JP2016188897A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce scattering of a developer while reducing the entire size of an apparatus.SOLUTION: There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: an inflow port 9a that is supported by a removable body removably supported with respect to a main body of the image forming apparatus, and through which a developer flows in; an outflow port 44 that is supported by the main body of the image forming apparatus and connected to the inflow port 9a when the removably body is attached; an opening/closing member 56 that opens/closes the outflow port 44, and is movably supported in the circumferential direction with respect to a direction of removal of the removable body; and a contat part 21 that is in contact with the opening/closing member 56 when the removable body is attached to move the opening/closing member 56 from a closed position to an open position, the contact part 21 being arranged at a position where a downstream end 9b of the inflow port 9a comes into contact with the opening/closing member 56 after passing through a position of a downstream end 44a of the outflow port 44 with respect to a direction of attachment of the removable body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 below are conventionally known as developing apparatuses that develop a latent image into a visible image.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-224777 as Patent Document 1, a rotating shutter (4) is installed in a supply opening (32) of a toner replenishing device (2), and the developing device (1) is replaced with a toner replenishing device (2). When the developing device (1) is attached to the toner replenishing device (2) when the rotating shutter (4) is moved to a position closing the supply opening (32) in the state of being separated from the developing device (1). A configuration is described in which the contact plate (12) pushes the contact portion (9) of the rotary shutter (4) to move the rotary shutter (4) to a position where the supply opening (32) is opened.
In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 6B, before the front end of the receiving opening (33) in the mounting direction reaches the front end of the supply opening (32) in the mounting direction, the contact plate (12) and the contact portion (9) are in contact with each other, and the rotary shutter (4) is starting to be opened.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-205713 as Patent Document 2, after the developing device (4) is inserted rearward, the developing device (4) is moved in the left-right direction intersecting the insertion direction, thereby being provided in the toner conveyance path (70). A configuration for opening and closing the shutter member (80) is described.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-167661 as Patent Document 3, when the operation lever is operated after the toner cartridge (11) is mounted in the space (12), the shutter (58) of the toner cartridge (11) is moved. A configuration for moving from the closed position to the open position is described.

JP 2008-224777 A (“0046” to “0082”, FIGS. 4 to 9) JP 2013-205713 A (“0053” to “0062”, FIGS. 11 to 17) JP 2014-167661 A ("0045" to "0047", FIGS. 2 to 6)

  An object of the present invention is to reduce the scattering of the developer while downsizing the entire apparatus.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
A detachable body that is detachably supported with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus;
An inlet port supported by the detachable body and into which the developer flows;
An outlet supported by the main body of the image forming apparatus and connected to the inlet when the detachable body is mounted;
An opening / closing member for opening and closing the outlet, the opening / closing member supported so as to be movable in a circumferential direction with respect to an attaching / detaching direction of the attaching / detaching body;
A contact portion that is supported by the detachable body, contacts the opening / closing member when the detachable body is mounted, and moves the opening / closing member from a closed position to an open position, The contact portion disposed at a position where the downstream end of the inflow port contacts the opening / closing member after passing through the position of the downstream end of the outflow port;
It is provided with.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The contact portion in which the surface that contacts the opening and closing member is configured by an arc-shaped curved surface,
It is provided with.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
An image carrier,
A latent image forming apparatus for forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier;
The detachable body constituted by a developing device for developing a latent image on the surface of the image holding body into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring a visible image of the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for fixing a visible image on the surface of the medium;
It is provided with.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the size of the entire apparatus is reduced compared to the configuration in which the opening / closing member does not move and open in the circumferential direction after the downstream end of the inflow port passes the position of the downstream end of the outflow port. In addition, the scattering of the developer can be reduced.
According to invention of Claim 2, compared with the case where it does not have an arc-curved surface, an operator's operativity can be improved.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the scattering of the developer when the developing device is attached or detached.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the developing device, FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a rear end portion of the developing device, FIG. 5B is an explanatory view of a contact portion of the first embodiment, and FIG. . FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connection portion of the replenishing device of Example 1 with the developing device. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the connecting member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the shutter has moved to the closed position, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the shutter has moved to the open position. 8 is a view as seen from the direction of the arrow VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 8A is an explanatory view showing a state where the shutter is moved to the closed position, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory view showing a state where the shutter is moved to the open position. 9 is a view as seen from the direction of the arrow IX in FIG. 7. FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of the state where the shutter is moved to the closed position, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of the state where the shutter is moved to the open position. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a state in which the developing device of Example 1 is mounted on the replenishing device, as viewed from above. FIG. 10A is an explanatory view of a state in which the opening protrusion starts to contact the contact convex portion, and FIG. FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the developing device has moved in the mounting direction from the state shown in FIG. 10B, and FIG. 10D is a state in which the developing device has been completely installed. It is explanatory drawing of. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a state in which the developing device of Example 1 is mounted on the replenishing device from the side, FIG. 11A is an explanatory view of a state in which the opening protrusion starts to contact the contact convex portion, and FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a state where the developing device has moved in the mounting direction from the state shown in FIG. 11A, FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram of a state where the developing device has moved in the mounting direction from the state shown in FIG. 11B, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a state.

