JP2007328055A - Image forming device and developer supply used in it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stabilize the developer supply between the marking unit and the developer source at a non-set position remaining ready for attaching or removing the unit by making the marking unit in the developing unit movable to its set position and non-set position. <P>SOLUTION: This device has a marking unit 1 including a developing unit 2, a holder 3 holding the marking unit 1 free to move and capable of attaching or removing it in a direction crossing the non-set direction at the non-set position, and a developer supply 4 capable of supplying the developer to the developing unit 2. The developer supply 4 has a developer source 5, a connecting tube 6, and an auxiliary unit 7a disposed at the holder 3 or the developing unit 2, and further, an auxiliary unit 7 to make the developing unit 2 communicate with the connecting tube 6 when the marking unit 1 is mounted on the holder 3 and to cancel this communicating state when the marking unit 1 is separated from the holder 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus adopting a configuration in which a developer supply source is arranged separately from a developing device and an improvement of a developer supply apparatus used therefor.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that employs an electrophotographic method, for example, a toner cartridge is arranged separately from a developing device (an example of a marking unit), from the toner cartridge to the developing device. When supplying the toner, there is no problem with the piping between the toner cartridge and the developing device when the developing device is fixedly arranged, but when using a developing device that is movable, the toner cartridge and the developing device The followability to the movable displacement of the pipe between the two has been a problem. In order to solve such a problem, there has been known a proposal that uses bellows-like piping to utilize the mobility of the bellows (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a method of expanding and contracting bellows along the moving direction of the developing device, and Patent Document 3 describes a method of moving the toner cartridge in the moving direction of the developing device and in a direction substantially intersecting the direction. Presented.
On the other hand, a proposal has been made in consideration of piping connection with a toner cartridge when a process cartridge (another example of a marking unit) is attached or detached (see, for example, Patent Document 4). Patent Document 4 proposes a method in which when a process cartridge is attached / detached, the tip of a pipe extending from the toner cartridge is positioned so as to be attached to / detached from the process cartridge.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-191869 (upper right of page 8, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-195075 (upper left of page 9, FIG. 1) JP-A-4-280268 (paragraph [0055], FIG. 7) JP 2004-287404 A (Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention, FIG. 7)

  In recent years, for example, in a full-color image forming apparatus, in order to extend the life of the marking unit, only the marking unit to be used is arranged at the set position, and the unused marking unit is separated from the set position (non-set in switching drive). Or move the marking unit to a retract position (corresponding to the non-set position in the retract drive) that is separated from the non-set position in order to replace the marking unit itself. There is a strong demand to ensure that the marking unit is attached and detached after securing. In this case, the movement in the set non-set direction between the set position and the switching position (corresponding to the non-set position) with respect to the marking unit, and the set non-set direction in the retract position (corresponding to the non-set position) are abbreviated. It is necessary to achieve both movement in the orthogonal direction.

However, no marking unit has been proposed that can achieve both the movement of the marking unit in the set non-set direction and the movement of the marking unit in a direction substantially orthogonal to the set non-set direction.
That is, in any of the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, no consideration is given to the direction in which the developing device as the marking unit is attached / detached. It is necessary to carry out after the pipe is once detached from the developing device, so that the workability is lowered and the toner is scattered.
On the other hand, in the method of Patent Document 4, although the process cartridge moves as a marking unit in a direction in which it is attached or detached, it does not move in any other direction, so it cannot cope with movement in the non-set direction.

  Furthermore, when the bellows-like piping shown in Patent Literatures 1 to 3 is applied to the method described in Patent Literature 4, it may be possible to follow the movement of the marking unit with the bellows-like piping, but the two directions of the marking unit A function to ensure movement in the (set non-set direction and attaching / detaching direction) and holding the bellows-like pipe at a predetermined position when attaching / detaching the marking unit, and connecting the end of the marking unit and the bellows-like pipe It is difficult to achieve both the functions to be performed.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above technical problems, and a marking unit including a developing device (for example, a process cartridge and a developing cartridge) includes a set position and a non-set position for image formation. Development with a developer supply source arranged separately from the marking unit in an image forming apparatus capable of moving back and forth between the marking unit and attaching / detaching the marking unit at a non-set position. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of stably supplying a developer and a developer supplying apparatus used therefor.

That is, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the marking unit 1 disposed in the image forming apparatus casing and including at least the developing device 2, the set position where the marking unit 1 can perform the developing operation, and the retracted position from the set position A holder 3 that holds the marking unit 1 movably in a set non-set direction that moves forward and backward with respect to the non-set position, and that the marking unit 1 can be attached / detached in a detachable direction that intersects the set non-set direction A developer supply device 4 capable of supplying a developer to the developing device 2, and the developer supply device 4 includes a developer supply source 5 in which the supplied developer is accommodated, and at least a set of the marking unit 1. Provided on the holder 3 or the developing device 2 side with a connecting pipe 6 that can follow the movement in the non-setting direction and transport the developer contained in the developer supply source 5 to the developing device 2 side. When the marking unit 1 is mounted on the holder 3, the auxiliary tool body 7 a is interposed between the developing device 2 and the end of the connecting pipe 6. The developer passage is connected in communication between the developing device 2 and the connecting pipe 6, and the connecting aid 7 is released when the marking unit 1 is separated from the holder 3. It is what.
Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG.

In such technical means, the marking unit 1 may be any unit that includes the developing device 2. As a typical embodiment, a process cartridge in which a latent image carrier (for example, a photoreceptor) is integrally provided, An example of the developing cartridge does not include an image carrier.
Further, the holder 3 may be any one that holds the marking unit 1 so as to be movable in the set non-set direction and enables the marking unit 1 to be detached from the holder 3 in the non-set position. For example, the marking unit 1 may move relative to the holder 3. At this time, the number of non-set positions is not particularly limited, and a plurality of non-set positions may be provided. A normal non-set position (corresponding to a non-set position in switching drive) and the marking unit 1 are attached to and detached from the holder 3. The non-setting position (corresponding to the non-setting position in the retract drive) may be the same position or may be a different position. By making the non-set position (retract position) for attachment / detachment different from the normal non-set position as in the latter case, particularly when attaching / detaching the marking unit 1 to / from the holder 3, a large space is taken around. This also makes it possible to improve the attaching / detaching workability of the marking unit 1. Further, a plurality of switching positions and one retract position may be provided as non-set positions.

