JP2017146332A - Powder supply device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a powder supply device that can reliably close a discharge port of a powder container with a plug member without inclining the plug member with respect to the discharge port of the powder container, with an opening/closing mechanism for opening/closing the discharge port of the powder container with the plug member, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: In a process of closing a toner discharge port W (discharge port) of a container body 33Y with a cap 34Y (plug member) gripped by a hook 92a in a cap opening/closing mechanism 92 (opening/closing mechanism), a guide member 91a is provided that is in contact with a slider 92c and when the cap 34Y moves in a normal direction with respect to the toner discharge port W while inclined together with the slider 92c, guides the slider 92c to face the toner discharge port W together with the cap 34Y.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder replenishing device that replenishes powder such as toner contained in a powder container toward a replenishment body such as a developing device, and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof, a cap (plug member) installed at a toner discharge port (discharge port) of a toner storage container (powder container) is opened. 2. Description of the Related Art A toner replenishing device (powder replenishing device) provided with a cap inner cap attaching / detaching means (opening / closing mechanism) for plugging and closing is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Specifically, in Patent Document 1, the toner storage container (powder container) is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body (toner replenishing apparatus), and the toner discharge is performed by the cap inner plug attaching / detaching means (opening / closing mechanism). A cap (plug member) installed at the outlet (discharge port) is opened and closed. Then, the toner can be discharged from the toner discharge port of the toner storage container in a state where the cap is opened by the cap inner plug attaching / detaching means, and the toner replenishing device is operated, so that the development from the toner storage container can be performed. The toner is appropriately supplied to the apparatus. When the toner stored in the toner storage container becomes empty, the empty toner storage container is removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus after the cap is closed by the cap inner plug attaching / detaching means.

  Here, in Patent Document 1, the cap inner plug attaching / detaching means (opening / closing mechanism) includes a collect chuck (hook) formed with a plurality of elastically deformable knobs divided at the front end portion, and a rear end side of the collect chuck. Consists of a cylindrical core that contains toner, a coil spring that urges the cylindrical core toward the toner storage container, and a cam mechanism that moves the collect chuck toward and away from the toner storage container. Has been. At the time of opening, the cylindrical core is resisted against the spring force of the coil spring by moving the collect chuck in the direction of separating the collect chuck by the cam mechanism with respect to the toner storage container mounted on the toner supply device. The collect chuck moves relative to the separation direction, and the plurality of knobs are elastically deformed to enter the inside of the cylindrical core and grip the protrusions of the cap. The cap is removed from the discharge port. Further, at the time of closing, the collect chuck is moved against the cylindrical core by the spring force of the coil spring by moving the collect chuck toward the toner storage container mounted on the toner replenishing device by the cam mechanism. The toner in the toner storage container is moved in the proximity direction to release the elastic deformation of the plurality of knobs while moving to the outside of the cylindrical core, and the cap protrusion is released. A cap is attached to the discharge port.

  In the above-described conventional toner replenishing device (powder replenishing device), the cap (plug member) is closed with respect to the toner discharge port (discharge port) of the toner container by the cap inner plug attaching / detaching means (opening / closing mechanism). In this case, the cap does not face the toner discharge port and moves in a tilted state, which may cause a cap closing failure with respect to the toner discharge port.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the plug member is inclined with respect to the discharge port of the powder container by an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the plug member in the powder container. It is an object of the present invention to provide a powder replenishing device and an image forming apparatus that can be surely closed without any trouble.

  The powder replenishing device according to the present invention is a powder replenishing device that replenishes the powder contained in the powder container toward the replenished body, and is detachably installed at the discharge port of the container body in the powder container. An opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the stopper member, and the opening / closing mechanism is spaced apart with the direction close to the discharge port of the powder container mounted on the powder replenishing device as a positive direction. A slider that is movable in the forward and reverse directions with the direction to be moved in the reverse direction, and the plug member in conjunction with the movement of the slider in the reverse and forward directions while the powder container is mounted on the powder replenishing device. A hook formed so as to be able to grip and release the protrusion of the plug, and in the process of closing the plug member held by the hook to the discharge port of the container body, The plug member is A guide member is provided that guides the slider so that the slider faces the discharge port together with the plug member when the slider moves in the positive direction while being inclined with the slider. It is.

  According to the present invention, the opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the plug member in the powder container can reliably close the plug member without inclining the plug member with respect to the discharge port of the powder container. A replenishing device and an image forming apparatus can be provided.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating a toner replenishing device and its vicinity. It is sectional drawing which shows an image formation part. It is sectional drawing which shows a powder pump and a sub hopper. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a toner container is attached to the toner supply device. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a toner container is mounted on the toner supply device. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of opening a cap of a toner container in the toner supply device. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the hook was open | released in the cap opening / closing mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the hook was closed in the cap opening / closing mechanism. In a cap opening-and-closing mechanism, it is a sectional view showing the state where (A) a hook was opened, and (B) a sectional view showing a state where a hook was closed. It is a perspective view which shows the slider in a cap opening / closing mechanism. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the hook and holder in a cap opening / closing mechanism. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cap of a toner container. It is the schematic which shows operation | movement when a slider inclines at the time of closure. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation when the slider is tilted, following FIG. 14. It is the schematic which shows the operation | movement at the time of closing in the conventional cap opening / closing mechanism. It is the schematic which shows the principal part of the cap opening / closing mechanism as a modification. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation of a main part of a toner supply device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

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

Embodiment 1 FIG.
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
First, the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a printer as an image forming apparatus, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a toner supply device (powder supply device) and its vicinity, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing an image forming unit. It is.
As shown in FIG. 1, a substantially cylindrical toner container of four colors corresponding to each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) is provided in an installation section 31 (toner container receiving table) above the image forming apparatus main body 100. 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K (powder containers) are detachably mounted (replaceable). Further, hoppers 81Y, 81M, 81C, 81K of toner replenishing devices are disposed below the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, respectively.
An intermediate transfer unit 15 is disposed below the installation unit 31. Image forming portions 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K corresponding to the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are arranged in parallel so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 8 of the intermediate transfer unit 15.

  Referring to FIG. 3, an image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow includes a photosensitive drum 1Y as an image carrier, a charging unit 4Y disposed around the photosensitive drum 1Y, and a developing device as a replenishment member. 5Y (developing part), cleaning part 2Y, static elimination part, etc. are comprised. Then, an image forming process (charging process, exposure process, developing process, transfer process, cleaning process) is performed on the photosensitive drum 1Y, and a yellow image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1Y.

  The other three image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K have substantially the same configuration as that of the image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow except that the color of the toner used is different. A corresponding image is formed. Hereinafter, description of the other three image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K will be omitted as appropriate, and only the image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow will be described.

Referring to FIG. 3, photosensitive drum 1Y as an image carrier is rotationally driven in a clockwise direction in FIG. 3 by a motor. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y is uniformly charged at the position of the charging unit 4Y (a charging process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches the irradiation position of the laser beam L emitted from the exposure unit 7 (writing unit), and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow is formed by exposure scanning at this position. (It is an exposure process.)

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the developing device 5Y, and the electrostatic latent image is developed at this position to form a yellow toner image (developing process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the first transfer bias roller 9Y, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 at this position. (This is a primary transfer step.) At this time, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the photosensitive drum 1Y.

Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 2Y, and untransferred toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 1Y is collected at this position (cleaning process).
Finally, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the neutralization unit, and the residual potential on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed at this position.
Thus, a series of image forming processes performed on the photosensitive drum 1Y is completed.

The image forming process described above is performed in the other image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K in the same manner as the yellow image forming unit 6Y. That is, the laser beam L based on the image information is emitted from the exposure unit 7 disposed below the image forming unit onto the photosensitive drums of the image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K. Specifically, the exposure unit 7 emits laser light L from a light source, and irradiates the photosensitive drum through a plurality of optical elements while scanning the laser light L with a polygon mirror that is rotationally driven.
Thereafter, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photosensitive drums through the developing process are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in an overlapping manner. In this way, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Here, the intermediate transfer unit 15 includes an intermediate transfer belt 8, four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K, a secondary transfer backup roller 12, a cleaning backup roller 13, a tension roller 14, and an intermediate transfer cleaning unit 10. Etc. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is stretched and supported by the three rollers 12 to 14 and is moved endlessly in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

The four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 8 between the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K to form a primary transfer nip. Then, a transfer bias reverse to the polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K.
The intermediate transfer belt 8 travels in the direction of the arrow and sequentially passes through the primary transfer nips of the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K. In this way, the toner images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are primarily transferred while being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 on which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred in a superimposed manner reaches a position facing the secondary transfer roller 19. At this position, the secondary transfer backup roller 12 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 8 with the secondary transfer roller 19 to form a secondary transfer nip. Then, the four color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are transferred onto a recording medium P such as a sheet conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip. At this time, untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the recording medium P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer cleaning unit 10. At this position, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is collected.
Thus, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed.

Here, the recording medium P transported to the position of the secondary transfer nip is transported from a paper feeding unit 26 disposed below the apparatus main body 100 via a paper feeding roller 27, a registration roller pair 28, and the like. It is a thing.
Specifically, a plurality of recording media P such as paper are stacked and stored in the paper supply unit 26. When the paper feed roller 27 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1, the uppermost recording medium P is fed toward the rollers of the registration roller pair 28.

  The recording medium P conveyed to the registration roller pair 28 (timing roller pair) temporarily stops at the position of the roller nip of the registration roller pair 28 whose rotation driving has been stopped. Then, the registration roller pair 28 is rotationally driven in synchronization with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the recording medium P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. In this way, a desired color image is transferred onto the recording medium P.

Thereafter, the recording medium P on which the color image is transferred at the position of the secondary transfer nip is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 20. At this position, the color image transferred on the surface is fixed on the recording medium P by heat and pressure generated by the fixing roller and the pressure roller.
Thereafter, the recording medium P is discharged to the outside of the apparatus through the rollers of the discharge roller pair 29. The recording media P discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 29 are sequentially stacked on the stack unit 30 as an output image.
Thus, a series of image forming processes in the image forming apparatus is completed.

Next, the configuration and operation of the toner replenishing device 90 as a powder replenishing device will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
The toner replenishing device 90 rotates and drives a container main body 33Y of a toner container 32Y as a powder container installed in the installation unit 31 in a predetermined direction (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2) and accommodates it in the toner container 32Y. The discharged toner as powder is discharged out of the container and guided to the developing device 5Y through the sub hopper 70, and forms a toner supply path (toner transport path).
Note that FIG. 2 illustrates the arrangement direction of the toner container 32Y, the toner replenishing device 90, and the developing device 5Y in order to facilitate understanding. In practice, in FIG. 2, the toner container 32Y and a part of the toner replenishing device 90 are arranged such that the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the paper surface (see FIG. 1). Further, the orientation and arrangement of the transport pipes 95 and 96 are also shown in a simplified manner.

The toner in each of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K installed in the installation unit 31 of the apparatus main body 100 passes through a toner replenishing device provided for each toner color according to the toner consumption in each color developing device. It is replenished into each developing device as appropriate. The four toner replenishing devices have substantially the same structure except that the color of toner used in the image forming process is different.
Specifically, referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the toner container 32 </ b> Y is set on the installation portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100, the driving claw 37 </ b> Y of the toner container 32 </ b> Y meshes with the engagement claw 110 of the apparatus main body 100. At the same time, the cap 34Y (which is a plug member for closing the toner discharge port W) is removed from the toner container 32Y (container body 33Y) by the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 of the cap receiving portion 91. As a result, the toner discharge port W (discharge port) of the toner container 32Y is opened, and the toner contained in the toner container 32Y can be discharged.
The cap opening / closing mechanism 92 in the toner supply device 90 will be described in detail later.

  Here, referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, the toner container 32Y mainly includes a container main body 33Y and a cap 34Y (plug member) provided detachably at the toner discharge port W (discharge port). Consists of. The container body 33Y is provided with a spiral projection 33a from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface. The spiral protrusion 33a is for driving the container body 33Y to rotate and discharging the toner from the toner discharge port W. A drive claw 37Y that engages with the engagement claw 110 of the cap receiving portion 91 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container body 33Y on the head side (the side where the toner discharge port W is formed). .

On the other hand, in the toner replenishing device 90, a hopper 81 is provided below the opened (opened) toner discharge port W via a drop path portion 82. A suction port 83 is provided at the bottom of the hopper 81, and this suction port 83 is connected to one end of a transfer tube 95 (tube) through a nozzle. The conveying pipe 95 is made of a flexible rubber material having low affinity for toner, and the other end is connected to the powder pump 60 (diaphragm pump). The powder pump 60 is connected to the developing device 5Y via a sub hopper 70 (reservoir) and a transport pipe 96 (tube).
In the toner replenishing device 90 configured as described above, when the engaging claw 110 is rotationally driven by the driving motor 115 (bolt driving motor) as the rotational driving means, the container main body 33Y of the toner container 32Y is rotationally driven, and the toner is supplied. The toner is discharged from the toner discharge port W of the container 32Y. The toner discharged from the toner container 32 </ b> Y falls on the dropping path portion 82 and is stored in the hopper 81. When the powder pump 60 is operated, the toner stored in the hopper 81 is sucked together with air from the suction port 83 and is transported from the powder pump 60 to the sub hopper 70 through the transport pipe 95. The toner transported and stored in the sub hopper 70 is appropriately replenished into the developing device 5Y through the transport pipe 96. That is, the toner in the toner container 32Y is transported in the direction of the broken line arrow in FIG.

The toner remaining amount detection sensor 86 is for indirectly detecting a state where the toner stored in the toner container 32Y is empty (toner end state) or a state close to it (toner near end state). Therefore, it is installed at a position close to the suction port 83. Then, based on the detection result of the remaining toner detection sensor 86, the toner is discharged from the toner container 32Y.
Specifically, as the toner remaining amount detection sensor 86, a piezoelectric sensor, a transmitted light sensor, or the like can be used. The height of the detection surface of the toner remaining amount detection sensor 86 is set so that the amount of toner deposited on the suction port 83 (deposition height) becomes a target value.
Based on the detection result of the toner remaining amount detection sensor 86, the drive timing and drive time of the drive motor 115 (rotation drive means) that rotationally drives the toner container 32Y (container body 33Y) are controlled. Specifically, when the toner remaining amount detection sensor 86 determines that there is no toner at that position, the drive motor 115 is driven for a predetermined time, and the toner remaining amount detection sensor 86 has toner at that position. If it is determined that the drive motor 115 is driven, the drive of the drive motor 115 is stopped. Even if such control is repeated, if the toner remaining amount detection sensor 86 continuously detects that no toner is present at that position, the toner contained in the toner container 32Y is empty. Thus, it is determined that the state is in the state (toner end state) or a state close to it (toner near end state).

