JP2008003563A - Developer replenishing container and developer replenishing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in that, in a structure in which the gear train 5, 6 of a developer replenishing container 1 is locked by a lock member 7, and the set rotation of the developer replenishing container 1 is automated when the gear train 5, 6 receives a driving force from the gear 12 of a developer receiving device 10, the set rotation of the developer replenishing container 1 is not sometimes permitted automatically because the lock member 7 is lock-released when the developer replenishing container 1 is temporarily removed and then attached again. <P>SOLUTION: Such an arrangement is made that locking by the lock member 7 is effected when the guide unit 7c of the lock member 7 is pushed up by a guide portion 10j in a groove in the developer receiving device 10 following the insertion operation of the developer replenishing container 1. Therefore, since the gear train 5, 6 are locked by the lock member 7 upon completion of insertion of the developer replenishing container 1, a proper set rotation of the developer replenishing container 1 is permitted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer supply container that can be attached to and detached from a developer receiving apparatus, and a developer supply system including these.

  Examples of the developer receiving apparatus include an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a FAX, and an image forming unit that can be attached to and detached from such an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, a fine powder developer (toner) is used for image formation in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer. In such an image forming apparatus, as the developer is consumed, the developer is replenished from a developer replenishment container that is set in the image forming apparatus in a replaceable manner.

  Since the developer is an extremely fine powder, the developer may be scattered depending on how it is handled during the developer replenishment operation. For this reason, there has been proposed and put to practical use a method in which a developer supply container is placed inside the image forming apparatus and the developer is discharged little by little from a small opening.

  In such a conventional developer supply container, many examples have been proposed in which a cylindrical container having a stirring member (discharge means) for stirring and conveying the developer is used.

  Such a developer supply container is provided with a coupling member for driving a built-in stirring member. The coupling member of the developer supply container is configured to receive a driving force by engaging with a coupling member on the image forming apparatus side.

  After the developer supply container is inserted and mounted in the image forming apparatus, the user rotates the developer supply container by a predetermined angle so that the operation of the developer supply container (developer supply) becomes possible. That is, as the developer supply container rotates, the opening provided on the outer peripheral surface of the developer supply container communicates with the opening on the image forming apparatus side so that the developer can be supplied.

  The apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 53-46040 is configured to automatically perform such a rotating set operation of the developer supply container.

  Specifically, a coupling member for driving a stirring member incorporated in the developer supply container is engaged with the coupling member of the image forming apparatus and receives a driving force, so that the developer supply container Rotating set operation is performed.

JP-A-53-46040

  In the apparatus of the above publication, since the developer replenishing container is rotated and set, the coupling member of the developer replenishing container is considered to be configured to be hardly rotated with respect to the container body. In other words, it is considered that a considerable rotation load is applied to the coupling member of the developer supply container even after the rotation setting operation of the developer supply container is performed.

  That is, in the apparatus disclosed in the above publication, the force required to drive the coupling member remains large even in the developer replenishment process after the developer replenishment container is turned. Yes.

  Therefore, in the apparatus disclosed in the above publication, the driving force required to drive the stirring member to supply the developer is large, and the load on the driving motor and driving gear for driving the stirring member is large.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a developer supply container capable of reducing the force required to drive the discharging means after the developer supply container has been rotated in the setting direction.

  Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  A typical means in the present invention for solving the above problems is detachably provided in a developer receiving apparatus having a driving means and a moving force applying means, and is set by a setting operation involving at least rotation in the setting direction. In the developer supply container, rotatable discharge means for discharging the developer in the developer supply container to the outside, drive transmission means for transmitting the driving force of the drive means to the discharge means, and from the drive means Suppression means movable to an operating position and a non-operating position for suppressing relative rotation of the drive transmission means with respect to the developer supply container in order to rotate the developer supply container in the setting direction by the received driving force; And a moving force receiving means for receiving from the moving force applying means a force for moving the suppressing means in the non-operating position toward the operating position. .

  In the present invention, the movement of the suppressing means can be achieved reliably and without a special operation by the user. Accordingly, since the set rotation of the developer supply container can be automatically automated, the developer can be appropriately supplied.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[Example 1]
First, an image forming apparatus having a developer receiving device will be described, and then a developer supply container will be described. In this example, a system including a developer receiving device and a developer supply container is referred to as a developer supply system.

(Image forming device)
As an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a developer receiving apparatus to which a developer supply container is detachably mounted, the configuration of a copying machine employing an electrophotographic system will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes an electrophotographic copying machine main body (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body 100”). Reference numeral 101 denotes a document, which is placed on the document table glass 102. An optical image corresponding to the image information is formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member 104 (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) as an image carrier by a plurality of mirrors M and lenses Ln of the optical unit 103. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by the developing device 201 using a developer.

  In this embodiment, toner is used as the developer. Therefore, toner for replenishment is accommodated in a developer replenishment container described later. Note that in the case of performing development using a developer including toner and carrier, the developer replenishment container may contain the carrier together with the toner and replenish them. Further, in the case of performing the development using the developer including the toner and the carrier described above, the carrier may be stored in the developer supply container and supplied.

  Reference numerals 105 to 108 denote cassettes for storing recording media (hereinafter referred to as “sheets”) S. Among the sheets S stacked in these cassettes 105 to 108, an optimum cassette is selected based on information input by an operator (user) from the liquid crystal operation unit of the copying machine or the sheet size of the document 101. Here, the recording medium is not limited to a sheet, and may be appropriately used and selected, for example, an OHP sheet.

  Then, one sheet S conveyed by the feeding / separating devices 105A to 108A is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the conveying unit 109, and the rotation timing of the photosensitive drum 104 and the scanning timing of the optical unit 103 are set. Transport in synchronization.

  111 and 112 are transfer dischargers and separation dischargers. Here, the image formed by the developer formed on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer discharger 111. Then, the separation discharger 112 separates the sheet S on which the developer image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 104.

  Thereafter, the sheet S conveyed by the conveying unit 113 is fixed on the developer image on the sheet by heat and pressure in the fixing unit 114, and then passes through the discharge reversing unit 115 in the case of single-sided copying. The paper is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the roller 116. Further, in the case of multiple copying, the same path as in the case of single-sided copying is carried out after being transported to the registration roller 110 via the refeed transporting units 119 and 120 under the control of the flapper 118 of the discharge reversing unit 115. Then, it is discharged to the discharge tray 117.

  In the case of double-sided copying, the sheet S passes through the discharge reversing unit 115 and is once discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller 116. Thereafter, the trailing end of the sheet S passes through the flapper 118, and the flapper 118 is controlled at a timing at which the sheet S is still nipped by the discharge roller 116, and the discharge roller 116 is reversely rotated, thereby being conveyed into the apparatus again. . Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the re-feed conveyance units 119 and 120, and then discharged to the discharge tray 117 along the same path as in the case of single-sided copying.

  In the apparatus main body 100 having the above-described configuration, an image forming process device such as a developing device 201 as a developing unit, a cleaner unit 202 as a cleaning unit, and a primary charger 203 as a charging unit is installed around the photosensitive drum 104. Yes. The cleaner unit 202 is for removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104. The primary charger 203 is for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum in order to form a desired electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 104.

(Developer)
Next, the developing device will be described. The developing device 201 develops information on the document 101 by attaching a developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 by the optical unit 103. A developer supply container 1 for supplying developer to the developing device 201 is detachably provided on the apparatus main body 100 by an operator.

  Further, the developing device 201 has a developer receiving device 10 for detachably mounting the developer supply container 1 and a developing device 201a. Further, the developing device 201a has a developing roller 201b and a feeding member 201c. is doing. The developer replenished from the developer replenishing container 1 is sent to the developing roller 201b by the feeding member 201c, and is supplied to the photosensitive drum 104 by the developing roller 201b. As shown in FIG. 2, the developing roller 201b is disposed in contact with the developing roller in order to prevent the developer from leaking between the developing blade 201d that regulates the amount of developer coating on the roller and the developing device 201a. A leak prevention sheet 201e is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a replacement cover 15 for the developer supply container, which is a part of the outer cover of the copying machine, is provided, and the operator attaches / detaches the developer supply container 1 to / from the apparatus main body 100. At this time, the replacement cover 15 is opened.

(Developer receiving device)
As shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 d, the developer receiving device 10 includes a storage portion 10 a in which the developer supply container 1 is detachably mounted, and a developer reception for receiving the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1. A mouth 10b is provided. The developer replenished from the developer receiving port 10b is supplied to the above-described developing device and used for image formation.

  As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, a developer shutter 11 having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape along the circumferential shape of the developer supply container 1 and the storage portion 10a is provided. The developing device shutter 11 engages with a guide portion 10c provided at the lower edge of the storage portion 10a, and can slide along the circumferential direction so that the developer receiving port 10b can be opened and closed.

  The guide portion 10c is formed at both edge portions of the developer receiving port 10b that is opened by the movement of the developing device shutter 11.

  When the developer supply container 1 is not mounted in the storage portion 10a, the developer shutter 11 is in a position where one end is brought into contact with the stopper 10d provided in the developer receiving device 10 and the developer receiving port 10b is sealed. In addition, the developer is prevented from flowing back from the developing device to the storage portion 10a side.

  Further, when the developing device shutter 11 is opened, the developing device shutter 11 is unsealed so that the lower end of the developer receiving port 10b and the upper end of the developing device shutter 11 are accurately aligned and the developer receiving port 10b is completely opened. A stopper 10e (see FIG. 10d) is provided for restricting the end position.

  The stopper 10e also functions as a stop portion that stops the rotation of the container body at a position where the developer discharge port 1b faces the developer receiving port 10b. That is, the rotation of the developer supply container engaged with the developing device shutter 11 by the opening protrusion to be described later is stopped as the opening movement of the developing device shutter 11 is stopped by the stopper 10e.

  A drive gear member 12 as a drive member (drive device) that transmits a rotational drive force from a drive motor provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 10a. As will be described later, the drive gear member 12 has a second gear 6 (see FIGS. 5a to 5d) that has a rotational force in the same direction as the rotation direction of the developer supply container 1 for opening the developing device shutter 11. ), The discharge member 4 is driven.

  Further, the drive gear member 12 is connected to a feed member 201c of the developing device, the developing roller 201b, and a drive gear train for rotating the photosensitive drum 104. The drive gear member 12 used in the present embodiment has a module 1 and 17 teeth.

  Further, the developer receiving apparatus 10 is provided with guide portions 10j and 10k as a moving force applying means having a groove portion 10h and inclined surfaces inclined with respect to the insertion direction and the removal direction of the developer supply container 1. This guide unit can also be referred to as a moving force application device, a guide device, or the like. The insertion direction of the developer supply container 1 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container.

