JP3086830B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and a laser printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus in which a developer is supplied from a developer container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a laser printer using a black developer has been generally and widely used. However, in recent years, with the spread of small-sized image forming apparatuses for personal use, and as the range of use of users has expanded, not only black images but also images using other colors and colors obtained by superimposing different colors have been developed. Images have come to be used frequently.

Since the developer is consumed by the use of the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to replenish the developer. In general, the replenishment is performed by moving the developer accommodating container containing the developer into the developer container of the apparatus main body. In this state, the lid of the developer supply unit and the lid of the developer storage container are opened and closed, and the developer inside the developer storage container is supplied from the developer supply unit. I have.

However, in such an image forming apparatus, when a developer containing a developer of a certain color is supplied with a developer of the same color using a developer storage container, a developer of a different color is erroneously removed. If the stored developer storage container is replenished, the developers of different colors may be mixed and become completely unusable until the developing unit is disassembled and cleaned.

For this reason, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-26796
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 5 and JP-A-3-269461, only a specific developer storage container can be inserted into a developer supply section of an apparatus main body, and a developer storage storing different types of developers. Some containers do not allow the container to be inserted and are supplied from a developer storage container storing the same type of developer.

[0006]

However, even in the case where only a specific developer storage container can be inserted into the developer supply section of the apparatus main body as described above, a developer storing different types of developers is required. When the storage container is inclined and even a part of the storage container is inserted into the developer supply unit of the apparatus main body, the lid of the developer supply unit can be engaged with the lid of the developer storage container and opened in this state. is there. Therefore, there arises a problem that a different type of developer is erroneously supplied from the developer supply section of the apparatus main body, or this developer is attached around the developer supply section of the apparatus main body.

In addition, when a general user supplies, it is impossible to distinguish whether the method of inserting the developer container itself is wrong or the developer container is wrong. For this reason, not only does it take time to replenish the developer, but also there is a risk that the developer storage container that contains different types of developer is forcibly inserted and damaged, and the developer storage container is damaged.

The present invention has been made in view of the conventional situation, has a simple structure, reliably prevents replenishment of different types of developer, and does not damage the developer storage container.
It is an object to provide an image forming apparatus that is easy to handle.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention has the following constitution.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a developer accommodating container accommodating a developer is inserted into a developer replenishing portion of an apparatus main body; In the image forming apparatus in which the lid of the developer container is opened and closed, and the developer inside the developer container is supplied to the developer supply unit, the lid of the developer supply unit is inserted with the developer storage container. Regulating means that can be opened and closed only when attached, and determining means for determining whether or not the developer storage container in the inserted state is a specific one, in the inserted state An image forming apparatus characterized in that a lid of the developer supply section and a lid of the specific developer storage container can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other only when a certain developer storage container is a specific developer storage container. ].

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the developer storage container is not inserted in the developer supply section, the developer supply section has a restricting means that the lid of the developer supply section cannot be opened and closed. When the developer storage container is not inserted in the section, the lid of the developer supply section does not open, preventing contamination of the developer supply section by dust and dust from the outside, and improving the quality of toner and images in the developer supply section. Can be maintained.

Further, a developer storage container is inserted into the developer replenishing portion, and a determination means for determining whether or not the inserted developer storage container is a specific type is provided. After the is inserted into the developer supply section, it is determined whether or not the inserted container is a specific one.If the wrong developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply section, the developer Since the lids of both the replenishing section and the developer storage container are never opened, the mixing of different types of developer into the developer replenishing section is prevented, and the damage to the developer storage container is also prevented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, a specific developer storage container is operated by mechanical means operating in a state where the developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine and open and close the lid of the developer supply unit and the lid of the specific developer storage container in cooperation with each other. ].

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a specific developer storage container can be easily and reliably determined by mechanical means operated by inserting the developer storage container into the developer supply portion, and the developer supply portion can be identified. The lid and the lid of the specific developer storage container can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus has an identification unit for identifying whether the developer storage container is a specific one, and the identification unit using the identification unit. When it is determined that the developer storage container inserted into the developer supply unit is a specific one, the regulation is released, and the lid of the developer storage container and the lid of the developer supply unit are released. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting unit that allows the two lids to be opened and closed in conjunction with each other. ].

