JP3848016B2

JP3848016B2 - Developer supply container, developer supply method, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP3848016B2
Application number: JP17683799A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 昭人金森
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 1999-06-23
Filing date: 1999-06-23
Publication date: 2006-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2019-06-23
Also published as: JP2001005272A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、現像剤補給容器、現像剤補給方法、及び電子写真画像形成装置に関する。
【０００２】
ここで、電子写真画像形成装置とは、電子写真画像形成方式を用いて記録媒体に画像を形成するものである。そして、電子写真画像形成装置の例としては、例えば電子写真複写機、電子写真プリンタ（例えばレーザープリンタ、ＬＥＤプリンタ等）、ファクシミリ装置及びワードプロセッサ等が含まれる。
【０００３】
また、現像剤補給容器とは、電子写真画像形成装置の電子写真画像形成装置本体に着脱可能であって、現像剤を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に補給するものである。
【０００４】
【従来の技術】
電子写真複写機やレーザービームプリンター等の電子写真画像形成装置は、一様に帯電させた電子写真感光体としての感光体ドラムに選択的な露光をして静電潜像を形成し、その静電潜像を現像剤（トナー）で現像して現像剤像を形成し、該現像剤像を記録媒体に転写して画像記録を行なう。
【０００５】
このような電子写真画像形成装置にあっては、現像剤がなくなる都度、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給しなければならない。ここで電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するための現像剤補給容器は、現像剤収納部に収納した現像剤を画像形成装置本体の現像剤受け入れ容器に一度に全量補給する、所謂補給型容器と、画像形成装置本体に現像剤補給容器を装着後、そのまま該現像剤補給容器を据え置き、現像剤を使い切るまで徐々に現像装置に現像剤を補給する、所謂据え置き型容器とに大別される。
【０００６】
近年、電子写真画像形成装置のコンパクト化を図るため、現像剤補給容器としてのトナーカーリッジは据え置き型が使用される傾向にある。このようなトナーカーリッジは、略円筒状の外観形態を呈し、画像形成装置本体に挿入後、ハンドルの回動によりコンテナ部（現像剤収納部）に設けられたトナー排出開口（現像剤排出口）を下方に向けて、現像剤であるトナーを画像形成装置本体に補給する構成のものが多くなってきた。
【０００７】
例えば、特公昭６２−５９３０９号公報には、画像形成装置本体へトナー排出開口を密封する封止部材を引き剥がしながら挿入後、所定位置にてコンテナ部のトナー排出開口が下方になるようハンドルを回動させてトナー補給を可能した円筒状のトナーカートリッジが記載されている。また、特公平７−８２２６８号公報には、画像形成装置本体に保持された後、ハンドルの回動によりコンテナ部のトナー排出開口が開閉可能となるシャッタを備えた円筒状のトナーカートリッジが記載されている。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は上記従来技術をさらに発展させたものであって、その主要な目的は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることのできる現像剤補給容器を提供することにある。
【０００９】
他の主要な目的は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることのできる現像剤補給容器を用いて、該電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給することのできる現像剤補給方法を提供することにある。
【００１０】
また、他の主要な目的は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることのできる現像剤補給容器を用いて、該電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給することのできる電子写真画像形成装置を提供することにある。
【００１１】
上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る現像剤補給容器の代表的な構成は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に着脱可能であって、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するための現像剤補給容器において、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に補給するための現像剤を収納して、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に回動可能に保持される現像剤収納部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤収納部に収納されている現像剤を排出するための現像剤排出口と、前記現像剤排出口を開封可能に封止する封止部材であって、前記現像剤収納部に剥離可能に設けられ、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着する際に、前記現像剤収納部から剥がされることによって前記現像剤排出口の開封を行う封止部材と、前記現像剤収納部に対して回動可能な回動部材と、前記回動部材に設けられ、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体の有する駆動伝達部材と係合し、前記回動部材を前記現像剤収納部に対して回動させることによって、前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記駆動伝達部材に伝達する駆動力伝達部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記駆動伝達部材と係合し、前記駆動伝達部材を介して前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を受けることによって、前記現像剤収納部を前記現像剤排出口から現像剤を排出させる位置に回動させる駆動力受け部と、を有することを特徴とする現像剤補給容器である。
【００１２】
また、上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る現像剤補給容器の代表的な構成は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に着脱可能であって、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するための現像剤補給容器において、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に補給するための現像剤を収納して、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に回動可能に保持される現像剤収納部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤収納部に収納されている現像剤を排出するための現像剤排出口と、前記現像剤排出口を開閉する移動可能な開閉部材であって、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着することによって前記電子写真画像形成装置本体の有する保持部材に保持される開閉部材と、前記現像剤収納部に対して回動可能な回動部材と、前記回動部材に設けられ、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体の有する駆動伝達部材と係合し、前記回動部材を前記現像剤収納部に対して回動させることによって、前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記駆動伝達部材に伝達する駆動力伝達部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記駆動伝達部材と係合し、前記駆動伝達部材を介して前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を受けることによって、前記現像剤排出口を開放すると共に前記現像剤収納部を前記現像剤排出口から現像剤を排出させる位置に回動させる駆動力受け部と、を有することを特徴とする現像剤補給容器である。
【００１３】
上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る現像剤補給方法の代表的な構成は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給する現像剤補給方法において、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に補給するための現像剤を収納する現像剤収納部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤収納部に収納されている現像剤を排出するための現像剤排出口と、前記現像剤排出口を開封可能に封止する封止部材と、前記現像剤収納部に対して回動可能な回動部材と、前記回動部材に設けられ、前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体の有する駆動伝達部材に伝達する駆動力伝達部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記駆動伝達部材を介して前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を受けて前記現像剤収納部を回動させる駆動力受け部と、を有して前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に着脱可能な現像剤補給容器を用いることにより、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給する現像剤補給方法であって、（ａ）前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着することによって、前記駆動力受け部と前記駆動力伝達部とが各々前記電子写真画像形成装置本体の有する駆動伝達部材に係合すると共に、前記現像剤収納部が前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に回動可能に保持される工程と、（ｂ）前記封止部材を開封する工程と、（ｃ）前記回動部材を前記現像剤収納部に対して回動させて、前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記駆動力伝達部から前記駆動伝達部材に伝達し、前記駆動伝達部材を介して前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記駆動力受け部が受けて、前記現像剤収納部を前記現像剤排出口から現像剤を排出させる位置に回動させる工程と、を有する現像剤補給方法である。
【００１４】
また、上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る現像剤補給方法の代表的な構成は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給する現像剤補給方法において、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に補給するための現像剤を収納する現像剤収納部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤収納部に収納されている現像剤を排出するための現像剤排出口と、前記現像剤排出口を開閉する移動可能な開閉部材と、前記現像剤収納部に対して回動可能な回動部材と、前記回動部材に設けられ、前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体の有する駆動伝達部材に伝達する駆動力伝達部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記駆動伝達部材を介して前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を受けて前記現像剤収納部を回動させる駆動力受け部と、を有して前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に着脱可能な現像剤補給容器を用いることにより、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給する現像剤補給方法であって、（ａ）前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着することによって、前記開封部材が前記電子写真画像形成装置本体の有する保持部材に保持され、前記駆動力受け部と前記駆動力伝達部とが各々前記電子写真画像形成装置本体の有する駆動伝達部材に係合されると共に、前記現像剤収納部が前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に回動可能に保持される工程と、（ｂ）前記回動部材を前記現像剤収納部に対して所定の方向へ回動させて、前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記駆動力伝達部から前記駆動伝達部材に伝達し、前記駆動伝達部材を介して前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記駆動力受け部が受けて、前記現像剤収納部を前記保持部材に保持された前記開封部材に対し前記現像剤排出口から現像剤を排出させる位置に回動させることよって前記現像剤排出口を開放する工程と、を有する現像剤補給方法である。
【００１５】
上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る電子写真画像形成装置の代表的な構成は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤補給容器を着脱可能であって、記録媒体に画像を形成するための電子写真画像形成装置において、（ａ）駆動伝達部材と、（ｂ）前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に補給するための現像剤を収納して、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に回動可能に保持される現像剤収納部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤収納部に収納されている現像剤を排出するための現像剤排出口と、前記現像剤排出口を開封可能に封止し、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着することによって開封される封止部材と、前記現像剤収納部に対して回動可能な回動部材と、前記回動部材に設けられ、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記駆動伝達部材と係合し、前記回動部材を前記現像剤収納部に対して回動させることによって、前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記駆動伝達部材に伝達する駆動力伝達部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記駆動伝達部材と係合し、前記駆動伝達部材を介して前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を受けることによって、前記現像剤収納部を前記現像剤排出口から現像剤を排出させる位置に回動させる駆動力受け部と、を有する現像剤補給容器を取り外し可能に装着するための装着手段と、（ｃ）前記記録媒体を搬送するための搬送手段と、を有することを特徴とする電子写真画像形成装置である。
【００１６】
また、上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る電子写真画像形成装置の代表的な構成は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤補給容器を着脱可能であって、記録媒体に画像を形成するための電子写真画像形成装置において、（ａ）駆動伝達部材と、（ｂ）前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に補給するための現像剤を収納して、前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に回動可能に保持される現像剤収納部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤収納部に収納されている現像剤を排出するための現像剤排出口と、前記現像剤排出口を開閉する移動可能な開閉部材であって、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着することによって前記電子写真画像形成装置本体の有する保持部材に保持される開閉部材と、前記現像剤収納部に対して回動可能な回動部材と、前記回動部材に設けられ、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記駆動伝達部材と係合し、前記回動部材を前記現像剤収納部に対して回動させることによって、前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を前記駆動伝達部材に伝達する駆動力伝達部と、前記現像剤収納部に設けられ、前記現像剤補給容器を前記電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記駆動伝達部材と係合し、前記駆動伝達部材を介して前記現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を受けることによって、前記現像剤排出口を開放すると共に前記現像剤収納部を前記現像剤排出口から現像剤を排出させる位置に回動させる駆動力受け部と、を有する現像剤補給容器を取り外し可能に装着するための装着手段と、（ｃ）前記記録媒体を搬送するための搬送手段と、を有することを特徴とする電子写真画像形成装置である。
【００１７】
（作用）
現像剤収納部から封止部材を剥がしながら現像剤補給容器を電子写真画像形成装置本体に挿入することによって、駆動力受け部と駆動力伝達部とが各々駆動伝達部材に係合すると共に、現像剤収納部が電子写真画像形成装置本体に回動可能に保持される。そして、封止部材の開封後、回動部材を現像剤収納部に対して回動させて、現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を駆動力伝達部から駆動伝達部材に伝達し、該駆動伝達部材を介して現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を駆動力受け部が受けて、該現像剤収納部を現像剤排出口から現像剤を排出させる位置に回動させる。このように現像剤補給容器は、駆動力受け部と駆動力伝達部とが各々駆動伝達部材に係合するので、回動部材の駆動力伝達部の係合比を高くすることによって、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するときの現像剤補給容器の回動操作性を向上させることができる。
【００１８】
現像剤排出口を開閉する移動可能な開閉部材を有する現像剤補給容器が電子写真画像形成装置本体に装着されることによって、開封部材が保持部材に保持され、駆動力受け部と駆動力伝達部とが各々駆動伝達部材に係合されると共に、現像剤収納部が電子写真画像形成装置本体に回動可能に保持される。そして、回動部材を現像剤収納部に対して所定の方向へ回動させて、現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を駆動力伝達部から駆動伝達部材に伝達し、該駆動伝達部材を介して現像剤収納部を回動させるための駆動力を駆動力受け部が受けて、該現像剤収納部を保持部材に保持された開封部材に対し現像剤排出口から現像剤を排出させる位置に回動させることよって現像剤排出口を開放する。このように現像剤補給容器は、駆動力受け部と駆動力伝達部とが各々駆動伝達部材に係合するので、回動部材の駆動力伝達部の係合比を低くすることによって、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するときの現像剤補給容器の回動操作性を向上させることができる。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の好適な実施の形態の説明として、まず実施の形態１について説明し、次に実施の形態２を説明する。
【００２０】
＜実施の形態１＞
〔電子写真画像形成装置〕
図１８は本実施形態で示す現像剤補給容器としてのトナーカートリッジを装着した電子写真画像形成装置の縦断面図である。
【００２１】
電子写真画像形成装置（以下、「画像形成装置」という）Ａは、図１８に示すように、原稿台ガラス１０２上には原稿１０１が操作者によって置かれる。そして、原稿台ガラス１０２上の原稿１０１に対し光学部１０３の有する原稿照明ランプ１０３ａを矢印方向に移動させて、原稿１０１上の画像を走査（スキャン）する。そして、光学部１０３の有する複数のミラーとレンズにより画像形成部を構成するドラム形状の電子写真感光体（以下、「感光体ドラム」という）１０４上に原稿１０１の原稿照明ランプ１０３ａによる光像が結像する。給送カセット１０５〜１０８に積載された記録紙、ＯＨＰシート等の記録媒体（以下、「用紙」という）Ｐのうち、電子写真画像形成装置本体（以下、「画像形成装置本体」という）１２４の上面に設けられた操作・表示部１２４ａ（図１９参照）から操作者が入力した情報、もしくは原稿１０１のサイズ情報に基づいて最適な給送カセット１０５〜１０８を選択し、選択された給送カセット１０５〜１０８に応じた送り出しローラ１０５Ａ〜１０８Ａが回転して該給送カセットから１枚の用紙Ｐを送り出す。給送カセット１０５〜１０８から送り出された１枚の用紙Ｐは搬送ローラ（不図示）によって搬送部１０９を経由してレジストローラ１１０まで搬送される。レジストローラ１１０は感光体ドラム１０４の回転と光学部１０３のスキャンのタイミングとを同期させて、用紙Ｐを感光体ドラム１０４に搬送する。そして、用紙Ｐに転写手段としての転写帯電器１１１によって感光体ドラム１０４上のトナー像（現像剤像）が転写される。その後、用紙Ｐは分離手段としての分離帯電器１１２によって感光体ドラム１０４から分離される。そして、感光体ドラム１０４上のトナー像を転写された用紙Ｐは搬送部１１３により搬送されて定着部１１４に到る。そして、定着部１１４によって熱と圧力とにより、用紙Ｐ上にトナー像を定着させる。その後、
１）片面コピーの場合、用紙Ｐは排出反転部１１５を通過して、排出ローラ１１６により排出トレー１１７へと排出される。
２）多重コピーの場合、用紙Ｐは排出反転部１１５のフラッパー１１８の制御により、再給送搬送路１１９，１２０へと搬送されてレジストローラ１１０まで達する。その後、用紙Ｐは前記と同様に画像形成部、搬送部、定着部を通って、排出トレー１１７上に排出される。
３）両面コピーの場合、用紙Ｐは排出反転部１１５を通り、一度、排出ローラ１１６により用紙Ｐの一部が機外へ排出される。そして該用紙Ｐの終端がフラッパー１１８を通過した後、前記排出ローラ１１６を逆回転させ、用紙Ｐを再度機内へ搬送する。この用紙Ｐは再給送搬送部１１９，１２０へ搬送されて、レジストローラ１１０まで至る。そして、前記と同様に画像形成部、搬送部、定着部を通って、排出トレー１１７上に排出される。
【００２２】
ここで、前記画像形成装置Ａは、送り出しローラ１０５Ａ〜１０８Ａ、搬送ローラ（不図示）、搬送部１０９，１１３、レジストローラ１１０、再給送搬送部１１９，１２０等により記録媒体としての用紙Ｐを搬送するための搬送手段１２３を構成している。
【００２３】
上記構成の画像形成装置Ａにおいて、感光体ドラム１０４の回りには、現像手段としての現像装置２０１、クリーニング手段としてのクリーニング器２０２、及び帯電手段としての一次帯電器２０３が配置されている。
【００２４】
現像装置２０１は現像剤であるトナーを用いて感光体ドラム１０４に形成された静電潜像を現像する。そして、前記現像装置２０１にトナーを補給するための現像剤補給容器としてのトナーカートリッジ１が画像形成装置本体１２４に取り外し可能に装着されている。
【００２５】
前記現像装置２０１は感光体ドラム１０４と微小隙間（約３００μｍ）をおいて配置された現像ローラ２０１ａを有する。そして、現像に際しては、現像ブレード２０１ｂによってトナーに摩擦帯電電荷を与えると共に現像ローラ２０１ａに薄層のトナー層を形成し、現像ローラ２０１ａを介して該現像ローラ２０１ａと感光体ドラム１０４との間に現像バイアスを加えることによって感光体ドラム１０４上の静電潜像を現像する。現像によって減少するトナーは画像形成装置本体１２４に設けられたトナー補給装置１００から順次補給される。
【００２６】
ここで、前記一次帯電器２０３は感光体ドラム１０４に接触して該感光体ドラム１０４を一様に帯電するものである。また、前記クリーニング器２０２はトナー像の用紙Ｐへの転写後に感光体ドラム１０４上に残留する残トナーを除去するものである。
【００２７】
（カートリッジ装着手段）
前記トナー補給装置１００内のトナーがなくなると、その旨が画像形成装置本体１２４の操作・表示部１２４ａ（図１９参照）に表示されて操作者に報知される。そこで、操作者は、図１９に示すように画像形成装置本体１２４の前面上部角に設けられた開口部１２２を覆う開閉部材を開ける。開口部１２２の奥にはトナーカートリッジ１を取り外し可能に装着するための装着手段であるホルダー３１が設けられている。このホルダー３１にはトナーカートリッジ１が現像剤収納部としてのトナーコンテナ１１の長手方向（軸線方向）に挿入される。この際、トナーカートリッジ１は、トナーコンテナ１１の長手方向に沿ってホルダー３１に設けられたガイド（図示せず）に導かれて所定の位置まで挿入される。そして、トナーカートリッジ１のトナーコンテナ１１がホルダー３１に回動自在に保持される。トナーカートリッジ１の挿入後、操作者がトナーカートリッジ１の回動部材としてのハンドル１３を回動するとトナーカートリッジ１内のトナーが現像装置２０１に供給される。そして操作者が開閉部材１２１を閉めると電源スイッチが入り、画像形成装置Ａは駆動可能となる。
【００２８】
〔トナーカートリッジ〕
本実施形態で示すトナーカートリッジ１（図１参照）は、前述したように画像形成装置本体１２４内のトナー補給装置１００に装着され、そのまま据え置かれてトナーコンテナ１１に収納されているトナーを前記トナー補給容器１００の現像室へ補給する、所謂据え置き型（ビルトイン）のトナーカートリッジである。しかしながら、本実施形態で示すトナーカートリッジ１は、所謂据え置き型に限定されずに、例えば、トナーをトナー補給容器１００の現像室へ一度に補給した後に、該トナー補給容器１００から取り外す、所謂補給型にも好適に適用することができる。
【００２９】
前記トナーカートリッジ１は、図２に示すように、現像剤収納部としてのトナーコンテナ１１と、トナーキャップ１２と、回動部材としてのハンドル１３と、封止部材としてのシール部材１４と、ハンドル１３をトナーコンテナ１１にロックするためのロック手段１３Ｒとを有する。そして、前記トナーコンテナ１１の内部に現像剤搬送手段であるトナー搬送部材２７を有する（図１７参照）。
【００３０】
（トナーコンテナの構成）
トナーコンテナ１１は、中空円筒状部材にて構成されている。そして、その外周面上には現像剤排出口としてのトナー排出開口１１ａと、画像形成装置本体１２４の内部に設けられた駆動伝達部材（図３参照）２１から駆動力を受ける駆動力受け部としての係合部（以下「駆動伝受側係合部」という）１１ｂとが設けられている。また、トナーコンテナ１１の長手方向の一端面にはトナーコンテナ１１内にトナーを充填するためのトナー充填用開口１１ｃが設けられている。なお、トナーコンテナ１１の長手方向の他端側は端面１１ｆ（図１７参照）により閉塞されている。前記トナー排出開口１１ａは、トナーコンテナ１１の長手方向に延びる長方形状に形成され、トナーコンテナ１１内へのトナー充填前にシール部材１４により封止される。前記シール部材１４は、トナーコンテナ１１の外表面においてトナー排出開口１１ａの周囲に剥離可能に貼付されている。従って、前記シール部材１４はトナー排出開口１１ａを開封可能に封止する。前記トナー充填用開口１１ｃは、トナーコンテナ１１の長手方向においてトナーカートリッジ１の挿入方向と反対側の端面に設けられており、トナーコンテナ１１内にトナーを充填した後にトナーキャップ１２により密閉される。
【００３１】
