JP2021071591A - Developer supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a configuration in which an image forming apparatus that reversely rotates a driving motor for rotating a developer supply container inside an apparatus main body to open a door for replacement uses a developer supply container in which a prevention action on a reciprocating member made by a prevention unit is cancelled only when the driving motor is rotated normally, and to make it possible to certainly perform replacement operations without causing a malfunction or the like, even when a user attaches a new developer supply container to the image forming apparatus and subsequently replaces it with another new supply container for some reasons before starting a supply operation.SOLUTION: In replacing a developer supply container, a driving motor is initially rotated normally to cancel a prevention action on a driving force conversion unit, and subsequently the driving motor is rotated normally to open a door for replacement of the supply container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a developer replenishing device in which a developer replenishing container is detachably provided. This image forming apparatus can be used in, for example, a copier, a facsimile, a printer, and a multifunction device having a plurality of these functions.

Conventionally, a fine powder developer has been used in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine. Such an image forming apparatus is configured to replenish the developer consumed by image formation from a replenishment container (developer replenishment container).

As a conventional replenishment container, for example, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 employs a method of discharging the developer by using a bellows pump provided in the replenishment container. As a specific method, the bellows pump is extended to make the pressure inside the replenishment container lower than the atmospheric pressure, so that air is taken into the replenishment container and the developer is fluidized. Further, by contracting the bellows pump to make the pressure inside the replenishment container higher than the atmospheric pressure, the developer is pushed out and discharged by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the replenishment container. By alternately repeating these two steps, the developer is stably discharged. Further, the replenishment container has a cam groove that advances in the rotation direction of the replenishment container and is recessed, and a reciprocating member that is connected to the bellows pump and reciprocates in the longitudinal direction of the replenishment container by moving along the cam groove. The driving force conversion unit converts the rotational drive received from the image forming apparatus into reciprocating motion to drive the pump.

However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the bulk density of the developer in the replenishment container may increase due to the influence of physical distribution or the like until the replenishment container reaches the user's hand, resulting in a difficult-to-understand state. .. Even if an attempt is made to contract the bellows pump in that state, the developer in the bellows pump becomes a resistance and it becomes difficult to contract.

On the other hand, for example, the cam groove is provided with a restraining portion that suppresses the movement of the reciprocating member in the rotation direction of the replenishment container during distribution of the container, and this action causes the bellows pump to contract before using the replenishment container. It becomes possible to keep the state of being made. As a result, after mounting on the image forming apparatus, when the replenishment container is driven, it is possible to start from the process of surely taking in air into the replenishment container, so even if the developer in the replenishment container is solidified by physical distribution, air It is possible to stably supply the developer to the image forming apparatus from the initial stage by solving with.

Furthermore, when the user replaces the replenishment container, it is necessary to clearly indicate to the user what to replace so that the user does not mistakenly replace the replenishment container. In particular, in a configuration in which a supply container having a plurality of colors is provided in one device, devices having similar shapes are arranged side by side, so that there is a problem that the user can easily misidentify the replacement target. On the other hand, it has been proposed to improve the visibility of the replacement target by providing a replacement door at each attachment / detachment port of the plurality of supply containers and opening the replacement door to be replaced.

Among them, in Patent Document 2, when the replacement door of the replenishment container is opened, the replacement door is automatically opened by rotating the drive motor for rotating the replenishment container in the main body of the apparatus in the reverse direction. Has been proposed.

Patent No. 05777469 Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-058811

However, the device in which the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2 and the replenishment container provided with the suppression portion for suppressing the movement of the reciprocating member in the rotation direction in the cam groove described above have the following problems. .. That is, after the new replenishment container is attached to the image forming apparatus, it may be replaced with another new replenishment container for some reason before the replenishment operation is started. Specifically, the replenishment container may be set as a commercial material in which the amount of the developer to be stored is changed, and these may be used properly according to the intended use. At that time, for example, when printing for a long time is started, a small-capacity replenishment container may be mistakenly attached to a place where a large-capacity replenishment container should be attached. Therefore, when trying to replace with a large-capacity replenishment container, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, the drive motor is rotated in the reverse direction in order to open the replacement door of the replenishment container. However, in the replenishment container provided with the restraining portion that suppresses the movement of the reciprocating member in the rotation direction in the cam groove described above, the restraining action by the restraining portion of the reciprocating member is released only during normal rotation, and the reverse is true. Since the reciprocating member cannot move in the rotation direction, if the drive motor is rotated in the reverse direction, the reciprocating member may lock and a torque error may occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conditions, and an object of the present invention is that even if a user mistakenly attaches a developer container different from the intended use and then immediately replaces the developer container, the developer can be replaced without causing any trouble. ..

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the developer replenishing device of the present invention includes a developer accommodating chamber for accommodating a developer, a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force, and the inside of the developer accommodating chamber. A developer supply container including a pump unit capable of changing the volume of the pump unit and a driving force conversion unit that converts the rotational driving force received by the driving force receiving unit into a force for reciprocating the pump unit is removable. A developer replenishing device, which is provided with a mounting portion on which the developer replenishing container is mounted and rotatably supports the mounted developer replenishing container, and a mounting portion for mounting the developer replenishing device on the mounting portion. A door that opens and closes the opening, and a second opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the door, which is opposite to the first rotation direction of the developer replenishment container in the developer replenishment operation. The driving force conversion unit includes an opening / closing mechanism for opening the door in conjunction with the rotation of the developer replenishment container in the rotation direction of the developer, and a control means for controlling the rotation direction of the developer replenishment container. A first cam groove provided in the developer supply container so as to orbit the developer supply container while meandering along the rotation direction of the developer supply container, and a first cam groove formed in the developer supply container. The first cam groove of the engaging portion is provided with two cam grooves and an engaging portion that engages with the first cam groove and the second cam groove, and is associated with the rotation of the developer supply container. It has a reciprocating member that reciprocates in conjunction with movement along the pump to change the volume of the pump portion, and the second cam groove joins the first cam groove on one end side, and the like. The engaging portion of the developer replenishing container which extends so as to abut on the end side and has not been attached to the developing agent replenishing device is housed in the second cam groove, and the second cam groove is housed in the second cam groove. In the sequence of opening the door for removing the developer replenishment container in which the engaging portion is housed from the developer replenishing device, the control means is such that the engaging portion is from the second cam groove to the first. The door is opened by rotating the developer replenishment container in the first rotation direction so as to move to the cam groove of the above, and then rotating the developer replenishment container in the second rotation direction. It is a feature.

