JP2004151634A - Developer replenishing container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer replenishing container of which the number of parts is made smaller to restrain the rise of manufacture cost, which is easily loaded, which has both of sealing property good for more improved physical distribution and discharging property by which a developer bridge is ruptured, whose rubbing part other than a developer discharge port for discharging the developer need not be sealed and which is easily recycled, and to provide an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The developer replenishing container and the image forming apparatus are constituted as follows. The developer replenishing container 1 rotating to carry and discharge the developer has a bottle member 11 inside which the developer is stored and which has the developer discharge port 13a for discharging the developer and is deformed when its surface is pressed, and a cylindrical outer shell member 14 which is provided to surround the member 11 and where a line projection 14a pressing the surface of the member 11 is arranged in a rotating direction. By relatively rotating the members 11 and 14, the member 11 is pressed and deformed by the projection 14a with their rotation, whereby the developer is stirred and carried. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a two-component developer including a one-component toner such as a magnetic toner and a non-magnetic toner and a carrier component in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer. ) And a removable image forming apparatus.
[0002]
Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser printer, an LED printer, and the like), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.
[0003]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, fine powder developers have been used as developers in image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and printers. When the developer in the image forming apparatus main body is consumed, the developer is supplied to the image forming apparatus using a developer supply container.
[0004]
Since the developer is an extremely fine powder, there has been a problem that the developer scatters during the developer replenishing operation and stains the operator and the surroundings. For this reason, a system in which a developer supply container is set inside an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter also referred to as an image forming apparatus main body) and the developer is discharged little by little from a small developer discharge port has been proposed and put into practical use. In such a system, it is difficult to discharge the developer spontaneously by the action of gravity or the like, and some kind of developer stirring and conveying means is required.
[0005]
A conventional developer supply container has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and a relatively small opening for discharging the developer is provided on a cylindrical surface at one end. A spiral developer stirring / conveying member is provided inside the container, and penetrates an end wall surface of the container main body to be driven from outside the container main body. The side opposite to the drive side of the stirring member is a free end (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0006]
In another conventional developer supply container, the agitator blade inside the container body is made of a plurality of elastic members, and the length from the rotation axis to the blade tip is different in a trapezoidal shape, so that the developer in the axial direction is The transfer force is obtained (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).
[0007]
In both of these two conventional examples, the stirring member penetrates the end wall surface of the container body, but this portion requires some kind of bearing seal mechanism. The structure of the seal mechanism is generally such that a gear member is connected to the end of the stirring member, and the seal member is sandwiched between the gear member and the container wall surface. As a seal member, a donut-shaped wool felt, an oil seal, or the like is often used.
[0008]
The developer supply container is used while being mounted inside the image forming apparatus main body. The developer is conveyed by rotating the developer stirring and conveying member by driving from the image forming apparatus main body side, and the developer is supplied little by little from the developer discharge port. The developer is discharged.
[0009]
Another conventional developer supply container has a cylindrical bottle shape as a whole, and has a helical linear projection on the inner surface thereof. A small developer outlet is provided near the center of one end of the developer supply container. Protruding parts are provided on the container end face on the side where the outlet is provided. The developer conveyed to the end on the discharge port side by the spiral linear projection is guided by the protruding shape near the developer discharge port, lifted to the discharge port near the center of the container, and discharged out of the container. (For example, see Patent Document 3).
[0010]
Another conventional developer supply container also has a cylindrical bottle shape in its entirety, has a spiral linear projection on its inner surface, and has a small developer outlet near the center on one end side. It has a scraping section for scraping up the developer conveyed to the end on the discharge port side by the spiral linear projection, and a guide section for guiding the scraped developer to the discharge port (for example, see Patent Document 4). ).
[0011]
These two conventional examples are different from the above-mentioned two conventional examples and do not include a stirring member. These two developer supply containers are also used in a state where they are installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and receive the drive from the main body side of the image forming apparatus to rotate the container itself to convey the developer.
[0012]
On the other hand, from the viewpoint of deforming the container, there are two conventional examples. First, it is a box-type and once replenishing type. (For example, see Patent Document 5).
[0013]
Next, the substantially cylindrical bottle, which is formed of an elastic body and has a helical streak projection inside, is deformed into an elliptical cylinder by a forced external force (pressing by a roller or the like) from the image forming apparatus side. In some cases, the developer is discharged while being loosened in order to rotate (for example, see Patent Document 6).
[0014]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 7-113796
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-7-104572
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-7-44000
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-10-260574
[Patent Document 5]
JP-A-11-143195
[Patent Document 6]
JP-A-2000-19827
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional developer supply container and the image forming apparatus using the same have the following problems.