Next, examples as specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as front, rear, right, left, upper, lower, or front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a copying machine U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is an example of a main body of the apparatus, and includes a printer unit U1 as an example of an image recording apparatus. A scanner unit U2 as an example of a reading unit and an example of an image reading device is supported on the upper portion of the printer unit U1. An auto feeder U3 as an example of a document transport device is supported on the upper portion of the scanner unit U2. The scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment supports a user interface UI as an example of an input unit. The user interface UI can be operated by the operator by inputting the user interface UI.

  A document tray TG1 as an example of a medium container is disposed on the upper part of the auto feeder U3. A plurality of documents Gi to be copied can be stacked and stored in the document tray TG1. A document discharge tray TG2 as an example of a document discharge unit is formed below the document tray TG1. A document transport roll U3b is disposed between the document tray TG1 and the document discharge tray TG2 along the document transport path U3a.

A platen glass PG as an example of a transparent document table is disposed on the upper surface of the scanner unit U2. In the scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment, a reading optical system A is disposed below the platen glass PG. The optical system A for reading in Example 1 is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction along the lower surface of the platen glass PG. The reading optical system A is normally stopped at the initial position shown in FIG.
On the left side of the optical system A for reading, an imaging element CCD as an example of an imaging member is disposed. An image processing unit GS is electrically connected to the image sensor CCD.
The image processing unit GS is electrically connected to the writing circuit DL of the printer unit U1. The writing circuit DL is electrically connected to LED heads LHy, LHm, LHc, and LHk as an example of a latent image forming apparatus.

Above each of the LED heads LHy to LHk, photosensitive drums PRy, PRm, PRc, and PRk as an example of an image holding member are disposed.
Charging rolls CRy, CRm, CRc, CRk as an example of a charger are arranged to face each of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk. A charging voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the charging rolls CRy to CRk. The power supply circuit E is controlled by a controller C as an example of a control unit. The controller C performs various controls by transmitting and receiving signals to and from the image processing unit GS and the writing circuit DL.
In the writing areas Q1y, Q1m, Q1c, Q1k set on the downstream side of the charging rolls CRy to CRk with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk, LEDs are formed with respect to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk. Write light is emitted from the heads LHy to LHk.
The developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk are provided in the developing areas Q2y, Q2m, Q2c, and Q2k set downstream of the writing areas Q1y to Q1k with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk. The drums PRy to PRk are arranged to face the surface.

Primary transfer areas Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k are set on the downstream side of the development areas Q2y to Q2k with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk. In the primary transfer regions Q3y to Q3k, they are in contact with an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of an intermediate transfer member. In the primary transfer areas Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k, primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m as an example of a primary transfer unit are disposed on the opposite side of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk across the intermediate transfer belt B. T1c and T1k are arranged.
Drum cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk as an example of an image carrier cleaner are disposed downstream of the primary transfer regions Q3y to Q3k with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk. .