  The groove portion 10h is configured such that a guide portion 7c that functions as a switching portion of the lock member 7 passes through when the developer supply container 1 is attached to and detached from the developer receiving device 10. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3c and 3d, the guide portions 10j and 10k are provided so as to protrude toward the inside of the storage portion 10a of the groove portion 10h. The guide portions 10j and 10k are provided when the guide portion 7c passes through the groove portion 10h when the lock portion 7b of the lock member 7 is disengaged from the hook portion 9a of the fixing member 9. Are set so as to contact each other.

(Developer supply container)
As shown in FIG. 5a, the developer supply container 1 has a slit shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the container main body 1a on the outer peripheral surface of a substantially cylindrical container main body 1a as a container body for storing the developer. The developer discharge port 1b is provided.

  The container main body 1a is desired to protect the developer accommodated in the accommodating portion during distribution before use, and to have a certain degree of rigidity so as not to leak the developer. It is molded by injection molding using polystyrene as the material. The resin material to be used is not limited to such an example, and other materials such as ABS can be used.

  A handle 2 is provided on the end surface of the container main body 1a as a handle member that the user holds when the developer supply container 1 is attached or detached. The handle 2 is desired to have a certain degree of rigidity, similar to the container body 1a, and is formed by using the same material and molding method as the container body 1a.

  In addition, about fixation with the container main body 1a and the handle | steering-wheel 2, what is necessary is just to be able to ensure sufficient intensity | strength not to remove | deviate at the time of attachment / detachment operation, such as mechanical fitting, screwing, adhesion | attachment, fixation by welding, It is fixed by mechanical fitting.

  As a modification of the handle, for example, gears 5 and 6 are provided on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the developer supply container 1, and the operation handle 2 is connected to the drive gear member 12 of the gear 6. You may make it the structure attached so. In this case, it can be said that it is superior to the above example in that the drive transmission member (gears 5 and 6) can be protected by the handle 2.

  A first gear 5 and a second gear 6 are provided at the distal end side in the insertion direction of the container body 1a. A developer filling port 1c is provided on one end surface (in the longitudinal direction) opposite to the side on which the gears 5 and 6 are provided. After the developer filling, a sealing member (not shown) or the like is used. Sealed.

  Further, as will be described later, the developer discharge port 1b is an operating position in which the developer supply container 1 mounted on the developer receiving apparatus is rotated by a predetermined angle (a set of developer supply containers capable of supplying the developer). When it is at the position where the movement has been completed, it is facing sideways. As will be described later, the developer supply container is configured to be mounted on the developer receiving device with the developer discharge port 1b facing substantially vertically upward.

(Container shutter)
As shown in FIG. 5 a, the developer discharge port 1 b is closed by a container shutter 3 having a shape substantially along the outer peripheral surface of the developer supply container 1. The container shutter 3 is engaged with guide portions 1d provided on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the container. The guide portion 1d guides the sliding movement for opening and closing the container shutter 3, and prevents the container shutter 3 from being detached from the container.

  In order to prevent developer leakage from the container, it is preferable to provide a seal member (not shown) on the surface of the container shutter 3 that faces the developer discharge port 1b. Or conversely, a seal member may be provided around the developer discharge port 1b of the container body 1a. Of course, you may provide a sealing member in both the container shutter 3 and the container main body 1a. In this embodiment, the seal member is provided only on the container body 1a.

  In addition, without providing the container shutter 3 as in the present embodiment, the developer discharge port is sealed by attaching a resin seal film to the container body portion around the developer discharge port by a method such as heat welding, The sealing film may be peeled off and opened.

  However, in the case of this configuration, when the container in which the developer is emptied is replaced, there is a possibility that the developer slightly remaining inside the container may be scattered from the developer discharge port 1b. Therefore, it is desirable that the developer discharge port 1b be resealed by the container shutter 3 as in this embodiment.

  Of course, if there is a possibility that the developer may leak during distribution before the developer replenishment due to the shape of the developer discharge port of the container or the amount of developer filled in the container, the above-described seal film and container shutter are used. Both of them can be provided to ensure stronger sealing performance.

(Discharge member)
A discharge member as a rotatable discharge means (discharge device) for rotating the developer in the container by stirring and transporting the developer in the container to the outside through the developer discharge port 1b by rotating inside the container body 1a. 4 is loaded. As shown in FIG. 5b, the discharge member 4 is mainly composed of a stirring shaft 4a and a stirring blade 4b.

  One end in the longitudinal direction of the agitation shaft 4a is rotatably provided on the container body 1a and is provided so that movement in the direction of the rotation axis is substantially impossible. On the other hand, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the stirring shaft 4a is connected to the first gear 5 so as to be rotatable coaxially. Specifically, in the container main body, the shaft portion of the first gear 5 and the other end of the agitation shaft 4a are locked to connect them. In order to prevent the developer from leaking out of the container from around the shaft portion of the first gear 5, a seal member is provided around the shaft portion.

  Note that the first gear 5 and the stirring shaft 4a are not directly connected to each other as described above, but can be indirectly connected to each other via a certain member.

  It is preferable that the agitation shaft 4a has such a rigidity that the developer in the container can be agitated and conveyed to the developing device side even if the developer is solidified. And it is preferable that the stirring shaft 4a makes sliding resistance with the container main body 1a as small as possible. From this point of view, in the present embodiment, polystyrene is used as the material of the stirring shaft 4a. Of course, other materials such as polyacetal are not limited to such materials.

  The agitation blade 4b is fixed to the agitation shaft 4a, and is for conveying the developer in the container toward the developer discharge port 1b while agitating the developer in the container as the agitation shaft 4a rotates. Further, the stirring blade 4b has an overhanging length so that it can slide appropriately with the inner surface of the container in order to reduce the amount of developer remaining in the container.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5b, the tip edge of the stirring blade 4b is provided so as to be inclined in an approximately L shape (a portion in FIG. 5b). Is also transported in the longitudinal direction of the container toward the developer discharge port 1b. In this embodiment, the stirring blade is formed of a polyester sheet. Of course, other materials may be used as long as they are flexible resin sheets.

  The configuration of the discharge member 4 described above is not limited to the above-described example as long as the developer can be transported by rotating itself to discharge the developer out of the developer supply container. Instead, various configurations can be employed. For example, the material and shape of the stirring blade 4b described above may be changed, or a different transport mechanism may be employed. Further, in the present embodiment, the first gear 5 and the discharge member 4 which are separate parts are integrated by locking, but the shaft portion of the first gear 5 and the discharge member 4 is integrally molded with resin. By doing so, it may be integrated.

(Developer shutter opening / closing mechanism)
Next, a mechanism for opening and closing the developing device shutter 11 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5c, an opening protrusion 1e and a sealing protrusion 1f are provided on the peripheral surface of the container body 1a as interlocking portions for opening and closing the developing device shutter.

  The unsealing protrusion 1e causes the developer shutter 11 (see FIG. 4) during a setting operation after the developer replenishment container 1 is mounted (operation for rotating the developer replenishment container toward the operating position (replenishment position) by a predetermined angle). This is for pushing down and opening the developer receiving port 10b (see FIG. 4).

  The sealing protrusion 1f is used for the developer shutter when the developer supply container 1 is taken out (operation for rotating the developer supply container from the operating position (supply position) to a position allowing attachment / detachment in a reverse direction by a predetermined angle). 11 is pushed up to seal the developer receiving port 10b.

  Thus, in order to interlock the opening / closing movement of the developer shutter 11 with the rotation operation of the developer supply container 1, the opening protrusion 1e and the sealing protrusion 1f are installed in the container so as to be in the following positions. .

  That is, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 10 (see FIG. 4), the unsealing protrusion 1e is on the upstream side with respect to the rotation direction when the developing device shutter 11 is unsealed, and the sealing protrusion 1f is Located downstream.

(Drive transmission means)
Next, the configuration of the drive transmission means (drive transmission device) that transmits the rotational driving force received from the developer receiving apparatus 10 to the discharge member 4 will be described.

  The developer receiving device 10 is provided with a drive gear member 12 as a drive member for applying a rotational force to the discharge member 4 of the developer supply container.

  On the other hand, the developer supply container 1 is provided with drive transmission means that is connected to the drive gear member 12 and transmits the rotational driving force received from the drive gear member 12 to the discharge member 4.

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, the drive transmission means has a gear train, and the shaft portion of each gear is installed on the end face of the developer supply container.

  In this example, at the time before the developer supply container 1 is rotated by a predetermined angle by the handle 2 during the setting operation to the use position (supply position) after the developer supply container 1 is mounted, the drive transmission means and the drive gear member are provided. 12 are located at positions separated from each other in the circumferential direction without driving connection. Thereafter, the developer supply container 1 is rotated by the handle 2 so that the drive transmission means and the drive gear member 12 face each other and are connected to each other (engaged state).

  Specifically, the first gear 5 (drive relay member) as the driving force transmission means connected to the discharge member 4 is connected to the center of rotation of the developer supply container on one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the container body 1a ( It is pivotally supported so that it can rotate around the rotation center. The first gear 5 can rotate coaxially with the discharge member 4.

  The rotation center of the first gear 5 is attached so as to substantially coincide with the rotation center of the container when the developer supply container 1 is rotated by a predetermined angle during the setting operation.

  Further, a second gear 6 (drive transmission member or drive eccentric member) as a drive transmission member is pivotally supported by the container so as to be rotatable around a position eccentric from the rotation center of the developer supply container. Yes. The second gear 6 is provided so as to be drivably coupled to the drive gear member 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10 and receives a rotational driving force from the drive gear member 12. Further, the second gear 6 has a stepped gear configuration as shown in FIG. 5d in order to transmit the rotational driving force to the first gear 5, and is connected to the first gear 5 by a third gear. A gear 6 'is provided.

  The second gear 6 is rotated during the set operation of the container body 1a by meshing drive with the drive gear member 12 that applies a rotational force in the direction opposite to the rotation direction during the set operation of the container body 1a. It is set as the structure rotated in the same direction as a moving direction.

  The rotation direction during the setting operation of the container body 1a is the same as the rotation direction for opening the developing device shutter 11, as described above.

  As described above, when the rotational driving force is input from the driving gear member 12 to the second gear 6, the third gear 6 ′ and the first gear 5 that are in a driving connection relationship with the second gear 6 rotate. Accordingly, the discharge member 4 inside the container body 1a rotates.

  As described above, the second gear 6 is at a position away from the drive gear member 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10 in the circumferential direction when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving apparatus 10.

