JP2012145670A - Powder container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a powder container that prevents the occurrence of failure as a single body removed from an image forming apparatus body that a shutter member for shutting an opening of the container moves to an opening position and powder contained in the container leaks to the outside, as well as an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A powder container 30 for containing powder T thereinside includes an opening 31 for introducing the powder T into the inside of the container 30, and a shutter member 32 for shutting the opening 31 movably provided to the inside of the container 30 and in an opening state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder container in which powder such as toner and waste toner is stored, and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine in which the powder container is detachably installed. And is about.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, untransferred toner remaining on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum, a photosensitive belt, an intermediate transfer belt, and an intermediate transfer drum after a transfer process is performed is cleaned. A technique is known in which untransferred toner collected by the cleaning unit and untransferred toner collected by the cleaning unit is discharged from the cleaning unit as waste toner and collected in a waste toner collection container (powder container) (for example, Patent Document 1). 2).
When the waste toner collection container is filled with the collected waste toner (or nearly full), the waste toner collection container is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body and replaced (maintenance) with an empty container. The

  In a waste toner collection container (powder container) in Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc., a shutter (shutter member) that opens and closes a waste toner collection port (opening) for housing waste toner is provided outside the container. It is installed to expose. When the waste toner collecting container is installed in the image forming apparatus main body, the shutter is moved to the position where the waste toner collecting port is opened, and the waste toner is fed into the container from the waste toner collecting port. Is done. On the other hand, when the waste toner collecting container is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body, the shutter moves to a position where the waste toner collecting port is closed so that the waste toner does not leak from the container.

  A conventional powder container (waste toner collection container) is installed in a position where a shutter member that opens and closes an opening is exposed to the outside of the container, so that powder such as waste toner is contained inside In the case where the shutter member is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body and an unexpected external force is applied to the shutter member, the shutter member opens the opening and the powder leaks from the inside. Had occurred.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in a single state taken out from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the shutter member with the opening closed is moved to the open position and accommodated therein. It is an object of the present invention to provide a powder container and an image forming apparatus that are unlikely to cause a problem that the powder leaks to the outside.

  The powder container according to the first aspect of the present invention is a powder container in which powder is stored inside, and an opening for feeding powder into the container; A shutter member that is movably installed inside the container and closes the opening in the open state.

  A powder container according to a second aspect of the present invention is the powder container according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the movement of the shutter member in the opening direction after the opening in the open state is closed is restricted. Means are provided.

  A powder container according to a third aspect of the present invention is the powder container according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the shutter member is configured to move along the inner wall of the container. When the shutter member moves from the open position toward the closed position that closes the opening, the shutter member is retracted to a retracted position that does not engage the shutter member inside the container, and the shutter member is moved to the closed position. In some cases, the shutter member is moved from the retracted position to a locking position where the shutter member is locked, and the movement of the shutter member to the open position is limited.

  A powder container according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the powder container according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the powder container is connected to the shutter member so as to be movable together with the shutter member, and a part thereof is accommodated. A lever member that is exposed to the outside of the container, and the lever member and the shutter are operated in conjunction with an operation of moving the shutter member to a closed position that closes the opening by operating the lever member. It is a means for releasing the connection with the member.

  Moreover, the powder container concerning the invention of Claim 5 urges | biases the said shutter member toward the closed position which closes the said opening part in the invention in any one of the said Claims 1-4. The shutter member is held in an open position that opens the opening so as to resist the biasing force of the biasing member and the biasing member, and a part of the shutter member is exposed to the outside of the container and can be taken out from the outside And a holding member.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the powder container according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the shutter member is locked at an open position where the opening is opened. A stop member and a detection means for detecting a state in which the powder contained in the container has reached a predetermined amount, and when the locking member detects the state by the detection means, The shutter member is controlled to be unlocked.

  The powder container according to the invention of claim 7 is a displacement according to an increase in the amount of powder stored in the container in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 5. A movable member configured to rotate, and a rotating member formed so as to be able to rotate together with the operation of opening and closing the opening of the shutter member. And when the shutter member moves to a closed position that closes the opening, the rotation of the movable member is restricted in accordance with the displacement of the movable member, and the shutter member is moved to the closed position. It is to be fixed.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which the powder container according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is detachably installed on the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the powder container detects a state in which a predetermined amount of powder is contained therein. An engagement member that includes a detection unit and that engages with the powder container mounted on the image forming apparatus main body and restricts the powder container from being detached from the image forming apparatus main body; The engaging member is controlled to release the engagement with the powder container when the state is detected by the detecting means.

  An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the powder container is interlocked with an operation of removing the powder container from the main body of the image forming apparatus. A moving means for relatively moving the shutter member to a closed position for closing the opening is provided.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the moving means is configured to store the powder when the powder container is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. When the powder container is detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the shutter member is engaged with the engaged portion of the shutter member through the opening to move the shutter member. The folding member is relatively moved toward the closed position.

  An image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect, wherein the shutter member is formed of a magnetic material, and the powder container is disposed on the main body of the image forming apparatus. The shutter member is attached and detached in the same direction as the opening and closing direction of the shutter member, and the moving means is attached to the shutter member that opens the opening when the powder container is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. This is a magnet installed at an opposing position.

  In the present invention, since the shutter member is movably installed inside the container, the shutter member with the opening closed in the single state taken out from the main body of the image forming apparatus moves to the open position and moves inside. It is possible to provide a powder container and an image forming apparatus that do not easily cause a problem that the stored powder leaks to the outside.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an image creation part. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a waste toner collection container installed in the apparatus main body. It is a perspective view showing a waste toner collection container. It is a front view which shows operation | movement of a shutter member. It is a side view which shows operation | movement of a shutter member. It is a front view which shows operation | movement of the shutter member in the waste toner collection container of another form. It is a front view which shows operation | movement of the shutter member of the waste toner collection container in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a front view which shows operation | movement of the shutter member of the waste toner collection container in Embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which a waste toner collection container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of mounting a waste toner collection container in an image forming apparatus main body according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the waste toner collecting container in FIG. 11 is detached from the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which another type of waste toner collecting container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the container main body of the waste toner collection container in Embodiment 6 of this invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a shutter member in the waste toner collection container of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the waste toner collecting container with the shutter member of FIG. 15 installed from above. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a main part of the apparatus main body in which the waste toner collecting container of FIG. 16 is installed. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the movable member which detects the full state of waste toner. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a rotating member that accompanies a mounting operation of a waste toner collection container to the apparatus main body. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a rotating member and a lever that accompany the operation of attaching and detaching the waste toner collection container to and from the apparatus main body.

