JP2021144155A

JP2021144155A - Developer receiving device and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2021144155A
Application number: JP2020043052A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 佑介大泉; Yusuke Oizumi
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2020-03-12
Filing date: 2020-03-12
Publication date: 2021-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-12
Also published as: JP7413094B2

Abstract

To separate a developer receiving part to a predetermined position in association with a withdrawal operation of a storage container without provision of an urging member.SOLUTION: A connection shaft part 300 of a developer receiving part 11 that compresses a seal member 12 in contact therewith is formed with a first compression part 301, a second compression part 302, and a third compression part 303 different in the amount of compression on the sealing member 12. The first compression part 301 compresses the seal member 12 with a first amount of compression, and the second compression part 302 compresses the seal member 12 with a second amount of compression smaller than the first amount of compression. The third compression part 303 compresses the seal member 12 while gradually reducing the amount of compression from the first amount of compression to the second amount of compression in association with a withdrawal operation of a developer storage container 1. When the amount of compression on the seal member 12 is gradually reduced during the withdrawal of the developer storage container 1, the rubbing resistance between the connection shaft part 300 and the seal member 12 is reduced, and the developer receiving part 11 is moved by its self weight downward in the vertical direction. In this way, during the withdrawal of the developer storage container 1, an engagement part 11b is moved to a predetermined position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

本発明は、現像剤収容容器を着脱可能な現像剤受け入れ装置、及びプリンタ、複写機、ファクシミリあるいは複合機などの、電子写真技術を利用した画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a developing agent receiving device to which a developing agent containing container can be attached and detached, and an image forming apparatus using electrophotographic technology such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile or a multifunction device.

従来、複写機などの電子写真方式の画像形成装置では、画像形成に伴い現像剤が消費されることから、現像剤収容容器（以下、単に収容容器と呼ぶ）から現像剤を補給する構成としている。収容容器は画像形成装置内に設けられた現像剤受け入れ装置に着脱自在に構成され、現像剤受け入れ装置に装着されることで現像剤を補給可能としている。そして、収容容器から現像剤漏れを生じさせないために、ユーザによる収容容器の着脱動作に伴い現像剤受け入れ装置に設けられている現像剤受け入れ部を往復動させて収容容器に接離させる構成が提案されている（特許文献１）。 Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copier, a developing agent is consumed with image formation, so that the developing agent is replenished from a developing agent storage container (hereinafter, simply referred to as a storage container). .. The storage container is detachably configured in a developer receiving device provided in the image forming apparatus, and can be replenished with the developer by being attached to the developing agent receiving device. Then, in order to prevent the developer from leaking from the container, a configuration is proposed in which the developer receiving portion provided in the developer receiving device is reciprocated to be brought into contact with and separated from the container as the user attaches and detaches the container. (Patent Document 1).

上記特許文献１に記載の装置の場合、現像剤受け入れ部は収容容器の装着動作に伴い、収容容器に設けられているガイドに係合し、ガイドに導かれて収容容器に接近する。そして、収容容器の装着が完了すると、収容容器と現像剤受け入れ部の一端側とが接続した状態（連通状態）となる。他方、現像剤受け入れ部は収容容器の離脱動作に伴いガイドに導かれて収容容器から離れ、収容容器と現像剤受け入れ部の一端側とが接続していない状態（非連通状態）となる。現像剤受け入れ部の他端側は接続パイプに往復動可能に連結されており、この接続パイプには現像剤受け入れ部との連結部から現像剤が漏れないように、可撓性を有するシール部材が配設されている。 In the case of the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the developer receiving portion engages with a guide provided in the storage container as the storage container is mounted, and is guided by the guide to approach the storage container. Then, when the mounting of the storage container is completed, the storage container and one end side of the developer receiving portion are connected (communication state). On the other hand, the developing agent receiving portion is guided by the guide and separated from the accommodating container as the accommodating container is detached, and the accommodating container and one end side of the developing agent receiving portion are not connected (non-communication state). The other end of the developer receiving part is reciprocally connected to the connecting pipe, and the connecting pipe is a flexible sealing member so that the developer does not leak from the connecting part with the developing agent receiving part. Are arranged.

特開２０１３−０１５８２６号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-015826

ところで、上記した特許文献１に記載の装置では、ユーザによる離脱動作に伴い収容容器から現像剤受け入れ部を所定位置まで離間させるために、現像剤受け入れ部が付勢部材によって収容容器とは反対側（鉛直方向下側）に付勢されている。この場合、収容容器の装着動作時には、現像剤受け入れ部を付勢部材の付勢力に逆らって移動させなければならない。即ち、ユーザは収容容器を装着する際に、現像剤受け入れ部とシール部材との間に生じる摺擦抵抗と、付勢部材の付勢力と、に反して現像剤受け入れ部を移動させるだけの力を加えなければならない。このように、現像剤受け入れ部を所定位置に付勢するための付勢部材の付勢力はユーザにとって収容容器の装着を妨げる抵抗となる。そうであれば、付勢部材は設けないほうが好ましいが、そうすると、現像剤受け入れ部を所定位置まで離間させることが難しくなる。現像剤受け入れ部が所定位置まで離間していない状態で収容容器を装着すると、現像剤受け入れ部がガイドにうまく係合せず収容容器に接近しない虞があった。そこで、現像剤受け入れ部を所定位置に付勢するための付勢部材を設けていない場合、現像剤受け入れ部を所定位置まで離間させる構成が必要となるが、そうしたものは未だ提案されていない。 By the way, in the device described in Patent Document 1 described above, in order to separate the developer receiving portion from the accommodating container to a predetermined position due to the detaching operation by the user, the developing agent receiving portion is on the opposite side of the accommodating container by the urging member. It is urged (downward in the vertical direction). In this case, the developer receiving portion must be moved against the urging force of the urging member during the mounting operation of the storage container. That is, when the user mounts the container, the force is sufficient to move the developer receiving portion against the rubbing resistance generated between the developing agent receiving portion and the sealing member and the urging force of the urging member. Must be added. In this way, the urging force of the urging member for urging the developer receiving portion to a predetermined position becomes a resistance for the user to hinder the mounting of the storage container. If this is the case, it is preferable not to provide the urging member, but doing so makes it difficult to separate the developer receiving portion to a predetermined position. If the accommodating container is mounted in a state where the developing agent receiving portion is not separated from the predetermined position, the developing agent receiving portion may not engage the guide well and may not approach the accommodating container. Therefore, when an urging member for urging the developer receiving portion to a predetermined position is not provided, a configuration for separating the developer receiving portion to a predetermined position is required, but such a structure has not yet been proposed.

本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされ、現像剤受け入れ部を所定位置に付勢するための付勢部材を設けていなくても、収容容器の離脱動作に伴い現像剤受け入れ部を所定位置まで離間させることができる現像剤受け入れ装置の提供を目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even if an urging member for urging the developer receiving portion to a predetermined position is not provided, the developing agent receiving portion is separated from the predetermined position by the detaching operation of the storage container. An object of the present invention is to provide a developer receiving device capable of receiving the developer.

本発明に係る現像剤受け入れ装置は、現像剤を収容する収容容器と、前記収容容器を着脱自在に装着可能な装着部と、前記収容容器の着脱動作に応じて前記収容容器の装着方向に交差する軸方向に往復動可能に前記装着部に設けられ、前記装着部に装着された前記収容容器から排出される現像剤が通過する筒状の連結軸部を有する現像剤受け入れ部と、前記連結軸部の一端側が侵入し往復動可能に連結される接続パイプと、前記連結軸部と前記接続パイプとにより弾性的に圧縮されて、前記連結軸部と前記接続パイプとの隙間をシールするシール部材と、を備え、前記連結軸部は、前記収容容器の装着完了後の第一位置で前記シール部材に当接し第一圧縮量で圧縮する第一圧縮部と、前記収容容器の装着開始前の第二位置で前記シール部材に当接し前記第一圧縮量よりも小さい第二圧縮量で圧縮する第二圧縮部と、前記軸方向において前記第一圧縮部と前記第二圧縮部との間に形成され、前記第一位置から前記第二位置への移動に応じて前記シール部材に当接した場合に、前記第一圧縮量から前記第二圧縮量へ前記シール部材の圧縮量を減少する第三圧縮部とを有する、ことを特徴とする。 The developer receiving device according to the present invention intersects a storage container for storing a developer, a mounting portion on which the storage container can be detachably mounted, and a mounting direction of the storage container according to the attachment / detachment operation of the storage container. A developer receiving portion provided on the mounting portion so as to be reciprocating in the axial direction and having a tubular connecting shaft portion through which the developer discharged from the storage container mounted on the mounting portion passes, and the connecting portion. A seal that is elastically compressed by the connecting pipe that one end side of the shaft portion enters and is reciprocally connected, and the connecting shaft portion and the connecting pipe to seal the gap between the connecting shaft portion and the connecting pipe. The connecting shaft portion includes a member, and the connecting shaft portion has a first compression portion that abuts on the seal member at the first position after the mounting of the storage container is completed and compresses with the first compression amount, and before the start of mounting the storage container. Between the second compression portion that abuts on the seal member at the second position and compresses with a second compression amount smaller than the first compression amount, and between the first compression portion and the second compression portion in the axial direction. When it comes into contact with the seal member in response to the movement from the first position to the second position, the compression amount of the seal member is reduced from the first compression amount to the second compression amount. It is characterized by having a third compression unit.

