JP2007178969A - Toner container, image forming device, packing box, and recycle manufacturing method of toner container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner container which prevents a toner from aggregating to a held part side during storing in the toner container, an image forming device, a packing box, and a recycle manufacturing method of the toner container. <P>SOLUTION: The toner container 32Y is detachably installed in the toner container storage part of the image forming device body of an image forming device. The toner container comprises a container body 33Y storing a toner therein, the held part 34Y fitted to the container body 33Y, having a toner discharge port for discharging the toner stored in the container body 33Y, and held without rotation on the toner container storage part, and a still standing suppressing means 34al, 35 fitted to the held part 34Y and suppressing the still standing of the toner container on a still standing surface in the state of the held part 34Y positioned in the vertical lower direction to the container body 33Y. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner container that is detachably installed in an image forming apparatus main body in order to replenish toner consumed in an image forming process, an image forming apparatus including the toner container, a packing box for packing the toner container, The present invention relates to a toner container recycling manufacturing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a composite machine thereof, a cylindrical toner container for supplying toner to a developing device is known (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, etc., a toner container (toner bottle) installed in a replaceable manner in a toner container housing part (bottle container) of the image forming apparatus main body mainly includes a container body and a held part (cap part). Has been. A spiral protrusion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body, and the toner contained in the container body is conveyed toward the opening when the container body is driven to rotate. The held portion communicates with the opening of the container body, and is held in the toner container housing portion in a non-rotating manner without being interlocked with the rotational drive of the container body. The toner discharged from the opening of the container body is discharged from a toner discharge port provided in the held portion. Thereafter, the toner discharged from the toner discharge port of the held portion is supplied to the developing device.

  The toner container configured as described above is not provided with a held portion, and is compared with a toner container that supplies toner directly from the opening of the container body toward the developing device (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Thus, the toner contamination when the toner container is replaced can be reduced. In other words, since the toner discharge port of the held portion is opened and closed in conjunction with a part of the toner container attaching / detaching operation (rotating operation), the problem that the user touches the toner discharge port and is contaminated with toner is suppressed. The Further, since the direction of the toner discharge port in the toner container is arranged downward in the vertical direction and the toner amount near the toner discharge port at the end of the toner can be reduced by the falling of the toner by its own weight, the toner discharge port when the toner container is replaced Toner contamination is reduced.

  Specifically, in Patent Document 1 and the like, when the toner container is mounted in the toner container housing portion of the apparatus main body, first, the main body cover (stack portion) is opened upward to expose the toner container housing portion. Thereafter, the toner container is placed on the toner container housing portion from above. Thereafter, the handle integrally installed on the held portion is held, and the held portion is rotated (rotated). As a result, the engaging portion formed on the end surface of the held portion engages with the positioning member of the apparatus main body, and the position of the toner container in the toner container housing portion is determined. Further, as the held portion rotates, the toner discharge port provided in the held portion moves downward from the side, and the shutter opens the toner discharge port so as to resist the urging force of the spring.

On the other hand, Patent Document 3 discloses a toner storage container (toner container) composed of a bag container and a cap member, and a partial operation (open / close folder) of the attachment / detachment operation to the apparatus main body in which the screw pump is installed. In which the toner discharge port of the base member is opened and closed in conjunction with the rotational movement of the base member.
Specifically, when the toner container is attached to the apparatus main body, first, the open / close holder (open / close folder) is rotated around the hinge to expose the upper part of the open / close holder. Thereafter, the toner container is set in the open / close holder. Thereafter, the open / close holder in which the toner container is set is rotated (rotated) around the hinge. Thus, the engaging portions provided on both side surfaces of the base member so as to sandwich the toner discharge port engage with the positioning member of the apparatus main body, and the position of the toner storage container in the apparatus main body is determined. Further, as the opening / closing holder rotates, the plug member (shutter member) is pushed by the nozzle so as to resist the urging force of the spring, and the toner discharge port sealed by the packing (G seal) is opened.

As described above, in the toner container disclosed in Patent Document 3 or the like, the plug member is pushed by the nozzle (toner transport tube) in conjunction with the opening operation of the open / close holder, and the toner discharge port sealed with the packing is opened. Therefore, an effect of reducing the occurrence of toner contamination can be expected.
However, there is a demerit that the toner capacity of the toner storage container cannot be increased and the replacement frequency of the toner storage container increases. That is, since the toner storage container stores toner in a bag container whose longitudinal direction is the longitudinal direction, when the toner capacity is increased, the height of the toner storage container increases. As a result, the height of the opening / closing holder also increases, which affects the layout in the height direction of the entire image forming apparatus. Therefore, the toner capacity of the toner storage container cannot be increased so much, and the replacement frequency becomes higher than that of the toner container of Patent Document 1 (the horizontal direction is the longitudinal direction).

JP 2004-287404 A JP 2000-338758 A JP 2004-161371 A

As described above, the toner container (a toner container including a container main body and a held portion) disclosed in Patent Document 1 has less toner contamination at the time of replacement, can increase the toner capacity, and reduce the replacement frequency. be able to.
However, when a user, a seller, a distributor, a producer, or the like stores a toner container (an unused toner container that is not set in the image forming apparatus), the held portion is attached to the container body. In some cases, the toner may agglomerate on the held portion side by being left on a stationary surface (an arbitrary plane for stationary) in a state of being directed downward in the vertical direction.

That is, in a state where the held portion is directed downward, the toner may be deposited on the held portion side by its own weight, and the toner may aggregate. When the toner container in which toner aggregation occurs on the held portion side is set in the image forming apparatus in this manner, the toner is not sufficiently discharged from the toner discharge port, and the toner supply to the developing device is insufficient. turn into. Further, if a toner lump is generated due to toner aggregation, it may cause a toner conveyance failure or an abnormal image.
Such a problem occurs particularly prominently when the held portion is directed downward in the vertical direction and left standing for a long time or in a high temperature and high humidity environment.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a toner container, an image forming apparatus, a packaging box, and a toner that do not aggregate toner on the held portion side when the toner container is stored. The object is to provide a recycling method for containers.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a toner container is a toner container that is detachably installed in a toner container housing portion of an image forming apparatus main body, and is a container body that discharges toner contained therein from an opening. A toner discharged from the opening of the container main body through a toner discharge port, and a held portion that is non-rotatably held in the toner container housing portion, and the held portion with respect to the container main body And a stationary prevention means for preventing the stationary of the stationary surface on the stationary surface in a state of being directed downward in the vertical direction.

  The toner container according to a second aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the first aspect, wherein the stationary prevention means is configured such that the held portion is directed downward in the vertical direction with respect to the container body. It is configured such that the area of the abutment surface of the held portion that abuts on the stationary surface is smaller than the area of the projection surface of the container main body projected on the stationary surface to prevent the resting. is there.

  A toner container according to a third aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the second aspect, wherein the abutting surface includes a protruding portion protruding from a facing surface of the held portion facing the stationary surface. It is a thing.

  The toner container according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the third aspect, wherein the contact surface is a wall portion formed around the protruding portion, and is surrounded by the wall portion. The electronic component is installed on the protruding portion so as not to contact the installation surface.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the toner container according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the stationary preventing means is configured to place the held portion vertically with respect to the container body. An electronic component is installed on the facing surface of the held portion that faces the stationary surface in a state directed downward in the direction to prevent the stationary device.

  A toner container according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the electronic component is an ID chip.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the toner container according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the stationary preventing means is configured to place the held portion vertically with respect to the container body. Standing in such a way that the center of the abutment surface of the held portion that abuts on the stationary surface deviates from the center of the projection surface of the container body projected onto the stationary surface in a downward direction. Is to prevent.

  A toner container according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the static prevention means is disposed between the container main body and the held portion. It is an installed elastic body.

  A toner container according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the eighth aspect, wherein the elastic body is a sealing material adhered to the held portion.

  A toner container according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the held portion is held in the toner container housing portion in a state where the toner is held. It is configured to communicate with a communication circuit disposed in the container housing portion, and includes an electronic component in which information related to the toner container is stored.

  The toner container according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the tenth aspect, wherein the electronic component is on a surface of the held portion that is perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction with respect to the toner container housing portion. It is installed at a position facing the communication circuit in the attaching / detaching operation.

  A toner container according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is the toner container according to the tenth or eleventh aspect of the invention, wherein the held portion is connected to the toner container outlet in conjunction with an attaching / detaching operation. The electronic component is installed above the installation position of the opening / closing member.

  A toner container according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, wherein the toner container housing portion includes a nozzle that communicates with the toner discharge port, and the opening / closing member includes the toner container. The toner is pushed by the nozzle in conjunction with the mounting operation in the housing portion to start opening the toner discharge port, and is urged by the biasing member in conjunction with the detachment operation from the toner container housing portion. It is a plug member that starts closing of the discharge port.

  A toner container according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, wherein the electronic component is an ID chip.

  A toner container according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects, wherein the electronic component is information and recycling related to toner contained in the container body. At least one of the information related to the information is stored.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the toner container according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the information relating to the toner is at least one of a toner color, a production number, and a production date. .

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner container according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects of the present invention, for mechanically or electrically assisting the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion. The auxiliary member is provided in the held portion, and the auxiliary member is disposed vertically above the toner discharge port.

  A toner container according to an eighteenth aspect of the invention is the toner container according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, wherein the auxiliary member is an electronic component in which information relating to the toner container is stored.

  The toner container according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the electronic component includes the toner container housing portion in a state where the held portion is held by the toner container housing portion. It is comprised so that non-contact communication may be performed between the communication circuits arrange | positioned.

  A toner container according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, wherein the electronic component is attached to the toner container housing portion so as to be ahead of the toner discharge port. It is what is done.

  A toner container according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects, wherein the held portion protrudes in a mounting direction with respect to the toner container housing portion. The electronic component is disposed on a surface that is on the projecting portion and that is orthogonal to the mounting direction.

  A toner container according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the twenty-first aspect, wherein the protruding portion includes a wall portion that covers the periphery of the electronic component.

  A toner container according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-second aspects, wherein the electronic component is information and recycling related to toner contained in the container body. At least one of the information related to the information is stored.

  A toner container according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the twenty-third aspect, wherein the information related to the toner is at least one of a toner color, a manufacturing number, and a manufacturing date. .