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

Embodiment 1 FIG.
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
First, the configuration and operation of the entire image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is a tandem color image forming apparatus in which process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK serving as a plurality of image forming units are arranged in parallel so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 17. is there.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is an apparatus main body of a color copying machine as an image forming apparatus, 3 is a document conveying unit that conveys a document to a document reading unit 4, 4 is a document reading unit that reads image information of a document, and 6 is input image information. A writing unit (exposure unit) that emits laser light based on the above, 7 is a paper feeding unit that accommodates a recording medium P such as transfer paper, and 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK are colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black). A corresponding process cartridge as an image forming unit, 17 is an intermediate transfer belt (image carrier) on which toner images of a plurality of colors are transferred, and 18 is a toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17 on a recording medium P. A secondary transfer roller for transferring, a fixing unit 20 for fixing an unfixed image on the recording medium P, and a toner 28 for each process cartridge 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK. Because of the toner container, 30 denotes a waste toner container, as a powder container waste toner as the powder is recovered.

Here, each of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK (image forming unit) includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier, a charging unit 12, a developing unit 13 (developing device), and a cleaning unit 15 (cleaning device). ) Are integrated (see FIG. 2). And each process cartridge 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK is replaced | exchanged for a new thing when the lifetime is reached.
A toner image of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier) in each of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK.

Hereinafter, an operation during normal color image formation in the image forming apparatus will be described.
First, the document is transported from the document table by the transport rollers of the document transport unit 3 and placed on the contact glass of the document reading unit 4. Then, the document reading unit 4 optically reads the image information of the document placed on the contact glass.
Specifically, the document reading unit 4 scans an image of a document on the contact glass while irradiating light emitted from an illumination lamp. Then, the light reflected from the original is imaged on the color sensor via the mirror group and the lens. The color image information of the original is read for each color separation light of RGB (red, green, blue) by the color sensor, and then converted into an electrical image signal. Further, an image processing unit (not shown) performs color conversion processing, color correction processing, spatial frequency correction processing, and the like on the basis of RGB color separation image signals, so that yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are processed. Get color image information.

  Then, image information of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is transmitted to the writing unit 6. Then, laser light (exposure light) based on the image information of each color is emitted from the writing unit 6 toward the photosensitive drums 11 of the corresponding process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK, respectively.

On the other hand, the four photosensitive drums 11 rotate in the clockwise direction in the figure. Referring to FIG. 2, first, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is uniformly charged at a position facing the charging unit 12 (charging roller) (a charging process). Thus, a charged potential is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier. Thereafter, the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 11 reaches the irradiation position of each laser beam.
In the writing unit 6, laser light corresponding to the image signal is emitted from the light source corresponding to each color. Although not shown, the laser light is incident on the polygon mirror and reflected, and then passes through a plurality of lenses. The laser light after passing through the plurality of lenses passes through different optical paths for each of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color components (this is an exposure process).

  Laser light corresponding to the yellow component is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the first process cartridge 10Y from the left side of the drawing. At this time, the yellow component laser light is scanned in the rotational axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 11 by a polygon mirror (not shown) that rotates at high speed. Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow component is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 after being charged by the charging roller 12a.

  Similarly, the cyan component laser light is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the second process cartridge 10 </ b> C from the left side of the sheet, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of the cyan component. The laser beam corresponding to the magenta component is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the third process cartridge 10M from the left side of the paper, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the magenta component is formed. The black component laser light is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the process cartridge 10BK (black image forming unit), which is fourth from the left side of the drawing (the most downstream side with respect to the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 17). Thus, an electrostatic latent image of the black component is formed.

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 on which the electrostatic latent image of each color is formed reaches a position facing the developing unit 13 (see FIG. 2). Then, each color toner is supplied from each developing unit 13 onto the photosensitive drum 11, and the latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 is developed (this is a developing step).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after the development process reaches a position facing the intermediate transfer belt 17 (intermediate transfer body) as an image carrier. Here, a primary transfer roller 14 is installed at each facing position so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17. At the position of the primary transfer roller 14, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 11 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 17 as an image carrier (in the first transfer process). is there.).

Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after the first transfer step reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 15 (see FIG. 2). The untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier) is collected by the cleaning unit 15 (cleaning process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductive drum 11 passes through the position of a static elimination unit (not shown), and a series of image forming processes on the photoconductive drum 11 is completed.

On the other hand, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 on which the images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drum 11 are transferred in an overlapping manner travels in the direction of the arrow in the drawing and reaches the position of the secondary transfer roller 18. Then, the full color image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is secondarily transferred onto the recording medium P at the position of the secondary transfer roller 18 (second transfer step).
Thereafter, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 9 (cleaning unit). Then, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 17 as the image carrier is collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 9 (cleaning unit), and a series of transfer processes on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is completed.

Here, the recording medium P at the position of the secondary transfer roller 18 is conveyed from the paper supply unit 7 via the conveyance guide, the registration roller 19 and the like.
Specifically, the transfer paper P fed by the paper feed roller 8 from the paper feed unit 7 that stores the recording medium P is guided to the registration roller 19 after passing through the conveyance guide. The recording medium P that has reached the registration roller 19 is conveyed toward the position of the secondary transfer roller 18 in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17.

Thereafter, the recording medium P on which the full-color image is transferred is guided to the fixing unit 20. In the fixing unit 20, the color image is fixed on the recording medium P at the nip between the fixing roller and the pressure roller.
The recording medium P after the fixing step is discharged as an output image outside the apparatus main body 1 by the paper discharge roller 29 and then stacked on the paper discharge unit 5 to complete a series of image forming processes.

Next, the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the black process cartridge 10BK. The other three process cartridges 10Y, 10M, and 10C are configured substantially the same as the black process cartridge 10BK except that the color of the toner used in the image forming process is different. Are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 10BK contains a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier, a charging unit 12 for charging the photosensitive drum 11, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11. A developing unit 13 for developing and a cleaning unit 15 for collecting untransferred toner on the photosensitive drum 11 are integrally stored in a case.

Here, the photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing member is a negatively charged organic photosensitive member, and a photosensitive layer or the like is provided on a drum-shaped conductive support. Although not shown, the photosensitive drum 11 has an undercoat layer that is an insulating layer, a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer as a photosensitive layer, and a protective layer (surface layer) in this order on a conductive support as a base layer. Are stacked.
The charging unit 12 is a charging roller formed by covering an outer periphery of a conductive metal core with an intermediate resistance elastic layer. Then, a predetermined voltage is applied to the charging unit 12 (charging roller) from a power supply unit (not shown), thereby uniformly charging the surface of the opposing photoconductive drum 11.