According to the present invention, even if the user mistakenly attaches a developer replenishment container that is different from the intended one and then immediately replaces the developer container, the developer replenisher container can be taken out without causing any trouble.

Cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus External view of the image forming apparatus Perspective view of the toner replenishment device Perspective view of developer replenishment container drive device Operation explanatory diagram of the developer supply container drive device Perspective view of replacement door for developer replenishment container Side view of parts near the replacement door for the developer replenishment container Perspective view of the replacement door unlocking device Detailed view of shaft and latch Explanatory drawing of drive connection of developer supply container drive device and replacement door unlock device Operation explanatory diagram of the replacement door unlocking device Operation explanatory diagram of the replacement door unlocking device Control block diagram of toner replenishment device (A) is an overall perspective view of the replenishment container, and (b) is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the discharge port of the replenishment container. Cross-sectional perspective view of the replenishment container (A) is a partial view of the pump part fully extended in use, (b) is a partial view of the pump part in the maximum contracted state in use, and (c) is a partial view of the pump part. Development view of the driving force conversion mechanism unit showing the first cam groove and the second cam groove Perspective view showing the structure of the 1st cam groove and the 2nd cam groove Partial cross-sectional view showing the specific shape of the lock portion Flow chart of operation when replacing the developer replenishment container (A) and (b) are development views of the driving force conversion mechanism unit showing the first cam groove and the second cam groove.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described. In the following, unless otherwise specified, various configurations of the image forming apparatus can be replaced with other known configurations having similar functions within the scope of the idea of the invention. That is, unless otherwise specified, there is no intention of limiting the configuration to only the configuration of the image forming apparatus described in the examples described later.

(Image forming device)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 60 which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is a color image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, and in recent years, four-color image forming portions are arranged on an intermediate transfer belt because of the advantages of adaptability to a wide variety of sheet materials and excellent print productivity. The arranged intermediate transfer tandem method is the mainstream. In this embodiment, an image is formed by four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Of course, the number of colors is not limited to four, and the order of the colors is not limited to this. The image forming process for forming an image on a sheet in the image forming apparatus which is an example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

The sheet S is stored in a form of being loaded on the sheet storage unit 62, and is fed by the paper feeding means 6 at the image formation timing. The sheet S sent out by the paper feeding means 63 passes through the conveying path 64 and is conveyed to the resist roller 65. In the resist roller 65, after correcting the inclination of the sheet S conveyed from the sheet storage unit 62, the sheet S is transferred to the secondary transfer unit at a predetermined timing according to the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61. Transport to. The secondary transfer unit is a toner image transfer nip portion to the sheet S formed by the opposing secondary transfer inner roller 66 and the secondary transfer outer roller 67, and applies a predetermined pressing force and electrostatic load bias. The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 is transferred onto the sheet S. The image forming process for forming the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 61 will be described below.

The image forming unit 600 is mainly composed of a photoconductor 1, a charging roller 2 as a charging means, a developing device 3, a primary transfer roller 4 as a primary transfer means, a photoconductor cleaner 5, and the like. Four colors of Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) are arranged in parallel. A toner replenishing device 605 is arranged above the image forming unit 600, and a developing agent replenishing container 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K) corresponding to the image forming unit of each color is provided. Details of the toner replenishing device 605 will be described later.

In the image forming process, first, an electrostatic latent image based on the signal of the image information sent by the exposure apparatus 68 is formed on the photoconductor 1 whose surface is uniformly charged by the charging roller 2. Subsequently, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 1 undergoes toner development by the developing device 3 and becomes apparent as a toner image on the photoconductor 1. After that, a predetermined pressing force and an electrostatic load bias are applied by the primary transfer roller 4, and the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. The transfer residual toner slightly remaining on the photoconductor 1 is recovered by the photoconductor cleaner 5. Further, the toner consumed from the developing apparatus 3 is supplied from the developing agent replenishing container 10 to prepare for the next image formation again. The intermediate transfer belt 61 is stretched by rollers such as a driven roller 7 (7a, 7b), a tension roller 6, and a secondary transfer inner roller 66, and is conveyed and driven in the direction of arrow X in FIG. The image forming process of each color processed in parallel by the Y, M, C, and K image forming apparatus described above is performed at the timing of superimposing on the toner image of the upstream color primary transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 61. .. As a result, a full-color toner image is finally formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 and transferred to the secondary transfer portion.

Through the above process, a full-color toner image is secondarily transferred onto the sheet S in the secondary transfer unit. After that, the sheet S is conveyed to the fuser 9. The fuser 9 melts and fixes the toner image on the sheet S by applying a predetermined pressing force by an opposing roller or belt and a heating effect generally by a heat source such as a heater. The sheet S that has undergone the fixing process by the fixing device 9 is discharged 601 to the discharge tray, and the image forming operation is completed.

(Toner replenishment device)
FIG. 2 is an external view of the image forming apparatus 60, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toner replenishing apparatus 605. A front cover 70 that can be manually opened and closed is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 60, and the toner replenishing device 605 can be accessed by opening the front cover 70 (FIG. 2). (B)). The toner replenishment device 605 includes a removable developer replenishment container 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K), a developer replenishment container tray 610, a developer replenishment container drive device 611, a developer replenishment container replacement door 612, and a replacement door. It is composed of an unlocking device 613 and an inner cover 620. The developer replenishment container tray 610 has a guide function when the developer replenishment container 10 is attached to the image forming apparatus and a function of holding the developer replenishment container 10 when the developer replenishment container 10 is attached. The developer replenishment container drive device 611 has a function of rotating the developer replenishment container 10, and the developer replenishment container 10 rotates to transport (replenish) the toner in the developer replenishment container 10 to the developing device 3. Has a function. The inner cover 620 is provided with an attachment / detachment port 621 corresponding to the developer replenishment container of each color, and the developer replenishment container 10 can be attached / detached through the attachment / detachment port 621 as shown in FIG. It is done in the direction. Note that FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the case of the cyan-colored developer replenishment container 10C, and the same configuration is used for the developer replenishment containers of other colors. The developer supply container replacement door 612 is a door that opens and closes the attachment / detachment opening 621 (opening), and the developer supply container 10 can be attached / detached only when the developer supply container replacement door 612 is open. Become. The replacement door unlocking device 613 is a device having a function of locking the replacement door 612 for the developer replenishment container in the closed state and a function of unlocking the lock, and the driving force for unlocking is the developer replenishment. Received from container drive 611. The developer replenishment container replacement door 612 is provided immediately inside the front cover 70, and the developer replenishment container replacement door opens and closes only when the front cover 70 is in the open state. The open / closed state of the front cover 70 is detected by the front cover open / close detection sensor 71. Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of each part of the toner replenishment device 605 will be described.