[0015]
First, in the case of the conventional examples disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, the bearing seal mechanism is provided at least on the side to be driven by the stirring member as described above, and the number of parts is relatively large and the assembly takes time. And the manufacturing cost is increased.
[0016]
In such a bearing seal mechanism, there is a concern that the developer is caught in the bearing seal portion and melted and fixed to form coarse particles, which are developed and cause a problem in image quality.
[0017]
Further, when the used developer supply container is to be collected and reused, the following problems are concerned. First of all, the work of disassembling the parts is troublesome, especially the part of the bearing seal mechanism is very difficult, and the parts may be damaged in some cases. Even if it can be disassembled, the seal members and gear members used in the seal mechanism are severely worn and cannot be used repeatedly, so they have to be replaced with new ones.
[0018]
Even when recycled as a material, the fact that it is difficult to decompose as described above remains a major problem. Also, since parts around the bearing seal mechanism are required to have functions such as slidability and elasticity, it is virtually impossible to configure all parts including the seal member and the gear member with the same material. Close to.
[0019]
Next, in the case of the conventional examples disclosed in Patent Literature 3 and Patent Literature 4, since there is no agitating member provided inside the container body, the above-mentioned problems related to the number of parts, assembly, or agitating bearings occur. do not do. However, since the spiral linear projections are provided on the inner surface of the container body, the following problems remain.
[0020]
Since there is a spiral linear projection protruding from the inner surface of the container, there is a loss that the inner volume of the container is reduced accordingly. This is very remarkable in order to increase the developer carrying capacity and to more reliably carry and control the developer, in which the spiral streaks have to protrude high. If the spiral streak is high, a dead space is likely to occur due to unevenness in the container when the developer is filled, and the filling is not easy.
[0021]
Further, since the above-described developer supply container does not have a stirring member or the like in the container main body, the developer is agglomerated and solidified in the container main body, for example, when subjected to vibration due to physical distribution or when stored for long periods under high temperature and high humidity. When a so-called developer bridge occurs, there is no means for breaking the developer bridge, and satisfactory discharge performance may not be obtained.
[0022]
Further, in the case of the conventional example disclosed in Patent Document 5, a non-rotating / non-stationary type replenishing method is used, and the remaining developer is reduced by the action of expanding and contracting a part of the surface of the container by pressing from the outside. However, it does not meet the purpose of the present invention on the premise of stationary and fixed quantity replenishment.
[0023]
Further, in the case of the conventional example disclosed in Patent Literature 6, a concavo-convex shape such as a helical streak projection for surely sending out the developer loosened on the inner surface of the container to the discharge port is required, and the dead time in the filling of the developer is required. There remains a concern that space is likely to occur.
[0024]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a developer replenishing container that can reduce the manufacturing cost with a smaller number of parts, and is easy to fill, yet has improved sealing properties that can withstand improved logistics and a discharging property that can break the developer bridge. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer supply container and an image forming apparatus which are easy to reuse without having to seal a sliding portion other than a developer discharge port for discharging a developer.
[0025]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A typical configuration of the developer supply container and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is a developer supply container that conveys and discharges the developer by rotating the developer supply container. A container body having a developer discharge port for storing and discharging the developer, the surface of the container body being provided so as to be capable of being deformed by pressing the surface, and the surface of the container body being provided along the rotation direction along the rotation direction; A cylindrical outer shell member provided with a linear projection for pressing the container, the container body and the outer shell member relatively rotate, and the container is pressed by the linear projection with the rotation. The developer is agitated and transported by deforming the main body.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of a developer supply container and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a developer supply container is mounted on the image forming apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the developer supply container (partial cross-sectional view), FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the discharge of the developer from the developer supply container, and FIG. 7 is a drive of the developer supply container. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the transmission unit, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state where the developer supply container is set in the image forming apparatus.
[0027]
(Electrophotographic image forming apparatus)
First, an electrophotographic copying machine as an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a developer supply container is mounted will be described.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, a document table glass 102 on which a document 101 is placed is provided on an upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 100. Then, a light image corresponding to the image information of the document 101 is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 by the plurality of mirrors M and the lenses Ln of the optical unit 103.
[0029]
On the other hand, a developing unit 201, a cleaner unit 202, a primary charger 203, and the like are arranged around the photosensitive drum 104. The photoconductor drum 104 is charged by the primary charger 203 and is exposed by the optical unit 103 to form a developed image on the surface. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 104 by the developing unit 201 is converted into a developer image. develop.
[0030]
A developer replenishing container 1 for replenishing the developing unit 201 with the developer T is provided on the upper part of the developing unit 201 so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 100 by a user. The developing unit 201 has a developer hopper 201a and a developing device 201b. The developer hopper 201a has a stirring member 201c for stirring the developer T supplied from the developer supply container 1. The developer T stirred by the stirring member 201c is sent to the developing device 201b by the magnet roller 201d. The developing device 201b has a developing roller 201f and a feeding member 201e. Then, the developer T sent from the developer hopper 201a by the magnet roller 201d is sent to the developing roller 201f by the sending member 201e, and is supplied to the photosensitive drum 104 by the developing roller 201f.