Next, the configuration and operation of the developing device (supplied member) in the image forming unit will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
The developing device 5Y as a replenished body includes a developing roller 51Y that faces the photosensitive drum 1Y, a doctor blade 52Y that faces the developing roller 51Y, and two transport screws disposed in the developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y. 55Y, a density detection sensor 56Y for detecting the toner density in the developer, and the like. The developing roller 51Y includes a magnet fixed inside, a sleeve rotating around the magnet, and the like. In the developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y, a two-component developer composed of a carrier and a toner is accommodated.

The developing device 5Y configured as described above operates as follows.
The sleeve of the developing roller 51Y rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The developer carried on the developing roller 51Y by the magnetic field formed by the magnet moves on the developing roller 51Y as the sleeve rotates.
Here, the developer in the developing device 5Y is adjusted so that the toner ratio (toner concentration) in the developer is within a predetermined range. Specifically, the toner stored in the toner container 32Y is supplied into the developer storage portion 54Y via the toner supply device 90 according to the consumption of toner in the developing device 5Y.

Thereafter, the toner replenished in the developer accommodating portion 54Y is circulated through the two developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y while being mixed and stirred together with the developer by the two conveying screws 55Y (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3). In the longitudinal direction). The toner in the developer is attracted to the carrier by frictional charging with the carrier, and is carried on the developing roller 51Y together with the carrier by the magnetic force formed on the developing roller 51Y.
The developer carried on the developing roller 51Y is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 and reaches the position of the doctor blade 52Y. The developer on the developing roller 51Y is conveyed to a position facing the photosensitive drum 1Y (development area) after the developer amount is made appropriate at this position. The toner is attracted to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1Y by the electric field formed in the development area. Thereafter, the developer remaining on the developing roller 51Y reaches above the developer containing portion 53Y as the sleeve rotates, and is detached from the developing roller 51Y at this position.

Next, the powder pump 60 and the sub hopper 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
Referring to FIG. 4, powder pump 60 in the first embodiment is a diaphragm pump (a positive displacement pump), and includes diaphragm 61 (rubber member), case 62, motor 67, rotating plate 68, and check valve. 63, 64, seal members 65 and 66 (elastic members), and the like. The powder pump 60 thus configured is relatively small and low cost.

Here, the case 62 and the diaphragm 61 form a pump body.
The case 62 is made of a rigid resin material or metal material, and functions as a main part (housing) of the pump body. The case 62 (pump main body) is formed with an inflow port M for allowing the developer to flow in with air and an outflow port N for flowing the developer with air from the inside.
The diaphragm 61 is formed of a rubber material having low affinity for toner and having elasticity, and the inside of the portion formed in a bowl shape functions as the variable volume portion R so that the arm portion 61a stands on the outer periphery thereof. (Eccentric shaft 68a of rotating plate 68 is fitted in the hole). The diaphragm 61 is joined to the case 62 so that no gap is generated, and the volume variable portion R of the diaphragm 61 and the inside of the case 62 are formed as one closed space inside the pump body. The pump bodies 61 and 62 alternately generate positive pressure and negative pressure by increasing and decreasing the internal volume by the expansion and contraction operation of the diaphragm 61 accompanying the rotation of the rotating plate 68 (eccentric shaft 68a) described later. Become.

The rotating plate 68 is installed on the motor shaft of the motor 67, and an eccentric shaft 68a is provided on the surface so as to stand upright at a position eccentric from the motor shaft (rotation center). The eccentric shaft 68 a of the rotating plate 68 is inserted (fitted) into a hole formed in the distal end portion of the arm portion 61 a in the diaphragm 61.
With such a configuration, when the motor 67 is driven under the control of the control unit, the rotating plate 68 (eccentric shaft 68a) rotates, and the diaphragm 61 periodically increases or decreases the volume of the volume variable unit R accordingly. Will expand and contract. As the diaphragm 61 expands and contracts, positive pressure and negative pressure are alternately generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62.

Here, an inflow check valve 63 is installed at the inlet M of the pump body (case 62). The inflow check valve 63 opens the inlet M when a negative pressure is generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62, and the inlet M when a positive pressure is generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62. Is to be closed. The inflow side check valve 63 is disposed so as to face the inflow port M from the inside (inside) of the pump main bodies 61 and 62. A hopper 81 is connected to the inflow port M side of the powder pump 60 via a transfer pipe 95.
On the other hand, an outflow check valve 64 is installed at the outlet N of the pump body (case 62). This outflow side check valve 64 closes the outlet N when negative pressure is generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62, and the outlet N when positive pressure is generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62. Is to release. The outflow check valve 64 is disposed so as to face the outflow port N from the outside of the pump bodies 61 and 62. A sub hopper 70 (supply port 75) is connected to the outlet N side of the powder pump 60.
With such a configuration and operation, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, when the powder pump 60 is operated, the toner stored in the hopper 81 is sucked from the suction port 83 and the transport pipe 95 is moved. After being transported, the toner is transported and stored in the sub hopper 70. Specifically, when the toner detection sensor 76 (detection means) of the sub hopper 70 detects a shortage of toner in the sub hopper 70, the powder pump 60 (motor 67) is driven to supply toner from the hopper 81 to the sub hopper 70. Do it.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in the sub hopper 70, an upper conveyance unit 79a in which two conveyance screws 71 and 72 are installed, a lower conveyance unit 79b in which two conveyance screws 73 and 74 are installed, a toner detection sensor 76, and the like. Is installed. In addition, the sub-hopper 70 communicates with the outlet N of the powder pump 60 above the first transport section of the upper transport section 79a (the transport path on which the first transport screw 71 as a transport member is installed). A supply port 75 is formed. A discharge port 77 is formed in the lower part of the downstream side of the lower transport unit 79b (the transport path on which the fourth transport screw 74 is installed) of the sub hopper 70, and the discharge port 77 is transported by a transport pipe 96 (tube). Is connected to the developing device 5Y. The second transport pipe 96 is formed of a flexible rubber material having low toner affinity and elasticity, like the first transport pipe 95 described above.

Here, in the sub hopper 70, a toner circulation path by two transport screws 71 and 72 is formed in the upper transport section 79a, and two toners supplied from the upper transport section 79a are transported to the lower transport section 79b. A conveyance path is formed that is conveyed by the screws 73 and 74 so as to be folded back in the longitudinal direction and led to the discharge port 77.
The toner stored in the sub hopper 70 is discharged from the discharge port 77 and replenished into the developing device 5 </ b> Y through the transport pipe 96 when the transport screws 71 to 74 are rotationally driven by the drive motor. Specifically, when the density detection sensor 56Y of the developing device 5Y detects that the toner density is insufficient in the developer accommodating portion 54Y, the transport screws 71 to 74 of the sub hopper 70 are rotationally driven to supply toner from the sub hopper 70 to the developing device 5Y. To do.
As described above, in the first embodiment, since the toner conveyance path from the toner container 32Y is formed by the flexible conveyance tubes 95 and 96 (tubes), the installation portion 31 of the toner container 32Y is provided as the developing device 5Y. It is possible to lay out relatively freely at a position away from.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration and operation of the toner replenishing device 90 as a powder replenishing device in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As described above with reference to FIG. 2 and the like, the toner replenishing device 90 (powder replenishing device) according to the first embodiment covers the toner as powder contained in the toner container 32Y as the powder container. The toner is replenished toward the developing device 5Y as a replenisher. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the toner container 32Y has the longitudinal direction of the toner container 32Y as the attaching / detaching direction and the head side (the side where the cap 34Y is installed) as the mounting direction rear side. It is mounted in a substantially horizontal direction toward the cap receiving portion 91 along the longitudinal direction of the installation portion 31.