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the determination means using the identification portion for determining whether or not the developer storage container is a specific one is a developer inserted in the developer supply portion. When it is determined that the storage container is a specific storage container, the regulation is released, and the lid of the developer storage container and the lid of the developer supply unit can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the specific developer storage container is electrically operated by the electric means operating in a state where the developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine and open and close a lid of the front developer supply unit and a lid of the specific developer storage container in conjunction with each other. ].

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the specific developer storage container is identified by an electric means which operates in a state where the developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply section, and the lid of the developer supply section is identified. And the lid of the developer storage container can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for identifying the developer storage container by providing an identification information portion in the developer storage container and a sensor for reading the identification information portion in the developer supply portion. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the lid of the developer supply unit and the lid of the developer storage container are opened and closed in association with each other based on the identification determination of the sensor. ].

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an identification information section is provided in the developer storage container, and a sensor for reading the identification information section is provided in the developer supply section to determine the developer storage container.
The lid of the developer replenishing unit and the lid of the developer container can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other by the determination of the sensor.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus viewed from the back, and FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus.

A power switch 2 is provided on the left side of the front of the image forming apparatus 1, an operation unit 3 and a display unit 4 are provided on the upper right side of the front, and an opening for setting a paper supply unit 5 containing recording paper is provided at the center of the front. A part 6 is formed. At the center of the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided a recording paper take-out section 7 for taking out recording paper on which recording has been performed. Further, a developer supply section 8 for supplying a developer is provided behind the recording paper take-out section 7. Is provided.
By opening the lid 9 of the developer supply section 8 backward, the yellow developer storage container 10 and the magenta developer storage container 2 are opened.
0, the cyan developer storage container 30 and the black developer storage container 40 can be supplied with a developer of the same color.

Inside the image forming apparatus 1, there is provided a photoreceptor 50 which rotates in the direction of the arrow. It receives exposure of the developed optical image.
In this way, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to development is formed on the photoconductor 50.

This electrostatic latent image is subjected to yellow development, magenta development, cyan development, and black development in the developing section 52 to form a toner image. The developing unit 52 includes a yellow developer storage container 10 via supply pipes 53 to 56, respectively.
Magenta developer storage container 20, cyan developer storage container 3
0, the black developer storage container 40 is connected, and the developer of the same color can be supplied from the developer supply section 8 of the apparatus main body.

Next, the toner image is transferred to a recording sheet under the action of the transfer charger 57. The recording paper is sent out one by one from the paper feeding unit 5, and the toner image is transferred under the action of the transfer charger 57. After the transfer, the recording paper is transferred to the photoconductor 50.
And is sent to the fixing unit 58 where the toner is melted on the recording paper, whereby the image is fixed on the recording paper. After fixing, the roller 59 rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the recording paper is discharged to the recording paper take-out unit 7. After the transfer, the toner remaining on the photoconductor 50 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 60, and the photoconductor 50 is used again in the image forming process.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus will be described in detail.

First, a description will be given of a developer container which is inserted into a developer supply section of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus to supply the developer. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a yellow developer container,
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the yellow developer storage container, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the yellow developer storage container.

The developer is stored in the yellow developer container 110, and a supply portion 111 of the yellow developer container 110 is provided with a sliding lid 112, and the supply portion 111 has a color corresponding to the color of the developer. Identification section 113 is formed. The identification unit 113 is a plate unit 11 having a notch 113 a formed at an end of the supply unit 111.
3b.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the magenta developer container. Supply unit 1 of magenta developer container 120
21 is provided with a lid 122 that slides in the same manner, and a supply unit 121 has an identification unit 123 corresponding to the color of the developer.
Are formed, and the plate portion 1 constituting the identification portion 123 is formed.
A notch 123a is formed in 23b at a different position from the above.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a part of the cyan developer container. Supply section 131 of cyan developer container 130
Is provided with a lid 132 that slides in the same manner. Further, an identification portion 133 corresponding to the color of the developer is formed in the supply portion 131, and a plate portion 133 that constitutes the identification portion 133 is provided.
Further, a notch 133a is formed at a position different from the above in b.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a part of the black developer container. Supply part 1 of black developer container 140
Similarly, the lid 41 is provided with a lid 142 that slides, and the supply unit 141 has an identification unit 143 corresponding to the color of the developer.
Is formed, and the plate portion 1 constituting the identification portion 143 is formed.
A notch 143a is formed at a position different from that described above in 43b.

