JP3530586B2 - Toner cartridge - 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 method using a developer.
Toner for replenishing developer to the image forming apparatus to be formed
The present invention relates to a cartridge, a developer supply method, and a developing device.
You. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Electrophotographic copiers and laser beam prepresses
An image forming apparatus such as a printer has a uniformly charged photosensitive drum.
Form a latent image by selectively exposing the
To form a developed image, and transfer the developed image to a recording medium.
Copy and record the image. In such devices,
It must be replenished each time the image agent runs out.
Toner cartridge for replenishing developer to developing device
Means that the stored developer can be stored in the developer
A so-called refillable cartridge that replenishes the entire container at once,
After installing the cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus,
Leave the cartridge on, and gradually display until the developer is used up.
A so-called stationary cartridge that replenishes developer to the imaging device
Divided into two. In recent years, the size of image forming apparatuses has been reduced.
For this reason, cartridges tend to be stationary.
Especially when a cylindrical cartridge is mounted
Discharges developer in slit form in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge
Make the opening horizontal rather than below, and
Are designed to pump up the developer
(Eg, JP-A-62-86382, JP-A-62-17098)
7, No. 63-62857, No. 63-188665). The reason for adopting the above-described configuration is that image formation
Developing device and toner cartridge for compact device
In addition to increasing the freedom of placement of the
Supply the amount of developer in the developing device and the amount of two-component developer.
In this case, always keep the mixing ratio of the carrier component and the developer component constant.
This is to keep the bell. In the above image forming apparatus, a toner car
When a cartridge is installed, the developer discharge opening and the developing device
Communication with the opening of the developing chamber
When not installed, the opening of the developing chamber is closed and the developing chamber is closed.
Member for preventing the developer from flowing backward from the shutter
Is generally provided. For example, a shutter member disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-62857.
, A slit penetrating in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical member
-Shaped openings are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge.
Insert the projected part into the shutter opening to engage with it,
The shutter member rotates with the rotation of the toner cartridge.
I am trying to. [0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the conventional example, it is engaged with the slit-shaped opening of the shutter member.
The protruding part is shaped like a slit on the toner cartridge.
Is located on the longitudinal extension of the
The cylindrical part of the toner cartridge
The torsional force acts on the cylinder, and the cylindrical part is easily deformed.
ing. [0008] The toner cartridge is greatly twisted.
When force is applied, the discharge opening of the toner cartridge deforms
The seal between the shutter member and the toner cartridge
And the developer leakage may occur from the above.
You. This developer leakage exposes the outer surface of the toner cartridge.
Stain with image agent and perform toner cartridge replenishment operation
Not only cause the problem of soiling the hands and clothes of the
Deposits over a long period of use of the image forming
Malfunction of the printer member or a stirring member in the toner cartridge
There is a possibility that the drive system for rotating the motor may be damaged. The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems.
The purpose is to open and close the shutter member.
A toner cartridge that is easy to perform and does not impair the sealing
No cartridge and developer replenishing method and developing device are provided
It is assumed that. [0010] [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] To achieve the above object
The present invention provides a toner receiving apertureThe opening that can communicate with
The toner receiving opening providedShutter to open and close
To a removable toner cartridge for a developing device with
The toner is stored and at least a part of the cross section is polygonal.
And a toner container along the longitudinal direction of the toner container.
Open the toner outlet provided by
A sealing member for sealing and sealing the toner container;
Move to the position to open the toner receiving opening with the movement
Can be contacted with the shutter to rotate the shutter
Functioning first projection and the rotation of the toner container.
Move the shutter to the position to reseal the toner receiving opening.
A second protrusion that can be brought into contact with the shutter to rotate
And wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are
The toner outlet extends in the longitudinal direction of the toner container.
At a position deviated from the upper side and higher than the toner discharge port.Both
It is possible to sandwich the shutter at the end position
The toner outlets are
The toner cartridge so that it communicates with the
After mounting the toner cartridge, the toner container is in contact with the shutter.
Can be physically rotatedIt is characterized by the following. [0011] In the above construction, the projecting portion is provided with a shutter portion.
Even if it is rotated by engaging with the material, the protrusion on which the force acts is
Opening of toner container that is most easily deformed by twisting force
The length of the toner container is
It is unlikely to be twisted in the hand direction and hardly deformed. Further
Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder as the toner container
Cross section cut in the direction at least partially polygonal
If it has, it is harder to deform due to twisting force
Become. [0012] The following is a description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
First, the first embodiment will be described, and then another embodiment will be described.
We explain and finally show the experimental results. << First Embodiment >> A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
This will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Here, in the order of explanation
First of all, a developing device to which a toner cartridge is
The overall configuration of the copying machine used and the configuration of the toner cartridge
Mounting the toner cartridge in the developing device,
-Developer feeding operation from cartridge to developing device,
The description will be made in the order of attaching and detaching the toner cartridge from the developing device.
You. [Overall Configuration of Copying Machine] FIG.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the developing device.
You. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a document reading device,
The original placed on the lath 1a is illuminated by the illumination lamp 1b.
And scans the lamp 1b and the scanning mirror 1c.
The light reflected from the original is reflected by the mirror 1c and the reflection mirror.
1d, 1e, 1f, and a lens having focusing and zooming functions
Irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 serving as an image bearing member through the lens 1g
To form an electrostatic latent image. The photosensitive drum 2 has a photosensitive layer on its surface,
1 according to the image forming operation by the in-motor 3.
It can be rotated in any direction. Around the photosensitive drum 2
Charging device 4, developing device 5, transfer device 6, and cleaning
The device 7 is arranged. And the rotating photosensitive drum 2
Is uniformly charged by the charging device 4 and the original
An electrostatic latent image is formed by exposure from the reading device 1 and developed.
A developer (hereinafter referred to as “toner”) is applied to the electrostatic latent image by the device 5.
Is transferred to form a toner image. The developing device 5 is provided with a toner in a developing chamber 5a.
With a fixed magnet built in by the toner feeding member 5b
To the sleeve 5c and rotate the developing sleeve 5c.
And a triboelectric charge is applied by the developing blade 5d.
The applied toner layer is formed on the surface of the developing sleeve 5c.
Is transferred to the photosensitive drum 2 according to the latent image.
Forming a toner image and visualizing it.
is there. Then, the toner image is transported by the transport device 8.
Transfer to the recording medium 9 by applying a voltage of the transfer device 6.
You. The transfer device 6 includes a transfer charger 6a and a separation charger 6b.
And the opposite polarity of the toner by the transfer charger 6a.
The recording medium 9 conveyed by applying
Transfer the toner image to the recording medium 9 after transfer
Voltage is applied by the charger 6b to separate the photosensitive drum 2 from the photosensitive drum 2.
You. After the toner image is transferred to the recording medium 9,
The toner remaining on the surface of the drum 2 is
Scraped off by the blade 7a and collected in the collected toner reservoir 7b.
And removed by the cleaning device 7. On the other hand, the transport device 8 is placed below the main body of the device.
Lower cassettes 8a1 and 8a2 are installed,
The recording medium 9 stored in the units 8a1 and 8a2 is
Registration rollers 8c one by one by rollers 8b1 and 8b2
It can be supplied to The cassettes 8a1, 8a2 or
The recording medium 9 supplied from the manual feed tray 8d is
The laser rotating in synchronization with the image forming operation by the optical drum 2
Conveyed by the pair of distrollers 8c, the position of the transfer device 6
As described above, the toner image is transferred. Then, the recording medium 9 after the image transfer is transferred to a transport belt.
8e, heating with built-in drive roller 10a and heater
The sheet is conveyed to a fixing device 10 comprising a pressing roller 10b,
Heat and pressure are applied by means 10 to fix the transferred image, and
The sheet is discharged out of the apparatus by the pair of rollers 8f. Incidentally, the copying machine according to this embodiment
The automatic document feeder 11 is mounted on the upper part of the scanner 1a.
Several originals can be automatically separated and fed one by one
You. The configuration of the automatic document feeder 11 is known.
Therefore, a specific description is omitted. [Toner Cartridge] Next, the toner cartridge
The configuration of the ridge C will be described. This toner cartridge
Cartridge C, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.
The cartridge mounting portion 5e of the developing device 5 serving as
And leave it as it is until the toner is used up.
A so-called stationary type (building) for replenishing toner to the developing chamber 5a
Toin) cartridge. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the toner cartridge C.
As shown in the figure, the toner supply container 12, the flanges 13, 14
It comprises a stirring member 15, a cap 16, and a handle member 17. Less than,
Each member will be explained sequentially, and then the assembly method
explain. {Toner supply container} First, toner supply container 12
Will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, this is a cylindrical part
Material (the shape of the cross section cut in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is
Circular shape) and a slit-shaped toe extending in the longitudinal direction.