Here, the setting position of the marking unit 1 is set as “a setting position where the developing operation is possible” because the developing operation is possible for image formation when the marking unit 1 is set at the setting position.
In this way, by moving the marking unit 1 from the set position to the non-set position, the marking unit 1 and the marking unit 1 that are in contact with each other, for example, the wear of an intermediate transfer member or the like can be prevented and the life can be extended. Will be able to.

The developer supply source 5 in the present invention is not limited as long as the developer can be accommodated and supplied, and examples of the developer include a toner only or a toner and a carrier.
Furthermore, the connecting pipe 6 only needs to be able to follow the setting / non-setting direction of the marking unit 1.
Furthermore, the auxiliary tool body 7a of the connection auxiliary tool 7 may be provided in the holder 3 or the developing device 2, and may be provided integrally with the holder 3 or the developing device 2, or may be attached separately. It may come to be. The term “provided” is intended to include a mode in which when the marking unit 1 is attached to and detached from the holder 3, the auxiliary tool body 7 a is not completely fixed, and the marking unit 1 can be moved slightly so as to be easily attached and detached. is there.

And the connection auxiliary tool 7 in the present invention is preferably provided with an auxiliary tool main body 7a that can be connected to the end of the connecting pipe 6 in the direction along the attaching / detaching direction of the marking unit 1 on the developing device 2 side. By providing the auxiliary tool body 7a on the developing device 2 side, it is possible to realize a more compact apparatus.
Further, in this aspect, the holder 3 is provided with a movement restricting member that restricts the movement of the end of the connecting pipe 6 in the attaching / detaching direction when the marking unit 1 is attached / detached, and the connection auxiliary tool 7 is provided at least at the end of the connecting pipe 6. It is preferable to provide an openable / closable shutter that is interlocked with the attaching / detaching operation of the marking unit 1 with respect to the marking unit 3. 1 can be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, it is only necessary that the shutter be provided at least at the end of the connecting pipe 6. Further, if the shutter is provided in the developer passage of the auxiliary tool body 7a, the leakage of the developer can be further prevented during the attaching / detaching operation of the marking unit 1. It becomes like this.

Furthermore, the connection assisting tool 7 in the present invention may be provided with an assisting tool body 7a that can be connected to the end of the connecting pipe 6 on the holder 3 side. In this case, the structure of the developing device 2 is simplified. It becomes possible. In this aspect, the auxiliary tool body 7a may be fixed to the holder 3, or may be movable when the marking unit 1 is moved in the set non-set direction. Further, the direction in which the connecting pipe 6 is connected to the auxiliary tool body 7a may be any direction other than the direction toward the surface of the auxiliary tool body 7a facing the developing device 2, and the direction is determined in consideration of the degree of freedom of layout. That's fine.
And in the aspect which provides the auxiliary tool main body 7a in the holder 3 side in this way, the connection auxiliary tool 7 is the connection pipe 6 end part on one side other than the opposing part to the developing device 2 of the auxiliary tool main body 7a. And at least the developer passage of the auxiliary tool body 7a is preferably provided with an openable / closable shutter that is interlocked with the attaching / detaching operation of the marking unit 1 with respect to the holder 3, so that leakage of the developer can be prevented. . If a shutter is also provided on the developing device 2 side, the developer can be further prevented from leaking when the marking unit 1 is attached or detached. The “attachment / detachment operation of the marking unit 1” is not only an operation of attaching the marking unit 1 to the holder 3 or attaching / detaching the marking unit 1 from the holder 3, but also after attaching the marking unit 1 and before attaching / detaching it. In addition, for example, this includes an operation of opening and closing a device-side cover or the like provided for the marking unit 1.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the connection auxiliary tool 7 of the present invention further includes an excess developer discharge passage through which the excess developer in the developing device 2 can be discharged to the outside. In the case of providing a mechanism (so-called trickle mechanism) for discharging the developer, the connection assisting tool 7 can be provided with a developer passage from the developer supply source 5 to the developing device 2 and an excess developer discharging passage from the developing device 2. A miniaturized image forming apparatus is possible.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the connecting pipe 6 is composed of an elastic tube made of an elastic member. By thus using the connecting pipe 6 as an elastic tube, the marking unit 1 moves in the set non-setting direction. Even if this happens, the followability to the movement is sufficiently secured, and the developer can be stably conveyed over a long period of time. When the connecting pipe 6 is laid out, the minimum bending radius of the pipe is preferably set to be larger than the bending radius allowable for the elastic tube. If the set bending radius is small, the elastic tube may be deteriorated. There is a risk that the stability of the developer conveyance stability over a long period of time may be impaired. At this time, as an allowable bending radius of the elastic tube itself, a value provided by the manufacturer may be referred to.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the connecting pipe 6 includes a coiled auger capable of transporting the developer, and according to this, the developer can be easily transported in the connecting pipe 6 by the coiled auger. The degree of freedom in designing the piping direction of the connecting pipe 6 can be improved, and the apparatus can be downsized. The coiled auger is not limited to the coil auger in which the wire is formed in a spiral shape, and may be any as long as the entire auger can flexibly cope with the movement of the connecting pipe 6.
Further, it is preferable that the inner surface of the connecting pipe 6 is made of a low friction material having a small frictional resistance with the developer, and thus the inner surface of the connecting pipe 6 is made of a low friction material, thereby transporting the developer. At this time, it becomes difficult for the developer to adhere to the inner surface of the connecting pipe 6, and the developer transport performance can be kept good. As an application of the low friction material, the entire connecting pipe 6 may be such a low friction material. For example, the connecting pipe 6 is composed of a plurality of layers, and the innermost layer is a low friction material. Also good. Furthermore, a low friction material may be applied to the inner surface.

