JP2019066895A - Developer storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

To crumble developer between an emission port and a wall at a crumbling part, and to make the crumbled developer easy to move to the emission port.SOLUTION: A developer storage container (TC) comprises: an emission port (28) to which developer is emitted; a conveyance part (2) that conveys the developer toward the emission port (28); a wall (14) that is located in an upper part in a vertical direction of the emission port (28), and inclines with respect to a conveyance direction of the developer; and a crumbling part (11) that is located in an upper part in a vertical direction of the emission port (28). The crumbling part (11) is configured to crumble the developer between the emission port (28) and a wall (52), and the wall (52) is inclined so that an interval between the emission port (28) and the wall (52) is gradually narrowed as heading for a downstream side in a developer conveyance direction of the conveyance part (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a container for containing a developer.

  With regard to a developer container for replenishing a new developer in an image forming apparatus, the techniques described in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3 are conventionally known.

Japanese Patent No. 5037232 as Patent Document 1 discloses a crank-shaped arm portion that rotates integrally with a bottle portion (101Y) in a toner cartridge (100Y) in which a bottle portion (101Y) rotates to transport a developer. A technique is described in which the reciprocating coil (113Y) is supported by (112Y) and the reciprocating coil (113Y) reciprocates within the discharge passage (105Y) of the holder portion (102Y) to avoid toner clogging. ing.
Further, Patent Document 1 also describes a technique for disposing an oscillating member (120Y) for closing the inlet of the discharge passage (105Y) in the arm portion (112Y) to avoid excessive toner replenishment.

  Japanese Patent No. 5407557 as Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which a triple spiral coil screw (162) is disposed inside a toner supply container main body (161). In the configuration described in Patent Document 2, shielding portions (162e, 162f, 162g) are disposed at the end portions of the three spiral portions (162a, b, c), and the coil screw (162) has a predetermined rotational position. The opening portion 161c is closed to prevent the toner from flowing out.

  According to Japanese Patent No. 5365110 as Patent Document 3, the container body (32Y2) rotates with respect to the cap portion (32Y1) to transport the developer, and the downstream end of the container body (32Y2) is different from each other A technique is described in which a scraper (32Y30) inclined in a direction is disposed, and the toner in the vicinity is efficiently transferred to the cap portion (32Y1) by the scraper (32Y30).

Patent No. 5037232 ("0049"-"0050", "0056"-"0060", FIGS. 7-12) Patent No. 5407557 ("0022"-"0029", FIGS. 3-5) Patent No. 5365110 gazette ("0057"-"0058", "0069", FIGS. 17-21)

  The present invention has a technical object to break down the developer between the discharge port and the wall at the break portion and to make the broken developer easy to move to the discharge port.

In order to solve the above technical problems, the developer container of the invention according to claim 1 is
A developer container detachably supported on a main body of the image forming apparatus,
An outlet through which the developer is discharged;
A transport unit that transports the developer toward the discharge port;
A wall located at an upper portion in the vertical direction of the discharge port and inclined with respect to the transport direction of the developer;
A collapsing portion located at an upper portion in the vertical direction of the discharge port;
Equipped with
The breaking portion breaks the developer between the discharge port and the wall;
The wall may be inclined such that a distance between the discharge port and the wall narrows as it goes downstream in the developer conveyance direction of the conveyance unit.

The invention according to claim 2 is the container for containing the developer according to claim 1, wherein
The inclined extension of the wall is characterized by passing through the outside of the discharge port.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the developer between the discharge port and the wall can be broken at the breaking portion, and the broken developer can be easily moved to the discharge port.
According to the second aspect of the invention, the developer can be fed along the wall of the extension in the inclined direction passing outside the discharge port to the downstream side portion of the discharge port.

FIG. 1 is an entire explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an essential part of the toner image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a fin member of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an illustration of the toner cartridge of the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a fin member of the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an illustration of the toner cartridge of the third embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a fin member of the third embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an illustration of the toner cartridge of the fourth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a fin member of the fourth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of the toner cartridge of the fifth embodiment with the cover removed. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG.

