JP2012230184A - Powder storage container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a powder storage container able to prevent a blocked powder filling port from being opened erroneously during the handling of the powder storage container.SOLUTION: The powder storage container comprises: a cylindrical body 32Y2' having openings in both its ends, as a component composing a cylindrical container main body 32Y2 attached to or detached from an image forming apparatus main body; a first cap member 40 having a discharging part and a lid part 40a sealing the opening at one end, and composing the cylindrical container main body by being attached to the opening at one end of the cylindrical body; a conveying member 33 having a conveying vane 33b and rotated relative to the cylindrical body, thereby conveying developer toward the opening at one end from the opening at the other end while stirring it; and a second cap member 34 having a follower coupling part for transmitting rotation drive force from the image forming apparatus main body to the conveying member 33, and a lid part sealing the opening at the other end, and composing the cylindrical container main body by being attached to the opening at the other end so as to be rotatable. The opening at the other end serves as a powder filling port 34' through which developer is filled in the cylindrical container main body.

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder container for storing a developer to be supplied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine thereof, and an image forming apparatus having the powder container.

  Some image forming apparatuses perform image formation by visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier using toner as a developer. In this type of image forming apparatus, the toner in the developing device is consumed as the image is formed.

  In order to supply toner to the developing device, a powder container (so-called toner container) that stores toner is used. The powder container is provided with a powder filling port for filling toner in the powder container. The powder filling port is closed by sticking a sealing member (sealing material) after the toner is filled into the powder container (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in the case of this type of powder container, for example, when the user handles the powder container, the powder filling port may be opened by accidentally peeling off the sealing material. The peeling off of the sealing material by the user's erroneous operation is not preferable because it directly leads to the scattering of the toner filled in the powder container from the powder filling port.

  The present invention provides a powder container that can prevent the closed powder filling port from being accidentally opened when the powder container is handled, and an image forming apparatus having the powder container. For the purpose.

  A powder container according to the present invention includes a cylindrical body having openings at both ends as components for constituting a cylindrical container body that houses a developer therein and is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body, and a developer. At least a discharge portion that discharges from the inside of the cylindrical container body toward the image forming apparatus main body and a lid body portion that seals the opening portion on one end side, and is attached to the opening portion on one end side of the cylindrical body. A first cap member that constitutes a cylindrical container body in cooperation with the cylindrical body, and at least a conveying blade, and inside the cylindrical body from the opening on one end side toward the opening on the other end side A conveying member that extends and rotates with respect to the cylindrical body to convey the developer from the opening on the other end side toward the opening on the one end side, and an image forming apparatus on the conveying member A driven coupling for transmitting rotational driving force from the main unit A cylindrical container body that cooperates with the first cap member and has at least a lid portion that seals the opening portion on the other end side and is rotatably mounted on the opening portion on the other end side. And a second cap member. The opening on the other end side is a powder filling port for filling the cylindrical container body with the developer.

  A small diameter cylindrical portion is formed on the other end side of the cylindrical body, the driven coupling portion is constituted by a rotating piece body, and the rotating piece body is rotatable with respect to the lid portion of the second cap member. It is good also as a structure which mounts a 2nd cap member to a small diameter cylinder part by fixing a cover body part to a part.

  According to the present invention, the second cap has the powder filling port for filling the cylindrical container main body with the developer, and the driven coupling portion for transmitting the rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus main body to the conveying member. Since the powder filling port is provided on the member side and sealed by the lid portion of the second cap member, the user can attach the cylindrical container body to the image forming apparatus body. Further, it is expected to have a cylindrical container body while avoiding the second cap member, and as a result, the powder filling port can be prevented from being accidentally opened.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applicable. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view for explaining an example of the image forming unit shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the toner replenishing device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an outline of the toner container housing portion. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an outline of the driving portion of the toner container. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state before the toner container is connected to the driving unit of the toner container. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a state in which the toner container is connected to the drive unit of the toner container. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing an example of the fixing portion of the toner container. FIG. 9 is a front view showing the toner container insertion port shown in FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the lower front case shown in FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the lower front case shown in FIG. 8, and is an explanatory view showing a state where the claw portion of the toner container fixing release lever shown in FIG. 10 is retracted. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the toner container fixing release lever shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a state of the toner container fixing release lever when the toner container is mounted in the toner container housing portion. FIG. 14 is a front view showing a state of the toner container fixing release lever when the toner container is mounted in the toner container housing portion. 15 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a cylindrical body as a part for constituting the cylindrical container body shown in FIG. 3, wherein (a) is a perspective view showing the entire configuration, and (b) is (a). It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the state which looked at the cylindrical trunk | drum shown to the other end side. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a first cap member as a part for constituting the cylindrical container body shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the toner container from another angle. 18 shows the appearance of the first cap member attached to the opening on one end side of the cylindrical container body, the vicinity of the opening on the one end side of the cylindrical body, and the insertion of the nozzle fitted to the toner discharge portion of the first cap member. It is a partial exploded perspective view which shows a part. FIG. 19 is a six-side view showing the appearance of the first cap member attached to the opening at one end of the cylindrical container body and the vicinity of the opening at one end of the cylindrical body. FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the first cap member is attached to the opening on one end side of the cylindrical body. FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a fitting state between the first cap member and the opening on one end side of the cylindrical body. FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner container is mounted in the toner container housing portion. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the toner container is mounted following FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the nozzle tube shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is in contact with the cylindrical portion of the plug member. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner container is finally mounted in the toner container housing portion. FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the conveying member shown in FIG. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a toner container including a cylindrical body, a first cap member, a second cap member, and a conveying member. FIG. 28 is a view for explaining a specific example 1 of the second cap member attached to the opening on the other end side of the cylindrical body, and is a sectional view in the vicinity of the opening on the other end side of the cylindrical body. is there. FIG. 29 is a plan view of the second cap member as viewed from the direction of the arrow CP10. FIG. 30 is a view for explaining a specific example 2 of the second cap member, and is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the opening on the other end side of the cylindrical body. FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a specific example 3 of the second cap member, and is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a toner container including a cylindrical body, a first cap member, a second cap member, and a conveying member. FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view showing the vicinity of the opening on the other end side of the cylindrical body shown in FIG. FIG. 33 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the second cap member mounted in the vicinity of the opening on the other end side of the cylindrical body shown in FIG. FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a specific example 4 of the second cap member, and is a partial sectional view showing the second cap member in an enlarged manner.

Embodiments of a powder container according to the present invention and an image forming apparatus having the powder container will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same component, The overlapping description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably, and is demonstrated.

  In this embodiment, the powder container according to the present invention includes four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K shown in FIG. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 100 to which the four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are applied. First, the configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus main body 100 will be described.

[Description of schematic configuration and operation of image forming apparatus main body 100]
The image forming apparatus main body 100 is, for example, a color printer. In the image forming apparatus main body 100, a toner container accommodating portion 31 for accommodating a toner container is provided above a box-shaped casing.

  In the toner container storage unit 31, four toner containers (powder storage containers) 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K corresponding to each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are set to be detachable or replaceable.

  When a main body cover (not shown) provided on the front side of the casing of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is opened, one end surface side of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K is exposed from the toner container housing portion 31. The toner container storage unit 31 appropriately replenishes the developing device (see FIG. 2) with toner from each of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K according to the toner consumption of the developing device corresponding to each color. The toner supply structure will be described in detail later.

  Further, when each toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K reaches the end of its life, for example, almost all of the toner in each toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K is consumed, and each toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, When 32K becomes empty, empty toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are pulled out from the toner container accommodating portion 31, and new toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are newly installed in the toner container accommodating portion 31. Is done. This detachable structure will also be described in detail later.

  The image forming apparatus main body 100 includes four image forming units 3Y described later corresponding to the colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) of toner stored in the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K. 3M, 3C, 3K are provided. FIG. 2 shows an image forming unit 3Y corresponding to the yellow color.

  Each of the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 100. Above the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K, toner replenishing devices are disposed corresponding to the toners of the respective colors. FIG. 3 shows a toner replenishing device 60Y corresponding to the yellow color.

  Each toner replenishing device appropriately transfers the toner of each color stored in the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K into the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K of the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K. Supply. As a result, the toner corresponding to each color is appropriately supplied into each of the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K.

  The image forming apparatus main body 100 is provided with an intermediate transfer unit 6 and an exposure unit 7. The exposure unit 7 is disposed below the toner container housing unit 31 and above the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K. The intermediate transfer unit 6 is disposed below the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K.

  The intermediate transfer unit 6 includes an endless intermediate transfer belt 8, four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K, a secondary transfer backup roller 10, a plurality of tension rollers, and an intermediate transfer cleaning unit.

  The intermediate transfer belt 8 is stretched and supported by a plurality of tension rollers. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 8 is transferred in the transfer direction indicated by the arrow CP 1 by the rotation of the secondary transfer backup roller 10. The image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K are positioned to face the intermediate transfer belt 8, and are arranged in the order of the colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) in the transfer direction of the intermediate transfer belt 8. .

(Description of image forming unit and image forming process)
Since the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K have basically the same configuration, the configuration of the image forming unit 3Y and the image forming process will be described in detail.
As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 3Y includes a photosensitive drum 1Y, a charging unit 4Y disposed around the photosensitive drum 1Y, a developing device (developing unit) 5Y, and a cleaning unit 2Y. And a static elimination unit (not shown).

  In the image forming unit 3Y, an image forming process (charging process, exposure process, developing process, transfer process, cleaning process) is performed on the photosensitive drum 1Y. By this image forming process, a yellow image is formed.

(Explanation of charging process and exposure process)
The photosensitive drum 1Y is driven to rotate counterclockwise by a drive motor (not shown) as indicated by an arrow CP2 in FIG. The surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y is a charged surface that is uniformly charged at a position facing the charging unit 4Y. Thereafter, the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches the irradiation position of the laser beam L emitted from the exposure unit 7 shown in FIG. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the charging surface by exposure scanning with the laser beam L.

(Explanation of development process)
The surface on which the electrostatic latent image is formed by the subsequent rotation of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the developing roller 51Y constituting a part of the developing device 5Y.
The developing device 5Y attaches toner to the surface on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized or visualized. Here, a yellow toner image is formed.