The cylinder discharge opening 12a is provided and a
Notch 12 for fitting and positioning with projections of flanges 13 and 14
b is provided. As the inner length of the container 12 in the axial direction,
Is preferably set in the range of about 160 mm to 400 mm,
More preferably about 180 mm to 330 mm, most preferably about 2
It is desirable to set it to 00 mm to 310 mm. The inner length of the cylinder is shorter than 160 mm
And the toner supplied into the developing chamber is
The image does not reach the longitudinal end sufficiently, causing image defects such as white spots
Easily occur. On the other hand, the inner length of the cylinder is 400 mm.
If it exceeds, the length of the developing device 5 in the container insertion direction is large.
And it is preferable in making the developing device 5 compact.
Absent. However, the length is determined by the recording medium 9 for recording the image.
Change appropriately according to the size (A3, A4, B4 size, etc.)
It is preferred to make further changes. The inner radius of the container 12 is about 10 mm to
It is preferably set to a range of 50 mm, more preferably about
15mm to 35mm, most preferably about 25mm to 30mm
Is desirable. When the inner radius of the container 12 is smaller than 10 mm,
In this case, the stirring member 15 mounted in the container loosens the toner.
Ability to transfer toner from the container to the developing chamber is low.
It is not preferable to lower. In addition, the radius exceeds 50mm
The toner stirring of the stirring member 15 installed in the container.
This is not preferable because the rotation torque during stirring increases. In this embodiment, the container 12 has an inner radius thereof.
55mm, wall thickness 0.8mm, inner length of cylinder in the axial direction 297.5 m
m is a cylinder. The longitudinal direction of the toner discharge opening 12a
The length in the direction is substantially equal to the length in the longitudinal direction of the toner supply container 12.
It is 96 mm and the length in the transverse direction is 7 mm. The toner supply container 12 is provided with a stirring member described later.
Due to the relationship with 15, the inner diameter accuracy and roundness of the cylinder can be determined with high accuracy.
Is preferred. For that purpose, the material constituting the container 12
Thermoplastic resin is the most suitable, and among them, acrylonitrile
Tolyl-styrene-butadiene copolymer (ABS)
Riester is easy to obtain accuracy and relatively inexpensive.
It is particularly preferable because it is strong against drop impact.
Also preferred is high impact polystyrene resin (HIPS)
Available. In addition, other than thermoplastic resin, paper or aluminum
Can also be used. The method of manufacturing the container 12 with a thermoplastic resin is as follows.
After the extrusion molding, the toner discharge opening 12a and the notch 12b are
Preferably formed by pressing, more preferably
Performs internal sizing called core cooling type
Can increase inner diameter accuracy and roundness.
You. As a more preferable manufacturing method, injection molding is used.
The accuracy is further improved than extrusion molding,
Heat sealing of film-shaped sealing members and flanges 13, 14
Can be deformed by heat history such as hot melt adhesion
Absent. When manufacturing by injection molding, Japanese Patent Application No.
As described in -64803, either flange or round tube
Integrated molding reduces the number of parts and assembly process
High-pressure high-pressure injection molding machine
It is more preferable to use In this case, the injection pressure is 5
00-1500kgf / cm^Two, Resin filling time is about 0.005-0.02 seconds
The degree is preferred. The opening 12a of the toner supply container 12 is sealed.
It is sealed with the member 12c. This seal member 12c is
When starting to use cartridge C, the operator
And peel off. The sealing member 12c is a film-shaped flexible seal.
For example, polyester, nylon, polyethylene,
Laminated with an ethylene vinyl acetate adhesive layer, about 50
about 200 μm, more preferably 100 μm to 150 μm
 The degree is preferred. The sealing member 12c is used in the logistics process.
Temperature and humidity fluctuations, atmospheric pressure fluctuations, vibration, drop impact, etc.
Sufficient to prevent toner leakage and peeling
The toner is fixed to the toner supply container 12 with a possible strength. This pull
Peeling strength is measured by turning the seal member 12c 180 degrees
When pulling in the direction, the maximum value is 10 kgf or less, more preferable.
Less than 6kgf, most preferably less than 4.5kgf.
Is desirable. A method for bonding the sealing member 12c to the container 12,
Hot plate welding, impulse seal, ultrasonic welding, high
Frequency welding or the like can be used, and hot plate welding is particularly preferred. The total length of the seal member 12c is equal to the toner discharge opening.
It is set to be at least twice the length in the longitudinal direction of 12a,
Turn back the part that is not fixed around the opening 12a by 180 degrees
And use it as a handle, adhesive, hot melt adhesive,
The fixing portion of the seal member 12c, the toner
Lightly fill any of the supply container 12, flange 13, and handle member 17.
Fix it. {Flange} The flanges 13 and 14 are the cylinders described above.
It is attached to both ends of the toner supply container
Acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer
(ABS), polyester, or impact-resistant polystyrene
Injection molding of a thermoplastic resin such as HIPS
Build. The flanges 13 and 14 each have two protrusions on the peripheral surface.
Have projections 13a1, 13a2, 14a1, 14a2, and these projections 13a1,
13a2, 14a1, and 14a2 are cut out 12 of toner supply container 12 described above.
b. Further, one flange 13 is filled with toner.
There is a filling port 13b for filling
A rib 13c is formed at the center of the rib 13c.
A shaft hole 13d for supporting the stirring member 15 is formed.
The diameter of the filling port 13b is the inner diameter of the toner supply container 12.
It is desirable to set at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%
Good. This improves toner filling time and filling efficiency
That's because. A stirring member 15 is inserted into the other flange 14.
A hole 14b is formed in the hole 14b.
Around the outer peripheral surface of a gear portion 15a2 of the stirring member 15 described later.
A ring-shaped flange portion 14c for supporting is provided. And
A ring-shaped rib 15 provided on the gear portion 15a2 is provided on a part of the flange portion 14c.
A claw portion 14d for locking a3 is provided. The flanges 13 and 14 are provided on the sealing member 1.
2c fitted to both ends of the toner supply container 12
Join. This bonding method includes hot melt bonding,
Methods such as ultrasonic welding and adhesive tape winding can be used,
In particular, hot-melt adhesion is simple, and sufficient sealing and adhesion
It is preferable because strength can be obtained. Hot melt bonding
Is applied to the inner surface of the end portion of the toner replenishing container 12.
Because there is no danger of hot melt adhesive protruding outside
Are particularly preferred. The protrusions 13a provided on the flanges 13, 14
1, 13a2, 14a1, 14a2 height and toner discharge opening 12a
The positional relationship and the like will be described later. {Stirring Member} The stirring member 15 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 7, the stirring shaft 15a and the stirring
And a stirring blade 15b. (Stirring Shaft) The stirring shaft 15a is, for example, substantially H-shaped in section.
Is a bar-shaped member having a U-shape.
A fitting portion 15a1 that fits into the shaft hole 13d of the die 13 is formed,
The other end is formed with a gear portion 15a2 connected to the drive system.
You. This gear portion 15a2 has a ring-shaped rib 15a3 on the outer peripheral surface.
It is provided. Agitating blades 15b are installed at several places on the shaft body.
A caulking boss 15a4 for attaching is formed. It is important that the stirring shaft 15a be straight.
Therefore, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the stirring shaft 15a is substantially
H-shape, L-shape, T-shape, etc.
Is preferable, but it is most preferable to make the cross section approximately H-shaped.
No. The material of the stirring shaft 15a is,
Considering the slidability and creep resistance of the parts,
(POM) is most preferred. Also as a manufacturing method
Injection molding is preferably used for ease of production. (Stirring blade) A stirring blade attached to the stirring shaft 15a
The stirring blade 15b extends from the shaft 15a in at least two directions.
In this embodiment, the wings are stretched in two directions.
Having a protruding flexible main wing portion 15b1 and an auxiliary wing portion 15b2.
It is. The main wing portion 15b1 has an end surface extending over substantially the entire length of the shaft 15a.
And a slit 15b3 in some places. And said
It has a rectangular hole 15b4 communicating with the slit 15b3 part
I have. The auxiliary wing portion 15b2 is located at a position corresponding to the slit 15b3.
Has an end face. Further, at the center in the longitudinal direction of the stirring blade 15b,
A swaging hole 15b5 into which the swaging boss 15a4 of the stirring shaft 15a fits.
Are provided. The material constituting the stirring blade 15b is as follows.
Available with moderate elasticity and creep resistance.
If it is a sheet of polyurethane rubber or a rubberized cloth,
Particularly preferred is a polyester (PET) film.
is there. And the thickness is preferably about 50μm ~ 500μm
And particularly preferably about 150 μm to 300 μm.