Next, specific examples of the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the longitudinal direction is the X-axis direction, the lateral direction is the Y-axis direction, the vertical direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The directions shown by Z and -Z or the sides shown are front, rear, right, left, upper, lower or front, rear, right, left, upper, lower.
Further, in the drawings, those in which “•” is described in “o” means an arrow directed from the back of the paper to the front, and those in which “x” is described in “o” are the front of the paper. It means the arrow from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustration of members other than members necessary for the description is appropriately omitted for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an entire explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a printer U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment has a printer main body U1 as an example of an apparatus main body. A first discharge tray TRh as an example of a first medium discharge unit is provided on the top surface of the printer body U1. An operation unit UI is provided on the upper surface of the right portion of the printer body U1. The operation unit UI has a display unit and the like (not shown). The operation unit UI is configured such that the user can perform input operation.
In the printer U according to the first embodiment, a host computer is illustrated as an example of a transmission device of image information. Specifically, a personal computer is electrically connected.

The printer U has a controller C as an example of a control unit. The controller C can receive electrical signals such as image information and control signals transmitted from the personal computer PC. The controller C is configured to be able to output control signals to the operation unit UI and the electric circuit E. Furthermore, the controller C is electrically connected to the write circuit DL.
The write circuit DL outputs a drive signal to the exposure machine ROS as an example of the write device according to the input information. The exposure device ROS is configured to be able to output the laser light L as an example of the writing light according to the input signal.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an essential part of the toner image forming apparatus of FIG.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, on the left side of the exposure device ROS, a photosensitive member PR as an example of an image carrier is disposed. The photosensitive member PR of Example 1 is rotatably supported in the arrow direction around the rotation axis PRa. The laser beam L is applied to the photosensitive member PR in the writing area Q1.
Around the photosensitive member PR, along the rotation direction of the photosensitive member PR, a charging roll CR as an example of a charging member, a developing device G, and a photosensitive member cleaner CL as an example of a cleaning device for an image carrier Is arranged.
In the printer U according to the first embodiment, the photosensitive member PR, the charging roller CR, the developing device G, and the photosensitive member cleaner CL are integrated into a unit that can be detachably attached. That is, the photosensitive member PR, the charging roller CR, the developing device G, and the photosensitive member cleaner CL are configured to be removable from the printer body U1 as a process unit U2.

A charging voltage is applied to the charging roll CR from an electric circuit E.
The developing device G includes a developing container V that contains toner as an example of a developer. Inside the developing container V, a developing roller Ga, which is an example of a developer holder, is rotatably supported. The developing roll Ga is disposed to face the photosensitive member PR in the developing area Q2.
Further, a developing voltage is applied to the developing roll Ga from the power supply circuit E. In the inside of the developing container V, augers Gb and Gc as an example of a developer conveying member are rotatably supported.
The photosensitive member PR, the charging roller CR, the exposing device ROS, the developing device G and the like constitute a toner image forming device for forming a toner image on the photosensitive member PR.

Connected to the developing container V is one end of a replenishment path of a toner replenishment device TH1 as an example of a developer replenishment device fixedly supported by the printer U. The other end of the replenishment path of the toner replenishment device TH1 is connected to a toner cartridge TC as an example of a developer storage container.
The toner cartridge TC is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the printer U by being inserted and removed in the front-rear direction.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of paper feed trays TR <b> 1 to TR <b> 4 as an example of the medium storage unit are provided in the lower part of the printer U. The plurality of sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4 accommodates the recording sheet S as an example of the medium.
In FIG. 1, rails RL <b> 1 as an example of container guiding members are disposed on the left and right sides of the paper feed trays TR <b> 1 to TR <b> 4. The rails RL1 movably support the left and right ends of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. Therefore, the sheet feed trays TR1 to TR4 are supported by the pair of left and right rails RL1 so as to be able to move in and out in the front-rear direction.