First, the developer supply container driving device 611 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the developer replenishment container drive device 611, and FIG. 4B is a component diagram in which only the drive transmission unit of the developer replenishment container drive device 611 is extracted. The developer replenishment container drive device 611 includes a drive base 650, a drive motor 652, a pinion gear 655, a reduction gear 656, a transmission gear 657, a drive shaft 654, a drive gear 651, a drive cover 653, a door open / close detection sensor 639, and a developer replenishment. It is composed of a container mounting detection sensor 640 and the like. The drive motor 652 is fixed to the drive base 650, and a pinion gear 655 is press-fitted into the motor shaft of the drive motor 652. The reduction gear 656 is rotatably held with respect to the drive base 650 and the drive cover 653, and is arranged in a positional relationship in which the pinion gear 655, the transmission gear 657, and the gear teeth mesh with each other. The drive shaft 654 is rotatably held by the drive base 650, and a transmission gear 657 is fixed to one end of the drive shaft 654 and a drive gear 651 is fixed to the other end. As described above, the rotational drive of the drive motor 652 is transmitted to the drive gear 651 via the pinion gear 655, the reduction gear 656, the transmission gear 657, and the drive shaft 654. The door open / close detection sensor 639 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the exchange door 612 for the developer replenishment container, and the details will be described in the configuration description of the exchange door unlocking device 613 described later. The developer supply container mounting detection sensor 640 has a configuration in which the optical path of the sensor is shielded by mounting the developer supply container 10 on the developer supply container tray 610 as a mounting portion. This makes it possible to detect whether or not the developer replenishment container 10 is attached to the toner replenishment device 605. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of rotationally driving the developer replenishment container 10 by the developer replenishment container drive device 611. As shown in FIG. 5, when the developer replenishment container 10 is mounted on the apparatus, the cartridge gear 11 provided in the developer replenishment container 10 and the drive gear 651 are arranged in a positional relationship in which the gear teeth mesh with each other. The developer replenishment container 10 is rotated by the rotation of the drive gear 651.

Next, the configuration and operation of the replacement door 612 for the developer supply container will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the developer replenishment container replacement door 612, and FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory view of the vicinity of the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 as viewed from the side. The developer supply container replacement door 612 includes a rotation center hole 612a, a lock claw portion 612b, and a rotation stop portion 612c. The rotation center hole 612a is engaged with the rotation shaft 620a provided on the inner cover 620, whereby the developer supply container replacement door 612 is rotatably held by the inner cover 620. FIG. 7A shows a state in which the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 is closed, FIG. 7B shows a state in which the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 is in the process of opening and closing, and FIG. 7C shows a state in which the developer replenishment container is being opened and closed. Indicates a state in which the replacement door 612 is open. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 is closed, the lock claw portion 612b is engaged with the latch 631, so that the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 is opened. The replacement door 612 for the developer replenishment container is held in the closed state without rotating with respect to the inner cover 620. The latch 631 is a component that constitutes the replacement door unlocking device 613, and the details will be described in the configuration description of the replacement door unlocking device 613. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the engagement between the latch 631 and the lock claw portion 612b is released, the developer supply container replacement door 612 becomes rotatable. At this time, since the center of gravity of the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 is designed on the side where the door opens, the developer replenishment container is naturally replaced when the latch 631 and the lock claw portion 612b are disengaged. The door 612 rotates in the direction in which the door opens. Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 rotates to the position where the rotation stop portion 620b and the rotation stop portion 612c provided on the inner cover 620 abut, and is used for the developer replenishment container. The posture of the replacement door 612 is specified. In this state, the developing agent replenishment container replacement door 612 is opened.

Next, the replacement door unlocking device 613 (opening / closing mechanism) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the replacement door unlocking device 613, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the replacement door unlocking device 613 viewed from the lower surface of the device in a partially enlarged manner. The replacement door lock release device 613 is composed of a latch 631, a release device base 632, a shaft 633, a latch drive member 634, a latch spring 635, a shaft spring 636, and a transmission gear 638. The latch 631 is rotatably held by the release device base 632, and a latch spring 635 is stretched at its end. The latch spring 635 is a tension spring, the other end of which is fixed to the release device base 632. The shaft 633 is rotatably and axially slidably held by the release device base 632 in the vicinity of one end. A one-way gear 638 is fixed in the vicinity of the other end side of the shaft 633. The shaft spring 636 is a compression spring, one end of which is supported by the shaft 633 and the other end of which is supported by the release device base 632. As a result, the shaft 633 is always urged by the force in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8B with respect to the release device base 632. The latch drive member 634 is held by the shaft 633 and is arranged so as to be fixed in the axial position with respect to the release device base 632. That is, the shaft 633 is slidable in the axial direction with respect to the latch drive member 634. In the following, the relationship between the shaft 633 and the latch drive member 634 will be described in a little more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view in which only the shaft 633 and the latch drive member 634 are extracted. For the sake of explanation, FIGS. 9 (b) and 9 (c) are views in which a part of the shape of the latch drive member 634 is cut out. There is. FIG. 9D is a view seen from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 9A. As shown in FIG. 9, the latch drive member 634 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is held by the shaft 633 so that the shaft 633 passes through the inside of the cylinder. Further, the shaft 633 is provided with a drive transmission unit 633a, and the latch drive member 634 is provided with a drive transmission unit 634a and a latch drive unit 634b. As shown in FIG. 9D, the shapes of the drive transmission unit 633a and the drive transmission unit 634a are in a relationship similar to the gears of the internal teeth and the external teeth, and the rotational drive of the shaft 633 is transmitted to the latch drive member 634. It is a possible relationship. As described above, since the relative positions of the shaft 633 and the latch drive member 634 in the axial direction are in a slidable relationship, the drive can be transmitted when the axial positions of the drive transmission unit 633a and the drive transmission unit 634a are the same. Limited to. As a matter of course, if the positions in the axial direction are different, the driving force cannot be transmitted.

When assembling the replacement door unlocking device 613 to the image forming device main body, the unlocking device base 632 is fixed to the inner cover 620, and the end portion of the shaft 633 held by the unlocking device base 632 is driven. It is held on the base 650 so as to be rotatable and slidable in the axial direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the transmission gear 638 is arranged in a positional relationship in which the drive gear 651 and the teeth of the gear mesh with each other, and the rotational drive is transmitted to the shaft 633 according to the rotation direction of the drive gear 651. ing. Further, the end portion of the shaft 633 has a positional relationship capable of shielding the detection area of the door open / close detection sensor 639.

