JP2018040845A - Developer container and image forming apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer container that reduces the generation of abnormal noise while guaranteeing appropriate stirring of developer.SOLUTION: A toner container 10 (developer container) of the present invention comprises a container body 20 that stores a toner (developer), and a stirring member 22 that stirs the toner inside the container body 20. The stirring member 22 includes a stirring rotation shaft 30 that is rotatably supported by the container body 20, and a stirring blade 31 that extends from the stirring rotation shaft 30 outward in the radial direction and has flexibility; the stirring blade 31 includes a ridge part 32 (projection part) that projects toward the downstream side in the direction of rotation of the stirring rotation shaft 30 in an area close to the leading end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer container and an image forming apparatus including the developer container.

  The image forming apparatus includes a developer container that stores toner to be supplied to the developing device.

  For example, a developer storage device (toner container) described in Patent Document 1 includes a rotation shaft provided rotatably in a storage container, first and second stirring members provided on the rotation shaft, And a non-rotating cam having a shape reflecting the cross-sectional shape in the storage container. The sliding member moves along the outer peripheral surface of the non-rotating cam as the first stirring member rotates, and changes the rotation radius of the second stirring member. Since the second stirring member moves along the inner surface shape of the storage container, the toner in the storage container is appropriately stirred. The second stirring member does not collide with the inner surface of the storage container and does not flip the inner surface of the storage container. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of unusual sounds, such as a collision sound and a playing sound, is prevented.

JP 2006-276556 A

  However, since the developer storage device described in Patent Document 1 includes a complicated mechanism that changes the rotation radius of the second stirring member, the manufacturing cost cannot be reduced. Further, if the design of the storage container is changed according to the specifications of the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to change the shape of the non-rotating cam, which also raises the problem of cost increase.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a developer container that suppresses the generation of abnormal noise while ensuring proper stirring of the developer with a simple structure, and an image forming apparatus including the developer container. To do.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the developer container of the present invention includes a container main body that accommodates the developer, and a stirring member that stirs the developer inside the container main body, and the stirring member includes the container A rotating shaft that is rotatably supported by the main body, and a flexible stirring blade that extends radially outward from the rotating shaft, and the stirring blade rotates in the region on the tip side. It has a protrusion that protrudes toward the downstream side in the rotational direction of the shaft.

  In this case, the protrusion is formed radially inward of the tip of the stirring blade, and the inner surface of the container body has a region where the tip of the stirring blade and the protrusion slide simultaneously. It is preferable.

  In this case, it is preferable that the protrusion includes a protruding portion that extends along the axial direction of the rotation shaft in a state of swelling in a semicylindrical shape.

  In this case, it is preferable that an inclination angle on the radially inner side of the ridge is smaller than an inclination angle on the radially outer side of the ridge.

  In this case, the stirring blade includes a plurality of stirring pieces arranged in the axial direction through a plurality of slits cut inwardly from the radially outer end, and each of the plurality of stirring pieces includes the convex portion. It is preferable to have a division convex portion obtained by dividing the strip portion by the plurality of slits.

  In this case, it is preferable that each of the plurality of stirring pieces has the divided convex portions at different positions in the radial direction.

  In this case, it is preferable that each of the plurality of stirring pieces has the divided convex portions having different protrusion amounts.

  In another case, it is preferable that the protrusion includes a plurality of bulges that swell in a hemispherical shape.

  In this case, it is preferable that an inclination angle on the radially inner side of the bulging portion is formed smaller than an inclination angle on the radially outer side of the bulging portion.

  In this case, the stirring blade includes a plurality of stirring pieces arranged in the axial direction through a plurality of slits cut inwardly from the radially outer end, and the plurality of stirring pieces respectively It is preferable to have a protruding portion.

  In this case, it is preferable that each of the plurality of stirring pieces has the bulging portion at a different position in the radial direction.

  In this case, it is preferable that each of the plurality of stirring pieces has the bulging portions having different protrusion amounts.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes any one of the developer containers described above.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can apply to a various container main body while making a stirring member a simple structure. In addition, the developer in the container body can be appropriately stirred. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress abnormal noise generated when the developer is stirred.