  A belt module BM as an example of an intermediate transfer device is disposed above the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk. The belt module BM includes the intermediate transfer belt B. The intermediate transfer belt B includes a driving roll Rd as an example of a driving member, a tension roll Rt as an example of a stretching member, a walking roll Rw as an example of a meandering correction member, and an idler roll Rf as an example of a driven member. It is rotatably supported by a backup roll T2a as an example of a counter member in the secondary transfer region and primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, T1k.

On the opposite side of the backup roll T2a across the intermediate transfer belt B, a secondary transfer roll T2b as an example of a secondary transfer member is disposed. The backup roll T2a and the secondary transfer roll T2b constitute a secondary transfer device T2. A secondary transfer region Q4 is formed by a region where the secondary transfer roll T2b and the intermediate transfer belt B face each other.
The primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, the secondary transfer unit T2, and the like constitute a transfer device T1 + T2 + B of Example 1 that transfers an image formed on the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk to a medium. .

A belt cleaner CLb, which is an example of an intermediate transfer member cleaner, is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer region Q4 with respect to the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt B.
Above the belt module BM, cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, and Kk as an example of a developer container are disposed. Each of the cartridges Ky to Kk contains a developer to be supplied to the developing devices Gy to Gk. The cartridges Ky to Kk and the developing devices Gy to Gk are connected by a developer replenishing device (not shown).

In the lower part of the printer unit U1, paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 are arranged as an example of a medium container. The paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 are detachably supported in the front-rear direction by a guide rail GR as an example of a guide member. Sheets T as an example of a medium are accommodated in the sheet feed trays TR1 to TR3.
A pickup roll Rp as an example of a medium take-out member is disposed on the upper left side of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3. On the left side of the pick-up roll Rp, a separating roll Rs as an example of a separating member is disposed.
On the left side of each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3, a medium conveyance path SH extending upward is formed. A plurality of transport rolls Ra as an example of a medium transport member are arranged in the transport path SH. In the transport path SH, a registration roll Rr as an example of a feeding member is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S and on the upstream side of the secondary transfer region Q4.

A fixing device F is disposed above the secondary transfer region Q4. The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure member. A fixing region Q5 is configured by a contact region between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp.
A discharge roller Rh as an example of a medium conveying member is disposed obliquely above the fixing device F. A discharge tray TRh as an example of a medium discharge portion is formed on the right side of the discharge roller Rh.

(Description of image forming operation)
The plurality of documents Gi stored in the document tray TG1 sequentially passes through the document reading position on the platen glass PG and is discharged to the document discharge tray TG2.
When the automatic feeder U3 is used to automatically convey and copy a document, each document that sequentially passes through the reading position on the platen glass PG with the reading optical system A stopped at the initial position. Gi is exposed.
When the operator places the document Gi on the platen glass PG by hand, the optical system A for reading moves in the left-right direction, and the document on the platen glass PG is scanned while being exposed.

The reflected light from the original document Gi passes through the optical system A for reading and is condensed on the image sensor CCD. In the imaging device CCD, the reflected light of the original collected on the imaging surface is converted into electrical signals of red: R, green: G, blue: B.
The image processing unit GS converts RGB electrical signals input from the image sensor CCD into black: K, yellow: Y, magenta: M, cyan: C image information and temporarily stores them. The image processing unit GS outputs the temporarily stored image information to the writing circuit DL as image information for forming a latent image at a preset time.
When the original image is a single color image, so-called monochrome, image information of only black: K is input to the writing circuit DL.

The writing circuit DL has driving circuits for respective colors Y, M, C, and K (not shown), and an LED head arranged for each color at a preset time with a signal corresponding to input image information. Output to LHy to LHk.
The surface of each photoconductor drum PRy to PRk is charged by charging rolls CRy to CRk. The LED heads LHy to LHk form electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk in the writing areas Q1y to Q1k. The developing devices Gy to Gk develop the electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk into toner images as an example of visible images in the development areas Q2y to Q2k. When the developer is consumed in the developing devices Gy to Gk, the developers are supplied from the cartridges Ky to Kk to the developing devices Gy to Gk according to the consumption amount.