[0031]
On the other hand, the sheet P as an optimal recording medium is selected from the sheet size information of the cassettes 105 to 108 based on the information input by the user from the operation unit 100a shown in FIG. The sheet is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected, for example, an OHP sheet.
[0032]
Then, one sheet P conveyed by the feeding / separating devices 105A to 108A is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the conveying unit 109, and the rotation of the photosensitive drum 104 and the timing of scanning of the optical unit 103 Conveyed in synchronization with Here, the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred to the sheet P by the transfer discharger 111. The sheet P on which the developer image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation discharger 112, and is conveyed to the conveyance section 113. After transferring the developer image onto the sheet P, the remaining developer remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is cleaned by the cleaner unit 202.
[0033]
The sheet P transported to the transport unit 113 is transported to the fixing unit 114, where the sheet P is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 114 to fix the developer image on the sheet P. Thereafter, in the case of one-sided copying, the sheet passes through the discharge reversing unit 115 and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the discharge roller 116. In the case of multiplex copying, after being conveyed to the registration rollers 110 via the re-feeding conveyance paths 119 and 120 under the control of the flapper 118 of the discharge reversing unit 115, the same path as in the case of single-sided copying is used. The sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 117.
[0034]
In the case of double-sided copying, the sheet P passes through the discharge reversing unit 115, and is partially discharged outside the apparatus by the discharge roller 116 once. Then, after this, the end of the sheet P passes through the flapper 118, and the sheet P is conveyed again into the apparatus by controlling the flapper 118 and rotating the discharge roller 116 in the reverse direction while the sheet P is still nipped by the discharge roller 116. . Then, after being conveyed to the registration rollers 110 via the re-feed conveyance sections 119 and 120, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 117 along the same path as in the case of single-sided copying.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 2, the attachment / detachment (replacement) of the developer supply container 1 is performed by a replacement cover 15 which is a dedicated cover that is opened and closed only for attaching / detaching the developer supply container 1. When the user opens the replacement cover 15 which is a part of the exterior cover, the container receiving base 50 is pulled out to a predetermined position by a drive system (not shown) as shown in FIG. When the user removes the developer supply container 1 from the image forming apparatus main body 100, the user removes the developer supply container 1 placed on the container holder 50 that has been pulled out. Then, the replacement developer supply container 1 is set on the container receiving table 50.
[0036]
The maintenance of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is performed by opening and closing the front cover 100c. Further, the developer supply container 1 may be directly installed in the image forming apparatus main body 100 without using the container receiving stand 50, or may be detached from the image forming apparatus main body 100.
[0037]
(Developer supply container)
Next, the developer supply container will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the developer supply container 1 includes a bottle member 11, a lid member 13, an outer shell member 14, and a sealing member 12.
[0038]
The bottle member 11 is a container body formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, and an integrally molded product of a partition wall 11e and a guide plate 11c which are separate members at one end, and a lid member 13 (end face) are bonded by ultrasonic welding or bonding. The bottom surface 11h is formed at the other end of the assembly.
[0039]
The bottle member 11 is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and is configured to rotate by receiving rotational driving from the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus. The cylindrical body 11a of the bottle member 11 is formed of a relatively soft material, and the bottle member 11 itself has no means for transporting the developer T. The shoulder portion 11g of the bottle member 11 is formed of a rigid member, and a partition wall 11e is provided inside the shoulder portion 11g. The partition wall 11e reinforces the shoulder portion 11g from inside the shoulder portion 11g of the bottle. I have.
[0040]
The rigidity of the shoulder 11g may be increased by making the shoulder 11g thicker than the trunk 11a. The rigidity may be increased by providing a gear member 11j (see FIG. 7) for transmitting the rotation operation to the bottle member 11 from the image forming apparatus side.
[0041]
In the present invention, the thickness of the shoulder portion 11g is increased by increasing the thickness of the trunk portion (the thickness in the vicinity of the lid member 13) of the trunk portion reinforced by the partition wall shown in FIGS. As a result, a range in which the rigidity is higher than that of the trunk 11a is referred to as a shoulder 11g.
[0042]
The lid member 13 has a developer discharge port 13a having a diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical portion projecting substantially at the center. The developer outlet 13a is provided with a sealing member 12, and the developer outlet 13a is opened and closed by sliding the sealing member 12 relative to the bottle member 11 in the axial direction (the direction of arrow A). .