  The developing unit 13 (developing device) mainly includes a developing roller 13a facing the photoconductive drum 11, a first transporting screw 13b1 facing the developing roller 13a, and a first transporting screw 13b1 facing the first transporting screw 13b1 via a partition member. It is comprised by the 2 conveyance screw 13b2 and the doctor blade 13c facing the developing roller 13a. The developing roller 13a includes a magnet that is fixed inside and forms a magnetic pole on the peripheral surface of the roller, and a sleeve that rotates around the magnet. A plurality of magnetic poles are formed on the developing roller 13a (sleeve) by the magnet, and the developer is carried on the developing roller 13a.

In the developing unit 13, a two-component developer composed of a carrier and a toner is accommodated. In the first embodiment, the toner has a small particle size and a substantially spherical shape in order to improve image quality.
Specifically, the toner is formed so that the circularity is 0.92 or more. The “circularity” is an average circularity measured by a flow type particle image analyzer “FPIA-2000” (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.). Specifically, 0.1 to 0.5 ml of a surfactant (preferably an alkylbenzene sulfonate) is added as a dispersant to 100 to 150 ml of water from which impure solids have been removed in advance. Further, about 0.1 to 0.5 g of a measurement sample (toner) is added. Thereafter, the suspension in which the toner is dispersed is subjected to a dispersion treatment with an ultrasonic disperser for about 1 to 3 minutes, and the dispersion liquid concentration is set to 3000 to 10000 / μl in the above-described analyzer. Then, the shape and distribution of the toner are measured.
The toner is formed so that the shape factor SF-1 and the shape factor SF-2 are both in the range of 100 to 180.
The toner has a volume average particle diameter (Dv) in the range of 3 to 8 μm, and a ratio (Dv / Dn) of the volume average particle diameter (Dv) to the number average particle diameter (Dn) is 1.05. It is formed to be in the range of 1.40.
Further, the toner has a ratio of the major axis to the minor axis (r1 / r2) in the range of 0.5 to 1.0, and a ratio of the thickness to the minor axis (r3 / r2) of 0.7 to 1. In the range of 0.0, and the long axis r1 ≧ the short axis r2 ≧ the thickness r3 is satisfied.
Such a small particle size / spherical toner crosslinks a toner composition containing a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, a polyester, a colorant, and a release agent in the presence of resin fine particles in an aqueous medium. Alternatively, it can be produced by an extension reaction.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaning unit 15 (cleaning device) includes a cleaning blade 15a that contacts the photosensitive drum 11, and a non-transferred toner collected in the cleaning unit 15 as a waste toner collection container 30 (see FIG. 2). 3), a transfer coil 15b (transfer pipe 16), etc., which is transferred toward is provided. The cleaning blade 15a is made of a rubber material such as urethane rubber, and is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 at a predetermined angle and a predetermined pressure. As a result, deposits such as untransferred toner adhering to the photosensitive drum 11 are mechanically scraped and collected in the cleaning unit 15. Then, the untransferred toner collected in the cleaning unit 15 is transported to the waste toner collection container 30 via the transport pipe 16 (the transport coil 15b is provided), and the waste toner (powder). As a waste toner collection container 30 (powder container).
Similarly, referring to FIG. 1, an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 9 as a cleaning unit also has a cleaning blade in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 17 and untransferred toner collected in the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 9 as waste toner. As a waste toner collecting container 30 (refer to FIG. 3), a transport coil (transport pipe 16) for transporting toward the waste toner collecting container 30 (see FIG. 3) is installed. Then, the untransferred toner collected in the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 9 is transported to the waste toner collection container 30 via the transport pipe 16 (a transport coil is provided), and is discarded as waste toner. The toner is collected in the toner collection container 30. The configuration and operation of the waste toner collection container 30 will be described in more detail later.
In addition to the untransferred toner, the adhering matter adhering to the photosensitive drum 11 and the intermediate transfer belt 17 is not only the untransferred toner but also paper dust generated from the recording medium P (paper), and the photosensitive member during discharge by the charging roller 12 (charging unit). There are discharge products generated on the drum 11, additives added to the toner, and the like. In the present application, these are collectively referred to as “untransferred toner”.

The image forming process described above will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
The developing roller 13a rotates in the arrow direction (counterclockwise direction) in FIG. The developer in the developing unit 13 is replenished from the toner container 28 by a toner replenishing unit (not shown) by the rotation of the first transport screw 13b1 and the second transport screw 13b2 that are disposed so as to interpose a partition member therebetween. The toner circulates in the longitudinal direction while being agitated and mixed with the toner (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2).

  The toner that is frictionally charged and adsorbed on the carrier is carried on the developing roller 13a together with the carrier. The developer carried on the developing roller 13a then reaches the position of the doctor blade 13c. The developer on the developing roller 13a is adjusted to an appropriate amount at the position of the doctor blade 13c and then reaches a position facing the photosensitive drum 11 (development region).

  Thereafter, in the developing region, the toner in the developer adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Specifically, the latent image potential (exposure potential) of the image portion irradiated with the laser beam L and the electric field formed by the potential difference (development potential) between the development bias applied to the developing roller 13a cause the toner to become a latent image. (Toner image is formed).

  Thereafter, most of the toner adhering to the photosensitive drum 11 in the developing process is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, the untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is collected in the cleaning unit 15 by the cleaning blade 15a.

  Here, although not shown in the figure, the toner replenishing portion provided in the apparatus main body 1 includes a bottle-shaped toner container 28 configured to be replaceable, and holds and rotates the toner container 28, and the developing unit 13 is newly installed. And a toner hopper for replenishing toner. Also, a new toner (any one of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) is accommodated in the toner container 28. In addition, a spiral protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the toner container 28 (toner bottle). Then, the toner container 28 is rotationally driven by a toner replenishing motor (not shown), whereby new toner is replenished from the toner container 28 toward the developing unit 13.

  The new toner in the toner container 28 is appropriately supplied from the toner supply port into the developing unit 13 as the toner in the developing unit 13 (existing toner) is consumed. Although illustration is omitted, the consumption of toner in the developing unit 13 is indirectly caused by a reflection type photosensor facing the photosensitive drum 11 and a magnetic sensor installed below the second conveying screw 23b2 of the developing unit 13. Or detected directly. Then, new toner is supplied from the toner container 28 toward the developing unit 13 by driving the toner container 28 by the toner supply motor so as to replenish the amount of toner consumed in the developing unit 13.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the waste toner collecting container 30 which are characteristic in the first embodiment will be described in detail.
3 and 4, a waste toner collection container 30 as a powder container in the first embodiment is a substantially rectangular container, and receives waste toner T as powder. A recovery port 31 is formed on the side surface as an opening for this purpose. Further, the waste toner collecting container 30 is not provided with a shutter member 32 that closes the collecting port 31 (opening) in an open state so as to be exposed to the outside of the container, but can be moved inside the container. Is installed. That is, the shutter member 32 is installed so that a part of the shutter member 32 is exposed from the outside through the recovery port 31 with the recovery port 31 closed without being exposed to the outside of the container when the recovery port 32 is opened. ing.

