JP2010241468A - Developer vessel - Google Patents

Developer vessel Download PDF

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JP2010241468A
JP2010241468A JP2009092953A JP2009092953A JP2010241468A JP 2010241468 A JP2010241468 A JP 2010241468A JP 2009092953 A JP2009092953 A JP 2009092953A JP 2009092953 A JP2009092953 A JP 2009092953A JP 2010241468 A JP2010241468 A JP 2010241468A
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developer
developer container
container
cylindrical portion
discharge
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Manabu Kanba
学 神羽
Yusuke Yamada
祐介 山田
Nobuo Nakajima
中島  伸夫
Nobuyuki Yomoda
伸之 四方田
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer vessel having excellent transferability in a biaxially blow molded vessel. <P>SOLUTION: In the developer vessel, a flange includes: a middle cylindrical part which engages with a developer accommodation body and at least part of which covers the outer circumference of an opening; and a discharge cylindrical part which is formed at the approximately rotation center of the developer vessel of the end surface of the middle cylindrical part, has an inner diameter smaller than that of the middle cylindrical part, and has a protrusion having a discharge opening at one end and a protrusion protruding to an insertion part on another end. A transfer member includes a partition wall lifting the developer in the developer accommodation body through rotation of the developer vessel, and a transfer rib transferring the lifted developer to the discharge cylindrical part. The partition wall and the transfer rib protrude from the accommodation part to the vicinity of the end surface of the protrusion so as to accept the developer and deliver the same to the discharge cylindrical part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、電子写真技術を利用した画像形成装置の現像装置に用いられる現像剤等の微粉体を収容し、補給するための現像剤容器に関する。   The present invention relates to a developer container for containing and replenishing fine powder such as developer used in a developing device of an image forming apparatus using electrophotographic technology.

従来、電子写真方式の複写機やプリンタ等の画像形成装置では微粉末の現像剤が画像形成に使用されている。   Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer, a fine powder developer is used for image formation.

近年、複写機やプリンタ等の画像形成装置(以下、本体)において、消耗品である現像剤の補給・交換は、現像剤が充填された容器(以下、現像剤容器)を本体内に据え置き、本体が現像剤を必要とするタイミングに応じて、現像剤容器を回転させる事により、現像剤を本体へ補給する方法が採用されている。   In recent years, in an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a main body) such as a copying machine or a printer, supply / replacement of a developer which is a consumable is performed by leaving a container filled with a developer (hereinafter referred to as a developer container) A method of supplying the developer to the main body by rotating the developer container according to the timing when the main body needs the developer is employed.

上述した回転によって現像剤を本体へ補給する現像剤容器において、環境への意識の高まりを受けて、一部を2軸延伸ブロー成形によって形成した現像剤容器(以下、2軸延伸ブロー容器)が近年増加傾向にある。2軸延伸ブロー容器は、従来のように射出成形によって形成された現像剤容器(以下、射出容器)と比較して、使用する樹脂材料が少ない点で環境負荷を低減できるメリットがある。   In the developer container that replenishes the developer to the main body by the rotation described above, a developer container partially formed by biaxial stretch blow molding (hereinafter referred to as a biaxial stretch blow container) in response to heightened environmental awareness. It has been increasing in recent years. The biaxially stretched blow container has an advantage that the environmental load can be reduced in that it uses less resin material than a developer container (hereinafter referred to as an injection container) formed by injection molding as in the prior art.

特許文献1は、現像剤補給容器である円筒状のトナーボトルを2軸延伸ブロー成形法によって製造する方法が開示されてある。   Patent Document 1 discloses a method of manufacturing a cylindrical toner bottle as a developer supply container by a biaxial stretch blow molding method.

ここで、2軸延伸ブロー成形について端的に説明すると、2軸延伸ブロー容器は、まず射出成形によってプリフォームを形成する。続いて、プリフォームを延伸ロッドによって軸線方向へ引き延ばしながら、プリフォームの開口側よりエアを注入し、径方向へも延伸させ、所望の容器形状を形成する。上記手法で形成された2軸延伸ブロー容器は、射出成形によって形成された部分(射出部)と延伸ロッドとエアによって引き伸ばされた部分(ブロー部)に大別される。   Here, the biaxial stretch blow molding will be briefly described. In the biaxial stretch blow container, a preform is first formed by injection molding. Subsequently, while the preform is stretched in the axial direction by the stretching rod, air is injected from the opening side of the preform and stretched in the radial direction to form a desired container shape. The biaxially stretched blow container formed by the above method is roughly divided into a part (injection part) formed by injection molding and a part (blow part) stretched by a stretching rod and air.

上述した手法によって形成された2軸延伸ブロー容器は、ブロー部の径が射出部の径よりも大きくなる。また、ブロー部には現像剤容器の回転によって現像剤を搬送する螺旋状リブが形成される事が多い。したがって、2軸延伸ブロー容器の現像剤の排出動作は以下に説明するように行われる。   In the biaxially stretched blow container formed by the above-described method, the diameter of the blow part is larger than the diameter of the injection part. Further, in many cases, spiral ribs that convey the developer by rotation of the developer container are formed in the blow unit. Therefore, the developer discharging operation of the biaxial stretch blow container is performed as described below.

まず、容器の回転により、ブロー部内の現像剤が螺旋状リブにより射出部近傍まで搬送され滞留する。続いて、前記滞留した現像剤をブロー部より射出部へ現像剤を持ち上げ排出口まで搬送する。つまり、ブロー部より射出部へ現像剤を持ち上げ、排出口まで搬送するための搬送手段が必要となる。それを達成する手段として、例えば、現像剤容器の回転に伴ってブロー部の現像剤を持ち上げ、射出部へ搬送する搬送部材が提案されている。   First, by the rotation of the container, the developer in the blow part is transported to the vicinity of the injection part by the spiral rib and stays there. Subsequently, the staying developer is lifted from the blow unit to the injection unit and conveyed to the discharge port. That is, a transport unit is required for lifting the developer from the blow unit to the injection unit and transporting the developer to the discharge port. As means for achieving this, for example, a transport member has been proposed that lifts the developer in the blow unit as the developer container rotates and transports it to the injection unit.

ここに記載の現像剤容器によれば、搬送部材に設けられた板状の仕切り壁と仕切り壁に設けられた搬送リブが、ブロー部から開口部を通過し排出口近傍まで延在しており、ブロー部に滞留した現像剤を確実に射出部まで持ち上げ排出口へ搬送する事ができる。   According to the developer container described here, the plate-like partition wall provided on the transport member and the transport rib provided on the partition wall extend from the blow part to the vicinity of the discharge port through the opening. The developer staying in the blow section can be reliably lifted up to the injection section and conveyed to the discharge port.

