JP2019066859A - Developer supply container and developer supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a developer supply container and a developer supply system which allow developer to be discharged from the developer supply container to a developer supply device appropriately from an initial stage.SOLUTION: A developer supply container 1 is attachable to and detachable from a developer supply device 8 and includes: a container body 1a for storing developer; an outlet 1c through which the developer stored in the container body 1a is discharged; a holding member 3 to which driving force is input from the developer supply device 8; a pump unit 2 which operates so that internal pressure of the container body 1a is alternately and repeatedly changed to a state lower than atmospheric pressure and a state higher than the atmospheric pressure, by the driving force received by the holding member 3; and the holding member 3 and a lock member 55 forming a regulation unit which regulates a position at the time of operation start of the pump unit 2 so that air is taken into the container body 1a through the outlet 1c in an initial operation cycle of the pump unit 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer supply container that can be attached to and detached from a developer supply device, and a developer supply system having the same. The developer supply container and the developer supply system can be used, for example, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, and a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions.

  Conventionally, fine powder developers have been used in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as copying machines. In such an image forming apparatus, the developer which is consumed along with the image formation is replenished from the developer replenishing container.

  As such a conventional developer supply container, for example, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a method is adopted in which the developer is dropped and supplied collectively from the developer supply container to the image forming apparatus. Specifically, even in a situation where the developer contained in the developer supply container is solidified, the developer can be supplied from the developer supply container to the image forming apparatus without excess. A portion of the supply container is bellows-like. That is, in order to discharge the developer solidified in the developer supply container to the image forming apparatus side, the user can push the developer supply container several times to extend and contract (reciprocate) the bellows-like portion. It has become.

  As described above, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the user has to manually perform the operation of expanding and contracting the bellows-like portion of the developer supply container.

  On the other hand, the apparatus described in Patent Document 2 adopts a method of automatically sucking the developer using a pump from the developer supply container to the image forming apparatus. Specifically, a pump for suction and a pump for feeding air are provided on the image forming apparatus main body side, and a nozzle having a suction port and a gas feed port respectively connected to these pumps is inserted into the developer supply container. Is configured (see FIG. 5 of Patent Document 2). The air supply operation to the developer supply container and the suction operation from the developer supply container are alternately performed through the nozzle inserted into the developer supply container. Further, in Patent Document 2, it is described that the developer is fluidized when the air sent into the developer supply container by the air supply pump passes through the developer layer in the developer supply container. There is.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication 63-6464 JP, 2002-72649, A

  However, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 2, compared with the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the operation load on the user is reduced because the developer is automatically discharged from the developer supply container. However, there are concerns about the problems described below.

  Specifically, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 2, air is sent into the developer supply container by the air supply pump, so the pressure (hereinafter, internal pressure) in the developer supply container increases. It will

  That is, in the case of such a configuration, even when the air sent into the developer supply container can diffuse the developer temporarily when passing through the developer layer, the developer supply accompanying this air supply The developer layer is compressed again by the increase in the internal pressure of the container.

  Therefore, the flowability of the developer in the developer supply container is lowered, and it becomes difficult to discharge the developer from the developer supply container in the subsequent suction process, and the amount of the developer to be supplied is insufficient. It will be connected.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a developer supply container and a developer supply system capable of appropriately loosening the developer in the developer supply container by setting the internal pressure of the developer supply container to a negative pressure by the pump unit. It is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developer supply container and a developer supply system capable of appropriately discharging the developer from the developer supply container to the developer supply device from the beginning.

  Further objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings.

The first invention for achieving the above object is
A developer containing portion for containing a developer;
An outlet for discharging the developer contained in the developer containing portion;
A drive input unit to which a drive force is input;
A pump unit that operates so that the internal pressure of the developer storage unit is alternately and repeatedly switched to a state lower than the atmospheric pressure and a state higher than the atmospheric pressure by the driving force received by the driving input unit;
A control unit for restricting a position of the pump unit at the start of operation so that air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit; is there.

The second invention is
In a developer replenishment system, comprising: a developer replenishment container; and a developer replenishment device capable of detaching the developer replenishment container,
The developer supply device has a drive unit that applies a driving force to the developer supply container,
The developer supply container includes a developer storage portion for storing a developer, a discharge port for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion, and a drive input portion to which a driving force is input from the drive portion. A pump unit that operates so that the internal pressure of the developer storage unit is alternately switched between a state lower than atmospheric pressure and a state higher than the atmospheric pressure by driving force received by the drive input unit; and an initial operation cycle of the pump unit A regulating unit that regulates a position at which the pump unit starts operation so that air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port;
It is characterized by having.

The third invention is
A developer containing portion for containing a developer;
An outlet for discharging the developer contained in the developer containing portion;
A drive input unit to which a drive force is input;
A pump unit that operates so that the internal pressure of the developer storage unit is alternately and repeatedly switched to a state lower than the atmospheric pressure and a state higher than the atmospheric pressure by the driving force received by the driving input unit;
A regulating unit that regulates a stop position of the pump unit such that air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in one cycle at the start of operation of the pump unit;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, the developer in the developer supply container can be appropriately loosened by making the internal pressure of the developer supply container negative by the pump unit. Further, the developer can be properly discharged from the developer supply container to the developer supply device from the beginning.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a developer supply device. It is the perspective view which saw the developer replenishment apparatus of FIG. 3 from another angle. It is sectional drawing of the developer replenishment apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram showing functional composition of a control device. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of replenishment operation. It is sectional drawing which shows the mounting state of the developer replenishment apparatus without a hopper, and a developer replenishment container. (A), (b) is a perspective view which shows one Example of a developer replenishment container. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a developer supply container. (A) is a perspective view of the blade used with the apparatus which measures fluid energy, (b) is a schematic diagram of a measuring apparatus. (A) is a graph showing the relationship between the diameter of the discharge port and the discharge amount, and (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the filling amount in the container and the discharge amount. (A) is sectional drawing which shows a developer replenishment apparatus and a developer replenishment container, (b) is an enlarged view of a lock member periphery. (A) is sectional drawing which shows a developer replenishment apparatus and a developer replenishment container, (b) is an enlarged view of a lock member periphery. It is a perspective view which shows a part of operation state of a developer replenishment container and a developer replenishment apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows a part of operation state of a developer replenishment container and a developer replenishment apparatus. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a developer supply container and a developer supply device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a developer supply container and a developer supply device. FIG. 6 is a view showing the transition of the internal pressure of the developer accommodating portion according to the first embodiment. (A) is a block diagram which shows the developer replenishment system (Example 1) used for verification experiment, (b) is schematic which shows the phenomenon which arises in a developer replenishment container. (A) is a block diagram which shows the developer replenishment system (comparative example) used for verification experiment, (b) is schematic which shows the phenomenon which arises in a developer replenishment container. (A), (b) is a figure which shows transition of the internal pressure of a developer supply container. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container of Example 2; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a developer supply container of Example 2; FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container of Example 3; FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container of Example 3; FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container of Example 3; FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a developer supply container of Example 4; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the developer supply container of Example 4; FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a developer supply container of Example 4; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of Example 4; 7A and 7B illustrate the developer supply device according to the fifth embodiment, wherein FIG. 7A is a front view of the mounting unit, and FIG. 7B is a partially enlarged perspective view of the inside of the mounting unit. (A) is a perspective view showing a developer supply container according to Example 5, (b) is a perspective view showing a state around a discharge port, (c) and (d) are developer supply containers of a developer supply device It is the front view and sectional drawing which show the state with which the mounting part was mounted | worn. (A) is a partial perspective view which shows the developer accommodating part based on Example 5, (b) is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows a developer supply container, (c) is sectional drawing which shows the inner surface of a flange part. (D) is a cross-sectional view showing a developer supply container. (A) is a partial perspective view which shows a developer accommodating part, (b) is a perspective view which shows a control member, (c) is a perspective view which shows a control member and a flange. (A) is a fragmentary sectional view showing a regulation state by a regulation part, (b) is a fragmentary sectional view showing a regulation release state by a regulation part. (A), (b) is a partial cross-sectional view, and (c) is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view, showing a part of mounting and demounting operation of the developer supply container to the developer supply device. (A), (b) is a partial cross-sectional view, and (c), (d) is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a part of mounting and demounting operation of the developer supply container to the developer supply device. (A), (b) is sectional drawing which shows a mode at the time of suction / exhaust operation by the pump part in a developer replenishment container. It is an expanded view which shows the cam groove shape of a developer replenishment container. It is an expanded view which shows one example of the cam groove shape of a developer replenishment container. It is an expanded view which shows one example of the cam groove shape of a developer replenishment container. It is an expanded view which shows one example of the cam groove shape of a developer replenishment container. It is an expanded view which shows one example of the cam groove shape of a developer replenishment container. It is an expanded view which shows one example of the cam groove shape of a developer replenishment container. It is an expanded view which shows one example of the cam groove shape of a developer replenishment container. (A), (b) is a graph which shows transition of the internal pressure change of a developer replenishment container. (A), (b) is an expanded view which shows the cam groove shape of a developer supply container. (A), (b) based on the modification of the developing agent replenishment container of Example 5 is a developed view which shows a cam groove shape. (C) is a partial cross section enlarged view of a cam groove shape. (A) is a perspective view showing the composition of the developer replenishment container concerning Example 6, (b) is a sectional view showing the composition of a developer replenishment container, (c) is an outline perspective view showing the control member circumference. (A) is sectional drawing which shows a structure of the developer replenishment container which concerns on Example 7, (b) is a schematic perspective view which shows a control member periphery. (A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 8, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container, (c) is a perspective view showing a cam gear, (d) is a cam gear rotation mechanism The elements on larger scale which show a joint part, (e) is a schematic perspective view which shows the control member periphery. (A) is a perspective view showing the composition of the developer replenishment container concerning Example 9, (b) is a sectional view showing the composition of a developer replenishment container, (c) is an outline perspective view showing the control member circumference. (A) is a perspective view showing the composition of the developer replenishment container concerning Example 10, (b) is a sectional view showing the composition of a developer replenishment container, (c) is an outline perspective view showing the control member circumference. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows operation | movement of a drive conversion mechanism. (A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the developer supply container according to Embodiment 11, (b) and (c) are diagrams showing the operation of the drive conversion mechanism, (d) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the regulating member is there. (A) is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows the structure of the developer replenishment container which concerns on Example 12, (b), (c) is sectional drawing which shows the mode of the pumping operation by a pump part. (A) is a perspective view which shows the other example of the developer supply container which concerns on Example 12, (b) is a figure which shows the coupling part of a developer supply container, (c) is a schematic perspective view which shows the control member periphery It is. (A) is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 13, (b), (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a state of suction and discharge operations by a pump unit, (d) is the periphery of a regulating member It is a schematic perspective view shown. (A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the developer supply container according to Embodiment 14, (b) is a sectional perspective view showing the configuration of the developer supply container, (c) shows the configuration of an end portion of the developer containing portion (D) and (e) show states of suction and discharge operation of the pump unit, and (f) is a schematic perspective view showing the holding member and the lock member as the restricting unit of the pump unit. (A) is a perspective view which shows the structure of the developer supply container based on Example 15, (b) is a perspective view which shows a structure of a flange part, (c) is a perspective view which shows a structure of a cylindrical part. (A), (b) is sectional drawing which shows the mode of suction / discharge operation | movement by the pump part of the developer replenishment container based on Example 15, (c), (d) is a schematic showing the example of the tape member as a control part. FIG. FIG. 20 is a view showing the configuration of a pump portion of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 15. (A), (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the developer supply container according to Embodiment 16, (c) is a schematic view showing a developer supply device on which the developer supply container according to the present embodiment is mounted It is. (A), (b) is a perspective view which shows the cylindrical part and flange part of the developer supply container which concern on Example 17 (A), (b) is a partially sectioned perspective view of the developer supply container concerning Example 17. FIG. It is a time chart which shows the relationship between the operation state of the pump concerning Example 17, and the opening / closing timing of a rotary shutter. (A) is a fragmentary-section perspective view which shows the developer replenishment container which concerns on Example 18, (b) is a schematic perspective view which shows a control member periphery. (A)-(c) is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the operation state of the pump part which concerns on Example 18. FIG. It is a time chart which shows the relationship between the operating state of the pump which concerns on Example 18, and the switching timing of a gate valve. (A) is a partial perspective view of a developer supply container according to Example 19, (b) is a perspective view of a flange portion, (c) is a sectional view of the developer supply container, (d) is a schematic view showing the periphery of a regulation member It is a perspective view. (A) is a perspective view which shows the structure of the developer replenishment container which concerns on Example 20, (b) is a cross-sectional perspective view of a developer replenishment container. (A) A partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of a developer supply container according to Example 20, and (b) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of a regulating member. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 21. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developer accommodating portion. It is a perspective view of a flange. (A), (b) shows a situation where the developer containing portion is rotated by the drive from the drive source, (c), (d) shows a situation where the developer containing portion is rotated by the action of the biasing member The figure which showed, (e) is the front view which looked at the developing agent storage part from the longitudinal direction. (A), (b) is sectional drawing which showed the developer discharge condition of the developer replenishment container. It is an expanded view which shows the cam groove shape of a developer replenishment container. (A) The perspective enlarged view of a developer supply container, (b) It is a perspective enlarged view of a pump part. (A) Sectional perspective view showing a developer supply container according to Embodiment 22 (b) Sectional perspective view showing a pump portion (c) (c) is a sectional perspective view showing a developer containing portion (A) The pump part is each disperse | distributed to the rotating shaft direction, each figure arrange | positioning each component, (b) The detail view of the drive conversion part of an inner cylinder, (c) The detail view of the drive conversion receiving part of an outer cylinder. (A)-(c) It is a schematic diagram explaining the principle of a pump part. (A), (b) is sectional drawing which showed the developer discharge condition of the developer replenishment container. It is a perspective view showing a developer supply container. FIG. 43 (a) is a perspective view of a drive unit of an apparatus main body according to a twenty-third embodiment, and FIG. (A) is a perspective sectional view showing a developer supply container, (b) is a perspective sectional view showing a pump portion. (A) is a figure which shows an inner cylinder, (b) is a figure which shows an outer cylinder, (c) is a perspective view which shows a storage unit, (d) is a front view which shows a storage unit. It is the figure which disperse | distributed the pump part to the rotating shaft direction, respectively, and arrange | positioned each component. (A) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a contracted state of the pump portion, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing an initial expanded state of the pump portion, and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the expanded state of the pump portion. It is explanatory drawing about a drive transmission means, (a) is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the state before mounting | wearing of a developer replenishment container, (b) is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the state of mounting completion of a developer replenishment container. (A) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a contracted state of the pump portion, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing an initial expanded state of the pump portion, and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the expanded state of the pump portion. (A) is a disassembled perspective view of a developer supply container, (b) is a perspective view of a developer supply container. It is a perspective view of a container body. (A) is a perspective view (upper surface side) of an upper flange part, (b) is a perspective view (lower surface side) of an upper flange part. (A) is a perspective view (upper surface side) of the lower flange portion, (b) is a perspective view (lower surface side) of the lower flange portion, and (c) is a front view of the lower flange portion. (A) is a top view of a shutter, (b) is a perspective view of a shutter. (A) is a perspective view of a pump, (b) is a front view of a pump. (A) is a perspective view (upper surface side) of a reciprocating member, (b) is a perspective view (lower surface side) of a reciprocating member. (A) is a perspective view (upper surface side) of a cover, (b) is a perspective view (lower surface side) of a cover. (A) is a partial enlarged perspective view of a developer receiving device, (b) is a perspective view of a developer receiving portion. (A) is a partially enlarged perspective view of the developer supply container in the restricted state, and (b) is a partially enlarged perspective view of the developer receiving device in the restricted state. (A) is a partial enlarged perspective view of the developer supply container and the developer supply device in the restriction release state, and (b) is a partial enlarged perspective view of the developer supply container and the developer supply device in the restriction release state.

  Hereinafter, the developer supply container and the developer supply system according to the present invention will be specifically described. In the following, unless otherwise specified, it is possible to replace various configurations of the developer supply container with other known configurations having similar functions within the scope of the concept of the invention. That is, unless there is a particular description, there is no intention to limit it to the configuration of the developer supply container described in the examples described later.

Example 1
First, the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described, and then, the configurations of the developer supply device and the developer supply container that constitute the developer supply system mounted in the image forming apparatus will be described in order.

(Image forming device)
A copier (electrophotographic image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system as an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a developer replenishing apparatus in which a developer replenishing container (so-called toner cartridge) is detachably (removably) mounted Will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a copying machine main body (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus main body or an apparatus main body). An original 101 is placed on an original table glass 102. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed by forming an optical image according to the image information of the document on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 104 (hereinafter, photosensitive member) by the plurality of mirrors M and the lens Ln of the optical unit 103. . This electrostatic latent image is visualized by a dry type developing device (one component developing device) 201 using a toner (one component magnetic toner) as a developer (dry powder).

  In this embodiment, an example in which a one-component magnetic toner is used as the developer to be replenished from the developer replenishing container 1 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example.

  Specifically, when using a one-component developing device that performs development using a one-component nonmagnetic toner, the one-component nonmagnetic toner is replenished as a developer. In addition, when using a two-component developing device that performs development using a two-component developer in which a magnetic carrier and a nonmagnetic toner are mixed, the nonmagnetic toner is replenished as a developer. In this case, the magnetic carrier may be supplied together with the nonmagnetic toner as a developer.

  Reference numerals 105 to 108 denote cassettes for storing recording media (hereinafter also referred to as "sheets") S. Among the sheets S stacked in the cassettes 105 to 108, an optimum cassette is selected based on the information input by the operator (user) from the liquid crystal operation unit of the copying machine or the sheet size of the document 101. Here, the recording medium is not limited to a sheet, and can be appropriately used or selected, for example, an OHP sheet.

  Then, one sheet S conveyed by the feeding and separating apparatus 105A to 108A is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the conveying unit 109, and the rotation timing of the photosensitive member 104 and the scanning timing of the optical unit 103 are synchronized. Let it be transported.

  111 and 112 are a transfer charger and a separation charger. Here, the image formed by the developer formed on the photosensitive member 104 is transferred onto the sheet S by the transfer charger 111. Then, the sheet S on which the developer image (toner image) is transferred is separated from the photosensitive member 104 by the separation charger 112.

  Thereafter, the sheet S transported by the transport unit 113 fixes the developer image on the sheet by heat and pressure in the fixing unit 114, and then passes through the discharge reversing unit 115 in the case of single-sided copying, and is discharged. The sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the roller 116.

  In the case of double-sided copying, the sheet S passes through the discharge reversing unit 115, and a part of the sheet S is discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller 116 once. Then, after this, the end of the sheet S passes through the flapper 118, and is controlled by the flapper 118 at the timing when the sheet S is still nipped by the discharge roller 116 and is reversely rotated by the discharge roller 116. . Further, after this, the sheet is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the re-feed conveyance units 119 and 120, and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 along the same path as in the case of single-sided copying.

  In the apparatus main body 100 configured as described above, an image forming process device such as a developing unit 201 as a developing unit, a cleaner unit 202 as a cleaning unit, and a primary charger 203 as a charging unit is installed around the photosensitive member 104. . The developing device 201 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member 104 by the optical unit 103 based on the image information of the original document 101 by adhering a developer. The primary charger 203 is for charging the surface of the photosensitive member uniformly in order to form a desired electrostatic image on the photosensitive member 104. The cleaner unit 202 is for removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive member 104.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the image forming apparatus. When the operator opens the replacement cover 40 which is a part of the exterior cover of the image forming apparatus, a part of the developer replenishing device 8 described later appears.

  Then, by inserting (mounting) the developer supply container 1 into the developer supply device 8, the developer supply container 1 is set in a state where the developer can be supplied to the developer supply device 8. On the other hand, when the operator replaces the developer supply container 1, the developer supply container 1 is taken out of the developer supply device 8 by performing the reverse operation to that at the time of mounting (detachment), and new developer supply is performed. The container 1 may be set again. Here, the replacement cover 40 is a dedicated cover for attaching and detaching (replacement) the developer supply container 1, and is opened and closed only to attach and detach the developer supply container 1. The maintenance of the apparatus body 100 is performed by opening and closing the front cover 100c.

(Developer supply device)
Next, the developer replenishing device 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply device 8. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply device 8 viewed from the back side of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developer supply device 8.

  The developer supply device 8 is provided with a mounting portion (mounting space) 8 f to which the developer supply container 1 is detachably (removably) mounted. Further, a developer receiving port (developer receiving hole) 8a for receiving the developer discharged from a discharging port (discharge hole) 1c of the developer supply container 1 described later is provided. The diameter of the developer receiving port 8a is preferably substantially the same as the discharge port 1c of the developer supply container 1 for the purpose of preventing contamination of the mounting portion 8f with the developer as much as possible. . This is because if the diameters of the developer receiving port 8a and the discharge port 1c are the same, it is possible to prevent the developer from adhering and staining other than the inner surface of each port.

  In this example, the developer receiving port 8a is a fine port (pinhole) in accordance with the discharge port 1c of the developer supply container 1, and is set to about 2 mm.

  Furthermore, an L-shaped positioning guide (holding member) 8b for fixing the position of the developer supply container 1 is provided, and the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 to the mounting portion 8f is determined by the positioning guide 8b. It is configured to be in the arrow A direction. The direction in which the developer supply container 1 is removed from the mounting portion 8 f is opposite to the direction of the arrow A.

Further, the developer supply device 8 is provided with a hopper 8g for temporarily storing the developer at the lower part thereof. In the hopper 8g, as shown in FIG. 5, a transport screw 11 for transporting the developer to the developer hopper portion 201a which is a part of the developing device 201, and an opening 8e communicating with the developer hopper portion 201a. It is provided. Further, in the present embodiment, the volume of the hopper 8g is 130 cm ³ .

  As described above, the developing device 201 shown in FIG. 1 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member 104 based on the image information of the document 101 using a developer. In addition to the developer hopper portion 201a, the developing device 201 is provided with a developing roller 201f.

  The developer hopper portion 201 a is provided with a stirring member 201 c for stirring the developer supplied from the developer supply container 1. Then, the developer stirred by the stirring member 201c is sent to the side of the conveyance member 201e by the conveyance member 201d.

  Then, the developer conveyed in order by the conveyance members 201 e and 201 b is carried by the developing roller 201 f and is finally supplied to the photosensitive member 104.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the developer supply device 8 has a locking member 9 and a gear 10 which function as a drive mechanism for driving a developer supply container 1 described later.

  When the developer supply container 1 is attached to the mounting portion 8 f of the developer supply device 8, the engagement member 9 is engaged with a holding member 3 described later which functions as a drive input portion of the developer supply container 1. Is configured as.

  The locking member 9 is loosely fitted in the long hole 8c formed in the mounting portion 8f of the developer replenishing device 8, and can be moved in the vertical direction with respect to the mounting portion 8f in the figure. It has become. The locking member 9 is provided with a tapered portion 9d at its tip in consideration of the pluggability with the holding member 3 (see FIG. 9) of the developer supply container 1 described later, and becomes a round bar shape. ing.

  Furthermore, the locking portion 9a (the engagement portion engaged with the holding member 3) of the locking member 9 is connected to the rail portion 9b shown in FIG. 4, and the rail portion 9b is a guide portion of the developer supply device 8. Both side end portions are held at 8d, and can be moved in the vertical direction in the figure.

  The rail portion 9 b is provided with a gear portion 9 c and is engaged with the gear 10. The gear 10 is also connected to a drive motor 500. Therefore, the control member 600 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 periodically reverses the rotational direction of the drive motor 500, whereby the locking member 9 is vertically aligned in the figure along the elongated hole 8c. It is configured to reciprocate in the direction.

  Furthermore, although the details will be described later, it has an engaging protrusion 8 j for rotating the lock member 55 provided on the developer supply container 1 when it is removed from the developer supply device 8.

(Developer replenishment control by developer replenishment device)
Next, developer replenishment control by the developer replenishment device 8 will be described using FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 600, and FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of the replenishment operation.

  In this embodiment, development is temporarily stored in the hopper 8g so that the developer does not flow backward from the developer supply device 8 side into the developer supply container 1 along with the suction operation of the developer supply container 1 described later. The amount of agent (the height of the agent surface) is limited. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a developer sensor 8k (see FIG. 5) for detecting the amount of developer contained in the hopper 8g is provided. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the control device 600 controls the drive motor 500 to be activated / deactivated according to the output of the developer sensor 8k, whereby a predetermined amount or more of developer is contained in the hopper 8g. It is configured not to be. The control flow will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 7, the developer sensor 8k checks the amount of developer remaining in the hopper 8g (S100). Then, when it is determined that the developer storage amount detected by the developer sensor 8k is less than a predetermined amount, that is, when the developer is not detected by the developer sensor 8k, the drive motor 500 is driven, and for a predetermined time, The developer is replenished (S101).

  As a result, when it is determined that the developer storage amount detected by the developer sensor 8 k has reached a predetermined amount, that is, when the developer is detected by the developer sensor 8 k, the drive motor 500 is turned off, The developer supply operation is stopped (S102). By stopping the replenishment operation, a series of developer replenishment steps are completed.

  Such a developer replenishment process is configured to be repeatedly executed when the developer is consumed with image formation and the developer storage amount in the hopper 8g is less than a predetermined amount.

  In the present embodiment, the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 is temporarily stored in the hopper 8g and then supplied to the developing device 201. However, the developer supply device as described below It does not matter as a composition of

  In particular, when the apparatus main body 100 is a low-speed machine, compactness and cost reduction of the main body are required. In this case, it is desirable that the developer be supplied directly from the developer supply container 1 to the developing device 201 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the hopper 8g described above is omitted, and the developer is directly supplied from the developer supply container 1 to the developing device 201. FIG. 8 shows an example in which a two-component developing device 201 is used as a developer supply device. The developing unit 201 has an agitating chamber for replenishing the developer and a developing chamber for supplying the developer to the developing roller 201f, and the developer conveyance directions in the agitating chamber and the developing chamber are opposite to each other. A conveying member (screw) 201 d is installed. The agitating chamber and the developing chamber communicate with each other at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the two-component developer is circulated and transported in these two chambers. Further, a magnetic sensor 201g for detecting the toner concentration in the developer is installed in the stirring chamber, and the control device 600 controls the operation of the drive motor 500 based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 201g. There is. In this configuration, the developer supplied from the developer supply container 1 is nonmagnetic toner or nonmagnetic toner and magnetic carrier.

  In this example, as described later, the developer in the developer supply container 1 is hardly discharged from the discharge port 1 c only by the gravity action, and the developer is discharged by the discharging operation by the pump unit 2. Variation can be suppressed. Therefore, even if it is an example like FIG. 8 which omitted hopper 8g, application of the developer replenishment container 1 mentioned later is possible similarly.

(Developer supply container)
Next, the developer supply container 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1, and FIG. 9B is a perspective exploded view showing the developer supply container 1 with the lock member 55 removed. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developer supply container 1.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the developer supply container 1 has a container main body 1a that functions as a developer containing portion for containing a developer. Note that 1b shown in FIG. 10 indicates a developer accommodating space in which the developer in the container body 1a is accommodated. That is, in this example, the developer storage space 1b functioning as a developer storage portion is a combination of the container main body 1a and the internal space of the pump portion 2 described later. In this example, a one-component toner, which is a dry powder having a volume average particle diameter of 5 μm to 6 μm, is accommodated in the developer accommodating space 1b.

  Moreover, in this example, the variable volume type pump part 2 whose volume is variable is employ | adopted as a pump part. Specifically, as the pump portion 2, one provided with a bellows-like stretchable portion (bellows, stretchable member) 2a that can be stretched by the driving force received from the developer supply device 8 is employed. The expansion-contraction part 2a of this pump part 2 is a volume variable part which changes the internal pressure of the said container main body 1a by changing a volume.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bellows-like pump portion 2 of the present example is provided alternately with a “mountain fold” portion and a “valley fold” portion periodically, and along its fold line (the The fold can be folded or stretched) as a point of origin). Therefore, when the bellows-like pump unit 2 is employed as in the present embodiment, the variation of the volume change amount with respect to the expansion and contraction amount can be reduced, so that the stable volume change operation can be performed.

Here, in the present embodiment, the total volume of the developer containing space 1b is 480 cm ³ , of which the volume of the pump portion 2 is 160 cm ³ (when the expansion and contraction portion 2a has a natural length). Is set to perform a pumping operation in the direction of extension from the natural length.

The volume change due to the expansion and contraction of the expansion and contraction part 2 a of the pump part 2 is 15 cm ³ , and the total volume of the pump part 2 at the maximum expansion is set to 495 cm ³ .

  The developer supply container 1 is filled with 240 g of developer.

Further, the control device 600 controls the drive motor 500 that drives the locking member 9 so that the volume change speed is set to 90 cm ³ / s. The volume change amount and the volume change rate can be appropriately set in consideration of the required discharge amount from the developer supply device 8 side.

  In addition, although the pump part 2 of this example employ | adopts a bellows-like thing, if it is a pump which can change the air quantity (pressure) in the developer accommodation space 1b, it is another structure, I don't care. For example, as the pump unit 2, a uniaxial eccentric screw pump may be used. In this case, an opening for suction and discharge by the uniaxial eccentric screw pump is additionally required, and a mechanism such as a filter for preventing the developer from leaking out from the opening is required. Further, since the torque for driving the uniaxial eccentric screw pump is very high, the load on the image forming apparatus main body 100 is increased. Therefore, a bellows-like pump without such a bad effect is more preferable.

  In addition, the developer accommodating space 1 b may be configured to be only the internal space of the pump unit 2. That is, in this case, the pump unit 2 simultaneously functions as the developer containing space 1b.

  Further, the joint portion 2b of the pump portion 2 and the joint portion 1i of the container main body 1a are integrated by thermal welding, and the airtightness of the developer containing space 1b is maintained so that the developer does not leak from here. Is configured.

  Furthermore, the developer supply container 1 is provided so as to be engageable with the drive mechanism of the developer supply device 8, and a drive input unit (drive receiving unit for receiving the drive force for driving the pump unit 2 from this drive mechanism). As a portion, a drive connecting portion, and an engaging portion), an engaged portion 3 b integrally provided on a holding member 3 described later is provided.

  Specifically, the engaged portion 3 b that can be engaged with the engagement member 9 of the developer supply device 8 is attached to the upper end of the pump unit 2. The locking member 9 is inserted into the engaged portion 3b when the developer supply container 1 is mounted to the mounting portion 8f (see FIG. 3), whereby the both are substantially integrated (in consideration of the pluggability) And there is a slight backlash). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9, the relative position of the engaged portion 3b and the locking member 9 is fixed in the arrow p direction and the arrow q direction which is the expansion and contraction direction of the stretchable portion 2a. In addition, it is more preferable to use what was integrally formed, for example using the injection molding method, the blow molding method, etc. as the pump part 2 and the to-be-engaged part 3b.

  Thus, in the engaged portion 3 b substantially integrated with the locking member 9, a driving force for expanding and contracting the expansion and contraction portion 2 a of the pump portion 2 is input from the locking member 9. As a result, along with the vertical movement of the locking member 9, it becomes possible to follow the movement of the expansion and contraction part 2a of the pump part 2.

  That is, the pump unit 2 alternates the air flow directed to the inside of the developer supply container through the discharge port 1c and the air flow directed to the outside from the developer supply container by the driving force received by the engaged unit 3b functioning as the drive input unit. It functions as an air flow generation mechanism that is generated repeatedly.

  In this example, the locking member 9 in the form of a round bar and the engaged portion 3b in the form of a round hole are substantially integrated by using the locking member 9 and the engaged portion 3b. Other structures may be used as long as the relative position can be fixed with respect to (the arrow p direction and the arrow q direction). For example, an example in which the engaged portion 3b is a rod-like member and the locking member 9 is a locking hole, or the cross-sectional shape of the engaged portion 3b and the locking member 9 is a polygon such as a triangle or a square, or an ellipse Other shapes such as a star shape are also possible. Alternatively, another conventionally known locking configuration may be adopted.

  Further, the flange portion 1g at the lower end portion of the container main body 1a is formed with a discharge port 1c which allows the developer in the developer storage space 1b to be discharged out of the developer supply container 1. The details of the discharge port 1c will be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the lower surface of the container body 1a is formed with an inclined surface 1f toward the discharge port 1c, and the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating space 1b slips off the inclined surface 1f by gravity. It is shaped to gather near the outlet 1c. In this example, the inclination angle of this inclined surface 1f (the angle between the developer supply container 1 and the horizontal surface in the state where the developer supply container 1 is set in the developer supply unit 8) is larger than the repose angle of the developer toner. It is set.

  Further, in the developer supply container 1, only the discharge port 1c is in communication with the outside of the developer supply container 1, and the developer supply container 1 is substantially sealed except for the discharge port 1c.

  Next, a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the discharge port 1c will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In order to prevent developer leakage when the developer supply container 1 is transported, a seal member 4 formed of an elastic body is adhered and fixed to the lower surface of the flange portion 1g so as to surround the periphery of the discharge port 1c. A shutter 5 for sealing the discharge port 1c is provided so that the seal member 4 is compressed with the lower surface of the flange portion 1g. The shutter 5 is constantly urged in the closing direction by a spring (not shown) which is an urging member (biased by the extension force of the spring).

  The shutter 5 abuts against the end face of the abutting portion 8 h (see FIG. 3) formed in the developer replenishing device 8 in conjunction with the operation of mounting the developer replenishing container 1, whereby the spring is shrunk and unsealing It is configured to be done. At this time, the flange portion 1g of the developer supply container 1 is inserted between the positioning guide 8b on the developer supply device 8 side and the abutment portion 8h, and the side surface 1k (see FIG. 9) of the developer supply container 1 It abuts on the stopper portion 8i (see FIG. 3) of the developer supply device 8. As a result, the position in the mounting direction (arrow A direction) of the developer supply container 1 with respect to the developer supply device 8 is determined (see FIG. 17).

  Thus, when the insertion operation of the developer supply container 1 is completed while the flange portion 1g is guided by the positioning guide 8b, the positions of the discharge port 1c and the developer receiving port 8a coincide with each other.

  Further, when the insertion operation of the developer supply container 1 is completed, a seal member 4 (see FIG. 17) seals the space between the discharge port 1c and the receiving port 8a so that the developer does not leak to the outside.

  Then, with the insertion operation of the developer supply container 1, the locking member 9 is inserted into the engaged portion 3b of the holding member 3 of the developer supply container 1, and both are integrated.

  At this time, the L-shaped portion of the positioning guide 8b also determines the position in the direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) orthogonal to the mounting direction (arrow A direction) of the developer supply container 1 with respect to the developer supply device 8. That is, the flange portion 1g as the positioning portion also functions to prevent the developer supply container 1 from moving in the vertical direction (the reciprocating direction of the pump portion 2).