You. If the thickness is less than about 50μm, the elasticity becomes weak.
When the toner conveyance force decreases and becomes thicker than about 500 μm,
The stirring blade 15b rubs against the inner wall of the container 12 because the elasticity became too strong.
Large rotation torque is required when rotating.
In this embodiment, the thickness is 188 μm. The processing method of the stirring blade 15b is as described above.
High precision is produced by punching such materials by pressing
It is preferable because it is inexpensive. The stirring shaft 15a manufactured as described above and the stirring
The wing 15b inserts the caulking boss 15a4 into the caulking hole 15b5,
Combine both with heat or ultrasonic caulking
And integrate. This stirring member 15 is placed inside the toner supply container 12.
And supported at both ends by flanges 13 and 14 so that it can rotate
Attach. The method of attaching the stirring member 15 will be described later.
I do. Here, the shape of the stirring blade 15b will be described.
I will tell. The stirring blade 15b is at least two directions from the stirring shaft 15a.
It is preferable to project in the above direction, especially
The wings that protrude in two directions as in the example have toner
The length of the tangent line rubbing the inner wall of the supply container 12 will be different
Is desirable. That is, one main wing part 15b1
Is provided with a slit 15b3, but almost all of the stirring blades 15a are provided.
It has enough restoring power because it is long, and high toner
Has the ability to transport. Moreover, the slip provided on the main wing 15b1
15b3 and rectangular hole 15b4 to increase the rotational torque
Not even. Further, at the position of the slit 15b3 and the hole 15b4,
Auxiliary wings 15b2 that overhang only the corresponding parts
The remaining amount of the toner can be extremely reduced. in this way
By doing so, for example, the wings projecting evenly in two directions
In comparison with the case of the first embodiment, the stirring blade 15b having the shape of this embodiment is used.
In spite of the high toner transport capacity,
Luke is rather small. Improvement of the toner carrying capacity and rotation torque
From the viewpoint of reducing the size of the slit 15b3 provided in the main wing portion 15b1,
Preferably, the width is between about 0.5 mm and 3 mm. Also slip
The distance between the points is about 20 to 60 mm, more preferably about 30
mm to 55mm, most preferably about 34mm to 52mm
Is desirable. The length of the rectangular hole 15b4 in the rotation axis direction is
It is preferable that the distance between the slits is about 20% to 80%.
Good. The stirring shaft 15a of the hole 15b4 is parallel to the shaft 15a.
It is configured so that the side closer to 15a is almost in contact with the stirring shaft 15a.
It is desirable to do. Further, the remaining amount of toner to be sent out is reduced, and
From the viewpoint of reducing the rotation torque, the end of the auxiliary wing portion 15b2
The length of the surface in the rotation axis direction is about 5 mm more than the width of the slit 15b3.
It is preferable to set the length to be up to 15 mm. Next, the radial direction of rotation of the stirring blades 15b1 and 15b2
Will be described. This is inside the toner supply container 12.
Slightly longer than the normal radius, lightly sliding the inner wall of container 12 during rotation
Rotate while rubbing. Thereby, the stirring blades 15b1 and 15b2
It rotates while slightly bending, and is stirred at the toner discharge opening 12a.
When it is restored with the elasticity of the stirring blades 15b1 and 15b2 and projected, the toner
To increase the toner supply effect by flipping
It is. For this purpose, the rotation of the stirring member 15 from the rotation center
The distance to the tip of the part is the inner radius of the toner supply container 12.
About 0.5 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 1.0 mm to 4 mm,
Also preferably, it is configured to be about 1.5 mm to 3 mm longer.
That is desirable. If the length is shorter than 0.5 mm, the filling of the stirring blade
If it is not longer than 3 mm, the toner transport ability
Develop excess toner due to excessive force
Just feeds into the chamber 5a to cause aggregation of toner
Or, it is not preferable because the rotation torque becomes large.
No. In this embodiment, as described above, the stirring shaft
15a and the stirring blade 15b are individually configured, and this is caulked.
Although the integrated example was shown, preferably the stirring shaft 15a and
The agitating blade 15b is integrally formed by injection molding or the like.
Is good. This reduces the number of parts and the assembly process.
Not only can it be reduced, but also the tip of the wing from the center of the rotation axis
It is also advantageous in achieving the accuracy of the length up to. In this case, the injection molding machine is a high-speed, high-pressure injection molding machine.
It is preferable to use a molding machine.
Suitable for simultaneously molding thin portions with high accuracy. This
Injection pressure is about 500kgf / cm^Two~ 15
00kgf / cm^Two, Resin filling time is about 0.005 seconds to about 0.02 seconds
Is preferred. With the above value, the stirring shaft 15a and the stirring blade 15b
I tried injection molding the stirring member 15 which became a body, but the stirring blade 15
No inconvenience such as waving occurred in the portion b. As a more preferable production method, gas
A strike injection molding machine may be used. in this case
Since the stirring shaft 15a can be hollow, the stirring shaft 15a
Is very convenient for achieving straightness of
Most preferably, a hollow two-sided circle is used. These two sides
It is used as a seat for mounting the stirring blade 15b.
is there. {Cap} Cap 16 is a toner supply container
After filling the toner with the toner, the filling port 13 provided in the flange 13
b to block b, low density polyethylene, high density
Materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene (preferably low
Formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom part by density polyethylene)
It consists of the member which did. The cap 16 is pressed into the filling port 13b.
To seal the filling port 13b to prevent toner leakage.
You. {Handle Member} Next, the handle member 17 will be described.
Then, this filled the toner in the toner supply container 12.
Then, while covering the cap 16 that seals the filling port 13b,
Handle when attaching / detaching the toner cartridge C to / from the developing device 5
It is what becomes. The structure is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, which is an explanatory view of the surface, the fitting portion 17a and the handle portion
17b for preventing rotation of the toner cartridge C
The movable lever 17c constituting the locking means is integrally formed.
ing. As a material of the handle member 17, polypropylene
(PP) or acrylonitrile styrene pig
Diene copolymer (ABS) or high impact polystyrene
A thermoplastic resin such as (HIPS) can be used.
Lever 17c which is a movable part movable by the elastic force of
Is particularly preferable because polypropylene is used.
Can be The fitting portion 17a fits the handle member 17 to the flange 13.
It is a part that is formed into a cylindrical shape and has a cylindrical end
Are located at positions corresponding to the protrusions 13a1 and 13a2 of the flange 13 described above.
Notch 17a1 is provided in the
(In this example, three places at equal intervals in the circumferential direction)
Is provided. This notch 17a1 is inserted into the protrusion 13a1 of the flange 13,
13a2 is fitted and positioned, and the locking claw 17a2 is
Squeezing the locking recess 13e provided corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the
By locking in a locked state (so-called patching stop),
The hand member 17 is fitted and locked on the flange 13. Also, several pieces (particularly,
There is no limitation, but preferably about four) ribs 17a3 are provided.
It is. The inner diameter between the rib ends is the cap
Approximately equal to the outside diameter of 16, fit the handle member 17 to the flange 13
Then, the rib inner diameter part holds down the outer peripheral surface of the cap 16.
I am trying to. Further, a step is provided at a predetermined position of the rib 17a3.
A step 17a4 is provided, and the step 17a4
When fitted to the flange 13, as shown in FIG.
It is in the position to hold the end of 16. As a result, the handle member 17 is fitted to the flange 13.
The cap 16 is completely concealed and the ribs 17
a3, and the cap 16 is removed from the filling port 13b.
Dropping is completely prevented. The handle member 17 is attached to the flange 13.
As a method, it is not necessary to limit to the above-mentioned patching stop
No hot melt adhesion, ultrasonic welding, press-fitting, adhesive
Various methods such as tape winding are possible. But,
Because of the simplicity, the above-mentioned patch stop is particularly preferred.
New In addition, in the case of patch stop, the above-mentioned saddle killing state
Instead of locking, it may be made detachable. The movable lever 17c is a part of the fitting portion 17a.
Into the notch and can be moved up and down by the elasticity of the fitting part 17a.
The lock projection 17c1 is projected at a predetermined position.
I have. The lock projection 17c1 is used for the toner cartridge as described later.
When the cartridge C is rotated and attached to the developing device 5,
Locked at a predetermined position of the developing device 5 so that toner
The rotation of the cartridge C is prevented. << Assembly method of toner cartridge >>
Assemble the above-described members and assemble the toner cartridge C.
The procedure for setting up will be described. As described above, first, the toner supply container 12
A sheet member 12c is attached to the opening 12a, and the opening 12a is
Close the toner supply container 12 with hot melt
Apply adhesive. The protrusions provided on the flanges 13 and 14
Notch 13a1, 13a2, 14a1, 14a2 of notch 12 of toner supply container 12
b so that the flanges 13 and 14 are
It is fitted and adhered to both ends of the container 12. Next, the stirring blade 15b was attached to the stirring shaft 15a.