特開2001−42626号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-42626

しかしながら、上記した現像剤容器に用いる搬送部材は以下に記す課題を抱えている。例えば、図16を用いてその課題を説明する。図16は、一部にブロー容器を用いた現像剤容器201の先端部の断面図である。図16に示すように、現像剤容器201は、2軸延伸ブロー成形法によって形成された現像剤収容体202と、射出成形法によって形成されたフランジ203と、搬送部材204によって構成される。尚、現像剤収容体202は、射出成形部であるエアを吹き込むための開口部208と、ブロー成形部である収容部209を備えている。ここで、収容部209の内径R1は、開口部208の内径R2よりも大きく、収容部209と開口部208は滑らかなスロープ(以下、肩部)によって繋がっている。尚、肩部の傾斜は当然ながら開口部208の内径R2と収容部209の内径R1によって決定される。また、フランジ203は一部が開口部208の外周面を覆う中間円筒部210と、中間円筒部210の端面の略中央に設けられた排出円筒部205を備えている。尚、排出円筒部205の内径R3は、開口部208の内径R2よりも小さい。また、搬送部材204は現像剤容器201が図中の矢印d方向へ回転することによって、現像剤を持ち上げる仕切り壁207と、持ち上げられた現像剤を排出円筒部205へ搬送する搬送リブ206を備えている。尚、仕切り壁207および搬送リブ206は、収容部209より開口部208を経て、排出円筒部205の端部まで延在している。ここで、現像剤容器201の現像剤の搬送性には、搬送リブ206と肩部が為すスペースEと、搬送リブ206の回転軸に対する傾斜角度βが大きく影響する。例えば、上記構成の場合、一般的に現像剤の搬送量を増加させるためにはスペースEを広く取るが、その際、搬送リブ206の傾斜角度βは鈍化し、現像剤が搬送リブ206を滑る事によって得る搬送力Fが小さくなる。ここで、現像剤は搬送力Fにより、排出円筒部205を通過し排出口211より本体へ供給される。つまり、搬送力Fの低下は排出円筒部205内の現像剤の滞留を引き起こす懸念がある。逆に、現像剤に十分な搬送力Fを与えるために搬送リブ206の傾斜角度βを鋭化すると、スペースEは非常に狭くなり物流や長期の保管により現像剤が閉塞するなどの懸念がある。また、スペースEが狭くなる事により、現像剤の搬送量が低下する等の懸念がある。つまり、従来構成の現像剤容器201においては、本体が求める現像剤の排出量に見合った搬送性を持たせるために、所望の形状を形成することが困難となる場合が多かった。特に現像剤収容体202内の現像剤が少なくなってきた際には、現像剤の搬送性は搬送部材204の形状の影響を大きく受けるため、本体側へ所望の現像剤量を排出することができなくなる等の課題があった。   However, the conveyance member used for the developer container described above has the following problems. For example, the problem will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the tip of the developer container 201 using a blow container in part. As shown in FIG. 16, the developer container 201 includes a developer container 202 formed by a biaxial stretch blow molding method, a flange 203 formed by an injection molding method, and a conveying member 204. The developer container 202 includes an opening 208 for blowing air that is an injection molding part, and a container 209 that is a blow molding part. Here, the inner diameter R1 of the accommodating portion 209 is larger than the inner diameter R2 of the opening 208, and the accommodating portion 209 and the opening 208 are connected by a smooth slope (hereinafter referred to as a shoulder). The inclination of the shoulder is naturally determined by the inner diameter R2 of the opening 208 and the inner diameter R1 of the accommodating portion 209. In addition, the flange 203 includes an intermediate cylindrical portion 210 that partially covers the outer peripheral surface of the opening 208 and a discharge cylindrical portion 205 provided substantially at the center of the end surface of the intermediate cylindrical portion 210. The inner diameter R3 of the discharge cylindrical portion 205 is smaller than the inner diameter R2 of the opening 208. The transport member 204 includes a partition wall 207 that lifts the developer and a transport rib 206 that transports the lifted developer to the discharge cylindrical portion 205 when the developer container 201 rotates in the direction of arrow d in the figure. ing. The partition wall 207 and the transport rib 206 extend from the housing portion 209 through the opening 208 to the end of the discharge cylindrical portion 205. Here, the developer transportability of the developer container 201 is greatly affected by the space E formed by the shoulders of the transport rib 206 and the inclination angle β of the transport rib 206 with respect to the rotation axis. For example, in the case of the above configuration, the space E is generally widened in order to increase the developer conveyance amount, but at that time, the inclination angle β of the conveyance rib 206 becomes dull and the developer slides on the conveyance rib 206. The conveyance force F obtained by the thing becomes small. Here, the developer passes through the discharge cylindrical portion 205 by the conveying force F and is supplied to the main body from the discharge port 211. That is, there is a concern that the decrease in the conveyance force F causes the developer to stay in the discharge cylindrical portion 205. On the contrary, if the inclination angle β of the transport rib 206 is sharpened to give the developer a sufficient transport force F, the space E becomes very narrow and there is a concern that the developer may be blocked due to physical distribution or long-term storage. . Further, there is a concern that the amount of developer transport decreases as the space E becomes narrow. That is, in the developer container 201 having the conventional configuration, it is often difficult to form a desired shape in order to provide transportability commensurate with the amount of developer discharge required by the main body. In particular, when the amount of developer in the developer container 202 is low, the developer transportability is greatly affected by the shape of the transport member 204, so that a desired developer amount can be discharged to the main body side. There were problems such as being unable to do so.

上記課題を解決し、本体の所望の現像剤排出量を満足するために、例えば本体モータの能力を強化し、現像剤容器201の回転速度を増加させ、単位時間あたりの現像剤排出量を増加させていた。また、例えば、本体へ所望の現像剤が排出されるまで画像形成を停止させ、搬送性の低下にともなう現像剤の排出量不足を補っていた。また別の方法としては、本体へ所望の排出量の現像剤が排出されなかった場合、該容器を新品の容器と交換していた。   In order to solve the above problems and satisfy the desired developer discharge amount of the main body, for example, the capacity of the main body motor is enhanced, the rotation speed of the developer container 201 is increased, and the developer discharge amount per unit time is increased. I was letting. Further, for example, the image formation is stopped until the desired developer is discharged to the main body, and the shortage of the developer discharge amount due to the decrease in transportability is compensated. As another method, when a desired amount of developer is not discharged to the main body, the container is replaced with a new one.

上記した現像剤の排出量不足を補う手法は、使用済みの容器内に残留する現像剤が多い事によるランニングコスト低下の増加や、交換頻度が多くなることによるユーザービリティの低下を招いていた。また、本体の大型化やコスト増加、生産性の低下といった課題を生じており、本体のコンパクト化や環境負荷低減の妨げとなっていた。したがって、上述したように現像剤収容体やフランジの形状の制約を受けても優れた搬送性を有する搬送機構を備えた現像剤容器の確立が求められている。   The above-described method for compensating for the shortage of developer discharge amount has led to an increase in running cost due to a large amount of developer remaining in a used container and a decrease in usability due to an increase in replacement frequency. In addition, problems such as an increase in the size of the main body, an increase in cost, and a decrease in productivity have been caused, which has hindered downsizing of the main body and reduction of environmental burden. Therefore, as described above, there is a demand for establishment of a developer container having a transport mechanism having excellent transportability even when the shape of the developer container or flange is restricted.

本出願に係る第1の発明は、
画像形成装置に着脱自在な、回転する事により現像剤を排出する現像剤容器であって、前記現像剤容器は、現像剤を収容する現像剤収容体と、前記現像剤収容体の回転によって現像剤を搬送する搬送部材とからなり、前記現像剤収容体は、現像剤を収容する略円筒状の収容部と、前記収容部端面の現像剤容器の略回転中心に設けられ、前記収容部内径よりも小内径の中間円筒部と、前記中間円筒部端面の該回転中心に設けられ、前記中間円筒部内径よりも小内径の排出円筒部を有し、前記搬送部材は、前記現像剤容器の回転によって前記収容部および前記中間円筒部内の現像剤を持ち上げる仕切り壁と、持ち上げられた現像剤を前記排出円筒部へ搬送する搬送リブを有しており、
前記排出円筒部は、一端部に排出口と他端部に前記中間円筒部内へ突出する突出部を有し、前記仕切り壁と前記搬送リブは、現像剤を前記排出円筒部へ受け渡すように、前記収容部内より前記突出部端面近傍へ延在する事を特徴とする。
The first invention according to the present application is:
A developer container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus and discharges the developer by rotation, wherein the developer container is developed by rotating the developer container and a developer container that contains the developer. A developer member for conveying the developer, wherein the developer container is provided at a substantially cylindrical housing part for containing the developer, and a rotation center of the developer container on the end surface of the container part. An intermediate cylindrical portion having a smaller inner diameter than the intermediate cylindrical portion, and a discharge cylindrical portion having a smaller inner diameter than the intermediate cylindrical portion inner diameter. A partition wall that lifts the developer in the housing portion and the intermediate cylindrical portion by rotation, and a transport rib that transports the lifted developer to the discharge cylindrical portion;
The discharge cylindrical portion has a discharge port at one end and a protruding portion that protrudes into the intermediate cylindrical portion at the other end, and the partition wall and the transport rib pass the developer to the discharge cylindrical portion. And, it extends from the inside of the housing part to the vicinity of the end face of the protruding part.