The untransferred toner discharged from the cleaning units 15 of the four process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK and the intermediate transfer belt cleaning are disposed in the waste toner collecting container 30 (powder container) configured as described above. The untransferred toner discharged from the section 9 is collected as waste toner (powder) through the transport pipe 16.
Specifically, the untransferred toner discharged from each of the four process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK and the non-transferred toner discharged from the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 9 are one- Merged into the discharge path. Then, the waste toner T is discharged from the discharge port 16a of the conveyance tube 16 toward the inside of the waste toner collection container 30 in a state where the leading end portion of the conveyance tube 16 is inserted into the collection port 31 (opening).

The waste toner collecting container 30 is moved to the right side of FIG. 3 (left side of FIG. 1) by opening the main body cover (not shown) of the main body 1 of the apparatus. Can be taken from. Then, the new (empty) waste toner collecting container 30 is mounted by moving to the left side of FIG. 3 (right side of FIG. 1) with respect to the apparatus main body 1 with the main body cover opened. Is done.
In the first embodiment, a piezoelectric sensor is used as the fullness detection sensor 55 (detection means). That is, when the waste toner T is accumulated up to the position (height) of the full detection sensor 55 (piezoelectric sensor), the full detection sensor 55 (piezoelectric sensor) detects the pressure due to the waste toner T, and the waste toner collection container It is recognized that 30 is full of waste toner T (or a state close thereto). The full waste toner collecting container 30 is taken out (detached) from the apparatus main body 1 with the collecting port 31 closed (sealed) by the shutter member 32.

  As described above, the waste toner collecting container 30 according to the first embodiment is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 1 because the shutter member 32 is movably installed inside the waste toner collecting container 30 (container). In the single state, even if an unexpected external force is applied from the outside, the shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 is difficult to move to the open position. Therefore, it is difficult for the waste toner T accommodated in the waste toner collecting container 30 to leak to the outside.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, the waste toner collecting container 30 in the first embodiment is configured such that the shutter member 32 moves along the inner wall of the container 30. Specifically, at both ends in the width direction of the shutter member 32 (in the left-right direction in FIG. 5), convex portions that engage with groove-shaped rail portions 36 formed so as to protrude from the inner wall of the container 30 are provided. It is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction. Thus, the shutter member 32 is guided by the rail portion 36 and smoothly from the open position (position of FIG. 5A) to the closed position (position of FIG. 5B). Will move. The closed position of the shutter member 32 is determined at a position where the convex portion of the shutter member 32 abuts the lower end of the rail portion 36.

4 and 5, the waste toner collecting container 30 according to the first embodiment is provided with a lever member 34 connected to the shutter member 32 and formed so as to be movable together with the shutter member 32. Yes. The lever member 34 has a part (tip portion) exposed to the outside of the waste toner collection container 30, and the exposed shutter member 32 is moved to the closed position by manually operating the exposed portion. (The movement from the position of FIG. 5A to the position of FIG. 5B).
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, the lever member 34 moves up and down in order to maintain the state where the shutter member 32 is stopped at the open position (the state where the collection port 31 is opened). A wedge member 60 is installed in the groove portion 35 to be formed. Therefore, the operator who operates the lever member 34 moves the shutter member 34 downward and closes the collection port 31 after taking out the wedge member 60.
Although not shown, the groove 35 where the lever member 34 moves up and down is a notch that is in close contact with the lever member 34 in order to prevent the waste toner T from leaking from the inside of the container through the groove 35 to the outside. The sealing material which has is installed.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, the waste toner collection container 30 according to the first embodiment has an opening direction of the shutter member 32 after the collection port 31 (opening) in the open state is closed. A restricting member 33 is provided as a restricting means for restricting movement.
Specifically, the regulating member 33 (regulating means) is a substantially triangular prism-like member connected via a compression spring 37 to a recess formed in the inner wall of the container 30, and its inclined surface faces upward and is a horizontal plane. Is arranged so as to face downward.
When the shutter member 32 is in the open position, the regulating member 33 (regulating means) protrudes to a position where it does not engage with the shutter member 32 by the urging force of the compression spring 37 (in the state of FIG. 6A). is there.).
When the shutter member 32 moves from the open position toward the closed position (in the state shown in FIG. 6B), the regulating member 33 moves to the shutter member 32 inside the container 30 (container). Retreat to a retracted position that does not engage. Specifically, the inclined surface of the restricting member 33 is pushed by the lower end of the shutter member 32, and the force (component force) in the direction of retracting the restricting member 33 against the urging force of the compression spring 37 in the recess (retracted position). ) Acts. Thereby, the regulating member 33 is retracted to the recess (retracted position), and the shutter member 32 can be moved downward.
Then, when the shutter member 32 is in the closed position (the state shown in FIG. 6C), the restricting member 33 moves from the recess (retracted position) to the locking position where the shutter member 32 is locked. Thus, the movement of the shutter member 32 to the open position (upward movement) is limited. Specifically, when the movement of the shutter member 32 to the closed position is completed by the movement of the shutter member 32 described above, the restricting member 33 released from the engagement by the shutter member 32 is moved by the urging force of the compression spring 37 as shown in FIG. C) Move in the direction of the black arrow. That is, the lower surface (horizontal plane) of the regulating member 33 moves to a position facing the upper end of the shutter member 32 in the closed position. Thereby, even if the shutter member 32 tries to move upward, the upper end of the shutter member 32 interferes with the lower surface of the regulating member 33 and cannot move.
With such a configuration, the shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 is less likely to move to the open position even when an unexpected external force is applied from the outside in a single state taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 1. It will be demonstrated more reliably.