  This is a series of mounting steps of the developer supply container 1. That is, when the operator closes the replacement cover 40, the mounting process is completed.

  In addition, the process of removing the developer supply container 1 from the developer supply device 8 may be performed in the reverse procedure of the mounting process described above.

  Specifically, the replacement cover 40 may be opened and the developer supply container 1 may be removed from the mounting portion 8 f. At this time, the shutter 5 is closed by a spring (not shown) by releasing the interference state by the abutting portion 8 h.

Further, in this example, the internal pressure of the container body 1a (developer storage space 1b) is lower than the atmospheric pressure (external pressure) (reduced pressure state, negative pressure state) and higher than atmospheric pressure (added pressure) The pressure state and the positive pressure state are alternately changed repeatedly in a predetermined cycle. Here, the atmospheric pressure (external pressure) is in an environment where the developer supply container 1 is installed. As described above, the developer is discharged from the discharge port 1c by changing the internal pressure of the container body 1a. In this ^example, it has a configuration that changes in a cycle of between 480cm ³ ~495cm 3 to about 0.3 seconds (reciprocating).

  As a material of the container main body 1a, it is preferable to adopt a material having a rigidity not to be largely crushed or greatly expanded with respect to a change in internal pressure.

  So, in this example, polystyrene resin is adopted as a material of container main part 1a, and polypropylene resin is used as a material of pump part 2.

  With regard to the material to be used, for example, a resin such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene can be used as long as the container body 1a is a material that can withstand pressure. . Also, it may be made of metal.

  Further, as to the material of the pump portion 2, any material may be used as long as it can exhibit an expansion and contraction function and change the internal pressure of the developer containing space 1b by the volume change. For example, it may be thinly formed of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), polystyrene, polyester, polyethylene or the like. Also, it is possible to use rubber or other stretchable material.

  If each of the container body 1a and the pump unit 2 satisfies the functions described above, for example, by adjusting the thickness of the resin material, the container body 1a and the pump unit 2 are made of the same material. You may use what was integrally shape | molded using the blow molding method etc.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the developer supply container 1 is in communication with the outside only through the discharge port 1c, and except for the discharge port 1c, is substantially sealed from the outside. That is, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 is pressurized and reduced by the pump unit 2 and the developer is discharged from the discharge port 1c, so that the airtightness to the extent that the stable discharge performance is maintained is maintained. Is required.

  On the other hand, when the developer supply container 1 is transported (in particular, by air transportation) or stored for a long period of time, the internal pressure of the container may be rapidly fluctuated due to a rapid fluctuation of the environment. For example, when the developer supply container 1 is used in a high altitude area or when the developer supply container 1 stored at a low temperature is brought into a room with high temperature and used, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 is against the atmospheric pressure. May be pressurized. If such a situation occurs, problems such as deformation of the container or spouting of the developer upon opening may occur.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as a countermeasure, an opening having a diameter φ of 3 mm is formed in the developer supply container 1, and a filter is provided in this opening. As the filter, TEMISH (registered trademark) manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation was used, which has a characteristic of allowing air flow inside and outside the container while preventing developer leakage to the outside. In this example, although such a countermeasure is taken, the influence on the intake operation and the exhaust operation by the pump unit 2 through the discharge port 1c can be ignored, and in fact, the developer supply container 1 It can be said that the airtightness of the

(About the discharge port of the developer supply container)
In this example, the discharge port 1c of the developer supply container 1 is set to a size such that the developer can not be sufficiently discharged only by the gravity action when the developer supply container 1 is in a posture to supply the developer to the developer supply device 8. doing. That is, the opening size of the discharge port 1c is set to be small (also referred to as a fine hole (pinhole)) such that the discharge of the developer from the developer supply container is insufficient only by gravity action. In other words, the size of the opening is set so that the outlet 1c is substantially blocked by the developer. As a result, (1) the developer is less likely to leak from the discharge port 1c, (2) excessive discharge of the developer when the discharge port 1c is opened can be suppressed, (3) discharging operation of the developer by the pump unit We can expect the effect that we can rely on

  Therefore, the inventors conducted a verification experiment on how large the outlet 1 c should not be discharged sufficiently by the gravity action. Hereinafter, the verification experiment (measurement method) and the determination criteria will be described below.

Prepare a rectangular container of a predetermined volume with a discharge port (circular shape) formed at the center of the bottom, fill 200 g of developer in the container, shake the container well with the filling port closed and the discharge port closed. Resolve the developer sufficiently. The rectangular container has a volume of about 1000 cm ³ and a size of 90 mm long × 92 mm wide × 120 mm high.

  Thereafter, the discharge port is opened as quickly as possible with the discharge port directed vertically downward, and the amount of developer discharged from the discharge port is measured. At this time, the rectangular parallelepiped container is kept completely sealed except for the discharge port. In addition, verification experiments were performed under the environment of a temperature of 24 ° C. and a relative humidity of 55%.

  In the above procedure, the amount of developer is changed and the size of the discharge port is changed to measure the amount of discharge. In this example, when the amount of the developer discharged is 2 g or less, the amount is at a negligible level, and the discharge port is determined to have a size that can not be sufficiently discharged only by the gravity action.

  The developers used in the verification experiments are shown in Table 1. The type of developer is a mixture of a one-component magnetic toner, a two-component non-magnetic toner used in a two-component developing device, and a two-component non-magnetic toner and magnetic carrier used in a two-component developing device.

  As a physical property value representing the characteristics of these developers, in addition to the repose angle showing fluidity, the fluidity showing the ease of unwinding of the developer layer by a powder fluidity analyzer (powder rheometer FT4 manufactured by Freeman Technology) It measured about energy.

  The method of measuring the flowable energy will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an apparatus for measuring fluidity energy.

  The principle of the powder flowability analyzer is to move a blade in a powder sample and measure the flowable energy required for the blade to move through the powder. The blade is a propeller type, and the tip of the blade has a spiral shape as it rotates and also moves in the direction of the rotation axis.

  As a propeller type blade 51 (hereinafter, referred to as a blade), a SUS blade (model number: C210) which has a diameter of 48 mm and is smoothly twisted counterclockwise is used. Specifically, a rotation axis is present at the center of the 48 mm × 10 mm blade plate in the direction normal to the rotation surface of the blade plate, and the twist angle of both outermost edges of the blade plate (24 mm from the rotation axis) is 70 °, the twist angle of 12 mm from the rotation axis is 35 °.

  Fluidity energy means that the blade 51, which rotates in a spiral manner as described above, penetrates the powder layer, and time integration of the sum of rotational torque and vertical load obtained when the blade moves in the powder layer is performed. Refers to the total energy obtained. This value indicates the easiness of the developer powder layer to sway, which means that it is difficult to squeeze when the flowable energy is large, and easy to squeeze when the flowable energy is small.

In this measurement, as shown in FIG. 11, each developer T is 70 mm high (see FIG. 11) in a cylindrical container 50 (volume 200 cm ³ , L1 = 50 mm in FIG. 11), which is a standard part of this device. It filled so that it might become 11 L2). The filling amount is adjusted in accordance with the bulk density to be measured. Furthermore, a blade 51 of φ 48 mm, which is a standard part, is made to penetrate the powder layer, and the energy obtained between the penetration depth of 10 to 30 mm is displayed.

  As the setting conditions at the time of measurement, the rotational speed (tip speed; peripheral speed of the outermost edge of the blade) of the blade 51 is 60 mm / s, and the blade entering speed in the vertical direction to the powder layer is The speed at which the angle θ (helix angle, hereinafter referred to as the angle to be formed) between the locus drawn by the outermost edge of 51 and the surface of the powder layer is 10 °. The vertical penetration speed into the powder bed is 11 mm / s (vertical blade penetration speed into the powder bed = rotational speed of the blade × tan (angle of formation × π / 180)). The measurement was also performed under the environment of a temperature of 24 ° C. and a relative humidity of 55%.

The bulk density of the developer when measuring the fluidity energy of the developer is close to the bulk density in the experiment for verifying the relationship between the discharge amount of the developer and the size of the outlet, and the change in bulk density is It adjusted to 0.5 g / cm < ³ > as a bulk density which can be measured few stably.

  The results of a verification experiment conducted on the developer (Table 1) having fluid energy measured in this manner are shown in FIG. FIG. 12A is a graph showing the relationship between the diameter of the discharge port and the discharge amount for each type of developer.

According to the verification result shown in FIG. 12A, for the developers A to E, the diameter of the discharge port is 4 mm (the opening area is 12.6 mm ² : the circumference ratio is 3.14, hereinafter the same). For example, it was confirmed that the discharge amount from the discharge port was 2 g or less. When the diameter φ of the discharge port is larger than 4 mm, it is confirmed that the discharge amount rapidly increases in any developer.

That is, the flowable energy (bulk density is 0.5 g / cm ³ ) of the developer is 4.3 × 10 ⁻⁴ (kg · m ² / s ² (J)) or more and 4.14 × 10 ⁻³ (kg ·· When the diameter is equal to or less than m ² / s ² (J), the diameter φ of the outlet may be 4 mm or less (the opening area is 12.6 mm ² ).

  In addition, the bulk density of the developer is measured in a fluidizing state in which the developer is sufficiently dissolved in this verification test, and the bulk density of the developer is measured more than the state assumed in a normal use environment (a state of being left) The measurement is performed under conditions of low bulk density and easier discharge.

  Next, according to the result of FIG. 12A, using the developer A with the largest discharge amount, the diameter φ of the discharge port is fixed to 4 mm, and the filling amount in the container is shaken to 30 to 300 g. Conducted verification experiments. The verification result is shown in FIG. From the verification result of FIG. 12 (b), it can be confirmed that the discharge amount from the discharge port hardly changes even if the filling amount of the developer is changed.

From the above results, by setting the discharge port to φ4 mm (area 12.6 mm ² ) or less, the state in which the discharge port is down regardless of the type of developer and the bulk density state (supply to developer replenishment device 8 It was confirmed that the gravity action alone was not enough to discharge from the outlet.

  On the other hand, as the lower limit value of the size of the discharge port 1c, at least the developer (one-component magnetic toner, one-component nonmagnetic toner, two-component nonmagnetic toner, and two-component magnetic carrier) to be replenished from the developer replenishment container 1 It is preferable to set to a value which can pass through. That is, it is preferable to use an outlet larger than the particle size of the developer contained in the developer supply container 1 (volume average particle size in the case of toner, and number average particle size in the case of carrier). For example, when the developer for replenishment contains a two-component nonmagnetic toner and a two-component magnetic carrier, the larger particle diameter, that is, a discharge port larger than the number average particle diameter of the two-component magnetic carrier Is preferred.

Specifically, when the developer for replenishment contains a two-component non-magnetic toner (volume average particle diameter 5.5 μm) and a two-component magnetic carrier (number average particle diameter 40 μm), It is preferable to set the diameter to 0.05 mm (opening area 0.002 mm ² ) or more.

  However, if the size of the discharge port 1c is set to a size close to the particle diameter of the developer, the energy required to discharge the desired amount from the developer supply container 1, that is, the pump unit 2 is operated. The energy required for In addition, restrictions may occur in the manufacture of the developer supply container 1. In order to form the discharge port 1c in the resin part using the injection molding method, the durability of the mold part forming the portion of the discharge port 1c becomes severe. As mentioned above, it is preferable to set diameter (phi) of the discharge port 1c to 0.5 mm or more.

In addition, although the shape of the discharge port 1c is made into circular shape in this example, it is not limited to such a shape. That is, if it is an opening having an opening area of 12.6 mm ² or less which is an opening area corresponding to the case of 4 mm in diameter, it can be changed to a square, a rectangle, an ellipse, a shape combining straight and curved lines, etc. .

  However, when the area of the opening is the same, the circumferential length of the edge of the opening at which the developer adheres and becomes dirty is the smallest, when the area of the opening is the same. Therefore, the amount of developer that spreads in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shutter 5 is also small, and it is difficult to stain. In addition, the circular outlet has the least resistance at the time of discharge and has the highest dischargeability. Therefore, as the shape of the discharge port 1c, a circular shape having the best balance between the discharge amount and the contamination prevention is more preferable.

From the above, the size of the discharge port 1c is preferably such that the discharge port 1c can not be sufficiently discharged only by the action of gravity in a state where the discharge port 1c is directed vertically downward (assuming a replenishment posture to the developer supply device 8). Specifically, the diameter φ of the discharge port 1c is, 0.05 mm to set a range of (the opening area 0.002 mm ²⁾ or more 4 mm (opening area 12.6 mm ²⁾ is preferred. Furthermore, the diameter φ of the discharge port 1c is, 0.5 mm to set the range of (the opening area 0.2 mm ²⁾ or more 4 mm (opening area 12.6 mm ²⁾ is more preferable. In this example, from the above point of view, the discharge port 1c has a circular shape, and the diameter φ of the opening is set to 2 mm.

  Although the number of the discharge ports 1c is one in this example, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of the discharge ports 1c may be provided so that each opening area satisfies the above-described range of the opening area. Absent. For example, two discharge ports 1c having a diameter φ of 0.7 mm are provided for one developer receiving port 8a having a diameter φ of 2 mm. However, in this case, the discharge amount (per unit time) of the developer tends to decrease, so it is more preferable to provide one discharge port 1c having a diameter φ of 2 mm.

(Regulation department)
Next, a regulating unit (regulating mechanism, pump position fixing mechanism) which regulates the volume change of the pump unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The restricting portion restricts the position (expansion state) at the start of the operation of the pump portion 2 so that the air is taken into the developer accommodating space 1b from the discharge port 1c in the first operation cycle of the pump portion 2. Here, the “first” operation cycle of the pump unit refers to the first operation of the pump unit when discharging the developer from the discharge port after the new developer supply container is attached to the developer receiving apparatus. Say the first cycle.

  In the present embodiment, the restricting portion of the pump portion 2 is constituted by the holding member 3 and the lock member (engaged member) 55, and the holding member 3 is restricted from moving by engaging with the lock member 55. , Plays a role of holding the state of the pump unit 2.

  Hereinafter, the specific configuration of the regulating unit will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the holding member 3 is U-shaped, and extends from the upper end surface of the pump portion 2 toward both side surfaces of the container body 1 a. Further, in the vicinity of the container body 1 a of the holding member 3, an engagement protrusion 3 a is provided. Further, as described above, the engaged portion 3 b is provided which engages with the locking portion 9 a of the locking member 9.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the lock member 55 is rotatably installed with respect to the container body 1a by the rotation supporting portion 55c engaging with the rotation shafts 1j provided on both side surfaces of the container body 1a. ing. The lock member 55 includes an engagement groove (engaged portion) 55a into which the engagement protrusion (engagement portion) 3a of the holding member 3 is fitted, and an engagement protrusion (engagement portion) 8j of the developer supply device 8. An engagement groove (engaged portion) 55b into which the (see FIG. 3) is fitted is provided.

(Developer supply container attachment and detachment operation)
Next, the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 will be described using FIGS. 13 and 14. Here, FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the state of each part during mounting of the developer supply container 1, and FIGS. 14A and 14B are parts when the mounting of the developer supply container 1 is completed. It is a figure which shows the state of.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the developer supply container 1 is regulated in a state where the pump unit 2 is contracted before being attached to the developer supply device 8. Under the present circumstances, as shown in FIG.13 (b), the engagement protrusion 3a of the holding member 3 fits in the engagement groove 55a provided in the lock member 55, and the holding member 3 is the arrow p by the elastic restoring force of the pump part 2. It has received a biasing force in the direction. Due to this biasing force, a frictional force is exerted between the rotary support 55c and the rotary shaft 1j, so that the lock member 55 does not easily rotate by physical operations or careless operation of the operator.

  When the developer supply container 1 in this state is attached to the developer supply device 8, as shown in FIG. 13A, the engagement portion 9a of the engagement member 9 and the engagement member of the holding member 3 are engaged during the insertion. The mating portion 3b is engaged. On the other hand, when the flange portion 1g of the developer supply container 1 engages with the positioning guide 8b of the developer supply device 8, alignment between the discharge port (developer supply port) 1c and the developer receiving port 8a is performed. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 13B, the engaging projection 8j of the developer supply device 8 enters the engaging groove 55b of the lock member 55. Thereafter, when the developer supply container 1 is further inserted, the locking projection 55 rotates the locking member 55 in the direction of the arrow F in the drawing by pushing the wall 55b1 of the engagement groove 55b. When the mounting is completed, the lock member 55 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 14 (b), and the engagement projection 3a can be detached from the engagement groove 55a in the direction of arrow p. Ru.

  In FIG. 13B, the locking member 55 can be rotated with a lighter force by setting the position where the engaging projection 8j and the wall 55b 1 abut on a position separated from the rotation center of the locking member 55. . In this configuration, since the lock member 55 is rotated by using the operation of mounting the developer supply container 1 to the developer supply device 8 by the operator, the setting force of the developer supply container 1 can be increased by setting as described above. It can be adjusted. This can be appropriately set according to the space of the main body, the rotation angle of the lock member 55 and the like.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the discharge port (developer supply port) 1c and the developer receiving port 8a communicate with each other, the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 ends.

  Further, the removal of the developer supply container 1 is performed in the reverse procedure of the mounting operation. Specifically, when the supply operation is completed, the locking member 9 is controlled to the mounting position as described later, so the engaging projection 3a is inserted into the engaging groove 55a as shown in FIG. 14 (b). It is in a state of When the developer supply container 1 is removed in this state, the engaging projection 8j of the developer supplying device 8 pushes the wall 55b2 of the engaging groove 55a, and the locking member 55 rotates in the reverse direction of the arrow F direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13B, the engagement projection 3a is fitted into the engagement groove 55a, and the movement of the engagement projection 3a is restricted again. Therefore, as a result, the operation of the pump unit 2 is also regulated.

(Developer replenishment process)
Next, the developer supply process by the pump unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the expansion and contraction part 2a of the pump part 2 is contracted. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the expansion and contraction part 2 a of the pump part 2 is extended. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the expansion and contraction part 2a of the pump part 2 is contracted. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the expansion and contraction part 2a of the pump part 2 is extended.

  In this example, as will be described later, the rotational force is converted by the drive conversion mechanism so that the intake process (intake operation via the discharge port 1c) and the exhaust process (exhaust operation via the discharge port 1c) are alternately repeated. Driving conversion is performed. Hereinafter, the intake process and the exhaust process will be described in detail in order.

  First, the discharge principle of the developer using the pump unit will be described.

  The operation principle of the expansion and contraction part 2a of the pump part 2 is as described above. If it restates, as shown in FIG. 10, the lower end of the expansion-contraction part 2a is joined to the container main body 1a. The container main body 1a is prevented from moving in the direction of arrow p and in the direction of arrow q (refer to FIG. 9 as required) by the positioning guide 8b of the developer supply device 8 through the flange portion 1g at the lower end. It becomes. Therefore, the lower end of the stretchable portion 2a joined to the container body 1a is in a state where the vertical position is fixed with respect to the developer supply device 8.

  On the other hand, the upper end of the stretchable portion 2a is locked to the locking member 9 via the holding member 3, and by moving the locking member 9 up and down, it reciprocates in the arrow p direction and the arrow q direction.

  Accordingly, since the lower end of the expansion and contraction part 2a of the pump part 2 is fixed, the upper part of the expansion and contraction part 2a performs the expansion and contraction operation.

  Next, the relationship between the expansion / contraction operation (exhaust operation and intake operation) of the expansion / contraction portion 2a of the pump unit 2 and the developer discharge will be described.

(Exhaust operation)
First, the exhaust operation via the discharge port 1c will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 15, with the movement of the locking member 9 downward, the upper end of the stretchable portion 2a is displaced in the direction of the arrow q (the stretchable portion is contracted), whereby the exhaust operation is performed. Specifically, the volume of the developer storage space 1b is reduced along with the exhaust operation. At this time, the inside of the container body 1a is sealed except for the discharge port 1c, and the discharge port 1c is substantially blocked by the developer until the developer is discharged. Therefore, the internal pressure of the developer storage space 1b increases as the volume in the developer storage space 1b decreases.

  At this time, the internal pressure of the developer storage space 1b is larger than the pressure in the hopper 8g (approximately equal to the atmospheric pressure). That is, the internal pressure of the developer containing space 1b is higher than the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the developer T is pushed out by air pressure due to a pressure difference (a differential pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure) between the developer storage space 1b and the hopper 8g. That is, the developer T is discharged from the developer storage space 1b to the hopper 8g. Arrows in FIG. 17 indicate the direction of force acting on the developer T in the developer storage space 1b.

  Thereafter, the air in the developer storage space 1b is also discharged together with the developer T, so the internal pressure of the developer storage space 1b decreases.

(Intake operation)
Next, the intake operation via the discharge port 1c will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 16, as the locking member 9 moves upward, the upper end of the expansion and contraction part 2a of the pump part 2 is displaced in the direction of arrow p (the expansion and contraction part is extended), whereby an intake operation is performed. . Specifically, the volume of the developer containing space 1b increases with the intake operation. At this time, the inside of the container body 1a is sealed except for the discharge port 1c, and the discharge port 1c is substantially blocked by the developer. Therefore, the internal pressure of the developer containing space 1b decreases with the increase of the volume in the developer containing space 1b.

  At this time, the internal pressure of the developer storage space 1b is smaller than the internal pressure (approximately equal to the atmospheric pressure) of the hopper 8g. That is, the internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b is lower than the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the air in the upper part in the hopper 8g passes through the discharge port 1c and the developer accommodation space 1b due to the pressure difference (the differential pressure to the atmospheric pressure) between the developer accommodation space 1b and the hopper 8g. Move in. Arrows in FIG. 18 indicate the direction of force acting on the developer T in the developer storage space 1b. Further, z indicated by an ellipse in FIG. 18 schematically shows the air taken in from the hopper 8g.

  At that time, air is taken in from the side of the developer replenishing device 8 through the discharge port 1c, so that the developer positioned in the vicinity of the discharge port 1c can be loosened. Specifically, the bulk density can be reduced by containing air with respect to the developer positioned in the vicinity of the discharge port 1 c, and the developer can be fluidized.

  As described above, by fluidizing the developer, it becomes possible to discharge the developer from the discharge port 1c without blocking at the time of the next discharging operation. Therefore, the amount (per unit time) of the developer T discharged from the discharge port 1c can be made substantially constant over a long period of time.

(Change in internal pressure of developer storage unit)
Next, a verification experiment was conducted as to how the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 was changed. The verification experiment will be described below.

The developer replenishing container 1 when the pump portion 2 is expanded and contracted by a volume change of 15 cm ³ after being filled with the developer so that the developer accommodating space 1 b in the developer replenishing container 1 is filled with the developer Transition of internal pressure was measured. The internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 was measured by connecting a pressure gauge (manufactured by Keyence Corporation, model name: AP-C40) to the developer supply container 1.

  FIG. 19 shows the change in pressure when the pump unit 2 is extended and contracted while the shutter 5 of the developer supply container 1 filled with the developer is opened to allow the discharge port 1c to communicate with the external air. Show.

  In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the relative pressure in the developer supply container 1 with respect to the atmospheric pressure (reference (0)) (+ indicates positive pressure side,-indicates negative pressure side). ing).

  When the volume of the developer supply container 1 increases and the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes negative with respect to the external atmospheric pressure, air is taken in from the outlet 1 c due to the pressure difference (differential pressure with respect to atmospheric pressure). . Further, when the volume of the developer supply container 1 decreases and the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes positive with respect to the atmospheric pressure, development of the inside of the developer supply container 1 is caused by the pressure difference (differential pressure with respect to atmospheric pressure). The agent is under pressure. At this time, the internal pressure is relieved by the amount of discharge of the developer and air.

  From this verification experiment, it was confirmed that the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes negative with respect to the external atmospheric pressure as the volume of the developer supply container 1 increases and air is taken in due to the pressure difference. . Further, as the volume of the developer supply container 1 decreases, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes positive with respect to the atmospheric pressure, and the pressure difference is applied to the developer inside the container due to the pressure difference. It could be confirmed that it was discharged. In this verification experiment, the absolute value of the pressure on the negative pressure side was 1.3 kPa, and the absolute value of the pressure on the positive pressure side was 3.0 kPa.

  As described above, in the case of the developer supply container 1 having the configuration of this embodiment, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 is alternately switched to the negative pressure state and the positive pressure state along with the suction operation and the discharge operation by the pump unit 2 It has been confirmed that the developer can be properly discharged.

  As described above, in this example, the developer supply container 1 is provided with a simple pump for performing the suction operation and the discharge operation, thereby discharging the developer by the air while obtaining the effect of loosening the developer by the air. It can be done stably.

  That is, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, even if the size of the discharge port 1c is extremely small, the developer can be passed through the discharge port 1c in a fluidized state with a small bulk density, so the developer The high emission performance can be secured without putting great stress on the

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the inside of the variable-volume-type pump unit 2 is used as the developer storage space 1b, when the volume of the pump unit 2 is increased to reduce the internal pressure, a new developer container is stored. Space can be formed. Therefore, even when the inside of the pump unit 2 is filled with the developer, air can be included in the developer with a simple configuration to reduce the bulk density (fluidize the developer be able to). Therefore, it becomes possible to fill the developer supply container 1 with the developer at a higher density than before.

  As described above, without using the internal space of the pump unit 2 as the developer accommodating space 1b, the filter (a filter that can pass air but can not pass toner) can be used to connect the pump unit 2 and the developer accommodating space 1b. It does not matter as a structure which divides between. However, the configuration of the above-described embodiment is more preferable in that a new developer storage space can be formed when the volume of the pump is increased.

(On the soaking effect of the developer in the intake process)
Next, verification was performed on the disentanglement effect of the developer by the intake operation through the discharge port 1c in the intake process. In addition, if the disentanglement effect of the developer accompanying the intake operation through the discharge port 1c is large, discharge of the developer in the developer supply container 1 in the next exhaust process with a small exhaust pressure (small pump volume change amount) Can be started immediately. Therefore, the present verification is to show that, with the configuration of this example, the disentanglement effect of the developer is significantly enhanced. Details will be described below.

  FIGS. 20 (a) and 21 (a) are block diagrams simply showing the configuration of the developer supply system used in the verification experiment. FIGS. 20 (b) and 21 (b) are schematic views showing the phenomenon that occurs in the developer supply container. FIG. 20 shows the case of the same system as this example, and the developer supply container C is provided with the pump portion P together with the developer containing portion C1. Then, the suction operation and the discharge operation are alternately performed via the discharge port (the discharge port 1c (not shown) similar to the present embodiment) of the developer supply container C by the expansion and contraction operation of the pump portion P. It is the one to discharge. On the other hand, FIG. 21 shows the case of the method of the comparative example, in which the pump portion P is provided on the developer replenishing device side, and the air supplying operation to the developer containing portion C1 by the expansion and contraction operation of the pump portion P and the developer containing portion C1. The suction operation is alternately performed to discharge the developer to the hopper H. In FIGS. 20 and 21, the developer storage portion C1 and the hopper H have the same internal volume, and the pump portion P also has the same internal volume (volume change amount).

  First, the developer supply container C is filled with 200 g of developer.

  Next, assuming that the developer supply container C is in a state after physical distribution, vibration is performed for 15 minutes, and then the hopper H is connected.

Then, the pump unit P was operated, and the peak value of the internal pressure reached at the time of the intake operation was measured as the condition of the intake process required to immediately start the discharge of the developer in the exhaust process. In the case of FIG. 20, the volume of the developer containing portion C1 is 480 cm ^3, and in the case of FIG. 21, the volume of the hopper H is 480 cm ³ as the position for starting the operation of the pump portion P.

  In addition, in order to make the conditions of the air volume and the configuration of FIG. 20 equal, the experiment with the configuration of FIG. Further, the internal pressure of the developer storage portion C1 and the hopper H was measured by connecting a pressure gauge (manufactured by Keyence Corporation, model name: AP-C40) to each.

  As a result of verification, in the same method as this example shown in FIG. 20, if the absolute value of the peak value (negative pressure) of the internal pressure at the time of intake operation is at least 1.0 kPa, the developer is immediately discharged in the next exhaust process. It was possible to start it. On the other hand, in the method of the comparative example shown in FIG. 21, the developer can not immediately be started to be discharged in the next exhaust process unless the peak value (positive pressure) of the internal pressure at the time of air supply operation is at least 1.7 kPa. .

  That is, in the case of the same method as this example shown in FIG. 20, since the suction is performed with the increase in volume of the pump portion P, the internal pressure of the developer supply container C is lower than the atmospheric pressure (pressure outside the container). It was confirmed that the negative pressure side can be used, and the developer soaking effect is remarkably high. This is because, as shown in FIG. 20 (b), the volume of the developer supply container C increases with the expansion of the pump portion P, whereby the air layer R on the top of the developer layer T is decompressed with respect to the atmospheric pressure. It is because it will be in a state. Therefore, a force acts in the direction in which the volume of the developer layer T expands due to this pressure reduction action (a wavy arrow), and therefore, the developer layer can be efficiently solved. Furthermore, in the system of FIG. 20, air is taken from the outside into the developer supply container C by this pressure reduction action (open arrow), and the developer is also used when the air reaches the air layer R. The layer T is to be understood, and it can be said that it is a very good system. On the evidence that the developer in the developer supply container C is disintegrated, in this experiment, it was confirmed that the apparent volume of the entire developer in the developer supply container C increased during the intake operation (upper surface of the developer) Phenomenon that moves up).

  On the other hand, in the method of the comparative example shown in FIG. 21, the internal pressure of the developer supply container C is increased along with the air supplying operation to the developer storage portion C1 to be on the positive pressure side higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the developer is aggregated. As a result, no effect of loosening the developer was observed. This is because air is forcibly fed from the outside of the developer supply container C as shown in FIG. 21 (b), so that the air layer R at the top of the developer layer T is pressurized with respect to the atmospheric pressure. It is because Therefore, the force acts in the direction in which the volume of the developer layer T contracts due to the pressure action (wave line arrow), and the developer layer T is consolidated. In fact, in the comparative example, it was not possible to confirm the phenomenon that the apparent volume of the entire developer in the developer supply container C increases during the intake operation. Therefore, in the system of FIG. 21, there is a high possibility that the subsequent developer discharging process can not be properly performed due to the consolidation of the developer layer T.

  Also, in order to prevent the developer layer T from becoming compacted due to the air layer R being pressurized, a filter or the like for removing air is provided at a portion corresponding to the air layer R to reduce the pressure rise. Although it is also conceivable, the pressure of the air layer R is increased due to the resistance to air permeation of the filter or the like. Further, even if the pressure rise is temporarily eliminated, the above-described effect of reducing the pressure of the air layer R can not be obtained.

  From the above, it has been confirmed that the role of “intake operation via the discharge port” accompanying the increase in the volume of the pump part plays a large role by adopting the method of the present example shown in FIG.

  As described above, it is possible to efficiently discharge the developer from the discharge port 1 c of the developer supply container 1 by alternately repeating the discharge operation and the suction operation of the pump unit 2. That is, in this example, since the exhaust operation and the intake operation are not simultaneously performed in parallel but are alternately repeated, energy required for discharging the developer can be reduced as much as possible.

  On the other hand, when the pump for air supply and the pump for suction are separately provided on the developer supply device side as in the prior art, it is necessary to control the operation of the two pumps. It is not easy to switch back and forth.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the developer can be efficiently discharged using one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified.

  As described above, the developer can be efficiently discharged by alternately repeating the discharge operation and the suction operation of the pump. However, even if the discharge operation and the suction operation are temporarily stopped halfway and operated again. I do not care.

  For example, instead of performing the pumping operation of the pump all at once, the compression operation of the pump may be stopped once on the way, and then compressed and discharged again. The same applies to the intake operation. Furthermore, each operation may be performed in multiple stages on the premise that the discharge amount and discharge rate are satisfied. However, after the pumping operation divided into multiple stages, the suction operation is performed and the pumping operation and the suction operation are basically repeated.

  Further, in this example, the internal pressure of the developer storage space 1b is reduced to take in air from the discharge port 1c to dissolve the developer. On the other hand, in the comparative example described above, the developer is dissembled by sending air from the outside of the developer supply container 1 to the developer storage space 1b, but at that time, the internal pressure of the developer storage space 1b is in the pressurized state. The developer is aggregated. That is, as the effect of dissolving the developer, it is preferable to be able to solve in the reduced pressure state in which the developer hardly aggregates.

(About the disentanglement effect of the developer at the start of replenishment)
As described above, the developer contained in the developer supply container 1 may be compressed and separated by the air contained therein due to the effects of long-term storage and the like. In particular, in the case of a new developer supply container 1, the developer is compacted in actual use by being subjected to vibration during physical distribution transfer to the user's end or being stored for a long time under high temperature and high humidity. More likely. In the developer supply container 1 in such a state, when the pump unit 2 is operated from the state shown in FIG. 18 in the direction to reduce the volume to start the supply operation, the developer supply container 1 is Because of the pressure, the developer inside is further consolidated. As a result, the developer in the vicinity of the discharge port (developer supply port) 1c may be blocked, which may cause a discharge failure of the developer. In addition, when the discharge port 1 c is clogged, a large driving load is generated in the operation of the pump unit 2.

  On the other hand, when the pump unit 2 is operated in the direction of increasing the volume from the state shown in FIG. 17 to start the replenishment operation, air is taken into the developer replenishment container 1 from the discharge port 1c as described above. As a result, the compacted developer around the outlet 1c is fluidized and dissolved. Then, immediately after that, if the pump unit 2 is operated in the direction to reduce the volume, the solved developer is smoothly discharged from the discharge port 1c.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the first operation in the developer replenishing operation of the developer replenishing container 1 is a stage in which the volume of the pump unit 2 is increased to take in air.

  In the present embodiment, the developer supply container 1 can regulate the state of the pump unit 2 before the developer replenishment operation is started by the regulation portion (the holding member 3 and the lock member 55) as described above. That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit 2 to the position shown in FIG. 17 so that air is taken in from the discharge port 1c into the developer accommodating space 1b in the first operation cycle of the pump unit 2. It is. Therefore, the developer supply container 1 is regulated in a state where the pump portion 2 is contracted by the regulating portion (state shown in FIG. 17) so that the replenishment operation can be reliably started from the direction of increasing the volume of the pump portion 2 It is possible.