前記駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂはトナーコンテナ１１の長手方向の両端部に設けられている。詳しくは、前記駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂはトナーコンテナ１１の周方向に複数の歯を並列に有するギア形状に形成されている。そして、トナーカートリッジ１１を画像形成装置本体１２４に挿入した際に、図３及び図５に示すように、画像形成装置本体１２４の内部に設けられている駆動伝達部材２１の駆動力受け用の係合部（ギア部）（以下「駆動伝達側係合部」という）２１ｂと係合する。そして、駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂからトナーコンテナ１１を回動させるための駆動力を受けることによって、トナーコンテナ１１を回動させる。
【００３２】
このように駆動伝達部材２１からの駆動力でトナーコンテナ１１を回動させる場合、前記駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂは図２に示すように、トナーコンテナ１１の円筒状部にねじれの影響がないよう該トナーコンテナ１１を回動させるために、トナーコンテナ１１の長手方向の両端部に設けることが好ましい。なお、駆動伝達部材２１は、画像形成装置本体１２４に軸２１ｓ（軸受け等の支持方法は図示されない）により回転自在に支持されている。そして、軸２１ｓにはハンドル１３の後述する駆動伝達側係合部１３ａと係合する駆動伝受側係合部２１ａが設けられ、該駆動伝受側係合部２１ａの内側及び反対側にトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂと係合する駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂが各々設けられている。
【００３３】
なお、トナーコンテナ１１の構成、及び部品点数について特に制限は有さない。また、トナーコンテナ１１の形状は、四角柱、六角柱、その他の多角柱の形状であっても構わない。また、トナーコンテナ１１内には粉体トナーが充填されている（以下同じ）。粉体トナーとしては、例えば、黒色トナー、色トナー、一成分磁性トナーあるいは一成分非磁性トナー等が適宜選択される。
【００３４】
（ハンドルの構成）
ハンドル１３は、円筒形に形成されて、トナーコンテナ１１と反対側の一端に該ハンドル１３の直径をわたる矩形状の把手部１３ｅを有する。そして、トナーコンテナ１１側の他端は中抜きでトナーコンテナ１１の一端と係合可能な円筒形に開放されている。前記ハンドル１３は、トナーコンテナ１１の一端に、手動により回動可能に結合されるものである。そして、外周面にはトナーコンテナ１１を回動させるための駆動力を前記駆動伝達部材２１に伝達する駆動力伝達部としての係合部（以下「駆動伝達側係合部」という）１３ａが設けられている。
【００３５】
前記駆動伝達側係合部１３ａは、ハンドル１１の周方向に複数の歯を並列に有するギア形状に形成されている。そして、トナーカートリッジ１１を画像形成装置本体１２４に挿入した際に、図３及び図５に示すように、前記駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝達側係合部２１ａと係合する。そして、把手部１３ｅを把持してハンドル１３を回動することにより生ずるトナーコンテナ１１を回動させるための駆動力を、駆動伝達側係合部２１ａに伝達して、駆動伝達部材２１を回動させる。
【００３６】
トナーコンテナ１１を回動させるための駆動力を駆動伝達部材２１に伝達する場合、トナーカートリッジ１の画像形成装置本体１２４への挿入の一動作で駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａと係合可能とするためには、図２に示すように、駆動伝達側係合部１３ａはトナーカートリッジ１の挿入操作上、ハンドル１３の外周面に設置することが最も好ましい。
【００３７】
また、トナーカートリッジ１の画像形成装置本体１２４への装着は、図９に示すように、トナーコンテナ１１のハンドル１３結合端と反対側の端面１１ｆから現像装置２０１のトナー補給装置１００に挿入することにより行われる。このため、トナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂは、図３及び図５に示すように、画像形成装置本体１２４内の駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａを通り抜けて、奥側の駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂと係合する。このことから、図１０（ａ）に示すように、トナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂの外形状は、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの外形状よりも小さい、もしくは同等であること、または図１０（ｂ）に示すように、画像形成装置本体１２４装着前のトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂとハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの角度が、周方向で相対的にずれていて重ならないことが、トナーカートリッジ１の画像形成装置本体１２４への装着性の点からより好ましい。
【００３８】
ここで、トナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂとハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの角度をトナーコンテナ１１の周方向で相対的にずらして重ならないようにする場合（図１０（ｂ）参照）、トナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂの外形状は、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの外形状よりも小さい、もしくは同等であることが、トナーカートリッジ１の画像形成装置本体１２４への装着性の点からより好ましい。
【００３９】
（ロック手段の構成）
ロック手段１３Ｒは、トナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４に挿入する前、及びトナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４から取り外した後に、ハンドル１３が回動しないようにトナーコンテナ１１側にロックされるように構成してある。詳しくは、前記ロック手段１３Ｒは、図７、図８に示すように、係止部材としてのロック部材１３ｂを用いたロック機構を前記ハンドル１３に、そして前記トナーコンテナ１１には該ロック部材１３ｂが嵌合する穴部１１ｄを付加させた構成となっている。ロック部材１３ｂはハンドル１３の円筒外周の母線方向に設けた溝１３ｃに該母線方向に移動自在に嵌合し、該溝１３ｃの端部とロック部材１３ｂとの間には付勢部材としての圧縮コイルばね１３ｄが縮設してある。そしてトナーカートーリッジ１が画像形成装着本体１２４外にある時、つまりトナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４の挿入する前、及びトナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４から取り外した後は、図８（ａ）に示すようにロック部材１３ｂは圧縮コイルばね１３ｄのばね力（付勢力）でトナーコンテナ１１の穴部１１ｄに一部嵌合して係止する。これによりロック部材１３ｂはハンドル１３の溝１３ｃとトナーコンテナ１１の穴部１１ｄの双方に跨がって嵌合係止するので、ハンドル１３は回動できないようになる。
【００４０】
一方、画像形成装置本体１２４のトナー補給装置１００には本体突起２２が固設してある。この本体突起２２はトナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４内へ挿入する過程でハンドル１３に設けたロック部材１３ｂの進行を阻止する位置にある。即ち、本体突起２２はトナーカートリッジ１をトナー補給装置１００の所定の装着位置に挿入する過程でロック部材１３ｂの進行を阻止して、ロック部材１３ｂを圧縮コイルばね１３ｄのばね力に抗してトナーコンテナ１１の穴部１１ｄからハンドル１３の溝１３ｃに移動させるものである。
【００４１】
なお、ハンドル１３をトナーコンテナ１１側に係止可能で、かつ装着時に解除可能ならば、前記ロック手段１３Ｒの構成については特に制限はない。
【００４２】
（トナー搬送部材）
トナー搬送部材２７は、図１７に示すように、トナーカートリッジ１内に搬送翼２６を備える。この搬送翼２６はトナーコンテナ１１のハンドル１３結合端の反対側の端面１１ｆに回転自在に支持されている搬送軸２５に固定されている。この搬送軸２５にはトナーコンテナ１１の端面１１ｆ外部においてギア２４が固定されている。このギア２４はトナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４へ装着時に画像形成装置本体１２４の駆動源につらなる不図示のギアと噛み合う。搬送翼２６は搬送軸２５が画像形成装置本体１２４側の駆動源によりギア２４を介して回転されることによって回転する。そして、トナーコンテナ１１中のトナーをトナー排出開口１１ａに向けて搬送する。
【００４３】
〔トナー補給操作〕
次に、本実施形態のトナーカートリッジ１を用いたトナー補給操作について説明する。
【００４４】
（１）トナーカートリッジの装着
上記の如く構成されたトナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４内へ挿入する場合、トナーカートリッジ１を、トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）が上方に向けた状態で、シール部材１４を引き剥がしながら、トナー補給装置１００内へ図１９に示す矢印方向へ挿入する。すると、図３及び図５に示すように、画像形成装置本体１２４の内部に設けられた駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａとハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａが、そして該駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂとトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂが、各々係合すると共に、トナーコンテナ１１が画像形成装置本体１２４内に回動可能に保持される。この際にトナーコンテナ１１のハンドル１３結合端の反対側の端面１１ｆに回転自在に支持されている搬送軸２５のギア２４が画像形成装置本体１２４の駆動源につらなる不図示のギアと噛み合う。さらに図８（ａ）→図８（ｂ）に示すように、前記ハンドル１３のロック部材１３ｂが画像形成装置本体１２４側の本体突起２２により進行を阻止され、トナーコンテナ１１の穴部１１ｄは画像形成装置本体１２４の奥側へと進む。このときロック部材１３ｂは圧縮コイルばね１３ｄを圧縮しながらハンドル１３の溝１３ｃ手前側へ進入して、トナーコンテナ１１の穴部１１ｄから去る。これによってハンドル１３のロック部材１３ｂによるトナーコンテナ１１との係止が解除され、該ハンドル１３はトナーコンテナ１１に対し手動で回動自在となる。
【００４５】
なお、前記トナー排出開口１１ａを開封可能に封止するシール部材１４の引き剥がし時期は、該シール部材１４へのトナーの付着、及び巻き込みによるトナー飛散防止のため、該トナー排出開口１１ａが上方を向いているときが好ましい。
【００４６】
（２）トナーカートリッジの設置／トナー補給
次に、図４及び図６に示すように、トナーカートリッジ１が画像形成装置本体１２４内に装着された状態で、ハンドル１３の把手部１３ｅを把持して該ハンドル１３を手動にて反時計周りに回動させる。すると、ハンドル１３の回動による駆動力が、該ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａから、画像形成装置本体１２４内の駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａを通じて該駆動伝達部材２１に伝達され、さらに該駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂからトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂまで伝達される。このように伝達された駆動力により、トナーコンテナ１１は円周方向に反時計周り方向へ回動して、トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）が下方に向き、画像形成装置本体１２４のトナー補給装置１００内へのトナー補給が可能となる。即ち、トナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂが該トナーコンテナ１１をトナー排出開口１１ａからトナーを排出させる位置（トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）が下方向を向く位置）に回動させる。その後、該トナーコンテナ１１の内部に設けられたトナー搬送部材２７を画像形成装置本体１２４の有する駆動源によって回転させて、トナーコンテナ１１に収納されているトナーをトナー排出口１１ａ（Ｗ）に向けて搬送する。これによって、トナーコンテナ１１内のトナーを効率良く、かつ確実にトナー排出口１１ａ（Ｗ）よりトナー補給装置１００内へ補給することができる。
【００４７】
なお、前記トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）は、トナーコンテナ１１内の残トナー量を減少させるため、垂直下方向を向いていることが最も好ましいが、下方向に限定されるものではない。
【００４８】
（３）トナーカートリッジの取り外し
トナーカートリッジ１の取り外し時のトナー排出開口１１ａからのトナーのボタ落ちを防止するため、ハンドル１３を時計周り方向へ回動させ、（２）と同様の順序で逆向きの駆動力をトナーカートリッジ１に伝えることで、トナーコンテナ１１を時計周り方向へ回動させてトナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）を上方に向かせる。即ち、トナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４から取り外すのに先立ち、ハンドル１３をトナーコンテナ１１に対して前記回動方向とは反対方向（反時計周り方向）へ回動させる。すると、ハンドル１３の回動による駆動力が、該ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａから、駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａを通じて該駆動伝達部材２１に伝達され、さらに該駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂからトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂまで伝達される。このように伝達された駆動力により、トナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂが該トナーコンテナ１１をトナー排出開口１１ａからトナーを排出しない位置（トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）が上方を向く位置）に回動させる。その後、トナーカートリッジ１をトナー補給装置１００から引き出す。これにより、該ハンドル１３のロック部材１３ｂはトナーコンテナ１１の穴部１１ｄと再嵌合し、ハンドル１３はトナーコンテナ１１に再係止され、一連のトナー補給操作が完了する。
【００４９】
本実施形態例に示すトナーカートリッジ１は、上述したように、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａ、画像形成装置本体１２４が内蔵する駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａ、駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂ、そしてトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂという複数の係合部材を通じて、ハンドル１３の回動駆動をトナーコンテナ１１の回動駆動に伝えている。そのため、これらの各係合部材の係合比（ギア比）を自由に設計することが可能となる。
【００５０】
このことにより、本実施形態例のトナーカートリッジ１のようにトナーコンテナ１１の操作（回動）距離が長い場合は、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの係合比（ギア比）を高くしてハンドル１３の操作（回動）距離を短くすることが可能となる。すなわち、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの係合比（ギア比）を高くする構成とすることで、トナー補給時の操作（回動）距離の最適化設計が実現できる。
【００５１】
これに対して、例えば、ハンドルがトナーコンテナに回動不可に固定されたトナーカートリッジでは、トナーを画像形成装置本体へ補給する際、トナーカートリッジを画像形成装置本体へ挿入後、トナーコンテナに設けられたトナー排出開口を所定の角度まで回動させるため、前記ハンドルは前記トナーコンテナと同一の角度に回動させる必要がある。
【００５２】
一般的に、トナー排出開口を引き剥がし可能な封止部材にて密閉しているトナーカートリッジでは、画像形成装置本体への挿入時は、封止部材を引き剥がす際の該封止部材へのトナーの付着、及び巻き込みによるトナーの飛散防止のため、そして脱着時は、トナー排出開口からのトナーのボタ落ちを防止するため、トナー排出開口を上方に向かせる。またトナー補給時は、トナーのトナーコンテナ内の残量を低減させるため、トナー排出開口を下方に向かせる。このことから、トナーカートリッジの回動角度は１８０°前後、少なくとも９０°以上となることが多く、ユーザーが手動にてハンドルを回動させるには操作角度が大きい。
【００５３】
前述したように本実施形態例のトナーカートリッジ１では、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの係合比（ギア比）を高くすることで、ハンドル１３の操作（回動）距離を短くすることが可能となるので、画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることができる。
【００５４】
また、本実施形態例によるトナー補給方法では、画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることのできるトナーカートリッジ１を用いて、該画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給することができる。
【００５５】
また、本実施形態例による画像形成装置Ａでは、画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることのできるトナーカートリッジ１を用いて、該画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給することができる。
【００５６】
なお、画像形成装置本体１２４の内蔵部品として、駆動伝達部材２１をトナーカートリッジ１のハンドル１３及びトナーコンテナ１１の係合部品として挙げているが、これらの形状や構成、そして部品点数については特に制限は有さない。またハンドル１３の回動方向も、特に制限は有さない。
【００５７】
＜実施の形態２＞
次に、本実施形態のトナーカートリッジを図１１、及び図１２を用いて説明する。
【００５８】
本実施形態に係るトナーカートリッジは、図１１及び図１２に示すように、前述した実施の形態１にて示したトナー排出開口１１ａを開封可能に封止するシール部材１４の代わりに、トナーコンテナ１１に設けられた略矩形状のトナー排出開口１１ａを開閉可能に該トナーコンテナ１１の円周方向にスライドする開閉部材としてのシャッタ１５を設けた構成である。なお、前述した実施の形態１と同一機能を有する部分は同一符号を付けて説明を援用する。
【００５９】
（シャッタ１５の構成）
シャッタ１５は、トナーコンテナ１１の長手方向においてトナー排出開口１１ａの両側部に設けられた係合部１１ｅと係合し、該トナー排出開口１１ａを開閉可能にトナーコンテナ１１の円周方向にスライドする。即ち、シャッタ１５のトナーカートリッジ１の装着方向に直角な断面は円弧状であってトナーコンテナ１１に沿う形状である。
【００６０】
また、前記シャッタ１５は、図１５、図１６に示すように、トナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４に挿入時、画像形成装置本体１２４の内部に設けられたカートリッジシャッタ保持部材２３と係合可能な形状を有する。
【００６１】
〔トナー補給操作〕
次に、本実施形態のトナーカートリッジ１を用いたトナー補給操作について説明する。
【００６２】
（１）トナーカートリッジの装着
上記の如く構成されたトナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４内へ挿入する場合、トナーカートリッジ１を、トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）が上方に向けた状態で、トナー補給装置１００へ図１９に示す矢印方向へ、トナーカートリッジ１のシャッタ１５を画像形成装置本体１２４内のカートリッジシャッタ保持部材２３に係合させながら、画像形成装置本体１２４に挿入する。すると、図１３、及び図１５に示すように、実施の形態１と同様、画像形成装置本体１２４の内部に設けられた駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａとハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａが、そして該駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂとトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂが、各々係合すると共に、トナーコンテナ１１が画像形成装置本体１２４内に回動可能に保持される。この際、実施の形態１と同様、トナーコンテナ１１のハンドル１３結合端の反対側の端面１１ｆに回転自在に支持されている搬送軸２５のギア２４が画像形成装置本体１２４の駆動源につらなる不図示のギアと噛み合う。さらに図８（ａ）→図８（ｂ）に示すように、前記ハンドル１３のロック部材１３ｂが画像形成装置本体１２４側の本体突起２２により進行を阻止され、トナーコンテナ１１の穴部１１ｄは画像形成装置本体１２４の奥側へと進む。このときロック部材１３ｂは圧縮コイルばね１３ｄを圧縮しながらハンドル１３の溝１３ｃ手前側へ進入して、トナーコンテナ１１の穴部１１ｄから去る。これによってハンドル１３のロック部材１３ｂによるトナーコンテナ１１との係止が解除され、該ハンドル１３はトナーコンテナ１１に対し手動で回動自在となる。
【００６３】
（２）トナーカートリッジの設置／トナー補給
次に、図１４、及び図１６に示すように、実施の形態１と同様、トナーカートリッジ１が画像形成装置本体１２４内に装着された状態で、ハンドル１３の把手部１３ｅを把持して該ハンドル１３を手動にて反時計周りに回動させる。すると、ハンドル１３の回動による駆動力が、該ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａから、画像形成装置本体１２４内の駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａを通じて該駆動伝達部材２１に伝達され、さらに該駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂからトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂまで伝達される。このときシャッタ１５は画像形成装置本体１２４のカートリッジシャッタ保持部材２３と係合している。このためシャッタ１５はハンドル１３の回動に連動せず、画像形成装置本体１２４内で固定されている。このように伝達された駆動力により、トナーコンテナ１１は円周方向に反時計周り方向へ回動して、トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）が下方に向き、画像形成装置本体１２４のトナー補給装置１００内へのトナー補給が可能となる。即ち、トナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂが該トナーコンテナ１１をトナー排出開口１１ａからトナーを排出させる位置（トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）が下方向を向く位置）に回動させることによってトナー排出開口１１ａが開放される。これによってトナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）からのトナー補給装置１００内へのトナー補給が可能となる。その後、トナーコンテナ１１の内部に設けられたトナー搬送部材２７を画像形成装置本体１２４の有する駆動源によって回転させて、トナーコンテナ１１に収納されているトナーをトナー排出口１１ａ（Ｗ）に向けて搬送する。これによって、トナーコンテナ１１内のトナーを効率良く、かつ確実にトナー排出口１１ａ（Ｗ）よりトナー補給装置１００内へ補給することができる。
【００６４】
なお、前記トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）は、実施の形態１と同様、トナーコンテナ１１内の残トナー量を減少させるため、垂直下方向を向いていることが最も好ましいが、下方向に限定されるものではない。
【００６５】
（３）トナーカートリッジの取り外し
トナーカートリッジ１の取り外し時のトナー排出開口１１ａからのトナーのボタ落ちを防止するため、実施の形態１と同様、ハンドル１３を時計周り方向へ回動させ、（２）と同様の順序で逆向きの駆動力をトナーカートリッジ１に伝えることで、トナーコンテナ１１を時計周り方向へ回動させてトナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）を上方に向かせる。これによってトナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）はシャッタ１５により閉塞される。即ち、トナーカートリッジ１を画像形成装置本体１２４から取り外すのに先立ち、ハンドル１３をトナーコンテナ１１に対して前記回動方向とは反対方向（時計周り方向）へ回動させる。すると、ハンドル１３の回動による駆動力が、該ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａから、駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａを通じて該駆動伝達部材２１に伝達され、さらに該駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂからトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂまで伝達される。このように伝達された駆動力により、トナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂが該トナーコンテナ１１をトナー排出開口１１ａからトナーを排出しない位置（トナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）が上方を向く位置）に回動させる。これによってトナー排出開口１１ａ（ｗ）はシャッタ１５により閉塞される。その後、トナーカートリッジ１をトナー補給装置１００から引き出す。これにより、該ハンドル１３のロック部材１３ｂはトナーコンテナ１１の穴部１１ｄと再嵌合し、ハンドル１３はトナーコンテナ１１に再係止され、一連のトナー補給操作が完了する。
【００６６】
本実施形態例に示すトナーカートリッジ１は、実施の形態１と同様に、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａ、画像形成装置本体１２４が内蔵する駆動伝達部材２１の駆動伝受側係合部２１ａ、駆動伝達側係合部２１ｂ、そしてトナーコンテナ１１の駆動伝受側係合部１１ｂという複数の係合部材を通じて、ハンドル１３の回動駆動をトナーコンテナ１１の回動駆動に伝えている。そのため、これらの各係合部材の係合比（ギア比）を自由に設計することが可能となる。
【００６７】
このことにより、本実施形態例のトナーカートリッジ１のようにトナーコンテナ１１の回動によりシャッタ１５がスライドしてトナー排出開口１１ａを開閉する場合、ハンドル１３の操作（回動）トルクが高くなってしまうが、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの係合比（ギア比）を低くすることで、ハンドル１３の操作（回動）トルクを低くすることが可能となる。すなわち、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの係合比（ギア比）を低くする構成とすることで、トナー補給時の操作（回動）トルクの最適化設計が実現できる。
