JP4254145B2 - Toner cartridge - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine that employs an electrophotographic method, and more particularly, in a toner cartridge that stores toner to be replenished to a developing device, It relates to the protection of the parts and the starting torque reduction during long-term storage.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a toner replenishing device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile that employs this type of electrophotographic method, it is disposed at least inside a toner cartridge that stores toner. A conveying member that supplies the toner stored in the toner cartridge while stirring and a replenishing member that replenishes the toner supplied from the toner cartridge to the developing unit are always interlocked by an interlocking mechanism. For this reason, in the toner replenishing device, the distance between the particles of the toner stored in the toner cartridge is shortened due to the influence of storage of the toner cartridge for a long period of time, the toner particle density is increased, and the toner is fixed or fixed. It sometimes aggregated. For this reason, immediately after the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing device in the image forming apparatus, the load on the driving means for driving the conveying member in the toner cartridge and the replenishing member of the toner replenishing device increases, and the conveying member and the replenishing member However, there is a problem that it becomes impossible to rotate or an excessive load is applied to the driving means, causing a failure of the driving means.
[0003]
Therefore, as a technique capable of solving such problems, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-53443. A toner hopper according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-53443 includes a shaft-supported stirring roller and a replenishing roller, and an interlocking mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the stirring roller supplied from a driving unit to the replenishing roller. A toner hopper that replenishes the developing device with toner accommodated therein, a manual rotating means for manually supplying a rotational force to the stirring roller, and a rotational force from the manual rotating means to the stirring roller. An interlocking restricting means for restricting the interlocking mechanism so as not to transmit the rotational force of the stirring roller to the replenishing roller during the supply is provided.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional technique has the following problems. That is, in the case of the toner hopper according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-53443, the user can replace the toner hopper as it is without using the manual rotation means by mistake, and the toner fixed by the toner hopper is used. There is a problem that there is a possibility that the resolution of the problem will not be reliably performed.
[0005]
Further, in the case of the toner hopper according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-53443, manual rotation means is provided on the same axis as the rotation axis of the agitation roller, so that when the agitation roller is driven by the manual rotation means, Therefore, it is necessary to provide interlocking regulation means for regulating the interlocking of the replenishing member, which increases the number of parts and makes the configuration complicated, resulting in an increase in cost.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to eliminate toner sticking and aggregation with an inexpensive and simple and reliable means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner cartridge capable of preventing a conveyance member or the like from rotating or a drive unit from being damaged.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention described in claim 1 includes a cartridge main body that contains a developer containing at least toner, and a spiral formed from a linear material having elasticity, and is formed inside the cartridge main body. A conveying member that conveys the developer to a discharge port while stirring the developer, a locking portion that locks the conveying member in a compressed state, and one end of the conveying member that is fixed. A drive member rotatably attached to the main body, and the locking part is compressed between the drive member and the discharge port, the transport member being compressed from the discharge port toward the drive member The conveying member is locked so as to be in a state, and is attached to the outside of the cartridge body,By rotating the conveying member via the driving memberA compression releasing member that releases the compressed state of the conveying member by the locking portion is provided, and the conveying member that has been released from the compressed state of the conveying member by the locking portion by the compression releasing member is directed toward the discharge port. The toner cartridge is characterized in that the developer contained in the cartridge body is agitated by being expanded.
[0008]
The invention described in claim 2 is the toner cartridge according to claim 1, whereinCompression release memberIs a toner cartridge that is screwed into the end of the cartridge body.
[0009]
Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 is the toner cartridge according to claim 2, whereinCompression release memberIs a toner cartridge configured to be detached from the cartridge body when rotated one or more times.
[0010]
Furthermore, the invention described in claim 4 is the toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, whereinCompression release memberIs a toner cartridge that also serves as protection of information storage means or a drive member provided in the cartridge main body.
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the toner cartridge according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the toner cartridge includes the toner cartridge.Compression release memberIf the toner cartridge is not removed, the toner cartridge cannot be mounted at a predetermined position.
[0012]
Furthermore, the invention described in claim 6 is the toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, whereinCompression release memberIs a toner cartridge that also serves as a packaging material for the toner cartridge.
[0013]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the toner cartridge according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the conveying member is formed in a spiral shape from a linear material having elasticity, and the conveying member SaidCompression release memberIn the state of wearing, the tip portion is locked to the locking portion and compressed,Compression release memberThe toner cartridge is configured such that when it is removed, the engagement with the engagement portion is released and the compressed state is released.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
  Reference example 1
  FIG. 2 shows the present invention.Reference example 11 illustrates a tandem type full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner cartridge according to the invention is applied.