1 is a front view schematically showing an internal structure of a color printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a toner container and a mounting portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a toner container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is IV-IV sectional drawing of FIG. It is VV sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a stirring member of the toner container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of a stirring member of the toner container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an agitating member of a toner container according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an agitating member (ridge portion) of a toner container according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an agitating member (a bulging portion) of a toner container according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of a stirring member of a toner container according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a stirring member of a toner container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of a stirring member of a toner container according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a stirring member of a toner container according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of a stirring member of a toner container according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the stirring member of the toner container which concerns on the modification of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the stirring member of the toner container which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the stirring member of the toner container which concerns on the modification of 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, explanation will be made with reference to the directions shown in the drawings.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a color printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the color printer 1.

  The color printer 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A paper feed cassette 3 is detachably provided at the lower portion of the apparatus main body 2. A paper discharge tray 4 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2.

  The color printer 1 includes a paper feeding unit 5, an image forming unit 6, and a fixing device 7 inside the apparatus main body 2. The paper feed unit 5 sends out the sheet S in the paper feed cassette 3 toward a conveyance path 8 extending from the paper feed cassette 3 to the paper discharge tray 4. The image forming unit 6 is provided in an intermediate portion of the conveyance path 8. The fixing device 7 is provided on the downstream side of the conveyance path 8. The sheet S is not limited to paper and includes a resin film.

  The image forming unit 6 includes four toner containers 10K, 10C, 10M, and 10Y, an intermediate transfer belt 11, four drum units 12, and an optical scanning device 13. The intermediate transfer belt 11 is disposed below the toner containers 10K, 10C, 10M, and 10Y. The four drum units 12 are disposed below the intermediate transfer belt 11. The optical scanning device 13 is disposed below each drum unit 12.

  Four toner containers 10K, 10C, 10M, and 10Y as an example of a developer container contain four colors of toner (developer). The toner may be a one-component developer made of a magnetic toner or a two-component developer containing a toner and a carrier. In the following description, in the description common to the four toner containers 10K, 10C, 10M, and 10Y, only arithmetic numbers are attached.

  Each drum unit 12 includes a photosensitive drum 14, a charging device 15, a developing device 16, a primary transfer roller 17, and a cleaning device 18. Since the four drum units 12 have the same configuration, only one drum unit 12 will be described below.

  The photosensitive drum 14 is in contact with the lower side of the intermediate transfer belt 11. The charging device 15 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 14. The optical scanning device 13 emits scanning light toward the photosensitive drum 14 (formation of an electrostatic latent image). The developing device 16 develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 into a toner image. The primary transfer roller 17 primarily transfers the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 11 that moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  A secondary transfer roller 19 that forms a secondary transfer nip portion N is disposed on the right side of the intermediate transfer belt 11. A full color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 11 by superimposing four color toner images. This full-color toner image is secondarily transferred onto the sheet S passing through the secondary transfer nip portion N. The fixing device 7 fixes the toner image on the sheet S. The sheet S after the fixing process is discharged to the paper discharge tray 4.

  Next, the toner container 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the toner container 10 and the mounting portion 2a. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the toner container 10. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the stirring member 22 of the toner container 10. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the stirring member 22 of the toner container 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a mounting portion 2 a is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 2. Four toner containers 10 are mounted side by side in the left-right direction on the mounting portion 2a. A top cover (not shown) constituting the paper discharge tray 4 is rotatably supported on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 2. The operator opens the mounting portion 2a by rotating the top cover upward, and performs the attaching / detaching operation of the toner container 10 with respect to the mounting portion 2a.