  Thereafter, when the user rotates the developer supply container 1, the second gear 6 is in a drivingly connected state with the driving gear member 12. At this time, the developer discharge port 1b is not in communication with the developer receiving port 10b (the developer shutter 11 is closed).

  Thereafter, as described later, driving is input to the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10.

  Thus, the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12 are adjusted by adjusting the circumferential position of the second gear 6 with respect to the developer supply container 1 (opening protrusion 1e and developer discharge port 1b). The drive connection start is set to be performed at the above-described time. For this reason, the second gear 6 is arranged so that the rotation center differs from that of the first gear 5.

  In this embodiment, since the shape of the container is a hollow cylindrical shape, the rotation center of the discharge member and the rotation center of the container body coincide (substantially coincide), and the first gear 5 that is directly connected to the discharge member 4. Is coincident (substantially coincident) with the rotation center of the container body 1a. On the other hand, the second gear 6 has a rotation center different from that of the first gear 5 and revolves with respect to the rotation center of the container main body 1a as the developer supply container 1 rotates. The drive gear member 12 is connected. Therefore, the rotation center of the second gear 6 is different from the rotation center of the container body 1a.

  The rotation center of the discharge member 4 may be different from the rotation center of the container body 1a. For example, the rotation center of the discharge member 4 may be positioned closer to the developer discharge port (diameter direction) of the container. In this case, it is preferable that the diameter of the first gear 5 is reduced, and the first gear is pivotally supported at a position different from the rotation center of the container body corresponding to the rotation center of the discharge member. The configuration other than this point is the same as the above example.

  Further, when the rotation center of the discharge member 4 is different from the rotation center of the container body 1a, the first gear 5 is not provided, and the drive transmission member is configured only by the second gear 6, and this is configured as the discharge member 4. Corresponding to the center of rotation, the container may be pivotally supported at a position eccentric from the center of rotation of the container body 1a. At this time, the second gear 6 is connected to the discharge member 4 so as to be rotatable coaxially.

  At this time, the rotation direction of the discharge member 4 is opposite to the above-described example, and the developer is transported from the upper side to the lower side toward the developer discharge port 1b located on the side. In this case, the structure of the discharge member 4 has a function of rotating the developer in the container upward by rotating and guiding the lifted developer toward the developer discharge port 1b positioned below. It is desirable to have.

  It is desirable that the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 have a function of sufficiently transmitting the drive from the developer receiving device 10, and in this embodiment, polyacetal is used as a material and an injection molded gear is used. It is said.

  Specifically, the first gear 5 has a module 0.5, the number of teeth 60, and φ30 mm. The second gear 6 is module 1, with 20 teeth, φ20mm, and the third gear 6 'is module 0.5, teeth 20, φ10mm. The center of rotation of the second gear and third gear is the first. It is provided at a position eccentric in the radial direction by 20 mm from the rotation center of the gear.

  The gear modules, the number of teeth, and the diameter φ may be set in consideration of drive transmission, and are not limited to those described above.

  For example, in order to further increase the developer discharge speed (rotation speed of the discharge member), the first gear 5 can be made smaller in diameter and the second gear can be made larger in diameter. On the other hand, in the case of emphasis on torque, the first gear 5 may have a large diameter and the second gear may have a small diameter, and can be appropriately selected according to required specifications.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the second gear 6 protrudes from the outer periphery of the container main body 1a when the developer supply container 1 is viewed from the longitudinal direction. The second gear 6 may be installed so as not to protrude from the outer periphery of the container body 1a. In this case, the packaging property of the developer supply container 1 in the packaging material is improved, and the probability of an accident such as being accidentally dropped and damaged during distribution or the like can be reduced.

(Assembling method of developer supply container)
In the method for assembling the developer supply container 1 of the present embodiment, first, the discharge member 4 is inserted into the container main body 1a. Then, after the first gear 5 and the container shutter 3 are assembled to the container main body, the integrated second gear 6 and third gear 6 'are assembled. Thereafter, the developer is filled from the filling port 1c, and the filling port is sealed by the sealing member. Finally, the handle 2 is assembled.

  The developer filling and the assembly order of the second gear 6, the container shutter 3, and the handle 2 can be changed as appropriate so as to facilitate the assembly.

  In the present embodiment, the volume is set to about 600 cc by using a hollow cylindrical container having an inner dimension φ50 mm × length 320 mm as the container body 1a. The developer filling amount is 300 g.

(Suppression means)
The developer supply container 1 of this example is configured to automatically rotate in the set direction by the driving force from the driving gear member 12. Then, the force required to rotate the developer supply container 1 after the set rotation is reduced.

  Therefore, relative rotation of the drive transmission means with respect to the developer supply container is applied to the developer supply container 1 so that the developer supply container 1 automatically rotates in the setting direction by the driving force received from the drive gear member 12. Suppressing suppression means are installed. This suppression means can also be called a suppression device, a load application means, a load application device, and a brake mechanism.

  Further, the suppressing means is configured to be movable between an operating position that suppresses the relative rotation of the drive transmission member with respect to the developer supply container 1 and a non-operating position that is retracted from the operating position and does not suppress the relative rotation. Yes. In this example, the suppression means is automatically switched from the non-operating position to the operating position. Next, the configuration of the suppression means will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, as a mechanism for automatically rotating the developer supply container toward the operating position, the drive transmission means for transmitting the rotational driving force to the discharge member 4 is used. Simplification.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the driving force of the driving gear member 12 is generated by a torque generating mechanism using the driving transmission means to generate a pulling force for automatically rotating the developer supply container 1 toward the operating position. Yes.

  Specifically, the rotational load on the container body 1a of the second gear 6 is increased by increasing the rotational load (torque) of the first gear 5 on the container body. That is, when driving is input from the driving gear member 12 to the second gear 6 meshed with the driving gear member 12, the second gear 6 is in a state where the relative rotation with respect to the container body 1a is suppressed (restricted). is there. Therefore, rotational power is generated in the container body 1. As a result, the container body 1a automatically rotates toward the operating position.

  That is, when the developer replenishing container 1 is automatically rotated, a state in which a restraining force is exerted by the restraining means so that the relative rotation between the drive transmission means and the developer replenishing container is restrained (restricted) ). In other words, the rotational load on the developer supply container 1 of the drive transmission member is in a state larger than the force required to automatically rotate the developer supply container.

  In the following, the configuration in which the suppression unit is applied to the first gear 5 will be described, but instead, the configuration may be used to apply the suppression unit to the second gear 6 using the same configuration. Absent.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, a ring-shaped fixing member 9 is fitted on the circumferential surface 5 c of the first gear 5, and the fixing member 9 is centered on the rotation axis of the first gear 5. The first gear 5 is configured to be rotatable relative to the first gear 5. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 9, a serrated hook portion 9 a is provided over the entire circumference.

  A ring member 14 (so-called O-ring) is provided in a compressed state between the circumferential surface 5 c of the shaft portion of the first gear 5 and the inner circumferential surface 9 b of the fixing member 9. Further, since the ring member 14 is fixed to the circumferential surface 5 c of the first gear 5, when the fixing member 9 is rotated relative to the first gear 5, the ring member 14 is compressed with the inner peripheral surface 9 b of the fixing member 9. Torque is generated by sliding with the ring member 14 in the state.

  In the present embodiment, the serrated hooking portion 9a is provided on the entire circumference, but basically the hooking portion may be one place, and the hooking portion 9a may be convex or concave. .

  The ring member 14 is preferably made of rubber, felt, foam, urethane rubber, elastomer, or the like, which is a material having elasticity. In this embodiment, silicon rubber is used. Further, as the ring member 14, a non-ring-shaped member such as a member lacking a part of the circumference may be adopted.

  In the present embodiment, the recess 5b is provided on the circumferential surface 5c of the first gear 5, and the ring member 14 is fitted and fixed thereto, but the fixing method is not limited to this. For example, the ring member 14 is fixed to the fixing member 9 without being fixed to the first gear 5, and the circumferential surface 5c of the first gear 5 and the ring member 14 are slid to generate torque. It doesn't matter. The ring member 14 and the first gear 5 may be integrated by integral molding (so-called two-color molding).

  As shown in FIG. 5c, a lock member 7 serving as a restraining means (a restraining device, a restraining member) for restraining rotation of the fixing member 9 is provided on the support column 1h protruding from the gear installation side end face of the container body 1a so as to be displaceable. ing. As shown in FIG. 7, the lock member 7 includes a released portion 7a, a lock portion 7b, a guide portion 7c as a switched portion, and a support column 7d. The guiding portion 7c serves as a moving portion that moves the lock member 7 in the non-operating position to the operating position in accordance with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1, and at least the tip projects from the outer peripheral surface of the container main body 1a. It is configured as follows.

  The lock member 7 also functions as a means for changing (switching) the rotational load of the second gear 6 with respect to the container body 1a as will be described later. That is, the lock member 7 also functions as a means for changing the suppression force that suppresses relative rotation between the developer supply container and the drive transmission member.

  In the following, an example in which the gears 5 and 6 can rotate relative to the container main body even in the locked state will be described. Even in such a configuration, in this example, it is referred to as a “lock” member. To. As will be described later, the lock member may be configured to completely prevent relative rotation of the gears 5 and 6 with respect to the container body, and these are collectively referred to as “lock”.

  Next, the relationship between the lock member 7 and the fixing member 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8a to 8c.

  As shown in FIG. 8a, in a state where the lock portion 7b is hooked on the catch portion 9a of the fixing member 9, the rotation of the fixing member 9 is restricted with respect to the container body 1a (the lock member 7 is in the operating position). In this state, when driving is input from the drive gear member 12 to the first gear 5 via the second gear 6, the ring member 14 is connected to the inner peripheral surface 9 b of the fixed member 9 and the shaft portion of the first gear 5. , The rotational load (torque) of the first gear 5 is large.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8b, in a state where the lock portion 7b is not hooked on the catch portion 9a of the fixing member 9, the relative rotation of the fixing member 9 with respect to the container body 1a is not restricted (the locking member 7 is not activated). position). In this state, when driving is input from the drive gear member 12 to the first gear 5 via the second gear 6, the fixed member 9 rotates integrally with the first gear 5. That is, the increase in the rotational load (torque) of the first gear 5 due to the fixing member 9 and the ring member 14 is canceled, and the rotational load of the first gear 5 is sufficiently reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the ring member 14 is sandwiched between the first gear 5 and the fixed member 9 to generate a sliding resistance to generate torque. However, the torque is generated by another method. It does not matter. For example, a configuration using the attractive force (magnetic force) of the S magnetic pole and the N magnetic pole, or a configuration using dimensional changes in the inner diameter and the outer diameter due to the torsion of the elastic spring may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 5c and 5e, the lock member of this example employs a so-called flip-flop mechanism, and is provided with a spring member 8 as a biasing member for applying a biasing force to the lock member 7. Yes.