  Incidentally, as described above, it is when using a new developer supply container 1 that the greatest effect of disentanglement of the developer by air intake is required. However, for example, in a state where the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8, when the user does not perform the copying operation for a long time, the developer remaining in the developer supply container 1 by long standing is similarly There is a possibility of consolidation. In order to obtain the effects of the present invention even in such a situation, the position of the pump unit 2 at the time of resuming the pump operation is also restricted to the same position as at the time of mounting, ie, a position starting from the direction of increasing the volume. Is preferred. For that purpose, for example, a sensor for sensing the position of the locking member 9 of the developer replenishing device 8 is provided in the apparatus main body 100, whereby the locking member 9 is surely in the same position as the position when the developer replenishment container 1 is mounted. Although the structure etc. which are made to stop can be considered, of course, you may be another structure. Furthermore, with this control means, for example, even if the developer is desorbed from the developer replenishing device 8 with the developer remaining in the developer replenishing container 1 due to some circumstances, and is reinstalled to resume the replenishment, the replenishment operation Can be reliably started from the direction of increasing the volume of the pump portion 2, so that the same effect can be obtained. Incidentally, if this control means is provided, for example, even when the developer supply container 1 is not provided with the regulating portion, the engaged portion 3b and the locking member 9 are mounted when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer supply device 8. If it can be engaged, the refilling operation can be reliably started from the direction of increasing the volume of the pump unit 2. However, if the developer supply container 1 does not have the regulation portion, the user can not engage the engagement portion 3b with the locking member 9 because the position of the engagement portion 3b before mounting on the developer replenishment device 8 can not be regulated. There is no choice but to perform the mounting operation while aligning so as to match. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving the operability, it is more preferable that the developer supply container 1 be provided with the restriction portion as in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the regulation release and reregulation operation of the pump unit 2 by the regulation unit is associated with the mounting and demounting operation of the developer replenishment container 1 on the developer replenishment device 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be performed in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the replacement cover 40 (see FIG. 2), for example. Furthermore, a mechanism for automatically operating the apparatus main body 100 may be provided and operated by operating the operation panel 100 b (see FIG. 2) of the apparatus main body 100.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the operation of the pump unit 2 can be always started from the volume increasing direction. Therefore, even if the developer is compacted and solidified around the discharge port (developer replenishment port) 1c, stable developer can be stably discharged from the initial stage by reliably fluidizing the developer by taking in air. .

  Also, when the developer is started from the direction of volume increase, the developer is surely dissolved by air intake, so that the driving force of the subsequent pump operation becomes small, and the driving load applied to the main body becomes small.

  When the developer starts in the direction of volume reduction in the bellows-like pump unit 2 with the developer entering the grooves of the bellows, the developer in the grooves is further compressed and affects the image quality. Aggregates and coarse particles may be generated. On the other hand, when the pump operation is started from the direction of volume increase, the pump portion 2 is set in a state where the bellows is contracted, so that little developer enters the groove before the operation start. Furthermore, since the pump unit 2 operates in the extension direction and does not further compress the developer, it is possible to prevent the generation of aggregates and coarse particles.

  Next, the developer discharge performance of the developer supply container 1 in the present embodiment will be described in detail using an experimental example shown below.

The experimental procedure is described. First, 240 g of the developer was filled in the developer supply container 1 shown in FIG. Thereafter, with the discharge port (developer supply port) 1c down, vibration corresponding to the time of distribution was applied to consolidate the developer. Here, the vibration was performed by adding a drop operation from a height of 30 mm 1000 times. Then, the developer supply container 1 was mounted in the apparatus main body 100, the discharge port 1c was opened, and the pump unit 2 was operated under the conditions of volume change 15 cm ³ and volume change rate 90 cm ³ / s to perform the replenishment operation. .

  Further, in order to confirm whether air was taken into the developer supply container 1, the transition of the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 was measured. The internal pressure was measured by connecting a pressure gauge (manufactured by Keyence Corporation, model name: AP-C40) to the developer supply container 1.

  Furthermore, the apparatus main body 100 used in this experiment was set so that a replacement message of the developer supply container 1 would be issued if the sub hopper was not filled with the predetermined amount of the developer in 90 seconds.

Experimental Example 1
As Experimental Example 1, the pump portion 2 was operated from the most contracted state in the volume increasing direction to start the replenishment operation of the developer replenishment container 1. As a result, the developer was discharged from the developer supply container 1 immediately after the operation of the pump unit 2 and could be used without any problem until the discharge completion.

  Further, the transition of the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 at the start of discharge is shown in FIG. Here, in FIG. 22 (a), the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the relative pressure in the developer supply container 1 with respect to the atmospheric pressure (reference (0)) (+ indicates the positive pressure side, -Indicates the negative pressure side). The internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes negative with respect to the external atmospheric pressure due to the increase of the volume of the developer supply container 1, and then the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 is large due to the decrease of the volume of the developer supply container 1. The pressure had shifted from negative pressure to positive pressure. The absolute value (maximum value) P2 of the pressure peak on the negative pressure side at this time was 1.3 kPa.

  Here, in the configuration of Experimental Example 1, as an experiment to demonstrate that air is taken in the developer supply container 1, the discharge port 1 c is sealed and air is not taken in the developer supply container 1. The same experiment as in Experimental Example 1 was performed in a state (closed state). As a result, although the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes negative with respect to the external atmospheric pressure due to the increase of the volume of the developer supply container 1, the development is performed at the end of the volume reduction operation of the developer supply container 1 thereafter. The internal pressure of the agent supply container 1 was equal to the atmospheric pressure, and did not reach the positive pressure state. The absolute value (maximum value) P1 of the pressure peak on the negative pressure side at this time was 2.5 kPa. The fact that P2 is lower than P1 (| P1 |> | P2 |) is because air is taken in from the discharge port (developer supply port) 1c, and the expansion of the air in the developer supply container 1 is mitigated. It is because

  From these results, it was demonstrated that in the configuration of Experimental Example 1, air was taken into the developer supply container 1 immediately after the start of replenishment, and thereby a loosening effect of the consolidated developer occurred.

<Experimental Example 2>
As Experimental Example 2, the operation of increasing the volume of the developer unit 2 was started by operating the pump unit 2 in the volume increasing direction from a state where the pump unit 2 is contracted to a half of the maximum extension condition. The other experimental conditions were the same as in Experimental Example 1. As a result, although a sufficient amount of developer was not discharged from the developer supply container 1 immediately after the start of the operation of the pump unit 2, it is stably discharged after several pump operations and finally the discharge is completed. It was usable without a problem.

  Further, the transition of the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 at the start of discharge is shown in FIG. The tendency of the transition of the internal pressure was almost the same as that of Example 1, but the absolute value of the pressure peak on the negative pressure side was 2.0 kPa, which exceeded the pressure value of the configuration of Example 1. This is because the amount of change in volume of the pump unit 2 in the configuration of Experimental Example 2 is smaller than that of Experimental Example 1, and therefore the amount of air taken in from the discharge port 1c is small. This is because the expansion of the air in 1 was not relieved.

  From this result, it was confirmed that the air is taken into the developer supply container 1 even with the configuration of the experimental example 2 and the developer soaking effect can be obtained. However, in order to obtain higher discharge performance, it was demonstrated that it is more preferable to set the amount of change in the volume increasing direction of the pump unit 2 to the maximum as in Experimental Example 1.

<Experimental Comparative Example 1>
Experiment Comparative Example 1 The pump portion 2 was operated from the most extended state in the volume decreasing direction to start the replenishment operation of the developer replenishment container 1. The other experimental conditions were the same as in Experimental Example 1. As a result, the developer was not discharged from the developer supply container 1, and after 90 seconds, a developer supply container replacement message was displayed. After that, the replenishment operation was continued for about 180 seconds, but the developer was not discharged.

  Further, the transition of the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 at the start of discharge is shown in FIG. Although the internal pressure of the developer replenishing container 1 becomes positive with respect to the external atmospheric pressure due to the volume reduction of the developer replenishing container 1, the developer replenishing container at the end of the volume increasing operation of the developer replenishing container 1 thereafter. The internal pressure of 1 was equal to the atmospheric pressure and did not become negative pressure. This is the same behavior as performing the same experiment by sealing the discharge port (developer supply port) 1c. That is, it indicates that the inside of the developer supply container 1 is pressurized due to the volume reduction, and the developer around the discharge port 1 c is compacted to substantially close the discharge port 1 c.

  From this result, it was possible to confirm the effect of improving the discharge performance by starting the operation of the pump unit 2 in the volume increasing direction.

Example 2
Next, the configuration of the second embodiment will be described using FIGS. 23 and 24. FIG. Here, FIG. 23 shows a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1 and FIG. 24 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the developer supply container 1. In the present embodiment, only the configuration of the pump unit is different from that of the first embodiment, and the other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, a plunger type pump unit is used instead of the bellows-like variable volume type pump unit as in the first embodiment. The plunger-type pump portion of this embodiment is also a volume variable portion that changes the internal pressure in the developer storage space 1b by increasing or decreasing the volume, as in the first embodiment described above. Specifically, the plunger type pump portion of the present example has the outer cylinder portion 6 provided so as to be movable relative to the inner cylinder portion 1h in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder portion 1h. Further, on the upper surface of the outer cylindrical portion 6, as in the first embodiment, a holding member 3 which is yesterday as a drive input portion is adhered and fixed. That is, the holding member 3 fixed to the upper surface of the outer cylindrical portion 6 is substantially integrated by inserting the locking member 9 of the developer supply device 8, and the outer cylindrical portion 6 is the locking member 9 can be moved up and down (reciprocate).

  The inner cylindrical portion 1h is connected to the container body 1a, and its internal space functions as a developer accommodating space 1b.

  Further, in order to prevent the leakage of air from the gap between the inner cylindrical portion 1 h and the outer cylindrical portion 6 (so that the developer does not leak by maintaining the airtightness), the seal member (elastic seal) 7 is the inner cylindrical portion 1 h It is bonded and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of. The seal member (elastic seal) 7 is configured to be compressed between the inner cylindrical portion 1 h and the outer cylindrical portion 6.

  Therefore, by reciprocating the outer cylindrical portion 6 in the arrow p direction and the arrow q direction with respect to the container main body 1a (the inner cylindrical portion 1h) fixedly fixed to the developer replenishing device 8, the inside of the developer accommodating space 1b The volume can be changed (increased or decreased). That is, the internal pressure of the developer storage space 1b can be alternately and repeatedly changed between the negative pressure state and the positive pressure state.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump portion, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer storage container can be depressurized (negative pressure) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently solved.

  In addition, although the shape of the outer cylinder part 6 demonstrated the example of a cylindrical shape in this example, for example, the cross section may be other shapes, such as a square. In this case, it is preferable that the shape of the inner cylinder portion 1 h also correspond to the shape of the outer cylinder portion 6. Moreover, you may use not only a plunger type pump part but a piston pump part.

  In addition, when the pump unit of this example is used, a seal configuration for preventing developer leakage from the gap between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder is required, and as a result, the configuration becomes complicated and the pump unit is driven. The first embodiment is more preferable because the driving force is increased.

  Further, in this example, since the same restricting portion (holding member 3 and locking member 55) as in the first embodiment is provided, it is possible to restrict the pump portion to a predetermined state. That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit to the position shown in FIG. 23 so that the air is taken into the developer storage space from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this example, the developer in the developer supply container 1 is released by operating the pump unit in the direction of increasing the volume from the state where the pump unit is regulated to the predetermined position (the position shown in FIG. 23). Can be more reliably obtained.

[Example 3]
Next, the configuration of the third embodiment will be described using FIG. 25 and FIG. FIG. 25 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the pump portion 12 of the developer supply container 1 of the present embodiment is extended, and FIG. 26 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the pump portion 12 of the developer supply container 1 is contracted. is there. In the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the configuration of the pump is different from that of the first embodiment, and the other configurations are substantially the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, instead of the accordion-folded pump unit as in the first embodiment, a fold-free, expandable and contractible membrane-like pump unit 12 is used. Is used. The membrane portion of the pump portion 12 is made of rubber. In addition, as a material of the film-like part of the pump part 12, you may use soft materials, such as not a rubber but a resin film.

  The film-like pump unit 12 is connected to the container body 1a, and its internal space functions as a developer accommodating space 1b. Further, the holding member 3 is adhered and fixed to the upper portion of the film-like pump portion 12 as in the above embodiment. Therefore, with the vertical movement of the locking member 9, the pump portion 12 can alternately repeat expansion and contraction.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump portion, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Further, in the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 27, a plate-like member 13 having a rigidity higher than that of the film-like portion is attached to the upper surface of the film-like portion of the pump portion 12. It is preferable to do. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in volume change amount of the pump unit 12 due to deformation of only the vicinity of the holding member 3 of the pump unit 12. That is, it is possible to improve the followability of the pump portion 12 to the vertical movement of the locking member 9, and the expansion and contraction of the pump portion 12 can be efficiently performed. That is, it is possible to improve the dischargeability of the developer.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the same regulation portion (holding member 3 and lock member 55) as in the first embodiment is provided, it is possible to regulate the pump portion 12 to a predetermined state. That is, it is possible to regulate the position of the pump unit at the start of the operation so that the air is taken into the developer storage space from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of the present embodiment, by operating the pump unit 12 in the direction to increase the volume from the state where the pump unit 12 is regulated to the predetermined position, the unfolding effect of the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more surely. You can get it.

Example 4
Next, the configuration of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30. 28 is an external perspective view of the developer supply container 1, FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the developer supply container 1, and FIG. 30 is a partial cross-sectional view of the developer supply container 1. In the present embodiment, only the configuration of the developer accommodating space is different from that of the first embodiment, and the other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the developer supply container 1 of this example is composed of two components of the container body 1a, the portion X of the pump portion 2 and the portion Y of the cylindrical portion 14. The structure of the portion X of the developer supply container 1 is substantially the same as that described in the first embodiment, and the detailed description will be omitted.

(Structure of developer supply container)
In the developer supply container 1 of this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the cylindrical portion 14 is connected to the side of the portion X (also referred to as a discharge portion in which the discharge port 1c is formed) via the connection portion 14c. It has become.

  The cylindrical portion (developer storing and rotating portion) 14 is closed at one end side in the longitudinal direction, while the other end side which is a side connected to the opening of the portion X is open, and the internal space is a developing It is an agent storage space 1b. Therefore, in the present embodiment, all of the internal space of the container body 1a, the internal space of the pump portion 2, and the internal space of the cylindrical portion 14 are the developer accommodating space 1b, and a large amount of developer can be accommodated. It has become. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion 14 as the developer accommodating and rotating portion is circular, but it does not have to be circular. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the developer accommodating and rotating portion may be a non-circular shape, such as a polygonal shape, as long as the rotational movement is not inhibited during developer conveyance.

  Then, a spiral conveying projection (conveying portion) 14 a is provided in the inside of the cylindrical portion 14, and the conveyance projection 14 a is accommodated in the inside as the cylindrical portion 14 rotates in the arrow R direction. The developer has a function of transporting it toward the portion X (discharge port 1c).

  Also, inside the cylindrical portion 14, the developer conveyed by the conveyance projection 14a is delivered to the part X side with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 14 in the arrow R direction (the rotation axis is substantially horizontal). A member (transport unit) 16 is provided upright inside the cylindrical portion 14. The delivery member 16 includes a plate-like portion 16a for scooping the developer, and inclined protrusions 16b for conveying (guide) the developer scooped up by the plate-like portion 16a toward the portion X on both sides of the plate-like portion 16a. It is provided. Further, in the plate portion 16a, a through hole 16c for allowing the developer to pass is formed in order to improve the stirring property of the developer.

  Further, a gear portion 14b as a drive input mechanism is adhered and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the other end side (the downstream end side in the developer conveyance direction) of the cylindrical portion 14 in the longitudinal direction. When the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer supply device 8, the gear portion 14 b engages with a drive gear (drive unit) 300 which functions as a drive mechanism provided in the developer supply device 8. The driving gear 300 is rotationally driven by receiving driving force from a driving source (driving motor) (not shown) provided in the developer supply device 8. Therefore, when the rotational drive force from the drive gear 300 is input to the gear portion 14b as the drive receiving portion, the cylindrical portion 14 rotates in the arrow R direction (see FIG. 29). In addition, if it can rotate not only the structure of such a gear part 14b but the cylindrical part 14, you may employ | adopt other drive input mechanisms, such as what uses a belt or a friction wheel, for example. .

  And as shown in FIG. 30, the connection part 14c which plays a role of a connection pipe | tube with the part X is provided in the longitudinal direction other end side (developing agent conveyance direction downstream end side) of the cylindrical part 14. As shown in FIG. In addition, one end of the inclined projection 16b described above is provided so as to extend to the vicinity of the connection portion 14c. Therefore, the developer conveyed by the inclined projection 16b is prevented as much as possible from falling again to the bottom surface side of the cylindrical portion 14, and is appropriately delivered to the connection portion 14c side.

  Further, while the cylindrical portion 14 is rotated as described above, the container body 1a and the pump portion 2 are fixed to the developer supply device 8 through the flange portion 1g as in the first embodiment It is held so that movement of the portion 14 in the rotational axis direction and the rotational direction is blocked. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 14 is connected to the container body 1a so as to be relatively rotatable.

  Further, a ring-shaped seal member (elastic seal) 15 is provided between the cylindrical portion 14 and the container body 1a, and this seal member (elastic seal) 15 is a predetermined amount between the cylindrical portion 14 and the container body 1a. Seal by being compressed. Thus, the developer is prevented from leaking from the cylindrical portion 14 while the cylindrical portion 14 is rotating. In addition, since the air tightness is also maintained by this, it is possible to cause the developer to produce the loosening action and the discharging action by the pump unit 2 without waste. That is, there is no opening that substantially communicates the inside with the outside other than the discharge port 1 c as the developer supply container 1.

(Developer replenishment process)
Next, the developer supply process will be described.

  When the operator inserts the developer supply container 1 into the developer supply device 8 and mounts it, the holding member 3 of the developer supply container 1 is engaged with the locking member 9 of the developer supply device 8 as in the first embodiment. At the same time, the gear portion 14 b of the developer supply container 1 engages with the drive gear (drive portion) 300 of the developer supply device 8.

  Thereafter, the drive gear 300 is rotationally driven by another drive motor (not shown) for rotational drive, and the locking member 9 is vertically driven by the drive motor 500 described above. Then, the cylindrical portion 14 rotates in the direction of the arrow R, and along with this, the developer inside is conveyed toward the delivery member 16 by the conveyance projection 14 a. Then, with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 14 in the direction of the arrow R, the delivery member 16 scoops the developer and conveys it to the connection portion 14c. Then, the developer transported from the connection portion 14c into the container main body 1a is discharged from the discharge port 1c as the pump portion 2 expands and contracts as in the first embodiment.

  The above is a series of mounting to supplying steps of the developer supply container 1. When the developer supply container 1 is replaced, the operator may remove the developer supply container 1 from the developer supply device 8 and insert and install a new developer supply container 1 again.

  In the case of the vertical container configuration in which the developer storage space 1b is long in the vertical direction as in the first to third embodiments, when the volume of the developer supply container 1 is increased to increase the filling amount, the developer is discharged by its own weight. The gravity action is more concentrated in the vicinity of the outlet 1c. As a result, the developer in the vicinity of the discharge port 1c is likely to be consolidated, which hinders the intake / exhaust from the discharge port 1c. In this case, in order to dissolve the developer compacted by suction from the discharge port 1c, or to discharge the developer by exhausting, the internal pressure of the developer containing space 1b (negative The pressure / positive pressure must be increased further. However, as a result, the driving force for driving the pump unit 2 also increases, and the load on the image forming apparatus main body 100 may be excessive.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the portion X of the container body 1a and the pump portion 2 and the portion Y of the cylindrical portion 14 are horizontally arranged, compared with the configuration shown in FIG. The thickness of the developer layer on the discharge port 1c can be set thin. As a result, the developer is less likely to be consolidated due to gravity, and as a result, the developer can be stably discharged without applying a load to the image forming apparatus main body 100.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the provision of the cylindrical portion 14 can increase the capacity of the developer supply container 1 without applying a load to the image forming apparatus main body.

  Also in this example, since the suction operation and the discharge operation can be performed by one pump portion, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified.

  The developer transport mechanism in the cylindrical portion 14 is not limited to the above-described example, and the developer supply container 1 may be configured to use vibration, swing, or another method. Specifically, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 31 may be used.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 31, while the cylindrical portion 14 itself is fixed to the developer replenishing device 8 substantially immobile (slightly rattled), it is relative to the cylindrical portion 14 instead of the transport projection 14a. A conveying member 17 for conveying the developer by rotation is internally provided in the cylindrical portion.

  The transport member 17 is composed of a shaft portion 17a and a flexible transport wing 17b fixed to the shaft portion 17a. Further, the transport wing 17b has an inclined portion 17c whose tip end is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the shaft portion 17a. Therefore, the developer in the cylindrical portion 14 can be transported toward the portion X while being stirred.

  Further, a coupling portion 14e as a drive receiving portion is provided on one end surface of the cylindrical portion 14 in the longitudinal direction, and the coupling portion 14e is drivingly coupled to a coupling member (not shown) of the developer supply device 8. Thus, the rotational driving force is input. The coupling portion 14e is coaxially coupled to the shaft portion 17a of the transport member 17, and the rotational driving force is transmitted to the shaft portion 17a.

  Therefore, the transport wing 17b fixed to the shaft portion 17a is rotated by the rotational driving force applied from the coupling member (not shown) of the developer supply device 8, and the developer in the cylindrical portion 14 is directed to the portion X. It is transported while being stirred.

  However, in the modification shown in FIG. 31, the stress applied to the developer tends to be large in the developer conveyance step, and the driving torque is also large. Is more desirable.

  Also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump portion, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the same restricting portion (holding member 3 and locking member 55) as the first embodiment is provided, it is possible to restrict the pump portion 2 to a predetermined state. That is, it is possible to regulate the position of the pump unit at the start of the operation so that the air is taken into the developer storage space from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of the present embodiment, by operating the pump unit 2 in the direction of increasing the volume from the state where the pump unit 2 is regulated to the predetermined position, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more surely. You can get it.

[Example 5]
Next, the configuration of the fifth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 32 to 34. FIG. 32A is a front view of the developer supply device 8 as viewed from the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1, and FIG. 32B is a perspective view of the inside of the developer supply device 8. (A) of FIG. 33 is an overall perspective view of the developer supply container 1, (b) is a partial enlarged view of the discharge port 21a of the developer supply container 1, and (c) to (d) are developer supply containers. It is the front view and sectional drawing which show the state mounted | worn with the mounting part 8f. (A) of FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the developer accommodating portion 20, (b) is a partial sectional view showing the inside of the developer supply container 1, (c) is a sectional view of the flange portion 21, and (d) is a developer FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a supply container 1;

  In Examples 1 to 4 described above, the example in which the pump portion is expanded and contracted by moving the locking member 9 of the developer supply device 8 up and down has been described, but in this example, the developer from the developer supply device 8 The point that the replenishment container 1 receives only rotational driving force differs greatly. The other parts of the configuration that are the same as in the above-described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rotational driving force input from the developer supply device 8 is converted into a force in the direction in which the pump unit is reciprocated, and this force is transmitted to the pump unit. Hereinafter, the configurations of the developer supply device 8 and the developer supply container 1 will be described in detail in order.

(Developer supply device)
First, the developer replenishing device 8 will be described with reference to FIG. The developer supply device 8 has a mounting portion (mounting space) 8 f to which the developer supply container 1 is detachably (removably) mounted. The developer supply container 1 is configured to be mounted in the arrow M direction with respect to the mounting portion 8 f as shown in FIG. 32 (b). That is, the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 8 f so that the longitudinal direction (rotational axis direction) substantially coincides with the direction of the arrow M. The direction of arrow M is substantially parallel to the direction of arrow X in FIG. 34 (b) described later. Further, the direction in which the developer supply container 1 is taken out of the mounting portion 8 f is the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow M.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 32A, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted, the mounting portion 8f abuts on the flange portion 21 (see FIG. 33) of the developer supply container 1 when the developer supply container 1 is mounted. A rotation direction restricting portion (holding mechanism) 29 for restricting the movement of the motor 21 in the rotation direction is provided.

  The mounting portion 8 f communicates with a discharge port 21 a (see FIG. 33) of the developer supply container 1 described later when the developer supply container 1 is mounted, and the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1. And a developer receiving port 31 for receiving the developer. Then, the developer is supplied from the discharge port 21 a of the developer supply container 1 to the developer supply device 8 through the developer receiving port 31. In the present embodiment, the diameter φ of the developer receiving port 31 is set to about 2 mm, which is the same as the discharge port 21a, for the purpose of preventing contamination by the developer in the mounting portion 8f as much as possible. There is.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 32A, the mounting portion 8f has a drive gear 300 which functions as a drive mechanism (drive portion). The drive gear 300 receives a rotational drive force from the drive motor 500 through the drive gear train, and has a function of applying the rotational drive force to the developer supply container 1 set in the mounting portion 8 f. ing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 32, the drive motor 500 is configured such that its operation is controlled by a control device (CPU) 600.

  In the present embodiment, the drive gear 300 is set to rotate only in one direction in order to simplify the control of the drive motor 500. That is, the control device 600 is configured to control only the on (operation) / off (non-operation) of the drive motor 500. Therefore, in contrast to the configuration in which the reverse drive force obtained by periodically reversing the drive motor 500 (drive gear 300) in the forward direction and the reverse direction is applied to the developer supply container 1, the developer replenishing device 8 The drive mechanism of the above can be simplified.

  Further, although the details will be described later, the developer replenishing device 8 has an engaging portion 8m for returning the regulating member 56 provided on the developer replenishing container 1 to a predetermined position when being removed from the developer replenishing device 8.

(Developer supply container)
Next, the configuration of the developer supply container 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34.

  As shown in FIG. 33A, the developer supply container 1 has a developer accommodating portion 20 (also referred to as a container main body) formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and provided with an internal space for accommodating the developer therein. There is. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical portion 20k and the pump portion 20b function as the developer containing portion 20. Furthermore, the developer supply container 1 has a flange portion 21 (also referred to as a non-rotating portion) on one end side of the developer containing portion 20 in the longitudinal direction (developer conveying direction). Further, the developer accommodating portion 20 is configured to be rotatable relative to the flange portion 21.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 34 (d), the total length L1 of the cylindrical portion 20k functioning as a developer accommodating portion is set to about 300 mm, and the outer diameter R1 is set to about 70 mm. In addition, the total length L2 of the pump portion 20b (when in the most extendable range in use) is approximately 50 mm, and the length L3 of the region where the gear portion 20a of the flange portion 21 is installed is approximately 20 mm It has become. Further, the length L4 of the area where the discharge portion 21h functioning as a developer accommodating portion is installed is about 25 mm. Furthermore, the maximum outer diameter R2 of the pump portion 20b (when in the most extendable range in use) is about 65 mm, and the total volume of the developer supply container 1 that can accommodate the developer is about 1250 cm ³ It has become. In this example, together with the cylindrical portion 20k functioning as a developer containing portion and the pump portion 20b, the discharge portion 21h is a region where the developer can be stored.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer supply device 8, the cylindrical portion 20k and the discharge portion 21h are arranged in the horizontal direction. ing. That is, the horizontal length of the cylindrical portion 20k is sufficiently longer than the vertical length, and the horizontal direction one end side is connected to the discharge portion 21h. Therefore, when the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8, the suction and discharge operations are performed smoothly as compared with the case where the cylindrical portion 20k is positioned vertically above the discharge portion 21h. It becomes possible. This is because the amount of toner present on the discharge port 21a is reduced, so that the developer in the vicinity of the discharge port 21a is difficult to be consolidated.

  In the flange portion 21, as shown in FIG. 33A, a hollow discharge portion (developer for temporarily storing the developer conveyed from the inside of the developer storage portion (the developer storage chamber) 20) A discharge chamber 21h is provided (see FIGS. 34 (b) and (c) as necessary). At the bottom of the discharge portion 21h, a small discharge port 21a for allowing the discharge of the developer out of the developer supply container 1, that is, for supplying the developer to the developer supply device 8 is formed. The size of the discharge port 21a is as described above.

  In addition, the inner shape of the bottom of the discharge portion 21h (developer discharge chamber) has a funnel shape which is reduced in diameter toward the discharge port 21a in order to reduce the amount of developer remaining as much as possible. It is provided (see FIGS. 34 (b) and (c) as necessary).

  Further, the flange portion 21 is provided with a shutter 26 for opening and closing the discharge port 21a. The shutter 26 is configured to abut against the abutment portion 8h (see FIG. 32 (b) as needed) provided to the mounting portion 8f along with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 to the mounting portion 8f. ing. Accordingly, the shutter 26 is relative to the developer supply container 1 in the rotation axis direction (the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow M) of the developer containing portion 20 along with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 to the mounting portion 8f. Slide. As a result, the discharge port 21a is exposed from the shutter 26, and the opening operation is completed.

  At this time, the discharge port 21a is in communication with each other since the position thereof matches the developer receiving port 31 of the mounting portion 8f, and the developer can be replenished from the developer replenishing container 1.

  The flange portion 21 is configured to be substantially immobile when the developer supply container 1 is mounted to the mounting portion 8 f of the developer supply device 8.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), the flange portion 21 is regulated so as not to rotate in the direction around the rotation axis of the developer accommodating portion 20 by the rotation direction regulating portion 29 provided in the mounting portion 8f. It is blocked. That is, the flange portion 21 is held by the developer supply device 8 so as to be substantially non-rotatable (a slight negligible rotation of about rattling is possible).

  Therefore, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer supply device 8, the discharge portion 21h provided in the flange portion 21 is also substantially prevented from moving the developer containing portion 20 in the rotational direction. (Movement of about rattling is acceptable).

  On the other hand, the developer accommodating portion 20 is configured to rotate in the developer replenishing step without being restricted by the developer replenishing device 8 in the rotational direction.

(Pump section)
Next, a pump unit (reciprocable pump) 20b whose volume is variable along with the reciprocation will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 39 (a) shows a state in which the pump portion 20b is maximally expanded in use in the developer replenishment step, and FIG. 39 (b) shows a state in which the pump portion 20b is maximally compressed in use in the developer replenishment step. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container 1 showing FIG.

  The pump unit 20b of this example functions as an intake and exhaust mechanism that alternately performs an intake operation and an exhaust operation via the discharge port 21a.

  The pump part 20b is provided between the discharge part 21h and the cylindrical part 20k as shown in FIG. 34 (b), and is connected and fixed to the cylindrical part 20k. That is, the pump portion 20b can rotate integrally with the cylindrical portion 20k.

  Further, the pump portion 20b of this example is configured to be able to accommodate the developer therein. The developer accommodating space in the pump portion 20b plays a large role in fluidizing the developer at the time of intake operation, as described later.

And, in this example, a variable volume type pump (bellows-like pump) made of resin whose volume is variable along with the reciprocating movement is adopted as the pump portion 20b. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 34 (a) and (b), a bellows-like pump is employed, and a plurality of "mountain folds" and "valley folds" are alternately formed periodically. . Therefore, the pump unit 20b is a volume variable unit that changes the internal pressure of the developer storage unit 20 by increasing or decreasing the volume, and alternately performs compression and extension alternately by the driving force received from the developer supply device 8. be able to. In this example, the volume change amount at the time of expansion and contraction of the pump portion 20b is set to 15 cm ³ (cc). As shown in FIG. 34 (d), the total length L2 of the pump portion 20b (when in the longest stretchable range in use) is about 50 mm, and the maximum outer diameter R2 of the pump portion 20b (stretching in use The most extended state of the possible range is about 65 mm.

  By adopting such a pump portion 20b, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 (the developer accommodating portion 20 and the discharging portion 21h) is predetermined to be higher than atmospheric pressure and lower than atmospheric pressure. It can be alternately and repeatedly changed in a cycle (about 0.9 seconds in this example). The atmospheric pressure is in the environment where the developer supply container 1 is installed. As a result, it is possible to efficiently discharge the developer in the discharge portion 21 h from the small diameter (about 2 mm in diameter) discharge port 21 a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), the pump portion 20b is in the discharge portion 21h in a state where the end portion on the discharge portion 21h side compresses the ring-shaped seal member 27 provided on the inner surface of the flange portion 21. It is fixed to be rotatable relative to it.

  As a result, since the pump portion 20b rotates while sliding with the seal member 27, the developer in the pump portion 20b does not leak during rotation, and the airtightness is maintained. That is, the air can be properly carried out through the discharge port 21a, and the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 (the pump portion 20b, the developer storage portion 20, the discharge portion 21h) can be in a desired state during replenishment. It is designed to be able to

(Drive transmission mechanism)
Next, a drive receiving mechanism (drive input unit, drive receiving unit) of the developer supply container 1 which receives a rotational driving force for rotating the transport unit 20c from the developer supply device 8 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 34A, the developer supply container 1 has a drive receiving mechanism (engageable and connectable) engageable with a drive gear 300 (functioning as a drive unit and a drive mechanism) of the developer supply device 8. A gear unit 20a is provided which functions as a drive input unit and a drive receiving unit). The gear portion 20a is fixed to one end side in the longitudinal direction of the pump portion 20b. That is, the gear portion 20a, the pump portion 20b, and the cylindrical portion 20k are configured to be integrally rotatable.

  Therefore, the rotational drive force input from the drive gear (drive unit) 300 to the gear unit 20a is transmitted to the cylindrical unit 20k (transport unit 20c) via the pump unit 20b.

  That is, in this example, the pump unit 20 b functions as a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational driving force input to the gear unit 20 a to the transport unit 20 c of the developer storage unit 20.

  Therefore, the bellows-like pump portion 20b of this example is manufactured using a resin material having a characteristic of being resistant to twisting in the rotational direction, as long as the expansion and contraction operation is not inhibited.

  In this example, the gear portion 20a is provided at one end side of the developer containing portion 20 in the longitudinal direction (developer conveying direction), that is, at one end on the discharge portion 21h side. Absent. For example, it may be provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the developer containing portion 20, that is, on the rear end side. In this case, the drive gear 300 is installed at the corresponding position.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a gear mechanism is used as a drive connection mechanism between the drive input portion of the developer supply container 1 and the drive portion of the developer supply device 8, but this is not limitative. A known coupling mechanism may be used. Specifically, a non-circular concave portion is provided as a drive input portion on the bottom surface (end surface on the right side of FIG. 34D) of one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer containing portion 20, while the drive portion of the developer supply device 8 It is also possible to provide a convex portion having a shape corresponding to the above-described concave portion and to drively connect them.

(Drive conversion mechanism)
Next, the drive conversion mechanism (drive conversion unit) of the developer supply container 1 will be described.

  The developer supply container 1 is provided with a drive conversion mechanism (drive conversion unit) for converting the rotational driving force for rotating the transport unit 20c received by the gear unit 20a into a force in the direction to reciprocate the pump unit 20b. It is done. In this example, as described later, an example in which a cam mechanism is adopted as a drive conversion mechanism will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and other configurations as described in the sixth embodiment and later are adopted. It does not matter.

  That is, in this example, while the driving force for driving the transport unit 20c and the pump unit 20b is received by one drive input unit (gear unit 20a), the rotational driving force received by the gear unit 20a is The configuration is such that conversion to reciprocating power is performed on the supply container 1 side.