Next, a series of operations of the replacement door unlocking device 613 when opening and closing the replacement door 612 for the developer supply container will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a state in which the replacement door 612 for the developer supply container is closed. As described above, when the developer supply container replacement door 612 is closed, the lock claw portion 612b provided on the developer supply container replacement door 612 is held by the latch 631, so that the developer supply container is held. It is possible to maintain the closed state of the replacement door 612 without rotating. Since the latch 631 is urged by the latch spring 635, the latch 631 is kept in this posture unless an external force is applied. The shaft 633 is urged by the shaft spring 636 toward the front side of the main body of the apparatus (the replacement door for the developer replenishment container 612 side), and comes into contact with the replacement door 612 for the developer replenishment container in a state where the end of the shaft 633 is closed. (Point P in FIG. 11A), the position in the axial direction is defined. At this time, the end on the opposite side of the shaft 633 has a positional relationship that shields the detection area of the door open / close detection sensor 639, and it is determined that the replacement door 612 for the developer replenishment container is closed. There is. Further, since the drive transmission unit 633a of the shaft 633 and the drive transmission unit 634a of the latch drive member 634 are in a thrust positional relationship in which they mesh with each other (see FIG. 9B), the shaft 633 and the latch drive member 634 can be driven and transmitted. There is a good positional relationship. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a state in which the replacement door 612 for the developer replenishment container is opened. In order to open the developer supply container replacement door 612, first, the drive motor 652 rotates the drive gear 651 in the direction shown in FIG. 10D. Due to the rotation of the drive gear 651, the rotational drive is transmitted to the one-way gear 638 and the shaft 633, and the shaft 633 rotates in the E direction shown in FIG. At this time, since the shaft 633 and the latch drive member 634 are in a positional relationship in which the drive is transmitted, the latch drive member 634 also rotates in the same E direction. Due to the rotation of the latch drive member 634, the latch drive unit 634b pushes down the rear end portion (FIG. 12_631a) of the latch 631, and the latch 631 also rotates in the F direction of FIG. 12 to be in the state of FIG. 11 (b). .. In the state of FIG. 11B, the latch 631 is rotated to disengage the engagement with the lock claw portion 612b of the developing agent replenishment container replacement door 612. As a result, as described above, the developing agent replenishment container replacement door 612 starts rotating in the direction in which the door opens due to its own weight. Further, since the shaft 633 is not restricted from the thrust position at the tip of the shaft by the developer replenishment container replacement door 612, the shaft spring 636 moves the thrust to the front side of the apparatus main body (the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 side). To do. The force of the shaft spring 636 for thrusting the shaft 633 serves as an auxiliary function for rotating the developer replenishment container replacement door 612. As described above, the replacement door 612 for the developer replenishment container rotates by its own weight, but for example, even if a foreign object is caught in the rotating portion and it is difficult to rotate by its own weight, "Shaft 633 by shaft spring 636" Since the force for thrusting the developer = the force for pushing the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 in the opening direction, the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 can be reliably opened. FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a state in which the replacement door 612 for the developer replenishment container is opened. The shaft 633 whose position restriction by the developer supply container replacement door 612 has been released is thrust-moved until it hits 632a provided on the release device base 632, and the position in the state where the developer supply container replacement door 612 is open. Is stipulated. At this time, the drive transmission unit 633a provided on the shaft 633 and the drive transmission unit 634a provided on the latch drive member 634 are in a positional relationship in which rotational drive is not transmitted. As a result, the force for rotating the latch 631 input from the latch drive unit 634b is released, so that the latch 631 returns to the same posture as in FIG. 11A by the latch spring 635. Further, the end of the shaft 633 on the door open / close detection sensor 639 side is in a positional relationship separated from the detection area of the door open / close detection sensor 639, whereby the replacement door 612 for the developer replenishment container is open. Deciding. When returning the open developer replenishment container replacement door 612 to the closed state again, the open developer replenishment container replacement door 612 is manually closed. At this time, the tip of the shaft 633 and the latch 631 are naturally pushed by the developing agent replenishment container replacement door 612, and each returns to the state shown in FIG. 11A.

As described above, it is possible to control the opening operation of the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 by using the same drive source as the drive for the developer replenishment container.

Next, the control configuration of the toner replenishment device will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control configuration 40 that controls the operation of the toner replenishment device. As shown in FIG. 13, the control configuration 40 includes a CPU 400, a system controller 410, a display panel 73, a front cover control unit 421, a toner replenishment control unit 422, a developing device control unit 423, and a developer replenishment container rotation control unit 424. Toner. The CPU 400 as a control means has a ROM 401, a RAM 402, and an EEPROM 403. A control program for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 60 is stored in the ROM 401. The RAM 402 is a volatile storage device used as a work area of the CPU 400 and for temporarily storing various data such as image data. The EEPROM 403 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores various data such as the remaining amount of toner in the developing device 3. The CPU 400 controls the entire image forming apparatus 60 by reading the control program stored in the ROM 401 into the RAM 402 and executing the control program. The CPU 400 is electrically connected to each drive system of the front cover control unit 421, the toner replenishment control unit 422, and the developing device control unit 423 via a control block (not shown) and various drivers. The front cover control unit 421 detects and controls the open / closed state of the front cover 70. The toner replenishment control unit 422 controls the toner replenishment operation and the opening / closing of the replacement door for the developer replenishment container. The developing device control unit 423 controls the toner concentration in the developing device 3. The developer supply container rotation control unit 424 controls the rotation position of the developer supply container 10.

(Developer Replenishment Container Next, the configuration of the developer replenishment container 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. Here, FIG. 14A is an overall perspective view of the developer replenishment container 10, FIG. b) is a partially enlarged view of the periphery of the discharge port 4a of the developer replenishment container 10, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the developer replenishment container 10.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the developer replenishment container 10 has a storage portion 2 (also referred to as a container body) which is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and has an internal space for storing the developer. In this example, the cylindrical portion 2k, the discharge portion 4c (see FIG. 5), and the pump portion 3a (see FIG. 5) have a function of accommodating the developer. Further, the developer replenishment container 10 has a flange portion 4 (also referred to as a non-rotating portion) on one end side in the longitudinal direction (developer transport direction) of the accommodating portion 2. Further, the cylindrical portion 2k is configured to be rotatable with respect to the flange portion 4.