  The flip-flop mechanism provided with this urging member means the following mechanism, for example, when there is a member Z that can rotate between the X point and the Y point (distance (angle) L). That is, the member Z located at the point X receives an action from the member W, and the member Z rotates only the distance (angle) shorter than the distance L, but the remaining distance (angle) is rotated. It compensates with the urging force of the urging member. As a result, the member Z rotates to the Y point. That is, when there is no urging member, the member Z located at the X point receives an action from the member W to the extent that it cannot reach the Y point.

  Hereinafter, this flip-flop mechanism will be described according to an embodiment.

  One end of the spring member 8 is attached to the support column 1 n protruding from the gear installation side end surface of the container body 1 a and the other end is attached to the support column 7 d of the lock member 7. As shown in FIG. 5e, the spring member 8 is biased by the spring force in the B direction with respect to the lock member 7 when the lock member 7 is positioned in a certain rotation phase (A region shown in FIG. 5e). The member 7 is set to rotate. The area A in FIG. 5e can be set by the position of the support 1n, the strength of the spring force of the spring member 8, the slidability between the lock member 7 and the support 1h that rotatably supports the lock member 7, and the like.

  On the other hand, the first gear 5 is provided with a release protrusion 5a (see FIGS. 5 and 6) as a release portion. The release protrusion 5a is configured to abut against the released portion 7a of the lock member 7 when the first gear 5 rotates with respect to the developer supply container 1 rotated to the operation position (supply position). Yes.

  In other words, the release protrusion 5 a pushes up the released portion 7 a as the first gear 5 rotates, so that the lock portion 7 b and the catch portion 9 a of the fixing member 9 are disconnected, and torque is applied to the first gear 5. It has a function to immediately cancel the state to which is given.

  That is, the relative rotation of the drive transmission member with respect to the developer supply container after the automatic rotation is released (released) from a state where the relative rotation of the drive transmission member is suppressed (restricted). In other words, the rotational load on the developer supply container 1 of the drive transmission member is in a sufficiently small state (non-suppressed state).

  Thus, the torque generation mechanism of the present embodiment does not completely prevent (lock) the rotation of the first gear 5 with respect to the container body 1a, and the developer supply container 1 is stopped at the operating position. In FIG. 2, a rotational load (torque) is applied to such an extent that the first gear 5 can rotate relative to the container body 1a.

  In this embodiment, the torque generation mechanism cancels the torque so as to cancel it. However, if the torque after the cancellation is changed so as to be at least smaller than the torque at the time of automatic rotation of the developer supply container. I do not care.

  Further, in this example, an example in which the guide portion 7c is integrally provided on the lock member 7 is described. However, the guide portion 7c is a separate body, and the separate guide portion 7c receives the developer. A configuration may be adopted in which the force received from the apparatus is transmitted to the lock member 7.

(Developer supply container setting operation)
Next, the developer replenishment container setting operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, b is a cross-sectional view for mainly explaining the relationship among the developer discharge port 1 b, the developer receiving port 10 b and the developing device shutter 11. Further, c is a cross-sectional view for mainly explaining the relationship between the drive gear member 12, the first gear 5, and the second gear 6, and d is mainly the relationship between the developing device shutter 11 and the interlocking portion of the container body 1a. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating.

  The above-described setting operation is an operation position in which the developer supply container 1 can be operated by rotating the developer supply container 1 by a predetermined angle from the attachment / detachment position where the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer receiving device 10. This is the turning operation of the developer supply container 1. The above-described attachment / detachment position refers to a position that allows attachment / detachment of the developer supply container 1 with respect to the developer receiving device 10. The above-mentioned operation position is a supply position (set position) where the developer can be supplied (discharged). Further, when the developer supply container 1 is slightly rotated from the above-described attachment / detachment position (and thereafter), the attachment / detachment to the developer receiving device 10 is prohibited by the lock mechanism, and the attachment / detachment is also performed at the above-described operation position. It is prohibited.

  The setting operation of the developer supply container will be described in order.

  (1) As shown in FIG. 9, the user inserts and attaches the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving apparatus 10 from the direction of arrow A through an opening formed by opening the replacement cover 15. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10c, the drive gear member 12 on the developer receiving device 10 side and the second gear 6 on the developer supply container 1 side are separated from each other, and drive transmission is impossible. Yes.

  (2) After the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the developer receiving apparatus 10, the user turns the handle 2 in the direction of arrow B shown in FIGS. 10b to 10d (the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the discharge member 4). The drive connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 10 is performed.

  Specifically, when the container body 1 a rotates in the direction of arrow B, the second gear 6 revolves with respect to the rotation center of the developer supply container 1 (rotation center of the discharge member 4) and engages with the drive gear member 12. Thereafter, the drive can be transmitted from the drive gear member 12 to the second gear 6.

  FIG. 12b shows a state where the developer supply container 1 has been rotated by a predetermined angle by the user. 12B, the developer discharge port 1b of the developer supply container 1 is substantially closed by the container shutter 3 (the leading edge of the discharge port 1b in the moving direction is the container of the developer receiving device 10). It is in a position facing the shutter stopper 10d). Further, the developer receiving port 10b is also completely closed by the developing device shutter 11, and the developer cannot be replenished.

  (3) The user closes the replacement cover 15.

  (4) When the replacement cover 15 is closed, drive is input from the drive motor to the drive gear member 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10.

  With the input of driving to the driving gear member 12, the rotational load of the second gear 6 meshing with the driving gear member 12 is increased by the torque generating mechanism via the first gear 5, so that development The medicine supply container 1 automatically rotates toward the operating position (supply position).

  In the present embodiment, the rotational force generated in the developer supply container 1 using the drive transmission member is set to be larger than the rotational resistance force received by the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 10. Therefore, the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1 can be properly performed.

  At this time, the rotation operation of the developer supply container 1 and the opening operation of the developer shutter 11 are performed in conjunction with each other by the opening protrusion 1e. Specifically, the developer receiving port 10b is opened by sliding the developer shutter 11 by being pushed down by the opening protrusion 1e of the developer supply container 1 by the rotation of the container body 1a (FIG. 10d → FIG. 11d).

  On the other hand, in conjunction with the opening operation of the developer shutter 11 accompanying the rotation of the container body 1a, the developer discharge port 1b also comes into contact with the engaging portion of the developer receiving device 10 so that the container shutter 3 is further rotated. It is opened by being regulated.

  As a result, the developer discharge port 1b exposed from the container shutter 3 faces the developer receiving port 10b exposed from the developing device shutter 11, and is in a state where they communicate with each other (see FIG. 10b → FIG. 11b).

  Since the developing device shutter 11 stops by hitting the stopper 10e (see FIG. 11b) for defining the end position of the opening movement (see FIG. 12c), the lower end of the developer receiving port 10b and the upper end of the developing device shutter 11 are accurate. Matches well. The automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1 ends in conjunction with the stoppage of the movement of the developer shutter 11 that is connected to each other.

  In the present embodiment, the developer discharge port 1b with respect to the container main body 1a is adjusted so that the developer discharge port 1b accurately matches the position of the developer receiving port 10b when the developer supply container 1 is positioned at the operating position. The installation position (circumferential direction) is adjusted.

  (5) The drive input to the drive gear member 12 is continuously performed. At this time, the developer supply container 1 located at the operating position is in a state in which further rotation is prevented via the developing device shutter 11. Accordingly, the first gear 5 starts to rotate relative to the developer supply container 1 whose rotation is blocked against the torque generated by the torque generation mechanism, and the release protrusion 5a provided on the first gear 5 is a lock member. 7 to be released 7a (FIG. 12d). When the rotation of the first gear 5 further proceeds, the release protrusion 5a pushes up the released portion 7a in the direction A in FIG. 12d, so that the lock member 7b of the lock member 7 is hooked to the catch portion 9a of the fixing member. (See FIGS. 12e and 8b).

  As a result, the rotational load (torque) applied to the first gear 5 is released and becomes sufficiently small.

  Thereafter, in the developer replenishing step, the force required to rotate the drive transmission member (first to third gears) by the developer receiving device (drive gear member 12) may be small. Accordingly, stable drive transmission can be performed without applying a large torque load to the drive gear member 12.

  In the present embodiment, after the automatic rotation of the developer supply container for matching the positions of the developer discharge port 1b and the developer receiving port 10b is completed, the first gear 5 is provided with a time difference. The rotational load is released. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily align the developer discharge port 1b and the developer receiving port 10b.

  In the case of a configuration in which the rotational load (torque) applied to the drive transmission member is maintained as it is without being changed (not switched), there is a concern that the following problems may occur. The configuration of this embodiment to be changed (switched) is more preferable.

  That is, in the case of maintaining the rotational load without changing it, the developer discharge port matches the position of the developer receiving port, and the rotation of the container body 1a is completed for a long time. The gear 5 remains in the state where the torque generation mechanism is still acting. Therefore, a load is always applied to the drive gear member 12 via the second gear 6, and there is a concern that the durability of the drive gear member 12 and the stability of drive transmission may be affected. Further, the ring member 14 generates heat due to a long period of rotation and sliding, and this heat may cause the drive transmission member to thermally deteriorate or the internal developer to deteriorate.

  On the other hand, with the configuration of the present embodiment, the power required to drive the drive transmission member by the developer receiving device can be reduced. Further, it is not necessary to excessively increase the strength and durability of the drive gear series on the developer receiving apparatus side including the drive gear member 12, which can contribute to the cost reduction of the developer receiving apparatus. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the drive transmission member and the developer from being thermally deteriorated.

  As described above, in order to properly execute the subsequent developer replenishment process despite the simple configuration and action of inputting the drive from the developer receiving device to the drive transmission member of the developer replenishment container. The positioning operation of the developer supply container can be automated.

  That is, the developer supply container is moved to the operating position with a simple configuration using a drive transmission member without providing a special drive motor for rotating the developer supply container or a separate drive gear train. It can be rotated automatically. As a result, usability can be improved, and at the same time, developer can be replenished satisfactorily.

  Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of image defects such as uneven image density and insufficient image density due to insufficient developer replenishment amount.

  Furthermore, with the configuration of the present embodiment, as described above, the problem that is a concern in the case of a configuration in which the developer supply container is automatically rotated to the operating position using the drive transmission member is suppressed. Is possible.

(Developer removal container removal operation)
Next, the removal operation when the developer supply container is taken out for replacement or for some reason will be described.

