JP2019179071A - Developer storage container, developing device, and process cartridge - Google Patents

Developer storage container, developing device, and process cartridge Download PDF

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JP2019179071A
JP2019179071A JP2018066568A JP2018066568A JP2019179071A JP 2019179071 A JP2019179071 A JP 2019179071A JP 2018066568 A JP2018066568 A JP 2018066568A JP 2018066568 A JP2018066568 A JP 2018066568A JP 2019179071 A JP2019179071 A JP 2019179071A
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developer
width
engaged
longitudinal direction
groove
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直哉 浅沼
Naoya Asanuma
直哉 浅沼
洋平 草野
Yohei Kusano
洋平 草野
孝俊 浜田
Takatoshi Hamada
孝俊 浜田
卓也 川上
Takuya Kawakami
卓也 川上
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Abstract

To effectively suppress the coagulation of a developer that occurs during transport.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises: a rotary member rotatably provided in a developer storage unit and extending in the longitudinal direction of the developer storage unit; a drive transmission member for transmitting a rotational drive to the rotary member; and an elastic member arranged between an end of the rotary member and the inside surface of the developer storage unit, for generating an urging force in the rotary member so that the width of a space is restored when the rotary member moves relatively to the developer storage unit and the width of a space between an end of the rotary member and the inside surface of the developer storage unit changes. The rotary member engages with an engaging unit included in the drive transmission member, and a first engaged unit that permits the relative movement of the rotary member to a first distance and an engaging unit included in the drive transmission member engage each other, and includes a second engaged unit that permits relative movement of the rotary member to a second distance smaller than the first distance. Due to the rotation of the drive transmission member, a first engagement relation that the engaging unit engages with the first engaged unit and a second engagement relation that the engaging unit engages with the second engaged unit are switched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

本発明は、電子写真画像形成装置に用いられる現像剤収容容器、プロセスカートリッジ、及び画像形成装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a developer container, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

ここで、電子写真画像形成装置（以下、単に「画像形成装置」ともいう）とは、電子写真画像形成方式を用いて記録材（記録媒体）に画像を形成するものである。画像形成装置の例としては、複写機、プリンタ（レーザービームプリンタ、ＬＥＤプリンタ等）、ファクシミリ装置、ワードプロセッサ、及び、これらの複合機（マルチファンクションプリンタ）などが含まれる。   Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter also simply referred to as “image forming apparatus”) forms an image on a recording material (recording medium) using an electrophotographic image forming system. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a copying machine, a printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and a multifunction machine (multifunction printer) thereof.

電子写真画像形成方式（電子写真プロセス）を用いたプリンタ等の画像形成装置では、像担持体としての電子写真感光体（以下、「感光体ドラム」という）を一様に帯電させる。次いで、帯電した感光体ドラムを選択的に露光することによって、感光体ドラム上に静電像を形成する。次いで、感光体ドラム上に形成された静電像を、現像剤としてのトナーでトナー像として顕像化する。そして、感光体ドラム上に形成されたトナー像を、記録用紙、プラスチックシート等の記録材に転写する。更に記録材上に転写されたトナー像に熱や圧力を加えることでトナー像を記録材に定着させることで画像記録を行う。   In an image forming apparatus such as a printer using an electrophotographic image forming method (electrophotographic process), an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) as an image carrier is uniformly charged. Next, an electrostatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum by selectively exposing the charged photosensitive drum. Next, the electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum is visualized as a toner image with toner as a developer. Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to a recording material such as recording paper or a plastic sheet. Furthermore, image recording is performed by fixing the toner image on the recording material by applying heat or pressure to the toner image transferred onto the recording material.

このような画像形成装置には、一般に、各種のプロセス手段のメンテナンスを必要とする。この各種のプロセス手段のメンテナンスを容易にするために、上述のような感光体や、帯電手段、現像手段、クリーニング手段等のプロセス手段を枠体内にまとめて、画像形成装置（装置本体）に着脱可能なプロセスカートリッジとすることが実用化されている。プロセスカートリッジ方式によれば、ユーザビリティーに優れた画像形成装置を提供することができる。   Such an image forming apparatus generally requires maintenance of various process means. In order to facilitate the maintenance of these various process means, the above-mentioned photoconductor, process means such as a charging means, a developing means, and a cleaning means are collected in a frame and attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus (apparatus body). A process cartridge capable of being used has been put into practical use. According to the process cartridge system, an image forming apparatus with excellent usability can be provided.

現像装置は一般的に、感光体ドラムに現像剤を供給する現像剤担持体や、現像剤担持体に現像剤を供給する現像剤供給部材が設けられた現像部と、この現像部に供給する現像剤を収容する現像剤収容容器とを有する。ここで現像剤収容容器から現像部への現像剤の搬送には、回転可能な撹拌部材を用いることが一般的である。   In general, the developing device is provided with a developer carrying member for supplying a developer to the photosensitive drum, a developing unit provided with a developer supplying member for supplying the developer to the developer carrying member, and the developing unit. A developer storage container for storing the developer. Here, in order to transport the developer from the developer container to the developing unit, it is common to use a rotatable stirring member.

このような構成では、運搬等の際に現像剤収容容器内で現像剤が偏って凝集することがある。現像剤が凝集した状態では、撹拌部材の回転負荷が極端に大きくなる恐れがある。   In such a configuration, the developer may be biased and aggregated in the developer container during transportation or the like. When the developer is agglomerated, the rotational load of the stirring member may become extremely large.

そこで、特許文献１には、撹拌部材とは別に、現像剤収容容器の内壁に揺動板とばねを設け、運搬時の振動で揺動板が揺動することで現像剤を揺らし、現像剤の凝集を抑制する構成が開示されている。   Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a swing plate and a spring are provided on the inner wall of the developer container separately from the stirring member, and the developer is shaken by swinging the swing plate by vibration during transportation. The structure which suppresses aggregation of is disclosed.

また、特許文献２には、撹拌部材と撹拌部材を駆動する駆動部材を有する構成において、撹拌部材の回転軸線方向において、撹拌部材を駆動部材から離れる側の一方向に移動可能にするとともに、駆動部材に対して近づく方向に付勢した構成が開示されている。この構成では、回転負荷が大きい状態で撹拌部材を駆動すると、撹拌部材は回転せず回転軸線方向に揺動して凝集した現像剤をほぐし、現像剤がほぐされて回転負荷が小さくなると撹拌部材が回転する。   Further, in Patent Document 2, in a configuration having a stirring member and a driving member that drives the stirring member, the stirring member can be moved in one direction away from the driving member in the rotation axis direction of the stirring member and driven. The structure biased in the direction approaching the member is disclosed. In this configuration, when the agitating member is driven in a state where the rotational load is large, the agitating member does not rotate and swings in the rotation axis direction to loosen the aggregated developer, and when the developer is loosened and the rotational load becomes small, the agitating member Rotates.

特開平８−２４０９７３号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-240973 特開２０００−１８１２０７号公報JP 2000-181207 A

しかしながら、特許文献１または２では、運搬時に発生する現像剤の凝集について検討されておらず、運搬時の現像剤の凝集を有効に抑制することができない。   However, Patent Document 1 or 2 does not discuss the aggregation of the developer generated during transportation, and the aggregation of the developer during transportation cannot be effectively suppressed.

そこで、本発明の目的は、運搬時に発生する現像剤の凝集を有効に抑制できる現像剤収容容器、現像装置およびプロセスカートリッジを提供するものである。   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a developer container, a developing device, and a process cartridge that can effectively suppress aggregation of the developer that occurs during transportation.

上記目的を達成するため、本発明は、現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、前記現像剤収容部に回転可能に設けられ、前記現像剤収容部の長手方向に延びた回転部材と、前記回転部材に回転駆動を伝達する駆動伝達部材と、前記長手方向において、前記回転部材の端部と前記現像剤収容部の内側面との間に配置され、且つ、前記回転部材が前記現像剤収容部に対して相対移動して前記回転部材の端部と前記現像剤収容部の内側面との間の隙間の幅が変化したとき、前記隙間の幅が元に戻るように前記回転部材に付勢力を発生させることが可能な弾性部材と、を有し、前記駆動伝達部材は、前記回転部材と係合可能な係合部を有し、前記回転部材は、前記係合部と係合し、且つ、前記長手方向における前記回転部材の相対移動を第１距離まで許容する、第１被係合部と、前記係合部と係合し、且つ、前記長手方向における前記回転部材の相対移動を、前記第１距離よりも小さい第２距離まで許容する、第２被係合部と、を有し、前記駆動伝達部材の回転により、前記係合部と前記第１被係合部が係合する第１係合関係と、前記係合部と前記第２被係合部が係合する第２係合関係と、が切り替わる、ことを特徴とする。   In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer, a rotating member rotatably provided in the developer accommodating portion, and extending in a longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion, A drive transmission member that transmits rotational drive to the rotation member; and, in the longitudinal direction, the drive transmission member is disposed between an end portion of the rotation member and an inner surface of the developer accommodating portion, and the rotation member is accommodated in the developer accommodating portion. When the width of the gap between the end of the rotating member and the inner surface of the developer accommodating portion changes relative to the rotating portion, the rotating member is attached to the rotating member so that the width of the gap is restored. An elastic member capable of generating a force, and the drive transmission member has an engaging portion engageable with the rotating member, and the rotating member engages with the engaging portion. In addition, relative movement of the rotating member in the longitudinal direction is allowed up to a first distance. A second engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion and allows the relative movement of the rotating member in the longitudinal direction to a second distance that is smaller than the first distance. A first engagement relationship in which the engagement portion and the first engaged portion are engaged by rotation of the drive transmission member, and the engagement portion and the second engaged portion. The second engagement relationship with which the joint portion engages is switched.

本発明によれば、運搬時に発生する現像剤の凝集を有効に抑制できる。   According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively suppress the aggregation of the developer that occurs during transportation.

（ａ）（ｂ）は実施例１に係る現像剤収納部の概略断面図(A) and (b) are schematic sectional views of the developer accommodating portion according to the first embodiment. 実施例１に係る電子写真画像形成装置及びプロセスカートリッジの概略断面図1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 実施例１に係る電子写真画像形成装置及びプロセスカートリッジの斜視図1 is a perspective view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 実施例１に係るプロセスカートリッジの断面図Sectional drawing of the process cartridge which concerns on Example 1. FIG. 実施例１に係る現像剤収容部の構成を示す斜視図FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a developer accommodating portion according to the first embodiment. （ａ）（ｂ）（ｃ）は実施例１に係る現像剤収容部の構成を示す断面図(A) (b) (c) is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the developer accommodating part which concerns on Example 1. FIG. 実施例１に係る回転軸と伝達部材の構成を示した斜視図The perspective view which showed the structure of the rotating shaft and transmission member which concern on Example 1. FIG. （ａ）（ｂ）は実施例１に係る運搬時と画像形成時の違いを比較した簡略模式図(A) and (b) are simplified schematic diagrams comparing the differences during transportation and image formation according to the first embodiment. （ａ）（ｂ）は実施例１に係る運搬時と画像形成時の違いを比較した簡略模式図(A) and (b) are simplified schematic diagrams comparing the differences during transportation and image formation according to the first embodiment. （ａ）（ｂ）は実施例３に係る搬時と画像形成時の違いを比較した簡略模式図(A) and (b) are simplified schematic diagrams comparing differences between carrying and image forming according to the third embodiment.

