JP2018180155A - Developer supply device and image forming apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer supply device that prevents a developer including particles having magnetism from attaching to an inner surface of a container body to reduce a developer not discharged and remaining in the container body.SOLUTION: A developer supply device 20 of the present invention comprises: a toner bottle 31 that includes a spiral conveying rib 36 that projects inward in the radial direction from an inner surface of a container body 32 that stores a developer T including particles having magnetism, and rotates the container body 32 around the axis to convey the developer T toward a discharge port opening at one end in the axial direction; and a magnetic field forming part 40 that is provided opposite to a part in the axial direction of an outer surface of the container body 32, and applies a magnetic force attracting the developer T stored in the container body 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer supply device and an image forming apparatus provided with the same.

  The electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a developer replenishing device for replenishing a developer (toner) contained in a developer container to a developing device.

  For example, the toner supply container described in Patent Document 1 includes a container holding member that holds a toner storage portion supported by a support member. The toner storage portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is rotatably supported by the support member. The toner is accommodated in the toner accommodating portion. On the inner surface of the toner storage portion, a toner guiding protrusion for conveying the toner to the discharge hole is formed in a spiral shape. A magnet is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the toner storage portion, and a counter magnet is provided on the container holding member at a position facing the magnet. In this toner supply container, the toner containing portion vibrates due to the interaction between the magnet and the counter magnet accompanying the rotation of the toner containing portion, and the toner attached to the inner wall of the toner containing portion is shaken off.

JP, 2009-168918, A

  However, in the above-described toner supply container, when a developer containing magnetic particles (for example, a magnetic toner or a two-component developer containing toner and carrier (magnetic material)) is stored in the toner storage portion, The agent may be attracted to the magnet and adhere to the inner surface of the toner storage unit. Since the developer always rotates integrally with the toner storage unit, the developer may be firmly attached to the inner surface of the toner storage unit. Then, the transport of the developer is hindered, and there is a problem that the developer remaining in the toner storage portion is increased.

  Further, in the above-described toner supply container, when the remaining amount of toner decreases, the toner may continue to rotate together with the toner storage portion with the toner adhering to the inner surface of the toner storage portion. In addition, after the toner attached to the inner surface of the toner storage unit is lifted by the rotation of the toner storage unit, the toner may be peeled off and dropped. In these cases, the toner may not be able to receive the transport force efficiently from the toner guiding protrusion. As a result, there is a problem that proper toner conveyance is inhibited and toner remains in the toner storage unit.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention suppresses the adhesion of a developer containing magnetic particles to the inner surface of a container main body, and reduces the developer remaining without being discharged, and a developer replenishing device Provided is an image forming apparatus provided.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the developer supply device of the present invention includes a spiral conveyance rib which protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of a container body containing a developer containing magnetic particles, and the container body A developer container for conveying the developer toward an outlet opening in one axial direction by rotating the shaft around an axis, and provided so as to be opposed to a part or whole axial direction of the outer surface of the container main body; And a magnetic field forming portion for causing a magnetic force to attract between the developer contained in the container body.

  In this case, the magnetic field forming unit is preferably provided below the container body.

  In this case, preferably, the magnetic field forming portion is provided on the side of the container main body so as to face the range in which the lowermost end of the container main body is rotated toward the uppermost end.

  In this case, the container body is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction and includes a tapered portion whose internal diameter is gradually decreased toward the discharge port, and the magnetic field forming portion is provided to face the tapered portion. Is preferred.

  In this case, it is preferable to further include an interval adjusting unit that moves the magnetic field forming unit in the radial direction to change the interval with the container main body.

  In this case, it is preferable to further include a magnetic field moving unit that moves the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming unit from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the developer.

  In this case, the magnetic field moving unit moves the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming unit from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction when at least one of the environmental temperature and the environmental humidity is detected for a preset time. It is preferable to

  In this case, preferably, the magnetic field moving unit moves the magnetic field forming unit from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction.

  In other cases, the magnetic field forming unit includes a magnet group in which a plurality of permanent magnets or a plurality of electromagnets are arranged along the transport direction, and the magnetic field moving unit includes the plurality of permanent magnets or the plurality of electromagnets. It is preferable to move in the radial direction sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction.

  In other cases, the magnetic field forming unit includes an electromagnet group in which a plurality of electromagnets are arranged in the transport direction, and the magnetic field moving unit is configured to feed and de-energize the plurality of electromagnets in the transport direction It is preferable to switch sequentially from the side toward the downstream side.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with the developer replenishing device described in any of the above.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress that the developer containing the particles having magnetism adheres to the inner surface of the container main body. Also, the amount of developer remaining without being discharged can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal structure of a color printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a developer supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toner bottle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the toner bottle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a developer supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the VI-VI sectional view of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the developer replenishment apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is VIII-VIII sectional drawing of FIG. It is a developer supply device concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention, and is a sectional view showing typically the state where the magnetic field formation part was moved to the approach position. It is a developer supply device concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention, and is a sectional view showing typically the state where the magnetic field formation part was moved to the separation position. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the developer replenishment apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the developer replenishment apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the developer replenishment apparatus (other state) which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the developer replenishment apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the developer replenishment apparatus (other states) which concern on 6th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a developer supply device according to a modification of the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Note that "Fr" shown in each figure indicates "front", "Rr" indicates "rear", "L" indicates "left", "R" indicates "right", and "U" indicates "Up" is shown, "D" is showing "down."

First Embodiment Outline of Color Printer
The entire configuration of a color printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the color printer 1.

  The color printer 1 is provided with an apparatus main body 2 that forms an external appearance of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Below the main body 2 of the apparatus, a sheet feeding cassette 3 for accommodating (a bundle of) sheets S made of paper is detachably provided. A sheet discharge tray 4 is provided on the top surface of the apparatus body 2. The sheet S is not limited to paper, and may be a resin sheet or the like.