As described above, the yellow developer container 11
0, the magenta developer container 120, the cyan developer container 130, and the black developer container 140 are identification portions 113, 123, 133, and 14 corresponding to the colors of the developers.
Only the configuration of 3 is different, the others have the same configuration,
Manufacturing cost is reduced by using a common configuration.

Next, the image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a developer supply section of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing insertion of the developer storage container into the developer supply section of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which different developer accommodating containers are inserted.

The developer supply section 8 of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus
, A yellow developer storage container 10, a magenta developer storage container 20, a cyan developer storage container 30, and a black developer storage container 40 are arranged. Replenishment ports 11, 12 of the respective developer storage containers 10, 20, 30, 40.
The supply portions 111, 121, 131, 141 of the yellow developer storage container 110, the magenta developer storage container 120, the cyan developer storage container 130, and the black developer storage container 140 are inserted into 1, 31, and 41. The respective supply ports 11, 21, 31, 41
Are provided with slidable lids 12, 22, 32, 41. The lids 12, 22, 32, and 42 are provided with knobs 13, 23, 33, and 43, respectively.
Hold the lids 3,23,33,43 by hand and the lids 12,22,3.
2, 42 are opened and closed.

Normally, the lids 12, 22, 32, and 42 close the supply ports 11, 21, 31, and 41, respectively.
It is possible to prevent dust from entering the inside from the inside 21, 31 and 41, and prevent another developer from entering when the developer is supplied. Yellow developer container 110, magenta developer container 1
20, supply units 111, 121, 131, 14 of the cyan developer container 130 and the black developer container 140
1 is inserted, the supply units 111, 121, 13
1, 141, lids 112, 122, 132, 142
2, 22, 32, and 42 are engaged and can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other.

Each supply port 11, 21, 31, 41
Boxes 14, 24, 34, and 44 are provided on the sides of the box. Lock members 15, 25, 35, and 45 can be moved in the boxes 14, 24, 34, and 44 in the directions of the lids 12, 22, 32, and 42. The lock members 15, 25,
35 and 45 are leaf springs 16, 26, 36 and 46,
Recesses 12a, 22 formed inside 22, 32, 42
a, 32a, and 42a.
The lock members 15, 25, 35, 45
Yellow developer storage container 11 at 1, 21, 31, 41
0, when the supply portions 111, 121, 131, 141 of the magenta developer storage container 120, the cyan developer storage container 130, and the black developer storage container 140 are inserted, the plate springs 16, 26, 36, 46 resist. And move the lids 12 and 2
2, 32, 42 concave portions 12a, 22a, 32a, 42a
Is disengaged, and the lids 12, 22, 32, and 42 become slidable. In this manner, the regulation is performed by mounting the supply portion of the developer storage container to the supply ports 11, 21, 31, and 41. A restricting means A is configured to be released and allow the lids 12, 22, 32, and 42 to slide.

The supply ports 11, 21, 31, and 41 are provided with metal locking pins 17, 27, 37, and 47, respectively. The locking pins 17, 27, 37, and 47 are provided in a yellow developer container. 110, a magenta developer storage container 120,
Identification portions 113 and 12 corresponding to the colors of the developers in the cyan developer storage container 130 and the black developer storage container 140.
3, 133, 143 notches 113a, 123a, 13
3a and 143a.

The locking pins 17, 27, 37, 47 are provided with heads 17a, 27a, 37a, 47a and flanges 17b, 2b.
7b, 37b, and 47b, and the heads 17a, 2
7a, 37a, 47a and supply ports 11, 21, 31, 41
Springs 18, 28, 38, 48 are provided between them and the upper surfaces of them, and always urge the locking pins 17, 27, 37, 47 upward.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the yellow developer container 110, the magenta developer container 120,
When the cyan developer storage container 130 and the black developer storage container 140 are correctly inserted, the cutout portions 113 of the identification portions 113, 123, 133, and 143 corresponding to the colors of the developers.
a, 123a, 133a, 143a are the locking pins 17, 2
7, 37, and 47, the locking pin 1
7, 27, 37, 47 are not pushed downward against the springs 18-48. For this reason, the locking pins 17, 27, 3
The locking walls 12b, 22b, 32 of the lids 12 to 42 are provided at 7, 47.
b, 42b do not come into contact with each other, and the lids 12, 22, 3
2, 42 are slidable.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when the yellow developer container 110, the magenta developer container 120, the cyan developer container 130, and the black developer container 140 are inserted by mistake, the developer Plate portion 1 of identification portions 113, 123, 133, 143 corresponding to the colors of
Locking pin 1 at 13b, 123b, 133b, 143b
7, 27, 37, 47 are pushed downward against the springs 18-48. For this reason, the locking wall 12 of the lids 12 to 42
b, 22b, 32b, 42b are in the contact position, and the lid 1
2, 22, 32, 42 slides are regulated.

In this way, the determining means B for determining whether the inserted developer storage container is a specific one is constituted, and only when the inserted developer storage container is the specific one, The lid of the developer supply unit and the lid of a specific developer storage container can be opened and closed.

The discriminating means B is not limited to the above-described one, but allows the developer container to be inserted into the developer supply section, and determines whether the inserted developer container is a specific one. Any structure may be included as long as it can determine whether or not it is not.

On the upper surface of the supply ports 11, 21, 31, 41, a contact piece 19a is provided which is always in contact with the locking pins 17, 27, 37, 47.
When the locking pins 17, 27, 37, 47 are pushed inward of the insides 1, 41, the flange portions 17 b, 27 b, 37 b, 4 are provided.
Contact pieces 19b, 29b, 39b, and 49b are provided for contacting the contact pieces 7b. When the contact pieces 19a, 29a, 39a, and 49a and the contact pieces 19b, 29b, 39b, and 49b conduct, the display unit 4 displays an erroneous insertion. Perform

Accordingly, the yellow developer container 110,
Supply section 12 of magenta developer storage container 120, cyan developer storage container 130, and black developer storage container 140
1, 121, 131, and 141 are respectively assigned to the corresponding yellow developer storage container 10 and magenta developer storage container 2.
0, it is inserted into the supply ports 11, 21, 31, and 41 of the cyan developer storage container 30 and the black developer storage container 40, but a developer storage container storing different types of developers is erroneously inserted. Then, the locking pin is pushed by the identification portion of the developer accommodating container by the erroneous insertion, so that the erroneous insertion can be easily confirmed visually. In addition, when the supply portion of the developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply portion, the restriction of the lid of the developer supply portion by the restriction means A is released, and the slide of the developer storage container is restricted. Therefore, replenishment of the developer of a different color to the developer storage container is prevented.

When the developer container containing the same color developer is inserted, the locking pin is not activated at the identification portion of the developer container by this insertion, so that the lid of the developer container is closed. A slidable developer of the same color is supplied to the developer storage container.

The yellow developer storage container 10, magenta developer storage container 20, cyan developer storage container 30, and black developer storage container 40 are integrally formed of plastic. What is necessary is just to process by changing a position, and a molding die can be used in common and production cost can be reduced.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the image forming apparatus will be described in detail.

First, a description will be given of a developer container for supplying a developer to the developer supply section of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a part of the yellow developer storage container,
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a part of the magenta developer container, and FIG.
6 is a perspective view of a part of the cyan developer container, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a part of the black developer container.

These yellow developer container 210, magenta developer container 220, and cyan developer container 2
30 and supply section 21 of black developer container 240
Identification portions 213, 223, 233, 243 corresponding to the colors of the developer are formed on 1, 21, 21, 23, 241. The identification portions 213, 223, 233, 243 have projections 213c formed at different positions. , 223c, 233
c, 243c.

Next, the image forming apparatus will be described. 18 is a plan view of a developer supply section of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a state where the same developer storage container is inserted, and FIG. 20 is a cross-section of a state where a different developer storage container is inserted. FIG.

Developer supply section 8 of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus
, A yellow developer storage container 10, a magenta developer storage container 20, a cyan developer storage container 30, and a black developer storage container 40 are arranged. Replenishment ports 11, 12 of the respective developer storage containers 10, 20, 30, 40.
The supply units 211, 221, 232, and 241 of the yellow developer storage container 210, the magenta developer storage container 220, the cyan developer storage container 230, and the black developer storage container 240 are inserted into 1, 31, and 41. The respective supply ports 11, 21, 31, 41
Are provided with slidable lids 12, 22, 32, 41. The lids 12, 22, 32, 42 are provided with knobs 13, 23, 33, 43.