[0043]
On the other hand, the bottom surface 11h of the bottle member 11 is preferably not deformed as much as possible as a portion of the bottom surface 11h, in order to concentrate and concentrate on the body portion 11a and easily cause deformation and restoration. However, strictly speaking, since the structure is integrated with the body 11a, the deformation amount does not become zero. Therefore, it is desirable that the rigidity is at least higher than that of the body 11a so that the body 11a is not deformed as much as possible and helps the body 11a to be restored. In the present embodiment, the rigidity is improved by setting the thickness of the bottom surface 11h to 1.0 mm, and further providing an uneven portion on the bottom surface 11h. The thickness and shape of the bottom surface 11h are not limited to those described above as long as the developer can be freely deformed and restored by the pressing action from the outer shell member 14 to obtain the developer conveying action.
[0044]
The thickness of the bottle member 11 is not particularly limited as described above, but is preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm in the present embodiment, and more preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. It is possible to make it easier to balance the restoration and the twisting of the bottle itself. In the present embodiment, the body 11a has a thickness of 0.2 mm, the shoulder and the bottom have a thickness of 1.0 mm, and a gear member 11j is used. The portion where the wall thickness changes is formed so that no step is formed.
[0045]
Similarly, the material of the bottle member 11 is not particularly limited as long as it can be freely deformed and restored by the pressing action from the outer shell member 14 to obtain the developer conveying action. In this embodiment, polyethylene PE is used.
[0046]
The partition wall 11e temporarily receives the developer T sent near the developer outlet 13a when the bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 14 rotate relative to each other. The developer T once received by the partition wall 11e moves to a slide-shaped guide plate 11c provided on the partition wall 11e, and finally flows to the developer discharge port 13a to be discharged into the image forming apparatus. The partition wall 11e and the guide plate 11c are guide members that guide the developer T to the opening (developer discharge port) 13a, and may be formed integrally as a guide member.
[0047]
In addition, since the guide member such as the partition wall 11e and the guide plate 11c exerts an action of guiding the discharge of the developer by the rotation of the bottle member 11 itself, the developer is rotated only by the outer shell member 14 as described later. It is not always necessary to provide in the form of transport and discharge.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 6A, the guide plates 11c are arranged on the front surface and the back surface of the partition wall 11e, respectively, so as to be rotationally symmetrical (they are located at the same position when the partition wall 11e is rotated by 180 degrees), and in the same rotational direction. The configuration is such that the developer T is transported toward the developer discharge port 13a.
[0049]
The material and thickness of the partition wall 11e and the guide plate 11c are not particularly limited as long as the transported developer T can be received and the developer T can be led out to the developer outlet 13a. In the above, polyethylene PE was used because the same material as the bottle member 11 is desirable from the viewpoint of recycling. The wall thickness of the partition wall 11e and the guide plate 11c is 1.0 mm. In particular, the partition wall 11e has a certain degree of rigidity assisting (bottle twisting deformation preventing assist) of the bottle shoulder 11g and linear projections of the outer shell member 14. 14a can be deformed and restored following the deformation of the bottle when the bottle is pressed.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the partition wall 11e is provided so as to bisect the bottle member 11 from the center, but may be divided into a plurality such as three divisions or four divisions.
[0051]
Further, a knob member 11f serving as a locking portion is provided on the bottom surface 11h of the bottle member 11. The knob member 11f is locked with the bottom surface of the outer shell member 14, so that the bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 14 are relatively rotatable. Thereby, the shrinkage of the bottle member 11 due to the twist of the bottle member 11 is prevented. In addition, the knob member 11f assists in restoring the pressed portion of the bottle member 11 that has been pressed and deformed by the linear projections 14a of the outer shell member 14, so that the bottle member 11 can more reliably deform and restore. Can be.
[0052]
Note that the knob member 11f is a knob portion formed in advance with the bottle member 11, and one outer shell member is only a cylinder without a bottom surface, and this knob portion is directly rotatably locked to the image forming apparatus main body. Is also good.
[0053]
The inner peripheral surface of the outer shell member 14 is provided with a plurality of linear projections 14a inclined with respect to the rotation axis aa of the bottle member 11. As shown in the linear projection cross section A in FIG. 4, the linear projection 14a has a rounded tip as an example of a non-sharp shape. Thereby, when the linear projection 14a presses the surface of the bottle member 11, the surface of the bottle member 11 can be made harder to be damaged. It is sufficient that the bottle member 11 is not significantly damaged, and the tip of the linear projection 14a may have another shape such as a substantially trapezoidal shape.
[0054]
One end of the linear projection 14a closest to the developer discharge port 13a reaches a rotation pressing end point Pe near the developer discharge port 13a. The rotation pressing end point Pe is close to one end of the partition wall 11e, but slightly separated from one end of the partition wall 11e so that the linear projection 14a does not press the partition wall 11e when the outer shell member 14 rotates. I have to.