本出願に係る第2の発明は、
画像形成装置に着脱自在な、回転することによって現像剤を排出する現像剤容器であって、
前記現像剤容器は、2軸延伸ブロー成形法によって形成される現像剤を収容する現像剤収容体と、
射出成形法によって形成されるフランジと、前記現像剤収容体に相対回転不可に組み込まれる搬送部材とからなり、前記現像剤収容体は、ブローするためのエアを吹き込む開口が形成された開口部と、前記エアおよび延伸ロッドによって延伸される前記開口部内径よりも大内径の収容部とを有し、
前記フランジは、前記現像剤収容体に係合し、少なくとも一部が前記開口部の外周面を覆う中間円筒部と、前記中間円筒部端面の前記現像剤容器の略回転中心に形成され、前記中間円筒部内径よりも小内径であり、一端部に排出口と他端部に前記嵌め込み部内へ突出する突出部を備える排出円筒部とを有し、前記搬送部材は、前記現像剤容器の回転によって前記現像剤収容体内の現像剤を持ち上げる仕切り壁と、持ち上げられた現像剤を前記排出円筒部へ搬送する搬送リブとを有しており、前記仕切り壁と前記搬送リブは、現像剤を前記排出円筒部へ受け渡すように、前記収容部内より前記突出部端面近傍へ延在する事を特徴とする。
The second invention according to the present application is:
A developer container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus and discharges the developer by rotation,
The developer container includes a developer container that contains a developer formed by a biaxial stretch blow molding method;
It comprises a flange formed by an injection molding method and a conveying member that is incorporated in the developer container so as not to rotate relative to the developer container. The developer container has an opening formed with an opening for blowing air for blowing. A housing portion having a larger inner diameter than the inner diameter of the opening that is stretched by the air and the stretching rod,
The flange is formed at an approximately cylindrical center of rotation of the developer container on the end surface of the intermediate cylindrical portion, and an intermediate cylindrical portion that engages with the developer container and at least a part of which covers the outer peripheral surface of the opening. The inner cylindrical portion has an inner diameter smaller than the inner cylindrical diameter, and has a discharge port at one end and a discharge cylindrical portion having a protruding portion protruding into the fitting portion at the other end, and the transport member rotates the developer container A partition wall that lifts the developer in the developer container, and a transport rib that transports the lifted developer to the discharge cylindrical portion, and the partition wall and the transport rib include the developer as described above. It extends from the inside of the storage part to the vicinity of the end face of the protruding part so as to be delivered to the discharge cylindrical part.

以上、説明したように、本発明によれば搬送性に優れた現像剤容器を提供する事ができる。   As described above, according to the present invention, a developer container having excellent transportability can be provided.

またそれにより、画像形成装置本体の、コンパクト化や環境負荷低減に貢献する事ができる。   As a result, the image forming apparatus main body can be made compact and reduce the environmental load.

本発明に係る画像形成装置本体。1 is an image forming apparatus main body according to the present invention. 本発明に係る現像剤容器。A developer container according to the present invention. 本発明に係る現像剤収容体。A developer container according to the present invention. 本発明に係るフランジ。The flange which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る搬送部材。The conveying member which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係るキャップ。Cap according to the present invention. 本発明に係る現像剤容器の先端部。The front-end | tip part of the developer container which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る現像剤容器。A developer container according to the present invention. 本発明に係る現像剤容器の排出動作1。Discharge operation 1 of the developer container according to the present invention. 本発明に係る現像剤容器の排出動作2。Discharge operation 2 of the developer container according to the present invention. 本発明に係る現像剤容器の排出動作3。Discharge operation 3 of the developer container according to the present invention. 比較例1に係る現像剤容器。The developer container according to Comparative Example 1. 比較例2に係る現像剤容器。The developer container according to Comparative Example 2. 比較例3に係る現像剤容器。The developer container according to Comparative Example 3. 比較例4に係る現像剤容器。The developer container according to Comparative Example 4. 従来技術に係る現像剤容器。Developer container according to the prior art.

以下に、本実施例における画像形成装置本体(以下、本体)および、現像剤容器について、図面に則して説明する。   The image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the main body) and the developer container in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(画像形成装置)
本発明に用いた画像形成装置本体を図1に示す。図1に示すように本発明に係る本体101は、ブラック、シアン、マゼンタ、イエローからなる4色のフルカラー機であり、各色毎に対応する容器ハウジング102A〜102D、感光体103A〜103D、現像器104A〜104D、レーザー光路105A〜105Dを備えている。また、紙媒体106、中間転写体107および定着器108を備えている。
(Image forming device)
The main body of the image forming apparatus used in the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a main body 101 according to the present invention is a four-color full-color machine composed of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and container housings 102A to 102D, photoconductors 103A to 103D, and developing units corresponding to the respective colors. 104A to 104D and laser light paths 105A to 105D are provided. Further, a paper medium 106, an intermediate transfer member 107, and a fixing device 108 are provided.

以下に、本体の動作プロセスを簡略化して記す。   The operation process of the main body is simplified and described below.

PCなどから所望の文書やデザイン等の画像信号が発信される。次に、その信号に応じて、帯電された感光体103A〜103Dがレーザーにより照射され、帯電部と非帯電部に区別される(以下、静電潜像)。続いて感光体103A〜103Dに生じた静電潜像に応じて、現像器104A〜104D内の現像剤が感光体103A〜103Dへ現像される。このとき、現像により使用した現像剤の不足を補うため容器ハウジング102A〜102Dに設けられた不図示の現像剤ホッパーより現像剤が現像器104A〜104Dへ供給される。   An image signal of a desired document or design is transmitted from a PC or the like. Next, in accordance with the signal, the charged photoconductors 103A to 103D are irradiated with a laser to distinguish between a charged part and an uncharged part (hereinafter, electrostatic latent image). Subsequently, the developer in the developing devices 104A to 104D is developed onto the photoconductors 103A to 103D in accordance with the electrostatic latent images generated on the photoconductors 103A to 103D. At this time, the developer is supplied to the developing devices 104A to 104D from a developer hopper (not shown) provided in the container housings 102A to 102D in order to compensate for the shortage of the developer used by the development.

感光体103A〜103Dに現像された現像剤は一旦中間転写体107に転写される。さらに、中間転写体107に転写された現像剤は紙媒体106に再度、転写される。その後、紙媒体106は定着器108に搬送され、定着器108が発生する熱によって紙媒体106上の現像剤が融解し紙媒体106に定着し、所望の成果物として本体101外へ排紙される。   The developer developed on the photoconductors 103A to 103D is once transferred to the intermediate transfer member 107. Further, the developer transferred to the intermediate transfer member 107 is transferred again to the paper medium 106. Thereafter, the paper medium 106 is conveyed to the fixing device 108, the developer on the paper medium 106 is melted and fixed on the paper medium 106 by the heat generated by the fixing device 108, and is discharged out of the main body 101 as a desired product. The

(現像剤容器-概略)
図2を用いて、本発明に用いた現像剤容器1の概略を説明する。尚、図2に示した現像剤容器1は説明の便宜上、内部の様子がわかるように現像剤収容体2、フランジ3の一部を削除した図となっている。
(Developer container-outline)
The outline of the developer container 1 used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, the developer container 1 shown in FIG. 2 is a diagram in which a part of the developer container 2 and the flange 3 are omitted so that the inside can be seen.