(Description of transfer process)
When the surface visualized by the subsequent rotation of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches the position facing the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the primary transfer bias roller 9Y, the toner on the photosensitive drum 1Y is located at the facing position. The image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8. At this time, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y.

(Description of cleaning process and static elimination process)
Subsequent rotation of the photosensitive drum 1Y causes the surface on which the untransferred toner remains to reach a position facing the cleaning unit 2Y. The remaining untransferred toner is mechanically collected by the cleaning blade 2a of the cleaning unit 2Y.

  Next, the cleaned surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing a neutralization unit (not shown), and the residual potential is removed. Thereby, a series of image forming processes performed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y is completed, and the process proceeds to the next image forming process.

  This series of image forming processes is performed in the same manner for the other three image forming units 3M, 3C, and 3K shown in FIG. In order to perform an image forming process in each of the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K, the exposure unit 7 generates laser light L from a light source (not shown) at an appropriate timing based on image information.

  The exposure scanning of the laser beam L is performed, for example, by rotationally driving a polygon mirror (not shown). The laser beam L is irradiated onto each of the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K via a plurality of optical elements (not shown). As a result, the image forming unit 3M forms a magenta toner image, the image forming unit 3C forms a cyan toner image, and the image forming unit 3K forms a black toner image.

(Detailed description of the configuration and operation of the intermediate transfer unit 6)
The intermediate transfer belt 8 is sandwiched between the four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K and the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K facing the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K, respectively. Thereby, a primary transfer nip is formed in the intermediate transfer unit 6. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is sandwiched between the secondary transfer backup roller 10 and the secondary transfer roller 11. Thereby, a secondary transfer nip is formed in the intermediate transfer unit 6.

  Each primary transfer bias roller 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K is applied with a transfer bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the charged charge of the toner. The intermediate transfer belt 8 travels in the direction of the arrow CP1, and sequentially passes through the primary transfer nip between the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K and the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. With the transfer bias voltage, the toner images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 so as to overlap each other. As a result, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

Thereafter, the portion where the toner images of the respective colors on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are transferred in a superimposed manner, that is, the portion where the color image is formed is the secondary transfer nip between the secondary transfer backup roller 10 and the secondary transfer roller 11. To reach.
Subsequently, four color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8, that is, color images, are transferred onto a recording medium (transfer material) P such as transfer paper conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip. . Note that untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the recording medium P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Thereafter, the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 8 where the untransferred toner remains reaches the position where the intermediate transfer cleaning unit (not shown) is provided. At this position, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is collected by the intermediate transfer cleaning unit. Thus, a series of transfer processes performed by the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed.

(Description of transport of recording medium P)
A paper feeding unit 12 is provided at the lower part of the casing of the image forming apparatus main body 100. A transport mechanism for transporting the recording medium P of the paper feeding unit 12 to the secondary transfer nip is provided at the lower portion of the housing.
A paper feed roller 13 is provided in the paper feed unit 12. The transport mechanism is generally composed of a transport roller pair 14 and a registration roller pair 15.

A plurality of recording media P are stacked and stored in the paper supply unit 12. The paper feed roller 13 is rotated in the direction of the arrow CP3 in FIG. As a result, the recording medium P is fed sequentially from the uppermost recording medium P toward the rollers of the pair of conveying rollers 14.
This recording medium P is conveyed toward the position of the registration roller pair 15 via the conveyance roller pair 14.

  The registration roller pair 15 is controlled to stop rotating at an appropriate timing, and the movement of the recording medium P that has reached the position of the registration roller pair 15 is temporarily stopped at the position of the roller nip of the registration roller pair 15. The

  Thereafter, the registration roller pair 15 is rotationally driven in accordance with the timing at which the color image forming portion on the intermediate transfer belt 8 passes through the secondary transfer nip. The recording medium P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip by the rotation of the registration roller pair 15, and a desired color image is transferred onto the recording medium P.

(Explanation for fixing and discharging color images on recording medium P)
Thereafter, the recording medium P onto which the color image has been transferred is conveyed toward the position of the fixing unit 19. The fixing unit 19 includes a fixing roller 17 and a pressure roller 18. The color image transferred to the surface of the recording medium P is fixed on the recording medium P by heat and pressure generated by the fixing roller 17 and the pressure roller 18.

  Thereafter, the recording medium P is discharged out of the casing through the rollers of the paper discharge roller pair 16. The recording medium P discharged by the discharge roller pair 16 is sequentially stacked on the stack unit 20 as an output image and stacked. Thus, a series of image forming processes in the image forming apparatus main body 100 is completed.

(Description of configuration and operation of developing device)
Since the configuration of the developing device corresponding to the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K is basically the same as that of the developing device 5Y corresponding to the image forming unit 3Y, refer to FIG. I will explain.

  The developing device 5Y includes a developing roller 51Y facing the photosensitive drum 1Y, a doctor blade 52Y facing the developing roller 51Y, developer transport paths 53Y, 54Y, and 55Y for transporting the developer, developer transport paths 53Y thereof, 54Y and 55Y have a supply screw 56Y, a recovery screw 57Y, a stirring screw 58Y, and a density detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the toner density in the developer.

The developing roller 51Y has a magnet (not shown) fixed therein and a sleeve (not shown) that rotates around the magnet.
In the developer transport paths 53Y, 54Y, and 55Y, a two-component developer composed of a carrier and toner is accommodated.

  The image forming apparatus main body 100 forms an image using a two-component developer. In the developing device 5Y, an opening 59Y is formed above the developer transport path (stirring transport path) 55Y. The stirring and conveying path 55Y communicates with the toner conveying pipe 68 through the opening 59Y.

  The toner transport pipe 68 constitutes a part of the toner supply device 60Y shown in FIG. Toner conveying pipe 68 is appropriately supplied with toner so that the toner ratio (toner concentration) of the developer in developing device 5Y is within a predetermined range.

  In other words, according to the consumption of toner in the developing device 5Y, the toner stored in the toner container 32Y is replenished from the toner replenishing device 60Y into the agitation transport path 55Y via the toner transport pipe 68.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the developer transport path (supply transport path) 53Y accommodates the developer supplied to the developing roller 51Y. The supply conveyance path 53Y is provided at a position facing the developing roller 51Y.

  The supply conveyance path 53Y is provided with a supply screw 56Y as a supply conveyance member. The supply screw 56Y is provided in parallel with the axial direction of the developing roller 51Y. In FIG. 2, the developer is supplied and conveyed from the front side to the back side of the developing device 5Y by the supply screw 56Y with the front side of the paper as the front side and the back side of the paper as the back side.

  With respect to the developer, the side where the supply conveyance path 53Y is provided is the upstream side, and the side where the development roller 51Y is provided is the downstream side, and the developer roller 51Y rotates from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction of the arrow CP4. It is conveyed toward.

  The developing device 5Y is provided with a doctor blade 52Y. The distal end portion of the doctor blade 52Y faces the surface of the developing roller 51Y on the far side in the rotational direction from the facing portion of the developing roller 51Y that faces the supply screw 56Y. The doctor blade 52Y functions as a developer regulating unit that regulates the developer supplied to the developing roller 51Y to a thickness suitable for development.

  The developer conveyance path (collection conveyance path) 54Y is disposed on the far side in the rotational direction from the development area of the development roller 51Y with the opposed portion of the development roller 51Y and the photosensitive drum 1Y as a development area. A spiral collection screw 57Y is provided in the collection conveyance path 54Y. The collection screw 57Y is arranged in parallel to the axial direction of the developing roller 51Y.

The collection screw 57Y functions as a collection conveyance member that conveys the developer collected in the collection conveyance path 54Y in the same direction as the supply screw 56Y along the axial direction of the developing roller 51Y.
The collection conveyance path 54Y collects the developed developer that has passed through the development area and separated from the surface of the development roller 51Y. The collection conveyance path 54Y is provided in the lateral direction of the developing roller 51Y and below the supply conveyance path 53Y.

  The developing roller 51Y can separate and detach the developer by setting the magnet inside the developing sleeve described above to a state where there is no magnetic pole only at a location where the developer is to be separated. Further, the developing roller 51Y may be configured to use a magnet having a magnetic pole arrangement in which a repulsive magnetic field is formed at a location where the developer is to be separated.

  The agitating and conveying path 55Y is provided below the supply conveying path 53Y and in parallel with the recovery conveying path 54Y. A spiral stirring screw 58Y is provided in the stirring conveyance path 55Y. The stirring screw 58Y is disposed in parallel with the axial direction of the supply screw 56Y.

  The agitating screw 58Y functions as an agitating / conveying member that agitates the developer along the axial direction of the developing roller 51Y and conveys the developer in the direction opposite to the supply screw 56Y (the front side on the paper surface in FIG. 2).

  The supply conveyance path 53Y and the agitation conveyance path 55Y are partitioned by a first partition wall 501 as a partition member. In the first partition wall 501, openings (not shown) are provided at both ends of the front side, which is the front side of the page in FIG. 2, and the back side, which is the back side of the page.

  The supply conveyance path 53Y and the agitation conveyance path 55Y are communicated with each other by openings provided at both ends on the front side and the back side. The supply conveyance path 53Y and the collection conveyance path 54Y are also partitioned by the first partition wall 501. However, no opening is provided at the location of the first partition wall 501 that partitions the supply conveyance path 53Y and the collection conveyance path 54Y. Therefore, the supply conveyance path 53Y and the collection conveyance path 54Y are not in communication.

  Further, the agitation transport path 55Y and the recovery transport path 54Y are partitioned by a second partition wall 502 as a partition member. The second partition wall 502 is provided with an opening (not shown) on the back side in FIG. The stirring conveyance path 55Y and the collection conveyance path 54Y communicate with each other through this opening.

  The toner is charged by friction with the carrier. The toner is adsorbed to the carrier by this charging. The toner adsorbed on the carrier is carried on the developing roller 51Y as a developer by a magnetic field formed by the magnet of the developing roller 51Y.

  The sleeve (not shown) of the developing roller 51Y is rotated in the direction of the arrow CP4 shown in FIG. Then, the developer carried on the developing roller 51Y by the magnetic field formed by the magnet moves on the developing roller 51Y as the sleeve rotates.