本発明によれば、現像剤受け入れ部を所定位置に付勢するための付勢部材を設けていなくても、ユーザによる収容容器の離脱動作に伴い現像剤受け入れ部を所定位置まで離間させることが簡易な構成で実現できる。 According to the present invention, even if an urging member for urging the developer receiving portion to a predetermined position is not provided, the developing agent receiving portion can be separated to a predetermined position as the user removes the container. It can be realized with a simple configuration.

本実施形態の現像剤受け入れ装置を適用可能な画像形成装置の構成を示す概略図。The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus to which the developer receiving apparatus of this embodiment can be applied. 画像形成装置の斜視図。Perspective view of the image forming apparatus. （ａ）現像剤受け入れ装置を示す斜視図、（ｂ）現像剤受け入れ部を示す斜視図。(A) A perspective view showing a developer receiving device, and (b) a perspective view showing a developer receiving portion. 現像剤収容容器を示す、（ａ）斜視図、（ｂ）一部拡大図。(A) perspective view, (b) partially enlarged view showing a developer container. 現像剤収容容器を示す断面斜視図。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a developer container. 装着開始前における、（ａ）現像剤収容容器と現像剤受け入れ部の位置を示す断面図、（ｂ）現像剤受け入れ部と接続パイプの位置を示す断面図。(A) A cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developer container and the developer receiving portion, and (b) a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developing agent receiving portion and the connecting pipe before the start of mounting. 装着途中における、（ａ）現像剤収容容器と現像剤受け入れ部の位置を示す断面図、（ｂ）現像剤受け入れ部と接続パイプの位置を示す断面図。A cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developer container and the developer receiving portion during mounting, and (b) a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developing agent receiving portion and the connecting pipe during mounting. 装着完了後における、（ａ）現像剤収容容器と現像剤受け入れ部の位置を示す断面図、（ｂ）現像剤受け入れ部と接続パイプの位置を示す断面図。A cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developer container and the developer receiving portion, and (b) a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developing agent receiving portion and the connecting pipe after the mounting is completed.

［画像形成装置］
まず、本実施形態の画像形成装置の概略構成について、図１及び図２を用いて説明する。図１において、画像形成装置１００は、装置本体１００ａの上部に原稿読取装置１０３を有する。原稿１０１は、原稿台ガラス１０２の上に置かれる。そして、原稿１０１の画像情報に応じた光像を原稿読取装置１０３の複数のミラーＭとレンズＬｎにより、像担持体としての円筒状の感光体である感光ドラム１０４上に結像させることにより静電潜像を形成する。この静電潜像は乾式の現像器（一成分現像器）２０１により現像剤（乾式粉体）としてのトナーを用いて可視化される。なお、本実施形態では、現像剤収容容器１（トナーカートリッジなどと呼ばれる）から補給すべき現像剤として一成分非磁性トナーを用いた例について説明するが、このような例だけではなく、後述するような構成としても構わない。 [Image forming device]
First, the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 has a document reading apparatus 103 above the apparatus main body 100a. The document 101 is placed on the platen glass 102. Then, an optical image corresponding to the image information of the document 101 is formed by a plurality of mirrors M and lenses Ln of the document reading device 103 on a photosensitive drum 104 which is a cylindrical photoconductor as an image carrier to generate static electricity. Form an electro-latent image. This electrostatic latent image is visualized by a dry developer (one-component developer) 201 using toner as a developer (dry powder). In this embodiment, an example in which a one-component non-magnetic toner is used as the developer to be replenished from the developer container 1 (called a toner cartridge or the like) will be described, but not only such an example but also described later. It may be configured like this.

具体的には、一成分非磁性トナーを用いて現像を行う一成分現像器を用いる場合、現像剤として一成分非磁性トナーを補給することになる。また、非磁性トナーと磁性キャリアとを混合した二成分現像剤を用いて現像を行う二成分現像器を用いる場合、現像剤として非磁性トナーを補給することになる。なお、この場合、現像剤として非磁性トナーとともに磁性キャリアも併せて補給する構成としても構わない。 Specifically, when a one-component developer that develops using a one-component non-magnetic toner is used, the one-component non-magnetic toner is replenished as a developer. Further, when a two-component developer that develops with a two-component developer in which a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier are mixed is used, the non-magnetic toner is replenished as the developer. In this case, the developer may be configured to supply a magnetic carrier together with the non-magnetic toner.

図１に示す現像器２０１は、上述したように、原稿１０１の画像情報に基づいて感光ドラム１０４上に形成された静電潜像を、現像剤としてトナーを用いて現像するものである。また、現像器２０１には、現像剤補給システム２００が接続されており、現像剤補給システム２００は、現像剤収容容器１と、現像剤収容容器１が着脱可能な現像剤受け入れ装置８（図２参照）とを有する。 As described above, the developing device 201 shown in FIG. 1 develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 based on the image information of the original document 101 using toner as a developing agent. Further, a developer replenishment system 200 is connected to the developer 201, and the developer replenishment system 200 has a developer storage container 1 and a developer receiving device 8 to which the developer storage container 1 can be attached and detached (FIG. 2). See) and.

現像器２０１は、現像剤ホッパ部２０１ａの他に、現像ローラ２０１ｆが設けられている。この現像剤ホッパ部２０１ａには、現像剤収容容器１から補給された現像剤を撹拌するための撹拌部材２０１ｃが設けられている。そして、この撹拌部材２０１ｃにより撹拌された現像剤は、搬送部材２０１ｄにより搬送部材２０１ｅ側へと送られる。そして、搬送部材２０１ｅ、２０１ｂにより順に搬送されてきた現像剤は、現像ローラ２０１ｆに担持され、最終的に感光ドラム１０４と対向する現像部へと供給される。本実施形態では、１成分現像剤を用いているため、現像剤収容容器１から現像剤としてのトナーを、現像器２０１へ補給する構成としているが、二成分現像剤を用いる場合、現像剤収容容器から現像剤としてのトナー及びキャリアを補給する構成としても構わない。 The developer 201 is provided with a developing roller 201f in addition to the developer hopper section 201a. The developer hopper section 201a is provided with a stirring member 201c for stirring the developer supplied from the developer container 1. Then, the developer stirred by the stirring member 201c is sent to the transport member 201e side by the transport member 201d. Then, the developer which has been sequentially conveyed by the conveying members 201e and 201b is supported on the developing roller 201f and finally supplied to the developing unit facing the photosensitive drum 104. In the present embodiment, since the one-component developer is used, the toner as the developer is replenished from the developer storage container 1 to the developer 201. However, when the two-component developer is used, the developer is stored. The container may be configured to replenish toner and carriers as a developing agent.

カセット１０５〜１０８は、それぞれシートなどの記録材Ｓを収容する。画像形成時には、これらカセット１０５〜１０８のうち、画像形成装置の操作部１００ｄから操作者（ユーザやサービスマン）が入力した情報もしくは原稿１０１のサイズを基に最適な記録材Ｓを収容したカセットが選択される。ここで記録材Ｓとしては用紙に限定されずに、例えばＯＨＰシート等適宜使用、選択できる。そして、給送分離装置１０５Ａ〜１０８Ａにより搬送された１枚の記録材Ｓを、搬送部１０９を経由してレジストレーションローラ１１０まで搬送し、感光ドラム１０４の回転と、原稿読取装置１０３のスキャンのタイミングを同期させて搬送する。 Each of the cassettes 105 to 108 accommodates a recording material S such as a sheet. At the time of image formation, among these cassettes 105 to 108, the cassette containing the optimum recording material S based on the information input by the operator (user or serviceman) from the operation unit 100d of the image forming apparatus or the size of the document 101 is used. Be selected. Here, the recording material S is not limited to paper, and for example, an OHP sheet or the like can be appropriately used and selected. Then, one recording material S conveyed by the feeding / separating devices 105A to 108A is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the conveying unit 109, and the photosensitive drum 104 is rotated and the document reading device 103 is scanned. Transport at the same timing.