  A toner container according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty-fourth aspects, wherein the auxiliary member is related to a positioning member disposed in the toner container housing portion. This is a mating engagement portion.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the toner container according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the engaging portion engages with the positioning member in conjunction with an attaching operation to the toner container accommodating portion. It is comprised as follows.

  A toner container according to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth aspect, wherein the engaging portion is provided close to the toner discharge port.

  A toner container according to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty-seventh aspects, wherein the auxiliary member is disposed at a different position depending on the type of the toner container. It is a convex part or a concave part.

  A toner container according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the convex portion or the concave portion is formed in the toner container housing portion when the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion is correct. It is comprised so that it may fit in the arrange | positioned fitting member.

  A toner container according to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the twenty-eighth or thirty-ninth aspect, wherein the convex portion or the concave portion differs depending on the color of the toner accommodated in the container main body. It is arranged at the position.

  A toner container according to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the first to thirty-first aspects, wherein the held portion is interlocked with an attaching / detaching operation with respect to the toner container accommodating portion. An opening / closing member for opening / closing the toner discharge port is provided.

  A toner container according to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the thirty-first aspect, wherein the toner container housing portion includes a nozzle communicating with the toner discharge port, and the opening / closing member is provided with the toner container. The toner discharge port is pushed by the nozzle in conjunction with the mounting operation to the storage portion to open the toner discharge port and is urged by the biasing member in conjunction with the detachment operation from the toner container storage portion. Is a plug member for closing.

  A toner container according to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the thirty-second aspect, wherein the nozzle is connected to a transport pipe through which the toner discharged from the toner discharge port is transported together with the gas. The conveying pipe is connected to a screw pump that sends or sends gas to the inside thereof.

  A toner container according to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the first to thirty-third aspects, which is attached and detached along the longitudinal direction of the container main body.

  A toner container according to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the thirty-fourth aspect, which is attached to the toner container housing portion so that the held portion is in front of the container main body. It is.

  A toner container according to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the thirty-fourth or thirty-fifth aspect, wherein the toner container can be rested on a resting surface in a state where the longitudinal direction is a horizontal direction. It is configured.

  A toner container according to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the first to thirty-sixth aspects, wherein the held portion slides in contact with the toner container housing portion. It is equipped with.

  A toner container according to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the thirty-seventh aspect, wherein the sliding portion slides on the toner container accommodating portion in conjunction with an attaching / detaching operation with respect to the toner container accommodating portion. It is.

  The toner container according to the invention of claim 39 is the toner container according to claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the sliding of the sliding portion is started in the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion. As the positioning of the held portion is started and the sliding of the sliding portion is completed, the positioning of the held portion is completed.

  A toner container according to the invention of claim 40 is the toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the container body is configured to be rotatable and is linked to the rotation. The toner contained in the toner is conveyed toward the opening.

  The toner container according to the invention of claim 41 is the toner container according to the invention of claim 40, wherein the container main body transmits a rotational driving force to the container main body on the peripheral surface of the container main body. It is equipped with a gear to do.

  A toner container according to a forty-second aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the forty-first aspect of the present invention, wherein the container main body includes a guide member that covers a part of the gear.

  A toner container according to the invention of claim 43 is the toner container according to any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the container body is provided with a spiral protrusion on the inner peripheral surface thereof. is there.

  A toner container according to a 44th aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the 40th aspect of the present invention, wherein the main body of the container is provided with a conveying member that conveys toner contained therein toward the opening. It is.

  A toner container according to a 45th aspect of the invention is the toner container according to the 44th aspect of the invention, wherein the conveying member is a rotatable coil or screw.

  A toner container according to the invention of claim 46 is the toner container according to claim 44, wherein the conveying member is a plate-like member configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the container body. .

  A toner container according to a 47th aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the first to 46th aspects, wherein the held portion communicates with the container main body through the opening. It is.

  A toner container according to a 48th aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the first to 47th aspects, wherein the toner is contained in the container main body.

  A toner container according to a 49th aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the 48th aspect of the present invention, wherein the filling density of the toner stored in the container body is 0.7 or less.

  A toner container according to a 50th aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the 48th or 49th aspect of the present invention, further comprising a carrier in the container body.

  According to a 51st aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the 51st aspect, the toner container according to any one of the 1st to 50th aspects is detachably installed in the toner container housing portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus. It has been done.

  Further, a packing box according to the invention of claim 52 is a packing box for packing the toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the toner packed inside is provided. The container is configured so as not to be allowed to rest on a stationary surface in a state where the longitudinal direction of the container is the vertical direction.

  A packaging box according to the invention of claim 53 is the packaging box according to the invention of claim 52, wherein the end face in the longitudinal direction is any one of an inclined surface, a spherical surface, and a pointed surface.

  A method for recycling and manufacturing a toner container according to an invention described in claim 54 is the method for recycling and manufacturing a toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the toner container is recycled from the container body. A removing step of removing the holding portion, a filling step of filling the inside of the container body after the removing step with a toner or a developer, and an attaching step of attaching the held portion to the container body after the filling step; , With.

  According to a 55th aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recycling method for a toner container according to any one of the first to 50th aspects, wherein the container main body has a through hole. And a filling step of filling the inside of the container body with toner or developer through the through hole, and a sealing step of closing the through hole after the filling step. .

  In the present invention, since the device is provided with an anti-static means for preventing the container body from being placed on the stationary surface with the held portion facing downward in the vertical direction, the toner container is held during storage. It is possible to provide a toner container, an image forming apparatus, a packaging box, and a method for recycling the toner container, in which toner does not aggregate on the part side.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 to 14, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
First, the configuration and operation of the entire image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a printer as an image forming apparatus, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an image forming unit thereof, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a toner supply path thereof, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a part of apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the toner container housing 31 above the image forming apparatus main body 100, four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K (powder) corresponding to each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) are stored. Body storage container) is detachably (replaceable).
An intermediate transfer unit 15 is disposed below the toner container housing 31. Image forming portions 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K corresponding to the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are arranged in parallel so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 8 of the intermediate transfer unit 15.

  Referring to FIG. 2, an image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow includes a photosensitive drum 1Y, a charging unit 4Y disposed around the photosensitive drum 1Y, a developing device 5Y (developing unit), a cleaning unit 2Y, It is composed of a static eliminator (not shown). Then, an image forming process (charging process, exposure process, developing process, transfer process, cleaning process) is performed on the photosensitive drum 1Y, and a yellow image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1Y.

  The other three image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K have substantially the same configuration as that of the image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow except that the color of the toner used is different. A corresponding image is formed. Hereinafter, description of the other three image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K will be omitted as appropriate, and only the image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum 1Y is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. 2 by a drive motor (not shown). Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y is uniformly charged at the position of the charging unit 4Y (a charging process).
After that, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches the irradiation position of the laser beam L emitted from the exposure device 7 (see FIG. 1), and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow by exposure scanning at this position. Is formed (this is an exposure step).

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the developing device 5Y, and the electrostatic latent image is developed at this position to form a yellow toner image (developing process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the first transfer bias roller 9Y, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 at this position. (This is a primary transfer step.) At this time, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the photosensitive drum 1Y.

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 2Y, and untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1Y at this position is mechanically collected by the cleaning blade 2a (in the cleaning process). is there.).
Finally, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing a neutralization unit (not shown), and the residual potential on the photosensitive drum 1Y is removed at this position.
Thus, a series of image forming processes performed on the photosensitive drum 1Y is completed.

The image forming process described above is performed in the other image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K in the same manner as the yellow image forming unit 6Y. That is, the laser beam L based on the image information is emitted from the exposure unit 7 disposed below the image forming unit onto the photosensitive drums of the image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K. Specifically, the exposure unit 7 emits laser light L from a light source, and irradiates the photosensitive drum through a plurality of optical elements while scanning the laser light L with a polygon mirror that is rotationally driven.
Thereafter, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photosensitive drums through the developing process are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in an overlapping manner. In this way, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Here, referring to FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer unit 15 includes an intermediate transfer belt 8, four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K, a secondary transfer backup roller 12, a cleaning backup roller 13, and a tension roller. 14 and the intermediate transfer cleaning unit 10. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is stretched and supported by the three rollers 12 to 14 and is endlessly moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

The four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K respectively sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 8 with the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K to form a primary transfer nip. Then, a transfer bias reverse to the polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K.
The intermediate transfer belt 8 travels in the direction of the arrow and sequentially passes through the primary transfer nips of the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K. In this way, the toner images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are primarily transferred while being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 on which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred in a superimposed manner reaches a position facing the secondary transfer roller 19. At this position, the secondary transfer backup roller 12 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 8 with the secondary transfer roller 19 to form a secondary transfer nip. The four-color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are transferred onto a transfer material P such as transfer paper conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip. At this time, the untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the transfer material P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer cleaning unit 10. At this position, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is collected.
Thus, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed.

Here, the transfer material P transported to the position of the secondary transfer nip is transported from a paper feed unit 26 disposed below the apparatus main body 100 via a paper feed roller 27, a registration roller pair 28, and the like. It has been done.
Specifically, a plurality of transfer materials P such as transfer paper are stored in the paper supply unit 26 in a stacked manner. When the paper feed roller 27 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1, the uppermost transfer material P is fed between the rollers of the registration roller pair 28.

  The transfer material P conveyed to the registration roller pair 28 is temporarily stopped at the position of the roller nip of the registration roller pair 28 that has stopped rotating. Then, the registration roller pair 28 is rotationally driven in synchronization with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the transfer material P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. In this way, a desired color image is transferred onto the transfer material P.

Thereafter, the transfer material P on which the color image has been transferred at the position of the secondary transfer nip is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 20. At this position, the color image transferred to the surface is fixed on the transfer material P by heat and pressure generated by the fixing roller and the pressure roller.
Thereafter, the transfer material P is discharged out of the apparatus through the rollers of the discharge roller pair 29. The transferred P discharged from the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 29 is sequentially stacked on the stack unit 30 as an output image.
Thus, a series of image forming processes in the image forming apparatus is completed.

Next, the configuration and operation of the developing device in the image forming unit will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
The developing device 5Y includes a developing roller 51Y facing the photosensitive drum 1Y, a doctor blade 52Y facing the developing roller 51Y, two conveying screws 55Y disposed in the developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y, and toner in the developer. Consists of a density detection sensor 56Y for detecting density. The developing roller 51Y includes a magnet fixed inside, a sleeve rotating around the magnet, and the like. In the developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y, a two-component developer G composed of a carrier and a toner is accommodated. The developer accommodating portion 54Y communicates with the toner transport pipe 43Y through an opening formed thereabove.