[0017]
In FIG. 2, 01 indicates the main body of a tandem type full-color printer. The printer main body 01 is roughly divided into a print head device (Print Head Device) 02 for forming a full-color image, and this. ROS (Raster Output Scanner) 03 as an exposure apparatus that performs image exposure on the four photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 as electrostatic latent image carriers of the print head device 02, and each color of the print head device 02 Four toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C for supplying toners of colors corresponding to the developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44, and a paper feed for supplying the recording paper P as a recording medium to the print head device 02 The fixing device 70 for fixing the cassette 05, the recording paper P on which the toner image is transferred from the print head device 02, and the fixing device 70 fix the image on one side. A double-sided conveyance path 07 for conveying the recording sheet P to the transfer unit of the print head device 02 again with the front and back sides reversed, and a manual sheet feeding unit for feeding a desired recording sheet P from the outside of the printer main body 01 08, a control circuit that controls the operation of the printer, a controller 09 that includes an image processing circuit that performs image processing on an image signal, and an electric circuit 10 that includes a high-voltage power supply circuit and the like. In FIG. 2, T denotes a discharge toilet for discharging the recording paper P on which an image is formed. The discharge toilet T is integrally disposed on the upper portion of the printer main body 01.
[0018]
Of the various members arranged in the printer main body 01, ROS03 as an exposure device is image data corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), and cyan (C). From four semiconductor lasers that are driven to light based on the above, four laser beams emitted from these four semiconductor lasers, f-θ lenses for deflecting scanning, polygon mirrors, or a plurality of reflection mirrors It is configured.
[0019]
  FIG. 3 shows the present invention.Reference example 11 shows a print head device of a tandem full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to FIG. In addition, the arrow in FIG. 3 has shown the rotation direction of each rotation member.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 3, the print head device 02 includes yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), and cyan (C) photosensitive drums (image carriers) 1 1, 12, 13. , 14 and image forming sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and primary charging rolls (contact type charging devices) 21, 22, 23, 24 in contact with the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, 14 and , Yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), cyan (C) laser light 31, 32, 33, 34 of each color, ROS (exposure device) 03 (see FIG. 2), and the above-described photosensitive Developing devices 41, which develop the electrostatic latent images formed on the body drums 11, 12, 13, 14 with toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), and cyan (C). 42, 43, 44 and a first primary intermediate transfer drum (intermediate transfer body) that contacts two of the four photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, 14 51 and the second primary intermediate transfer drum (intermediate transfer body) 52 that contacts the other two photosensitive drums 13 and 14, and the secondary intermediate that contacts the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52. A transfer drum (intermediate transfer member) 53 and a final transfer roll (transfer member) 60 that contacts the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 constitute the main part.
[0021]
The photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are arranged at a constant interval so as to have a common tangential plane M.sub.2. Further, the first primary intermediate transfer drum 51 and the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52 are surfaces whose rotational axes are parallel to the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 and have predetermined symmetry planes as boundaries. They are arranged in a symmetrical relationship. Further, the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is arranged so that the rotation axis thereof is parallel to the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14.
[0022]
A signal corresponding to the image information for each color is rasterized by an image processing circuit disposed in the electric circuit 10 (see FIG. 2) and input to the ROS03. In this ROS03, the laser beams 31, 32, 33, and 34 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), and cyan (C) are modulated, and the corresponding photosensitive drums 11, 12, and 12 are modulated. 13 and 14 are irradiated.
[0023]
Around each of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14, an image forming process for each color is performed by a known electrophotographic method. First, as the photoconductor drums 11, 12, 13, and 14, for example, photoconductor drums using an OPC photoconductor with a diameter of 30 mm are used. These photoconductor drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are, for example, It is rotationally driven at a rotational speed of 104 mm / sec. As shown in FIG. 3, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are applied with a DC voltage of about -840V to charging rolls 21, 22, 23, and 24 as contact-type charging devices. For example, it is charged to about -300V. The contact-type charging device includes a roll type, a film type, a brush type, and the like, but any type may be used. In this embodiment, a charging roll generally used in an electrophotographic apparatus in recent years is employed. Further, in order to charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14, in this embodiment, a charging method in which only DC is applied is used, but a charging method in which AC + DC is applied may be used.