7 to 12 and 15, the toner replenishing device 90 is a plug member that is detachably installed in the toner discharge port W (discharge port) of the container main body 33Y in the toner container 32Y. A cap opening / closing mechanism 92 (opening / closing mechanism) for opening / closing (detaching) the cap 34Y is provided. Note that the cap 34Y (plug member) of the toner container 32Y is made of a resin material, and a protrusion 34Y1 (pick portion) is formed at the center thereof with reference to FIGS. 5B, 13 and the like. .
Here, the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 as an opening / closing mechanism includes a hook 92a (gripping member), a holder 92b (holding member), a slider 92c (movable member), a torsion coil spring 92a4 as biasing means, and a support shaft 92h (shaft). , A rack portion 92d as a moving member, a first compression spring 92e as a first urging member, a second compression spring 92f as a second urging member, seal materials 92g and 93, and a drive motor 116 (cap) as a driving means An opening / closing drive motor), a gear train 117 as drive means, and the like.

The direction in which the slider 92c approaches the toner discharge port W as the discharge port of the toner container 32Y attached to the toner supply device 90 (installation unit 31) is the forward direction (the left direction in FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 7, the moving direction is the reverse direction (the right direction in FIG. 7).
Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11 and the like, the slider 92c has a large diameter portion 92c1 formed with a rib 92c1a, a wall portion 92c1b, a notch portion 92c1c, and the like, and a small diameter from the large diameter portion 92c1 in order to insert the holder 92b. An inner diameter portion 92c1d (hole) formed over the portion, a tapered portion 92c1f (inclined surface) formed at the edge portion on the positive direction side of the inner diameter portion 92c1d, and the like are provided.

The holder 92b is inserted in the inner diameter portion 92c1d of the slider 92c so as to be movable relative to the slider 92c in the forward and reverse directions (the left and right directions in FIGS. 8 and 10). The holder 92b is configured to be movable in the forward / reverse direction together with the slider 92c in conjunction with the forward / reverse movement of the rack portion 92d (moving member).
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, etc., wall 92b1 and notches 92b2 and 92b3 are formed in holder 92b, and a part of hook 92a (on the rotation center side) is inserted. In addition, a through hole 92b4 for inserting the support shaft 92h is provided together with a hole 92a3 of the hook 92a inserted into the insertion portion. The hook 92a inserted into the insertion portion of the holder 92b is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the wall portions 92b1 provided on the sides thereof, so that the posture is maintained.

The hook 92a pushes the protrusion 34Y1 of the cap 34Y (plug member) in conjunction with the reverse / forward movement of the slider 92c in a state where the toner container 32Y is mounted on the toner supply device 90 (installation unit 31). It is formed so that it can be gripped and released.
Referring to FIG. 12 and the like, the hook 92a has a support shaft 92h so that the tip of the holder 92b (the portion where the protrusion 34Y1 is picked) protrudes in the forward direction (the left direction in FIG. 10). A plurality of hook portions (a lower hook portion 92a1 and an upper hook portion 92a2) are provided so as to be rotatable about (rotation center). The hook 92a (the lower hook portion 92a1 and the upper hook portion 92a2) is provided with a hole portion 92a3 through which the support shaft 92h is inserted. Further, the lower hook portion 92a1 is formed with a protruding portion 92a11 that engages with the wall portion 92c1b of the slider 92c and defines an operating range and a circumferential position when the slider 92c is opened. Similarly, the upper hook portion 92a2 is formed with a protruding portion 92a21 that engages with the cutout portion 92c1c of the slider 92c and defines an operating range and a circumferential position when the slider 92c is opened. Further, a torsion coil spring 92a4 (biasing means) is wound around the boss portion (formed so as to stand on the side surface of the upper hook portion 92a2) in which the hole portion 92a3 is formed. One arm portion of the spring 92a4 is hooked on the upper hook portion 92a2, and the other arm portion of the torsion coil spring 92a4 is hooked on the lower hook portion 92a1, and the two hook portions 92a1 and 92a2 are opened (FIG. 10B). From the state of FIG. 10A to the state of FIG. 10A).
The hook 92a configured in this manner has a relatively simple structure, can easily ensure a relatively high dimensional accuracy, and can be manufactured at low cost.

The rack portion 92d as a moving member is configured to be movable in forward and reverse directions (the left and right directions in FIGS. 7 and 10). Specifically, referring to FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 and the like, the rack portion 92d is formed with a rack that meshes with the pinion gear of the gear train 117 on the ceiling portion. The gear train 117 transmits the driving force of the driving motor 116 to the rack of the rack portion 92d. In the cap receiving portion 91, the rack portion 92 d is held together with the slider 92 c so as to be slidable in the forward and reverse directions while being guided by the guide.
The first compression spring 92e as the first urging member urges the holder 92b together with the slider 92c in the forward direction with respect to the rack portion 92d (moving member). Specifically, referring to FIGS. 7, 8B, 10 and the like, the first compression spring 92e has one end connected to the rack portion 92d and the other end connected to the holder 92b. The holder 92b is held so that the relative movement amount in the forward and reverse directions is limited at the inner diameter portion 92c1d of the slider 92c, and the holder 92b is biased to the forward direction to some extent by the first compression spring 92e. The holder 92b abuts against the slider 92c, and the slider 92c is also urged in the forward direction.
The second compression spring 92f as the second urging member urges the slider 92c in the forward direction with respect to the rack portion 92d (moving member). Specifically, referring to FIGS. 8B and 9B, the second compression spring 92f has one end connected to the rack portion 92d and the other end connected to the slider 92c.
With such a configuration, the drive motor 116 (which is a motor that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions) is operated, whereby the rack portion 92d slides in the forward and reverse directions, and interlocked with the inside of the slider 92c. Thus, the slider 92c and the holder 92b (and the hook 92a) move in the forward and reverse directions with different amounts of movement while the holder 92b moves in the forward and reverse directions and the hook 92a is opened and closed.

  In other words, in the first embodiment, the hook 92a is arranged so that the slider 92c is close to the toner discharge port W of the toner container 32Y attached to the toner supply device 90 (installation unit 31) together with the holder 92b. On the other hand, when the holder 92b moves relative to the opposite direction (the right direction in FIGS. 7 and 10), the upper and lower hook portions 92a1 can be gripped so that the projection 34Y1 of the cap 34Y (plug member) can be gripped. 92a2 is rotated in the closing direction about the support shaft 92h by entering the inner diameter portion 92c1d of the slider 92c, and the holder 92b is in the positive direction (leftward in FIGS. 7 and 10) with respect to the slider 92c. ) So that the protrusions 34Y1 of the cap 34Y can be released from the grip when they are moved relative to each other. It is configured to rotate in the opening direction around the supporting shaft 92h by advancing from the inner diameter portion 92c1d Ida 92c.

