JP2011215434A - Developer container, developing device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve assemblability of a rotating member and a drive transmission member which are included by a developer container, and also, to easily detach the drive transmission member from the rotating member to improve the recyclability.SOLUTION: A rib 42c is provided on the connection part 42b of the drive transmission member 42. An end hole 36b for fitting the connection part 42b of the drive transmission member 42 thereinto, and a first groove part 36c for inserting the rib 42c therethrough are provided on the driven part 36a of a stirring member 36. Besides, a second groove part 36e having a width, into which the rib 42c is fitted, is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36 from the first groove part 36c, in the driven part 36a of the stirring member 36. When the drive transmission member 42 rotates, the rib 42c engages with the second groove part 36e.

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer storage container for storing a developer therein, a developing device including the developer storage container, and an image forming apparatus including the developing device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system that forms a toner image by supplying a developer in a developer container to an electrophotographic photosensitive member. In such an image forming apparatus, in order to stir the developer in the developer storage container, a stirring member is provided as a rotating member that rotates in the developer storage container. In some cases, the stirring member has a function of stirring the developer in the developer container.

  In general, the driving force transmitted to the stirring member inside the developer container is transmitted from the outside of the developer container to the opening of the developer container through the connecting portion with the stirring member of the drive transmitting member. It is done by doing.

  With reference to FIG. 13, a conventional method for attaching the drive transmission member to the stirring member will be described. Fig.13 (a) shows the state before attachment of the attachment part of the drive transmission member to a stirring member, and FIG.13 (b) shows the state after attachment.

  In the developing device container 129 of the developer container, an opening 129a for passing the drive transmission member 142, a seal member 146 that is an oil seal, and a tubular projection 129b for supporting the drive transmission member 142, Is provided. First, the seal member 146 is fitted into the tubular projection 129b. Then, the drive transmission member 142 is fitted into the opening 129a opened in the circular tubular projection 129b. The shaft portion 136a that is the driven portion of the stirring member 136 has a hole 136b for fitting the drive transmission member 142 at one end portion in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 136. A shaft portion 142b which is a connecting portion with the stirring member 136 is passed. Further, a lateral hole 136c is opened in the hole 136b of the shaft portion 136a of the stirring member 136, and a claw portion 142c of the drive transmission member 142 that is elastically deformed is inserted therein. Accordingly, the lateral hole 136c and the claw portion 142c serve to prevent the drive transmission member 142 from coming off so that the drive transmission member 142 does not come out of the fitted state (Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-162149 A

  However, if the drive transmission member 142 is to be fitted into the stirring member 136 with the above-described conventional configuration, the claw portion 142c of the drive transmission member 142 needs to be elastically deformed, so the drive transmission member 142 is inserted into the stirring member 136. The power to do is needed. Further, when the drive transmission member 142 once fitted is to be removed from the stirring member 136, the claw portion 142c of the drive transmission member 142 hits the lateral hole 136c and cannot be easily removed.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the force when the drive transmission member is attached to the rotation member in the developer container, and to easily remove the drive transmission member from the rotation member without damaging it. The present invention provides a developer container, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus.

  The above object is achieved by the developer container, the developing device, and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In summary, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer storage container for storing a developer therein, a rotating member rotatable in the developer storing container, and a driving force transmitted to the rotating member. A drive transmission member that has a driven portion that is disposed on a rotation axis of the rotation member and that has a hole extending in the same direction at one end in the rotation axis direction. The drive transmission member has a connecting portion that is inserted into the hole of the rotating member in the developer storage container from the outside of the developer storage container through an opening provided in the developer storage container. In the developer container; on the inner surface of the hole of the rotating member, a first groove portion extending in the rotation axis direction and a second groove portion extending from the first groove portion to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating member. And formed on the connecting portion of the drive transmission member. A rib projecting in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction from the outer surface of the rotation transmission member is formed; the connecting portion of the drive transmission member is inserted into the hole of the rotation member so that the rib passes through the first groove portion; The drive transmission member rotates in the rotation direction of the rotating member, and the rib moves from the first groove portion to the second groove portion, so that the rib engages with the second groove portion. A developer container is provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer storage container for storing a developer therein, a rotating member rotatable in the developer storing container, and a drive transmission member for transmitting a driving force to the rotating member. And the rotating member has a driven portion that is disposed on the rotation axis of the rotating member and has a hole extending in the same direction at one end in the direction of the rotating axis. The member has a connecting portion that is inserted into the hole of the rotating member in the developer accommodating container from the outside of the developer accommodating container via an opening provided in the developer accommodating container. The rib of the rotating member is formed with a rib projecting from the inner surface of the hole in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotational axis; the outer surface of the coupling portion of the drive transmission member is formed in the direction of the rotational axis. The first groove extending and the rotation from the first groove A second groove portion extending upstream in the rotation direction of the material is formed; and the connecting portion of the drive transmission member is inserted into the hole of the rotating member so that the rib passes through the first groove portion, The drive transmission member rotates in the rotation direction of the rotating member, and the rib moves from the first groove portion to the second groove portion, so that the rib engages with the second groove portion. A developer container is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the developer container of the present invention described above, and a developer carrier that carries the developer in the developer container and transports it to the electrophotographic photosensitive member are provided. A developing device is provided.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, electrostatic image forming means for forming an electrostatic image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrostatic image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer. There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising the developing device of the present invention for developing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the force when the drive transmission member is attached to the rotation member in the developer container, and it is possible to easily remove the drive transmission member from the rotation member without damaging the drive transmission member.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the process cartridge which concerns on one Example of this invention. 1 is an external perspective view of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a gear portion of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a layout diagram of a gear train of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of a developer storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of this attachment part for demonstrating the attachment method of the drive transmission member to the stirring member in the developer storage container which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the attachment portion showing a state of the attachment portion between the drive transmission member and the stirring member when the drive transmission member in the developer container according to the embodiment of the present invention is driven. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of the drive transmission portion for explaining a drive transmission method from the drive transmission member to the stirring member in the developer container according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of this attachment part for demonstrating the attachment method of the drive transmission member to the stirring member in the developer storage container which concerns on the other Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the attachment portion showing a state of the attachment portion between the drive transmission member and the stirring member when the drive transmission member in the developer container according to another embodiment of the present invention is driven. It is sectional drawing of this attachment part for demonstrating the attachment method of the drive transmission member to the conventional stirring member.

  Hereinafter, a developer container, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
1. First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a main cross section of an image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment is a color laser printer (color image forming apparatus) capable of forming a full color image using an electrophotographic method.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes four process cartridges (hereinafter referred to as “cartridges”) 7 (7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d) that are arranged side by side with respect to the horizontal direction. The four cartridges 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d are for forming images of respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 includes mounting portions 22 (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) that are mounting means for the four cartridges 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d).

  Each cartridge 7 is provided with one cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member, that is, a photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d). The photosensitive drum 1 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow Q (clockwise) by a driving means (not shown). Around the photosensitive drum 1, the following process means that act on the photosensitive drum 1 are arranged in order according to the rotation direction. That is, first, charging rollers 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are disposed as charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Next, a developing device 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is disposed as a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image using toner as a developer. Next, primary transfer rollers 12 (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) are disposed as primary transfer means for transferring (primary transfer) the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 to a transfer target. Next, cleaning members 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) are disposed as cleaning means for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer.

  In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, the developing device 4, and the cleaning member 6 are integrated into a cartridge to form a cartridge 7. The cartridge 7 is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 by the user.

  Further, the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 can irradiate each photoconductive drum 1 with a laser beam based on the image information to form an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) on each photoconductive drum 1. Further, a scanner unit 3 as an exposure unit is arranged. In this embodiment, the charging roller 2 and the scanner unit 3 form an electrostatic image forming unit that forms an electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 1.

  Further, the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an intermediate transfer belt 5 which is an endless belt as an intermediate transfer body so as to face each photosensitive drum 1. The intermediate transfer belt 5 is stretched around a driving roller 10, a tension roller 11, and a secondary transfer counter roller 15. The intermediate transfer belt 5 rotates (circulates) in the direction of arrow R (counterclockwise) when a rotational driving force is transmitted to the driving roller 10. Each primary transfer roller 12 is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 5 so as to face each photosensitive drum 1. Each primary transfer roller 12 presses the intermediate transfer belt 5 toward each photoconductor drum 1, and a primary transfer portion (nip portion) N1 (N1a, N1b, N1) where each photoconductor drum 1 and the intermediate transfer belt 5 are in contact with each other. N1c, N1d). A secondary transfer roller 18 as a secondary transfer unit is disposed outside the intermediate transfer belt 5 at a position facing the secondary transfer counter roller 15. The secondary transfer roller 18 is pressed against the secondary transfer counter roller 15 via the intermediate transfer belt 5, whereby the secondary transfer portion (nip portion) where the secondary transfer roller 18 and the intermediate transfer belt 5 come into contact with each other. N2 is formed.

  For example, when forming a full-color image, the toner image formed on each photosensitive drum 1 is sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 and transferred (primary transfer) in each primary transfer portion N1. At this time, the primary transfer bias is applied to each primary transfer roller 12 by a primary transfer bias applying means (not shown), which has a polarity opposite to the normal charging polarity of the toner (positive polarity in this embodiment). The toner image in which the four colors on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are overlapped is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion N2.

  In synchronization with the image forming operation on the intermediate transfer belt 5 as described above, the sheet S that is a recording medium (recording material, transfer material) is conveyed by the conveying means including the feeding device 13 and the registration roller pair 17. The The feeding device 13 includes a feeding cassette 24 that stores the sheet S, a feeding roller 8 that feeds the sheet S, and a conveyance roller pair 16 that conveys the fed sheet S. The sheets S stored in the feeding cassette 24 are pressed against the feeding roller 8 and are separated and conveyed one by one by the separation pad 9 (friction piece separation method). The sheet S conveyed from the feeding device 13 is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion N2 by the registration roller pair 17.

  In the secondary transfer portion N2, a secondary transfer bias 18 having a polarity opposite to the normal charging polarity of the toner (positive in this embodiment) is applied to the secondary transfer roller 18 by a secondary transfer bias applying means (not shown). Is applied. Thus, for example, when forming a full-color image, the four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are collectively transferred (secondary transfer) to the sheet S conveyed to the secondary transfer portion N2.

  The sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing unit 14 that is a fixing unit. The fixing unit 14 includes a fixing belt 14 a and a pressure roller 14 b, and applies heat and pressure to an unfixed toner image formed on the sheet S to fix it on the sheet S.

  The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the discharge tray 20 by the discharge roller pair 19. On the other hand, the toner (primary transfer residual toner) remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer is removed by the cleaning member 6. The removed toner is collected in a removed toner chamber in a photoreceptor unit 26 (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) described later. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer (secondary transfer residual toner) is removed by the transfer belt cleaning device 23. The removed toner passes through a waste toner conveyance path (not shown) and is collected in a waste toner collection container (not shown).

2. Cartridge Next, the cartridge 7 will be further described. FIG. 3 shows a main cross section of the cartridge 7 containing the toner t as a developer. In this embodiment, the configuration and operation of each cartridge 7 containing toner of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are substantially the same.

  The cartridge 7 is divided into a photosensitive unit 26 having a photosensitive drum 1, a charging roller 2 and a cleaning member 6, and a developing device 4 having a developing roller 25 and the like.

  The photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame 27 of the photosensitive unit 26 via a bearing (not shown). When the driving force from a driving motor (not shown) as driving means is transmitted to the photosensitive unit 26, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotationally driven according to the image forming operation. On the periphery of the photosensitive drum 1, a charging roller 2 and a cleaning member 6 are in contact with each other. The toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning member 6 falls into the removed toner chamber 27a. A charging roller bearing 28 is attached to the cleaning frame 27 so as to be able to reciprocate in the direction of arrow D on a straight line passing through the center of the charging roller 2 and the center of the photosensitive drum 1. The shaft 2j of the charging roller 2 is rotatably attached to the bearing 28. The bearing 28 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 1 by the charging roller pressing member 21.

  The developing device 4 includes a developing roller 25 as a developer carrying member, a developing frame 29, and a container bottom member 45. A developing chamber 47 that supplies toner to the developing roller 25 is configured by the developing frame 29, and a developer storage container 44 that stores toner to be supplied to the developing chamber 47 is configured by the developing frame 29 and the container bottom member 45. Is done. The developing roller 25 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates in the arrow B direction. The developing roller 25 is rotatably supported by the developing frame 29 via bearing members 30R and 30L attached to both ends of the developing frame 29 in the longitudinal direction. On the circumference of the developing roller 25, a toner supply roller 31 as a developer supply member and a developing blade 32 as a developer amount regulating unit are in contact with each other. The toner supply roller 31 contacts the developing roller 25 and rotates in the direction of arrow C to supply toner to the developing roller 25 and to remove toner that has not been used for development from the developing roller 25. The developing blade 32 regulates the toner layer on the developing roller 25. Further, the developer storage container 44 constituted by the developing frame 29 and the container bottom member 45 is provided with a stirring member 36 as a rotating member that rotates in the developer storage container 44. The agitating member 36 includes a driven portion (agitating shaft portion) 36a that is a rotatable shaft portion, and an agitating and conveying portion 36h attached to the driven portion 36a. The agitating member 36 has a function of agitating the toner accommodated in the developer storage container 44 and conveying the toner to the toner supply roller 31 in the developing chamber 47.

  The developing device 4 is rotatably coupled to the photosensitive unit 26 around shafts 34R and 34L that fit into bearing holes 33R and 33L that are holes provided in the bearing members 30R and 30L, respectively. . The developing device 4 is biased by a pressure spring 35 so as to rotate in the direction of arrow A about the shafts 34R and 34L. Therefore, the developing roller 25 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 during image formation.

3. Next, the drive transmission path to the stirring member 36 will be described. FIG. 4 shows the appearance of the developing device 4. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the gear portion 38 provided on one bearing member 30L. FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the gear train of the gear portion 38.

  One end of the developing roller 25 is engaged with a developing drive member 37 provided on one bearing member 30R, and the other end is engaged with a developing roller gear 39 constituting a gear portion 38 provided on the other bearing member 30L. ing. The development driving member 37 receives a driving force from a driving motor (not shown) as a driving unit provided in the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus, drives the developing roller 25, and a gear via the developing roller gear 39. The unit 38 is driven. In the gear portion 38, the driving force is sequentially transmitted from the developing roller gear 39 to the first idler gear 40 and the second idler gear 41, and then the driving force is transmitted to a driving transmission member (stirring gear) 42 that transmits the driving force to the stirring member 36. Is done. Further, the driving force is transmitted from the developing roller gear 39 to the first idler gear 40, and then the driving force is transmitted to the toner supply roller gear 43 that transmits the drive to the toner supply roller 31.

4). Method for Attaching Developer Storage Container to Developer Storage Container Next, a method for attaching the stirring member 36 to the developer storage container 44 will be described. FIG. 7 is an assembled perspective view of the stirring member 36.

  The developing frame 29 has an opening (attachment hole) 29a for allowing the drive transmission member 42 to pass therethrough, and a seal member 46 serving as an oil seal and a circular tubular protrusion 29b for supporting the drive transmission member 42. Is provided. The opening 29a is open in the circular tubular protrusion 29b. The drive transmission member 42 includes a drive receiving portion 42a that is formed with a gear on the outer periphery and receives a driving force, and a connecting portion (drive transmission) that is a shaft portion formed integrally with the drive receiving portion 42a. Shaft part) 42b. As described above, the stirring member 36 is configured by joining the driven portion 36a and the stirring and conveying portion 36h attached to the driven portion 36a. In this embodiment, the drive transmission member 42 is a resin molded product. In this embodiment, the driven portion 36a of the stirring member 36 is a resin molded product, and the stirring and conveying portion 36h of the stirring member 36 is a PET sheet member having a thickness of about 0.1 mm.

  A seal member 46 is fitted in advance in the cylindrical projection 29b of the developing device frame 29. Then, in a state where the stirring member 36 is attached to the developing device frame 29, the connecting portion 42b of the drive transmission member 42 includes a seal hole 46a that is a hole of the seal member 46, and an opening 29a in the circular tubular projection 29b. And is fitted into the driven portion 36 a of the stirring member 36. A method of attaching the drive transmission member 42 to the stirring member 36 will be described in detail later. Further, after the stirring member 36 and the drive transmission member 42 are assembled, the container bottom member 45 is joined to the developing device frame 29, whereby the developer storage container 44 is configured.

  Here, the gap formed in the opening 29a of the developing frame 29 is sealed by a seal member 46, which is an oil seal in this embodiment, so that the developer does not leak out of the developer container 44. It has become. That is, the connecting portion 42b of the drive transmission member 42 and the seal member 46 have a certain intrusion amount (interference). As a result, the seal member 46 tightens and seals the connecting portion 42b so that the developer inside the developing device frame 29 does not leak to the outside.

5. Next, a method for attaching the drive transmission member 42 to the stirring member 36 will be described. FIG. 8 shows a method of attaching the drive transmission member 42 to the stirring member 36. FIG. 8A shows a state before the attachment portion of the drive transmission member 42 to the stirring member 36 is attached, and FIG. 8B shows a state after attachment.

  In this embodiment, the developer storage container 44 is a rotating member that can rotate in the developer storage container, and a stirring member 36 that stirs the developer in the developer storage container 44 and a driving force to the stirring member 36. Drive transmission member 42 for transmission. The agitating member 36 has a driven portion 36a which is disposed on the rotation axis of the agitating member 36 and has an end hole 36b which is a hole extending in the same direction at one end in the rotation axis direction. The drive transmission member 42 has a connecting portion 42 b that is inserted into the end hole 36 b of the stirring member 36. The inner surface of the end hole 36b of the stirring member 36 has a first groove 36c extending in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36, and a second groove extending downstream from the first groove 36c in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36. Groove 36e is formed. Further, a rib (positioning rib) 42 c is formed on the connecting portion 42 b of the drive transmission member 42 so as to protrude from the outer surface of the connecting portion 42 b in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36.

  The end hole 36b of the driven portion 36a of the stirring member 36 may be formed only at one end portion of the driven portion 36a in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36 or continuously to the other end portion. It may penetrate through the driven part 36a. The first groove portion 36c and the second groove portion 36e may be formed in a concave shape on the inner wall of the end hole 36b of the driven portion 36a, or may be formed through the inner wall.

  The rib 42c is fitted into the second groove 36e as follows, and the rib 42c and the second groove 36e are engaged. That is, the connecting portion 42b is inserted into the end hole 36b so that the rib 42c passes through the first groove portion 36c. Next, the drive transmission member 42 rotates in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36, and the rib 42c moves from the first groove portion 36c to the second groove portion 36e. Thus, the rib 42c is engaged with the second groove 36e. This will be described in detail below.

  When the drive transmission member 42 is attached to the stirring member 36, first, the connecting portion 42 b of the drive transmission member 42 is passed through the seal hole 46 a of the seal member 46 and the opening 29 a of the developing device frame 29. The stirring member 36 is fitted into the end hole 36b of the driven portion 36a. At this time, the positions of the connecting portion 42b and the driven portion 36a in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36 are aligned so that the rib 42c passes through the first groove portion 36c, and the connecting portion 42b is inserted into the end hole 36b. In the present embodiment, the first groove portion 36 c has a width wider than the width of the rib 42 c in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36. The first groove portion 36 c extends linearly in the same direction so that the rib 42 c can move linearly along the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36.

  At this time, a circular recess formed on the abutting surface 29c, which is the circular end surface of the tubular projection 29b of the developing frame 29, and the surface of the driving transmission member 42 on the connecting portion 42b side of the driving receiving portion 42a. The projecting portion receiving surface 42d, which is the bottom surface, comes into contact. Thereby, the position of the drive transmission member 42 relative to the developing frame 29 in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36 is determined. Furthermore, at this time, the inner diameter portion 42 f that is the side surface of the recess of the drive transmission member 42 and the side surface of the tubular projecting portion 29 b of the developing device frame 29 are engaged. As a result, the position of the drive transmission member 42 relative to the developing frame 29 in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36 is determined.

  Next, when the drive transmission member 42 is driven, the rib 42c and the second groove 36e are engaged. FIG. 9 shows a state of the attachment portion of the drive transmission member 42 to the stirring member 36 when the drive transmission member 42 is driven. 9A shows a state before the drive transmission member 42 is driven, and FIG. 9B shows a state after the drive transmission member 42 is driven.

  The arrow X direction in FIG. 9 is the rotation direction of the drive transmission member 42, that is, the rotation direction of the stirring member 36. The second groove portion 36e has a width that engages with the rib 42c in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36, that is, a width that is substantially equal to the width of the rib 42c in the same direction. The second groove portion 36e is formed continuously from the first groove portion 36c on the downstream side of the first groove portion 36c in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36.

  A portion of the first groove portion 36c located upstream of the second groove portion 36e in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36 is a temporary positioning portion 36d of the rib 42c. In the temporary positioning portion 36d, a tapered portion 36f that guides (guides) the rib 42c from the first groove portion 36c to the second groove portion 36e is formed at the corner portion of the joint portion between the first groove portion 36c and the second groove portion 36e. Has been. That is, the corners of the first groove portion 36c, the second groove portion 36e, and the intersection are chamfered. In addition, in order to further easily guide the rib 42c to the second groove portion 36e, a corner portion of the end portion of the rib 42c located on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36 may be chamfered to provide a tapered portion.

  In FIG. 9A, when the drive transmission member 42 rotates in the arrow X direction, the corner portion of the end portion of the rib 42c on the downstream side in the same direction contacts the tapered portion 36f of the temporary positioning portion 36d. When the drive transmission member 42 further rotates in the arrow X direction, the drive transmission member 42 is positioned in the direction of the rotation axis of the stirring member 36 as described above. The stirrer 36 moves toward the outside of the developer storage container 44 along the rotation axis direction. And as shown in FIG.9 (b), the rib 42c and the 2nd groove part 36e engage. Thereby, the position of the stirring member 36 with respect to the developing frame 29 in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36 is regulated via the drive transmission member 42. Further, since the rib 42c is restricted from moving in the direction of the arrow Y by the second groove 36e, it serves to prevent the drive transmission member 42 from coming off.

6). Drive Transmission to Stirring Member FIG. 10 shows a cross section viewed from the central side in the rotational axis direction of the stirring member 36 in the attachment portion of the connecting portion 42b to the driven portion 36a. FIG. 10A shows a state before the drive transmission member 42 is driven, and FIG. 10B shows a state after the drive transmission member 42 is driven.

  In the present embodiment, the drive transmission member 42 has a drive transmission contact portion 42e, and the stirring member 36 has a drive transmission receiving surface 36g. Then, the drive transmission member 42 rotates in the rotation direction of the agitating member 36, so that the drive transmission abutting portion 42 e abuts on the drive transmission receiving surface 36 g and the driving force is transmitted from the drive transmitting member 42 to the agitating member 36. It is like that.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, first, the drive transmission contact portion 42e of the drive transmission member 42 is relative to the driven portion 36a as the drive transmission member 42 rotates in the arrow X direction. Move in the direction of arrow Z. Next, the drive transmission contact portion 42 e is engaged with the drive transmission receiving surface 36 g of the driven portion 36 a of the stirring member 36, and the drive transmission member 42 transmits the rotational driving force to the stirring member 36. In this embodiment, when the rib 42c is engaged with the second groove portion 36e, the drive transmission contact portion 42e and the drive transmission receiving surface 36g are engaged. Thus, when the drive transmission member 42 rotates in the direction of the arrow X, the drive transmission contact portion 42e and the drive transmission receiving surface 36g are maintained in contact with each other, and the driven portion 36a rotates with the drive transmission member 42.

  According to the present embodiment, the drive transmission member 42 can be attached to the stirring member 36 without being partly elastically deformed as in the conventional example, and therefore the drive transmission member 42 is inserted into the stirring member 36. Force can be reduced, and assemblability can be improved.

7). Referring to FIG. 10, when removing drive transmission member 42 from stirring member 36, drive transmission member 42 is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow X direction. At this time, the rib 42c moves from the second groove part e to the temporary positioning part 36d. In this state, the drive transmission member 42 is pulled out toward the outside of the developer container 44 along the arrow Y direction, that is, the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36. As a result, the rib 42c is passed through the first groove 36a, and the drive transmission member 42 is removed from the stirring member 36. In the present embodiment, when the engagement between the rib 42c and the second groove portion 36e is released, the engagement between the drive transmission contact portion 42e and the drive transmission receiving surface 36g is released.

  According to the present embodiment, a part of the drive transmission member attached to the stirring member 36 with elastic deformation is not caught by the stirring member. Therefore, the drive transmission member 42 can be easily damaged from the stirring member 36. It can be removed and recyclability can be improved.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the force when the drive transmission member 42 is attached to the stirring member 36, and to improve the assemblability. Further, according to the present embodiment, the drive transmission member 42 can be easily detached from the stirring member 36 without damaging it, and the recyclability can be improved. Further, according to the present embodiment, the position of the stirring member 36 relative to the drive transmission member 42 in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36 can be regulated.

Example 2
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configurations and operations of the developer container, the developing device, and the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Accordingly, elements having the same functions or configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 11 shows a method of attaching the drive transmission member 42 to the stirring member 36. Generally, in the present embodiment, the relationship that a rib is provided on one of the drive transmission member 42 and the stirring member 36 and a groove is provided on the other is opposite to that of the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the end hole 36b of the stirring member 36 is formed with a rib 236c that protrudes from the inner surface of the end hole 36b in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36. Further, on the outer surface of the coupling portion 42b of the drive transmission member 42, a first groove portion 242c extending in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36 and a first groove portion 242c extending from the first groove portion 242c to the upstream side in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36. Two groove portions 242e are formed.

  The rib 236c is fitted into the second groove 242e as follows, and the rib 236c and the second groove 242e are engaged. That is, the connecting portion 42b is inserted into the end hole 36b so that the rib 236c passes through the first groove portion 242c. Next, the drive transmission member 42 rotates in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36, and the rib 236c moves from the first groove portion 242c to the second groove portion 242e. By doing so, the rib 236c is engaged with the second groove 242e. This will be described in detail below.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the first groove portion 242c has a width wider than the width of the rib 236c in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36. The first groove portion 242c extends linearly in the same direction so that the rib 236c can move linearly along the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36. The second groove portion 242e has a width that engages with the rib 236c in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36, that is, a width that is substantially equal to the width of the rib 236c in the same direction. In the present embodiment, the second groove part 242e is formed continuously from the first groove part 242c on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36 with respect to the first groove part 242c.

  Further, the portion of the first groove portion 36c located downstream of the second groove portion 242e in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36 is a temporary positioning portion 242d of the rib 236c. In the temporary positioning portion 242d, a tapered portion 242f for guiding (inducing) the rib 236c from the first groove portion 242c to the second groove portion 242e is formed at the corner portion of the joint portion between the first groove portion 242c and the second groove portion 242e. Has been. That is, the corner of the intersection between the first groove 242c and the second groove 242e is chamfered. In order to further easily guide the rib 236c to the second groove portion 242e, a corner portion of the end portion of the rib 236c located on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36 may be chamfered to provide a tapered portion.

  When the drive transmission member 42 is attached to the stirring member 36, first, the connecting portion 42 b of the drive transmission member 42 is passed through the seal hole 46 a of the seal member 46 and the opening 29 a of the developing device frame 29. The stirring member 36 is fitted into the end hole 36b of the driven portion 36a. At this time, the positions of the connecting portion 42b and the driven portion 36a in the rotation direction of the stirring member 36 are aligned so that the rib 236c passes through the first groove portion 242c, and the connecting portion 42b is inserted into the end hole 36b.

  At this time, the drive transmission member 42 is engaged with the projection receiving surface 42d of the drive transmission member 42 and the abutting surface 29c of the tubular projection 29 of the developing device frame 29, so that the rotation axis of the stirring member 36 is engaged. The position relative to the developing frame 29 in the direction can be determined.

  Next, when the drive transmission member 42 is driven, the rib 236c and the second groove portion 242e are engaged. FIG. 12 shows a state of the attachment portion of the drive transmission member 42 to the stirring member 36 when the drive transmission member 42 is driven. 12A shows a state before the drive transmission member 42 is driven, and FIG. 12B shows a state after the drive transmission member 42 is driven.

  In FIG. 12A, when the drive transmission member 42 rotates in the arrow L direction, the corner portion of the end portion of the rib 236c on the upstream side in the same direction contacts the tapered portion 242f of the temporary positioning portion 242d. When the drive transmission member 42 further rotates in the arrow L direction, the drive transmission member 42 is positioned in the direction of the rotation axis of the stirring member 36 as described above. The stirrer 36 moves toward the outside of the developer storage container 44 along the rotation axis direction. And as shown in FIG.12 (b), the rib 236c and the 2nd groove part 242e engage. Thereby, the position of the stirring member 36 with respect to the developing frame 29 in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36 is regulated via the drive transmission member 42. Further, since the second groove portion 242e is restricted from moving in the arrow M direction by the rib 236c, the second groove portion 242e serves to prevent the drive transmission member 42 from coming off.

  Referring to FIG. 12, when removing drive transmission member 42 from stirring member 36, drive transmission member 42 is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow L direction. At this time, the rib 236c moves from the second groove part 242e to the temporary positioning part 242d. In this state, the drive transmission member 42 is pulled out toward the outside of the developer storage container 44 along the arrow M direction, that is, the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36. Thereby, the rib 236c is passed through the first groove portion 242c, and the drive transmission member 42 is detached from the stirring member 36.

  The method for transmitting the driving force from the drive transmission member 42 to the stirring member 36 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the force when the drive transmission member 42 is attached to the stirring member 36 can be reduced, and the assemblability can be improved. Also, with the configuration of this embodiment, the drive transmission member 42 can be easily removed from the stirring member 36 without damaging it, and the recyclability can be improved. In addition, the position of the stirring member 36 relative to the drive transmission member 42 in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 36 can also be restricted by the configuration of the present embodiment.

Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described based on the specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the rotating member that rotates in the developer storage container has been described as a stirring member that stirs the developer in the developer storage container, but is not limited thereto. The rotating member is a developer conveying member that conveys the developer in the developer container, a developer carrying member that carries and conveys the developer and supplies the developer to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and supplies the developer to the developer carrying member. It may be a developer supply member. Further, the developer storage container has been described as storing a developer to be developed in the developing device, but the developer storage container stores waste developer recovered from the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Also good. The image forming apparatus has been described as a color image forming apparatus, but is not limited thereto, and may be a monochrome image forming apparatus. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming system. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer, an LED printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, and a word processor.

1 Photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive member)
4 developing device 36 agitating member 36a driven part 36b end hole 36c first groove part 36e second groove part 42 drive transmission member 42a drive receiving part 42b connecting part 42c rib 44 developer storage container 236c rib 242c first groove part 242e second groove part

Claims (8)

A developer storage container for storing a developer therein, comprising: a rotating member that can rotate within the developer storing container; and a drive transmission member that transmits a driving force to the rotating member. Has a driven part that is disposed on the rotation axis of the rotating member and has a hole extending in the same direction at one end in the direction of the rotating axis, and the drive transmission member is provided on the developer container. In the developer container having a connecting portion to be inserted into the hole of the rotating member in the developer container through an opening provided in the developer container from outside.
A first groove portion extending in the rotation axis direction and a second groove portion extending from the first groove portion to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the rotation member are formed on the inner surface of the hole of the rotation member,
The connecting portion of the drive transmission member is formed with a rib protruding from the outer surface of the connecting portion in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis direction,
The connecting portion of the drive transmission member is inserted into the hole of the rotating member so that the rib passes through the first groove portion, the drive transmission member rotates in the rotation direction of the rotating member, and the rib is The developer storage container, wherein the rib is engaged with the second groove portion by moving from the one groove portion to the second groove portion.   A tapered portion for guiding the rib from the first groove portion to the second groove portion is formed at a corner portion of the joint portion between the first groove portion and the second groove portion in the hole of the rotating member. The developer storage container according to claim 1. A developer storage container for storing a developer therein, comprising: a rotating member that can rotate within the developer storing container; and a drive transmission member that transmits a driving force to the rotating member. Has a driven part that is disposed on the rotation axis of the rotating member and has a hole extending in the same direction at one end in the direction of the rotating axis, and the drive transmission member is provided on the developer container. In the developer container having a connecting portion to be inserted into the hole of the rotating member in the developer container through an opening provided in the developer container from outside.
Ribs protruding from the inner surface of the hole in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction are formed in the hole of the rotation member,
Formed on the outer surface of the coupling portion of the drive transmission member are a first groove portion extending in the rotation axis direction and a second groove portion extending from the first groove portion to the upstream side in the rotation direction of the rotation member. And
The connecting portion of the drive transmission member is inserted into the hole of the rotating member so that the rib passes through the first groove portion, the drive transmission member rotates in the rotation direction of the rotating member, and the rib is The developer storage container, wherein the rib is engaged with the second groove portion by moving from the one groove portion to the second groove portion.   A taper portion that guides the rib from the first groove portion to the second groove portion is formed at a corner portion of the joint portion of the drive transmission member between the first groove portion and the second groove portion. The developer storage container according to claim 3, wherein the developer storage container is a developer storage container.   The drive transmission member has a drive transmission contact portion, the rotating member has a drive transmission receiving surface, and the drive transmission contact portion rotates in the rotation direction of the rotation member, whereby the drive transmission contact portion 5. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the developer receiving container is in contact with the drive transmission receiving surface, and a driving force is transmitted from the drive transmission member to the rotating member.   The developer storage container according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member is a stirring member that stirs the developer in the developer storage container.   A developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and a developer carrier that carries the developer in the developer container and transports and supplies the developer to the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A developing device.   The development according to claim 7, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member, electrostatic image forming means for forming an electrostatic image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrostatic image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are developed with a developer. And an image forming apparatus.

Images