌するための撹拌機構が配設され、撹拌機構には
光透過窓と反射板との間を周期的に通過する回転軌跡を
有する支持部が配設され、支持部には清掃部材が配設さ
れ、撹拌機構が回転すると、清掃部材は、光透過窓と反
射板との間を周期的に通過しかつ各々間を通過する毎に
光透過窓の内面及び反射板の反射面に圧接されながら移
動して該内面及び該反射面を清掃する、ことを特徴とす
るトナーコンテナ、が提供される。According to the present invention, there is provided a container in which a light transmitting window is arranged, a reflecting plate is arranged in the container, and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate is on the inner surface of the light transmitting window. In the toner container facing each other with an interval, a stirring mechanism for stirring the toner is provided in the container, and the stirring mechanism periodically rotates between the light transmission window and the reflection plate. When the agitating mechanism rotates, the cleaning member periodically passes between the light transmitting window and the reflecting plate, and passes between each of them. There is provided a toner container characterized in that the toner container moves while being pressed against the inner surface of the light transmitting window and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate to clean the inner surface and the reflecting surface.
【００１１】清掃部材は、それぞれ弾性を有しかつ合成
樹脂からなる光透過窓清掃用シート部材及び反射板清掃
用シート部材からなり、光透過窓清掃用シート部材は、
支持部から支持部の回転方向後方に向かって該回転軌跡
の接線方向に延び出し、反射板清掃用シート部材は、支
持部の回転方向後側において回転軸に近づく方向に延び
出し、光透過窓清掃用シート部材及び反射板清掃用シー
ト部材の各々が光透過窓と反射板との間を周期的に通過
する毎に、光透過窓清掃用シート部材の先端は光透過窓
の内面に圧接されながら移動して該内面を清掃し、反射
板清掃用シート部材の先端は反射板の反射面に圧接され
ながら移動して該反射面を清掃する、ことが好ましい。
光透過窓清掃用シート部材及び反射板清掃用シート部材
は単一の清掃用シート部材から形成される、ことが好ま
しい。容器は、底壁と、それぞれ一対の側壁及び端壁を
有し、光透過窓は、片方の端壁の近傍である、容器の一
端領域における片方の側壁又は底壁に配設され、反射板
は片方の端壁から他方の端壁に向かって延び出すよう片
方の端壁に配設され、反射板の横断面における全周外方
には空間が形成され、撹拌機構は、両端壁間に回転自在
に支持された回転軸と、回転軸に配設された撹拌手段と
を備え、撹拌手段は、反射板と他方の端壁との間の領域
に配置され、撹拌機構の回転軸は、反射板に対し反射面
の裏面側における容器内の空間を延在するよう配置さ
れ、支持部は撹拌手段に配設されている、ことが好まし
い。光透過窓の内面は、片方の側壁の内面又は底壁の内
面と同一面上に配設されるか又は、片方の側壁の内面又
は底壁の内面よりもわずかに内側に突出して配設され
る、ことが好ましい。撹拌手段は、回転軸の軸方向に間
隔をおいて回転軸から半径方向外方に延びかつ、反射板
に対し軸方向に近接して配置されたアームを備え、支持
部は、該アームから片方の端壁に向かって突出する支持
片により構成される、ことが好ましい。光透過窓清掃用
シート部材及び反射板清掃用シート部材は単一の清掃用
シート部材から形成され、支持片は、該回転軌跡の接線
方向にほぼ偏平に延在する横断面を有し、単一の清掃用
シート部材は、所定の幅を有すると共に長手方向中間部
が支持片の回転方向前側において回転方向後方に向かっ
て折り返されることにより、支持片の回転方向前側の一
側面及び半径方向内外面を覆いかつ該一側面及び該内外
面に貼着され、そして支持片の回転方向後側の他側面の
外側において実質的に半径方向に対向する面同士が相互
に重合貼着され、相互に重合貼着された清掃用シート部
材の二つの部分のうち、実質的に半径方向外側に位置す
る片方の部分は光透過窓清掃用シート部材をなし、ま
た、実質的に半径方向内側に位置する他方の部分は反射
板清掃用シート部材をなす、ことが好ましい。The cleaning member comprises a light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member and a reflecting plate cleaning sheet member each of which is elastic and made of synthetic resin. The light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member is
The reflection plate cleaning sheet member extends from the support portion toward the rear in the rotation direction of the support portion in the tangential direction of the rotation locus, and the reflection plate cleaning sheet member extends toward the rotation axis on the rear side in the rotation direction of the support portion, and the light transmission window. Each time each of the cleaning sheet member and the reflecting plate cleaning sheet member periodically passes between the light transmitting window and the reflecting plate, the tip of the light transmitting window cleaning sheet member is pressed against the inner surface of the light transmitting window. It is preferable to move while cleaning the inner surface, and move the tip of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member while being pressed against the reflection surface of the reflection plate to clean the reflection surface.
It is preferable that the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member and the reflector cleaning sheet member are formed of a single cleaning sheet member. The container has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls and an end wall, respectively, and the light transmission window is disposed on one side wall or bottom wall in one end region of the container near the one end wall, and has a reflector plate. Is arranged on one end wall so as to extend from one end wall toward the other end wall, and a space is formed outside the entire circumference in the cross section of the reflection plate, and the stirring mechanism is rotatable between both end walls. A rotating shaft supported by the rotating shaft, and stirring means arranged on the rotating shaft, the stirring means being arranged in a region between the reflecting plate and the other end wall, and the rotating shaft of the stirring mechanism is the reflecting plate. On the other hand, it is preferable that the supporting portion is arranged so as to extend in the space inside the container on the back surface side of the reflecting surface, and the supporting portion is arranged in the stirring means. The inner surface of the light transmitting window is disposed on the same surface as the inner surface of one side wall or the inner surface of the bottom wall, or is disposed so as to project slightly inward from the inner surface of the one side wall or the inner surface of the bottom wall. Preferably. The stirring means includes an arm that is spaced apart in the axial direction of the rotary shaft, extends radially outward from the rotary shaft, and is arranged axially close to the reflecting plate, and the support portion is one side of the arm. It is preferable that it is constituted by a support piece protruding toward the end wall of the. The light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member and the reflector cleaning sheet member are formed of a single cleaning sheet member, and the support piece has a cross section extending substantially flat in the tangential direction of the rotation locus. The one cleaning sheet member has a predetermined width, and the longitudinal intermediate portion is folded back toward the rear in the rotation direction on the front side in the rotation direction of the support piece, so that the one side surface in the rotation direction front side and the radial direction inside the support piece. Surfaces that cover the outer surface and are adhered to the one side surface and the inner and outer surfaces, and that are substantially radially opposed to each other on the outer side of the other side surface on the rear side in the rotation direction of the support piece are polymerized and adhered to each other. Of the two parts of the cleaning-attached cleaning sheet member, one part located substantially outside in the radial direction constitutes a light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member and is located substantially inside in the radial direction. The other part is the reflector Forming a use sheet member, it is preferable.
【００１２】[0012]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明に従って構成された
トナーコンテナの好適実施形態を添付図面を参照して、
詳細に説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of a toner container constructed according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The details will be described.
【００１３】図１及び図２を参照して、トナーコンテナ
１００は容器１０を備えており、容器１０は、容器本体
１０Ａと、ふた部材１０Ｂとから構成されている。適宜
の合成樹脂、例えばＡＢＳから一体に形成することがで
きる容器本体１０Ａは、上面が解放された箱形状であ
り、比較的細長い底壁１１と、底壁１１の幅方向両側に
配設された一対の側壁１２及び１３と、底壁１１の長手
方向両端に配設された一対の端壁１４及び１５とを備え
ている。容器本体１０Ａの上端には、側壁１２及び１
３、並びに端壁１４及び１５の上端から外方に延び出す
環状のフランジ１６が形成され、フランジ１６の上面は
同一平面上に存在する。図５に明示されているように、
容器本体１０Ａの底壁１１は、横断面図において並列配
置されている二つの領域１１Ａと１１Ｂとからなる。片
側の領域１１Ａは比較的小さい円弧形状をなし、他側の
領域１１Ｂは比較的大きい円弧形状をなしている。適宜
の合成樹脂、例えばＡＢＳから形成することができるふ
た部材１０Ｂは平板形状をなしている。ふた部材１０Ｂ
は、容器本体１０Ａのフランジ１６の上面に重合され
て、例えば超音波溶着などの適宜の様式によって容器本
体１０Ａに固定され、容器本体１０Ａの上面を閉じる。Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the toner container 100 is provided with a container 10, and the container 10 is composed of a container body 10A and a lid member 10B. The container body 10A, which can be integrally formed from an appropriate synthetic resin, for example, ABS, has a box shape with an open upper surface, and is disposed on a relatively elongated bottom wall 11 and on both sides in the width direction of the bottom wall 11. It has a pair of side walls 12 and 13 and a pair of end walls 14 and 15 arranged at both ends of the bottom wall 11 in the longitudinal direction. At the upper end of the container body 10A, side walls 12 and 1
3, and an annular flange 16 extending outward from the upper ends of the end walls 14 and 15 is formed, and the upper surface of the flange 16 is in the same plane. As clearly shown in FIG.
The bottom wall 11 of the container body 10A is composed of two regions 11A and 11B arranged side by side in the cross sectional view. The region 11A on one side has a relatively small circular arc shape, and the region 11B on the other side has a relatively large circular arc shape. The lid member 10B, which can be formed of an appropriate synthetic resin such as ABS, has a flat plate shape. Lid member 10B
Is polymerized on the upper surface of the flange 16 of the container body 10A and is fixed to the container body 10A by an appropriate method such as ultrasonic welding, thereby closing the upper surface of the container body 10A.
【００１４】図３〜図５を参照して、底壁１１の円弧形
状をなす片側の領域１１Ａにはほぼ矩形をなす平坦部１
１ａが形成されている。平坦部１１ａは、容器本体１０
Ａを長手方向に見て、片側の領域１１Ａの円弧形状の最
下端から、ほぼ、他側の領域１１Ｂの円弧形状の下端に
向かって、他側の領域１１Ｂの下側である、片側の領域
１１Ａとの境界近傍位置まで水平に延在している。平坦
部１１ａには、ほぼ矩形をなすトナー排出口１７が形成
されている。平坦部１１ａは、容器本体１０Ａの片方の
端壁１４の近傍である、容器本体１０Ａの一端領域に形
成されている。したがってトナー排出口１７は、容器本
体１０Ａの片方の端壁１４の近傍である、容器本体１０
Ａの一端領域における底壁１１に配設されている。トナ
ー排出口１７の上端は、底壁１１の内面である平坦部１
１ａの上面に開口し、トナー排出口１７の下端は、底壁
１１の外面である平坦部１１ａの下面に開口している。Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a flat portion 1 having a substantially rectangular shape is formed in a region 11A on one side of the bottom wall 11 having an arc shape.