Hereinafter, the opening / closing operation of the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 when the toner container 32Y is mounted on the toner supply device 90 (installation unit 31) will be described in detail.
First, when the toner container 32Y is attached to the installation unit 31 of the toner replenishing device 90 by manual operation by the user (the movement of the toner container 32Y from the state of FIG. 5 to the state of FIG. 6), the toner container 32Y is attached. The state is detected by a set detection unit 31a (see FIG. 5A) provided in the installation unit 31. And based on the detection information of the set detection part 31a, it is controlled by the control part so that the cap opening-and-closing mechanism 92 performs the cap opening operation | movement of the cap 34Y.

  Specifically, immediately after the toner container 32Y is mounted on the installation portion 31, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 8 and 10B, the rack portion 92d is positioned on the most positive side. Due to the spring force of the two compression springs 92e and 92f, the slider 92c and the holder 92b are positioned on the most positive side, and an annular sealing material 92g attached to the large-diameter portion 92c1 of the slider 92c is the edge of the cap 34Y. The part 34Y4 is in a state of being tightly sealed and sealed. At this time, the relative position of the holder 92b with respect to the slider 92c is the most positive side. 13 (open state), and the hook 92a does not grip the protrusion 34Y1 of the cap 34Y (the outer diameter portion 34Y3 of the cap 34Y shown in FIG. Is in a state). Further, due to the spring force of the first compression spring 92e (and the second compression spring 92f), the inner diameter portion 34Y2 (see FIG. 13) of the cap 34Y is formed radially at the large diameter portion 92c1 of the slider 92c. The cap 34Y is engaged with the rib 92c1a and is held by the slider 92c (large diameter portion 92c1).

Then, after the toner container 32Y is attached to the installation unit 31 for a while (after a predetermined time has elapsed since the set detection by the set detection unit 31a), FIG. 7B, FIG. 9, FIG. ), By driving the drive motor 116, the rack portion 92d is moved in the opposite direction, and the rack portion 92d is engaged with the holder 92b, thereby resisting the spring force of the first compression spring 92e. Furthermore, the holder 92b also moves to the opposite side. At this time, the slider 92c does not move largely in the reverse direction compared to the holder 92b due to the spring force of the second compression spring 92f, and the holder 92b moves in the reverse direction relative to the slider 92c. The hook portions 92a1 and 92a2 are in the closed state (closed state) so that the hook portions 92a1 and 92a2 are received in the inner diameter portion 92c1d of the slider 92c so as to resist the spring force of the torsion coil spring 92a4. It is in a muddy state.
After that, as shown in FIG. 7C, the rack 92d is further moved to the opposite side by the drive of the drive motor 116, and the holder 92b is engaged with the slider 92c, whereby the first compression spring 92e is engaged. In addition, the slider 92c moves greatly in the opposite direction together with the holder 92b so as to resist the spring force of the second compression spring 92f. At this time, since the hook 92a holds the protrusion 34Y1 of the cap 34Y (the closed state shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B), the cap 34Y is held in the toner discharge port of the container body 33Y. It will be removed (opened) from W. Further, the state where the sealing material 92g attached to the large diameter portion 92c1 of the slider 92c is in close contact with the cap 34Y is also maintained, and the trouble that the toner discharged from the toner discharge port W enters the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 is prevented. The Referring to FIG. 7A, a seal material 93 having high slidability is provided between the portion of the cap receiving portion 91 that holds the slider 92c and the slider 92c. The problem of toner entering between the members is prevented.
Thus, the opening operation of the cap 34Y by the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 is completed, and the toner replenishment operation from the toner discharge port W of the toner container 32Y becomes possible.

Here, when the cap 34Y is opened (the state shown in FIG. 7C), the toner in the toner container 32Y is detected by the toner remaining amount detection sensor 86 as described above with reference to FIG. It is maintained until it is detected that the remaining amount becomes zero.
When the toner remaining amount detecting sensor 86 detects that the toner remaining amount in the toner container 32Y has become zero, the cap 34Y is closed by the cap opening / closing mechanism 92. The closing operation of the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 at this time is performed in the reverse procedure to the opening operation of the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 described above.

Here, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, etc., the tapered portion 92c1f is formed at the edge portion on the positive direction side of the inner diameter portion 92c1d in the slider 92c. As a result, the hook 92a moves relative to the slider 92c together with the holder 92b in the forward / reverse direction, and the opening / closing operation of the hook 92a is performed by pressing / releasing the edge of the inner diameter portion 92c1d. It will be carried out smoothly without large sliding resistance.
Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 12 and the like, the hook 92a is provided with a torsion coil spring 92a4 (attached) that urges the hook portions 92a1 and 92a2 divided into the upper and lower parts to rotate in the opening direction. Force means) are installed. Since the torsion coil spring 92a4 is for rotating the two lightweight hook portions 92a1 and 92a2 made of a resin material in the opening direction, the spring force can be set extremely weak. Therefore, the sliding resistance between the hook 92a and the slider 92c, which is generated when the holder 92b is moved relative to the slider 92c in the reverse direction in the opening operation of the cap 34Y, can be extremely reduced, and the drive motor 116 is driven. Can be reduced in size and cost, and the cap 34Y can be opened smoothly. That is, the cap 34Y can be opened and closed with high accuracy with a relatively small driving force. Further, since the force for holding the slider 92c by the second compression spring 92f can be reduced when the hook 92a is closed, the second compression spring 92f can be reduced in size, and an installation space for the second compression spring 92f is secured. It becomes easy. Further, even if the sliding resistance between the toner discharge port W and the cap 34Y at the time of opening is increased by using a cap 34Y having a large outer diameter, the power of the drive motor 116 is controlled by the cap 34Y. Can be effectively assigned to the attachment / detachment function.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the slider 34c is pressed against the cap 34Y by the spring force of the first compression spring 92e, and the cap 34Y is moved by the large diameter portion 92c1 in which the rib 92c1a is formed. As a result, the positional relationship between the protrusion 34Y1 of the cap 34Y and the hook 92a is maintained with high accuracy.
Thus, by forming the large-diameter portion 92c1 on the slider 92c for holding the cap 34Y in a state where the projection 34Y1 is held by the hook 92a, the posture of the cap 34Y is stable even during the closing operation. Therefore, the closing operation (the operation of pushing the cap 34Y into the toner discharge port W) can be performed reliably. In the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 according to the first embodiment, the function of gripping the cap 34Y and the function of pulling the cap 34Y are separated, so the degree of freedom in design increases.
Further, the cap force of the first compression spring 92e can be pushed into the toner discharge port W well against the sliding load with the container body 33Y (toner discharge port W) during the closing operation.