レジストレーションローラ１１０の記録材搬送方向下流側で、感光ドラム１０４と対向する位置には、転写帯電器１１１及び分離帯電器１１２が設けられている。レジストレーションローラ１１０により搬送された記録材Ｓは、転写帯電器１１１によって、感光ドラム１０４上に形成された現像剤による画像（トナー画像）が転写される。そして、トナー画像が転写された記録材Ｓは、分離帯電器１１２によって感光ドラム１０４から分離される。この後、搬送部１１３により搬送された記録材Ｓは、定着部１１４において熱と圧力が加えられ、記録材上にトナー像が定着される。その後、トナー像を定着した記録材Ｓは、片面コピーの場合には、排出反転部１１５を通過し、排出ローラ１１６により排出トレイ１１７へ排出される。 A transfer charger 111 and a separate charger 112 are provided at positions facing the photosensitive drum 104 on the downstream side of the registration roller 110 in the recording material transport direction. An image (toner image) of the developer formed on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred to the recording material S conveyed by the registration roller 110 by the transfer charger 111. Then, the recording material S to which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation charger 112. After that, heat and pressure are applied to the recording material S conveyed by the conveying unit 113 at the fixing unit 114, and the toner image is fixed on the recording material. After that, in the case of single-sided copying, the recording material S on which the toner image is fixed passes through the discharge inversion unit 115 and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the discharge roller 116.

他方、両面コピーの場合、記録材Ｓは、排出反転部１１５を通り、一度、排出ローラ１１６により一部が装置外へ排出される。そして、この後、記録材Ｓの終端が切換部材１１８を通過し、排出ローラ１１６にまだ挟持されているタイミングで切換部材１１８の位置を切り換えると共に排出ローラ１１６を逆回転させることにより、記録材Ｓは、再度、装置内へ搬送される。さらに、この後、記録材Ｓは、再給送搬送部１１９、１２０を経由してレジストレーションローラ１１０まで搬送された後、片面コピーの場合と同様の経路をたどって排出トレイ１１７へ排出される。 On the other hand, in the case of double-sided copying, a part of the recording material S passes through the discharge inversion unit 115 and is once discharged to the outside of the device by the discharge roller 116. After that, the end of the recording material S passes through the switching member 118, and the position of the switching member 118 is switched at the timing when the recording material S is still sandwiched by the discharge roller 116, and the discharge roller 116 is rotated in the reverse direction. Is transported into the device again. Further, after that, the recording material S is transported to the registration roller 110 via the refeeding and transporting units 119 and 120, and then discharged to the discharge tray 117 by following the same route as in the case of single-sided copying. ..

上記構成の画像形成装置１００において、感光ドラム１０４の周りには現像器２０１、クリーナ部２０２、一次帯電器２０３等の画像形成プロセス機器が設置されている。なお、現像器２０１は、原稿読取装置１０３により読み取った原稿１０１の画像情報などに基づき感光ドラム１０４に形成された静電潜像に現像剤を付着させることにより、静電潜像を現像するものである。また、一次帯電器２０３は、感光ドラム１０４上に所望の静電潜像を形成するために感光ドラム表面を一様に帯電するためのものである。また、クリーナ部２０２は感光ドラム１０４に残留している現像剤を除去するためのものである。 In the image forming apparatus 100 having the above configuration, image forming process devices such as a developing device 201, a cleaner portion 202, and a primary charging device 203 are installed around the photosensitive drum 104. The developer 201 develops the electrostatic latent image by adhering a developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 based on the image information of the original 101 read by the document reading device 103. Is. Further, the primary charger 203 is for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum in order to form a desired electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104. Further, the cleaner portion 202 is for removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104.

図２に示すように、画像形成装置１００の装置本体１００ａの外装カバーの一部である交換用カバー４０を操作者が開けると、後述する現像剤受け入れ装置８の一部が現れる。そして、この現像剤受け入れ装置８に現像剤収容容器１を挿入することで、現像剤収容容器１は、現像剤受け入れ装置８へ現像剤を排出可能な状態で現像剤受け入れ装置８に保持される。他方、操作者が現像剤収容容器１を交換する際は、装着動作とは逆の動作を行って現像剤受け入れ装置８から現像剤収容容器１を離脱した後に、新たな現像剤収容容器１を装着する。なお、交換用カバー４０は、現像剤収容容器１を着脱（交換）するための専用カバーであって、現像剤収容容器１を着脱するためだけに開閉される。他方、画像形成装置１００のメンテナンスは、前面カバー１００ｃを開閉することにより行われる。ここで、交換用カバー４０と前面カバー１００ｃは一体であってもよく、その場合、現像剤収容容器１の交換や、画像形成装置１００のメンテナンスは一体化されたカバー（不図示）を開閉することにより行われる。 As shown in FIG. 2, when the operator opens the replacement cover 40, which is a part of the exterior cover of the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100, a part of the developer receiving apparatus 8 described later appears. Then, by inserting the developer containing container 1 into the developing agent receiving device 8, the developing agent containing container 1 is held in the developing agent receiving device 8 in a state in which the developing agent can be discharged to the developing agent receiving device 8. .. On the other hand, when the operator replaces the developer storage container 1, the developer storage container 1 is replaced with a new developer storage container 1 after the developer storage container 1 is separated from the developer receiving device 8 by performing an operation opposite to the mounting operation. Mounting. The replacement cover 40 is a dedicated cover for attaching / detaching (replacement) the developing agent containing container 1, and is opened / closed only for attaching / detaching the developing agent containing container 1. On the other hand, maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 is performed by opening and closing the front cover 100c. Here, the replacement cover 40 and the front cover 100c may be integrated. In that case, the integrated cover (not shown) is opened and closed for replacement of the developer container 1 and maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100. It is done by.

［現像剤受け入れ装置］
次に、現像剤受け入れ装置８について、図３（ａ）及び図３（ｂ）を用いて説明する。図３（ａ）に示すように、現像剤受け入れ装置８には、現像剤収容容器１（後述の図４（ａ）参照）が着脱自在に装着可能な装着部（装着スペース）８ｆが設けられている。装着部８ｆには、現像剤収容容器１を着脱方向に案内するための挿入ガイド８ｅが設けられている。本実施形態の場合、挿入ガイド８ｅは、現像剤収容容器１の装着方向（挿入方向）が矢印Ａ方向となるように、また現像剤収容容器１の離脱方向が装着方向と逆方向（矢印Ｂ方向）となるように構成されている。 [Developer receiving device]
Next, the developer receiving device 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). As shown in FIG. 3A, the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a mounting portion (mounting space) 8f to which the developing agent storage container 1 (see FIG. 4A described later) can be detachably mounted. ing. The mounting portion 8f is provided with an insertion guide 8e for guiding the developer storage container 1 in the attachment / detachment direction. In the case of the present embodiment, in the insertion guide 8e, the mounting direction (insertion direction) of the developer containing container 1 is in the direction of arrow A, and the detaching direction of the developing agent containing container 1 is in the direction opposite to the mounting direction (arrow B). Direction).

現像剤受け入れ装置８の装着部８ｆには、現像剤収容容器１から排出された現像剤を受け入れるために、図３（ｂ）に示すような、可動式の現像剤受け入れ部１１が設けられている。現像剤受け入れ部１１は、現像剤収容容器１の装着動作時に現像剤収容容器１の排出口４ａ（後述の図５参照）と接続され、排出口４ａから排出される現像剤を受け入れる現像剤受入口１１ａを有する。現像剤受け入れ部１１は、現像剤受入口１１ａが排出口４ａに対して接離する方向（現像剤収容容器１の装着方向に交差する軸方向）に、本実施形態では現像剤受け入れ装置８に対して鉛直方向に移動可能に取り付けられている。現像剤受け入れ部１１には側面に中央側に向け突出した係合部１１ｂが設けられており、この係合部１１ｂは現像剤収容容器１に設けられたガイド部４５（図４（ａ）参照）と直接係合し得る。係合部１１ｂがガイド部４５にガイドされることで、現像剤受け入れ部１１は現像剤収容容器１へ接近するように鉛直方向上方へ持ち上げられ、また現像剤収容容器１から離れるように鉛直方向下方へ押し下げられる。 The mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a movable developer receiving portion 11 as shown in FIG. 3B in order to receive the developing agent discharged from the developing agent storage container 1. There is. The developer receiving unit 11 is connected to the discharge port 4a (see FIG. 5 described later) of the developer storage container 1 during the mounting operation of the developer storage container 1, and receives the developer discharged from the discharge port 4a. It has an entrance 11a. The developer receiving unit 11 is in the direction in which the developer receiving port 11a is brought into contact with and separated from the discharging port 4a (the axial direction intersecting the mounting direction of the developing agent container 1), and in the present embodiment, the developing agent receiving device 8 is used. On the other hand, it is mounted so that it can be moved in the vertical direction. The developer receiving portion 11 is provided with an engaging portion 11b protruding toward the center on the side surface, and the engaging portion 11b is a guide portion 45 provided in the developing agent container 1 (see FIG. 4A). ) Can be directly engaged. When the engaging portion 11b is guided by the guide portion 45, the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted upward in the vertical direction so as to approach the developer accommodating container 1, and also in the vertical direction so as to be separated from the developer accommodating container 1. Pushed down.