[0055]
Thereby, when the linear projection 14a presses the bottle member 11, the deformation of the partition wall 11e which also serves to reinforce the shoulder 11g can be minimized. However, when the vicinity of the partition wall 11e is pressed at the rotation pressing end point Pe, a part of the partition wall 11e is deformed following the pressing deformation of the bottle member 11 (see FIG. 10).
[0056]
Since the outer shell member 14 rotates while pressing the cylindrical surface of the bottle from the outside from the outside, the outer shell member 14 withstands a rotational frictional force and a rotational torsional force generated when the image forming apparatus main body rotates by obtaining a rotational driving force ( Rigidity is required. Here, the outer shell member 14 does not need to be deformed, and the material of the outer shell member 14 is not particularly limited, and may be acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene ABS, polycarbonate PC, acrylic PMMA, or the like. Similarly, the thickness of the outer shell member 14 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the outer shell member 14 is 1.5 mm, and the material is polystyrene PS.
[0057]
Next, the role of the linear projections 14a provided on the outer shell member 14 will be described. When the outer shell member 14 starts to rotate relative to the bottle member 11, the body portion 11a is pressed and displaced by the linear protrusion 14a, and the developer T in the bottle member 11 is displaced via the body portion 11a. The developer T is pushed toward the developer outlet 13a by 14a, and the developer T is discharged through the developer outlet 13a through the partition wall 11e.
[0058]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, first, the linear projection 14 a on the bottom surface 11 h of the outer shell member 14 transports the developer T while pressing the bottle member 11 to loosen the developer T toward the developer discharge port 13 a. Start. One end of the linear projection 14a disposed next to the linear projection 14a was disposed so as to be closer to the bottom surface 11h than the end of the linear projection 14a to which the developer T was fed in front of the linear projection 14a on the side of the developer outlet 13a. This arrangement is not essential, but by arranging in this manner, the developer T can be more reliably sent and conveyed.
[0059]
The size and material of the linear projection 14a are not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the protrusion amount of the linear projection 14a is 5 mm, and the material is the same polystyrene PS as that of the outer shell member 14.
[0060]
Further, the inclination angle of the linear projection 14a does not need to be particularly limited, and the bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 14 can be relatively rotated without imposing an excessive load on a driving mechanism of the image forming apparatus. What is necessary is just to be able to carry. In the present embodiment, the inclination angle of all the linear projections 14a is set to about 30 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 1.
[0061]
In all the embodiments, the direction of the inclination of the linear projection is such that the outer shell member rotates counterclockwise relative to the direction in which the rotational drive is transmitted from the image forming apparatus main body side to the bottle and the outer shell member. Then, the developer is conveyed.
[0062]
(Developer discharge principle)
Next, the principle of discharging the developer from the developer supply container 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view as viewed from the left side surface (the developer discharge port 13a side) of FIG. When the bottle member 11 rotates in the direction of the arrow, the developer T is pushed away in the direction of the developer outlet 13a by the flow of the developer as shown in FIG. 5, and as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (c). With rotation, the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port 13a.
[0063]
The bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 14 need only be in a relation of relative rotation, and either the bottle member 11 or the outer shell member 14 may be configured to rotate, or both may rotate in the relative direction. It may be.
[0064]
In addition, both may rotate in the same direction as the developer discharging direction. In this case, the rotation speed of the outer shell member 14 needs to be higher than that of the bottle member 11. Further, both may rotate in the direction opposite to the developer discharge direction, but in this case, the rotation speed of the outer shell member 14 needs to be lower than that of the bottle member 11.
[0065]
In the present embodiment, the bottle member 11 mainly rotates, and the outer shell member 14 rotates less frequently than the bottle member 11. By rotating the outer shell member 14 in this manner, the developer feeding speed and the cycle of feeding the developer T to the developer outlet 13a can be increased, and the effect of the present embodiment can be confirmed in a relatively short time. .
[0066]
When the rotation of the bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 14 progresses as shown in FIG. 6B, the developer T scooped up by the partition wall 11e slides on the partition wall 11e by its own weight, and furthermore, the bottle is moved by the guide plate 11c. The developer T is transported forward of the member 11. By repeating this operation, the developer T inside the bottle member 11 is sequentially conveyed to the developer outlet 13a side by the relative rotation of the bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 14, and finally to the developer outlet 13a. The developer is conveyed from the opened partition wall 11e and the guide plate 11c to the developer outlet 13a, and is discharged from the developer outlet 13a as shown in FIG. 6C.
[0067]
Next, a means for transmitting a drive for rotating the bottle member 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, a gear member 11j is provided over the entire outer peripheral surface of the bottle member 11, and is engaged with a drive gear 131 on the image forming apparatus main body side to transmit a rotational driving force.