  The four toner containers 10 contain black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) toner in order from the upstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 11 (see FIG. 1). The toner container 10K that stores black toner is formed with a larger capacity than the other toner containers 10C, 10M, and 10Y. The other toner containers 10C, 10M, and 10Y are all formed in the same capacity and shape. Since the basic configuration of the four toner containers 10 is substantially the same, the toner container 10 that accommodates yellow toner will be described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the toner container 10 includes a container body 20, a conveying screw 21, and a stirring member 22. The container body 20 is formed to store toner (developer). The conveying screw 21 is provided to convey the toner inside the container body 20. The stirring member 22 is provided to stir the toner inside the container body 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the container main body 20 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the front-rear direction. The container body 20 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the front (see FIG. 5). A storage chamber for storing toner is formed inside the container body 20.

  The container main body 20 includes a housing part 23 and a lid part 24. The accommodating part 23 is formed in a substantially box shape whose upper surface is opened. The lid portion 24 is provided so as to seal the upper surface opening of the housing portion 23.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the accommodating portion 23 includes a pair of side walls 26 </ b> L and 26 </ b> R and a pair of end walls 27 </ b> F and 27 </ b> B that are erected around the bottom wall 25. The pair of side walls 26 </ b> L and 26 </ b> R are disposed to face in the left-right direction with the bottom wall 25 interposed therebetween. The pair of end walls 27 </ b> F and 27 </ b> B are disposed to face each other in the front-rear direction across the bottom wall 25.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom wall 25 includes a conveyance bending portion 25 a and a stirring bending portion 25 b that bulge downward as viewed from the front. The conveyance bending portion 25a is connected to the right side of the stirring bending portion 25b. The conveying curved portion 25a is formed narrower in the left-right direction (with a smaller radius of curvature) than the stirring curved portion 25b. A toner discharge port 28 is formed in the front portion of the conveyance bending portion 25a (see FIG. 4). Although not shown, a shutter for opening and closing the toner discharge port 28 is provided at the front portion of the conveyance bending portion 25a.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an operation lever 20a is rotatably provided on the front end wall 27F. Also, a cover 20b that covers the pivot point of the operation lever 20a is attached to the front end wall 27F. When the operation lever 20a is rotated while the toner container 10 is mounted on the mounting portion 2a (mounted state), the shutter moves and the toner discharge port 28 is opened and closed. When the toner discharge port 28 is opened in the mounted state, the toner discharge port 28 is connected to a supply port (not shown) of the developing device 16 via a toner supply path (not shown).

  A main body side flange 23 a extending outward is formed on the upper portion of the accommodating portion 23. A lid-side flange 24 a that extends outward is formed at the bottom of the lid portion 24. The lid portion 24 is fixed to the housing portion 23 by joining the lid side flange 24a to the main body side flange 23a.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the conveying screw 21 is disposed on the upper side of the conveying bending portion 25a. The conveying screw 21 has a screw shaft 21a and a spiral blade 21b. The screw shaft 21a is rotatably supported by a pair of front and rear end walls 27F and 27B. The spiral blade 21b is provided on the peripheral surface of the screw shaft 21a. Although illustration is omitted, the screw shaft 21a is connected to a drive motor via a transmission mechanism. The conveying screw 21 receives a driving force input from a driving motor and rotates around the screw shaft 21a.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the stirring member 22 is disposed above the stirring curved portion 25b. The stirring member 22 has a stirring rotation shaft 30 and a stirring blade 31. The stirring rotation shaft 30 is rotatably supported inside the container body 20. The stirring blade 31 is fixed along the longitudinal direction of the stirring rotating shaft 30.

  The stirring rotation shaft 30 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and is formed in a rod shape that is long in the front-rear direction. The stirring rotation shaft 30 is constructed between a pair of front and rear end walls 27F and 27B (see FIG. 4). The stirring rotation shaft 30 is provided at a position that is separated by substantially the same distance from the stirring curved portion 25b and the lower side of each side wall 26L, 26R (see FIG. 5).

  The stirring rotation shaft 30 includes a shaft main body 30a and a pair of support shaft portions 30b. The shaft body 30a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front (see FIG. 5). The pair of support shaft portions 30b are connected to both front and rear ends of the shaft main body 30a (see FIG. 4). The pair of support shaft portions 30b is supported by a pair of front and rear end walls 27F and 27B. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the stirring rotating shaft 30 is connected to the drive motor via the transmission mechanism. The stirring member 22 receives an input of driving force from the driving motor and rotates around the stirring rotation shaft 30.