  Here, the developer in the developing device 5Y is adjusted so that the toner ratio (toner concentration) in the developer is within a predetermined range. That is, according to the toner consumption in the developing device 5Y, the toner accommodated in the toner container 32Y is replenished into the agitating / conveying path 55Y via the toner replenishing device 60Y shown in FIG. The configurations and operations of the toner supply device 60Y and the toner container 32Y will be described in detail later.

  The toner replenished in the stirring and conveying path 55Y is conveyed toward the front side in FIG. 2 while being mixed and stirred together with the developer by the stirring screw 58Y. The developer transported to the downstream end in the transport direction of the stirring screw 58Y is an opening on the near side of the first partition wall 501 formed on the downstream side in the transport direction of the stirring screw 58Y and upstream in the transport direction of the supply screw 56Y. It is supplied to the supply conveyance path 53Y via a section (not shown).

The supply screw 56Y conveys the developer supplied from the stirring conveyance path 55Y to the supply conveyance path 53Y to the developing roller 51Y, and conveys the developer to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply screw 56Y.
Then, the excess developer that has not been supplied to the developing roller 51Y and has been transported to the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path 53Y passes from the opening (not shown) on the back side of the first partition wall 501 to the stirring transport path 55Y. Circulated.

  The developer supplied to the developing roller 51Y is conveyed in the direction of the arrow CP4 shown in FIG. 2, and reaches the position of the doctor blade 52Y. Next, the developer on the developing roller 51Y is adjusted to an appropriate amount by the doctor blade 52Y, and then conveyed to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 1Y.

  Thereafter, the toner is attracted to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1Y by the electrostatic electric field formed in the development region. Next, the developer remaining on the developing roller 51Y is separated / separated from the developing roller 51Y, and is collected in the collecting conveyance path 54Y as a collected developer.

  The recovered developer is transported to the downstream end in the transport direction of the recovery transport path 54Y by the recovery screw 57Y, and is returned again to the stirring transport path 55Y from the opening (not shown) of the second partition wall 502.

  In the agitating and conveying path 55Y, the supplied excess developer and recovered developer are mixed and agitated by the agitating screw 58Y together with the appropriately replenished toner as described above, while moving toward the near side in FIG. Are transported. The developer is supplied to the supply conveyance path 53Y from an opening (not shown) on the near side of the first partition wall 501.

  A toner concentration detection sensor including a magnetic permeability sensor (not shown) is provided below the stirring and conveying path 55Y. This toner density detection sensor is used to determine whether or not to replenish toner from the toner container 32Y by the toner replenishing device 60Y.

[Description of toner supply device]
As shown in FIG. 3, the toner replenishing device (powder replenishing device 60Y) has a function of guiding the toner contained in the toner container 32Y to the developing device 5Y. In other words, the toner replenishing device has a toner container housing 31 (see FIG. 4). The toner replenishing device appropriately replenishes toner from the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K loaded in the toner container accommodating portion 31 according to toner consumption in the developing device corresponding to each color. The configuration of the toner container housing part 31 will be described later.

  When the toner container 32Y is attached to the toner container accommodating part 31, as shown in FIG. 3, the nozzle tube 72 of the toner container accommodating part 31 is inserted into the hole 32Y1b of the toner container 32Y in conjunction with the attaching operation. The At this time, the cylindrical portion 32Y3 ′ of the plug member 32Y3 as the opening / closing member of the toner container 32Y and the contact plate portion 32Y3 ″ are sandwiched between one end of the nozzle tube 72 and the claw member 75. As a result, the toner discharge port 32Y1a (powder discharge port) is opened.

  That is, the toner discharge port 32Y1a communicates with the toner receiving port 72a provided in the nozzle tube 72. As a result, the toner accommodated in the cylindrical container body 32Y2 of the toner container 32Y is conveyed into the nozzle tube 72 through the toner discharge port 32Y1a. The other end of the nozzle tube 72 is connected to one end of a tube 69 as a toner supply path.

  The tube 69 is made of a flexible material having excellent toner resistance. The other end of the tube 69 is connected to a screw pump 61 (Mono pump) of the toner replenishing device. The inner diameter of the tube 69 is 4 mm to 10 mm.

  As a material of the tube 69, a rubber material such as polyurethane, nitrile, EPDM, or silicon, or a resin material such as polyethylene or nylon can be used. By using such a flexible tube 69, the degree of freedom of the layout of the toner replenishment path is increased, and the image forming apparatus main body 100 can be downsized.

  The screw pump 61 is a suction type uniaxial eccentric screw pump. The screw pump 61 includes a rotor 65, a stator 62, a suction port 63, a universal joint 64, and a motor 66.

  The rotor 65, the stator 62, and the universal joint 64 are housed in a case (not shown). The stator 62 is an internally threaded member made of an elastic material such as rubber. A double pitch spiral groove is formed on the inner wall surface of the stator 62.

  The rotor 65 is a male screw-like member made of a rigid material such as metal and twisted in a spiral shape. The rotor 65 is rotatably inserted into the stator 62. One end of the rotor 65 is connected to the motor 66 via the universal joint 64.

  The motor 66 rotates the rotor 65 in the stator 62 in a predetermined direction. The air in the tube 69 is sent to the delivery port 67 by the rotation of the rotor 65, and a negative pressure is generated in the tube 69. As a result, a suction force is generated in the suction port 63.

  As a result, the toner (yellow) in the toner container 32Y is sucked into the suction port 63 through the tube 69 together with the air. The toner sucked up to the suction port 63 is fed into the gap between the stator 62 and the rotor 65, and is sent from the other end side (the side opposite to the suction port 63) of the stator 62 to the feed port 67 along the rotation of the rotor 65. Sent out.

  That is, the toner sucked up to the suction port 63 is discharged from the delivery port 67 of the screw pump 61 and is replenished into the developing device 5Y through the toner transport pipe 68. In FIG. 3, the broken line indicates the flow of toner. A hopper that temporarily stores toner to be supplied to the developing device 5Y may be installed between the screw pump 61 and the developing device 5Y.

[Schematic configuration of toner container 32Y]
A schematic configuration of the toner container 32Y will be described with reference to FIG. The toner container 32 </ b> Y includes a cylindrical container body 32 </ b> Y <b> 2 and a conveyance member 33. The cylindrical container body 32Y2 is schematically configured from a cylindrical cylindrical body 32Y2 ′, a first cap member 40 as a bottle gap, and a second cap member 34 as a bottle gap.

  The cylindrical body 32Y2 'is a component for constituting a cylindrical container body 32Y2 that houses the developer therein and is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body. The cylindrical body 32Y2 'has openings 32Y2a' and 32Y2b '(see FIG. 15) at both ends. The detailed configuration of the cylindrical body 32Y2 'will be described later.

  The first cap member 40 has at least a discharge portion that discharges the developer from the inside of the cylindrical container main body 32Y2 toward the image forming apparatus main body and a lid portion that seals the opening 32Y2a ′ on one end side. This is a component that is mounted in the opening 32Y2a ′ on one end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ and constitutes the cylindrical container body 32Y2 in cooperation with the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′. The detailed configuration of the first cap member 40 will also be described later.

  The conveying member 33 has at least conveying blades and is provided inside the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ so as to extend from the opening 32Y2a ′ on one end side to the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side. By rotating the developer, the developer is conveyed from the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side to the opening 32Y2a ′ on the one end side while being stirred. The detailed configuration of the transport member 33 will also be described later.

  The second cap member 34 has at least a driven coupling portion for transmitting the rotational driving force from the main body of the image forming apparatus to the conveying member 33 and a lid portion for sealing the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side. This is a component that is rotatably mounted in the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side and constitutes the cylindrical container body 32Y2 in cooperation with the first cap member 40. The detailed configuration of the second cap member 34 will also be described later.

  The opening 32Y2b 'on the other end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2' is a powder filling port 34 'as shown in FIG. The powder filling port 34 'is for filling the developer into the cylindrical container body 32Y2. The second cap member 34 is formed integrally or separately with the conveying member 33 on the other end side of the conveying member 33, and seals the powder filling port 34 '. Here, the second cap member 34 is configured separately from the conveying member 33.

  The second cap member 34 is a connecting protrusion that connects the transport member 33 and the image forming apparatus main body 100 so that the transport member 33 is rotated with respect to the cylindrical container main body 32Y2 by the rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus main body 100. The connecting projection 34 ″ constitutes a part of the driven coupling.

  The connecting projection 34 ″ is connected to a rotation drive mechanism (see FIG. 5) as a drive coupling 91 that exists at the back of the image forming apparatus main body 100 when the cylindrical container main body 32Y2 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 100. The rotational force is transmitted to the conveying member 33. Here, the other end side of the cylindrical container body 32Y2 is defined as the bottom side or the back side of the image forming apparatus body 100, and one end side of the cylindrical container body 32Y2 is defined as the image. It is defined as the front side of the forming apparatus main body 100.

  With this configuration, the conveying member 33 receives a driving force from the driving coupling 91 of the image forming apparatus main body 100, thereby rotating in a predetermined direction and transferring the toner contained in the cylindrical container main body 32Y2 from the other end side. The toner is conveyed in the longitudinal direction toward one end side (that is, in FIG. 3, the toner is conveyed from the bottom side or back side (right side) toward the front side (left side)).

  Therefore, the toner is discharged toward the nozzle tube 72 from the toner discharge port 32Y1a of the toner container 32Y. The detailed configuration and function details of the remaining components of the toner container 32Y will also be described later.

[Description of Configuration of Toner Container Housing 31]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the toner container housing 31. The toner container storage unit 31 includes a toner container fixing unit 70 (powder storage container fixing unit), a toner container guide unit 80 (powder storage container guide unit), and a toner container driving unit 90 (powder storage container driving unit). It is configured.

  The toner container 32Y is attached to and detached from the toner container housing part 31 from the toner container fixing part 70 side as indicated by an arrow CP5 in FIG. Hereinafter, the insertion direction of the toner container 32Y from the toner container fixing part 70 side with respect to the toner container housing part 31 is also referred to as the mounting direction of the toner container 32Y.

  The toner container driving unit 90 is provided on the back side in the mounting direction of each toner container. As shown in FIG. 5, the toner container drive unit 90 includes a drive coupling 91, a drive motor 92, a spring 93, a drive shaft 94, and a gear 95.