In FIG. 1, a sheet feeding device K is disposed at the upper left portion of each of the sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4. The sheet feeding device K has a pickup roll Rp as an example of a medium extraction member. A loosening roll Rs as an example of a loosening member is disposed on the left side of the pickup roll Rp. The loosening roll Rs comprises a feed roll as an example of a medium transport member and a retard roll as an example of a medium separation member.
On the left side of the sheet feeding device K, a sheet feeding path SH1 as an example of a medium transport path is disposed. The paper feed path SH1 extends upward. A plurality of conveyance rolls Ra as an example of a medium conveyance member are disposed in the paper feed path SH1. At the upper end which is the downstream end of the sheet feeding path SH1, a registration roll Rr as an example of a member for adjusting the conveyance timing of the medium is disposed.

Further, on the left side of the printer U, a manual feed tray TR0 as an example of a manual feed unit is mounted. The right end of the manual feed tray TR0 is connected to the left end of a manual feed path SH2 as an example of a manual feed transport path. The right end of the manual feed path SH2 is connected to the paper feed path SH1.
In FIG. 1, a transfer roll Rt as an example of a transfer device is disposed above the registration roll Rr. The transfer roll Rt faces and contacts the photosensitive member PR in the transfer region Q3. Therefore, the transfer roll Rt of Example 1 rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive member PR. A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roll Rt from the power supply circuit E.

  The photosensitive body cleaner CL is disposed downstream of the transfer roll Rt with respect to the rotational direction of the photosensitive body PR. The photosensitive body cleaner CL supports a recovery path CL4 as an example of a developer transport path. The recovery path CL4 extends from the photoconductor cleaner CL to the developing device G.

In FIG. 1, a fixing device F is supported above the transfer roll Rt. The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating fixing member, and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member. The heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp are in contact in the fixing area Q4. A drive is transmitted from a drive source (not shown) to the heating roll Fh to rotate. Further, electric power for heating a heater (not shown) is supplied from the electric circuit E to the heating roll Fh.
An image recording unit U2 + Rt + F configured to record an image on the sheet S is configured by the process unit U2 as an example of the toner image forming device, the transfer roll Rt, and the fixing device F.

At an upper portion of the fixing device F, a sheet guide F1 as an example of a medium guiding portion is formed. A discharge roll R1 as an example of a medium discharge member is disposed on the right side of the sheet guide F1. A medium discharge port Ha is formed on the right side of the paper discharge roll R1. The first discharge tray TRh is disposed below the medium discharge port Ha.
In FIG. 1, a connection path SH3 as an example of a medium transport path is disposed above the fixing device F and to the left of the paper discharge roll R1. The connection path SH3 extends leftward from the medium discharge port Ha.

A reversing unit U3 as an example of a media reversing device is supported on the left side surface of the printer body U1 above the manual feed tray TR0. In the reversing unit U3, a reversing path SH4 is formed as an example of a medium transport path. The upper end of the reverse path SH4 is connected to the left end of the connection path SH3. The lower end of the reversing path SH4 joins the sheet feeding path SH1 on the upstream side of the registration roll Rr.
Further, a second discharge path SH6 as an example of a medium transport path is formed in the upper part of the reversing unit U3. The right end of the second discharge path SH6 is connected to the connection path SH3, and the second discharge path SH6 branches off from the reverse path SH4. The left end of the second discharge path SH6 extends to the left side surface of the reversing unit U3. A face-up tray TRh1 as an example of a second discharge unit is supported on the left side surface of the reversing unit U3. Therefore, the sheet S having passed the second discharge path SH6 is configured to be dischargeable to the face-up tray TRh1.