The stirring member 15 is inserted through the hole 14b of the flange 14 and
Although it is assembled into the toner supply container 12, the stirring blade
15b is a thin flexible member and has a main wing portion 15b.
The length from the end of b1 to the end of the auxiliary wing 15b2 is the hole 14
It is difficult to insert as it is because it is larger than the diameter of b
No. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The jig 18 is attached to the jig 14. This jig 18 is
A continuous funnel-shaped hole 18a is drilled into the small diameter hole.
The small diameter part of the funnel hole 18a is the same size as the hole 14b of the flange 14.
Is set to And attach the jig 18 to the flange 14
Then, the small diameter portion communicates with the hole 14b. Because of this, stirring
When the member 15 is inserted from the funnel hole 18a of the jig 18, the wing
15b1 and 15b2 bend along the surface of the funnel hole 18a, and
Inserts smoothly into hole 14b of flange 14 while being guided
Is done. As described above, the stirring member 15 is
Insertion part provided at the insertion tip of the stirring member 15 inserted into the vessel 12
15a1 is fitted into the shaft hole 13d of the flange 13. At this time
In order to facilitate the fitting, as shown in FIG.
A jig 19 is attached to the flange 13. The jig 19 is inserted into the filling port 13 b of the flange 13.
A cross-section having an outer diameter capable of being fitted and provided at the filling port 13b.
A cross groove (not shown) is cut to avoid
is there. A funnel-shaped hole 19a is formed at the insertion end of the jig 19.
The tip has a large diameter and the hole diameter gradually decreases.
And the minimum diameter part is continuous with the shaft hole 13d
I have. Therefore, from the flange 14 side of the toner supply container 12
The inserted portion 15a1 at the tip of the inserted stirring member is connected to the funnel hole 19.
a and smoothly fits into the shaft hole 13d. As described above, the fitting portion 15a1 is fitted into the shaft hole 13d.
After that, when the stirring member 15 is pressed firmly, it is installed in the gear portion 15a2.
The ring-shaped rib 15a3 (see FIG. 4) is the claw of the flange 14.
Locked at 14d (so called patching) and moved in the direction of the rotation axis
And the outer periphery of the gear portion 15a2 is
Supported by the flange 14c (see FIG. 4) in the radial direction of rotation.
You will not be able to move. For this reason, the stirring member 15 is
Both ends are supported by 3, 14 and can be rotated without rattling
Become. When mounting the stirring member 15, a flange
The toner flows from between the hole 14b of the nozzle 14 and the gear 15a2 of the stirring member 15.
In order to prevent leakage, a toner leakage prevention system is
It is preferable to attach a tool. Next, the jigs 18 and 19 are removed, and the filling port 13 is removed.
Fill the toner from b. This is, for example, as shown in FIG.
Then, the toner (actual
In the embodiment, the one-component magnetic toner) T can be filled.
You. The developing hopper 30 is located above the funnel-shaped main body 30a.
Is formed with a supply port 30b for filling the toner T.
The toner cartridge C has a charging port 13 at the lower end.
The adapter 30c suitable for b is mounted. Further body
A rotatable auger 30d is arranged inside 30a.
By appropriately controlling the rotation of the auger 30d,
Adjust the filling speed of the machine. Note that the inner surface of the main body 30a is
Reduce the coefficient of friction by performing elementary treatment, etc.
From the developing hopper 30 to the toner cartridge C.
It is possible to improve the filling efficiency of the toner. This
After the toner T has been filled in the
The cap 16 is press-fitted to close the filling port 13b. Next, the projections 13a1, 13a of the flange 13
2 and the notch 17a1 of the handle member 17,
Press fitting part 17a of hand member 17 into flange 13.
And the locking claw 17a2 provided on the fitting portion 17a
3 and is fixed to the locking recess 13e so as not to fall off.
You. This completely hides the cap 16 as described above.
And the cap 16 is fixed by the rib 17a3.
(See FIG. 6). As described above, the toner cartridge as shown in FIG.
The cartridge C can be assembled. [Installation of Toner Cartridge in Developing Device
Toner) As shown in FIG.
Insert the cartridge into the cartridge mounting part 5e of the developing device 5 and mount it
I do. That is, as shown in FIG.
Cartridge for mounting toner cartridge C on 5a side
A mounting portion 5e is provided, and the mounting portion 5e and the developing chamber 5a are provided.
Are communicated through the opening 5f. And said communication
A shutter member 20 that can open and close the opening 5f is provided in the portion
ing. This shutter member 20 is
It rotates with attachment and detachment. Next, the structure of the shutter member 20 and the toner
The procedure for mounting the cartridge C will be described. {Shutter Member} The shutter member 20 is a toner
When the cartridge C is not mounted on the mounting portion 5e,
As shown in FIG. 10A, the opening 5f is closed and the developing chamber is closed.
So that the toner does not flow backward from 5a to the mounting portion 5e.
You. In this closed state, the shutter member 20 is closed.
Spring member 29 attached to the inner top surface of cartridge mounting portion 5e
To prevent slippage. Further, the toner cartridge C is inserted into the mounting portion 5e.
When mounted, the shutter member 20 rotates, and FIG.
Open the opening 5f and open the toner cartridge as shown in
The toner can be supplied from the dice C to the developing chamber 5a.
You. The shutter member 20 is provided as shown in FIG.
First, one of the semi-cylindrical surfaces along the peripheral surface shape of the toner supply container 12 is used.
The portion has an opening 20a. And the shape of the opening 20a
The size is substantially the same as the toner discharge opening 12a of the toner supply container 12.
The same or the opening 20a of the shutter member 20 is slightly larger.
The shutter member 20 is formed by punching and bending a sheet metal such as SUS.
The processed one is preferably used, and the inner periphery of the opening 20a is
Attaches seal member 20b to prevent toner leakage
(See Figure 10). This sealing member 20b is an elastic body.
Preferably, there is a polyester sheet or polyurethane
Foams and the like are more preferably used. Mounting part 5e
When the toner cartridge C is inserted into the
20b contacts the outer surface of the toner cartridge C and shuts
Toner leaks from between the printer member 20 and the toner cartridge C.
To prevent Further, as shown in FIG.
The same as above is applied between the periphery of the opening 5f and the shutter member 20.
A seal member 21 is provided to prevent toner leakage between the two.
ing. {Toner Cartridge Mounting Procedure}
The developer puts the toner cartridge C into the developing device 5
The procedure for mounting the device to the camera will be described. First, the toner cartridge
The general procedure for mounting the cartridge C will be described with reference to FIG.
When installing, open the side cover 22 of the copier.
(FIG. 12A), remove the used toner cartridge C.
After taking it, a new cartridge mounting part 5e of the developing device 5 is attached.
The toner discharge opening 12c of the toner cartridge C
Insert it so that it faces (Fig. 12 (b)). Next,
-Pull out the sealing member 12c closing the discharge opening 12a.
(FIG. 12 (c)), the position of the toner discharge opening 12a is
The toner cartridge is aligned with the opening 5f of the device 5.
The cartridge C is set by rotating it about 90 degrees (FIG. 12 (d).
At this time, the toner cartridge C is
Locked so that it does not go around with 15 rotations. And
Close the side cover 22 and mount the toner cartridge C.
The dressing is completed (FIG. 12 (e)). When the toner cartridge C is attached or detached,
Is operated by operating the movable lever 17c to release the lock.
(FIG. 12 (f)), the developing operation is performed in the reverse order of the mounting.
It can be removed from the device 5. Next, according to the above procedure, the operator
When the cartridge C is mounted on the developing device 5,
The operation will be described. Attach the toner cartridge C to the cartridge
When inserting into the part 5e, the insertion side end of the mounting part 5e has
As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a protrusion provided on the flange 14 is provided.
Two grooves 23a and 23c are provided at positions corresponding to the starting portions 14a1 and 14a2.
If the two do not match, the toner cartridge C is
It cannot be inserted. Protrusion 13 on flange 13
a1 and 13a2 are provided, but their angular positions are projections 14a1 and 14a.
a2 and the corresponding projections 13a1 and 13a2
One shape or because the protrusions 13a1 and 13a2 are made smaller
In addition, the flange projections 13a1 and 13a2 are also automatically inserted into the grooves 23a and 23b.
Insertion is possible. The groove 23a and the flange projection 14
Change the shape of a1 to the type of toner cartridge C (the type of toner).
(The developing device used differs depending on the type, etc.)
As a result, a different type of toner cartridge C
Can be prevented from being attached. The two flange projections 14a1 and 14a2 are large.