  The toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk are conveyed to the primary transfer areas Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k. A primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to each of the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k from a power supply circuit E at a preset time. Therefore, in the primary transfer areas Q3y to Q3k, the toner images on the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer voltage. In the case of a K-color single-color image, only the K-color toner image is transferred from the K photosensitive drum PRk to the intermediate transfer belt B.

  The toner images on the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk are primarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of an intermediate transfer member by the primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k. Residues and deposits on the surface of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk after the primary transfer are cleaned by drum cleaners CLy to CLk. The cleaned surfaces of the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk are recharged by charging rolls CRy to CRk.

The sheets S in the respective sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR3 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp at a preset sheet feeding timing. The sheets S picked up by the pick-up roll Rp are separated one by one by the rolling roll Rs when picked up in a state where a plurality of sheets S are overlapped. The sheet S that has passed the separating roll Rs is conveyed to the registration roll Rr by a plurality of conveying rolls Ra.
The registration roll Rr sends out the sheet S in accordance with the timing when the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B moves to the secondary transfer region Q4.

The toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the sheet S fed from the registration roll Rr by the secondary transfer voltage applied to the secondary transfer roll T2b when passing through the secondary transfer area Q4. .
The surface of the intermediate transfer belt B after passing through the secondary transfer region Q4 is cleaned by removing residual toner by the belt cleaner CLb.
When the sheet S that has passed through the secondary transfer area Q4 passes through the fixing area Q5, the toner image is heated and pressed by the fixing device F to be fixed.
The recording sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the discharge tray TRh by the discharge roller Rh.

(Description of developing device)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device according to the first embodiment.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
Next, the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk of the respective colors are configured in the same manner, the development of the Y color is performed. Only the apparatus Gy will be described in detail, and detailed descriptions of the other color developing apparatuses Gm, Gc, Gk will be omitted.

3 and 4, the developing device Gy disposed to face the photosensitive drum PRy has a developing container V that stores a two-component developer containing toner and a carrier. In FIG. 3, the developing container V has a lower container body 1. A container cover 2 as an example of a lid member is supported on the upper part of the container body 1. The container cover 2 closes the upper surface of the container body 1.
3 and 4, the container main body 1 is formed with a developing roll chamber 4 as an example of a developer holding member accommodating portion at the upper left portion inside. A supply chamber 6 as an example of a first storage chamber is formed below the developing roll chamber 4. The supply chamber 6 is connected to the developing roll chamber 4. On the right side of the supply chamber 6, a stirring chamber 7 as an example of a second storage chamber is formed.

The supply chamber 6 and the stirring chamber 7 are partitioned by a partition wall 8 as an example of a partition member. In FIG. 4, a first inflow portion 8 a that connects the supply chamber 6 and the stirring chamber 7 is formed in front of the partition wall 8 as an example of a first connection portion. In the first embodiment, the first inflow portion 8 a is disposed in front of the front end of the developing roll chamber 4. In addition, a second inflow portion 8 b that connects the supply chamber 6 and the stirring chamber 7 is formed behind the partition wall 8 as an example of a second connection portion.
In FIG. 4, in the developing device Gy of Example 1, a supply chamber 9 as an example of a supply unit is connected to the rear end of the stirring chamber 7. The supply chamber 9 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending rearward. A supply port 9 a as an example of an inflow port is formed on the upper surface of the rear end of the supply chamber 9. The developer from the cartridge Ky is supplied to the supply port 9a.

  The developing roll chamber 4 accommodates a developing roll R0y as an example of a developer holding body. The developing roll R0y has a part of the upper left outer surface facing the photosensitive drum PRy. The developing roll R0y has a magnet roll 11 as an example of a magnet member. In FIG. 4, the magnet roll 11 is supported by the developing container V so as not to rotate. 3 and 4, a developing sleeve 12 as an example of a rotating member is disposed on the outer periphery of the magnet roll 11. The developing sleeve 12 is rotatably supported by the developing container V. A gear G0 as an example of a drive transmission member is supported at the rear end of the developing sleeve 12. The gear G0 is configured to be able to transmit drive from a motor (not shown) as an example of a drive source. In the developing device Gy of Example 1, when the drive is transmitted from the motor, the developing sleeve 12 rotates in the same direction as the moving direction of the surface of the photosensitive drum PRy in the developing region Q2y.

Below the developing roll chamber 4, a trimmer 13 as an example of a regulating member having a layer thickness is disposed. The trimmer 13 of Example 1 is formed in a columnar shape extending in the front-rear direction. The trimmer 13 is supported with respect to the developing sleeve 12 in a non-rotatable state with a predetermined gap.
The magnet roll 11 is provided with a developing magnetic pole S1 corresponding to the developing region Q2y. Further, a trimming magnetic pole N2 as an example of a magnetic pole for regulating the layer thickness is provided at a position facing the trimmer 13. The trimming magnetic pole N2 is composed of a magnetic pole having a polarity opposite to that of the developing magnetic pole S1. A transport magnetic pole N1 having a polarity opposite to that of the developing magnetic pole S1 is provided on the downstream side of the developing magnetic pole S1 with respect to the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 12. A pick-off magnetic pole S2 as an example of a magnetic pole for detachment of the developer is provided on the downstream side of the conveying magnetic pole N1 with respect to the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 12. The pick-off magnetic pole S2 is composed of a magnetic pole having a polarity opposite to that of the carrier magnetic pole N1. A pickup magnetic pole S3 as an example of a magnetic pole for attracting the developer is provided on the downstream side of the pick-off magnetic pole S2 and the upstream side of the trimming magnetic pole N2 with respect to the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 12. The pickup magnetic pole S3 is composed of a magnetic pole having the same polarity as that of the pick-off magnetic pole S2 and having a polarity opposite to that of the trimming magnetic pole N2.

3 and 4, a supply auger 16 as an example of a first conveying member is disposed in the supply chamber 6. The supply auger 16 has a rotating shaft 16a extending in the front-rear direction. A spiral conveying blade 16b is supported on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 16a. A gear G1 as an example of a drive transmission member is supported at the rear end of the rotating shaft 16a. The gear G1 meshes with the gear G0 of the developing roll R0y. A gear G2 as an example of a drive transmission member is supported at the front end of the rotating shaft 16a.
In the stirring chamber 7 and the replenishing chamber 9, a stirring auger 17 as an example of a second conveying member is disposed. As with the supply auger 16, the stirring auger 17 has a rotating shaft 17a and a conveying blade 17b. A gear G3 as an example of a drive transmission member is supported at the front end of the stirring auger 17. The gear G3 meshes with the gear G2 of the supply auger 16.
In FIG. 4, a supply port 7 a for supplying developer from the cartridge Ky is formed at the rear of the stirring chamber 7.

(Developer function)
In the developing devices Gy to Gk having the above-described configuration, when image formation is started, the motor is driven to rotate the augers 16 and 17 and the developing rolls R0y to R0k. In the first embodiment, when the supply auger 16 rotates, the supply auger 16 conveys the developer in the supply chamber 6 while stirring the developer from the first inflow portion 8a toward the second inflow portion 8b as indicated by an arrow Ya. To do. The developer conveyed to the second inflow portion 8b flows into the stirring chamber 7 through the second inflow portion 8b. When the stirring auger 17 rotates, the stirring auger 17 conveys the developer in the stirring chamber 7 while stirring from the second inflow portion 8b toward the first inflow portion 8a as indicated by an arrow Yb. The developer conveyed to the first inflow portion 8a flows into the supply chamber 6 through the first inflow portion 8a. Therefore, the supply chamber 6 and the stirring chamber 7 constitute a circulation chamber 6 + 7.