図2に示すように、現像剤容器1は現像剤収容体2、フランジ3、搬送部材4、キャップ5、シール部材6からなり、前記容器ハウジング102A〜102Dに着脱自在である。   As shown in FIG. 2, the developer container 1 includes a developer container 2, a flange 3, a conveying member 4, a cap 5, and a seal member 6, and is detachable from the container housings 102 </ b> A to 102 </ b> D.

以下に各部品の詳細について説明する。   Details of each component will be described below.

(現像剤収容体)
図3に現像剤収容体2の斜視図を示す。現像剤収容体2は2軸延伸ブロー成形法によって形成され、図3に示すように、一端に射出成形によって成形されエアを吹き込む開口部7と、前記エアと延伸ロッドによって延伸ブローされた前記開口部7よりも大径の収容部8によって構成される。尚、前記収容部8には、搬送突起部9が設けられている。また、開口部7の他端には現像剤容器1をユーザーが持つための把持部10が設けられている。さらに、開口部7と収容部8は滑らかな傾斜部11(以下、肩部と記す)によってつながっている。また、搬送突起部9は、現像剤収容体2が図3に示す矢印S方向に回転する事により、収容部3内の現像剤を矢印X方向へ搬送する。尚、搬送された現像剤は肩部11近傍の滞留部18に滞留する。
(Developer container)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developer container 2. The developer container 2 is formed by a biaxial stretch blow molding method. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening 7 is formed by injection molding at one end and blows air, and the opening stretched and blown by the air and the stretch rod It is comprised by the accommodating part 8 larger in diameter than the part 7. FIG. In addition, the accommodating portion 8 is provided with a conveying projection portion 9. In addition, the other end of the opening 7 is provided with a grip 10 for the user to hold the developer container 1. Further, the opening 7 and the accommodating portion 8 are connected by a smooth inclined portion 11 (hereinafter referred to as a shoulder portion). Moreover, the conveyance protrusion part 9 conveys the developer in the accommodating part 3 to the arrow X direction, when the developer accommodating body 2 rotates to the arrow S direction shown in FIG. The conveyed developer stays in the staying portion 18 near the shoulder 11.

(フランジ)
図4にフランジ3を示す。図4(a)は斜視図、図4(b)は断面図である。
(Flange)
FIG. 4 shows the flange 3. 4 (a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 4 (b) is a cross-sectional view.

図4(a)に示すように、フランジ3は主として排出円筒部15と、前記排出円筒部15よりも大径の嵌め込み部13とで構成される。嵌め込み部13の最も径の大きい部分の外周には非互換突起14が設けられている。図4(b)に示すように、排出円筒部15は外部の一端に排出口12を備え、他端には嵌めこみ部13の端面の略中心を貫通して嵌め込み部13内へ突出した突出部17を備えている。また、排出円筒部15は現像剤収容体2の開口部7よりも小径である。さらに、嵌め込み部13の内部の端面側にはシール部材6が挿入される挿入部16を備えている。さらに、排出円筒部15の内周面には後述するキャップ5の伝達部25より本体の駆動力を受ける駆動受けリブ26が設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the flange 3 is mainly composed of a discharge cylindrical portion 15 and a fitting portion 13 having a larger diameter than the discharge cylindrical portion 15. An incompatible protrusion 14 is provided on the outer periphery of the largest diameter portion of the fitting portion 13. As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the discharge cylindrical portion 15 has a discharge port 12 at one end on the outside, and the other end protrudes into the fitting portion 13 through the substantial center of the end surface of the fitting portion 13. A portion 17 is provided. Further, the discharge cylindrical portion 15 has a smaller diameter than the opening 7 of the developer container 2. Further, an insertion portion 16 into which the seal member 6 is inserted is provided on the inner end face side of the fitting portion 13. Further, a drive receiving rib 26 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the discharge cylindrical portion 15 to receive the driving force of the main body from a transmission portion 25 of the cap 5 described later.

(搬送部材)
次に図5と図7を用いて搬送部材4について説明する。図5(a)は斜視図、図5(b)は正面図である。
(Conveying member)
Next, the conveying member 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5A is a perspective view, and FIG. 5B is a front view.

搬送部材4は現像剤収容体2に対して、相対回転不可となるように組込まれている。したがって、後述するが、現像剤収容体2が図2に示した矢印S方向へ回転することによって、搬送部材4も同様に回転する。その際、図5(b)に示すように、図7に示した滞留部18に滞留した現像剤を持ち上げるための仕切り壁19と、持ち上げた現像剤を、排出円筒部15の突出部17へ搬送する搬送リブ20を搬送部材4は備えている。また、仕切り壁19の一部にはスリット21が形成されており、搬送リブ20が図5(b)に示す矢印c方向へ弾性変形可能となっている。さらに、仕切り壁19と搬送リブ20は、図7に示すように、現像剤収容体2の滞留部18からフランジ3の突出部17近傍まで延在している。尚、図5(b)に示すように、本発明の搬送リブ20の軸線Pに対する傾斜角度αは40度とした。   The conveying member 4 is incorporated with respect to the developer container 2 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, as will be described later, when the developer container 2 rotates in the direction of arrow S shown in FIG. 2, the transport member 4 also rotates in the same manner. At that time, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the partition wall 19 for lifting the developer staying in the staying portion 18 shown in FIG. 7 and the raised developer to the projecting portion 17 of the discharge cylindrical portion 15. The conveyance member 4 includes a conveyance rib 20 for conveyance. Further, a slit 21 is formed in a part of the partition wall 19, and the transport rib 20 can be elastically deformed in the direction of the arrow c shown in FIG. 5 (b). Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the partition wall 19 and the conveying rib 20 extend from the staying portion 18 of the developer container 2 to the vicinity of the protruding portion 17 of the flange 3. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the inclination angle α with respect to the axis P of the conveying rib 20 of the present invention is 40 degrees.

尚、本発明の搬送部材4の搬送リブ20の角度αを40度としたが、該角度は本体が所望とする現像剤量によって適宜設定される。また、搬送部材4の材料としては、ポリプロピレンやポリアセタールといった弾性変形可能な樹脂を採用することが望ましい。   Although the angle α of the transport rib 20 of the transport member 4 of the present invention is 40 degrees, the angle is appropriately set according to the developer amount desired by the main body. Further, as the material of the conveying member 4, it is desirable to employ an elastically deformable resin such as polypropylene or polyacetal.

(キャップ)
図6にキャップ5を示す。図6に示すようにキャップ5はフランジ3の排出円筒部15の内周面に当接し、現像剤の漏れを防ぐシール部22と、不図示の本体駆動部と係合する係止爪23、前記係合関係を解除する解除爪24、本体駆動部の駆動力をフランジ3の駆動受けリブ26へ伝達する伝達部25からなる。
(cap)
FIG. 6 shows the cap 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the cap 5 abuts on the inner peripheral surface of the discharge cylindrical portion 15 of the flange 3, a seal portion 22 that prevents leakage of the developer, and a locking claw 23 that engages with a main body drive portion (not shown). A release claw 24 for releasing the engagement relationship, and a transmission portion 25 for transmitting the driving force of the main body drive portion to the drive receiving rib 26 of the flange 3.

(現像剤容器-組立方法)
続いて、上述した各部品から成る現像剤容器1について、図2と図7を用いてさらに詳しく説明する。図7は、図2に示した現像剤容器1の先端部を拡大した正面図であり、現像剤収容体2およびフランジ3を説明の便宜上、部分的に形状を削除している。
(Developer container-assembly method)
Next, the developer container 1 composed of the above-described components will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an enlarged front view of the tip of the developer container 1 shown in FIG. 2, and the developer container 2 and the flange 3 are partially deleted for convenience of explanation.