以下、図面を参照して、本発明の好適な実施の形態を例示的に詳しく説明する。ただし、以下の実施形態に記載されている構成部品の寸法、材質、形状、それらの相対配置などは、本発明が適用される装置の構成や各種条件により適宜変更されるべきものである。従って、特に特定的な記載がない限りは、本発明の範囲をそれらのみに限定する趣旨のものではない。   Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the following embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

〔実施例１〕
［電子写真画像形成装置］
先ず、電子写真画像形成装置（以下「画像形成装置」という）の全体構成について図２、図３、図４を用いて説明する。図２は、画像形成装置１００の概略断面図である。図３は、画像形成装置１００にプロセスカートリッジ７を装着する斜視図である。図４は、プロセスカートリッジ７の概略断面図である。 [Example 1]
[Electrophotographic image forming apparatus]
First, an overall configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “image forming apparatus”) will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of mounting the process cartridge 7 on the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge 7.

画像形成装置１００は、複数の画像形成部として、それぞれイエロー（Ｙ）、マゼンタ（Ｍ）、シアン（Ｃ）、ブラック（Ｋ）の各色の画像を形成するための第１、第２、第３、第４の画像形成部ＳＹ，ＳＭ，ＳＣ，ＳＫを有する。   The image forming apparatus 100 includes, as a plurality of image forming units, first, second, and third images for forming yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) images, respectively. And fourth image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK.

本実施例では、第１〜第４の画像形成部の構成及び動作は、形成する画像の色が異なることを除いて実質的に同じである。従って、以下、特に区別を要しない場合は、Ｙ、Ｍ、Ｃ、Ｋは省略して、総括的に説明する。   In the present embodiment, the configurations and operations of the first to fourth image forming units are substantially the same except that the colors of the images to be formed are different. Therefore, in the following, when there is no particular need for distinction, Y, M, C, and K will be omitted, and a general description will be given.

即ち、本実施例では、画像形成装置１００は、現像剤像を担持する像担持体として、４個の電子写真感光体ドラム（以下「感光体ドラム」という）１（１Ｙ，１Ｍ，１Ｃ，１Ｋ）を有する。感光体ドラム１は、図示矢印Ａ方向に回転する。感光体ドラム１の周囲には帯電ローラ２及びスキャナユニット（露光装置）３が配置されている。   In other words, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 includes four electrophotographic photosensitive drums (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drums”) 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) as image carriers that carry developer images. ). The photosensitive drum 1 rotates in the direction of arrow A in the figure. Around the photosensitive drum 1, a charging roller 2 and a scanner unit (exposure device) 3 are arranged.

ここで、帯電ローラ２は、感光体ドラム１の表面を均一に帯電する帯電手段である。そして、スキャナユニット３は、画像情報に基づきレーザーを照射して感光体ドラム１上に静電像（静電潜像）を形成する露光手段である。又、感光体ドラム１の周囲には、現像装置（以下、現像ユニット）４（４Ｙ，４Ｍ，４Ｃ，４Ｋ）及びクリーニング手段としてのクリーニングブレード６（６Ｙ，６Ｍ，６Ｃ，６Ｋ）が配置されている。   Here, the charging roller 2 is a charging unit that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The scanner unit 3 is an exposure unit that irradiates a laser based on image information to form an electrostatic image (electrostatic latent image) on the photosensitive drum 1. Further, around the photosensitive drum 1, a developing device (hereinafter referred to as a developing unit) 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and a cleaning blade 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) as cleaning means are arranged. Yes.

更に、４個の感光体ドラム１に対向して、感光体ドラム１上のトナー像を記録材１２に転写するための中間転写体としての中間転写ベルト５が配置されている。   Further, an intermediate transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer body for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 to the recording material 12 is disposed opposite to the four photosensitive drums 1.

また、本実施例では、現像ユニット４は、現像剤として非磁性一成分現像剤、即ち、トナーＴ（ＴＹ，ＴＭ，ＴＣ，ＴＫ）を用いる。本実施例では、現像ユニット４は、現像剤を担持する現像剤担持体としての現像ローラ２２を感光体ドラム１に対して接触させて接触現像を行うものである。   In this embodiment, the developing unit 4 uses a non-magnetic one-component developer, that is, toner T (TY, TM, TC, TK) as a developer. In this embodiment, the developing unit 4 performs contact development by bringing a developing roller 22 as a developer carrying member carrying a developer into contact with the photosensitive drum 1.

本実施例では、感光体ドラム１と、帯電ローラ２、および、クリーニングブレード６と、感光体ドラム１上に残留している転写残トナー（廃トナー）を収容する除去現像剤収容部（以下廃トナー収容部と称す）１４ａ（１４ａＹ，１４ａＭ，１４ａＣ，１４ａＫ）を有する、感光体ユニット１３を形成している。   In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, the cleaning blade 6, and a removed developer storage unit (hereinafter referred to as waste) that stores transfer residual toner (waste toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 1. A photosensitive unit 13 having a toner storage unit 14a (14aY, 14aM, 14aC, 14aK) is formed.

さらに本実施例では、現像剤収容容器としての現像ユニット４および感光体ユニット１３を、一体的にカートリッジ化して、プロセスカートリッジ７（７Ｙ，７Ｍ，７Ｃ，７Ｋ）を形成している。プロセスカートリッジ７は、画像形成装置１００に設けられた不図示の装着ガイド、位置決め部材などの装着手段を介して、画像形成装置１００に着脱可能に取り付けられ、画像形成装置１００から駆動を受ける。   Further, in the present embodiment, the developing unit 4 and the photosensitive unit 13 as the developer container are integrally formed into a cartridge to form a process cartridge 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K). The process cartridge 7 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 100 via a mounting means such as a mounting guide (not shown) and a positioning member provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and is driven by the image forming apparatus 100.

本実施例では、プロセスカートリッジ７は、図３矢印Ｇで示すように、感光体ドラム１の軸線方向に沿って、画像形成装置１００に対して着脱可能である。   In this embodiment, the process cartridge 7 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100 along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1 as indicated by an arrow G in FIG.

本実施例では、各色用のプロセスカートリッジ７は全て同一形状を有している。各色用のプロセスカートリッジ７内には、それぞれイエロー（ＴＹ）、マゼンタ（ＴＭ）、シアン（ＴＣ）、ブラック（ＴＫ）の各色のトナーＴ（ＴＹ，ＴＭ，ＴＣ，ＴＫ）が収納されている。   In this embodiment, all the process cartridges 7 for the respective colors have the same shape. Each color process cartridge 7 contains toner T (TY, TM, TC, TK) of each color of yellow (TY), magenta (TM), cyan (TC), and black (TK).

中間転写ベルト５は、全ての感光体ドラム１に当接し、図示矢印Ｂ方向に回転する。中間転写ベルト５は、複数の支持部材（駆動ローラ２６、二次転写対向ローラ２７、従動ローラ２８）に掛け渡されている。   The intermediate transfer belt 5 is in contact with all the photosensitive drums 1 and rotates in the direction of arrow B in the figure. The intermediate transfer belt 5 is stretched around a plurality of support members (a driving roller 26, a secondary transfer counter roller 27, and a driven roller 28).

中間転写ベルト５の内周面側には、各感光体ドラム１に対向するように、一次転写手段としての、４個の一次転写ローラ８（８Ｙ，８Ｍ，８Ｃ，８Ｋ）が並設されている。又、中間転写ベルト５の外周面側において二次転写対向ローラ２７に対向する位置には、二次転写手段としての二次転写ローラ９が配置されている。   Four primary transfer rollers 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) serving as primary transfer means are arranged in parallel on the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5 so as to face the respective photosensitive drums 1. Yes. Further, a secondary transfer roller 9 as a secondary transfer unit is disposed at a position facing the secondary transfer counter roller 27 on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5.

［画像形成プロセス］
画像形成時には、先ず、感光体ドラム１の表面が帯電ローラ２によって一様に帯電される。次いで、スキャナユニット３から発された画像情報に応じたレーザー光によって、帯電した感光体ドラム１の表面が走査露光され、感光体ドラム１上に画像情報に従った静電潜像が形成される。次いで、感光体ドラム１上に形成された静電潜像は、現像ユニット４によってトナー像として現像される。感光体ドラム１上に形成されたトナー像は、一次転写ローラ８の作用によって中間転写ベルト５上に転写（一次転写）される。 [Image formation process]
At the time of image formation, first, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 2. Next, the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 1 is scanned and exposed by laser light corresponding to image information emitted from the scanner unit 3, and an electrostatic latent image according to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. . Next, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed as a toner image by the developing unit 4. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 by the action of the primary transfer roller 8.

例えば、フルカラー画像の形成時には、上述のプロセスが、第１〜第４の画像形成部ＳＹ，ＳＭ，ＳＣ，ＳＫにおいて順次に行われ、中間転写ベルト５上に各色のトナー像が順次に重ね合わせて一次転写される。その後、中間転写ベルト５の移動と同期して記録材１２が二次転写部へと搬送される。そして、記録材１２を介して中間転写ベルト５に当接している二次転写ローラ９の作用によって、中間転写ベルト５上の４色トナー像は、一括して記録材１２上に二次転写される。   For example, when forming a full-color image, the above-described process is sequentially performed in the first to fourth image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK, and the toner images of the respective colors are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 5. The primary transfer. Thereafter, the recording material 12 is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion in synchronization with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 5. The four-color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are collectively transferred onto the recording material 12 by the action of the secondary transfer roller 9 that is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 5 via the recording material 12. The

トナー像が転写された記録材１２は、定着手段としての定着装置１０に搬送される。定着装置１０において記録材１２に熱及び圧力を加えられることで、記録材１２にトナー像が定着される。   The recording material 12 onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 10 as a fixing unit. The toner image is fixed on the recording material 12 by applying heat and pressure to the recording material 12 in the fixing device 10.

一次転写工程後に感光体ドラム１上に残留した一次転写残トナーは、クリーニングブレード６によって除去される。また、二次転写工程後に中間転写ベルト５上に残留した二次転写残トナーは、中間転写ベルトクリーニング装置１１によって除去される。   The primary transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer process is removed by the cleaning blade 6. Further, the secondary transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer step is removed by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 11.

除去された転写残トナー（廃トナー）は、画像形成装置１００の廃トナーボックス（不図示）に排出される。   The removed transfer residual toner (waste toner) is discharged to a waste toner box (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 100.

画像形成装置１００は、所望の単独又はいくつか（全てではない）の画像形成部のみを用いて、単色又はマルチカラーの画像を形成することもできるようになっている。   The image forming apparatus 100 can also form a single-color or multi-color image using only a desired single or some (not all) image forming units.

［プロセスカートリッジ］
次に、本実施例の画像形成装置１００に装着されるプロセスカートリッジ７の全体構成について、図４を用いて説明する。図４は、プロセスカートリッジ７の概略断面図である。 [Process cartridge]
Next, the overall configuration of the process cartridge 7 attached to the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge 7.