  The color printer 1 further includes a sheet feeding device 5, an image forming device 6, a fixing device 7, and a developer replenishing device 20 inside the apparatus main body 2. The sheet feeding device 5 is provided at the upstream end of the conveyance path 8 extending from the sheet feeding cassette 3 to the sheet discharge tray 4. The fixing device 7 is provided on the downstream side of the conveyance path 8, and the image forming device 6 is provided on the conveyance path 8 between the sheet feeding device 5 and the fixing device 7. The developer supply device 20 includes four toner bottles 31 storing developer T containing toners of four colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

  The imaging device 6 includes an intermediate transfer belt 11, four drum units 12, and a light scanning device 13. The intermediate transfer belt 11 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 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. Each primary transfer roller 17 is provided so as to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 11 with the photosensitive drum 14. On the rear side of the intermediate transfer belt 11, a secondary transfer roller 19 contacts to form a transfer nip.

  The control device 9 of the color printer 1 appropriately controls each device and executes an image forming operation as follows. Each charging device 15 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 14. Each photosensitive drum 14 receives scanning light emitted from the light scanning device 13 and carries an electrostatic latent image. Each developing device 16 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 14 into a toner image using toner contained in the developer T supplied from the toner bottle 31. Each primary transfer roller 17 primarily transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 14 to the rotating intermediate transfer belt 11. The intermediate transfer belt 11 carries a full color toner image in which toner images of four colors are superimposed while rotating. The sheet S is fed from the sheet feeding cassette 3 to the conveyance path 8 by the sheet feeding device 5. The secondary transfer roller 19 secondarily transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 11 to the sheet S passing through the transfer nip. The fixing device 7 thermally fixes the toner image on the sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 4. Each cleaning device 18 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 14.

<Configuration of developer supply device>
Next, the developer supply device 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the developer supply device 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the toner bottle 31. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the toner bottle 31. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the developer supply device 20 includes a container mounting portion 30 and four toner bottles 31. Four toner bottles 31 as an example of the developer container are detachably mounted to the container mounting unit 30, respectively.

  The container mounting unit 30 is provided on the upper portion of the device body 2 (see FIG. 1). In detail, the container mounting unit 30 is provided above the intermediate transfer belt 11 (each developing device 16). In the container mounting unit 30, four mounting chambers 30A are formed side by side in the left-right direction. Each mounting chamber 30A is a substantially cylindrical space that opens in the front and extends rearward (see FIG. 2). In the device body 2, a cover (not shown) covering the front of each mounting chamber 30A is provided so as to be openable and closable.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the four toner bottles 31 each include a container body 32 and a cover member 33. The four toner bottles 31 are inserted into the four mounting chambers 30A and used (see FIG. 2). The container main body 32 for storing the black developer T is formed thicker (with a larger outer diameter) than the other container main bodies 32, and is mounted in the mounting chamber 30A at the right end (see FIG. 1). The four toner bottles 31 have substantially the same configuration except for the thickness of the container body 32, and therefore, the black toner bottle 31 will be described below. Further, in the following description, the state in which the toner bottle 31 is mounted in the mounting chamber 30A is used as a reference.

  The container main body 32 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction (axial direction). The container body 32 accommodates the developer T including particles having magnetism. The developer T is, for example, a two-component developer in which a toner and a carrier are mixed. The toner contains, for example, a binder resin, a colorant, necessary additives, and the like. The carrier is formed of a ferromagnetic material such as magnetite or ferrite, and is stirred with the toner to impart a desired charge to the toner. The developer T is not limited to a two-component developer, and may be, for example, a one-component developer composed of a magnetic toner.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the container body 32 includes a cylindrical portion 32A, a tapered portion 32B, and a connecting portion 32C.

  The cylindrical portion 32A is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape in which the front end surface is closed. A grip portion G is provided on the front end surface of the cylindrical portion 32A in a protruding manner. The tapered portion 32B is formed to extend rearward from the rear end of the cylindrical portion 32A. The tapered portion 32B is formed in a tapered shape in which the inner diameter is gradually reduced toward the rear (the outlet 37 described later).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connecting portion 32 </ b> C is formed to extend rearward from the rear end of the tapered portion 32 </ b> B. The connection portion 32C is formed to be thinner (smaller outer diameter) than the cylindrical portion 32A. A connection opening 34 is opened at the rear end surface of the connection portion 32C (see FIG. 4). A substantially annular transmission gear 35 is fixed to the outer surface of the connection portion 32C. The outer diameter of the transmission gear 35 is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 32A so that the toner bottle 31 can be mounted in the mounting chamber 30A (see also FIG. 5 and the like). In other words, in order to provide the transmission gear 35 in the connection portion 32C, the tapered portion 32B is reduced in diameter from the cylindrical portion 32A toward the connection portion 32C.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the container main body 32 includes a spiral conveyance rib 36 extending in the front-rear direction (axial direction) while rotating on the inner surface. The conveyance rib 36 is formed in a state in which it protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the container main body 32 (see also FIG. 5 and the like). The transport rib 36 is formed from the rear of the cylindrical portion 32A to the tapered portion 32B. The transport rib 36 rotates with the container body 32 to apply a transport force to the developer T.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover member 33 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the rear end surface closed. The cover member 33 is fitted to the rear end portion of the connection portion 32C to close the connection opening 34. The cover member 33 supports the container body 32 rotatably about an axis. A shutter 38 for opening and closing the discharge port 37 is provided on the lower surface of the cover member 33. The shutter 38 is provided slidably between a position closing the outlet 37 and a position opening the outlet 37. The shutter 38 is configured to open in a state in which the toner bottle 31 is mounted in the container mounting unit 30 (mounting chamber 30A), and to close in a state in which the toner bottle 31 is detached from the mounting chamber 30A.

<Mounting of Toner Bottle>
Here, the procedure for mounting the toner bottle 31 in the container mounting portion 30 (mounting chamber 30A) will be described. The mounting room 30A is assumed to be empty.

  After the user opens the replenishment cover of the apparatus main body 2, the user inserts the toner bottle 31 with the discharge port 37 directed downward from the cover member 33 side into the mounting chamber 30A (see FIG. 2). In the process of pushing the toner bottle 31 into the mounting chamber 30A, the shutter 38 slides relatively forward and moves from the position closing the discharge port 37 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4) to the open position (see FIG. See the solid line in 4). Thereafter, the cover is closed, and the mounting operation of the toner bottle 31 is completed.