図2に示すように現像剤容器1は、現像剤収容体2の内部に搬送部材4を備えている。また、現像剤収容体2とフランジ3は、フランジ3の嵌め込み部13の一部が現像剤収容体2の開口部7および滞留部18近傍の外周を覆うように、シール部材6を介して接合されている。ここで、先ほど説明したが、図7に示すように搬送部材4の搬送リブ20はフランジ3の排出円筒部15の突出部17近傍まで延在している。   As shown in FIG. 2, the developer container 1 includes a conveying member 4 inside the developer container 2. Further, the developer container 2 and the flange 3 are joined via the seal member 6 so that a part of the fitting part 13 of the flange 3 covers the outer periphery of the developer container 2 in the vicinity of the opening 7 and the stay part 18. Has been. Here, as described above, the conveyance rib 20 of the conveyance member 4 extends to the vicinity of the protrusion 17 of the discharge cylindrical portion 15 of the flange 3 as shown in FIG.

また、シール材6の圧縮量は、シール性を考慮し、約35〜50%とし、現像剤収容体2とフランジ3の接合部を密閉する構成とした。   Further, the compression amount of the sealing material 6 is set to about 35 to 50% in consideration of sealing properties, and the joint between the developer container 2 and the flange 3 is sealed.

(開閉動作)
続いて、本体内での現像剤容器1の動作について図8を用いて説明する。図8は本実施例で用いた現像剤容器1の本体内でキャップ5が排出口12を開封した状態の斜視図である。
(Open / close operation)
Next, the operation of the developer container 1 in the main body will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the developer container 1 used in this embodiment with the cap 5 opening the discharge port 12 in the main body.

先ほど述べたように、フランジ3の排出円筒部15にはキャップ5がはめ込まれており、排出円筒部15の内周面にキャップ5のシール部22が当接することにより、排出口12を密閉している。現像剤容器1が本体へ装着された際、不図示の本体駆動部とキャップ5の係合爪23が係合し、キャップ5を図8に示す矢印X方向へ引き抜くことにより、排出口12は開封される。尚、現像剤容器1内の現像剤が少なくなり、現像剤容器1を交換する際には、前記した本体駆動部によってキャップ5が図8に示す矢印Y方向へ押される事により、排出口12が再封止される。また、現像剤容器1は上記したキャップ5の開封、再封止動作の際は本体内でのX方向、Y方向の位置を、本体に備えられた不図示の位置決め手段によって固定されている。尚、本実施例では現像剤容器1を固定した状態で、キャップ5を開封・封止すると記したが、逆にキャップ5を固定し現像剤容器1を図8に示した矢印X、矢印Y方向へ変位させてもよい。この場合、排出口12を開封するためには、キャップ5を固定し、現像剤容器1を本体に備えた不図示の容器移動機構によって図8に示す矢印Y方向へ変位させ、同様に、排出口12を封止するためには、キャップ5を固定し現像剤容器1を前記容器移動機構によって矢印X方向へ変位させる。   As described above, the cap 5 is fitted in the discharge cylindrical portion 15 of the flange 3, and the discharge portion 12 is sealed by contacting the seal portion 22 of the cap 5 with the inner peripheral surface of the discharge cylindrical portion 15. ing. When the developer container 1 is mounted on the main body, the main body drive unit (not shown) and the engaging claw 23 of the cap 5 are engaged, and the cap 5 is pulled out in the direction of the arrow X shown in FIG. Opened. When the developer in the developer container 1 is reduced and the developer container 1 is replaced, the cap 5 is pushed in the direction of arrow Y shown in FIG. Is resealed. Further, the developer container 1 is fixed in position in the X direction and Y direction in the main body by positioning means (not shown) provided in the main body when the cap 5 is opened and resealed. In this embodiment, it is described that the cap 5 is opened and sealed in a state where the developer container 1 is fixed, but conversely, the cap 5 is fixed and the developer container 1 is indicated by arrows X and Y shown in FIG. It may be displaced in the direction. In this case, in order to open the discharge port 12, the cap 5 is fixed, and the developer container 1 is displaced in the direction of arrow Y shown in FIG. 8 by a container moving mechanism (not shown) provided in the main body. In order to seal the outlet 12, the cap 5 is fixed and the developer container 1 is displaced in the arrow X direction by the container moving mechanism.

(現像剤排出動作)
続いて、本体内での現像剤容器1の現像剤排出動作について図8から図11を用いて詳細に記す。図9から図11は現像剤容器1の本体内での排出動作を示す図であり、図9(a)、図10(a)、図11(a)は現像剤容器1の先端部を示す図である。また、図9(b)、図10(b)、図11(b)は図9(a)、図10(a)、図11(a)に示したg-g断面から見た図である。
(Developer discharge operation)
Subsequently, the developer discharging operation of the developer container 1 in the main body will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 9 to 11 are views showing the discharging operation in the main body of the developer container 1, and FIGS. 9A, 10A, and 11A show the tip of the developer container 1. FIG. FIG. FIGS. 9 (b), 10 (b) and 11 (b) are views seen from the gg cross section shown in FIGS. 9 (a), 10 (a) and 11 (a). .

図9(a)に示す矢印S方向に現像剤容器1が回転すると、現像剤収容体2の滞留部18に搬送された現像剤が、図9(b)に示すように搬送部材4の仕切り壁19によって持ち上げられる。さらに現像剤容器1が図10(a)に示すように矢印S方向へ回転すると、図10(b)に示すように、現像剤は仕切り壁19によってさらに持ち上げられる。また、さらに現像剤容器1が図11(a)に示すように矢印S方向へ回転すると、図11(b)に示すように、仕切り壁19に持ち上げられた現像剤は搬送リブ20へ受け渡され、搬送リブ20に沿って図11(a)に示す矢印f方向へ、排出円筒部15端部まで搬送される。そのため、搬送リブ20によって搬送された現像剤は確実に排出円筒部15内へ搬送され、その後、搬送リブ20を滑ることによって得た搬送力にて、排出円筒部15を通過し、排出口12より装置本体へ供給される。つまり、搬送リブ20の角度が十分でなければ、排出円筒部15内を通過する事が困難となる。本実施例では搬送部材4の角度を40度とし、滞留部18の現像剤を持ち上げる仕切り壁19が十分大きく設けられており、装置本体が必要とする現像剤を過不足なく排出する事ができる。   When the developer container 1 rotates in the direction of arrow S shown in FIG. 9A, the developer conveyed to the staying portion 18 of the developer container 2 is divided into the conveying member 4 as shown in FIG. 9B. Lifted by wall 19. When the developer container 1 further rotates in the direction of arrow S as shown in FIG. 10A, the developer is further lifted by the partition wall 19 as shown in FIG. Further, when the developer container 1 further rotates in the direction of arrow S as shown in FIG. 11A, the developer lifted to the partition wall 19 is delivered to the transport rib 20 as shown in FIG. 11B. Then, it is conveyed along the conveying rib 20 in the direction of arrow f shown in FIG. Therefore, the developer conveyed by the conveying rib 20 is reliably conveyed into the discharge cylindrical portion 15, and then passes through the discharge cylindrical portion 15 with the conveying force obtained by sliding the conveying rib 20, and the discharge port 12. Is supplied to the main body. That is, if the angle of the transport rib 20 is not sufficient, it becomes difficult to pass through the discharge cylindrical portion 15. In this embodiment, the angle of the conveying member 4 is set to 40 degrees, and the partition wall 19 for lifting the developer in the staying portion 18 is provided sufficiently large, so that the developer required by the apparatus main body can be discharged without excess or deficiency. .