When the present invention is viewed from the viewpoint of focusing on the behavior of a member capable of transporting a developer, the marking unit 1 disposed in the image forming apparatus casing and including at least the developing device 2, and the marking unit 1 can be developed. A holder 3 that holds the marking unit 1 movably in a set non-set direction that advances and retreats between a correct set position and a non-set position retracted from the set position, and a developer that can supply the developer to the developing unit 2 And a developer supply source 4 in which the supplied developer is accommodated, and a tubular member that conveys the developer from the developer supply source 5 toward the marking unit 1. And the tubular member changes the force in the bending direction as the marking unit 1 moves in the non-setting direction. It is characterized in that to follow the movement.
Further, in this image forming apparatus, the marking unit 1 can be attached to and detached from the holder 3 in a direction crossing the set non-set direction, and this attachment / detachment direction is an end of the tubular member on the marking unit 1 side. It is preferable to make the direction to expand and contract. Thereby, even if the marking unit 1 is attached and detached, the marking unit 1 and the tubular member can be stably attached and detached.

  The present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus, but also targets the above-described developer supply apparatus used in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the marking unit including the developing device, and the marking unit in the set non-set direction in which the marking unit advances and retreats between the set position where the developing operation can be performed and the non-set position retracted from the set position. A holder that is movably held and can be attached to and detached from the marking unit in the attaching and detaching direction that intersects the setting and non-setting direction at the non-setting position, and a developer supply device that enables the developer to be supplied to the developing device. As a developer supply device, a developer supply source that stores the supplied developer, and at least follows the movement of the marking unit in the set non-setting direction, and the developer stored in the developer supply source is conveyed to the developer side A connecting pipe and an auxiliary tool body which is provided on the holder or developer side and has a developer passage formed therein, and the marking unit is a holder When attached, the auxiliary tool body is interposed between the developing device and the end of the connecting pipe, the developer passage is connected in communication between the developing device and the connecting pipe, and the marking unit is connected to the holder when the marking unit is separated from the holder. Since the connection aid is released, the marking unit can be easily attached to and detached from the holder, and the developer can be stably supplied with respect to the movement of the marking unit. It becomes like this.

  Further, according to the present invention, the marking unit disposed in the image forming apparatus casing and including at least the developing device, and the advancing and retreating between the set position where the marking unit can perform the developing operation and the non-set position retracted from the set position. A holder for movably holding the marking unit in the set non-setting direction, and a developer supply device capable of supplying the developer to the developing device, and the developer supply device contains the supplied developer. A developer supply source and a tubular member that conveys the developer from the developer supply source toward the marking unit, and the tubular member is bent in accordance with the movement of the marking unit in the non-set direction. The movement of the marking unit is followed by the change of the force of So the supply of the image agent is made.

  Furthermore, according to the developer supply device used in the image forming apparatus described above, the developer can be stably supplied to the marking unit, and the developer can be stably supplied over a long period of time. Become.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
FIG. 2 shows Embodiment 1 of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
In the figure, the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment is a so-called tandem type color image forming apparatus, and each color component (for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M)) is formed in the apparatus housing 10 by, for example, electrophotography. , Cyan (C) and black (K) toner cartridges (corresponding to marking units) 20 (20a to 20d) are formed in parallel to face the intermediate transfer belt 40. . The process cartridges 20 (20a to 20d) of the respective colors are in a state of being mounted on individual holders 60 (60a to 60d).

  The intermediate transfer belt 40 is stretched around three tension rolls 41 to 43, and circulates in the direction of the arrow in the figure, for example, with the tension roll 42 as a drive roll, and faces the drive roll 42. A belt cleaner 44 for cleaning residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 40 is provided at a position so as to be able to contact with and separate from the intermediate transfer belt 40.

Further, in the present embodiment, a paper feed tray 11 that can supply a sheet S as a recording material is provided below the apparatus housing 10 so as to be able to be drawn out from the apparatus housing 10. Further, in the vicinity of the paper feed tray 11, a pickup roll 12 that picks up the paper S from the paper feed tray 11, a feed roll 13 and a retard roll 14 that are disposed opposite to the downstream side of the pickup roll 12 are provided. Only the top sheet of the picked up paper S is conveyed to a predetermined paper conveyance path (path indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure).
Further, a registration roll 15 that controls the positioning of the sheet S that has been rolled and transported at a predetermined timing is disposed on the downstream side thereof, and the intermediate transfer belt 40 is further disposed on the downstream side thereof. A secondary transfer device 16 such as a secondary transfer roll for collectively transferring a multiple toner image obtained by multiplexing the color toner images formed by the process cartridges 20 of the respective colors onto the paper S is used as the stretching roll 41. It is arranged as a backup roll. Note that a secondary transfer bias for collectively transferring multiple toner images is applied between the secondary transfer device 16 and the stretching roll 41 by a bias power source (not shown).

  Furthermore, on the downstream side of the secondary transfer device 16, a fixing device 17 for fixing the multiple toner images collectively transferred onto the paper S is provided, and is constituted by, for example, a heating roll 17a and a pressure roll 17b. It has become. A discharge roll 18 is provided at the end of the apparatus housing 10 on the downstream side of the fixing device 17 to discharge the fixed sheet S to a discharge tray 19 constituted by a part of the apparatus housing 10. ing.

  In the present embodiment, a developer cartridge 50 (50a to 50d) for supplying the developer of each color to the process cartridge 20 of each color is provided above the apparatus housing 10, and in this example, The K developer cartridge 50 d has a larger capacity than the other developer cartridges 50. On the other hand, a waste developer container 59 for storing waste developer discharged from the process cartridge 20 is provided below the developer cartridges 50 in the apparatus housing 10. Note that the developer used in the present embodiment is a two-component developer including toner and carrier, and the developer discharged from the process cartridge 20 includes a carrier that has deteriorated. The developer in 50 is a component containing toner and carrier.

The process cartridge 20 in the present embodiment is as shown in FIG. 3 (in FIG. 3, only the Y process cartridge 20a is representatively shown). In the process cartridge 20, a photosensitive member 22 having a photosensitive layer such as an organic photosensitive member is disposed facing the opening of the cartridge case 21 at a position facing the intermediate transfer belt 40.
Around the photoconductor 22, a charger 23 made of a charging roll for charging the photoconductor 22 and an exposure device 24 made of an LED array for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged photoconductor 22 are arranged. Yes. Further, a developing roll 31 for developing and developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 22 and a position opposite to the photoconductor 22 across the intermediate transfer belt 40 are provided, and the toner image on the photoconductor 22 is intermediated. A primary transfer device 25 such as a transfer roll for transferring onto the transfer belt 40 is provided. Further, a blade cleaner 26 for cleaning residual toner on the photosensitive member 22 and a charging cleaner 27 for cleaning dirt on the charger 23 are also provided at predetermined positions. In this embodiment, a transfer bias is applied between the photosensitive member 22 and the primary transfer unit 25 from a bias power source (not shown), and the toner image on the photosensitive member 22 is effectively transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 40. It has come to be.