(Flange part)
As shown in FIG. 15, the flange portion 4 is provided with a hollow discharge portion (developer discharge chamber) 4c for temporarily accommodating the developer conveyed from the cylindrical portion 2k. A discharge port 4a provided on a shutter 4b, which will be described later, is provided below the discharge portion 4c to discharge the developer conveyed by the inclined rib 6a, and the discharge port 4a and the developer are above the discharge port 4a. A storage unit 4d capable of storing a certain amount of the developing agent before discharge, which communicates with the inside of the replenishment container 10, is provided.

The flange portion 4 is provided with a shutter 4b that opens and closes the discharge port 4a. The shutter 4b slides relative to the developer replenishment container 10 in the direction of the rotation axis of the cylindrical portion 2k as the developer replenishment container 10 is attached to the toner replenisher device 605. As a result, the discharge port 4a also moves with the movement of the shutter 4b, and the discharge port 4a and the storage unit 4d communicate with each other to complete the opening operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, a plate-shaped transport member 6 for transporting the developer transported from the cylindrical portion 2k by the spiral convex portion (conveyance protrusion) 2c to the discharge portion 4c is provided. ing. The transport member 6 is provided so as to substantially divide a part of the region of the accommodating portion 2 into two, and is configured to rotate integrally with the cylindrical portion 2k. The transport member 6 is provided with a plurality of inclined ribs 6a inclined toward the discharge portion 4c with respect to the rotation axis direction of the cylindrical portion 2k on both sides thereof. The inclined rib 6a as the "conveying portion" is a portion that conveys the developer while rotating integrally with the cylindrical portion 2k inside the cylindrical portion 2k.

With the above configuration, the developer conveyed by the conveying projection 2c is scraped up vertically from below to above by the plate-shaped conveying member 6 in conjunction with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 2k. After that, as the rotation of the cylindrical portion 2k progresses, it slides down on the surface of the transport member 6 due to gravity, and is eventually delivered to the discharge portion 4c side by the inclined rib 6a. In this configuration, the inclined ribs 6a are provided on both sides of the transport member 6 so that the developer is sent to the discharge portion 4c every time the cylindrical portion 2k makes a half turn.

(Cylinder part)
Next, the cylindrical portion 2k will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

The cylindrical portion 2k as the "developing agent accommodating room" is a room capable of accommodating the developing agent. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the cylindrical portion 2k has a discharge portion 4c (discharge port 4a) that functions as a developer discharge chamber on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2k as the developer contained in the cylindrical portion 2k rotates. A spirally projecting transport projection 2c is provided, which functions as a transport portion for transporting toward. Further, the cylindrical portion 2k is formed by a blow molding method using the resin of the above-mentioned material.

(Pump section)
Next, the pump unit 3a whose volume is variable according to the reciprocating motion will be described with reference to FIG. The pump unit 3a of this example functions as an intake / exhaust mechanism that alternately performs an intake operation and an exhaust operation via the discharge port 4a. In other words, the pump unit 3a functions as an airflow generation mechanism that alternately and repeatedly generates an airflow toward the inside of the developer replenishment container 10 and an airflow from the developer replenishment container 10 to the outside through the discharge port 4a. The pump portion 3a is a portion in which the internal volume of the cylindrical portion 2k can be changed in the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 10 in order to apply pressure to at least the discharge port 4a.

In this example, as the pump unit 3a, a resin-made volume-variable pump unit (bellows-shaped pump) whose volume is variable according to the reciprocating motion is adopted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, a bellows-shaped pump is adopted, and a plurality of "mountain fold" portions and "valley fold" portions are periodically and alternately formed. Therefore, the pump unit 3a can alternately perform compression and expansion by the driving force received from the replenishment device 201.

(Driving force receiving mechanism)
Next, the driving force receiving mechanism (driving force receiving part, driving force receiving part) of the developer replenishing container 10 receives the rotational driving force for rotating the cylindrical portion 2k provided with the transport projection 2c from the toner replenishing device 605. explain. As shown in FIG. 14A, the developer replenishment container 10 functions as a drive force receiving mechanism capable of engaging (driving and connecting) with the drive source gear 651 (functioning as a drive mechanism) of the toner replenishment device 605. A gear portion 2d is provided. The gear portion 2d has a configuration that can rotate integrally with the cylindrical portion 2k.

(Driving force conversion mechanism)
Next, the driving force conversion mechanism (driving conversion unit) of the developer supply container 10 will be described. In this example, a case where a cam mechanism is used as an example of the driving force conversion mechanism will be described. The developer supply container 10 has a cam mechanism that functions as a driving force conversion mechanism that converts the rotational driving force for rotating the cylindrical portion 2k received by the gear portion 2d into a force in the direction of reciprocating the pump portion 3a. It is provided. That is, in this example, the rotational driving force received by the gear portion 2d is converted into the reciprocating power on the developer replenishment container 10 side, so that the driving force for rotating the cylindrical portion 2k and the driving force for reciprocating the pump portion 3a are performed. Is received by one driving force receiving unit (gear unit 2d).

Here, FIG. 16A is a partial view of the state in which the pump portion 3a is maximally extended in use, and FIG. 16B is a partial view of the state in which the pump portion 3a is maximally contracted in use. 16 (c) is a diagram of the pump section. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, a reciprocating member 3b is used as an intervening member for converting the rotational driving force into the reciprocating power of the pump unit 3a. Specifically, the drive force receiving portion (gear portion 2d) that has been rotationally driven by the drive gear 651 and the cam groove 2e that is integrally provided with a groove on the entire circumference rotate. The cam groove 2e will be described later. In the cam groove 2e, an engaging projection 3c that partially protrudes from the reciprocating member 3b is engaged with the cam groove 2e.

Then, in the cam groove 2e and the reciprocating member 3b as the "driving force conversion unit", the pump unit 3a receives the rotational driving force received by the gear unit 2d to rotate the inclined rib 6a, and the pump unit 3a receives the rotational driving force of the developer supply container 10. It operates in the longitudinal direction and converts it into a transport driving force that transports the developer. In this example, as shown in FIG. 16C, the reciprocating member 3b is prevented from rotating in the rotation direction of the cylindrical portion 2k by the rotation restricting portion 3f (allowing a backlash). It is regulated. By restricting the rotation in this way, it is restricted to reciprocate along the groove of the cam groove 2e (in the direction X or opposite to the arrow X in FIG. 15B).