【００６８】
従って、本実施形態例のように、トナーコンテナ１１を回動させシャッタ１５をトナーコンテナ１１の周方向にスライドさせてトナー排出開口１１ａを開閉する構成のトナーカートリッジ１においても、ハンドル１３の駆動伝達側係合部１３ａの係合比（ギア比）を低くすることで、ハンドル１３の操作（回動）トルクを低くすることが可能となるので、画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることができる。
【００６９】
また、本実施形態例によるトナー補給方法では、画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることのできるトナーカートリッジ１を用いて、該画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給することができる。
【００７０】
また、本実施形態例による画像形成装置Ａでは、画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることのできるトナーカートリッジ１を用いて、該画像形成装置本体１２４にトナーを補給することができる。
【００７１】
なお、画像形成装置本体１２４の内蔵部品として、駆動伝達部材２１をトナーカートリッジ１のハンドル１３及びトナーコンテナ１１の係合部品として挙げているが、これらの形状や構成、そして部品点数については特に制限は有さない。またハンドル１３の回動方向も、特に制限は有さない。
【００７２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明の現像剤補給容器は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることができる。
【００７３】
また、本発明の現像剤補給方法は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることのできる現像剤補給容器を用いて、該電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給することができる。
【００７４】
また、本発明の電子写真画像形成装置は、電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給するときの回動操作性を向上させることのできる現像剤補給容器を用いて、該電子写真画像形成装置本体に現像剤を補給することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジの斜視図である。
【図２】実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジの分解斜視図である。
【図３】実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジの画像形成装置本体への装着時における駆動伝達部材との係合関係の斜視図である。
【図４】実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジのトナー補給操作時における駆動伝達部材との係合関係の斜視図である。
【図５】実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジの画像形成装置本体への装着時における駆動伝達部材との係合関係の縦断面図である。
【図６】実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジのトナー補給操作時における駆動伝達部材との係合関係の縦断面図である。
【図７】実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジのハンドルとトナーコンテナとをロックするロック手段の斜視図である。
【図８】（ａ）、（ｂ）は実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジのハンドルとトナーコンテナとをロックするロック手段の断面図である。
【図９】実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジの画像形成装置本体側への装着方向の説明図である。
【図１０】（ａ）、（ｂ）は実施の形態１に示すトナーカートリッジのハンドルとトナーコンテナの各係合部の外形を説明する説明図である。
【図１１】実施の形態２に示すトナーカートリッジの斜視図である。
【図１２】実施の形態２に示すトナーカートリッジの分解斜視図である。
【図１３】実施の形態２に示すトナーカートリッジの画像形成装置本体への装着時における駆動伝達部材との係合関係の斜視図である。
【図１４】実施の形態２に示すトナーカートリッジのトナー補給操作時における駆動伝達部材との係合関係の斜視図である。
【図１５】実施の形態２に示すトナーカートリッジの画像形成装置本体への装着時における駆動伝達部材との係合関係の縦断面図である。
【図１６】実施の形態２に示すトナーカートリッジのトナー補給操作時における駆動伝達部材との係合関係の縦断面図である。
【図１７】トナーカートリッジのトナー搬送部材を模式的に示す縦断面図である。
【図１８】トナーカートリッジを装着する電子写真画像形成装置の縦断面図である。
【図１９】図１８に示す電子写真画像形成装置の概観斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１…トナーカートリッジ
１１…トナーコンテナ
１１ａ…トナー排出開口
１１ｂ…駆動伝受側係合部
１３…ハンドル
１３ａ…駆動伝達側係合部
１３ｅ…把手部
１３Ｒ…ロック手段
１４…シール部材
１５…シャッタ
２１…駆動伝達部材
２１ａ…駆動伝受側係合部
２１ｂ…駆動伝達側係合部
２２…本体突起
２３…カートリッジシャッタ保持部材
２７…トナー搬送部材
１２４…電子写真画像形成装置本体
Ａ…電子写真画像形成装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a developer supply container, a developer supply method, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
[0002]
Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming system. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser printer, an LED printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.
[0003]
The developer supply container is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and supplies the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.
[0004]
[Prior art]
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a laser beam printer forms an electrostatic latent image by selectively exposing a photosensitive drum as a uniformly charged electrophotographic photosensitive member, and The electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer (toner) to form a developer image, and the developer image is transferred to a recording medium to perform image recording.
[0005]
In such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the developer must be replenished to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus every time the developer runs out. Here, the developer supply container for supplying the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body is a so-called replenishment in which the developer stored in the developer storage portion is supplied to the developer receiving container of the image forming apparatus main body all at once. After the developer supply container is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the developer supply container is left as it is and the developer container is gradually replenished until the developer is used up. Is done.
[0006]
In recent years, there is a tendency for a toner cartridge as a developer supply container to be a stationary type in order to make the electrophotographic image forming apparatus compact. Such a toner cartridge has a substantially cylindrical appearance, and after being inserted into the image forming apparatus main body, the toner discharge opening (developer discharge) provided in the container portion (developer storage portion) by rotating the handle. Exit ) Is directed downward, and the image forming apparatus main body is replenished with toner as a developer.
[0007]
For example, in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 62-59309, after inserting the sealing member for sealing the toner discharge opening into the image forming apparatus main body while peeling off, a handle is provided so that the toner discharge opening of the container portion is downward at a predetermined position. A cylindrical toner cartridge that can be rotated to supply toner is described. Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-82268 describes a cylindrical toner cartridge having a shutter that can be opened and closed by the rotation of the handle after being held in the main body of the image forming apparatus. ing.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention is a further development of the above prior art, and its main object is to provide a developer supply container capable of improving the rotating operability when supplying the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Is to provide.
[0009]
Another main object is to use a developer supply container that can improve the rotation operability when supplying the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and to supply the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer replenishing method that can be replenished.
[0010]
Another main object is to develop the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus using a developer supply container that can improve the rotation operability when supplying the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of replenishing an agent.
[0011]
In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of a developer supply container according to the present invention is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and is used for supplying developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. In a developer supply container, a developer storage unit that stores a developer to be supplied to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and is rotatably held in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body; and the developer storage And a developer discharge port for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage unit and the developer discharge port so that the developer discharge port can be opened. A sealing member that is detachably provided in the developer storage section, The developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. When the developer discharge port is removed from the developer container, Opened I do A sealing member, a rotation member rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion, and provided in the rotation member, and when the developer supply container is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, Engaging with a drive transmission member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and rotating the rotating member with respect to the developer accommodating portion, a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion is obtained. A driving force transmitting portion for transmitting to the drive transmitting member; and provided in the developer storage portion; when the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, engages with the drive transmitting member; A driving force receiving portion for rotating the developer accommodating portion to a position for discharging the developer from the developer discharge port by receiving a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion via a drive transmission member. And characterized by having An image supply container.
[0012]
A typical configuration of the developer supply container according to the present invention for achieving the above object is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and supplies the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. A developer supply container for storing a developer for supplying the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a developer storage section rotatably held in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; A developer discharge port provided in the developer storage unit for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage unit; and a movable opening / closing member that opens and closes the developer discharge port. An opening / closing member that is held by a holding member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body by attaching a replenishing container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and a rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the developer storage portion. , Turning When the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, it is engaged with a drive transmission member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the rotating member is stored in the developer storage. A driving force transmission unit that transmits a driving force for rotating the developer storage unit to the drive transmission member by rotating the developer storage unit, and the developer supply unit. When the container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, by engaging with the drive transmission member and receiving a driving force for rotating the developer storage portion via the drive transmission member, Developer waste Exit And a driving force receiving portion for rotating the developer storage portion to a position for discharging the developer from the developer discharge port.
[0013]
A typical configuration of the developer replenishing method according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a developer replenishing method for replenishing a developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and replenishing the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. A developer storage portion for storing a developer for the developer, a developer discharge port provided in the developer storage portion for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion, and the developer discharge port A sealing member that seals the developer container, a rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion, and a driving force that is provided on the rotating member and that rotates the developer accommodating portion. Driving force transmitting portion for transmitting the toner to a drive transmitting member included in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and a drive provided in the developer accommodating portion for rotating the developer accommodating portion via the drive transmitting member The developer container is rotated by receiving force. A developer replenishing method that replenishes the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body with a developer replenishing container that is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. (A) By attaching the developer supply container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the driving force receiving portion and the driving force transmitting portion each have a driving transmission member included in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. And (b) a step of opening the sealing member; and (c) the rotating member. Is rotated with respect to the developer accommodating portion, a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion is transmitted from the driving force transmitting portion to the drive transmitting member, and the driving force transmitting member is used to transmit the driving force. Rotate developer storage The driving force of the fit receiving portion receives the driving force, the step of rotating the developer accommodating portion to a position for discharging the developer from the developer discharge port, a developer replenishing method with.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of the developer replenishing method according to the present invention is a developer replenishing method for replenishing developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. A developer storage section for storing a developer for replenishment; a developer discharge port provided in the developer storage section for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage section; and the developer A movable opening / closing member for opening and closing the discharge port, a rotating member rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion, and a driving force provided on the rotating member for rotating the developer accommodating portion Driving force transmitting portion for transmitting the toner to a drive transmitting member included in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and a drive provided in the developer accommodating portion for rotating the developer accommodating portion via the drive transmitting member Force the developer storage part A developer replenishing method for replenishing the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body by using a developer replenishing container that is detachably attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. (A) By attaching the developer supply container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the opening member is held by a holding member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the driving force receiving portion and A step in which the driving force transmitting portions are respectively engaged with drive transmitting members of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the developer storage portion is rotatably held in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body; (B) Rotating the rotating member in a predetermined direction with respect to the developer accommodating portion, and a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion from the driving force transmitting portion to the drive transmitting member. Communicate to The driving force receiving portion receives a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion via the drive transmission member, and the developing member is held with respect to the opening member held by the holding member. By rotating the developer discharge port to a position where the developer is discharged, the developer discharge is performed. Exit And a step of releasing the developer.