The developing roll 31 of the present embodiment is constituted by a so-called mag roll that includes a nonmagnetic developing sleeve that can rotate on the surface and includes a magnet body in which a plurality of magnetic poles are fixedly arranged inside the developing sleeve. Therefore, the developer on the developing roller 31 is developed by a developing bias (not shown) applied between the photosensitive member 22 and the developing roller 31 in the developing region which is a region facing the photosensitive member 22. The toner inside the toner flies from the developing roll 31 to the photosensitive member 22 side for development.
In this embodiment, the process cartridge is composed of the developing roll 31 and a pair of augers 33 and 34 provided behind the developing roll 31 in order to stir and charge the developer and supply the developer to the developing roll 31. The developing device 30 in 20 is configured. Further, the augers 33 and 34 are an auger 33 near the developing roll 31 that is a supply auger that mainly supplies developer to the developing roll 31 and a rear auger 34 that is an admixing auger that mainly performs mixing and stirring of the developer. Further, a trimmer 32 is provided on the upstream side of the developing area of the developing roll 31 while ensuring a predetermined gap from the developing roll 31 and for regulating the developer layer thickness on the developing roll 31. In this embodiment, a toner concentration sensor (not shown) such as a magnetic permeability sensor is disposed obliquely below the admix auger 34 to detect the toner concentration of the developer in the developing device 30. Yes.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a supply port 35 for supplying developer to a part of the admix auger 34 is provided behind the admix auger 34, and the developer cartridge 50 is provided via the supply port 35. The developer from is dispensed. Furthermore, a part of the admix auger 34 is provided with a mechanism (so-called trickle mechanism) that collects and discharges the excess developer, and the developer overflowed from a predetermined portion is discharged into the discharge port 36 (two points in the figure). It is discharged from the process cartridge 20 via a chain line). Therefore, the carrier deteriorated in the process cartridge 20 can be effectively discharged, and the development characteristics can be stabilized for a long time. In addition, the site | part of these supply ports 35 and the discharge ports 36 comprises the auxiliary tool main-body part of the connection auxiliary tool in this Embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60, and the process cartridge 20 moves in accordance with the movement of the holder 60 in the direction of arrow A. 22 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 40 (corresponding to the set position) or is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 40 (switching position: equivalent to the non-set position in the switching drive). It has become so.

Next, a developer supply path between the developer cartridge 50 (50a to 50d) and the process cartridge 20 (20a to 20d) in the present embodiment will be described.
4A and 4B show the piping state of the connecting pipe 51 between the developer cartridge 50 and the process cartridge 20, and the development corresponding to each color of the process cartridge 20 (20a to 20d). Connecting pipes 51 (51a to 51d) extending from the agent cartridge 50 (50a to 50d) are provided.
The connecting pipe 51 (typically shown as 51) in the present embodiment is, for example, a developer at one end of an elastic tube 52 in which a polyethylene coating 53 having a low frictional resistance with the developer is applied to the inner surface of an olefin elastomer. A rigid sleeve 54 that enables connection with the cartridge 50 is provided, and a shutter member 55 that enables connection with the process cartridge 20 is provided on the other side of the elastic tube 52. In addition, a coil auger 56 in which one wire is spirally stretched from the rigid sleeve 54 side is provided inside the connection tube 51, and the connection tube 51 is rotated by rotating the coil auger 56 from the rigid sleeve 54 side. The developer is conveyed inside. Further, when the connecting pipe 51 is deformed, the coil auger 56 can follow the deformation and maintain good developer transportability.
It should be noted that when the connecting pipe 51 is disposed, the minimum bending radius of the elastic tube 52 is taken into consideration, and it goes without saying that the layout is made with a bending shape that is equal to or larger than the minimum bending radius even if the process cartridge 20 moves. In the present embodiment, an elastomer is used as the elastic tube 52. However, for example, a rubber tube whose inner surface is treated with a release agent or the like may be used. Further, instead of the coil auger 56, for example, stainless steel is used. Even a thin plate such as a spiral plate may be used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a part of the shutter member 55 on the one end side of the connecting pipe 51 described above is mounted and supported by the holder 60, and the one end side of the connecting pipe 51 is thereby supported. The shape held by the holder 60 is adopted. In the present embodiment, the shutter member 55 constitutes a part of the connection aid.

As shown in FIG. 5, the holder 60 (here, the K-color holder 60 d will be described) has a substantially rectangular shape made of a rigid member such as metal or resin, a holder main body 61 to which the process cartridge 20 can be attached and detached, and a holder Two slide plates 62 and 63 that support the main body 61 are main components.
The holder main body 61 is provided with three side walls (specifically, reference numerals 61 a to 61 c) for sliding and guiding the process cartridge 20 when the process cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60. The process cartridge 20 is accommodated in the holder main body 61 along 61a-61c. At this time, a guide rail or the like for attaching / detaching the process cartridge 20 may be provided as appropriate, and the process cartridge 20 can be attached / detached more smoothly.
A part of the shutter member 55 of the connecting pipe 51 is attached to the opening of this side wall (specifically, a side wall indicated by reference numeral 61b), and the connecting pipe 51 is attached to the holder 60 when the process cartridge 20 is attached to or detached from the holder 60. It does not move in the attachment / detachment direction.

Of the two slide plates 62 and 63, the slide plate 62 positioned on the inlet side when the process cartridge 20 is mounted is provided with two oval holes 62a and 62b, which will be described later. By sliding the holes 62a and 62b along the guide pins, the holder 60 can move along the direction of arrow A in the figure. Further, the slide plate 62 is provided with a connector 64. When the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60, electrical connection to the process cartridge 20 side is performed via the connector 64, and various signals are provided. Transmission and power feeding are performed.
On the other hand, the back side slide plate 63 is also provided with two oval holes 63b (63a is not shown) similar to the entrance side slide plate 62.
Reference numeral 65 in the figure denotes a discharge guide member attached to the holder main body 61 so as to constitute a passage through which the developer discharged from the process cartridge 20 passes when the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. It has become.