Further, the engaging protrusions 3c are provided so as to engage with the cam groove 2e at a plurality of locations. Specifically, two engaging protrusions 3c (engaging portions) are provided so as to face each other by about 180 ° on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2k.

Here, as for the number of engaging protrusions 3c to be arranged, at least one may be provided. However, a moment may be generated in the driving force conversion mechanism or the like due to the drag force when the pump portion 3a expands and contracts, and smooth reciprocating movement may not be performed. It is preferable to provide it.

That is, the cam groove 2e is rotated by the rotational driving force input from the drive gear 300. The engaging projection 3c reciprocates along the cam groove 2e in the direction X or the opposite direction of the arrow. As a result, the volume of the developer replenishment container 10 can be changed by alternately repeating the state in which the pump unit 3a is extended (FIG. 16 (a)) and the state in which the pump unit 3a is contracted (FIG. 16 (b)). can do.

(Developer replenishment process)
Next, the developer replenishment step by the developer replenishment container 10 will be described. FIG. 17 shows a developed view of the cam groove 2e in the above-mentioned driving force conversion mechanism (cam mechanism composed of the engaging protrusion 3c and the cam groove 2e). The details of the cam groove 2e will be described later.

In this example, as will be described later, an intake process (intake operation via the discharge port 4a) and an exhaust process (exhaust operation via the exhaust port 4a) by operating the pump unit and an operation stop process (exhaust port) due to non-operation of the pump unit. Intake and exhaust are not performed from 4a). Then, the driving force conversion mechanism is configured to convert the rotational driving force into reciprocating power. Hereinafter, the intake process, the exhaust process, and the operation stop process will be described in detail in order.

(Intake process)
First, the intake process (intake operation via the discharge port 4a) will be described. The intake operation is performed by changing from FIG. 16 (b) in which the pump portion 3a is in the most contracted state to FIG. 16 (a) in which the pump portion 3a is in the most extended state by the driving force conversion mechanism (cam mechanism) described above. .. That is, with this intake operation, the volume of the portions (pump portion 3a, cylindrical portion 2k, discharge portion 4c) that can accommodate the developer in the developer supply container 10 increases.

At that time, the inside of the developer supply container 10 is substantially sealed except for the discharge port 4a, and the discharge port 4a is substantially closed with the developer T. Therefore, as the volume of the portion of the developer supply container 10 that can accommodate the developer T increases, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 10 decreases. At this time, the internal pressure of the developer replenishment container 10 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure (external pressure). Therefore, the air outside the developer replenishment container 10 moves into the developer replenishment container 10 through the discharge port 4a due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the developer replenishment container 10.

At that time, since air is taken in from the outside of the developer replenishment container 10 through the discharge port 4a, the developer T located in the vicinity of the discharge port 4a can be released (fluidized). Specifically, the bulk density can be reduced by impregnating the developer located in the vicinity of the discharge port 4a with air, and the developer T can be appropriately fluidized. Further, at this time, since air is taken into the developer replenishment container 10 through the discharge port 4a, the internal pressure of the developer replenishment container 10 is near the atmospheric pressure (external pressure) even though its volume is increasing. Will change.

By fluidizing the developer T in this way, it is possible to smoothly discharge the developer from the discharge port 4a without clogging the developer T in the discharge port 4a during the exhaust operation described later. It becomes. Therefore, the amount of the developer T discharged from the discharge port 4a (per unit time) can be kept substantially constant for a long period of time.

Since the intake operation is performed, the pump unit 3a is not limited to the state of being most contracted to the most extended state, and even if the pump unit 3a is stopped in the middle of the state of being most expanded from the most contracted state. If the internal pressure of the developer supply container 10 is changed, the intake operation is performed.

(Exhaust process)
Next, the exhaust process (exhaust operation via the exhaust port 4a) will be described. The exhaust operation is performed by changing from FIG. 16 (a) in which the pump portion 3a is in the most extended state to FIG. 16 (b) in which the pump portion 3a is in the most contracted state. Specifically, the volume of the portions (pump portion 3a, cylindrical portion 2k, discharge portion 4c) that can accommodate the developer in the developer replenishment container 10 decreases with this exhaust operation. At that time, the inside of the developer supply container 10 is substantially sealed except for the discharge port 4a, and the discharge port 4a is substantially blocked by the developer T until the developer is discharged. There is. Therefore, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 10 increases as the volume of the portion of the developer supply container 10 that can accommodate the developer T decreases.

At this time, since the internal pressure of the developer replenishment container 10 is higher than the atmospheric pressure (external pressure), the developer T is pushed out from the discharge port 4a due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the developer replenishment container 10. That is, the developer T is discharged from the developer replenishment container 10 to the replenishment device 201. Since the air in the developer replenishment container 10 is also discharged together with the developer T, the internal pressure of the developer replenishment container 10 decreases. As described above, in this example, since the developer can be efficiently discharged by using one reciprocating pump unit 3a, the mechanism required for discharging the developer can be simplified.

(Cam groove)
Next, the cam groove 2e, which is the most characteristic of this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 17, 18, and 19. FIG. 17 is a developed view of the driving force conversion mechanism portion, which is a developed view of one rotation of the cylindrical portion 2k. Further, FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the cylindrical portion 2k. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the DD cross-sectional line shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, a cam groove 2e is provided in the developer replenishment container 10 so as to go around the developer replenishment container 10 and meander along the rotation direction of the developer replenishment container 10.

Here, in FIG. 17, the arrow A indicates the rotation direction of the cylindrical portion 2k (the moving direction of the cam groove 2e), the arrow B indicates the extension direction of the pump portion 3a, and the arrow C indicates the compression direction of the pump portion 3a. Further, the cam groove 2e is composed of a first cam groove 2p used when the pump portion 3a expands and contracts, and a second cam groove 2n in which a lock portion 2m described later is arranged. The second cam groove 2n is connected to the first cam groove 2p.

The first cam groove 2p includes a cam groove 2g used when compressing the pump portion 3a, a cam groove 2h used when extending the pump portion 3a, and a cam groove in which the above-mentioned pump portion 3a does not reciprocate. Pump section non-operating section) 2i.

The reciprocating member 3b reciprocates in the longitudinal direction of the developer replenishment container 10 by moving while partially engaging with the first cam groove 2p and the second cam groove 2n. Further, the engaging projection 3c, which is a part of the reciprocating member 3b, is engaged with the second cam groove 2n as an initial position when the developer supply container 10 is produced. That is, the engaging projection 3c is housed in the second cam groove 2n with respect to the developing agent replenishing container 10 that has been attached to the developing agent replenishing device. After that, after being mounted on the image forming apparatus, the developer supply container 10 is driven and the cam groove 2e moves in the A direction to join the first cam groove 2p, and then engage only with the first cam groove 2p. It works while doing.