[0015]
In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention is such that a developer supply container can be attached to and detached from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus body, and an image is formed on a recording medium. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, (a) a drive transmission member and (b) a developer for replenishing the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are housed and held rotatably in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The developer storage section, the developer storage section provided in the developer storage section, for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage section, and the developer discharge opening being sealed openably. A sealing member that is opened by attaching the developer supply container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, a rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion, and the rotating member Provided with the developer supply container When mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the developer accommodating portion is rotated by engaging the drive transmission member and rotating the rotating member with respect to the developer accommodating portion. A driving force transmitting portion for transmitting a driving force for driving to the drive transmitting member; and the drive transmitting member when the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. And a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion via the drive transmission member, whereby the developer accommodating portion is rotated to a position where the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port. An electrophotographic apparatus comprising: a mounting means for detachably mounting a developer supply container having a driving force receiving portion to be moved; and (c) a transporting means for transporting the recording medium. An image forming device .
[0016]
A typical configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object is that a developer supply container can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and an image is formed on a recording medium. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, (a) a drive transmission member and (b) a developer for replenishing the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are accommodated, and the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be rotated. A developer storage portion held in the developer storage portion, a developer discharge port provided in the developer storage portion for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion, and opening and closing the developer discharge port. A movable opening / closing member, which is held by a holding member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body by mounting the developer supply container on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the developer storage Vs part A rotation member that is rotatable, and is engaged with the drive transmission member when the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the rotation member Is provided in the developer accommodating portion and a driving force transmitting portion that transmits a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion to the drive transmitting member. When the developer supply container is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a driving force for engaging the drive transmission member and rotating the developer storage portion via the drive transmission member is provided. Receiving the developer discharge Exit A mounting means for detachably mounting the developer supply container, and a driving force receiving portion that rotates the developer storage portion to a position for discharging the developer from the developer discharge port. (C) An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: a transport unit for transporting the recording medium.
[0017]
(Function)
From developer storage Sealing member While peeling Developer supply container The In the electrophotographic image forming device insert As a result, the driving force receiving portion and the driving force transmitting portion engage with the drive transmitting member, respectively, and the developer storage portion is rotatably held by the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Then, after opening the sealing member, the rotating member is rotated with respect to the developer accommodating portion, and the driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion is transmitted from the driving force transmitting portion to the drive transmitting member, The driving force receiving portion receives a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion via the drive transmission member, and the developer accommodating portion is rotated to a position where the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port. As described above, in the developer supply container, since the driving force receiving portion and the driving force transmitting portion engage with the driving transmission member, respectively, by increasing the engagement ratio of the driving force transmitting portion of the rotating member, the electrophotographic The rotating operability of the developer supply container when supplying the developer to the image forming apparatus main body can be improved.
[0018]
Developer waste Exit When the developer supply container having a movable opening / closing member for opening / closing is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the opening member is held by the holding member, and the driving force receiving portion and the driving force transmitting portion are respectively driven. While being engaged with the transmission member, the developer storage portion is rotatably held by the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Then, the rotating member is rotated in a predetermined direction with respect to the developer accommodating portion, and a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion is transmitted from the driving force transmitting portion to the drive transmitting member. The driving force receiving portion receives a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion through the member, and the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port to the opening member held by the holding member. The developer can be discharged by rotating the Exit Is released. As described above, in the developer supply container, the driving force receiving portion and the driving force transmitting portion are engaged with the drive transmitting member, respectively. Therefore, by reducing the engagement ratio of the driving force transmitting portion of the rotating member, the electrophotographic The rotating operability of the developer supply container when supplying the developer to the image forming apparatus main body can be improved.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As a description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first embodiment will be described first, and then the second embodiment will be described.
[0020]
<Embodiment 1>
[Electrophotographic image forming apparatus]
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with a toner cartridge as a developer supply container shown in the present embodiment.
[0021]
In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as “image forming apparatus”) A, an original 101 is placed on an original table glass 102 by an operator, as shown in FIG. Then, the original illumination lamp 103a of the optical unit 103 is moved in the direction of the arrow with respect to the original 101 on the original table glass 102, and the image on the original 101 is scanned. Then, an optical image of the document 101 by the document illumination lamp 103a is formed on a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 104 that forms an image forming unit with a plurality of mirrors and lenses of the optical unit 103. Form an image. Of the recording media (hereinafter referred to as “paper”) P such as recording paper and OHP sheets stacked on the feeding cassettes 105 to 108, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as “image forming apparatus main body”) 124. Based on the information input by the operator from the operation / display unit 124a (see FIG. 19) provided on the upper surface or the size information of the original 101, the optimum feeding cassette 105 to 108 is selected, and the selected feeding cassette is selected. The feeding rollers 105A to 108A corresponding to 105 to 108 rotate to feed one sheet P from the feeding cassette. One sheet P sent out from the feeding cassettes 105 to 108 is transported to the registration roller 110 via the transport unit 109 by transport rollers (not shown). The registration roller 110 conveys the paper P to the photosensitive drum 104 by synchronizing the rotation of the photosensitive drum 104 and the scanning timing of the optical unit 103. Then, the toner image (developer image) on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred to the paper P by the transfer charger 111 as a transfer unit. Thereafter, the paper P is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by a separation charger 112 as a separation unit. The sheet P on which the toner image on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred is conveyed by the conveying unit 113 and reaches the fixing unit 114. The fixing unit 114 fixes the toner image on the paper P with heat and pressure. afterwards,
1) In the case of single-sided copying, the paper P passes through the discharge reversing unit 115 and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the discharge roller 116.
2) In the case of multiple copying, the paper P is transported to the refeed transport paths 119 and 120 by the control of the flapper 118 of the discharge reversing unit 115 and reaches the registration roller 110. Thereafter, the paper P is discharged onto the discharge tray 117 through the image forming section, the transport section, and the fixing section in the same manner as described above.
3) In the case of duplex copying, the paper P passes through the discharge reversing unit 115, and a part of the paper P is discharged to the outside by the discharge roller 116 once. After the end of the paper P passes through the flapper 118, the discharge roller 116 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the paper P is conveyed again into the apparatus. The sheet P is transported to the re-feed transporting units 119 and 120 and reaches the registration roller 110. In the same manner as described above, the sheet passes through the image forming unit, the conveyance unit, and the fixing unit and is discharged onto the discharge tray 117.
[0022]
Here, in the image forming apparatus A, paper P as a recording medium is fed by delivery rollers 105A to 108A, conveyance rollers (not shown), conveyance units 109 and 113, registration rollers 110, refeed conveyance units 119 and 120, and the like. Conveying means 123 for conveying is configured.
[0023]
In the image forming apparatus A configured as described above, a developing device 201 as a developing unit, a cleaning device 202 as a cleaning unit, and a primary charger 203 as a charging unit are disposed around the photosensitive drum 104.
[0024]
The developing device 201 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 using toner that is a developer. A toner cartridge 1 as a developer supply container for supplying toner to the developing device 201 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body 124.
[0025]