(検証)
続いて、本実施例にて説明した現像剤容器1を用いて実際に搬送性評価を実施した。搬送性評価を実施する前の現像剤容器1の条件は、現像剤容器1内に約800gの現像剤を充填し、現像剤容器1の長手方向を水平にして強制的に振動を加える事により内部の現像剤の粉面を安定させ、現像剤の搬送に対して不利の状況とした。また、該評価を終えるタイミングは、本体が所望する単位時間あたりの現像剤排出量を満足できなくなる状態とした。尚、本評価では前記振動の時間は本評価では15分、本体が所望する単位時間あたりの現像剤排出量を0.4g/sである。また、現像剤容器1の回転速度は40rpmとした。
(Verification)
Subsequently, the transportability evaluation was actually performed using the developer container 1 described in the present embodiment. The condition of the developer container 1 before carrying out the transportability evaluation is that the developer container 1 is filled with about 800 g of developer, and the longitudinal direction of the developer container 1 is horizontal and the vibration is forcibly applied. The powder surface of the internal developer was stabilized, and it was in a disadvantageous state for the transport of the developer. The timing for finishing the evaluation was such that the main body could not satisfy the developer discharge amount per unit time desired. In this evaluation, the vibration time is 15 minutes in this evaluation, and the developer discharge amount per unit time desired by the main body is 0.4 g / s. The rotation speed of the developer container 1 was 40 rpm.

上記した条件にて、本実施例の現像剤容器1の搬送性を評価したところ、初期から滞りなく排出し、末期まで本体が所望する排出量を十分満足する搬送性能を得る事が確認された。また、評価終了後の現像剤容器1内に残留した現像剤は初期充填量の約1.7%であった。尚、残留した現像剤は、その大半が現像剤収容体2の内面への付着であり、滞留部18にはほとんど残っていなかった。   When the transportability of the developer container 1 of the present example was evaluated under the above-described conditions, it was confirmed that the developer container 1 was discharged without any delay from the initial stage, and the transport performance sufficiently satisfying the discharge amount desired by the main body until the end stage was obtained. . Further, the developer remaining in the developer container 1 after the evaluation was about 1.7% of the initial filling amount. Incidentally, most of the remaining developer was adhered to the inner surface of the developer container 2 and hardly remained in the staying portion 18.

(比較例1)
比較例1として以下に説明する現像剤容器1を用いて評価を実施した。図12(a)に評価に用いた現像剤容器1の先端部の断面図を示す。尚、図12(b)は比較例1との比較のために示した実施例の現像剤容器1の先端部の簡易的な断面図である。
(Comparative Example 1)
As Comparative Example 1, evaluation was performed using a developer container 1 described below. FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of the tip of the developer container 1 used for the evaluation. 12B is a simplified cross-sectional view of the tip portion of the developer container 1 of the embodiment shown for comparison with the comparative example 1. FIG.

図12(a)に示すように、比較例1で用いた現像剤容器は、実施例と同様に突出部17を設ける構成とした。ただし、実施例の現像剤容器1よりも搬送性の更なる向上を狙って、突出部17の長さLだけ、排出円筒部15の突出部17内に搬送リブ20を侵入させている。また、図12(b)に示す本実施例で採用した構成と比較して明らかなように、収容部8と搬送リブ20が為すスペースMや排出円筒部15と搬送リブ20が為すスペースNが狭くなっている。尚、搬送部材4や現像剤収容体2の形状は、実施例の構成と同様である。また、搬送性評価条件は、実施例で説明したそれと同様である。   As shown in FIG. 12 (a), the developer container used in Comparative Example 1 has a configuration in which a protrusion 17 is provided in the same manner as in the example. However, with the aim of further improving the transportability as compared with the developer container 1 of the embodiment, the transport rib 20 is inserted into the projecting portion 17 of the discharge cylindrical portion 15 by the length L of the projecting portion 17. Further, as apparent from the configuration adopted in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, there is a space M formed by the accommodating portion 8 and the conveying rib 20 and a space N formed by the discharge cylindrical portion 15 and the conveying rib 20. It is narrower. The shapes of the conveying member 4 and the developer container 2 are the same as those in the embodiment. Further, the transportability evaluation condition is the same as that described in the embodiment.

比較例1の現像剤容器1を用いた場合、初期から現像剤がほとんど排出されなかった。そこで、現像剤容器1の内部を確認したところ、前記スペースMや前記スペースNで、現像剤のブロッキングによる閉塞が確認された。これは、前記スペースMや前記スペースNが狭くなったために、現像剤の撹拌スペースが減少したためだと考えられる。   When the developer container 1 of Comparative Example 1 was used, the developer was hardly discharged from the initial stage. Accordingly, when the inside of the developer container 1 was confirmed, blockage due to blocking of the developer was confirmed in the space M and the space N. This is considered to be because the space for stirring the developer is reduced because the space M and the space N are narrowed.

次に、前記現像剤容器1を振って内部の現像剤を解し、再度搬送性評価を実施した。すると、現像剤は滞りなく排出されたが、実施例と比較して現像剤の排出量が減少している事が確認された。尚、評価終了後の現像剤容器1内に残留した現像剤は初期充填量の約5.0%であった。   Next, the developer container 1 was shaken to release the internal developer, and the transportability evaluation was performed again. As a result, the developer was discharged without any delay, but it was confirmed that the developer discharge amount was reduced as compared with the example. The developer remaining in the developer container 1 after the evaluation was about 5.0% of the initial filling amount.

これは、前記スペースMが狭くなった事により、搬送部材4で搬送される現像剤が減少したためだと考えられる。   This is presumably because the developer transported by the transport member 4 has decreased due to the space M becoming narrower.

(比較例2)
比較例2として以下に説明する現像剤容器1を用いて評価を実施した。図13に評価に用いた現像剤容器1の先端部の断面図を示す。
(Comparative Example 2)
As Comparative Example 2, evaluation was performed using a developer container 1 described below. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the tip of the developer container 1 used for the evaluation.

図13に示すように、比較例2としては本実施例の特徴である、排出円筒部15をフランジの内面まで突出させないようにした。尚、搬送部材4や現像剤収容体2の形状は、実施例で説明した構成と同様である。搬送性評価条件は、実施例で説明したそれと同様である。   As shown in FIG. 13, as Comparative Example 2, the discharge cylindrical portion 15, which is a feature of the present embodiment, is not protruded to the inner surface of the flange. The shapes of the conveying member 4 and the developer container 2 are the same as those described in the embodiments. The transportability evaluation conditions are the same as those described in the examples.

比較例2の現像剤容器1を用いた場合、初期から中期にかけては実施例1の現像剤容器1と搬送性能の差は確認されなかった。しかしながら現像剤容器1内の現像剤量が減少してきた末期において、急激に搬送性の低下が確認され、評価終了後の現像剤容器1内に残留した現像剤は初期充填量の約10.0%であった。該現像剤容器1内を観察したところ、図13に示す滞留部18付近に現像剤が残留している様子が確認された。これは、排出円筒部15が内部に突出していないため、搬送部材4の搬送リブ20と排出円筒部15の端部の大きなクリアランスができるため、搬送リブ20によって搬送力を得た現像剤が排出円筒部15へ効率よく受け渡されないと考えられる。そのため、排出末期の急激な搬送性の低下につながったと考えられる。   When the developer container 1 of Comparative Example 2 was used, a difference in transport performance from the developer container 1 of Example 1 was not confirmed from the initial stage to the middle stage. However, at the end of the period when the amount of developer in the developer container 1 has decreased, a rapid decrease in transportability has been confirmed, and the developer remaining in the developer container 1 after the evaluation is about 10.0 of the initial filling amount. %Met. When the inside of the developer container 1 was observed, it was confirmed that the developer remained in the vicinity of the staying portion 18 shown in FIG. This is because the discharge cylindrical portion 15 does not protrude inside, so that a large clearance can be formed between the conveyance rib 20 of the conveyance member 4 and the end of the discharge cylindrical portion 15, so that the developer having a conveyance force by the conveyance rib 20 is discharged. It is considered that it is not efficiently delivered to the cylindrical portion 15. Therefore, it is thought that it led to a sharp decline in transportability at the end of discharge.