  The drive coupling 91 is provided so as to be fitted to a pair of connecting projections 34 ″ (see FIG. 3) provided at the bottom of the cylindrical container body 32Y2. What is the drive coupling 91 and the drive motor 92? Are connected via a drive shaft 94 and a gear 95.

The driving force of the driving motor 92 is transmitted to the driving coupling 91 via the gear 95 and the driving shaft 94. The pair of connecting projections 34 ″ are fitted to the drive coupling 91 so as to abut on the drive coupling 91 from the rotation direction.
The contact between the pair of connecting projections 34 ″ and the drive coupling 91 from the rotational direction is also referred to as engagement.

  The conveying member (see FIG. 3) 33 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction via a pair of connecting projections 34 ″ fitted to the drive coupling 91. The spring 93 is wound around the drive shaft 94. The toner container driving unit 90 is provided between the constituent wall and the driving coupling 91.

  As a result, the drive coupling 91 biases the toner container 32Y in a direction against the mounting of the toner container 32Y. That is, the toner container 32 </ b> Y is urged toward the front side by the spring 93.

FIG. 6 shows a state immediately before the engagement between the drive coupling 91 and the connecting protrusion 34 ″, and FIG. 7 shows a state immediately after the engagement between the drive coupling 91 and the connecting protrusion 34 ″. .
The drive coupling 91 is reciprocally moved in a direction parallel to the mounting (detaching) direction of the toner container 32Y, and is biased to the left by a spring 93 in FIG.

  As the toner container 32Y moves in the direction of the arrow CP6 shown in FIG. 6 and is attached to the toner container housing portion 31, the drive coupling 91 is pushed against the toner container 32Y while being engaged with the connecting protrusion 34 ″. 7, the spring 93 accumulates a spring force that urges the toner container 32Y forward (leftward), that is, in the spring 93. Stores the force for pushing the toner container 32Y in the direction opposite to the mounting direction.

When the toner container 32Y is removed from the toner container housing portion 31, the toner container 32Y is released from being held by the toner container housing portion 31.
Then, due to the urging force of the spring 93, the toner container 32Y is pushed and moved in the direction (left direction in FIG. 7).

  That is, since the toner container 32Y jumps out from the toner container insertion port 71Y (pop-up operation), the user can easily take out the toner container 32Y from the image forming apparatus main body 100 by gripping a grip portion 32Y1c described later. it can.

(Description of Configuration of Toner Container Fixing Unit 70)
Next, the configuration of the toner container fixing unit 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The toner container fixing unit 70 includes a toner container insertion port 71, a nozzle tube 72, an antenna substrate 74, a claw member 75, a toner container fixing release lever 76, and a positioning member 78.

  The claw member 75 is a biasing member that biases the plug member 32Y3 (see FIG. 3) in a direction to close the toner discharge port 32Y1a of the toner container 32Y. The toner container fixing release lever 76 is configured to fix the toner container 32Y to the toner container housing 31 and to release the fixing.

  The toner container fixing unit 70 holds the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K so as not to rotate. The toner container fixing unit 70 includes an upper front case 701, a lower front case 702, and the like. 10 and 11 are enlarged perspective views of the lower front case 702. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a positioning member 78 is provided in the lower front case 702. The positioning member 78 has a function of positioning the toner container 32Y in conjunction with the mounting operation of the toner container 32Y.

  The nozzle tube 72 is disposed so as to extend in the horizontal direction and in the attaching / detaching direction of the toner container 32Y. A toner receiving port 72 a as a powder receiving port is provided on the upper surface portion of the nozzle tube 72. The positioning member 78 includes a convex portion extending along the attaching / detaching direction of the toner container 32Y. The positioning member 78 is provided at a symmetrical position with respect to the central axis of the nozzle tube 72.

A pair of claw members 75 is provided at the bottom of the toner container fixing portion 70 and at a position located below the toner discharge port 32Y1a when the toner container 32Y is fixed to the toner container fixing portion 70.
The plug member 32Y3 is moved in a direction to close the toner discharge port 32Y1a by the pressing action of the claw member 75 in accordance with the detachment operation of the toner container 32Y.

  The claw member 75 is held by the lower front case 702 so as to be rotatable about the rotation support shaft 75a shown in FIG. 3 in the direction of the arrow CP7 shown in FIGS. The claw member 75 is urged by a leaf spring 77 shown in FIG. 3 in a direction so as not to prevent the toner container 32Y from being attached and detached and in contact (engagement) with the plug member 32Y3. That is, the claw member 75 is given a force in a direction of turning from below to above about the rotation support shaft 75 a by the spring force of the leaf spring 77.

  The toner container fixing release lever 76 is provided on the front side of the toner container insertion port 71Y of the toner container fixing portion 70 as shown in FIGS. The toner container fixing release lever 76 fixes the toner container 32Y to the toner container fixing portion 70 and releases it.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing the toner container fixing release lever 76. The toner container fixing release lever 76 includes a claw portion 76a that fixes and holds the toner container 32Y, a lever portion 76b, and a rib 76c.
As shown by an arrow CP8 in FIG. 11, the toner container fixing release lever 76 is provided so as to be capable of reciprocating in the horizontal direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction of the toner container 32Y.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the toner container fixing release lever 76 is urged toward the toner container insertion port 71Y by the spring 76d (the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow CP8 shown in FIG. 11). .

  The toner container fixing release lever 76 is configured such that the user hooks his / her finger on the lever portion 76b and slides the toner container fixing release lever 76 in the direction opposite to the biasing direction by the spring 76d (the direction of the arrow CP8 shown in FIG. 11). It can be moved from a position protruding to the toner container insertion port 71Y to a position (release position) for retreating.

  13 and 14 are views of the positional relationship between the toner container 32Y accommodated in the toner container accommodating portion 31Y and the toner container fixing release lever 76 as viewed from the front side in the toner container mounting direction. FIG. 13 shows a state where the toner container 32 </ b> Y is fixed and held on the toner container fixing portion 70 by the toner container fixing release lever 76. FIG. 14 shows a state where the toner container fixing release lever 76 has moved to the left side and the fixing state of the toner container 32Y has been released.

When the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing portion 31Y, the toner container 32Y is urged forward by the drive coupling 91 and the spring 93 in the mounting direction.
However, when the toner container fixing release lever 76 is in the protruding position shown in FIG. 13, that is, when the claw portion 76a of the toner container fixing release lever 76 protrudes into the toner container insertion port 71Y by the biasing force of the spring 76d, the toner The toner container fixing release lever 76 prevents the container 32Y from being detached from the toner container housing portion 31Y. Therefore, the toner container 32Y is fixed and held in the toner container housing portion 31Y.

  Further, the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing portion 31Y, and the user puts his / her finger on the lever portion 76b and the direction opposite to the urging direction by the spring 76d (the direction of the arrow CP8 shown in FIG. 13). When the toner container fixing release lever 76 is slid, the claw portion 76a moves from the toner container insertion port 71Y to the release position. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14, the fixing / holding state of the toner container 32Y is released.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and as described above, the toner container 32Y is urged toward the front side by the drive coupling 91 and the spring 93 of the toner container drive unit 90. When the toner container 32Y is released from the fixed / held state, the toner container 32Y pops out from the toner container insertion port 71Y. That is, the toner container 32Y is popped up.

  Next, when the grip portion 32Y1c is gripped and the toner container 32Y is moved in the direction of separation (the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow CP6 in FIG. 7) and pulled out, the contact between the claw portion 76a and the toner discharge portion 32Y1d The contact state is released, and the toner container fixing release lever 76 returns to the fixing position by the urging force of the spring 76d, as shown in FIGS.

  When the main body cover (not shown) of the toner container insertion port 71 installed on the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is opened, as shown in FIG. 4, the toner container storage portions 31Y, 31M, 31C, 31K (toner container storage) Part 31) is exposed. More specifically, when the main body cover is opened, as shown in FIG. 9, the toner container fixing portion 70 in which the four toner container insertion openings 71Y, 71M, 71C, 71K are formed is exposed.

  Accordingly, the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K can be attached / detached (attachment / detachment operation in which the longitudinal direction of the toner container is the attaching / detaching direction) from the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 100. The shapes of the toner container insertion ports 71Y, 71M, 71C, and 71K are different for each toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K.

  That is, the toner container insertion ports 71Y, 71M, 71C, 71K are formed with first guide grooves 71Y1, 71M1, 71C1, 71K1 having different shapes, arrangements, and numbers, as representatively shown in FIG. . The first guide groove 71Y1 can be fitted into a protrusion 32Y1e provided in the toner container 32Y shown in FIG.

  Projections formed on the toner containers 32M, 32C, and 32K can be fitted into the first guide grooves 71M1, 71C1, and 71K1. As a result, it is possible to prevent the toner container containing toner of a color different from the toner container containing toner of the color corresponding to the toner container storage unit 31Y, 31M, 31C, 31K from being erroneously attached.

  Further, the toner container fixing unit 70 (toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K) corresponds to the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K on the upper front case 701 as shown in FIG. Thus, four antenna substrates 74 are installed.

  Electronic substrates are also provided on the peripheral surfaces of the four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K. Each electronic substrate faces each antenna substrate 74 in a state where the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are accommodated in the toner container accommodating portions 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K. FIG. 17 shows a state where the electronic substrate 32Y1f is provided on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 32Y2 '.

The antenna substrate 74 exchanges information by communication between the mounted electronic substrates 32Y1f of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K and a control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 100.
The communication information includes, for example, information such as a toner container manufacturing number, the number of times of recycling, information such as a lot number and color, and information such as a usage history of the image forming apparatus main body 100.

  Further, according to the amount of toner consumed in the toner container, the antenna substrate 74 appropriately writes information on the amount of remaining toner in the toner container and the like on the electronic substrate 32Y1f of each toner container.

  The antenna substrate 74 is disposed so that the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are set on the toner container fixing unit 70, and the receiving surface is directed downward in the vertical direction. Therefore, the toner can be prevented from falling on the receiving surface, and the communication sensitivity can be prevented from being lowered due to the presence of the toner.