  The developer in the supply chamber 6 is attracted to the developing sleeve 12 by the magnetic force of the pickup magnetic pole S3. When the developer adsorbed on the developing sleeve 12 passes through the trimmer 13, only a preset developer corresponding to the gap between the trimmer 13 and the developing sleeve 12 passes. The developer that has passed through the trimmer 13 develops the latent images on the photosensitive drums PRy to PRk in the development areas Q2y to Q2k. The developer that has not been used for development is conveyed while adsorbed on the surface of the developing sleeve 12 by a magnetic field between the developing magnetic pole S1 and the conveying magnetic pole N1, a magnetic field between the conveying magnetic pole N1 and the pick-off magnetic pole S2, or the like. . Between the pick-off magnetic pole S2 and the pick-up magnetic pole S3 having the same polarity, the magnetic force that attracts the developer to the developing sleeve 12 decreases. Therefore, the developer adsorbed on the surface of the developing sleeve 12 is separated from the developing sleeve 12 between the pick-off magnetic pole S2 and the pick-up magnetic pole S3 and returned to the circulation chamber 6 + 7.

(Description of the relationship between the shutter of the replenishing device and the replenishing port of the developing device)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the developing device, FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a rear end portion of the developing device, FIG. 5B is an explanatory view of a contact portion of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5C is an explanatory view of a contact portion of a modified example. .
5A, in the developing device Gy as an example of the detachable body according to the first embodiment, an opening protrusion 21 as an example of a contact portion is formed on the left side of the replenishing chamber 9. In FIG. 5B, the open protrusion 21 of the first embodiment is formed such that the lower end contact surface 21a is curved upward in an arc shape.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connection portion of the replenishing device of Example 1 with the developing device.
7A and 7B are perspective views of the connecting member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the shutter has moved to the closed position, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the shutter has moved to the open position.
8 is a view as seen from the direction of the arrow VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 8A is an explanatory view showing a state where the shutter is moved to the closed position, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory view showing a state where the shutter is moved to the open position.
9 is a view as seen from the direction of the arrow IX in FIG. 7. FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of the state where the shutter is moved to the closed position, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of the state where the shutter is moved to the open position.

  In FIG. 6, a replenishing device 41 that replenishes developer to the developing device Gy includes a transport cylinder portion 42 to which the developer is transported, and a connection member 43 supported on the lower end of the transport cylinder portion 42. 6-9, the whole connection member 43 is formed in the partial cylindrical shape by which the lower right part was open | released. 7 to 9, an outlet 44 is formed at the upper end of the connection member 43. The outlet 44 is connected to the supply cylinder portion 42. Connecting portions 46 are formed at both front and rear ends of the outlet 44. The connecting part 46 is a part for connecting to the supply cylinder part 42. Further, a pair of front and rear step portions 47 as an example of a stop portion are formed on the left side of the outlet 44. The stepped portion 47 is formed in a stepped shape protruding in the radial direction with respect to the cylindrical outer peripheral surface.

A spring fixing claw 48 as an example of a support portion of the urging member is formed on the right front side of the front connecting portion 46. On the left side of the spring fixing claw 48, a spring guide 49 is formed as an example of an urging member drop-off prevention portion.
In FIG. 9, a seal 51 as an example of a leakage prevention member is supported on the lower surface of the outflow port 44. The seal 51 is formed in a frame shape surrounding the outflow port 44. The seal 51 contacts the inflow port 9a when the developing device Gy is mounted, and prevents the developer from leaking out. The seal 51 preferably uses urethane as an example of an elastic member.

6 to 9, a shutter 56 as an example of an opening / closing member is supported on the left outer peripheral surface of the connection member 43. The shutter 56 is formed in a partial arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the connection member 43. The shutter 56 is between a closed position for closing the outlet 44 shown in FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A and an open position for opening the outlet 44 shown in FIGS. 6, 7B, 8B, and 9B. It is supported movably.
In FIG. 8, the shutter 56 has a shutter body 56a at the upper end. The shutter body 56 a is formed in a shape corresponding to the outlet 44. A pair of front and rear stoppers 56b as an example of a stopped portion is formed on the left side of the shutter main body 56a. As shown in FIG. 8A, the stopper 56 b is formed to protrude outward in the front-rear direction at a position corresponding to the stepped portion 47.

In FIG. 8, a spring support portion 56c as an example of a support portion of the urging member is formed on the left side of the front stopper 56b. The spring support portion 56c is formed in a plate shape protruding forward from the stopper 56b. A spring support claw 56 d is formed on the lower surface of the spring support portion 56 c between the outer surface of the connection member 43. A spring 57 as an example of an urging member is supported between the spring fixing claw 48 and the spring support claw 56d. The spring 57 applies a force in a direction to move the shutter 56 to the closed position. The spring 57 is disposed between the front connecting portion 46 and the spring guide 49.
A contact convex portion 58 as an example of a contacted portion is formed on the left side of the spring support portion 56c. The contact convex portion 58 extends inward in the radial direction from the front end of the shutter 56, and is formed in a shape that wraps forward from the front end of the connection member 43.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a state in which the developing device of Example 1 is mounted on the replenishing device, as viewed from above. FIG. 10A is an explanatory view of a state in which the opening protrusion starts to contact the contact convex portion, and FIG. FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the developing device has moved in the mounting direction from the state shown in FIG. 10B, and FIG. 10D is a state in which the developing device has been completely installed. It is explanatory drawing of.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a state in which the developing device of Example 1 is mounted on the replenishing device from the side, FIG. 11A is an explanatory view of a state in which the opening protrusion starts to contact the contact convex portion, and FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a state where the developing device has moved in the mounting direction from the state shown in FIG. 11A, FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram of a state where the developing device has moved in the mounting direction from the state shown in FIG. 11B, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a state.
10 and 11, unnecessary members are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding of the movement of the shutter and the like. For example, the illustration of the spring 57 and the spring fixing claw 48 is omitted.
In FIG. 10A and FIG. 11A, the contact protrusion 58 and the opening protrusion 21 of Example 1 are the downstream end in the mounting direction of the developing device Gy of the replenishment port 9a, that is, the rear end 9b is the rear end 44a of the outlet 44. After passing through the position, the opening protrusion 21 is disposed at a position in contact with the contact convex portion 58 of the shutter 56.

(Function of shutter of developing device)
In the developing device Gy of Example 1 having the above-described configuration, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 11A, the rear end of the supply port 9a in the mounting direction of the developing device Gy has passed the position of the rear end of the outflow port 44. Later, the opening protrusion 21 comes into contact with the contact convex portion 58 and the shutter 56 starts to be opened.
If the shutter starts to open before the rear end of the replenishing port reaches the position of the rear end of the outflow port as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the developer falls from the gap of the outflow port that has started to open. And splash inside. If the developer scatters inside, when the developing device Gy is attached or detached, the developer scatters to the outside, and the floor is soiled or the clothes of the worker are soiled. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, when the shutter 56 starts to be opened, the supply port 9a is disposed below the outflow port 44. Therefore, the developer that has dropped from the outlet 44 falls to the replenishment port 9a, and is prevented from being scattered outside the developing device Gy.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 10B to 10D and 11B to 11D, as the developing device Gy is inserted, the contact convex portion 58 is pushed downward along the curved contact surface 21a, and the shutter is released. 56 moves from the closed position to the open position.
Here, as in Patent Documents 2 and 3, in the configuration in which the developing device is inserted and moved in the left-right direction or the operation member is operated, another operation is required after the operation of inserting the developing device. . On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the shutter 56 is opened by only one operation of insertion. Therefore, operability is improved.
In addition, as in Patent Documents 2 and 3, in a configuration that moves in the left-right direction or a configuration that requires an operation member, a space to move or a space in which the operation member is arranged is necessary, and the entire configuration There is a problem of increasing the size. On the other hand, in Example 1, the shutter 56 is opened by one operation, and the size can be reduced as compared with the configurations of Patent Documents 2 and 3.

In addition, it is also known that the moving direction of the shutter is not rotated as in the first embodiment but moves in the direction along the insertion direction of the developing device. However, in this configuration, the inlet and the outlet are aligned along the insertion direction of the developing device at the start of opening the shutter. Therefore, there is a problem that a long space is required in the insertion direction. Furthermore, when the developing device is further inserted from this state, the inlet and the outlet start to be connected while the shutter is opened. Therefore, the developer may be scattered outside until the inflow port and the outflow port are connected.
On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the shutter 56 is rotated and opened and closed, and the space in the insertion direction is also shorter than when the movement direction of the shutter is along the movement direction of the developing device. Furthermore, when the shutter 56 starts to open, the supply port 9a and the outlet 44 are already connected. Therefore, the scattering of the developer to the outside is also reduced.

  Moreover, in Example 1, the contact surface 21a of the open protrusion 21 is formed in an arc shape. Therefore, when the shutter 56 starts to open, the shutter 56 starts to open with a weak force, and the opening force gradually increases. In order to start moving the stopped shutter 56, a large force is temporarily required, but in Example 1, the force is initially weak. Therefore, compared with the case where the contact surface 21a is formed on a straight line, it is possible to reduce the force that the operator bears when the developing device Gy is being inserted and when the shutter 56 starts to be opened. .

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H04) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above embodiment, the copying machine U was exemplified as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the copying machine U is configured by a printer, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality or all of these functions. It is also possible to do.
(H02) In the above embodiment, the copying machine U has exemplified the configuration in which four color developers are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a single color image forming apparatus, five or more colors, or three colors or less. The present invention can also be applied to a multicolor image forming apparatus.

(H03) In the above-described embodiment, the developing device is illustrated as an example of the detachable body, but is not limited thereto. For example, a toner cartridge or waste toner box as an example of a developer container, a cleaner unit as an example of a cleaning device, or a replacement unit in which a developing device, a photosensitive drum, a cleaner unit, etc. are integrated Is possible.
(H04) In the above embodiment, the contact surface 21a of the opening protrusion 21 is not exemplified in the configuration exemplified in the embodiment. For example, in FIG. 5C, the shutter 56 may hardly move at the beginning of opening, and the shutter 56 may be suddenly opened immediately before mounting. In this case, the opening of the shutter 56 is reduced by reducing the opening of the shutter 56 at the start of opening, and the shutter 56 is opened by utilizing the fact that the operator finally pushes in the developing device Gy while pushing the developing device Gy. It is also possible to do. Further, instead of the upwardly convex contact surface 21a as in the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a downwardly convex contact surface.

9a ... Inlet,
9b: downstream end of the inlet,
21 ... contact part,
21a ... the surface that contacts the opening and closing member,
44 ... Outlet,
44a ... downstream end of the outlet,
56. Opening / closing member,
F: Fixing device,
Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk: Detachable body, developing device,
LHy, LHm, LHc, LHk ... latent image forming device,
PRy, PRm, PRc, PRk ... Image carrier,
S ... medium
T1 + T2 + B ... transfer device,
U: Image forming apparatus,
U1... Main body of the image forming apparatus.

Claims (3)

A detachable body that is detachably supported with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus;
An inlet port supported by the detachable body and into which the developer flows;
An outlet supported by the main body of the image forming apparatus and connected to the inlet when the detachable body is mounted;
An opening / closing member for opening and closing the outlet, the opening / closing member supported so as to be movable in a circumferential direction with respect to an attaching / detaching direction of the attaching / detaching body;
A contact portion that is supported by the detachable body, contacts the opening / closing member when the detachable body is mounted, and moves the opening / closing member from a closed position to an open position, The contact portion disposed at a position where the downstream end of the inflow port contacts the opening / closing member after passing through the position of the downstream end of the outflow port;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The contact portion in which the surface that contacts the opening and closing member is configured by an arc-shaped curved surface,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An image carrier,
A latent image forming apparatus for forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier;
The detachable body constituted by a developing device for developing a latent image on the surface of the image holding body into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring a visible image of the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for fixing a visible image on the surface of the medium;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images