また、現像剤受け入れ部１１は、装着部８ｆに装着された現像剤収容容器１から現像剤受入口１１ａを介して受け入れた現像剤が通過する筒状の連結軸部３００を有する。連結軸部３００は例えば円筒状に形成され、現像剤収容容器１の装着方向に交差する軸方向に延びている。連結軸部３００には、現像剤受入口１１ａから受け入れた現像剤を排出するための現像剤排出口１１ｃが形成されている。現像剤排出口１１ｃから排出される現像剤が現像器２０１（図１参照）に補給されるように、現像剤受け入れ部１１と現像器２０１とが接続パイプ１５によって連結される。ここでは、接続パイプ１５の一端が現像剤受け入れ部１１の連結軸部３００に連結され、他端が現像剤ホッパ部２０１ａに接続されて、現像剤の搬送路を形成している。 Further, the developer receiving unit 11 has a tubular connecting shaft portion 300 through which the developing agent received from the developing agent storage container 1 mounted on the mounting unit 8f passes through the developing agent receiving port 11a. The connecting shaft portion 300 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, and extends in an axial direction intersecting the mounting direction of the developer container 1. The connecting shaft portion 300 is formed with a developer discharge port 11c for discharging the developer received from the developer reception port 11a. The developer receiving unit 11 and the developer 201 are connected by a connecting pipe 15 so that the developer discharged from the developer discharge port 11c is supplied to the developer 201 (see FIG. 1). Here, one end of the connecting pipe 15 is connected to the connecting shaft portion 300 of the developing agent receiving portion 11, and the other end is connected to the developing agent hopper portion 201a to form a transport path for the developing agent.

連結軸部３００は接続パイプ１５に対し、連結軸部３００の現像剤排出口１１ｃが形成された一端側が侵入するようにして、往復動可能に連結される。接続パイプ１５には、可撓性を有するシール部材１２（後述の図６（ａ）参照）が配設されている。シール部材１２は、接続パイプ１５と連結軸部３００との間から現像剤が漏れないようにするために、連結軸部３００と接続パイプ１５とにより径方向に弾性的に圧縮されて、連結軸部３００と接続パイプ１５との隙間をシールする。シール部材１２には貫通孔１２ａ（図６（ｂ）参照）が形成されており、連結軸部３００はその貫通孔１２ａに通されている。 The connecting shaft portion 300 is reciprocally connected to the connecting pipe 15 so that one end side of the connecting shaft portion 300 in which the developer discharge port 11c is formed penetrates. A flexible sealing member 12 (see FIG. 6A described later) is provided on the connecting pipe 15. The sealing member 12 is elastically compressed in the radial direction by the connecting shaft portion 300 and the connecting pipe 15 in order to prevent the developer from leaking from between the connecting pipe 15 and the connecting shaft portion 300, and the connecting shaft The gap between the portion 300 and the connecting pipe 15 is sealed. A through hole 12a (see FIG. 6B) is formed in the seal member 12, and the connecting shaft portion 300 is passed through the through hole 12a.

本実施形態の場合、往復動時に接続パイプ１５に侵入し得る連結軸部３００の一部には、図３（ｂ）に示すように、現像剤受入口１１ａに近いほうから順に、第二圧縮部３０２、第三圧縮部３０３、第一圧縮部３０１が形成されている。第一圧縮部３０１は外径が第二圧縮部３０２の外径よりも大きく形成され、第三圧縮部３０３は外径が第一圧縮部３０１から第二圧縮部３０２に向け小さくなるように形成されている。即ち、第一圧縮部３０１、第二圧縮部３０２、第三圧縮部３０３は、シール部材１２に当接した際のシール部材１２を圧縮する圧縮量が異なる。こうした第一圧縮部３０１、第二圧縮部３０２、第三圧縮部３０３の詳細については後述する（後述の図６（ａ）乃至図８（ｂ）参照）。 In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, a part of the connecting shaft portion 300 that may enter the connecting pipe 15 during reciprocating movement is second-compressed in order from the one closest to the developer receiving port 11a. A portion 302, a third compression portion 303, and a first compression portion 301 are formed. The outer diameter of the first compression portion 301 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the second compression portion 302, and the third compression portion 303 is formed so that the outer diameter becomes smaller from the first compression portion 301 to the second compression portion 302. Has been done. That is, the first compression unit 301, the second compression unit 302, and the third compression unit 303 have different compression amounts for compressing the seal member 12 when they come into contact with the seal member 12. Details of the first compression unit 301, the second compression unit 302, and the third compression unit 303 will be described later (see FIGS. 6A to 8B described later).

なお、現像剤受け入れ装置８は、図３（ａ）に示すように、現像剤収容容器１を駆動する駆動機構として機能する駆動ギア９を有している。この駆動ギア９は、駆動モータ５００から不図示の駆動ギア列を介して回転駆動力が伝達され、装着部８ｆに装着された状態にある現像剤収容容器１に対し回転駆動力を付与する機能を有している。駆動モータ５００は、制御部６００によりその動作を制御される構成となっている。制御部６００は、駆動モータ５００の制御の他、画像形成装置１００全体の制御を行う。このような制御部６００は、図示を省略したが、ＣＰＵ（ＣｅｎｔｒａｌＰｒｏｃｅｓｓｉｎｇＵｎｉｔ）、ＲＯＭ（ＲｅａｄＯｎｌｙＭｅｍｏｒｙ）、ＲＡＭ（ＲａｎｄｏｍＡｃｃｅｓｓＭｅｍｏｒｙ）を有している。ＣＰＵは、ＲＯＭに格納された制御手順に対応するプログラムを読み出しながら各部の制御を行う。また、ＲＡＭには、作業用データや入力データが格納されており、ＣＰＵは、前述のプログラム等に基づいてＲＡＭに収納されたデータを参照して制御を行う。 As shown in FIG. 3A, the developer receiving device 8 has a drive gear 9 that functions as a drive mechanism for driving the developer container 1. The drive gear 9 has a function of transmitting a rotational drive force from the drive motor 500 via a drive gear train (not shown) to apply the rotational drive force to the developer container 1 mounted on the mounting portion 8f. have. The drive motor 500 has a configuration in which its operation is controlled by the control unit 600. The control unit 600 controls not only the drive motor 500 but also the entire image forming apparatus 100. Although not shown, such a control unit 600 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU controls each part while reading a program corresponding to the control procedure stored in the ROM. Further, work data and input data are stored in the RAM, and the CPU controls by referring to the data stored in the RAM based on the above-mentioned program or the like.

［現像剤収容容器］
次に、現像剤収容容器１について、図３（ａ）を参照しながら図４（ａ）乃至図５を用いて説明する。現像剤収容容器１は、図４（ａ）に示すように、中空円筒状に形成されて内部に現像剤を収容する内部空間を備えた現像剤収容部２を有している。現像剤収容部２は、長手方向（回転軸線方向）の一端部が開口しており、回転することによって内部に収容されている現像剤が開口した一端部側に向けて搬送されるようになっている。また、現像剤収容容器１は、現像剤収容部２の一端部側が挿入され、現像剤受け入れ装置８（図３（ａ）参照）に非回転に装着されるフランジ部４を有している。現像剤収容部２（詳しくは円筒部２ｋ）は、このフランジ部４に対して相対回転可能に一端部が挿入されている。 [Developer container]
Next, the developer container 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) and 4 (a) to 5 (a). As shown in FIG. 4A, the developer storage container 1 has a developer storage unit 2 which is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and has an internal space for storing the developer. The developer accommodating portion 2 has an opening at one end in the longitudinal direction (rotational axis direction), and by rotating, the developer accommodating inside is conveyed toward the opened one end side. ing. Further, the developer container 1 has a flange portion 4 into which one end side of the developer accommodating portion 2 is inserted and is mounted on the developer receiving device 8 (see FIG. 3A) in a non-rotating manner. One end of the developer accommodating portion 2 (specifically, the cylindrical portion 2k) is inserted so as to be rotatable relative to the flange portion 4.

フランジ部４は、図４（ｂ）に示すように、現像剤受け入れ部１１の係合部１１ｂ（図３（ｂ）参照）と係合可能なガイド部４５を有している。ガイド部４５は、現像剤収容容器１から現像剤受け入れ部１１への現像剤補給が可能な互いが接続した状態となるように、現像剤収容容器１の装着動作に伴い、現像剤受け入れ部１１を現像剤収容容器１に向けて移動させる。また、ガイド部４５は、現像剤収容容器１の離脱動作に伴い、現像剤収容容器１と現像剤受け入れ部１１との接続状態が断たれるように、現像剤受け入れ部１１が現像剤収容容器１から離間する方向へ移動するようにガイドする。 As shown in FIG. 4B, the flange portion 4 has a guide portion 45 that can be engaged with the engaging portion 11b (see FIG. 3B) of the developer receiving portion 11. The guide unit 45 is connected to each other so that the developer can be replenished from the developer container 1 to the developer receiving container 11, and the developer receiving container 11 accompanies the mounting operation of the developer container 1. Is moved toward the developer storage container 1. Further, in the guide unit 45, the developer receiving container 11 is connected to the developing agent receiving container 11 so that the connection state between the developing agent containing container 1 and the developing agent receiving unit 11 is cut off as the developer accommodating container 1 is detached. Guide to move away from 1.