(Function of image forming apparatus)
In the printer U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the image information transmitted from the personal computer PC is input to the controller C. The controller C converts the input image information into latent image formation information at a preset time, and outputs the information to the write circuit DL. The exposure machine ROS outputs a laser beam L based on the signal received by the write circuit DL. The controller C controls the operation of the operation unit UI, the write circuit DL, the power supply circuit E, and the like.
1 and 2, the surface of the photosensitive member PR is charged by the charging roll CR to which a charging voltage is applied. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive member PR charged by the charging roll CR by exposure and scanning with the laser light L of the exposure device ROS in the writing area Q1. The surface of the photosensitive member PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed passes sequentially through the development region Q2 and the transfer region Q3.

In the developing area Q2, the developing roll Ga is opposed to the photosensitive member PR. The developing roll Ga rotates while holding the developer inside the developing container V on the surface. Therefore, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member PR is developed into a toner image as an example of a visible image by the toner image held on the surface of the developing roll Ga. The developer in the developing container V is circulated while being stirred by the augers Gb and Gc.
When the developer in the developing container V is consumed along with the development by the developing roller Ga, the developer is replenished from the toner cartridge TC. That is, the toner in the toner cartridge TC is conveyed to the discharge port TC3 in accordance with the consumption amount of the developer. The toner discharged from the discharge port TC3 is conveyed to the developing container V by a replenishment conveyance member (not shown) in the replenishment path of the toner replenishment device TH1.

The sheet S on which an image is recorded is accommodated in each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. The sheets S accommodated in the respective sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp of the sheet feeding device K. The sheets S taken out by the pickup roll Rp are separated one by one by the loosening roll Rs. The sheet S separated by the separating roll Rs is fed to the sheet feeding path SH1. The sheet S in the sheet feeding path SH1 is conveyed by the conveyance roll Ra toward the registration roll Rr.
The sheet S fed from the manual feed tray TR0 is conveyed to the registration roll Rr through the manual feed path SH2. The sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is conveyed to the transfer area Q3 by the registration roll Rr in time when the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive member PR moves to the transfer area Q3.

In the transfer area Q3, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive member PR is transferred to the sheet S passing through the transfer area Q3 by the transfer roll Rt to which the transfer voltage is applied.
In FIG. 2, the photosensitive member PR after passing through the transfer region Q3 is cleaned by removing the toner attached to the surface by the photosensitive member cleaner CL. The toner removed by the photoreceptor cleaner CL is returned to the inside of the developing container V through the recovery path CL4. That is, the developer collected by the photoconductor cleaner CL is reused in the developing device G.
The photoreceptor PR whose surface is cleaned by the photoreceptor cleaner CL is charged again by the charging roll CR.

The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred in the transfer area Q3 is conveyed to the fixing area Q4 of the fixing device F in a state where the toner image is not fixed.
In the fixing area Q4, the sheet S is sandwiched between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp, and the toner image is heated and fixed.
The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device F is guided by the sheet guide F1 and conveyed to the sheet discharge roll R1. When the sheet S is discharged to the first discharge tray TRh, the sheet S sent to the discharge roll R1 is discharged from the medium discharge port Ha to the first discharge tray TRh.

At the time of double-sided printing, the sheet discharge roll R1 reversely rotates with the rear end of the sheet S having the image recorded on the first side in the transport direction passing through the sheet guide F1. Therefore, the sheet S is conveyed to the reverse path SH4 through the connection path SH3. The sheet S transported through the reversing path SH4 is transported to the registration roll Rr while the front and back sides are reversed. Therefore, the image is resent from the registration roll Rr to the transfer area Q3 and the image of the second side is recorded.
When the sheet S is discharged to the face-up tray TRh1, the sheet S conveyed through the connection path SH3 by the reverse rotation of the discharge roll R1 is carried into the second discharge path SH6. Then, the sheet S conveyed through the second discharge path SH6 is discharged to the face-up tray TRh1.