  The stirring blade 31 is formed of, for example, a flexible synthetic resin (polyethylene terephthalate or the like) film. As shown in FIG. 6, the stirring blade 31 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the front-rear direction. The stirring blade 31 is formed to have substantially the same length as the shaft main body 30a. One side of the stirring blade 31 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) is fixed to the shaft main body 30a. That is, the stirring blade 31 extends from the stirring rotating shaft 30 toward the radially outer side. One side of the stirring blade 31 is formed in parallel with the stirring rotation shaft 30.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the stirring blade 31 is formed longer than the distance from the stirring rotation shaft 30 (the axis thereof) to the inner surface of the container body 20. Specifically, the stirring blade 31 is formed to have a length that contacts the inner surface of the stirring curved portion 25b and the lower inner surfaces of the side walls 26L and 26R. In addition, the stirring blade 31 is formed in a length that does not contact the upper inner surfaces of the side walls 26L and 26R and the inner surface of the lid portion 24.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the stirring blade 31 has a ridge 32 that protrudes toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the stirring rotating shaft 30. The ridge portion 32 as an example of the protruding portion extends along the axial direction of the stirring rotation shaft 30 in a state of swelling in a semicylindrical shape. That is, the ridge portion 32 is formed in a semicircular shape (arch shape) when viewed from the axial direction. The ridge portion 32 is integrally formed in the region on the tip side (radially outer side) of the stirring blade 31. Specifically, the ridge portion 32 is formed on the radially inner side with respect to the tip portion 33 of the stirring blade 31. In other words, the tip 33 of the stirring blade 31 extends from the ridge 32 toward the radially outer side.

  Next, the operation of the toner container 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The toner container 10 is assumed to be attached to the attachment portion 2a.

  When the toner is consumed by the execution of the image forming process, the control device (not shown) of the color printer 1 executes the toner replenishment operation as follows. The drive motor is driven and controlled by the control device, and rotates the stirring member 22 and the conveying screw 21 counterclockwise in FIG. The agitation blade 31 agitates the toner on the agitation curved portion 25b by rotating around the agitation rotating shaft 30.

  When the stirring blade 31 is positioned on the lid portion 24 side, the stirring blade 31 is in a first state that does not contact the inner surface of the container body 20. When the agitating member 22 rotates from the first state, the agitating blade 31 causes the tip 33 and the protruding ridges 32 (hereinafter also referred to as “the protruding ridges 32 etc.”) to contact the left side wall 26L. It becomes a state. As the stirring member 22 rotates, the stirring blade 31 is bent toward the upstream side in the rotation direction, and the ridge portion 32 and the like slide from the side wall 26L toward the stirring curved portion 25b. Thereafter, the stirring blade 31 enters a third state in which the ridge portion 32 is brought into contact with the conveying screw 21. When the rotation of the stirring member 22 proceeds, the stirring blade 31 passes through the conveying screw 21 and enters a fourth state in which the protruding strip portion 32 is brought into contact with the right side wall 26R. When the agitating member 22 further rotates, the agitating blade 31 enters a fifth state in which the ridge portion 32 and the like are separated from the side wall 26R.

  As described above, the stirring blade 31 changes its state with rotation. Since the protrusion 32 protrudes downstream in the rotation direction of the stirring rotation shaft 30, it slides along the inner surface of the container body 20. The ridges 32 and the like scrape off the toner adhering to the inner surface of the stirring curved portion 25b and the inner surfaces of the side walls 26L and 26R. The spiral blade 21b of the transport screw 21 rotates around the screw shaft 21a to transport the toner on the transport curved portion 25a toward the toner discharge port 28 (see FIG. 4). As a result, the toner is supplied from the toner discharge port 28 to the developing device 16 through a toner supply path (not shown).