In the first embodiment, the regulating member 33 is installed as a regulating means for regulating the movement of the shutter member 32 in the opening direction after closing the collection port 31 in the opened state. On the other hand, as the restricting means, means for releasing the connection between the lever member 34 and the shutter member 32 in conjunction with the operation of moving the shutter member 32 to the closed position by the operation of the lever member 34 can be used.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7A1 and 7A2, a weak strength portion 34a having a low strength is formed in a part of the lever member 34, and a sharp portion 38 having a sharp tip formed in the container. Is provided. Then, the weak strength portion 34a is a sharp portion in accordance with the timing when the lever member 34 moves to the closed position together with the shutter member 32 (from the position of FIG. 7A1 to the position of FIG. 7A2). 38, the weak strength portion 34a is destroyed, and the connection between the members 32 and 34 is released.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (B1), the lever member 34 is connected via a flexible member between the two first spherical members 39a installed on the shutter member 32 side via a leaf spring. The second spherical member 39b is sandwiched and both the members 32 and 34 are connected. Then, as shown in FIG. 7 (B2), the lever member 34 moves to the closed position together with the shutter member 32 (from the position of FIG. 7 (B1) to the position of FIG. 7 (A2)). In addition, the second spherical member 39b is separated from the space between the two first spherical members 39a, and the connection between the two members 32 and 34 is released. At this time, since the flexible member connected to the second spherical member 39b loses tension due to the weight of the second spherical member 39b and bends, the second spherical member 39b is subsequently placed between the two first spherical members 39a. Even if you try to pinch, you can't pinch.
Even when such a restricting means is used, the same effect as when the above-described restricting member 33 is used can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the shutter member 32 is movably installed inside the waste toner collection container 30 (container), the single unit taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is used. In this state, the shutter member 32 with the collection port 31 (opening) closed is moved to the open position, and it is possible to make it difficult for the waste toner T (powder) contained therein to leak out.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing the operation of the shutter member 32 of the waste toner collecting container 30 (powder container) in the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5 in the first embodiment.
The waste toner collection container 30 (powder container) in the second embodiment is mainly provided with a locking member 62 that locks the shutter member 32 at an open position that opens the collection port 31 (opening). The point is different from that of the first embodiment.

  The waste toner collection container 30 (powder container) in the second embodiment also has a shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 (opening) in an open state, as in the first embodiment. It is movably installed inside. Also in the second embodiment, the fullness detection sensor 55 (see FIG. 3) can be used as detection means for detecting a state in which the waste toner T accommodated in the waste toner collection container 30 has reached a predetermined amount. Is installed.

  Here, the waste toner collecting container 30 according to the second embodiment is provided with a locking member 62 that indirectly locks the shutter member 32 at an open position where the recovery port 31 is opened. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, the locking member 62 is configured to lock the exposed portion of the lever member 34 (the portion exposed to the outside) so that the motor 61 (the second embodiment) can be locked. Is fixedly attached to the waste toner collecting container 30). A compression spring 40 that urges the lever member 34 downward is installed in the groove 35 where the lever member 34 is exposed.

The locking member 62 is controlled to release the locking of the lever member 34 (shutter member 32) when a full state (or a state close thereto) is detected by the full detection sensor 55 (detection means). Is done. Specifically, when a full state (or a state close thereto) is detected by the full detection sensor 55, a display unit (not shown) indicating that the waste toner collection container 30 needs to be replaced is not shown. ) And the transfer pipe 16 (see FIG. 3) is extracted from the collection port 31 by a moving mechanism (not shown). Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the locking member 62 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow by driving the motor 61, and the locking state of the lever member 34 by the locking member 62 is released. Thereby, the shutter member 32 moves to the lower closed position together with the lever member 34 by the spring force of the compression spring 40, and the recovery port 31 is closed.
In this way, by automatically moving the shutter member 32 to the closed position based on the detection result of the full detection sensor 55 (detection means), forgetting to close the shutter member 32 can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the shutter member 32 is movably installed inside the waste toner collection container 30 (container). In a single state taken out from the forming apparatus main body 1, the shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 (opening) moves to the open position, and waste toner T (powder) housed inside leaks out. It is possible to make it difficult to cause defects.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a front view showing the operation of the shutter member 32 of the waste toner collecting container 30 (powder container) in the third embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5 in the first embodiment.
The waste toner collecting container 30 (powder container) in the third embodiment is mainly provided with a biasing member 42 that biases the shutter member 32 toward the closed position, and the shutter member at the open position. The point which the holding member 41 holding 32 is installed so that extraction is possible from the outside is different from the thing of the said Embodiment 1. FIG.

  The waste toner collection container 30 (powder container) in the third embodiment also includes a shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 (opening) in an open state, as in the above embodiments. It is movably installed inside.

Here, the waste toner collecting container 30 in the third embodiment is provided with a compression spring 42 as a biasing member that directly biases the shutter member 32 toward the closed position where the recovery port 31 is closed. Yes.
The waste toner collecting container 30 according to the third embodiment is provided with a holding member 41 that holds the shutter member 32 in the open position so as to resist the biasing force of the compression spring 42 (biasing member). Specifically, the holding member 41 has one end side engaged with an engaging portion formed on the shutter member 32, the center portion is held by the wall portion of the container, and the other end side exposed to the outside of the container 30. It is formed so that it can be taken out from the outside.

  When the waste toner collecting container 30 that has become full is taken out from the apparatus main body 1, the holding member 41 is taken out from the container 30, whereby the holding state of the shutter member 32 by the holding member 41 is released. Accordingly, the shutter member 32 moves to the lower closed position by the spring force of the compression spring 42, and the recovery port 31 is reliably closed (from the state of FIG. 9A to the state of FIG. 9B). Move.).

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the shutter member 32 is movably installed inside the waste toner collection container 30 (container), as in the above embodiments. In a single state taken out from the forming apparatus main body 1, the shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 (opening) moves to the open position, and waste toner T (powder) housed inside leaks out. It is possible to make it difficult to cause defects.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
The waste toner collection container 30 (powder container) in the fourth embodiment is mainly an engagement member that restricts the waste toner collection container 30 attached to the apparatus main body 1 from being detached from the apparatus main body 1. The point that 67 is installed is different from those of the respective embodiments.

  The waste toner collection container 30 (powder container) in the fourth embodiment also has a shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 (opening) in an open state, as in the above embodiments. It is movably installed inside. Also in the fourth embodiment, the fullness detection sensor 55 (see FIG. 3) as detection means for detecting a state in which the waste toner T accommodated in the waste toner collection container 30 reaches a predetermined amount. Is installed.