[0024]
Thereafter, laser light 31 corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), and cyan (C) is formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 by ROS03 as an exposure device. , 32, 33, and 34 are irradiated, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to input image information for each color is formed. When the electrostatic latent image is written by ROS03, the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are discharged to a surface potential of the image exposure portion of about −60 V or less.
[0025]
In addition, electrostatic latent images corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), and cyan (C) colors formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 Are developed by the developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), and cyan (C) colors are formed on the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14, respectively. Visualized as a toner image.
[0026]
thisReference example 1The developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44 employ a magnetic brush contact type two-component development method. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this development method. Of course, the present invention can be applied to the developing system.
[0027]
The developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44 are filled with yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), and cyan (C) toners of different colors and a developer composed of a carrier. Yes. As shown in FIG. 2, when toner is supplied from the corresponding color toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C to these developing devices 41, 42, 43, and 44, the supplied toner is augered. 401 and 402 are sufficiently agitated with the carrier and triboelectrically charged. Inside the developing roll 403, a magnet roll (not shown) having a plurality of magnetic poles arranged at a predetermined angle is fixed. The amount of developer conveyed to the vicinity of the surface of the developing roll 403 is regulated by the developer amount regulating member 404 by the auger 402 that conveys the developer to the developing roll 403. In this embodiment, the amount of the developer is 30 to 50 g / m.²At this time, the charge amount of the toner existing on the developing roll 403 is about -20 to 35 μC / g.
[0028]
The toner supplied onto the developing roll 403 is in the form of a magnetic brush composed of a carrier and toner by the magnetic force of the magnet roll, and this magnetic brush comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14. ing. A developing bias voltage of AC + DC is applied to the developing roll 403, and the toner on the developing roll 403 is developed into an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 to obtain a toner image. Is formed. In this embodiment, for example, the AC component of the developing bias voltage is set to 4 kHz, 1.5 kVpp, and the DC component is set to about -230V.
[0029]
thisReference example 1In the developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44, so-called “spherical toner”, which is a substantially spherical toner, having an average particle diameter of about 3 to 10 μm is used. The average particle size of the color toner is set to 8 μm, and the average particle size of the color toner is set to 7 μm.
[0030]
Next, the yellow (Y), magenta (M), black (K), and cyan (C) toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, and 14 are first primary images. The secondary transfer is electrostatically performed on the intermediate transfer drum 51 and the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52. The yellow (Y) and magenta (M) color toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 11 and 12 are formed on the first primary intermediate transfer drum 51 on the black ( The toner images of K) and cyan (C) are transferred onto the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52, respectively. Therefore, on the first primary intermediate transfer drum 51, the single color image transferred from either the photosensitive drum 11 or 12 and the two color toner images transferred from both the photosensitive drums 11 and 12 are superimposed. A double color image is formed. In addition, similar single-color images and double-color images are also formed on the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52 from the photosensitive drums 13 and 14.
[0031]
The surface potential necessary for electrostatically transferring the toner image from the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, 14 onto the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51, 52 is about +250 to 500V. It is. This surface potential is set to an optimum value depending on the charged state of the toner, the ambient temperature, and the humidity. The ambient temperature and humidity can be easily known by detecting the resistance value of a member having a characteristic that the resistance value varies depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. As described above, the surface potential of the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 when the charge amount of the toner is in the range of −20 to 35 μC / g and is in a normal temperature and humidity environment. Is preferably about + 380V.
[0032]
thisReference example 1For example, the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 used in the above are formed with an outer diameter of 60 mm and a resistance value of about 108 Ω. The first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 are cylindrical or rotating bodies having a single layer or a plurality of layers whose surfaces are flexible or elastic, and are generally made of Fe, Al, or the like. A low resistance elastic rubber layer (R = 102 to 103 Ω) typified by conductive silicone rubber or the like is provided on a metal pipe as a metal core to have a thickness of about 0.1 to 10 mm. Further, the outermost surfaces of the first and second intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 are typically high release layers (R = 105 to 109Ω) having a thickness of 3 to 100 μm made of fluororubber in which fluororesin fine particles are dispersed. ) And bonded with a silane coupling agent-based adhesive (primer). What is important here is the resistance value and the releasability of the surface, and the resistance value of the high release layer is about R = 105 to 109 Ω, and the material is not particularly limited as long as it has a high releasability. .