In the first embodiment, as described above, since the second compression spring 92f is provided, the slider 92c and the holder 92b are not separated by the repulsive force of the sealing material 92g during the opening operation. It is possible to prevent such a problem that the adhesiveness is increased and the opening / closing timing of the hook 92a is shifted so that the cap 34Y falls off the hook 92a.
Further, by installing the second compression spring 92f separately from the first compression spring 92e, it is possible to divide the pressurizing force required when the cap 34Y is pushed into the toner discharge port W during the closing operation.
In addition, since the second compression spring 92f is installed between the rack portion 92d and the slider 92c that slides in conjunction with the slide movement, the change in the spring length during the slide movement is reduced, and the plug is opened. The energy required for spring compression in the state can be reduced. Therefore, the force for maintaining the open state shown in FIG. 7C can be reduced.

Hereinafter, a more characteristic configuration and operation of the toner replenishing device 90 as the powder replenishing device in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 (or FIG. 7), the toner supply device 90 according to the first exemplary embodiment has a cap receiving portion that also functions as a cover member that covers part or all of the cap opening / closing mechanism 92. A substantially rib-shaped (or planar) guide member 91a is formed on the inner side of 91 (the inner peripheral surface facing the slider 92c).
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the guide member 91 a is configured such that the cap 34 </ b> Y (plug member) held by the hook 92 a is closed by the toner discharge port W of the container body 33 </ b> Y, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. When the cap 34Y moves in the forward direction (in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 14) while being inclined together with the slider 92c, the slider 92c contacts the toner discharge port W together with the cap 34Y. It is for guiding to become the state with respect to.
By providing the guide member 91a in this manner, even when the slider 92c (cap 34Y) moves in the forward direction with the slider 92c (cap 34Y) inclined with respect to the toner discharge port W at the time of closing, the toner is finally obtained. The cap 34Y can be closed straight and reliably without being inclined with respect to the toner outlet W of the container 32Y (container body 33Y).

As described above, when the plug 92 is closed, the slider 92c (cap 34Y) moves in the positive direction while being relatively inclined with respect to the toner discharge port W. (1) Image formation due to component errors and assembly errors When the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 is installed in an inclined state with respect to the apparatus main body 100, (2) the installation portion 31 of the toner container 32Y is inclined with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100 due to component errors or assembly errors. (3) When the driving force by the driving motor 116 acts on the rack portion 92d, etc.
Particularly, in the form (3), when the rack portion 92d (slider 92c) is driven in the forward direction by the drive motor 116, the driving force is as shown in FIG. 14A (or FIG. 7C). As shown in the black arrow direction, the rack portion 92d is pushed down to incline the slider 92c in the inclination direction shown in FIG. 14, and cannot be ignored. That is, when the cap 34Y moves in the forward direction relative to the toner discharge port W without being directly opposed to the slider 92c, the drive direction by the drive motor 116 (drive means) is the rack direction. The direction depends on the direction acting on the portion 92d (moving member), and the form in which the inclination direction is determined in this way is the main one.

  More specifically, the guide member 91a is formed so as to protrude downward in a ceiling portion of a hollow portion formed inside the cap receiving portion 91. The guide member 91a includes an inclined portion 91a1 that is inclined from the upper side toward the lower side in the positive direction (the white arrow direction in FIG. 14), and a horizontal portion 91a2 that is connected to an end portion on the positive direction side of the inclined portion 91a1. Is formed.

Here, the inclined portion 91a1 of the guide member 91a is formed at a position where the slider 92c comes into contact with the slider 92c when the slider 92c is moved in the positive direction in the inclined direction shown in FIG. It is formed so as to incline in the reverse direction. That is, the slider 92c is inclined from the lower side to the upper side in the positive direction, whereas the inclined portion 91a1 is inclined from the upper side to the lower side in the positive direction so that the inclination of the slider 92c can be corrected. It will be inclined towards.
Further, the horizontal portion 91a2 is connected to the inclined portion 91a1 in a region corresponding to a position where the cap 34Y is closed at the toner discharge port W on the side that becomes the end point when the slider 92c moves in the forward direction at the time of closing. It is formed as follows. The position in the height direction of the horizontal portion 91a2 (or the position in the height direction of the end point of the inclined portion 91a1) is such that the slider 92c moves to face the toner discharge port W and the cap 34Y is fitted into the toner discharge port W. This is the position where the upper end of the slider 92c comes into contact. The area in the positive direction of the horizontal portion 91a2 is sufficiently long so that the position in the height direction described above is maintained from when the cap 34Y is pushed into the toner discharge port W until the end. Is set.
With such a configuration, even when the slider 92c (cap 34Y) is tilted with respect to the toner discharge port W and moves in the forward direction when the plug is closed, the toner container 32Y (container main body) is finally moved. 33Y), the cap 34Y is surely closed without being inclined with respect to the toner discharge port W.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B, specifically, the cap 34Y is inclined without facing the toner container 32Y (toner discharge port W). The closing operation of the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 when it has moved in the forward direction in the above state will be described.
As described above, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 32Y is detected by the toner remaining amount detection sensor 86, the cap 34Y is closed by the cap opening / closing mechanism 92.
First, as shown in FIG. 14A, the slider 92c in a state where the cap 34Y is gripped by the hook 92a is driven in the positive direction (the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 14A) by driving the rack portion 92d by the drive motor 116. ). At this time, as shown in FIG. 14A, the slider 92c in a state where the cap 34Y is gripped faces the toner discharge port W (toner container 32Y) by the driving force acting in the black arrow direction. In other words, the toner container 32Y (container main body 33Y) is inclined with respect to the rotation center axis (inclined obliquely downward from the left to the right in FIG. 14).

Then, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the slider 92c is further moved in the forward direction with the slider 92c inclined as described above, the slider 34c is started before the cap 34Y is closed with respect to the toner discharge port W. An upper portion (a portion surrounded by a broken line) of 92c (large diameter portion 92c1) contacts the inclined portion 91a1 of the guide member 91a. As the slider 92c moves in the positive direction, the inclination of the slider 92c is corrected so as to follow the inclination of the inclined portion 91a1. That is, the slider 92c rotates in the arrow direction (counterclockwise direction) in FIG. 14B together with the cap 34Y.
Then, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the slider 92c further moves in the forward direction, the upper portion (broken line) of the slider 92c (large diameter portion 92c1) immediately before the cap 34Y is started to close the toner discharge port W. Is in contact with the horizontal portion 91a2 of the guide member 91a. Thereby, the correction of the inclination of the slider 92c is completed, and the cap 34Y (slider 92c) faces the toner discharge port W. Then, with the cap 34Y facing the toner discharge port W as described above, the slider 92c is advanced to a position where the movement in the forward direction is the end point, and finally the cap 34Y is spaced from the toner discharge port W. It will be plugged straight.
After that, as shown in FIG. 15B, the slider 92c with the hook 92a opened is moved in the reverse direction (to the right in FIG. 15B) by driving the drive motor 116. The closing of the cap 34Y with respect to the toner container 32Y (container body 33Y) is completed.