[Detailed Configuration of Toner Container 32Y]
As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the toner container 32 </ b> Y includes the cylindrical container body 32 </ b> Y <b> 2 and the transport member 33.
Below, the detailed structure of these cylindrical container main bodies 32Y2 and the conveyance member 33 is demonstrated, referring drawings.

[Detailed configuration of cylindrical container body 32Y2]
As described above, the cylindrical container body 32Y2 includes the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′, the first cap member 40 as a bottle gap, and the second cap member 34 as a bottle gap.
(Detailed configuration of cylindrical body 32Y2 ')

  FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the cylindrical body 32Y2 '. As shown in FIG. 15 (b), a ring plate seal member 40a surrounds the powder filling port 34 'on the constituent wall 32Y2c' constituting the opening 32Y2b 'on the other end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2'. It is stuck. The ring plate seal member 40a is made of a material such as poron or felt.

  The constituent wall 32Y2d ′ of the opening 32Y2a ′ on one end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ is provided with a mounting wall 32Y1f ′ for mounting the electronic board 32Y1f on the upper side, as shown in FIG. ing. The opening 32Y2a 'on one end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2' is an opening for mounting the first cap member 40.

  The constituent wall 32Y2d ′ of the opening 32Y2a ′ of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ is provided with a mounting notch 40 ″ for the first cap member 40 on the lower side. The cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ is provided in the vicinity of the constituent wall 32Y2d ′ of the opening 32Y2a ′ on one end side. The mounting notch 40 ″ is formed from the end surface of the constituent wall 32Y2d ′ of the opening 32Y2a ′. It is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction of '.

The cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ is preferably made of high-density polyethylene from the viewpoints of direct blow moldability, more specifically, drawdown resistance and impact resistance.
Among these high-density polyethylenes, it is possible to use those having a MFR of 0.05 to 2.0 g / 10 min (JIS K7210) and a density of 0.950 to 0.960 Kg / m ³ (JIS K7112). From the viewpoint of impact resistance and stress cracking resistance, it is preferable.

  From the viewpoint of fitting the conveying member 33, the cylindrical body 32Y2 'may be formed by injection molding. In this case, the cylindrical body 32Y2 'is preferably polypropylene from the viewpoints of impact resistance, cold impact resistance, rigidity, and moldability during injection molding.

Among these polypropylenes, elastomer blend type polypropylene and block copolymer type polypropylene are preferable.
As the elastomer blend type polypropylene and block copolymer type polypropylene, one having an MFR of 5.0 to 50.0 g / 10 min (JIS K7210) and a density of 0.900 to 0.910 kg / m ³ (JIS K7112) should be used. From the viewpoints of moldability, impact resistance and rigidity, it is preferable.

  The elastomer blend type polypropylene is a blend of crystalline polypropylene which is a homopolymer of propylene and an elastomer which is an α-olefin / propylene copolymer.

  α-Olefin includes ethylene, 1-butene, isobutene, 1-pentene, 2-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 1-hexene, 2-methyl-1-pentene, 3-methyl- 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene and the like.

It is preferable to blend 10 to 60 parts by weight of α-olefin / propylene copolymer with respect to 100 parts by weight of crystalline polypropylene from the viewpoint of balancing the impact resistance and rigidity.
The crystalline polypropylene preferably has an isotactic pendant fraction of 0.97 or more from the viewpoint of rigidity and heat resistance.

  The block copolymer type polypropylene is a composition comprising a crystalline polypropylene, which is a propylene homopolymer, and an ethylene-propylene copolymer elastomer, and is a composition produced in a multistage polymerizable process.

  The multistage polymerizable process is a process in which a known Ziegler-Natta catalyst or metallocene catalyst is used, a propylene homopolymer is polymerized in the first stage, ethylene and propylene are copolymerized in the second stage, and dispersed in the reactor. is there. Also in this case, the crystalline polypropylene preferably has an isotactic pendant fraction of 0.97 or more from the viewpoint of rigidity and heat resistance.

  In addition, it is preferable that the composition ratio of the ethylene / propylene copolymer is 10 to 60 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the crystalline polypropylene from the viewpoint of balancing impact resistance and rigidity. It is desirable from the viewpoint of impact resistance that the ethylene / propylene copolymer elastomer contains 40 to 60% by weight of components derived from ethylene.

  Furthermore, it is desirable to blend talc with elastomer blend type polypropylene and block copolymer type polypropylene from the viewpoint of improvement of fitability, heat resistance, linear expansion resistance, and improvement of moldability by injection molding.

The talc preferably has an average particle size of 5 μm to 2 μm or less from the viewpoint of improving the impact resistance of the cylindrical container body 32Y2.
More preferably, the talc is a fine particle talc having an average particle size of 2 μm or less and a content of 4 μm or more in particle size of 4 μm or less.

The blending ratio of the talc is 3 to 20 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the elastomer blend type polypropylene and block copolymer type polypropylene. From the viewpoints of improved fit, linear expansion resistance and impact resistance To preferred.
In particular, a material with excellent linear expansion resistance can suppress the expansion of the toner container main body 32Y2 when the toner container 32Y is placed under a high temperature condition, and the fitting accuracy with the conveying member 33 is ensured.

[Configuration of the first cap member 40]
As shown in FIG. 16, the first cap member 40 includes a toner discharge portion 32Y1d, a rotary bearing cylinder 40b having a circular hole 40b ′, a lid portion 40c, and a grip portion 32Y1c shown in FIG. The grip portion 32Y1c is integrally formed with the lid portion 40c on the side opposite to the rotary bearing tube 40b as shown in FIG.

  The lid part 40c has an annular flange part 40d and a fitting cylinder part 40e. The toner discharge portion 31Yd is provided with a nozzle insertion portion 32Y30 shown in FIG. The fitting tube portion 40e has a small diameter cylindrical portion 40e 'at the tip. An annular seal member 40e ″ shown in FIGS. 21 to 25 is attached to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 40e ′. The annular seal member 40e ″ is attached with the first cap member 40 attached to the opening 32Y2a ′. It is configured to abut on the inner periphery of the constituent wall 32Y2d ′ on the back side of the notch 40 ″.

  The rotary bearing cylinder 40b is formed on the lid plate portion 40c 'of the lid body portion 40c so as to protrude toward the cylindrical body 32Y2'. The first cap member 40 is fitted with the toner discharge part 32Y1d by fitting the fitting cylinder part 40e of the lid part 40c to the constituent wall 32Y2d 'of the opening part 32Y2a' on one end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2 '. By inserting the annular flange portion 40d into the end face of the constituent wall 32Y2d ′ of the opening portion 32Y2a ′ on one end side by inserting it into the notch 40 ″, the opening portion 32Y2a ′ is formed by the action of the annular sealing member 40e ″. It is attached to the opening 32Y2a ′ of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ so as to be sealed.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the opening 32Y2a ′ on one end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ is sealed by the first cap member 40 so that the toner does not leak.
The nozzle insertion portion 32Y30 has the above-described toner discharge port 32Y1a (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, first groove portions 32Y1g are provided on both side surfaces of the toner discharge portion 32Y1d.

A positioning member 78 (see FIG. 8) of the toner container housing portion 31 can be engaged with the first groove portion 32Y1g.
As shown in FIG. 19, the first groove 32Y1g is provided with two opposing horizontal surfaces 32Y1ga and 32Y1gb and a vertical surface 32Y1gc provided between the two horizontal surfaces.

  These horizontal planes 32Y1ga, 32Y1gb and vertical plane 32Y1gc extend in the direction in which the toner container 32Y is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 100. Since the first groove 32Y1g is engaged with the positioning member 78 in the toner container 32Y, the toner container 32Y rotates with respect to the toner container fixing part 70 of the toner container accommodating part 31 even if the conveying member 33 rotates. Not to be held.

(Supplementary explanation of gripping part 32Y1c)
The grip portion 32Y1c is formed so as to protrude from the cylindrical container body 32Y2 in the attaching / detaching direction. The grip portion 32Y1c is used when the user performs replacement (detachment) work of the toner container 32Y or the like. This facilitates handling of the toner container 32Y.

  The toner discharge portion 32Y1d is provided with a pressure contact portion 32Y1h shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 and a nozzle insertion port 32Y1j shown in FIGS. A ring-shaped sealing material 32Y20c is provided at the end of the nozzle insertion port 32Y1j so as to surround the opening edge.

  The ring-shaped sealing material 32Y20c prevents toner leakage from between the nozzle tube 72 and the nozzle insertion port 32Y1j shown in FIG. 3 when the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing 31Y. Further, the ring-shaped sealing material 32Y20c has a function of absorbing an impact when the toner container 32Y is completely mounted by sliding in the toner container housing portion 31Y.

  A toner discharge portion 32Y1d is fitted into the mounting notch 40 ″ (see FIG. 15) of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′. The toner discharge portion 32Y1d has a nozzle insertion portion 32Y30 shown in FIG. 21 and 22, the 32Y30 has a hole 32Y1b, a toner discharge port 32Y1a, and a toner discharge path 32Y30a, in which the cylindrical portion 32Y3 'of the plug member 32Y3 is movable. Is provided.

  The toner discharge port 32Y1a is formed above the peripheral wall of the hole 32Y1b. The hole 32Y1b and the toner discharge path 32Y30a communicate with each other through the toner discharge port 32Y1a. The toner discharge path 32Y30a is formed above the toner discharge port 32Y1a.

  The toner discharge port 32Y1a and the inner space of the cylindrical body 32Y2 'communicate with each other via a toner discharge path 32Y30a. When the nozzle insertion portion 32Y30 is fitted into a recess provided in the toner discharge portion 32Y1d, the hole portion 32Y1b communicates with the nozzle insertion port 32Y1j of the toner discharge portion 32Y1d.

The plug member 32Y3 includes a columnar portion 32Y3 ′ inserted into the hole portion 32Y1b and a contact plate portion 32Y3 ″.
The plug member 32Y3 has a function of opening or closing the toner discharge port 32Y1a when the cylindrical portion 32Y3 ′ is displaced in the hole 32Y1b.

  Further, the claw member 75 of the toner container housing part 31 comes into contact with the contact plate-like part 32Y3 ″ when the toner container 32Y is detached. Thereby, the cylindrical part 32Y3 ′ is in the closed position of the toner discharge port 32Y1a. It is displaced toward.