The developing device 5Y configured as described above operates as follows.
The sleeve of the developing roller 51Y rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The developer G carried on the developing roller 51Y by the magnetic field formed by the magnet moves on the developing roller 51Y as the sleeve rotates.

  Here, the developer G in the developing device 5Y is adjusted so that the ratio of toner in the developer (toner concentration) is within a predetermined range. Specifically, according to the consumption of toner in the developing device 5Y, the toner stored in the toner container 32Y is supplied into the developer storage portion 54Y via the toner supply device 59 (see FIG. 3). . The configurations and operations of the toner supply device 59 and the toner container 32Y will be described in detail later.

  Thereafter, the toner replenished in the developer accommodating portion 54Y is circulated through the two developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y while being mixed and stirred together with the developer G by the two conveying screws 55Y (perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2). Direction movement.) The toner in the developer G is attracted to the carrier by frictional charging with the carrier, and is carried on the developing roller 51Y together with the carrier by the magnetic force formed on the developing roller 51Y.

  The developer G carried on the developing roller 51Y is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 and reaches the position of the doctor blade 52Y. The developer G on the developing roller 51Y is conveyed to a position facing the photosensitive drum 1Y (development region) after the developer amount is made appropriate at this position. The toner is attracted to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1Y by the electric field formed in the development area. Thereafter, the developer G remaining on the developing roller 51Y reaches above the developer containing portion 53Y as the sleeve rotates, and is detached from the developing roller 51Y at this position.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, the toner replenishing device 59 that guides the toner stored in the toner container 32Y to the developing device 5Y will be described in detail.
FIG. 3 shows the toner container 32Y, the toner supply paths 43Y, 60, 70, 71, and the developing device 5Y in different directions for easy understanding. In practice, in FIG. 3, the longitudinal direction of the toner container 32Y and a part of the toner replenishment path is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the paper surface (see FIG. 1).
Referring to FIG. 4, the toner in each of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K installed in the toner container accommodating portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100 is different for each toner color according to the toner consumption in each color developing device. Each developing device is appropriately replenished through a toner replenishment path provided in the. The four toner supply paths have substantially the same structure except that the color of the toner used in the image forming process is different.

  Specifically, when the toner container 32Y is set in the toner container housing portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100, the nozzle 70 of the toner container housing portion 31 is connected to the held portion 34Y (cap portion) of the toner container 32Y. At this time, the plug member 34d (opening / closing member) of the toner container 32Y opens the toner discharge port of the held portion 34Y. Thereby, the toner accommodated in the container main body 33Y of the toner container 32Y is conveyed into the nozzle 70 via the toner discharge port.

On the other hand, the other end of the nozzle 70 is connected to one end of a tube 71 as a transport pipe. The tube 71 is made of a flexible material excellent in toner resistance, and the other end is connected to a screw pump 60 (Mono pump) of the toner replenishing device.
The tube 71 as the transport tube is formed so that its inner diameter is 4 to 10 mm. As the material of the tube 71, a rubber material such as polyurethane, nitrile, EPDM, or silicon, or a resin material such as polyethylene or nylon can be used. By using such a flexible tube 71, the degree of freedom in the layout of the toner supply path is increased, and the image forming apparatus is downsized.

The screw pump 60 is a suction type uniaxial eccentric screw pump, and includes a rotor 61, a stator 62, a suction port 63, a universal joint 64, a motor 66, and the like. The rotor 61, the stator 62, the universal joint 64, etc. are accommodated in a case (not shown). The stator 62 is an internally threaded member made of an elastic material such as rubber, and a double pitch spiral groove is formed in the stator 62. The rotor 61 is a male screw-like member formed by spirally twisting a shaft made of a rigid material such as metal, and is fitted into the stator 62 so as to be freely rotatable. One end of the rotor 61 is rotatably connected to a motor 66 via a universal joint 64.
In the first embodiment, the spiral direction (winding direction) and the rotation direction of the rotor 61 are made to coincide with the spiral direction (winding direction) and the rotation direction of the protrusion 33b formed on the container body 33Y of the toner container 32Y. Is set to

The screw pump 60 configured as described above is sucked into the suction port 36 by rotating the rotor 61 in the stator 62 in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise as viewed from the upstream side in the toner conveyance direction) by the motor 66. Force is generated (air in the tube 31 is sent out to generate a negative pressure in the tube 31). As a result, the toner in the toner container 32Y is sucked into the suction port 63 through the tube 71 together with air. The toner sucked up to the suction port 63 is fed into the gap between the stator 62 and the rotor 61, and is sent to the other end side along the rotation of the rotor 61. The delivered toner is discharged from the delivery port 67 of the screw pump 60 and replenished into the developing device 5Y via the toner transport pipe 43Y (movement in the direction of the broken line arrow in FIG. 3).
In the first embodiment, the rotor 61 of the screw pump 60 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the upstream side in the toner conveyance direction. Further, the spiral direction (winding direction) of the rotor 61 is set to the right direction. As a result, a clockwise vortex airflow is formed in the screw pump 60 by the rotation of the rotor 61.

Next, the toner container will be described with reference to FIGS.
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, four substantially cylindrical toner containers 32 </ b> Y, 32 </ b> M, 32 </ b> C, and 32 </ b> K (toner bottles) are detachably installed in the toner container accommodating portion 31. Each of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K is replaced with a new one when it reaches the end of its life (when the toner to be accommodated is almost exhausted). Then, the toner of each color stored in the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K passes through the toner replenishment path described with reference to FIG. 3 to the developing devices of the image forming units 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K as appropriate. To be replenished.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the toner container 32Y. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the head side of the toner container 32Y (the side on which the held portion 34Y is installed). FIG. 7 is a view of the toner container 32Y of FIG. 6 as viewed from the M viewing direction.
The other three toner containers 32M, 32C, and 32K have substantially the same configuration as the toner container 32Y that contains yellow toner, except that the color of the stored toner is different and the positions of the concave portion 34m and the convex portion 34n. It has become. Hereinafter, description of the other three toner containers 32M, 32C, and 32K will be omitted as appropriate, and only the toner container 32Y containing yellow toner will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, the toner container 32Y (powder storage container) mainly includes a container body 33Y (powder storage part) and a held part 34Y (bottle cap, cap part) provided on the head. , Is composed.
The head of the container main body 33Y is provided with a gear 33c that rotates integrally with the container main body 33Y and an opening A (opening) (see FIG. 6). The opening A is provided at the head of the container main body 33Y (the position that is the front in the mounting operation), and the toner accommodated in the container main body 33Y is placed in a space (cavity) in the held portion 34Y. It is for discharging towards.

The gear 33c meshes with a drive gear (not shown) of a drive unit provided in the toner container housing unit 31 of the apparatus main body 100, and the container main body 33Y is a rotation axis (a chain line in FIG. 6). ) Around the center. Specifically, the gear 33c is exposed from the notch 34h formed in the held portion 34Y and meshes with the drive gear of the apparatus main body 100 at the meshing position D shown in FIGS.
A part of the held portion 34Y excluding the notch 34h functions as a guide member that covers a part of the gear 33c (a portion that is not exposed from the notch 34h). Thereby, it is possible to reduce the contamination of the gear 33c with toner or the like.

Referring to FIG. 5, a gripping portion 33 d is provided at the rear end (bottom) of the container main body 33 </ b> Y for the user to grip when attaching / detaching the toner container 32 </ b> Y.
Further, a spiral protrusion 33b is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 33Y (a spiral groove when viewed from the outer peripheral surface side). The spiral projection 33b is for rotating and driving the container body 33Y in a predetermined direction to discharge the toner from the opening A. The container body 33Y configured in this manner can be manufactured by blow molding after injection molding of the gear 33c disposed on the peripheral surface thereof.
In the toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment, the stirring member 33f that rotates together with the container body 33Y is provided in the opening A. The stirring member 33f extends from the space in the held portion 34Y into the container main body 33Y, and is disposed at an angle with respect to the rotation axis (the one-dot chain line in FIG. 6). It is. By rotating the stirring member 33 together with the container main body 33Y, the toner dischargeability from the opening A is improved.

  In the first embodiment, the container body 33Y of the toner container 32Y is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the upstream side in the toner conveyance direction. Further, the spiral direction (winding direction) of the protrusion 33b in the container body 33Y is set to the right direction. Thus, a clockwise vortex is formed in the toner container 32Y by the rotation of the container body 33Y (the same direction as the rotation direction of the vortex formed in the screw pump 60).

  5 and 6, the held portion 34Y includes a cap 34a, a cap cover 34b, a holder 34c, a plug member 34d as an opening / closing member, a packing 34e, an ID chip (electronic component) 35, and the like. ing. 5 and 7, engagement portions 34g (groove portions) with which the positioning members 31c of the toner container housing portion 31 are engaged are provided on both side surfaces of the held portion 34Y. Further, a recessed portion 34m into which the fitting member 31d of the toner container housing portion 31 is fitted is provided on the end surface of the held portion 34Y. Further, a convex portion 34n into which another fitting member (not shown) of the toner container housing portion 31 is fitted is provided on the peripheral surface of the held portion 34Y. Furthermore, a notch 34h where a part of the gear 33c is exposed is provided above the held portion 34Y.

The held portion 34Y communicates with the container main body 33Y through the opening A, and discharges the toner discharged from the opening A from the toner discharge port B (the movement in the direction of the broken arrow in FIG. 6). ).
Here, in this Embodiment 1, the cavity (space) formed in the to-be-held part 34Y is formed in the substantially cylindrical shape. Further, a toner discharge path (vertical path) from the substantially cylindrical cavity formed in the held portion 34Y to the toner discharge port B is formed in a mortar shape. Thus, the vortex airflow formed in the container main body 33Y is maintained without being lost by the rotation of the container main body 33Y, and is efficiently delivered toward the toner discharge port B. Therefore, the toner transportability of the toner discharged from the toner discharge port B and moving in the tube 71 is improved.