(比較例3)
比較例3として以下に説明する現像剤容器1を用いて評価を実施した。図14に評価に用いた現像剤容器1の先端部の断面図を示す。
(Comparative Example 3)
As Comparative Example 3, evaluation was performed using a developer container 1 described below. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the tip of the developer container 1 used for the evaluation.

図14に示すように、比較例3で用いた現像剤容器1は比較例2と同様に排出円筒部15には突出部17が設けられていない。そこで、比較例2で生じた排出円筒部15と搬送リブ20のクリアランスを無くすために、搬送リブ20自体の傾斜角度を鈍化させ、排出円筒部15の端部に搬送リブ20を延在させている。具体的には、図5(b)に示す実施例で用いた搬送部材において、軸Pと搬送リブ20との角度αが40度であったのに対して、比較例2の該角度は35度となった。尚、その他の現像剤容器1の構成については実施例、比較例1、比較例2と同様である。また、搬送性評価条件は、実施例で説明したそれと同様である。   As shown in FIG. 14, the developer container 1 used in Comparative Example 3 is not provided with the protruding portion 17 in the discharge cylindrical portion 15 as in Comparative Example 2. Therefore, in order to eliminate the clearance between the discharge cylindrical portion 15 and the conveyance rib 20 generated in Comparative Example 2, the inclination angle of the conveyance rib 20 itself is blunted, and the conveyance rib 20 is extended to the end of the discharge cylindrical portion 15. Yes. Specifically, in the conveyance member used in the example shown in FIG. 5B, the angle α between the axis P and the conveyance rib 20 is 40 degrees, whereas the angle in the comparative example 2 is 35 degrees. It was time. The other developer container 1 is configured in the same manner as in Example, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2. Further, the transportability evaluation condition is the same as that described in the embodiment.

比較例3の現像剤容器1を用いた場合、実施例および比較例2と比較して初期の搬送性に有意差は確認されなかったが、排出中期から末期にかけて搬送性が低下する傾向にあった。また、先ほどと同様に評価終了後に現像剤容器1に残留した現像剤量を測定したところ、初期重量の約6.6%であった。これは、搬送リブ20の角度を鈍化させた事によって、現像剤が得る搬送力が低下し、現像剤が排出円筒部15内をスムーズに搬送されなくなったためと考えられる。   When the developer container 1 of Comparative Example 3 was used, no significant difference was confirmed in the initial transportability compared to the Example and Comparative Example 2, but the transportability tended to decrease from the middle stage to the end stage of discharge. It was. Further, the amount of developer remaining in the developer container 1 after the evaluation was measured in the same manner as before, and it was about 6.6% of the initial weight. This is considered to be because the conveyance force obtained by the developer is reduced due to the decrease in the angle of the conveyance rib 20, and the developer is not conveyed smoothly in the discharge cylindrical portion 15.

(比較例4)
続いて、比較例4として以下に説明する現像剤容器1を用いて評価を実施した。図15に評価に用いた現像剤容器1の先端部の断面図を示す。
(Comparative Example 4)
Subsequently, as Comparative Example 4, evaluation was performed using a developer container 1 described below. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the tip of the developer container 1 used for the evaluation.

図15に示すように、比較例4で用いた現像剤容器1は比較例2、比較例3と同様に排出円筒部15には突出部17が設けられていない。また、比較例2で搬送性低下の要因であった、排出円筒部15と搬送リブ20のクリアランスをなくし、かつ比較例3で搬送性低下の要因であった搬送リブ20の角度の鈍化を解消し、実施例と同様に40度とした。したがって、搬送部材4の仕切り壁19と滞留部18とが為すスペースWは実施例よりも狭くなっている。尚、その他の現像剤容器1の構成については実施例、比較例2、比較例3と同様である。また、搬送性評価条件は、実施例で説明したそれと同様である。   As shown in FIG. 15, the developer container 1 used in Comparative Example 4 is not provided with the protruding portion 17 in the discharge cylindrical portion 15 as in Comparative Examples 2 and 3. Further, the clearance between the discharge cylindrical portion 15 and the transport rib 20 that was a cause of the decrease in transportability in the comparative example 2 is eliminated, and the blunting of the angle of the transport rib 20 that was a cause of the decrease in transportability in the comparative example 3 is eliminated. Then, it was set to 40 degrees as in the example. Therefore, the space W formed by the partition wall 19 and the staying portion 18 of the conveying member 4 is narrower than in the embodiment. The other developer container 1 is configured in the same manner as in Example, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3. Further, the transportability evaluation condition is the same as that described in the embodiment.

比較例4の現像剤容器1を用いた場合、排出初期において、現像剤が排出されなかった。そこで、現像剤容器1の内部を確認したところ、図15に示すように搬送部材4と滞留部18とが為すスペースW付近にて、現像剤のブロッキングによる閉塞が確認された。これは、該スペースWが実施例に示した現像剤容器1よりも狭くなったことにより、現像剤の撹拌スペースが減少したためだと考えられる。続いて、先ほど現像剤が閉塞した現像剤容器1を振って内部の現像剤を解した後、再度評価したが、実施例と比較して現像剤の排出量が少ない事が確認された。これについても、該スペースWが狭くなった事により、搬送部材4の現像剤の搬送量が減ったためだと考えられる。尚、評価終了後の現像剤容器1内に残留した現像剤は初期充填量の約7.0%であった。   When the developer container 1 of Comparative Example 4 was used, the developer was not discharged at the initial discharge. Therefore, when the inside of the developer container 1 was confirmed, as shown in FIG. 15, blockage due to blocking of the developer was confirmed in the vicinity of the space W formed by the conveying member 4 and the staying portion 18. This is considered to be because the space for stirring the developer is reduced because the space W is narrower than the developer container 1 shown in the embodiment. Subsequently, the developer container 1 with the developer closed earlier was shaken to release the internal developer, and then evaluated again. However, it was confirmed that the amount of developer discharged was smaller than in the examples. This is also considered to be because the amount of developer transported by the transporting member 4 is reduced due to the narrowing of the space W. Note that the developer remaining in the developer container 1 after the evaluation was about 7.0% of the initial filling amount.

以上、説明してきた実施例、比較例1、比較例2、比較例3、比較例4の搬送性評価結果の一覧を表1に示す。表1より、実施例の現像剤容器は比較例1、比較例2、比較例3、比較例4のいずれの現像剤容器1と比較しても、初期から末期にかけて搬送性能が優位である事が確認できた。また、評価後の残留した現像剤量はもっとも少ないことが確認された。すなわち、本実施例の現像剤容器1は排出円筒部15の端部にフランジ3内に突出させる突出部17を設け、搬送部材4を収容部8から突出部17の端面近傍まで延在させる事により、比較例1、比較例2、比較例3、比較例4の構成よりも搬送性に優れた現像剤容器1を提供することが可能であることが確認された。   Table 1 shows a list of the transportability evaluation results of Examples, Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 3, and Comparative Example 4 described above. From Table 1, it can be seen that the developer container of the example has superior conveyance performance from the initial stage to the final stage even when compared with any of the developer containers 1 of Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 3, and Comparative Example 4. Was confirmed. Further, it was confirmed that the amount of developer remaining after evaluation was the smallest. That is, the developer container 1 of this embodiment is provided with a protruding portion 17 that protrudes into the flange 3 at the end of the discharge cylindrical portion 15, and the conveying member 4 extends from the accommodating portion 8 to the vicinity of the end surface of the protruding portion 17. Thus, it was confirmed that it is possible to provide the developer container 1 having better transportability than the configurations of Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 3, and Comparative Example 4.