In this embodiment, the nozzle insertion portion 32Y30 is provided with a spring 32Y30b that urges the plug member 32Y3 in the direction to close the toner discharge port 32Y1a, as shown in FIGS.
Similar to the claw member 75, the spring 32Y30b has a function of displacing the cylindrical portion 32Y3 ′ to the closed position of the toner discharge port 32Y1a when the toner container 32Y is detached.

  When the spring 32Y30b is provided in the nozzle insertion portion 32Y30, it is possible to speed up the displacement of the plug member 32Y3 to the toner discharge port 32Y1a in the closing direction. Therefore, if the spring 32Y30b is provided in the nozzle insertion portion 32Y30, the toner leakage from the toner discharge port 32Y1a can be more reliably suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the spring 32Y30b is not provided in the nozzle insertion portion 32Y30. However, the spring 32Y30b is not necessarily provided in the nozzle insertion portion 32Y30.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the hole 32Y1b is provided with an O-ring 32Y30d and an O-ring 32Y30e at both ends in the penetrating direction. The O-ring 32Y30d and the O-ring 32Y30e suppress toner leakage from the gap between the plug member 32Y3 and the hole 32Y1b. The nozzle insertion portion 32Y30 is provided with an O-ring 32Y30c that surrounds the outer peripheral wall of the toner discharge path 32Y30a. The O-ring 32Y30c suppresses toner leakage from the gap between the mounting notch 40 ″ and the nozzle insertion portion 32Y30.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 20, the toner discharge portion 32Y1d is provided with a pair of second groove portions 32Y1i. A pair of claw members 75 are guided in the second groove portion 32Y1i.
A third groove portion 32Y1q is formed on the extended straight line of the second groove portion 32Y1i as shown in FIG. A sliding surface 32Y1r is provided between the second groove 32Y1i and the third groove 32Y1q.
The sliding surface 32Y1r has a role of smoothly abutting against the claw member 75 of the toner container housing portion 31 and pushing down the claw member 75 downward.

  The sliding surface 32Y1r prevents the claw member 75 from hindering the mounting of the toner container 32Y by pushing the claw member 75 downward. That is, an inclined surface that smoothly pushes down the claw member 75 is provided at the edge of the sliding surface 32Y1r on the third groove portion 32Y1q side.

The above-described electronic substrate 32Y1f is an RFID or the like. The electronic board 32Y1f is provided at an upper position opposite to the hole 32Y1b. With this arrangement, it is possible to suppress the problem that the toner adhering to the vicinity of the hole 32Y1b adheres to the electronic substrate 32Y1f and the communication sensitivity with the antenna substrate 74 deteriorates.
As described above, the electronic substrate 32Y1f may be detachably provided on the upper portion of the lid 40c of the first cap member 40.

  Further, the grip portion 32Y1c is provided on the front side of the first cap member 40. That is, the grip portion 32Y1c is located on the surface opposite to the surface on which the nozzle insertion port 32Y1j is provided. Therefore, the user can be prevented from touching the nozzle insertion port 32Y1j when gripping the grip portion 32Y1c. As a result, even when the toner is attached around the nozzle insertion port 32Y1j, the user can be prevented from being contaminated with the toner.

(Supplementary explanation of protrusion 32Y1e)
The protrusion 32Y1e is used for color identification as described above. In other words, the protrusion 32Y1e is used for identifying the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K.
The toner discharge port 32Y1j is disposed closer to the front side than the protrusion 32Y1e as shown in FIGS.

  As a result, even when the toner container 32Y of a different color is accidentally inserted into the toner container housing portion 31Y, the protrusion 32Y1e is in contact with the toner container insertion port 71Y before the nozzle tube 72 hits the cylindrical portion 32Y3 ′. At this time, since the toner container 32Y is not inserted further into the back side, the toner discharge port 32Y1a is prevented from being opened by the insertion of the nozzle tube 72.

  Therefore, even when different toner containers 32M, 32C, and 32K are accidentally inserted into the toner container housing portion 31Y, the toner may fall into the toner container housing portion 31 due to toner leakage from the toner discharge port 32Y1a, or the toner container. It is possible to prevent the container 31 from being stained with different color toner.

(Supplementary explanation of the pressed part 32Y1h)
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the pressure contact portion 32Y1h is in pressure contact with the claw portion 76a of the toner container fixing release lever 76 of the toner container housing portion 31Y in a state where the toner container 32Y is mounted on the toner container housing portion 31Y. Is done.
That is, when the toner container 32Y is urged by the drive coupling 91 and is held and fixed by the toner container fixing release lever 76, the pressed contact portion 32Y1h is a position where the toner container fixing release lever 76 is pressed. Is located.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the pressure contact portion 32Y1h is constituted by two projecting ribs projecting from a plane 32Y1n perpendicular to the attaching / detaching direction of the toner container 32Y toward the detaching side. The pressed portion 32Y1h is pressed against the toner container fixing release lever 76 by the urging force from the back side to the near side by the drive coupling 91.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the toner discharge portion 32Y1d is provided with a sliding contact rib 32Y1m in a direction parallel to the attaching / detaching direction. When the toner container 32Y is attached to or detached from the toner container housing portion 31Y, the sliding contact rib 32Y1m is in sliding contact with the toner container fixing release lever 76 and maintains the posture of the releasing position of the toner container fixing release lever 76.

  Further, the sliding rib 32Y1m has a function of ensuring the strength of the plane 32Y1n. Of the two ribs as the sliding contact rib 32Y1m, the upper rib is configured as a horizontal surface 32Y1gb that forms a first groove portion 32Y1g that engages with the positioning member 78 of the toner container housing portion 31Y.

(Description of opening / closing operation of toner discharge port 32Y1a when attaching / detaching toner container 32Y to / from toner container housing portion 31Y)
The opening / closing operation of the toner discharge port 32Y1a at the time of attaching / detaching the toner container 32Y to / from the toner container housing portion 31Y will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.

  22 to 24 are explanatory views showing a state in which the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing portion 31Y. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing portion 31Y.

  When the toner container 32Y is attached to the toner container housing portion 31 of the image forming apparatus main body 100, first, a cover (not shown) provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is opened to move the toner container housing portion 31 forward To expose.

  Thereafter, the user grips the grip portion 32Y1c and pushes the toner container 32Y into the toner container housing portion 31 (see FIG. 4). In other words, the toner container 32Y is mounted in the toner container housing portion 31 so that the grip portion 32Y1c is on the front side as viewed from the front side in the mounting direction and along the longitudinal direction of the toner container 32Y.

At this time, the rear end of the sliding contact rib 32Y1m of the toner discharge portion 32Y1d comes into contact with the claw inclined surface 76a1 of the toner container fixing release lever 76 shown in FIG.
The inclined surface 76a1 protrudes toward the toner container 32Y side and inclines toward the back with respect to the mounting direction of the toner container 32Y. For this reason, the toner container fixing release lever 76 is pushed and moved to the back end of the sliding contact rib 32Y1m as the toner container 32Y is inserted to a position (release position) that does not hinder the mounting of the toner container. Move (see arrow CP8 in FIG. 11).

  Thereafter, when the toner container 32Y is further moved to the back side, the claw member 75 enters the third groove portion 32Y1q provided on the bottom surface of the toner container 32Y (see FIG. 19). At this time, the first groove portion 32Y1g and the positioning member 78 of the toner container housing portion 31Y are engaged, and positioning is started.

  When the toner container 32Y is moved further back and the claw member 75 of the toner container housing portion 31Y hits the sliding surface 32Y1r, the claw member 75 is provided with an inclined surface at the edge of the sliding surface 32Y1r. Pushed down. As a result, the claw member 75 moves to the retracted position so as not to interfere with the mounting of the toner container 32Y. Then, the claw member 75 slides on the sliding surface 32Y1r in a state where the claw member 75 is pushed down. Thereby, the movement of the toner container 32Y to the back side proceeds (see FIG. 22).

  When the toner container 32Y is moved further back, the claw member 75 reaches the second groove 32Y1i and is displaced upward so as to enter the second groove 32Y1i from the retracted position shown in FIG. The claw member 75 rotates around the rotation support shaft 75a and moves to a position where it engages with the plug member 32Y3.

  That is, the claw member 75 is released from being pressed by the sliding surface 32Y1r and is pushed upward by the leaf spring 77. At this time, the columnar portion 32Y3 'of the plug member 32Y3 is positioned in the vicinity of the nozzle insertion port 32Y1j of the hole 32Y1b of the nozzle insertion portion 32Y30 at the back end.

  Further, since the nozzle tube 72 is located in the vicinity of the nozzle insertion port 32Y1j of the nozzle insertion portion 32Y30, it faces the inner end of the columnar portion 32Y3 'of the plug member 32Y3. When the toner container 32Y is further pushed inward, the toner container 32Y comes into contact with the nozzle tube 72 of the toner container fixing portion 70 (see FIG. 24). Thereby, the plug member 32Y3 is sandwiched between the nozzle tube 72 and the claw member 75, and the position in the toner container housing portion 31Y is fixed.

  Thereafter, when the toner container 32Y is further moved in the mounting direction (the direction indicated by the arrow CP9), the nozzle tube 72 moves from the nozzle insertion port 32Y1j to the hole 32Y1b in a state where the first groove 32Y1g and the positioning member 78 are in contact with each other. It is inserted toward. Then, the cylindrical portion 32Y3 'of the plug member 32Y3 is moved relative to the hole portion 32Y1b, and the toner discharge port 32Y1a is opened (see FIG. 25).

Thereafter, the cylindrical portion 32Y3 ′ of the plug member 32Y3 is moved relative to the hole portion 32Y1b to a position where the toner discharge port 32Y1a is completely opened by pressing the nozzle tube 72.
That is, the nozzle tube 72 is inserted into the hole 32Y1b up to a position where the toner receiving port 72a and the toner discharge port 32Y1a communicate with each other.

  The toner container fixing release lever 76 moves to the release position and slides on the rib 32Y1m until just before the nozzle tube 72 is inserted into the hole 32Y1b until the nozzle tube 72 communicates with the toner receiving port 72a and the toner discharge port 32Y1a. Is in a state of being.