ガイド部４５は、図４（ｂ）に示すように、上レーン４５ａと、上レーン４５ａと間隔を空けて平行するように形成された下レーン４５ｂとを有する。これら上レーン４５ａと下レーン４５ｂとは、装着方向（矢印Ａ方向）に沿って形成された第一ガイド部としての平行部４５２と、装着方向の下流側で平行部４５２に連続し、下方に向かって傾斜状に形成された第二ガイド部としての傾斜部４５１とを有する。傾斜部４５１は、現像剤収容容器１の装着動作に伴って、現像剤受け入れ部１１の現像剤受入口１１ａが排出口４ａ（図５参照）と連通する方向に、係合した現像剤受け入れ部１１の係合部１１ｂを案内するように傾斜している。これにより、傾斜部４５１は、現像剤収容容器１の装着動作に伴い、現像剤受け入れ部１１が現像剤収容容器１の排出口４ａと接続した状態となるように、現像剤受け入れ部１１を現像剤収容容器１に向けて移動させ得る。 As shown in FIG. 4B, the guide portion 45 has an upper lane 45a and a lower lane 45b formed so as to be parallel to the upper lane 45a at intervals. The upper lane 45a and the lower lane 45b are continuous with the parallel portion 452 as the first guide portion formed along the mounting direction (arrow A direction) and the parallel portion 452 on the downstream side of the mounting direction, and downward. It has an inclined portion 451 as a second guide portion formed so as to be inclined toward the direction. The inclined portion 451 is engaged with the developer receiving portion in the direction in which the developing agent receiving port 11a of the developing agent receiving portion 11 communicates with the discharge port 4a (see FIG. 5) as the developer accommodating container 1 is mounted. It is inclined so as to guide the engaging portion 11b of 11. As a result, the inclined portion 451 develops the developing agent receiving portion 11 so that the developing agent receiving portion 11 is connected to the discharge port 4a of the developing agent containing container 1 in accordance with the mounting operation of the developing agent containing container 1. It can be moved toward the agent container 1.

平行部４５２は、傾斜部４５１の装着方向上流端部と滑らかに連続し、装着方向と略平行に形成されている。具体的には、平行部４５２の係合部１１ｂが係合する面は、略水平な面である。このような平行部４５２は、現像剤収容容器１の装着動作に伴い、排出口４ａが現像剤受け入れ部１１の現像剤受入口１１ａと連通した状態となるように、現像剤受け入れ部１１の位置を維持させる。 The parallel portion 452 is smoothly continuous with the upstream end portion of the inclined portion 451 in the mounting direction, and is formed substantially parallel to the mounting direction. Specifically, the surface on which the engaging portion 11b of the parallel portion 452 engages is a substantially horizontal surface. The position of the developer receiving unit 11 is such that the parallel portion 452 is in a state where the discharge port 4a communicates with the developing agent receiving port 11a of the developing agent receiving unit 11 as the developer accommodating container 1 is attached. To maintain.

そして、フランジ部４には、図５に示すように、円筒部２ｋから搬送されてきた現像剤を一時的に収容するための中空の現像剤排出室４ｃが設けられている。円筒部２ｋの内面には螺旋状に突出した搬送突起２ｃが設けられ、収容された現像剤を自らの回転に伴い現像剤排出室４ｃに向けて搬送できるようにしている。また、フランジ部４には、円筒部２ｋから搬送突起２ｃにより搬送されてきた現像剤を、現像剤排出室４ｃへと受け渡すための板状の搬送部材６が設けられている。この搬送部材６は、円筒部２ｋとともに一体的に回転する構成となっている。搬送部材６には、その両面に複数の傾斜リブ６ａが設けられている。この構成により、搬送突起２ｃにより搬送されてきた現像剤は、円筒部２ｋの回転に連動して搬送部材６により鉛直方向下方から上方へと掻き上げられる。その後、円筒部２ｋの回転が進むに連れて、重力によって搬送部材６の表面上を滑り落ち、やがて傾斜リブ６ａによって現像剤排出室４ｃ側へと受け渡される。 Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the flange portion 4 is provided with a hollow developer discharge chamber 4c for temporarily accommodating the developer conveyed from the cylindrical portion 2k. A spirally projecting transport projection 2c is provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2k so that the contained developer can be transported toward the developer discharge chamber 4c as it rotates. Further, the flange portion 4 is provided with a plate-shaped transport member 6 for delivering the developer transported from the cylindrical portion 2k by the transport protrusion 2c to the developer discharge chamber 4c. The transport member 6 is configured to rotate integrally with the cylindrical portion 2k. The transport member 6 is provided with a plurality of inclined ribs 6a on both sides thereof. With this configuration, the developer conveyed by the conveying projection 2c is scraped up by the conveying member 6 from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction 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 developer discharge chamber 4c side by the inclined rib 6a.

現像剤排出室４ｃの底部には、現像剤排出室４ｃから現像剤の排出を許容する排出口４ａが形成されている。さらに、フランジ部４の底部には、排出口４ａを開閉するためのシャッタ１０が設けられている。シャッタ１０は、現像剤収容容器１が現像剤受け入れ装置８に未装着状態で排出口４ａを閉じ、現像剤収容容器１が現像剤受け入れ装置８に装着状態で排出口４ａを開くようになっている。即ち、シャッタ１０は、現像剤収容容器１の現像剤受け入れ装置８への挿抜動作に伴い排出口４ａを開閉し得る。シャッタ１０には、現像剤収容容器１の装着動作に伴い排出口４ａと連通し、現像剤受け入れ装置８へ現像剤を補給するためのシャッタ排出口１０ａが形成されている。なお、現像剤収容容器１は現像剤受け入れ装置８への装着時、フランジ部４側を先頭に装着部８ｆ（図３（ａ）参照）に挿入される。 At the bottom of the developer discharge chamber 4c, a discharge port 4a that allows discharge of the developer from the developer discharge chamber 4c is formed. Further, a shutter 10 for opening and closing the discharge port 4a is provided on the bottom of the flange portion 4. The shutter 10 closes the discharge port 4a when the developer storage container 1 is not attached to the developer receiving device 8, and opens the discharge port 4a when the developer storage container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 8. There is. That is, the shutter 10 can open and close the discharge port 4a as the developer container 1 is inserted into and removed from the developer receiving device 8. The shutter 10 is formed with a shutter discharge port 10a that communicates with the discharge port 4a as the developer storage container 1 is attached and supplies the developer to the developer receiving device 8. When the developer container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 8, the developer container 1 is inserted into the mounting portion 8f (see FIG. 3A) with the flange portion 4 side at the top.

本実施形態では、フランジ部４の排出口４ａから現像剤を安定的に排出させるために、現像剤収容容器１がポンプ部５を有している。ポンプ部５は、非回転にフランジ部４に取り付けられている。ポンプ部５は、現像剤収容部２の回転に伴い往復動作して、現像剤収容部２の内圧が大気圧よりも低い伸長状態と、現像剤収容部２の内圧が大気圧よりも高い圧縮状態とに交互に繰り返し切り替わるように、その容積が可変する樹脂製のポンプである。具体的には、伸縮部材によって「山折り」部と「谷折り」部とが周期的に交互に複数形成されている蛇腹状の容積可変型ポンプを採用している。 In the present embodiment, the developer container 1 has a pump portion 5 in order to stably discharge the developer from the discharge port 4a of the flange portion 4. The pump portion 5 is non-rotatingly attached to the flange portion 4. The pump unit 5 reciprocates with the rotation of the developer accommodating unit 2, and the internal pressure of the developer accommodating unit 2 is in an extended state lower than the atmospheric pressure, and the internal pressure of the developer accommodating unit 2 is compressed higher than the atmospheric pressure. It is a resin pump whose volume is variable so that it can switch between states alternately and repeatedly. Specifically, a bellows-shaped variable volume pump in which a plurality of "mountain fold" portions and "valley fold" portions are periodically and alternately formed by an expansion / contraction member is adopted.

このポンプ部５の伸縮動作により現像剤収容容器１内の圧力を変化させ、その圧力を利用して現像剤の排出を行っている。即ち、ポンプ部５を縮める際には現像剤収容容器１内が加圧状態となり、その圧力に押し出される形で現像剤が排出口４ａから排出される。他方、ポンプ部５を伸ばす際には現像剤収容容器１内が減圧状態になり、外部から排出口４ａを介してエアが取り込まれる。この取り込まれたエアにより排出口４ａ付近の現像剤が解れ、次の排出がスムーズに行われるようになっている。以上のような伸縮動作をポンプ部５が繰り返し行うことで現像剤の排出が行われる。 The pressure inside the developer container 1 is changed by the expansion and contraction operation of the pump unit 5, and the pressure is used to discharge the developer. That is, when the pump portion 5 is contracted, the inside of the developer storage container 1 is in a pressurized state, and the developer is discharged from the discharge port 4a in the form of being pushed out by the pressure. On the other hand, when the pump unit 5 is extended, the inside of the developer containing container 1 is decompressed, and air is taken in from the outside through the discharge port 4a. The air taken in dissolves the developer near the discharge port 4a, so that the next discharge can be performed smoothly. The developer is discharged by repeatedly performing the expansion and contraction operation as described above by the pump unit 5.