The developing device 201 includes a developing roller 201a disposed with a small gap (about 300 μm) from the photosensitive drum 104. During development, a triboelectric charge is applied to the toner by the developing blade 201b and a thin toner layer is formed on the developing roller 201a, and the developing roller 201a is interposed between the developing roller 201a and the photosensitive drum 104. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104 is developed by applying a developing bias. The toner that decreases due to development is sequentially supplied from a toner supply device 100 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 124.
[0026]
Here, the primary charger 203 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 104 to uniformly charge the photosensitive drum 104. The cleaner 202 removes residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 104 after the transfer of the toner image onto the paper P.
[0027]
(Cartridge mounting means)
When the toner in the toner replenishing device 100 runs out, a message to that effect is displayed on the operation / display unit 124a (see FIG. 19) of the image forming apparatus main body 124 to notify the operator. Accordingly, the operator opens an opening / closing member that covers the opening 122 provided at the upper front corner of the image forming apparatus main body 124 as shown in FIG. A holder 31 which is a mounting means for detachably mounting the toner cartridge 1 is provided behind the opening 122. The toner cartridge 1 is inserted into the holder 31 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of a toner container 11 as a developer storage unit. At this time, the toner cartridge 1 is guided to a predetermined position by being guided by a guide (not shown) provided in the holder 31 along the longitudinal direction of the toner container 11. Then, the toner container 11 of the toner cartridge 1 is rotatably held by the holder 31. After the toner cartridge 1 is inserted, when the operator rotates the handle 13 as a rotating member of the toner cartridge 1, the toner in the toner cartridge 1 is supplied to the developing device 201. When the operator closes the opening / closing member 121, the power switch is turned on, and the image forming apparatus A can be driven.
[0028]
[Toner cartridge]
The toner cartridge 1 (see FIG. 1) shown in the present embodiment is mounted on the toner replenishing device 100 in the image forming apparatus main body 124 as described above, and the toner stored in the toner container 11 as it is is stored in the toner container 11. This is a so-called stationary toner cartridge that replenishes the developing chamber of the replenishing container 100. However, the toner cartridge 1 shown in the present embodiment is not limited to a so-called stationary type. For example, the toner cartridge 1 is a so-called replenishing type in which toner is replenished to the developing chamber of the toner replenishing container 100 and then removed from the toner replenishing container 100. It can be suitably applied to.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, the toner cartridge 1 includes a toner container 11 as a developer storage portion, a toner cap 12, a handle 13 as a rotating member, a seal member 14 as a sealing member, and a handle 13. And a locking means 13R for locking the toner to the toner container 11. The toner container 11 has a toner conveying member 27 as a developer conveying means (see FIG. 17).
[0030]
(Configuration of toner container)
The toner container 11 is composed of a hollow cylindrical member. On the outer peripheral surface, a toner discharge opening 11a as a developer discharge port and a driving force receiving portion that receives a driving force from a drive transmission member (see FIG. 3) 21 provided inside the image forming apparatus main body 124. Engaging portion (hereinafter referred to as “drive transmission side engaging portion”) 11b. A toner filling opening 11 c for filling the toner container 11 with toner is provided on one end surface of the toner container 11 in the longitudinal direction. Note that the other end side of the toner container 11 in the longitudinal direction is closed by an end surface 11f (see FIG. 17). The toner discharge opening 11 a is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the toner container 11 and is sealed by a seal member 14 before the toner is filled into the toner container 11. The seal member 14 is attached to the outer surface of the toner container 11 so as to be peelable around the toner discharge opening 11a. Therefore, the seal member 14 seals the toner discharge opening 11a so that it can be opened. The toner filling opening 11c is provided on the end surface of the toner container 11 opposite to the insertion direction of the toner cartridge 1 in the longitudinal direction. The toner container 11 is filled with toner and sealed by a toner cap 12.
[0031]
The drive transmission side engaging portions 11 b are provided at both ends of the toner container 11 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the drive transmission / reception side engaging portion 11 b is formed in a gear shape having a plurality of teeth in parallel in the circumferential direction of the toner container 11. When the toner cartridge 11 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 124, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the engagement for receiving the driving force of the drive transmission member 21 provided inside the image forming apparatus main body 124. Engage with a joint part (gear part) (hereinafter referred to as “drive transmission side engaging part”) 21b. The toner container 11 is rotated by receiving a driving force for rotating the toner container 11 from the drive transmission side engaging portion 21 b of the drive transmission member 21.
[0032]
When the toner container 11 is rotated by the driving force from the drive transmission member 21 as described above, the drive transmission side engaging portion 11b has a twisted influence on the cylindrical portion of the toner container 11 as shown in FIG. In order to rotate the toner container 11 so as not to exist, it is preferable to provide the toner container 11 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The drive transmission member 21 is rotatably supported on the image forming apparatus main body 124 by a shaft 21s (a support method such as a bearing is not shown). The shaft 21s is provided with a drive transmission side engagement portion 21a that engages with a drive transmission side engagement portion 13a, which will be described later, of the handle 13, and toner is provided on the inner side and the opposite side of the drive transmission side engagement portion 21a. A drive transmission side engagement portion 21b that engages with the drive transmission side engagement portion 11b of the container 11 is provided.
[0033]
The configuration of the toner container 11 and the number of parts are not particularly limited. The shape of the toner container 11 may be a quadrangular column, a hexagonal column, or other polygonal column. The toner container 11 is filled with powder toner (the same applies hereinafter). As the powder toner, for example, black toner, color toner, one-component magnetic toner, one-component non-magnetic toner, or the like is appropriately selected.
[0034]
(Composition of handle)
The handle 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a rectangular handle portion 13e extending over the diameter of the handle 13 at one end opposite to the toner container 11. The other end on the toner container 11 side is open to a cylindrical shape that can be engaged with one end of the toner container 11 by hollowing out. The handle 13 is coupled to one end of the toner container 11 so as to be manually rotatable. An engagement portion (hereinafter referred to as “drive transmission side engagement portion”) 13a as a drive force transmission portion that transmits a drive force for rotating the toner container 11 to the drive transmission member 21 is provided on the outer peripheral surface. It has been.
[0035]
The drive transmission side engaging portion 13 a is formed in a gear shape having a plurality of teeth in parallel in the circumferential direction of the handle 11. Then, when the toner cartridge 11 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 124, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the toner cartridge 11 is engaged with the drive transmission side engaging portion 21 a of the drive transmission member 21. Then, a driving force for rotating the toner container 11 generated by gripping the handle portion 13e and rotating the handle 13 is transmitted to the drive transmission side engaging portion 21a, and the drive transmission member 21 is rotated. Let
[0036]
When a driving force for rotating the toner container 11 is transmitted to the drive transmission member 21, the drive transmission side engaging portion 21 a of the drive transmission member 21 is inserted by one operation of inserting the toner cartridge 1 into the image forming apparatus main body 124. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive transmission side engaging portion 13 a is most preferably installed on the outer peripheral surface of the handle 13 for the operation of inserting the toner cartridge 1.
[0037]
Further, the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 124 by being inserted into the toner replenishing device 100 of the developing device 201 from the end surface 11f opposite to the coupling end of the handle 13 of the toner container 11, as shown in FIG. Is done. For this reason, the drive transmission side engaging portion 11b of the toner container 11 passes through the drive transmission side engaging portion 21a of the drive transmission member 21 in the image forming apparatus main body 124 as shown in FIGS. , It engages with the drive transmission side engagement part 21b on the back side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10A, the outer shape of the drive transmission side engaging portion 11b of the toner container 11 is smaller than or equivalent to the outer shape of the drive transmission side engaging portion 13a of the handle 13. As shown in FIG. 10B, the angle between the drive transmission side engagement portion 11b of the toner container 11 and the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13 before the image forming apparatus main body 124 is mounted is It is more preferable that the toner cartridge 1 is relatively displaced and does not overlap in the circumferential direction from the viewpoint of the mountability of the toner cartridge 1 to the image forming apparatus main body 124.
[0038]
Here, when the angle between the drive transmission side engagement portion 11b of the toner container 11 and the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13 is relatively shifted in the circumferential direction of the toner container 11 so as not to overlap (FIG. 10). (See (b)), the outer shape of the drive transmission side engaging portion 11b of the toner container 11 is smaller than or equivalent to the outer shape of the drive transmission side engaging portion 13a of the handle 13. This is more preferable from the viewpoint of the mounting property to the image forming apparatus main body 124.
[0039]
(Configuration of locking means)
The lock unit 13R is locked to the toner container 11 side so that the handle 13 does not rotate before the toner cartridge 1 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 124 and after the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 124. It is constituted as follows. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lock means 13R has a lock mechanism using a lock member 13b as a locking member on the handle 13, and the toner container 11 has the lock member 13b. It is the structure which added the hole 11d to fit. The lock member 13b is fitted into a groove 13c provided in the bus bar direction on the outer periphery of the cylinder of the handle 13 so as to be movable in the bus bar direction, and a compression as a biasing member is provided between the end of the groove 13c and the lock member 13b. The coil spring 13d is contracted. When the toner cartridge 1 is outside the image forming body 124, that is, before the toner cartridge 1 is inserted into the image forming apparatus body 124 and after the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the image forming apparatus body 124, FIG. As shown in (a), the lock member 13b is partially fitted and locked in the hole 11d of the toner container 11 by the spring force (biasing force) of the compression coil spring 13d. As a result, the lock member 13b is fitted and locked across both the groove 13c of the handle 13 and the hole 11d of the toner container 11, so that the handle 13 cannot be rotated.
[0040]
On the other hand, the main body protrusion 22 is fixed to the toner supply device 100 of the image forming apparatus main body 124. The main body protrusion 22 is in a position where the lock member 13 b provided on the handle 13 is prevented from moving in the process of inserting the toner cartridge 1 into the image forming apparatus main body 124. In other words, the main body protrusion 22 prevents the lock member 13b from advancing in the process of inserting the toner cartridge 1 into a predetermined mounting position of the toner replenishing device 100, and the lock member 13b resists the spring force of the compression coil spring 13d. The container 11 is moved from the hole 11 d of the container 11 to the groove 13 c of the handle 13.