  The holder 60 for each color in the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 6A, and there are two holders 60 (60a, 60b, 60c) for three colors Y, M, and C other than K color. The slide plate 66 (only one is shown in the figure) is provided in common. The slide plate 66 is also provided with two oval holes 66a and 66b. By sliding the holes 66a and 66b along guide pins to be described later, the three-color holders 60 (60a, 60b, 60c) can move integrally between the set position and the non-set position along the direction of the arrow B (the same direction as the A direction) in the figure.

In the present embodiment, the holder 60 can be moved to a second non-set position (retract position: corresponding to a non-set position in retract drive) that retreats obliquely downward from the above-described non-set position. As shown in FIG. 6 (b), in this embodiment, a pair of stepped retract frames 70 (only one in the figure) are provided on both sides (inlet side and back side) of the four slide plates of the holder 60. Is shown). On the inner side (slide plate side) of the retract frame 70, four guide pins 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b that fit into holes (for example, 62a, 62b, 66a, 66b) of the slide plates 62, 66 described above. Are fixedly arranged so that the holes of the slide plate can move along the guide pins.
In addition, a plurality of bearings 73 to 75 (three bearings are shown in this example, but the number is not limited) are attached to the outside of the retract frame 70, and the apparatus housing 10 is interposed between the bearings 73 to 75, for example. A guide rail 79 fixedly arranged on the side (see FIG. 2) is fitted. Therefore, the retract frame 70 is moved in the direction of the arrow C in the figure along the guide rail 79 so that the retract drive is performed. Needless to say, the two retract frames 70 (only one is shown in the figure) are integrally formed by a support member (not shown) and the like, and the shape is stable. Is moved in the direction of arrow C, so that all the holders 60 (60a to 60d) can move integrally with the movement of the retract frame 70.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, an opening corresponding to each discharge guide member 65 is provided below the discharge guide member 65 provided in the holder 60, and the development is arranged obliquely. An agent discharge skew passage 76 is provided. The opening of the discharge skew passage 76 is provided with an opening larger than the discharge guide member 65, and allows the movement of the holder 60 of each color from the set position to the non-set position. The discharge skew passage 76 itself is formed integrally with the above-described retract frame 70, and can move in accordance with the movement of the retract frame 70 when it moves.
Further, a connecting pipe 77 similar to the connecting pipe 51 connecting the developer cartridge 50 and the process cartridge 20 is connected to the lower end of the discharge skew passage 76, and one end side thereof is a waste developer container 59 (see FIG. 2). ). Therefore, a coil auger is also provided in the connecting pipe 77 so that the waste developer collected in the discharge skew passage 76 can be conveyed to the waste developer container 59.
The driving method of the slide plate and retract frame described above is not particularly limited. For example, a worm and a worm wheel, a rack and a pinion, or a cam and a spring may be used.

Next, an opening / closing mechanism for the developer supply path and the discharge path when the process cartridge 20 in the present embodiment is mounted in the holder 60 will be described.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views showing a state when the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. FIG. 8A is a diagram viewed from diagonally above, and FIG. 8B is a diagram viewed from diagonally below. Yes. Here, in order to simplify the process cartridge 20, only the developing unit is shown and the auger is removed. Furthermore, the shape of the holder 60 is also shown in a shape different from the shape of FIG. 5 for simplification.

  In the figure, a discharge port 36 for discharging excess developer and a supply port 35 for supplying developer from the developer cartridge 50 are provided side by side inside the process cartridge 20 in the present embodiment. The supply port 35 is provided with a shutter 351 that faces the holder 60 and can be opened and closed. The shutter 351 is urged so as to be always closed when the process cartridge 20 is separated from the holder 60. Further, a projection 352 that protrudes toward the holder 60 is provided below the shutter 351 so as to abut against the shutter member 55 of the connecting pipe 51 when the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. On the other hand, a slide shutter 201 is provided so as to cover a part of the process cartridge 20 below the discharge port 36, and a discharge guide provided on the discharge port 36 and the holder 60 side when the process cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60. The developer discharge path between the member 65 and the member 65 can be opened and closed. In particular, in this embodiment, the slide shutter 201 has a double structure, and further includes a second slide shutter 202 on the inner side. When the movement amount of the slide shutter 201 reaches a predetermined value, The second slide shutter 202 starts to move so that a final developer discharge path can be formed.

  When the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60, the protrusion 65a of the discharge guide member 65 on the holder 60 side abuts against the slide shutter 201 to move the slide shutter 201, and the slide shutter 201 performs a predetermined movement. Since the second slide shutter 202 starts to move from when it is performed, the two slide shutters 201 and 202 are completely opened when the discharge port 36 of the process cartridge 20 is positioned at the opening of the discharge guide member 65. It has become.

  In addition, the connecting pipe 51 provided on the holder 60 side is configured such that a part of the grooved support portion 551 of the shutter member 55 is held by the holder 60 (see FIG. 5). The holder 60 can be attached and detached. Further, the shutter member 55 is provided with a sliding portion 552 having a developer passage formed therein and a sleeve shutter 553 slidable along the outer periphery of the sliding portion 552. The sleeve shutter 553 is slid. By moving the moving portion 552 to the grooved support portion 551 side, a developer passage is opened by an opening provided on the side of the sliding portion 552 (specifically, on the process cartridge 20 side).

Therefore, when the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60, as shown in FIG. 9, the sleeve shutter 553 of the shutter member 55 of the connecting pipe 51 is pushed, and only the sliding portion 552 is inserted on the process cartridge 20 side. In this state, the developer from the developer cartridge 50 is dispensed through the opening of the sliding portion 552. At this time, the shutter 351 of the supply port 35 on the process cartridge 20 side is pushed by the sliding portion 552 and opens while climbing over the sliding portion 552.
On the other hand, as described above, the shutter of the discharge port 36 is also opened, and a discharge path for surplus developer is secured.