Be wrong and do not go 180 degrees opposite
Since it is arranged, the insertion angle of the toner cartridge C is
Determined uniquely. Then, insert the toner cartridge C
When entering, the toner discharge opening 12a faces up.
are doing. This is when the toner cartridge C is attached or detached.
To prevent the toner from scattering.
-When the cartridge C is pulled out, fine particles remaining inside
To prevent the amount of toner from spilling and scattering.
You. Then, as shown in FIG.
The inner surface of the cartridge mounting portion 5e is flat in the cartridge insertion direction.
Guide rail 24 is provided, and the flange projection 14a1 is
It is inserted along this. Therefore, the operator
When the cartridge C is not fully inserted into the predetermined position,
The mounting direction of the toner cartridge C (the direction of the arrow in FIG.
Cannot be rotated in the direction This guide rail 24
As shown in FIG. 13A, the cartridge mounting portion 5e
Is cut off at the front and back of the
When the cartridge C is completely inserted, the flange
14a1 comes off from the guide rail 24 and the flange
The protrusion 13a2 of the thirteen is disengaged from the groove 23b, and the toner cartridge C
Can be rotated in the mounting direction. The cartridge in the cartridge mounting portion 5e
As shown in FIG. 13A, a flange 25 is provided at the edge of the insertion side.
It is provided. Then, the operator
-Insert the cartridge C into the cartridge mounting section 5e.
Then, as shown in FIG. 14A, the movable lever 17c is elastically deformed.
The lock projection 17c1 rides over the flange 25. this
The operator grips the end 12c1 of the seal member 12c.
Pulls the seal member 12c covering the toner discharge opening 12a.
Even when punching out, as described above, the lock projection 17c1
The toner cartridge C is
Pull out from the cartridge mounting part 5e as you pull out 12c
You won't be missed. When the toner cartridge C is completely inserted,
When the operation is completed, as shown in FIG.
A state in which the discharge opening 12a and the shutter opening 20a communicate with each other;
And the flange projections 13a1, 13a2, 14a1, 14a2
Each of the four corners of the shutter member 20 is sandwiched between the shutter members.
It engages with both ends of the cutter member 20. As a result, the toner
The shutter member 20 is integrally formed by the rotation of the cartridge C.
It becomes rotatable. Here, the sealing member of the toner discharge opening 12a
12c is peeled off, but toner cartridge C is completely
Because it is housed in the cartridge mounting portion 5e, the toner
Will not splatter or spill. In particular,
Deviation of toner in longitudinal direction in toner cartridge
Shaking the toner cartridge to eliminate
Is generally performed.
The toner in the container 12 contains air enough to
If the toner cartridge has low density and has high fluidity,
Therefore, when the configuration is made as in the present embodiment, the effect of preventing toner scattering is provided.
The fruit is remarkable. Now, the operator removes the seal member 12c.
After peeling off and opening toner cartridge C,
When the toner cartridge C is rotated, the toner discharge opening 12a is
Orient it in the prescribed direction. In this embodiment, the opening 5f of the developing device 5
Is located right beside the toner cartridge C,
The outlet 12a is directed substantially horizontally. As previously mentioned,
Flange projections 13a1, 13a2, 14a of toner cartridge C
Engage so that shutter member 20 is sandwiched between 1, 14a2
The handle 17b of the toner cartridge C
When rotated, the shutter member 20 follows and integrally rotates.
Rotate. At this time, the outer surface of the toner cartridge C is
Between the shutter member 20 and between the developing chamber 5a and the shutter member 20.
Indicates that the adhesion is maintained by the seal members 20b and 21.
You. Incidentally, by rotating the toner cartridge C,
13A, the flange 13 protrudes as shown in FIG.
Origin 13a2 is locked to step 26 provided in cartridge mounting portion 5e.
The toner cartridge C during rotation.
Even when trying to punch out, the protrusion 13a2 is restricted by the step 26
It cannot be pulled out. Here, the toner cartridge in this embodiment is
Between the flange projection of the toner cartridge C and the toner discharge opening 12a
Will be described. First, the flange projection is the toner discharge opening
If it is off the longitudinal extension of 12a,
At least one of flanges 13 and 14
In this case, it is possible to rotate the shutter member 20.
You. However, the operating force associated with opening and closing the shutter member 20 is reduced.
Of the toner cartridge 20 and both ends of the toner cartridge C in the rotation axis direction.
The toner cartridge C by dispersing the toner cartridge C
The shape is reduced, and the opening and closing movement of the shutter member 20 is smoother.
The flange projection is
At least one is provided at both ends in the rotation axis direction of the dice C.
Is more preferable, and furthermore, as in this embodiment, the toner cartridge
Extension lines of the toner discharge opening 12a at both axial ends of the
Opening and closing operations at opposing positions as if sandwiched
There are two projections 13a1, 13a2, 14a1, 14a2 respectively.
Is more preferred. The protrusions 13a1, 13a2, 14a1, 14a2 are
Molded or integrated with the toner supply container 12 on the container 12
It may be welded, glued, etc. as a separate member.
From the point of view of toner, the toner supply
Integrated with flanges 13 and 14 attached to both ends of container 12 in the axial direction
It is more preferable to mold it into Further, flange projections 13a1, 13a2, 14a1, 14a2
The end on the toner discharge opening 12 a side of the shutter member 20 is opened.
At the time of the closing operation, it is a portion that engages with the shutter member 20;
This is where the action force for opening and closing the shutter is applied most. That
Therefore, the component force acting on the engagement surface is
A component force acting in a direction away from the center line of the cylinder of the container 12;
The component force acting toward the center of the cylinder is as small as possible
Is preferred. Therefore, the flange projections 13a1,
13a2, 14a1, and 14a2 have side ends on the toner discharge opening 12a side.
Preferably substantially perpendicular to the tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical part.
Good. The height of the projections 13a1, 13a2, 14a1, 14a2
Is securely engaged with the shutter member 20 and the shutter member 20 is
To open and close, the toner supply container 12 is about 2
It is preferable to protrude in the range of mm to 10 mm,
More preferably, it is 6 mm. This protrusion is less than 2mm
In this case, the amount of engagement of the engaging portion is small,
When the shutter member 20 is opened or closed, the engagement portions of the shutter member 20 are projected.
It is easy to get on a1 and 14a2 and malfunction. Conversely
If the protrusion amount is larger than 10 mm, the cartridge of the developing device 5
It is preferable because it hinders downsizing of the
Absent. Next, the toner discharge opening 12a and the opening
Projections 13a1 and 13 provided opposite to each other across 12a
a2 (first protrusion) and 14a1, 14a2 (second protrusion).
As shown in FIG. 15, the positional relationship between
Center of cylinder of toner supply container 12 and toner discharge opening 12a
Between the center of the cylinder c1 and the center of the cylinder.
Toner discharge of the protrusions 13a1 and 14a1 for opening the
The angle between a straight line connecting the side end on the exit side and θ1 is
Center of cylinder of toner supply container 12 and toner discharge opening 12a
Between the center of the cylinder c1 and the center of the cylinder.
Of the toner from the projections 13a2 and 14a2 for closing the shutter member.
The angle between a straight line connecting the side end on the exit side and θ2 is
The angle θ1 is in the range of about 20 degrees to 90 degrees.
More preferably about 30-50 degrees, most preferably about 40 degrees.
It is desirable to set the angle to 50 degrees. The angle θ2
  Ranges from about 70 degrees to 160 degrees, more preferably about
105 degrees to 130 degrees, most preferably about 110 degrees to 1
It is desirable to set the angle to 20 degrees.
Set the angle θ1 to 45 ± 1 degrees and θ2 to 115 ± 1 degrees
are doing). The angle θ₁Is 20 degrees, θ_TwoIs less than 70 degrees
Then, the toner discharge opening of the toner supply container 12 with low rigidity
Since protrusions 13a1, 13a2, 14a1, and 14a2 are close to 12a,
Deformation of toner discharge opening 12a during opening / closing operation of shutter member 20
And it is attached around the shutter opening 20a.
Space for the seal member 20b to be
Is not preferred. The angle θ₁Is 90 degrees,
θ_TwoIs greater than 160 degrees, the circumferential direction of the shutter
The length is inevitably longer, and the shutter member 20 opens and closes.
It is not preferable because the operating force becomes unnecessarily large.
No. In this embodiment, as described above,
-A pair of shutters is provided at each end of the supply container 12 in the longitudinal direction.
Projection 13a1 and 14a1 for member opening operation and shutter member closing operation
Projections 13a2 and 14a2 are provided.
In the case where only one end in the longitudinal direction of the container 12 is provided,
For the same reason as described above, the toner discharge opening 12a is
The position of the protrusion is the position between the center of the cylinder and the toner discharge opening 12a.