[0068]
The method of rotating the bottle member 11 is not limited to this, and the bottle member 11 may be rotated, for example, by using a driving unit (not shown) arranged so as to grip around the developer discharge port 13a. Also, there is no particular limitation on the driving means for the rotating means of the outer shell member 14, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0069]
As described above, the bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 14 rotate relative to each other, and are pressed by the linear projections 14a with the rotation, whereby the bottle member 11 is deformed to stir and transport the developer T. This eliminates the need for a rotating shaft member and a shaft sealing member for stirring and transporting the developer to the bottle member 11, and facilitates disassembly and reassembly. Further, the outer shell member 14 does not wear out immediately like the rotary shaft member and the shaft seal member, and thus can withstand repeated use. In addition, it is possible to take measures such as using the outer shell member 14 as it is and obtaining and replacing only the bottle member 11.
[0070]
Further, the linear projections 14a are intermittently arranged at a plurality of locations in the direction of orbiting the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the bottle member 11. As a result, due to the relative rotation of the bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 14, the linear projection 14a is intermittently pressed at a certain point of the bottle member 11, so that the deformed portion of the bottle member 11 returns to the original shape. After that, the function of deforming again works, and the amount of the developer adhered in the bottle member 11 can be further reduced.
[0071]
The linear projections 14 a are arranged obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 1 or to the rotation direction of the developer supply container 1. As a result, the developer discharging operation can be performed with a smaller rotational driving force as it is closer to the rotation direction side.
[0072]
In addition, the linear projection 14a has a rounded shape in which a tip portion that contacts the surface of the bottle member 11 is not sharp. Thereby, the surface of the bottle member 11 can be prevented from being damaged due to the pressing of the linear projections 14a, and can be more suitable for recycling and reuse many times.
[0073]
Further, since the cylindrical body of the bottle member 11 is deformable, the bottle member 11 can be easily fixed in the outer shell member 14 and the bottle member 11 can be easily replaced.
[0074]
The body 11a of the bottle member 11 was formed of polyethylene PE having a thickness of 0.2 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less and a tensile yield strength of 9 to 11 Mpa. Thereby, the bottle member 11 can be easily deformed and restored, the amount of the attached developer T in the bottle member 11 can be reduced, and the distribution resistance can be effectively improved.
[0075]
The thickness of the shoulder 11g and the bottom of the bottle member 11 was set to 1.0 mm or more. Thereby, rigidity that can withstand the torsional strength due to friction during relative rotation with the outer shell member 14 is obtained, and the bottle member 11 can be more securely fixed in the outer shell member 14.
[0076]
Further, a knob member 11f for preventing the bottle member 11 from shrinking due to the twist of the bottle member 11 is provided on the bottom surface of the bottle member 11. Thereby, the knob member 11f is rotatably locked to the image forming apparatus main body 100, and the bottle member 11 deformed by the twist or the press by the relative rotation can be more reliably restored.
[0077]
Further, the outer shell member 14 has a hole on the bottom surface, and the knob member 11f is locked in the hole, so that the bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 14 are connected so as to be relatively rotatable. Thereby, the bottle member 11 deformed by the twist or the press by the relative rotation can be more reliably restored.
[0078]
The outer shell member 14 rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the end of the linear projection 14a on the side of the developer discharge port 13a faces, and the bottle member 11 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the outer shell member 14. I do. Thereby, the discharge speed of the developer T by the relative rotation can be further increased.
[0079]
Further, a partition wall 11e and a guide plate 11c for guiding the developer T conveyed to the vicinity of the developer outlet 13a to the developer outlet 13a are provided. As a result, the developer T is guided to the developer outlet 13a even when the remaining amount of the developer becomes small, and the remaining developer T can be further reduced.
[0080]
[Second embodiment]
Next, a developer supply container and an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a partial sectional perspective view of a developer supply container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram (partially sectional view) of the developer conveyance according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0081]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the developer supply container 1 in the present embodiment is different from the outer shell member 14 having the linear projection 14 a in the first embodiment in that the rotation of the bottle member 11 is An outer shell member 24 having a helical continuous linear projection 24a inclined with respect to the axis aa is used.
[0082]
Also in the second embodiment, the protrusion amount and material of the linear projection 24a are 5 mm, which is the same as the linear projection 14a in the first embodiment, and are polystyrene PS.
[0083]
The pitch dimension of the helical linear projection 24a does not need to be particularly limited, and may be any pitch dimension that can achieve developer conveyance and discharge.
[0084]
As described above, the linear projections 24a are continuously arranged in a spiral. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the relative rotation of the bottle member 11 and the outer shell member 24 causes the linear projections 24a to continuously press the area within the body 11a of the bottle member 11, so that the bottle member 11 The deformed portion returns to its original shape or is deformed again, so that the amount of the developer attached to the bottle member 11 can be further reduced.