  In this state, the container body 32 is rotatably supported by the container mounting unit 30, and the cover member 33 is non-rotatably supported by the container mounting unit 30. Further, the discharge port 37 is connected to a developer supply path (not shown) communicating with a supply port (not shown) of the developing device 16. Further, the transmission gear 35 of the toner bottle 31 is connected to the drive motor M1 via a power transmission mechanism (not shown) including a gear train and the like (see FIG. 4). The drive motor M1 is electrically connected to the control device 9 or the like of the color printer 1.

<Developer supply operation>
When the toner is consumed by the image forming process, the control device 9 controls the drive motor M1 to execute the replenishment operation of the developer T. The drive motor M1 transmits the driving force to the container body 32 via the transmission gear 35, and rotates the container body 32 about the axial center (see the arrow in FIG. 3). The transport rib 36 rotates integrally with the container main body 32, and transports the developer T toward a discharge port 37 opened rearward (one side in the axial direction). The developer T is discharged from the discharge port 37 (see the broken arrow in FIG. 4), and is supplied into the developing container 16A (see FIG. 1) of the developing device 16 through the developer supply path.

  The developing device 16 is provided with two developing screws 16B for circulating the developer T in one direction while stirring the developer T in the developing container 16A (see FIG. 1). The developing device 16 adopts a developing method (hereinafter, also referred to as a "trickle developing method") in which the excess developer T overflowing from the developing container 16A is discarded along with the replenishment of the developer T. In this trickle development system, a part of the developer T kept stirred by the developing screw 16B is replaced with a fresh developer T. That is, a part of the carrier that has been deteriorated (such as peeling off the coating) under the stress caused by stirring is replaced. As a result, the life of the developer T in the developing container 16A can be extended, and the deterioration of the developing performance (charging performance) due to the deterioration of the carrier can be alleviated.

  When the developer T in the container main body 32 is exhausted, the user opens the cover and then grasps the gripping portion G and pulls out the toner bottle 31 to the front. In the process of pulling out the toner bottle 31, the shutter 38 moves to a position closing the discharge port 37, and the connection between the transmission gear 35 and the drive motor M1 is released. Thereafter, the user mounts a new toner bottle 31 in the mounting chamber 30A.

  By the way, the developer T has good fluidity in a state where particles such as toner and carrier and air are mixed appropriately. The developer T having a good flowability does not easily adhere to the inner surface of the container main body 32, so that the developer T can be appropriately transported. However, when the developer T is not stirred or transported for a long time, the air is released and the developer T is in a tight state. That is, the flowability of the developer T is deteriorated. In addition, the developer T has poor fluidity in a high temperature and high humidity environment. The developer T having poor fluidity easily adheres to the inner surface of the container main body 32, and thus becomes a factor that hinders the transport of the developer T.

  In addition, the developer T having poor fluidity adheres to the inner surface of the container main body 32, and may continue to rotate with the container main body 32 during the replenishment operation. In addition, the developer T adhering to the inner surface of the container main body 32 may be peeled off and dropped after being lifted by the rotation of the container main body 32. In these cases, the developer T can not receive the transport force efficiently from the transport rib 36. Accordingly, the transport of the developer T may be inhibited, and the developer T may remain in the container main body 32. The above phenomenon is likely to occur when the remaining amount of the developer T in the container body 32 is reduced. Therefore, the developer replenishing apparatus 20 includes four magnetic field forming units 40 that suppress the developer T from adhering to the inner surface of the container main body 32 and reduce the developer T remaining without being discharged.

<Magnetic field formation part>
Next, each magnetic field forming unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the developer supply device 20. As shown in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. In addition, illustration of the cover member 33, the holding part G, etc. is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. Moreover, illustration of container mounting part 30 grade | etc., Is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.

  The four magnetic field forming units 40 are provided in the container mounting unit 30 corresponding to the four toner bottles 31. Since the four magnetic field forming units 40 have substantially the same configuration, one magnetic field forming unit 40 corresponding to the black toner bottle 31 will be described below. Further, the state in which the toner bottle 31 is mounted to the container mounting portion 30 (mounting chamber 30A) will be described on the basis.

  The magnetic field forming portion 40 is formed to extend over the entire axial direction of the cylindrical portion 32A of the container main body 32 (see FIG. 5). The magnetic field forming unit 40 is configured of, for example, one permanent magnet. The magnetic field forming unit 40 is fixed to the floor surface 30B of the mounting chamber 30A of the container mounting unit 30. The magnetic field forming unit 40 is provided below the container body 32 (cylindrical portion 32A). The magnetic field forming unit 40 is provided at a position intersecting a line extending vertically downward from the rotation center A of the container body 32 (see FIG. 6). The magnetic field forming portion 40 is curved so that the distance between the magnetic field forming portion 40 and the lower surface of the cylindrical portion 32A is substantially uniform when viewed from the rear surface (see FIG. 6). That is, the magnetic field forming portion 40 is curved so as to be convex downward as viewed from the back. The magnetic field forming unit 40 exerts a magnetic force (hereinafter, also referred to as “magnetic attraction force”) attracting between the developer T contained in the container main body 32. As the magnetic field forming unit 40, a permanent magnet such as a sintered magnet obtained by pressing magnet powder in a magnetic field and burning it at a high temperature, or a bonded magnet made by mixing magnet powder with resin and molding it can be used.

<Operation of magnetic field forming unit>
Next, the operation of the magnetic field forming unit 40 will be described. Since the magnetic field forming unit 40 is disposed below the container body 32, the carrier contained in the developer T is attracted to the lower portion of the container body 32 (the cylindrical portion 32A) (see magnetic lines of force shown by broken lines in FIG. 6). At this time, the toner is also taken by the carrier and attracted to the magnetic field forming unit 40. While the container body 32 is rotating, the developer T is held at the lower part of the container body 32 by the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic field forming unit 40 and keeps sliding on the inner surface of the container body 32 relatively. Therefore, the developer T can be prevented from adhering to the container body 32 and continuing to rotate with the container body 32.