As described above, in the toner replenishing device 90 (cap opening / closing mechanism 92) according to the first embodiment, the guide member 91a for correcting the inclination of the slider 92c and closing the cap 34Y to the toner discharge port W when the plug is closed. Is provided in the cap receiving portion 91 (cover member), the clogging failure of the cap 34Y with respect to the toner discharge port W can be reliably reduced.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, when the guide member 91a is not provided, if the cap 34Y is closed while the slider 92c is inclined together with the cap 34Y, the plug is closed. When the operation is completed, the cap 34Y does not come into close contact with the toner discharge port W and is closed obliquely, and a gap (see FIGS. 16B and 16C) is formed between the toner discharge port W and the cap 34Y. ) Is a portion surrounded by a broken line. Therefore, when the toner adhering to the gap drops out of the toner container 32Y from the image forming apparatus main body 100, the toner falls into the image forming apparatus main body 100 to contaminate the inside of the apparatus, or the user's hand takes out the toner container 32Y. It will be dirty. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the user who takes out the toner container 32Y touches the gap and the cap 34Y is detached from the toner container 32Y.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, as described above, the cap 34Y can be closely contacted with the toner discharge port W without a straight gap by the inclination correction by the guide member 91a, so that the plug can be closed. The occurrence of defects can be reduced with certainty.
In particular, in the first embodiment, the guide member 91a is formed only in a part of the inner circumferential direction of the cap receiving portion 91 so as to cancel out the inclination in the constant inclination direction of the slider 92c. Compared with the case where the guide member is formed in the entire circumferential direction inside the receiving portion 91, the apparatus can be reduced in cost and weight.
In the case where the inclination direction of the slider 92c is not fixed in a certain direction as in the first embodiment, guide members are provided in all (or a plurality of locations) in the circumferential direction inside the cap receiving portion 91. It can also be formed.

<Modification>
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a cap opening / closing mechanism 92 as a modification, and corresponds to FIG. 14A in the first embodiment.
The cap opening / closing mechanism 92 as a modified example shown in FIG. 17 is configured such that when the rack portion 92d (slider 92c) is driven in the forward direction by the drive motor 116, the driving force pushes up the rack portion 92d in the black arrow direction. By acting, the slider 92c is configured to incline in the inclining direction shown in FIG. Specifically, the rack portion 92d has a rack that meshes with the pinion gear of the gear train 117 (which transmits the driving force of the drive motor 116 to the rack of the rack portion 92d) at the bottom, not at the ceiling. Is formed.
In such a case, in accordance with the inclination direction of the slider 92c, the guide member 91a is directed upward at the bottom of the cavity formed inside the cap receiving portion 91 as shown in FIG. It will be formed to protrude. In such a case, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 (opening / closing) the cap 34Y (plug member) detachably installed in the toner discharge port W of the toner container 32Y (powder container). The opening / closing mechanism is provided with a slider 92c that is movable in the forward and reverse directions, and a hook 92a that is formed so as to be able to grip and release the protrusion 34Y1 of the cap 34Y in conjunction with the movement of the slider 92c. . In the process of closing the cap 34Y held by the hook 92a to the toner discharge port W (discharge port) of the container main body 33Y, the cap 34Y is tilted with respect to the toner discharge port W together with the slider 92c. A guide member 91a is provided that guides the slider 92c so that the slider 92c faces the toner discharge port W together with the cap 34Y when moved in the direction.
Accordingly, the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 for opening and closing the plug member in the toner container 32Y can reliably close the cap 34Y without inclining the toner discharge port W of the toner container 32Y.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation of a main part of the toner supply device 90 according to the second embodiment. The toner replenishing device 90 according to the second embodiment is different from that according to the first embodiment in that the container main body 33Y is rotationally driven after the cap 34Y is closed to the toner discharge port W.

  The toner replenishing device 90 (image forming apparatus 100) in the second embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as that in the first embodiment. In particular, in the toner replenishing device 90 according to the second embodiment, the container body 33Y mounted on the toner replenishing device 90 is placed in the direction corresponding to the attaching / detaching direction of the cap 34Y, as in the first embodiment. A drive motor 115 (bolt drive motor) is provided as a rotational drive means for rotationally driving around the rotation axis (see FIG. 6 and the like). That is, the container main body 33Y mounted on the toner replenishing device 90 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow in FIGS. 2, 18B and 18C by the drive motor 115 (rotation drive means). .

  In the second embodiment, in the process in which the cap 34Y held by the hook 92a is plugged into the toner discharge port W of the container body 33Y, the cap 34Y starts to be plugged into the toner discharge port W. Later, the drive motor 115 (rotation drive means) is controlled to rotate the container body 33Y by 180 degrees or more while maintaining the state where the cap 34Y is held by the hook 92a.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 18A to 18C, specifically, the cap 34Y has moved in the forward direction with the cap 34Y inclined without facing the toner container 32Y (toner discharge port W). The closing operation of the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 will be described.
As described above, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 32Y is detected by the toner remaining amount detection sensor 86, the cap 34Y is closed by the cap opening / closing mechanism 92.
First, as shown in FIG. 18A, the slider 92c in a state where the cap 34Y is gripped by the hook 92a is driven in the positive direction (the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 18A) by driving the rack portion 92d by the drive motor 116. ). At this time, as shown in FIG. 18A, the slider 92c in a state where the cap 34Y is gripped does not face the toner discharge port W (toner container 32Y), and does not face the toner container 32Y (container body 33Y). ) With respect to the rotation center axis (in a state inclined obliquely downward from the left to the right in FIG. 14).

Then, as shown in FIG. 18B, with the slider 92c tilted together with the cap 34Y, the forward movement is advanced to the end position, and the cap 34Y is tilted with respect to the toner discharge port W. It is closed in a closed state. At this time, as shown in FIG. 18B, the drive motor 115 (rotation drive means) is controlled in a state where the cap 34Y is gripped by the hook 92a, so that the container body 33Y is 180 degrees or more (half way) in the arrow direction. More than rotation). Thereby, the relative pushing direction of the cap 34Y with respect to the toner discharge port W is changed, and the gap between the cap 34Y and the container main body 33Y (the portion surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 18B) is eliminated. The container body 33Y rotates relative to the cap 34Y.
Then, as shown in FIG. 18C, the cap 34Y is finally closed straight with respect to the toner discharge port W without a gap.
Thereafter, the drive motor 116 drives the slider 92c with the hook 92a opened to move in the reverse direction (rightward in FIG. 18), and the cap 34Y is closed with respect to the toner container 32Y (container body 33Y). Will be completed.
In the second embodiment, the rotation operation of the container main body 33Y after the start of capping described above is performed regardless of the inclination direction of the slider 92c and whether the slider 92c is inclined or not. It is performed uniformly at the timing when the forward movement is completed.

  As described above, in the toner replenishing device 90 (cap opening / closing mechanism 92) in the second embodiment, the container main body 33Y (toner discharge port) with respect to the cap 34Y so as to eliminate the gap between the cap 34Y and the toner discharge port W when the cap is closed. Since W) is rotated, the clogging failure of the cap 34Y with respect to the toner discharge port W can be reliably reduced. In particular, in the second embodiment, even when the inclination direction of the slider 92c is not fixed in a certain direction, the clogging failure of the cap 34Y with respect to the toner discharge port W can be reliably reduced. .

As described above, in the second embodiment, the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 (opening / closing the cap 34Y (plug member) removably installed in the toner discharge port W of the toner container 32Y (powder container)) ( The opening / closing mechanism is provided with a slider 92c that is movable in the forward and reverse directions, and a hook 92a that is formed so as to be able to grip and release the protrusion 34Y1 of the cap 34Y in conjunction with the movement of the slider 92c. . Then, in the process of closing the cap 34Y held by the hook 92a to the toner discharge port W of the container body 33Y, after the cap 34Y starts to be closed with respect to the toner discharge port W, the cap 34Y is connected to the hook 92a. The drive motor 115 (rotation drive means) is controlled so as to rotate the container body 33Y by 180 degrees or more while maintaining the state gripped by.
Accordingly, the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 for opening and closing the plug member in the toner container 32Y can reliably close the cap 34Y without inclining the toner discharge port W of the toner container 32Y.