1a is formed. The flat portion 11a is the container body 10
When A is viewed in the longitudinal direction, the area on one side, which is the lower side of the area 11B on the other side, extends from the arc-shaped lowermost end of the area 11A on one side to almost the lower end of the arc shape on the area 11B on the other side. It extends horizontally to a position near the boundary with 11A. A toner discharge port 17 having a substantially rectangular shape is formed in the flat portion 11a. The flat portion 11a is formed in one end region of the container body 10A, which is near the one end wall 14 of the container body 10A. Therefore, the toner discharge port 17 is near the one end wall 14 of the container body 10A.
It is arranged on the bottom wall 11 in the one end region of A. The upper end of the toner outlet 17 is the flat portion 1 which is the inner surface of the bottom wall 11.
1a is opened, and the lower end of the toner discharge port 17 is opened on the lower surface of the flat portion 11a which is the outer surface of the bottom wall 11.
【００１５】平坦部１１ａの下側には、シャッタ支持部
１８が形成されている。シャッタ支持部１８は、平坦部
１１ａの、トナー排出口１７を挟んだ両側から下方に延
び出して底壁１１の長手方向に平行に延在する一対の案
内壁１８ａと、案内壁１８ａの各々の下端から相互に接
近する方向に延び出す支持壁１８ｂとを備えている。シ
ャッタ支持部１８には、ほぼ矩形の平面形状を有するシ
ャッタ部材１９が、トナー排出口１７を閉じる閉位置と
トナー排出口１７を解放する開位置との間を滑動自在に
装着されている。シャッタ部材１９それ自体は周知の構
成を利用することでよく、また本発明の特徴をなすもの
ではないので、詳細な説明は省略する。シャッタ部材１
９が閉位置に位置付けられると、トナー排出口１７は平
坦部１１ａの下面側においてシャッタ部材１９により閉
塞され、シャッタ部材１９が開位置に位置付けられる
と、トナー排出口１７は下方に開かれる。A shutter support portion 18 is formed below the flat portion 11a. The shutter support portion 18 includes a pair of guide walls 18a extending downward from both sides of the flat portion 11a sandwiching the toner discharge port 17 and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 11, and each of the guide walls 18a. And a support wall 18b extending from the lower end in a direction toward each other. A shutter member 19 having a substantially rectangular planar shape is slidably mounted on the shutter support portion 18 between a closed position for closing the toner discharge port 17 and an open position for opening the toner discharge port 17. The shutter member 19 itself may have a well-known configuration and does not form a feature of the present invention, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. Shutter member 1
When 9 is positioned at the closed position, the toner discharge port 17 is closed by the shutter member 19 on the lower surface side of the flat portion 11a, and when the shutter member 19 is positioned at the open position, the toner discharge port 17 is opened downward.
【００１６】容器本体１０Ａ内には、容器本体１０Ａ内
に収容されたトナーをトナー排出口１７に向けて移送す
る移送機構２０が、底壁１１の片側の領域１１Ａに沿っ
て延在するよう配設されている。移送機構２０は、端壁
１４及び１５の各々間に回転自在に支持された回転軸２
２と、回転軸２２に形成された螺旋羽根２３、２４及び
２５などを含む羽根手段とを備えている。回転軸２２の
軸心は、底壁１１の片側の領域１１Ａの円弧形状の中心
と一致している。移送機構２０の回転軸２２の一端部
は、端壁１４に配設された盲孔１４ａに回転自在に支持
され、回転軸２２の他端部は、端壁１５に配設された図
示しない支持孔に回転自在に支持されると共に該支持孔
を貫通して外部へ突出し、突出端には入力歯車（図示せ
ず）が装着される。この入力歯車は、トナーコンテナ１
００が図示しない現像装置の所要位置又は画像形成機本
体の所要位置に装着されると、伝動歯車列（図示せず）
を介して電動モータ（図示せず）に連結され、電動モー
タが付勢されると、回転軸２２は回転させられる。移送
機構２０の構成は本発明の特徴をなすものではなく、し
たがって更なる詳細な説明は省略する。In the container body 10A, a transfer mechanism 20 for transferring the toner contained in the container body 10A toward the toner outlet 17 is arranged so as to extend along the region 11A on one side of the bottom wall 11. It is set up. The transfer mechanism 20 includes a rotary shaft 2 rotatably supported between each of the end walls 14 and 15.
2 and blade means including spiral blades 23, 24 and 25 formed on the rotary shaft 22. The axis of the rotary shaft 22 coincides with the arc-shaped center of the region 11A on one side of the bottom wall 11. One end of the rotary shaft 22 of the transfer mechanism 20 is rotatably supported in the blind hole 14a provided in the end wall 14, and the other end of the rotary shaft 22 is supported in the end wall 15 (not shown). The hole is rotatably supported, penetrates through the hole, and protrudes to the outside. An input gear (not shown) is attached to the protruding end. This input gear is the toner container 1
When 00 is mounted at a required position of the developing device (not shown) or a required position of the main body of the image forming machine, a transmission gear train (not shown)
When the electric motor is energized and is connected to an electric motor (not shown) via the rotary shaft 22, the rotary shaft 22 is rotated. The configuration of the transfer mechanism 20 does not form a feature of the present invention, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
【００１７】容器本体１０Ａの上記一端領域における片
方の側壁１２には光透過窓３０が配設されている。ほぼ
矩形をなす光透過窓３０は、光を透過する透明な適宜の
合成樹脂、例えば、ＧＰＰＳ（ｇｅｎｅｒａｌ ｐｕｒ
ｐｏｓｅ ｐｏｌｙｓｔｙｒｅｎｅ）から構成すること
ができ、側壁１２に形成された矩形状の取付孔に嵌合さ
れて、例えば接着により固定される。光透過窓３０は、
少なくとも光透過領域が一定の厚さを有する平板状をな
しており、実施形態において、移送機構２０の羽根手段
の回転軌跡よりも高い位置に配設されている。光透過窓
３０はまた、その内面が、片方の側壁１２の内面と同一
面上に配設されるか又は、片方の側壁１２の内面よりも
わずかに内側に突出して配設されることが好ましいが、
実施形態においては、片方の側壁１２の内面からわずか
に内側に突出するよう配設されている。このような構成
は、後述する光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの先端が
圧接されながら回転方向に移動する際、光透過窓３０の
内面に確実に圧接されることを保証し、清掃効果を確実
なものにする。A light transmitting window 30 is provided on one side wall 12 of the one end region of the container body 10A. The substantially rectangular light-transmitting window 30 is made of an appropriate transparent synthetic resin that transmits light, such as GPPS (general pur).
Pose polystyrene), which is fitted into a rectangular mounting hole formed in the side wall 12 and fixed by, for example, adhesion. The light transmission window 30 is
At least the light transmitting region has a flat plate shape having a constant thickness, and is arranged at a position higher than the rotation locus of the blade means of the transfer mechanism 20 in the embodiment. The light transmission window 30 is also preferably arranged such that its inner surface is flush with the inner surface of the one side wall 12 or slightly inward of the inner surface of the one side wall 12. But,
In the embodiment, it is arranged so as to project slightly inward from the inner surface of one side wall 12. With such a configuration, when the tip of the sheet member 61A for cleaning a light transmitting window, which will be described later, is moved in the rotational direction while being pressed, it is ensured that the inner surface of the light transmitting window 30 is reliably pressed and the cleaning effect is secured. Make something
【００１８】容器本体１０Ａ内には反射板３２が配設さ
れている。反射板３２の反射面は、光透過窓３０の内面
に対し間隔をおいて対向するよう配設されている。更に
具体的に説明すると、反射板３２は、容器本体１０Ａの
端壁１４から端壁１５に向かってかつ光透過窓３０と平
行に延び出すよう端壁１４と一体に形成されている反射
板本体３２ａと、反射板本体３２ａに貼着された反射シ
ート部材３２ｂとから構成されている。反射板本体３２
ａは横断面が容器本体１０Ａの上下方向に長い矩形状を
なしている。反射シート部材３２ｂは、少なくとも、反
射板本体３２ａの、光透過窓３０の内面に対向する面
と、一側面（実施形態においては上側面）と、光透過窓
３０の内面に対向する面と反対側の裏面における該一側
面近傍の領域とを覆うよう貼着される。反射シート部材
３２ｂの一側面は、後述する反射板清掃用シート部材６
３Ａの先端の移動方向に対抗する側の一側面である。こ
のような構成は、反射板本体３２ａの表面に容易かつ低
コストで反射面を形成することを可能にする。また、後
述する反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの先端が圧接され
ながら回転方向に移動する際、円滑な相対移動を可能に
して反射シート部材３２ｂの表面の清掃効果、したがっ
て反射板３２の反射面の清掃効果を向上させる。また、
反射シート部材３２ｂの剥離が防止される。更にはま
た、反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの先端の損傷及び反
射シート部材３２ｂの損傷を防止して各々の耐久性を向
上させる。すなわち、上記構成によれば、反射板清掃用
シート部材６３Ａの耐久性を確保しながら反射板３２の
反射面の清掃効果を向上させることができる。反射シー
ト部材３２ｂの一側面を曲面により形成すれば、上記効
果を更に向上せることができる。特に、後述するように
して反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの先端に折曲部６４
が形成されている場合には、反射板３２に対する圧接力
がアップするので、上記のような構成は有効である。A reflecting plate 32 is arranged in the container body 10A. The reflecting surface of the reflecting plate 32 is arranged so as to face the inner surface of the light transmitting window 30 with a space. More specifically, the reflection plate 32 is integrally formed with the end wall 14 so as to extend from the end wall 14 of the container body 10A toward the end wall 15 and in parallel with the light transmission window 30. 32a and a reflection sheet member 32b attached to the reflection plate body 32a. Reflector body 32
The cross section of a has a rectangular shape whose cross section is long in the vertical direction of the container body 10A. The reflection sheet member 32b is at least opposite to the surface of the reflection plate body 32a facing the inner surface of the light transmitting window 30, one side surface (the upper side surface in the embodiment), and the surface facing the inner surface of the light transmitting window 30. It is attached so as to cover the area on the back surface of the side near the one side surface. One side surface of the reflection sheet member 32b has a reflection plate cleaning sheet member 6 described later.