  According to the developer replenishing apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, the developer T is attracted to the magnetic field forming unit 40, so the container body 32 is held in a state where the developer T is held at the lower portion of the container body 32. It can be rotated. Thereby, even if the developer T adheres to the inner surface of the container main body 32, the developer T can be peeled off from the inner surface of the container main body 32. Further, since the developer T continues to relatively slide on the inner surface of the rotating container main body 32, the developer T can be prevented from adhering to the inner surface of the container main body 32. In detail, the developer T continues to be positioned at the lower part of the container body 32 while slightly vibrating in the rotational direction of the container body 32, so that the developer T can efficiently receive the transport force from the transport rib 36. Thus, the developer T can be efficiently transported toward the discharge port 37. By the above, the developer remaining in the container body 32 without being discharged can be reduced.

Second Embodiment
Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the developer supply device 21 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the developer supply device 21. As shown in FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. In addition, illustration of the cover member 33 grade | etc., Is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. Moreover, illustration of container mounting part 30 grade | etc., Is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. Further, in the following description, the same components as those of the developer supply device 20 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the developer supply device 21, the magnetic field forming unit 40 is provided on the side of the container body 32 so as to face the range in which the lowermost end of the container body 32 rotates toward the uppermost end (see FIG. 8). The magnetic field forming unit 40 is provided at a position intersecting a line extending in the horizontal direction from the rotation center A of the container body 32. That is, the magnetic field forming unit 40 is provided to face the right side surface of the container main body 32. The magnetic field forming unit 40 is, for example, a permanent magnet that is curved so that the distance from the rear surface to the side surface of the cylindrical portion 32A is substantially uniform.

  According to the developer supply device 21 according to the second embodiment described above, for example, even when the developer T is rotated and lifted with the container main body 32, the magnetic field forming portion 40 is generated between the developer T and the developer T The developer T can be attracted to the side surface of the container main body 32 by the generated magnetic force (see the magnetic force line shown by the broken line in FIG. 8). As a result, the developer T rotated with the container body 32 can be peeled off from the inner surface of the container body 32 and can slide off. When the developer T attached to the inner surface of the container main body 32 rotates to the same height as the rotation center A of the container main body 32, the sliding off force by its own weight is maximized. Therefore, it is preferable that the magnetic field forming unit 40 be provided to face the rotation center A of the container main body 32.

Third Embodiment
Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the developer supply device 22 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the magnetic field forming portion 40 of the developer supply device 22 is moved to the proximity position P1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the magnetic field forming unit 40 of the developer supply device 22 is moved to the separated position P2. In FIG. 9 and the like, the illustration of the cover member 33 and the like is omitted. Further, in the following description, the same components as those of the developer supply device 20 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the developer supply device 22 includes a container mounting unit 30, a toner bottle 31, a magnetic field forming unit 40, and a gap adjusting unit 50. The space adjustment unit 50 moves the magnetic field forming unit 40 in the radial direction of the container main body 32 to change the distance from the container main body 32.

<Configuration of Interval Adjustment Unit>
The space | interval adjustment part 50 is arrange | positioned at the installation chamber 30C formed in the state dented in the floor surface 30B of 30 A of mounting | wearing chambers. The space adjustment unit 50 is disposed below the magnetic field forming unit 40. The installation room 30C is formed in a size that allows the magnetic field forming unit 40 to enter.

  The space adjustment unit 50 includes two eccentric cams 51 and two tension springs 52.

  Each eccentric cam 51 is supported by the side surface of the installation chamber 30C via a cam shaft 51A. Each eccentric cam 51 is provided rotatably around a cam shaft 51A in a state where the outer peripheral surface (cam surface) is in contact with the lower surface of the magnetic field forming portion 40. Each eccentric cam 51 is a so-called disc cam whose distance from the axial center of the cam shaft 51A to the cam surface is not constant. The cam surface of each eccentric cam 51 includes a proximity cam surface F1 and a separation cam surface F2. The separation cam surface F2 is formed at a position closer to the cam shaft 51A than the proximity cam surface F1. A cam motor M2 is connected to the two camshafts 51A via a gear train or the like. The cam motor M2 is electrically connected to the control device 9 and the like.

  The upper and lower end portions of each tension spring 52 are connected to the lower surface of the magnetic field forming portion 40 and the bottom surface of the installation chamber 30C. Each tension spring 52 biases the magnetic field forming portion 40 downward, and presses the lower surface of the magnetic field forming portion 40 against the cam surface of each eccentric cam 51.

  When the proximity cam surface F1 of each eccentric cam 51 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the magnetic field forming portion 40, the magnetic field forming portion 40 moves to the proximity position P1 where the magnetic attraction force acts on the developer T in the container main body 32. (See FIG. 9). When the magnetic field forming unit 40 moves to the proximity position P1, the upper surface of the magnetic field forming unit 40 becomes substantially the same height as the floor surface 30B of the mounting chamber 30A. On the other hand, when the separation cam surface F2 of each eccentric cam 51 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the magnetic field forming part 40, the magnetic field forming part 40 moves to the separation position P2 radially apart from the container body 32 than the proximity position P1. (See FIG. 10). When the magnetic field forming unit 40 moves to the separated position P2, the magnetic field forming unit 40 enters the installation chamber 30C. In addition, when the magnetic field forming portion 40 moves to the separated position P2, the magnetic attraction force to the developer T in the container main body 32 is weakened, or the magnetic attraction force is not applied.

<Operation of interval adjustment unit>
Next, the operation of the interval adjustment unit 50 will be described. The state in which the magnetic field forming unit 40 is at the close position P1 (see FIG. 9) is taken as an initial state.