  According to the toner container 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the inner surface of the container body 20 has a region in which the tip end portion 33 of the stirring blade 31 and the ridge portion 32 slide simultaneously. Specifically, the edge portion 33a of the distal end portion 33 and the ridge portion 32 are in sliding contact with each other in the region from the lower side of the left side wall 26L to the stirring curved portion 25b. That is, during the transition period from the second state to the third state, the edge portion 33a and the ridge portion 32 simultaneously scrape off the toner. Further, the edge portion 33a of the tip end portion 33 and the ridge portion 32 are in sliding contact with the lower region of the right side wall 26R. That is, during the transition period from the fourth state to the fifth state, the edge portion 33a and the ridge portion 32 simultaneously scrape off the toner. As described above, the toner scraping ability can be improved.

  Further, the stirring blade 31 having the ridge portion 32 can lift a larger amount of toner than a flat blade. Thereby, the toner in the container main body 20 can be appropriately stirred. Further, the toner on the stirring curved portion 25b can be pushed out toward the conveying curved portion 25a (conveying screw 21).

  By the way, when the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner container 10 decreases, the stirring blade 31 may generate an abnormal noise during the state transition described above. For example, when the tip 33 of the stirring blade 31 contacts the side walls 26L, 26R and the conveying screw 21, a collision sound is generated. Moreover, when the edge part 33a of the front-end | tip part 33 leaves | separates from the side walls 26L and 26R and the conveyance screw 21, the front-end | tip part 33 will open | release a bending and will generate a playing sound. Thus, the toner container 10 according to the first embodiment solves the above-described problem by providing the stirrer blade 31 with the ridge portion 32.

  According to the toner container 10 according to the first embodiment, the ridge portion 32 is located on the proximal end side with respect to the distal end portion 33 of the stirring blade 31 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the rotation radius of the ridge portion 32 is smaller than the rotation radius of the tip portion 33 (edge portion 33a) of the stirring blade 31. When the stirring blade 31 rotates about the stirring rotation shaft 30, the circumferential speed of the ridge portion 32 becomes lower than the circumferential speed of the edge portion 33 a of the tip end portion 33. For this reason, it is possible to reduce energy when the ridge portion 32 collides with the side walls 26L, 26R and the conveying screw 21 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “the inner surface of the container body 20”). Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of a loud collision sound can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the toner container 10 according to the first embodiment, the ridge portion 32 is located on the proximal end side with respect to the distal end portion 33 and protrudes on the downstream side in the rotation direction (see FIG. 7). For this reason, immediately after the front-end | tip part 33 (edge part 33a) of the stirring blade 31 leaves | separates from the conveyance screw 21, the protruding item | line part 32 contacts the inner surface of the side wall 26R (refer the 4th state of FIG. 7). Therefore, the stirring blade 31 is restrained from being greatly deformed by releasing its deflection by its own elastic force. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of a playing sound can be suppressed. Moreover, since the edge part 33a of the front-end | tip part 33 is prevented from colliding strongly with the inner surface of the side wall 26R, generation | occurrence | production of a collision sound can also be suppressed.

  By the way, a rib or the like (not shown) necessary for design or manufacture may be formed on the inner surface of the container body 20 (accommodating portion 23). That is, the inner surface of the container body 20 often has irregularities (not shown). According to the toner container 10 according to the first embodiment, since the ridge portion 32 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, it smoothly slides without being caught by the irregularities in the container body 20. Thereby, the stirring member 22 can be smoothly rotated.

  In addition, although the toner container 10 according to the first embodiment has the semi-cylindrical protrusion 32, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 8, in the first modification of the first embodiment, the stirring blade 31 has a plurality of (for example, nine) bulging portions 35 instead of the ridge portions 32. The plurality of bulging portions 35 as an example of the protruding portions protrude toward the downstream side in the rotation direction in a state of bulging in a hemispherical shape. Each bulging portion 35 has a semicircular shape when viewed from the axial direction, and is formed integrally with the stirring blade 31. The plurality of bulging portions 35 are arranged in parallel with the stirring blade 31 at equal intervals in the axial direction. According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same operations and effects as those of the toner container 10 (projection strip portion 32) according to the first embodiment. Further, since the hemispherical bulging portion 35 is not easily subjected to resistance when the toner is agitated, for example, even toner having poor fluidity can be agitated appropriately.