3A is a side surface facing the moving direction of the tip of 3A. Such a configuration enables a reflective surface to be formed on the surface of the reflector main body 32a easily and at low cost. Further, when the tip end of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A, which will be described later, moves in the rotational direction while being pressed, smooth relative movement is made possible and the cleaning effect of the surface of the reflection sheet member 32b, and thus the reflection surface of the reflection plate 32, is improved. Improve the cleaning effect. Also,
The peeling of the reflection sheet member 32b is prevented. Furthermore, the damage of the tip of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A and the damage of the reflection sheet member 32b are prevented, and the durability of each is improved. That is, according to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the cleaning effect of the reflection surface of the reflection plate 32 while ensuring the durability of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A. By forming one side surface of the reflection sheet member 32b with a curved surface, the above effect can be further improved. Particularly, as will be described later, the bent portion 64 is provided at the tip of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A.
In the case where is formed, the pressure contact force with respect to the reflection plate 32 is increased, and thus the above configuration is effective.
【００１９】反射シート部材３２ｂは、できるだけ反射
率の高い部材から構成されることが望ましい。しかしな
がら、実用上は、反射率の他に、組付性、コストなどの
条件をクリアする必要があるので、表面に、アルミニウ
ムを真空蒸着することにより形成した反射膜を備えた合
成樹脂製のフィルムから構成することが好ましい。実施
形態において、反射部材３２ｂは、アルミ蒸着ＰＥＴフ
ィルム（リンテック株式会社製の商品名「ＦＮＳツヤ５
０」）からなる。反射板本体３２ａの基端部であって、
光透過窓３０に対向する面と反対側の裏面には、上下方
向に間隔をおいて容器本体１０Ａの長手方向に延在する
補強リブ３２ｃが上下方向に間隔をおいて２個配設され
ている（図３において１個のみ図示されている）。図５
に示されているように、反射板３２の横断面における全
周外方には空間が形成されている。反射シート部材３２
ｂの、光透過窓３０の内面に対向する面は、反射板３２
における反射面をなす。なお、図３及び図５から容易に
理解されるように、実施形態において、反射板本体３２
ａは、容器本体１０Ａの幅方向の中央よりも片方の側壁
１２に接近した位置において、光透過窓３０に対向する
よう配置されている。The reflection sheet member 32b is preferably composed of a member having a reflectance as high as possible. However, in practice, in addition to the reflectance, it is necessary to satisfy conditions such as assembling and cost, so a film made of synthetic resin having a reflective film formed by vacuum-depositing aluminum on the surface. It is preferable to be composed of In the embodiment, the reflection member 32b is an aluminum vapor-deposited PET film (trade name “FNS Shine 5 manufactured by Lintec Co., Ltd.”).
0 "). At the base end of the reflector main body 32a,
Two reinforcing ribs 32c, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the container body 10A and are vertically spaced apart, are provided on the back surface opposite to the surface facing the light transmission window 30 and vertically spaced apart from each other. (Only one is shown in FIG. 3). Figure 5
As shown in FIG. 5, a space is formed outside the entire circumference in the cross section of the reflection plate 32. Reflection sheet member 32
The surface of b facing the inner surface of the light transmitting window 30 is a reflection plate 32.
Form a reflective surface. In addition, as easily understood from FIGS. 3 and 5, in the embodiment, the reflector main body 32 is provided.
The a is arranged so as to face the light transmission window 30 at a position closer to one side wall 12 than the center in the width direction of the container body 10A.
【００２０】図３〜図６を参照して、容器本体１０Ａ内
には、容器本体１０Ａ内に収容されたトナーを撹拌する
ための撹拌機構４０が回転自在に配設されている。撹拌
機構４０は、端壁１４及び１５の各々間に回転自在に支
持された回転軸４１と、回転軸４１に配設された撹拌手
段とを備えている。撹拌手段は、回転軸４１の軸方向に
間隔をおいて回転軸４１から半径方向外方に延びる複数
のアーム４２を備えている。平板状をなすアーム４２の
各々は、回転軸４１の直径よりも大きな幅を有しかつ回
転軸４１に対し相互に同じ周方向向角度位置において半
径方向外方に互いに反対方向に延び出すよう配設されて
いる。複数のアーム４２の配列は、相互に軸方向間隔が
比較的狭いアーム対４２Ａが、該軸方向間隔よりも広い
軸方向間隔をおいて５対配設されることにより構成され
ている。3 to 6, a stirring mechanism 40 for stirring the toner contained in the container body 10A is rotatably arranged in the container body 10A. The stirring mechanism 40 includes a rotating shaft 41 rotatably supported between each of the end walls 14 and 15, and a stirring unit arranged on the rotating shaft 41. The stirring means includes a plurality of arms 42 that extend radially outward from the rotary shaft 41 at intervals in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 41. Each of the plate-shaped arms 42 has a width larger than the diameter of the rotary shaft 41 and is arranged so as to extend radially outward in opposite directions at the same circumferential direction angular position with respect to the rotary shaft 41. It is set up. The array of the plurality of arms 42 is configured by arranging 5 pairs of arm pairs 42A having a relatively narrow axial distance with respect to each other with an axial distance wider than the axial distance.
【００２１】アーム対４２Ａを構成するアーム４２の半
径方向の一端間はパドル４３により連結され、相互に軸
方向に隣接するアーム対４２Ａの各々の該一端間は、相
互に軸方向に対向するアーム４２の該一端から相互に接
近する軸方向に延び出して相互に間隔をおいて軸方向に
対向する一対のパドル４４の基部４６（図９参照）によ
り連結されている。パドル４４の各対間には、他のパド
ル４５が上記基部４６を介して配設されている。パドル
４３、４４及び４５の各々は、ほぼ板形状をなしかつ回
転軸４１の接線方向に一定の幅を有すると共に、該接線
方向の一端に（回転軸４１の回転方向の前側の一端）に
おいて軸方向に延在する上記基部４６により相互に一体
に連結されている。パドル４３及び４５の各々の、基部
４６を除く両側面の側外方及び下面の下方は空間となっ
ている。パドル４４の各々は、相互に同じ軸方向長さを
有すると共に、相互に同じ軸方向長さを有するパドル４
３及び４５の各々の軸方向長さよりも長い。パドル４４
の各々の上面は、回転軸４１と平行な同一平面上に存在
し、パドル４３及び４５の各々の下面は、該平面と同一
平面上に存在する。パドル４３の各々の下面には、該下
面から下方に延び出す係止突起４３ａ（図９参照）が形
成されている。アーム４２の各々の半径方向の他端間は
パドル４７により連結されている。パドル４７の各々
は、ほぼ板形状をなしかつ回転軸４１の接線方向に一定
の幅を有している。The radial ends of the arms 42 constituting the arm pair 42A are connected by a paddle 43, and the respective ends of the arm pairs 42A that are axially adjacent to each other are axially opposed to each other. Base portions 46 (see FIG. 9) of a pair of paddles 44, which extend in the axial direction approaching each other from the one end of 42 and are axially opposed to each other at intervals, are connected to each other. Another paddle 45 is arranged between each pair of paddles 44 via the base portion 46. Each of the paddles 43, 44, and 45 has a substantially plate shape and has a constant width in the tangential direction of the rotating shaft 41, and has an axis at one end in the tangential direction (one end on the front side in the rotating direction of the rotating shaft 41). The base portions 46 extending in the direction are integrally connected to each other. Each paddle 43 and 45 has a space on the outside of both side surfaces except the base portion 46 and below the lower surface. Each of the paddles 44 has the same axial length as each other and also has the same axial length as each other.
Longer than the axial length of each of 3 and 45. Paddle 44
The upper surface of each of the paddles is on the same plane parallel to the rotation axis 41, and the lower surface of each of the paddles 43 and 45 is on the same plane. The lower surface of each paddle 43 is formed with a locking protrusion 43a (see FIG. 9) extending downward from the lower surface. The other ends of the arms 42 in the radial direction are connected by a paddle 47. Each of the paddles 47 has a substantially plate shape and has a constant width in the tangential direction of the rotating shaft 41.
【００２２】撹拌機構４０は更に、弾性を有する撹拌シ
ート部材５０を備えている。なお、図３及び図４におい
ては、図面の複雑化を避けるため、以下に説明する撹拌
シート部材５０及び後述する清掃用シート部材６０の図
示は省略してある。撹拌シート部材５０は、適宜の合成
樹脂製シート部材、例えばＰＥＴから一体に形成された
透明のフィルムにより構成されている。図６に示されて
いるように、撹拌シート部材５０は、細長い矩形状の本
体部５１と、本体部５１の一側から直角に直線状に延び
出す折曲部５２とを備えている。平板状をなす本体部５
１の幅方向中央部には、矩形状をなす孔５３が、長手方
向に間隔をおいて複数個形成されている。本体部５１の
他側部には、被係止孔５４が、長手方向に間隔をおいて
５個形成されている。撹拌シート部材５０の全長は、回
転軸４１の軸方向両端に配設されたアーム４２間の長さ
とほぼ同じである。以上のように構成された撹拌シート
部材５０は、その他側部がパドル４４の各々の上面と、
パドル４３及び４５の下面との間に挿入され、そして被
係止孔５４の各々が、対応するパドル４３の下面に形成
された係止突起４３ａに離脱自在に係止されることによ
り、パドル４３〜４５に装着される（図７及び図９参
照）。撹拌シート部材５０は、アーム４２の各々の一端
から、撹拌機構４０の回転方向の後側に向かって回転軸
４１の接線方向に直線状に延び出している。撹拌シート
部材５０の折曲部５２は、図９に示されているように、
実質的に回転軸４１の半径方向外方に向かって延び出す
よう配置される。The stirring mechanism 40 further includes a stirring sheet member 50 having elasticity. 3 and 4, the stirring sheet member 50 described below and the cleaning sheet member 60 described below are omitted in order to avoid complication of the drawings. The stirring sheet member 50 is made of a suitable synthetic resin sheet member, for example, a transparent film integrally formed of PET. As shown in FIG. 6, the stirring sheet member 50 includes an elongated rectangular main body portion 51 and a bent portion 52 extending linearly from one side of the main body portion 51 at a right angle. Plate-shaped body 5
A plurality of rectangular holes 53 are formed at a central portion in the width direction at intervals in the longitudinal direction. Five locked holes 54 are formed on the other side of the body 51 at intervals in the longitudinal direction. The total length of the stirring sheet member 50 is substantially the same as the length between the arms 42 arranged at both axial ends of the rotating shaft 41. In the stirring sheet member 50 configured as described above, the other side portion is the upper surface of each of the paddles 44,
By being inserted between the paddles 43 and 45 and the lower surface of each paddle 43, each of the locked holes 54 is detachably locked by a locking projection 43a formed on the lower surface of the corresponding paddle 43. ~ 45 (see FIGS. 7 and 9). The stirring sheet member 50 extends linearly in the tangential direction of the rotation shaft 41 from one end of each arm 42 toward the rear side in the rotation direction of the stirring mechanism 40. The bent portion 52 of the stirring sheet member 50 is, as shown in FIG.