[0085]
[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of a developer supply container and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the developer supply container according to the present embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0086]
The developer supply container 71 according to the present embodiment includes a bottle member 72 in which the developer discharge port 13a is disposed not near the center of the lid member 13 (end surface) facing the bottom but near the edge, and the bottle member 72 of the first embodiment. And an outer shell member 74 in which the number of the linear projections 74a is increased.
[0087]
By providing the developer discharge port 13a in the vicinity of the edge of the lid member 13, the developer discharge port 13a is arranged at the lowermost part in the falling direction, and the remaining developer T can be reduced. That is, in the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the guide member such as the partition wall 11e and the guide plate 11c is not added, and only the developer is transported by the outer shell member. The developer can be discharged. When the outer shell member 14 is rotated without rotating the bottle member 11, the developer discharge port 13a can be kept at a fixed position, so that a rotation space for the developer discharge port 13a is provided. It is not necessary, and developer stains near the developer discharge port 13a can be more easily suppressed. In addition, if a mode in which the bottle member 11 is not rotated is selected, a rotation drive source provided on the image forming apparatus or the like can be omitted (for the bottle member 11).
[0088]
Further, by increasing the number of the linear projections 74a, only the outer shell member 74 can be rotated without providing the partition wall 11e and the guide plate 11c in the first embodiment and without rotating the bottle member 71. Thus, the developer T can be smoothly transported and discharged.
[0089]
[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a developer supply container and an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of the developer supply container according to the present embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0090]
The developer supply container 81 according to the present embodiment includes a bottle member 82 in which the developer discharge port 13a is disposed not near the center of the lid member 13 (end surface) facing the bottom but near the edge, and the bottle member 82 of the second embodiment. And an outer shell member 84 having a linear projection 84a with an increased length of the spiral linear projection 24a.
[0091]
By providing the developer discharge port 13a in the vicinity of the edge of the lid member 13, the developer discharge port 13a is arranged at the lowermost part in the falling direction, and the remaining developer T can be reduced. That is, in the fourth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the outer shell member can be provided without adding a guide member such as the partition wall 11e or the guide plate 11c as shown in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. The developer can be discharged only by transporting the developer. When the bottle members 72 and 82 do not rotate and the outer shell members 74 and 84 rotate, the position of the developer discharge port 13a can be kept at a fixed position. There is no need to provide a moving space, and developer contamination near the developer discharge port 13a can be more easily suppressed. In addition, if a mode in which the bottle members 72 and 82 are not rotated is selected, a rotation drive source provided on the image forming apparatus or the like can be omitted (for the bottle members 72 and 82).
[0092]
Supplementally, when the bottle members 72 and 82 are rotated in the third and fourth embodiments, the position of the developer discharge port 13a is shifted between the lowermost part and the uppermost part by the rotation operation. Since the developer can be discharged when moved to the lowermost position, the bottle members 72 and 82 do not need to be fixed and may be rotated. Furthermore, even if there is no developer stirring / conveying mechanism inside the bottle, a stable developer discharging property is ensured. However, when the bottle members 72 and 82 are substantially rotated, the developer discharge cycle is limited. Therefore, it is preferable that the bottle members 72 and 82 be fixed and the developer is discharged from the discharge port 13a at any time. It is functionally preferable to be able to do so.
[0093]
[Fifth and sixth embodiments]
Next, a developer supply container and an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of the developer supply container according to the present embodiment. The same parts as those in the first and fourth embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0094]
The developer supply container 91 according to the present embodiment includes a bottle member 92 formed so as to narrow the inner diameter of the body 11a toward the developer outlet 13a, and the spiral shape of the second embodiment (FIG. 9). And a shell member 94 having a similar linear projection 94a. In addition, although this linear projection is the same as the linear projection 14a shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 4) (as a sixth embodiment), it is not shown here.
[0095]
Also in the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment, the developer conveying and stirring operations as described in the first to fourth embodiments are obtained, and the developer is discharged. In the case of the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment, a guide member is not required for the first and second embodiments (similar to the third and fourth embodiments). In the embodiment, the configuration and formation of the bottle member itself are easy, and the embodiment can be applied irrespective of the necessity of rotation of the bottle member.
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the container main body and the outer shell member relatively rotate, and are pressed by the linear projections with the rotation to deform the container main body, thereby stirring and transporting the developer.
[0097]
By employing such a configuration in which the number of parts and the number of assembling steps are small, manufacturing costs can be reduced.
[0098]
In addition, since no linear projection is required in the container body, dead space can be eliminated and the developer can be easily filled. Further, it is possible to relieve unevenness, aggregation, and a developer bridge of the developer in the container body due to vibration during distribution. That is, it is possible to achieve both the loosening action of the developer in the initial stage of use and the improvement of the level of physical distribution, and to smoothly discharge the developer.