  For example, when the toner bottle 31 is replaced with a new toner bottle 31 and the residual amount of the developer T in the container main body 32 is large, the possibility that the developer T adheres to the inner surface of the container main body 32 is low. In this case, since the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic field forming unit 40 does not have to act on the developer T, the control device 9 controls the cam motor M2 to move the magnetic field forming unit 40 from the proximity position P1 to the separation position P2. Move it. The cam motor M2 transmits the driving force to each cam shaft 51A, and rotates each eccentric cam 51 so that the separation cam surface F2 is in contact with the lower surface of the magnetic field forming portion 40 (see FIG. 10). At this time, the magnetic field forming portion 40 is lowered while being pressed against the cam surface of each eccentric cam 51 by the biasing force of each tension spring 52. When each eccentric cam 51 rotates until the separation cam surface F2 abuts on the lower surface of the magnetic field forming portion 40, the cam motor M2 is stopped. The control device 9 can detect the rotation angle of the cam based on the rotation angle or rotation time of the cam motor M2, or the output of various sensors (not shown).

  On the other hand, for example, when the replenishment operation of the developer T is repeatedly performed and the remaining amount of the developer T decreases, the possibility that the developer T adheres to the inner surface of the container main body 32 becomes high. For this reason, it is preferable to cause the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic field forming unit 40 to act on the developer T, as in the developer supply device 20 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the control device 9 drives and controls the cam motor M2 to move the magnetic field forming unit 40 from the separated position P2 to the close position P1. The cam motor M2 transmits the driving force to each cam shaft 51A, and rotates each eccentric cam 51 so as to bring the proximity cam surface F1 into contact with the lower surface of the magnetic field forming portion 40 (see FIG. 9). At this time, the magnetic field forming portion 40 is pushed up against the biasing force of each tension spring 52. When each eccentric cam 51 rotates until the proximity cam surface F1 abuts on the lower surface of the magnetic field forming portion 40, the cam motor M2 is stopped.

  In the developer supply device 22 according to the third embodiment described above, the interval adjustment unit 50 is configured to cause the magnetic field forming unit 40 to approach or separate from the container main body 30. According to this configuration, for example, when the developer T easily adheres to the inner surface of the container main body 30, the magnetic field forming portion 40 is brought close to the container main body 32, and the magnetic attraction force to the developer T is increased. Thereby, the effect of peeling off the developer T attached to the inner surface of the rotating container main body 32 can be increased. On the other hand, when the developer T does not easily adhere to the inner surface of the container body 32, the magnetic field forming portion 40 is moved away from the container body 32 to reduce the magnetic attraction force to the developer T (or the magnetic attraction force). Remove). As a result, it is possible to reduce the load (stress) that the developer T receives by relatively continuing to slide on the inner surface of the rotating container main body 32.

  In the developer supply device 22 according to the third embodiment, the interval adjustment unit 50 includes the eccentric cam 51 and the tension spring 52. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The tension spring 52 may be omitted. In this case, the magnetic field forming unit 40 is lowered to the separation position P2 by its own weight and abuts on the separation cam surface F2 of the eccentric cam 51.

  In the developer supply device 22 according to the third embodiment, the interval adjustment unit 50 is configured by a so-called cam mechanism, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the space adjustment unit may include a push-type solenoid (not shown) instead of the eccentric cam 51. In this case, the magnetic field forming unit 40 is pushed out by the push-type solenoid to move to the close position P1, and is pulled by the tension spring 52 to move to the separated position P2. In addition, the space adjustment unit may include a pull-type solenoid and a compression spring (both not shown). In this case, the magnetic field forming unit 40 is pushed out by the compression spring to move to the close position P1, and is pulled by the pull type solenoid to move to the separated position P2. In addition, the space adjusting unit may include a push-pull type solenoid (not shown) that moves the magnetic field forming unit 40 between the close position P1 and the separated position P2. In addition, as a mechanism for moving the magnetic field forming portion 40 in the radial direction, the space adjusting portion may also include a cylinder, a rack and pinion, a linear motor or the like for reciprocating the piston rod by oil pressure or air pressure. Good.

  In the developer supply device 22 according to the third embodiment, the space adjustment unit 50 moves the magnetic field forming unit 40 facing the lower surface of the container body 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the space adjustment unit 50 is applied to the developer supply device 21 according to the second embodiment, and the space adjustment unit 50 moves the magnetic field forming unit 40 provided on the side of the container main body 32 (facing the side). It is also good.

  In the developer supply devices 20 to 22 according to the first to third embodiments, the magnetic field forming unit 40 is configured of a single permanent magnet, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the magnetic field forming unit 40 may be configured of a plurality of permanent magnets. Also, for example, the magnetic field forming unit 40 may be configured of one or more electromagnets.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the developer supply device 23 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the developer supply device 23. In addition, illustration of the cover member 33 grade | etc., Is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. In the following description, the same components as those of the developer supply devices 20 to 22 according to the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  The developer supply device 23 includes a container mounting unit 30, a toner bottle 31, a magnetic field forming unit 41, and a magnetic field moving unit 60. The magnetic field forming unit 41 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 41A (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "magnets 41A"). Each magnet 41A is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction. The magnetic field moving unit 60 is a device that moves the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming unit 41 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the developer T. In the present specification, the “transport direction” refers to the direction in which the developer T is transported. Also, “upstream” and “downstream” and similar terms refer to “upstream” and “downstream” and similar concepts in the transport direction of the developer T.

<Configuration of magnetic field moving unit>
The magnetic field moving unit 60 is disposed in the installation room 30C of the installation room 30A. The magnetic field moving unit 60 includes a drive roller 60A, a driven roller 60B, and a belt 60C. The driving roller 60A is disposed rearward in the installation chamber 30C, and the driven roller 60B is disposed forward in the installation chamber 30C. The drive roller 60A is rotationally driven by a belt motor M3. The belt motor M3 is electrically connected to the control device 9 and the like. The belt 60C is formed in an endless shape, and is wound around the driving roller 60A and the driven roller 60B. The belt 60C extends substantially in parallel with the lower surface of the cylindrical portion 32A of the container body 32. A plurality of magnets 41A are fixed at substantially equal intervals on the surface of the belt 60C.

<Operation of magnetic field moving unit>
Next, the operation of the magnetic field moving unit 60 will be described. The container main body 32 is in a state of being rotationally driven by the drive motor M1 (during an operation of supplying the developer T).