[0041]
The configuration of the locking means 13R is not particularly limited as long as the handle 13 can be locked to the toner container 11 side and can be released when the handle 13 is mounted.
[0042]
(Toner conveying member)
As shown in FIG. 17, the toner conveying member 27 includes a conveying blade 26 in the toner cartridge 1. The conveying blade 26 is fixed to a conveying shaft 25 that is rotatably supported on an end surface 11 f opposite to the coupling end of the handle 13 of the toner container 11. A gear 24 is fixed to the transport shaft 25 outside the end surface 11 f of the toner container 11. The gear 24 meshes with a gear (not shown) serving as a drive source of the image forming apparatus main body 124 when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 124. The conveying blade 26 rotates when the conveying shaft 25 is rotated via the gear 24 by a driving source on the image forming apparatus main body 124 side. Then, the toner in the toner container 11 is conveyed toward the toner discharge opening 11a.
[0043]
[Toner replenishment operation]
Next, a toner replenishing operation using the toner cartridge 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
[0044]
(1) Installation of toner cartridge
When the toner cartridge 1 configured as described above is inserted into the main body 124 of the image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge 1 is removed while the seal member 14 is peeled off with the toner discharge opening 11a (w) facing upward. It inserts in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the drive transmission side engagement portion 21 a of the drive transmission member 21 and the drive transmission side engagement portion 13 a of the handle 13 provided inside the image forming apparatus main body 124, and The drive transmission side engaging portion 21b of the drive transmission member 21 and the drive transmission side engaging portion 11b of the toner container 11 are engaged with each other, and the toner container 11 is rotatably held in the image forming apparatus main body 124. Is done. At this time, the gear 24 of the conveyance shaft 25 rotatably supported on the end surface 11 f opposite to the coupling end of the handle 13 of the toner container 11 meshes with a gear (not shown) that is a driving source of the image forming apparatus main body 124. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A → FIG. 8B, the lock member 13b of the handle 13 is prevented from advancing by the main body protrusion 22 on the image forming apparatus main body 124 side, and the hole 11d of the toner container 11 is in the image. Proceed to the back side of the forming apparatus main body 124. At this time, the lock member 13 b enters the front side of the groove 13 c of the handle 13 while compressing the compression coil spring 13 d and leaves the hole 11 d of the toner container 11. As a result, the locking of the handle 13 with the toner container 11 by the lock member 13 b is released, and the handle 13 can be manually rotated with respect to the toner container 11.
[0045]
It should be noted that the timing for peeling off the seal member 14 that seals the toner discharge opening 11a so that the toner discharge opening 11a can be opened is such that the toner discharge opening 11a faces upward in order to prevent the toner from adhering to the seal member 14 and scattering of the toner due to entrainment. It is preferable when facing.
[0046]
(2) Toner cartridge installation / toner supply
Next, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, with the toner cartridge 1 mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 124, the handle 13e of the handle 13 is gripped and the handle 13 is manually rotated counterclockwise. Turn to. Then, the driving force generated by the rotation of the handle 13 is transmitted from the drive transmission side engaging portion 13a of the handle 13 through the drive transmission side engaging portion 21a of the drive transmission member 21 in the image forming apparatus main body 124. 21 and further transmitted from the drive transmission side engagement portion 21 b of the drive transmission member 21 to the drive transmission side engagement portion 11 b of the toner container 11. The toner container 11 is rotated counterclockwise in the circumferential direction by the driving force transmitted in this manner, the toner discharge opening 11a (w) is directed downward, and the toner supply device 100 of the image forming apparatus main body 124. The toner can be replenished inside. That is, the drive transmission side engaging portion 11b of the toner container 11 rotates the toner container 11 to a position where the toner is discharged from the toner discharge opening 11a (a position where the toner discharge opening 11a (w) faces downward). Thereafter, the toner conveying member 27 provided in the toner container 11 is rotated by a driving source of the image forming apparatus main body 124, and the toner stored in the toner container 11 is directed toward the toner discharge port 11a (W). Transport. Thus, the toner in the toner container 11 can be efficiently and reliably supplied into the toner supply device 100 from the toner discharge port 11a (W).
[0047]
The toner discharge opening 11a (w) is most preferably directed vertically downward in order to reduce the amount of residual toner in the toner container 11, but is not limited to the downward direction.
[0048]
(3) Removing the toner cartridge
In order to prevent the toner from dropping from the toner discharge opening 11a when the toner cartridge 1 is removed, the handle 13 is rotated in the clockwise direction, and a reverse driving force is applied in the same order as in (2). , The toner container 11 is rotated clockwise and the toner discharge opening 11a (w) is directed upward. That is, prior to removing the toner cartridge 1 from the image forming apparatus main body 124, the handle 13 is rotated relative to the toner container 11 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction (counterclockwise direction). Then, the driving force generated by the rotation of the handle 13 is transmitted from the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13 to the drive transmission member 21 through the drive transmission side engagement portion 21a of the drive transmission member 21, and further, It is transmitted from the drive transmission side engaging portion 21 b of the drive transmission member 21 to the drive transmission side engaging portion 11 b of the toner container 11. Due to the driving force transmitted in this manner, the drive transmission side engaging portion 11b of the toner container 11 does not discharge the toner from the toner discharge opening 11a (the toner discharge opening 11a (w) faces upward. To position). Thereafter, the toner cartridge 1 is pulled out from the toner supply device 100. As a result, the lock member 13b of the handle 13 is re-fitted with the hole 11d of the toner container 11, and the handle 13 is re-engaged with the toner container 11 to complete a series of toner supply operations.
[0049]
As described above, the toner cartridge 1 shown in the present embodiment includes the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13, the drive transmission side engagement portion 21a of the drive transmission member 21 built in the image forming apparatus main body 124, and the drive. The rotation drive of the handle 13 is transmitted to the rotation drive of the toner container 11 through a plurality of engagement members such as the transmission side engagement portion 21 b and the drive transmission side engagement portion 11 b of the toner container 11. Therefore, it becomes possible to design freely the engagement ratio (gear ratio) of each of these engagement members.
[0050]
As a result, when the operation (turning) distance of the toner container 11 is long as in the toner cartridge 1 of the present embodiment, the engagement ratio (gear ratio) of the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13 is increased. Thus, the operation (turning) distance of the handle 13 can be shortened. That is, by optimizing the engagement ratio (gear ratio) of the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13, the optimization design of the operation (turning) distance at the time of toner supply can be realized.
[0051]
In contrast, for example, in a toner cartridge in which the handle is fixed to the toner container so as not to rotate, when the toner is supplied to the main body of the image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus and then provided in the toner container. In order to rotate the toner discharge opening to a predetermined angle, the handle needs to be rotated to the same angle as the toner container.
[0052]
In general, in a toner cartridge in which a toner discharge opening is sealed with a detachable sealing member, when the toner cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body, the toner to the sealing member when the sealing member is peeled off is used. The toner discharge opening is directed upward in order to prevent the toner from scattering due to adhesion and entrainment, and to prevent toner from dropping from the toner discharge opening during removal. When toner is replenished, the toner discharge opening is directed downward in order to reduce the remaining amount of toner in the toner container. Therefore, the rotation angle of the toner cartridge is often about 180 °, at least 90 ° or more, and the operation angle is large for the user to manually rotate the handle.
[0053]
As described above, in the toner cartridge 1 of the present embodiment, the operation (rotation) distance of the handle 13 is shortened by increasing the engagement ratio (gear ratio) of the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13. Therefore, it is possible to improve the rotating operability when supplying toner to the image forming apparatus main body 124.
[0054]
Further, in the toner replenishing method according to this embodiment, toner is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body 124 by using the toner cartridge 1 that can improve the rotation operability when the toner is replenished to the image forming apparatus main body 124. Can be replenished.
[0055]
Further, in the image forming apparatus A according to the present embodiment example, the toner cartridge 1 that can improve the rotation operability when the toner is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body 124 is used. Can be replenished.
[0056]
Although the drive transmission member 21 is cited as an engaging part of the handle 13 of the toner cartridge 1 and the toner container 11 as a built-in part of the image forming apparatus main body 124, the shape, configuration, and number of parts are particularly limited. I do not have. Further, the turning direction of the handle 13 is not particularly limited.
[0057]
<Embodiment 2>
Next, the toner cartridge of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0058]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the toner cartridge according to the present embodiment is replaced with a toner container 11 instead of the seal member 14 that seals the toner discharge opening 11a shown in the first embodiment. The shutter 15 is provided as an opening / closing member that slides in the circumferential direction of the toner container 11 so as to be able to open and close a substantially rectangular toner discharge opening 11a. In addition, the part which has the same function as Embodiment 1 mentioned above attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and uses description.
[0059]
(Configuration of shutter 15)
The shutter 15 engages with engaging portions 11e provided on both sides of the toner discharge opening 11a in the longitudinal direction of the toner container 11, and slides in the circumferential direction of the toner container 11 so that the toner discharge opening 11a can be opened and closed. . That is, the cross section perpendicular to the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 1 of the shutter 15 is an arc shape and is a shape along the toner container 11.
[0060]
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the shutter 15 can be engaged with a cartridge shutter holding member 23 provided inside the image forming apparatus main body 124 when the toner cartridge 1 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 124. Have a different shape.
[0061]
[Toner replenishment operation]
Next, a toner replenishing operation using the toner cartridge 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
[0062]
(1) Installation of toner cartridge