そして、現像剤収容容器１には、図４（ｂ）に示すように、現像剤受け入れ装置８の駆動ギア９（図３（ａ）参照）と駆動連結可能なギア部２ｄが設けられている。このギア部２ｄは、円筒部２ｋと一体的に回転可能な構成となっている。駆動ギア９からギア部２ｄに入力された回転駆動力は、ポンプ部５を往復動作させる往復動部材（不図示）を介してポンプ部５へ伝達される。 Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the developer container 1 is provided with a gear portion 2d that can be driven and connected to the drive gear 9 of the developer receiving device 8 (see FIG. 3A). .. The gear portion 2d has a configuration that can rotate integrally with the cylindrical portion 2k. The rotational driving force input from the drive gear 9 to the gear unit 2d is transmitted to the pump unit 5 via a reciprocating member (not shown) that reciprocates the pump unit 5.

ところで、従来の現像剤受け入れ部１１では、筒状の連結軸部３００が同一外径に形成されていた。つまり、連結軸部３００には、本実施形態のような第一圧縮部３０１、第二圧縮部３０２、第三圧縮部３０３が形成されておらず（図３（ｂ）参照）、シール部材１２の圧縮量が常に同じであった。そうすると、ユーザによる現像剤収容容器１の離脱動作に応じてシール部材１２による摺擦抵抗が高くなるので、現像剤収容容器１を離脱したにも関わらず、現像剤受け入れ部１１が所定位置まで移動しきらないことがあった。即ち、従来では現像剤受け入れ部１１を下方向に付勢させる力がないと、現像剤収容容器１を離脱させた際に、係合部１１ｂがガイド部４５の上レーン４５ａよりも上方の位置までしか移動されない。係合部１１ｂをガイド部４５の上レーン４５ａと下レーン４５ｂとの間に挟まれる所定位置まで移動させないと、新たに現像剤収容容器１が装着開始された場合に、係合部１１ｂが上レーン４５ａよりも上側に行く虞がある。そうなれば、現像剤収容容器１の装着時に係合部１１ｂの破損や現像剤受け入れ部１１の変形等が生じ、現像剤収容容器１に現像剤受け入れ部１１を正しく接続できずに、現像剤が漏れ得る。 By the way, in the conventional developer receiving portion 11, the cylindrical connecting shaft portion 300 is formed to have the same outer diameter. That is, the connecting shaft portion 300 is not formed with the first compression portion 301, the second compression portion 302, and the third compression portion 303 as in the present embodiment (see FIG. 3B), and the seal member 12 The amount of compression was always the same. Then, the rubbing resistance by the sealing member 12 increases according to the detaching operation of the developer accommodating container 1 by the user, so that the developer receiving portion 11 moves to a predetermined position even though the developer accommodating container 1 is detached. There were times when I couldn't finish it. That is, conventionally, if there is no force to urge the developer receiving portion 11 downward, the engaging portion 11b is positioned above the upper lane 45a of the guide portion 45 when the developer accommodating container 1 is disengaged. Can only be moved to. If the engaging portion 11b is not moved to a predetermined position sandwiched between the upper lane 45a and the lower lane 45b of the guide portion 45, the engaging portion 11b will move upward when the developer storage container 1 is newly started to be mounted. There is a risk of going above lane 45a. If this happens, the engaging portion 11b may be damaged or the developer receiving portion 11 may be deformed when the developer accommodating container 1 is attached, and the developing agent receiving portion 11 cannot be properly connected to the developing agent accommodating container 1 and the developing agent may not be connected. Can leak.

そこで、現像剤受け入れ部１１をバネ等の付勢部材によって現像剤収容容器１とは反対側（鉛直方向下側）に付勢することが考えられる。即ち、現像剤受け入れ部１１を付勢部材により鉛直方向下側に付勢しておけば、現像剤収容容器１を離脱させた際に、係合部１１ｂをガイド部４５の上レーン４５ａと下レーン４５ｂとの間に挟まれる所定位置まで移動させることができる。ただし、付勢部材を設けた場合には、現像剤収容容器１を装着する際に、現像剤受け入れ部１１を付勢部材の付勢力に逆らって移動させなければならない。即ち、ユーザは現像剤収容容器１を装着する際に、現像剤受け入れ部１１とシール部材１２との間に生じる摺擦抵抗と、付勢部材の付勢力と、に反して現像剤受け入れ部１１を移動させるだけの力を加えなければならず、これはユーザビリティの点で不利である。 Therefore, it is conceivable that the developer receiving portion 11 is urged by an urging member such as a spring on the side opposite to the developing agent container 1 (lower side in the vertical direction). That is, if the developer receiving portion 11 is urged downward in the vertical direction by the urging member, the engaging portion 11b is moved to the upper lane 45a and the lower side of the guide portion 45 when the developer accommodating container 1 is disengaged. It can be moved to a predetermined position sandwiched between the lane 45b and the lane 45b. However, when the urging member is provided, the developer receiving portion 11 must be moved against the urging force of the urging member when the developer storage container 1 is mounted. That is, when the user mounts the developer container 1, the developer receiving unit 11 contradicts the rubbing resistance generated between the developing agent receiving unit 11 and the sealing member 12 and the urging force of the urging member. You have to apply enough force to move it, which is disadvantageous in terms of usability.

上記点に鑑み、本実施形態の現像剤受け入れ部１１では、連結軸部３００に、第一圧縮部３０１、第二圧縮部３０２、第三圧縮部３０３を形成している。以下、連結軸部３００に、第一圧縮部３０１、第二圧縮部３０２、第三圧縮部３０３が形成された本実施形態の現像剤受け入れ部１１について、図３（ａ）乃至図４（ｂ）を参照しながら図６（ａ）乃至図８（ｂ）を用いて説明する。 In view of the above points, in the developer receiving section 11 of the present embodiment, the first compression section 301, the second compression section 302, and the third compression section 303 are formed on the connecting shaft section 300. Hereinafter, the developer receiving unit 11 of the present embodiment in which the first compression unit 301, the second compression unit 302, and the third compression unit 303 are formed on the connecting shaft portion 300 will be described in FIGS. 3 (a) to 4 (b). 6 (a) to FIG. 8 (b) will be described with reference to.

図６（ａ）は装着開始前における現像剤収容容器１と現像剤受け入れ部１１の位置を示す断面図、図６（ｂ）は装着開始前における現像剤受け入れ部１１と接続パイプ１５の位置を示す断面図である。図７（ａ）は装着途中における現像剤収容容器１と現像剤受け入れ部１１の位置を示す断面図、図７（ｂ）は装着途中における現像剤受け入れ部１１と接続パイプ１５の位置を示す断面図である。図８（ａ）は装着完了後における現像剤収容容器１と現像剤受け入れ部１１の位置を示す断面図、図８（ｂ）は装着完了後における現像剤受け入れ部１１と接続パイプ１５の位置を示す断面図である。 FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developer container 1 and the developer receiving portion 11 before the start of mounting, and FIG. 6B shows the positions of the developer receiving portion 11 and the connecting pipe 15 before the start of mounting. It is sectional drawing which shows. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developer container 1 and the developer receiving portion 11 during mounting, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developing agent receiving portion 11 and the connecting pipe 15 during mounting. It is a figure. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the developer container 1 and the developer receiving portion 11 after the mounting is completed, and FIG. 8B shows the positions of the developer receiving portion 11 and the connecting pipe 15 after the mounting is completed. It is sectional drawing which shows.

図６（ａ）に示す現像剤収容容器１の装着開始前の状態（ここでは、ガイド部４５の下レーン４５ｂと係合部１１ｂが接触する前の状態）では、図６（ｂ）に示すように、連結軸部３００の第二圧縮部３０２がシール部材１２に当接しシール部材１２を圧縮する。上述のように、第二圧縮部３０２は第一圧縮部３０１に比較して、外径が小さく形成されていることから、第一圧縮部３０１が当接し圧縮する場合よりも（後述する装着完了後）、シール部材１２の圧縮量は小さい。このように、第二圧縮部３０２は、現像剤収容容器１の装着開始前の第二位置でシール部材１２に当接し、第一圧縮部３０１による第一圧縮量よりも小さい第二圧縮量でシール部材１２を圧縮するように形成されている。 The state before the start of mounting of the developer storage container 1 shown in FIG. 6A (here, the state before the lower lane 45b of the guide portion 45 and the engaging portion 11b come into contact with each other) is shown in FIG. 6B. As described above, the second compression portion 302 of the connecting shaft portion 300 comes into contact with the seal member 12 and compresses the seal member 12. As described above, since the second compression section 302 is formed to have a smaller outer diameter than the first compression section 301, the first compression section 301 abuts and compresses (mounting completed, which will be described later). Later), the amount of compression of the seal member 12 is small. In this way, the second compression unit 302 comes into contact with the seal member 12 at the second position before the start of mounting the developer storage container 1, and the second compression amount is smaller than the first compression amount by the first compression unit 301. It is formed so as to compress the seal member 12.