感光体ユニット１３は、感光体ユニット１３内の各種要素を支持する枠体としてのクリーニング枠体１４を有する。クリーニング枠体１４には、軸受部材を介して感光体ドラム１が矢印Ａ方向に回転可能に取り付けられている。   The photoconductor unit 13 has a cleaning frame 14 as a frame that supports various elements in the photoconductor unit 13. The photosensitive drum 1 is attached to the cleaning frame 14 via a bearing member so as to be rotatable in the arrow A direction.

また、クリーニング枠体１４には、帯電ローラ軸受１５が、帯電ローラ２の回転中心と感光体ドラム１の回転中心とを通る線に沿って、取り付けられている。ここで、帯電ローラ軸受１５は、矢印Ｃ方向に移動可能に取り付けられている。帯電ローラ２は、帯電ローラ軸受１５に回転可能に取り付けられている。そして、帯電ローラ軸受１５は、付勢手段としての帯電ローラ加圧バネ１６により感光体ドラム１に向かって付勢される。   A charging roller bearing 15 is attached to the cleaning frame 14 along a line passing through the rotation center of the charging roller 2 and the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 1. Here, the charging roller bearing 15 is attached to be movable in the direction of arrow C. The charging roller 2 is rotatably attached to the charging roller bearing 15. The charging roller bearing 15 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 1 by a charging roller pressing spring 16 as urging means.

また、クリーニングブレード６は、一次転写後に感光体ドラム１の表面に残った転写残トナー（廃トナー）を除去するための弾性部材６ａと、弾性部材を支持するための支持部材６ｂとが一体に形成されている。   The cleaning blade 6 includes an elastic member 6a for removing transfer residual toner (waste toner) remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer, and a support member 6b for supporting the elastic member. Is formed.

クリーニングブレード６によって感光体ドラム１の表面から除去された廃トナーは、クリーニングブレード６とクリーニング枠体１４により形成される空間を重力方向に落下し、廃トナー収容部１４ａ内に収容される。   The waste toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 6 falls in the direction of gravity in the space formed by the cleaning blade 6 and the cleaning frame 14, and is stored in the waste toner storage portion 14a.

現像ユニット４は、現像ユニット４内の各種要素を支持する枠体としての現像枠体１８を有する。現像ユニット４には、感光体ドラム１と接触して矢印Ｄ方向に回転する現像剤担持体としての現像ローラ２２が設けられている。現像ローラ２２は、その長手方向（回転軸線方向）の両端部において、軸受を介して回転可能に現像枠体１８に支持されている。   The developing unit 4 has a developing frame 18 as a frame that supports various elements in the developing unit 4. The developing unit 4 is provided with a developing roller 22 as a developer carrying member that contacts the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates in the direction of arrow D. The developing roller 22 is rotatably supported by the developing frame 18 via bearings at both ends in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction).

また、現像ユニット４は、トナーを収容する現像剤収容部１８ａと、現像ローラ２２が配設された現像室１８ｂと、現像剤収容部１８ａと現像室１８ｂとを連通する開口１８ｃを有する。本実施例では、現像室１８ｂは現像剤収容部１８ａの上方に位置する。   Further, the developing unit 4 includes a developer accommodating portion 18a that accommodates toner, a developing chamber 18b in which the developing roller 22 is disposed, and an opening 18c that communicates the developer accommodating portion 18a and the developing chamber 18b. In the present embodiment, the developing chamber 18b is located above the developer accommodating portion 18a.

現像室１８ｂには、現像ローラ２２に接触して回転する現像剤供給部材としてのトナー供給ローラ２０と現像ローラ２２のトナー層を規制するための現像剤規制部材としての現像ブレード２１が配置されている。   In the developing chamber 18b, a toner supply roller 20 as a developer supplying member that rotates in contact with the developing roller 22 and a developing blade 21 as a developer regulating member for regulating the toner layer of the developing roller 22 are arranged. Yes.

また、現像枠体１８の現像剤収容部１８ａには、収納されたトナーＴを撹拌するとともに、開口１８ｃを介して、前記トナー供給ローラ２０へトナーを搬送するための撹拌部材２３が設けられている。撹拌部材２３は、現像ローラ２２の回転軸方向に平行な軸部としての回転軸２３ａと、一端が回転軸２３ａに取り付けられ、トナーを撹拌搬送する、可撓性を有するシート状部材である撹拌部としての撹拌シート２３ｂを有する。   The developer accommodating portion 18a of the developing frame 18 is provided with an agitating member 23 for agitating the accommodated toner T and conveying the toner to the toner supply roller 20 through the opening 18c. Yes. The agitating member 23 is a rotating shaft 23a as a shaft portion parallel to the rotating shaft direction of the developing roller 22, and one end attached to the rotating shaft 23a. The agitating member 23 is a flexible sheet-like member that stirs and conveys toner. It has a stirring sheet 23b as a part.

撹拌シート２３ｂは、現像剤収容部１８ａの内壁面に当接して、撹拌シート２３ｂが撓んだ状態で撹拌部材２３が回転する（矢印Ｆ方向）。現像剤収容部１８ａには、撹拌シート２３ｂが撓み状態から解放される解放位置１８ｅを有している。撹拌シート２３ｂは解放位置１８ｅを通過する時に、撹拌シート２３ｂが撓み状態から解放される力によって撹拌シート２３ｂ上に乗ったトナーを跳ね上げ、開口１８ｃを介して現像室１８ｂ内のトナー供給ローラ２０へ搬送する。   The stirring sheet 23b contacts the inner wall surface of the developer accommodating portion 18a, and the stirring member 23 rotates (in the direction of arrow F) while the stirring sheet 23b is bent. The developer accommodating portion 18a has a release position 18e where the stirring sheet 23b is released from the bent state. When the agitating sheet 23b passes through the release position 18e, the toner on the agitating sheet 23b is sprung up by the force with which the agitating sheet 23b is released from the bent state, and the toner supply roller 20 in the developing chamber 18b is opened through the opening 18c. Transport to.

［現像剤収容部の構成］
次に、現像剤収容部１８ａの構成について、図５、図６（ａ）を用いて説明する。図５は、現像剤収容部１８ａの構成を示す斜視図である。図６（ａ）は、現像剤収容部１８ａの構成を示す断面図である。 [Configuration of developer container]
Next, the configuration of the developer accommodating portion 18a will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6A. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the developer accommodating portion 18a. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the developer accommodating portion 18a.

図５に示すように、現像剤収容部１８ａを形成する外観は、上枠体１８ｆと下枠体１８ｇの双方が一体化されることで成り立っている。   As shown in FIG. 5, the appearance of forming the developer accommodating portion 18a is realized by integrating both the upper frame 18f and the lower frame 18g.

前述したように現像剤収容部１８ａ内には、現像剤収容部１８ａに収容したトナーＴを撹拌する撹拌部材２３が配置されている。撹拌部材２３は、現像剤収容部１８ａに回転可能に設けられ、現像剤収容部１８ａの長手方向に延びた回転部材である。   As described above, the agitating member 23 for agitating the toner T accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 18a is disposed in the developer accommodating portion 18a. The stirring member 23 is a rotating member that is rotatably provided in the developer accommodating portion 18a and extends in the longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion 18a.

まず撹拌部材２３は、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈの一方の端部に弾性部材２９を取り付ける。図６（ａ）に示すように回転軸２３ａの一方の端部には、弾性部材２９を取り付けるための突起部２３ｄが設けられている。この回転軸２３ａの突起部２３ｄに弾性部材２９の一方の端部が圧入されることで、弾性部材２９は撹拌部材２３に固定される。これにより、弾性部材２９は撹拌部材２３と一体化される。   First, the stirring member 23 attaches the elastic member 29 to one end portion in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a. As shown in FIG. 6A, a projection 23d for attaching the elastic member 29 is provided at one end of the rotating shaft 23a. The elastic member 29 is fixed to the stirring member 23 by press-fitting one end of the elastic member 29 into the protrusion 23d of the rotating shaft 23a. Thereby, the elastic member 29 is integrated with the stirring member 23.

次に弾性部材２９を含む撹拌部材２３を現像剤収容部１８ａをなす下枠体１８ｇの内部に配置する。このとき、撹拌部材２３の他方の端部（被支持部２３ｃ）が、現像剤収容部１８ａの他方側の内面１８ｋに設けた支持部１８ｈに支持されるよう配置する。   Next, the stirring member 23 including the elastic member 29 is disposed inside the lower frame 18g that forms the developer accommodating portion 18a. At this time, it arrange | positions so that the other edge part (supported part 23c) of the stirring member 23 may be supported by the support part 18h provided in the inner surface 18k of the other side of the developer accommodating part 18a.

次に現像剤収容部１８ａの一方側の外部から、撹拌部材２３に回転駆動を伝達する駆動伝達部材としての伝達部材（ギア）３０を挿入し、撹拌部材２３の一方の端部に接続をする。このとき、撹拌部材２３と伝達部材３０は係合し、撹拌部材２３は伝達部材３０の回転と共に回転可能な構成となっている。この撹拌部材２３と伝達部材３０は係合の状態については後述する。   Next, a transmission member (gear) 30 serving as a drive transmission member that transmits rotational drive to the stirring member 23 is inserted from the outside of one side of the developer accommodating portion 18a, and connected to one end of the stirring member 23. . At this time, the stirring member 23 and the transmission member 30 are engaged, and the stirring member 23 is configured to be rotatable with the rotation of the transmission member 30. The state of engagement between the stirring member 23 and the transmission member 30 will be described later.

また、図６（ａ）に示すように伝達部材３０には、弾性部材２９を取り付けるための突起部３０ａが設けられている。この伝達部材３０の突起部３０ａに弾性部材２９の他方の端部が圧入されることで、弾性部材２９は伝達部材３０に固定される。これにより、弾性部材２９は伝達部材３０と一体化される。   Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the transmission member 30 is provided with a protrusion 30 a for attaching the elastic member 29. The elastic member 29 is fixed to the transmission member 30 by press-fitting the other end of the elastic member 29 into the protrusion 30 a of the transmission member 30. Thereby, the elastic member 29 is integrated with the transmission member 30.

このようにして撹拌部材２３と弾性部材２９と伝達部材３０は一体化され、現像剤収容部１８ａに回転可能に支持されている。   In this way, the stirring member 23, the elastic member 29, and the transmission member 30 are integrated, and are rotatably supported by the developer accommodating portion 18a.