When the toner cartridge 1 configured as described above is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 124, the toner cartridge 1 is transferred to the toner replenishing device 100 with the toner discharge opening 11a (w) facing upward as shown in FIG. In the direction of the arrow, the shutter 15 of the toner cartridge 1 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 124 while being engaged with the cartridge shutter holding member 23 in the image forming apparatus main body 124. Then, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, as in the first embodiment, the drive transmission between the drive transmission side engaging portion 21 a of the drive transmission member 21 provided inside the image forming apparatus main body 124 and the handle 13 is transmitted. The side engagement portion 13a, the drive transmission side engagement portion 21b of the drive transmission member 21 and the drive transmission side engagement portion 11b of the toner container 11 are engaged with each other, and the toner container 11 is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. It is rotatably held in 124. At this time, as in the first embodiment, the gear 24 of the transport shaft 25 that is rotatably supported on the end surface 11 f opposite to the coupling end of the handle 13 of the toner container 11 is not connected to the drive source of the image forming apparatus main body 124. Engage with the gear shown. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A → FIG. 8B, the lock member 13b of the handle 13 is prevented from advancing by the main body protrusion 22 on the image forming apparatus main body 124 side, and the hole 11d of the toner container 11 is in the image. Proceed to the back side of the forming apparatus main body 124. At this time, the lock member 13 b enters the front side of the groove 13 c of the handle 13 while compressing the compression coil spring 13 d and leaves the hole 11 d of the toner container 11. As a result, the locking of the handle 13 with the toner container 11 by the lock member 13 b is released, and the handle 13 can be manually rotated with respect to the toner container 11.
[0063]
(2) Toner cartridge installation / toner supply
Next, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the handle 13e of the handle 13 is gripped while the toner cartridge 1 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 124. 13 is manually rotated counterclockwise. Then, the driving force generated by the rotation of the handle 13 is transmitted from the drive transmission side engaging portion 13a of the handle 13 through the drive transmission side engaging portion 21a of the drive transmission member 21 in the image forming apparatus main body 124. 21 and further transmitted from the drive transmission side engagement portion 21 b of the drive transmission member 21 to the drive transmission side engagement portion 11 b of the toner container 11. At this time, the shutter 15 is engaged with the cartridge shutter holding member 23 of the image forming apparatus main body 124. For this reason, the shutter 15 is fixed in the image forming apparatus main body 124 without interlocking with the rotation of the handle 13. The toner container 11 is rotated counterclockwise in the circumferential direction by the driving force transmitted in this manner, the toner discharge opening 11a (w) is directed downward, and the toner supply device 100 of the image forming apparatus main body 124. The toner can be replenished inside. That is, the drive transmission / reception side engaging portion 11b of the toner container 11 rotates the toner container 11 to a position where the toner is discharged from the toner discharge opening 11a (a position where the toner discharge opening 11a (w) faces downward). As a result, the toner discharge opening 11a is opened. As a result, toner can be replenished into the toner replenishing device 100 from the toner discharge opening 11a (w). Thereafter, the toner conveying member 27 provided in the toner container 11 is rotated by a driving source of the image forming apparatus main body 124, and the toner stored in the toner container 11 is directed toward the toner discharge port 11a (W). Transport. Thus, the toner in the toner container 11 can be efficiently and reliably supplied into the toner supply device 100 from the toner discharge port 11a (W).
[0064]
The toner discharge opening 11a (w) is most preferably oriented vertically downward to reduce the amount of residual toner in the toner container 11 as in the first embodiment, but is limited to the downward direction. It is not something.
[0065]
(3) Removing the toner cartridge
In order to prevent toner from dropping from the toner discharge opening 11a when the toner cartridge 1 is removed, the handle 13 is rotated clockwise as in the first embodiment, and is reversed in the same order as in (2). Is transmitted to the toner cartridge 1 to rotate the toner container 11 in the clockwise direction so that the toner discharge opening 11a (w) faces upward. As a result, the toner discharge opening 11 a (w) is closed by the shutter 15. That is, prior to removing the toner cartridge 1 from the image forming apparatus main body 124, the handle 13 is rotated relative to the toner container 11 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction (clockwise direction). Then, the driving force generated by the rotation of the handle 13 is transmitted from the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13 to the drive transmission member 21 through the drive transmission side engagement portion 21a of the drive transmission member 21, and further, It is transmitted from the drive transmission side engaging portion 21 b of the drive transmission member 21 to the drive transmission side engaging portion 11 b of the toner container 11. Due to the driving force transmitted in this manner, the drive transmission side engaging portion 11b of the toner container 11 does not discharge the toner from the toner discharge opening 11a (the toner discharge opening 11a (w) faces upward. To position). As a result, the toner discharge opening 11 a (w) is closed by the shutter 15. Thereafter, the toner cartridge 1 is pulled out from the toner supply device 100. As a result, the lock member 13b of the handle 13 is re-fitted with the hole 11d of the toner container 11, and the handle 13 is re-engaged with the toner container 11 to complete a series of toner supply operations.
[0066]
As in the first embodiment, the toner cartridge 1 shown in the present embodiment includes a drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13 and a drive transmission side engagement portion of the drive transmission member 21 built in the image forming apparatus main body 124. The rotation drive of the handle 13 is transmitted to the rotation drive of the toner container 11 through a plurality of engagement members 21 a, the drive transmission side engagement portion 21 b, and the drive transmission side engagement portion 11 b of the toner container 11. Therefore, it becomes possible to design freely the engagement ratio (gear ratio) of each of these engagement members.
[0067]
As a result, when the shutter 15 slides by the rotation of the toner container 11 to open and close the toner discharge opening 11a as in the toner cartridge 1 of this embodiment, the operation (rotation) torque of the handle 13 becomes high. However, by lowering the engagement ratio (gear ratio) of the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13, the operation (turning) torque of the handle 13 can be reduced. In other words, by adopting a configuration in which the engagement ratio (gear ratio) of the drive transmission side engagement portion 13a of the handle 13 is lowered, it is possible to realize an optimized design of the operation (turning) torque at the time of toner supply.
[0068]
Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the drive of the handle 13 is transmitted also in the toner cartridge 1 configured to rotate the toner container 11 and slide the shutter 15 in the circumferential direction of the toner container 11 to open and close the toner discharge opening 11a. By lowering the engagement ratio (gear ratio) of the side engagement portion 13a, it becomes possible to reduce the operation (turning) torque of the handle 13, and therefore when the toner is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body 124. Rotational operability can be improved.
[0069]
Further, in the toner replenishing method according to this embodiment, toner is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body 124 by using the toner cartridge 1 that can improve the rotation operability when the toner is replenished to the image forming apparatus main body 124. Can be replenished.
[0070]
Further, in the image forming apparatus A according to the present embodiment example, the toner cartridge 1 that can improve the rotation operability when the toner is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body 124 is used. Can be replenished.
[0071]
Although the drive transmission member 21 is cited as an engaging part of the handle 13 of the toner cartridge 1 and the toner container 11 as a built-in part of the image forming apparatus main body 124, the shape, configuration, and number of parts are particularly limited. I do not have. Further, the turning direction of the handle 13 is not particularly limited.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the developer supply container of the present invention can improve the rotating operability when supplying the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.
[0073]
Further, the developer replenishing method of the present invention uses a developer replenishing container capable of improving the rotation operability when replenishing the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. The developer can be replenished.
[0074]
Further, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention uses the developer supply container capable of improving the rotation operability when supplying the developer to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Developer can be replenished to the main body.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge shown in Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge shown in the first embodiment.
3 is a perspective view of an engagement relationship with a drive transmission member when the toner cartridge shown in the first embodiment is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. FIG.
4 is a perspective view of an engagement relationship with a drive transmission member during a toner replenishment operation of the toner cartridge shown in the first exemplary embodiment. FIG.
5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an engagement relationship with a drive transmission member when the toner cartridge shown in Embodiment 1 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an engagement relationship with a drive transmission member during a toner replenishment operation of the toner cartridge shown in the first exemplary embodiment.
7 is a perspective view of locking means for locking the handle of the toner cartridge and the toner container shown in Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of locking means for locking the handle of the toner cartridge and the toner container shown in the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a mounting direction of the toner cartridge shown in the first embodiment on the image forming apparatus main body side.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory views for explaining the outer shape of each engaging portion of the toner cartridge handle and the toner container shown in the first embodiment; FIGS.
11 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge shown in Embodiment 2. FIG.
12 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge shown in Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an engagement relationship with a drive transmission member when the toner cartridge shown in the second embodiment is attached to the image forming apparatus main body.
14 is a perspective view of an engagement relationship with a drive transmission member during toner replenishment operation of the toner cartridge shown in Embodiment 2. FIG.
15 is a longitudinal sectional view of an engagement relationship with a drive transmission member when the toner cartridge shown in Embodiment 2 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. FIG.
FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of an engagement relationship with a drive transmission member during toner replenishment operation of the toner cartridge shown in Embodiment 2.
FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a toner conveying member of the toner cartridge.
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge is mounted.
19 is a schematic perspective view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Toner cartridge
11 ... Toner container
11a: Toner discharge opening
11b ... Drive transmission side engaging part
13 ... Handle
13a: Drive transmission side engaging portion
13e ... handle part
13R ... Locking means
14 ... Sealing member
15 ... Shutter
21 ... Drive transmission member
21a: Drive transmission side engaging portion
21b ... Drive transmission side engaging part
22 ... Main body protrusion
23. Cartridge shutter holding member
27. Toner conveying member
124 ... Electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body
A ... Electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Claims