  Here, in the image forming apparatus main body 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the waste toner collection container 30 is detached from the apparatus main body 1 by engaging with the waste toner collection container 30 attached to the apparatus main body 1. An engagement member 67 for restricting the movement is installed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the engaging member 67 is provided with a compression spring 68 for the motor 69 installed in the vicinity of the opening of the installation section (apparatus body 1) where the waste toner collection container 30 is installed. It is a substantially triangular prism-like member connected via
The engaging member 67 protrudes downward by the urging force of the compression spring 68 when the waste toner collecting container 30 is not installed in the apparatus main body 1, and the inclined surface of the engaging member 67 is lowered to the lower right by the motor 69. It is maintained in a posture suitable for. (The state shown in FIG. 10A).
When the waste toner collecting container 30 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1, the engaging member 37 is retracted to a retracted position that does not hinder the mounting of the container 30 (container). Specifically, the force (minute) in the direction in which the inclined surface of the engaging member 67 is pushed to the upper end of the container 30 and retracts to the retracted position (upward) against the urging force of the compression spring 68 on the engaging member 67. Force) acts. Thereby, the engaging member 67 is retracted to the retracted position, and the container 30 can be attached to the apparatus main body 1.
Then, when the attachment of the waste toner collecting container 30 to the apparatus main body 1 is completed (the state shown in FIG. 10B), the engaging member 67 moves downward from the retracted position, and the apparatus main body. The separation of the container 30 from 1 (movement to the right) is limited. Specifically, when the movement of the container 30 to the set position is completed by the mounting operation of the container 30 described above, the engagement member 67 released from the engagement by the container 30 is moved by the urging force of the compression spring 68 as shown in FIG. ) Move in the direction of the arrow. That is, the left side surface (vertical surface) of the engaging member 67 moves to a position facing the side surface of the container 30 at the set position. Thereby, even if the container 30 tries to move to the right, the side surface interferes with the left side surface of the engaging member 67 and cannot move.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent a problem that the waste toner collecting container 30 before replacement is taken out from the apparatus main body 1 in advance.

As shown in FIG. 10C, when the waste toner collection container 30 is detached from the apparatus main body 1, the compression spring is moved to a position where the engagement member 67 does not hinder the separation operation of the container 30 by the rotation of the motor 69. 68 and rotated together.
Specifically, when the full state detection sensor 55 detects that the waste toner collection container 30 is full (or a state close thereto), an indication that the waste toner collection container 30 needs to be replaced is displayed on the apparatus main body 1. (Not shown). Further, the engaging member 67 is controlled so as to release the engagement with the waste toner collecting container 30 when a full state (or a state close thereto) is detected by the full detection sensor 55 (detection means). (This is the state shown in FIG. 10C.)
As a result, the waste toner collecting container 30 that needs to be replaced can be detached from the apparatus main body 1.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, since the shutter member 32 is movably installed inside the waste toner collection container 30 (container), as in each of the embodiments described above, the image In a single state taken out from the forming apparatus main body 1, the shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 (opening) moves to the open position, and waste toner T (powder) housed inside leaks out. It is possible to make it difficult to cause defects.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
The waste toner collection container 30 (powder container) in the fifth embodiment is mainly attached to and detached from the installation portion of the apparatus main body 1 in the vertical direction, and the waste toner collection container 30 is detached from the apparatus main body 1. The point that the shutter member is relatively moved to the closed position that closes the collection port 31 (opening) in conjunction with the operation performed is different from those of the above-described embodiments.

  The waste toner collection container 30 (powder container) in the fifth embodiment is also provided with a shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 (opening) in an open state, as in the above embodiments. It is movably installed inside.

Here, the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is configured such that the waste toner collection container 30 is attached to and detached from the installation portion of the apparatus main body 1 in the vertical direction.
In the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, the waste toner collection container 30 is moved to the closed position where the collection port 31 of the waste toner collection container 30 is closed in conjunction with the operation of removing the waste toner collection container 30 from the image forming apparatus main body 1. A retractable member 65 is installed as a moving means for relatively moving the shutter member 32.
Further, the shutter member 32 of the waste toner collecting container 30 is formed with an engaged portion 32 a (protrusion) that engages with the tiltable member 65.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 11, the retractable member 65 (moving means) is a plate-like member that is held by the installation portion so as to be rotatable in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction in the drawing. Although not shown, the retractable member 65 has a first spring that applies a force that resists clockwise rotation, and a second spring that applies a force that resists counterclockwise rotation, Is connected. The spring force of the first spring is relatively weak and the spring force of the second spring is set to be relatively strong.
The retractable member 65 (moving means) is pushed by the waste toner collection container 30 to fall down when the waste toner collection container 30 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 (installation section), and the waste toner collection container 30 is moved. Is detached from the apparatus main body 1 (installation portion), it engages with the engaged portion 32a of the shutter member 32 via the recovery port 31, and relatively moves the shutter member 32 toward the closed position.

  Specifically, referring to FIGS. 11A to 11C, when the waste toner collecting container 30 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 (installation portion), the tiltable member 65 resists clockwise rotation. Since the force of the first spring for applying the force is set to be relatively weak, even if the retractable member 65 is engaged with the shutter member 32 (the engaged portion 32a), the retractable member 65 is not engaged. The shutter member 32 is maintained in the open state by rotating so as to get over the 32a. When the setting of the container 30 is completed in this state, the waste toner T is sent from the transport pipe 16 to the waste toner collection container 30.

On the other hand, referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the waste toner collecting container 30 is detached from the apparatus main body 1 (installation portion), the tiltable member 65 is rotated counterclockwise. Since the force of the second spring that exerts a resisting force is set to be relatively strong, when the retractable member 65 engages with the shutter member 32 (the engaged portion 32a), the retractable member 65 becomes the engaged portion. 32a is pushed, the shutter member 32 moves relatively downward, and the collection port 31 is closed. When the separation operation of the waste toner collection container 30 is further advanced, the retractable member 65 contacts the outer wall of the waste toner collection container 30 and rotates counterclockwise. In this way, the waste toner collection container 30 with the collection port 31 closed is taken out from the apparatus main body 1.
As described above, the shutter member 32 is automatically moved to the closed position in conjunction with the detaching operation of the waste toner collecting container 30, thereby preventing the shutter member 32 from being forgotten to be closed.

In the fifth embodiment, the retractable member 65 is used as a moving unit that relatively moves the shutter member 32 to the closed position where the collection port 31 of the waste toner collection container 30 is closed.
On the other hand, the magnet 66 can also be used as the moving means.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the shutter member 32 that opens the collection port 31 when the waste toner collection container 30 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 (the state shown in FIG. 13A). The magnet 66 is installed at a position opposite to (a position on the apparatus main body 1 side). Further, the shutter member 32 is formed of a magnetic material in the waste toner collecting container 30 that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 1 in the same direction as the opening / closing direction of the shutter member 32.
With such a configuration, when the waste toner collecting container 30 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 (the state shown in FIG. 13A), the magnetic force of the magnet 66 stops the shutter member 32 at the open position. Thus, the waste toner T can be sent from the transport pipe 16 to the waste toner collection container 30 via the collection port 31. In contrast, when the waste toner collecting container 30 is detached from the apparatus main body 1, as shown in FIG. 13B, the magnetic force of the magnet 66 moves the shutter member 32 relative to the closed position in conjunction with the removing operation. Act to move it. In this way, the waste toner collection container 30 with the collection port 31 closed is taken out from the apparatus main body 1.
Even in such a case, the effect of preventing forgetting to close the shutter member 32 is exhibited.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the shutter member 32 is movably installed inside the waste toner collecting container 30 (container), as in the above embodiments. In a single state taken out from the forming apparatus main body 1, the shutter member 32 that closes the collection port 31 (opening) moves to the open position, and waste toner T (powder) housed inside leaks out. It is possible to make it difficult to cause defects.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
In the waste toner collecting container 30 (powder container) in the sixth embodiment, the full state of the waste toner is detected by a mechanical mechanism, and the operation in the opening direction of the shutter member is regulated accordingly. This is different from the above embodiments.