  The control device 9 drives and controls the belt motor M3. The belt motor M3 transmits the driving force to the drive roller 60A, and rotates the belt 60C counterclockwise in FIG. The plurality of magnets 41A also rotate counterclockwise with the belt 60C. Each magnet 41A moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction while applying magnetic attraction to the developer T in the container body 32 (cylindrical portion 32A) in a range facing the lower surface of the cylindrical portion 32A. For this reason, the developer T moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction while being attracted to the magnets 41A. When the magnets 41A move to above the driving roller 60A, they make a U-turn with the belt 60C downward and move from the downstream side to the upstream side in the transport direction. In this case, since the magnet 41A moves away from the container body 32, the magnetic attraction force acting on the developer T in the container body 32 is reduced (or the magnetic attraction force is removed).

  In the developer supply device 23 according to the fourth embodiment described above, the magnetic field moving unit 60 moves the magnetic field forming unit 41 (the plurality of magnets 41A) from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the transport direction. According to this configuration, the developer T continues to be drawn from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction as the magnetic field forming portion 41 moves. As a result, since the auxiliary conveyance force by the movement of the magnetic force (magnetic field) is added to the conveyance force of the developer T by the conveyance rib 36, the conveyance ability of the developer T can be improved.

  In the developer supply device 23 according to the fourth embodiment, the plurality of magnets 41A are fixed to the belt 60C. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. One or more magnets 41A may be fixed to the belt 60C. The plurality of magnets 41A may be fixed on the belt 60C at irregular intervals. The magnetic field forming unit 41 is not limited to the plurality of permanent magnets 41A, and may be configured of a plurality of electromagnets. Also, the belt 60C itself may be formed of a magnet that generates a magnetic field.

  In the developer supply device 23 according to the fourth embodiment, the magnetic field moving unit 60 is configured to rotate the belt 60C to which the magnetic field forming unit 41 is fixed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the magnetic field forming unit 41 (one or more magnets 41A) may be fixed to a movable table that reciprocates along a rail extending in the axial direction (transport direction) (none of which is shown). In addition, the rails, the movable table, and the like may be supported by the interval adjustment unit 50 of the developer supply device 22 according to the third embodiment. In this case, it is preferable that the movable table is moved from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction when the space adjustment unit 50 moves the magnetic field forming unit 41 to the proximity position P1. On the other hand, when the space adjustment unit 50 moves the magnetic field forming unit 41 to the separated position P2, it is preferable that the movable table moves from the downstream side to the upstream side in the transport direction.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the developer supply device 24 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a sectional view schematically showing the developer supply device 24. As shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the developer supply device 24 (another state). In addition, illustration of the cover member 33 grade | etc., Is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. In the following description, the same components as those of the developer supply devices 20 to 23 according to the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the developer replenishing device 24 includes a container mounting unit 30, a toner bottle 31, a magnetic field forming unit 42, and a magnetic field moving unit 61. The magnetic field forming unit 42 includes three magnet groups 42A arranged substantially at equal intervals along the transport direction. Each magnet group 42A includes three permanent magnets 42B (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "magnets 42B") arranged substantially at equal intervals along the transport direction. Each magnet 42B is, for example, a permanent magnet formed in a substantially rod shape long in the left-right direction. The nine magnets 42B are disposed inside the installation chamber 30C from a plane (or bottom). The magnetic field moving unit 61 sequentially moves the three magnets 42B included in each magnet group 42A in the radial direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction.

<Configuration of magnetic field moving unit>
The magnetic field moving unit 61 is disposed in the installation room 30C of the installation room 30A. The magnetic field moving unit 61 includes nine solenoids 61A corresponding to the nine magnets 42B. Each of the solenoids 61A is a so-called push-pull type solenoid so that the plunger 61B can be held in a state where it protrudes or retracts from a case 61C in which a coil (not shown) is built. Each solenoid 61A is electrically connected to the control device 9 and the like. Each of the solenoids 61A causes the plunger 61B to move in and out of the case 61C when the control device 9 is energized.

  The plunger 61B of each solenoid 61A is fixed to the lower part of the magnet 42B. By the plunger 61B protruding from the case 61C, the magnet 42B moves to the proximity position P1. On the other hand, when the plunger 61B is drawn into (inserted into) the case 61C, the magnet 42B moves to the separated position P2.

<Operation of magnetic field moving unit>
Next, the operation of the magnetic field moving unit 61 will be described. The container main body 32 is in a state of being rotationally driven by the drive motor M1 (during an operation of supplying the developer T).

  The control device 9 controls the energization of the solenoid 61A so that the three magnet groups 42A perform the same operation in synchronization. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, the description will be given focusing on one magnet group 42A.

  First, the control device 9 controls the solenoid 61A so as to move the magnet 42B on the upstream side to the proximity position P1 among the three magnets 42B and move the magnet 42B in the middle and the magnet 42B on the downstream side to the separation position P2. (See FIG. 12). The arrangement of the three magnets 42B at this time is referred to as a first state. In the first state, the developer T in the container body 32 (cylindrical portion 32A) is attracted to the magnet 42B on the upstream side.

  Subsequently, the control device 9 moves the magnet 42B on the upstream side to the separation position P2 and controls the solenoid 61A to move the magnet 42B on the middle side to the proximity position P1 (see the solid line in FIG. 13). The downstream magnet 42B is held at the separated position P2. The arrangement of the three magnets 42B at this time is referred to as a second state. When transitioning to the second state, the magnetic attraction force by the magnet 42B on the upstream side weakens (or disappears), the developer T in the container body 32 is attracted to the intermediate magnet 42B and moves to the downstream side in the transport direction .

  Next, the control device 9 moves the intermediate magnet 42B to the separated position P2, and controls the solenoid 61A so as to move the downstream magnet 42B to the close position P1 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 13). The upstream magnet 42B is held at the separated position P2. The arrangement of the three magnets 42B at this time is referred to as a third state. When transitioning to the third state, the magnetic attraction force by the intermediate magnet 42B weakens (or disappears), the developer T in the container main body 32 is attracted to the downstream magnet 42B and is further moved downstream in the transport direction Do.