Next, the movement of the holder 60 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In this embodiment, the three color holders (60a, 60b, 60c) of Y, M, and C and the holder 60d of K color are held by different slide plates 62 and 66, respectively, so that three colors are formed at the time of image formation. The process cartridge 20 (20a, 20b, 20c) and the K-color process cartridge 20d can be moved differently. For example, when a full-color image is formed, the four colors are brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 40, and when a monochrome image is formed, the three colors are separated from the intermediate transfer belt 40 (switching position). Move it to). Thereby, unnecessary deterioration of the member can be suppressed.

At this time, even if the three-color and K-color holder 60 repeats the switching movement between the set position and the switching position, the discharge guide member 65 provided on the holder 60 is in the opening of the discharge skew passage 76. Therefore, the excess developer is discharged from the process cartridge 20 satisfactorily.
On the other hand, when the holder 60 moves between the setting position and the switching position, various stresses (particularly bending stresses) are applied to the connecting pipe 51 that supplies the developer from the developer cartridge 50 to the process cartridge 20 (particularly the developing unit 30). However, since an elastic tube is used as the connecting pipe 51, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects such as cracks due to the deterioration of the connecting pipe 51. Further, since the inside of the connecting pipe 51 is made of a low friction material with respect to the developer, and the coil auger 56 is used therein, the supply of the developer by the connecting pipe 51 can be effectively performed. .
Therefore, good image formation can be maintained over a long period of time.

  In order to attach / detach the process cartridge 20 to / from the holder 60 in such a configuration, for example, after all the four color holders 60 are moved to the switching position, the retract frame 70 is moved in the direction of arrow C (retracted). In this manner, the moved retracted position (second non-set position) can provide a wide space around the holder 60, and may come into contact with other members when the process cartridge 20 is attached or detached. Such worries are no longer necessary, and the process cartridge 20 can be attached and detached (exchanged) more easily. Further, since the movement to the retract position is also performed integrally with the discharge skew feeding passage 76, a discharge path for surplus developer from the process cartridge 20 is secured.

As described above, when the holder 60 moves to the retracted position, the connecting pipe 51 connected to the holder 60 side and the connecting pipe 77 connected to the discharge oblique passage 76 also move (deform greatly). Since an elastic tube is used, sufficient followability can be maintained even for large deformation due to such movement. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately ensure the supply of the developer from the developer cartridge 50 and the discharge path of the excess developer in the process cartridge 20.
In addition, when the process cartridge 20 is attached to or detached from the holder 60, the occurrence of leakage such as scattering of the developer can be suppressed, and good image formation can be performed.

In the present embodiment, a method of moving the holder 60 from the set position to the retract position (second non-set position) via the switching position (non-set position) when moving the holder 60 is shown. However, the position may be moved directly from the set position to the retract position. Further, the holder 60 may be moved at two positions, ie, a set position and a retract position.
Further, in the present embodiment, the method of integrally moving the holders 60 (60a, 60b, 60c) of Y, M, and C colors is shown, but three colors of Y, M, and C are used instead of the slide plate 66. It is possible to use a method in which each has its own slide plate and each moves independently. Furthermore, a retract frame may be provided for each color and moved to the retract position for each color. However, in this case, it is necessary to consider the discharge oblique passage 76 corresponding to the movement of the discharge guide member 65. For example, it is necessary to devise such as providing the connecting pipe 77 corresponding to each discharge guide member 65. become. Needless to say, moving to the retract position integrally can effectively use the space in the image forming apparatus and facilitate downsizing.

In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus using four colors Y, M, C, and K is shown. However, the number is not particularly limited, and any number may be provided.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a mode in which the shutter 351 is also provided at the supply port 35 of the process cartridge 20 has been shown. However, for example, when the developer is supplied from the supply port 35, the process cartridge 20 drops downward from the shutter member 55 of the connecting pipe 51. If configured to do so, the shutter 351 may not be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, an embodiment in which a two-component developer is used as a developer to be used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a one-component developer (toner) may be used. The cartridge 50 also stores the one-component developer.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the method of discharging the surplus developer in the process cartridge 20 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a type without a mechanism for discharging surplus developer may be used.
The structure of the process cartridge 20 is not limited to this. For example, the process cartridge 20 may not have an auger inside.

In the present embodiment, the developer is supplied from an opening provided on the side of the shutter member 55 of the connecting pipe 51 by opening and closing the shutter member 55 of the connecting pipe 51 and the shutter 351 of the supply port 35. However, for example, a shutter as shown in FIGS.
In (a), a protrusion 353 is provided on the supply port 35 side so as to be fitted in a hole provided in a part of the cartridge case 21, and this protrusion 353 is shown by a spring or the like not shown in the drawing. It is biased downward and can be moved in the direction of the arrow in the figure. A shutter 352 is provided on the inlet side of the supply port 35 so as to be able to rotate with the rotation shaft 352a as a pivot, and is urged in a direction that is always closed by a spring or the like not shown. On the other hand, the shutter member 55 is provided with a shutter 554 that rotates about a rotation shaft 554a. The shutter 554 has a substantially step shape, and one end 554b is provided so as to protrude to the outside of the shutter member 55. It has been.

When the shutter member 55 is mounted on the supply port 35 side, first, the shutter 352 on the supply port 35 side starts to be opened by the shutter member 55, and then the shutter member 55 side is opened. One end 554b of the shutter 554 hits the protrusion 353, and the shutter 554 opens. Then, the protrusion 353 stops with the shutter 554 opened. As a result, the developer is supplied.
Further, when the connecting pipe 51 is separated, it is performed by a method reverse to the above-described method, and the two shutters 352 and 554 are closed.

In the present embodiment, the process cartridge 20 is moved for each holder 60. For example, the holder 60 is fixed and the process cartridge 20 is moved with respect to the setting position and the switching position. It is also possible to do.
11A and 11B show the relationship between the shutter member 55 at the tip of the connecting tube 51 extending from the developer cartridge 50 side and the locking portion 601 provided on the holder 60 side. Shows a substantially cross-sectional shape, and (b) shows a left side view of (a).