The held portion 34Y is not interlocked with the rotation of the container body 33Y, and the holding portion 73 (see FIGS. 4 and 8) of the toner container accommodating portion 31 can be referred to with the engaging portion 34g engaged with the positioning member 31c. )) Is held non-rotating. In this way, the engaging portion 34g functions as an auxiliary member for mechanically assisting (assuming on the hardware surface) the mounting operation (or attaching / detaching operation) of the toner container 32Y to the toner container housing portion 31. Become.
In the present application, “mechanically assisting the toner container mounting operation in the toner container housing portion” means an insertion operation or positioning operation when mounting the toner container so that the position of the toner container is determined with respect to the toner container housing portion. This is an auxiliary operation to facilitate the process. Accordingly, examples of the mechanical auxiliary member include an engaging portion 34g that engages with the positioning member 31c, a concave portion 34m and a convex portion 34n, which will be described later, and a rotation stopper member for the toner container that is not illustrated.

  In the first embodiment, the engaging portion 34g as an auxiliary member is disposed vertically above the toner discharge port B (or the plug member 34d). As a result, even when the toner scatters from the toner discharge port B (or the plug member 34d) to the outside of the toner container 32Y, the scatter toner hardly reaches the position of the engaging portion 34g (or the positioning member 31c). That is, the problem that the engaging portion 34g and the positioning member 31c are poorly engaged due to the engaging portion 34g (or the positioning member 31c) being contaminated with scattered toner is reduced.

  In the first exemplary embodiment, the engaging portion 34g as an auxiliary member is disposed vertically above the toner discharge port B and relatively close to the toner discharge port B. Specifically, the engaging portion 34g is disposed vertically above the toner outlet B and vertically below the ID chip 35 (information recording chip). As a result, even when the backlash between the engaging portion 34g and the positioning member 31c is large, or even when the held portion 34Y is deformed due to environmental fluctuations, the positions of the nozzle 70 and the plug member 34d are displaced. The problem that the nozzle 70 becomes difficult and does not push the plug member 34d is reduced.

  The cap cover 34b of the held portion 34Y is bonded to the peripheral surface of the cap 34a. A claw 34b1 is provided at the tip of the cap cover 34b. The claw 34b1 engages with an engagement member formed on the head of the container main body 33Y, so that the container main body 33Y is against the held portion 34Y. It is held relatively rotatable. Here, in order to smoothly rotate the container main body 33Y, the claw 34b1 of the held portion 34Y and the engaging member of the container main body 33Y are engaged with each other with an appropriate clearance.

  Further, the held portion 34Y has a sealing material 37 attached to a facing surface facing the front end surface 33a around the opening A of the container body 33Y. The sealing material 37 is for sealing the gap between the opposing surfaces of the container main body 33Y and the held portion 34Y around the opening A, and is formed of an elastic material such as polyurethane foam.

Further, a holder 34c is provided below the held portion 34Y. The holder 34c is provided with a plug member 34d (shutter) as an opening / closing member that opens and closes the toner discharge port B in conjunction with the attaching / detaching operation of the toner container 32Y. At both ends of the plug member 34d, packings 34e such as G seals are installed in order to suppress the leakage of toner from the vicinity of the plug member 34d. Although illustration is omitted, when the toner container 32Y is set in the toner container housing portion 31, a lever (urging member) that biases the plug member 34d to the right end of the plug member 34d in the direction of closing the toner discharge port B is provided. Member) is engaged.
Further, a packing such as an O-ring is installed at the engaging portion between the holder 34c and the cap 34a in order to prevent leakage of toner from the gap between the both.

The ID chip (electronic component) 35 of the held portion 34Y faces the communication circuit 74 of the toner container housing portion 31 with a predetermined distance in conjunction with the mounting operation of the toner container 32Y with respect to the toner container housing portion 31. Is configured to do. Specifically, the ID chip 35 is on the protrusion 34a1 of the held portion 34Y that protrudes in the mounting direction (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5) to the toner container housing portion 31, and on the surface orthogonal to the mounting direction. It is arranged. In other words, the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing portion 31 so that the ID chip 35 is ahead of the toner discharge port B. The ID chip 35 performs non-contact communication (wireless communication) with the communication circuit 74 of the apparatus main body in a state where the held portion 34Y is held in the toner container housing portion 31.
A wall 34a2 that covers the periphery of the ID chip 35 is provided on the protrusion 34a1 provided on the held portion 34Y. By covering the ID chip 35 with the wall 34 a 2 in this way, scattered toner is less likely to adhere to the ID chip 35.

  Here, various information related to the toner container 32Y is stored in the ID chip 35 in advance. On the other hand, the communication circuit 74 of the toner container housing unit 31 wirelessly exchanges information with the ID chip 35 in a state where the toner container 32Y is set in the toner container housing unit 31. That is, information stored in the ID chip 35 is transmitted to the control unit 75 (see FIG. 5) of the apparatus main body 100 via the communication circuit 74, or information on the apparatus main body 100 acquired by the control unit 75 is communicated. The data is transmitted to and stored in the ID chip 35 via the circuit 74.

  The ID chip 35 includes information on the toner such as the toner color, the toner production number (manufacturing lot), the toner production date, the number of times of recycling, the date of recycling, and the toner container 32Y of the recycling manufacturer. Information related to recycling is stored. When the toner container 32 </ b> Y is installed in the toner container storage unit 31, information stored in the ID chip 35 is transmitted to the control unit 75 of the apparatus main body 100 via the electronic circuit 74. Based on these pieces of information, the apparatus main body 100 is optimally controlled. For example, when the toner color is different from the toner color to be installed in the toner container housing portion, the operation of the toner replenishing device can be stopped, or the image forming conditions can be changed according to the manufacturing number or the recycling manufacturer.

As described above, the ID chip 35 functions as an auxiliary member for electrically assisting (assisting in terms of software) the mounting operation (or attaching / detaching operation) of the toner container 32Y to the toner container housing portion 31. .
In the present application, “electrically assisting the operation of attaching the toner container to the toner container housing portion” means detecting whether or not the toner container is set in an operable state in the toner container housing portion. Communication operation performed at the time of setting or after that. Therefore, the communication of information relating to the toner container that is not directly related to the mounting operation does not mean “electrically assisting the mounting operation”.

In the first embodiment, the ID chip 35 as an auxiliary member is disposed vertically above the toner discharge port B (or the plug member 34d). Further, the ID chip 35 is disposed on the protruding portion 34a1 protruding from the toner discharge port B (or the plug member 34d) and surrounded by the wall portion 34a2.
As a result, even when the toner scatters from the toner discharge port B (or the plug member 34d) to the outside of the toner container 32Y, the scatter toner hardly reaches the position of the ID chip 35 (or the communication circuit 74). That is, a problem that communication failure or leakage between the ID chip 35 and the communication circuit 74 due to contamination of the ID chip 35 (or the communication circuit 74) with scattered toner is reduced.

The holder 34c of the held portion 34Y is provided with sliding portions 34c1 and 34c2 that slide on the toner container housing portion 31 in conjunction with the attaching / detaching operation with respect to the toner container housing portion 31.
Specifically, the first sliding portion 34c1 is a flat portion formed so as to be parallel to the sliding surface 31a (the upper surface, which can refer to FIG. 8) of the toner container housing portion 31. It is disposed at the bottom of the held portion 34Y where the attaching / detaching operation is performed. Further, the second sliding portion 34c2 is a flat portion formed so as to be parallel to the sliding surface (side surface) of the toner container housing portion 31, and is a held portion where the attaching / detaching operation is performed. It is arranged on the side of 34Y.

  Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, a recessed portion 34 m that is fitted to the fitting member 31 d of the toner container housing portion 31 is provided on the end surface of the held portion 34 Y and in the vicinity of the protruding portion 34 a 1. . The concave portion 34m is configured to be fitted into the corresponding fitting member 31d when the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion 31 is correct (when the toner container housing portion 31 is mounted at the normal position). Yes.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the positions of the recesses 34m are arranged at different positions depending on the color of the toner stored in the toner container (container body). A toner container recess 34m (C) corresponding to cyan and a toner container housing portion fitting member (not shown) are disposed on the uppermost side, and the toner container recess 34m (M) corresponding to magenta. The toner container housing part fitting member (not shown) is arranged in the middle upper part, and the toner container recess 34m (Y) corresponding to yellow and the toner container housing part fitting member 31d are in the middle lower part. The concave portion 34m (K) of the toner container corresponding to black and the fitting member (not shown) of the toner container housing portion are disposed at the lowermost position.
With such a configuration, a toner container of a different color (for example, a yellow toner container) is set in a toner container storage section of a predetermined color (for example, a cyan toner container storage section), and A problem that a desired color image cannot be formed is suppressed.

Similarly, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, a convex portion 34n into which another fitting member (not shown) is fitted is provided on the peripheral surface of the held portion 34Y. Similar to the above-described concave portion 34m, the convex portion 34n is configured to be fitted to a corresponding fitting member when the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion 31 is correct. Although not shown in the drawing, the position of the convex portion 34n is arranged at a different position depending on the color of the toner stored in the toner container (container body).
With such a configuration, erroneous setting of the toner container in the toner container housing portion is suppressed, similarly to the above-described recess 34m.

Thus, the concave portion 34m and the convex portion 34n provided in the held portion 34Y function as an auxiliary member for mechanically assisting the mounting operation of the toner container 32Y to the toner container housing portion 31. In the first embodiment, the concave portion 34m and the convex portion 34n as auxiliary members are disposed vertically above the toner discharge port B (or the plug member 34d).
As a result, even when the toner scatters from the toner discharge port B (or the plug member 34d) to the outside of the toner container 32Y, the scattered toner does not easily reach the positions of the concave portion 34m and the convex portion 34n (or the fitting member). . In other words, the problem of poor fitting between the concave portion 34m and the convex portion 34n and the fitting member due to contamination of the concave portion 34m and the convex portion 34n (or the fitting member) with the scattered toner is reduced.

In the first embodiment, spherical toner having an average circularity of 0.90 or more is used as the toner stored in the toner container 32Y. Since the spherical toner is a toner having excellent fluidity due to its shape, the toner is efficiently and reliably conveyed without blocking the toner supply path such as the tube 71.
The circularity of the toner particles is defined by the following equation.
Circularity = (perimeter of a circle having the same area as the projected area of the particle) / (perimeter of the projected particle image)
Therefore, when the circularity is 1.00, the toner particles have a true spherical shape. The average circularity of the toner can be typically measured using a flow type particle image measuring device “FPIA-2100” (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.).