また、現像剤収容部１８ａに支持された撹拌部材２３は、回転軸２３ａの一方の端部と現像剤収容部１８ａの前記一方側（伝達部材３０側）の内面（内側面）１８ｊとの間に第１の隙間Ｌ１を有するように配置されている。また前記撹拌部材２３は、回転軸２３ａの他方の端部と現像剤収容部１８ａの前記他方側（伝達部材３０の反対側）の内面（内側面）１８ｋとの間に第２の隙間Ｌ２を有するように配置されている。そして、前述したように前記撹拌部材２３は、一方の端部が現像剤収容部１８ａの一方側の外部から挿入された伝達部材３０に支持され、他方の端部（被支持部２３ｃ）が現像剤収容部１８ａの他方側の支持部１８ｈに支持されている。   The stirring member 23 supported by the developer accommodating portion 18a is between the one end portion of the rotating shaft 23a and the inner surface (inner surface) 18j on the one side (the transmission member 30 side) of the developer accommodating portion 18a. Are arranged so as to have the first gap L1. Further, the stirring member 23 forms a second gap L2 between the other end portion of the rotating shaft 23a and the inner surface (inner surface) 18k on the other side (opposite side of the transmission member 30) of the developer accommodating portion 18a. It is arranged to have. As described above, one end of the stirring member 23 is supported by the transmission member 30 inserted from the outside on one side of the developer accommodating portion 18a, and the other end (supported portion 23c) is developed. It is supported by the support portion 18h on the other side of the agent accommodating portion 18a.

このようにして前記撹拌部材２３は、現像剤収容部１８ａに対して前記現像剤収容部１８ａの長手方向（軸線方向Ｈ）に相対移動可能なように前記現像剤収容部１８ａに支持されている。したがって、撹拌部材２３は、弾性部材２９から受ける弾性力に応じて、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈに移動することが可能になっている。   In this way, the stirring member 23 is supported by the developer accommodating portion 18a so as to be relatively movable in the longitudinal direction (axial direction H) of the developer accommodating portion 18a with respect to the developer accommodating portion 18a. . Therefore, the stirring member 23 can move in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23 a according to the elastic force received from the elastic member 29.

そして、上枠体１８ｆと下枠体１８ｇとを接合し、トナー充填口（不図示）からトナーＴを充填し、現像剤収容部１８ａとなる。   Then, the upper frame body 18f and the lower frame body 18g are joined, and the toner T is filled from a toner filling port (not shown) to form the developer accommodating portion 18a.

図６（ａ）に示すように現像剤収容部１８ａの完成の状態（撹拌部材の回転軸線を重力方向とした縦置き以外の姿勢）では、弾性部材２９は自由長で配置されており、弾性部材２９には圧縮の力も引っ張りの力も働いてはいない。弾性部材２９は、現像剤収容部１８ａの長手方向（軸線方向Ｈ）に伸縮可能な圧縮バネであり、この圧縮バネの自由長により撹拌部材２３が支持される現像剤収容部１８ａの長手方向の位置が決定される。   As shown in FIG. 6A, in the completed state of the developer accommodating portion 18a (posture other than vertical installation with the rotation axis of the agitating member as the direction of gravity), the elastic member 29 is arranged in a free length and is elastic. The member 29 is neither compressed nor pulled. The elastic member 29 is a compression spring that can be expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction (axial direction H) of the developer accommodating portion 18a, and the longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion 18a in which the stirring member 23 is supported by the free length of the compression spring. The position is determined.

［運搬時の説明］
引き続き図６（ｂ）、図６（ｃ）を用いてプロセスカートリッジ７の運搬時の説明をする。図６（ｂ）、図６（ｃ）は、現像剤収容部１８ａの構成を示す断面図である。 [Description during transportation]
Next, the process cartridge 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6B and 6C. 6B and 6C are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the developer accommodating portion 18a.

図６（ｂ）、図６（ｃ）に示すように、プロセスカートリッジ７の撹拌部材２３の回転軸２３ａの軸線（図中の一点鎖線）を重力方向とした縦置きの状態で運搬された状況を説明する。尚、この状況での部品の動きが分かりやすいように本説明では、関係する現像剤収容部１８ａ、回転軸２３ａ、弾性部材２９、伝達部材３０のみを図示し説明をする。   As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the process cartridge 7 is transported in a vertically placed state in which the axis of the rotating shaft 23a of the stirring member 23 of the process cartridge 7 is a gravity direction. Will be explained. In this description, only the related developer accommodating portion 18a, rotating shaft 23a, elastic member 29, and transmission member 30 are shown and described so that the movement of components in this situation can be easily understood.

図６（ｂ）は伝達部材３０を重力方向下側にしてプロセスカートリッジが運搬された場合の現像剤収容部１８ａ内の状態を示す。   FIG. 6B shows a state in the developer accommodating portion 18a when the process cartridge is transported with the transmission member 30 on the lower side in the gravity direction.

前述したように回転軸２３ａは弾性部材２９の圧縮と引っ張りに応じて回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈに移動（揺動）可能である。   As described above, the rotating shaft 23a can move (swing) in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a in accordance with the compression and tension of the elastic member 29.

まず、運搬によって現像剤収容部１８ａに軸線方向Ｈと同じ方向に振動が加わる。すると、回転軸２３ａの重量と回転軸２３ａに付着しているトナーＴの重量により、弾性部材２９は圧縮される。   First, vibration is applied to the developer accommodating portion 18a in the same direction as the axial direction H by transportation. Then, the elastic member 29 is compressed by the weight of the rotating shaft 23a and the weight of the toner T adhering to the rotating shaft 23a.

弾性部材２９が圧縮されることで、回転軸２３ａは現像剤収容部１８ａの一端側（伝達部材３０側）の内面１８ｊへ近づく方向へ移動する。これにより、回転軸２３ａの一方の端部と現像剤収容部１８ａの一端側（伝達部材３０側）の内面１８ｊとの間の隙間Ｌ１が小さくなる。   As the elastic member 29 is compressed, the rotating shaft 23a moves in a direction approaching the inner surface 18j on one end side (the transmission member 30 side) of the developer accommodating portion 18a. As a result, the gap L1 between one end portion of the rotating shaft 23a and the inner surface 18j on one end side (the transmission member 30 side) of the developer accommodating portion 18a is reduced.

その後、弾性部材２９の圧縮が復元されることで、撹拌部材２３に弾性力が働く。すなわち、前記弾性部材２９は、前記隙間Ｌ１の幅が小さくなる方向へ変化したとき、前記隙間Ｌ１の幅が元に戻るように前記撹拌部材２３に付勢力を発生させる。これにより、回転軸２３ａは現像剤収容部１８ａの一端側（伝達部材３０側）の内面１８ｊから離れる方向へ移動し、前記隙間Ｌ１は元に戻る方向へ広がる。運搬時の振動が継続される限り、回転軸２３ａは軸線方向Ｈに往復する揺動をくり返す。   Thereafter, the compression of the elastic member 29 is restored, and an elastic force acts on the stirring member 23. That is, the elastic member 29 generates an urging force on the stirring member 23 so that the width of the gap L1 is restored to the original when the width of the gap L1 is reduced. Thereby, the rotating shaft 23a moves in a direction away from the inner surface 18j on one end side (the transmission member 30 side) of the developer accommodating portion 18a, and the gap L1 expands in the returning direction. As long as vibration during transportation continues, the rotary shaft 23a repeats swinging back and forth in the axial direction H.

回転軸２３ａが軸線方向Ｈの往復の揺動を行うと、回転軸２３ａに接触しているトナーＴと回転軸２３ａの周囲のトナーＴは、撹拌部材２３の動きに応じて軸線方向Ｈの往復の揺動をする。これにより、トナーＴの現像剤収容部１８ａの側面の一端側（伝達部材３０側）に偏った凝集が抑制される。   When the rotary shaft 23 a swings back and forth in the axial direction H, the toner T in contact with the rotary shaft 23 a and the toner T around the rotary shaft 23 a reciprocate in the axial direction H according to the movement of the stirring member 23. Swing. As a result, aggregation of the toner T that is biased toward one end side (the transmission member 30 side) of the side surface of the developer accommodating portion 18a is suppressed.

図６（ｃ）は伝達部材３０を重力方向上側にしてプロセスカートリッジが運搬された場合の現像剤収容部１８ａ内の状態を示す。   FIG. 6C shows a state in the developer accommodating portion 18a when the process cartridge is transported with the transmission member 30 in the gravity direction upper side.

まず、運搬によって現像剤収容部１８ａに軸線方向Ｈと同じ方向に振動が加わる。すると、回転軸２３ａの重量と回転軸２３ａに付着しているトナーＴの重量により、弾性部材２９は引っ張られる。   First, vibration is applied to the developer accommodating portion 18a in the same direction as the axial direction H by transportation. Then, the elastic member 29 is pulled by the weight of the rotating shaft 23a and the weight of the toner T adhering to the rotating shaft 23a.

弾性部材２９が引っ張られることで、回転軸２３ａは現像剤収容部１８ａの他端側（伝達部材３０と反対側）の内面１８ｋへ近づく方向へ移動する。これにより、回転軸２３ａの一方の端部と現像剤収容部１８ａの他端側（伝達部材３０と反対側）の内面１８ｋとの間の隙間Ｌ２が小さくなる。   By pulling the elastic member 29, the rotation shaft 23a moves in a direction approaching the inner surface 18k on the other end side (opposite side to the transmission member 30) of the developer accommodating portion 18a. As a result, the gap L2 between one end portion of the rotating shaft 23a and the inner surface 18k on the other end side (the side opposite to the transmission member 30) of the developer accommodating portion 18a is reduced.

その後、弾性部材２９の引っ張りが復元することで、撹拌部材２３に弾性力が働く。すなわち、前記弾性部材２９は、前記隙間Ｌ２の幅が小さくなる方向へ変化したとき、前記隙間Ｌ２の幅が元に戻るように前記撹拌部材２３に付勢力を発生させる。これにより、回転軸２３ａは現像剤収容部１８ａの他端側（伝達部材３０と反対側）の内面１８ｋから離れる方向へ移動し、前記隙間Ｌ２は元に戻る方向へ広がる。運搬時の振動が継続される限り、回転軸２３ａは軸線方向Ｈに往復する揺動をくり返す。   Thereafter, the tension of the elastic member 29 is restored, so that an elastic force acts on the stirring member 23. That is, the elastic member 29 generates an urging force on the stirring member 23 so that the width of the gap L2 returns to the original when the width of the gap L2 is changed in a decreasing direction. Thereby, the rotating shaft 23a moves in a direction away from the inner surface 18k on the other end side (opposite side to the transmission member 30) of the developer accommodating portion 18a, and the gap L2 expands in the returning direction. As long as vibration during transportation continues, the rotary shaft 23a repeats swinging back and forth in the axial direction H.

回転軸２３ａが軸線方向Ｈの往復の揺動を行うと、回転軸２３ａに接触しているトナーＴと回転軸２３ａの周囲のトナーＴは、撹拌部材２３の動きに応じて軸線方向Ｈの往復の揺動をする。これにより、トナーＴの現像剤収容部１８ａの側面の他端側（伝達部材３０と反対側）に偏った凝集が抑制される。   When the rotary shaft 23 a swings back and forth in the axial direction H, the toner T in contact with the rotary shaft 23 a and the toner T around the rotary shaft 23 a reciprocate in the axial direction H according to the movement of the stirring member 23. Swing. As a result, aggregation of the toner T that is biased toward the other end side (the side opposite to the transmission member 30) of the side surface of the developer accommodating portion 18a is suppressed.

［画像形成時の説明］
次に、図１（ａ）、図１（ｂ）、図７、図８（ａ）、図８（ｂ）を用いて画像形成時の説明をする。図１（ａ）は運搬時の回転軸と伝達部材の係合関係を示す斜視図、図１（ｂ）は画像形成時の回転軸と伝達部材の係合関係を示す斜視図である。図７は、回転軸と伝達部材の構成を示した斜視図である。図８（ａ）は運搬時の回転軸と伝達部材の係合関係を示す簡略模式図、図８（ｂ）は画像形成時の回転軸と伝達部材の係合関係を示す簡略模式図である。 [Description during image formation]
Next, description will be made on image formation with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 7, 8A, and 8B. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft and the transmission member during transportation, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft and the transmission member during image formation. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the rotating shaft and the transmission member. FIG. 8A is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft and the transmission member during transportation, and FIG. 8B is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft and the transmission member during image formation. .

前述したように回転軸２３ａの一方の端部と伝達部材３０は係合している。図７に示すように、伝達部材３０は、撹拌部材２３の回転軸２３ａと係合可能な係合部３０ｂを有している。係合部３０ｂは、凸形状の凸部を有している。ここでは係合部３０ｂは、回転軸の内側から外側に向けて突出した凸部である。   As described above, one end of the rotating shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 are engaged. As shown in FIG. 7, the transmission member 30 includes an engaging portion 30 b that can engage with the rotating shaft 23 a of the stirring member 23. The engaging part 30b has a convex part. Here, the engaging portion 30b is a convex portion protruding from the inner side to the outer side of the rotating shaft.

回転軸２３ａは、前記係合部３０ｂと係合する第１被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｇと、前記係合部３０ｂと係合する第２被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｈを有している。第１被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｇは、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈにおける撹拌部材２３の相対移動を第１距離まで許容する。被係合溝２３ｇは、前記軸線方向Ｈにおける前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ１と前記第１距離の合計値よりも大きい第１幅Ｗ１を有する第１溝部である。すなわち、第１被係合部は、第１溝部としての被係合溝２３ｇを有している。一方、第２被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｈは、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈにおける撹拌部材２３の相対移動を、前記第１距離よりも小さい第２距離まで許容する。被係合溝２３ｈは、前記軸線方向Ｈにおける前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ１と前記第２距離の合計値よりも大きく且つ前記第１幅Ｋ１より小さい第２幅Ｗ２を有する第２溝部である。すなわち、第２被係合部は、第２溝部としての被係合溝２３ｈを有している。被係合溝２３ｇの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｗ１と、被係合溝２３ｈの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｗ２の関係は、Ｗ１＞Ｗ２、となっている。   The rotating shaft 23a includes an engaged groove 23g as a first engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion 30b, and an engaged groove as a second engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion 30b. 23h. The engaged groove 23g as the first engaged portion allows the relative movement of the stirring member 23 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a to the first distance. The engaged groove 23g is a first groove portion having a first width W1 larger than the total value of the width K1 of the engaging portion 30b and the first distance in the axial direction H. That is, the first engaged portion has an engaged groove 23g as a first groove portion. On the other hand, the engaged groove 23h as the second engaged portion allows the relative movement of the stirring member 23 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a to a second distance smaller than the first distance. The engaged groove 23h is a second groove portion having a second width W2 that is larger than the total value of the width K1 of the engaging portion 30b and the second distance in the axial direction H and smaller than the first width K1. . That is, the second engaged portion has an engaged groove 23h as a second groove portion. The relationship between the width W1 of the engaged groove 23g in the axial direction H and the width W2 of the engaged groove 23h in the axial direction H is W1> W2.

また伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂは、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈに幅Ｋ１を有する凸部である。前記被係合溝２３ｇおよび前記被係合溝２３ｈの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｗ１，Ｗ２は、いずれも伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｋ１より大きい。したがって、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ１を含めた、前記被係合溝２３ｇおよび前記被係合溝２３ｈとの軸線方向Ｈの幅の関係は、Ｗ１＞Ｗ２＞Ｋ１、となっている。なお、前記軸線方向Ｈ（現像剤収容部の長手方向）において、前記第２溝部としての被係合溝２３ｈの第２幅Ｗ２は、前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ１とほぼ同じである。   The engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 is a convex portion having a width K1 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a. The widths W1 and W2 in the axial direction H of the engaged groove 23g and the engaged groove 23h are both larger than the width K1 in the axial direction H of the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30. Therefore, the relationship of the width in the axial direction H between the engaged groove 23g and the engaged groove 23h including the width K1 of the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 is W1> W2> K1. Yes. In the axial direction H (longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion), the second width W2 of the engaged groove 23h as the second groove portion is substantially the same as the width K1 of the engaging portion 30b.

前記被係合溝２３ｈは、前記被係合溝２３ｇから伝達部材３０の回転方向（図１（ｂ）に示す矢印Ｆ方向）に分岐している。すなわち、前記第１溝部としての被係合溝２３ｇと前記第２溝部としての被係合溝２３ｈは繋ぐように形成されている。したがって、図１（ａ）に示す係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｇが係合する第１係合関係と、図１（ｂ）に示す係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｈが係合する第２係合関係とが、伝達部材３０の回転により切り替わる。   The engaged groove 23h is branched from the engaged groove 23g in the rotation direction of the transmission member 30 (the direction of the arrow F shown in FIG. 1B). That is, the engaged groove 23g as the first groove and the engaged groove 23h as the second groove are formed so as to be connected. Accordingly, the first engagement relationship in which the engaging portion 30b and the engaged groove 23g shown in FIG. 1A are engaged, and the engaging portion 30b and the engaged groove 23h shown in FIG. 1B are engaged. The second engagement relationship is switched by the rotation of the transmission member 30.

図１（ａ）、図８（ａ）は、運搬時の回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合状態を示したものである。運搬時においては、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂは、回転軸２３ａの被係合溝２３ｇの幅Ｗ１内に収まっている。この時、回転軸２３ａは、係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｇが係合した第１係合関係により、幅Ｗ１−Ｋ１（第１距離）の量まで軸線方向Ｈに移動可能である。   FIG. 1A and FIG. 8A show the engaged state of the rotating shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 during transportation. During transportation, the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 is within the width W1 of the engaged groove 23g of the rotating shaft 23a. At this time, the rotating shaft 23a is movable in the axial direction H up to the amount of the width W1-K1 (first distance) by the first engagement relationship in which the engaging portion 30b and the engaged groove 23g are engaged.

図１（ｂ）、図８（ｂ）は、画像形成時の回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合状態を示したものである。伝達部材３０が矢印Ｆ方向に回転すると、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂは被係合溝２３ｇから被係合溝２３ｈへ移動する。係合部３０ｂが被係合溝２３ｇから被係合溝２３ｈへ移動した後、係合部３０ｂは、被係合溝２３ｈの幅Ｗ２内に収まる。この時、回転軸２３ａは、係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｈが係合した第２係合関係により、幅Ｗ２−Ｋ１（第１距離より小さい第２距離）の量を軸線方向Ｈに移動可能である。このように伝達部材３０の回転により、回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合関係は、前述の第１係合関係から第２係合関係に切り替わる。   FIG. 1B and FIG. 8B show the engaged state of the rotating shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 during image formation. When the transmission member 30 rotates in the direction of arrow F, the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 moves from the engaged groove 23g to the engaged groove 23h. After the engaging portion 30b moves from the engaged groove 23g to the engaged groove 23h, the engaging portion 30b fits within the width W2 of the engaged groove 23h. At this time, the rotation shaft 23a has an amount of width W2-K1 (second distance smaller than the first distance) in the axial direction H due to the second engagement relationship in which the engaging portion 30b and the engaged groove 23h are engaged. It is movable. Thus, by the rotation of the transmission member 30, the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 is switched from the first engagement relationship to the second engagement relationship.

前述した、運搬時の回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈの移動可能量Ｗ１−Ｋ１と、画像形成時の回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈの移動可能量Ｗ２−Ｋ１の関係は、Ｗ１−Ｋ１＞Ｗ２−Ｋ１、となる。   The relationship between the movable amount W1-K1 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a during transportation and the movable amount W2-K1 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a during image formation is as follows: W1-K1> W2- K1.

このように回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈの移動可能量は、駆動時（画像形成時）の方が運搬時よりも小さい。画像形成時には撹拌部材２３の軸線方向Ｈへの揺動量（移動量）を運搬時よりも抑えることで、現像剤収容部１８ａ内の撹拌部材２３の位置を決め、トナーＴの搬送を行うことができる。   Thus, the movable amount in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a is smaller during driving (during image formation) than during transportation. When the image is formed, the amount of movement (movement amount) of the stirring member 23 in the axial direction H is suppressed more than that during transportation, whereby the position of the stirring member 23 in the developer containing portion 18a is determined and the toner T is transported. it can.

上述したように、本実施例によれば、伝達部材３０の回転により、回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合関係を、撹拌部材の相対移動を第１距離まで許容する第１係合関係と、撹拌部材の相対移動を第１距離よりも小さい第２距離まで許容する第２係合関係とに切り替える。これにより、揺動する部材を別途設けるのではなく、撹拌部材を軸線方向の両方向に移動可能とし、運搬等の際の振動で撹拌部材が移動することで、運搬時に発生する現像剤の凝集を有効に抑制できる。   As described above, according to the present embodiment, by the rotation of the transmission member 30, the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 is the first engagement relationship that allows the relative movement of the stirring member to the first distance. Then, the second engagement relationship that allows the relative movement of the stirring member to a second distance smaller than the first distance is switched. As a result, the agitating member can be moved in both axial directions instead of separately providing a swinging member, and the agitation member moves due to vibration during transportation, thereby aggregating developer generated during transportation. It can be effectively suppressed.

〔実施例２〕
次に実施例２に係る現像剤収容容器について、図９（ａ）、図９（ｂ）を用いて説明する。図９（ａ）、図９（ｂ）は実施例２に係る撹拌部材の回転軸と伝達部材の構成を示す簡略模式図である。 [Example 2]
Next, a developer storage container according to Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are simplified schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of the rotating shaft and the transmission member of the stirring member according to the second embodiment.

なお、本実施例においては、前述した実施例１と異なる部分について詳細に説明する。特に改めて記載しない限りは、材質、形状などは前述の実施例１と同様である。そのような部分については、同一の番号を付与し、詳細な説明は省略する。   In the present embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail. Unless otherwise described, the material, shape, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment. Such parts are given the same numbers and will not be described in detail.

本実施例においても、回転軸２３ａの一方の端部と伝達部材３０は係合している。図９（ａ）、図９（ｂ）に示すように、伝達部材３０は、撹拌部材２３の回転軸２３ａと係合可能な係合部３０ｂを有している。係合部３０ｂは、回転軸の内側から外側に向けて突出した凸部であり、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈに幅Ｋ２を有する凸部である。すなわち、係合部３０ｂは、凸形状の凸部を有している。被係合溝２３ｇの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｗ１は、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｋ２より大きい（Ｗ１＞Ｋ２）。   Also in the present embodiment, one end portion of the rotating shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 are engaged. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the transmission member 30 has an engaging portion 30 b that can engage with the rotating shaft 23 a of the stirring member 23. The engaging portion 30b is a convex portion that protrudes from the inside to the outside of the rotating shaft, and is a protruding portion that has a width K2 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a. That is, the engaging part 30b has a convex part. The width W1 in the axial direction H of the engaged groove 23g is larger than the width K2 in the axial direction H of the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 (W1> K2).