  That is, by inserting the concave portion 551a provided in the support portion 551 of the shutter member 55 into the locking portion 601 of the holder 60, the movement in the arrow D direction can be restricted, while the movement in the arrow E direction is free. To be able to do that. By adopting such a configuration, when the process cartridge 20 is attached to or detached from the holder 60, the shutter member 55 of the connecting pipe 51 is inserted into the engaging portion 601 of the holder 60, and the process is moved to the set position. When the cartridge 20 is moved, movement in the direction of arrow E in the figure is performed, and the process cartridge 20 can be moved without moving the holder 60 itself. In this case, however, it goes without saying that a method for moving the process cartridge 20 is separately required.

Embodiment 2
12 (a) and 12 (b) show a connection method between a connecting tube and a process cartridge used in Embodiment 2 of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Since the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted here, and a connection method will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to Embodiment 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.

FIG. 12A shows a stage before the process cartridge 20 is connected to the connecting pipe 51, and FIG. 12B shows a time when the connection is completed. In addition, description of a holder is abbreviate | omitted here.
In the present embodiment, a shutter 354 having a rotation shaft 354a as a pivot is provided outside the supply port 35 of the process cartridge 20, and is normally urged in a direction to close the supply port 35. Further, a projection guide 203 protruding from the process cartridge 20 is provided in the vicinity of the shutter 354, and the connecting pipe 51 is mounted on the process cartridge 20 using the projection guide 203 as a guide.
On the other hand, the connecting pipe 51 is provided with a slide shutter 555 at the shutter member 55 at the tip thereof. Normally, the slide shutter 555 closes the opening of the shutter member 55 so that the developer does not leak out. It has become.

When the connecting pipe 51 having such a structure is attached to the process cartridge 20, the shutter member 55 of the connecting pipe 51 advances along the projection guide 203, and the tip of the shutter member 55 moves the shutter 354 on the supply port 35 side. It comes to rotate. Along with this, a slide shutter 555 on the shutter member 55 side is also opened, and a developer supply path from the connecting pipe 51 to the supply port 35 is formed.
Further, when the connecting pipe 51 is detached from the process cartridge 20, the developer supply path is blocked by an operation reverse to the above-described operation.
Although the discharge port 36 has not been described in the present embodiment, for example, a shutter may be provided below the discharge port 36 as in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3
FIG. 13A shows a connection method between a connecting tube and a process cartridge used in Embodiment 3 of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Since the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted here, and a connection method will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to Embodiment 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  In the present embodiment, unlike the shutter member 55 (see, for example, FIG. 8A) of the first embodiment, a discharge guide member 65 (see, for example, FIG. 8A) is also included at the tip of the connecting pipe. And the shutter on the process cartridge 20 side are also characterized.

  In the figure, the process cartridge 20 has a slide member 100 that can slide on the side surface. The slide member 100 includes a first slide surface 101 and a first slide surface. A second sliding surface 102 protruding from 101 is provided. Further, the second sliding surface 102 is provided with a supply communication port 103 through which developer can be supplied into the process cartridge 20 and a discharge communication port 104 through which excess developer can be discharged from the process cartridge 20. .

  On the other hand, the connection member 200 held by a holder (not shown) is provided with a member main body 201 in which a developer supply passage and a developer discharge passage are formed, and an upper portion of the member main body 201. A groove 202 provided over one surface of the member main body 201, a boss 203 protruding from the member main body 201, a discharge portion 204 extending downward from the member main body 201, and a part of the member main body 201 from the groove 202 are covered. The slider 205 is provided and is slidable along the groove 202. At this time, the opening (end of the developer supply passage and discharge passage) from the member main body 201 toward the process cartridge 20 is closed by the slider 205. The boss 203 has an opening connected to the developer supply passage, and an elastic tube (not shown) is attached to the outer periphery thereof. The discharge unit 204 also has an opening connected to the developer discharge passage. And in this Embodiment, this connection member 200 is corresponded to an auxiliary tool main body.

A method for connecting the process cartridge 20 and the connection member 200 in such a configuration will be described.
When the mounting is started, the slide member 100 on the process cartridge 20 side is positioned as shown in FIG. That is, the slider 205 of the connecting member 200 slides on the first sliding surface 101 of the sliding member 100 and contacts the step between the first sliding surface 101 and the second sliding surface 102. In this state, the slider 205 does not slide in the groove 202.

  Further, when the process cartridge 20 moves, the slider 205 moves in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. Then, the mounting of the process cartridge 20 to the holder (not shown) is completed at the position where the slide member 100 and the tip of the connection member 200 are substantially coincident with each other. However, at this time, the developer supply path and the discharge path are not formed depending on the position of the slider 205 of the connection member 200 and the position of the slide member 100 on the process cartridge 20 side.

  In the present embodiment, after that, for example, the lid of the apparatus housing 10 (see FIG. 2) is closed, so that the slide member 100 of the process cartridge 20 is further pushed to the heel side, and FIG. As described above, when the slide member 100 and the slider 205 are moved, the developer supply passage and the discharge passage on the connection member 200 side are connected to the process cartridge 20 side via the supply communication port 103 and the discharge communication port 104 of the slide member 100. Are connected to the supply port 35 (see FIG. 8A) and the discharge port 36 (see FIG. 8A), and a developer supply path and a discharge path are formed.

In the present embodiment, since the elastic tube is connected to the boss 203 of the connecting member 200, even if the connecting member 200 moves in accordance with the movement of the process cartridge 20, there is a problem such as deterioration as a connecting pipe. There is no need to worry, and a stable developer supply operation and discharge operation are performed.
Further, when the process cartridge 20 is detached, smooth removal can be performed without causing the developer to scatter and the like by a method reverse to the above-described method.

In the present embodiment, the position of the boss 203 is provided at a position facing the process cartridge 20. However, this position is not particularly limited, and may be provided at any position where piping is possible. Absent.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the mode in which the connection member 200 is fixed to the holder is shown. However, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, the process cartridge is provided with a locking portion for locking the connection member 200 in the holder. It is also possible to move 20 within the holder. At this time, it is necessary to allow the movement of the discharge unit 204.