  This is because the configuration of the drive input mechanism of the developer supply container 1 can be simplified as compared with the case where two drive input portions are separately provided in the developer supply container 1. Furthermore, since the drive is received from one drive gear of the developer replenishing device 8, the drive mechanism of the developer replenishing device 8 can be simplified.

  Further, in the case where the reciprocating power is received from the developer supply device 8, the pump portion 20b is driven without appropriately performing the drive connection between the developer supply device 8 and the developer supply container 1 as described above. There is a risk that you will not be able to Specifically, when the developer supply container 1 is taken out of the image forming apparatus 100 and mounted again, there is a concern that the pump portion 20b can not be properly reciprocated.

  For example, when the driving input to the pump unit 20b is stopped in a state where the pump unit 20b is compressed more than the natural length, when the developer supply container 1 is taken out, the pump unit 20b is restored by itself and stretched. Become. That is, although the stop position of the drive output unit on the image forming apparatus 100 side is unchanged, the position of the drive input unit for the pump unit 20b changes while the developer supply container 1 is being taken out. As a result, the drive connection between the drive output unit on the image forming apparatus 100 side and the drive input unit for the pump unit 20b on the developer supply container 1 side is not properly performed, and the pump unit 20b can not reciprocate. I will. Then, developer replenishment will not be performed, and there is a concern that it will fall into the condition where subsequent image formation can not be performed.

  In addition, such a problem may similarly occur when the user can change the expansion and contraction state of the pump portion 20b when the developer supply container 1 is taken out.

  In addition, such a problem may occur similarly when replacing to a new developer supply container 1.

  With the configuration of this example, it is possible to solve such a problem. The details will be described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 34 and 39, a plurality of cam protrusions 20d functioning as rotating portions are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20k of the developer containing portion 20 at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. There is. Specifically, two cam projections 20d are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20k so as to face each other by about 180 degrees.

  Here, the number of the cam projections 20d may be at least one. However, since a moment is generated in the drive conversion mechanism etc. due to a reaction force when the pump portion 20b expands and contracts, and there is a possibility that smooth reciprocation may not be performed, a plurality of them are not broken in relation to the shape of the cam groove 21b described later. It is preferable to provide.

  On the other hand, on the inner peripheral surface of the flange portion 21, a cam groove 21b functioning as a driven portion into which the cam projection 20d is fitted is formed over the entire circumference. The cam groove 21b will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 40, arrow A indicates the rotational direction of the cylindrical portion 20k (moving direction of the cam projection 20d), arrow B indicates the extension direction of the pump portion 20b, and arrow C indicates the compression direction of the pump portion 20b. Further, an angle between the cam groove 21c and the rotational direction A of the cylindrical portion 20k is α, and an angle between the cam groove 21d is β. Further, an amplitude in the expansion and contraction directions B and C of the pump portion 20b of the cam groove 21b (= an expansion and contraction length of the pump portion 20b) is L.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 40 in which the cam groove 21b is developed, the cam groove 21c is inclined from the cylindrical portion 20k to the discharge portion 21h, and is inclined from the discharge portion 21h to the cylindrical portion 20k. The cam grooves 21d are alternately connected. In this example, the relationship between the angles formed by the cam grooves 21c and 21d is set to α = β.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cam projection 20d and the cam groove 21b function as a drive transmission mechanism to the pump portion 20b. That is, the cam projection 20d and the cam groove 21b force the rotational drive force received by the gear unit 20a from the drive gear 300 in the direction to reciprocate the pump unit 20b (force in the rotational axis direction of the cylindrical unit 20k) Function as a mechanism for transmitting the pressure to the pump unit 20b.

  Specifically, the cylindrical portion 20k is rotated together with the pump portion 20b by the rotational driving force inputted from the drive gear 300 to the gear portion 20a, and the cam projection 20d is rotated with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k. Accordingly, the pump portion 20b reciprocates in the rotational axis direction (the arrow X direction in FIG. 34) together with the cylindrical portion 20k by the cam groove 21b in the engagement relationship with the cam projection 20d. This arrow X direction is a direction substantially parallel to the arrow M direction in FIG.

  That is, the cam projection 20d and the cam groove 21b are driven so that the state where the pump portion 20b is extended (FIG. 39A) and the state where the pump portion 20b is contracted (FIG. 39B) are alternately repeated. The rotational driving force input from the gear 300 is converted.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the pump portion 20b is configured to rotate with the cylindrical portion 20k, so when the developer in the cylindrical portion 20k passes through the inside of the pump portion 20b, The developer can be agitated (dissolved) by rotation. That is, since the pump portion 20b is provided between the cylindrical portion 20k and the discharge portion 21h, the developer fed to the discharge portion 21h can be provided with a stirring action, which is more preferable. I can say that.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the cylindrical portion 20k is configured to reciprocate with the pump portion 20b, the developer in the cylindrical portion 20k is agitated (resolved) by the reciprocating movement of the cylindrical portion 20k. Can.

(Setting conditions of drive conversion mechanism)
In this example, in the drive conversion mechanism, the developer conveyance amount (per unit time) conveyed to the discharge unit 21h with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k is discharged from the discharge unit 21h to the developer replenishing device 8 by the pump action. Drive conversion is performed so as to be larger than the amount (per unit time).

  This is because if the developer discharging capacity by the pump unit 20b is larger than the developer transporting capacity by the transporting unit 20c to the discharging unit 21h, the amount of developer present in the discharging unit 21h gradually decreases. It is because. That is, it is to prevent the time required for the developer replenishment from the developer replenishment container 1 to the developer replenishment device 8 becoming long.

  Therefore, in the drive conversion mechanism of this example, the transport amount of the developer by the transport unit 20c to the discharge unit 21h is set to 2.0 g / s, and the discharge amount of the developer by the pump unit 20b is set to 1.2 g / s. There is.

  Further, in this example, the drive conversion mechanism performs drive conversion so that the pump portion 20b reciprocates a plurality of times while the cylindrical portion 20k rotates once. This is due to the following reasons.

  In the case of the configuration in which the cylindrical portion 20k is rotated in the developer supply device 8, it is preferable to set the drive motor 500 to an output required to stably rotate the cylindrical portion 20k. However, in order to reduce energy consumption in the image forming apparatus 100 as much as possible, it is preferable to reduce the output of the drive motor 500 as much as possible. Here, since the output required for the drive motor 500 is calculated from the rotational torque and the rotational speed of the cylindrical portion 20k, the rotational speed of the cylindrical portion 20k is as low as possible to reduce the output of the drive motor 500. It is preferable to set.

  However, in the case of this example, the number of operations of the pump unit 20b per unit time decreases if the number of rotations of the cylindrical unit 20k is reduced, so the amount of developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 (Per unit time) will decrease. That is, in order to satisfy the replenishment amount of developer required from the image forming apparatus main body 100 in a short time, the amount of developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 may be insufficient.

  Therefore, if the volume change amount of the pump unit 20b is increased, the developer discharge amount per cycle of the pump unit 20b can be increased, so that it is possible to meet the request from the image forming apparatus main body 100. There are the following problems in this coping method.

  That is, when the volume change amount of the pump unit 20b is increased, the peak value of the internal pressure (positive pressure) of the developer supply container 1 in the exhaust process is increased, so that the load required to reciprocate the pump unit 20b is increased. It will

  For this reason, in this example, the pump unit 20b is operated for a plurality of cycles while the cylindrical unit 20k makes one revolution. Thereby, the discharge amount of the developer per unit time can be increased without increasing the volume change amount of the pump portion 20b as compared with the case where the pump portion 20b is operated only for one cycle while the cylindrical portion 20k makes one rotation. It is possible to increase. Then, as the discharge amount of the developer can be increased, the number of rotations of the cylindrical portion 20k can be reduced.

Here, a verification experiment was conducted on the effects associated with operating the pump unit 20b for a plurality of cycles while the cylindrical unit 20k makes one rotation. In the experimental method, the developer replenishing container 1 was filled with the developer, and the discharge amount of the developer and the rotational torque of the cylindrical portion 20k in the developer replenishing step were measured. Then, the output (= rotational torque × rotational speed) of the drive motor 500 necessary for the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k was calculated from the rotational torque of the cylindrical portion 20k and the preset rotational speed of the cylindrical portion 20k. The experimental conditions were that the number of operations of the pump unit 20b per one rotation of the cylindrical unit 20k was two, the rotational speed of the cylindrical unit 20k was 30 rpm, and the volume change of the pump unit 20b was 15 cm ³ .

  As a result of the verification experiment, the developer discharge amount from the developer supply container 1 was about 1.2 g / s. The rotational torque (average torque in steady state) of the cylindrical portion 20k is 0.64 N · m, and the output of the drive motor 500 is approximately 2 W (motor load (W) = 0.1047 × rotational torque (N · m) × number of revolutions (rpm). 0.1047 is a unit conversion factor).

  On the other hand, the number of operations of the pump portion 20b per one rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k was set once, the rotational speed of the cylindrical portion 20k was set to 60 rpm, and the other conditions were the same as above. That is, the same developer discharge amount as in the above verification experiment was set to about 1.2 g / s.

  Then, in the case of the comparative experiment, the rotational torque (average torque in steady state) of the cylindrical portion 20 k was 0.66 N · m, and the output of the drive motor 500 was calculated to be approximately 4 W.

  From the above results, it has been confirmed that it is preferable to configure the pump unit 20b to operate for a plurality of cycles while the cylindrical unit 20k makes one rotation. That is, it has been confirmed that the discharge performance of the developer supply container 1 can be maintained even with the rotational speed of the cylindrical portion 20k being reduced. Therefore, with the configuration as in this example, the drive motor 500 can be set to a smaller output, which can contribute to the reduction of energy consumption in the image forming apparatus main body 100.

(Position of drive conversion mechanism)
In this example, as shown in FIG. 34, a drive conversion mechanism (a cam mechanism constituted by the cam projection 20d and the cam groove 21b) is provided outside the developer accommodating portion 20. That is, from the internal space of the cylindrical portion 20k, the pump portion 20b, and the flange portion 21 so that the drive conversion mechanism does not come in contact with the developer accommodated in the cylindrical portion 20k, the pump portion 20b, and the flange portion 21. It is provided in a separated position.

  Thereby, the problem assumed when the drive conversion mechanism is provided in the internal space of the developer containing portion 20 can be solved. That is, due to the penetration of the developer into the sliding portion of the drive conversion mechanism, heat and pressure are applied to the particles of the developer to soften the particles, and some particles stick together to form large lumps (coarse grains). It is possible to prevent the torque from increasing due to the developer biting into the conversion mechanism.

(Regulation department)
Next, a regulating unit which regulates a change in volume of the pump unit 20b will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 35 (a) is a perspective view of the developer accommodating portion 20, (b) is a perspective view showing the regulating member 56, and (c) is a perspective view showing a state where the regulating member 56 is attached to the flange portion 21. It is. 36A is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the operation of the pump portion 20b is restricted by the restriction member 56, and FIG. 36B is a state in which the restriction of the pump portion 20b is released by the movement of the restriction member 56. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing.

  First, the configuration of the regulating unit in the present embodiment will be described. The regulating unit regulates the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit 20b so that the air is taken into the developer accommodating unit 20 from the discharge port 21a in the first operation cycle of the pump unit 20b. In other words, in this example, the circumferential position (rotational phase) of the cam protrusion 20d is regulated when the developer supply container is new (before use). In the present embodiment, the restricting portion of the pump portion 20b is constituted by the restricting protrusion 20m and the restricting member 56 provided on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 20k, and the restricting protrusion 20m can not move by engaging with the restricting member 56. , And plays a role of holding the state of the pump unit 20b.

  As shown in FIG. 35A, on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 20k of the developer accommodating portion 20, a restriction protrusion 20m is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 35C, the restricting member 56 is attached to the rail 21r provided on the flange portion 21 so as not to move in the rotational direction of the developer accommodating portion 20 and movably in the rotational axis direction. ing. As shown in FIG. 35B, the restricting member 56 has a U-shaped restricting portion 56a for restricting the state of the pump portion 20b by engaging with the restricting protrusion 20m.

  Next, the regulation of the pump unit 20b by the regulation unit will be described. In the present embodiment, the pump portion 20b is operated by utilizing the cam action that acts between the developer accommodating portion 20 and the flange portion 21. Therefore, by suppressing the rotation of the flange portion 21 and the developer accommodating portion 20, the operation of the pump portion 20b can be regulated. This is achieved by engaging a regulating member 56 provided on the flange portion 21 with a regulating projection 20m provided on the cylindrical portion 20k.

  Here, the regulation state and the deregulation state will be described in detail. In the restricted state, as shown in FIG. 36A, the restricting member 56 and the restricting projection 20m are at the same position in the rotation axis direction of the developer accommodating portion 20, and the restricting portion 56a further sandwiches the restricting projection 20m. The developer accommodating portion 20 provided with the restriction protrusion 20m is restricted in the rotational direction. Further, since the cam projection 20d is fitted in the cam groove 21b, the movement of the developer accommodating portion 20 in the rotational axis direction is also restricted. Therefore, the operation of the pump unit 20b is regulated.

  To release the restriction, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), when the restriction member 56 moves in the direction of arrow B, the restriction portion 56a sandwiching the restriction protrusion 20m is removed, and the cylindrical portion 20k is rotatably released. As a result, the pump unit 20b becomes operable.

(Developer supply container attachment and detachment operation)
Next, the mounting and demounting operation of the developer supply container 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38. FIG. 37 (a) to 37 (c) show the state before the mounting of the developer supply container 1, and FIGS. 38 (a) to 38 (d) show the state of the mounting of the developer supply container 1 completed. is there.

  First, the shape of the engaging portion 8m of the developer supply device 8 will be described with reference to FIG. In the engaging portion 8m, the inclination angle α with respect to the mounting and demounting direction of the surface that abuts when removing the developer supply container 1 is set larger than the inclination angle β of the surface that abuts when mounting the developer supply container 1 α> β). Thus, the resistance between the restricting member 56 and the engaging portion 8m exceeds the resistance between the restricting member 56 and the rail 21r of the flange portion 21 at the time of dismounting, and is lower at the time of attachment.

  Now, the mounting and demounting operation will be described in order. First, as shown in FIG. 37 (c), before the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the pump portion 20b is engaged by engaging the restricting portion 56a of the restricting member 56 with the restricting projection 20m. Is in a regulated state. At this time, as shown in FIG. 37A, the drive gear 300 and the gear portion (drive input portion) 20a are still separated. The drive gear (drive unit) 300 is rotationally driven by receiving a drive force from a drive source (drive motor).

  Thereafter, when the developer supply container 1 is attached to the apparatus main body 100, the flange portion 21 is restricted in movement of the developer accommodating portion 20 in the rotational axis direction and the rotational direction by the action of the device main body 100. . Further, the discharge port (developer supply port) 1c is unsealed (FIG. 37 (b) → FIG. 38 (b)), and the discharge port 21a is connected to the developer receiving port 31 of the apparatus main body 100. Further, as shown in FIG. 38A, the drive gear 300 and the gear portion (drive input portion) 20a are engaged, and the rotational drive can be transmitted.

  In addition, when the regulating member 56 abuts on the engaging portion 8m of the developer replenishing device 8 during the mounting of the developer replenishing container 1, the engaging portion 8m is not moved with respect to the rail 21r by the above setting. By bending in the direction of arrow E shown in FIG. 38C, the engaging portion 8m is overcome. Finally, as shown in FIG. 38C, the end face 56c of the restricting member 56 abuts on the wall 8n of the developer replenishing device 8 so that the restricting member 56 can not move. When the developer supply container 1 is further pressed in this state, the regulating member 56 moves in the direction of the arrow B with respect to the flange portion 21 to release the engagement with the regulating projection 20m, and as a result, the regulation of the pump portion 20b Is released.

  Next, the removal operation of the developer supply container 1 will be described. When the developer supply container 1 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 38C in the direction of arrow B in the figure, as shown in FIG. 38D, the corner 56d of the regulating member 56 is in contact with the engaging portion 8m. Contact. Here, according to the setting described above, the regulating member 56 moves in the reverse direction of the arrow B direction relative to the developer containing portion 20. As a result, since the restricting portion 56a sandwiches the restricting projection 20m, the operation of the pump portion 20b is restricted again.

(Development developer discharge principle by pump section)
Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the developer supply process by the pump unit will be described.

  In this example, as will be described later, the rotational force is converted by the drive conversion mechanism so that the intake process (intake operation via the discharge port 21a) and the exhaust process (exhaust operation via the discharge port 21a) are alternately repeated. Driving conversion is performed. Hereinafter, the intake process and the exhaust process will be described in detail in order.

(Intake process)
First, an intake process (intake operation via the discharge port 21a) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 39A, the suction operation is performed by the pump portion 20b being expanded in the direction of the arrow ω by the above-described drive conversion mechanism (cam mechanism). That is, the volume of the portion (pump portion 20b, cylindrical portion 20k, flange portion 21) of the developer supply container 1 capable of containing the developer increases with the intake operation.

  At this time, the inside of the developer supply container 1 is substantially sealed except for the discharge port 21 a, and the discharge port 21 a is substantially blocked by the developer T. Therefore, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 decreases as the volume of the portion of the developer supply container 1 capable of containing the developer T increases.

  At this time, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure (external pressure). Therefore, air outside the developer supply container 1 moves into the developer supply container 1 through the discharge port 21 a due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the developer supply container 1.

  At this time, air is taken in from the outside of the developer supply container 1 through the discharge port 21a, so that the developer T located in the vicinity of the discharge port 21a can be loosened (fluidized). Specifically, the developer T can be appropriately fluidized by reducing the bulk density by including air with respect to the developer positioned in the vicinity of the discharge port 21a.

  Further, as a result, air is taken into the developer supply container 1 through the discharge port 21a, so the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 is in the vicinity of the atmospheric pressure (external pressure) although the volume thereof is increasing. Will be transitioning.

  As described above, by fluidizing the developer T, the developer T can be smoothly discharged from the discharge port 21a without clogging the discharge port 21a at the time of the exhaust operation described later. It becomes. Therefore, the amount (per unit time) of the developer T discharged from the discharge port 21a can be made substantially constant over a long period of time.

(Exhaust process)
Next, an exhaust process (exhaust operation through the discharge port 21a) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 39 (b), the pump portion 20b is compressed in the direction of the arrow γ by the above-described drive conversion mechanism (cam mechanism), whereby the exhaust operation is performed. Specifically, the volume of the portion (the pump portion 20b, the cylindrical portion 20k, and the flange portion 21) of the developer supply container 1 which can accommodate the developer decreases with the exhaust operation. At this time, the inside of the developer supply container 1 is substantially sealed except for the discharge port 21a, and the discharge port 21a is substantially blocked by the developer T until the developer is discharged. There is. Therefore, as the volume of the portion of the developer supply container 1 capable of containing the developer T decreases, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 increases.

  At this time, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure (external pressure). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), the developer T is discharged by the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the developer supply container 1. It is pushed out from 21a. That is, the developer T is discharged from the developer supply container 1 to the developer supply device 8.

  Thereafter, the air in the developer supply container 1 is also discharged together with the developer T, so the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 decreases.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the developer can be efficiently discharged using one reciprocating pump, the mechanism required for the developer discharge can be simplified.

(Setting conditions of cam groove)
Next, modifications of the setting conditions of the cam groove 21b will be described with reference to FIGS. 40 to 46 each show a developed view of the cam groove 21b. The influence given to the operating condition of pump part 20b at the time of changing the shape of cam groove 21b is explained using the development of flange 21 shown in Drawings 40-46.

  Here, in FIG. 40 to FIG. 46, the arrow A indicates the rotation direction of the developer accommodating portion 20 (the moving direction of the cam projection 20d), the arrow B indicates the extension direction of the pump portion 20b, and the arrow C indicates the compression direction of the pump portion 20b. Show. Further, among the cam grooves 21b, the groove used when compressing the pump portion 20b is referred to as the cam groove 21c, and the groove used when extending the pump portion 20b is referred to as the cam groove 21d. Furthermore, the angle formed by the cam groove 21c with respect to the rotational direction A of the developer containing portion 20 is α, the angle formed by the cam groove 21d is β, and the amplitude in the expansion and contraction directions B and C of the pump portion 20b of the cam groove (= pump portion 20b Let L be the stretch length.

  First, the expansion and contraction length L of the pump portion 20b will be described.

  For example, when the expansion length L is shortened, the volume change amount of the pump portion 20b is reduced, so that the pressure difference that can be generated with respect to the external pressure is also reduced. Therefore, the pressure applied to the developer in the developer supply container 1 decreases, and as a result, the amount of the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 per one cycle of the pump unit (= one pump unit 20b reciprocates by one stroke). Decreases.

  From this, as shown in FIG. 41, if the amplitude L 'of the cam groove is set to L' <L in a state in which the angles α and β are constant, the pump portion 20b is reciprocated one time with respect to the configuration of FIG. The amount of developer discharged can be reduced. Conversely, if L '> L, it is naturally possible to increase the developer discharge amount.

  With respect to the angles α and β of the cam groove, for example, if the rotation speed of the developer containing portion 20 is constant, the cam protrusions 20d move when the developer containing portion 20 rotates for a certain period of time. As the moving distance increases, as a result, the expansion and contraction speed of the pump unit 20b increases.

  On the other hand, when the cam projection 20d moves from the cam groove 21b to the cam groove 21b, the resistance received from the cam groove 21b increases, and as a result, the torque required to rotate the developer accommodating portion 20 increases.

  From this, as shown in FIG. 42, if the length α of the cam groove 21c and the angle β ′ of the cam groove 21d are set as α ′> α and β ′> β in a state where the expansion and contraction length L is constant. The expansion and contraction speed of the pump portion 20b can be increased as compared with the configuration of FIG. As a result, it is possible to increase the number of expansion and contraction of the pump unit 20b per one rotation of the developer accommodating unit 20. Furthermore, since the flow velocity of air entering the developer supply container 1 from the discharge port 21a increases, the effect of loosening the developer present around the discharge port 21a is improved.

  Conversely, if α ′ <α and β ′ <β, the rotational torque of the developer accommodating portion 20 can be reduced. Further, for example, when the developer having high fluidity is used, when the pump portion 20b is expanded, the developer present around the outlet 21a is easily blown away by the air which has entered from the outlet 21a. As a result, the developer can not be sufficiently stored in the discharge portion 21h, and the discharge amount of the developer may be reduced. In this case, if the extension speed of the pump unit 20b is reduced by this setting, the discharge capability can be improved by suppressing the blow-off of the developer.

  Further, as in the cam groove 21b shown in FIG. 43, if the angle α <angle β is set, the expansion speed of the pump portion 20b can be made larger than the compression speed. Conversely, if the angle α> angle β is set as shown in FIG. 45, the expansion speed of the pump portion 20b can be made smaller than the compression speed.

  For example, when the developer in the developer supply container 1 is in a high density state, the operating force of the pump unit 20b is larger when compressed than when the pump unit 20b is extended. As a result, the rotational torque of the developer accommodating portion 20 tends to be higher when the pump portion 20 b is compressed. However, in this case, if the cam groove 21b is set to the configuration shown in FIG. 43, the effect of unwinding the developer at the time of expansion of the pump portion 20b can be increased as compared with the configuration of FIG. Furthermore, the resistance which the cam projection 20d receives from the cam groove 21b at the time of compression becomes smaller, and it becomes possible to suppress an increase in rotational torque at the time of compression of the pump portion 20b.

  As shown in FIG. 44, a cam groove 21e substantially parallel to the rotational direction (arrow A in the figure) of the developer accommodating portion 20 may be provided between the cam grooves 21c and 21d. In this case, since the cam action does not work while the cam projection 20d passes through the cam groove 21e, it is possible to provide a process of stopping the expansion and contraction operation of the pump portion 20b.

  Thus, for example, if a process for stopping the operation in a state where the pump portion 20b is extended is provided, the developer is always in the developer supply container 1 during the operation stop at the initial stage of discharge where the developer is always present around the discharge port 21a. Since the depressurized state is maintained, the loosening effect of the developer is further improved.

  On the other hand, at the end of discharge, when the amount of developer in the developer supply container 1 is reduced, the developer existing around the discharge port 21a is blown away by the air which has entered from the discharge port 21a. The developer can not be stored sufficiently.

  That is, the amount of discharged developer tends to gradually decrease, but in this case also by stopping the operation in the extended state, if the developer accommodating portion 20 is rotated and conveyance of the developer is continued during that time, The discharge portion 21 h can be sufficiently filled with the developer. Therefore, the stable discharge amount of the developer can be maintained until the developer in the developer supply container 1 becomes empty.

  Further, in the configuration of FIG. 40, when the developer discharge amount per cycle of the pump portion 20b is increased, this can be achieved by setting the expansion and contraction length L of the cam groove long as described above. However, in this case, since the volume change amount of the pump portion 20b is increased, the pressure difference that can be generated with respect to the external pressure is also increased. Therefore, the driving force for driving the pump portion 20b is also increased, and there is a possibility that the driving load required for the developer replenishing device 8 becomes excessive.

  Therefore, in order to increase the developer discharge amount per cycle of the pump portion 20b without causing the above-mentioned adverse effect, as in the cam groove 21b shown in FIG. Thus, the compression speed of the pump unit 20b may be increased relative to the extension speed.

  Here, verification experiments were conducted for the case of the configuration of FIG.

In the verification method, developer is filled in the developer supply container 1 having the cam groove 21b shown in FIG. 45, the volume of the pump unit 20b is changed in the order of compression operation → extension operation, and discharge experiment is performed. The amount was measured. Further, as an experimental condition, the volume change amount of the pump unit 20b was set to 50 cm ³ , the compression rate of the pump unit 20b was set to 180 cm ³ / s, and the extension rate of the pump unit 20b was set to 60 cm ³ / s. The operation cycle of the pump unit 20b is about 1.1 seconds.

Also in the case of the configuration of FIG. 40, the discharge amount of the developer was similarly measured. However, the compression rate and the extension rate of the pump unit 20b are both set to 90 cm ³ / s, and the volume change amount of the pump unit 20b and the time taken for one cycle of the pump unit 20b are the same as in the example of FIG. .

  The verification test results will be described. First, FIG. 47A shows a change in internal pressure change of the developer supply container 1 when the volume of the pump portion 20b changes. In FIG. 47 (a), the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the relative pressure in the developer supply container 1 with respect to the atmospheric pressure (reference (0)) (+ is positive pressure side,-is negative The pressure side is shown). The solid line in FIG. 45 and the dotted line in FIG. 40 indicate pressure changes in the developer supply container 1 having the cam groove 21b.

  First, in the compression operation of the pump unit 20b, the internal pressure increases with time in both examples, and reaches a peak at the end of the compression operation. At this time, since the inside of the developer supply container 1 changes to a positive pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure (external pressure), pressure is applied to the developer inside, and the developer is discharged from the discharge port 21a.

  Subsequently, during the expansion operation of the pump unit 20b, the volume of the pump unit 20b increases, so the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 decreases in both examples. At this time, the inside of the developer supply container 1 changes from positive pressure to negative pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure (external pressure), and pressure continues to be applied to the developer inside until the air is taken in from the discharge port 21a. Therefore, the developer is discharged from the discharge port 21a.

  That is, when the volume of the pump portion 20b changes, the developer is discharged while the developer supply container 1 is in a positive pressure state, that is, while pressure is applied to the developer inside, so the volume of the pump portion 20b changes. The discharge amount of developer increases in accordance with the time integral of pressure.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 47A, the ultimate pressure at the end of the compression operation of the pump portion 20b is 5.7 kPa in the configuration of FIG. 45 and 5.4 kPa in the configuration of FIG. 40, and the volume of the pump portion 20b is Although the variation is the same, the configuration of FIG. 45 is higher. This is because the inside of the developer supply container 1 is pressurized at a stretch by increasing the compression speed of the pump portion 20b, and the developer is concentrated at a stretch at the ejection port 21a by being pressed by the pressure. It is because the discharge resistance at the time of being discharged from In both examples, since the discharge port 21a is set to a small diameter, the tendency becomes more remarkable. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 47 (a), since the time taken for one cycle of the pump section is the same in both examples, the time integral amount of pressure is larger in the example of FIG.

  Next, Table 2 shows measured values of the discharge amount of the developer per cycle of the pump portion 20b.

  As shown in Table 2, it is 3.7 g in the configuration of FIG. 45 and 3.4 g in the configuration of FIG. 40, and a larger amount is discharged in FIG. From this result and the result of FIG. 47 (a), it was confirmed again that the developer discharge amount per cycle of the pump portion 20b increases in accordance with the time integral amount of pressure.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 45, the compression rate of the pump unit 20b is set large relative to the extension rate, and by causing the inside of the developer supply container 1 to reach a higher pressure during the compression operation of the pump unit 20b, The developer discharge amount per cycle of the pump portion 20b can be increased.

  Next, another method of increasing the developer discharge amount per cycle of the pump unit 20b will be described.

  In the cam groove 21b shown in FIG. 46, as in FIG. 44, the cam groove 21e substantially parallel to the rotational direction of the developer accommodating portion 20 is provided between the cam groove 21c and the cam groove 21d. However, in the cam groove 21b shown in FIG. 46, the cam groove 21e stops the operation of the pump portion 20b in a state in which the pump portion 20b is compressed after the compression operation of the pump portion 20b within one cycle of the pump portion 20b. Provided in

Here, similarly, with regard to the configuration of FIG. 46, the discharge amount of the developer was measured. The verification experiment method was the same as the example shown in FIG. 45 except that the compression speed and the expansion speed of the pump portion 20b were set to 180 cm ³ / s.

  The verification test results will be described. FIG. 47B shows the change in internal pressure change of the developer supply container 1 during the expansion and contraction operation of the pump unit 20b. Here, the solid line shows the pressure transition in the developer supply container 1 having the cam groove 21b shown in FIG. 46 and the dotted line shown in FIG.

  Also in the case of FIG. 46, during the compression operation of the pump unit 20b, the internal pressure rises with the passage of time and reaches a peak at the end of the compression operation. At this time, as in the case of FIG. 45, the inside of the developer supply container 1 is maintained at a positive pressure, so the developer inside is discharged. Since the compression speed of the pump unit 20b in the example of FIG. 46 was set to be the same as that of the example of FIG. 45, the ultimate pressure at the end of the compression operation of the pump unit 20b was 5.7 kPa, which was equivalent to that of FIG. .

  Subsequently, when the operation is stopped in a state where the pump portion 20b is compressed, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 gradually decreases. This is because the pressure generated by the compression operation of the pump unit 20b remains even after the operation of the pump unit 20b is stopped, and the developer and air inside are discharged by the pressure. However, after completion of the compression operation, the internal pressure can be maintained at a higher level than when the immediate extension operation is started, so more developer is discharged during that time.

  Further, when the extension operation is subsequently started, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 decreases as in the example of FIG. 45, and the development of the inside is continued until the inside of the developer supply container 1 changes from positive pressure to negative pressure. The developer is discharged in order to keep pressure on the agent.

  Here, when the time integral value of pressure is compared in FIG. 47 (b), since the time taken for one cycle of the pump unit 20b is the same in both examples, a high internal pressure is maintained when the operation of the pump unit 20b is stopped. The time integral of pressure and pressure is larger in the example of FIG.

  In addition, as shown in Table 2, the measured value of the developer discharge amount per cycle of the pump unit 20b is 4.5 g in the case of FIG. 46, and more discharged than in the case of FIG. 45 (3.7 g). It was From the results of FIG. 47B and Table 2, it was confirmed again that the developer discharge amount per cycle of the pump portion 20b increases in accordance with the time integral amount of pressure.

  Thus, in the example of FIG. 46, after the compression operation of the pump unit 20b, the operation is stopped in a state where the pump unit 20b is compressed. Therefore, the developer discharge amount per cycle of the pump unit 20b is further increased by causing the inside of the developer supply container 1 to reach a higher pressure during the compression operation of the pump unit 20b and maintaining the pressure as high as possible. It can be increased.

  As described above, the discharge capacity of the developer supply container 1 can be adjusted by changing the shape of the cam groove 21b, so the amount of developer required from the developer supply device 8 and the developer used It is possible to appropriately cope with the physical properties and the like of

  In FIGS. 40 to 46, the exhaust operation and the intake operation by the pump unit 20b are alternately switched. However, the exhaust operation and the intake operation are temporarily interrupted midway, and the exhaust operation is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, the intake operation may be resumed.

  For example, instead of performing the evacuation operation by the pump unit 20b all at once, the compression operation of the pump unit may be temporarily stopped midway, and then compressed and exhausted again. The same applies to the intake operation. Furthermore, the exhaust operation and the intake operation may be performed in multiple stages within the range in which the discharge amount and discharge speed of the developer can be satisfied. As described above, even if the exhaust operation and the intake operation are divided and performed in multiple stages, there is no change in "the exhaust operation and the intake operation are alternately repeated".

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Further, in this example, a driving force for rotating the transport portion (helical convex portion) 20c and a driving force for reciprocating the pump portion (bellows-like pump portion 20b) are one drive input portion (gear It is set as the structure received by part 20a. Therefore, the configuration of the drive input mechanism of the developer supply container can be simplified. Further, since the drive force is applied to the developer supply container by one drive mechanism (drive gear 300) provided in the developer supply device, it also contributes to simplification of the drive mechanism of the developer supply device. it can. In addition, it is possible to adopt a simple mechanism for positioning the developer supply container with respect to the developer supply device.

  Further, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the pump unit is configured to drive-convert the rotational driving force for rotating the transport unit received from the developer supply device by the drive conversion mechanism of the developer supply container. It becomes possible to make it reciprocate appropriately. In other words, it is possible to avoid the problem that the pump unit can not be properly driven in the method in which the developer supply container receives the input of the reciprocating drive force from the developer supply device. In the configuration of this embodiment, the control means for stopping the position of the pump portion 20b described in the first embodiment at the same position as the mounting position of the developer supply container 1 and the position of the pump portion 20b are regulated at predetermined positions. Have a regulatory unit to Therefore, even when the developer supply container 1 is detached, the position of the drive input portion for the pump portion 20b can always be regulated to a predetermined position. Therefore, even when the developer supply device 8 receives the reciprocating drive force, it is possible to perform the drive connection between the developer supply device 8 and the developer supply container 1. However, as described above, it is more preferable to be configured to receive the rotational driving force from one drive gear of the developer replenishing device 8 in that it can contribute to the simplification of the drive mechanism of the developer replenishment device 8.

  In the present embodiment, the developer supply container 1 is configured to be regulated in a state in which the pump unit 20b is contracted by the regulation unit, so that the developer replenishment operation can be reliably started from the direction of increasing the volume of the pump unit 20b. It is done. The mechanism for realizing it will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Here, FIGS. 48A and 48B are developed views showing the cam groove 21b of the flange portion 21, and show the position of the cam projection 20d with respect to the cam groove 21b. In FIG. 48, arrow A indicates the rotation direction of the developer accommodating portion 20, arrow B indicates the extension direction of the pump portion 20b, and arrow C indicates the compression direction as well. Further, among the cam grooves 21b, a groove portion in which the cam projection 20d moves when the pump portion 20b is compressed is referred to as a cam groove 21c, and a groove portion moving when the pump portion 20b extends is a cam groove 21d. Furthermore, the amplitude in the expansion and contraction direction of the pump portion 20b is L.