Each supply port 11, 21, 31, 41
Boxes 314 and 32 that are long in the sliding direction
4, 334, 344, and this box 314,
Lock members 315, 325, 335, and 345 are provided at positions 324, 334, and 344 at positions corresponding to the colors of the developer.
It is provided so as to be movable in 2, 22, 32, and 42 directions. The lock members 315, 325, 335 and 345 are made of leaf springs 316, 326, 336 and 346,
Recesses 12a, 22 formed inside 2, 32, 42
a, 32a, and 42a.
The lock members 315, 325, 335, and 345 are provided in the supply ports 11, 21, 31, and 41 for the yellow developer storage container 210, the magenta developer storage container 220, the cyan developer storage container 230, and the black developer storage container 240. When the supply units 211, 221, 231, 241 are mounted,
Pushed by the projections 213a, 223a, 243a, 243a, they move against the leaf springs 316, 326, 336, 346, and the recesses 12a, 22 of the lids 12, 22, 32, 42.
a, 32a, 42a are disengaged and the lids 12, 2a are released.
2, 32 and 42 are slidable, and thus, the lids 12, 2 provided at positions corresponding to the color of the developer are provided.
2, 32, 42 to regulate the slide, and supply port 1 of the supply portion of the developer storage container storing the developer of the same color.
Regulations are released by insertion into the lids 1, 21, 31, 41 and the lid 1
2, 22, 32, and 42 are configured to be slidable.

The boxes 314, 324, 334,
344 includes lock members 315, 325, 335, 34
5, slits 311, 321, 331,
341 are formed, and the slits 311, 321, 33
1, 341, supply ports 11 and 12 of the supply portion of the developer storage container.
1, 31 and 41, the lock members 315, 32
The movement of 5,336,345 can be easily confirmed visually.

The leaf springs 316, 326, 336, 34
6 are provided at the fixed side end portions thereof with contact pieces 312a, 322a, 332
a, 342a, and lock members 315, 325,
Contact pieces 312b, 32 are located at positions facing 335, 345.
2b, 332b, and 334b are provided, and the lock members 315, 325, 335, and 345 are provided with the yellow developer storage container 210, the magenta developer storage container 220, the cyan developer storage container 230, and the black developer storage container 24, respectively.
When 0 is definitely inserted and moved, the leaf spring 316,
The contact piece 312a and the contact piece 3 via 326, 326, and 346
12b conducts, and a display indicating normal insertion is displayed on the display unit 4.

When the yellow developer container 210, the magenta developer container 220, the cyan developer container 230, and the black developer container 240 are incorrectly inserted, the lock members 315, 325, 335, and 345 move. Therefore, the contact pieces 312a and 312b are non-conductive and are not displayed on the display unit 4.

Therefore, the yellow developer container 210,
The supply portions of the magenta developer storage container 220, the cyan developer storage container 230, and the black developer storage container 240 are inserted into the supply ports 11, 21, 31, and 41 of the developer storage container, and store the same color developer. When the developer container is inserted, the lock member is provided at a position corresponding to the color of the developer, the lock member is operated to release the regulation, and the lids 12, 22, 32, and 4 are opened.
2 becomes slidable, and the same color developer is supplied to the developer storage container.

When a developer of a different color is inserted into the developer storage container, the lock member does not operate, so that erroneous insertion can be easily confirmed, and the lids 12 and 22 of the developer replenishing section can be easily checked. , 32, 42 are regulated,
This prevents the developer of a different color from being supplied to the developer storage container.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the developer container, FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the shape of the flange of the developer container,
23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 23, FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of a developer accommodating container showing a configuration of a developer supply section of the apparatus main body, and FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing the composition of a part.

As shown in FIG. 25, the developing section 502 provided in the image forming apparatus 501 has a supply port 5 for inserting a developer accommodating container 510 at the upper right of the developing device main body 502a.
A developer supply unit 504 provided with the toner supply unit 03 is provided, and a predetermined amount of the developer is supplied into the developing unit 502 by the inserted developer storage container 510. Then, the developer is transported along a predetermined transport path in the developing section 502, and a developing sleeve roller 505 provided at the left end of the developing section 502 is provided.
The developer is applied via a developing sleeve roller 505 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the adjacent photoconductor 506 at a predetermined interval, and the developed toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor 506. Is formed.