The straight line connecting the center in the longitudinal direction, the center of the cylinder and the protrusion
A straight line connecting the edge of the toner discharge opening 12a and the
It is desirable to set the angle between about 20 degrees and 160 degrees.
No. Now, it is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 5e.
When the toner cartridge C is rotated in the mounting direction,
The flange projections 13a1 and 14a1 for shutter closing operation
The cartridge C and the shutter portion are locked by the shutter member 20.
The material 20 rotates integrally. This rotation is shown in FIG.
As shown, the flange projections 13a2 and 14a2 are
It is regulated at the time when it hits the step 27 provided in the attachment part 5e.
You. At this time, the toner supply container 12 and the shutter member 20 are opened.
The openings 12a and 20a are oriented substantially horizontally, and the openings of the developing device 5
5f (see FIG. 10B). As described above, the rotation of the toner supply container 12 is restricted.
When rotated to the position, as shown in FIGS.
Then, the movable lever 17c elastically deforms, and the lock projection 17c1
Ride the end 25a of the flange 25 provided on the cartridge mounting part 5e
And automatically locks and locks over the end. This
Then, the toner cartridge C is rotated clockwise in FIG.
Lock projection 17c1
Rotation is restricted because of locking to the end portion. The lock projection 17c1 is provided in the toner cartridge.
When the edge C is rotated in the mounting direction,
The inclined surface 17c2 inclined in the rotation direction so that the
It is formed. Therefore, without pressing the movable lever 17c
The toner cartridge C in the mounting direction,
When the protrusion 17c1 contacts the flange end 25a, the inclined surface 17
The movable lever 17c is elastically deformed along c2, and the lock protrusion 17
c1 gets over end 25a. And when you get over
The moving lever 17c is elastically restored and automatically locked. This and
Operator feels the click
It is possible to know that the dice C has been securely locked. By mounting the toner cartridge C,
As shown in FIG. 13A, the gear portion 15a2 of the stirring member 15 is mounted.
It is connected to the drive gear 28 on the installation main body side, and can be driven and rotated. [Toner Feeding Operation]
The cartridge C is mounted on the developing device 5 to form an image.
Is in the toner cartridge C at the time of next image formation.
The toner feeding operation will be described. Driving force is transmitted to the stirring member 15 during image formation.
Then, the member 15 is moved clockwise in FIG.
It rotates at a speed of 10.2 rpm. As a result, the toner supply
The toner in the container 12 is sufficiently stirred and evened by the stirring blade 15b.
Discharges toner while being unified and appropriately charged
Through the opening 12a, the shutter opening 20a, and the developing device opening 5f.
Is sent to the developing chamber 5a of the developing device 5. This time Tona
-Since the discharge opening 12a is oriented substantially horizontally,
A large amount of unstirred and uncharged toner floods the developing device 5
There is no such thing. And as development progresses,
The toner in the toner supply container 12 decreases, but the stirring member
15
The toner in the developing chamber 5a of the apparatus 5 is always kept at a constant amount. This is because the stirring blade 15b is an elastic body,
The rotation radius of the stirring blade 15b is also larger than the cylinder radius of the toner supply container.
Is slightly longer, and the wing tip is slightly outside the toner discharge opening 12a.
It is because it is constituted so that it may jump out. That is,
When the stirring blade 15b is rotating while rubbing against the inner wall of the container 12,
When the toner was bent and urged, the toner
When approaching the mouth 12a, when restoring with the elasticity of the stirring blade 15b
Then, the toner is bounced off and the developing device 5
It is to send to. The toner jumping action is performed by toner replenishment.
When the amount of toner in the container 12 is large, a large amount of toner
Is not remarkable because of the
To the toner and aggregated toner, resulting in image defects
To prevent the occurrence of In addition, since the stirring blade 15b bends,
An increase in the rolling torque is prevented. Meanwhile, the toner supply container 12
Of the stirring blade 15b as the amount of toner in the inside decreases
Operation is performed smoothly, and high toner feed
Excessive power is exhibited. As a result, the toner in the toner supply container 12
Can be sent to the developing device 5 with almost no remaining
You. Further, in order for the stirring blade 15b to rub against the inner wall of the container,
The generation of coarse particles of the toner is prevented. Incidentally, as described above, the stirring blade 15b is used to supplement the toner.
To rotate while rubbing against the inner wall of the supply container 12, a stirring unit
That the toner cartridge C rotates around the rotation of the material 15
However, in the present embodiment, as described above,
The lock projection 17c1 is engaged with the flange 25 of the cartridge mounting portion 5e.
Because it is stopped (see FIGS. 14B and 14C), the toner
The toner discharge is opened without the cartridge C rotating.
The position of the mouth 12a (especially the angle position of the lower edge) is always stable
Guarantees that toner supply and image quality are stable.
It is. The toner cartridge C was mounted.
In the state, the lower edge of the toner discharge opening 12a is
When the horizontal direction is 0 degree with respect to the cylindrical axis of the supply container 12,
In the range of ± 10 degrees, more preferably ± 5 degrees
It is preferable to set them so as to be within the range. In this embodiment,
The angle is set to be -3.6 degrees. [Removal of toner cartridge from developing device]
Next, the toner cartridge C is removed from the developing device 5.
When removing, from the state shown in FIG. 14 (b), (c)
The operator grips the movable lever 17c provided on the handle member 17
Part 17b and the locking projection 17c1 and the end 25 of the flange 25.
a while releasing the locked state with the toner cartridge C.
Rotates clockwise (the shutter member 20 also rotates integrally)
Yes), the toner discharge opening 12a is returned to the upward state.
Then, insert the toner cartridge C into the cartridge mounting portion 5e.
Pull it out. At this time, when the toner cartridge C is mounted
Conversely, rotate until the toner discharge opening 12a faces upward.
Otherwise, do not pull out the toner cartridge C.
Has become. The toner cartridge C is mounted and used.
Throughout the entire process of attaching and detaching, the outer surface of the toner supply container 12a
And the shutter member 20 are in close contact with each other, and
Will be maintained. Therefore, the used device removed from the developing device 5
No toner adheres to the outer surface of the toner cartridge C,
Used by operators without soiling hands or clothes with toner
Only the toner cartridge C can be disposed. Change
In addition, as described above, the high toner feeding of the stirring member 15 is performed.
Toner remaining in used cartridge C by force
The amount of used cartridge C is extremely small.
Even during the disposal process, toner may spill or scatter
Or not. [Other Embodiments Regarding the Cylindrical Body of the Toner Supply Container]
Example (Second Embodiment) Next, another embodiment will be described. It should be noted that it has the same function as the first embodiment.
Portions are given the same reference numerals, and the description is referred to. Note that
In the embodiment, a cylinder (longitudinal direction) is used as a cylinder of the toner supply container.
(The cross-sectional shape cut in the direction perpendicular to the cross-section is approximately circular.)
Although an example was shown, next, an example in which the cylindrical body has a polygonal shape will be described. First, another embodiment of the toner supply container 12 will be described.
16 (a) and 16 (b) and FIG. Here, FIG.
(A) is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner supply container.
Toner supply with polygonal cross section of cut cylinder 12d
It is sectional drawing of the Example using the container 12A. Fig. 16
(B) is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner supply container.
The cross-sectional shape of the cut cylinder is
A portion that comes into contact with the shutter member 20 and a developing device
The part located at the bottom at the time of mounting on the device 5 has an arc shape,
Other parts use the polygonal toner supply container 12B.
It is sectional drawing of the Example which was. In both figures, the toner supplement
The state where the supply container is attached to the developing device 5 is shown. Also
FIG. 17 shows the toner supply container 12A and the toner supply container.
It is a perspective view of container 12B. In the toner supply container 12A, the front
As described above, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical body 12d is polygonal (for example,
In the embodiment, since it is a decagon, the steel property of the cylindrical body 12d is
It can be even higher. Then the toner is transferred to the developing device 5.
-Cylinder 1 by rotating operation such as mounting supply container 12A
The deformation provided in the developing device 5 is smaller with less deformation of 2d.
It is easy to maintain the tightness of the shutter member 20 with the seal member 21.
No. Further, in the case of the toner supply container 12B
Has a polygonal part in a part of the cross section of the cylindrical body 12d.
In order to improve the steel properties,
When attaching the supply container 12B to the apparatus 5, the sealing
The sealability between the member 21 and the toner supply container 12B is easily maintained.
No. In addition, in this embodiment, as described above,
Because the part located at the bottom of the container has an arc shape,
When the amount of residual toner in 12d is the toner supply container 12A
Less than in. This is caused by the stirring member 15d.
The toner is sent out well along the arc
It is. Further, both toner supply containers 12
For A.12B, the outer surface must be square.