  In FIG. 48 (a), the cam projection 20d is located at the end in the direction of arrow C in the movable range of the pump portion 20b, and in this state, the volume change of the pump portion 20b is regulated by the above-mentioned regulating portion. At that time, the pump portion 20b is in the most contracted state (the most reduced state). In this state, when the developer supply container 1 is attached to the apparatus main body 100 and the regulation is released, the cam protrusion 20d moves along the cam groove 21d by the rotational drive from the drive gear 300, and the pump portion 20b is most contracted. Operation is started from the state in the direction in which the volume increases (= arrow B direction).

  As shown in FIG. 48 (b), even when the cam projection 20d is regulated in the middle of the cam groove 21d, the pump portion 20b can similarly start the operation in the volume increasing direction. However, it is preferable to start from the state in which the pump portion 20b is maximally contracted as shown in FIG. The reason is that since the volume change amount of the pump portion 20b can be set to the maximum in the state of FIG. 48A, more air can be taken in by the pressure reduction in the developer storage portion 20. Also, in this case, there is an advantage that the drive gear 300 can be reliably started from the volume increasing direction regardless of the direction in which the drive gear 300 is rotated.

  However, even when the pump operation is started from the position shown in FIG. 48 (b), there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the stain when the developer supply container 1 is detached. Specifically, as described above, when the developer supply container 1 is desorbed, the pump portion 20b is regulated again in the same state as at the time of attachment, so that the supply operation stops in the middle of the process of taking air into the developer containing portion 20. . At that time, by utilizing the force of air, the developer present around the discharge port (developer supply port) 21a is sucked into the developer containing section 20, thereby reducing toner contamination when the developer supply container 1 is detached. It can be done.

  Whether the position of FIG. 48 (a) or the position of FIG. 48 (b) is adopted is in consideration of the balance between the effect necessary for the initial solution of the developer and the dirt reduction effect around the sealing member after discharge. It can be selected appropriately.

  In addition, by starting from the direction of increasing the volume of the pump portion 20b, a new space is formed in the developer accommodating portion 20. Since this space can be used as a space for the developer to be loosened, the effect of loosening the developer is further improved.

  In addition to the above example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 49 is also applicable. Here, FIGS. 49A and 49B are development views of the cam groove 21b portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the flange portion 21. FIG. 49 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along a line DD in FIG. 49 (a) and FIG. 49 (b) and connecting the pair of click projections 21i and the cam projections 20d.

  In the example shown in FIG. 49, a region of the cam groove 21e parallel to the rotation direction of the developer accommodating portion 20 is provided without providing the restricting member 56 as the restricting portion and the restricting protrusion 20m described above, and the cam protrusion 20d is It is made to rest in the area of the groove 21e. That is, in the case of the example of FIG. 49, the cam groove 21e functions as a restricting portion.

  Specifically, in FIG. 49 (a), the flat cam groove 21e is formed in the area where the pump section is most contracted, and when the pump section is started from this state, within the first cycle of the pump operation It is possible to take in air sufficiently into the container.

  Also, in FIG. 49 (b), the flat cam groove 21e is formed in the area where the pump portion is contracted by half, and if the pump portion is started from this state, the container is within the first cycle of the pump operation. It is possible to take in air inside.

  Even when the configurations shown in FIGS. 49 (a) and 49 (b) are adopted, it is possible to obtain the same effect.

  Next, modifications of the developer supply container described above will be described.

  The present modification is different from the above-described developer supply container shown in FIGS. 32 to 34 in that a pump portion and a mechanism portion that expands and contracts the pump portion, and a cover member covering them are present. Furthermore, since the mechanism of the connecting portion at the time of mounting and demounting of the developer supply container 1 to the developer supply device 8 is different, these differences will be described in detail below. In addition, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol as an above-described Example in the structure of those other than this.

(Developer supply container)
First, a modified example of the developer supply container 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 93 (a) is a schematic exploded perspective view of the developer supply container 1, and FIG. 93 (b) is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1. Here, for the convenience of description, FIG. 93 (b) shows a cross section of a cover 92 described later.

  Further, FIG. 101 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the developer replenishing device 8 to which the developer replenishing container 1 in the present modification is attached, and FIG. 101 (b) is a perspective view of the developer receiving portion 39. It explains, referring to it.

  As shown in FIG. 93 (a), the developer supply container 1 mainly includes a developer storage portion 20, a flange portion 25, a shutter 5, a pump portion 93, a reciprocating member (cam arm) 91 as an arm-like member, and a cover It consists of 92. Then, the developer replenishing container 1 replenishes the developer to the developer replenishing device 8 by rotating in a direction of an arrow R around the rotation axis P shown in FIG. 93 (b) in the developer replenishing device 8 . Hereinafter, each component of the developer supply container 1 will be described in detail.

(Container body)
FIG. 94 is a perspective view of the developer accommodating portion 20 as the container main body. As shown in FIG. 94, the developer accommodating portion (developer conveying chamber) 20 has a hollow cylindrical cylindrical portion 20k capable of accommodating the developer therein. The cylindrical portion 20k has a spiral conveying groove (conveying portion) 20c for conveying the developer in the cylindrical portion 20k to the discharge port side by rotating around the rotational axis P in the direction of arrow R around it. doing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 94, over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface on the one end face side of the developer accommodating portion 20, the cam groove 20n which bears a part of the function of the drive converting portion The receiving portion (drive input portion, gear portion) 20a is integrally formed. In this example, although the cam groove 20n and the gear portion 20a are integrally formed with the developer accommodating portion 20, the cam groove 20n or the gear portion 20a is separately formed, and the developer It may be configured to be integrally attached to the housing portion 20. Further, in this example, a toner having a volume average particle diameter of 5 μm to 6 μm is accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 20 as a developer, and not only the developer accommodating portion 20 but a space for accommodating the developer. The internal space of the flange part 25 and the pump part 93 mentioned later will be match | combined.

(Flange part)
Subsequently, the flange portion 25 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 93 (b), the flange portion (developer discharge chamber) 25 is attached so as to be rotatable relative to the developer accommodating portion 20 and the rotation axis P. The flange portion 25 is held so that rotation in the direction of arrow R is substantially impossible with respect to the mounting portion 8 f (see FIG. 101A) when the developer supply container 1 is mounted to the developer replenishment device 8 Be done.

  In addition, an outlet 25a4 (see FIG. 95) is provided in part. Further, as shown in FIG. 93 (a), the flange portion 25 is composed of an upper flange portion 25a and a lower flange portion 25b in consideration of the assembling property. Although described in detail below, the pump portion 93, the reciprocating member 91, the shutter 5, and the cover 92 are assembled.

  First, as shown in FIG. 93A, the pump portion 93 is screwed to one end of the upper flange portion 25a, and the developer accommodating portion 20 is joined to the other end via a seal member (not shown). Be done. Further, the reciprocating member 91 having a part of the function of the drive converting portion is disposed so as to sandwich the pump portion 93, and the engaging protrusion 91b (see FIG. 99) as a cam protrusion provided on the reciprocating member 91 It is fitted into the cam groove 20 n of the agent storage unit 20.

  Furthermore, the shutter 5 is incorporated in the gap between the upper flange portion 25a and the lower flange portion 25b. Further, in order to improve the appearance in appearance and to protect the reciprocating member 91 and the pump unit 93, the cover 92 is integrally assembled so as to cover the whole of the flange 25, the pump unit 93 and the reciprocating member 91 described above. And is configured as shown in FIG. 93 (b).

(Upper flange)
The upper flange portion 25a is shown in FIG. FIG. 95 (a) is a perspective view of the upper flange portion 25a as viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 95 (b) is a perspective view of the upper flange portion 25a as viewed obliquely from below.

  The upper flange portion 25a has a container body shown in FIG. 95 (b) in which the developer accommodating portion 20 is joined, and a pump joint 25a1 (screw not shown) shown in FIG. 95 (a) in which the pump portion 93 is screwed. A junction 25a2 and a storage 25a3 shown in FIG. 95 (a) into which the developer conveyed from the developer container 20 is stored. Further, as shown in FIG. 95 (b), a circular discharge port (opening) 25a4 for discharging the developer of the storage section 25a3 described above to the developer replenishing device 8, and a developing provided in the developer replenishment device 8 An opening seal 25a5 in which a connecting portion 25a6 to which the agent receiving portion 39 (see FIG. 101) is connected is formed in part. Here, the opening seal 25a5 is attached to the lower surface of the upper flange portion 25a with a double-sided tape and is held between the shutter 5 and the upper flange portion 25a described later to prevent the developer from leaking from the discharge port 25a4. . Although the discharge port 25a4 is provided in the opening seal 25a5 which is separate from the upper flange portion 25a in this example, the discharge port 25a4 may be provided directly in the upper flange portion 25a.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the discharge port 25a4 is provided on the lower surface of the developer supply container 1, that is, on the lower surface side of the upper flange portion 25a. Basically, the loading and unloading of the developer supply container 1 to the developer supply device 8 is performed. The connection configuration shown in this example can be applied as long as it is provided on the side surface other than the upstream end surface or the downstream end surface in the direction. The position on the side surface of the discharge port 25a4 can be set in consideration of the circumstances of each product. The connection operation of the developer supply container 1 and the developer supply device 8 in this example will be described later.

(Lower flange)
The lower flange portion 25b is shown in FIG. 96 (a) is a perspective view of the lower flange portion 25b as viewed obliquely from above, FIG. 96 (b) is a perspective view of the lower flange portion 25b as viewed obliquely from below, and FIG. 96 (c) is a front view .

  The lower flange portion 25b includes a shutter insertion portion 25b1 into which the shutter 5 (see FIG. 97) is inserted as shown in FIG. 96 (a). The lower flange portion 25b has engaging portions 25b2 and 25b4 engageable with the developer receiving portion 39 (see FIG. 101).

  The engaging portions 25 b 2 and 25 b 4 are each configured to carry the developer in accordance with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 so that the developer supply container 1 can connect the developer receiving portion 39 with the developer supply container 1. The receiving portion 39 is displaced toward the developer supply container 1. Further, in the engaging portions 25 b 2 and 25 b 4, the developing agent receiving portion 39 develops so that the connection between the developing agent replenishment container 1 and the developing agent receiving portion 39 is cut off with the taking-out operation of the developing agent supply container 1. It is possible to displace in a direction away from the agent supply container 1.

  Of the engaging portions 25b 2 and 25 b 4, the first engaging portion 25 b 2 is a developer receiving portion in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 so that the developer receiving portion 39 is opened. Displace 39. In this example, the first engaging portion 25b2 is a connecting portion 25a6 in which the developer receiving portion 39 is formed on a part of the opening seal 25a5 of the developer replenishing container 1 along with the mounting operation of the developer replenishing container 1 The developer receiving portion 39 is displaced toward the developer supply container 1 so as to be in a connected state. The first engaging portion 25 b 2 extends in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1.

  Further, the first engaging portion 25 b 2 is in the direction intersecting the removal direction of the developer supply container 1 so that the resealing operation of the developer receiving portion 39 is performed along with the removal operation of the developer supply container 1. The developer receiving portion 39 is guided to be displaced. In this example, the first engagement portion 25 b 2 is such that the connection between the developer receiving portion 39 and the connection portion 25 a 6 of the developer supply container 1 is cut off along with the removal operation of the developer supply container 1. The developer receiving portion 39 is guided to be separated vertically downward from the developer supply container 1.

  On the other hand, in the second engagement portion 25b4, the developer supply container is in such a state that the discharge port 25a4 is in communication with the developer receiving port 39a of the developer receiving portion 39 along with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. While 1 moves relative to the shutter 5 described later, that is, while the developer receiving port 39a moves from the connection portion 25a6 to the discharge port 25a4, the main seal 41 and the opening seal 25a5 provided in the developer receiving port 39a are connected Maintain the same condition. The second engagement portion 25 b 4 extends in a direction parallel to the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1.

  The second engagement portion 25b4 moves relative to the shutter 5 while the developer supply container 1 is moved relative to the shutter 5 so that the discharge port 25a4 is resealed along with the removal operation of the developer supply container 1, that is, the second engagement portion 25b4. While the developer receiving port 39a moves from the discharge port 25a4 to the connection portion 25a6, the main body seal 41 and the opening seal 25a5 are maintained in the connected state.

  Further, the lower flange portion 25b restricts or allows elastic deformation of a support portion 5d of the shutter 5 described later in association with the operation of attaching the developer supply container 1 to the developer supply device 8 or taking it out from the developer supply device 8. A regulation rib (regulation portion) 25b3 shown in FIG. 96 (a) is provided. The restriction rib 25b3 protrudes vertically upward from the insertion surface of the shutter insertion portion 25b1, and is formed along the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 96 (b), a protection portion 25b5 is provided to protect the shutter 5 from damage due to physical distribution and erroneous operation by the operator. The lower flange portion 25b is integrated with the upper flange portion 25a in a state where the shutter 5 is inserted into the shutter insertion portion 25b1.

(Shutter)
The shutter 5 is shown in FIG. FIG. 97 (a) is a top view of the shutter 5, and FIG. 97 (b) is a perspective view of the shutter 5 as viewed obliquely from above.

  The shutter 5 is provided so as to be movable relative to the developer supply container 1, and opens / closes the discharge port 25 a 4 in accordance with the mounting operation / removal operation of the developer supply container 1. In the shutter 5, the developer sealing portion 5a for preventing the developer from leaking from the discharge port 25a4 when the developer replenishment container 1 is not attached to the attachment portion 8f of the developer replenishment device 8, and the developer sealing A sliding surface 5i that slides on the shutter insertion portion 25b1 of the lower flange portion 25b is provided on the back surface side (back side) of the portion 5a.

  The shutter 5 is used as the shutter stoppers 8 q and 8 p of the developer replenishing device 8 along with the mounting and demounting operation of the developer replenishing container 1 so that the developer replenishing container 1 can move relative to the shutter 5. It has stopper portions (holding portions) 5b and 5c which are held by (see FIG. 101 (a)). Of the stoppers 5b and 5c, the first stopper 5b engages with the first shutter stopper 8q of the developer replenishing device 8 when the developer replenishing container 1 is attached, and the developer of the shutter 5 The position relative to the supply device 8 is fixed. The second stopper portion 5 c engages with the second shutter stopper portion 8 p of the developer replenishing device 8 when the developer replenishing container 1 is taken out.

  Further, the shutter 5 has a support portion 5d for supporting the stopper portions 5b and 5c so as to be displaceable. In order to support the first stopper portion 5b and the second stopper portion 5c in a displaceable manner, the supporting portion 5d is extended from the developer sealing portion 5a and elastically deformable. The first stopper portion 5b is inclined such that an angle α formed by the first stopper portion 5b and the support portion 5d is an acute angle. On the other hand, the second stopper portion 5c is inclined such that an angle β formed by the second stopper portion 5c and the support portion 5d is an obtuse angle.

  Furthermore, when the developer supply container 1 is not attached to the attachment portion 8f of the developer replenishment device 8, the developer sealing portion 5a of the shutter 5 has a locking protrusion on the downstream side in the attachment direction than the position facing the discharge port 25a4. 5e is provided. The amount of contact between the lock protrusion 5e and the opening seal 25a5 (see FIG. 95B) is larger than that of the developer sealing portion 5a, so the static friction force between the shutter 5 and the opening seal 25a5 is large. Therefore, unexpected movement (displacement) of the shutter 5 due to vibration due to physical distribution or the like can be prevented. Further, the entire developer sealing portion 5a may have a shape corresponding to the contact amount between the lock projection 5e and the opening seal 25a5, but in this case, when the shutter 5 is moved unlike the case where the lock projection 5e is provided. Because the dynamic friction with the opening seal 25a5 becomes large, the operating force when mounting the developer supply container 1 to the developer supply device 8 becomes large, which is not preferable in terms of usability. Therefore, a configuration in which the locking projection 5e is provided in part as in this example is desirable.

  As described above, by using the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1, the connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer supply device 8 can be made favorable by minimizing the contamination with the developer. it can. Similarly, by using the taking-out operation of the developer supply container 1, separation from the connected state between the developer supply container 1 and the developer supply device 8 and resealing are minimized by minimizing the contamination with the developer. It can be done well.

  That is, the developer receiving portion 39 crosses the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 along with the mounting and demounting operation to the developer supplying device 8 using the engaging portions 25b 2 and 25 b 4 provided on the lower flange portion 25 b. It is possible to connect from the lower side in the vertical direction or to separate the lower side in the vertical direction. The developer receiving portion 39 is sufficiently smaller than the developer supply container 1, and therefore, the developer on the end surface Y (see FIG. 93 (b)) on the downstream side in the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 with a simple and space-saving configuration. It can prevent dirt. Further, it is possible to prevent the contamination by the developer due to the main assembly seal 41 dragging the protection portion 25b5 of the lower flange portion 25b and the shutter lower surface (sliding surface) 5i.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 97 (a), the shutter 5 is provided with a shutter opening (communication port) 5f which can communicate with the discharge port 25a4. Here, the diameter of the shutter opening 5f is such that the developer is unnecessarily discharged when the shutter 5 is opened and closed in association with the mounting and demounting operation of the developer supply container 1 to the developer supply device 8, and the periphery thereof is contaminated with the developer. For the purpose of preventing as much as possible, it is set to about Φ 2 mm.

(Pump section)
The pump unit 93 is shown in FIG. 98 (a) is a perspective view of the pump unit 93, and FIG. 98 (b) is a front view of the pump unit 93. FIG.

  The pump unit (also referred to as an air flow generating unit) 93 alternately switches between a state in which the internal pressure of the developer accommodating portion 20 is lower than an atmospheric pressure and a state in which the internal pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure. It is a pump part which operates like.

  Also in the present modification, as described above, in order to stably discharge the developer from the small discharge port 25a4, the above-described pump portion 93 is provided in a part of the developer supply container 1. The pump unit 93 is a variable displacement pump whose volume can be varied. Specifically, as the pump portion, one constituted by an expandable and contractible bellows-like expandable member is employed. The pressure in the developer supply container 1 is changed by the expansion and contraction operation of the pump unit 93, and the developer is discharged using the pressure. Specifically, when the pump portion 93 is contracted, the inside of the developer supply container 1 is pressurized, and the developer is discharged from the discharge port 25a4 in a form of being pushed to the pressure. When the pump portion 93 is extended, the inside of the developer supply container 1 is decompressed, and air is taken in from the outside through the discharge port 25a4. The developer taken in the vicinity of the discharge port 25a4 and the storage section 25a3 is loosened by the taken-in air, and the next discharge is smoothly performed. Discharge is performed by repeatedly performing the expansion and contraction operation as described above.

  Similar to the above-described example, as shown in FIG. 98 (b), the pump portion 93 of this modification has a bellows-like stretchable portion in which a “mountain fold” portion and a “valley fold” portion are periodically formed ( A bellows portion (stretching member) 93a is provided. The stretchable portion 93a can be folded in the direction of arrow B or extend in the direction of arrow A along the fold (as a base point of the fold). Therefore, when the bellows-like pump unit 93 is employed as in the present embodiment, the variation of the volume change amount with respect to the expansion and contraction amount can be reduced, so that a stable volume change operation can be performed.

  Moreover, in this modification, although polypropylene resin (it abbreviates to PP hereafter) was adopted as a material of pump part 93, it is not limited to this. Any material may be used as the material of the pump unit 93 as long as it can expand and contract and change the internal pressure of the developer storage unit due to a change in volume. For example, it may be thinly formed of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), polystyrene, polyester, polyethylene or the like. Also, it is possible to use rubber or other stretchable material.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 98 (a), a joint portion 93b is provided on the opening end side of the pump portion 2 so as to be able to be joined to the upper flange portion 25a. Here, a configuration in which a screw is formed as the bonding portion 2b is illustrated. Further, as shown in FIG. 98 (b), the other end side is provided with a reciprocating member engaging portion 93c engaged with the reciprocating member 91 in order to be displaced in synchronization with the reciprocating member 91 described later.

(Reciprocating member)
FIG. 99 shows a reciprocating member 91 which is an arm-like member that functions as a drive conversion unit. FIG. 99 (a) is a perspective view of the reciprocating member 91 viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 99 (b) is a perspective view of the reciprocating member 91 viewed obliquely from below.

  As shown in FIG. 99 (b), in order to change the volume of the pump portion 93 described above, the reciprocating member 91 engages the pump engaging portion 91a engaged with the reciprocating member engaging portion 93c provided on the pump portion 93. Have. Further, as shown in FIGS. 99 (a) and 99 (b), the reciprocation member 91 has an engagement projection 91b as a cam projection which is fitted into the above-mentioned cam groove 20n (see FIG. 93) when assembled. Have. The engagement protrusion 91b is provided at the tip of the arm 91c extending from the vicinity of the pump engagement portion 91a. Further, the rotational displacement of the reciprocating member 91 at the center of the axis P (see FIG. 93B) of the arm 91c is restricted by the reciprocating member holding portion 92b (see FIG. 100) of the cover 92 described later. Therefore, when the developer accommodating portion 20 is driven by the drive gear 300 from the gear portion 20a and the cam groove 20n rotates integrally, the engaging projection 91b fitted in the cam groove 20n and the reciprocation member of the cover 92 The reciprocating member 91 reciprocates in the directions of arrows A and B by the action of the holding portion 92 b. Along with that, the pump portion 93 engaged with the pump engaging portion 91 a of the reciprocating member 91 via the reciprocating member engaging portion 93 c extends and contracts in the directions of arrows A and B.

(cover)
A cover 92 is shown in FIG. FIG. 100 (a) is a perspective view of the cover 92 as viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 100 (b) is a perspective view of the cover 92 as viewed obliquely from below.

  As described above, the cover 92 is provided as shown in FIG. 93 (b) for the purpose of protecting the reciprocating member 91 and the pump portion 93. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 93 (b), the cover 92 is integrated with the upper flange 25a, the lower flange 25b, etc. by a mechanism (not shown) so as to cover the whole of the flange 25, the pump 93 and the reciprocating member 91. Are provided. Further, the cover 92 is provided with a guide groove 92 a which is guided by a rib-like insertion guide (not shown) extending in the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 provided in the developer supply device 8. Further, the cover 92 is provided with a reciprocating member holding portion 92b for restricting rotational displacement of the axis P (see FIG. 93 (b)) of the reciprocating member 91 described above.

  According to this modification, it is possible to simplify the mechanism for displacing the developer receiving portion 39 to connect / separate the developer supply container 1. That is, since the drive source and the drive transmission mechanism for moving the entire developing device upward are unnecessary, the structure on the image forming apparatus side is complicated, and the cost increase due to the increase in the number of parts does not occur. This is because, in the case of the configuration in which the entire developing device is moved up and down, a large space is required to prevent interference with the developing device, but according to this example, the space becomes unnecessary. That is, the enlargement of the image forming apparatus can be prevented.

(Regulation department)
Next, the configuration of the restricting portion will be described with reference to FIGS. 93 and 102 to 103. FIG. 102 (a) is a partially enlarged perspective view of the developer supply container 1, FIG. 102 (b) is a partially enlarged perspective view of a portion of the regulating member 95, and FIG. 103 (a) is mounted on the developer supply device 8. FIG. 103 (b) is a partially enlarged perspective view in which a portion of the regulating member 95 is enlarged.

  In the present modification, the reciprocation member 91 can not reciprocate by restricting (preventing) relative rotation between the lower flange portion 25b and the developer accommodating portion 20, and as a result, the operation of the pump portion 93 is also restricted. .

  In the above-described developer supply container shown in FIGS. 32 to 34, the restricting member 56 as the restricting portion restricts the rotation of the restricting projection 20m to restrict the operation of the pump portion 93. However, in the present modification, its function is Is provided to the restricting member 95 and the drive receiving portion 20a. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 102 (a) and 102 (b), the restricting member 95 is not rotatable relative to the lower flange portion 25b of the flange portion 25 in the rotational direction of the developer accommodating portion 20. It is movably supported in the axial direction (similar to the regulating member 56 of the above-described developer supply container shown in FIGS. 32 to 34. In particular, see FIG. 35 (c)).

  In the restricted state, the relative rotation of the drive receiving portion 20a and the restricting member 95 is restricted by the engagement of the restricting portion 95a of the restricting member 95 with the drive receiving portion 20a. As a result, the lower flange portion 25b and the developer accommodating portion are accommodated. The relative rotation of the part 20 is restricted. When the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer supply device 8 in the direction A shown in FIG. 93, the developer supply container 8 is provided in the developer supply device 8 as shown in FIGS. 103 (a) and 103 (b). By being pressed by the stopper 8r, the regulating member 95 is moved upstream in the mounting direction (direction B in FIG. 93). By the movement of the restricting member 95, the engagement between the restricting portion 95a and the drive receiving portion 20a is released, and the drive receiving portion 20a and the restricting member 95 are in a relatively rotatable state. As a result, the lower flange portion 25b and the developer accommodating portion 20 can rotate relative to each other, and the restriction is released.

  Further, when the developer supply container 1 is taken out from the developer supply device 8, it is pushed downstream in the mounting direction (direction A in FIG. 93) by the action of the spring 96 fitted on the shaft 95b of the restriction member 95. 95a engages with the drive receiving portion 20a to be in a restricted state.

  Even in the configuration described above, the relative rotation between the developer accommodating portion 20 and the flange portion 25 can be regulated by the regulating member 95, and the pump portion 93 is regulated in a contracted state, and the pump is reliably pumped during developer replenishment operation. The pump operation can be started from the direction of increasing the volume of the portion 93. In this modification, an example of a configuration in which the relative rotation of the lower flange portion 25b and the developer accommodating portion 20 is restricted by utilizing the operation of the reciprocating member 91 by the relative rotation is shown. In addition to this, the cover 92 may be provided with a restricting portion for directly restricting the reciprocation of the reciprocating member 91 and the pump portion 93.

  The fifth embodiment and its modification have been described above.

  In the case of merely stopping the cam projection 20d in the area of the cam groove 21e as shown in FIGS. 49 (a) and 49 (b), if the user performs an erroneous operation at the time of replacing the container, the cam There is a risk that the projection 20d may come out of the area of the cam groove 21e. Assuming such a case, as shown in FIG. 49 (c), the cam projection 20d is prevented from being easily detached from the area of the cam groove 21e by the pair of click projections 21i provided on the flange portion 21. Is more preferred. The pair of click projections 21i are elastically deformed along with the contact with the cam projections 20d in a normal developer discharging process, and the cam projections 20d can pass as smoothly as possible. Thus, in the case of the example of FIG. 49 (c), the click projection 21i functions as the restricting portion together with the cam groove 21e.

[Example 6]
Next, the configuration of the sixth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 50 (a) to (c). FIG. 50 (a) is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the pump portion 20b is extended, and (c) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the regulating member 56. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  The present embodiment is largely different from the fifth embodiment in that a drive conversion mechanism (cam mechanism) is provided together with the pump portion 20b at a position where the cylindrical portion 20k is divided in the rotational axis direction of the developer supply container 1. The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 50A, in this example, a cylindrical portion 20k for conveying the developer toward the discharge portion 21h as it is rotated is constituted by a cylindrical portion 20k1 and a cylindrical portion 20k2. The pump portion 20b is provided between the cylindrical portion 20k1 and the cylindrical portion 20k2.

  A cam flange portion 15 functioning as a drive conversion mechanism is provided at a position corresponding to the pump portion 20b. As in the fifth embodiment, a cam groove 15a is formed on the inner surface of the cam flange portion 15 over the entire circumference. On the other hand, on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20k2, a cam projection 20d functioning as a drive conversion mechanism is formed so as to be fitted into the cam groove 15a.

  Also in this example, as in the fifth embodiment, when the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8, the flange portion 21 (discharge unit 21 h) rotates in the rotational direction and rotates by the developer supply device 8. The axial movement is blocked.

  Therefore, after the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8, when the rotational driving force is input to the gear portion 20a, the pump portion 20b reciprocates in the arrow ω direction and the arrow γ direction together with the cylindrical portion 20k2. ) Will be.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Further, even if the installation position of the pump portion 20b is provided at the position where the cylindrical portion is divided, the pump portion 20b can be reciprocated by the rotational driving force received from the developer supply device 8 as in the fifth embodiment. It becomes.

  In the configuration of the fifth embodiment, the pump unit 20b is directly connected to the discharge unit 21h in that the developer stored in the discharge unit 21h can be efficiently operated by the pump unit 20b. Is more preferred.

  Furthermore, a cam flange portion (drive conversion mechanism) 15 which must be held so as to be substantially immobile by the developer supply device 8 is additionally required. In addition, a mechanism for restricting the movement of the cam flange portion 15 in the rotational axis direction of the cylindrical portion 20k on the developer supply device 8 side is additionally required. Therefore, in consideration of such a complication of the mechanism, the configuration of the fifth embodiment using the flange portion 21 is more preferable.

  This is because, in the fifth embodiment, the flange portion 21 is held by the developer replenishing device 8 in order to substantially fix the position of the discharge port 21a. Focusing on this point, the drive conversion mechanism is configured. The cam mechanism of the present invention is provided in the flange portion 21. That is, the drive conversion mechanism is simplified.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 50 (c), since the restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment is provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 21, the pump portion 20b is specified. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump unit 20b in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 7]
Next, the configuration of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 51 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container 1, and FIG. 51 (b) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the regulating member 56. As shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, a drive conversion mechanism (cam mechanism) is provided at the end of the developer supply container 1 on the upstream side of the developer conveyance direction, and the developer in the cylindrical portion 20t is conveyed using the stirring member 20j. Are substantially different from the fifth embodiment. The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

  In the present example, as shown in FIG. 51, an agitating member 20j is provided in the cylindrical portion 20t as a conveying portion that rotates relative to the cylindrical portion 20t. The stirring member 20 j discharges while stirring the developer by rotating relative to the cylindrical portion 20 t fixed to the developer supply device 8 so as to be non-rotatable, by the rotational driving force received by the gear portion 20 a. It has a function of conveying in the rotational axis direction toward the portion 21 h. Specifically, the stirring member 20 j is configured to include a shaft and a transport wing fixed to the shaft.

  Further, in this example, a gear portion 20a as a drive input portion is provided on one end side (right side in FIG. 51) of the developer supply container 1 in the longitudinal direction, and this gear portion 20a is coaxial with the stirring member 20j. It has a combined configuration.

  Further, a hollow cam flange portion 21n integrated with the gear portion 20a so as to rotate coaxially with the gear portion 20a is provided on one end side (right side in FIG. 51) of the developer supply container in the longitudinal direction. In the cam flange portion 21n, a cam groove 21b fitted with two cam protrusions 20d provided at positions facing the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20t at approximately 180 degrees is formed over the entire circumference on the inner surface .

  Further, one end (the discharge portion 21h side) of the cylindrical portion 20t is fixed to the pump portion 20b, and one end (the discharge portion 21h side) of the pump portion 20b is fixed to the flange portion 21 (thermal welding, respectively) Both are fixed by the law). Therefore, the pump portion 20 b and the cylindrical portion 20 t can not substantially rotate with respect to the flange portion 21 in the state of being mounted on the developer supply device 8.

  Also in this example, as in the fifth embodiment, when the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8, the flange portion 21 (discharge unit 21 h) rotates in the rotational direction and rotates by the developer supply device 8. The axial movement is blocked.

  Therefore, when the rotational driving force is input from the developer supply device 8 to the gear portion 20a, the cam flange portion 21n is rotated together with the stirring member 20j. As a result, the cam projection 20d receives a cam action by the cam groove 21b of the cam flange portion 21n, and the cylindrical portion 20t reciprocates in the rotational axis direction, whereby the pump portion 20b expands and contracts.

  Thus, as the stirring member 20j rotates, the developer is conveyed to the discharge portion 21h, and the developer in the discharge portion 21h is finally discharged from the discharge port 21a by the suction and discharge operation by the pump portion 20b. Ru.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Further, also in the configuration of the present embodiment, the rotational operation and the pump of the stirring member 20j built in the cylindrical portion 20t by the rotational driving force received by the gear portion 20a from the developer replenishing device 8 as in the fifth to sixth embodiments. It becomes possible to perform both of the reciprocation of the part 20b.

  In the case of this example, the stress given to the developer tends to be large in the developer conveying step in the cylindrical portion 20t, and the driving torque is also large. Is more preferable.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 51 (b), since the restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same structure as that of the fifth embodiment is provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 21, the pump portion 20b is specified. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump unit 20b in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

Example 8
Next, the configuration of the eighth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 52 (a) to 52 (e). 52 (a) is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1, FIG. 52 (b) is an enlarged cross sectional view of the developer supply container 1, FIGS. 52 (c) to (d) are an enlarged perspective view of the cam portion, and FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the control member 56 periphery. It is. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  The present embodiment is largely different in that the pump portion 20b is fixed by the developer supply device 8 so as not to be rotatable, and the other configuration is substantially the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

  In this example, as shown in FIGS. 52A and 52B, a relay portion 20f is provided between the pump portion 20b and the cylindrical portion 20k of the developer storage portion 20. The two relay portions 20f are provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof at positions where the cam protrusions 20d oppose each other by about 180 °, and one end side (the discharge portion 21h side) is connected and fixed to the pump portion 20b (thermal Both are fixed by welding method).

  In the pump unit 20b, one end (on the discharge unit 21h side) is fixed to the flange unit 21 (both are fixed by the thermal welding method), and in the state of being mounted on the developer supply device 8, It becomes impossible to rotate practically.

  The seal member 27 is configured to be compressed between the cylindrical portion 20k and the relay portion 20f, and the cylindrical portion 20k is integrated so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the relay portion 20f. Further, a rotation receiving portion (convex portion) 20g for receiving a rotational driving force from a cam gear portion 18 described later is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 20k.

  On the other hand, a cylindrical cam gear portion 18 is provided so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the relay portion 20f. The cam gear portion 18 engages with the flange portion 21 so as to be substantially immovable (permits movement of about rattling) in the rotational axis direction of the cylindrical portion 20k, and is relatively rotatable with respect to the flange portion 21. It is provided as.

  In the cam gear portion 18, as shown in FIG. 52C, a gear portion 18a as a drive input portion to which rotational driving force is input from the developer supply device 8, and a cam groove 18b engaged with the cam projection 20d. Is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 52 (d), the cam gear portion 18 is provided with a rotation engaging portion (recess) 18c for engaging with the rotation receiving portion 20g and rotating with the cylindrical portion 20k. That is, the rotational engagement portion (concave portion) 18c is in an engagement relationship such that it can integrally rotate in the rotational direction while permitting relative movement in the rotational axial direction with respect to the rotation receiving portion 20g.