Next, the configuration of the toner container housing portion 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.
Referring to FIG. 8, the toner container accommodating portion 31 includes the positions of the sliding surfaces 31 a on which the sliding portions of the held portions of the four toner containers 32 Y, 32 M, 32 C, and 32 K slide and the holder 34 c of the held portion. The held portion 34Y is held in conjunction with the mounting operation of the holding portion 73, the nozzle 70, the driving portion (not shown) for transmitting the rotational driving force to the container body 33Y, the communication circuit 74, and the toner container 32Y. The arm pair 80 that urges toward the portion 73, a lever (biasing member) that urges the plug member 34d in a direction to close the toner discharge port B of the toner container 32Y, and the like are installed.

The holding unit 73 holds the held portions of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K in a non-rotating manner. The holding portion 73 includes a sliding surface that contacts the holder 34c, a contact surface that contacts a part of the cap cover 34b, and the like. The sliding surface (side surface) of the holding portion 73 is provided with a positioning member 31c that performs positioning in conjunction with the mounting operation of the held portion 34Y (see FIG. 5). The positioning member 31c is a convex portion extending along the attaching / detaching direction of the toner container 32Y. Further, a communication circuit 74 and a fitting member 31d are disposed on the inner surface of the holding portion 73.
In the holding unit 73, nozzles 70 shown in FIG. 9 are installed for each toner color. The nozzle 70 is provided with a toner supply port 70a that communicates with the toner discharge port B formed in the held portion 34Y of the toner container 32Y.

With reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, the attaching / detaching operation (attaching / detaching operation) of the toner container 32 </ b> Y to the toner container accommodating portion 31 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the yellow toner container 32Y mounted in the toner container housing portion 31 (moving in the direction of arrow Q) as viewed in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the state in which the toner container 32Y has been attached (the state in which the opening of the toner discharge port B is started) as viewed in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the state in which the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing 31 (the state where the toner discharge port B has been opened) as viewed in the longitudinal direction.

When the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100, first, a main body cover (not shown) provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 (the front side in FIG. 1). .) Is opened to expose the toner container housing 31 forward.
Thereafter, referring to FIG. 10, toner container 32 </ b> Y is pushed into toner container housing 31 (movement in the direction of arrow Q). That is, the toner container 32Y is attached to the toner container housing portion 31 along the longitudinal direction of the container main body 33Y (or the toner container 32Y) so that the held portion 34Y is ahead of the container main body 33Y.

  At this time, the toner container 32Y is moved to the toner container 32Y by the user holding the gripping part 33d on the rear end side of the toner container 32Y while the sliding part 34c1 slides on the sliding surface 31a of the toner container housing part 31 on the leading side of the toner container 32Y. It will be pushed into the container accommodating part 31 with good balance.

  Thereafter, when the holder 34c of the toner container 33Y reaches the holding portion 73 of the toner container housing portion 31, in addition to the sliding of the sliding surface 31a of the first sliding portion 34c1, the second sliding portion 34c2 is a sliding surface ( Positioning of the held portion 34Y is started while sliding the side surface. Specifically, engagement between the engaging portion 34g (auxiliary member) of the held portion 34Y and the positioning member 31c of the toner container housing portion 31 is started.

  Thereafter, when the mounting operation of the toner container 32Y is further advanced, the opening of the toner discharge port B by the plug member 34d is started in a state where the engaging portion 34g and the positioning member 31c are engaged (the state of FIG. 11). .) That is, the plug member 34d is pushed by the nozzle 70 as the tip of the nozzle 70 is inserted into the hole of the holder 34c. At this time, the held portion 34Y of the toner container 32Y is urged toward the holding portion 73 by the arm pair 80 (the urging in the arrow Q direction).

  Then, referring to FIG. 12, the position of held portion 34Y is determined at a position (abutting reference position) where holder 34c abuts holding portion 73 (engagement between engaging portion 34g and positioning member 31c). At the same time, the plug member 34 d completely opens the toner discharge port B, and the gear 33 c of the toner container 32 Y meshes with the drive gear of the drive part of the toner container housing part 31. Further, the ID chip 35 (auxiliary member) as an electronic component (electronic substrate) faces the communication circuit 74 at a position where wireless communication is possible. Further, the concave portion 34m and the convex portion 34n for ensuring incompatibility of the toner container are fitted to the fitting members 31d and 31e of the apparatus main body. Then, the toner discharge port B of the toner container 32Y communicates with the toner supply port 70a of the nozzle 70, and the mounting operation of the toner container 32Y is completed.

Further, when the toner container 32Y is taken out (detached) from the toner container housing portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100, the operation is performed in the reverse order of the above-described procedure at the time of mounting. At this time, the nozzle 70 is also separated from the holder 34c in conjunction with the movement of the toner container 32Y away from the holding portion 73, and the plug member 34d closes the toner discharge port B by the urging force of the lever (urging member). Move to the position you want.
Thus, the detaching operation of the toner container 32Y is completed by one action (except for the opening / closing operation of the main body door) in which the sliding portion 34c1 of the toner container 32Y slides on the sliding surface 31a.

The toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment includes a held portion 34Y in which the toner discharge port B is disposed downward in the vertical direction, and the toner discharge port B is disposed below the opening A in the vertical direction. In addition, in order to open the toner discharge port B, which is pushed by the nozzle 70 and sealed with the packing 34e after the plug member 34d is reliably positioned in conjunction with the mounting operation, the toner discharge port B There is little toner contamination, and the problem that the user touches the toner outlet B and is contaminated with toner is suppressed.
Even when toner leaks from the toner discharge port B, the ID chip 35, the engaging portion 34g, the concave portion 34m, and the convex portion 34n functioning as auxiliary members are vertically above the toner discharge port B ( In this case, the toner leaks from the ID chip 35, the engaging portion 34g, the concave portion 34m, and the convex portion 34n, and the respective functions are reduced. Will be maintained.

In addition, since the attaching / detaching operation of the toner container 32Y with respect to the toner container housing part 31 becomes one action accompanying the sliding of the sliding part 34c1, the operability and workability at the time of replacement of the toner container 32Y are improved. In particular, by providing the sliding portion 34c1 on the bottom surface of the held portion 34Y, the sliding portion 34c1 slides on the sliding surface 31a while supporting the toner container 32Y.
Further, in the mounting operation of the toner container 32Y, the sliding portion 34c1 starts to slide while the user directly grips the gripping portion 33d, and then the positioning of the held portion 34Y starts with the urging of the arm pair 80. After that, the insertion of the nozzle 70 is started, and the positioning of the held portion 34Y, the insertion of the nozzle 70, and the connection of the driving portion are completed with the end of the sliding. As a result, the user feels the click feeling due to the positioning of the held portion 34Y as the sliding of the held portion 34Y (one action mounting operation) proceeds, and is convinced that no erroneous operation has occurred in the mounting operation. It will be.

The toner container 32Y is not placed from above the toner container housing part 31 (device main body 100), but is attached and detached from the front surface of the toner container housing part 31 (device main body 100). The degree of freedom of the layout above the portion 31 is increased. For example, even when a scanner (original reading unit) is disposed directly above the toner replenishing device, the operability and workability in attaching and detaching the toner container 32Y do not deteriorate. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in layout with respect to the meshing position D between the gear 33c of the toner container 32Y and the drive gear of the apparatus main body 100 is also increased.
Further, since the toner container 32Y is installed in the apparatus main body 100 with the longitudinal direction as the horizontal direction, the toner capacity of the toner container 32Y is increased without affecting the layout in the height direction of the entire image forming apparatus 100. Thus, the replacement frequency can be reduced.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, auxiliary members (ID chip 35, engaging portion 34g, concave portion) that mechanically or electrically assist the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion 31 are used. 34m and the convex portion 34n) are arranged vertically above the toner discharge port B, so that even when the toner is scattered from the toner discharge port B to the outside, the scattered toner is added to the auxiliary member (ID chip 35, It is difficult to reach the positions of the engaging portion 34g, the concave portion 34m, and the convex portion 34n). Therefore, the functions of the auxiliary members (the ID chip 35, the engaging portion 34g, the concave portion 34m, and the convex portion 34n) are not deteriorated, and the operability at the time of attaching / detaching the toner container 32Y can be improved.
The “auxiliary member” in the toner container 32Y is not limited to the ID chip 35, the engaging portion 34g, the concave portion 34m, and the convex portion 34n. For all the “auxiliary members” that are not desired to have the scattered toner attached thereto. The present invention can be applied.

Next, the most characteristic configuration of the toner container in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the held portion 34Y of the toner container 32Y faces the stationary surface 200 (an arbitrary plane for allowing the toner container 32Y to be left outside the image forming apparatus) facing downward in the vertical direction. It is.
Since the image forming apparatus cannot operate when the toner in the toner container 34Y installed in the toner container accommodating portion 31 runs out, many users buy a new one and store (stock) a new toner container 34Y. At this time, the toner container 32Y according to the first exemplary embodiment is provided with a static prevention means so that the toner container 32Y is not stored with the held portion 34Y side facing down with respect to the container body 33Y. . That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment is provided with the static prevention means. Therefore, when the held portion 34Y is directed vertically downward, the toner container 32Y is placed on the static surface 200. Without being allowed to stand still, the balance is lost and the robot falls down in the direction of arrow F.

  Specifically, the toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment projects the projection surface of the container main body 33Y projected onto the stationary surface 200 with the held portion 34Y facing downward in the vertical direction (the state shown in FIG. 13). The area of the abutting surface (the projecting portion 34a1) of the held portion 34Y that abuts against the stationary surface 200 is smaller than the area (the area of the cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis). Has been. As a result, the toner container 32Y loses balance in the state where the held portion 34Y is directed downward in the vertical direction, and it is difficult to place the toner container 32Y on the stationary surface 200.

  As described above, the wall 34a2 is formed around the protruding portion 34a1, and the ID chip 35 (electronic component) is covered with the wall 34a2 so as not to directly contact the installation surface 200. It is installed on the protrusion 34a1. Therefore, strictly speaking, the contact surface that contacts the stationary surface is the wall 34a2 of the protrusion 34a1.

  Here, the ID chip 35 installed in the protruding portion 34a1 also functions as a stationary prevention means for preventing the stationary portion 34Y from resting on the stationary surface 200 with the held portion 34Y facing downward in the vertical direction. . That is, since the ID chip 35 is an electronic component for communicating with the communication circuit of the apparatus main body 100, it can be said that the ID chip 35 is a component that is vulnerable to hitting. Therefore, by placing the ID chip 35 on the surface facing the stationary surface 200 (the stationary surface with the held portion 34Y directed downward in the vertical direction), the held portion 34Y is moved downward in the vertical direction. There is a psychological effect that makes the user hesitate to leave the toner container 32Y in a state of being directed.