  (1) First, the user opens the replacement cover 15.

  (2) Then, when the user turns the handle 2 in the direction opposite to the arrow B direction in FIG. 10, the developer supply container 1 is rotated from the operation position to the attachment / detachment position. That is, the developer supply container 1 returns to the attaching / detaching position, and the state shown in FIG.

  At this time, the developer receiving port 10b is resealed by the developer shutter 11 being pushed up by the sealing protrusion 1f of the developer supply container 1, and the developer discharge port 1b is also rotated by the container shutter 3. It is resealed (see FIG. 11b → FIG. 10b).

  Specifically, the container shutter 3 abuts against a stopper portion (not shown) of the developer receiving device 10 and is prevented from further movement, and the developer supply container 1 rotates in this state, whereby the developer discharge port 1b. Is closed again by the container shutter 3.

  Then, the rotation of the developer supply container 1 for resealing the developing device shutter 11 stops when the stopper portion (not shown) provided in the guide portion 1 d of the container shutter 3 abuts against the container shutter 3. It is configured as follows.

  Further, the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12 are disengaged following the rotation of the developer supply container, and the second gear 6 and the drive gear member are located when the developer supply container is positioned at the attachment / detachment position. 12 will not interfere with each other.

  (3) Finally, the user removes the developer supply container 1 at the attachment / detachment position from the developer receiving apparatus 10.

  Thereafter, the user replaces with a new developer replenishment container prepared in advance, but the subsequent operation is the same as the above-described “developer replenishment container setting operation”.

(Principle of rotating developer supply container)
Here, the principle of rotating the developer supply container 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the principle that the developer supply container 1 automatically rotates by the pulling force.

  When the second gear 6 is engaged with the drive gear member 12 and receives a rotational force from the drive gear member 12, the rotational power associated with the rotation of the second gear 6 is applied to the shaft portion P of the second gear 6. f is applied, and the rotational force f acts on the container body 1a. At this time, the rotational force F received by the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 10 by the turning force f (the rotation resistance received by the sliding of the outer peripheral surface of the developer supply container 1 with the developer receiving device 10). If the force is greater than (force), the container body 1a rotates.

  Therefore, the rotational load applied to the developer supply container 1 of the second gear 6 by applying a torque generating mechanism to the first gear 5 is the rotational resistance that the developer supply container 1 receives from the developer receiving device 10. It is preferable to make it greater than the force.

  On the other hand, the rotational load on the developer supply container 1 of the second gear 6 after the action of the torque generating mechanism is released is at least from the rotational resistance force that the developer supply container 1 receives from the developer receiving device 10. It is preferable to make it smaller.

  Such a magnitude relationship between the two forces is established during the process and the period from when the engagement of the drive gear member 12 and the second gear 6 is started until when the developing device shutter 11 is completely opened. It is desirable.

  This rotational force f is the rotational torque of the drive gear member 12 when the drive gear member 12 engaged with the second gear 6 is rotated (manually) in the direction for opening the developing device shutter 11. Can be determined by measuring. Specifically, a measurement shaft that rotates together with the drive gear member 12 is provided at the center of the rotation shaft of the drive gear member 12, and the rotational torque of the measurement shaft can be obtained by measuring with a torque measuring instrument. it can. This rotational torque is measured with no toner in the container.

  As will be described later, the rotation resistance force F can be obtained by measuring the rotation torque at the rotation center of the container when the container body 1a is rotated (manually) in the developing device shutter opening direction. . This measurement is performed by rotating the container body 1a from the time when the engagement between the drive gear member 12 and the second gear 6 is started until the time when the developing device shutter 11 is completely opened. Specifically, the drive gear member 12 is removed from the developer receiving apparatus 10, and a measurement shaft that rotates together with the container body 1a is provided at the rotation center of the container body 1a, and the rotation of the measurement shaft is performed. The dynamic torque can be obtained by measuring with a torque measuring device.

  A torque gauge (BTG90CN) manufactured by Tohnichi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was used as the torque measuring instrument. In addition, you may measure automatically using the torque measuring machine in which the rotation motor and the torque converter were mounted as a torque measuring device.

  Next, the principle will be described in detail using the model shown in FIG. The radius of the pitch circle of each of the drive gear member 12, the second gear 6, and the first gear 5 is a, b, c, and the torque at the shaft center of each gear is A, B, C (for each gear in FIG. 13). The axis center is also indicated by A, B, and C). Further, the driving gear member 12 and the second gear 6 are engaged with each other, and the force applied when the drive gear member 12 is pulled in is E, and the rotation center resistance torque of the container body 1a is D.

  As a condition for rotating the container body 1a, f> F,

  F = D / (b + c)

  f = (c + 2b) / (c + b) × E = (c + 2b) / (c + b) × (C / c + B / b)

  Therefore,

  (C + 2b) / (c + b) × (C / c + B / b)> D / (b + c)

  (C / c + B / b)> D / (c + 2b)

  It becomes.

  Thus, in order to reliably generate the pulling force and rotate the container body 1a, it is preferable to satisfy the above formula, and means such as increasing the torque C or the torque B or decreasing the torque D can be considered.

  That is, the container body 1a can be rotated by increasing the rotational torque of the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 directly connected to the discharge member and decreasing the rotational resistance of the container body 1a.

  In the present embodiment, this is achieved by increasing the rotational torque C of the first gear 5 and consequently increasing the rotational torque B of the second gear 6 by the torque generation mechanism described above.

  The torque of the first gear 5 is preferably as large as possible in consideration of reliably generating a pulling force and rotating the container body 1a. However, if the torque of the first gear 5 is too large, the power consumption of the drive motor of the developer receiving device will increase, and the strength and durability of each gear will have to be increased excessively. Further, since it is not preferable from the viewpoint of the influence of the heat generation on the developer, the optimal value is set by adjusting the amount of compression of the ring member 14 onto the inner peripheral surface 9b of the fixing member 9 and the material of the ring member 14. Is preferred.

  Further, it is preferable that the rotational resistance force (sliding resistance force between the outer circumferential surface of the developer supply container and the installation portion of the developer receiving device) received by the developer supply container from the developer receiving device is as small as possible. In this embodiment, from such a viewpoint, a method of reducing the area of the sliding portion (container outer peripheral surface) when the container main body 1a is rotated, or providing a seal member having a good slidability on the outer peripheral surface of the container. It corresponds with.

  Next, the set torque of the second gear 6 will be specifically described.

  The torque applied to the second gear 6 takes into account the magnitude of the container turning power (on the outer peripheral surface of the developer supply container), the diameter of the developer supply container, and the eccentric amount / diameter of the second gear 6. It is preferable to set an appropriate value. Here, the rotation resistance force of the container is F ′, the diameter of the developer supply container is D ′, the eccentric amount of the second gear 6 (the distance from the rotation center of the container to the point where it is pivotally supported) is e, If the diameter of the second gear 6 is d ′,

  Torque of second gear 6 = F ′ × d ′ × D ′ / (2 × (2e + d ′))

  The relationship holds.

First, the container turning resistance force F ′ varies depending on the diameter and seal area of the container and the seal configuration to be used, but a general container may have a diameter of about 30 mm to 200 mm. Is set within the range of 1N to 200N. The diameter d ′ of the second gear 6 is 4 mm to 100 mm in consideration of the diameter of the container, and the eccentricity e of the second gear 6 is about 4 mm to 100 mm. This is appropriately selected depending on the size of the image forming apparatus and its specifications. Therefore, in a generally considered container, the torque of the second gear 6 is 3.0 × 10 ⁻⁴ N · m to 18.5 N · m by calculating MIN and MAX in the above-mentioned possible range.

  For example, assuming that the diameter of the container as used in the present embodiment is 60 mm, and taking into account the variation in the seal configuration described above, the rotational resistance force F is in the range of about 5N to 100N. It is considered to be.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the eccentric amount of the second gear is 20 mm and the diameter is 20 mm, the set torque of the second gear 6 is 0.05 N · m or more and 1 N in consideration of the rotational resistance force F of the container. -It is preferable to set it to m or less. The lower limit is about 0.1 N · m, which is twice that of various losses, dimensional fluctuations of members, safety factors, etc., and the upper limit takes into account the strength of the torque generating mechanism provided in the developer supply container. About 0.5 N · m is preferable. That is, the set torque of the second gear 6 is more preferably set to 0.1 N · m or more and 0.5 N · m or less.

  In the present embodiment, the torque of the second gear 6 is 0.15 N · m including variations in various members and agitation torque (about 0.05 N · m) generated when the developer in the developer supply container is agitated. It is configured to be in the range of 0.34 N · m or less. However, since the agitation torque varies depending on the amount of developer and the agitation configuration, it can be set as appropriate.

  Further, when the lock member 7 is released after the developer replenishing container 1 is automatically rotated and the contribution of the torque generating mechanism becomes zero, the load required for driving the developer replenishing container 1 is substantially only the stirring torque. .

  In the present embodiment, the torque of the second gear 6 after unlocking is about 0.05 N · m, which is a stirring torque.

  The torque of the second gear 6 after the unlocking is preferably as small as possible in consideration of the load applied to the developer receiving device and the power consumption. Further, assuming the configuration as in the present embodiment, if the contribution torque by the torque generation mechanism is larger than 0.05 N · m at the time of unlocking, heat is generated from the torque generation unit, and the heat is accumulated, so that the developer supply container May be transmitted to and affect the developer inside.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the contribution torque of the torque generating mechanism after unlocking is less than 0.05 N · m.

  It is also an important factor to consider the direction of the force E generated when the second gear 6 receives a rotational force from the drive gear member 12.

  This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The rotational force f (for rotating the container body 1a) generated in the shaft portion of the second gear 6 corresponds to a component force of the force E received by the second gear 6 from the drive gear member 12. Therefore, depending on the positional relationship when the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12 are engaged, there may be a case where the rotational force f is not generated. In the model of FIG. 13, a point C that is the rotation center of the container body 1a (in this model, coincides with the rotation center of the first gear 5) and a point B that is the rotation center of the second gear 6. The connected straight line is the reference line. The angle θ (angle measured in the clockwise direction with the reference line being 0 °) formed by the reference line and a straight line connecting the point B and the point A that is the rotation center of the drive gear member 12 is 90 °. It is preferable to make it larger than 270 °.

  In particular, with respect to the force E generated by the engagement between the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12, the component in the f direction of the force E (the container at the engagement portion between the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12). It is preferable to efficiently utilize the component force in the tangential direction of the main body. Therefore, it is preferable to set θ between 120 ° and 240 °. In order to more effectively utilize the f-direction component of the force E, it is preferable to set θ to around 180 °, and in this model, θ is an example of 180 °.