  The developer replenishment process of the developer replenishment container 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

  When the gear portion 18a receives rotational driving force from the drive gear 300 (see FIG. 32) of the developer supply device 8 and the cam gear portion 18 rotates, the cam gear portion 18 engages with the rotation receiving portion 20g by the rotational engaging portion 18c. , And rotates with the cylindrical portion 20k. That is, the rotation engaging portion 18c and the rotation receiving portion 20g play the role of transmitting the rotation driving force input from the developer supply device 8 to the gear portion 18a to the cylindrical portion 20k (the transport portion 20c).

  On the other hand, when the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8, the flange portion 21 is held by the developer supply device 8 so as not to be able to rotate, as in the fifth to seventh embodiments. The pump portion 20b and the relay portion 20f fixed to the flange portion 21 also become non-rotatable. At the same time, movement of the flange portion 21 in the rotational axis direction is blocked by the developer supply device 8.

  Therefore, when the cam gear portion 18 rotates, a cam action acts between the cam groove 18b of the cam gear portion 18 and the cam projection 20d of the relay portion 20f. That is, the rotational driving force input from the developer supply device 8 to the gear portion 18a is converted into a force for reciprocating the relay portion 20f and the cylindrical portion 20k in the rotational axis direction (of the developer containing portion 20). As a result, the pump portion 20b in a state in which the position of one end side in the reciprocating direction (left side in FIG. 52B) of the flange portion 21 is fixed is interlocked with the reciprocating motion of the relay portion 20f and the cylindrical portion 20k It will expand and contract, and a pump operation will be performed.

  Thus, as the cylindrical portion 20k rotates, the developer is transported to the discharge portion 21h by the transport portion 20c, and the developer in the discharge portion 21h is finally discharged by the pumping operation by the pump portion 20b. It is discharged from 21a.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Further, in this example, the rotational driving force received from the developer replenishing device 8 is simultaneously converted into a force for rotating the cylindrical portion 20k and a force for reciprocating the pump portion 20b in the rotational axis direction (transfer operation). ing.

  Therefore, also in this example, as in the fifth to seventh embodiments, both the rotational operation of the cylindrical portion 20k (the transport portion 20c) and the reciprocation operation of the pump portion 20b are performed by the rotational driving force received from the developer supply device 8. It will be possible to do.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 52 (e), the lower surface of the flange portion 21 is provided with the restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump unit 20b in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 9]
Next, the structure of Example 9 is demonstrated using FIG. 53 (a)-(c). FIG. 53 (a) is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1, (b) is an enlarged sectional view of the developer supply container 1, and (c) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the regulating member 56. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, after converting the rotational driving force received from the drive gear 300 of the developer supply device 8 into a reciprocating driving force for reciprocating the pump unit 20b, converting the reciprocating driving force into a rotational driving force. The point where the cylindrical portion 20k is rotated is largely different from the fifth embodiment. The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 53 (b), a relay portion 20f is provided between the pump portion 20b and the cylindrical portion 20k. The two relay portions 20f are provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof at positions where the cam protrusions 20d face each other by about 180 °, and one end side (the discharge portion 21h side) is connected and fixed to the pump portion 20b ( Both are fixed by heat welding).

  In the pump unit 20b, one end (on the discharge unit 21h side) is fixed to the flange unit 21 (both are fixed by the thermal welding method), and in the state of being mounted on the developer supply device 8, It becomes impossible to rotate practically.

  The seal member 27 is configured to be compressed between one end of the cylindrical portion 20k and the relay portion 20f, and the cylindrical portion 20k is integrated so as to be rotatable relative to the relay portion 20f. ing. Further, two cam protrusions 20i are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 20k at positions facing each other by about 180 °.

  On the other hand, a cylindrical cam gear portion 18 is provided so as to cover the outer peripheral surfaces of the pump portion 20b and the relay portion 20f. The cam gear portion 18 is engaged with the flange portion 21 so as to be immovable in the rotational axis direction of the cylindrical portion 20 k and provided so as to be relatively rotatable. Further, in the cam gear portion 18, as in the eighth embodiment, a gear portion 18a as a drive input portion to which a rotational driving force is input from the developer supply device 8 and a cam groove 18b engaged with the cam projection 20d. It is provided.

  Further, a cam flange portion 15 is provided to cover the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20k and the relay portion 20f. The cam flange portion 15 is configured to be substantially immobile when the developer supply container 1 is mounted to the mounting portion 8 f (see FIG. 32) of the developer supply device 8. Further, the cam flange portion 15 is provided with a cam groove 15a which engages with the cam projection 20i.

  Next, the developer supply step in this embodiment will be described.

  The gear portion 18a receives the rotational drive force from the drive gear 300 of the developer supply device 8, and the cam gear portion 18 rotates. Then, since the pump portion 20b and the relay portion 20f are non-rotatably held by the flange portion 21, a cam action acts between the cam groove 18b of the cam gear portion 18 and the cam projection 20d of the relay portion 20f.

  That is, the rotational driving force input from the developer supply device 8 to the gear portion 18a is converted into a force that causes the relay portion 20f to reciprocate in the rotational axis direction (of the cylindrical portion 20k). As a result, the pump portion 20b in a state in which the position of one end side in the reciprocating direction (left side in FIG. 53B) is fixed to the flange portion 21 expands and contracts in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the relay portion 20f. The pump operation will be performed.

  Furthermore, when the relay portion 20f reciprocates, a cam action acts between the cam groove 15a of the cam flange portion 15 and the cam projection 20i, and the force in the rotational axis direction is converted to the force in the rotational direction. It is transmitted to 20k. As a result, the cylindrical portion 20k (the transport portion 20c) is rotated. Therefore, as the cylindrical portion 20k rotates, the developer is transported to the discharge portion 21h by the transport portion 20c, and the developer in the discharge portion 21h is finally sucked and discharged by the pump portion 20b from the discharge port 21a. Exhausted.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Further, in this example, the rotational driving force received from the developer replenishing device 8 is converted into a force causing the pump portion 20b to reciprocate (extend and contract) in the rotational axis direction, and then the cylindrical portion 20k is rotated. It is converted to force and transmitted.

  Therefore, also in this example, as in the fifth to eighth embodiments, both the rotational operation of the cylindrical portion 20k (the transport portion 20c) and the reciprocation operation of the pump portion 20b are performed by the rotational driving force received from the developer supply device 8. It will be possible to do.

  However, in the case of this example, the rotational driving force input from the developer supply device 8 must be converted to a reciprocating driving force and then converted again to a rotational direction force, which complicates the configuration of the drive converting mechanism. As a result, the configurations of Examples 5 to 8 which do not require reconversion are more preferable.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 53 (c), since the restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment is provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 21, the pump portion 20b is specified. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump unit 20b in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 10]
Next, the configuration of the tenth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 54 (a) to 54 (c) and 55 (a) to 55 (d). 54 (a) is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container, FIG. 54 (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the developer supply container, and FIG. 54 (c) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the regulation member 56. 55 (a) to (d) show enlarged views of the drive conversion mechanism. FIGS. 55 (a) to 55 (d) are diagrams schematically showing a state in which the relevant part is always on the upper surface for the convenience of the description of the operation of the gear ring 60 and the rotational engagement portion 60b described later. Further, in the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, a point using a bevel gear as a drive conversion mechanism is a point that is largely different from the above-described embodiment. The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 54 (b), a relay portion 20f is provided between the pump portion 20b and the cylindrical portion 20k. The relay portion 20f is provided with an engagement protrusion 20h with which a connection portion 62 described later is engaged.

  In the pump unit 20b, one end (on the discharge unit 21h side) is fixed to the flange unit 21 (both are fixed by the thermal welding method), and in the state of being mounted on the developer supply device 8, It becomes impossible to rotate practically.

  The seal member 27 is configured to be compressed between one end of the cylindrical portion 20k on the discharge portion 21h side and the relay portion 20f, and the cylindrical portion 20k can be rotated relative to the relay portion 20f. As integrated. Further, a rotation receiving portion (convex portion) 20g for receiving a rotational driving force from a gear ring 60 described later is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 20k.

  On the other hand, a cylindrical gear ring 60 is provided so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20k. The gear ring 60 is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the flange portion 21.

  In this gear ring 60, as shown in FIGS. 54 (a) and 54 (b), a gear portion 60a for transmitting rotational driving force to a bevel gear 61 described later and a rotation receiving portion 20g are engaged. A rotary engagement portion (concave portion) 60b for corotation with the cylindrical portion 20k is provided. The rotational engagement portion (recessed portion) 60b is in an engaged relationship such that it can be integrally rotated in the rotational direction while relative movement in the rotational axis direction is permitted with respect to the rotation receiving portion 20g.

  Further, a bevel gear 61 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 21 so as to be rotatable with respect to the flange portion 21. Further, the bevel gear 61 and the engagement protrusion 20 h are connected by the connecting portion 62.

  Next, the developer replenishment step of the developer replenishment container 1 will be described.

  When the cylindrical portion 20k is rotated by the rotational driving force of the gear portion 20a of the developer accommodating portion 20 from the drive gear 300 of the developer supply device 8, the cylindrical portion 20k is engaged with the gear ring 60 by the rotational receiving portion 20g. Because of this, the gear ring 60 rotates with the cylindrical portion 20k. That is, the rotation receiving portion 20 g and the rotation engaging portion 60 b play the role of transmitting the rotation driving force input from the developer supply device 8 to the gear portion 20 a to the gear ring 60.

  On the other hand, when the gear ring 60 rotates, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the gear portion 60a to the bevel gear 61, and the bevel gear 61 rotates. The rotational drive of the bevel gear 61 is converted to the reciprocation of the engaging projection 20 h through the connecting portion 62 as shown in FIGS. 55 (a) to 55 (d). Thus, the relay portion 20f having the engagement protrusion 20h is reciprocated. As a result, the pump unit 20b expands and contracts in conjunction with the reciprocation of the relay unit 20f, and a pump operation is performed.

  Thus, as the cylindrical portion 20k rotates, the developer is transported to the discharge portion 21h by the transport portion 20c, and the developer in the discharge portion 21h is finally discharged by the pumping operation by the pump portion 20b. It is discharged from 21a.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Also in this example, as in the fifth to ninth embodiments, both the rotational operation of the cylindrical portion 20k (the transport portion 20c) and the reciprocation operation of the pump portion 20b are performed by the rotational driving force received from the developer supply device 8. It will be possible to do.

  In addition, in the case of the drive conversion mechanism using a bevel gear, since the number of parts will increase, the structure of Examples 5-9 is more preferable.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 54 (c), since the restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same configuration as the fifth embodiment is provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 21, the pump portion 20b is specified. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump unit 20b in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 11]
Next, the configuration of the eleventh embodiment will be described using FIGS. 56 (a) to (d). (A) of FIG. 56 is an enlarged perspective view of the drive conversion mechanism, (b) to (c) are enlarged views of the drive conversion mechanism as viewed from above, and (d) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the regulation member 56. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. 56 (b) and 56 (c) are diagrams schematically showing a state in which the corresponding part is always on the upper surface for the convenience of the description of the operation of the gear ring 60 and the rotational engagement portion 60b described later.

  In this example, a point in which a magnet (magnetic field generating means) is used as a drive conversion mechanism is a point that is largely different from the above-described example. The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 56, a rectangular parallelepiped magnet 63 is provided on the bevel gear 61, and a rod-like magnet 64 is provided on the engagement projection 20h of the relay portion 20f so that one magnetic pole faces the magnet 63. There is. The rectangular magnet 63 has an N pole at one end in the longitudinal direction and an S pole at the other end, and is configured to change its direction as the bevel gear 61 rotates. The rod-like magnet 64 has an S pole at one end in the longitudinal direction located outside the container and an N pole at the other end, and is configured to be movable in the rotation axis direction. The magnet 64 is configured so as not to be able to rotate by an elongated round guide groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 21.

  In this configuration, when the magnet 63 is rotated by the rotation of the bevel gear 61, the magnetic pole facing the magnet 64 is replaced, so the action of attraction between the magnet 63 and the magnet 64 and the action of repulsion are alternately repeated. As a result, the pump unit 20b fixed to the relay unit 20f reciprocates in the rotation axis direction.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Also in the configuration of this embodiment, as in the embodiments 5 to 10, the rotational driving force received from the developer replenishing device 8 causes the rotational operation of the transport unit 20c (the cylindrical portion 20k) and the reciprocation operation of the pump unit 20b. It will be possible to do both.

  In this example, although the example which provided the magnet in the bevel gear 61 was demonstrated, as long as it is the structure which utilizes magnetic force (magnetic field) as a drive conversion mechanism, it does not need to be such a structure.

  Further, in consideration of the reliability of drive conversion, the configurations of the above-described fifth to tenth embodiments are more preferable. In addition, when the developer contained in the developer supply container 1 is a magnetic developer (for example, one-component magnetic toner, two-component magnetic carrier), the developer is trapped on the inner wall of the container in the vicinity of the magnet. There is a fear. That is, since the amount of the developer remaining in the developer supply container 1 may be increased, the configurations of the embodiments 5 to 10 are more preferable.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 56 (d), since the restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment is provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 21, the pump portion 20b is specified. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump unit 20b in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 12]
Next, the configuration of the twelfth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 57 (a) to 57 (c) and 58 (a) to 58 (c). 57 (a) is a sectional perspective view showing the inside of the developer supply container 1, FIG. 57 (b) is a state in which the pump portion 20b is maximally expanded in the developer supply step, and FIG. 57 (c) is a pump portion 20b. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container 1 showing a state of being fully compressed in the developer supply process. (A) of FIG. 58 is a schematic view showing the inside of the developer supply container 1, (b) is a partial perspective view showing a rear end side of the cylindrical portion 20k, and (c) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the regulating member 56. is there. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, the pump portion 20b is provided at the front end portion of the developer supply container 1, and the pump portion 20b does not perform the function / role of transmitting the rotational driving force received from the drive gear 300 to the cylindrical portion 20k. The points are largely different from the above-described embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, the cam groove 20n is provided outside the drive conversion path by the drive conversion mechanism, that is, from the coupling portion 20s (see FIG. 58 (b)) receiving rotational drive force from a drive portion (not shown) described later. The pump unit 20b is provided outside the drive transmission path.

  This is because, in the configuration of the fifth embodiment, the rotational driving force input from the driving gear 300 is converted to reciprocating power after being transmitted to the cylindrical portion 20k via the pump portion 20b, so during the developer replenishment step This is because a force in the direction of rotation always acts on the pump portion 20b. Therefore, during the developer replenishment process, the pump portion 20b may be twisted in the rotational direction, and the pump function may be impaired. The details will be described below. The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 57 (a), in the pump portion 20b, the open portion at one end portion (the discharge portion 21h side) is fixed to the flange portion 21 (fixed by the heat welding method), and the developer is replenished. In the state of being attached to the device 8, it can not rotate substantially with the flange portion 21.

  On the other hand, a cam flange portion 15 functioning as a drive conversion mechanism is provided to cover the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 21 and the cylindrical portion 20k. As shown in FIG. 57, two cam protrusions 15b are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cam flange portion 15 so as to face each other by about 180 degrees. Further, the cam flange portion 15 is fixed to the closed side of one end portion (opposite side of the discharge portion 21h) of the pump portion 20b.

  On the other hand, a cam groove 20n functioning as a drive conversion mechanism is formed over the entire circumference on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20k, and the cam projection 15b of the cam flange portion 15 fits into this cam groove 20n. .

  Also, unlike the fifth embodiment, in this example, as shown in FIG. 58 (b), a non-circular (in this example, a square) that functions as a drive input portion on one end surface (upstream side in the developer conveyance direction) of the cylindrical portion 20k. The convex coupling portion 20s is formed. On the other hand, the developer supply device 8 has a non-circular (square) concave coupling portion (not shown) for driving connection with the convex coupling portion (driving portion) 20s to apply rotational driving force. is set up. The concave coupling portion 20s is configured to be driven by a drive motor (drive source) 500 as in the fifth embodiment.

  Furthermore, the flange portion 21 is in a state in which movement in the rotational axis direction and the rotational direction is blocked by the developer replenishing device 8 as in the fifth embodiment. On the other hand, the cylindrical portion 20 k is connected to each other via the flange portion 21 and the seal member 27, and the cylindrical portion 20 k is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the flange portion 21. The seal member 27 prevents air (developer) from entering and exiting from between the cylindrical portion 20k and the flange portion 21 within a range not adversely affecting developer replenishment using the pump portion 20b. It employs a sliding seal configured to allow rotation.

  Next, the developer replenishment step of the developer replenishment container 1 will be described.

  After the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer supply device 8, when the cylindrical portion 20k is rotated by receiving a rotational driving force from the concave coupling portion of the developer supply device 8, the cam groove 20n is rotated accordingly. .

  Therefore, the cams 15 are held against the cylindrical portion 20k and the flange portion 21 so that the movement in the direction of the rotational axis is blocked by the developer supply device 8 by the cam projections 15b engaged with the cam grooves 20n. The flange portion 15 reciprocates in the rotational axis direction.

  Since the cam flange portion 15 and the pump portion 20b are fixed, the pump portion 20b reciprocates with the cam flange portion 15 (in the arrow ω direction, the arrow γ direction). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 57 (b) and 57 (c), the pump portion 20b expands and contracts in conjunction with the reciprocation of the cam flange portion 15, and a pumping operation is performed.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the suction operation through the discharge port 21a, so that the developer can be efficiently solved.

  Also in this example, similarly to the fifth to eleventh embodiments, a configuration is adopted in which the rotational driving force received from the developer supply device 8 is converted to a force in the direction to operate the pump unit 20b in the developer supply container 1 Thus, the pump unit 20b can be operated properly.

  Further, by converting the rotational driving force received from the developer replenishing device 8 into reciprocating power without interposing the pump unit 20b, breakage of the pump unit 20b in the rotational direction is also prevented. It becomes possible. Therefore, since it is not necessary to excessively increase the strength of the pump portion 20b, it is possible to make the thickness of the pump portion 20b thinner or to select a cheaper material.

  Furthermore, in the configuration of the present example, the pump portion 20b is not installed between the discharge portion 21h and the cylindrical portion 20k as in the configurations of the fifth to eleventh embodiments, and the pump portion 20b is away from the cylindrical portion 20k of the discharge portion 21h. Since it is installed, the amount of developer remaining in the developer supply container 1 can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 58A, the internal space of the pump unit 20b may not be used as a developer storage space, and the filter 65 may be configured to partition the pump unit 20b and the discharge unit 21h. This filter has a characteristic that air can easily pass but toner can not pass substantially. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the developer present in the "valley fold" portion from being stressed when the "valley fold" portion of the pump portion 20b is compressed. . However, as shown in FIG. 57 (described above), a new developer accommodating space can be formed when the volume of the pump portion 20b is increased, that is, a new space where the developer can move is formed and the The configuration of a) to (c) is more preferable.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 58C, the lower surface of the flange portion 21 is provided with the restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump unit 20b in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 13]
Next, the configuration of the thirteenth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 59 (a) to 59 (d). 59 (a) to 59 (c) are enlarged sectional views of the developer supply container 1, and (d) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the regulating member 56. In FIGS. 59 (a) to 59 (c), the configuration other than the pump portion is substantially the same as the configuration shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, and the detailed description is omitted by giving the same reference numerals to similar configurations. Do.

  In this example, not a bellows-like pump portion in which a "mountain fold" portion and a "valley fold" portion are periodically and alternately formed as shown in FIG. 57, but a crease is substantially absent as shown in FIG. And a membrane-like pump portion 12 capable of expansion and contraction. The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

  In this example, although the thing made of rubber is used as this film-like pump part 12, not only such an example but flexible materials, such as a resin film, may be used.

  In such a configuration, when the cam flange portion 15 reciprocates in the rotational axis direction, the film-like pump portion 12 reciprocates with the cam flange portion 15. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 59 (b) and 59 (c), the membrane-like pump portion 12 expands and contracts in conjunction with the reciprocation of the cam flange portion 15 (the arrow ω direction and the arrow γ direction), A pumping action will be performed.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump unit 12, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the suction operation through the discharge port 21a, so that the developer can be efficiently solved.

  Also in this example, similarly to the fifth to twelfth embodiments, the configuration is adopted in which the rotational driving force received from the developer replenishing device 8 is converted to a force in the direction to operate the pump unit 12 in the developer replenishing container 1. Thus, the pump unit 12 can be operated properly.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 59 (d), the lower surface of the flange portion 21 is provided with a restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of the present embodiment, by operating the pump unit 12 in the direction to increase the volume from the state where the pump unit 12 is regulated to the predetermined position, the unfolding effect of the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more surely. You can get it.

Example 14
Next, the configuration of the fourteenth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 60 (a) to 60 (f). (A) of FIG. 60 is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1, (b) is an enlarged sectional view of the developer supply container 1, (c) to (e) are schematic enlarged views of a drive conversion mechanism, (f) These are schematic perspective views which show the holding member 3 which is a control part of the pump part 21f, and the lock member 55 periphery. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, the point which makes a pump part reciprocate in the direction which intersects perpendicularly with the axis of rotation direction differs greatly from the above-mentioned example.

(Drive conversion mechanism)
In this example, as shown in FIGS. 60 (a) to 60 (e), a bellows type pump portion 21f is connected to the flange portion 21, that is, the upper portion of the discharge portion 21h. Further, a cam protrusion 21g functioning as a drive converting portion is adhered and fixed to the upper end portion of the pump portion 21f. On the other hand, on one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion 20, a cam groove 20e functioning as a drive converting portion in which the cam projection 21g is fitted is formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 60 (b), the developer accommodating portion 20 compresses the seal member 27 whose end on the discharge portion 21h side is provided on the inner surface of the flange portion 21, against the discharge portion 21h. It is fixed relatively rotatably.

  Further, also in this example, with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1, both side surface portions (both end surfaces in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction X) of the discharge portion 21 h are held by the developer supply device 8. There is. Therefore, at the time of developer replenishment, the portion of the discharge portion 21 h is fixed so as not to substantially rotate.

  Further, with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1, the convex portion 21j provided on the outer bottom surface of the discharge portion 21h is locked by the concave portion provided on the mounting portion 8f. Therefore, at the time of developer replenishment, the discharge portion 21 h is fixed so as not to move substantially in the rotational axis direction.

  Here, the shape of the cam groove 20e is an elliptical shape as shown in FIGS. 60 (c) to (e), and the cam protrusion 21g moving along the cam groove 20e corresponds to that of the developer accommodating portion 20. The distance from the rotation axis (the shortest distance in the radial direction) is changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 60 (b), a plate-like partition wall 32 for transporting the developer transported from the cylindrical portion 20k by the spiral convex portion (transport portion) 20c to the discharge portion 21h. Is provided. The partition wall 32 is provided so as to substantially divide a region of a part of the developer containing portion 20, and is configured to integrally rotate with the developer containing portion 20. Further, on the both sides of the partition wall 32, inclined projections 32a which are inclined with respect to the rotational axis direction of the developer supply container 1 are provided. The inclined projection 32a is connected to the inlet of the discharge portion 21h.

  Therefore, the developer transported by the transport unit 20c is scooped up from the lower side in the gravity direction by the partition wall 32 in conjunction with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k. Thereafter, as the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k progresses, the surface of the partition wall 32 slides down by gravity, and is eventually delivered to the discharge portion 21h side by the inclined projection 32a. The inclined protrusions 32a are provided on both surfaces of the partition wall 32 so that the developer is fed to the discharge portion 21h each time the cylindrical portion 20k makes a half turn.

(Developer replenishment process)
Next, the developer replenishing step of the developer replenishing container 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  When the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8 by the operator, the flange portion 21 (discharge portion 21h) is prevented from moving in the rotational direction and the rotational axis direction by the developer supply device 8 Become. Further, since the pump portion 21 f and the cam projection 21 g are fixed to the flange portion 21, the movement in the rotational direction and the rotational axis direction is similarly blocked.

  Then, the developer accommodating portion 20 is rotated by the rotational driving force input from the driving gear 300 (see FIG. 32) to the gear portion 20a, and the cam groove 20e is also rotated. On the other hand, since the cam projection 21g fixed so as not to rotate receives the cam action from the cam groove 20e, the rotational driving force input to the gear portion 20a converts it into a force for reciprocating the pump portion 21f in the vertical direction. Be done. Here, in FIG. 60 (d), the cam projection 21g is located at the intersection of the ellipse in the cam groove 20e and its major axis La (Y point in FIG. 60 (c)) and the pump portion 21f is most expanded. Is shown. On the other hand, FIG. 60 (e) shows a state where the pump portion 21f is most compressed by the cam projection 21g being located at the intersection of the ellipse in the cam groove 20e and its minor axis Lb (Z point in FIG. 60 (c)). It shows.

  By alternately repeating the state of FIG. 60 (d) and the state of FIG. 60 (e) at a predetermined cycle, the pumping operation by the pump unit 21f is performed. That is, the discharge operation of the developer is smoothly performed.

  Thus, as the cylindrical portion 20k rotates, the developer is transported to the discharge portion 21h by the transport portion 20c and the inclined projection 32a, and the developer in the discharge portion 21h is finally sucked and discharged by the pump portion 21f. It is discharged from the discharge port 21a by operation.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Also in this example, as in the fifth to thirteenth embodiments, when the gear portion 20a receives rotational driving force from the developer supply device 8, the rotational operation of the transport portion 20c (the cylindrical portion 20k) and the pump portion 21f are performed. It is possible to perform both reciprocating operations.

  Further, as in the present example, the pump portion 21f is provided on the upper portion in the direction of gravity of the discharge portion 21h (when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer supply device 8), the ratio compared to the fifth embodiment. Thus, the amount of developer remaining in the pump portion 21f can be reduced as much as possible.

  In the present embodiment, a bellows-like pump is employed as the pump portion 21f, but the membrane-like pump described in the thirteenth embodiment may be employed as the pump portion 21f.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the cam projection 21g as a drive transmission portion is fixed to the upper surface of the pump portion 21f with an adhesive, but the cam projection 21g may not be fixed to the pump portion 21f. For example, it may be configured such that a conventionally known patch stopper, or a cam protrusion 3g is formed into a round rod shape, and a circular rod shape in which the round rod shaped cam protrusion 3g can be inserted into the pump portion 3f. Even in such an example, the same effect can be obtained.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 60 (f), the restricting portion (the holding member 3 and the lock member 55) having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is provided as the restricting portion of the pump portion 21f. It is possible to regulate 21f to a predetermined state. That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump portion 21f in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 15]
Next, the configuration of the fifteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. (A) of FIG. 61 is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1, (b) is a schematic perspective view of the flange portion 21, and (c) is a schematic perspective view of the cylindrical portion 20k. (A) and (b) of FIG. 62 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the developer supply container 1, and (c) and (d) are schematic views showing an example of a fixing tape (tape member) 3c as a restricting portion. FIG. 63 is a schematic view of the pump portion 21f. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, the point that the rotational driving force is converted to the force in the forward movement direction without converting the pump portion into the force in the reverse movement direction is a point that is largely different from the above embodiment.

  In this example, as shown in FIGS. 61 to 63, a bellows type pump portion 21f is provided on the side surface of the flange portion 21 on the cylindrical portion 20k side. In addition, a gear portion 20a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20k along the entire circumference. Furthermore, two compression protrusions 20l for compressing the pump portion 21f by contacting with the pump portion 21f by rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k are provided at two ends facing each other by about 180 ° at the end on the discharge portion 21h side of the cylindrical portion 20k. It is done. The shapes of the compression protrusions 20l on the downstream side in the rotational direction are tapered so as to gradually compress the pump portion 21f (see FIG. 61 (c)) in order to reduce shock at the time of contact with the pump portion 21f. It is done. On the other hand, the shape of the compression protrusion 20l on the upstream side in the rotational direction is from the end face of the cylindrical portion 20k so as to be substantially parallel to the rotational axis direction of the cylindrical portion 20k in order to expand the pump portion 21f instantaneously by its own elastic return force. It has a vertical surface shape (see FIG. 61 (c)).

  Further, as in the tenth embodiment, a plate-like partition wall 32 (see FIG. 12) for transporting the developer transported by the spiral convex portion (transport portion) 20c to the discharge portion 21h in the cylindrical portion 20k. 62 (a) and (b)) are provided.

  Next, the developer replenishing step of the developer replenishing container 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  After the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer supply device 8, the cylindrical portion 20k, which is the developer containing portion 20, is rotated by the rotational driving force input from the drive gear 300 of the developer supply device 8 to the gear portion 20a. And the compression protrusions 20l also rotate. At this time, when the compression projection 20l abuts on the pump portion 21f, as shown in FIG. 62 (a), the pump portion 21f is compressed in the direction of the arrow γ, whereby the exhaust operation is performed.

  On the other hand, when the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k further advances and the contact between the compression projection 20l and the pump portion 21f is released, as shown in FIG. 62 (b), the pump portion 21f is self-restoring in the arrow ω direction. It is stretched and returns to its original shape, whereby an intake operation is performed.

  By alternately repeating the states of FIGS. 62 (a) and 62 (b) in a predetermined cycle, the pumping operation by the pump unit 21f is performed. That is, the discharge operation of the developer is smoothly performed.

  As described above, as the cylindrical portion 20k rotates, the developer is transported to the discharge portion 21h by the spiral convex portion (transport portion) 20c and the inclined protrusion (transport portion) 32a (see FIG. 60). Then, the developer in the discharge portion 21h is finally discharged from the discharge port 21a by the exhaust operation by the pump portion 21f.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Also in this example, as in the fifth to fourteenth embodiments, both the rotation operation of the developer supply container 1 and the reciprocation operation of the pump unit 21f can be performed by the rotation driving force received from the developer supply device 8. it can.

  In this example, the pump portion 21f is compressed by contact with the compression projection 201, and is released by the contact force, whereby the pump portion 21f is expanded by the self-restoring force of the pump portion 21f. I don't care.

  Specifically, both are engaged when the pump portion 21f abuts on the compression projection 201, and the pump portion 21f is forcibly extended as the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k progresses. Then, when the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k further advances and the locking is released, the pump portion 21f returns to the original shape by a self-restoring force (elastic return force). Thus, the intake operation and the exhaust operation are alternately performed.

  Further, in the case of this example, there is a possibility that the self-restoring force of the pump portion 21f may be reduced by the pump portion 21f repeating expansion and contraction operations plural times over a long period of time. Is more preferable. Alternatively, by adopting the configuration shown in FIG. 63, it is possible to cope with such a problem.

  As shown in FIG. 63, a compression plate 20q is fixed to the end face of the pump portion 21f on the cylindrical portion 20k side. Further, a spring 20 r functioning as an urging member is provided between the outer surface of the flange portion 21 and the compression plate 20 q so as to cover the pump portion 21 f. The spring 20r is configured to always bias the pump portion 21f in the extension direction.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to assist the self-restoration of the pump portion 21f when the contact between the compression projection 20l and the pump portion 21f is released, so that the expansion and contraction operation of the pump portion 21f is extended for a long time Even if the operation is performed a plurality of times, the intake operation can be reliably performed.

  In this example, two compression protrusions 20l functioning as a drive conversion mechanism are provided so as to face each other by about 180 °. However, the number of the installation is not limited to such an example, but one or three may be provided. It does not matter as a case. Also. Instead of providing one compression protrusion, the following configuration may be adopted as a drive conversion mechanism. For example, the end face of the cylindrical portion 20k opposite to the pump portion 21f is not inclined to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k as in this example, but is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation. In this case, since this inclined surface is provided to act on the pump portion 21f, it is possible to exert the same action as the compression protrusion. Further, for example, a swash plate (a disc which is inclined with respect to the rotation axis) is made to extend in the direction of the rotation axis from the center of rotation of the end face of the cylindrical portion 20k facing the pump 21f toward the pump 21f. In the case of providing the In this case, since the swash plate is provided to act on the pump portion 21f, an action equivalent to that of the compression projection can be performed.

  Next, the regulating portion of the pump portion 21f shown in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  In this embodiment, as shown in the fifth embodiment and the like, the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k of the developer supply container 1 is restricted to control the operation of the pump portion 21f. In this example, an example using a fixing tape 3c as a means for restricting the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k is shown. The fixing tape 3c is a restricting portion that restricts the position at the start of the operation of the pump portion 21f so that the air is taken into the developer accommodating portion from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump portion 21f.

  In FIG. 62 (a), the fixing tape 3c is attached between the cylindrical portion 20k and the flange portion 21. Therefore, the cylinder portion 20k is prevented from inadvertently rotating relative to the flange portion 21 at the time of physical distribution of the developer supply container 1 or at the time of user's handling. Therefore, the pump portion 21f is configured to maintain a contracted state.

  At the time of use, the user mounts the developer supply container 1 in the above state to the image forming apparatus main body 100. Thereafter, when the cylindrical portion 20k tries to rotate in response to rotational driving from the image forming apparatus main body 100, the fixing tape 3c is broken by the force as shown in FIG. 62 (b), and the rotation restriction of the cylindrical portion 20k is released. Be done. Alternatively, the rotation restriction may be released by peeling off the sticking portion of the fixing tape 3c.

  Here, what is used as the fixing tape 3c may be one having a strength that can break the fixing tape 3c when it is rotationally driven from the image forming apparatus main body 100. That is, it is desirable to have a tape that has a strength that allows it to break relatively easily by the force at the start of rotation while preventing careless rotation during distribution or handling. As a specific example, a craft adhesive tape (No. 712F) manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation can be mentioned. Moreover, if it is designed to release fixation by peeling off the sticking part of the fixing tape 3c by rotation, it is a tape with relatively weak adhesive strength, for example, also holding tape (No. 3800A) and back made by Nitto Denko Corporation. A sealing tape (No. 2900) or the like is suitable.

  Further, in order to reduce the breaking strength, perforations 3c1 and notch shapes 3c2 may be provided to the fixing tape 3c as shown in FIGS. In addition, when it is desired to strictly control careless rotation by physical distribution or a user, an auxiliary fixing tape 3d (see FIG. 62A) may be further adhered as an auxiliary. In this case, however, the user does not need to easily remove the auxiliary fixing tape 3d before mounting on the image forming apparatus main body 100, because it is not easily broken or peeled off due to the rotation. In addition, it is also possible to combine the methods described above. Furthermore, the configuration using the fixing tape 3c is also applicable to the other embodiments according to the present specification.

  Even with the method using the fixing tape 3c as described above, it is possible to regulate the pump portion 21f to a predetermined state in order to regulate the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k. That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump portion 21f so that the air is taken into the developer storage portion from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump portion 21f. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump portion 21f in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

  Of course, even with the configuration of the pump unit as in this example, the pump unit 21f can be regulated to a predetermined state by providing the regulating unit having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment.

[Example 16]
Next, the configuration of the sixteenth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 64 (a) to (c). (A) to (b) of FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing 1 of the developer supply container, and (c) is a schematic view of the developer supply device 8 to which the developer supply container 1 according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG.

  In this example, the pump portion 21f is provided on the cylindrical portion 20k, and the pump portion 21f is configured to rotate together with the cylindrical portion 20k. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pump portion 21f is configured to reciprocate along with the rotation by the weight 20v provided in the pump portion 21f. The other configuration of this example is the same as that of the fourteenth embodiment, and the detailed description will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 64 (a), the cylindrical portion 20k, the flange portion 21 and the pump portion 21f function as a developer storage space of the developer supply container 1. In addition, the pump portion 21f is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 20k, and the pump portion 21f is configured to produce an action on the cylindrical portion 20k and the discharge portion 21h.

  Next, the drive conversion mechanism of this example will be described.

  A coupling portion (quadrangular convex portion) 20s functioning as a drive input portion is provided on one end surface of the cylindrical portion 20k in the rotational axis direction, and the coupling portion 20s receives rotational driving force from the developer supply device 8. . A weight 20v is fixed to the upper surface of one end of the pump portion 21f in the reciprocating direction. In this example, the weight 20v functions as a drive conversion mechanism.

  That is, as the pump portion 21f rotates integrally with the cylindrical portion 20k, the pump portion 21f expands and contracts in the vertical direction by the gravity action of the weight 20v.

  Specifically, in FIG. 64 (a), the weight 20v is positioned above the pump portion 21f in the direction of gravity, and the pump portion 21f is contracted by the gravity action (open arrow) of the weight 20v. It shows. At this time, the developer is discharged from the discharge port 21a, that is, the developer is discharged (black arrow).

  On the other hand, FIG. 64 (b) shows a state in which the weight 20v is located on the lower side in the gravity direction than the pump portion 21f, and the pump portion 21f is stretched by the gravity action (open arrow) of the weight 20v. There is. At this time, intake is performed from the discharge port 21a (black arrow), and the developer is dissolved.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the intake operation through the discharge port, so that the developer can be efficiently dissolved.

  Also in this example, as in the fifth to fifteenth embodiments, both the rotation operation of the developer supply container 1 and the reciprocation operation of the pump portion 21f are performed by the rotation driving force received from the developer supply device 8. it can.

  In the case of this example, since the pump portion 21f is configured to rotate about the cylindrical portion 20k, the space of the mounting portion 8f of the developer replenishing device 8 becomes large, and the device becomes large. The configurations of Examples 5 to 15 are more preferable.

  Next, the regulating portion of the pump portion 21f shown in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  In this example, in order to achieve mounting on the developer supply device 8 in a state where the pump portion 21 f is contracted, the shape (shape of the opening for receiving the container) of the mounting portion 8 f of the developer supply device 8 is When the pump portion 21 f is at a position above the developer supply container 1 in the vertical direction, the outer shape of the developer supply container 1 substantially matches the outer shape of the developer supply container 1.

  Therefore, it can be attached only when the pump portion 21f is at a predetermined position. In this example, as shown in FIG. 64 (a), mounting is possible only when the pump portion 21f is above the cylindrical portion 20k. With such a configuration, when the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8, the pump portion 21f and the weight 20v are always on the upper side, and the pump portion 21f performs the gravity action of the weight 20v. It will be installed while maintaining the contracted state. In this state, when the cylindrical portion 20k rotates in response to rotational driving from the image forming apparatus main body 100, as described above, the pump portion 21f repeats expansion and contraction by the action of the weight 20v, and the developer can be discharged.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the weight 20v functions as the restricting portion together with the mounting portion 8f.

  Even with the configuration as described above, it is possible to restrict the pump portion 21f to a predetermined state. That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump portion 21f in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

  Of course, even with the configuration of the pump unit as in this example, the pump unit 21f can be regulated to a predetermined state by providing the regulating unit having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment.

[Example 17]
Next, the configuration of the seventeenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 65 (a) is a perspective view of the cylindrical portion 20k, and FIG. 65 (b) is a perspective view of the flange portion 21. As shown in FIG. (A) and (b) of FIG. 66 are partial cross-sectional perspective views of the developer supply container 1, and in particular, (a) shows a state in which the rotary shutter is open and (b) shows a state in which the rotary shutter is closed. There is. FIG. 67 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the operation timing of the pump portion 21f and the opening / closing timing of the rotary shutter. In FIG. 67, “shrinkage” represents an exhaust process by the pump unit 21f, and “expansion” represents an intake process by the pump unit 21f.

  The present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that a mechanism for partitioning the discharge portion 21h and the cylindrical portion 20k is provided during expansion and contraction of the pump portion 21f. That is, in the present example, the cylinder portion 20k and the discharge portion 21h are partitioned so that the pressure fluctuation caused by the volume change of the pump portion 21f among the cylindrical portion 20k and the discharge portion 21h selectively occurs in the discharge portion 21h. Configured.

  The inside of the discharge portion 21h has a function as a developer accommodating portion for receiving the developer conveyed from the inside of the cylindrical portion 20k as described later. The configuration other than the above-described point of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the fourteenth embodiment, and the detailed description is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 65 (a), one end face in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion 20k has a function as a rotary shutter. That is, the communication opening 20 u for discharging the developer to the flange portion 21 and the closing portion 20 w are provided on one end surface of the cylindrical portion 20 k in the longitudinal direction. The communication opening 20u has a fan shape.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 65 (b), the flange portion 21 is provided with a communication opening 21k for receiving the developer from the cylindrical portion 20k. The communication opening 21k has a fan-like shape like the communication opening 20u, and the other part on the same plane as the communication opening 21k is a closed closing portion 21m.

  66 (a) and 66 (b) show an assembled state of the cylindrical portion 20k shown in FIG. 65 (a) and the flange 21 shown in FIG. 65 (b). The outer peripheral surfaces of the communication opening 20u and the communication opening 21k are connected so as to compress the sealing member 27, and are connected so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the flange portion 21 to which the cylindrical portion 20k is fixed.

  In such a configuration, when the cylindrical portion 20k is relatively rotated by the rotational driving force received by the gear portion 20a, the relationship between the cylindrical portion 20k and the flange portion 21 is alternately switched to the communication state and the non-communication state.

  That is, with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k, the communication opening 20u of the cylindrical portion 20k is aligned with the communication opening 21k of the flange portion 21 and communicated (FIG. 66 (a)). Then, with the further rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k, the communication opening 20u of the cylindrical portion 20k is rotationally moved, and the communication opening 21k of the flange portion 21 is partitioned by the closing portion 20w of the cylindrical portion 20k to substantially seal the flange portion 21 It switches to the non-communicating state (FIG. 66 (b)) to make space.

  The reason for providing such a partitioning mechanism (rotational shutter) for isolating the discharge portion 21h at least when the pump portion 21f is expanding and contracting is as follows.

  The discharge of the developer from the developer supply container 1 is performed by increasing the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 above the atmospheric pressure by contracting the pump portion 21f. Therefore, when there is no partitioning mechanism as in the above-described fifth to fifteenth embodiments, the space targeted by the internal pressure change includes not only the internal space of the flange portion 21 but also the internal space of the cylindrical portion 20k. This is because the volume change amount has to be increased.

  This is because the internal pressure depends on the ratio of the volume of the inner space of the developer supply container 1 immediately after the pump portion 21f has contracted completely to the volume of the inner space of the developer supply container 1 immediately before the pump portion 21f contracts. Because

  On the other hand, when the partition mechanism is provided, there is no movement of air from the flange portion 21 to the cylindrical portion 20k, so it is sufficient to target only the internal space of the flange portion 21. That is, if the same internal pressure value is used, the smaller the volume of the original internal space, the smaller the volume change of the pump portion 21f.

In this example, specifically, the volume change amount (reciprocation amount) of the pump portion 21f is 2 cm ³ (the configuration of the fifth embodiment) by setting the volume of the discharge portion 21h partitioned by the rotary shutter to 40 cm ^3. Then it is 15 cm ³ ). Even with such a small volume change amount, it is possible to carry out developer replenishment with a sufficient intake and exhaust effect as in the fifth embodiment.

  As described above, in this example, the volume change amount of the pump portion 21 f can be made as small as possible as compared with the configurations of the above-described fifth to sixteenth embodiments. As a result, the pump portion 21 f can be miniaturized. In addition, it is possible to shorten (decrease) the distance (volume change amount) for reciprocating the pump portion 21f. In particular, in the case where the capacity of the cylindrical portion 20k is increased in order to increase the amount of the developer filled in the developer supply container 1, it is effective to provide such a partition mechanism.

  Next, the developer supply process of this embodiment will be described.

  With the developer supply container 1 mounted on the developer supply device 8 and the flange portion 21 fixed, the drive is input from the drive gear 300 to the gear portion 20a, whereby the cylindrical portion 20k is rotated, and the cam groove 20e is also fixed. Rotate. On the other hand, the cam projection 21g fixed to the pump portion 21f held non-rotatably by the developer replenishing device 8 together with the flange portion 21 receives a cam action from the cam groove 20e. Accordingly, with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k, the pump portion 21f reciprocates in the vertical direction.

  In such a configuration, the timing of the pumping operation (intake operation, exhaust operation) of the pump unit 21 f and the opening / closing timing of the rotary shutter will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 67 is a timing chart when the cylindrical portion 20k makes one rotation. In FIG. 67, “contraction” is the contraction operation of the pump unit 21f (exhaust operation by the pump unit 21f), “extension” is the expansion operation of the pump unit 21f (intake operation by the pump unit 21f). "Stop" indicates that the pump unit 21f has stopped operating when it is being performed. Also, "communication" indicates that the rotary shutter is open, and "non-communication" indicates that the rotary shutter is closed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 67, in the drive conversion mechanism, when the positions of the communication opening 21k and the communication opening 20u are aligned and in communication, the pumping operation by the pump unit 21f is stopped at the gear portion 20a. Convert the input rotational driving force. Specifically, in this example, when the communication opening 21k and the communication opening 20u are in communication, the cam from the rotation center of the cylindrical portion 20k so that the pump portion 21f does not operate even when the cylindrical portion 20k rotates. The radial distance to the groove 20e is set to be the same.

  At this time, since the rotary shutter is at the open position (the positions of the communication opening 21k and the communication opening 20u coincide), the developer is transported from the cylindrical portion 20k to the flange portion 21. Specifically, the developer is scraped up by the partition wall 32 with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k, and then the developer slips down on the inclined projection 32a by gravity, whereby the developer passes through the communication opening 20u and the communication opening 21k. Move to the flange 21.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 67, in the drive conversion mechanism, when the positions of the communication openings 21k and the communication openings 20u are out of communication by shifting the positions of the communication openings 21k, the pump unit 21f performs a pumping operation. Convert the rotational driving force input to 20a.

  That is, with the further rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k, the rotational phase of the communication opening 21k and the communication opening 20u deviate from each other, whereby the communication opening 21k is closed by the closing portion 20w and the internal space of the flange portion 21 is isolated. It becomes a state.

  At this time, with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k, the pump portion 21f is reciprocated while maintaining the non-communicating state (the rotational shutter is positioned at the closed position). Specifically, the cam groove 20e is also rotated by the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k, and the radial distance from the rotation center of the cylindrical portion 20k to the cam groove 20e changes in response to the rotation. Thus, the pump portion 21f performs a pumping operation under the cam action.

  Thereafter, when the cylindrical portion 20k is further rotated, the rotational phases of the communication opening 21k and the communication opening 20u overlap again, and the cylindrical portion 20k and the flange portion 21 are in communication.

  The developer replenishment step from the developer replenishment container 1 is performed while repeating the above flow.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the suction operation through the discharge port 21a, so that the developer can be efficiently solved.

  Also in this example, when the gear portion 20a receives the rotational driving force from the developer supply device 8, both the rotation operation of the cylindrical portion 20k and the suction and discharge operation by the pump portion 21f can be performed.

  Furthermore, according to the configuration of this example, the pump portion 21 f can be miniaturized. In addition, it is possible to reduce the volume change amount (reciprocation movement amount) of the pump portion 21f, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the load required to make the pump portion 21f reciprocate.

  Further, in this example, the drive force for rotating the rotary shutter is not separately received from the developer replenishing device 8, but using the drive force received for the transport unit (the cylindrical portion 20k, the transport unit 20c). Therefore, the partitioning mechanism can be simplified.

  Further, as described above, the volume change amount of the pump portion 21f can be set by the internal volume of the flange portion 21 without depending on the total volume of the developer supply container 1 including the cylindrical portion 20k. Therefore, for example, when the capacity (diameter) of the cylindrical portion 20k is changed in order to cope with the production of a plurality of types of developer supply containers having different developer loading amounts, a cost reduction effect can also be expected. . In other words, the manufacturing cost can be reduced by configuring the flange portion 21 including the pump portion 21f as a common unit and assembling the unit in common to a plurality of types of cylindrical portions 20k. . That is, compared with the case where commonization is not performed, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost, for example, because it is not necessary to increase the types of molds. In this example, the pump portion 21f is reciprocated for one cycle while the cylindrical portion 20k and the flange portion 21 are not in communication with each other. The unit 21f may be reciprocated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the discharge portion 21h is kept isolated during the contraction operation and the expansion operation of the pump portion. However, the following configuration may be employed. That is, if it is possible to reduce the size of the pump unit 21f and the volume change amount (reciprocation movement amount) of the pump unit 21f, even if the discharge unit 21h is slightly opened during the contraction operation and the expansion operation of the pump unit. I do not care.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 65 (b), since the restricting portion (holding member 3 and lock member 55) having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is provided in the flange portion 21, the pump portion 21f is specified. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump portion 21f in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 18]
The configuration of the eighteenth embodiment will be described next with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 68 (a) is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the developer supply container 1, and FIG. 68 (b) is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the regulating member 56. (A)-(c) of FIG. 69 is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the operating condition of a partition mechanism (divider valve 35). FIG. 70 is a timing chart showing the timing of the pumping operation (contraction operation, expansion operation) of the pump portion 21 f and the opening / closing timing of the gate valve 35 described later. In FIG. 70, when "contraction" is contraction of the pump unit 21f (exhaust operation by the pump unit 21f), "expansion" is expansion of the pump unit 21f (intake operation by the pump unit 21f). It shows when it is taking place. "Stop" indicates that the pump unit 21f has stopped operating. Also, "open" indicates that the gate valve 35 is open, and "closed" indicates that the gate valve 35 is closed.

  The present embodiment is largely different from the above-described embodiment in that a partition valve 35 is provided as a mechanism for partitioning between the discharge portion 21h and the cylindrical portion 20k at the time of expansion and contraction of the pump portion 21f. The configuration other than the above-described point of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the twelfth embodiment (FIGS. 57 and 58), and the detailed description is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to the same configuration. In the present embodiment, a plate-like partition wall 32 shown in FIG. 60 according to the fourteenth embodiment is provided with respect to the configuration of the twelfth embodiment shown in FIG. 57 and FIG.

  In the seventeenth embodiment described above, a partition mechanism (rotational shutter) using rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k is adopted, but in the present embodiment, a partition mechanism (partition valve) using reciprocating movement of the pump portion 21f is adopted. . The details will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 68, the discharge part 21h is provided between the cylindrical part 20k and the pump part 21f. A wall 33 is provided on the cylindrical portion 20k side of the discharge portion 21h, and a discharge port 21a is provided below the wall 33 on the left side in the drawing. A partition valve 35 and an elastic body (hereinafter referred to as a seal) 34 are provided which function as a partition mechanism for opening and closing the communication port 33a (see FIG. 69) formed in the wall portion 33. The gate valve 35 is fixed to one end side inside the pump portion 21f (opposite to the discharge portion 21h), and reciprocates in the rotational axis direction of the developer supply container 1 with the expansion and contraction operation of the pump portion 21f. . Further, the seal 34 is fixed to the gate valve 35, and moves integrally with the gate valve 35.

  Next, the operation of the partition valve 35 in the developer replenishment step will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 69 (a) to 69 (c) (see FIG. 70 as necessary).

  FIG. 69 (a) shows a state where the pump portion 21f is expanded to the maximum, and the gate valve 35 is separated from the wall portion 33 provided between the discharge portion 21h and the cylindrical portion 20k. At this time, the developer in the cylindrical portion 20k is delivered (conveyed) into the discharge portion 21h through the communication port 33a by the inclined projection 32a as the cylindrical portion 20k rotates.

  Thereafter, when the pump portion 21f is contracted, the state shown in FIG. 69 (b) is obtained. At this time, the seal 34 abuts on the wall portion 33, and the communication port 33a is closed. That is, the discharge portion 21h is separated from the cylindrical portion 20k.

  From there, when the pump portion 21f further contracts, the pump portion 21f shown in FIG. 69 (c) is contracted to the full.

  Since the seal 34 remains in contact with the wall portion 33 from the state shown in FIG. 69 (b) to the state shown in FIG. 69 (c), the internal pressure of the discharge portion 21h is pressurized and The developer is discharged from the discharge port 21a.

  Thereafter, the seal 34 remains in contact with the wall portion 33 from the state shown in FIG. 69 (c) to the state shown in FIG. 69 (b) along with the expansion operation of the pump portion 21f. The internal pressure of 21 h is reduced to a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. That is, the intake operation is performed via the discharge port 21a.

  When the pump portion 21f is further expanded, it returns to the state shown in FIG. 69 (a). In this example, the developer replenishment step is performed by repeating the above operation. As described above, in this example, since the gate valve 35 is moved using the reciprocating operation of the pump unit, the initial period of the contraction operation (exhaust operation) of the pump unit 21 f and the later period of the extension operation (intake operation) The gate valve is open.

  Here, the seal 34 will be described in detail. Since the seal 34 is compressed along with the contraction of the pump portion 21f while ensuring the sealability of the discharge portion 21h by abutting on the wall portion 33, the material has both a sealing property and flexibility. It is preferable to use one of In this example, a foamed polyurethane having such characteristics (product name: maltoprene SM-55: thickness 5 mm, manufactured by Inoac Corporation) is used, and the thickness of the pump portion 21 f at the maximum contraction is used. Is set to 2 mm (compression amount 3 mm).

  Thus, the volume fluctuation (pumping action) of the discharge portion 21h by the pump portion 21f is substantially limited until the seal 34 is compressed by 3 mm after coming into contact with the wall portion 33, but is limited by the gate valve 35. The pump portion 21f can be operated within the limited range. Therefore, even if such a gate valve 35 is used, the developer can be stably discharged.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the suction operation through the discharge port 21a, so that the developer can be efficiently solved.

  Also in this example, as in the fifth to seventeenth embodiments, when the gear portion 20a receives rotational driving force from the developer supply device 8, both the rotational operation of the cylindrical portion 20k and the suction and discharge operation by the pump portion 21f are performed. It can be performed.

  Furthermore, as in the seventeenth embodiment, it is possible to miniaturize the pump portion 21f and to reduce the volume change amount of the pump portion 21f. In addition, cost reduction benefits can be expected by sharing the pump parts.

  Further, in this example, since the reciprocating motive power of the pump portion 21 f is used without separately receiving the driving force for operating the dividing valve 35 from the developer supply device 8, simplification of the partition mechanism is achieved. Is possible.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 68 (b), since the restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same structure as that of the fifth embodiment is provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 21 It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump portion 21f in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 19]
Next, the configuration of the nineteenth embodiment will be described using FIGS. 71 (a) to 71 (d). Here, (a) of FIG. 71 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the developer supply container 1, (b) is a perspective view of the flange portion 21, (c) is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container, (d) is a regulating member It is a schematic perspective view which shows 56 periphery.

  The present embodiment is largely different from the above-described embodiment in that a buffer unit 23 is provided as a mechanism for partitioning the discharge unit 21 h and the cylindrical unit 20 k. The configuration other than the above-described point of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the fourteenth embodiment (FIG. 60), and the detailed description will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to similar components.

  As shown in FIG. 71 (b), the buffer portion 23 is provided on the flange portion 21 so as to be non-rotatable. The buffer portion 23 is provided with a receiving port (opening portion) 23a opened upward and a supply port 23b in communication with the discharging portion 21h.

  Such a flange portion 21 is assembled to the cylindrical portion 20k such that the buffer portion 23 is positioned in the cylindrical portion 20k as shown in FIGS. 71 (a) and 71 (c). Further, the cylindrical portion 20 k is connected to the flange portion 21 so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the flange portion 21 held immovably by the developer supply device 8. A ring-shaped seal is incorporated in this connection portion to prevent air and developer from leaking.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 71A, in order to transport the developer toward the receiving port 23a of the buffer unit 23, the inclined projection 32a is provided on the partition wall 32.

  In this example, the developer in the developer storage unit 20 is adjusted by the partition wall 32 and the inclined projection 32a according to the rotation of the developer supply container 1 until the developer supply operation of the developer supply container 1 is completed. Are transferred to the buffer unit 23.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 71 (c), the internal space of the buffer unit 23 can be maintained filled with the developer.

  As a result, the developer present so as to fill the internal space of the buffer portion 23 substantially blocks the movement of air from the cylindrical portion 20 k to the discharge portion 21 h, and the buffer portion 23 plays a role as a partitioning mechanism. become.

  Therefore, when the pump portion 21f reciprocates, at least the discharge portion 21h can be separated from the cylindrical portion 20k, and the downsizing of the pump portion and the volume change of the pump portion can be reduced. Is possible.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the suction operation through the discharge port 21a, so that the developer can be efficiently solved.

  Also in this example, as in the fifth to eighteenth embodiments, both the rotational operation of the transport unit 20c (the cylindrical portion 20k) and the reciprocation operation of the pump unit 21f are performed by the rotational driving force received from the developer supply device 8. It can be carried out.

  Furthermore, as in the case of Embodiments 17 to 18, it becomes possible to miniaturize the pump unit and to reduce the volume change amount of the pump unit. In addition, cost reduction benefits can be expected by sharing the pump parts.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the developer is used as the partitioning mechanism, it is possible to simplify the partitioning mechanism.

  Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 71 (d), since the restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment is provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 21, the pump portion 21f is specified. It is possible to regulate to the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump portion 21f in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

Example 20
The configuration of the twentieth embodiment will be described next with reference to FIGS. Here, (a) of FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the developer supply container 1, (b) is a sectional view of the developer supply container 1, and FIG. 73 (a) is a sectional perspective view showing the nozzle portion 47, b) is a schematic perspective view which shows the control member 56 periphery.

  In the present embodiment, the nozzle portion 47 is connected to the pump portion 20b, and the developer once sucked into the nozzle portion 47 is discharged from the discharge port 21a, and this configuration is largely different from the embodiment described above. The other configuration of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the above-described embodiment 14, and the detailed description will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 72 (a), the developer supply container 1 comprises a flange portion 21 and a developer storage portion 20. The developer accommodating portion 20 is formed of a cylindrical portion 20k.

  In the cylindrical portion 20k, as shown in FIG. 72 (b), a partition wall 32 functioning as a transport portion is provided over the entire region in the rotational axis direction. A plurality of inclined protrusions 32a are provided on one end surface of the partition wall 32 at different positions in the rotational axis direction, and the developer is directed from one end side to the other end side (side close to the flange portion 21) in the rotational axis direction. It is configured to be transported. In addition, a plurality of inclined protrusions 32 a are similarly provided on the other end surface of the partition wall 32. Furthermore, a through hole 32b is provided between adjacent inclined protrusions 32a to allow the developer to pass. The through hole 32 b is for stirring the developer. In addition, as shown in the other embodiment as the configuration of the transport portion, a combination of the transport portion (helical protrusion) 20c and the partition wall 32 for feeding the developer to the flange portion 21 in the cylindrical portion 20k. It does not matter.

  Next, the flange portion 21 including the pump portion 20b will be described in detail.

  The flange portion 21 is connected to the cylindrical portion 20 k so as to be relatively rotatable via the small diameter portion 49 and the seal member 48. The flange portion 21 is held so as not to move to the developer replenishing device 8 (not to be able to rotate and reciprocate) when the flange portion 21 is attached to the developer replenishing device 8.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 73 (a), in the flange portion 21, there is provided a replenishment amount adjustment portion (hereinafter also referred to as a flow amount adjustment portion) 52 for receiving the developer conveyed from the cylindrical portion 20k. . Furthermore, in the replenishment amount adjustment unit 52, a nozzle portion 47 extending from the pump portion 20b in the direction of the discharge port 21a is provided. Further, the pump unit 20b is vertically driven by a drive conversion mechanism that converts rotational drive received by the gear unit 20a into reciprocating power. Accordingly, the nozzle unit 47 sucks the developer in the replenishment amount adjustment unit 52 and discharges the developer from the discharge port 21 a in accordance with the volume change of the pump unit 20 b.

  Next, the configuration of drive transmission to the pump unit 20b in this example will be described.

  As described above, the cylindrical portion 20k rotates by receiving the rotational drive from the drive gear 300 by the gear portion 20a provided in the cylindrical portion 20k. Further, the rotational drive is transmitted to the gear portion 43 through the gear portion 42 provided in the small diameter portion 49 of the cylindrical portion 20k. Here, the gear portion 43 is provided with a shaft portion 44 that rotates integrally with the gear portion 43.

  One end of the shaft portion 44 is rotatably supported by the housing 46. In addition, an eccentric cam 45 is provided at a position of the shaft portion 44 facing the pump portion 20b, and a locus in which the eccentric cam 45 has different distances from the rotation center (rotation center of the shaft portion 44) by the transmitted rotational force. The pump unit 20b is pushed down (reduces the volume) by rotating the By this depression, the developer in the nozzle portion 47 is discharged through the discharge port 21a.

  Further, when the push-down force by the eccentric cam 45 disappears, the pump portion 20b returns to its original position (volume increases) by the restoring force of the pump portion 20b. By the restoration (volume increase) of the pump portion, an intake operation is performed via the discharge port 21a, and it becomes possible to apply a loosening action to the developer positioned near the discharge port 21a.

  By repeating the above-described operation, the developer is efficiently discharged by the volume change of the pump unit 20b. As described above, the pump portion 20b may be provided with a biasing member such as a spring so as to support at the time of restoration (or at the time of depression).

  Next, the hollow conical nozzle portion 47 will be described in more detail. The nozzle portion 47 is provided with an opening 53 in the outer peripheral portion, and the nozzle portion 47 has a discharge port 54 for discharging the developer toward the discharge port 21a at the tip end side thereof. .

  By creating a state in which at least the opening 53 of the nozzle portion 47 intrudes into the developer layer in the replenishment amount adjustment portion 52 in the developer replenishment step, the pressure generated by the pump portion 20 b can be generated in the replenishment amount adjustment portion 52. It exerts the effect of efficiently acting on the developer.

  That is, since the developer in the replenishment amount adjustment unit 52 (around the nozzle portion 47) plays a role of a partitioning mechanism with the cylindrical portion 20k, the effect of the volume change of the pump portion 20b is referred to as in the replenishment amount adjustment portion 52. It becomes possible to exhibit in a limited range.

  With such a configuration, the nozzle portion 47 can exhibit the same effect as the partitioning mechanisms of the seventeenth to nineteenth embodiments.

  As described above, also in this example, since the intake operation and the exhaust operation can be performed by one pump portion, the configuration of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Further, the inside of the developer supply container can be depressurized (in a negative pressure state) by the suction operation through the discharge port 21a, so that the developer can be efficiently solved.

  Also in this example, as in the fifth to nineteenth embodiments, the rotational driving force received from the developer supply device 8 causes the rotational movement of the developer accommodating portion 20 (the cylindrical portion 20k) and the reciprocation of the pump portion 20b. You can do both. Further, as in the case of the seventeenth to nineteenth embodiments, cost merits can be expected from the common use of the flange portion 21 including the pump portion 20b and the nozzle portion 47.

  In this example, as in the configurations of Examples 17 to 18, the developer and the partitioning mechanism do not rub against each other, and damage to the developer can be avoided.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 73 (b), the lower surface of the flange portion 21 is provided with a restricting portion (rail 21r and restricting member 56) having the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment. It is possible to regulate the state of That is, it is possible to regulate the position at the start of the operation of the pump unit so that the air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit. Therefore, even in the configuration of this embodiment, the effect of loosening the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be made more reliably by operating the pump unit 20b in the direction of volume increase from the state of being regulated to the predetermined position. You can get it.

[Example 21]
Next, the developer supply container 1 according to Embodiment 21 will be described. The configuration of the developer supply device is the same as that of the embodiment shown in Example 5, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. Further, the description of the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment will be omitted, and a different configuration will be described here. Also, members having the same functions as those of the configuration shown in the fifth embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

(Developer supply container)
The developer supply container 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 74 to 76. FIG. Here, FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the developer supply container 1, FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the developer containing portion 20, and FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the flange portion 21.

  The restricting portion in the present embodiment has an urging member 66 which is a storage means for storing the driving force from the driving source (the driving motor 500 in FIG. 32).

  In the developer supply container 1 in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 74, an urging member 66 functioning as a storage means is engaged at both ends with the end surface of the developer containing portion 20 and the end surface of the flange portion 21. It is done. The biasing member 66 is a storage means for storing the driving force from the drive source, and is configured to expand and contract as the developer containing portion 20 rotates relative to the flange portion 21. In the present embodiment, a coil spring made of stainless steel is used as the biasing member 66.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 75, the gear portion 20a, which is a drive receiving portion from the apparatus main body side provided in the developer containing portion 20, is a gear partially (partially) among the entire circumference of the developer containing portion 20. There is provided a missing area (an area where the gear teeth are not formed). Thus, the gear portion 20a has an area that receives the driving force from the apparatus main body and an area that does not receive the driving force (an area in which a part of the gear is missing). Further, on the end surface of the developer storage portion 20 on the developer supply port side (discharge port side), a rotation locking projection 20p for locking one end of the biasing member 66 which is an accumulator is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 76, the flange portion 21 is provided with a fixed locking projection 21q for locking one end of the biasing member 66 which is a force accumulating means.

  In the developer supply container 1, the developer accommodating portion 20 is a rotating portion, and the flange portion 21 is a portion fixed to the developer supplying device 8 (image forming apparatus) so as not to rotate. The biasing member 66, which is a storage means, has the rotation locking protrusion 20p of the developer accommodating portion 20, which is the rotating portion, and the fixing locking protrusion 21q of the flange portion 21, which is the portion fixed so as not to rotate. And combined with.

(Function of accumulation means)
Next, the situation where the developer supply container 1 is rotated by the accumulation means and the accumulation means will be described with reference to FIGS. 77 (a) to (e).

  FIG. 77 (a) shows a situation where the developer accommodating portion 20 is rotated by engagement of the drive gear (drive portion) 300 and the gear portion 20a, and the drive of the device main body 100 in the direction of arrow X2 receives the drive. ing. Then, as the developer containing portion 20 rotates, the biasing member 66 is stretched in the direction of the arrow Y2 against the biasing force.

  FIG. 77 (b) shows the state in which the biasing member 66 is in the process of being further extended. In this state, the developer accommodating portion 20 tends to rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow Y3 by the biasing force of the biasing member 66. However, since the drive gear 300 and the gear portion 20a are engaged, the developer accommodating portion 20 does not rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow Y3. The force is stored in the biasing member 66 by further expanding the biasing member 66.

  FIG. 77 (c) shows a state in which the biasing member 66 is further slightly rotated after being extended to the maximum. In this state, since the gear portion 20a has a non-gear area facing the drive gear 300, the engagement between the drive gear 300 and the gear portion 20a is released. As a result, the developer accommodating portion 20 is rotated in the direction of the arrow Y4 by the biasing force of the biasing member 66. Here, the state of FIG. 77 (c) is the position where the biasing member 66 is further rotated in the direction of arrow Y4 from the state where the biasing member 66 is maximally extended as described above. It does not rotate. If the engagement between the drive gear 300 and the gear portion 20a is released in a state where the biasing member 66 is extended to the maximum, the developer containing portion 20 may stop without rotating in the direction of the arrow Y4. . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 77 (e), assuming that the geared area of the gear portion 20a is M and the gearless area is N, the area N needs to be set smaller than 180 °. In the present embodiment, the region N is set to about 150 °, and the region M is set to 210 °.

  FIG. 77 (d) shows the way in which the developer accommodating portion 20 is being rotated in the direction of the arrow Y5 by the biasing force of the biasing member 66. FIG. Also in this state, since the engagement between the drive gear 300 and the gear portion 20a is released, the developer containing portion 20 is rotated in the arrow Y5 direction by the biasing force of the biasing member 66.

  Then, after that, the state returns to the state of FIG. 77 (a) again, the drive gear 300 and the gear portion 20a are engaged, and the developer accommodating portion 20 receives the drive of the drive gear 300 and rotates in the arrow Y2 direction.

  As described above, the developer supply container 1 in the present embodiment receives the drive force of the drive gear 300 on the main body side during one rotation, and the biasing member 66 instead of the drive force of the drive gear 300. It has a portion that is rotated by the stored driving force.

  The accumulator means in this embodiment is a so-called flip-flop mechanism using an urging member 66 coupled to the rotating developer accommodating portion 20 and the flange portion 21 fixed non-rotatably. The flip-flop mechanism refers to, for example, the following mechanism when there is a member U capable of rotating between the point R and the point S (distance or angle T). That is, although the member U located at the point R is operated and the member U rotates only by a distance (or angle) shorter than the distance (or angle) T, the remaining distance (or angle) The rotation is compensated by the biasing force of the biasing member. As a result, the member U rotates to the point S.

(Developer replenishment operation)
Next, the discharge of the developer in the developer supply container 1 will be described using FIGS. 78 (a) and 78 (b). Here, FIG. 78 (a) shows a state in which the pump portion 20b extends in the rotational axis direction, and FIG. 78 (b) shows a state in which the pump portion 20b is contracted in the rotational axis direction.

  In this embodiment, discharge is basically performed according to the same principle as that of the fifth embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 78A, air is taken into the developer accommodating portion 20 by operating the pump portion 20b in the volume increasing direction from the contracted state, thereby fluidizing the developer. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 78 (b), the pump unit 20b is operated in the volume decreasing direction to discharge the developer, which is alternately repeated under the control of the control device 600 (see FIG. 32).

  The developer supply container 1 shown in the present embodiment can be started from the state in which the pump portion 20b is reliably contracted, as in the above-described embodiment. A mechanism for realizing it will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 77 and 79. Here, FIG. 79 is a developed view of the cam groove 21 e of the flange portion 21, and the circle in the figure is a cam protrusion 20 d provided on the peripheral surface of the developer containing portion 20.