Further, the toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment has a projection surface of the container main body 33Y projected onto the stationary surface 200 in a state where the held portion 34Y is directed downward in the vertical direction (the state shown in FIG. 13). Geometry of the center (area of the contact surface) of the contact surface (projecting portion 34a1) of the held portion 34Y that contacts the stationary surface 200 with respect to the center (rotation axis of the container body 33Y) The center of gravity.). As a result, the toner container 32Y becomes difficult to rest on the resting surface 200 by losing the balance when the held portion 34Y is directed downward in the vertical direction.
Here, when the toner container 32Y (container main body 33Y) is filled with toner (unused state), compared to the state where the toner container 32Y (unused state) is not filled (used state), the held portion 34Y faces downward. When trying to invert the 32Y, its center of gravity becomes upward. As a result, it becomes more difficult to place the toner container 32Y with the held portion 34Y facing downward, and toner aggregation on the held portion 34Y side is reliably suppressed when the unused toner container 32Y is stored. .

  Further, in the toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment, a sealing material 37 as an elastic body installed between the container main body 33Y and the held portion 34Y functions as a stationary prevention means. In other words, the soft sealing material 37 is interposed between the container body 33Y and the held portion 34Y, so that the held portion 34Y faces downward in the vertical direction (the state shown in FIG. 13). Even when trying to erect 200, the container main body 34Y rattles and becomes unstable. As a result, the toner container 32Y falls in the direction of arrow F.

  The toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment is configured so as to be allowed to stand on a static surface in a state where the longitudinal direction is the horizontal direction (the same posture as when mounted on the apparatus main body 100). Has been. Specifically, the bottom surface of the holder 34c provided in the held portion 34Y is formed as a flat surface, and the surface can be placed on the stationary surface with the surface facing down. With such a configuration, the user naturally leaves the held portion 34Y with respect to the container body 33Y in a state where the longitudinal direction is in the horizontal direction without trying to leave the held portion 34Y downward.

  As described so far, in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, the stationary body 200Y is prevented from standing on the stationary surface 200 with the held portion 34Y facing downward in the vertical direction. For this reason, since the static prevention means is provided in the held portion 34Y, it is possible to reliably prevent toner from aggregating on the held portion 34Y side when the toner container 32Y is stored. As a result, the toner is reliably discharged from the toner discharge port B of the toner container 32Y set in the image forming apparatus main body 100, and problems such as defective toner replenishment to the developing device 5Y and occurrence of abnormal images can be suppressed. it can.

Next, the packing box 40 for packing the toner container 32Y will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a packaging box that accommodates a toner container therein. When the toner container 32 </ b> Y is distributed while being stored in the packing box 40, the toner container 32 </ b> Y may be stored while being stored in the packing box 40.

The packaging box 40 according to the first embodiment is configured so as not to be allowed to rest on a stationary surface in a state in which the longitudinal direction of the toner container packed inside is a vertical direction. Specifically, a pointed surface 40 a is formed on the end surface in the longitudinal direction of the packaging box 40.
With such a configuration, in the packaging box 40 in which the toner container 32Y is accommodated, the stationary portion 34Y is prevented from being left in a state where the toner container 32Y is directed downward in the vertical direction. It is possible to reliably prevent toner from aggregating on the holding portion 34Y side.
In the first embodiment, the end surface in the longitudinal direction of the packaging box 40 is the pointed surface 40a, but may be a slope or a spherical surface. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

Here, the filling density (filling volume / total volume) of the toner stored in the container main body 33Y of the toner container 32Y is preferably set to 0.7 or less (more preferably 0.6 or less). .)
When the toner filling density exceeds 0.7, the toner transportability by the protrusions 33b is lowered even if the container body 33Y is rotated. As a result, the toner cannot be conveyed to the held portion 34Y, and the amount of toner discharged from the toner discharge port B is also reduced.
If the toner filling density exceeds 0.6, even if the filling density is 0.7 or less, a lump is easily formed in the toner carried to the held portion 34Y. When the toner is discharged using a screw pump, the toner discharge density from the toner discharge port may deteriorate due to a lump of toner entering the toner discharge port. It is more preferable to set to.

Next, a method for recycling the toner container 32Y will be described.
The toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment can be recycled after being used (the toner used in the image forming apparatus is emptied of toner).

There are two specific methods for manufacturing and recycling toner containers.
In the first recycle manufacturing method, first, a removal step of removing the held portion 34Y from the container body 33Y of the collected toner container 32Y is performed. Thereafter, a filling process for filling the container body 33Y with toner (or a two-component developer) is performed. Finally, an attaching step for attaching the held portion 34Y to the container body 33Y is performed.
In the second recycling manufacturing method, first, a processing step of forming a through hole in a part of the container body 33Y (for example, the grip portion 33d) is performed. Thereafter, a filling process for filling toner into the container main body 33Y through the through hole is performed. Finally, a sealing step for closing the through hole (for example, a step of attaching a sealing member to the through hole) is performed.
Thus, by recycling the toner container 32Y, environmental resources can be effectively used.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, in order to prevent the container body 33Y from resting on the stationary surface 200 with the held portion 34Y facing downward in the vertical direction. In addition, the held portion 34Y is provided with a protruding portion 34a1 as a stationary prevention means. Thereby, when the toner container 32Y is stored, the toner can be reliably prevented from aggregating on the held portion 34Y side.
In the first embodiment, the gripping portion 34d of the container body 33Y prevents the container body 33Y from resting on the stationary surface 200 with the container body 33Y facing downward in the vertical direction with respect to the held portion 34Y. become. Therefore, the toner is also prevented from aggregating on the grip portion 34d side (rear end side) of the container body 33Y.

  In the first embodiment, only the toner is accommodated in the toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K, but image formation is performed by appropriately supplying a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier to the developing device. For the apparatus, the two-component developer can be accommodated in the container bodies of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K. Even in that case, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment, the protrusion 33b is integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 33Y, and the container body 33Y is rotationally driven. On the other hand, the coil or screw can be rotatably held inside the container body 33Y, and the coil or screw can be driven to rotate by the gear 33c without rotating the container body 33Y. Even in that case, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment, the suction screw pump 60 for sending air to the inside of the tube 71 is installed in the toner supply device. On the other hand, a discharge screw pump that feeds air into the tube 71 can be installed in the toner supply device. Even in that case, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the head side of the toner container according to the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, the toner container 32Y in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that a compression spring 34f is installed as a biasing member on the held portion 34Y. Specifically, a compression spring 34f (biasing member) that urges the plug member 34d in a direction to close the toner discharge port B is installed at the right end of the plug member 34d.
Further, the ID chip 35 as an electronic component (storage means) is configured to be in direct contact with the communication circuit 74 of the apparatus main body. Further, the held portion 34Y is not provided with a protruding portion as a stationary prevention means, and the ID chip 35 and the sealing material 37 function as a stationary prevention means.

  The ID chip 35 of the held portion 34Y is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the communication circuit 74 (connection terminal) of the toner container housing portion 31 in conjunction with the attaching / detaching operation of the toner container 32Y with respect to the toner container housing portion 31. Yes. Specifically, the ID chip 35 is on the surface of the held portion 34Y perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 16) with respect to the toner container housing portion 31 and facing the communication circuit 74 in the attaching / detaching operation. Is installed.

  As described above, the ID chip 35 contacts the communication circuit 74 installed in the apparatus main body 100 in conjunction with the attaching / detaching operation (linear operation) of the toner container 32Y performed in one action. The contact between the ID chip 35 and the communication circuit 74 is improved. That is, since the ID chip 35 is in linear surface contact with the communication circuit 74 fixed to the apparatus main body 100 (toner container housing portion 31), the ID chip 35 comes into contact with the communication circuit 74. Thus, it is possible to prevent problems such as poor contact and wear of parts of the ID chip 35 and the communication circuit 74 to damage parts.

  In the second embodiment, the ID chip 35 is held so as to be above the installation position of the plug member 34d (upward in the posture in which the toner container 32Y is installed in the toner container housing portion 31). It is installed in the section 34Y. As described above, since the ID chip 35 is disposed vertically above the plug member 34d, the ID chip 35 can be used even when the toner in the toner container 32Y leaks from the vicinity of the plug member 34d. The problem of malfunction due to toner adhering to the toner is reduced.

With reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, the attaching / detaching operation (attaching / detaching operation) of the toner container 32 </ b> Y to the toner container accommodating portion 31 will be described.
FIG. 16A is a schematic view of the state in which the yellow toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing 31 (moving in the direction of the arrow) as viewed in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. It is the schematic which looked at the holder 34c vicinity of the to-be-held part 34Y from the upper direction. FIG. 17A is a schematic view of the state in which the mounting of the toner container 32Y has advanced (the state in which positioning of the held portion 34Y has started) is seen in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. It is the schematic which looked at the holder 34c vicinity of the to-be-held part 34Y from the upper direction. FIG. 18A is a schematic view of a state in which the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing portion 31 (a state where the installation is completed) as viewed in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 18B is a holder at that time. It is the schematic which looked at 34c vicinity from upper direction.

When the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100, first, a main body cover (not shown) provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 (the front side in FIG. 1). .) Is opened to expose the toner container housing 31 forward.
After that, referring to FIG. 16, the toner container 32Y is pushed into the toner container housing 31 (movement in the direction of the arrow). That is, the toner container 32Y is attached to the toner container housing 31 along the longitudinal direction of the container body 33Y (or the toner container 32Y) so that the held portion 34Y is at the head of the container body 33Y.

  At this time, the first sliding part 34c1 slides on the sliding surface 31a of the toner container housing part 31 on the leading side of the toner container 32Y, and the user holds the gripping part 33d on the rear end side of the toner container 32Y by the user. 32Y is pushed into the toner container housing 31 in a well-balanced manner.

  Then, referring to FIG. 17, when the holder 34c of the toner container 33Y reaches the holding part 73 of the toner container housing part 31, in addition to the sliding of the sliding surface 31a of the first sliding part 34c1, the second sliding is performed. Positioning of the held portion 34Y is started while the portion 34c2 slides on the sliding surface 31b. Specifically, engagement between the engaging portion 34g of the held portion 34Y and the positioning member 31c of the toner container housing portion 31 is started.