(Description of toner cartridge)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG.
In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the toner cartridge TC of the first embodiment has a bottle 1 as an example of the storage unit. The bottle 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction, and is configured so as to be capable of containing a developer therein. On the wall surface of the bottle 1, a spiral groove 2 as an example of a transport unit is formed. In FIGS. 3 and 4, an opening 3 is formed at the rear end of the bottle 1. On the outer surface of the bottle 1, a screw portion 4 as an example of a fastening portion is formed at a position on the front side of the opening 3.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a fin member of the first embodiment.
In FIGS. 3 to 5, a fin member 11 as an example of the breaking member is disposed on the rear side of the bottle 1. The fin member 11 has a cylindrical portion 12 on the front side and a fin main body 13 on the rear side. The cylindrical portion 12 has a screw portion 12 a as an example of a fastening portion formed on the inner circumferential surface. The screw portion 12 a is formed to correspond to the screw portion 4. Therefore, the screw portion 12 a and the screw portion 4 are engaged with each other, and the fin member 11 and the bottle 1 are fastened. Therefore, the rotating portions 1 and 11 of the first embodiment are configured by the fin member 11 and the bottle 1.
In addition, a ring-shaped concave groove 12 b is formed on the outer periphery of the rear portion of the cylindrical portion 12.

The fin main body 13 has the axial part 13a extended in the front-back direction. At the front end of the shaft portion 13a, a support arm 13b which is an example of a breaking portion and which extends outward in the radial direction is formed as an example of a supported portion. The outer end of the support arm 13 b is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 12.
At the rear portion of the shaft portion 13a, a first breaking portion 13c extending outward in the radial direction is formed. A second collapsing portion 13d extending in the front-rear direction is formed between the radial outer end of the first collapsing portion 13c and the support arm 13b.
A cylindrical wall member 14 is integrally formed inside the second collapsing portion 13d. In FIG. 4, a gap is formed between the wall member 14 of the first embodiment and the upper end of the discharge path 27 described later. In the first embodiment, the gap is set to 5 mm. However, the amount of the developer desired to be transported per unit time can be arbitrarily changed according to the design and use.
At the rear end of the shaft portion 13a, a coupling 16 as an example of a driven transmission member is supported. The coupling 16 engages with the coupling supported by the printer body U1 when the toner cartridge TC is mounted to the printer body U1, and the drive is transmitted.

  In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a toner seal 17 as an example of a leakage preventing member is supported on the rear end surface of the cylindrical portion 12. The toner seal 17 is formed in an annular shape, so-called ring shape, along the rear end surface of the cylindrical portion 12. The toner seal 17 is made of any material that can prevent the developer from leaking, and, for example, a foam member such as a sponge can be adopted.

On the rear side of the fin member 11, a flange portion 21 as an example of a discharge portion is supported. The flange portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The flange portion 21 has a front middle diameter portion 22, a large diameter portion 23 at the center in the front-rear direction, and a rear small diameter portion 24.
The middle diameter portion 22 has an inner diameter that covers the outer periphery of the rear portion of the rotating portions 1 and 11. The middle diameter portion 22 is formed with a claw portion 22 a as an example of a connection portion. The claw portion 22a is disposed at a position corresponding to the ring-shaped concave groove 12b, and extends inward in the radial direction. The claw portion 22 a is in contact with the concave groove 12 b, and restricts the forward movement of the rotating portions 1 and 11 with respect to the flange portion 21. That is, the rotating portions 1 and 11 and the flange portion 21 are connected.

At the front end of the large diameter portion 23, a ring-shaped convex portion 23a as an example of a bite portion is formed. Therefore, the convex portion 23 a is supported in a compressed state of the toner seal 17 so as to bite into the toner seal 17 when the flange portion 21 and the rotating portions 1 and 11 are connected.
At the boundary between the large diameter portion 23 and the small diameter portion 24, a plate-like wall portion 26 extending in the vertical direction and the left and right direction is formed. The wall portion 26 rotatably supports the coupling 16 in a penetrating state.