As a result, there is residual toner in the
The residual toner contacts the outer surface of the container
Outer peripheral surfaces of the toner supply containers 12A and 12B
Is hard to get dirty. [The projecting portion is located on the back end face in the axial direction of the cylindrical body.
Another embodiment (third embodiment) provided so as to project from
In one embodiment, an example in which the protrusion 14a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder is described.
As shown in FIG. 18 and FIG.
19, and may be configured as shown in FIG. FIG. 18
The flange 14 (the flange on the side
The two projections 14a1 and 14a2 provided in (d)
Provided on the side end surface 14c instead of the outer peripheral surface of the flange 14.
And projecting outward in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the cylinder.
I have. In this embodiment, the two protrusions of the flange 13 are
Like the first embodiment, it protrudes from the outer peripheral surface, but is not limited to this.
It is not specified. The toner cartridge C1 as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the cartridge mounting portion 5e of the developing device 5
Insert and attach. At this time, the operator
By rotating the carriage C1, the shutter member 20 is also moved.
It rotates following it. The shutter member 20 in this case is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
So as to cover the cylindrical surface 20c and the end surface of the toner supply container 12c.
20d. And a semi-cylindrical surface
20c has an opening 20a through which toner passes.
The projecting portion of the toner cartridge C1 is provided on the fan-shaped surface 20d.
It has an opening 20e for engaging with 14a. Opening
The shape and size of the toner supply container 20a are
Opening of the shutter member 20 or substantially the same as the
The mouth 20a is slightly larger. This shutter member 20
It may be punched and bent from sheet metal such as SUS.
However, since it has the sector surface 20d as described above,
Acetal (POM), acrylonitrile, styrene,
Thermoplastic resin such as butadiene copolymer (ABS)
It is more preferable to manufacture it by injection molding or the like. Opening 2
Seal around the inside of 0a to prevent toner leakage
Although the member 20b is attached, its material and action
The result is the same as in the first embodiment. Then, the toner cartridge C1 is
5, the protrusion 14 of the toner cartridge c1
a1 engages with the opening 20e of the shutter member 20, and
The protruding portion 14a2 is an edge of the fan-shaped surface 20d of the shutter member 20.
20f. On the other hand, the flange projection at the other end in the longitudinal direction
13a1 and 13a2 are shutter members as in the first embodiment.
20 so as to sandwich them. This allows the operator
Is rotated by holding the handle 17b of the toner cartridge.
Then, the shutter member 20 follows and rotates integrally.
At this time, the outer surface of the toner cartridge C1 and the shutter member
Adhesion is maintained by the seal member 20a between the two.
ing. The height of the projections 14a1 and 14a2
Protrudes from the side end surface 14c of the flange 14 outward in the axial direction of the cylinder.
Length) is securely engaged with the shutter member 20,
To open and close the shutter member 20, the toner cartridge
Projects from the end face of the dice C1 in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm
Preferably, it is more preferably 2 mm to 6 mm.
Good. If the amount of protrusion is smaller than 1 mm,
When the amount of engagement of the engaging portion is small, and when the shutter member 20 is opened and closed.
Out of the opening 20e or the edge 20f of the shading member 20
There is a risk of operation failure due to being lost. End face 14c
The amount of protrusion of the protrusion that protrudes outward in the axial direction
It may be slightly smaller than when projecting from the surface. this
Is a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface, the seal member 20a is
While it is configured to intervene and compress it,
In the case of the projection provided on the surface, the toner cartridge C1
This is because the shutter member 20 is directly brought into close contact. Anti
On the other hand, if the protrusion amount is larger than 10 mm, the toner
Before fully inserting the cartridge C1 into the developing device 5,
If the shutter member 20 can be rotated,
Karika hinders downsizing of toner cartridge C1
There is a possibility that the adverse effect of the The protrusions and the protrusion and the opening 12a
Angle and positional relationship, configuration of toner feeding member and its
The attachment method and the like are in accordance with the first embodiment. As described above, in this embodiment, the toner cartridge
A shutter member 20 is provided on the back side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge C1.
The projection for rotating does not protrude from the outer peripheral surface
Therefore, two grooves 23a and 23c as shown in FIG. 13 are unnecessary.
The advantage that the developing device can be made more compact
There is. The protrusion 14a3 protruding from the outer peripheral surface is
Cartridge C1 is incorrectly installed in a different model
This is a projection for preventing the formation of the protrusion. Toner cartridge
If you try to attach C1 to a different model,
4a3 collides with the wall of the device body and is incorrectly mounted
To prevent Toner cartridge C1 should be installed
Notches are provided on the wall of the main unit of the model.
The mounting of the nut cartridge C1 is permitted. Further, the toner cartridge C1 and the
A shutter is provided at an engagement portion on the back side of the
The protrusion of the toner cartridge C1 is provided in the opening 20e of the member 20.
14a1 is engaged, and the projection 14a1 is L-shaped.
And is engaged in two directions, the radial direction and the circumferential direction,
Toner cartridge against the repulsive force of seal member 20a
Also acts to keep C1 and shutter member 20 in close contact.
be able to. The shapes of the projections 14a1 and 14a2 are as described above.
Not limited to L-shape, T-shape, U-shape, B-shape, etc. 2
What can be engaged in the direction is preferable, but it is just a flat plate
Or any shape such as a round bar. In this embodiment, one of the projections on the back side is
Engaging with the opening of the shutter member, and if one of the protrusions is
Engages the edge of the material, but the invention is not limited to this
Even if both engage the opening of the shutter member,
It may be engaged with the edge of the data member. But the toner car
It has the effect of keeping the cartridge and shutter member in close contact.
Therefore, at least one of them can engage with the opening of the shutter member.
Is desirable. Note that each of the above embodiments (first to third embodiments)
In each case, each projection provided on the flange
It is integrally molded. However, for example,
The projection is configured separately from the flange and then attached to the flange
May be equal. Next, still another embodiment will be described.
First, another example of the stirring member 15 is shown in FIG. In addition,
Portions having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
Invite explanation. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
The part 15b1 and the auxiliary wing part 15b2 are partially
5 is bent downstream with respect to the rotation direction. This shape
In this case, the tip side of the wings
Therefore, the rotational torque of the stirring member 15 is lower.
Has the effect of doing Further, in the case of the stirring member 15 having the above-mentioned shape, a stirring blade
The tip of the blade approaches the toner discharge opening 12a, and the elasticity of the wings increases.
When the toner is released and splashed, the toner
The force component that feeds the toner increases, and the toner
Pumping from the bottom of 12 to the toner discharge opening 12a
Instead, the toner is sent from the toner discharge opening 12a to the developing device 5.
Power is increased. Therefore, the developing chamber 5a and the cartridge mounting portion
5e are arranged almost horizontally in a compact developing device.
Therefore, it is effective to configure the stirring blade 15b as described above.
You. Also, as described above, the stirring blade 15b is bent halfway.
Angle between the tip of the stirring blade and the inner wall surface of the toner supply container 12
However, compared to the case of the first embodiment described above,
As a result, coarse particles of the toner are less likely to occur. Here, the stirring blade 15b is moved halfway as described above.
When bending from
From the viewpoint of reduction of rotational torque, the bending angle is about 0 degree
At 90 degrees, more preferably from about 20 degrees to 90 degrees, most preferably
Is desirably set to about 40 to 90 degrees. Also said bending
The bent part of the wing part is the rotation axis of the wing part
About 50% to 95%, more preferably about 60% to 90%, most preferably
Preferably, it should be configured so that it is located at about 70% to 80%.
desirable. The toner image is formed by the developing device 5.
The image carrier to be formed is the photoconductor of the first embodiment described above.
Not limited to drums, for example:
You. First, a photoconductor is used as the photoconductor.
Examples include amorphous silicon and amorphous cells.
Len, zinc oxide, titanium oxide and organic photoconductor (OP
C) and the like. In addition, the photoconductor is mounted
For example, drums, belts, and other rotating bodies and sheets
And the like. Generally, a drum or belt
Is used, for example, a drum type photoconductor
, A photoconductor is placed on a cylinder such as an aluminum alloy.
It has been subjected to vapor deposition or coating. In the first embodiment, the developing device 5
A copying machine is exemplified as an image forming apparatus using
If the apparatus is used to form an image using a
It is not necessary to limit to, for example, a laser beam printer
And even LED printers, facsimile machines, etc.
It goes without saying that the light can be applied. << Experimental Results >> [Experiment-1] The toner cart shown in the first embodiment described above.
Using Ridge C, cylindrical shape with inner diameter 55mm, inner length 322.5mm
A stirring member 15 as shown in FIG.