  Thereafter, when the mounting operation of the toner container 32Y is further advanced, the opening of the toner discharge port B by the plug member 34d is started while the engaging portion 34g and the positioning member 31c are engaged. That is, the plug member 34d is pushed by the nozzle 70 as the tip of the nozzle 70 is inserted into the hole of the holder 34c. As shown in FIG. 18, the position of the held portion 34Y is determined at the position where the holder 34c abuts against the holding portion 73 (abutting reference position), and at the same time, the plug member 34d completely opens the toner discharge port B. At the same time, the ID chip 35 is connected to the communication circuit 74. As a result, the toner discharge port B of the toner container 32Y and the toner replenishment port 70a of the nozzle 70 communicate with each other on the hardware side, and information can be exchanged between the ID chip 35 and the control unit 75 on the software side. The mounting operation of the container 32Y is completed.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the sliding portion 34c1 of the toner container 32Y slides on the sliding surface 31a (except for the opening / closing operation of the main body door) and the ID chip 35 of the toner container 32Y. The connection operation with the communication circuit 74 of the toner container housing unit 31 is completed. That is, while the sliding portion 34c1 of the toner container 32Y is slid on the sliding surface 31a, the positioning operation of the held portion 34Y (toner container 32Y) is started in conjunction with the operation, and then the nozzle 70 is inserted. The ID chip 35 and the communication circuit 74 are finally connected. As a result, the positioned ID chip 35 comes into surface contact with the communication circuit 74 fixed to the apparatus main body 100 (toner container housing portion 31). As a result, it is possible to prevent problems such as contact failure or wear due to the contact / separation operation on part of the ID chip 35 and the communication circuit 74 and damage to parts.

  The movement of the nozzle 70 in and out of the holder 34c and the movement of the plug member 34d in and out of the holder 34c are performed in a state where both members are in sliding contact with the lip of the packing 34e of the holder 34c. The problem of toner leakage from the holder 34c due to the insertion / removal of the nozzle 70 is suppressed.

Further, when the toner container 32Y is taken out (detached) from the toner container housing portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100, the operation is performed in the reverse order of the above-described procedure at the time of mounting. At this time, the nozzle 70 is also separated from the holder 34c in conjunction with the movement of the toner container 32Y away from the holding portion 73, and the plug member 34d is closed to the toner discharge port B by the urging force of the compression spring 34f. Moving. At the same time, the ID chip 35 is also detached from the communication circuit 74.
Thus, the toner container 32Y is moved together with the separation operation of the ID chip 35 with respect to the communication circuit 74 by one action (excluding the opening / closing operation of the main body door) of the sliding portion 34c1 of the toner container 32Y on the sliding surface 31a. This completes the withdrawal operation.

  The toner container 32Y of the first embodiment includes the held portion 34Y in which the toner discharge port B is disposed below the gravity direction, and the nozzle after the plug member 34d is reliably positioned in conjunction with the mounting operation. Since the toner discharge port B pushed by 70 and sealed with the packing 34e is opened, the toner discharge port B is less contaminated with toner, and the problem that the user touches the toner discharge port B and is contaminated with toner is suppressed. .

In addition, since the attaching / detaching operation of the toner container 32Y with respect to the toner container housing part 31 becomes one action accompanying the sliding of the sliding part 34c1, the operability and workability at the time of replacement of the toner container 32Y are improved. In particular, by providing the sliding portion 34c1 on the bottom surface of the held portion 34Y, the sliding portion 34c1 slides on the sliding surface 31a while supporting the toner container 32Y.
Furthermore, the toner container 32Y is mounted in such a manner that the sliding portion 34c1 starts to slide while the user directly grips the gripping portion 33d, and then the positioning of the held portion 34Y is started together with the sliding. The insertion of the nozzle 70 is started, and the positioning of the held portion 34Y, the insertion of the nozzle 70, and the connection of the ID chip 35 are completed with the end of sliding. As a result, the user feels the click feeling due to the positioning of the held portion 34Y as the sliding of the held portion 34Y (one action mounting operation) proceeds, and is convinced that no erroneous operation has occurred in the mounting operation. It will be.

The toner container 32Y is not placed from above the toner container housing part 31 (device main body 100), but is attached and detached from the front surface of the toner container housing part 31 (device main body 100). The degree of freedom of the layout above the portion 31 is increased. For example, even when a scanner (document reading unit) is disposed directly above the toner container housing unit, the operability and workability in attaching and detaching the toner container 32Y do not deteriorate.
Further, since the toner container 32Y is installed in the apparatus main body 100 with the longitudinal direction as the horizontal direction, the toner capacity of the toner container 32Y is increased without affecting the layout in the height direction of the entire image forming apparatus 100. Thus, the replacement frequency can be reduced.

As described above, also in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the static on the stationary surface 200 in the state where the held portion 34Y is directed downward in the vertical direction with respect to the container main body 33Y is prevented. Since the placement preventing means is provided, the toner can be reliably prevented from aggregating on the held portion 34Y side when the toner container 32Y is stored.
Further, in the second embodiment, the ID chip 35 in which information related to the toner container 32Y is stored is brought into contact with and separated from the communication circuit 74 in conjunction with the attaching / detaching operation of the toner container 32Y with respect to the toner container housing portion 31. Since it is installed in the held portion 34Y, the ID chip 35 and the communication circuit 74 can be reliably and smoothly connected and separated. As a result, the operability and workability at the time of replacement of the toner container 32Y are improved in addition to the hard surface, and the occurrence of toner contamination can be reliably reduced.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the toner container according to the third embodiment. The toner container according to the third embodiment mainly has a point that the container body 33Y is held in the toner container housing part 31 in a non-rotating manner together with the held part 34Y, and a coil 81Y is provided as a conveying member. This is different from those in the above-described embodiments in which the toner contained in the container body 33Y is rotated and conveyed to the opening A.

As shown in FIG. 19, the toner container 32Y is mainly composed of a container body 33Y and a held portion 34Y.
An opening A is provided in the head of the container body 33Y, and a gear 33c is rotatably installed on the outer periphery of the opening A. The gear 33c is for meshing with the drive gear of the apparatus main body 100 to rotationally drive the coil 81Y.

  The gear 33c is integrally provided with a rotating shaft 80Y, and a helical coil 81Y is connected to the rotating shaft 80Y. One end of the rotating shaft 80Y is supported by the bearing portion 34a2 of the held portion 34Y. The coil 81Y extends from the opening A inside the container body 33Y to the rear end (bottom). As the gear 33c rotates around the container body 33Y, the rotation shaft 80Y and the coil 81Y are also rotationally driven.

Thus, the toner accommodated in the container main body 33Y is conveyed toward the opening A by the toner conveying force of the coil 81Y.
Here, since the outer diameter of the coil 81Y is smaller than the inner diameter of the container main body 33Y, the toner conveying force can be exerted on the toner near the rotation center axis far from the inner peripheral surface of the container main body 33Y. Furthermore, since the shape of the coil 81Y is relatively flexible and is supported only at one end side, the posture of the coil 81Y is swung during rotation. Thereby, it is possible to exert a toner conveying force as a whole from the inner peripheral surface of the container main body 33Y to the rotation center axis. Therefore, even when toner aggregation occurs due to environmental fluctuations or standing for a long period of time while a large amount of toner is stored in the container body 33Y, the aggregation state is weakened by the toner conveying force by the coil 81Y. A decrease in the amount of discharged toner can be suppressed.

  Here, the toner container 32Y of the third embodiment is also placed on the stationary surface 200 with the held portion 34Y directed downward in the vertical direction with respect to the container main body 33Y, as in the case of the above-described embodiments. In order to prevent the stationary movement, a stationary prevention means is provided.

As described above, also in the third embodiment, as in the respective embodiments, the stationary surface 200 with the held portion 34Y directed downward in the vertical direction with respect to the container main body 33Y is applied to the stationary surface 200. It is possible to prevent the toner from agglomerating on the held portion 34Y side when the toner container 32Y is stored.
In the third embodiment, the coil 81Y is used as the conveying member, but a screw may be used as the conveying member. In this case, the same effect as that of the third embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the toner container according to the fourth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 19 of the third embodiment. The toner container of the fourth embodiment is different from that of the third embodiment in that a plate-like member 84Y is used as a conveying member.

As shown in FIG. 20, the toner container 32Y mainly includes a container body 33Y and a held portion 34Y.
An opening A is provided in the head of the container body 33Y, and a gear 33c is rotatably installed on the outer periphery of the opening A. The gear 33c meshes with the drive gear of the apparatus main body 100 and is driven to rotate as in the third embodiment.

  A screw rod 83Y is integrally provided on the gear 33c, and a plate-like member 84Y is installed on the screw rod 83Y. Specifically, the female screw portion 84Ya of the plate member 84Y is screwed into the male screw portion 83Ya of the screw rod 83Y (see FIG. 21). Referring to FIG. 21, a notch is formed in plate-like member 84Y, and this notch engages with guide 85Y standing on the inner peripheral surface of container body 33Y.

  Referring to FIG. 20, screw rod 83Y has one end supported by bearing 34a2 of held portion 34Y and the other end supported by a bearing provided at the rear end of container body 33Y. Then, when the gear 33c rotates around the container main body 33Y, the screw rod 83Y is also rotationally driven integrally. As a result, the plate-like member 84Y screwed into the screw rod 83Y moves along the screw feed direction while being guided by the guide portion 85Y (without being accompanied by the screw rod 83Y) (to the opening A side). Move in the direction of the arrow.) The speed of movement of the plate-like member 84Y is set relatively moderately in accordance with the speed of toner consumption of the container body 33Y.

Thus, the toner accommodated in the container main body 33Y is conveyed to the opening A side by the toner conveying force of the plate-like member 84Y.
Here, the outer diameter of the plate-like member 84Y is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the container main body 33Y, and the toner is conveyed to the toner near the rotation center axis A near the inner peripheral surface of the container main body 33Y. Can exert power. Accordingly, even when toner aggregation occurs due to environmental fluctuations or standing for a long period of time while a large amount of toner is stored in the container main body 33Y, the aggregation state is weakened by the toner conveyance force by the plate member 84Y. Thus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of discharged toner.