図７（ａ）に示すように、図６（ａ）に示した装着開始前の状態から現像剤収容容器１が矢印Ａ方向に挿入されると、係合部１１ｂはガイド部４５に係合し下レーン４５ｂの傾斜部４５１に沿って移動する。それに伴い、現像剤受け入れ部１１は鉛直方向上方、即ち現像剤収容容器１に近づく向きに持ち上げられる。現像剤受け入れ部１１が持ち上げられることにより、図７（ｂ）に示すように、軸方向において第二圧縮部３０２と第一圧縮部３０１との間に形成されている第三圧縮部３０３がシール部材１２に当接しシール部材１２を圧縮する。第三圧縮部３０３は、係合部１１ｂが傾斜部４５１に沿って移動する間、シール部材１２を圧縮する。そうできるように、第三圧縮部３０３の軸方向長さが決められており、これを基準に第二圧縮部３０２と第一圧縮部３０１とが形成されている。上述のように、第三圧縮部３０３は外径が第一圧縮部３０１から第二圧縮部３０２に向け小さくなるように、言い換えれば第二圧縮部３０２から第一圧縮部３０１に向け大きくなるように形成されている。したがって、現像剤収容容器１の装着途中においては、第三圧縮部３０３によるシール部材１２の圧縮量が現像剤受け入れ部１１の持ち上げ量に応じて次第に大きくなる。 As shown in FIG. 7A, when the developer container 1 is inserted in the direction of arrow A from the state before the start of mounting shown in FIG. 6A, the engaging portion 11b engages with the guide portion 45. It moves along the inclined portion 451 of the lower lane 45b. Along with this, the developer receiving unit 11 is lifted upward in the vertical direction, that is, in a direction approaching the developer container 1. When the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted, as shown in FIG. 7B, the third compression portion 303 formed between the second compression portion 302 and the first compression portion 301 in the axial direction is sealed. It comes into contact with the member 12 and compresses the seal member 12. The third compression portion 303 compresses the seal member 12 while the engaging portion 11b moves along the inclined portion 451. The axial length of the third compression unit 303 is determined so as to be able to do so, and the second compression unit 302 and the first compression unit 301 are formed based on this. As described above, the outer diameter of the third compression section 303 is reduced from the first compression section 301 to the second compression section 302, in other words, is increased from the second compression section 302 to the first compression section 301. Is formed in. Therefore, during the mounting of the developer container 1, the amount of compression of the sealing member 12 by the third compression unit 303 gradually increases according to the amount of lifting of the developer receiving unit 11.

図７（ａ）に示した状態からさらに現像剤収容容器１が矢印Ａ方向に挿入されると、図８（ａ）に示すように、係合部１１ｂが平行部４５２に乗り上げて平行部４５２に沿って移動する。このとき、現像剤収容容器１と現像剤受け入れ部１１とは連通した状態となっている。この現像剤収容容器１の装着完了後においては、図８（ｂ）に示すように、連結軸部３００の第一圧縮部３０１がシール部材１２に当接しシール部材１２を圧縮する。この場合、第二圧縮部３０２及び第三圧縮部３０３はシール部材１２の上方に位置している。第一圧縮部３０１は、現像剤収容容器１の装着完了後の第一位置でシール部材１２に当接し第一圧縮量でシール部材１２を圧縮する。上述のように、第一圧縮部３０１は第二圧縮部３０２に比較して、外径が大きく形成されていることから、第二圧縮部３０２が当接し圧縮した場合よりも、シール部材１２の圧縮量は大きい。こうして、現像剤収容容器１の装着完了後においては、シール部材１２の圧縮量を大きくしておくことで、連結軸部３００と接続パイプ１５との隙間をより確実にシールできるようにしている。これにより、現像剤収容容器１と接続パイプ１５との連結部が確実に封止され、連結部から外部に現像剤が漏れ難くなる。 When the developer container 1 is further inserted in the direction of arrow A from the state shown in FIG. 7 (a), the engaging portion 11b rides on the parallel portion 452 and rides on the parallel portion 452 as shown in FIG. 8 (a). Move along. At this time, the developer storage container 1 and the developer receiving unit 11 are in a state of communicating with each other. After the mounting of the developer container 1 is completed, as shown in FIG. 8B, the first compression portion 301 of the connecting shaft portion 300 comes into contact with the seal member 12 to compress the seal member 12. In this case, the second compression section 302 and the third compression section 303 are located above the seal member 12. The first compression unit 301 contacts the seal member 12 at the first position after the development agent storage container 1 is completely mounted, and compresses the seal member 12 with the first compression amount. As described above, since the first compression portion 301 has a larger outer diameter than the second compression portion 302, the seal member 12 has a larger outer diameter than the case where the second compression portion 302 abuts and compresses. The amount of compression is large. In this way, after the mounting of the developer container 1 is completed, the amount of compression of the sealing member 12 is increased so that the gap between the connecting shaft portion 300 and the connecting pipe 15 can be more reliably sealed. As a result, the connecting portion between the developing agent container 1 and the connecting pipe 15 is securely sealed, and the developing agent is less likely to leak from the connecting portion to the outside.

上述のように、図８（ａ）に示した装着完了後の状態では、図８（ｂ）に示すように、連結軸部３００の第一圧縮部３０１がシール部材１２に当接し圧縮している。こうした装着完了後の状態から現像剤収容容器１が矢印Ｂ方向に離脱されると、係合部１１ｂは平行部４５２に沿って移動する。係合部１１ｂが平行部４５２に沿って移動している間は、現像剤受け入れ部１１が鉛直方向下方、即ち現像剤収容容器１から離れる方向に押し下げられないことから、第一圧縮部３０１がシール部材１２を圧縮している状態に維持される。 As described above, in the state after the mounting is completed shown in FIG. 8A, as shown in FIG. 8B, the first compression portion 301 of the connecting shaft portion 300 abuts on the seal member 12 and compresses. There is. When the developer storage container 1 is disengaged from the state after the mounting is completed in the direction of the arrow B, the engaging portion 11b moves along the parallel portion 452. While the engaging portion 11b is moving along the parallel portion 452, the developer receiving portion 11 is not pushed down in the vertical direction, that is, in the direction away from the developer accommodating container 1, so that the first compression portion 301 is The seal member 12 is maintained in a compressed state.

図８（ａ）に示した状態からさらに現像剤収容容器１の矢印Ｂ方向への離脱が進められると、図７（ａ）に示すように、係合部１１ｂは上レーン４５ａの傾斜部４５１に沿って移動する。それに伴い、現像剤受け入れ部１１は鉛直方向下方、即ち現像剤収容容器１から離れる向きに押し下げられる。現像剤受け入れ部１１が押し下げられることにより、図７（ｂ）に示すように、シール部材１２に当接し圧縮する連結軸部３００の位置が第一圧縮部３０１から第三圧縮部３０３へと変わる。第三圧縮部３０３は、係合部１１ｂが傾斜部４５１に沿って移動する間、シール部材１２を圧縮する。上述のように、第三圧縮部３０３は外径が第一圧縮部３０１から第二圧縮部３０２に向け小さくなるように形成されている。したがって、現像剤収容容器１の離脱途中においては、第三圧縮部３０３によるシール部材１２の圧縮量が現像剤受け入れ部１１の押し下げ量に応じて次第に小さくなる。このように、第三圧縮部３０３は、現像剤収容容器１の装着完了後の第一位置から装着開始前の第二位置への移動に応じてシール部材１２に当接した場合に、第一圧縮量から第一圧縮量よりも小さい第二圧縮量へシール部材１２の圧縮量を次第に減少させる。シール部材１２の圧縮量を減少させると、連結軸部３００とシール部材１２とによる摺擦抵抗が低下する。 When the developer storage container 1 is further separated from the state shown in FIG. 8A in the direction of arrow B, the engaging portion 11b is the inclined portion 451 of the upper lane 45a as shown in FIG. 7A. Move along. Along with this, the developer receiving unit 11 is pushed down in the vertical direction, that is, in a direction away from the developer container 1. When the developer receiving portion 11 is pushed down, as shown in FIG. 7B, the position of the connecting shaft portion 300 that abuts and compresses the seal member 12 changes from the first compression portion 301 to the third compression portion 303. .. The third compression portion 303 compresses the seal member 12 while the engaging portion 11b moves along the inclined portion 451. As described above, the third compression portion 303 is formed so that the outer diameter becomes smaller from the first compression portion 301 to the second compression portion 302. Therefore, during the detachment of the developer container 1, the amount of compression of the seal member 12 by the third compression unit 303 gradually decreases according to the amount of pressing down of the developer receiving unit 11. As described above, when the third compression unit 303 comes into contact with the seal member 12 in response to the movement from the first position after the completion of mounting of the developer storage container 1 to the second position before the start of mounting, the first The compression amount of the seal member 12 is gradually reduced from the compression amount to the second compression amount smaller than the first compression amount. When the amount of compression of the seal member 12 is reduced, the rubbing resistance between the connecting shaft portion 300 and the seal member 12 decreases.

そして、本実施形態の場合、係合部１１ｂがガイド部４５から外れても、自重によって現像剤受け入れ部１１は鉛直方向下側に移動する。図６（ａ）に示すように、最終的に上レーン４５ａと下レーン４５ｂとの間に挟まれる所定位置（現像剤収容容器１の装着開始前の第二位置）まで、現像剤受け入れ部１１が第三圧縮部３０３に従って移動される。即ち、図６（ｂ）に示すように、第三圧縮部３０３はシール部材１２から抜けてシール部材１２の下方に位置するまで、現像剤受け入れ部１１が第三圧縮部３０３に従って移動される。この場合、第二圧縮部３０２がシール部材１２に当接しシール部材１２を圧縮する。 Then, in the case of the present embodiment, even if the engaging portion 11b is disengaged from the guide portion 45, the developer receiving portion 11 moves downward in the vertical direction due to its own weight. As shown in FIG. 6A, the developer receiving unit 11 finally reaches a predetermined position (the second position before the start of mounting the developer container 1) sandwiched between the upper lane 45a and the lower lane 45b. Is moved according to the third compression unit 303. That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, the developer receiving unit 11 is moved according to the third compression unit 303 until the third compression unit 303 comes out of the seal member 12 and is located below the seal member 12. In this case, the second compression unit 302 comes into contact with the seal member 12 and compresses the seal member 12.

以上のように、本実施形態では、接続パイプ１５に配置されたシール部材１２に当接しシール部材１２を圧縮する現像剤受け入れ部１１の連結軸部３００に、シール部材１２の圧縮量が異なる第一圧縮部３０１、第二圧縮部３０２、第三圧縮部３０３を形成した。第一圧縮部３０１は外径が第二圧縮部３０２の外径よりも大きく形成され、第三圧縮部３０３は外径が第一圧縮部３０１から第二圧縮部３０２に向け小さくなるように、軸方向において第一圧縮部３０１と第二圧縮部３０２との間に形成される。即ち、第一圧縮部３０１は第一圧縮量でシール部材１２を圧縮し、第二圧縮部３０２は第一圧縮量よりも小さい第二圧縮量でシール部材１２を圧縮する。そして、第三圧縮部３０３は、ユーザによる現像剤収容容器１の離脱動作に伴い、第一圧縮量から第二圧縮量へ圧縮量を次第に減少させながらシール部材１２を圧縮する。このように、現像剤収容容器１の離脱途中にシール部材１２の圧縮量を次第に小さくすると、連結軸部３００とシール部材１２とによる摺擦抵抗が低下し、自重によって現像剤受け入れ部１１が鉛直方向下側に移動し得る。これにより、現像剤受け入れ部１１を下方向に付勢させなくても、現像剤収容容器１の離脱時に、係合部１１ｂをガイド部４５の上レーン４５ａと下レーン４５ｂとの間に挟まれる所定位置に移動させることができる。したがって、新たに現像剤収容容器１が装着開始された場合に、係合部１１ｂがガイド部４５によって適切にガイドされ、現像剤収容容器１に現像剤受け入れ部１１が正しく接続される。 As described above, in the present embodiment, the compression amount of the seal member 12 is different from that of the connecting shaft portion 300 of the developer receiving portion 11 that abuts on the seal member 12 arranged on the connecting pipe 15 and compresses the seal member 12. One compression unit 301, a second compression unit 302, and a third compression unit 303 were formed. The outer diameter of the first compression unit 301 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the second compression unit 302, and the outer diameter of the third compression unit 303 is smaller from the first compression unit 301 to the second compression unit 302. It is formed between the first compression portion 301 and the second compression portion 302 in the axial direction. That is, the first compression unit 301 compresses the seal member 12 with the first compression amount, and the second compression unit 302 compresses the seal member 12 with the second compression amount smaller than the first compression amount. Then, the third compression unit 303 compresses the seal member 12 while gradually reducing the compression amount from the first compression amount to the second compression amount as the user disengages the developer storage container 1. In this way, if the amount of compression of the seal member 12 is gradually reduced during the detachment of the developer container 1, the rubbing resistance between the connecting shaft portion 300 and the seal member 12 decreases, and the developer receiving portion 11 becomes vertical due to its own weight. Can move downwards in the direction. As a result, the engaging portion 11b is sandwiched between the upper lane 45a and the lower lane 45b of the guide portion 45 when the developer accommodating container 1 is disengaged, even if the developer receiving portion 11 is not urged downward. It can be moved to a predetermined position. Therefore, when the developer storage container 1 is newly started to be mounted, the engaging portion 11b is appropriately guided by the guide portion 45, and the developer receiving portion 11 is correctly connected to the developer storage container 1.

＜他の実施形態＞
なお、上述の実施形態では、現像剤収容容器１から補給された現像剤を一時的に溜めておく現像剤ホッパ部２０１ａを設けた例を説明したが、これに限らない。即ち、現像剤受け入れ装置８から接続パイプ１５を介し現像器２０１（図１参照）へ直接的に現像剤を補給する構成であってもよい。なお、現像剤ホッパ部２０１ａを省いた構成は、非磁性トナーと磁性キャリアとを混合した二成分現像剤を用いて現像を行う二成分現像器を用いる場合に採用されることが多い。 <Other Embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the developer hopper section 201a for temporarily storing the developer replenished from the developer container 1 is provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the developer may be directly supplied from the developer receiving device 8 to the developer 201 (see FIG. 1) via the connecting pipe 15. The configuration in which the developer hopper section 201a is omitted is often adopted when a two-component developer that develops with a two-component developer in which a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier are mixed is used.

１…収容容器（現像剤収容容器）、８…現像剤受け入れ装置、８ｆ…装着部、１１…現像剤受け入れ部、１１ｂ…係合部、１２…シール部材、１５…接続パイプ、１００…画像形成装置、１０４…像担持体（感光ドラム）、２０１…現像器、３００…連結軸部、３０１…第一圧縮部、３０２…第二圧縮部、３０３…第三圧縮部、４５１…第二ガイド部（傾斜部）、４５２…第一ガイド部（平行部） 1 ... Storage container (developer storage container), 8 ... Developer receiving device, 8f ... Mounting part, 11 ... Developer receiving part, 11b ... Engaging part, 12 ... Sealing member, 15 ... Connecting pipe, 100 ... Image formation Device, 104 ... Image carrier (photosensitive drum), 201 ... Developer, 300 ... Connecting shaft, 301 ... First compression, 302 ... Second compression, 303 ... Third compression, 451 ... Second guide (Inclined part), 452 ... First guide part (parallel part)

Claims

A storage container for storing the developer and
A mounting portion on which the storage container can be detachably mounted and
The developing agent is provided on the mounting portion so as to be reciprocating in the axial direction intersecting the mounting direction of the storage container according to the attachment / detachment operation of the storage container, and the developing agent discharged from the storage container mounted on the mounting portion passes through. A developer receiving part having a cylindrical connecting shaft part and
A connecting pipe in which one end side of the connecting shaft portion penetrates and is reciprocally connected.
A sealing member that is elastically compressed by the connecting shaft portion and the connecting pipe to seal a gap between the connecting shaft portion and the connecting pipe is provided.
The connecting shaft portion is the first compression portion that abuts on the seal member at the first position after the mounting of the storage container is completed and compresses by the first compression amount, and the second position before the start of mounting of the storage container. A second compression portion that comes into contact with the seal member and compresses with a second compression amount smaller than the first compression amount, and the first compression portion formed between the first compression portion and the second compression portion in the axial direction. A third compression portion that reduces the compression amount of the seal member from the first compression amount to the second compression amount when it comes into contact with the seal member in response to the movement from one position to the second position. Have, have
A developer receiving device characterized in that.

In the axial direction, the second compression portion and the third compression portion are located above the seal member at the first position, and the first compression portion and the first compression portion are located at the second position. (Iii) The compression part is located below the seal member.
The developer receiving device according to claim 1.

The connecting shaft portion is formed in a cylindrical shape.
The outer diameter of the first compression portion is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the second compression portion.
The third compression portion is formed so that the outer diameter becomes smaller from the first compression portion toward the second compression portion.
The developer receiving apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

The storage container has a first guide portion formed along the mounting direction and a second guide portion that is continuous with the first guide portion on the downstream side of the mounting direction and is formed so as to be inclined downward. And have
The developer receiving portion has an engaging portion that engages with the first guide portion and the second guide portion according to the attachment / detachment operation of the storage container.
The engaging portion engages with the first guide portion when the connecting shaft portion is in the first position, and moves from the first guide portion in response to the disengagement operation of the storage container to move from the first guide portion. Engage with the guide and
The third compression portion is in contact with the seal member when the engaging portion is engaged with the two guide portions.
The developer receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the developer receiving device is characterized by this.

The developer receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
An image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and
A developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with a developer is provided.
The other end of the connecting pipe is connected to the developing device.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that.