  Then, the control device 9 controls the solenoid 61A to return the arrangement of the three magnets 42B to the first state (see FIG. 12). Thereafter, the above-described energization control of the solenoid 61A is repeatedly executed. The three magnets 42B move continuously in a wavelike manner by sequentially repeating the state transition from the first state to the third state.

  According to the developer supply device 24 according to the fifth embodiment described above, the developer T is pulled from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction by repeatedly moving (vibrating) the three magnets 42B in a wave shape for each magnet group 42A. Keep being Thereby, the same effect as that of the developer supply device 23 according to the fourth embodiment described above can be obtained.

  In the developer supply device 24 according to the fifth embodiment, the magnetic field moving unit 60 includes the solenoid 61A, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the magnetic field moving unit may include an eccentric cam 51 or the like (or an eccentric cam 51 and a tension spring 52 or the like), as with the interval adjusting unit 50 of the developer supply device 22 according to the third embodiment. That is, each magnet 42B may be moved between the close position P1 and the separated position P2 using the eccentric cam 51 or the like. In addition, the magnetic field moving unit may include, as a mechanism for moving each magnet 42B in the radial direction, a cylinder or a rack and pinion or a linear motor or the like for reciprocating the piston rod by oil pressure or air pressure. .

  In the developer supply device 24 according to the fifth embodiment, the magnetic field forming unit 42 includes three magnet groups 42A, and each magnet group 42A includes three permanent magnets 42B, but the present invention is limited thereto I will not. The magnetic field forming unit 42 may include one or more magnet groups 42A. Also, the magnet group 42A may include two or more permanent magnets 42B. The plurality of magnet groups 42A and the plurality of permanent magnets 42B may be provided at irregular intervals along the transport direction. Further, the number of permanent magnets 42B may be different for each magnet group 42A. Further, the magnet group 42A is not limited to the plurality of permanent magnets 42B, and may be configured of a plurality of electromagnets.

Sixth Embodiment
Next, with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the developer supply device 25 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the developer supply device 25. As shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the developer supply device 25 (another state). In addition, illustration of the cover member 33 grade | etc., Is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. Further, in the following description, the same components as those of the developer supply devices 20 to 24 according to the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the developer supply device 25 includes a container mounting unit 30, a toner bottle 31, a magnetic field forming unit 43, and a magnetic field moving unit 62. The magnetic field forming unit 43 includes three electromagnet groups 43A arranged substantially at equal intervals along the transport direction. Each electromagnet group 43A includes three electromagnets 43B arranged substantially at equal intervals along the transport direction. Each electromagnet 43B is formed, for example, in a substantially rod shape long in the left-right direction. The nine electromagnets 43B are disposed on the inside of the installation room 30C from the plane (or the bottom). The magnetic field moving unit 62 sequentially switches between energization and de-energization of the three electromagnets 43B included in each electromagnet group 43A from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction. The magnetic field moving unit 62 is realized as a function of the control device 9. Each electromagnet 43B is electrically connected to the control device 9.

<Operation of magnetic field moving unit>
Next, the operation of the magnetic field moving unit 62 (control device 9) will be described. The container main body 32 is in a state of being rotationally driven by the drive motor M1 (during an operation of supplying the developer T).

  The control device 9 controls the energization of each electromagnet 43B so that the three electromagnet groups 43A perform the same operation in synchronization. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, the description will be given focusing on one electromagnet group 43A. In FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the display of “ON” indicates that power is on, and the display of “OFF” indicates that power is off.

  First, the control device 9 applies a current to the electromagnet 43B on the upstream side of the three electromagnets 43B, and controls so as to stop energization to the electromagnet 43B in the middle and the electromagnet 43B on the downstream side (see FIG. 14). The state of the three electromagnets 43B at this time is referred to as a first energized state. In the first energized state, the developer T in the container body 32 (the cylindrical portion 32A) is attracted to the upstream electromagnet 43B.

  Subsequently, the control device 9 stops the energization to the electromagnet 43B on the upstream side and the electromagnet 43B on the downstream side, and controls so as to flow a current to the electromagnet 43B in the middle (see FIG. 15). The state of the three electromagnets 43B at this time is referred to as a second energized state. When transitioning to the second electrified state, the magnetic attraction force by the electromagnet 43B on the upstream side disappears, so the developer T in the container main body 32 is attracted to the intermediate electromagnet 43B and moves to the downstream side in the transport direction.

  Next, the control device 9 stops the energization of the electromagnet 43B on the upstream side and the electromagnet 43B on the middle side, and controls so as to flow a current to the electromagnet 43B on the downstream side (not shown). The state of the three electromagnets 43B at this time is referred to as a third energized state. When transitioning to the third electrified state, the magnetic attraction force by the intermediate electromagnet 43B disappears, the developer T in the container main body 32 is attracted to the downstream electromagnet 43B and further moves to the downstream side in the transport direction.

  Then, the control device 9 controls the state of the three electromagnets 43B to return to the first energized state (see FIG. 14). Thereafter, the above-described energization control of the electromagnet 43B is repeatedly performed. By sequentially switching the energization states of the three electromagnets 43B, the movement of the electric field from the upstream toward the downstream in the transport direction is repeated.

  According to the developer supply device 25 according to the sixth embodiment described above, the developer T is upstream in the transport direction by switching the energized state of the three electromagnets 43B from upstream to downstream in the transport direction for each electromagnet group 43A. Continue to be drawn downstream from As a result, the same effects as those of the developer replenishing devices 23 and 24 according to the fourth and fifth embodiments described above can be obtained.

  In the developer supply device 25 according to the sixth embodiment, the magnetic field forming unit 43 includes three electromagnet groups 43A, and each electromagnet group 43A includes three electromagnets 43B, but the present invention is not limited to this. . The magnetic field forming unit 43 may include one or more electromagnet groups 43A. Also, the electromagnet group 43A may include two or more electromagnets 43B. The plurality of electromagnet groups 43A and the plurality of electromagnets 43B may be provided at irregular intervals along the transport direction. Also, the number of electromagnets 43B may be different for each of the electromagnet groups 43A.

  In the developer replenishing apparatuses 23 to 25 according to the fourth to sixth embodiments, the magnetic field moving units 60 to 62 add an auxiliary conveying force to the developer T during the operation of replenishing the developer T. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The magnetic field moving units 60 to 62 move the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming units 41 to 43 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction when detecting at least one of the environmental temperature and the environmental humidity for a preset time. It may be configured to For example, the control device 9 measures the time from the time of power on or return from the sleep state by the timer included in its own function, and the magnetic field of the magnetic field forming units 41 to 43 described above every 3 to 12 hours. You may execute control to move the Further, for example, the temperature / humidity range in which the flowability of the developer T is deteriorated is stored in advance in the memory of the control device 9, and the control device 9 is a sensor (not shown) provided in the device body 2. When it is determined that the detected temperature / humidity is within the temperature / humidity range stored in the memory, control may be performed to move the magnetic field of the above-described magnetic field forming units 41 to 43. Further, conditions of time, temperature and humidity may be combined and used for control. According to the above configuration, when a predetermined time or environmental change is detected, the deterioration of the flowability of the developer T is suppressed by applying the transport force by the movement of the magnetic field to the developer T, and the developer The risk of T adhering to the inner surface of the container body 32 can be reduced. In the control for moving the magnetic field, the container main body 32 may be rotationally driven by the drive motor M1 or may be in a state where the drive is stopped.

  In the developer replenishing apparatuses 23 to 25 according to the fourth to sixth embodiments, the magnetic field moving units 60 to 62 move the magnetic fields of the magnetic field forming units 41 to 43 facing the lower surface of the container main body 32, The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the magnetic field moving units 60 to 62 are applied to the developer supply device 21 according to the second embodiment, and the magnetic field moving units 60 to 62 are provided on the side of the container body 32 (facing the side) A magnetic field of ̃43 may be moved.

  In the developer supply devices 23 to 25 according to the fourth to sixth embodiments, the speed at which the magnetic field moving units 60 to 62 move the magnetic fields of the magnetic field forming units 41 to 43 is the speed of the container main body 32 (conveying rib 36). It may be substantially the same speed as the conveyance speed by rotation, or may be higher or lower than the conveyance speed.

  In the developer supply devices 20 to 25 according to the first to sixth embodiments, the magnetic field forming portions 40 to 43 are provided to face the lower surface or the side surface of the cylindrical portion 32A (a part of the container main body 32). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the magnetic field forming portion 40 (41 to 43) may be provided to face the outer surface (lower surface or side surface) of the tapered portion 32B. According to this configuration, the developer T is attracted to the magnetic field forming portion 40 (41 to 43) and continues to be positioned below the tapered portion 32B, so that the developer T can efficiently receive the transport force from the transport rib 36. Therefore, the developer T can be transported so as to go up the inner surface (inclined surface) of the tapered portion 32B having an upward slope toward the discharge port 37. As a result, the proper transport of the developer T is secured, so that the developer T remaining in the container body 32 without being discharged can be reduced.

  Further, the magnetic field forming portion 40 (41 to 43) is provided facing not only a part of the outer surface of the container body 32 (cylindrical portion 32A) but also the entire axial direction of the container body 32 (except for the connecting portion 32C). It may be (not shown). Furthermore, the magnetic field forming portion 40 (41 to 43) may be provided above the container body 32, or provided on the side of the container body 32 on the upstream side in the rotational direction close to the lowermost end of the container body 32. (Not shown). Even in this case, the effect of peeling the developer T from the inner surface of the container main body 32 can be obtained.

  In the description of the first to sixth embodiments, the present invention is applied to the color printer 1 as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a monochrome printer, a copier, a facsimile, a multifunction machine, etc. The present invention may be applied.

  The description of the above embodiment shows one aspect of the developer supply device according to the present invention and the image forming apparatus provided with the same, and the technical scope of the present invention is limited to the above embodiment. is not.

1 Color printer (image forming device)
9 Control Device 20-25 Developer Supply Device 31 Toner Bottle (Developer Container)
32 Container Body 32B Tapered Part 36 Transport Rib 38 Discharge Port 40-43 Magnetic Field Forming Part 42A Magnet Group 42B Permanent Magnet 43A Electromagnet Group 43B Electromagnet 50 Spacing Adjustment Part 60-62 Magnetic Field Moving Part T Developer

Claims (11)

The container includes a spiral conveying rib protruding radially inward from an inner surface of a container main body containing a developer having magnetic particles, and the container main body is rotated about an axis to open the developer in one axial direction. A developer container for conveying toward the discharge port;
And a magnetic field forming portion provided opposite to the axial direction part or the entire axial direction of the outer surface of the container main body and causing a magnetic force to attract between the developer contained in the container main body. Developer supply device characterized by   The developer supply device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field forming unit is provided below the container body.   The developer according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field forming portion is provided on the side of the container main body so as to face the range in which the lowermost end of the container main body is rotated toward the uppermost end. Supply device. The container body is formed in an axially extending cylindrical shape and includes a tapered portion having a gradually decreasing inner diameter toward the discharge port,
The developer supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnetic field forming portion is provided to face the tapered portion.   The developer supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a gap adjusting unit that moves the magnetic field forming unit in the radial direction to change a gap from the container main body.   The developer supply according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a magnetic field moving unit for moving the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming unit from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transport direction of the developer. apparatus.   The magnetic field moving unit moves the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming unit from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction when detecting at least one of an environmental temperature and an environmental humidity for a preset time. The developer replenishing device according to claim 6, characterized in that:   The developer supply device according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic field moving unit moves the magnetic field forming unit from an upstream side to a downstream side in the transport direction. The magnetic field forming unit includes a magnet group in which a plurality of permanent magnets or a plurality of electromagnets are arranged along the transport direction,
The developer replenishment according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the magnetic field moving unit moves the plurality of permanent magnets or the plurality of electromagnets in the radial direction sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction. apparatus. The magnetic field forming unit includes an electromagnet group in which a plurality of electromagnets are arranged along the transport direction,
The developer supply device according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic field moving unit sequentially switches between energization and deenergization of the plurality of electromagnets from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction.   An image forming apparatus comprising the developer supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images