回転軸２３ａは、前記係合部３０ｂと係合する第１被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｇと、前記係合部３０ｂと係合する第２被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｈを有している。第１被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｇは、実施例１と同様に、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈにおける撹拌部材２３の相対移動を第１距離まで許容する。被係合溝２３ｇは、前記軸線方向Ｈにおける前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ２と前記第１距離の合計値よりも大きい第１幅Ｗ１を有する第１溝部である。すなわち、第１被係合部は、第１溝部としての被係合溝２３ｇを有している。一方、第２被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｈは、前記軸線方向Ｈ（現像剤収容部の長手方向）において前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ２より大きく前記第１幅Ｗ１より小さい開口幅Ｗ２を持つ開口を備え、且つ前記被係合溝２３ｇから離れる方向に前記軸線方向Ｈにおける幅が小さくなるように形成される第２溝部である。すなわち、第２被係合部は、第２溝部としての被係合溝２３ｈを有している。被係合溝２３ｈは、前記被係合溝２３ｇと繋ぐように形成されており、交差する二つの平面ａ，ｂからなる。被係合溝２３ｈには、前記交差する二つの平面ａ，ｂにより、前記軸線方向Ｈにおける幅が前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ２よりも小さい領域が形成されている。この被係合溝２３ｈの二つの平面ａ，ｂの一方または両方に係合部３０ｂが当接することで、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈにおける撹拌部材２３の相対移動を規制する。   The rotating shaft 23a includes an engaged groove 23g as a first engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion 30b, and an engaged groove as a second engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion 30b. 23h. The engaged groove 23g as the first engaged portion allows the relative movement of the stirring member 23 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a to the first distance, as in the first embodiment. The engaged groove 23g is a first groove portion having a first width W1 that is larger than the total value of the width K2 of the engaging portion 30b and the first distance in the axial direction H. That is, the first engaged portion has an engaged groove 23g as a first groove portion. On the other hand, the engaged groove 23h as the second engaged portion has an opening width that is larger than the width K2 of the engaging portion 30b and smaller than the first width W1 in the axial direction H (longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion). The second groove portion includes an opening having W2 and is formed so that a width in the axial direction H is reduced in a direction away from the engaged groove 23g. That is, the second engaged portion has an engaged groove 23h as a second groove portion. The engaged groove 23h is formed so as to be connected to the engaged groove 23g, and includes two intersecting planes a and b. In the engaged groove 23h, an area having a width in the axial direction H smaller than the width K2 of the engaging portion 30b is formed by the two intersecting planes a and b. When the engaging portion 30b comes into contact with one or both of the two planes a and b of the engaged groove 23h, the relative movement of the stirring member 23 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a is restricted.

図９（ａ）は、運搬時の回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合状態を示したものである。運搬時においては、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂは、回転軸２３ａの被係合溝２３ｇの幅Ｗ１内に収まっている。この時、回転軸２３ａは、係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｇが係合した第１係合関係により、幅Ｗ１−Ｋ２（第１距離）の量まで軸線方向Ｈに移動可能である。   FIG. 9A shows the engaged state of the rotating shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 during transportation. During transportation, the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 is within the width W1 of the engaged groove 23g of the rotating shaft 23a. At this time, the rotating shaft 23a is movable in the axial direction H up to the amount of the width W1-K2 (first distance) by the first engaging relationship in which the engaging portion 30b and the engaged groove 23g are engaged.

図９（ｂ）は、画像形成時の回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合状態を示したものである。伝達部材３０が矢印Ｆ方向に回転すると、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂは被係合溝２３ｇから被係合溝２３ｈへ移動する。係合部３０ｂが被係合溝２３ｇから被係合溝２３ｈへ移動した後、係合部３０ｂは被係合溝２３ｈの平面ａと平面ｂに当接する。これにより、回転軸２３ａは、係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｈが係合した第２係合関係により、軸線方向Ｈへの移動が規制される。このように伝達部材３０の回転により、回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合関係は、前述の第１係合関係から第２係合関係に切り替わる。なお、被係合溝２３ｈの開口では、前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ２より大きく前記第１幅Ｗ１より小さい開口幅Ｗ２を持つため、回転軸２３ａは、被係合溝２３ｈの二つの平面ａ，ｂの少なくとも一方に係合部３０ｂが当接（第２係合関係）することで、幅Ｗ２−Ｋ２（第１距離より小さい第２距離）で軸線方向Ｈへの移動が規制される。さらに被係合溝２３ｈの前記開口幅Ｗ２より小さい幅Ｗ３の部分では、回転軸２３ａは、被係合溝２３ｈの二つの平面ａ，ｂの両方に係合部３０ｂが当接（第２係合関係）することで、幅Ｗ３−Ｋ２（第１距離より小さい第２距離）で軸線方向Ｈへの移動が規制される。前記軸線方向Ｈ（現像剤収容部の長手方向）において、前記第２溝部としての被係合溝２３ｈの開口幅Ｗ２は、前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ２とほぼ同じである。一方、前記第２溝部としての被係合溝２３ｈの開口幅Ｗ２より小さい幅Ｗ３は、前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ２と同じであり、幅Ｗ３−Ｋ２はゼロである。   FIG. 9B shows an engaged state of the rotation shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 during image formation. When the transmission member 30 rotates in the direction of arrow F, the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 moves from the engaged groove 23g to the engaged groove 23h. After the engaging portion 30b moves from the engaged groove 23g to the engaged groove 23h, the engaging portion 30b contacts the flat surface a and the flat surface b of the engaged groove 23h. Thereby, the movement of the rotating shaft 23a in the axial direction H is restricted by the second engagement relationship in which the engaging portion 30b and the engaged groove 23h are engaged. Thus, by the rotation of the transmission member 30, the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 is switched from the first engagement relationship to the second engagement relationship. Since the opening of the engaged groove 23h has an opening width W2 that is larger than the width K2 of the engaging portion 30b and smaller than the first width W1, the rotating shaft 23a has two planes a of the engaged groove 23h. , B abuts the engagement portion 30b (second engagement relationship), so that the movement in the axial direction H is restricted by the width W2-K2 (second distance smaller than the first distance). Further, in the portion of the engaged groove 23h having a width W3 smaller than the opening width W2, the rotating shaft 23a is brought into contact with both of the two planes a and b of the engaged groove 23h (second engagement). As a result, the movement in the axial direction H is restricted by the width W3-K2 (second distance smaller than the first distance). In the axial direction H (longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion), the opening width W2 of the engaged groove 23h as the second groove portion is substantially the same as the width K2 of the engaging portion 30b. On the other hand, the width W3 smaller than the opening width W2 of the engaged groove 23h as the second groove portion is the same as the width K2 of the engaging portion 30b, and the width W3-K2 is zero.

このようにして運搬時には撹拌部材２３を軸線方向Ｈへ揺動させ、画像形成時には撹拌部材２３を軸線方向Ｈへの揺動を規制する。画像形成時には撹拌部材２３の位置を固定し、トナーＴの撹拌・搬送を行う。   In this way, the agitating member 23 is swung in the axial direction H during transportation, and the agitating member 23 is restricted from swinging in the axial direction H during image formation. At the time of image formation, the position of the stirring member 23 is fixed, and the toner T is stirred and conveyed.

上述したように、本実施例においても、伝達部材３０の回転により、回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合関係を、撹拌部材の相対移動を第１距離まで許容する第１係合関係と、撹拌部材の相対移動を規制する第２係合関係とに切り替える。これにより、揺動する部材を別途設けるのではなく、撹拌部材を軸線方向の両方向に移動可能とし、運搬等の際の振動で撹拌部材が移動することで、運搬時に発生する現像剤の凝集を有効に抑制できる。   As described above, also in the present embodiment, by the rotation of the transmission member 30, the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 is the first engagement relationship that allows the relative movement of the stirring member to the first distance; It switches to the 2nd engagement relationship which controls the relative movement of a stirring member. As a result, the agitating member can be moved in both axial directions instead of separately providing a swinging member, and the agitation member moves due to vibration during transportation, thereby aggregating developer generated during transportation. It can be effectively suppressed.

〔実施例３〕
次に実施例３に係る現像剤収容容器について、図１０（ａ）、図１０（ｂ）を用いて説明する。図１０（ａ）、図１０（ｂ）は実施例３に係る撹拌部材の回転軸と伝達部材の構成を示す簡略模式図である。 Example 3
Next, a developer container according to Example 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are simplified schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of the rotation shaft and the transmission member of the stirring member according to the third embodiment.

なお、本実施例においては、前述した実施例１と異なる部分について詳細に説明する。特に改めて記載しない限りは、材質、形状などは前述の実施例１と同様である。そのような部分については、同一の番号を付与し、詳細な説明は省略する。   In the present embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail. Unless otherwise described, the material, shape, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment. Such parts are given the same numbers and will not be described in detail.

本実施例においても、回転軸２３ａの一方の端部と伝達部材３０は係合している。図１０（ａ）、図１０（ｂ）に示すように、伝達部材３０は、撹拌部材２３の回転軸２３ａと係合可能な凸形状の係合部３０ｂを有している。係合部３０ｂは、回転軸の内側から外側に向けて突出した凸部である。すなわち、係合部３０ｂは、凸形状の凸部を有している。   Also in the present embodiment, one end portion of the rotating shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 are engaged. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the transmission member 30 has a convex engaging portion 30 b that can engage with the rotation shaft 23 a of the stirring member 23. The engaging part 30b is a convex part protruding from the inner side to the outer side of the rotating shaft. That is, the engaging part 30b has a convex part.

回転軸２３ａは、前記係合部３０ｂと係合する第１被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｇと、前記係合部３０ｂと係合する第２被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｈを有している。第１被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｇは、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈにおける撹拌部材２３の相対移動を第１距離まで許容する。被係合溝２３ｇは、前記軸線方向Ｈにおける前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ３と前記第１距離の合計値よりも大きい幅Ｗ１を有する第１溝部である。すなわち、第１被係合部は、第１溝部としての被係合溝２３ｇを有している。一方、第２被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｈは、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈにおける撹拌部材２３の相対移動を、前記第１距離よりも小さい第２距離まで許容する。被係合溝２３ｈは、前記軸線方向Ｈにおける前記係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ３より小さく且つ圧入により前記係合部３０ｂが嵌入可能な幅Ｗ２を有する第２溝部である。すなわち、第２被係合部は、第２溝部としての被係合溝２３ｈを有している。被係合溝２３ｇの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｗ１と、被係合溝２３ｈの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｗ２の関係は、Ｗ１＞Ｗ２、となっている。なお、ここでは、被係合溝２３ｈは、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈにおける撹拌部材２３の相対移動を規制する幅Ｗ２を有する溝である。   The rotating shaft 23a includes an engaged groove 23g as a first engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion 30b, and an engaged groove as a second engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion 30b. 23h. The engaged groove 23g as the first engaged portion allows the relative movement of the stirring member 23 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a to the first distance. The engaged groove 23g is a first groove portion having a width W1 larger than the total value of the width K3 of the engaging portion 30b and the first distance in the axial direction H. That is, the first engaged portion has an engaged groove 23g as a first groove portion. On the other hand, the engaged groove 23h as the second engaged portion allows the relative movement of the stirring member 23 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a to a second distance smaller than the first distance. The engaged groove 23h is a second groove portion that is smaller than the width K3 of the engaging portion 30b in the axial direction H and has a width W2 in which the engaging portion 30b can be fitted by press-fitting. That is, the second engaged portion has an engaged groove 23h as a second groove portion. The relationship between the width W1 of the engaged groove 23g in the axial direction H and the width W2 of the engaged groove 23h in the axial direction H is W1> W2. Here, the engaged groove 23h is a groove having a width W2 for restricting relative movement of the stirring member 23 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a.

また伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂは、回転軸２３ａの軸線方向Ｈに幅Ｋ３を有する凸部である。前記被係合溝２３ｇの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｗ１は、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｋ３より大きい。一方、前記被係合溝２３ｈの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｗ２は、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂの軸線方向Ｈの幅Ｋ３より小さい。したがって、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂの幅Ｋ３を含めた、前記被係合溝２３ｇおよび前記被係合溝２３ｈとの軸線方向Ｈの幅の関係は、Ｗ１＞Ｋ３＞Ｗ２、となっている。ここでは、第２被係合部としての被係合溝２３ｈは、前記係合部３０ｂよりも弾性変形しやすい構成となっている。この場合、被係合溝２３ｈを、係合部３０ｂより剛性の高い材料で形成する、あるいは被係合溝２３ｈの係合部３０ｂとの当接面に弾性部材も設けるなど、弾性変形により嵌合するよう適宜構成すれば良い。あるいは、係合部３０ｂを被係合溝２３ｈよりも弾性変形しやすい構成としてもよい。   The engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 is a convex portion having a width K3 in the axial direction H of the rotating shaft 23a. The width W1 in the axial direction H of the engaged groove 23g is larger than the width K3 in the axial direction H of the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30. On the other hand, the width W2 in the axial direction H of the engaged groove 23h is smaller than the width K3 in the axial direction H of the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30. Therefore, the relationship of the width in the axial direction H between the engaged groove 23g and the engaged groove 23h including the width K3 of the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 is W1> K3> W2. Yes. Here, the engaged groove 23h as the second engaged portion is configured to be elastically deformed more easily than the engaging portion 30b. In this case, the engaged groove 23h is formed of a material having a rigidity higher than that of the engaging portion 30b, or an elastic member is provided on the contact surface of the engaged groove 23h with the engaging portion 30b. What is necessary is just to comprise suitably so that it may match. Alternatively, the engaging portion 30b may be configured to be more elastically deformed than the engaged groove 23h.

前記被係合溝２３ｈは、前記被係合溝２３ｇから伝達部材３０の回転方向（図１０（ｂ）に示す矢印Ｆ方向）に分岐している。すなわち、前記第１溝部としての被係合溝２３ｇと前記第２溝部としての被係合溝２３ｈは繋ぐように形成されている。したがって、図１０（ａ）に示す係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｇが係合する第１係合関係と、図１０（ｂ）に示す係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｈが係合する第２係合関係とが、伝達部材３０の回転により切り替わる。   The engaged groove 23h is branched from the engaged groove 23g in the rotation direction of the transmission member 30 (the direction of the arrow F shown in FIG. 10B). That is, the engaged groove 23g as the first groove and the engaged groove 23h as the second groove are formed so as to be connected. Accordingly, the first engagement relationship in which the engaging portion 30b and the engaged groove 23g shown in FIG. 10A are engaged, and the engaging portion 30b and the engaged groove 23h shown in FIG. 10B are engaged. The second engagement relationship is switched by the rotation of the transmission member 30.

図１０（ａ）は、運搬時の回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合状態を示したものである。運搬時においては、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂは、回転軸２３ａの被係合溝２３ｇの幅Ｗ１内に収まっている。この時、回転軸２３ａは、係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｇが係合した第１係合関係により、幅Ｗ１−Ｋ３（第１距離）の量まで軸線方向Ｈに移動可能である。   FIG. 10A shows an engaged state of the rotating shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 during transportation. During transportation, the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 is within the width W1 of the engaged groove 23g of the rotating shaft 23a. At this time, the rotating shaft 23a is movable in the axial direction H up to the amount of the width W1-K3 (first distance) by the first engaging relationship in which the engaging portion 30b and the engaged groove 23g are engaged.

図１０（ｂ）は、画像形成時の回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合状態を示したものである。伝達部材３０が矢印Ｆ方向に回転すると、伝達部材３０の係合部３０ｂは被係合溝２３ｇから被係合溝２３ｈへ移動する。係合部３０ｂが被係合溝２３ｇから被係合溝２３ｈへ移動する際、係合部３０ｂは、幅Ｋ３の部分が変形させられ、被係合溝２３ｈの幅Ｗ２へ食い込む。このため、回転軸２３ａは、係合部３０ｂと被係合溝２３ｈが係合した第２係合関係により、幅Ｗ２−Ｋ３（第１距離より小さい第２距離）で軸線方向Ｈへの移動が規制される。このように伝達部材３０の回転により、回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合関係は、前述の第１係合関係から第２係合関係に切り替わる。   FIG. 10B shows an engaged state of the rotation shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 during image formation. When the transmission member 30 rotates in the direction of arrow F, the engaging portion 30b of the transmission member 30 moves from the engaged groove 23g to the engaged groove 23h. When the engaging part 30b moves from the engaged groove 23g to the engaged groove 23h, the part of the width K3 of the engaging part 30b is deformed and bites into the width W2 of the engaged groove 23h. Therefore, the rotation shaft 23a moves in the axial direction H with a width W2-K3 (second distance smaller than the first distance) by the second engagement relationship in which the engagement portion 30b and the engaged groove 23h are engaged. Is regulated. Thus, by the rotation of the transmission member 30, the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 is switched from the first engagement relationship to the second engagement relationship.

このようにして運搬時には撹拌部材２３を軸線方向Ｈへ揺動させ、画像形成時には撹拌部材２３を軸線方向Ｈへの揺動を規制する。画像形成時には撹拌部材２３の位置を固定し、トナーＴの撹拌・搬送を行う。また被係合溝２３ｈへ移動した係合部３０ｂは被係合溝２３ｇへ戻ることはなくなる。   In this way, the agitating member 23 is swung in the axial direction H during transportation, and the agitating member 23 is restricted from swinging in the axial direction H during image formation. At the time of image formation, the position of the stirring member 23 is fixed, and the toner T is stirred and conveyed. Further, the engaging portion 30b moved to the engaged groove 23h does not return to the engaged groove 23g.

上述したように、本実施例においても、伝達部材３０の回転により、回転軸２３ａと伝達部材３０の係合関係を、撹拌部材の相対移動を第１距離まで許容する第１係合関係と、撹拌部材の相対移動を規制する第２係合関係とに切り替える。これにより、揺動する部材を別途設けるのではなく、撹拌部材を軸線方向の両方向に移動可能とし、運搬等の際の振動で撹拌部材が移動することで、運搬時に発生する現像剤の凝集を有効に抑制できる。   As described above, also in the present embodiment, by the rotation of the transmission member 30, the engagement relationship between the rotation shaft 23a and the transmission member 30 is the first engagement relationship that allows the relative movement of the stirring member to the first distance; It switches to the 2nd engagement relationship which controls the relative movement of a stirring member. As a result, the agitating member can be moved in both axial directions instead of separately providing a swinging member, and the agitation member moves due to vibration during transportation, thereby aggregating developer generated during transportation. It can be effectively suppressed.

〔他の実施例〕
前述した実施例では、伝達部材が有する係合部が凸部を有し、前記係合部と係合する、回転軸が有する被係合部が溝部を有する構成を例示したが、これに限定されるものではなく、凸部と溝部を逆にした構成であってもよい。すなわち、伝達部材が有する係合部が溝部を有し、前記係合部と係合する、回転軸が有する被係合部が凸部を有する構成であってもよい。また、前記凸部が外側に向かって突出する構成を例示したが、前記凸部が内側に向かって突出する構成であってもよい。 [Other Examples]
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the engaging portion of the transmission member has the convex portion, and the engaged portion of the rotating shaft that engages with the engaging portion has the groove portion. Instead, the configuration may be such that the convex portion and the groove portion are reversed. That is, the engaging part which a transmission member has has a groove part, and the structure which the engaging part which a rotating shaft engages with the said engaging part has a convex part may be sufficient. Moreover, although the structure which the said convex part protrudes toward the outer side was illustrated, the structure which the said convex part protrudes toward the inner side may be sufficient.

また前述した実施例では、画像形成装置に取り付けられ、画像形成装置から駆動を受ける現像剤収容容器として、プロセスカートリッジの一部をなす現像ユニットを例示したが、これに限定されるものではない。例えば、現像剤収容部、及び搬送部材（撹拌部材）を有するトナーユニット、あるいは現像剤担持体、現像剤収容部、及び搬送部材（撹拌部材）を有する現像装置など、その他の現像剤収容容器であっても良い。これらの現像剤収容容器に本発明を適用することにより同様の効果を得ることができる。   In the above-described embodiment, the developing unit that is a part of the process cartridge is illustrated as the developer container that is attached to the image forming apparatus and is driven by the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a toner unit having a developer accommodating portion and a conveying member (stirring member), or another developer accommodating container such as a developer carrying member, a developer accommodating portion, and a developing device having a conveying member (stirring member). There may be. The same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to these developer containers.

また前述した実施例では、弾性部材として圧縮バネを例示したが、これに限定されるものではなく、現像剤収容部の長手方向に伸縮可能であり、撹拌部材に弾性力を付与するものであれば、圧縮バネ以外の弾性部材であっても良い。   In the above-described embodiments, the compression spring is exemplified as the elastic member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the elastic member can be expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion and gives an elastic force to the stirring member. For example, an elastic member other than the compression spring may be used.

また前述した実施例では、画像形成部を４つ使用しているが、この使用個数は限定されるものではなく、必要に応じて適宜設定すれば良い。   In the above-described embodiment, four image forming units are used. However, the number of used units is not limited, and may be set as needed.

また前述した実施例では、露光手段としてスキャナユニット（レーザースキャナ）を使用したが、これに限定されるものではなく、例えばＬＥＤアレイ等を使用しても良い。   In the above-described embodiments, the scanner unit (laser scanner) is used as the exposure unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an LED array or the like may be used.

また前述した実施例では、画像形成装置に対して着脱自在なプロセスカートリッジとして、感光体ドラムと、該感光体ドラムに作用するプロセス手段としての帯電手段，現像手段，クリーニング手段を一体に有するプロセスカートリッジを例示したが、これに限定されるものではない。感光体ドラムの他に、帯電手段、現像手段、クリーニング手段のうち、いずれか１つを一体に有するプロセスカートリッジであっても良い。   In the above-described embodiment, as a process cartridge that is detachable from the image forming apparatus, a process cartridge that integrally includes a photosensitive drum and a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit as process units that act on the photosensitive drum. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the photosensitive drum, a process cartridge that integrally includes one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit may be used.