Below the wall portion 26, a discharge passage 27 extending downward is formed. At the lower end of the discharge passage 27, a discharge port 28 as an example of the outlet is formed.
At the lower part of the discharge path 27, a shutter 29 as an example of an open / close member is supported so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The shutter 29 moves between an open position for opening the discharge port 28 and a closed position for closing the discharge port 28 as the toner cartridge TC is inserted and removed. In addition, since the structure which moves the shutter 29 can be employ | adopted conventionally well-known various structures, such as Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2009-229938, for example with the insertion / extraction of toner cartridge TC, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
In FIG. 3, an insertion guide 31 as an example of a guided portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 24. When the toner cartridge TC is mounted, the insertion guide 31 is guided by a guide portion (not shown) provided on the printer main body U1 as an example of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the printer U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the toner cartridge TC is mounted on the printer body U1, when the drive is transmitted to the coupling 16 according to the consumption of toner, the fin member 11 and the bottle 1 Will rotate. When the bottle 1 rotates, the developer is transported backward along the spiral groove 2. Therefore, in the toner cartridge TC of the first embodiment, a rotating conveyance member is not required inside the bottle, and the manufacturing cost of the toner cartridge TC can be reduced.
The developer transported backward with the rotation of the bottle 1 is replenished to the toner replenishing device TH1 through the discharge port 28. The fin main body 13 is also rotated when the bottle 1 is rotated, and the toner which has become dense and solidified near the discharge port 28 is broken or loosened. Therefore, as compared with the configuration in which the fin main body 13 is not provided, the developer is prevented from being solidified and clogged in the vicinity of the discharge port 28.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the operation of the first embodiment.
In FIG. 6, the developer conveyed to the rear side by the bottle 1 is fed by gravity toward the discharge port 28. At this time, when the amount (water level) of the developer inside is present by an amount indicated by a two-dot chain line, in the conventional configuration in which the wall member 14 is not provided, as shown by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG. The developer 41 present above is going to flow into the discharge port 28. Therefore, even if the bottle 1 stops rotating, when the transport member 42 of the toner replenishing device TH1 to which the toner cartridge TC is connected is driven to transport the developer, the developer 41 above the discharge port 28 It flows in by gravity. When a new toner cartridge TC is mounted, the developer 41 above the discharge port 28 tends to flow from the toner cartridge TC when it is mounted. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, the developer is likely to be filled between the toner replenishing device TH1 and the toner cartridge TC. In this state, when the toner cartridge TC is removed, the developer filled in the discharge port 28 is scraped off. Accordingly, the developer may adhere to the members around the discharge port 28, which may stain the inside of the image forming apparatus and the worker.

On the other hand, in the toner cartridge TC of the first embodiment, the inlet of the discharge path 27 is covered with the wall member 14 at the upper side. Accordingly, the developer flowing into the discharge port 28 by gravity is an amount between the discharge port 28 and the wall member 14 as shown by the broken line in FIG. 6, and the developer above the wall member 14 is discharged to the discharge port 28. It can not flow. That is, the amount of developer flowing into the outlet 28 by gravity is limited. Therefore, when the toner cartridge TC is attached, or when the transport member 42 is driven while the rotation of the bottle 1 is stopped, the discharge path 27 is unlikely to be filled with the developer. Therefore, the occurrence of abrasion at the discharge port 28 associated with the insertion and removal of the toner cartridge TC is reduced. Therefore, the contamination of the cabin and the workers is reduced.
In particular, in the toner cartridge TC of the first embodiment, the developer directed to the discharge port 28 passes through the gap between the wall member 14 and the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 23. Therefore, the amount of developer per unit time sent to the discharge port 28 is stabilized in accordance with the size of the gap. Therefore, when the toner cartridge TC is attached, the developer 41 in the upper portion flows in at a stretch, and the supply of the developer is easily stabilized, as compared with the case where the supply becomes excessive.