Embodiment 4
FIG. 15 shows Embodiment 4 of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment does not use an electrostatic transfer method, and has a charging device 81 such as a corotron that charges the photoconductor 80 around the photoconductor 80, and each color of the charged photoconductor 80. An exposure device 82 that writes latent images of components (Y, M, C, and K colors in this example), and developing cartridges 83 (83a to 83d) for each color that develop and visualize the latent image written on the photoreceptor 80. ), An adhesive intermediate transfer roll 84 for transferring the toner image on the photoconductor 80, and a cleaner 85 for cleaning the residual toner on the photoconductor 80.
A secondary transfer roll 86 having a heating source is disposed at a position facing the adhesive intermediate transfer roll 84 and the photoconductor 80 in a different direction. Reference numeral 87 denotes a paper feed tray for supplying the paper S, and reference numeral 88 denotes a transport belt for transporting the fixed paper S.

  In the present embodiment, the developing cartridge 83 is attached to each of the holders 90 (90a to 90d), and can be moved by the holder 90 in the direction of arrow F. Further, toner cartridges 91 (91a to 91d) for each color for supplying toner to these developing cartridges 83 are provided, and are connected to the corresponding developing cartridges 83 via connecting pipes (not shown). Yes. In addition, since the connection pipe in this Embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, it abbreviate | omits here.

  In the present embodiment, a toner image for each color is formed on the photoreceptor 80. For this reason, the developing cartridge 83 of a predetermined color component based on the latent image formed by the exposure device 82 comes into contact with the photoconductor 80 to perform development. In the present embodiment, it is necessary for the developing cartridge 83 to move between a set position (a position in contact with the photoreceptor 80) and a non-set position (for example, the retract position in the first embodiment). In this example, the holder 90 Each developing cartridge 83 moves in the direction of arrow F, so that it moves between the set position and the non-set position.

Then, after the developing cartridge 83 multiplexes toner images of different color components for each rotation of the photoreceptor 80, the multiplexed toner image is transferred to the adhesive intermediate transfer roll 84 side by the adhesive intermediate transfer roll 84. Is done.
The toner image transferred to the adhesive intermediate transfer roll 84 is heated by the secondary transfer roll 86 and the releasability of the adhesive intermediate transfer roll 84 is improved. Further, the toner image is heated to become viscous. become. For this reason, the toner image is retransferred to the paper S between the adhesive intermediate transfer roll 84 and the secondary transfer roll 86, and at the same time, the fixing is completed.

  Also in the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, when the holder 90 and the developing cartridge 83 are attached and detached, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is adopted, so that the toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 90 to the developing cartridge 83. It will be done effectively. Further, when the developing cartridge 83 is detached from the holder 90, it is possible to prevent leakage such as toner scattering.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing Embodiment 1 of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process cartridge according to the first embodiment. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the piping state of the connecting pipe of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the holder of Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the frame structure of the holder of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a path of a waste developer according to the first embodiment. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the holder of Embodiment 1, and a process cartridge. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a process cartridge is mounted on the holder according to the first embodiment. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of a connection of the process cartridge as a modification of Embodiment 1, and a connecting pipe. (A) and (b) are explanatory drawings showing movement of a process cartridge as a modification of the first embodiment. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the connection of the process cartridge which concerns on Embodiment 2, and a connecting pipe. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing about the mounting state of the process cartridge which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state continued to FIG. 12 (a) (b). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Marking unit, 2 ... Developer, 3 ... Holder, 4 ... Developer supply device, 5 ... Developer supply source, 6 ... Connection pipe, 7 ... Connection auxiliary tool, 7a ... Auxiliary tool main body

Claims (12)

A marking unit disposed in the image forming apparatus casing and including at least a developing device;
The marking unit is movably held in the set non-set direction in which the marking unit advances and retreats between the set position where the developing operation can be performed and the non-set position retracted from the set position, and intersects the set non-set direction at the non-set position. A holder to which the marking unit can be attached / detached in the attaching / detaching direction;
A developer supply device capable of supplying a developer to the developing device,
The developer supply device includes a developer supply source that stores a supplied developer,
A connecting pipe that follows at least the movement of the marking unit in the set non-setting direction and can transport the developer contained in the developer supply source to the developer side;
It has an auxiliary tool body that is provided on the holder or developer side and has a developer passage formed therein. When the marking unit is mounted on the holder, the auxiliary tool body is interposed between the developing device and the end of the connecting pipe. And an image forming apparatus comprising: a connection auxiliary member that is connected in communication between the developer unit and the connecting pipe, and that releases the connection state when the marking unit is separated from the holder. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection assisting device is provided with an assisting device main body that can be connected to the end of the connecting tube in a direction along the attaching / detaching direction of the marking unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The holder is provided with a movement restricting member for restricting movement of the connecting pipe end in the attaching / detaching direction when attaching / detaching the marking unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection assisting tool is provided with an openable / closable shutter interlocking with an attaching / detaching operation of the marking unit with respect to the holder at least at an end of the connecting pipe. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection auxiliary tool is provided with an auxiliary tool main body that can be connected to the end of the connecting pipe on the holder side. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
The connection auxiliary tool connects the end of the connecting pipe at one side other than the part of the auxiliary tool body facing the developing device, and at least the developer passage of the auxiliary tool body is linked to the attaching / detaching operation of the marking unit with respect to the holder. An image forming apparatus comprising a shutter that can be freely opened and closed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The connection auxiliary tool further comprises an excess developer discharge passage through which excess developer in the developing device can be discharged to the outside. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the connecting pipe is formed of an elastic tube made of an elastic member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the connecting pipe includes a coiled auger capable of transporting the developer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the connecting pipe is formed of a low friction material whose inner surface has a small frictional resistance with a developer. A marking unit disposed in the image forming apparatus casing and including at least a developing device;
A holder for movably holding the marking unit in a set non-set direction in which the marking unit advances and retreats between a set position where the developing operation can be performed and a non-set position retracted from the set position;
A developer supply device capable of supplying a developer to the developing device,
The developer supply device includes a developer supply source that stores a supplied developer,
A tubular member that conveys the developer from the developer supply source toward the marking unit;
The tubular member follows the movement of the marking unit by changing the force in the direction of bending as the marking unit moves in the non-setting direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.
The marking unit is detachable from the holder in a direction crossing a set non-set direction, and the attachment / detachment direction is a direction in which an end of the tubular member on the marking unit side is expanded or contracted. Forming equipment.   A developer supply device used in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images