Further, the connecting portion between the first cam groove 2p and the second cam groove 2n is configured to be connected at the end portion of the cam groove 2g on the downstream side in the C direction.

Further, a lock portion 2m is provided on the second cam groove 2n. As shown in FIG. 19, the lock portion 2 m of the present embodiment has a trapezoidal cross section, and has a lock surface 2 m1 inclined in the rotation direction and a restraining wall 2 m2. Here, the inclination angle of the lock surface 2m1 is α1 (the angle of the lock surface with respect to the line connecting the rotation center of the developer supply container 10 to the intersection of the lock surface 2m1 and the second cam groove 2n), and the inclination angle of the restraining wall is α2 (development). The angle of the restraining wall with respect to the line connecting the intersection of the lock surface 2m1 and the second cam groove 2n from the center of rotation of the agent supply container 10) and the step amount of the lock portion 2m are K.

Next, the actual operation of the engaging protrusion 3c and the cam grooves 2p and 2n will be described. As described above, when the developer supply container 10 is used for the first time, the engaging projection 3c is located on the downstream side of the cylindrical portion 2k in the rotational direction with respect to the second cam groove 2n (see FIG. 17). In this example, since the engaging protrusions 3c are provided at two locations on the 180-degree facing side, they are arranged in each of the two second cam grooves 2n.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the cam groove 2e rotates in the A direction from the state where the engaging protrusion 3c is engaged in the cam groove 2n, the engaging protrusion 3c is along the second cam groove 2n in the A direction. Relative movement in the opposite direction. Then, the engaging protrusion 3c moves to the first cam groove 2p through the cam groove 2n and the lock portion 2m. The details of the function of the lock portion 2 m will be described later. After that, as the operation of the pump unit 3a, when the engaging projection 3c passes through the cam groove 2i, the pump operation is not performed, and the operation stop step described above is performed. Further, when passing through the cam groove 2h, the pump portion 3a moves in the extending direction (B direction), and when passing through the above-mentioned intake step and the cam groove 2g, the pump portion 3a moves in the direction of the arrow C to be compressed. It moves and becomes the exhaust process described above. The amplitude of the reciprocating operation of the pump unit 3a at this time is H shown in FIG. Further, the engaging projection 3c that has moved to the first cam groove 2p passes through the cam groove 2i → the cam groove 2h → the cam groove 2g, and then constantly moves on the first cam groove 2p.

Here, the function of the lock portion 2 m will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 17, the engaging protrusion 3c is in the second cam groove 2n and on the downstream side in the rotation direction from the lock portion 2m from the production of the developer replenishment container 10 to the use in the main body through distribution. It is located (downstream of arrow A). Even when the cylindrical portion 2k is rotated due to vibration due to physical distribution, the rotation is suppressed so that the engaging projection 3c abuts on the lock portion 2m so that the cylindrical portion 2k does not rotate any further. Specifically, with respect to the rotational force generated by physical distribution, the engaging protrusion 3c abuts on the lock surface 2m1 to receive rotational resistance, and the rotational force in physical distribution is set to be less than the rotational resistance force due to the lock surface 2m1. There is. As a result, when the engaging protrusion 3c comes into contact with the lock portion 2m, the relative rotation between the engaging protrusion 3c and the cam groove 2e is suppressed. This rotational resistance can be adjusted by the inclination angle α1 of the lock surface 2 m1 and the step amount K. By reducing the inclination angle α1, the engagement projections 3c come into contact with each other at a steeper inclination with respect to the rotation direction, so that the rotation resistance force increases. As for the inclination angle α1, if it is set to 0 °, the engaging projection 3c is completely locked and it becomes impossible to get over the lock portion 2m. Therefore, it is necessary that the inclination angle α1> 0 °. The inclination angle α1 can be appropriately set in consideration of the balance between the rotational force generated by physical distribution and the torque increase when overcoming.

Further, in the present embodiment, the rotational resistance can be increased by increasing the step amount K. As shown in FIG. 19, the engaging projection 3c is restrained from the outside by the rotation restricting portion 3f. Therefore, when the engaging protrusion 3c gets over the lock portion 2m, the engaging protrusion 3c is displaced and a part of the rotation restricting portion 3f is deformed. At this time, as the amount of deformation of the rotation restricting portion 3f increases, the elastic force against the deformation increases. Therefore, by setting a large step amount K, the amount of deformation of the rotation restricting portion 3f increases, and the elastic force also increases accordingly. As a result, the rotational resistance for overcoming the lock portion 2 m increases. This step amount K can also be appropriately set in combination with the inclination angle α1 in consideration of the balance between the rotational force generated in physical distribution and the torque increase at the time of overcoming.

Next, the restraint wall 2m2 provided on the opposite side of the lock surface 2m1 in the lock portion 2m will be described. The function of the restraining wall 2m2 is to restrain the engaging projection 3c from moving from the first cam groove 2p to the second cam groove 2n. Similar to the case of the inclination angle α1 of the lock surface 2m1, the rotational resistance force changes according to the magnitude of the inclination angle α2. When the inclination angle α2 becomes small, the rotational resistance force increases, and when the inclination angle α2 becomes large, the rotational resistance force decreases. Normally, as shown in FIG. 17, when the moving direction of the cam groove 2e is operated by the arrow A, after the engaging projection 3c moves to the first cam groove 2p, it moves from the first cam groove 2p to the second cam groove 2n in the first place. There is nothing to do. However, when it is rotated in the opposite direction (second direction) for some purpose, the restraining wall 2m2 can prevent the engaging projection 3c from moving to the second cam groove 2n.

With the above configuration, after the engaging protrusion 3c is assembled so as to be located in the second cam groove 2n at the time of production, even if the engaging protrusion 3c and the cam groove 2e rotate relative to each other due to vibration due to physical distribution, the lock is locked. The rotation is suppressed by the portion 2m, and the movement from the second cam groove 2n to the first cam groove 2p can be prevented. As described above, the connecting portion between the first cam groove 2p and the second cam groove 2n is configured to be connected at the end portion of the cam groove 2g on the downstream side in the C direction, whereby the engaging projection 3 Moves from the second cam groove 2n to the first cam groove 2p, and then moves in the order of cam groove 2i → cam groove 2h. At that time, the pump portion 3b is in a contracted state when the engaging projection 3c is on the first cam groove 2n, and then operates so as to extend when the cam groove 2h is transferred.