In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the toner replenishing device 90 that replenishes toner as powder to the developing device 5Y using the toner container 32Y as a powder container. The present invention can also be applied to a powder replenishing device that replenishes powder containing body and toner toward a replenished body. In particular, in each of the above embodiments, only the toner is accommodated in the toner container 32Y. However, the toner container 32Y is suitable for an image forming apparatus that appropriately supplies a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier to the developing device 5Y. It is also possible to configure the powder replenishing device so that the two-component developer is accommodated therein and the two-component developer is replenished to the developing device.
Further, in each of the embodiments, the bottle-shaped toner container 32Y in which the container main body 33Y itself is rotationally driven as the powder container when the toner is discharged is used, but the container main body itself is not rotationally driven as the powder container. A bottle-shaped member in which a conveying member (for example, a conveying coil that is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction) that conveys toner contained in the container main body toward the toner discharge port when toner is discharged is provided in the container main body. Of course, the present invention can be applied to the toner container.
Even in these cases, substantially the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the toner replenishing device 90 including the driving units 116 and 117 that move the rack portion 92d (moving member) in the forward and reverse directions under the control of the control portion. In contrast, the present invention can naturally be applied to a powder replenishing device that moves a holder and a slider in a forward and reverse direction together with a moving member by a manual operation.
Even in such a case, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the above embodiments.

In each of the embodiments, the present invention is applied to the toner replenishing device 90 in which the cap opening / closing mechanism 92 is provided with the slider 92c, the holder 92b, and the hook 92a having the plurality of hook portions 92a1 and 92a2. Applied. However, the toner replenishing device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a slider (cylindrical core) movable in the forward and reverse directions, and a slider Naturally, the present invention can also be applied to a toner replenishing device provided with an opening / closing mechanism including a hook (collect chuck) that grips and releases the protrusion of the plug member in conjunction with the movement. it can.
Even in such a case, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the above embodiments.

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

5Y developing device (supplier),
31 installation part, 31a set detection part,
32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K toner container (powder container),
33Y container body,
34Y cap (plug member),
34Y1 protrusion, 34Y2 inner diameter, 34Y3 outer diameter,
90 Toner supply device (powder supply device),
91 Cap receiving part (cover member),
91a guide member (guide part),
91a1 inclined part, 91a2 horizontal part,
92 Cap opening / closing mechanism (opening / closing mechanism),
92a hook (gripping member),
92a1 lower hook part, 92a2 upper hook part,
92a3 hole (rotation center),
92a4 torsion coil spring (biasing means),
92b holder (holding member),
92c slider (movable member),
92c1 large diameter part,
92d rack part (moving member),
92e first compression spring (first biasing member),
92f second compression spring (second biasing member),
100 Image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body),
115 drive motor (bolt drive motor, rotation drive means),
116 drive motor (cap opening / closing drive motor, drive means),
117 Gear train (driving means).

Japanese Patent No. 3238998

Claims (8)

A powder replenishing device for replenishing powder contained in a powder container toward a replenishment body,
An opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing a plug member detachably installed at the discharge port of the container body in the powder container;
The opening and closing mechanism is
A slider that moves in the forward and reverse directions with the direction away from the discharge port of the powder container in a state of being attached to the powder replenishing device as the forward direction and the reverse direction as the reverse direction;
A hook formed so that the protruding portion of the plug member can be gripped and released in conjunction with the movement of the slider in the reverse direction and the forward direction with the powder container mounted on the powder supply device. When,
Comprising
When the plug member held by the hook is plugged into the discharge port of the container body, the plug member is moved in the positive direction with the slider being inclined with respect to the discharge port. And a guide member that guides the slider so that the slider faces the discharge port together with the plug member. The opening / closing mechanism includes a moving member configured to be able to move the slider in the forward and reverse directions,
Drive means for moving the moving member in the forward and reverse directions;
The direction in which the plug member moves in the positive direction with the plug member inclined without facing the discharge port in the positive direction depends on the direction in which the driving force by the driving means acts on the moving member. Because
The guide member includes an inclined portion that is formed at a position that contacts the slider when the slider moves in the forward direction in a state where the slider is inclined in the inclined direction, and is inclined in a direction opposite to the inclined direction. The powder replenishing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The guide member includes a horizontal portion connected to the inclined portion in a region corresponding to a position at which the plug member is closed at the discharge port, which is an end point when the slider moves in the positive direction. The powder replenishing device according to claim 2, wherein A cover member covering a part or all of the opening / closing mechanism;
The powder replenishing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide member is formed inside the cover member. A powder replenishing device for replenishing powder contained in a powder container toward a replenishment body,
An opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing a plug member detachably installed at the discharge port of the container body in the powder container;
Rotation driving means for rotating the container main body in a state of being mounted on the powder replenishing device with a direction corresponding to the attaching / detaching direction of the plug member as a rotation axis;
With
The opening and closing mechanism is
A slider that moves in the forward and reverse directions with the direction away from the discharge port of the powder container in a state of being attached to the powder replenishing device as the forward direction,
A hook formed so that the protruding portion of the plug member can be gripped and released in conjunction with the movement of the slider in the reverse direction and the forward direction with the powder container mounted on the powder supply device. When,
Comprising
In the process in which the plug member held by the hook is plugged into the discharge port of the container body, the plug member is closed by the hook after the plug member starts to be plugged into the discharge port. A powder replenishing device, wherein the rotation driving means is controlled to rotate the container body 180 degrees or more while maintaining the gripped state. The opening and closing mechanism is
A holder configured to be movable in the forward / reverse direction relative to the slider at an inner diameter portion of the slider, and configured to be movable in the forward / reverse direction together with the slider;
A moving member configured to be movable in the forward and reverse directions;
A first biasing member that biases the holder together with the slider in the positive direction with respect to the moving member;
A second urging member for urging the slider in the positive direction with respect to the moving member;
Comprising
The slider is formed with a large-diameter portion for holding the plug member in a state where the protrusion is gripped by the hook,
The hook is
The holder includes a plurality of hook portions that are rotatably held around a support shaft so that a tip portion projects in the positive direction;
When the holder moves relative to the slider in the reverse direction in a state where the slider is close to the discharge port of the powder container mounted on the powder supply device together with the holder. The plurality of hook portions rotate in the closing direction about the support shaft by the entry of the slider into the inner diameter portion so that the protrusion portion of the plug member can be gripped, and the holder with respect to the slider The plurality of hook portions are released from the inner diameter portion of the slider so as to be released from the inner diameter portion of the slider so that the protrusion of the plug member can be released when the relative movement is made in the positive direction. Configured to rotate to
The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an urging unit that urges the plurality of hook portions to rotate in the opening direction. The powder is toner,
The powder container is a toner container that is detachably installed on the powder replenishing device,
7. The powder replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the replenishing member is a developing device that develops a latent image formed on the image carrier to form a toner image. .   An image forming apparatus comprising the powder replenishing device according to claim 1.

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