1 現像剤容器
2 現像剤収容体
3 フランジ
4 搬送部材
5 キャップ
6 シール部材
7 開口部
8 収容部
9 搬送突起部
10 把持部
11 肩部
12 排出口
13 嵌め込み部
14 非互換突起
15 排出円筒部
16 シール挿入部
17 突出部
18 滞留部
19 仕切り壁
20 搬送リブ
21 スリット
22 シール部
23 係合爪
24 解除爪
25 伝達部
26 駆動受けリブ
101 画像形成装置
102 容器ハウジング
103 感光体
104 現像器
105 レーザー光
106 紙
107 中間転写体
108 定着器
109 駆動モータ
201 現像剤容器
202 現像剤収容体
203 フランジ
204 搬送部材
205 排出円筒部
206 搬送リブ
207 仕切り壁
208 開口部
209 収容部
210 中間円筒部
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Developer container 2 Developer container 3 Flange 4 Conveying member 5 Cap 6 Seal member 7 Opening part 8 Containment part 9 Conveying protrusion part 10 Grasping part 11 Shoulder part 12 Discharge port 13 Insertion part 14 Incompatible protrusion 15 Discharge cylinder part 16 Seal insertion portion 17 Projection portion 18 Retention portion 19 Partition wall 20 Transport rib 21 Slit 22 Seal portion 23 Engagement claw 24 Release claw 25 Transmission portion 26 Drive receiving rib 101 Image forming apparatus 102 Container housing 103 Photoconductor 104 Developer 105 Laser light 106 Paper 107 Intermediate transfer member 108 Fixing device 109 Drive motor 201 Developer container 202 Developer container 203 Flange 204 Conveying member 205 Discharge cylindrical part 206 Conveying rib 207 Partition wall 208 Opening part 209 Accommodating part 210 Intermediate cylindrical part

Claims (2)

画像形成装置に着脱自在な、回転する事により現像剤を排出する現像剤容器であって、
前記現像剤容器は、現像剤を収容する現像剤収容体と、前記現像剤収容体の回転によって現像剤を搬送する搬送部材とからなり、
前記現像剤収容体は、現像剤を収容する円筒状の収容部と、前記収容部端面の現像剤容器の回転中心に設けられ、前記収容部内径よりも小内径の中間円筒部と、前記中間円筒部端面の該回転中心に設けられ、前記中間円筒部内径よりも小内径の排出円筒部を有し、
前記搬送部材は、前記現像剤容器の回転によって前記収容部および前記中間円筒部内の現像剤を持ち上げる仕切り壁部と、持ち上げられた現像剤を前記排出円筒部へ搬送する搬送リブ部を有しており、
前記排出円筒部は、一端部に排出口と他端部に前記中間円筒部内へ突出する突出部を有し、前記仕切り壁部と前記搬送リブ部は、現像剤を前記排出円筒部へ受け渡すように、前記収容部内より前記突出部端面近傍へ延在する事を特徴とする現像剤容器。
A developer container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus and that discharges the developer by rotation,
The developer container includes a developer container that stores the developer, and a transport member that transports the developer by rotation of the developer container,
The developer container includes a cylindrical container that stores the developer, an intermediate cylindrical part that is provided at the rotation center of the developer container on the end surface of the container, and has an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the container. Provided at the rotation center of the end surface of the cylindrical portion, and has a discharge cylindrical portion having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the intermediate cylindrical portion,
The transport member includes a partition wall portion that lifts the developer in the storage portion and the intermediate cylindrical portion by rotation of the developer container, and a transport rib portion that transports the lifted developer to the discharge cylindrical portion. And
The discharge cylindrical portion has a discharge port at one end and a protruding portion protruding into the intermediate cylindrical portion at the other end, and the partition wall portion and the transport rib portion deliver the developer to the discharge cylindrical portion. As described above, the developer container extends from the inside of the housing portion to the vicinity of the end face of the protruding portion.
画像形成装置に着脱自在な、回転することによって現像剤を排出する現像剤容器であって、
前記現像剤容器は、
2軸延伸ブロー成形法によって形成される現像剤を収容する現像剤収容体と、
射出成形法によって形成されるフランジと、
前記現像剤収容体に相対回転不可に組み込まれる搬送部材とからなり、
前記現像剤収容体は、
ブローするためのエアを吹き込む開口が形成された開口部と、
前記エアおよび延伸ロッドによって延伸される前記開口部内径よりも大内径の収容部とを有し、
前記フランジは、前記現像剤収容体に係合し、
少なくとも一部が前記開口部の外周面を覆う中間円筒部と、
前記中間円筒部端面の前記現像剤容器の回転中心に形成され、前記中間円筒部内径よりも小内径であり、一端部に排出口と他端部に前記嵌め込み部内へ突出する突出部を備える排出円筒部とを有し、
前記搬送部材は、
前記現像剤容器の回転によって前記現像剤収容体内の現像剤を持ち上げる仕切り壁部と、
持ち上げられた現像剤を前記排出円筒部へ搬送する搬送リブ部とを有しており、
前記仕切り壁部と前記搬送リブ部は、現像剤を前記排出円筒部へ受け渡すように、前記収容部内より前記突出部端面近傍へ延在する事を特徴とする現像剤容器。
A developer container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus and discharges the developer by rotation,
The developer container is
A developer container containing a developer formed by a biaxial stretch blow molding method;
A flange formed by an injection molding method;
A conveyance member that is incorporated in the developer container so as not to rotate relative thereto;
The developer container is
An opening formed with an opening for blowing air for blowing;
A housing portion having a larger inner diameter than the inner diameter of the opening that is stretched by the air and the stretching rod;
The flange engages the developer container;
An intermediate cylindrical portion at least partially covering the outer peripheral surface of the opening;
A discharge formed in the rotation center of the developer container on the end surface of the intermediate cylindrical portion, having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the intermediate cylindrical portion, and having a discharge port at one end and a protruding portion protruding into the fitting portion at the other end A cylindrical portion,
The conveying member is
A partition wall for lifting the developer in the developer container by rotation of the developer container;
A transport rib for transporting the lifted developer to the discharge cylinder,
The developer container, wherein the partition wall portion and the transport rib portion extend from the inside of the housing portion to the vicinity of the end face of the protruding portion so as to deliver the developer to the discharge cylindrical portion.
JP2009092953A 2009-04-07 2009-04-07 Developer vessel Pending JP2010241468A (en)

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Cited By (4)

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JP2013167841A (en) * 2012-02-17 2013-08-29 Canon Inc Developer supply container and developer supply system
JP2015176060A (en) * 2014-03-17 2015-10-05 株式会社リコー Powder storage container, supporting device, and image forming apparatus
CN106292221A (en) * 2015-06-24 2017-01-04 株式会社理光 Powder holding container and image processing system
US10133210B2 (en) 2014-03-17 2018-11-20 Ricoh Company, Limited Nozzle receiver, powder container, and image forming apparatus

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013167841A (en) * 2012-02-17 2013-08-29 Canon Inc Developer supply container and developer supply system
US9256194B2 (en) 2012-02-17 2016-02-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Developer supply container
JP2015176060A (en) * 2014-03-17 2015-10-05 株式会社リコー Powder storage container, supporting device, and image forming apparatus
US10133210B2 (en) 2014-03-17 2018-11-20 Ricoh Company, Limited Nozzle receiver, powder container, and image forming apparatus
TWI646411B (en) * 2014-03-17 2019-01-01 日商理光股份有限公司 Powder container, supporting device, and image forming apparatus
CN106292221A (en) * 2015-06-24 2017-01-04 株式会社理光 Powder holding container and image processing system
JP2017009863A (en) * 2015-06-24 2017-01-12 株式会社リコー Powder storage container and image formation apparatus

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