Then, since the developer in the developing section 502 is consumed as needed by continuous development, when a predetermined number of times of development is reached, a separately prepared developer accommodating container 510 is inserted into the developing section 502 to develop the developer. The toner is replenished so as to always obtain a uniform toner image.

In this image forming apparatus, a specific developer storage container is identified by an electric means operating in a state where the developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply section of the apparatus main body, and the lid of the developer supply section is closed. It has means for opening and closing the lid of a specific developer storage container.

More specifically, an identification information section is provided in the developer storage container, and a sensor for reading the identification information of the identification information section is provided in the developer supply section of the apparatus main body to determine the developer storage container. The lid of the developer supply section of the apparatus main body and the lid of the developer storage container can be opened and closed by the sensor identification judgment, and is configured as follows.

As shown in FIG. 21, the developer container 510
Is a container portion 511 for storing the developer, and the container portion 511
A flange 512 integrally joined with the lid 512, a lid 513 slidably attached to the flange 512, an upper lid 514 for closing the upper surface of the container portion 511, a stored developer, a developer color, a destination, and the like. And a bar code 515 to be executed.

The container part 511, the flange 512, the lid 5
Each of the upper cover 13 and the upper cover 514 is a molded product using a plastic material, and has a common shape regardless of the developer color and the destination.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the flange 512 has an opening 5 whose center is largely hollowed out in a rectangular shape.
12c, an upper surface 512b and an opening 512c shown in FIG.
A long groove 512d that joins the container portion 511 is provided around the periphery of the container.
And a U-shaped guide groove 512e formed by sliding the slide lid 513 on both sides in the longitudinal direction and sliding. A protruding piece 512a is provided at an extended position of the upper surface 512b at the left end portion in the longitudinal direction of the flange 512, and a bar code 515 is stored in a surface of the protruding piece 512a facing the developer replenishing portion. After the developer accommodating container 510 is made, it can be attached. The lid 513 attached to the lower surface of the flange 512 is a flat plate member having fitting ribs (not shown) at both ends in the longitudinal direction for fitting with the slide grooves 512e of the flange 512 and at least the opening of the flange 512. 5
The opening 12c is sized to sufficiently close the entire area, and is set so as not to be easily displaced by mutual clicks when slid to a predetermined position to close the opening 512c.

Then, the container 511 which has been partially assembled by joining the container portion 511 to the flange 512 is temporarily stocked and stored. Note that the lid 513 may be attached. Further, the container 511 and the flange 512 may be integrally molded. And the flange 512
A predetermined amount of developer is stored in the container portion 511 in which the lid 513 is attached to the container portion 511 to which the opening 511 is attached and the opening portion 512c is closed. Barcode 51 specified for each color and destination
5 is attached to a predetermined position of the protruding piece 512a of the flange 512, and the identified developer container 510 is manufactured. Although not shown, an appropriate protective cover is provided on the cover 5 so that the developer in the developer container 510 is not inadvertently spilled.
13 and the flange 512.

Accordingly, in the process of assembling the developer storage container 510, all the common members and subassemblies are supplied and assembled before the bar code 515 is attached, so that the labor required for loading, unloading and preparing the process is greatly reduced. I will Further, as described above, since the flange 512 is common irrespective of the color of the developer and the destination, the mold at the time of molding is commonly used, which is very convenient in terms of efficiency.

The developer accommodating container 510 thus manufactured is attached to a developer replenishing section 503 provided in the developing section 502 and supplied with the developer according to the consumption of the developer in the developing section 502. Become so. As shown in FIG. 24, the developer supply section 503 is provided with a rectangular supply port 503b near the upper center of the developer storage container 503a, and a lid 520 for opening and closing the supply port 503b is slid in the direction of the arrow on the upper surface. Mounted as possible. The left end of the lid 520 has a bent portion 520a that rises at a right angle as shown in the figure.
When the developer container 510 is inserted, the lid 5
13 is engaged with the left end.