[0099]
Further, since no bearing seal mechanism is provided, there is no leakage of the developer from this portion. That is, there is no need to seal other rubbing parts and the like except for the opening for discharging the developer. Further, the recycling of the used developer supply container is facilitated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a developer supply container is mounted on the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional perspective view of a developer supply container.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram (partially sectional view) of developer conveyance.
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining developer discharge from a developer supply container.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a drive transmission unit of the developer supply container.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developer supply container is set in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a partial sectional perspective view of a developer supply container according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view (partially sectional view) of developer conveyance.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a developer supply container according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a developer supply container according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a developer supply container according to a fifth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
Ln ... lens
M: mirror
P ... sheet
Pe: Rotation pressing end point
1 ... developer supply container
11… bottle material
11a ... trunk (range display)
11c ... guide board
11e ... partition wall
11f ... knob member
11g ... shoulder
11h ... bottom
11j ... gear member
12 ... sealing member
13 ... lid member
13a: Developer outlet
14 ... outer shell members
14a… striations
15… Replacement cover
24… Outer shell member
24a ... linear projection
50 ... Container support
71, 81, 91 ... developer supply container
72, 82, 92 ... bottle member
74, 84, 94 ... outer shell member
74a, 84a, 94a ... linear projection
100: Image forming apparatus main body
100a ... operation unit
100c ... front cover
101 ... manuscript
102: Platen glass
103… optical part
104: Photoconductor drum
105-108 ... cassette
105A to 108A ... separation device
109: Transport unit
110… Registration roller
111… Transfer discharger
112 ... separation discharger
113… Conveying unit
114 ... fixing unit
115 ... discharge reversal unit
116 ... discharge roller
117 ... discharge tray
118 ... Flapper
119, 120 ... re-feeding conveyance path
131 ... drive gear
201: Developing unit
201a: Developer hopper
201b: Developing device
201c: stirring member
201d: Magnet roller
201e: feed member
201f: developing roller
202 ... Cleaner part
203… Primary charger

Claims (20)

A developer supply container that transports and discharges the developer by rotating at least a part thereof,
A container body that stores the developer therein, has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer, and is deformable when the surface is pressed,
An outer shell member provided so as to surround the container main body and having a linear projection arranged to press a surface of the container main body along a rotation direction,
The container body and the outer shell member rotate relative to each other, and the container body is deformed by being pressed by the linear projections with the rotation, whereby the developer is stirred and transported, and the developer is supplied. container. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the linear projections are intermittently arranged at a plurality of locations in a direction around the outer peripheral surface of the container body. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the linear projections are arranged continuously in a spiral shape. The linear projections
The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the developer supply container is disposed obliquely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the developer supply container or a rotation direction of the developer supply container. 5. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein a tip portion of the linear projection that contacts the surface of the container main body has a non-sharp round shape. 6. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein at least a cylindrical body of the container body is deformable. The developer supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the body of the container body is formed of polyethylene PE having a thickness of 0.2 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. 8. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the shoulder portion and the bottom surface of the container main body is 1.0 mm or more. The developer supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a locking portion on a bottom surface of the container body for preventing the container body from shrinking due to twisting of the container body. The outer shell member has a hole on the bottom surface,
The developer supply container according to claim 9, wherein the locking portion is locked in the hole, and the container main body and the outer shell member are connected so as to be relatively rotatable. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the developer discharge port is disposed near an edge of an end surface facing the bottom surface of the container body. The developer supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the container body does not rotate, and the outer shell member rotates. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the container body rotates, and the outer shell member does not rotate. Both the container body and the outer shell member rotate in the opposite direction to the direction in which the end of the linear projection on the developer outlet side faces, and the rotation speed of the outer shell member is set to the rotation of the container body. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the developer supply speed is higher than the speed. Both the container body and the outer shell member rotate in a direction in which the end of the linear projection on the developer outlet side faces, and the rotation speed of the container body is lower than the rotation speed of the outer shell member. The developer supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the developer supply speed is increased. The outer shell member rotates in the direction opposite to the direction in which the end of the linear projection on the developer outlet side faces, and the container body rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the outer shell member. The developer supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein 13. The developer supply container according to claim 12, wherein the developer discharge port is disposed near an edge of an end face facing the bottom surface of the container main body, and is disposed at a lowest point of the container main body. 17. The developer supply container according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member for guiding the developer conveyed to the vicinity of the developer outlet to the developer outlet. 19. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the container main body and the outer shell member are formed in a cylindrical shape. 20. An image forming apparatus, wherein the developer supply container according to claim 1 is detachable.

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