  In the present embodiment, the arrangement of each gear is configured in consideration of the above points.

  Actually, there is a loss at the time of driving transmission of each gear, but in this model, this is omitted. Accordingly, it is needless to say that various configurations of the developer supply container may be set so that the automatic rotation of the developer supply container is appropriately performed in consideration of such a loss.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the gears are used as the first gear 5 and the second gear 6, the drive can be reliably transmitted with a simple configuration.

  Then, a replenishment test was performed using the developer replenishment container 1 according to the present embodiment, but there was no problem with respect to the replenishment of the developer, and image formation could be performed stably.

  The developer receiving device is not limited to the above-described example, and may be configured to be detachable from the image forming device, that is, an image forming unit. Examples of the image forming unit include a process cartridge including at least one process unit involved in image formation such as a photoconductor, a charger, and a cleaner, and a developing cartridge including a developing unit.

  The material, molding method, shape, and the like of each member described above are not limited to the present embodiment, and can be freely selected within a range in which the above effects can be obtained.

(Relock mechanism for lock member)
When the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 10, the lock portion 7 b of the lock member 7 may be disengaged from the catch portion 9 a of the fixing member 9 for some reason. For example, it is assumed that the user touches the lock member 7 and unlocks it accidentally, or the developer supply container is once taken out even though the developer is sufficiently contained. Therefore, in this example, the lock member 7 is re-locked. Hereinafter, the re-locking mechanism of the lock member 7 will be described in detail.

  In the developer supply container 1 of this example, a re-lock mechanism (induction mechanism) is provided so that the lock member 7 can be re-locked even if the above-described situation occurs. FIGS. 14A to 14H are views for explaining the re-locking mechanism. Specifically, in FIG. 14, (a) is in an unlocked state, (b) is in a locked state, and (c) ⇒ (d) ⇒ (e) is locked at the time of rotation associated with the container setting operation. It shows a state of shifting from the released state to the locked state. Further, (g)-> (f)-> (e) shows a state in which the state is shifted from the unlocked state to the locked state during the rotation associated with the container take-out operation.

  FIG. 14A shows a state in which the lock of the lock member 7 is released. When the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the developer receiving device 10 in such a state, the lock member 7 is re-locked.

  Specifically, as the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the developer receiving device 10, the guide portion 7 c as a moving force receiving means of the lock member 7 passes through the groove portion 10 h of the developer receiving device 10. The guiding portion 7c can also be called a moving force receiving device, a moving force receiving portion, a guiding device, an interference portion, a lock lever, or the like. At that time, the guide portion 7c comes into contact with the guide portion 10j as the moving force applying means, and the guide portion 7c is pushed up by the inclined portion of the guide portion 10j (FIG. 14 (c) → (d) → (e)). With this push-up, the lock member 7 rotates in the direction of arrow A as shown in FIG. 14B, and the lock portion 7b is hooked on the catch portion 9a of the fixed member. The guide portion 10j (10k) can also be referred to as a moving force applying member, a moving force applying device, or the like.

  As a result, the lock member 7 is re-locked (FIG. 14 (a) → (b) → (h)). For this reason, this guidance | induction part 7c functions as a switching part for switching the lock member 7 in a lock release state to a lock state.

  On the other hand, when the user replaces the developer supply container 1 or removes the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving apparatus 10 for some reason, the lock member 7 remains unlocked (FIG. 14). (State of (a)). In this state, the user rotates the handle 2 in the direction opposite to the arrow B direction in FIG. 10, and then pulls out the developer supply container 1 in the take-out direction. At that time, the guide portion 7c of the lock member 7 comes into contact with the guide portion 10k as shown in FIG. 14 (f), and the guide portion 7c is pushed up by the inclination of the guide member 10k. Accordingly, the lock member 7 is rotated, and the lock member 7 is re-locked (FIG. 14 (g) → (f) → (e)). Therefore, even if the user once takes out the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving apparatus 10 and then tries to insert the same developer supply container 1 again, the setting is performed in a state where the lock is surely re-locked. Can do.

  Further, when the lock member 7 is re-locked by the above-described mechanism, as shown in FIG. 8 c, the lock portion 7 b comes into contact with the tip of the catch portion 9 a of the fixing member 9, so that the lock is released. A rare phenomenon can occur.

  However, in this example, even if such a phenomenon occurs, since the urging force of the spring member 8 is applied to the lock member 7 as described above, the relocking is performed reliably. That is, after the user completes the setting operation of the developer supply container 1, the first gear 5 is rotated by driving from the main body driving gear 12, and therefore, as shown in FIG. It will be hooked to the hook part 9a.

  Thus, with the configuration of this example, the relocking of the lock member 7 can be achieved reliably and without a special operation by the user. Therefore, since the set rotation of the developer supply container 1 can be automatically automated, the developer can be appropriately supplied by opening the developer shutter 11 and the container shutter 3.

[Example 2]
Next, Example 2 will be described. In this example, the configuration of the drive transmission means (drive transmission device) of the developer supply container is different from that of the first embodiment. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, detailed description thereof is omitted. Members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Relock mechanism for lock member)
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the re-locking mechanism. In this example, the relocking of the lock member 7 is performed with the rotation operation of the developer supply container, that is, in conjunction with the rotation operation for taking out the developer supply container. This will be specifically described below.

  When the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the developer receiving device 10 with the lock member 7 unlocked, the state shown in FIG. When it is rotated from this position in the set direction, the guide portion 7c receives a force in the direction A shown in FIG. 15B by a guide portion 10m as a moving force receiving means (moving force receiving portion, moving force receiving device). .

  Of the force in the A direction, the force of the component C in the direction for rotating the lock member causes the lock member 7 to rotate toward the operating position to the right end position in the region A shown in FIG. Along with this, the lock member 7 moves to the operating position (locked state) shown in FIG. 8A by the urging of the spring member 8, and the lock portion 7b is hooked to the catch portion 9a of the fixed member. As a result, the lock member 7 is re-locked. For this reason, the guiding portion 7c functions as a switching portion that switches the lock member 7 in the unlocked state to the locked state.

  In order to allow the lock member 7 to take between the operating position and the non-operating position by using such rotation of the container, the container body 1a is guided by the guide portion 10m having the guide portion 7c as a slope portion. It is preferable to accompany radial movement with respect to the rotation center.

  FIG. 16 shows a model diagram. For example, it is assumed that the non-operating position (unlocked state) of the guiding portion 7c is the A position, the operating position (locked state) is the B position, and the non-operating position is during developer replenishment.

  When the container main body 1a rotates in the D direction in this state, the guiding portion 7c contacts the guide portion 10m and moves to the B position. However, since it does not move in the radial direction, it interferes with the guide portion 10m. Thus, the container body 1a cannot be rotated.

  Conversely, if the non-operating position of the guiding portion 7c is B, the operating position is C, and the non-operating position is during replenishment, the guiding portion 7c is moved from B to C by rotation in the D direction. At this time, since it moves with respect to the rotation center of the container main body 1a, it is in a position where it does not contact the lower part of the guide portion 10m. In this state, the developer supply container 1 can be further rotated to take out. As described above, in order to switch the operation position and the non-operation position of the lock member 7 with the rotation of the container body 1a, the guide portion 7c has a part of the shape of the lock member 7 with respect to the rotation center of the container body. It is preferable to use a configuration involving movement in the radial direction. Of course, the same can be said for relocking when setting.

  Next, the flow of relocking by the relocking mechanism of this example will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 17A shows a state before the container is inserted and rotated, and FIG. 17B shows a state where the container is drivingly connected to the gear 12. Further, (c) is a state where the container is automatically rotated by receiving a driving force from the gear 12, (d) is a state where the lock is released, (e) is a state where the lock member is interfering with the release protrusion, and (f). Indicates a state in which the lock member does not interfere with the release protrusion. Further, (g) and (h) show a relocked state.

(Relock operation of developer supply container)
The re-locking operation when the developer supply container is taken out for replacement or for some reason will be described.

  (1) First, the user opens the replacement cover 15.

  (2) Then, the user rotates the handle 2 in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow B in FIG. 10b, thereby rotating the developer supply container 1 from the operating position to the attaching / detaching position. That is, the developer supply container 1 returns to the attachment / detachment position, and the state shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 17 (f), when the release projection 5a is at a position away from the released portion 7a, the guide portion 7c and the guide portion 10n interfere with the rotation of the developer supply container 1 to lock the release portion 5a. The member 7 starts to rotate in the direction B shown in FIG.

  After the lock member 7 has been rotated to the right end position in the area A shown in FIG. 5E, the spring member 8 is brought into the state shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17 (e), when the release protrusion 5a and the released portion 7a interfere with each other, the guide portion 7c of the lock member 7 guides as the developing supply container 1 rotates. Pushed by the portion 10n and urged in the B direction. Thereafter, the positional relationship shown in FIG. 17 (g) or FIG. 17 (h) is obtained while the first gear 5 rotates due to the inclined shape of the release protrusion 5a and the released portion 7a. After that, it rotates to the attachment / detachment position in that state.

  Further, the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12 are disengaged following the rotation of the developer supply container, and the second gear 6 and the drive gear member are located when the developer supply container is positioned at the attachment / detachment position. 12 will not interfere with each other.

  (3) Finally, the user takes out the developer supply container 1 at the attachment / detachment position from the developer receiving apparatus 10 and sets a new developer supply container. The subsequent operation is the same as the “developer supply container setting operation” described in the first embodiment.

  As described above, even when the user sets the same developer supply container again, the rotation of the developer supply container can be appropriately automated by the above-described relock mechanism as in the first embodiment. .

  In this example, since the lock portion 7b is configured to lock the container body 1a or the transfer center by moving in the radial direction, the guide portion 7c must also move in the radial direction as it rotates. However, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b), a lock member 7 that moves in the thrust direction of the container main body 1a may be used to lock with rotation (before rotation: FIG. 18a). → After rotation: Fig. 18b). That is, the developer receiving device side is provided with a slope inclined in the thrust direction by rotation, and the guide portion 7c is brought into contact with the slope to be locked.

  In the case of such a configuration, in order to switch the operation position and the non-operation position of the lock member 7 with the rotation of the container body 1a, the guide portion 7c has a shape of the lock member with respect to the rotation center of the container body 1a. It is sufficient if a part of the structure is accompanied by movement in the thrust direction.

  In addition, although the guide part 7c demonstrated above can move a lock member by contact | abutting with the guide parts 10m and 10n even if the shape is angular, the corner | angular part is rounded so that it can move more smoothly. Is preferable (see FIG. 20).