In a developer replenishment container that is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and for replenishing the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
A developer storage unit that stores developer for replenishment in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and is rotatably held in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A developer discharge port provided in the developer storage portion for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion;
A sealing member that seals the developer discharge port so that the developer can be opened, and is provided in the developer container so as to be peelable, and when the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body , a sealing member for unsealing the developer discharge port by being peeled from said developer accommodating portion,
A rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion;
When the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the rotating member is engaged with a drive transmission member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the rotating member is A driving force transmission unit that transmits a driving force for rotating the developer storage unit to the drive transmission member by rotating the developer storage unit;
When the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the developer storage unit is engaged with the drive transmission member, and the developer storage unit is interposed via the drive transmission member. A driving force receiving portion for rotating the developer storage portion to a position for discharging the developer from the developer discharge port by receiving a driving force for rotating;
A developer supply container characterized by comprising:

Wherein said rotating member, said is rotatably developer accommodating portion coupling, and having a grip portion for gripping when rotating relative to the developer accommodating portion to the end surface Item 2. A developer supply container according to Item 1.

The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the developer storage portion is formed in a cylindrical shape.

The driving force receiving portion is provided on an outer peripheral surface of at least one of the longitudinal ends of the developer accommodating portion, and the driving force transmitting portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the developer supply container is provided.

The developer accommodating portion is inserted into the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body from the opposite side to the rotating member in the longitudinal direction and is rotatably held by the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. The longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating portion developer supply container according to claim 4 outer shape before Symbol driving force receiving portion in the direction perpendicular to being less or equal than the outer shape before Symbol driving force transmitting unit and.

The driving force receiving portion and the driving force transmitting portion are relatively displaced in the circumferential direction of the developer accommodating portion so as not to overlap with the mounting direction of the developer accommodating container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. 6. The developer supply container according to claim 4, wherein the developer supply container is a developer supply container.

The driving force receiving portion is engaged with a driving force transmitting engaging portion provided on the developer storage portion side in the drive transmission member, and has a driving force for rotating the developer storage portion. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the developer supply container is received from the engagement portion.

The driving force transmitting portion engages with an engaging portion for receiving a driving force provided on the rotating member side in the driving transmitting member, and generates a driving force for rotating the developer storage portion. The developer supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the developer supply container is transmitted to the engaging portion.

The developer supply container according to claim 1, further comprising a lock unit configured to lock the rotation member so as not to rotate with respect to the developer storage portion.

The locking means includes a hole provided in the developer accommodating portion, a movable locking member provided in the rotating member and locked in the hole, and provided in the rotating member. A biasing member that biases the locking member toward the hole, and before mounting the developer supply container on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the locking member is biased to the biasing member. When the rotating member is locked to the developer accommodating portion by partially engaging with the hole of the developer accommodating portion by force, the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Further, the locking member is moved to the rotating member side by the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body against the biasing force of the biasing member to release the locking with the developer storage portion, The lock of the rotating member with respect to the developer accommodating portion is released. Developer supply container according to claim 9.

Said developer accommodating portion, claim 1 or claim 3, characterized in that it has a developer conveying means for conveying the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion to said developer discharge outlet inside A developer supply container according to 1.

The sealing member, the developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein a seal member is detachably attached to the periphery of the developer discharge outlet at the outer surface of the developer accommodating portion.

In a developer replenishment container that is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and for replenishing the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
A developer storage unit that stores developer for replenishment in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and is rotatably held in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A developer discharge port provided in the developer storage portion for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion;
A movable opening / closing member that opens and closes the developer discharge port, and is held by a holding member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body by attaching the developer supply container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. An opening and closing member;
A rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion;
When the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the rotating member is engaged with a drive transmission member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the rotating member is A driving force transmission unit that transmits a driving force for rotating the developer storage unit to the drive transmission member by rotating the developer storage unit;
When the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the developer storage unit is engaged with the drive transmission member, and the developer storage unit is interposed via the drive transmission member. by receiving a driving force for rotating a driving force receiving portion for rotating to a position for discharging the developer a developer accommodating portion from said developer discharge port while opening the developer discharge outlet,
A developer supply container characterized by comprising:

Wherein said rotating member, said is rotatably developer accommodating portion coupling, and having a grip portion for gripping when rotating relative to the developer accommodating portion to the end surface Item 14. A developer supply container according to Item 13.

The developer supply container according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the developer storage portion is formed in a cylindrical shape.

The driving force receiving portion is provided on an outer peripheral surface of at least one of the longitudinal ends of the developer accommodating portion, and the driving force transmitting portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member. The developer supply container according to claim 13, wherein the developer supply container is provided.

It said developer accommodating portion is rotatably held by the rotating member opposite is inserted into the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus from the side the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal pre-Symbol developer accommodating portion smaller than the outer shape before Symbol driving force transmitting portion is the outer shape before the SL driving force receiving portion in a direction orthogonal to the direction, or the developer supply container according to claim 16, wherein the same.

The driving force receiving portion and the driving force transmitting portion are relatively displaced in the circumferential direction of the developer accommodating portion so as not to overlap with the mounting direction of the developer accommodating container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. The developer supply container according to claim 16, wherein the developer supply container is a developer supply container.

The driving force receiving portion is engaged with a driving force transmitting engaging portion provided on the developer storage portion side in the drive transmission member, and has a driving force for rotating the developer storage portion. The developer supply container according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the developer supply container is received from the engaging portion.

The driving force transmitting portion engages with an engaging portion for receiving a driving force provided on the rotating member side in the driving transmitting member, and generates a driving force for rotating the developer storage portion. The developer supply container according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the developer supply container is transmitted to the engaging portion.

The developer replenishing container according to claim 13, further comprising locking means for locking the rotating member so as not to rotate with respect to the developer accommodating portion.

The locking means includes a hole provided in the developer accommodating portion, a movable locking member provided in the rotating member and locked in the hole, and provided in the rotating member. A biasing member that biases the locking member toward the hole, and before mounting the developer supply container on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the locking member is biased to the biasing member. When the rotating member is locked to the developer accommodating portion by partially engaging with the hole of the developer accommodating portion by force, the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Further, the locking member is moved to the rotating member side by the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body against the biasing force of the biasing member to release the locking with the developer storage portion, The lock of the rotating member with respect to the developer accommodating portion is released. Developer supply container according to claim 21.

Said developer accommodating portion, claims 13 to 15, characterized in that it has a developer conveying means for conveying the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion to said developer discharge outlet inside The developer supply container according to any one of the above.

The opening / closing member is an arcuate plate member that is slidable in a circumferential direction orthogonal to a mounting direction of the developer supply container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body with respect to an outer surface of the developer storage portion. The developer supply container according to claim 13.

In the developer replenishing method for replenishing the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
A developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer for replenishing the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A developer discharge port provided in the developer storage portion for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion;
A sealing member that seals the developer discharge port in an openable manner;
A rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion;
A driving force transmitting portion that is provided on the rotating member and transmits a driving force for rotating the developer storage portion to a driving transmitting member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A driving force receiving portion that is provided in the developer storing portion and that receives a driving force for rotating the developer storing portion via the drive transmission member and rotates the developer storing portion;
The electrophotographic More image forming apparatus main body detachable developer supply container and Mochiiruko, the developer A developer supply method for supplying to said electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body has,
(A) By attaching the developer supply container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the driving force receiving portion and the driving force transmitting portion are each related to a driving transmission member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. And the step of holding the developer storage portion rotatably in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
(B) opening the sealing member;
(C) rotating the rotating member with respect to the developer accommodating portion to transmit a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion from the driving force transmitting portion to the drive transmitting member; The driving force receiving portion receives a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion via a drive transmission member, and the developer accommodating portion is rotated to a position where the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port. A process of
A developer replenishing method.

Subsequent to the step of rotating the developer accommodating portion, the developer conveying means provided in the developer accommodating portion is rotated by a drive source of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the developer accommodating portion is moved to the developer accommodating portion. 26. The developer replenishing method according to claim 25, further comprising a step of conveying the stored developer toward the developer discharge port.

Prior to removing the developer supply container from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the rotating member is rotated in a direction opposite to the rotating direction with respect to the developer storing portion to store the developer. A driving force for rotating the portion in a direction opposite to the rotation direction is transmitted from the driving force transmission portion to the drive transmission member, and the developer storage portion is moved in the rotation direction via the drive transmission member. The driving force receiving portion receives a driving force for rotating in a direction opposite to the direction, and the developer containing portion is rotated to a position where the developer is not discharged from the developer discharge port. The developer replenishing method according to claim 25.

In the developer replenishing method for replenishing the developer to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
A developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer for replenishing the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A developer discharge port provided in the developer storage portion for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion;
A movable opening and closing member for opening and closing the developer discharge port;
A rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion;
A driving force transmitting portion that is provided on the rotating member and transmits a driving force for rotating the developer storage portion to a driving transmitting member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A driving force receiving portion that is provided in the developer storing portion and that receives a driving force for rotating the developer storing portion via the drive transmission member and rotates the developer storing portion;
The electrophotographic More image forming apparatus main body detachable developer supply container and Mochiiruko, the developer A developer supply method for supplying to said electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body has,
(A) By attaching the developer supply container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the opening member is held by a holding member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the driving force receiving portion and the driving force A step of engaging each of the transmission portions with a drive transmission member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and holding the developer storage portion rotatably on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
(B) Rotating the rotating member in a predetermined direction with respect to the developer accommodating portion, and applying a driving force for rotating the developer accommodating portion from the driving force transmitting portion to the drive transmitting member. The driving force receiving portion receives a driving force for transmitting and rotating the developer accommodating portion via the drive transmitting member, and the developer accommodating portion is held on the opening member held by the holding member. a step of opening the developer discharge outlet I'll be pivoted to a position for discharging the developer from the developer discharge port against,
A developer replenishing method.

Following the step of rotating the developer accommodating portion in a predetermined direction, the developer conveying means provided in the developer accommodating portion is rotated by a driving source included in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and the developing is performed. 29. The developer replenishing method according to claim 28, further comprising a step of conveying the developer stored in the developer storage portion toward the developer discharge port.

Prior to removing the developer supply container from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the rotating member is rotated in a direction opposite to the rotating direction with respect to the developer storing portion to store the developer. A driving force for rotating the portion in a direction opposite to the rotation direction is transmitted from the driving force transmission portion to the drive transmission member, and the developer storage portion is moved in the rotation direction via the drive transmission member. The driving force receiving portion receives a driving force for rotating in a direction opposite to the direction and rotates the developer storage portion to a position where the developer is not discharged from the developer discharge port. 29. The developer replenishing method according to claim 28, further comprising a step of closing an outlet with the holding member.

In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus for detaching a developer supply container from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and forming an image on a recording medium,
(A) a drive transmission member;
(B) a developer storage section that stores a developer for replenishment in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and is rotatably held in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A developer discharge port provided in the developer storage portion for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion;
Sealing the developer discharge port so that it can be opened, and opening the developer supply container by attaching the developer supply container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion;
When the developer supply container provided on the rotating member is attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, it engages with the drive transmission member and rotates the rotating member with respect to the developer accommodating portion. A driving force transmission unit that transmits a driving force for rotating the developer storage unit to the drive transmission member by moving the developer storage unit;
When the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the developer storage unit is engaged with the drive transmission member, and the developer storage unit is interposed via the drive transmission member. By receiving a driving force for rotating, a developer supply container having a driving force receiving portion for rotating the developer storage portion to a position for discharging the developer from the developer discharge port can be removed. Mounting means for mounting;
(C) conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising:

In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus for detaching a developer supply container from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and forming an image on a recording medium,
(A) a drive transmission member;
(B) a developer storage section that stores a developer for replenishment in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and is rotatably held in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body;
A developer discharge port provided in the developer storage portion for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage portion;
A movable opening / closing member that opens and closes the developer discharge port, and is held by a holding member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body by attaching the developer supply container to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. An opening and closing member;
A rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the developer accommodating portion;
When the developer supply container provided on the rotating member is attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, it engages with the drive transmission member and rotates the rotating member with respect to the developer accommodating portion. A driving force transmission unit that transmits a driving force for rotating the developer storage unit to the drive transmission member by moving the developer storage unit;
When the developer supply container is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the developer storage unit is engaged with the drive transmission member, and the developer storage unit is interposed via the drive transmission member. by receiving a driving force for rotating a driving force receiving portion for rotating to a position for discharging the developer a developer accommodating portion from said developer discharge port while opening the developer discharge outlet,
Mounting means for detachably mounting the developer supply container having
(C) conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: