JP2017097271A - Developer storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer storage container so configured that in the developer storage container, a developer can be gathered in one place and lifted up to a higher liquid level position.SOLUTION: A developer storage container 300 is so provided with a spiral part 300p as to carry a developer TP contained inside toward an opening part 300b as a main body part 300m is driven to rotate on an axis Ch of rotation, a developer scooping-up region 310 is so provided as to scoop the developer TP, having been carried by the spiral part 300p, up to a predetermined position, and a developer return prevention region 320 is so provided as to prevent the developer TP from moving back to the side of the main body part 300m after the developer TP having been scooped up to the predetermined position by the developer scooping-up region 310 is passed through the opening part 300b and conveyed to and accumulated in a buffer region 330.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer container used in a developing device in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.

  In the developer replenishing device used for the developing device in the image forming apparatus, the configuration having the sub hopper on the main body side of the conventional developing device is based on a developer container (developer bottle) that can be replaced on the user side. The developer is supplied, the developer is stored in the sub hopper, and the developer is stably supplied by controlling the supply amount to the developing device. After the supply from the developer container is interrupted, it is detected that the remaining amount of the developer in the sub hopper is displaced to a certain amount, so that near empty (corresponding to the remaining 1k sheets (k is 1000 sheets)) Judgment is made and the user is informed of the replenishment (replacement time) of the developer.

  This conventional sub hopper requires a space on the main body side of the image forming apparatus, and has a complicated configuration. In view of this, it is possible to simplify the main body side of the image forming apparatus by assigning a part of the function of the sub hopper to another region such as a developer container. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-244369 (Patent Document 1) is provided with a spiral rib for feeding developer to the opening side on the inner peripheral surface of the developer container.

  Further, as a simple means instead of the near empty detection means in the sub hopper, a method for detecting the liquid level displacement of the developer in the developer container is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-258900 (Patent Document 2). Is disclosed.

JP 09-244369 A JP-A-11-258900

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2, when the developer in the developer container is low, in order to detect the near empty state, it is necessary to detect the upper surface of the developer thinly spread on the bottom surface of the bottle. First, the relationship between the developer level and the remaining amount of developer varies widely, and the change in the developer level with respect to the change in the remaining amount is minute, so the near empty state can be detected accurately. There is a problem that it becomes difficult.

  Further, when the sub hopper is not provided, the liquid level of the developer decreases as the developer is consumed. This is not a problem when the liquid level of the developer is sufficiently high in the initial state, but when the remaining developer is low and the liquid level is lowered, the developer is discharged to a screw portion provided for feeding the developer. There is also a concern that the powder pressure of the developer is reduced, the discharge amount from the developer container does not catch up with the supply amount to the main body by the screw part, and the stability of the developer supply is impaired.

  In order to detect the near empty state by the developer level and to keep the supply amount by the screw part constant, the developer level in the developer container and the developer level at the developer outlet It is necessary to make the thickness above a certain level.

  However, the developer remaining in the bottle near near empty is in a state where a small amount of remaining developer spreads thinly on the bottom surface, and these are collected in one place to increase the liquid level of the developer such as the discharge port. However, it is difficult to detect near empty and raise the developer to a desired height for stable supply with the current developer container configuration. Therefore, it is desirable to realize a configuration in which the developer is collected in one place and lifted to a higher liquid level in the developer container.

  The object of the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and allows the developer to be collected in one place inside the developer container and further lifted to a higher liquid level position. An object of the present invention is to provide a developer container having a configuration.

  This image forming apparatus is a developer container that supplies and conveys developer to a developing device in an image forming apparatus by being driven to rotate around a rotation shaft arranged substantially horizontally by a driving device. It has a configuration.

  The developer is accommodated therein, a closed wall is provided at one end, and an opening is provided at the other end, and an inner wall surface of the main body along the direction in which the rotating shaft extends. In FIG. 5, a spiral portion provided with a convex spiral on the inside, a developer scooping region provided on the opening side, and a developer provided in a region on the opposite side of the main body portion across the developer scooping region A return prevention area; a buffer area provided in an area opposite to the developer scooping area across the developer return prevention area; and a cap member that closes the opening side of the main body.

  The spiral portion is provided so as to convey the developer accommodated therein toward the opening when the main body portion is driven to rotate about the rotation axis. The scooping area is provided to scoop up the developer conveyed by the spiral portion to a predetermined height position, and the developer return prevention area is a predetermined height position by the developer scooping area. It is provided so as to prevent the developer from returning to the main body after the developer that has been scooped up is transported and accumulated in the buffer region through the opening.

  In another embodiment, the developer scooping region has a cylindrical surface having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the main body, and the center of the cylindrical surface is eccentric with respect to the center position of the main body. And a part of the cylindrical surface circumscribes the inner wall of the main body, and a part of the cylindrical surface is inscribed in the opening.

  In another form, the developer scooping area has a spiral cylindrical shape with a gradually changing inner diameter, the maximum inner diameter part circumscribes the inner wall of the main body part, and the minimum inner diameter part inscribes the opening part. The center of the spiral cylindrical shape is the same as the center of the opening.

  In another form, the developer scooping area has a flat surface extending in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the rotation axis extends, and the flat surface faces the opening.

  In another embodiment, the width of the flat surface in the direction of the rotation axis is an angular range of one pitch of the convex spiral of the spiral portion and an entire circumference of the inner periphery of the main body 360. Or less than the ratio of the angle range other than the developer scooping area to.

  In another embodiment, the ratio of the height of the convex helix in one circumference in contact with the developer scooping area to the height of the helical convex in the other range is the total length of the inner circumference of the main body. It is larger than the ratio of the angle range other than the developer scooping area to the angle range of 360 °.

  In another embodiment, the angle range in which the developer scooping region is provided is an angle range of 80 ° to 100 °.

  In another embodiment, the flat surface of the developer scooping area is inclined downward from the opening toward the buffer area.

  In another embodiment, the convex spiral is provided on the flat surface of the developer scooping region, and the height of the convex spiral on the flat surface is the convex shape provided on the main body. It is more than the value which multiplied the ratio of the internal diameter of the said main-body part and the internal diameter of the said opening part with respect to the height of a spiral.

  In another embodiment, the wall surface of the developer return prevention area facing the buffer area is located on the same plane.

  On the inner surface of the cap member, a pair of wall members are provided so as to extend to positions where the opening is sandwiched from both sides.

The developer return prevention area is provided on the inner surface of the cap member.
The cap member has a wall surface on the main body side as the developer return prevention region. The wall surface is provided with an opening, and a position of a lowermost portion of the opening is the position of the opening. It is located above the lowermost position of a circle having the same area and the same center as the rotation axis.

  The cap member has a developer discharge port, and a distance from the developer return prevention region to the developer discharge port is not less than half the height of the bottom end of the opening from the bottom surface of the buffer region. is there.

  The cap member has a developer discharge port, and when the developer member falls from the developer toward the developer discharge port, the developer scooping region is prevented from being positioned directly below the developer discharge port. The relative angular position is adjusted.

  A mechanism for detecting the level of the developer in the buffer region is further provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developer container having a configuration in which the developer can be collected in one place inside the developer container and the developer can be lifted to a higher liquid level position. Become.

1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a developer container and a first transport step in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a III-III arrow directional cross-sectional view in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a developer container and a second transport step in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a developer container and a third transport step in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a developer container and a fourth transport step in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a developer container and a fifth transport step in the first embodiment. It is XI-XI arrow sectional drawing in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a developer storage container and a transport step in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure and a conveyance step after 180 ° rotation of a developer container in Embodiment 2. It is XV-XV arrow directional cross-sectional view in FIG. It is a figure corresponding to the XIII-XIII arrow directional cross section in FIG. 12 in the other form of Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flat surface constituting a developer scooping area inside a developer container in Embodiment 3 and a route of a spiral portion for one round in the vicinity thereof by a solid line. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view continuously showing the movement of developer conveyance according to the rotation angle of the main body in the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cross-sectional structure inside the main-body part in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view continuously showing the movement of developer conveyance according to the rotation angle of the main body in the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cross-sectional structure inside the main-body part in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view continuously showing the movement of developer conveyance according to the rotation angle of the main body in the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cross-sectional structure inside the main-body part in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view continuously showing the movement of developer conveyance according to the rotation angle of the main body in the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cross-sectional structure inside the main-body part in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view continuously showing the movement of developer conveyance according to the rotation angle of the main body in the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cross-sectional structure inside the main-body part in FIG. FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing an internal structure of a developer container in Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing a flat surface constituting a developer scooping region inside a developer container and a route of a spiral portion for one round in the vicinity thereof in a solid line in Embodiment 4; FIG. 10 is a second view showing the internal structure of the developer container in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating a flat surface constituting a developer scooping area inside the developer container in Embodiment 4 and a route of a spiral portion for one turn in the vicinity thereof by a solid line. FIG. 10 is a third view showing the internal structure of the developer container in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a developer scooping area inside a developer container in Embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a developer container in Embodiment 6. FIG. 10 shows an internal structure of a developer container in Embodiment 7. FIG. 20 shows an internal structure of a developer container in Embodiment 8. FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along line XXXVII-XXXVII in FIG. 36. FIG. 10 shows an internal structure of a developer container in Embodiment 9. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a structure of a cap member in a ninth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a cap member in a ninth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a structure of a cap member in a ninth embodiment. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a cap member in the tenth embodiment. FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a structure of a cap member in the tenth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the cap member in Embodiment 11. FIG. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an internal structure of a cap member in Embodiment 12. FIG. 25 is a first diagram illustrating a developer discharging operation state according to a rotation angle of a developer container in Embodiment 12. FIG. 25 is a first diagram illustrating a developer discharging operation state according to a rotation angle of a developer container in Embodiment 12. FIG. 25 is a second diagram illustrating a developer discharge operation state according to the rotation angle of the developer container in Embodiment 12. FIG. 25 is a third diagram illustrating a developer discharge operation state according to the rotation angle of the developer container in Embodiment 12. FIG. 24 is a fourth diagram illustrating a developer discharge operation state according to the rotation angle of the developer container in Embodiment 12. FIG. 25 is a fifth diagram illustrating a developer discharge operation state according to the rotation angle of the developer container in Embodiment 12. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a developer container in Embodiment 13.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, when referring to the number, amount, and the like, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the number, amount, and the like unless otherwise specified. The same parts and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may not be repeated. Further, in the drawings, there are some portions that are not illustrated in accordance with the ratio of actual dimensions, but are illustrated with the ratio changed so that the structure becomes clear in order to facilitate understanding of the structure. Appropriate combinations of the configurations in the respective embodiments are planned from the beginning.

(Embodiment 1: Image forming apparatus 1)
With reference to FIG. 1, a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 is a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, or the like, and an electrophotographic system is adopted as a process for forming an image on a sheet. In the electrophotographic system, a developer image which is a visible image is formed on a photoconductor, and this is transferred onto a sheet such as plain paper. In order to hold the developer image on the sheet as a permanent image on the sheet, the developer is fixed by, for example, passing through a heat fixing device, and then the paper medium is discharged out of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body casing 1 </ b> A. The main body casing 1 </ b> A includes an image forming unit 10 and a sheet feeding unit 20 that stores a plurality of sheets to be conveyed to the image forming unit 10 in a lower stage of the image forming unit 10. Including. A developing device is disposed in the image forming unit 10, and a developer replenishing device is used as the developing device. The developer replenishing device is normally supplied with a developer from a developer container (developer bottle) that can be replaced on the user side. The paper feed unit 20 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 30 that accumulate and store sheets of the same size or different sizes. Further, an operation panel 100 for performing various settings of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided on the upper portion of the main body housing 1A.

(Developer container 300)
Next, the configuration of the developer container 300 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a view showing the internal structure of the developer container 300 and the first transport step, and FIGS. 4, 6, 8, and 10 are views showing the second transport step to the fifth transport step of the developer container 300, 5, 7, 9, and 11 are diagrams showing an internal cross-sectional structure in each conveyance step.

  2 and 3, the developer container 300 is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 1, and a screw device 600 that conveys the developer to the developing apparatus on the image forming apparatus 1 side. It is the structure positioned with respect to. The screw device 600 is provided with a screw 610 therein, and sequentially sends the developer sequentially fed from the developer container 300 to the developing device. The developer container 300 is provided with developer discharge ports 340 and 440 described later, and communication with the screw device 600 is controlled by the shutter 500.

  Usually, before the developer container 300 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the developer discharge ports 340 and 440 are closed and the screw device 600 is also closed by the shutter 500. On the other hand, by attaching the developer container 300 to the image forming apparatus 1, the developer discharge ports 340 and 440 and the shutter 500 are opened.

  The developer container 300 is driven to rotate around a rotation axis Ch disposed substantially horizontally by a driving device 800 provided on the image forming apparatus 1 side, so that the developing device in the image forming apparatus 1 has developer TP. Feed and transport.

  A developer container TP is accommodated in the developer container 300, a cylindrical body 300m having a closed wall 300a at one end and an opening 300b at the other end, and a rotation shaft Ch. Along the direction, the main body 300m is sandwiched between the spiral portion 300p provided with a convex spiral on the inner wall surface of the main body portion 300m, the developer scooping area 310 provided on the opening 300b side, and the developer scooping area 310. A developer return prevention region 320 provided in a region opposite to the portion 300m, a buffer region 330 provided in a region opposite to the developer scooping region 310 across the developer return prevention region 320, and a main body And a cap member 400 that closes the opening 300b side of the portion 300m.

  The spiral portion 300p is provided so as to convey the developer TP accommodated therein toward the opening 300b when the main body portion 300m is driven to rotate about the rotation axis Ch.

  The developer scooping area 310 is provided to scoop up the developer TP conveyed by the spiral portion 300p to a predetermined height position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the developer scooping area 310 310 has a flat surface 310p extending in a direction intersecting the direction in which the rotation axis Ch extends (D-cut shape), and the flat surface 310p faces the opening 300b.

  In the developer return prevention area 320, the developer TP scooped up to a predetermined height by the developer scoop area 310 is transported and accumulated in the buffer area 330 through the opening 300b, and then the developer TP is stored in the main body. It is provided so as to prevent returning to the part 300m side. Specifically, the wall surface 320p that protrudes outward in the radial direction from the opening 300b functions as the developer return prevention region 320.

  The buffer area 330 is an area provided in an area opposite to the developer scooping area 310 across the developer return prevention area 320. Specifically, the space is defined by a region sandwiched between the wall surface 320p and the cap member 400.

  The developer container 300 having the above-described configuration is made of resin and can be manufactured using a blow molding method.

(Developer TP transport step)
The developer transporting step will be described with reference to FIGS. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, sufficient developer TP is stored in developer storage container 300. Here, the sufficient developer TP means a state in which the liquid level TPS of the developer TP is located above the lowermost position of the opening 300b in the entire developer container 300. In the state (rotation angle) shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flat surface 310p of the developer scooping area 310 is located directly above. Note that the developer is a dry member containing toner particles as a main component, but its behavior is similar to that of a liquid, so the surface of the developer is expressed as a liquid level.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the height h1 of the liquid level TPS of the developer TP in the buffer region 330 is located below the lowermost end of the opening 300b, and the developer TP in the buffer region 330 is This shows a case where the amount of the developer TP is insufficient.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the developer container 300 also serves as a developer discharging means, and the developer container 300 is rotated by a driving device 800 that rotates the developer container 300. The developer scooping area provided in the vicinity of the opening 300b where the spiral portion 300p on the inner peripheral surface provides a transport force to the developer and the developer TP serves as a discharge port by being rotated as the rotation center of the shaft Ch. It is conveyed to 310 and temporarily stored there. Next, by the rotation of the developer container 300, the developer stored on the flat surface 310p of the developer scooping area 310 is scooped up from below.

  Next, referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the developer TP scooped up by the flat surface 310 p and moved on the flat surface 310 p is an opening provided in the wall surface 320 p that functions as the developer return prevention region 320. Pass 310p. Thereafter, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, developer TP that has passed through opening 310p falls to buffer region 330 defined by the region sandwiched between wall surface 320p and cap member 400 (arrow in FIG. 8). A1), it will be accumulated.

  Once the developer TP has fallen into the buffer region 330, it does not return to the inside of the developer container 300 again unless the liquid level TPS of the developer exceeds the height (h2) of the opening 300b in the buffer region 330. Absent. Therefore, if the amount of developer supplied by the screw device 600 is designed to exceed the amount of conveyance by the spiral portion 300p in the developer container 300 and the developer scooping area 310, the developer container 300 Until the interior becomes empty, the liquid level TPS of the developer TP is always kept at the height (h2) of the opening 300b.

  Further, the developer is stably replenished to the developing device by measuring and feeding the developer with a screw 610 provided in the screw device 600 and controlling the replenishment amount. The developer container 300 connected to the screw device 600 needs to supply the developer to the screw device 600 so as to always fill the inside of the screw device 600 as a sufficient amount for stably supplying the developer TP ( Developer transport amount of screw device 600 <Developer supply amount of developer container 300).

  Therefore, in order to stabilize the supply of the developer by the screw device 600, a sufficient discharge amount of the developer TP from the developer container 300 is necessary, which is the developer TP above the developer discharge ports 340 and 440. This can be achieved by securing the height of the liquid level TPS above a certain level. Further, securing the height of the liquid level TPS above a certain level can also be expected to suppress variations in the relationship between the liquid level TPS and the remaining amount of the developer TP and make near-empty detection easier.

(Embodiment 2: Developer container 300A)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the internal structure of the developer container 300A in the second embodiment will be described. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the developer container 300A, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is an internal view after the developer container 300A is rotated 180 °. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. It is.

  Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the basic configuration of developer container 300 </ b> A in the present embodiment is the same as developer container 300 in the first embodiment. The difference is that the developer scooping area 310 has a cylindrical surface 310s having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the main body 300m. The center of the cylindrical surface 310s is positioned so as to be eccentric with respect to the center position of the main body 300m, a part of the cylindrical surface 310s circumscribes the inner wall of the main body 300m, and a part of the cylindrical surface 310s It is inscribed in the opening 300b.

  Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when developer container 300A is rotated 180 °, a part of cylindrical surface 310s inscribed in opening 300b is positioned below, and cylindrical surface 310s. The developer PT scooped up can pass through the opening 310 p and fall into the buffer region 330.

  By adopting the cylindrical surface 310s having such a form as the developer scooping region 310, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the cylindrical surface 310s is a curved surface. The movement of the developer is made smooth, and it is possible to scoop up without causing the developer to vibrate so as to prevent the movement.

  Although the cylindrical surface 310s shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 has a circular shape, the cylindrical surface 310s does not necessarily have a circular shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the cylindrical surface 310s may have a spiral cylindrical shape whose inner diameter gradually changes. Good. In this case, the maximum inner diameter part circumscribes the inner wall of the main body part 300m, the minimum inner diameter part inscribes the opening 300b, and the center of the spiral cylindrical shape and the center of the opening 300b are provided to be the same. It has been. Even with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect.

(Embodiment 3: Developer container 300B)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 27, the internal structure of the developer container 300B in the third embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300 in the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flat surface 310p constituting the developer scooping area 310 in the developer containing container 300B and the route of the spiral portion 300p for one round in the vicinity thereof by a solid line (the convex portion). (The illustration is omitted). FIGS. 18 to 27 are cross-sectional views continuously showing the movement of the developer TP according to the rotation angle of the main body, and FIGS. 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 are respectively shown. FIGS. 19, 21, 23, and 25 are diagrams showing the internal cross-sectional structure of the developer container.

  Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, the width of flat surface 310p is W1, and one pitch of spiral portion 300p is P1. In FIG. 17, among the solid lines indicating the route of the spiral portion 300p, the spiral portion 300p of the thick line portion (L1) is an area that does not contribute to the transport of the developer TP.

  Specifically, when the flat surface 310p is formed into a D-cut shape by deformation of the inner wall surface of the main body portion 300m, a side wall 310p1 is formed below the flat surface 310p, and the spiral portion 300p of the main body portion 300m is connected to the main body portion. Even when the developer remaining on the bottom surface of 300 m is transported, when the side wall 310p1 is positioned on the lower side, the transport of the developer is temporarily hindered, and the developer may enter the region above the flat surface 310p. Can not.

  As a result, the main body 300m continues to rotate until the side wall 310p1 is lifted up without the developer TP being conveyed. Thereafter, the developer can move to the range of the width (W1) of the flat surface 310p after the side wall 310p1 finishes lifting until the flat surface 310p starts to scoop up the developer TP again.

  For example, at the rotational position shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the developer TP stored in the range of the width of the flat surface 310p is started to scoop on the flat surface 310p. Next, in the rotational position shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the main body 300m further rotates, the spiral portion 300p on the bottom surface of the main body 300m further conveys the developer TP. Next, in the rotational positions shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 and FIGS. 24 and 25, the side wall 310p1 serves as a barrier, and the developer TP remains in place.

  26 and 27, when the opposite end of the flat surface 310p rotates again to the position of the bottom surface of the main body 300m, the developer moves toward the flat surface 310p. To start. In FIG. 26, the distance indicated by p2 indicates the distance that the convex spiral of the spiral portion 300p has moved without conveying the developer.

  As described above, the developer TP is transported when the portion of the line L2 is located below the route of the spiral portion 300p shown in the perspective view of FIG. 17, and the distance traveled thereby is the spiral portion 300p. 1 pitch length (P1) of the convex helix of the main body 300m is equal to or less than the ratio of the angular range other than the developer scooping area 310 to 360 ° which is the angular range of the entire inner peripheral length of the main body 300m. Is preferred. This is because when the width (W1) of the developer scooping area 310 exceeds this length, it includes a width that does not contribute to the scooping function of the developer TP, which is useless.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those in the first embodiment. Further, the width W1 of the flat surface 310p in the direction of the rotation axis Ch is a length of one pitch of the convex spiral of the spiral portion 300p, and the developer with respect to 360 ° which is an angular range of the entire inner peripheral length of the main body portion 300m. By multiplying the ratio of the angular range other than the scooping area 310, the developer TP can be transported more efficiently.

(Embodiment 4: Developer container 300C)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 28 to 32, the internal structure of the developer container 300C in the fourth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300 in the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 28 is a first view showing the internal structure of the developer container 300C, and FIG. 29 is a flat surface 310p constituting the developer scooping area 310 in the developer container 300C and one round in the vicinity thereof. FIG. 30 is a second view showing the internal structure of the developer container 300C, and FIG. 31 is a developer inside the developer container 300C. FIG. 32 is a second diagram showing the flat surface 310p constituting the scooping region 310 and the route of the spiral portion 300p for one round in the vicinity thereof, and FIG. 32 is a third diagram showing the internal structure of the developer container 300C. FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, the pitch of the convex spiral of the spiral portion 300p is defined as p2. When the developer TP remains at the same height as the convex spiral, if the main body 300m is rotated once, the developer TP advances by p2. However, as described in the third embodiment, among the convex spirals for one round immediately before the developer scooping area 310, the convex spiral within the angle range of the developer scooping area 310 is not allowed to remove the developer TP. Even if it is pushed, the side wall 310p1 becomes a barrier, and the developer TP remains in place.

  Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, suppose that the length of “convex helix outside the angle range of developer scooping area 310” is A (the length of line L2), and the angle range of developer scooping area 310 is When the length of the “convex spiral” is B (the length of the line L1), the distance “a” to which the developer is fed by one rotation of the main body 300m is expressed as [A / (A + B)) × p2]. .

  If the amount of the developer TP in the main body 300m is small and the liquid level TPS of the developer TP is sufficiently lower than the height “h” of the convex spiral, the main body 300m makes one pitch (ie, one pitch) Even if the developer (p2 minutes) is fed into the width A, the excess developer TP (the feed width is “p2-A”, which is B) is applied to the side wall 310p1. The width A can be accommodated by riding on the subsequent developer TP.

  However, when the developer TP in the main body 300m is up to the height h of the convex helix, this surplus cannot be accommodated in the width A and flows back over the convex helix. As a result, the amount of developer TP conveyed to the flat surface 310p of the developer scooping area 310 is reduced.

  The configuration in the third embodiment has a configuration in which useless space is saved by narrowing the width of the scooping portion as much as the developer feed amount is reduced. The purpose is to prevent the back flow of the agent TP and to eliminate the decrease in the feed amount of the developer TP.

  Referring to FIG. 32, that is, in the present embodiment, the ratio of the height of the convex spiral in one circumferential range in contact with developer scooping area 310 to the height of the spiral convex portion in the other range is the main body portion 300m. Is larger than the ratio of the angular range other than the developer scooping area 310 to 360 °, which is the angular range of the entire inner circumferential length.

  By increasing the height of one week of the convex helix just before the developer scooping area 310 from “h” to “h ′”, the reverse flow of the developer TP is prevented, and p2 which is one pitch in the width “A” Therefore, the height of the developer TP is regulated. In order to accommodate the developer “TP” having the height “h” at one pitch (p2) in the range of the width “A”, the height of the convex helix is “h ′” [(p2 / A) Xh] is enough.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as in the third embodiment. Furthermore, the ratio of the height of the convex spiral in one circumferential range in contact with the developer scooping area 310 and the height of the spiral convex portion in the other range is 360 °, which is the angular range of the entire inner circumferential length of the main body 300m. By providing a larger angle ratio than the developer scooping area 310, the reverse flow of the developer TP can be prevented and the decrease in the feed amount of the developer TP can be eliminated.

(Embodiment 5: developer container 300D)
Next, with reference to FIG. 33, the internal structure of developer storage container 300D in the fifth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300 in the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing a developer scooping area 310 inside the developer container 300D.

  As described in the above embodiment, when the angle range of the developer scooping region 310 is increased, the angle range in which the spiral convex portion does not transport the developer TP is increased, and the transport efficiency of the developer TP is reduced. On the other hand, if the angle range is reduced, there is a concern that blow molding becomes difficult. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the angle range of the developer scooping area 310 is limited. In FIG. 33, θ1 indicates the angle range of the developer scooping area 310, and θ2 indicates a range other than the angle range of the developer scooping area 310.

  Specifically, the angle range (θ1) in which the developer scooping area 310 is provided is limited to an angle range of 80 ° to 100 °. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33, the developer scooping region 310 is formed in the region sandwiched between the flat surface 310pa and the flat surface 310pb (the range of θ2), and the side wall 310p1 is formed in the angle range of θ1. It will be.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as in the third embodiment. Furthermore, the ratio of the height of the convex spiral in one circumferential range in contact with the developer scooping area 310 and the height of the spiral convex portion in the other range is 360 °, which is the angular range of the entire inner circumferential length of the main body 300m. By providing a larger angle ratio than the developer scooping area 310, the reverse flow of the developer TP can be prevented and the decrease in the feed amount of the developer TP can be eliminated.

(Embodiment 6: developer container 300E)
Next, with reference to FIG. 34, the internal structure of the developer container 300E in the sixth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300 in the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 34 is a view showing the internal structure of the developer container 300E.

  In the developer container 300E in the present embodiment, the flat surface 310p of the developer scooping area 310 is inclined downward from the opening 300b toward the buffer area 330.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those in the first embodiment. Further, since the flat surface 310p is inclined downward, the developer TP on the bottom surface of the main body portion 300m is not transported to the opening portion 300b by the rotation of the main body portion 300m, and further from the opening portion 300b to the buffer region 330. Since the developer TP can be dropped, a positive transport effect can be obtained. This inclination may be added as a support for the convex spiral as the developer conveying member, or may be installed instead of the convex spiral.

(Embodiment 7: developer container 300F)
Next, with reference to FIG. 35, the internal structure of the developer container 300F in the seventh embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300 in the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the developer container 300F.

  The developer container 300F in the present embodiment is higher in height than the height (h) of the convex spiral formed on the inner wall surface of the main body 300m on the upper surface of the flat surface 310p of the developer scooping area 310. (H2) By providing the convex spiral, it is possible to prevent the developer TP scooped up once from dropping again to the bottom surface of the main body 300m.

  When the convex spiral on the side surface of the main body 300m is also arranged on the flat surface 310p with the pitch length as it is, the developer TP for one pitch of the convex spiral is placed between one pitch of the flat surface 310p. Accordingly, the height of the developer TP in the developer scooping area 310 is increased by the ratio of the diameter of the main body 300m and the opening 300b. Therefore, the height of the convex spiral on the flat surface 310p is increased accordingly.

  More preferably, the height (h2) of the convex helix on the flat surface 310p is equal to the height (h) of the convex helix provided on the main body 300m and the inner diameter and the opening of the main body 300m. It is good to provide more than the value which multiplied the ratio with the inside diameter of 300b. As a result, the developer TP scooped up from the main body 300m can be prevented from falling onto the bottom surface of the main body 300m.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, by providing a convex spiral on the flat surface 310p, it is possible to prevent the developer TP scooped up from the main body 300m from falling on the bottom surface of the main body 300m.

(Embodiment 8: Developer container 300G)
Next, with reference to FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, the internal structure of the developer container 300G in the eighth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300 in the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. 36 is a view showing the internal structure of the developer container 300G, and FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXVII-XXXVII in FIG.

  In the developer container 300G in the present embodiment, the wall surface 320p facing the buffer region 330 of the developer return prevention region 320 is provided so as to be located on the same plane. Thus, by making the wall surface 320p the same plane, it is possible to prevent the liquid level of the developer TP in the buffer region 330 from changing due to the rotation of the main body 300m. As a result, it is possible to ensure the stability of the developer TP supply by the screw device 600 (see FIG. 2).

  Further, in the developer container 300G in the present embodiment, in the buffer region 330, a pair of wall members 410 are provided on the inner surface of the cap member 400 so as to extend to a position where the opening 300b is sandwiched from both sides. . By adopting this configuration, since the space as the buffer region 330 is limited, the liquid level of the developer TP flowing out from the opening 300b to the buffer region 330 can be increased more efficiently. . As a result, it is possible to ensure the stability of the developer TP supply by the screw device 600 (see FIG. 2).

  As described above, also in the developer storage container 300G in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those in the first embodiment. Further, the stability of the supply of the developer TP by the screw device 600 (see FIG. 2) is ensured by making the wall surface 320p the same plane and providing the pair of wall members 410 on the inner surface of the cap member 400. Make it possible.

(Embodiment 9: developer container 300H)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 38 to 41, the internal structure of the developer container 300H in Embodiment 9 will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300 in the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 38 is a view showing the internal structure of the developer container 300H, FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing the structure of the cap member 400H in the ninth embodiment, and FIG. 40 is the structure of the cap member 400 in the ninth embodiment. FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing the structure of the cap member 400 in the ninth embodiment.

  40 and 41, the cap member 400 according to the first embodiment has an opening formed in the developer return prevention region 320 when the wall surface 320p as the developer return prevention region 320 is formed on the main body 300m side. The part 300b also rotates together with the main body part 300m. Therefore, the liquid level TPS height of the developer TP cannot be brought beyond the position of the lowest point of the opening 300b that rotates 360 °. Therefore, the shape of the opening 300b is limited in the region where the opening is provided. The opening 400f provided in the cap member 400 is also circular.

  On the other hand, the cap member 400H in the present embodiment is provided with a developer return prevention region 320 on the inner surface thereof. More specifically, since the cap member 400 does not rotate together with the main body portion 300m, a wall surface 400c is provided on the main body portion 300m side, and the liquid level of the developer TP for which the opening range provided on the wall surface 400c is desired to be maintained. In this embodiment, a semicircular opening 400d is provided on the upper side. As a result, the developer TP can be sent to the buffer region 330 more efficiently.

  As described above, also in the developer storage container 300H in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, by providing the developer return prevention area 320 on the cap member 400 side, the developer TP can be more efficiently fed into the buffer area 330.

(Embodiment 10: developer container 300I)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 42 and 43, the internal structure of the developer container 300I in the tenth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300H in the ninth embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 42 is a schematic view showing the structure of the cap member 400I in the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing the structure of the cap member 400I in the tenth embodiment.

  The cap member 400I in the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 is provided with a wall surface 400c as a developer return prevention region 320 on the inner surface thereof. Further, since the cap member 400I does not rotate, the wall surface 400c is provided with an opening 400b, and the lowermost position of the opening 400b has the same area as the opening 400b and the same center as the rotation axis Ch. It is located above the lowest position of the circle. That is, the opening 400b is provided at a higher position.

  As described above, also in the developer storage container 300I in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those in the ninth embodiment. Furthermore, by providing the opening 400b at a higher position, the liquid level of the developer TP in the buffer region 330 can be increased more efficiently. As a result, it is possible to ensure the stability of the developer TP supply by the screw device 600 (see FIG. 2).

(Embodiment 11: Developer container 300J)
Next, with reference to FIG. 44, the internal structure of the developer container 300J in Embodiment 11 will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300I in the tenth embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the cap member 400J in the eleventh embodiment.

  In the cap member 400J according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 44, the developer TP dropped from the openings 300b and 400b is located at the liquid level of the developer TP just above the developer discharge ports 340 and 440. There is a possibility that abrupt fluctuations in the powder pressure of the screw device 600 may occur, resulting in variations in developer conveyance. In order to prevent this, the positions of the developer discharge ports 340 and 440 are restricted.

  As shown in FIG. 44, specifically, the distance (B) from the developer return prevention region 320 to the developer discharge ports 340 and 440 is the bottom end of the openings 300b and 400b from the bottom surface of the buffer region 330. It is preferable that it is at least half of the height (A) (B> (A / 2)).

  As described above, also in the developer storage container 300J in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those in the above-described Embodiment 10. Furthermore, by restricting the positions of the developer discharge ports 340 and 440, it is possible to avoid sudden fluctuations in the powder pressure of the screw device 600 and to suppress the developer conveyance variation.

(Embodiment 12: developer container 300K)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 45 to 51, the internal structure of the developer container 300K in the twelfth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300 in the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the cap member 400K according to the twelfth embodiment, and FIGS. 46 to 51 illustrate first to first developer discharge operation states corresponding to the rotation angle of the developer container 300K. FIG.

  In cap member 400K in the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, as with developer accommodating container 300J in the eleventh embodiment, when falling from developer TP toward the developer discharge port, the developer The relative angular position with respect to the developer scooping area 310 is adjusted so that the discharge port is not located directly below.

  Specifically, at the developer discharge port 340 provided on the main body 300m side and the developer discharge port 440 provided on the cap member 400K side, the developer discharge port 340 and the development are synchronized with the rotation of the main body 300m. Only when the agent discharge port 440 overlaps, the developer TP can be provided on the screw device 600 (see FIG. 2) side. Specifically, the developer discharge port 340 of the main body 300m is not positioned in the rotational position range of the main body 300m where the developer TP falls. 45 and 46, an arc-shaped scooping surface 310m is employed as the developer scooping area 310.

  With reference to FIGS. 47 to 51, the developer discharging operation state corresponding to the rotation angle of the developer container 300K will be described. 47, scooping up of developer TP is started by scooping surface 310m. Referring to FIG. 48, when the rotation proceeds, scooping surface 310m reaches the height of opening 300b, and the outflow of developer TP from opening 300b to buffer region 330 is started. Referring to FIG. 49, the further rotation further accelerates the outflow of developer TP from opening 300b to buffer region 330.

  When rotated to the position shown in FIG. 50, the outflow of the developer TP from the opening 300b to the buffer region 330 is completed. In order to prevent the developer discharge port 340 and the developer discharge port 440 from overlapping each other until the rotation position is reached, as shown in FIG. 51, the main body is located in a region other than the range indicated by R1 in the drawing. A developer discharge port 340 on the portion 300m side is provided.

  As described above, according to the developer container 300K in the present embodiment, the developer discharge port can be prevented from being positioned directly below when falling from the developer TP toward the developer discharge port. . As a result, the powder pressure applied by the screw device 600 (see FIG. 2) is suppressed from abruptly changing so that the developer discharge port 340 and the developer discharge port 440 overlap when the liquid level of the developer TP is stable. can do. As a result, it is possible to ensure the stability of the developer TP supply by the screw device 600 (see FIG. 2).

(Embodiment 13: developer container 300L)
Next, with reference to FIG. 52, an internal structure of developer storage container 300L in the thirteenth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the developer container 300 in the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described below. FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of developer container 300L in the thirteenth embodiment.

  The developer container 300L in the present embodiment further includes a mechanism for detecting the liquid level height of the developer TP in the buffer region 330. Specifically, a member whose behavior is changed by receiving the force depending on the liquid level height of the developer TP, for example, a plate-like member 700 is applied, the end portion thereof is led out to the developer container 300L, and the behavior of the end portion is determined. By detecting this with a sensor or the like, the liquid level of the developer TP can be detected.

  As described above, according to the developer container 300L in the present embodiment, by detecting the height position of the liquid level TPS of the developer TP in the part of the buffer region 330 that has been raised by the developer TP fed into the buffer region 330. Thus, it becomes possible to know the near empty timing of the developer TP more accurately.

  As described above, according to the developer container in each of the above-described embodiments, a buffer area is provided in a part of the developer container, and the buffer area does not leave the developer in the developer container that has a small remaining amount. And the developer return prevention area can be used to maintain the developer level required for near-empty detection and stable supply of developer.

  As a result, the developer of the screw device 600 can be stably supplied, abrupt fluctuations in the powder pressure of the screw device 600 can be avoided, and the developer conveyance variation can be suppressed.

  It should be considered that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus, 1A main body housing, 10 Image forming part, 20 Paper feed part, 30 Paper feed cassette, 100 Operation panel, 300, 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F, 300G, 300H, 300I, 300J , 300K, 300L developer container, 300a closed wall, 300b, 310p, 400b, 400d, 400f opening, 300m body, 300p spiral, 310 region, 310m scooping surface, 310p, 310pa, 310pb flat surface, 310p1 Side wall, 310s cylindrical surface, 320 developer return prevention region, 320p, 400c wall surface, 330 buffer region, 340, 440 developer discharge port, 400, 400H, 400I, 400J, 400K cap member, 410 wall member, 500 shutter -600 screw device, 610 screw, 700 plate member, 800 drive device.

Claims (16)

A developer container for supplying and transporting a developer to a developing device in the image forming apparatus by being driven to rotate about a rotation shaft disposed substantially horizontally by a driving device;
A cylindrical main body portion in which the developer is housed, a blocking wall is provided at one end, and an opening is provided at the other end;
A spiral portion in which a convex spiral is provided on the inner wall surface of the main body portion along the direction in which the rotation axis extends, and
A developer scooping area provided on the opening side;
A developer return prevention region provided in a region opposite to the main body portion across the developer scooping region;
A buffer area provided in an area opposite to the developer scooping area across the developer return prevention area,
A cap member for closing the opening side of the main body,
With
The spiral portion is provided so that the main body portion is driven to rotate around the rotation axis, thereby conveying the developer accommodated therein toward the opening,
The developer scooping area is provided to scoop up the developer transported by the spiral portion to a predetermined height position,
In the developer return prevention area, after the developer scooped up to a predetermined height position by the developer scooping area passes through the opening and is accumulated in the buffer area, the developer is stored in the buffer area. A developer container that is provided so as to be prevented from returning to the main body side. The developer scooping area is
A cylindrical surface having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the main body,
The center of the cylindrical surface is located so as to be eccentric with respect to the center position of the main body part,
A part of the cylindrical surface circumscribes the inner wall of the main body,
The developer container according to claim 1, wherein a part of the cylindrical surface is inscribed in the opening. The developer scooping area is
A spiral cylindrical shape with gradually changing inner diameter,
The maximum inner diameter part circumscribes the inner wall of the main body part,
The smallest part of the inner diameter is inscribed in the opening,
The developer container according to claim 1, wherein a center of the spiral cylindrical shape and a center of the opening are the same. The developer scooping area is
A flat surface extending in a direction intersecting the direction in which the rotation axis extends;
The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the flat surface faces the opening. The width of the flat surface in the rotation axis direction is:
In the length of one pitch of the convex spiral of the spiral portion,
5. The developer container according to claim 4, which is equal to or less than a ratio of an angular range other than the developer scooping area to 360 ° that is an angular range of an inner peripheral total length of the main body portion.   The ratio of the height of the convex helix in one circumferential range in contact with the developer scooping area to the height of the helical convex portion in the other range is an angular range of the entire inner circumferential length of the main body portion of 360 °. The developer storage container according to claim 4, wherein the developer storage container is larger than a ratio of an angle range other than the developer scooping area.   The developer container according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein an angle range in which the developer scooping region is provided is an angle range of 80 ° or more and 100 ° or less.   The developer container according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the flat surface of the developer scooping region is inclined downward from the opening toward the buffer region. The convex helix is provided on the flat surface of the developer scooping area;
The height of the convex helix above the flat surface is:
9. The method according to claim 4, wherein the height of the convex helix provided in the main body is equal to or greater than a value obtained by multiplying a ratio between an inner diameter of the main body and an inner diameter of the opening. The developer container according to Item.   The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a wall surface of the developer return prevention region facing the buffer region is located on the same plane.   11. The developer storage according to claim 1, wherein a pair of wall members are provided on an inner surface of the cap member so as to extend to a position where the opening is sandwiched from both sides. container.   The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the developer return prevention area is provided on an inner surface of the cap member. The cap member has a wall surface on the main body side as the developer return prevention region,
The wall is provided with an opening, and the lowermost position of the opening is located above the lowermost position of a circle having the same area as the opening and the same center as the rotation axis. The developer container according to claim 12. The cap member has a developer discharge port,
The distance from the developer return prevention region to the developer discharge port is at least half of the height of the lowermost end portion of the opening from the bottom surface of the buffer region. The developer container according to Item. The cap member has a developer discharge port,
The relative angular position with respect to the developer scooping area is adjusted so that the developer discharge port is not positioned directly below when falling from the developer toward the developer discharge port. The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 14.   The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a mechanism for detecting a liquid level height of the developer in the buffer region.

Images