  In the cam groove 21e, as shown in FIG. 79, the direction of the groove is parallel to the rotation direction of the developer accommodating portion 20, and the inclination of the groove changes with the region X8 for maintaining the state of the pump portion 20b constant. By doing this, the pump portion 20b is divided into a region Y8 for stretching and deforming. In FIG. 79, positions A and C indicate positions where the pump portion 20b is contracted, and positions B indicate positions where the pump portion 20b is expanded.

  In the cam groove 21e, an area X8 is an area where the accumulator means rotates while storing driving force, and an area Y8 is an area where the accumulator means is rotated by the driving force stored by the accumulator means. That is, the area X8 is a forward path which moves when the gear unit 20a is driven by the driving force from the drive gear 300 while the accumulator means stores driving force, and the area Y8 is driven by the action of the accumulator means. It is a return trip to move. The area Y8 is an inclined groove inclined with respect to the rotation axis direction so that the pump portion (volume variable portion) 20b changes to a first state in which the volume is minimum and a second state in which the volume is maximum. An area Y8) of the cam groove 21e is provided.

  And according to it, the phase of the rotation direction of the cam protrusion 20d in the developer accommodating portion 20, the rotation locking protrusion 20p, and the cam groove 21e in the flange portion 21 is matched. That is, in FIG. 77 (a) → (b) → (c), the cam projection 20 d moves in the region X8 of the cam groove 21 e, and in FIG. 77 (c) → (d) → (a) The protrusion 20d moves in the area Y8 of the cam groove 21e. Then, in the region X8 of the cam groove 21e, the pump portion 20b is always maintained at the first position (first state) at which the volume is minimized. On the other hand, in the region Y8, the pump portion 20b returns to the first state after reaching the second position (second state) in which the volume is maximized at least once. Here, as shown in FIG. 79, in region 8Y, pump portion 20b repeatedly changes from small volume to large volume, from large volume to small volume, and finally returns to region X8 again in the state of small volume. . The biasing member 66 needs to have a biasing force sufficient to reliably pass through the area Y8.

  With such a configuration, while being driven by the drive gear 300, the pump portion 20b always maintains a small volume. On the other hand, when the volume of the pump portion 20b changes, since the drive connection with the drive gear 300 is broken, the cam protrusion 20d passes without stopping the region Y8 regardless of the drive stop of the main body drive. Therefore, the pump unit 20b does not stop in the state where the volume is increased.

  In order to explain in further detail, the situation when the operation of the pump unit 20b is resumed after the main power supply of the image forming apparatus main body is stopped will be described. When the main power is stopped while the cam projection 20d passes through the area X8, the pump unit 20b stops in a state in which the volume is kept small. On the other hand, when the main body power is stopped while the cam projection 20d passes through the area Y8, the gear portion 20a becomes independent of the drive gear 300, and the developer containing portion 20 is rotated by the driving force stored in the accumulator. Do. Accordingly, the cam projection 20d passes through the area Y8 and moves to the area X8, and the pump unit 20b stops in a state in which the volume is kept small. From the above, when the operation of the pump unit 20b is resumed, the pump unit 20b is always in a contracted state, and the volume can be increased to reliably start the inside of the developer containing unit 20 by reducing the pressure .

  As described above, also in the configuration of the present embodiment, the restricting portion having the gear portion 20a and the urging member 66 causes the pump portion 20b to operate in the volume increasing direction from the contracted state as in the fifth embodiment. it can.

  Then, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the pump portion 20b is re-regulated to the mounting position when the developer supply container 1 is desorbed. Therefore, for example, even if the developer supply container 1 is desorbed in a state where a large amount of developer remains and is re-installed after being stored for a long period of time, the developer can be started from the volume increasing direction as described above. Can be understood.

  In the present embodiment, the pump portion 20 b is configured to reciprocate in the rotational axis direction of the developer supply container 1. However, for example, as shown in FIGS. 80 (a) and 80 (b), even if the pump portion 20b is installed at the upper portion of the flange portion 21 and configured to extend and contract in the vertical direction intersecting with the rotation axis direction, Similar effects can be obtained. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 80 (b), the holding member 3 integrally fixed to the pump portion 20b has a rack gear 3i. Further, a relay gear 68 is provided in the flange portion 21, and the relay gear 68 and the gear 20a of the developer containing portion 20 are configured to repeat engagement and disengagement during the developer supply operation. When the gears are engaged, the driving force is transmitted to the rack gear 3i, and the pump portion 20b extends in the direction of the arrow H in FIG. 80 (b). On the other hand, at the time of engagement release, it is compressed in the reverse direction of the arrow H direction by the biasing force and the weight of the pump portion 20b itself. By these operations, the inside of the developer supply container 1 can be depressurized and pressurized.

[Example 22]
Next, the developer supply container 1 according to Embodiment 22 will be described. The configuration of the developer supply device is the same as that of the embodiment shown in Example 5, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. Further, the description of the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment will be omitted, and a different configuration will be described here. Also, members having the same functions as those of the configuration shown in the fifth embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

(Developer supply container)
Next, the developer supply container 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 81 (a) is a cross-sectional perspective view of the developer supply container 1, FIG. 81 (b) is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pump portion 20b, and FIG. 81 (c) is a cross-sectional perspective view of the developer storage portion 20. .

  As shown in FIG. 81 (b), the pump portion 20 b in this embodiment is configured as a plunger type pump including an inner cylinder 71 and an outer cylinder 74. The detailed description of the pump unit 20b will be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 81 (c), the developer conveyed by the conveyance portion (rotational conveyance projection) 20c of the cylindrical portion 20k is scooped up to slide down the inclined projection (inclined plate) 32a to discharge the discharge port ( A partition wall (baffle) 32 for leading to the developer supply port 21a is fixed so as to be integrally rotatable with the developer containing portion 20. In the developer accommodating portion 20, the rotational driving force from the driving gear (driving portion) 300 of the apparatus main body 100 is transmitted via the pump portion 20b and the partition wall 32 connected thereto, and rotates.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 81 (c), the developer containing portion 20 is sealed so as to compress the inner peripheral surface of the flange portion 21 on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion on the discharge port (developer supply port) 21a side. A member 67 is provided by bonding. As a result, the seal member 67 provided in the developer containing portion 20 rotates while sliding with the flange portion 21. Therefore, the developer in the developer containing portion 20 does not leak even during rotation, and the air hardly leaks. Thus, the air tightness in the developer accommodating portion 20 can be maintained to some extent.

(Configuration of pump section)
The configuration of the pump unit 20b will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 82 (a) is a view in which the respective components constituting the pump unit 20b are arranged in the axial direction, and FIG. 82 (b) is a drive converter 71d of the inner cylinder 71, and FIG. 82 (c) is a drive of the outer cylinder 74. It is a figure showing the details of conversion receiving part 74b, respectively.

  The inner cylinder 71 has a cylindrical shape, and the circumferential surface thereof has a drive receiving portion (drive input portion) 71c that receives rotational drive from the drive gear 300, and the force in the rotational direction of the developer supply container 1 as an axis of rotation. A drive conversion portion 71d is formed which has an inclined surface with respect to the axial direction for converting into a direction. In addition, a spring fixing member 72 connected to a biasing spring 73 described later is fixed to the inner cylinder 71.

  The outer cylinder 74 is rotatably provided with the inner cylinder 71, and is restricted and fixed when the developer supply container 1 is mounted in the apparatus main body 100 (developer supply apparatus 8). On the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 74, there is formed a drive conversion receiving portion 74b provided with an inclined surface with respect to the axial direction so as to mesh with the drive conversion portion 71d.

  The rotary disk 75 is formed of a catching portion 75 a connected to a biasing spring 73 described later, and a sliding surface 75 b sliding on the regulating surface 74 c of the outer cylinder 74. The material of the rotary disk 75 is preferably a low friction sliding member such as POM having excellent slidability. The rotating disk 75 is fixed so as to be integrally rotatable with the partition wall 32.

  The biasing spring 73 always exerts a biasing force in a direction in which the inner cylinder 71 is pulled into the outer cylinder 74, one end of which is applied to the inner cylinder 71 via the spring fixing member 72, and the other end is a rotating disk 75. It is fixed to The biasing spring 73 regulates the position of the pump unit 20b at the start of operation so that air is taken into the developer accommodating unit (outer cylinder 74) from the discharge port 21a in the first operation cycle of the pump unit 20b. It constitutes a regulatory unit. In the present embodiment, a coiled spring is used as the biasing spring 73, but an elastic member such as a leaf spring, a spiral spring or rubber may be used if the effect of the present configuration can be achieved.

  The filter 76 has air permeability and is attached to the opposite surface of the sliding surface 75b of the rotating disk 75 to prevent toner from entering the inner cylinder 71 and to prevent air from entering or exiting. There is.

(Operation of pump section)
Next, the operation of the pump unit 20b will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIGS. 83 (a) to 83 (c) are diagrams showing the relationship between the drive conversion unit 71d and the drive conversion receiving unit 74b.

  The inner cylinder 71 rotates by receiving the rotational drive (arrow A) from the drive gear 300 by the drive receiving portion 71c. At that time, as shown in FIG. 83 (c), a cam action is generated by the contact between the inclined surface 71d1 of the drive conversion part 71d and the inclined surface 74b1 of the drive conversion receiving part 74b, and the biasing force of the biasing spring 73 is generated. It moves in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 83 (b) while resisting. Furthermore, when the inner cylinder 71 rotates and the drive conversion portion 71d advances in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 83 (c) and the abutment between the inclined surface 71d1 and the inclined surface 74b1 is released, the inner cylinder 71 is biased. By the action of the spring 73, it moves in the direction of the arrow C 'in FIG. 83 (b). When moving in the direction of the arrow C 'in FIG. 83 (b) by the action of the biasing spring 73, the surface 71d2 of the drive conversion portion 71d and the surface 74b2 of the drive conversion receiving portion 74b are substantially parallel to the arrow C' direction. opposite. By repeating these operations, the inner cylinder 71 can reciprocate in the rotational axis direction with respect to the outer cylinder 74.

(Developer replenishment operation)
Next, the discharge of the developer in the developer supply container 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 84 (a) shows a state in which the pump portion 20b is contracted in the rotational axis direction, and (b) shows a state in which the pump portion 20b is expanded in the rotational axis direction.

  The present embodiment basically performs the discharge based on the same principle as that of the first embodiment. First, when the drive receiving portion 71c receives rotational drive from the drive gear 300, the inner cylinder 71 rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 84 (b) while rotating by the above-described mechanism. Thus, by operating the pump unit 20b from the contracted state to the volume increasing direction (FIG. 84 (a) → FIG. 84 (b)), air is taken into the developer containing unit 20 to fluidize the developer. . Thereafter, the pump portion 20b is operated in the volume decreasing direction by the action of the biasing spring 73 to discharge the developer, and this is alternately repeated under the control of the control device 600 (see FIG. 32).

  As shown in FIGS. 84 (a) and 84 (b), the inner cylinder 71 and the rotating disk 75 are rotatably fixed via the biasing spring 73. Further, the partition wall 32 is fixed to the rotary disk 75, and the partition wall 32 is restricted in the rotational direction with respect to the developer accommodating portion 20. Therefore, when the inner cylinder 71 rotates, the developer accommodating portion 20 performs rotational movement interlockingly therewith.

  The developer supply container 1 shown in the present embodiment can be started from the state in which the pump portion 20b is reliably contracted, as in the above-described embodiment. Specifically, before the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8 of the apparatus main body 100, the pump portion 20b is restricted in a contracted state by the action of the biasing spring 73 constituting the restriction portion. . Furthermore, even if the main power supply is stopped during the movement of the pump portion 20b, specifically, while the inner cylinder 71 is moving in the arrow B direction by the abutment of the inclined surface 71d1 and the inclined surface 74b1, the biasing spring By the restoring force of 73, the inner cylinder 71 returns to a state in which the pump portion 20b is contracted.

  Therefore, at the start of the operation of the pump unit 20b, the pump unit 20b is always in a contracted state, and the process can be reliably started from the step of increasing the volume and bringing the inside of the developer containing unit 20 into a reduced pressure state.

  As described above, also in the configuration of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the pump portion 20b can be operated from the contracted state in the volume increasing direction.

  Then, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the pump portion 20b is re-regulated to the mounting position when the developer supply container 1 is desorbed. Therefore, for example, even if the developer supply container 1 is desorbed in a state where a large amount of developer remains and is re-mounted after being stored for a long period of time, it can be started from the volume increasing direction as described above. Can be understood.

  In the present embodiment, a plunger type pump is used for the pump portion 20b. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 85, even if the bellows member 78 is formed inside the outer cylinder 74 and the expansion and contraction of the developer supply container 1 is performed by the expansion and contraction of the bellows member 78, the same effect can be obtained. You can get

[Example 23]
Next, the developer supply container 1 according to Embodiment 23 will be described. The configuration of the developer supply device is the same as that of the embodiment shown in Example 22, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. Further, the description of the same configuration as the configuration shown in the twenty-second embodiment will be omitted, and a different configuration will be described here. In addition, members having the same functions as the configurations shown in the twenty-second embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals.

(Developer drive transmission unit)
First, the drive unit 300 for transmitting the drive to the developer supply container 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 86 (a) is a perspective view of the drive unit 300, and FIG. 86 (b) is a front view of the drive unit 300 seen from the insertion direction of the developer supply container 1 in the rotational axis direction.

  The drive unit 300 in the present embodiment has a drive transmission unit 300a fitted in a conversion groove 74e1 (see FIG. 87) of the developer supply container 1 described later. The drive transmission portion 300a has a ratchet structure utilizing elastic deformation of members so as to be able to be smoothly fitted into the conversion groove 74e1. However, the drive transmission portion 300a may be structured such that it can be retracted in the radial direction when the developer supply container 1 is inserted by being biased by a spring or the like.

(Developer supply container)
The developer supply container 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 87 (a) and 87 (b). Here, FIG. 87 (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the developer supply container 1, and FIG. 87 (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the pump portion 20b. As shown in FIG. 87 (a), the pump portion 20b in this embodiment is configured as a plunger type pump including an inner cylinder 71 and an outer cylinder 74 as in the twenty-second embodiment.

  The pump unit 20 b will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 88 and 89. Here, FIG. 88 (a) is a diagram in which a hidden line is added so that the internal structure of the inner cylinder 71 can be seen, (b) is a diagram in which a hidden line is added so that the internal structure of the outer cylinder 74 can be understood similarly, (c) is a diagram. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a force storage unit, and FIG. Further, FIG. 89 is a view in which the respective components constituting the developer supply container 1 are separately disposed in the rotation axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 88 (a), the inner cylinder 71 having a cylindrical shape is provided with a rotary drive receiving portion 71e projecting from the outer peripheral surface, and conversion grooves (74e1, 74e2, 74e3) of the outer cylinder 74 described later And movably engaged. Further, the inner cylinder 71 has two inward protrusions 71 a protruding on the inner peripheral surface, and engages with a spring spring 83 described later to transmit the energy stored by the spring spring 83 to the inner cylinder 71 Have a function to Furthermore, the inner cylinder 71 is provided with a baffle fixing shaft 71b that enables integral rotation by pivoting a baffle rotation shaft 86 described later.

  The outer cylinder 74 is provided rotatably with the inner cylinder 71, and when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer supply device 8 (mounting portion 8f) in the apparatus main body 100, the developer supply device 8 is restricted. Being fixed. As shown in FIG. 88 (b), the inner surface of the outer cylinder 74 engages with the rotary drive receiving portion 71e of the inner cylinder 71 to convert the force in the rotational direction into the rotational axis direction. 74e2 and 74e3 are formed. Here, the conversion groove 74e1 is provided in parallel to the rotation axis direction. In addition, the conversion grooves 74e2 and 74e3 have a certain inclination angle with respect to the rotation axis direction. Moreover, the outer cylinder 74 is provided with center part 74d which carries out the axis rotation of the below-mentioned storage unit, and enables integral rotation. Further, the filter 76 is attached to the filter attachment surface 74 f of the outer cylinder 74.

  Accumulation unit (accumulation means) 81 is formed of a spring case 82, a spiral spring 83, an engagement shaft 85, and a baffle rotation shaft 86 as shown in FIGS. Are stored inside. The spring case 82 is formed with a hole penetrating in the center, and a spring spring 83, a fitting free wheel 85, and a baffle rotating shaft 86 are stored inside.

  The mainspring spring 83 is spirally wound around the inside of the spring case 82. One end 83a of the mainspring spring 83 has a mountain-shaped tip and a shape in which the middle is narrowed (see FIG. 88 (c)). The one end 83 a protrudes through the spring case 82 and engages with the inward projection 71 a of the inner cylinder 71 in a state where the energy storage unit 81 is stored in the inner cylinder 71. In the present embodiment, the spiral spring 83 is formed of a plate material rich in elasticity, but it may be, for example, an elastic member such as a helical coil spring or rubber as long as the means of this configuration can be achieved. .

  The fitting free shaft 85 is formed with a through hole at its central portion, and a baffle rotating shaft 86 described later is rotatably mounted. Further, the fitting free shaft 85 is installed in the central portion 74 d of the outer cylinder 74 so as to be immovable in the rotational direction and movable in the rotational axis direction. Further, one end portion 83b (opposite to the one end portion 83a) of the main spring 83 is hooked and fixed to the fitting free shaft 85.

  The baffle rotation shaft 86 is engaged with the partition wall 32 at one end 86a and the baffle fixing shaft 71b of the inner cylinder 71 so as to integrally rotate with the partition wall 32 at the opposite side.

(Operation of pump section)
Next, the operation of the pump unit 20b will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIGS. 90A to 90C are schematic views showing the relationship between the inner cylinder 71 and the conversion grooves 74e1, 74e2 and 74e3 of the outer cylinder 74 in order to explain the principle of the pump portion 20b. .

  As shown in FIG. 90 (a), when the inner cylinder 71 rotates in the direction of arrow B, the rotational drive receiving portion 71e moves along the conversion groove 74e1. At this time, due to the rotation of the inner cylinder 71, the one end portion 83a of the spiral spring 83 engaged with the inner cylinder 71 rotates in conjunction. On the other hand, since the free rotation shaft 85 is restricted in the rotational direction by the outer cylinder 74, one end 83b of the mainspring spring engaged with the free movement shaft 85 remains fixed. Therefore, the mainspring spring 83 is tightened, and as a result, restoration energy is stored in the mainspring spring 83.

  Thereafter, when the rotational drive receiving portion 71e moves further, as shown in FIG. 90 (b), the rotational drive receiving portion 71e moves in the rotational axis direction (arrow β1 direction) by the action from the curved portion which is the end of the conversion groove 74e1. It moves and moves from the conversion groove 74e1 to the conversion groove 74e2.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 90 (c), the spring spring 83 tries to reversely rotate in the opposite direction to the winding direction in order to release the stored energy. At this time, the rotational drive receiving portion 71 e rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow B direction by the momentum when the mainspring 83 is restored. At this time, since the rotational drive receiving portion 71e passes through the conversion groove 74e2 and the conversion groove 74e3, the force in the rotation direction is converted to the rotation axis direction by the cam action, and the inner cylinder 71 rotates while moving in the direction of the arrow β1 and then the arrow It reciprocates in the rotational axis direction in the β2 direction and returns to the position shown in FIG. 90 (a) again. The above is the operation of one cycle of the pump unit 20b.

  That is, the area of the conversion groove 74e1 is a forward path which moves when the rotary drive receiving portion 71e is driven by the driving force from the driving portion 300 while the energy storage unit 81 stores the driving force. The area of the conversion grooves 74e2 and 74e3 is a return path that moves when driven by the action of the energy storage unit 81. In the region of the conversion grooves 74e2 and 74e3, the first state (FIG. 92 (a)) in which the volume of the pump portion (volume variable portion) 20b is the smallest and the second state (FIG. 92 (c)) in which the volume is the largest. It is an inclined groove inclined with respect to the rotation axis direction so as to change to.

(Operation of loading and unloading the developer supply container)
Next, the mounting and demounting operation of the developer supply container 1 on the developer supply device 8 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 91 (a) is a view showing a state before the mounting of the developer supply container 1, and FIG. 91 (b) is a view showing a state where the mounting of the developer supply container 1 is completed.

  When the developer supply container 1 is attached to the developer supply device 8, the drive transmission unit 300a of the drive unit 300 is fitted into the conversion groove 74e1 of the developer supply container 1 (FIG. 91 (a) → FIG. 91 (b)) The rotational driving force of the drive unit 300 can be transmitted to the rotational drive receiving unit 71e.

  The removing operation of the developer supply container 1 is basically performed in the reverse procedure of the mounting operation described above.

(Developer replenishment operation)
Next, the developer replenishing operation of the developer replenishing container 1 using the pump unit 20b will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 92 (a) shows the contracted state of the pump portion 20b, FIG. 92 (b) shows the state in the middle of the pump portion 20b switching from the contracted state to the expanded state, and FIG. 92 (c) shows the expanded state of the pump portion 20b. It is a fragmentary sectional view shown.

  As shown in FIG. 92 (a), when the rotational drive receiving portion 71e receives rotational drive (arrow B) from the drive transmission portion 300a of the drive portion 300, the inner cylinder 71 rotates in the direction of arrow B, as described above. The rotational drive receiving portion 71e moves along the conversion groove 74e1. At this time, the pump portion 20b is in a contracted state. That is, the pump unit (volume variable unit) 20b is in the first state in which the volume is minimized.

  Thereafter, when the rotational drive receiving portion 71e is further moved, the rotational drive receiving portion 71e moves from the conversion groove 74e1 to the conversion groove 74e2 as described above (FIG. 92 (b)). The engagement of the drive transmission unit 300a is released. As a result, the inner cylinder 71 is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow B direction by the restoration energy of the above-mentioned mainspring spring 83. At this time, as shown in FIG. 92 (c), when the rotational drive receiving portion 71e passes through the conversion groove 74e2, the force in the rotational direction is converted to the rotational axis direction by the cam action, and the inner cylinder 71 is in the arrow β1 direction. Moving. As a result, the pump portion 20b is extended and the inside of the developer storage portion is in a reduced pressure state, so that suction can be performed from the discharge port (developer supply port) 21a. That is, the pump unit (volume variable unit) 20b is in the second state in which the volume is maximized.

  Furthermore, when the inner cylinder 71 rotates, the rotational drive receiving portion 71e passes through the conversion groove 74e3, and the inner cylinder 71 similarly moves in the direction of the arrow β2 by the cam action, and the position shown in FIG. State (1)). As a result, the inside of the developer storage portion is pressurized, and thus the developer can be discharged from the discharge port (developer supply port) 21a.

  Then, the rotational drive receiving portion 71e returned to the position of FIG. 92 (a) engages with the driving portion 300 returned by one rotation again, and the inner cylinder 71 rotates in the arrow B direction. The above is the operation of one cycle of the pump unit 20b. Thereafter, the pump operation by the pump unit 20b is performed by repeating the above-described operation.

  As described above, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the swing motion of the inner cylinder 71 in the forward rotation (direction of arrow B) and the reverse rotation (in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow B) is performed using the restoring force of the spring. . A pump operation is possible by converting this rocking movement into a reciprocating movement in the rotational axis direction by a cam action.

  The developer supply container 1 shown in the present embodiment can be started from the state in which the pump portion 20b is reliably contracted, as in the above-described embodiment. Specifically, before mounting the developer supply container 1 to the developer supply device 8 of the apparatus main body 100, the rotary drive receiving portion 71e is regulated by the conversion groove 74e1, and the pump portion 20b is contracted in a contracted state. It is done. Further, when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus is stopped while the rotational drive receiving portion 71e is passing through the conversion groove 74e1, the conversion groove 74e1 is provided in parallel with the rotation axis direction. It maintains the state, that is, the contracted state.

  On the other hand, when the main power source of the apparatus main body is stopped while the rotational drive receiving portion 71e passes through the conversion grooves 74e2 and 74e3, the rotational drive receiving portion 71e is independent of the drive portion 300 and the inner cylinder 71 is the spring spring 83. Rotate with the resilience of Therefore, even if the main power supply of the apparatus main body is stopped, the inner cylinder 71 continues to rotate and returns to the position of FIG. 92 (a), that is, the state where the pump portion 20b is contracted.

  Therefore, even if the main power supply of the apparatus main body is stopped during the operation of the pump unit 2, the pump unit 20b is always in a contracted state, and the volume is increased to make the inside of the developer accommodating unit 20 into a depressurized state. You can start from

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, as in the other embodiments, the operation of the pump unit 20b can be reliably started from the direction in which the pressure decreases.

  Then, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the pump portion 20b is re-regulated to the mounting position when the developer supply container 1 is desorbed. Therefore, for example, even if the developer supply container 1 is desorbed in a state where a large amount of developer remains and is re-installed after being stored for a long period of time, the developer can be started from the volume increasing direction as described above. Can be understood.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Developer supply container 1a ... Container main body 1b ... Developer storage space 1c ... Discharge port 1f ... Inclined surface 1g ... Flange part 1h ... Inner cylinder part 2 ... Pump part 2a ... Stretching part 2b ... Joint part 3 ... Holding member 3a ... engaging projection 3b ... engaged portion 3c ... fixed tape 4 ... seal member 5 ... shutter 6 ... outer tube portion 7 ... seal member 8 ... developer supply device 8a ... discharge port 8b ... positioning guide 8c ... long hole 8d ... Guide portion 8e ... Opening 8f ... Mounting portion 8j ... Engaging projection 8k ... Developer sensor 8m ... Engagement portion 8n ... Wall portion 9 ... Locking member 9a ... Locking portion 9b ... Rail portion 9d ... Taper portion 10 ... Gear 11 ... conveyance screw 12 ... pump part 13 ... plate-like member 14 ... cylindrical part 14a ... conveyance projection 14b ... gear part 14c ... connection part 14e ... coupling part 15 ... cam flange part 15a ... cam groove 15b ... cam 16: delivery member 16a: plate-like portion 16b: inclined projection 16c: through hole 17: conveyance member 17a: shaft portion 17b: conveyance wing 17c: inclination portion 18: cam gear portion 18a: gear portion 18b: cam groove 18c: rotation engagement Joint portion 20 ... Developer housing portion 20a ... Gear portion 20b ... Pump portion 20c ... Transport portion 20d ... Cam projection 20e ... Cam groove 20f ... Relay portion 20g ... Rotation receiving portion 20h ... Engagement projection 20i ... Cam projection 20j ... Stirring member 20k: cylindrical portion 20k1: cylindrical portion 20k2: cylindrical portion 20l: compression projection 20m: regulating projection 20n: cam groove 20p: rotation locking projection 20q: compression plate 20r: spring 20s: coupling portion 20t: cylindrical portion 20u: communication opening 20v: Weight 20w: Closing portion 21: Flange portion 21a: Discharge port 21b: Cam groove 21c, 21d: Cam groove 21e ... Cam groove 21 f ... Pump part 21 g ... Cam projection 21 h ... Discharge part 21 i ... Click projection 21 j ... Convex part 21 k ... Communication opening 21 m ... Closing part 21 n ... Cam flange part 21 q ... Fixing locking projection 21 r ... Rail 23 ... Buffer part 26 ... shutter 27 ... sealing member 29 ... rotation direction regulating portion 31 ... developer receiving port 32 ... partition wall 32a ... inclined projection 32b ... through port 33 ... wall section 33a ... communication port 34 ... seal 35 ... valve 40 ... replacement cover 42 ... gear portion 43 ... gear portion 44 ... shaft portion 45 ... eccentric cam 46 ... housing 47 ... nozzle portion 48 ... sealing member 49 ... small diameter portion 50 ... cylindrical container 51 ... blade 52 ... replenishment amount adjustment portion 53 ... opening 54 ... discharge port 55 ... locking member 55a ... engagement groove 55b ... engagement groove 55b 1 ... wall 55c ... rotation support portion 56 ... restriction member 56c ... end face 56d ... corner portion 60 ... gear ring 600 ... control device 60a ... gear portion 60b ... rotational engagement portion 61 ... bevel gear 62 ... connection portion 63 ... magnet 64 ... magnet 65 ... filter 66 ... biasing member 67 ... seal Member 71: Inner cylinder 71a: Inward projection 71b: Baffle fixed shaft 71c: Drive receiving portion 71d: Drive conversion portion 71d1: Inclined surface 71e: Rotational drive receiving portion 72: Spring fixing member 73: Biasing spring 74: Outer cylinder 74b ... Drive conversion receiving portion 74b1 ... Slope surface 74e1, 74e2, 74e3 ... Conversion groove 74f ... Filter attachment surface 75 ... Rotating disk 75a ... Catching portion 75b ... Sliding surface 76 ... Filter 78 ... Bellows member 81 ... Accumulation unit 82 ... Spring case 83 ... mainspring spring 85 ... fitting free shaft 86 ... baffle rotating shaft 100 ... device main body 201 ... developing device 300 ... driving gear 300a ... Drive transmission unit 500 ... Drive motor

Claims (23)

A developer containing portion for containing a developer;
An outlet for discharging the developer contained in the developer containing portion;
A drive input unit to which a drive force is input;
A pump unit that operates so that the internal pressure of the developer storage unit is alternately and repeatedly switched to a state lower than the atmospheric pressure and a state higher than the atmospheric pressure by the driving force received by the driving input unit;
A regulating unit that regulates a position of the pump unit at the start of operation such that air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in the first operation cycle of the pump unit;
A developer supply container characterized by having:   The pump unit is a volume variable unit that changes the internal pressure of the developer storage unit by increasing or decreasing the volume, and starting the operation of the volume variable unit from the step of increasing the volume of the volume variable unit. The developer supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that   The pump unit seals the developer storage unit at a pressure difference with respect to the atmospheric pressure of the developer storage unit when the internal pressure of the developer storage unit is lower than the atmospheric pressure. Assuming that the maximum value of the differential pressure at the time of operation is P1 and the maximum value of the differential pressure at the time of the replenishment operation of the developer supply container is P2, the relationship of | P1 |> | P2 | The developer supply container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the developer supply container is operated. The restricting portion has an engaged portion that restricts the state of the pump portion by moving with respect to the developer supply container, or releases the restriction.
In the pump unit, the engaged portion is engaged with the engaging portion provided in the developer replenishing device along with the mounting operation of the developer replenishing container to the developer replenishing device, and the engaged portion The developer supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the restriction by the restriction part is released by the movement of the toner relative to the developer supply container.   The developer supply container according to claim 4, wherein the regulation unit regulates the state of the pump unit again in accordance with the detachment operation of the developer supply container from the developer replenishment device.   It has a conveyance part which conveys a developer stored inside toward the above-mentioned discharge port by rotating by rotation driving force inputted into the above-mentioned drive input part, and the above-mentioned pump part utilizes rotation of the above-mentioned conveyance part The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the regulating unit regulates the state of the pump unit by regulating the rotation of the transport unit. Agent supply container.   The developer supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the restricting portion has an accumulator that stores the driving force input to the drive input portion.   The pump unit is maintained in the first state in which the volume is minimized while the accumulator means stores the driving force, and the volume is stored at least once when the accumulated driving means is released 8. The developer supply container according to claim 7, wherein the developer supply container is driven to return to the first state after the second state where the maximum value is reached. The developer supply container has a rotating portion and a portion fixed non-rotatably to the developer supplying device,
9. The developer supply container according to claim 8, wherein the storage means comprises a flip flop mechanism having a biasing member coupled to the rotating portion and the non-rotatably fixed portion. .   The drive input unit is characterized by providing a region partially not receiving the drive force so as not to receive the drive force while the pump unit is driven by the action of the accumulator. 9. The developer supply container according to 9.   11. The developer supply container according to claim 10, wherein the drive input unit is a gear, and the region not receiving the drive force is a region in which a tooth portion of the gear is not formed.   The drive input unit has a forward path that moves when driven by the driving force input to the drive input unit, and a return path that moves when driven by the action of the accumulator, and the drive input unit includes the forward path and the return path. 9. The developer supply container according to claim 8, wherein the pump unit is driven by alternately moving   13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the return path is provided with an inclined groove inclined with respect to the rotation axis direction so that the pump unit changes to the first state and the second state. Developer supply container.   The nozzle portion is connected to the pump portion and has an opening formed at the tip thereof, and the nozzle portion is provided so that the opening is positioned in the vicinity of the discharge port. The developer supply container according to any one of 13.   15. The developer supply container according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of openings are formed in the periphery of the tip end side of the nozzle portion. In a developer replenishment system, comprising: a developer replenishment container; and a developer replenishment device capable of detaching the developer replenishment container,
The developer supply device has a drive unit that applies a driving force to the developer supply container,
The developer supply container includes a developer storage portion for storing a developer, a discharge port for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion, and a drive input portion to which a driving force is input from the drive portion. A pump unit that operates so that the internal pressure of the developer storage unit is alternately switched between a state lower than atmospheric pressure and a state higher than the atmospheric pressure alternately according to the driving force received by the driving input unit; A regulating unit that regulates a position at which the pump unit starts operation so that air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port;
The developer supply system characterized by having.   The pump unit is a volume variable unit that changes the internal pressure of the developer storage unit by increasing or decreasing the volume, and starting the operation of the volume variable unit from the step of increasing the volume of the volume variable unit. The developer supply system according to claim 16, characterized in that:   The pump unit seals the developer storage unit at a pressure difference with respect to the atmospheric pressure of the developer storage unit when the internal pressure of the developer storage unit is lower than the atmospheric pressure. Assuming that the maximum value of the differential pressure at the time of operation is P1 and the maximum value of the differential pressure at the time of the replenishment operation of the developer supply container is P2, the relationship of | P1 |> | P2 | The developer supply system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the developer supply system is operated. The restricting portion has an engaged portion that restricts the state of the pump portion by moving with respect to the developer supply container, or releases the restriction.
In the pump unit, the engaged portion is engaged with the engaging portion provided in the developer replenishing device along with the mounting operation of the developer replenishing container to the developer replenishing device, and the engaged portion is engaged The developer replenishment system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the regulation by the regulation unit is released by the movement of the unit relative to the developer replenishment container.   The control unit according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the control unit controls the pump unit again according to the detaching operation of the developer supply container from the developer supply device. Developer supply system.   17. The nozzle unit according to claim 16, further comprising: a nozzle unit connected to the pump unit and having an opening formed at the tip thereof, wherein the nozzle unit is provided such that the opening is positioned near the discharge port. 20. The developer supply system according to any one of 20.   22. The developer supply system according to claim 21, wherein a plurality of openings are formed in the periphery of the tip end side of the nozzle portion. A developer containing portion for containing a developer;
An outlet for discharging the developer contained in the developer containing portion;
A drive input unit to which a drive force is input;
A pump unit that operates so that the internal pressure of the developer storage unit is alternately and repeatedly switched to a state lower than the atmospheric pressure and a state higher than the atmospheric pressure by the driving force received by the driving input unit;
A regulating unit that regulates a stop position of the pump unit such that air is taken into the developer storage unit from the discharge port in one cycle at the start of operation of the pump unit;
A developer supply container characterized by having:

Images