  Further, with respect to the shapes of the guide portions 10m and 10n, it is possible to control how the moving portion 7c is moved with respect to the rotation angle.

  For example, in this example, due to the configuration of the lock member 7, it is difficult to move the restraining means from the non-actuated position to the actuated position by turning in the set direction than in the take-out direction. Therefore, the guide portion 10m has a smaller change rate of the radial position with respect to the constant rotation angle than the guide portion 10n (see FIG. 19).

  [Example 3]

  Next, Example 3 will be described. In this example, the configuration of the drive transmission means (drive transmission device) of the developer supply container is different from that of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. Members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this example, an example in which the relock mechanism of the first embodiment is employed will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to an example in which the relock mechanism of the second embodiment is employed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the driving force is transmitted to the conveying member 4 by the four gears 5, 6a, 6b, and 6c.

  There are an odd number of gears that transmit the drive to the first gear 5. The rotation direction of the gear 6a engaged with the drive gear member 12 is set to a direction in which the developer supply container 1 is automatically rotated.

  Even in such a configuration, as in the first embodiment, when driving is input to the driving gear member 12, a force for automatically rotating the container main body 1a is generated via the gear 6a engaged therewith. be able to.

  In the case where a plurality of gears that transmit driving to the first gear 5 are configured, it is preferable to use the gears 6a, 6b, and 6c in common because a plurality of gears causes a cost increase.

  Note that the configuration of the first embodiment is more desirable from the viewpoint of cost reduction.

  [Example 4]

  Next, Example 4 will be described. In this example, the configuration of the drive transmission means (drive transmission device) of the developer supply container is different from that of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. Members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this example, an example in which the relock mechanism of the first embodiment is employed will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to an example in which the relock mechanism of the second embodiment is employed.

  In this example, as the drive transmission means, as shown in FIG. 22, the first friction wheel 5 and the second friction wheel 6 in which the contact surfaces that are driven and connected to each other are made of a material having a high frictional resistance, A third friction wheel provided coaxially with the friction wheel is used. The driving member of the developer receiving device is also a friction wheel 12.

  Even with such a configuration, the developer supply container can be automatically rotated as in the first embodiment.

  In addition, the structure using the drive transmission means provided with the tooth | gear part like Example 1 is more preferable at the point that a driving force can be transmitted appropriately.

[Example 5]
Next, the developer supply container 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23A is an overall perspective view of the container, FIG. 23B is a schematic view of the fixing member, FIG. 23C is a state before the container is rotated, and FIG. 23D is a state after the container is rotated. Yes. In this example as well, the basic configuration of the container is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus a duplicate description is omitted. Here, a configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which has the same function as embodiment mentioned above.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the relative rotation of the first gear 5 with respect to the container is completely locked. That is, the second gear is also completely prevented from rotating relative to the container body via the first gear.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the first gear 5 is integrated with a fixing member 9 as a restraining means, and the ring member 14 is eliminated. . A release protrusion 10f for releasing the lock is provided on the developer receiving device 10 side.

  In the case of this example, when the second gear 6 receives driving from the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving device 10, the second gear 6 is moved to the container body 1a by the lock member 7 via the first gear 5. On the other hand, since relative rotation is prevented, a pulling force is generated in the container body.

  Therefore, the container main body 1a automatically rotates as in the first embodiment. As a result, at substantially the same time as the developer discharge port 1b communicates with the developer receiving port 10b, the released portion 7b of the lock member 7 is pushed up in the B direction by contacting the release protrusion 10f of the developer receiving device 10. The first gear 5 is unlocked.

  Further, in this embodiment, the first gear 5 and the fixing member 9 in the first embodiment are integrated, and the lock portion 7b of the lock member 7 is hooked on the fixing member 9, but basically the drive gear train. Any of these may be locked, for example, the first gear 5 may be locked, or the second gear 6 may be locked.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the portion that applies the rotational force to the container when retracted is the shaft on which the second gear 6 is pivotally supported. Is easy to rotate, and the load torque required for the second gear 6 itself can be set small accordingly. When the relative rotation of the first gear 5 with respect to the developer supply container 1 as in the present embodiment is restricted, the load applied to the release portion becomes smaller as the member that performs the release moves away from the container rotation center, The strength required for the release part itself can be small.

  In this example, since the member such as the ring member 14 as in the first embodiment can be omitted, the cost of the developer supply container 1 can be reduced.

  However, the timing at which the developer discharge port 1b communicates with the developer receiving port 10b may deviate from the unlocking timing due to variations in dimensions and installation positions of various members of the developer supply container and the developer receiving device. There is sex. Therefore, the configuration of the first embodiment in which there is no concern that such harmful effects occur is more desirable.

  [Example 6]

  Next, the developer supply container 1 according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to FIG. Also in this example, since the basic configuration of the container is the same as that of the first embodiment, a redundant description is omitted, and here, a configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described. Members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this example, an example in which the relock mechanism of the first embodiment is employed will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to an example in which the relock mechanism of the second embodiment is employed.

  In this example, only the first gear 5 is provided as the drive transmission means (drive transmission device) without providing the second and third gears. The first gear 5 is integrated with the fixing member 9 described above, and the ring member 14 is eliminated. The first gear 5 is completely locked by the lock member 7 so that it cannot rotate relative to the container body.

  In the case of this example, the developer receiving device 10 is engaged with the drive gear member 12 of the developer receiving device 10 when the developer supply container is mounted. When driving is input to the drive gear member 12 in this state, the first gear 5 is fixed to the container body 1a by the lock member 7 serving as a restraining means, so that rotational power is generated in the container.

  Accordingly, as in the first embodiment, the container body 1a automatically rotates. As a result, the released portion 7b of the lock member 7 abuts against the release protrusion 10a of the developer receiving device 10 at the same time as the positions of the developer discharge port 1b and the developer receiving port 10b match. Accordingly, the lock member 7 is pushed upward, and the first gear 5 is unlocked.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when in the locked state, the relative rotation of the first gear 5 with respect to the developer supply container 1 is completely prevented, but the following configuration may be employed. For example, the first gear 5 may be fixed to the developer supply container 1 with a torque load. For example, the ring member of the first embodiment is interposed between the first gear 5 and the developer supply container 1. It may be fixed by an elastic member such as 14. That is, although the load which can automate the set rotation of the container is applied to the gear 5, the gear 5 may be configured to rotate relative to the container. In this case, the unlocking configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  As described above, in this example, as compared with the first embodiment, all the rotation operations after the developer supply container 1 is mounted can be automated, so that the usability can be improved. Further, since the member such as the ring member 14 as in the first embodiment can be omitted, the cost of the developer supply container 1 can be reduced.

  However, the timing at which the developer discharge port 1b communicates with the developer receiving port 10b may be deviated from the lock release timing due to variations in the dimensions and installation positions of the respective members. Further, since the first gear 5 and the drive gear member 12 are engaged from the axial direction of the respective gears at the time of insertion, there is a possibility that it is difficult to insert due to tooth contact. Therefore, the configuration of the first embodiment in which there is no concern that such harmful effects occur is more desirable.

  [Example 7]

  Next, the developer supply container 1 according to Embodiment 7 will be described with reference to FIG. Also in this example, since the basic configuration of the container is the same as that of the first embodiment, a redundant description is omitted, and here, a configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described. Members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this example, an example in which the relock mechanism of the first embodiment is employed will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to an example in which the relock mechanism of the second embodiment is employed.

  In this example, the drive transmission means (drive transmission device) includes the first gear 5, the drive transmission belt 16, and two pulleys that suspend the first gear 5. Also in this example, as shown in FIG. 25, the first gear 5 is integrated with the fixing member 9, and the ring member 14 is eliminated. The first gear 5 is completely locked by the lock member so that it cannot rotate relative to the container.

  In this example, the inner surface of the drive transmission belt 16 and the outer surface of the pulley are subjected to high friction processing so that the drive transmission belt 16 does not rotate relative to the pulley. In addition, it is good also as a structure which prevents a slip between both to a high level by providing a tooth part also in the inner surface of a drive transmission belt, and providing a tooth part also in two pulleys corresponding to this.

  In the case of this example, when the developer supply container mounted on the developer receiving device 10 is rotated by a predetermined angle by the user, the tooth portion of the drive transmission belt 16 is connected to the drive gear member 12 of the developer receiving device 10. Engage. After that, when the user closes the replacement cover and driving is input to the driving gear member 12, the first gear 5 is prevented from rotating relative to the container body 1a by the lock member 7 serving as a restraining means. As a result, rotational power is generated in the container.

  Accordingly, as in the first embodiment, the container body 1a automatically rotates. As a result, almost simultaneously with the positions of the developer discharge port 1b and the developer receiving port 10b, the released portion 7b of the lock member 7 is pushed up in the B direction by abutting against the release protrusion 10a of the developer receiving device 10. The first gear 5 is unlocked.

  The configuration of this example is advantageous compared to Example 1 in that the degree of freedom in design of the drive transmission means (degree of freedom in installation) is increased.

  However, the timing at which the developer discharge port 1b communicates with the developer receiving port 10b may be deviated from the lock release timing due to variations in the dimensions and installation positions of the respective members. Therefore, the configuration of the first embodiment in which there is no concern that such harmful effects occur is more desirable.

  In the present embodiment, the first gear is configured to be completely locked with respect to the container body. However, as in the first embodiment, a configuration in which a rotational load is applied to the first gear may be employed. Absent. In this case, the lock member 7 is unlocked by the release protrusion that rotates relative to the container together with the first gear, so that the developer discharge port 1b can communicate with the developer receiving port 10b at an appropriate timing. It is.

  [Example 8]

  Next, the developer supply container 1 according to Example 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. Also in this example, since the basic configuration of the container is the same as that of the first embodiment, a redundant description is omitted, and here, a configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described. Members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this example, an example in which the relock mechanism of the first embodiment is employed will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to an example in which the relock mechanism of the second embodiment is employed.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view of the container. FIG. 27 is a diagram sequentially illustrating the container setting operation. 27A shows the time when the container is inserted, FIG. 27B shows the time when the gear 12 is drivingly connected, and FIG. 27C shows the time when the container is set and the opening communicates. .

  In the embodiment described above, the container main body 1a is automatically rotated using the drive transmission means. However, in this example, the outer cylinder that functions as a container shutter rotatably provided on the outer side of the container main body is automatically rotated. It is configured.

  The developer supply container of this example includes an inner cylinder 800 containing developer (which functions as a container main body), and an outer cylinder 300 (which functions as a container shutter) as a rotating member rotatably provided outside the inner cylinder. To be a double cylinder structure.