また前述した実施例では、画像形成装置としてプリンタを例示したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。例えば複写機、ファクシミリ装置等の他の画像形成装置や、或いはこれらの機能を組み合わせた複合機等の他の画像形成装置であっても良い。また、中間転写体を使用し、中間転写体に担持されたトナー像を記録材に転写する画像形成装置を例示したが、これに限定されるものではない。記録材担持体を使用し、記録材担持体に担持された記録材にトナー像を転写する画像形成装置であっても良い。これらの画像形成装置に用いられる現像剤収容容器に本発明を適用することにより同様の効果を得ることができる。   In the above-described embodiments, the printer is exemplified as the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus may be another image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine, or another image forming apparatus such as a multi-function machine combining these functions. Further, although an image forming apparatus that uses an intermediate transfer member and transfers a toner image carried on the intermediate transfer member to a recording material is exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this. An image forming apparatus that uses a recording material carrier and transfers a toner image to the recording material carried on the recording material carrier may be used. The same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to a developer container used in these image forming apparatuses.

Ｌ１，Ｌ２ …隙間
ＳＹ，ＳＭ，ＳＣ，ＳＫ …画像形成部
Ｔ …トナー
１ …感光体ドラム
４ …現像ユニット
７ …プロセスカートリッジ
１２ …記録材
１３ …感光体ユニット
１４ …クリーニング枠体
１８ …現像枠体
１８ａ …現像剤収容部
１８ｂ …現像室
１８ｃ …開口
１８ｆ …上枠体
１８ｇ …下枠体
１８ｈ …支持部
１８ｊ，１８ｋ …内面
２０ …トナー供給ローラ
２１ …現像ブレード
２２ …現像ローラ
２３ …撹拌部材
２３ａ …回転軸
２３ｂ …撹拌シート
２３ｃ …被支持部
２３ｄ …突起部
２３ｇ，２３ｈ …被係合溝
２９ …弾性部材
３０ …伝達部材
３０ａ …突起部
３０ｂ …係合部
１００ …画像形成装置 L1, L2 ... Gap SY, SM, SC, SK ... Image forming portion T ... Toner 1 ... Photoconductor drum 4 ... Development unit 7 ... Process cartridge 12 ... Recording material 13 ... Photoconductor unit 14 ... Cleaning frame 18 ... Development frame Body 18a ... Developer accommodating portion 18b ... Developing chamber 18c ... Opening 18f ... Upper frame 18g ... Lower frame 18h ... Supporting portions 18j, 18k ... Inner surface 20 ... Toner supply roller 21 ... Developing blade 22 ... Developing roller 23 ... Stirring member 23a ... rotating shaft 23b ... stirring sheet 23c ... supported part 23d ... projection parts 23g and 23h ... engaged groove 29 ... elastic member 30 ... transmission member 30a ... projection part 30b ... engaging part 100 ... image forming apparatus

Claims (12)

現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、
前記現像剤収容部に回転可能に設けられ、前記現像剤収容部の長手方向に延びた回転部材と、
前記回転部材に回転駆動を伝達する駆動伝達部材と、
前記長手方向において、前記回転部材の端部と前記現像剤収容部の内側面との間に配置され、且つ、前記回転部材が前記現像剤収容部に対して相対移動して前記回転部材の端部と前記現像剤収容部の内側面との間の隙間の幅が変化したとき、前記隙間の幅が元に戻るように前記回転部材に付勢力を発生させることが可能な弾性部材と、を有し、
前記駆動伝達部材は、前記回転部材と係合可能な係合部を有し、
前記回転部材は、
前記係合部と係合し、且つ、前記長手方向における前記回転部材の相対移動を第１距離まで許容する、第１被係合部と、
前記係合部と係合し、且つ、前記長手方向における前記回転部材の相対移動を、前記第１距離よりも小さい第２距離まで許容する、第２被係合部と、を有し、
前記駆動伝達部材の回転により、前記係合部と前記第１被係合部が係合する第１係合関係と、前記係合部と前記第２被係合部が係合する第２係合関係と、が切り替わる、ことを特徴とする現像剤収容容器。 A developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A rotating member provided rotatably in the developer accommodating portion and extending in a longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion;
A drive transmission member for transmitting rotational drive to the rotary member;
In the longitudinal direction, the rotating member is disposed between an end portion of the rotating member and an inner surface of the developer accommodating portion, and the rotating member moves relative to the developer accommodating portion to end the rotating member. An elastic member capable of generating an urging force on the rotating member so that the width of the gap returns to the original when the width of the gap between the portion and the inner surface of the developer accommodating portion changes. Have
The drive transmission member has an engaging portion engageable with the rotating member,
The rotating member is
A first engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion and allows relative movement of the rotating member in the longitudinal direction up to a first distance;
A second engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion and allows relative movement of the rotating member in the longitudinal direction to a second distance that is smaller than the first distance;
A first engagement relationship in which the engagement portion and the first engaged portion are engaged by rotation of the drive transmission member, and a second relationship in which the engagement portion and the second engaged portion are engaged. A developer container, wherein the relationship is switched. 前記係合部は、凸部を有し、
前記第１被係合部は、前記長手方向において、前記凸部の幅と前記第１距離の合計値よりも大きい第１幅を有する第１溝部を有し、
前記第２被係合部は、前記長手方向において、前記凸部の幅と前記第２距離の合計値よりも大きく且つ前記第１幅より小さい第２幅を有する第２溝部を有し、
前記第１溝部と前記第２溝部が繋ぐように形成されている、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の現像剤収容容器。 The engaging portion has a convex portion,
The first engaged portion has a first groove portion having a first width larger than a total value of the width of the convex portion and the first distance in the longitudinal direction,
The second engaged portion has a second groove portion having a second width larger than a total value of the width of the convex portion and the second distance and smaller than the first width in the longitudinal direction,
The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the first groove portion and the second groove portion are connected to each other. 前記長手方向において、前記第２溝部の第２幅は、前記凸部の幅とほぼ同じである、ことを特徴とする請求項２に記載の現像剤収容容器。   3. The developer container according to claim 2, wherein, in the longitudinal direction, a second width of the second groove portion is substantially the same as a width of the convex portion. 前記係合部は、凸部を有し、
前記第１被係合部は、前記長手方向において、前記凸部の幅と前記第１距離の合計値よりも大きい第１幅を有する第１溝部を有し、
前記第２被係合部は、前記第１溝部と繋ぎ且つ前記長手方向において前記凸部の幅より大きく前記第１幅より小さい開口幅を持つ開口を備え且つ前記第１溝部から離れる方向に前記長手方向における幅が小さくなるように形成される第２溝部を有し、
前記第２溝部には、前記長手方向における幅が前記凸部の幅よりも小さい領域が形成されている、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の現像剤収容容器。 The engaging portion has a convex portion,
The first engaged portion has a first groove portion having a first width larger than a total value of the width of the convex portion and the first distance in the longitudinal direction,
The second engaged portion is connected to the first groove portion and includes an opening having an opening width larger than a width of the convex portion and smaller than the first width in the longitudinal direction, and in a direction away from the first groove portion. Having a second groove formed to have a small width in the longitudinal direction;
2. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein a region having a width in the longitudinal direction smaller than a width of the convex portion is formed in the second groove portion. 前記第２溝部は、交差する二つの平面からなる、ことを特徴とする請求項４に記載の現像剤収容容器。   The developer container according to claim 4, wherein the second groove portion includes two intersecting planes. 前記係合部は、凸部を有し、
前記第１被係合部は、前記長手方向において、前記凸部の幅と前記第１距離の合計値よりも大きい幅を有する第１溝部を有し、
前記第２被係合部は、前記長手方向において、前記凸部の幅より小さく且つ圧入により前記凸部が嵌入可能な幅を有する第２溝部を有し、
前記第１溝部と前記第２溝部が繋ぐように形成されている、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の現像剤収容容器。 The engaging portion has a convex portion,
The first engaged portion has a first groove portion having a width larger than a total value of the width of the convex portion and the first distance in the longitudinal direction,
The second engaged portion has a second groove portion that is smaller than the width of the convex portion and has a width in which the convex portion can be fitted by press-fitting in the longitudinal direction.
The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the first groove portion and the second groove portion are connected to each other. 前記第２被係合部は、前記係合部よりも弾性変形しやすい、ことを特徴とする請求項６に記載の現像剤収容容器。   The developer container according to claim 6, wherein the second engaged portion is more easily elastically deformed than the engaging portion. 前記弾性部材は、一方の端部を前記回転部材に固定され、他方の端部を前記駆動伝達部材に固定され、前記現像剤収容部の長手方向に沿う方向に伸縮可能であることを特徴とする請求項１乃至７のいずれか一項に記載の現像剤収容容器。   The elastic member has one end fixed to the rotating member, the other end fixed to the drive transmission member, and can be expanded and contracted in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion. The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 前記回転部材は、前記回転部材の一方の端部と前記現像剤収容部の一方側の内側面との間に第１の隙間を、前記回転部材の他方の端部と前記現像剤収容部の他方側の内側面との間に第２の隙間を、それぞれ有するように配置され、且つ前記現像剤収容部に対して前記現像剤収容部の長手方向に相対移動可能なように前記現像剤収容部に支持され、
前記回転部材が前記第１および前記第２の隙間のうちの一方の隙間が小さくなる方向に移動した場合、当該一方の隙間が元に戻る方向に前記回転部材に付勢力を発生させるように前記弾性部材が構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１乃至８のいずれか一項に記載の現像剤収容容器。 The rotating member has a first gap between one end of the rotating member and an inner surface on one side of the developer accommodating portion, and the other end of the rotating member and the developer accommodating portion. The developer container is disposed so as to have a second gap between the inner surface and the developer container so as to be movable relative to the developer container in the longitudinal direction of the developer container. Supported by the department,
When the rotary member moves in a direction in which one of the first and second gaps is reduced, the biasing force is generated in the rotary member in a direction in which the one gap returns. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein an elastic member is configured. 前記回転部材は、前記現像剤収容部に収容した現像剤を撹拌する撹拌部材であることを特徴とする請求項１乃至９のいずれか一項に記載の現像剤収容容器。   The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member is a stirring member that stirs the developer stored in the developer storage unit. 請求項１乃至９のいずれか一項に記載の現像剤収容容器と、
前記現像剤収容容器に設けられ、現像剤を担持する現像剤担持体と、
を有する、ことを特徴とする現像装置。 The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A developer carrier provided in the developer container and carrying the developer;
And a developing device. 画像形成装置に着脱可能なプロセスカートリッジであって、
請求項１乃至１０のいずれか一項に記載の現像剤収容容器と、
前記現像剤収容容器に設けられ、現像剤を担持する現像剤担持体と、
現像剤像を担持する像担持体と、
を有することを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。 A process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus,
A developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A developer carrier provided in the developer container and carrying the developer;
An image carrier for carrying a developer image;
A process cartridge comprising:
JP2018066568A 2018-03-30 2018-03-30 Developer storage container, developing device, and process cartridge Pending JP2019179071A (en)

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