  When the nozzle tube 72 is inserted into the hole 32Y1b to a position where the toner receiving port 72a and the toner discharge port 32Y1a communicate with each other, the toner container fixing release lever 76 reaches the end of the rib 32Y1m on the front side in the mounting direction. The release from the pressing by the rib 32Y1m. As a result, the toner container fixing release lever 76 is moved to the fixing position by the urging force of the spring 76d (see FIG. 13).

  Thereby, the mounting operation of the toner container 32Y is completed. Note that the toner container 32Y can be taken out from the toner container housing portion 31Y of the image forming apparatus main body 100 by performing an operation in a procedure opposite to the procedure at the time of mounting.

[Configuration of Conveying Member 33]
As shown in FIG. 26, the conveying member 33 is roughly configured by a disk portion 33z, a rotating shaft 33a, a flexible conveying blade 33b, and a stirring rib 33c. The rotating shaft 33a is provided at the center of the disk portion 33z. As shown in FIG. 3, the disk portion 33z is located in the vicinity of the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side of the cylindrical container body 32Y. The rotating shaft 33a extends in the longitudinal direction from the opening 32Y2a ′ on one end side of the cylindrical container body 32Y toward the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side.

  The disk portion 33z is formed with a quadrangular connecting shaft portion 33d on the opposite side of the rotating shaft 33a. That is, a connecting shaft portion 33d connected to a connecting bearing portion (described later) is formed on the other end side of the rotating shaft 33a.

  One end side of the rotating shaft 33a is formed with a cylindrical shaft portion 33e that is rotatably fitted in a circular hole 40b 'of the rotating bearing barrel 40b. Note that the connecting shaft portion 33d is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be any shape such as an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, or a D shape.

  The conveying blade 33b is composed of a plurality of flexible film plates 33b '. The film plate 33b 'is configured by providing a plurality of cuts 33b "at intervals from one end side to the other end side of the rotating shaft 33a.

  In the film plate 33b ', the side close to the other end side of the rotating shaft 33a is a short side portion 33f, and the side close to one end side of the rotating shaft 33a is a long side portion 33f'. The short side portion 33f of the film plate 33b 'closest to the disc portion 33z is sandwiched between radial grooves (not shown) provided in the disc portion 33z.

  The edge 33f ″ of the long side portion 33f ′ abuts on the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical container body 32Y, and the rotation of the rotation shaft 33a twists the film plate 33b ′, whereby the conveying blade 33b has a spiral blade shape, Thereby, the toner of the cylindrical container main body 32Y is conveyed from the other end side of this cylindrical container main body 32Y toward one end side.

  In addition, you may form this conveyance blade | wing 33b integrally with the rotating shaft 33a. Moreover, when forming the conveyance blade | wing 33b separately, the structure which affixes and fixes the conveyance blade | wing 33b to the rotating shaft 33a with a double-sided tape (illustration is abbreviate | omitted) is also employable.

  The two film plates 33b ′ near the opening 32Y2a ′ on one end side of the cylindrical body 32Y ′ are formed with an elliptical opening 33g, and thereby, on one end side of the cylindrical container body 32Y. The toner is prevented from staying.

  The stirring rib 33c is provided on the opposite side to the conveying blade 33b by 180 degrees with respect to the rotation shaft 33a. The stirring rib 33c is provided at a distance from one end side to the other end side of the rotating shaft 33a so as to extend in the radial direction, and a longitudinal bar member 33h extending from the one end side to the other end side of the rotating shaft 33a. A horizontal connecting bar member 33i that extends in the horizontal direction and connects the vertical bar members 33h, and a diagonal line that extends in a direction intersecting each other and connects the rotary shaft 33a, the vertical bar member 33h, and the horizontal connecting bar member 33i. It is comprised from the direction crosspiece member 33j.

The stirring rib 33c is used to stir the toner by the rotation of the rotating shaft 33a.
If the conveying blade 33b of the conveying member 33 is configured by a flexible film plate 33b 'having flexibility, the conveying blade 33b rotates while contacting with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 32Y2' with a light force. Therefore, the occurrence of developer aggregation can be prevented.

[Configuration of the second cap member 34]
Various specific configurations of the second cap member 34 are conceivable.
Below, the specific structure of the 2nd cap member 34 is demonstrated, referring drawings.

(Specific example 1 of the second cap member 34)
27 and 28 show a specific example 1 of the second cap member 34. As shown in FIG. 28, the second cap member 34 has a circular lid portion 34a that seals the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′. As shown in FIG. 29, a connecting bearing portion 34c having a square hole 34b into which a quadrangular connecting shaft portion 33d is fitted is formed on one end face side of the circular lid portion 34a. The coupling bearing portion 34c forms a driven coupling together with the coupling projection 34 ″. The coupling bearing portion 34c projects toward the inside of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′.

The circular lid portion 34a is integrally formed with four flexible claw portions 34d at a 90-degree symmetrical position with the connection bearing portion 34c as a center along with the connection bearing portion 34c. This flexible nail | claw part 34d is comprised by the undercut. The connecting projection 34 ″ is formed on the other surface side of the circular lid 34a so as to protrude in the opposite direction to the connecting bearing 34c.
This connecting projection 34 ″ is brought into contact with the drive coupling 91 from the rotational direction and connected.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 27, the conveyance member 33 is inserted into the cylindrical container body 32Y, and the cylindrical shaft portion 33e of the rotation shaft 33a is fitted into the circular hole 40b 'of the rotation bearing tube 40b. Further, the connecting shaft portion 33d is fitted into the square hole 34b, and the flexible claw portions 34d of the second cap member 34 are bent in a direction to approach each other, thereby opening the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′. As a powder filling port 34 '. Then, the claw 34e of the flexible claw portion 34d is hooked on the constituent wall 32Y2c 'of the opening 32Y2b' of the cylindrical body 32Y2 'as shown in an enlarged manner in FIG.

  Thus, the second cap member 34 is rotatably mounted on the constituent wall 32Y2c 'of the opening 32Y2b' on the other end side of the cylindrical container body 32Y. As a result, the rotation shaft 33a of the transport member 33 is rotatably spanned between the rotation bearing cylinder 40b and the coupling bearing portion 34c.

  In this way, the flexible claw 34d is formed on the second cap member 34, and the second cap member 34 is mounted on the constituent wall 32Y2c ′ of the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′. Therefore, assembly and disassembly to the cylindrical container body 32Y are easy.

  Further, after the cylindrical container body 32Y is filled with toner, the second cap member 34 is attached to the constituent wall 32Y2c ′ of the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side, whereby the ring plate-shaped seal member 40a is attached to the cylindrical container body. The toner is not leaked from the powder filling port 34 ′ even if the second cap member 34 rotates by being sandwiched between the constituent wall 32 Y 2 c ′ of the opening 32 Y 2 b ′ on the other end side of 32 Y and the circular lid 34 a. Thus, the powder filling port 34 'is sealed.

(Specific example 2 of the second cap member 34)
FIG. 30 shows a specific example 2 of the second cap member 34. The second cap member 34 includes a circular lid portion 34a, a flexible claw plate portion 34f, and a columnar connecting plate portion 34g that couples the circular lid body portion 34a and the flexible claw plate portion 34f. ing.

  Four flexible claw portions 34d are formed on the flexible claw plate portion 34f in the same manner as in the first specific example. The coupling bearing portion 34c is formed integrally with the columnar coupling plate portion 34g. The connection bearing portion 34c has a square hole 34b as in the first specific example.

  A ring plate-shaped seal member 34h is fitted into the cylindrical connecting plate portion 34g. The ring plate-like seal member 34h is made of a material such as poron or felt, like the ring plate-like seal member 40a.

The second cap member 34 is also bent in the direction in which the flexible claws 34d are brought close to each other, inserted into the powder filling port 34 ', and can be formed on the constituent wall 32Y2c' of the opening 32Y2b 'of the cylindrical body 32Y2'. The claw 34e of the flexible claw portion 34d is hooked. Thus, the second cap member 34 is rotatably mounted on the constituent wall 32Y2c ′ of the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side of the cylindrical container body 32Y.
At that time, the outer peripheral surface 34h ′ of the ring plate seal member 34h is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral wall 34a ′ constituting the powder filling port 34 ′.

  Therefore, after the toner container main body 32Y is filled with toner, the second cap member 34 is attached to the constituent wall 32Y2c ′ of the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side, so that the powder is not affected even if the second cap member 34 rotates. The powder filling port 34 ′ is sealed so that the toner does not leak from the filling port 34 ′.

(Specific example 3 of the second cap member 34)
31 to 33 show a specific example 3 of the second cap member 34.
The constituent wall 32Y2c ′ of the opening 32Y2b ′ on the other end side of the cylindrical body 32Y ′ is a small diameter cylinder 34i. The powder filling port 34 'is formed in the small diameter cylinder 34i. An outer peripheral thread portion 34j is formed on the outer periphery of the small diameter tube 34i.

In this specific example 3, the second cap member 34 has a rotating piece body 34z that constitutes a lid body portion 34a and a driven coupling. The rotary piece body 34z is rotatable with respect to the lid part 34a.
The lid portion 34a is composed of a top plate portion 34x having a through hole 34w through which the rotary piece body 34z is rotatably inserted, and an enclosing cylinder portion 34m that is integrated with the top plate portion 34x and surrounds the small-diameter cylindrical portion 34i. ing. An inner peripheral screw portion 34n that is screwed with the outer peripheral screw portion 34j is formed on the inner periphery of the surrounding cylinder portion 34m.

The top plate portion 34x is provided with a cylindrical sealing member 34p so as to surround the through hole 34w. The rotary piece body 34z is slidably contacted with the top plate portion 34x.
A connecting bearing portion 34c having a square hole 34b is formed on one end face side of the rotating piece body 34z.

A connecting projection 34 ″ is formed on the other end face side of the rotating piece body 34z. A claw part 34s is formed on the connecting bearing part 34c. The rotating piece body 34z has a lid part 34a formed by the claw part 34s. Accordingly, the rotating piece body 34z is pressed against the connecting shaft portion 33d of the rotating shaft 33a by screwing the second cap member 34 into the small diameter portion 34i.
Further, the outer peripheral surface of the rotary piece 34z is in close contact with the peripheral surface of the cylindrical seal member 34p, so that the powder filling port 34 'is sealed so that the toner does not leak from the powder filling port 34'.

  In this case, the conveying member 33 is inserted into the cylindrical container body 32Y, the cylindrical shaft portion 33e of the rotating shaft 33a is fitted into the circular hole 40b 'of the rotating shaft receiving tube 40b, and the connecting shaft portion 33d is inserted into the square hole 34b. After fitting, the second cap member 34 is screwed to the small diameter tube 34i while rotating. Thereby, the cover part 34a is fixed to the small diameter cylinder part 34i. As a result, the conveying member 33 is rotatably spanned between the rotary bearing tube 40b and the coupling bearing portion 34c.

  Thus, if the second cap member 34 and the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ are detachable with screws, the toner container can be easily disassembled and the developer can be easily refilled from the toner filling opening 34 ′. Can also be achieved.

(Specific example 4 of the second cap member 34)
FIG. 34 shows a specific example 4 of the second cap member 34.
In the fourth specific example, the lid portion 34a of the second cap member 34 includes a top plate portion 34x having a through hole 34w through which the rotary piece body 34z is rotatably inserted, and a small diameter cylindrical portion integrated with the top plate portion 34x. It is comprised from fitting cylinder part 34m 'fitted to 34i.

  The lid portion 34a of the second cap member 34 is adhesive over the outer periphery of the fitting cylinder portion 34m ′ to the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ after fitting the fitting cylinder portion 34m ′ to the small diameter cylinder portion 34i. It is fixed to the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ by winding with the tape 34t.

Since the other configuration of the specific example 4 of the second cap member 34 is the same as the configuration of the specific example 3, the detailed description thereof is omitted.
If the second cap member 34 is fixed to the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ with the tape 34t, the time for dismantling the toner container 32Y2 ′ can be greatly reduced.

  In these embodiments, if the first cap member 40, the conveying member 33, and the second cap member 34 are formed by injection molding, and the cylindrical body 32Y2 ′ is formed by blow molding or biaxial stretch blow molding, material separation is achieved. This facilitates the recycling of the toner container 32Y.

  Further, by blow molding the cylindrical body 32Y2 ', the weight can be reduced even when the large toner container 32Y is formed. Further, the toner container 32Y can be manufactured at low cost.

  Furthermore, since the second cap member 34 has two functions of sealing the opening 32Y2b 'of the cylindrical body 32Y2' and the function of driven coupling, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

32Y2 ... cylindrical container body 32Y2 '... cylindrical body 33 ... transport member 33b ... transport blade 34 ... second cap member 34' ... powder filling port 40 ... first cap member 40a ... lid body 100 ... image forming apparatus body

JP 2007-316309 A

Claims (13)

A cylindrical body having openings at both ends as a part for constituting a cylindrical container main body that houses the developer and is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body;
At least one discharge side for discharging the developer from the inside of the cylindrical container main body toward the image forming apparatus main body and a lid portion for sealing an opening on one end side, and one end side of the cylindrical body A first cap member that is attached to the opening and constitutes the cylindrical container body in cooperation with the cylindrical body;
The developing device has at least a conveying blade and is provided inside the cylindrical body so as to extend from an opening on one end side toward an opening on the other end side, and rotates relative to the cylindrical body. A conveying member that conveys the agent while stirring the agent from the opening on the other end side toward the opening on the one end side;
It has at least a driven coupling part for transmitting a rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus main body to the conveying member and a lid part for sealing the opening part on the other end side, and the opening on the other end side. A second cap member that is rotatably mounted on the part and forms the cylindrical container body in cooperation with the first cap member;
The powder container, wherein the opening on the other end side is a powder filling port for filling the cylindrical container body with a developer.   A small-diameter cylindrical portion is formed on the other end side of the cylindrical body, and the second cap member has a rotating piece body that constitutes the driven coupling portion, The rotary piece body is configured to be rotatable, and the second cap member is attached to the small diameter cylindrical portion by fixing the lid body portion to the small diameter cylindrical portion. Powder container.   The lid portion of the second cap member has a top plate portion having a through hole through which the rotary piece body is rotatably inserted, and an enclosing cylinder portion surrounding the small diameter cylinder portion, and an outer periphery of the small diameter cylinder portion And a screw part is formed on the inner periphery of the surrounding cylinder part, and the lid part of the second cap member is fixed to the small diameter cylinder part by screwing the surrounding cylinder part into the small diameter cylinder part. The powder container according to claim 2.   The lid portion of the second cap member has a top plate portion having a through hole through which the rotary piece body is rotatably inserted, and a fitting cylinder portion fitted to the small diameter cylinder portion, The cap body cover part is formed by winding the fitting cylinder part on the small-diameter cylinder part and then winding it with an adhesive tape from the outer periphery of the fitting cylinder part to the outer periphery of the cylindrical body. The powder container according to claim 2, wherein the powder container is fixed to the cylindrical body.   The first cap member, the second cap member, and the transport member are formed by injection molding, and the cylindrical body is formed by blow molding or biaxial stretch blow molding. The powder container according to claim 2.   A rotating bearing tube protruding toward the inside of the cylindrical body is formed on the lid portion of the first cap member, and a coupling bearing portion protruding toward the inside of the cylindrical body is formed on the driven coupling portion. The conveying member has a rotation shaft extending from one end side to the other end side of the cylindrical body, and one end side of the rotation shaft is rotatably supported by the rotation bearing cylinder, and the rotation The other end side of the shaft is connected to the connecting bearing portion, the conveying blade is made of a flexible film plate and can be rotated integrally with the rotating shaft, and the conveying blade is twisted by the rotation of the rotating shaft. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the powder container has a spiral blade shape as a whole.   The powder container according to claim 6, wherein the conveying blade is formed integrally with the rotating shaft.   The powder container according to claim 6, wherein the conveying blade is formed separately from the rotating shaft, and is fixed to the rotating shaft by a double-sided tape. A rotating bearing cylinder that protrudes toward the inside of the cylindrical body is formed on the lid portion of the first cap member,
The driven coupling portion is directed toward the inside of the cylindrical body and a connecting bearing portion that protrudes from the lid portion of the second cap member, and a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the connecting bearing portion from the lid portion. A projecting protrusion that is coupled to a drive coupling of the image forming apparatus main body,
The conveying member has a rotation shaft extending from one end side toward the other end side, and a cylindrical shaft portion that is rotatably fitted to the rotation bearing cylinder is formed on one end side of the rotation shaft, and the rotation A connecting shaft portion connected to the connecting bearing portion is formed on the other end side of the shaft, and the lid portion of the second cap member protrudes toward the inside of the cylindrical body together with the connecting bearing portion. A flexible claw portion is formed to be hooked on the constituent wall of the opening on the other end side,
The conveying blade is integrated with the rotating shaft, a ring-shaped sealing member is interposed between the constituent wall of the opening on the other end side of the cylindrical body and the lid body portion, and the flexible claw portion is It is formed by undercut, and the conveying member has the rotating shaft spanned between the rotating bearing tube and the connecting bearing portion, and the cylindrical shape of the driven coupling portion and the lid portion by the drive coupling. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the conveying member is rotationally driven by integral rotation with respect to the body. A rotating bearing tube that protrudes toward the inside of the cylindrical body is formed on the lid portion of the first cap member, and the driven coupling portion extends toward the inside of the cylindrical body. A coupling bearing portion projecting from the lid body portion, and a coupling projection portion projecting from the lid body portion in a direction opposite to the projecting direction of the coupling bearing portion and coupled to the drive coupling of the image forming apparatus main body. Configured,
The conveying member has a rotation shaft extending from one end side toward the other end side, and a cylindrical shaft portion that is rotatably fitted to the rotation bearing cylinder is formed on one end side of the rotation shaft, and the rotation A connecting shaft portion connected to the connecting bearing portion is formed on the other end side of the shaft,
The lid portion of the second cap member protrudes toward the inside of the cylindrical body together with the connecting bearing portion and is hooked on the constituent wall of the opening on the other end side, and the movable portion. A columnar connecting plate portion interposed between the flexible claw plate portion and the lid portion is formed,
The conveying blade is integrated with the rotating shaft, a ring-shaped sealing member is interposed between the constituent wall of the opening on the other end side and the columnar connecting plate portion, and the flexible claw portion is formed by undercutting. The conveying member is formed such that the rotating shaft is spanned between the rotating bearing tube and the connecting bearing portion, and the driven coupling portion and the lid portion by the drive coupling are integrated with the cylindrical body. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the conveying member is rotationally driven by rotation. A rotating bearing cylinder that protrudes toward the inside of the cylindrical body is formed on the lid portion of the first cap member, and a connecting bearing portion that protrudes toward the inside of the cylindrical body is formed on the rotating piece body. Formed,
The conveying member has a rotation shaft extending from one end side toward the other end side, and a cylindrical shaft portion that is rotatably fitted to the rotation bearing cylinder is formed on one end side of the rotation shaft, and the rotation A connecting shaft portion connected to the connecting bearing portion is formed on the other end side of the shaft,
The rotating piece body protrudes in the opposite direction from the claw part which projects toward the inside of the cylindrical body together with the connecting bearing part and is hooked on the peripheral wall of the through hole and the top plate part. A coupling protrusion connected to the drive coupling of the image forming apparatus main body is formed, a cylindrical seal member is provided between the outer peripheral portion of the rotary piece body and the inner peripheral wall of the through hole, and the conveying blade is The rotation shaft is integrated with the rotation shaft, the rotation shaft of the conveyance member is spanned between the rotation bearing cylinder and the coupling bearing portion, and the conveyance member is rotated by the rotation of the rotary piece body by the drive coupling. The powder container according to claim 2, which is driven. A cylindrical body having an opening at both ends and containing a developer, and constituting a part of a cylindrical container body that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body; and a discharge body for the developer and the cylindrical shape The developer is stirred from the opening on the other end side toward the opening on the one end side by rotating with respect to the first cap member attached to the opening on the one end side of the body and the cylindrical body. A conveying member for conveying while
The transport member has a driven coupling portion that transmits a rotational driving force from the main body of the image forming apparatus, is rotatable to the opening on the other end side, and seals the opening on the other end side. And a second cap member attached to the other end side, and the opening on the other end side is a powder filling port for filling the cylindrical container body with a developer.   An image forming apparatus comprising the powder container according to any one of claims 1 to 12.