The developer storage container 50 is located below the right end of the lid 520 positioned so as to close the supply port 503b.
A hook 523 that is rotatable around a support shaft 523b that is supported by the frame 3a is attached. One end of the hook 523 is attached to the left end, and the other end is fixed to the frame of the developer storage container 503a. The hook 523 is always urged in the anti-time direction by the spring 524, and the claw portion 523 a provided on the right end of the hook 523 is engaged with the right end surface of the lid 520 to lock the lid 520. A knob 521 is integrally attached to the upper surface of the right end of the lid 520.
The upper part of the cover 21 covers the upper part of the developer storage container 503a.
The knob 521 is protruded upward from the top 22 and can be manually moved in the direction of the arrow together with the lid 520. The lid 522 is provided with a long hole 522a so as not to interfere with the operation range of the knob 521. A solenoid 525 is attached to the frame of the developer storage container 503a below the hook 523, and when the solenoid 525 is energized and excited, the hook 523 becomes
The lock with the lid 520 is released by turning clockwise against the lock 24.

When the excitation of the solenoid 525 is cut off, the hook 523 is again actuated by the biasing force of the spring 524.
The cover 520 is engaged with the above-described position.

Then, as shown in FIG. 24, at a predetermined position on the left side of the supply port 503b of the developer storage container 503a, the bar code 5 when the developer storage container 510 is attached is provided.
A sensor 516 for reading the bar code 515 is provided at a position facing the sensor cover 15. When the developer accommodating container 510 is not inserted, the sensor 516 is covered by a sensor lid 517 as shown by a two-dot chain line.

The sensor cover 517 of the developer replenishing section 50 thus configured is opened as shown by the solid line in FIG. 24, and the upper part of the sensor 516 is exposed. The bar code 515 is read by the sensor 516 which is inserted and inserted and set at a predetermined position shown in the drawing, and the adapted developer container 5 is read.
When it is detected that the number is 10, the solenoid 525 is energized and excited, and the magnetic force of the solenoid 525 rotates the hook 523 clockwise to disengage the lid 520. By manually moving the knob 521 in the direction of the arrow, the lid 520 and the lid 513 of the developer accommodating container 510 engaging with the lid 520 are simultaneously moved, and the opening 512c of the flange 512 and the developer supply section 503 are moved.
Is opened and the developer storage container 510 is opened.
Is dropped into the developer supply section 503 and supplied.

Since the energization to the solenoid 525 is cut off when the lid 520 moves to a predetermined position, the hook 523 is rotated counterclockwise by the spring 524, and The hook claw 523a is pressed.

After the developer in the developer container 510 has been supplied into the developer replenishing section 503, the lid 520 is returned to a predetermined position closing the replenishing port 503b with the lid 513. Locked by 523.

For example, if the developer storage container 510 to which a different bar code 515 is attached is inserted, even if read by the sensor 516, the code does not match the code stored in advance, so that the solenoid 525 is not energized.
Therefore, the hook 523 remains in the state in which the lid 520 is locked, and the knob 521 cannot be moved, so that the user can notice that the developer storage container 510 is erroneously inserted. If the sensor 516 detects erroneous insertion, the warning is displayed on a panel or the like of the image forming apparatus to warn the user, so that the user can recognize the erroneous insertion more clearly.

In this embodiment, the bar code 515 is attached to the developer accommodating container 510 for identification. However, the bar code 515 is not limited to the bar code 515, and a different magnetic tape is attached for each developer color or destination, and the detection is performed. Means for preventing erroneous insertion by the above method is also within the scope of the present invention.

As described above, since a different bar code or magnetic tape is attached to the developer container for each developer color or destination, all the members constituting the developer container have a common shape. Therefore, the management of entry / exit of a subassembly of each member and the assembling process are extremely simplified, and the efficiency is remarkably improved. And, of course, erroneous insertion of the developer storage container into the developer supply section can be completely avoided.

[0078]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, when the developer accommodating container is not inserted in the developer replenishing portion, the lid of the developer replenishing portion is never opened and closed. Therefore, when the developer storage container is not inserted into the developer supply unit, the lid of the developer supply unit does not open, so that contamination in the developer supply unit due to dust and dust from the outside can be prevented, and the toner in the developer supply unit can be prevented. And image quality can be maintained.