380 g of the one-component toner is filled in the
An image output test was carried out by attaching to such a developing device 5.
The rotation speed of the stirring member 15 was 10.2 rpm. A4 size 5.
While using a 24% original and outputting images in the intermittent durability mode,
Amount of toner in developing chamber 5a and toner in toner supply container 12
The amount was measured. At this point, the developing space is
The proper amount of toner in the apparatus is about 100 g. Initial drawing
Since the inside of the developing chamber 5a is empty,
The toner is supplied to the developing chamber 5a rapidly and relatively rapidly.
The amount of toner in the developing chamber 5a increases, but reaches about 100 g.
Then it became saturated and kept a constant value. As described above, the toner is replenished with the progress of the image formation.
Although the amount of toner in the container 12 is decreasing,
Regardless, the amount of toner in the developing chamber 5a stays around 100g
Maintained. Eventually, the toner in the toner supply container 12
When all the toner is used up, the amount of toner in the developing chamber 5a starts to decrease.
Was. [0142] Toner amount detecting means provided in the developing chamber
Is activated when the amount of toner in the developing chamber falls to 70 g or less.
Setting, the amount of toner in the developing chamber will eventually reach 70.
g prompts the user to replace toner supply container 12
Gave an indication. By this time, about 7,000 images were created
Was. 70 g of the toner in the developing chamber 5a
Enough to obtain good images even with solid black
Replaced with new toner cartridge C
Even if new toner comes in, due to self-contamination
This is a sufficient amount that does not cause reversal fog. [0144] The toner replenishing container for which image output has been completed in this way.
When the remaining amount of toner in 12 was checked, it was extremely low of 3 to 5 g.
Level. A similar test was performed using an A4 size 25% original.
When I went out about 1500 images,
The quantity detection means has been activated. At this time, in the toner supply container 12
Was 5 to 10 g. The relationship between the remaining amount of toner and contamination is determined by the toner replenishing capacity.
Depending on the shape of the container 12, especially the size of the toner discharge opening 12a.
As shown in the above embodiment, the toner discharge opening
When 12a is as narrow as 7mm, the remaining amount of toner up to about 10g
If any, toner spilled or scattered during the disposal process
Is unlikely [Experiment-2] The same toner as in Experiment-1.
Fill the refill container 12 with 380 g of toner and open the toner discharge opening.
Stirrer 15 at 10.2 rpm without opening 12a
Rotated continuously for 10 hours. [0148] The continuous rotation for 10 hours is suitable for producing 7,000 images.
That is true. At this time, measurement of rotational torque was continued.
However, after a slight drop at the beginning, it keeps a certain level,
It did not rise. After the rotation for another 10 hours, the toner supply container
Remove the toner in 12 and open 150 mesh (100 μm).
Generation of coarse particles remaining on the screen when passed through a sieve screen
There was no. The weight average particle size of this toner is 7.6 μm
Met. [Experiment-3] Conventional stirring member shown in FIG.
In the same toner supply container 12 as in the first embodiment described above.
A similar experiment was performed. The stirring member 50 has a rotating shaft
The toner is provided on one side of 51 via a holding member 52 made of an elastic material.
A feed blade 53 is provided, and the rotation radius of the toner feed blade 53
A slit 54 extending in the direction
The turning radius of the blade 53 is the same as the inner radius of the cylinder 55.
is there. As a result, in the case of an A4 size 4% original, 6300
After the image is output, the toner amount detecting means operates, and the
The remaining amount of toner in the toner supply container was 10 to 20 g. Similarly, for an A4 size 15% original, 20
~ 35 g of toner remained in the container. In this state
Even if the toner supply container is slightly tilted, toner scattering may occur.
I was born. Then, the rotation speed of the stirring member was increased to 31.2 rpm.
As a result, the remaining amount of toner decreased,
When a small amount of coarse particles (100 μm or more)
Occurrence was observed. [0154] According to the present invention, as described above, the shutter
Even if the toner container is rotated to open and close,
Twisting can be made difficult to occur. For this reason, the toner
The seal between the cartridge and shutter may be impaired.
Can prevent toner leakage from the part
You.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overall configuration of a copying machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a developing device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory perspective view of a toner cartridge. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of parts of the toner cartridge. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a stirring member. FIG. 6 is an explanatory sectional view of a portion to which a handle member is attached. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for assembling a stirring member to the toner supply container. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for filling a toner. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a developing device and a toner cartridge. 10A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a toner cartridge is inserted into a mounting portion, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the inserted toner cartridge is rotated to a usable state. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a locked state between a shutter member and a projection of a toner cartridge. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for mounting the toner cartridge. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a toner cartridge and a cartridge mounting portion. 14A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a toner cartridge is inserted into a cartridge mounting portion, and FIGS. 14B and 14C are diagrams illustrating a state in which the toner cartridge is locked in the cartridge mounting portion. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a toner discharge opening and a flange protrusion. FIGS. 16A and 16B are explanatory views showing another embodiment of the toner supply container in which a toner cartridge is inserted into a cartridge mounting portion. 17 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a protrusion that protrudes axially outward from an end surface of the toner cartridge. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a protrusion of the toner cartridge and a shutter member are locked. FIG. 20 is an explanatory view of another embodiment of the stirring member. FIG. 21 is an explanatory view of a conventional stirring member used in an experiment. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Document reading device 1a Document table glass 1b Illumination lamps 1c to 1f Mirror 1g Lens 2 Photoreceptor drum 3 Main motor 4 Charging device 5 Developing device 5a Toner container 5b Toner feed member 5c Developing sleeve 5d Developing blade 5e Cartridge mounting section 5f Opening section 6 Transfer device 6a Transfer charger 6b Separator charger 7 Cleaning means 7a Cleaning blade 7b Collected toner reservoir 8 Transport devices 8a1, 8a2 Cassettes 8b1, 8b2 Pickup rollers 8c Registration rollers 8d Manual feed tray 8e Transport belt 8f Discharge Roller 9 Recording medium 10 Fixing device 10a Driving roller 10b Heat press roller 11 Automatic document feeder 12, 12A, 12B, 12C Toner supply container 12a Toner discharge opening 12b Notch 12c Seal member 12c1 End 12d Tube 13 Flange 13a1, 13a2 Projection 13b Filling port 13c Rib 13d Shaft hole 13e Stop recess 14 Flange 14a1, 14a2 Protrusion 14b Hole 14c Ring-shaped flange 14d Claw 15 Stirring member 15a Stirring shaft 15a1 Insertion portion 15a2 Gear 15a3 Ring-shaped rib 15a4 Caulking boss 15b Stirring blade 15b1 Main wing portion 15b2 Auxiliary wing portion 15b3 Slit 15b4 hole Portion 15b5 Caulking hole 16 Cap 17 Handle 17a Fitting 17a1 Notch 17a2 Locking claw 17a3 Rib 17a4 Step 17b Handle 17c Movable lever 17c1 Lock projection 17c2 Inclined surface 18 Jig 18a Funnel hole 19 Jig 19a Funnel hole 20 Shutter member 20a Opening 20b Seal member 20c Half-cylindrical surface 20d of shutter member 20e of fan-shaped surface of shutter 20f of opening of fan-shaped surface of shutter member Edge 21 of fan-shaped surface of shutter member 21 sealing member 22 side cover 23a, 23b groove 24 Guide rail 25 Flange 25a End 26 Step 27 Step 28 Gear 29 Spring

Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Kazuyuki Miyano 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-6-149048 (JP, A) JP-A-62-278581 ( JP, A) JP-A-3-38670 (JP, A) JP-A-6-11963 (JP, A) JP-A-5-181362 (JP, A) Fully open Showa 63-86652 (JP, U) Fully open 1986-13855 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/00 550 G03G 21/16-21/18 G03G 15/08-15/08 507

Claims (1)

(57) [Claim 1] An opening communicable with a toner receiving opening
A toner container detachably attached to a developing device having a shutter for opening and closing the toner receiving opening , wherein a toner container for storing toner and having at least a part of a cross section in a polygonal shape; A toner discharge opening provided in the toner container, a seal member for sealing the toner discharge opening so as to be opened, and the shutter for rotating the shutter to a position where the toner receiving opening is opened with rotation of the toner container. A first protrusion that can contact the shutter, and a second protrusion that can contact the shutter to rotate the shutter to a position where the toner receiving opening is resealed with the rotation of the toner container. And wherein the first projection and the second projection are externally extended from an extension of the toner outlet in a longitudinal direction of the toner container. Position of both end side of the toner discharge port at a position
So that it becomes possible to sandwich the shutter
Provided in pairs, wherein the toner outlet communicates with the opening of the shutter
After installing the toner cartridge, the toner
-The toner cartridge, wherein the container is rotatable integrally with the shutter .