  The toner container 10 according to the first embodiment (including the first modified example) is formed in a semicircular shape when the ridge portion 32 and each bulging portion 35 are viewed from the axial direction. Is not limited to this. Although illustration is omitted, the shape of the ridge portion 32 and each bulging portion 35 may be formed in an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, or other polygonal shapes when viewed from the axial direction. However, in order to smoothly slide on the inner surface of the container body 20, it is preferable that the ridge portion 32 and each bulging portion 35 are formed in a semi-cylindrical shape.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the stirring blade 31 may have teardrop-shaped convex strips 37 or bulging portions 38 as viewed from the axial direction. (Second modification of the first embodiment). Specifically, the inclination angle α on the radially inner side of the ridge portion 37 is formed smaller than the inclination angle β on the radially outer side of the ridge portion 37 (see FIG. 9). Similarly, the inclination angle α of each bulging portion 38 is formed smaller than the inclination angle β of each bulging portion 38 (see FIG. 10). That is, each of the ridges 37 and the bulges 38 has a gentle slope on the rotation center side and a steep slope on the tip 33 side. According to this configuration, the ridges 37 and the bulges 38 move in a state where the gentle slope is in contact with the irregularities in the container body 20 described above, and thus the irregularities are smoothly overcome. Thereby, the stirring member 22 can be rotated more smoothly. Further, by forming the ridge portion 37 and each bulging portion 38 in a teardrop shape, the resistance during the stirring of the toner can be further reduced.

  In the above description, the ridge portion 32 is in contact with the inner surface of the side wall 26 </ b> R immediately after the tip portion 33 (edge portion 33 a) of the stirring blade 31 is separated from the conveying screw 21. It is not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the formation position of the protrusion 32 may be moved radially inward to increase the radial length of the tip 33 (third modification of the first embodiment). That is, the formation position of the ridge 32 may be set so that the ridge 32 contacts the inner surface of the side wall 26R before the edge 33a of the tip 33 is separated from the conveying screw 21 (see FIG. 11). (4th state). Note that the overall radial length of the stirring blade 31 is the same as described above. According to this configuration, it is possible to further effectively reduce the collision sound and the playing sound. Instead of the ridges 32, the positions of the bulges 35, the teardrop-shaped ridges 37, or the bulges 38 may be moved radially inward.

  Next, a toner container 40 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the stirring member 22 of the toner container 40. Hereinafter, the same components as those of the toner container 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The stirring blade 31 of the toner container 40 has a plurality of (for example, eight) slits 50 that are cut inwardly from the radially outer end. The plurality of slits 50 are formed at equal intervals in the axial direction. Each slit 50 is cut from the tip of the stirring blade 31 to the vicinity of the stirring rotation shaft 30. The stirring blade 31 is divided into a plurality of (for example, nine) stirring pieces 51 through a plurality of slits 50. The plurality of stirring pieces 31a are arranged in parallel along the axial direction. Note that a relief hole H for dispersing shear stress is formed in the base end portion of each slit 50.

  The ridge portion 32 is divided into a plurality of divided convex portions 52 via a plurality of slits 50. Similarly, the tip 33 of the stirring blade 31 is divided into a plurality of divided tips 53 through a plurality of slits 50. That is, each of the plurality of stirring pieces 51 has a divided convex portion 52 and a divided tip portion 53.

  According to the toner container 40 according to the second embodiment described above, since the plurality of stirring pieces 51 are divided by the slits 50, they are bent individually. As a result, the plurality of divided convex portions 52 and the plurality of divided tip portions 53 slide along the inner surface shape of the container body 20, so that the toner adhering to the inner surface of the container body 20 can be scraped off without leakage. .

  As shown in FIG. 13, each slit 50 described above may be applied to the stirring blade 31 of the toner container 10 according to the first or second modification of the first embodiment (the modification of the second embodiment). Example). For example, each of the plurality of stirring pieces 51 may have teardrop-shaped split convex portions 55 as viewed from the axial direction (see the uppermost stage in FIG. 13). Further, for example, the plurality of stirring pieces 51 may each have semicircular or teardrop-shaped bulging portions 35 and 38 when viewed from the axial direction (see the middle and lowermost stages in FIG. 13).

  Next, a toner container 41 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the stirring member 22 of the toner container 41. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the stirring member 22 of the toner container 41. Hereinafter, the same components as those of the toner containers 10 and 40 according to the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the stirring blade 31 of the toner container 41 has a plurality of stirring pieces 51 (slits 50) arranged in the axial direction, as in the second embodiment. Each of the plurality of stirring pieces 51 has divided convex portions 52 at different positions in the radial direction. The plurality of divided convex portions 52 are arranged in a stepped manner inclined from the inner side in the radial direction toward the outer side from the center in the axial direction. That is, the plurality of divided convex portions 52 are arranged in a substantially V shape. In other words, the plurality of divided tip portions 53 are formed so as to gradually shorten in the radial direction from the center in the axial direction toward both outer sides.

  Next, the operation of the toner container 41 will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the stirring piece 51 in which the divided projections 52 are arranged on the radially inner side is referred to as “inner stirring piece 51A”, and the stirring piece 51 in which the divided projections 52 are arranged on the radially outer side is referred to as “outer stirring”. It will be referred to as “piece 51B”. In addition, hereinafter, the movement of the inner stirring piece 51A and the outer stirring piece 51B will be described in order to simplify the description.

  When the stirring member 22 rotates, the divided convex portion 52 of the outer stirring piece 51B comes into contact with the side wall 26L before the divided convex portion 52 of the inner stirring piece 51A. That is, after the outer stirring piece 51B is in the second state, the inner stirring piece 51A is in the second state. Then, the division | segmentation convex part 52 of 51 A of inner side stirring pieces contacts the conveyance screw 21 and side wall 26R ahead of the division | segmentation convex part 52 of the outer side stirring piece 51B. That is, after the inner stirring piece 51A is in the third state (or the fourth state), the outer stirring piece 51B is in the third state (or the fourth state). As the stirring member 22 further rotates, the divided tip 53 (edge 53a) of the inner stirring piece 51A moves away from the side wall 26R before the divided tip 53 (edge 53a) of the outer stirring piece 51B. That is, after the inner stirring piece 51A is in the fifth state, the outer stirring piece 51B is in the fifth state. As described above, the inner stirring piece 51A and the outer stirring piece 51B are not simultaneously in the same state.

  According to the toner container 41 according to the third embodiment described above, the plurality of divided convex portions 52 are respectively formed on the stirring piece 51 at positions shifted in the radial direction. For this reason, the plurality of divided projections 52 and the plurality of divided tip portions 53 (hereinafter referred to as “plurality of divided projections 52 and the like”) each collide with the inner surface of the container body 20 at different timings. That is, the plurality of divided convex portions 52 and the like do not contact the inner surface of the container body 20 at the same time. Further, the plurality of divided convex portions 52 and the like are separated from the inner surface of the container main body 20 at different timings. That is, the plurality of divided convex portions 52 and the like do not leave the inner surface of the container body 20 at the same time. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of a loud collision sound and a playing sound can be prevented.

  The feature of the toner container 41 according to the third embodiment may be applied to the stirring blade 31 of the toner container 10 according to the first or second modification of the first embodiment (the modification of the third embodiment). ). Although not shown, for example, each of the plurality of stirring pieces 51 may have teardrop-shaped split convex portions 55 (see the uppermost stage in FIG. 13) at different positions in the radial direction when viewed from the axial direction. Good. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, the plurality of stirring pieces 51 are respectively provided in semi-circular bulging portions 35 (or teardrop shapes 38 (see FIG. 13) at different positions in the radial direction when viewed from the axial direction. (See the bottom row))).

  Next, a toner container 42 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the stirring member 22 of the toner container 42. Hereinafter, the same components as those of the toner containers 10 and 40 according to the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The agitation blade 31 of the toner container 42 has a plurality of agitation pieces 51 (slits 50) arranged in the axial direction, as in the second embodiment. Each of the plurality of stirring pieces 51 has divided convex portions 52 having different protrusion amounts. Specifically, each of the plurality of divided convex portions 52 has a different radius when viewed from the axial direction. The plurality of divided convex portions 52 are formed so as to gradually reduce the protruding amount (radius) from the axial center to both outer sides. The plurality of divided tip portions 53 are formed so as to become longer in the radial direction stepwise from the axial center toward both outer sides.

  According to the toner container 42 according to the fourth embodiment described above, the same operations and effects as the toner container 41 according to the third embodiment can be obtained.

  The feature of the toner container 42 according to the fourth embodiment may be applied to the stirring blade 31 of the toner container 10 according to the first or second modification of the first embodiment (the modification of the fourth embodiment). ). Although illustration is omitted, for example, each of the plurality of stirring pieces 51 may include teardrop-shaped divided convex portions 55 (see the uppermost stage in FIG. 13) having different protrusion amounts (radius). As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the plurality of stirring pieces 51 are each formed of a hemispherical bulging portion 35 (or a teardrop-shaped bulging portion 38 (the lowermost stage in FIG. 13) having different protrusion amounts (radius). See)).

  Although illustration is omitted, the characteristics of the toner container 42 according to the fourth embodiment may be applied to the stirring blade 31 of the toner container 41 according to the third embodiment. In other words, the plurality of stirring pieces 51 may have the divided convex portions 52 and 55 (the bulging portions 35 and 38) having different protrusion amounts at different positions in the radial direction.

  The description of the above embodiment shows one aspect of the developer container and the image forming apparatus including the developer container according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. . The components in the above embodiment can be appropriately replaced or combined with existing components and the like, and the description of the above embodiment does not limit the content of the invention described in the claims. .

1 Color printer (image forming device)
10, 40, 41, 42 Toner container (developer container)
20 Container body 22 Stirring member 30 Stirring rotation shaft (rotating shaft)
31 Stirrer blade 32, 37 Projection (projection)
35,38 bulge (protrusion)
50 Slit 51 Stirring piece 52, 55 Divided convex part

Claims (13)

A container body for containing a developer;
A stirring member for stirring the developer inside the container body,
The stirring member is
A rotating shaft rotatably supported by the container body;
Extending radially outward from the rotating shaft, and including a flexible stirring blade,
The developer container, wherein the stirring blade has a protrusion protruding toward a downstream side in a rotation direction of the rotation shaft in a region on a tip side. The protrusion is formed on the radially inner side than the tip of the stirring blade,
2. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the container main body has a region in which a tip portion of the stirring blade and the protrusion are simultaneously slid.   3. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion includes a ridge extending along the axial direction of the rotation shaft in a state of swelling in a semi-cylindrical shape. 4.   The developer container according to claim 3, wherein an inclination angle on the radially inner side of the ridge is smaller than an inclination angle on the radially outer side of the ridge. The stirring blade includes a plurality of stirring pieces arranged in the axial direction through a plurality of slits cut inwardly from the radially outer end,
5. The developer container according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of stirring pieces has a divided convex portion obtained by dividing the convex portion by the plurality of slits.   The developer container according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of stirring pieces has the divided projections at positions different in the radial direction.   7. The developer container according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of stirring pieces has the divided convex portion having a different protrusion amount. 8.   3. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion includes a plurality of bulges that swell in a hemispherical shape.   The developer container according to claim 8, wherein an inclination angle on the radially inner side of the bulging portion is smaller than an inclination angle on the radially outer side of the bulging portion. The stirring blade includes a plurality of stirring pieces arranged in the axial direction through a plurality of slits cut inwardly from the radially outer end,
The developer container according to claim 8 or 9, wherein each of the plurality of stirring pieces has the bulging portion.   The developer container according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of stirring pieces has the bulging portion at a position different in the radial direction.   12. The developer container according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of stirring pieces has the bulging portion having a different protruding amount.   An image forming apparatus comprising the developer container according to claim 1.

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