Further, in the toner cartridge TC of the first embodiment, the wall member 14 is provided on the fin member 11 and is integrally rotated. In the case where the wall member 14 is fixed, the developer may adhere to the wall member 14 or may be solidified so that the developer may stagnate. On the other hand, in the rotating wall member 14, the adhesion of the developer is reduced as compared with the fixed wall member.
Further, in the toner cartridge TC of the first embodiment, the wall member 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape, that is, along the circumferential direction of the rotation of the fin member 11. In the configuration provided only in a part of the circumferential direction as in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is necessary to perform alignment every time it stops every time, or a problem that can not be dealt with when a person touches and moves. There is. On the other hand, the cylindrical wall member 14 does not need to be aligned.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the toner cartridge of the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a fin member of the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. Do.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in the other points.

  In FIGS. 7 and 8, the toner cartridge TC of the second embodiment has a conical wall member 51 having a smaller diameter as it goes rearward, instead of the cylindrical wall member 14 of the first embodiment.

In the printer U according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the amount of developer flowing into the discharge port 28 is limited as compared with the case where the wall member 51 is not provided. Therefore, the toner cartridge TC of the second embodiment has the same reduction in the in-machine contamination as in the first embodiment.
In the cylindrical wall member 14 as in Example 1, the developer did not easily flow inside the wall member 14 unless the developer flowed from the bottle 1 side, and the developer easily remained. If the developer remains, the amount of the developer that can be specified in the toner cartridge TC is reduced by that amount, and there is a problem that the number of sheets that can be printed is reduced. On the other hand, in the conical wall member 51 of the second embodiment, the developer is easily moved along the slope of the cone, and the developer remaining on the inner side of the wall member 51 is reduced. Thus, the adverse effect on the remaining amount of developer is reduced.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the toner cartridge of the third embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a fin member of the third embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.
Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. Do.
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in the other points.
9 and 10, the toner cartridge TC of the third embodiment has a conical wall member 52 having a smaller diameter as it goes forward, instead of the cylindrical wall member 14 of the first embodiment. That is, it is formed in the shape of a cone opposite to the wall member 51 of the second embodiment.

In the printer U according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, the amount of developer flowing into the discharge port 28 is limited as compared with the case where the wall member 52 is not provided. Therefore, the toner cartridge TC of the third embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment in that the contamination inside the machine is reduced.
Further, in the toner cartridge TC of the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the developer easily moves along the inner slope of the conical wall member 52, and the developer remains on the inner side of the wall member 52. Is reduced.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the toner cartridge of the fourth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a fin member of the fourth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the description of the fourth embodiment, components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. Do.
The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in the other points.
11 and 12, in the toner cartridge TC of the fourth embodiment, a regulating plate 61 as an example of a regulating member is supported on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall member 14 similar to that of the first embodiment. A plurality of restriction plates 61 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, the restriction plate 61 of the fourth embodiment is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The inclination direction of the regulating plate 61 is inclined in the direction of conveying the developer rearward, that is, toward the discharge path 27 when the fin member 11 rotates.

In the printer U according to the fourth embodiment having the above configuration, the regulating plate 61 on the outer peripheral surface of the wall member 14 conveys the developer toward the discharge path 27 when the fin member 11 rotates. In the first embodiment, the developer between the wall member 14 and the large diameter portion 23 is pushed by the developer transported from the bottle 1 and transported, but the developer in the toner cartridge TC is reduced. It becomes difficult to be sent when it comes. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the developer is fed by the regulating plate 61, and the developer fed to the discharge path 27 tends to be stable.
Further, in the configuration of the first embodiment, when the toner cartridge TC is removed and the discharge port 28 is inclined downward, the developer flows into the discharge port 28. On the other hand, in the toner cartridge TC of the fourth embodiment, even when the toner cartridge TC is inclined, the flow of the developer is blocked by the restriction plates 61, and the developer flowing into the discharge port 28 is reduced.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of the toner cartridge of the fifth embodiment with the cover removed.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG.
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the description of the fifth embodiment, components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. Do.
The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in the other points.