  As in the first embodiment, the outer cylinder is provided with gears 5 and 6, and further provided with a guide groove 700, an interlocking protrusion 1e, and a mounting guide 1g. The guide groove 700 is configured such that a guide protrusion 500 installed on the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder is inserted, and functions to guide the rotation of the outer cylinder with respect to the inner cylinder. The mounting guide 1g is for regulating the angular posture of the developer supply container when the developer supply container is inserted into the developer receiving apparatus.

  The shaft portion of the gear 5 is fixed to the shaft portion of the stirring member 4 housed in the inner cylinder, and is configured so that both can rotate integrally. Accordingly, since the gears 5 and 6 that are driven from the gear 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10 are configured to be difficult to rotate relative to the outer cylinder, the developer supply container is automatically set and rotated. be able to.

  In this example, the inner cylinder 800 is provided with an opening 900 for discharging the developer, and the outer cylinder 300 is also connected to the opening 900 to discharge the developer 400 (functioning as a developer discharge port). Is provided). The openings of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are not in communication with each other when the developer supply container is inserted (FIG. 27A), and the outer cylinder serves as the container shutter 3 described above.

  The opening of the outer cylinder is sealed with a seal film 600. The seal film is configured to be peeled off by the user after inserting the developer supply container into the developer receiving apparatus and before rotating the developer supply container.

  Further, an elastic seal member is provided around the opening of the inner cylinder so that the developer does not leak between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The elastic seal member is compressed by a predetermined amount by the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. ing.

  When such a developer supply container is inserted into the developer receiving device, the opening of the inner cylinder is in a position facing the developer receiving port of the developer receiving device, while the opening of the outer tube is the developer receiving port. It is not facing and is facing substantially vertically upward.

  In this state, the developer supply container is set in the same manner as in the first embodiment (FIG. 27 (a) → (b) → (c)). Only the outer cylinder automatically rotates relative to the inner cylinder, which is locked and fixed so as not to rotate.

  As a result, the opening operation of the developer shutter is performed in conjunction with the rotation operation for positioning the developer supply container to the operation position (supply position). Further, since the opening of the outer cylinder faces the developer receiving port (FIG. 27 (c)), the inner cylinder opening, the outer cylinder opening, and the developer receiving port finally communicate with each other. That is, the developer can be replenished.

  As for the operation of taking out the developer supply container, as in the above-described embodiment, the outer cylinder is rotated in the opposite direction to that during the setting operation (FIG. 27 (c) → (b) → (a)) The resealing operation of the inner cylinder opening and the developer receiving port is performed in conjunction with each other. The outer cylinder opening remains open, but when the developer supply container is removed from the apparatus, the inner cylinder opening is resealed by the outer cylinder, while the outer cylinder opening faces vertically upward. Therefore, the amount of developer scattered was extremely small.

  In the above-described example, the example in which the opening 400 is formed on the peripheral surface of the outer cylinder has been described. However, the example is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the outer cylinder is similar to that of the container shutter shown in the first embodiment, and the outer cylinder such as the container shutter rotates and retracts from the opening 900 of the inner cylinder, so that “ A configuration in which “opening” is performed may be employed. That is, the opening 400 is not specially provided in the outer cylinder.

  As described above, the examples of the developer supply container and the developer supply system according to the present invention have been described with respect to the first to eighth examples. However, the configurations of the first to eighth examples are within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Can be appropriately combined or the configuration can be replaced.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of a developing device. It is a perspective view which shows a developing agent acceptance apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows a developing agent acceptance apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of a guide member. It is explanatory drawing of a guide member. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the inside of the developer receiving device when replenishing and sealing. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the inside of the developer receiving device when the supply port is opened. FIG. 6 is an explanatory perspective view of a developer supply container. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a developer supply container. It is side surface explanatory drawing of a developer supply container. It is a perspective explanatory view of the 2nd gear and the 3rd gear. It is biasing explanatory drawing of a locking member. It is sectional drawing of the torque generation part of a developer supply container. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a torque generating portion of a developer supply container. It is a perspective view which shows a locking member. It is a perspective view which shows the state of the torque load large in a torque load switching mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows the state of torque load small in a torque load switching mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows the state of torque load small in a torque load switching mechanism. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state when the developer supply device is mounted on the developer supply container. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state after the developer supply device is mounted in the developer supply container. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state after the developer supply device is mounted on the developer supply container. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state after the developer supply device is mounted on the developer supply container. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state after the developer supply device is mounted on the developer supply container. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state after the developer rotation device is mounted after the developer receiving device is mounted in the developer supply container. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state after the developer rotation device is mounted after the developer receiving device is mounted in the developer supply container. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state after the developer rotation device is mounted after the developer receiving device is mounted in the developer supply container. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state after the developer rotation device is mounted after the developer receiving device is mounted in the developer supply container. FIG. 6 is a side view after the developer supply container is mounted. FIG. 7 is a side view after the drive connection is completed after the developer supply container is mounted. FIG. 6 is a side view after the end of rotation after the developer supply container is mounted. FIG. 6 is a side view immediately before unlocking after the developer supply container is mounted. FIG. 6 is a side view when unlocking after the developer supply container is mounted. It is a model figure for demonstrating retraction force. It is side surface explanatory drawing which the lock | rock of the locking member released. It is side surface explanatory drawing which a lock member locks. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between the guide member and the guide portion when the lock member is unlocked when the developer supply container is inserted. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the guide member and the guide portion when the lock member is locked when the developer supply container is inserted. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the guide member and the guide portion when the lock member is locked when the developer supply container is inserted. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the guide member and the guide portion when the lock member is locked when the developer supply container is extracted. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the guide member and the guide portion when the lock member is locked when the developer supply container is extracted. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the state which locked the locking member. It is explanatory drawing of a re-lock mechanism. It is explanatory drawing of a re-lock mechanism. It is a model figure explaining a re-lock. It is explanatory drawing of a relock operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of a relock operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of a relock operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of a relock operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of a relock operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of a relock operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of a relock operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of a relock operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of the structure which hooks the lock accompanying rotation by the lock member which moves to the thrust direction of a container main body. It is explanatory drawing of the structure which hooks the lock accompanying rotation by the lock member which moves to the thrust direction of a container main body. It is explanatory drawing of a guide member. It is a perspective view which shows a locking member. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 3rd Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 3rd Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 4th Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 5th Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 5th Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 5th Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 5th Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 6th Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 7th Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 8th Example. It is the schematic which shows the developer supply container which concerns on 8th Example. It is a figure explaining the setting operation | movement of the developer supply container which concerns on 8th Example. It is a figure explaining the setting operation | movement of the developer supply container which concerns on 8th Example. It is a figure explaining the setting operation | movement of the developer supply container which concerns on 8th Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Developer supply container 1a ... Container main body 4 ... Discharge member 5 ... 1st gear 6 ... 2nd gear 6 '... 3rd gear 7 ... Lock member 7a ... Release part 7b ... Lock part 7c ... Guidance part 7d ... prop
12… Drive gear member

Claims (17)

In a developer supply container that is detachably provided in a developer receiving device having a driving means and a moving force applying means, and is set by a setting operation involving at least rotation in a setting direction,
Rotatable discharge means for discharging the developer in the developer supply container to the outside;
Drive transmission means for transmitting the driving force of the drive means to the discharge means;
Since the developer supply container is rotated in the setting direction by the driving force received from the drive means, the developer supply container is movable between an operating position and a non-operating position for suppressing relative rotation of the drive transmission means with respect to the developer supply container. Suppression means;
A moving force receiving means for receiving, from the moving force applying means, a force for moving the suppressing means in the non-operating position toward the operating position;
A developer supply container characterized by comprising:   The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the moving force receiving unit is configured to receive a force from the moving force applying unit in accordance with an operation of inserting the developer supply container into the developer receiving device. Medicine supply container.   The developer supply container according to claim 2, wherein a direction in which the developer supply container is inserted into the developer receiving device is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the developer supply container.   4. The moving force receiving means is configured to receive a force from the moving force applying means in accordance with an operation of taking out the developer supply container from the developer receiving device. The developer supply container according to any one of the above.   The developer supply container according to claim 4, wherein a direction in which the developer supply container is removed from the developer receiving apparatus is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the developer supply container.   The moving force receiving means is configured to receive a force from the moving force applying means in accordance with a rotation operation in a direction opposite to a setting direction when the developer supply container is taken out from the developer receiving device. The developer supply container according to claim 1.   The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the moving force receiving unit is provided integrally with the suppressing unit.   8. The developer according to claim 1, wherein when the suppression unit is in the operating position, the drive transmission unit prohibits relative rotation with respect to the developer supply container. Supply container.   The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the suppressing unit includes a flip-flop mechanism including an urging member.   A housing portion that houses the developer, and an opening that discharges the developer in the housing portion, and the suppression unit is configured to move the housing portion in the set direction by a driving force. 10. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein relative rotation of the drive transmission means is suppressed.   A housing portion that houses the developer, and a rotating member that is rotatably provided around the housing portion, and the suppression unit is configured to rotate the rotating member in the setting direction by a driving force. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein relative rotation of the drive transmission unit with respect to the rotating member is suppressed.   The developer supply container according to claim 11, wherein the opening of the housing portion and the opening of the rotating member communicate with each other as the rotating member rotates.   13. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the drive transmission unit has a gear that can mesh with the drive unit.   The developer supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the drive transmission means includes an endless belt having a tooth portion engageable with the drive means.   15. The drive transmission means includes a gear which is provided so as to be rotatable coaxially with the discharge member, and which suppresses relative rotation with respect to the developer supply container by the suppression means. The developer supply container according to any one of the above.   When the developer supply container rotates in a predetermined angle setting direction from a position allowing attachment / detachment, the drive transmission means is drivingly connected to the drive means, and then the developer supply is performed by the driving force received by the drive transmission means. 16. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the container is configured to rotate in a setting direction toward a developer supply position. In a developer replenishment system comprising: a developer accepting device; and a developer replenishment container that is detachably provided in the developer accepting device and is set by a setting operation involving at least rotation in a setting direction.
The developer receiving apparatus includes a driving unit that applies a driving force, and a moving force applying unit that applies a moving force.
The developer supply container includes a rotatable discharge member that discharges the developer in the developer supply container to the outside, a drive transmission unit that transmits a driving force from the drive unit to the discharge unit, and a drive unit. Suppression means movable between an operating position and a non-operating position for suppressing relative rotation of the drive transmission means with respect to the developer supply container for rotating the developer supply container in a setting direction by the received driving force; A developer replenishing system comprising: a moving force receiving means for receiving, from the moving force applying means, a moving force for moving the suppressing means in the non-operating position to the operating position.