It is arranged so as to extend substantially outward in the radial direction of the rotation shaft 41.
【００２３】回転体である撹拌機構４０の撹拌手段に
は、支持部が配設され、支持部には清掃部材である清掃
用シート部材６０が配設されている。更に具体的に説明
すると、回転軸４１の最も一端寄りに配設されたアーム
４２の一端には、該一端から回転軸４１の一端方向に、
回転軸４１と平行に延び出す支持部、実施形態において
は支持片４８が一体に形成されている。支持片４８は、
回転軸４１における接線方向にほぼ偏平に延在する横断
面を有している。図１０に明示されているように、支持
片４８の、回転軸４１における半径方向の外面はゆるや
かな曲面からなり、支持片４８の、該半径方向の内面は
該接線方向に直線状に延在する平面からなる。支持片４
８の上記外面の幅方向両端と、支持片４８の両側面とが
交わる角部は曲面から形成されている。The stirring means of the stirring mechanism 40, which is a rotating member, is provided with a support portion, and the cleaning sheet member 60, which is a cleaning member, is provided on the support portion. More specifically, at one end of the arm 42 disposed closest to one end of the rotary shaft 41, one end of the arm 42 extends in the direction of the one end of the rotary shaft 41.
A support portion extending in parallel with the rotation shaft 41, which is a support piece 48 in the embodiment, is integrally formed. The support piece 48 is
The rotary shaft 41 has a cross section extending substantially flat in the tangential direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the outer surface of the support piece 48 in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 41 is a gentle curved surface, and the inner surface of the support piece 48 in the radial direction extends linearly in the tangential direction. It consists of a plane. Support piece 4
The corners where the widthwise both ends of the outer surface of 8 and the both side surfaces of the support piece 48 intersect are formed by curved surfaces.
【００２４】単一の部材である清掃用シート部材６０
は、弾性を有する適宜の合成樹脂製シート部材、例えば
ＰＥＴフィルムから構成することができる。図６に示さ
れているように、清掃用シート部材６０は、一定の幅を
有する矩形状の本体部６１と、本体部６１の長手方向の
一端から片面側に直角にかつ直線状に延び出す折曲部６
２と、本体部６１の長手方向の他端から同じ片面側に直
角にかつ直線状に延び出す折曲部６３とを備えている。
折曲部６３の先端には、該先端から、本体部６１の該一
端方向に向かって直角にかつ直線状に比較的短く延び出
す折曲部６４が形成されている。本体部６１の他面であ
って、本体部６１の他端と、本体部６１の長手方向中央
よりも一端側に寄った位置との間の領域全面には、矩形
状の両面接着テープ６５が貼着されている。なお、清掃
用シート部材６０を後述するとおりにして折り返す際の
折り返しを容易にするため、本体部６１の長手方向の中
間部に存在する折返部（両面接着テープ６５が貼着され
ている領域における長手方向中央部）には、該長手方向
に間隔をおいて幅方向に平行に延在する一対のスリット
（図６において点線で示されている）が形成されてい
る。Cleaning sheet member 60 which is a single member
Can be made of a suitable synthetic resin sheet member having elasticity, for example, a PET film. As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning sheet member 60 has a rectangular main body portion 61 having a constant width, and extends from one longitudinal end of the main body portion 61 in a straight line at a right angle to one side. Bend 6
2 and a bent portion 63 extending from the other end in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 61 to the same one surface side at a right angle and in a straight line.
A bent portion 64 is formed at the tip of the bent portion 63 and extends from the tip toward the one end direction of the main body portion 61 at a right angle and in a straight line relatively short. A rectangular double-sided adhesive tape 65 is formed on the entire other surface of the main body 61 between the other end of the main body 61 and a position closer to one end than the center of the main body 61 in the longitudinal direction. It is attached. In addition, in order to facilitate folding back when the cleaning sheet member 60 is folded back as described later, a folding back portion (in a region where the double-sided adhesive tape 65 is adhered) existing in an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 61. A pair of slits (indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 6) extending in parallel with the width direction at intervals in the longitudinal direction are formed in the central portion in the longitudinal direction).
【００２５】図７及び図１０を参照して、上記のように
構成された清掃用シート部材６０は、長手方向中間部
（折返部）が、支持片４８の回転方向前側（図１０にお
いて右側）において回転方向後側（図１０において左
側）に向かって折り返されることにより、支持片４８の
回転方向前側の一側面及び半径方向内外面を覆いかつ該
一側面及び該内外面に両面接着テープ６５を介して貼着
される。そして更に、支持片４８の回転方向後側の他側
面の外側において実質的に半径方向に対向する面同士、
すなわち両面接着テープ６５同士が相互に重合貼着され
る。相互に重合貼着された清掃用シート部材の二つの部
分のうち、実質的に半径方向外側に位置する片方の部分
は、支持片４８から支持片４８の回転方向後方に向かっ
て支持片４８の回転軌跡の接線方向（すなわち回転軸４
１の接線方向）に延び出して、光透過窓清掃用シート部
材６１Ａを構成する。また、実質的に半径方向内側に位
置する他方の部分は、支持片４８の回転方向後側におい
て、回転軸４１に近づく方向、実施形態においては、光
透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａに対し直角に、回転軸４
１に近づく方向に延び出して、反射板清掃用シート部材
６３Ａを構成する。Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, in the cleaning sheet member 60 configured as described above, the longitudinal middle portion (folding portion) is the front side in the rotational direction of the support piece 48 (right side in FIG. 10). By being folded back toward the rear side in the rotational direction (left side in FIG. 10), the one side surface and the radially inner and outer surfaces of the front side of the support piece 48 in the rotational direction are covered with the double-sided adhesive tape 65 on the one side surface and the inner and outer surfaces. Pasted through. Further, further, on the outer side of the other side surface on the rear side in the rotation direction of the support piece 48, the surfaces that substantially face each other in the radial direction,
That is, the double-sided adhesive tapes 65 are polymerized and adhered to each other. Of the two portions of the cleaning sheet member that are superposed on each other, one of the portions that is located substantially radially outward is the portion of the support piece 48 that extends from the support piece 48 toward the rear side in the rotational direction of the support piece 48. Tangent direction of rotation locus (that is, rotation axis 4
1 tangential direction) to form a light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A. The other portion located substantially inward in the radial direction is on the rear side in the rotation direction of the support piece 48, in a direction approaching the rotation axis 41, in the embodiment, at a right angle to the light transmission window cleaning sheet member 61A. , Rotating shaft 4
The sheet member 63A extends in a direction approaching 1 to form a reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A.
【００２６】清掃用シート部材６０が支持片４８に貼着
された状態で、光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａは反射
板清掃用シート部材６３Ａよりも長い。また、清掃用シ
ート部材６０の一端に形成された上記折曲部６２は、光
透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの先端から実質的に半径
方向外方に延び出すよう位置付けられる。更にはまた、
清掃用シート部材６０の他端に形成された上記折曲部６
３は、上記した如き反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａを構
成する。更にはまた、上記折曲部６３の先端に形成され
た折曲部６４、したがって反射板清掃用シート部材６３
Ａの先端に形成された折曲部６４は、反射板清掃用シー
ト部材６３Ａの先端から回転軸４１に近づく方向、実施
形態においては、実質的に支持片４８の回転方向前側の
該接線方向に延び出すよう位置付けられる。図１０から
容易に理解されるように、回転軸４１の軸方向に見て、
光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの折曲部６２及び反射
板清掃用シート部材６３Ａは、回転軸４１の軸心と支持
片４８の該接線方向（幅方向）の中心を通る半径方向の
仮想直線に平行にかつ相互に反対方向に延在し、また反
射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの折曲部６４は、光透過窓
清掃用シート部材６１Ａと共に該接線方向、したがって
該仮想直線に直交する方向に延在する。清掃部材である
清掃用シート部材６０は単一の部材からなるので、光透
過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用シート部
材６３Ａは単一の清掃用シート部材６０から形成される
ことになる。このような構成は、組付性を向上させ、部
品点数を低減し、コストダウンを可能にする。もちろ
ん、光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用
シート部材６３Ａを、それぞれ別部材である、独立した
清掃用シート部材から形成し、それぞれ適宜の固着手
段、例えば接着により支持片４８に貼着してもよい。With the cleaning sheet member 60 attached to the support piece 48, the light transmitting window cleaning sheet member 61A is longer than the reflector cleaning sheet member 63A. The bent portion 62 formed at one end of the cleaning sheet member 60 is positioned so as to extend substantially radially outward from the tip of the light transmitting window cleaning sheet member 61A. Furthermore,
The bent portion 6 formed at the other end of the cleaning sheet member 60
3 constitutes the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A as described above. Furthermore, the bent portion 64 formed at the tip of the bent portion 63, and hence the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63.
The bent portion 64 formed at the tip of A is in a direction approaching the rotation shaft 41 from the tip of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A, in the embodiment, substantially in the tangential direction on the front side in the rotation direction of the support piece 48. Positioned to extend. As easily understood from FIG. 10, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 41,
The bent portion 62 of the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A are imaginary straight lines in a radial direction that pass through the axis of the rotating shaft 41 and the center of the tangential direction (width direction) of the support piece 48. And the bent portion 64 of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A extends in the tangential direction together with the light transmission window cleaning sheet member 61A, and thus in the direction orthogonal to the virtual straight line. Extend. Since the cleaning sheet member 60, which is a cleaning member, is a single member, the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflector cleaning sheet member 63A are formed from the single cleaning sheet member 60. . Such a configuration improves the assemblability, reduces the number of parts, and enables cost reduction. Of course, the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflector cleaning sheet member 63A are formed from separate cleaning sheet members, which are separate members, and are attached to the support piece 48 by appropriate fixing means, for example, adhesion. You may wear it.
【００２７】図２〜図４を参照して、撹拌機構４０の回
転軸４１の一端部は、端壁１４に配設された盲孔１４Ａ
に回転自在に支持され、回転軸４１の他端部は、端壁１
５に配設された図示しない支持孔に回転自在に支持され
ると共に該支持孔を貫通して外部へ突出し、突出端には
入力歯車（図示せず）が装着される。この入力歯車は、
トナーコンテナ１００が図示しない現像装置の所要位置
又は画像形成機本体の所要位置に装着されると、伝動歯
車列（図示せず）を介して電動モータ（図示せず）に連
結され、電動モータが付勢されると、回転軸４１は回転
させられる。Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, one end of the rotating shaft 41 of the stirring mechanism 40 has a blind hole 14A provided in the end wall 14.
Is rotatably supported by the end wall 1 of the rotary shaft 41.
A support hole (not shown) provided in FIG. 5 is rotatably supported and penetrates the support hole to project to the outside. An input gear (not shown) is attached to the projecting end. This input gear is
When the toner container 100 is mounted at a required position of a developing device (not shown) or a required position of an image forming machine body, the toner container 100 is connected to an electric motor (not shown) via a transmission gear train (not shown), and the electric motor is turned on. When biased, the rotary shaft 41 is rotated.
【００２８】なお、トナーコンテナ１００の片方の端壁
１４には、容器１０内にトナーを充填するための図示し
ない開口が形成され、該開口は、容器１０内にトナーを
充填した後にふたによって閉じられる。図１及び図２に
おいて、番号１４Ｂは、該ふたを示している。An opening (not shown) for filling the toner in the container 10 is formed on one end wall 14 of the toner container 100, and the opening is closed by a lid after the container 10 is filled with the toner. To be In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 14B indicates the lid.
【００２９】撹拌機構４０が容器本体１０Ａ内に装着さ
れた状態において、撹拌機構４０の撹拌手段（実施形態
においては、アーム４２の各々、パドル４３、４４、４
５及び４７の各々、パドル４３、４４及び４５の基部４
６、及び撹拌シート部材５０など）は、反射板３２と、
容器本体１０Ａの他方の端壁１５との間の領域に配置さ
れる。また、撹拌機構４０の回転軸４１は、反射板３２
に対し反射面の裏面側における容器本体１０Ａ内の空間
を延在するよう配置される。このような配置によって、
撹拌機構４０が撹拌手段と共に回転しても、撹拌手段が
反射板３２に干渉することはない。With the stirring mechanism 40 mounted in the container body 10A, the stirring means of the stirring mechanism 40 (in the embodiment, each of the arms 42, the paddles 43, 44, 4).
5 and 47, base 4 of paddles 43, 44 and 45, respectively
6, and the agitating sheet member 50, etc.),
It is arranged in a region between the other end wall 15 of the container body 10A. Further, the rotating shaft 41 of the stirring mechanism 40 is connected to the reflection plate 32.
On the other hand, it is arranged so as to extend the space inside the container body 10A on the back surface side of the reflection surface. With this arrangement,
Even if the stirring mechanism 40 rotates together with the stirring means, the stirring means does not interfere with the reflection plate 32.
【００３０】図５を参照して、撹拌機構４０が容器本体
１０Ａ内に装着された状態において、支持片４８は、光
透過窓３０と反射板３２との間を周期的に通過する回転
軌跡を有する。したがって、支持片４８に配設された清
掃部材、実施形態においては、光透過窓清掃用シート部
材６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａも、光透過
窓３０と反射板３２との間を周期的に通過する。なお、
撹拌機構４０の回転方向は、図５において時計方向であ
る。Referring to FIG. 5, when the stirring mechanism 40 is mounted in the container body 10A, the support piece 48 has a rotational locus that periodically passes between the light transmission window 30 and the reflection plate 32. Have. Therefore, the cleaning member disposed on the support piece 48, in the embodiment, the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A are also periodically arranged between the light transmission window 30 and the reflection plate 32. To pass. In addition,
The rotation direction of the stirring mechanism 40 is clockwise in FIG.
【００３１】上記のように構成されたトナーコンテナ１
００は、典型的には、図示しない画像形成機の画像形成
機本体に備えられた現像装置の現像ハウジングの上壁の
所定位置に離脱自在に装着される。図示の実施形態にお
いて、トナーコンテナ１００は、画像形成機本体の前面
から後方に向かって挿入することにより装着され、画像
形成機本体の前面から引き出すことにより離脱される。
トナーコンテナ１００の挿入方向は図１及び図２におい
て右斜め上方（片方の端壁１４から他方の端壁１５に向
かう方向）である。トナーコンテナ１００が現像ハウジ
ングに装着されると、シャッタ部材１９が該装着動作に
連動して開位置に摺動させられる。これにより、トナー
コンテナ１００のトナー排出口１７が現像ハウジングの
上壁に配設された図示しないトナー補給口に連通され、
トナーコンテナ１００内に収容されたトナーの、現像ハ
ウジング内への補給が可能となる。なお、トナーコンテ
ナ１００が画像形成機本体の前面から引き出されると、
シャッタ部材１９は該離脱動作に連動して閉位置に摺動
させられる。このようなシャッタ部材１９の開閉機構は
周知の構成を利用することでよく、またそれ自体は本発
明の特徴をなすものではないので、説明は省略する。Toner container 1 constructed as described above
00 is removably attached to a predetermined position of the upper wall of the developing housing of the developing device provided in the main body of the image forming machine of the image forming machine (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the toner container 100 is mounted by inserting the toner container 100 from the front side of the main body of the image forming machine rearward, and detached by pulling out from the front surface of the main body of the image forming machine.
The insertion direction of the toner container 100 is diagonally right upward (direction from one end wall 14 to the other end wall 15) in FIGS. 1 and 2. When the toner container 100 is mounted on the developing housing, the shutter member 19 is slid to the open position in conjunction with the mounting operation. As a result, the toner discharge port 17 of the toner container 100 communicates with a toner supply port (not shown) provided on the upper wall of the developing housing,
The toner contained in the toner container 100 can be replenished into the developing housing. When the toner container 100 is pulled out from the front surface of the main body of the image forming machine,
The shutter member 19 is slid to the closed position in conjunction with the releasing operation. Such an opening / closing mechanism of the shutter member 19 may use a well-known configuration, and since it does not itself form the feature of the present invention, its explanation is omitted.
【００３２】トナーコンテナ１００が画像形成機本体の
所要位置に装着されると、図示しないトナー検出手段が
光透過窓３０の外側から光透過窓３０に対向して相対的
に位置付けられる。トナー検出手段は、光学式反射型セ
ンサにより構成され、発光部材と受光部材とを備えてい
る。発光部材は、例えば発光ダイオード（ＬＥＤ）から
なる発光素子から構成され、また受光部材は、例えばフ
ォトトランジスタからなる受光素子から構成される。ト
ナー検出手段の発光部材から光透過窓３０を通して反射
板３２に向けて照射された光が反射板３２により反射さ
れると、該光は受光部材により受光されてトナーの残量
が検出される。光透過窓３０と反射板３２との間の空間
を充填していたトナーが該光の通過を許容する程度に減
少したときに、はじめてトナーの残量が検出される。ト
ナーの残量を正確に検出するためには、光透過窓３０の
内面及び反射板３２の反射面に付着するトナーの量がで
きるだけ少ないことが望まれる。本発明においては、回
転体である撹拌機構４０に清掃部材である光透過窓清掃
用シート部材６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａ
が配設され、光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａ及び反射
板清掃用シート部材６３Ａは、光透過窓３０と反射板３
２との間を周期的に通過しかつ光透過窓３０と反射板３
２との間を通過する毎に光透過窓３０の内面及び反射板
３２の反射面に圧接されながら移動して該内側面及び該
反射面を清掃するよう構成されているので、光透過窓３
０の内面及び反射板３２の反射面を効果的に清掃するこ
とを可能にし、その結果、トナーの残量を正確に検出す
ることを可能にする。また構成が簡単で低コストで製造
できる。以下、本発明の作用効果について更に具体的に
説明する。When the toner container 100 is mounted at a required position on the main body of the image forming machine, a toner detecting means (not shown) is relatively positioned so as to face the light transmitting window 30 from the outside of the light transmitting window 30. The toner detection unit is composed of an optical reflection type sensor and includes a light emitting member and a light receiving member. The light emitting member is composed of a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED), and the light receiving member is composed of a light receiving element such as a phototransistor. When the light emitted from the light emitting member of the toner detecting means toward the reflecting plate 32 through the light transmitting window 30 is reflected by the reflecting plate 32, the light is received by the light receiving member and the remaining amount of toner is detected. When the amount of the toner filling the space between the light transmitting window 30 and the reflecting plate 32 is reduced to the extent that the light is allowed to pass, the remaining amount of toner is detected for the first time. In order to accurately detect the remaining amount of toner, it is desired that the amount of toner attached to the inner surface of the light transmission window 30 and the reflection surface of the reflection plate 32 is as small as possible. In the present invention, the agitating mechanism 40, which is a rotating body, has a light transmitting window cleaning sheet member 61A and a reflecting plate cleaning sheet member 63A, which are cleaning members.
The sheet member 61A for cleaning the light-transmissive window and the sheet member 63A for cleaning the reflector plate are provided with the light-transmissive window 30 and the reflector plate 3.
2 and the light transmitting window 30 and the reflector 3
2 is configured to move while being pressed against the inner surface of the light transmission window 30 and the reflection surface of the reflection plate 32 to clean the inner surface and the reflection surface each time the light transmission window 3 passes.
The inner surface of 0 and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate 32 can be effectively cleaned, and as a result, the remaining amount of toner can be accurately detected. In addition, the structure is simple and it can be manufactured at low cost. Hereinafter, the function and effect of the present invention will be described more specifically.
【００３３】図２、図５及び図８を参照して、トナーコ
ンテナ１００が図示しない画像形成機本体の所要位置に
装着された状態において、現像ハウジング内に配設され
たトナー濃度検出センサ（二成分現像剤の場合）又はト
ナー量検出センサ（一成分現像剤の場合）からの信号に
より電動モータが回転駆動されると、移送機構２０及び
撹拌機構４０が図５及び図８において時計方向Ｄに回転
駆動される。容器１０内に収容されたトナーが移送機構
２０によりトナー排出口１７に向けて移送され、該トナ
ーが現像ハウジング内へ補給される。撹拌機構４０の回
転により、容器１０内に収容されたトナーは、上記撹拌
手段によって撹拌される。同時に、撹拌機構４０の撹拌
シート部材５０の折曲部５２の先端が、反射板３２と他
方の端壁１５との間の領域における側壁１２及び１３の
各々の内面、並びに底壁１１の他側の領域１１Ｂの内面
に圧接（撹拌シート部材５０の弾性変形により圧接）さ
れながら移動させられるので、これらの内面に付着した
トナーが効果的に剥離され、ないしは掻き落とされ、こ
れらの内面が効果的に清掃される。これにより、容器１
０内に残留するトナー量が低減されるので、トナーの有
効利用が促進される。撹拌シート部材５０の折曲部５２
は、撹拌シート部材５０の先端部における剛性を高め、
弾性変形による、上記各内面に対する圧接力を増大する
ので、上記効果は促進される。また容器１０内に収容さ
れたトナーが底壁１１の片側の領域１１Ａに配設された
移送機構２０に向けて強制されるので、移送機構２０に
よるトナーの搬送効果が促進され、容器１０内に残留す
るトナー量が低減されるので、トナーの有効利用が促進
される。With reference to FIGS. 2, 5 and 8, when the toner container 100 is mounted at a required position of the main body of the image forming machine (not shown), the toner density detecting sensor (two When the electric motor is rotationally driven by a signal from a component developer) or a toner amount detection sensor (in the case of a one-component developer), the transfer mechanism 20 and the stirring mechanism 40 move clockwise in FIG. 5 and FIG. It is driven to rotate. The toner accommodated in the container 10 is transferred toward the toner discharge port 17 by the transfer mechanism 20, and the toner is replenished into the developing housing. By the rotation of the stirring mechanism 40, the toner contained in the container 10 is stirred by the stirring means. At the same time, the tip of the bent portion 52 of the stirring sheet member 50 of the stirring mechanism 40 has the inner surfaces of the side walls 12 and 13 in the region between the reflection plate 32 and the other end wall 15, and the other side of the bottom wall 11. The toner adhered to these inner surfaces is effectively peeled off or scraped off, so that these inner surfaces are effectively pressed. To be cleaned. Thereby, the container 1
Since the amount of toner remaining in 0 is reduced, effective use of toner is promoted. Bent portion 52 of stirring sheet member 50
Enhances the rigidity of the tip portion of the stirring sheet member 50,
The above effect is promoted because the pressure contact force against each of the inner surfaces due to elastic deformation is increased. Further, since the toner contained in the container 10 is forced toward the transfer mechanism 20 arranged in the area 11A on one side of the bottom wall 11, the toner conveying effect of the transfer mechanism 20 is promoted, and the toner is contained in the container 10. Since the amount of residual toner is reduced, effective use of toner is promoted.
【００３４】上記したように、支持片４８は、光透過窓
３０と反射板３２との間を周期的に通過する回転軌跡を
有し、したがって、支持片４８に配設された光透過窓清
掃用シート部材６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用シート部材６３
Ａは、光透過窓３０と反射板３２との間を周期的に通過
する（図８は、支持片４８が光透過窓３０と反射板３２
との間を通過する瞬間の状態を示している）。このよう
な構成により、光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａ及び反
射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａが光透過窓３０と反射板３
２との間を通過する毎に、光透過窓清掃用シート部材６
１Ａの先端は、片方の側壁１２の内面、光透過窓３０の
内面、底壁１１の他側の領域１１Ｂの内面及び他方の側
壁１３の内面に圧接（光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａ
の弾性変形により圧接）されながら移動して該内面の各
々を清掃する。また、反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの
先端は反射板３２の反射面に圧接（反射板清掃用シート
部材６３Ａの弾性変形により圧接）されながら移動して
該反射面を清掃する。その結果、片方の側壁１２の内
面、光透過窓３０の内面、底壁１１の他側の領域１１Ｂ
の内面、他方の側壁１３の内面及び反射板３２の反射面
に付着したトナーが効果的に剥離され、ないしは掻き落
とされ、これらの内面が効果的に清掃される。光透過窓
３０の内面及び反射板３２の反射面が効果的に清掃され
ると、光透過窓３０と反射板３２との間の空間を充填し
ていたトナーが、光透過窓３０を介して、上記発光部材
と反射板３２の反射面との間及び反射板３２の反射面と
受光部材との間の光の通過を許容する程度に減少したと
き、発光部材から反射板３２の反射面に向けて照射され
た光が十分に反射されて受光部材により受光されるの
で、トナーの残量の検出が正確に遂行される。片方の側
壁１２の内面、底壁１１の他側の領域１１Ｂの内面及び
他方の側壁１３の内面が効果的に清掃されると、容器１
０内に残留するトナー量が低減されるので、トナーの有
効利用が促進される。As described above, the support piece 48 has a rotation locus that periodically passes between the light transmission window 30 and the reflection plate 32, and therefore the light transmission window cleaning provided on the support piece 48 is cleaned. Sheet member 61A and reflecting plate cleaning sheet member 63
A periodically passes between the light transmission window 30 and the reflection plate 32 (in FIG. 8, the support piece 48 has the light transmission window 30 and the reflection plate 32).
Shows the state of the moment when passing between and). With such a configuration, the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflector cleaning sheet member 63A form the light-transmissive window 30 and the reflector 3 respectively.
Sheet member 6 for cleaning the light transmission window each time it passes between
The tip of 1A is pressed against the inner surface of one side wall 12, the inner surface of the light transmitting window 30, the inner surface of the region 11B on the other side of the bottom wall 11 and the inner surface of the other side wall 13 (sheet member 61A for cleaning the light transmitting window).
The inner surface is cleaned by moving while being pressed against each other by elastic deformation. Further, the tip of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A moves while cleaning the reflection surface of the reflection plate 32 while being in pressure contact (pressure contact due to elastic deformation of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A). As a result, the inner surface of one side wall 12, the inner surface of the light transmission window 30, and the region 11B on the other side of the bottom wall 11 are formed.
The toner adhered to the inner surface of, the inner surface of the other side wall 13 and the reflection surface of the reflection plate 32 is effectively peeled off or scraped off, and these inner surfaces are effectively cleaned. When the inner surface of the light transmission window 30 and the reflection surface of the reflection plate 32 are effectively cleaned, the toner filling the space between the light transmission window 30 and the reflection plate 32 passes through the light transmission window 30. , From the light emitting member to the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate 32 when the light passing between the light emitting member and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate 32 and between the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate 32 and the light receiving member is reduced to an extent that allows passage of light. The light irradiated toward is sufficiently reflected and received by the light receiving member, so that the remaining amount of toner can be accurately detected. When the inner surface of one side wall 12, the inner surface of the region 11B on the other side of the bottom wall 11 and the inner surface of the other side wall 13 are effectively cleaned, the container 1
Since the amount of toner remaining in 0 is reduced, effective use of toner is promoted.
【００３５】光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａ及び反射
板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの先端には、それぞれ折曲部
６２及び６４が形成され、撹拌機構４０が回転すると、
光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用シー
ト部材６３Ａは、光透過窓３０と反射板３２との間を周
期的に通過しかつ各々間を通過する毎に、光透過窓清掃
用シート部材６１Ａの折曲部６２の先端が、片方の側壁
１２の内面、光透過窓３０の内面、底壁１１の他側の領
域１１Ｂの内面及び他方の側壁１３の内面に圧接（光透
過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの弾性変形により圧接）さ
れながら移動して該内面の各々を清掃する。また、反射
板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの折曲部６４の先端が、反射
板３２の反射面に圧接されながら移動して該反射面を清
掃する。折曲部６２及び折曲部６４は、光透過窓清掃用
シート部材６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの
各々の先端部における剛性を高め、光透過窓清掃用シー
ト部材６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの各々
及び各々の該先端部の弾性変形による、上記各内面に対
する圧接力を増大するので、上記効果は促進される。な
お、光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用
シート部材６３Ａの先端に折曲部６４を形成しない他の
実施形態ももちろん可能であり、上記した効果を実用
上、合格レベルで達成することは可能である。Bent portions 62 and 64 are formed at the tips of the light transmitting window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflecting plate cleaning sheet member 63A, respectively, and when the stirring mechanism 40 rotates,
The light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflective plate cleaning sheet member 63A periodically pass between the light-transmissive window 30 and the reflective plate 32, and each time the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 63A passes between them. The tip of the bent portion 62 of the member 61A is pressed against the inner surface of one side wall 12, the inner surface of the light transmitting window 30, the inner surface of the region 11B on the other side of the bottom wall 11 and the inner surface of the other side wall 13 (light transmitting window cleaning). The sheet member 61A moves while being pressed against the sheet member 61A by elastic deformation to clean each of the inner surfaces. Further, the tip of the bent portion 64 of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A moves while being pressed against the reflection surface of the reflection plate 32 to clean the reflection surface. The bent portions 62 and the bent portions 64 increase the rigidity of the tip portions of the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflective plate cleaning sheet member 63A, and improve the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflective plate cleaning member. Since the pressure contact force with respect to each of the inner surfaces due to the elastic deformation of each of the sheet members 63A and each of the tip portions thereof is increased, the above effect is promoted. Note that other embodiments in which the bent portion 64 is not formed at the tips of the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A and the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A are of course possible, and the above-mentioned effects are practically achieved at a pass level. It is possible.
【００３６】光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの先端の
回転半径は、反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの先端の回
転半径よりも大きい。この構成により、撹拌機構４０が
回転すると、光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの先端
が、先に述べたように、他方の側壁１３の内面にも周期
的に圧接しながら移動して該内面を清掃することが可能
になる。その結果、光透過窓３０の内面及び底壁１１の
他側の領域１１Ｂの内面のみならず、他方の側壁１３の
内面に付着したトナーも効果的に剥離され、ないしは掻
き落とされ、該内面が効果的に清掃される。この構成に
より、容器１０内に残留するトナー量が更に低減される
ので、トナーの有効利用が更に促進される。The radius of gyration of the tip of the light transmitting window cleaning sheet member 61A is larger than the radius of gyration of the tip of the reflecting plate cleaning sheet member 63A. With this configuration, when the stirring mechanism 40 rotates, the tip of the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A moves while periodically pressingly contacting the inner surface of the other side wall 13 as well, as described above. It becomes possible to clean. As a result, not only the inner surface of the light transmitting window 30 and the inner surface of the region 11B on the other side of the bottom wall 11 but also the toner adhered to the inner surface of the other side wall 13 is effectively peeled off or scraped off. Effectively cleaned. With this configuration, the amount of toner remaining in the container 10 is further reduced, so that effective use of toner is further promoted.
【００３７】上記トナーコンテナ１００においては、撹
拌機構４０に光透過窓３０と反射板３２との間を周期的
に通過する回転軌跡を有する支持片４８が配設され、支
持片４８に、清掃部材である光透過窓清掃用シート部材
６１Ａ及び反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａが配設されて
いる。このような構成により、上記した作用効果の達成
を可能にするので、構成が簡単で、既存の構成を利用し
て容易にかつ低コストで実用化でき、有用である。In the toner container 100 described above, the stirring mechanism 40 is provided with the support piece 48 having a rotational locus that periodically passes between the light transmission window 30 and the reflection plate 32, and the support piece 48 has a cleaning member. The sheet member 61A for cleaning the light transmitting window and the sheet member 63A for cleaning the reflection plate are arranged. With such a configuration, it is possible to achieve the above-described operational effects, so that the configuration is simple, and the existing configuration can be utilized easily and at low cost, which is useful.
【００３８】上記トナーコンテナ１００においてはま
た、光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａは、支持片４８か
ら支持片４８の回転方向後方に向かって支持片４８の回
転軌跡の接線方向に延び出し、反射板清掃用シート部材
６３Ａは、支持片４８の回転方向後側において回転軸４
１に近づく方向に延び出すよう構成されている。このよ
うな構成により、支持片４８の回転に付随して、光透過
窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの先端が光透過窓３０の内面
に圧接されながら移動することを容易に可能にし、ま
た、反射板清掃用シート部材６３Ａの先端が反射板３２
の反射面に圧接されながら移動することを容易に可能に
し、上記した作用効果の達成を可能にするものである。
また光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの折曲部６２は、
光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの先端から実質的に回
転軸４１の半径方向外方に延び出し、また反射板清掃用
シート部材６３Ａの折曲部６４は、反射板清掃用シート
部材６３Ａの先端から回転軸４１に近づく方向に延び出
しているので、上記清掃効果が更に向上する。In the toner container 100, the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A extends from the support piece 48 rearward in the rotation direction of the support piece 48 in the tangential direction of the rotation locus of the support piece 48 to form a reflection plate. The cleaning sheet member 63A has the rotating shaft 4 on the rear side in the rotating direction of the support piece 48.
It is configured to extend in a direction approaching 1. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily move the tip of the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A while being in pressure contact with the inner surface of the light-transmissive window 30 in association with the rotation of the support piece 48, and further, the reflection plate. The tip of the cleaning sheet member 63A is the reflection plate 32.
It is possible to easily move while being pressed against the reflective surface of the above, and to achieve the above-mentioned action and effect.
In addition, the bent portion 62 of the light transmitting window cleaning sheet member 61A is
The bent portion 64 of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A extends substantially outward in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 41 from the front end of the light transmission window cleaning sheet member 61A, and the bent portion 64 of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A is the front end of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A. Since it extends in the direction approaching the rotating shaft 41, the cleaning effect is further improved.
【００３９】以上、添付図面を参照して本発明に従って
構成されたトナーコンテナ１００の好適実施形態につい
て説明したが、本発明は上記実施形態に限定されるもの
ではなく、本発明の範囲を逸脱することなく種々の変形
ないし修正が可能である。例えば、上記実施形態におい
て、光透過窓３０は片方の側壁１２に配設されている
が、底壁１１、実施形態においては底壁１１の他側の領
域１１Ｂに配設する他の実施形態もある。この場合、反
射板３２は、容器本体１０Ａ内において光透過窓３０に
間隔をおいて対向するよう片方の端壁１４に配設され
る。また光透過窓３０の内面は、底壁１１の他側の領域
１１Ｂの内面と同一面上に配設されるか又は、該内面よ
りもわずかに内側に突出して配設されることが好まし
い。また、上記トナーコンテナ１００はカートリッジ式
に構成されているが、現像装置に一体化されたものであ
ってもよい。The preferred embodiment of the toner container 100 constructed according to the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and deviates from the scope of the present invention. It is possible to make various modifications or corrections without any modification. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the light transmission window 30 is provided on the side wall 12 on one side, but in other embodiments, the light transmission window 30 is provided on the bottom wall 11 and, in the embodiment, on the region 11B on the other side of the bottom wall 11. is there. In this case, the reflection plate 32 is arranged on one end wall 14 so as to face the light transmission window 30 with a space in the container body 10A. Further, it is preferable that the inner surface of the light transmitting window 30 is provided on the same surface as the inner surface of the region 11B on the other side of the bottom wall 11 or is provided so as to project slightly inward from the inner surface. Further, although the toner container 100 is configured as a cartridge type, it may be integrated with the developing device.
【００４０】上記実施形態は、トナー検出手段が光学式
反射型センサにより構成されることを前提にして構成さ
れているが、本発明は、トナー検出手段が光学式透過型
センサにより構成される他の実施形態であっても適用可
能である。この他の実施形態を図５を参照して説明する
と、光透過窓３０は両方の側壁１２及び１３に相互に対
向して配設され、トナー検出手段の発光部材は、片方の
光透過窓３０の外側に配置され、トナー検出手段の受光
部材は、他方の光透過窓３０の外側に配置される。発光
部材は光を片方の光透過窓３０及び他方の光透過窓３０
を通して受光部材に向けて照射するよう配置され、受光
部材は発光部材により照射された該光を受光しうるよう
配置される。この場合、容器本体１０Ａ内における光透
過窓３０の各々間であって、少なくとも発光部材から受
光部材に向かう光線の通路の近傍領域には、不動の干渉
物を存在させないことが必要である。したがって、図５
に示されている実施形態においては、反射板３２は除去
され、また、撹拌機構４０の回転軸４１は、上記光線の
通路を干渉しない上方又は下方に配置される。更にはま
た、反射板３２が除去されることに起因して、反射板清
掃用シート部材６３Ａは除去され、光透過窓清掃用シー
ト部材６１Ａのみが支持片４８に配設される。またトナ
ー排出口１７及び光透過窓３０の各々は、容器１０の長
手方向におけるいずれの位置に配置されていてもよい。Although the above-mentioned embodiment is constructed on the premise that the toner detecting means is composed of an optical reflection type sensor, the present invention is not limited to this, in which the toner detecting means is composed of an optical transmission type sensor. The present invention can be applied to the above embodiment. Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The light transmitting window 30 is disposed on both side walls 12 and 13 so as to face each other, and the light emitting member of the toner detecting means is one light transmitting window 30. The light receiving member of the toner detecting unit is arranged outside the other light transmitting window 30. The light emitting member transmits light to one light transmitting window 30 and the other light transmitting window 30.
Is arranged so as to irradiate toward the light receiving member through, and the light receiving member is arranged so as to be able to receive the light emitted by the light emitting member. In this case, it is necessary that no immobile interfering substance be present between the light transmitting windows 30 in the container body 10A and at least in the vicinity of the path of the light beam from the light emitting member to the light receiving member. Therefore, FIG.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the reflection plate 32 is removed, and the rotation shaft 41 of the stirring mechanism 40 is arranged above or below so as not to interfere with the passage of the light rays. Furthermore, due to the removal of the reflection plate 32, the reflection plate cleaning sheet member 63A is removed, and only the light transmission window cleaning sheet member 61A is disposed on the support piece 48. Further, each of the toner discharge port 17 and the light transmission window 30 may be arranged at any position in the longitudinal direction of the container 10.
【００４１】上記他の実施形態において、撹拌機構４０
が回転すると、光透過窓清掃用シート部材６１Ａの先
端、図示の実施形態においては折曲部６２の先端は、両
方の側壁１２及び１３の内面、側壁１２及び１３の各々
に相互に対向して配設された光透過窓３０の各々の内面
及び底壁１１の他側の領域１１Ｂを周期的に圧接しなが
ら移動して該内面の各々を、先の実施形態におけると同
様にして清掃する。その結果、側壁１２及び１３の各々
の内面、光透過窓３０の各々の内面及び底壁１１の他側
の領域１１Ｂの内面に付着したトナーが効果的に剥離さ
れ、ないしは掻き落とされ、該内面の各々が効果的に清
掃される。この他の実施形態においても、光透過窓３０
の各々の内面が効果的に清掃されるので、トナーの残量
を正確に検出することを可能にする。また、容器１０内
に残留するトナー量が低減されるので、トナーの有効利
用が更に促進される。In the other embodiment, the stirring mechanism 40 is used.
When is rotated, the tip of the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 61A, in the illustrated embodiment, the tip of the bent portion 62 faces the inner surfaces of both side walls 12 and 13, and the side walls 12 and 13, respectively. The inner surface of each of the light transmission windows 30 provided and the area 11B on the other side of the bottom wall 11 are moved while being periodically pressed to clean each of the inner surfaces in the same manner as in the previous embodiment. As a result, the toner adhering to the inner surface of each of the side walls 12 and 13, the inner surface of each of the light transmitting windows 30 and the inner surface of the region 11B on the other side of the bottom wall 11 is effectively peeled off or scraped off. Each of them is effectively cleaned. Also in this other embodiment, the light transmission window 30
Since the inner surface of each of the above is effectively cleaned, it is possible to accurately detect the remaining amount of toner. Further, since the amount of toner remaining in the container 10 is reduced, effective use of toner is further promoted.
【００４２】[0042]
【発明の効果】本発明によるトナーコンテナによれば、
相互に対向する光透過窓の内面及び反射板の反射面を効
果的に清掃することを可能にし、その結果、トナーの残
量を正確に検出することを可能にする。また、比較的簡
単な構成及び低コストで、相互に対向する光透過窓の内
面及び反射板の反射面を効果的に清掃することを可能に
し、その結果、トナーの残量を正確に検出することを可
能にする。According to the toner container of the present invention,
It is possible to effectively clean the inner surface of the light transmitting window and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate facing each other, and as a result, it is possible to accurately detect the remaining amount of toner. Further, it is possible to effectively clean the inner surface of the light transmitting window and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate which face each other with a relatively simple structure and low cost, and as a result, it is possible to accurately detect the remaining amount of toner. To enable that.
【図１】本発明に従って構成されたトナーコンテナの好
適実施形態示す斜視図。FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a toner container constructed according to the present invention.
【図２】図１に示されているトナーコンテナを、ふた部
材を取り除いて示す斜視図。FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the toner container shown in FIG. 1 with a lid member removed.
【図３】図２に示されているトナーコンテナの要部を示
す上面拡大図であって、一部を省略して示す上面拡大
図。FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view showing a main part of the toner container shown in FIG. 2 with a part omitted.
【図４】図３の一部を破断しかつ一部を省略して示す正
面図。FIG. 4 is a front view showing a part of FIG. 3 with a part broken and a part omitted.
【図５】図４のＡ−Ａ矢視断面図。5 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.
【図６】図２に示されているトナーコンテナの構成部材
の一部を分解して示す斜視図。FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the constituent members of the toner container shown in FIG.
【図７】図６に示す構成部材を組み立てた状態を示す透
視図。7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the constituent members shown in FIG. 6 are assembled.
【図８】図５の他の作動態様を示す断面図。FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing another operation mode of FIG.
【図９】図４のＢ−Ｂ矢視拡大断面図。9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.
【図１０】図４のＣ−Ｃ矢視拡大断面図。10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.
１０ 容器 １０Ａ 容器本体 １１ 底壁 １２、１３ 側壁 １４、１５ 端壁 ２０ 移送機構 ３０ 光透過窓 ３２ 反射板 ３２ａ 反射板本体 ３２ｂ 反射シート部材 ４０ 撹拌機構 ４１ 回転軸 ４２ アーム ４８ 支持片 ５０ 撹拌シート部材 ６０ 清掃用シート部材 ６１Ａ 光透過窓清掃用シート部材 ６２ 折曲部 ６３Ａ 反射板清掃用シート部材 ６４ 折曲部 １００ トナーコンテナ 10 containers 10A container body 11 bottom wall 12, 13 Side wall 14, 15 End wall 20 Transfer mechanism 30 light transmitting window 32 reflector 32a reflector body 32b reflective sheet member 40 stirring mechanism 41 rotation axis 42 arms 48 Support piece 50 Stirring sheet member 60 Cleaning sheet member 61A Light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member 62 Bend 63A Reflector cleaning sheet member 64 Bent section 100 toner container
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 山村 和由 大阪市中央区玉造１丁目２番28号 京セラ ミタ株式会社内 (72)発明者 村田 耕治 大阪市中央区玉造１丁目２番28号 京セラ ミタ株式会社内 (72)発明者 芦刈 努 大阪市中央区玉造１丁目２番28号 京セラ ミタ株式会社内 Ｆターム(参考） 2H077 AA02 AA05 AA07 AA09 AA34 AB03 AB06 AB12 AC03 DA10 DA15 DA36 DA42 DA63 DA93 EA01 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page (72) Inventor Kazuyoshi Yamamura Kyocera 1-22-28 Tamatsukuri, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Within Mita Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Koji Murata Kyocera 1-22-28 Tamatsukuri, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Within Mita Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tsutomu Ashikari Kyocera 1-22-28 Tamatsukuri, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Within Mita Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2H077 AA02 AA05 AA07 AA09 AA34 AB03 AB06 AB12 AC03 DA10 DA15 DA36 DA42 DA63 DA93 EA01
Claims (7)
内には反射板が配設され、反射板の反射面は光透過窓の
内面に対し間隔をおいて対向する、トナーコンテナにお
いて、 容器内にはトナーを撹拌するための撹拌機構が配設さ
れ、撹拌機構には光透過窓と反射板との間を周期的に通
過する回転軌跡を有する支持部が配設され、支持部には
清掃部材が配設され、撹拌機構が回転すると、清掃部材
は、光透過窓と反射板との間を周期的に通過しかつ各々
間を通過する毎に光透過窓の内面及び反射板の反射面に
圧接されながら移動して該内面及び該反射面を清掃す
る、ことを特徴とするトナーコンテナ。1. A toner container, comprising: a container having a light-transmitting window arranged therein, a reflecting plate being arranged inside the container, and a reflecting surface of the reflecting plate facing the inner surface of the light-transmitting window with a space therebetween. In the above, in the container, a stirring mechanism for stirring the toner is arranged, and in the stirring mechanism, a supporting portion having a rotation locus that periodically passes between the light transmitting window and the reflecting plate is arranged, When the stirring mechanism rotates, the cleaning member is periodically passed between the light transmitting window and the reflecting plate, and the inner surface of the light transmitting window and the reflection member are reflected every time when the stirring member is rotated. A toner container, wherein the toner container moves while being pressed against a reflection surface of a plate to clean the inner surface and the reflection surface.
成樹脂からなる光透過窓清掃用シート部材及び反射板清
掃用シート部材からなり、光透過窓清掃用シート部材
は、支持部から支持部の回転方向後方に向かって該回転
軌跡の接線方向に延び出し、反射板清掃用シート部材
は、支持部の回転方向後側において回転軸に近づく方向
に延び出し、光透過窓清掃用シート部材及び反射板清掃
用シート部材の各々が光透過窓と反射板との間を周期的
に通過する毎に、光透過窓清掃用シート部材の先端は光
透過窓の内面に圧接されながら移動して該内面を清掃
し、反射板清掃用シート部材の先端は反射板の反射面に
圧接されながら移動して該反射面を清掃する、請求項１
記載のトナーコンテナ。2. The cleaning member comprises a light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member and a reflector cleaning sheet member, each of which has elasticity and is made of synthetic resin, and the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member includes support portions to support portions. In the tangential direction of the rotation locus toward the rear in the rotation direction of the reflection plate, the reflection plate cleaning sheet member extends in the direction closer to the rotation axis on the rear side in the rotation direction of the support portion, and the light transmission window cleaning sheet member and Each time each of the reflecting plate cleaning sheet members periodically passes between the light transmitting window and the reflecting plate, the tip of the light transmitting window cleaning sheet member moves while being pressed against the inner surface of the light transmitting window. 2. The inner surface is cleaned, and the tip of the reflection plate cleaning sheet member moves while being pressed against the reflection surface of the reflection plate to clean the reflection surface.
Toner container described.
掃用シート部材は単一の清掃用シート部材から形成され
る、請求項２記載のトナーコンテナ。3. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein the light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member and the reflector cleaning sheet member are formed of a single cleaning sheet member.
び端壁を有し、光透過窓は、片方の端壁の近傍である、
容器の一端領域における片方の側壁又は底壁に配設さ
れ、反射板は片方の端壁から他方の端壁に向かって延び
出すよう片方の端壁に配設され、反射板の横断面におけ
る全周外方には空間が形成され、撹拌機構は、両端壁間
に回転自在に支持された回転軸と、回転軸に配設された
撹拌手段とを備え、撹拌手段は、反射板と他方の端壁と
の間の領域に配置され、撹拌機構の回転軸は、反射板に
対し反射面の裏面側における容器内の空間を延在するよ
う配置され、支持部は撹拌手段に配設されている、請求
項１又は請求項２記載のトナーコンテナ。4. The container has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls and an end wall, respectively, and the light transmission window is in the vicinity of one end wall.
It is arranged on one side wall or bottom wall in one end region of the container, and the reflection plate is arranged on one end wall so as to extend from one end wall toward the other end wall, and the reflection plate is arranged in the entire cross section of the reflection plate. A space is formed on the outer side of the circumference, and the stirring mechanism includes a rotating shaft rotatably supported between both end walls and a stirring unit disposed on the rotating shaft. The stirring unit includes the reflecting plate and the other end wall. The rotation shaft of the stirring mechanism is arranged so as to extend in the space inside the container on the back surface side of the reflecting surface with respect to the reflecting plate, and the supporting portion is arranged in the stirring means. The toner container according to claim 1 or 2.
は底壁の内面と同一面上に配設されるか又は、片方の側
壁の内面又は底壁の内面よりもわずかに内側に突出して
配設される、請求項４記載のトナーコンテナ。5. The inner surface of the light transmitting window is disposed on the same surface as the inner surface of one side wall or the inner surface of the bottom wall, or slightly inside the inner surface of one side wall or the inner surface of the bottom wall. The toner container according to claim 4, wherein the toner container is disposed so as to project.
いて回転軸から半径方向外方に延びかつ、反射板に対し
軸方向に近接して配置されたアームを備え、支持部は、
該アームから片方の端壁に向かって突出する支持片によ
り構成される、請求項４記載のトナーコンテナ。6. The agitating means includes arms extending radially outward from the rotary shaft at intervals in the axial direction of the rotary shaft and arranged axially close to the reflecting plate, and the supporting portion is ,
The toner container according to claim 4, wherein the toner container is configured by a support piece protruding from the arm toward one end wall.
掃用シート部材は単一の清掃用シート部材から形成さ
れ、支持片は、該回転軌跡の接線方向にほぼ偏平に延在
する横断面を有し、単一の清掃用シート部材は、所定の
幅を有すると共に長手方向中間部が支持片の回転方向前
側において回転方向後方に向かって折り返されることに
より、支持片の回転方向前側の一側面及び半径方向内外
面を覆いかつ該一側面及び該内外面に貼着され、そして
支持片の回転方向後側の他側面の外側において実質的に
半径方向に対向する面同士が相互に重合貼着され、相互
に重合貼着された清掃用シート部材の二つの部分のう
ち、実質的に半径方向外側に位置する片方の部分は光透
過窓清掃用シート部材をなし、また、実質的に半径方向
内側に位置する他方の部分は反射板清掃用シート部材を
なす、請求項６記載のトナーコンテナ。7. The light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member and the reflector cleaning sheet member are formed of a single cleaning sheet member, and the supporting piece has a cross section extending substantially flat in the tangential direction of the rotation locus. The single cleaning sheet member has a predetermined width, and the longitudinal intermediate portion is folded back toward the rear side in the rotation direction on the front side in the rotation direction of the support piece, so that one side on the front side in the rotation direction of the support piece. The side surfaces and the inner and outer surfaces in the radial direction are adhered to and adhered to the one side surface and the inner and outer surfaces, and the substantially radially opposed surfaces on the outer side of the other side surface on the rear side in the rotation direction of the support piece are superposed on each other. Of the two parts of the cleaning sheet member that are attached to each other and overlapped with each other, one part that is located substantially outward in the radial direction forms a light-transmissive window cleaning sheet member, and has a substantially radius. The other part located inward in the direction The toner container according to claim 6, wherein the portion constitutes a sheet member for cleaning the reflection plate.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002090991A JP3673236B2 (en) | 2002-03-28 | 2002-03-28 | Toner container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002090991A JP3673236B2 (en) | 2002-03-28 | 2002-03-28 | Toner container |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2003287948A true JP2003287948A (en) | 2003-10-10 |
| JP3673236B2 JP3673236B2 (en) | 2005-07-20 |
Family
ID=29236186
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002090991A Expired - Fee Related JP3673236B2 (en) | 2002-03-28 | 2002-03-28 | Toner container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3673236B2 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2010002671A (en) * | 2008-06-20 | 2010-01-07 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Toner replenishment apparatus and image forming apparatus |
| US7924299B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2011-04-12 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer cartridge for image-forming device |
| US8666292B2 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2014-03-04 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Developer case and image forming apparatus to which developer case is applied |
| US8693927B2 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2014-04-08 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Developer case and image forming apparatus to which developer case is applied |
| US9285709B2 (en) * | 2014-08-08 | 2016-03-15 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Developing device provided with toner concentration detection section and image forming apparatus provided with same |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP6341106B2 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2018-06-13 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Developer cartridge |
-
2002
- 2002-03-28 JP JP2002090991A patent/JP3673236B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7924299B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2011-04-12 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer cartridge for image-forming device |
| US8437665B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2013-05-07 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer cartridge for image-forming device |
| US8633953B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2014-01-21 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer cartridge for image-forming device |
| US8643690B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2014-02-04 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer cartridge for image-forming device |
| JP2010002671A (en) * | 2008-06-20 | 2010-01-07 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Toner replenishment apparatus and image forming apparatus |
| US8666292B2 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2014-03-04 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Developer case and image forming apparatus to which developer case is applied |
| US8693927B2 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2014-04-08 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Developer case and image forming apparatus to which developer case is applied |
| US9285709B2 (en) * | 2014-08-08 | 2016-03-15 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Developing device provided with toner concentration detection section and image forming apparatus provided with same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3673236B2 (en) | 2005-07-20 |
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