  13 to 15, the toner cartridge TC 'of the fifth embodiment has a cartridge main body 101 as an example of a developer storage portion. The top surface of the cartridge body 101 is covered with a lid member 102. At the front end of the cartridge main body 101, a handle 103 operable by the user is supported. Inside the cartridge main body 101, a first accommodation space 106 and a second accommodation space 107 are formed. In the first accommodation space 106, a paddle 108 as an example of a transport unit is disposed. The paddle 108 transports the developer in the first accommodation space 106 toward the second accommodation space 107.

In the second accommodation space 107, an agitator 109 as an example of a transport unit is disposed. The agitator 109 is formed in a shape in which a wire is spirally bent.
Further, at an end portion of the second accommodation space 107, a discharge path 111 through which the developer is discharged is formed. A wall member 112 is formed above the discharge passage 111 so as to cover the discharge passage 111. The wall member 112 of the fifth embodiment is fixed to and supported by the cartridge main body 101.
In the agitator 109 of the fifth embodiment, the portion 109a corresponding to the upper side of the wall member 112 has almost no conveying force of the developer, and is formed in a shape to agitate and level the developer.

  In the printer U of the fifth embodiment having the above-described configuration, as in the first embodiment, the amount of developer flowing from above the discharge path 111 is limited as compared with the case where the wall member 112 is not provided. Therefore, the toner cartridge TC ′ of the fifth embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment in that the contamination inside the machine is reduced.

(Modification example)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is made in the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. Is possible. Modifications (H01) to (H08) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) Although the printer as an example of the image forming apparatus has been exemplified in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention is also applicable to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile.

(H02) In the above embodiment, the flange portion 21 is disposed on the front side in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge TC, that is, on the back side of the printer main unit U1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the flange portion 21 or the like may be disposed on the rear side in the mounting direction, that is, on the front side of the printer body U1.
(H03) In the first to fourth embodiments, it is desirable to provide the wall members 14, 51 and 52 on the fin member 11, but it is also possible to provide them on the flange portion 21.

(H04) In the second, third, and fifth embodiments, the configuration of the restriction plate 61 of the fourth embodiment can be combined. In the fourth embodiment, it is desirable that the restricting plate 61 be inclined with respect to the axial direction, but it is also possible to have a shape along the axial direction.
(H05) In the first to fourth embodiments, the fin main body 13 is preferably provided, but may be omitted. Moreover, although the structure which has two support arms 13b was illustrated as the fin main body 13, it is not limited to this, It is also possible to set it as the structure which has three or more.

(H06) Although the configuration in which the coupling 16 for driving the bottle 1 is provided at the rear end is exemplified in the first to fourth embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to form a coupling shape at the front end of the bottle 1 or to form a gear on the outer peripheral surface of the bottle 1 to rotate the bottle 1.
(H07) In the first to fourth embodiments, the toner seal 17 is disposed on the side of the rotating portions 1 and 11, and the convex portions 23a and 41 are disposed on the flange portion 21. However, it is possible to replace them.
(H08) In the fifth embodiment, the accommodation spaces 106 and 107 are not limited to two configurations, but may be one.

1 ... housing part,
2, 109 ... transport unit,
11 ... collapse part,
14, 51, 52, 112 ... wall members,
21 ... discharge part,
27 ... discharge path,
61 ... regulatory member,
G: Development device,
PR: Image holder,
TC, TC '... Storage container for developer,
U: Image forming apparatus
U1: Main body of the image forming apparatus.

Claims (2)

A developer container detachably supported on a main body of the image forming apparatus,
An outlet through which the developer is discharged;
A transport unit that transports the developer toward the discharge port;
A wall located at an upper portion in the vertical direction of the discharge port and inclined with respect to the transport direction of the developer;
A collapsing portion located at an upper portion in the vertical direction of the discharge port;
Equipped with
The breaking portion breaks the developer between the discharge port and the wall;
The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the wall is inclined such that a distance between the discharge port and the wall narrows as it goes downstream in the developer transport direction of the transport unit. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein an extension line of the wall in the inclination direction passes through the outside of the discharge port.

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