Further, since the developer container is inserted into the developer replenishing portion, and a determination means for determining whether or not the inserted developer container is a specific type, the developer container is provided. After the is inserted into the developer supply section, it is determined whether or not the inserted container is a specific one.If the wrong developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply section, the developer Since the lids of both the replenishing section and the developer storage container are never opened, the mixing of different types of developer into the developer replenishing section is prevented, and the damage to the developer storage container is also prevented.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the specific developer storage container is determined by mechanical means operating in a state where the developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply section, and the lid of the developer supply section is closed. Since the lid of the specific developer storage container opens and closes in conjunction with each other, the developer storage container can be determined with a simple structure and erroneous insertion can be prevented.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the determination means using the identification portion of the developer storage container determines whether or not the developer storage container inserted into the developer supply portion is a specific one. Then, when it is determined that the developer storage container is a specific one, the restriction of the restricting means is released, and both the lid of the developer storage container and the lid of the developer supply unit are opened and closed in conjunction with each other. The simple structure prevents erroneous insertion of the developer storage container, and the lid of the developer supply unit does not open and close when the developer is not supplied or erroneous insertion. There is no leakage.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a specific developer storage container is determined by an electric means operating in a state where the developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply section, and the lid of the developer supply section is closed. Since the lid of the specific developer storage container opens and closes in conjunction with each other, it is necessary to automatically identify the developer storage container when the developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply section and supply the developer. Can be.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the identification information of the identification information section of the developer storage container is read by the sensor provided in the developer supply section, and the developer storage container is identified, so that the lid of the developer supply section is closed. Since the lid of the specific developer storage container opens and closes in conjunction with each other, the developer storage container can be determined with a simple structure to supply the developer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus as viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the back.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a yellow developer container.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a yellow developer container.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of a yellow developer container.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of a magenta developer container.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a part of a cyan developer container.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a part of the black developer container.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a developer developer supply section of the developing device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting of a developer accommodating container to a developer developer supply section of the developing device.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the same developer container is mounted.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where different developer storage containers are mounted.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a part of a yellow developer container.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a part of a magenta developer container.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a part of the cyan developer container.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a part of the black developer container.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a developer developer supply section of the developing device.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a state where the same developer storage container is mounted.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where different developer storage containers are mounted.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a developer storage container.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a shape of a flange of the developer container.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along the line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a developer supply unit of the apparatus main body, in which a developer container is inserted and attached.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a developing unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 20, 30, 40 Developer storage container 11, 21, 31, 41 Supply port 12, 22, 32, 42 Cover 110, 120, 130, 140 Developer storage container 111, 121, 131, 141 Supply unit 112, 122, 132, 142 lid 113, 123, 133, 143 identification unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-1-2096464 (JP, A) JP-A-2-91669 (JP, A) JP-A-3-267965 (JP, A) 86652 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/08

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A developer storage container storing a developer is inserted into a developer supply section of an apparatus main body. In this inserted state, a lid of the developer supply section and a lid of the developer storage container are opened and closed. , inside the auxiliary <br/> sheet image forming apparatus is to the developer or the developer supply unit of the developer container, lid, said developer accommodating container is of insertion of the developer supply unit
Only a regulating means for enabling opening and closing, the developer accommodating container in said inserted state has a discriminating means for discriminating whether or not a particular one, in the inserted state when it Only when the developer storage container is a specific one, the lid of the developer supply unit and the lid of the specific developer storage container are opened and closed in conjunction with each other.
Image forming apparatus characterized by. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said developer container is inserted into said developer supply section .
Determining means for determining a specific developer storage container by mechanical means operating in a state , wherein a lid of the developer supply unit and a lid of the specific developer storage container are opened and closed in conjunction with each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In wherein the image forming apparatus, the developer accommodating container has an identification part of the order is determined whether or not a particular one, in the determination means using the identification unit, the developer supply unit Insertion
It is regulated released when said developer accommodating container in which a wear been is judged to be specific ones, said the lid of the developer accommodating container and the lid of the developer supply unit in conjunction with each other < An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a regulating means for opening and closing both lids. 4. In the image forming apparatus, a specific developer storage container is determined by an electric device that operates in a state where the developer storage container is inserted into the developer supply unit.
To have a judging means, wherein the developer supply portion of the lid and the specific developer container of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid is interlocked with one another, characterized in that can be opened and closed by. 5. The developer storage container is provided with an identification information section, and the developer supply section is provided with a sensor for reading the identification information section to determine the developer storage container. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a lid of the developer supply unit and a lid of the developer container are opened and closed in cooperation with each other .