(Control operation flow when replacing the developer replenishment container)
Next, regarding the operation flow at the time of exchanging the developer replenishment container, which is a feature of this embodiment, the flowchart of the control sequence at the time of exchanging the developer replenishment container shown in FIG. 20 and the development of the driving force conversion mechanism unit shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to the figure.

First, the image forming apparatus detects an operation signal for exchanging the developer replenishment container (S800). There are two situations in which the operation signal is detected. One is when the developer replenishment container remaining amount detecting means detects that there is no toner inside the developing agent replenishment container 10. Examples of the detecting means include means for estimating from the toner concentration detected by the toner detection sensor (31) in the developing apparatus 3. The other is when the user intentionally replaces a new developer replenishment container. In that case, the user operates the display panel 73 (see FIG. 2) to transmit an operation signal for replacing the developer replenishment container. Will be done. Since the effect of the present invention occurs when the user intentionally replaces the product with another new product after replacing the product with a new product, the situation will be described below. Therefore, in the new product installed first, as shown in FIG. 17, the engaging projection 3c, which is a part of the reciprocating member 3b, is set as the initial position when the developer replenishment container 10 is produced, and the second cam groove 2n is used. Is engaged in.

Next, the front cover open / close detection sensor 71 is monitored (S801), and when it is detected that the front cover 70 is open, the drive motor 652 corresponding to the developer replenishment container to be replaced is rotated forward (S802). .. Hereinafter, the direction in which the developer replenishment container 10 is rotated during normal replenishment of the drive motor 652 is defined as the forward rotation direction, and the rotation direction for opening the developer replenishment container replacement door 612 is defined as the reverse rotation direction.

After the drive motor 652 is rotated in the forward direction, the developer replenishment container rotation detection sensor 32 of the developer replenishment container 10 is then monitored (S803). When it is detected that the developer replenishment container 10 has rotated forward by a predetermined amount, the rotation of the drive motor 652 is stopped (S804). Here, as shown in FIG. 21A, the above-mentioned predetermined amount is such that the engaging projection 3c of the reciprocating member 3b moves along the second cam groove 2n in the opposite direction to the A direction, and the lock portion 2m. Is set to the amount of rotation until it gets over and joins the first cam groove 2i.

Next, when the drive motor 652 corresponding to the developer replenishment container to be replaced is rotated in the reverse direction (S805), the developer replenishment container 10 also rotates in the direction opposite to the A direction (in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction). (Rotation in the second rotation direction). Then, as shown in FIG. 21B, the engaging projection 3c of the reciprocating member 3b also moves in the A direction along the first cam groove 2i and comes into contact with the lock portion 2m. At this time, as described above, due to the function of the restraining wall 2m2, the engaging projection 3c joins the first cam groove 2p without getting over the lock portion 2m. After that, the engaging projection 3c moves while engaging only with the first cam groove.

When the drive motor 652 is rotated in the reverse direction, the door open / close detection sensor 639 of the station to be replaced is monitored (S806). When the door open / close detection sensor 639 monitors and detects that the target developer supply container replacement door 612 has opened, the drive motor 652 is stopped and terminated (S807, S808).

As described above, in the image forming device that reversely rotates the drive motor for rotating the developer replenishment container in the main body of the device to open the replacement door, the suppressing action by the suppressing part of the reciprocating member is released only when the rotating member is rotating in the forward direction. When the user attaches a new developer replenisher container to the image forming apparatus and then replaces it with another new replenisher container for some reason before starting the replenishment operation. Even if there is, the drive motor is first rotated in the forward direction to release the suppressing action by the suppressing portion, and then the drive motor is rotated in the forward direction to open the replacement door of the replenishment container. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a torque error due to the lock of the reciprocating member.

2 Accommodating part 2c Conveying protrusion 2d Gear part (driven force input part)
2e, 2g, 2h, 2i Cam groove 2m Lock part 2m1 Lock surface 2m2 Suppression wall 2n Second cam groove 2p First cam groove 2k Cylindrical part (developer storage chamber)
3a Pump part 3b Reciprocating member (driving force conversion part)
3c Engagement protrusion 3f Rotation control part 4 Flange part 4a Discharge port 4c Discharge part 4d Storage part 6 Conveying member 6a Inclined rib (conveying part)
10 Developer replenishment container 70 Front cover 71 Front cover open / close detection sensor 73 Display panel 605 Toner replenishment device 610 Developer replenishment container tray 611 Developer replenishment container drive device 612 Replacement door for developer replenishment container 613 Replacement door unlocking device 621 Exit 631 Latch 633 Shaft 634 Latch drive member 639 Door open / close detection sensor 640 Developer supply container mounting detection sensor

Claims (1)

A developer accommodating chamber for accommodating a developer, a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force, a pump portion capable of changing the internal volume of the developing agent accommodating chamber, and a rotational driving force received by the driving force receiving portion. A developer replenishing device in which a developing agent replenishing container including a driving force converting unit that converts the pump unit into a reciprocating force is detachable.
A mounting portion on which the developer replenishment container is mounted and rotatably supports the mounted developer replenishment container.
A door that opens and closes an opening provided for mounting the developer replenishing device on the mounting portion, and
An opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the door, the developer replenishment container in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction of the developer replenishment container in the developer replenishment operation. An opening / closing mechanism that opens the door in conjunction with the rotation of
A control means for controlling the rotation direction of the developer replenishment container is provided.
The driving force conversion unit
A first cam groove provided in the developer replenishment container so as to orbit the developer replenishment container while meandering along the rotation direction of the developer replenishment container.
A second cam groove formed in the developer replenishment container and
The first cam groove and the engaging portion that engages with the second cam groove are provided, and the engaging portion is interlocked with the movement of the engaging portion along the first cam groove with the rotation of the developer supply container. A reciprocating member that reciprocates to change the volume of the pump unit,
Have,
The second cam groove joins the first cam groove on one end side and extends so that the engaging portion abuts on the other end side.
The engaging portion of the developer replenishment container that has not been attached to the developer replenisher device is housed in the second cam groove.
In the sequence of opening the door for removing the developing agent replenishing container in which the engaging portion is housed in the second cam groove from the developing agent replenishing device, the control means has the engaging portion of the second cam groove. The developer replenishment container is rotated in the first rotation direction so as to move from the cam groove to the first cam groove, and then the developer replenishment container is rotated in the second rotation direction. A developer replenishing device characterized by opening the door.

Images