  The waste toner collection container 30 (powder container) in the sixth embodiment also has a shutter member 51 that closes the collection port 71 (opening) in an open state, as in the above embodiments. It is movably installed inside.

Here, in the waste toner collection container 30 according to the sixth embodiment, a movable member 81 that is displaced with an increase in the amount of waste toner T accommodated in the waste toner collection container 30 and a shutter member 51 include a collection port. A rotation member 53 that is configured to be capable of rotating together with the opening / closing operation of 71 is installed.
The rotating member 53 is used when the waste toner T accommodated in the waste toner collecting container 30 reaches a predetermined amount (is full or close to it), and the shutter member 51 is When the recovery port 31 is moved to the closed position, the rotation of the movable member 81 is restricted and the shutter member 51 is fixed at the closed position.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the waste toner collecting container 30 and the installation unit of the apparatus main body 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
Referring to FIG. 14, the container main body of the waste toner recovery container 30 is a substantially rectangular box member, and a recovery port 71 (opening) is formed on one end side of the ceiling portion. Further, a pair of groove portions 72 are formed in the container main body of the waste toner collecting container 30 so as to sandwich the position where the collecting port 71 is formed. The groove 72 is formed with a long hole 73 (sealing performance against the outside is secured by a sealing material not shown). Moreover, the groove part 72 is set to a groove width such that a finger of an operator such as a user cannot enter. Further, although not shown, the container body of the waste toner collecting container 30 is formed with a plurality of holes for holding the shutter member 51 (shutter unit) shown in FIG. 15 and the movable member 81 shown in FIG. ing.
18 and 19, the container main body of the waste toner collecting container 30 is movable at the center of the ceiling for detecting the full state of the waste toner T collected in the container main body. A member 81 is installed. The movable member 81 is pushed upward by the waste toner T through the flexible material 82 as the amount of the waste toner T stored in the waste toner collection container 30 increases. It rotates around the central shaft 81a (from the state of FIG. 18A to the state of FIG. 18B). Further, the rear end portion of the movable member 81 (on the side that is not pushed by the flexible material 82 and is the portion illustrated in FIG. 15) has the protrusion 53 c of the rotating member 53 in the hole when not full. It is in a position that prevents it from engaging with 91 and moves to a position away from that position when it is full.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the shutter member 51 is formed with an opening 51a communicating with the collection port 71 for collecting the waste toner T (when the collection port 71 is closed, the opening 51a is collected). The shutter member 51 moves so as not to communicate with the mouth 71). The shutter member 51 is inserted through the through hole so that the shaft 52 protrudes from both ends. Furthermore, the rotation member 53 is installed in the both ends of the axis | shaft 52 via the long hole 53b, respectively. The pivot member 53 is formed with a support shaft 53a (inserted through the elongated hole 73 of the container body) for rotatably supporting the container body. Further, the one rotating member 53 is biased toward the movable member 81 (or the hole 91) and the protrusion 53c that engages with the movable member 81 (or the hole 91). And a spring 54 to be installed. The shutter member 51 configured as described above is configured to be slidable in the horizontal direction along a guide portion (not shown) formed in the container main body. A seal member (not shown) made of a foamed elastic material or the like is installed between the shutter member 51 and the container body.
The shutter member 51 (shutter unit) configured in this manner is installed in the container main body of the waste toner collecting container 30 so that only a part of the shaft 52 is exposed from the groove 72.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 17, in installation unit 100 (apparatus main body 1) where waste toner collection container 30 is installed, a pair of projections 120 are formed on the ceiling. Further, a shaft 111 on which the lever 110 is rotatably supported is installed at a position on the front side in the mounting direction of the waste toner collection container 30 with respect to the protrusion 120. Here, the thickness of the protrusion 120 and the lever 110 is smaller than the groove width of the groove 72 in the waste toner collection container 30, and the lever 110 is configured to enter the groove 72 of the waste toner collection container 30.
Further, the lever 110 is configured to hang downward in its vertical direction under its own weight when no external force is applied, and to rotate in a direction approaching the protrusion 120 by applying a very small external force. Further, the torsion spring 112 is installed between the lever 110 and the installation part 100, and the lever 110 is designed to resist the spring force of the torsion spring 112 in order to rotate the lever 110 away from the protrusion 120. It is configured so that it is necessary to apply external force.

The waste toner collecting container 30 and the apparatus main body 1 (installation unit 100) configured as described above operate as follows.
When the waste toner collecting container 30 that is not full (the state in which the full state of the waste toner T is not detected by the movable member 81) is started to be installed in the installation unit 100, it is shown in FIG. Thus, first, the shaft 52 of the shutter member 51 contacts the lever 110 of the installation unit 100.
Further, when the mounting operation of the waste toner collecting container 30 is advanced, the lever 110 is rotated in a direction approaching the protruding portion 120 with a very small external force, and as shown in FIG. 20B, the rotating member of the shutter member 51 is rotated. 53 moves to the left without changing its posture (see also FIG. 19A). Then, as shown in FIG. 20C (or FIG. 19B), when the shaft 52 of the shutter member 51 comes into contact with the projecting portion 120, thereafter, FIG. 20D (or FIG. 19C )), A large external force acts on the shaft 52 due to contact with the protrusion 120, and the shaft 52 moves to the right in the elongated hole 53 b of the rotating member 53 and engages with the shaft 52. The moving member 53 rotates clockwise. As a result, the shutter member 51 engaged with the shaft 52 also slides along a guide portion (not shown), and moves to a position where the opening 51 a of the shutter member 51 communicates with the recovery port 71. In this way, the mounting of the waste toner collection container 30 to the installation unit 100 is completed, and the waste toner T is sent from a communication pipe (not shown) from the communication collection port 71 toward the inside of the container.

  When the waste toner collecting container 30 in a full state (in a state where the full state of the waste toner T is detected by the movable member 81) is attached to the installation unit 100, a full detection is described later. Similarly to the disengagement operation in FIG. 2, the lever 110 does not rotate even when an external force is applied. Therefore, after the rotation member 53 shifts to the state shown in FIG. However, the shaft 52 cannot move and does not shift to the state shown in FIGS. 20C and 20D (the opening operation of the collection port 71 by the shutter member 51 is not performed).

Next, when the waste toner collection container 30 that is not full (the state in which the full state of the waste toner T is not detected by the movable member 81) starts to be detached from the installation unit 100, FIG. First, the shaft 52 of the shutter member 51 contacts the lever 110 of the installation unit 100 as shown in FIG.
Further, when the separation operation of the waste toner collection container 30 is advanced, the lever 110 on which the spring force of the torsion spring 112 acts as shown in FIG. It will rotate in the direction away from the protrusion 120 (counterclockwise) so as to resist the spring force. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 20G, the lever 110 abuts against a stopper portion (not shown) of the installation portion 100, and the rotation of the lever 110 stops. Further, as shown in FIG. 20H, the lever 110 rotates counterclockwise by pulling out the waste toner collecting container 30 with a large force that resists the spring force of the torsion spring 112, and the shutter member 51 The shaft 52 passes through the tip of the lever 110 and moves to the right in the figure. As a result, the shutter member 51 engaged with the shaft 52 also slides along the guide portion (not shown), and the shutter member 51 moves so that the opening 51a does not communicate with the collection port 71 (the collection port is opened by the shutter member 51). 71 is closed).

  Here, when the waste toner collecting container 30 in a full state (in a state where the full state of the waste toner T is detected by the movable member 81) is removed from the installation unit 100, the rotating member 53. Since the movable member 81 rotates (rotates counterclockwise) to a position that does not obstruct the gap between the protrusion 53c and the hole 91 formed in the container body, the spring 54 is attached. The protrusion 53c is engaged with the hole 91 by the force. In this state, the rotating member 53 does not rotate even when an external force is applied, so that the shutter member 51 closes the recovery port 71 as described above with reference to FIGS. After the movement, the closed state of the shutter member 53 is maintained even when an external force is applied (the shutter member 51 is placed at the closed position).

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, since the shutter member 51 is movably installed inside the waste toner collection container 30 (container), the single unit taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is used. In this state, the shutter member 51 with the recovery port 71 (opening) closed is moved to the open position, and it is possible to make it difficult for the waste toner T (powder) contained therein to leak out.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK are configured by integrating the units (the photosensitive drum 11, the charging unit 12, the developing unit 13, and the cleaning unit 15) in the image forming unit. Thus, the image forming unit is made compact and the maintenance workability is improved. On the other hand, a part or all of the photosensitive drum 11, the charging unit 12, the developing unit 13, and the cleaning unit 15 are not installed as constituent members of the process cartridge, but are installed in the apparatus main body 1 in a replaceable manner. It can also be configured. In such a case, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.
In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus in which the developing unit 13 of the two-component developing system using the two-component developer is mounted. However, the one-component developing system using the one-component developer is used. Naturally, the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus having the developing unit 13 mounted thereon.

  In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the powder container that functions as the waste toner collection container 30 from which the waste toner T is collected. On the other hand, for a powder container that functions as a toner container that stores new toner as powder, and a powder container that functions as a developer container that stores new two-component developer as powder. However, the present invention can be applied. In this case as well, as in each of the above embodiments, a shutter member that closes the opening in a single state is provided by movably installing a shutter member that closes the opening within the powder container. It is possible to prevent a problem that the powder moves to the open position and the powder stored inside leaks out.

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

1 image forming apparatus body (apparatus body),
30 Waste toner collection container (powder container),
31 Collection port (opening),
32 shutter member,
32a engaged parts,
33 restriction member (regulation means),
34 Lever member,
41 holding member,
42 compression spring (biasing member),
53 rotating member,
55 Full detection sensor (detection means),
62 locking member,
65 retractable member (moving means),
66 Magnet (moving means),
67 engaging member,
81 A movable member.

JP 2007-244103 A JP 2008-216278 A

Claims (12)

A powder container in which powder is stored,
An opening for feeding the powder into the container;
A shutter member that is movably installed inside the container and closes the opening in an open state;
A powder container characterized by comprising:   2. The powder container according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting unit that restricts movement of the shutter member in an opening direction after closing the opening in the open state. The shutter member is configured to move along the inner wall of the container;
The regulating means is
When the shutter member moves from the open position toward the closed position that closes the opening, the shutter member is retreated to a retreat position that does not engage with the shutter member inside the container,
2. When the shutter member is in the closed position, the shutter member is moved from the retracted position to a locking position for locking the shutter member, and movement of the shutter member to the open position is limited. 2. The powder container according to 2. A lever member connected to the shutter member and formed to be movable together with the shutter member, and a part of which is exposed to the outside of the container;
The restricting means is means for releasing the connection between the lever member and the shutter member in conjunction with the movement of the shutter member to the closed position for closing the opening by the operation of the lever member. The powder container according to claim 2, wherein the container is a powder container. A biasing member that biases the shutter member toward a closed position that closes the opening;
The shutter member is held in an open position where the opening is opened so as to resist the biasing force of the biasing member, and a part of the shutter member is exposed to the outside of the container and formed to be removable from the outside. Members,
The powder container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A locking member for locking the shutter member at an open position for opening the opening;
Detection means for detecting a state in which the powder contained in the container reaches a predetermined amount;
With
6. The locking member according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is controlled to release the locking of the shutter member when the state is detected by the detection unit. Powder container. A movable member that displaces with an increase in the amount of powder accommodated inside the container;
A rotating member formed so as to be capable of rotating together with an operation in which the shutter member opens and closes the opening;
With
The rotating member is a case where the powder accommodated in the container has reached a predetermined amount, and when the shutter member moves to a closed position that closes the opening, The powder container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rotation of the shutter member is restricted in accordance with the displacement, and the shutter member is fixed at the closed position.   An image forming apparatus, wherein the powder container according to claim 1 is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The powder container includes detection means for detecting a state in which the powder stored in the powder container reaches a predetermined amount,
An engagement member that engages with the powder container mounted on the image forming apparatus main body and restricts the powder container from being detached from the image forming apparatus main body;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the engagement member is controlled to release the engagement with the powder container when the state is detected by the detection unit. .   2. A moving means for relatively moving the shutter member to a closed position for closing the opening in conjunction with an operation of the powder container being detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.   When the powder container is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the moving means is pushed by the powder container and falls down, and the powder container is detached from the image forming apparatus main body. 11. The collapsible member, which sometimes engages with an engaged portion of the shutter member through the opening and relatively moves the shutter member toward the closed position. Image forming apparatus. The shutter member is made of a magnetic material,
The powder container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body in the same direction as the opening / closing direction of the shutter member,
The moving means is a magnet installed at a position facing the shutter member that opens the opening when the powder container is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

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