  Here, the toner container 32Y of the fourth embodiment is also placed on the stationary surface 200 with the held portion 34Y directed downward in the vertical direction with respect to the container main body 33Y, as in the above-described embodiments. In order to prevent the stationary movement, a stationary prevention means is provided.

  As described above, also in the fourth embodiment, as in each of the embodiments described above, the stationary surface 200 with the held portion 34Y directed downward in the vertical direction with respect to the container body 33Y is applied to the stationary surface 200. It is possible to prevent the toner from agglomerating on the held portion 34Y side when the toner container 32Y is stored.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, the embodiments can be modified as appropriate in addition to those suggested in the embodiments. Is clear. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be set to a number, position, shape, and the like that are suitable for carrying out the present invention.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming unit in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a toner supply path in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a toner container housing portion in a state where the toner container is installed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a toner container installed in a toner container storage unit. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a head side of the toner container in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a front view of the toner container of FIG. 6 as viewed from the M viewing direction. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a toner container housing portion in a state where no toner container is installed. It is a perspective view which shows a nozzle. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a toner container is mounted in a toner container housing unit. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mounted state of the toner container following FIG. 10. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a toner container is mounted in a toner container housing unit. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a held portion of a toner container is opposed to a stationary surface with a downward vertical direction. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a packaging box that accommodates a toner container therein. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a head side of a toner container according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the toner container of FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mounted state of the toner container following FIG. 16. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a toner container is mounted in a toner container housing unit. It is sectional drawing which shows the toner container in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the toner container in Embodiment 4 of this invention. FIG. 21 is a front view showing a plate-like member installed in the toner container of FIG. 20.

Explanation of symbols

5Y developing device,
31 Toner container container,
31a sliding surface, 31c positioning member, 31d fitting member,
32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K toner containers (powder storage containers),
33Y container body (powder storage part), 33b protrusion, 33c gear,
34Y to-be-held part (cap part), 34a cap,
34a1 projecting part (stationary prevention means), 34a2 wall part,
34b Cap cover, 34c holder, 34c1, 34c2 Sliding part,
34d plug member (opening / closing member), 34e packing,
34g engaging part (auxiliary member), 34h notch part,
34m concave portion (auxiliary member), 34n convex portion (auxiliary member),
35 ID chip (electronic component, auxiliary member), 37 sealing material (elastic body),
40 packing box,
59 Toner supply device,
60 screw pump, 61 rotor, 62 stator,
70 nozzles, 70a toner supply port,
71 tube (conveying tube),
73 holding part, 74 communication circuit,
100 image forming apparatus main body (apparatus main body), 200 stationary surface,
A opening, B toner discharge port.

Claims (55)

A toner container detachably installed in a toner container housing portion of the image forming apparatus main body,
A container body for discharging toner contained therein from the opening;
The toner discharged from the opening of the container main body is discharged from a toner discharge port, and the held portion is held non-rotatably in the toner container housing;
A stationary preventing means for preventing stationary on the stationary surface in a state in which the held portion is directed vertically downward with respect to the container body;
A toner container comprising: The stationary prevention means is configured to contact the stationary surface more than the area of the projection surface of the container main body projected on the stationary surface with the held portion facing downward in the vertical direction with respect to the container main body. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the toner container is configured such that an area of an abutting surface of the held portion that comes into contact is reduced to prevent the toner container from standing still. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein the contact surface is a protruding portion that protrudes from a facing surface of the held portion that faces the stationary surface. The contact surface is a wall portion formed around the protrusion,
The toner container according to claim 3, wherein an electronic component is installed on the projecting portion so as to cover the periphery with the wall portion and not to contact the installation surface. The stationary prevention means places electronic parts on a facing surface of the held portion facing the stationary surface in a state where the held portion is directed downward in the vertical direction with respect to the container body. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the toner container is prevented. The toner container according to claim 4, wherein the electronic component is an ID chip. The stationary prevention means is arranged on the stationary surface with respect to a center of a projection surface of the container main body projected on the stationary surface in a state where the held portion is directed vertically downward with respect to the container main body. The toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the toner container is prevented from resting so that a center of an abutting surface of the held portion that abuts is shifted. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the static prevention means is an elastic body installed between the container main body and the held portion. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein the elastic body is a sealing material attached to the held portion. The held portion is configured to communicate with a communication circuit disposed in the toner container housing portion while being held in the toner container housing portion, and information related to the toner container is stored. The toner container according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic component. 11. The electronic component according to claim 10, wherein the electronic component is disposed on a surface of the held portion orthogonal to the attaching / detaching direction with respect to the toner container housing portion and facing the communication circuit in the attaching / detaching operation. The toner container as described. The held portion includes an opening / closing member that opens and closes the toner discharge port in conjunction with an attaching / detaching operation with respect to the toner container housing portion,
The toner container according to claim 10, wherein the electronic component is installed above an installation position of the opening / closing member. The toner container housing portion includes a nozzle communicating with the toner discharge port;
The opening / closing member is pushed by the nozzle in conjunction with the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion to start opening the toner discharge port and is energized in conjunction with the detachment operation from the toner container housing portion. The toner container according to claim 12, wherein the toner container is a plug member that is biased by the member and starts closing of the toner discharge port. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein the electronic component is an ID chip. 15. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein the electronic component stores at least one of information relating to toner stored in the container body and information relating to recycling. . The toner container according to claim 15, wherein the information related to the toner is at least one of a toner color, a manufacturing number, and a manufacturing date. An auxiliary member provided in the held portion to mechanically or electrically assist the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion;
The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary member is disposed vertically above the toner discharge port. The toner container according to claim 17, wherein the auxiliary member is an electronic component in which information related to the toner container is stored. The electronic component is configured to perform non-contact communication with a communication circuit disposed in the toner container housing portion in a state where the held portion is held in the toner container housing portion. The toner container according to claim 18. 20. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the toner container is attached to the toner container housing portion so that the electronic component is located ahead of the toner discharge port. The held portion includes a protruding portion that protrudes in the mounting direction to the toner container housing portion,
21. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the electronic component is disposed on a surface which is on the protrusion and is orthogonal to the mounting direction. The toner container according to claim 21, wherein the protruding portion includes a wall portion covering the periphery of the electronic component. The toner container according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the electronic component stores at least one of information on toner stored in the container body and information on recycling. . 24. The toner container according to claim 23, wherein the information related to the toner is at least one of a toner color, a production number, and a production date. 25. The toner container according to claim 17, wherein the auxiliary member is an engaging portion that engages with a positioning member disposed in the toner container housing portion. 26. The toner container according to claim 25, wherein the engaging portion is configured to engage with the positioning member in conjunction with an attaching operation to the toner container housing portion. 27. A toner container according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the engaging portion is provided close to the toner discharge port. The toner container according to any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the auxiliary member is a convex portion or a concave portion disposed at a different position depending on a type of the toner container. 29. The convex portion or the concave portion is configured to be fitted to a fitting member disposed in the toner container housing portion when the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion is correct. The toner container according to 1. 30. The toner container according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the convex portion or the concave portion is disposed at a different position depending on a color of toner stored in the container main body. 31. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the held portion includes an opening / closing member that opens and closes the toner discharge port in conjunction with an attaching / detaching operation with respect to the toner container housing portion. . The toner container housing portion includes a nozzle communicating with the toner discharge port;
The opening / closing member is pushed by the nozzle in conjunction with the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion to open the toner discharge port, and also serves as a biasing member in conjunction with the detachment operation from the toner container housing portion. 32. The toner container according to claim 31, wherein the toner container is a plug member that is energized to close the toner discharge port. The nozzle is connected to a transport pipe through which the toner discharged from the toner discharge port is transported together with gas,
The toner container according to claim 32, wherein the transport pipe is connected to a screw pump that sends or feeds gas to or from the inside of the transport pipe. The toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the toner container is attached and detached along a longitudinal direction of the container body. 35. The toner container according to claim 34, wherein the toner container is mounted on the toner container housing portion so that the held portion is in front of the container main body. 36. The toner container according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the toner container is configured to be allowed to rest on a stationary surface in a state where the longitudinal direction is a horizontal direction. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the held portion includes a sliding portion that slides in contact with the toner container housing portion. 38. The toner container according to claim 37, wherein the sliding portion slides the toner container housing portion in conjunction with an attaching / detaching operation with respect to the toner container housing portion. In the mounting operation to the toner container housing portion, the positioning of the held portion is started after the sliding of the sliding portion is started, and the positioning of the held portion is completed as the sliding of the sliding portion is finished. The toner container according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the toner container is terminated. 40. The container body according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the container body is configured to be rotatable and conveys toner accommodated therein in conjunction with the rotation toward the opening. Toner container. 41. The toner container according to claim 40, wherein the container main body is provided with a gear on the peripheral surface thereof and on the opening side to transmit a rotational driving force to the container main body. 42. The toner container according to claim 41, wherein the container body includes a guide member that covers a part of the gear. The toner container according to any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the container body includes a spiral protrusion on an inner peripheral surface thereof. 41. The toner container according to claim 40, wherein the container main body includes a conveying member that conveys toner contained therein toward the opening. 45. The toner container according to claim 44, wherein the conveying member is a coil or a screw configured to be rotatable. 45. The toner container according to claim 44, wherein the conveying member is a plate-like member configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the container main body. 47. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the held portion communicates with the container main body through the opening. 48. A toner container according to claim 1, wherein toner is contained in the container main body. 49. The toner container according to claim 48, wherein a filling density of toner stored in the container body is 0.7 or less. 50. The toner container according to claim 48, wherein a carrier is further accommodated in the container body. 51. An image forming apparatus, wherein the toner container according to claim 1 is detachably installed in the toner container housing portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus. A packing box for packing the toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 50,
A packaging box configured to prevent the toner container packaged inside from being stationary on a stationary surface in a state where a longitudinal direction thereof is a vertical direction. 53. The packaging box according to claim 52, wherein the end face in the longitudinal direction has any shape of a slope, a spherical surface, and a pointed surface. A method for recycling and manufacturing a toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 50,
A removing step of removing the held portion from the container body;
A filling step of filling the inside of the container main body with toner or developer after the removing step;
An attaching step of attaching the held portion to the container body after the filling step;
A method for recycling and manufacturing a toner container. A method for recycling and manufacturing a toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 50,
A processing step of forming a through hole in the container body;
A filling step of filling the inside of the container body with toner or developer through the through hole;
A sealing step of closing the through hole after the filling step;
A method for recycling and manufacturing a toner container.

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