[0033]
The single-color or double-color toner images formed on the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 in this way are electrostatically and tertiary-transferred onto the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53. Accordingly, a final toner image from a single color image to a quadruple color image of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is formed on the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53. Will be.
[0034]
The surface potential necessary for electrostatically transferring the toner image from the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 onto the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is about +600 to 1200V. This surface potential is the same as when the toner is transferred from the photosensitive drums 11, 12, 13, 14 to the first primary intermediate transfer drum 51 and the second primary intermediate transfer drum 52. Will be set to the optimum value. Further, since what is necessary for the transfer is a potential difference between the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 and the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53, the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 have different potentials. It is necessary to set the value according to the surface potential. As described above, the charge amount of the toner is in the range of −20 to 35 μC / g, and the surface potential of the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 is +380 V in a normal temperature and humidity environment. The surface potential of the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is about +880 V, that is, the potential difference between the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52 and the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is + It is desirable to set it to about 500V.
[0035]
thisReference example 1For example, the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 used in is formed with an outer diameter of 60 mm which is the same as the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52, and the resistance value is set to about 1011Ω. Similarly to the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52, the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is a cylindrical rotating body having a single layer or a plurality of layers whose surface is flexible or elastic. In general, a low resistance elastic rubber layer (R = 102 to 103 Ω) represented by conductive silicone rubber or the like is formed on a metal pipe as a metal core made of Fe, Al, or the like with a thickness of 0. .1 to about 10 mm. Further, the outermost surface of the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is typically formed by forming fluororubber in which fluororesin fine particles are dispersed as a high release layer having a thickness of 3 to 100 μm, and a silane coupling agent-based adhesive. (Primer). Here, the resistance value of the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 needs to be set higher than that of the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52. Otherwise, the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 will charge the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52, making it difficult to control the surface potential of the first and second primary intermediate transfer drums 51 and 52. Become. The material is not particularly limited as long as the material satisfies such conditions.
[0036]
Next, the final toner image from the single color image to the quadruple color image formed on the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 is tertiary transferred onto the paper P passing through the paper conveyance path by the final transfer roll 60. . The paper P passes through a paper transporting roll 90 through a paper feeding process (not shown), and is fed into the nip portion between the secondary intermediate transfer drum 53 and the final transfer roll 60. After this final transfer step, the final toner image formed on the paper is fixed by the fixing device 70, and a series of image forming processes is completed.
[0037]
FIG. 4 shows the present invention.Reference example 1FIG. 6 is a side configuration diagram illustrating a main part of a tandem type full color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner cartridge according to the invention is applied.
[0038]
That is, thisReference example 1As shown in FIG. 4, the toner supply device 70 according to FIG. 4 includes toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C containing a developer in which toner of a predetermined color and a carrier are mixed, and the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, And a toner conveying member 71 that conveys toner and the like from 04C to developing devices 41, 4 2, 43, and 44. As shown in FIG. 5, the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C have a toner discharge port 72 in the vicinity of the lower end portion on the front side, and the toner discharge port 72 is usually a shutter (not shown). In addition to being blocked by the members, the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C are configured to be opened in accordance with the operation of mounting the toner cartridges on the printer main body 01. The developer may be composed only of toner.
[0039]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the toner conveying member 71 is connected to a joint member 73 coupled to the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C, and developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44. A connecting member 74 and a pipe-like member 75 that connects the joint member 73 and the connecting member 74 are provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the joint member 73 has a coupling portion 75 having an arcuate curved surface coupled to the lower surface of the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C. An introduction port 76 for introducing the toner dropped and supplied from 04Y, 04M, 04K, and 04C is opened. Further, the joint member 73 is integrally provided with a toner conveying portion 77 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape below the coupling portion 75. Inside the toner transport section 77, a transport auger 78 as a transport member for transporting the toner dropped from the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C to the developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44, It is rotatably arranged.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 8, the conveying auger 78 has a toner conveying blade 80 spirally formed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 79, and supports the base end of the rotating shaft 79 in a freely rotatable manner. It is attached to the base end portion of the toner conveying portion 77 in a cantilever shape by a bearing member 81 that performs the above operation. Further, on the rotation shaft 79 of the conveying auger 78, a drive gear 82 composed of a helical gear for rotating the conveying auger 78 to a base end portion 79a protruding to the outside of the toner conveying portion 77. Is attached. As shown in FIG. 6, the drive gear 82 is arranged at the end of a rotating shaft that is disposed on the side of the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C along the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridges 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C. Is engaged with a driving force transmission gear 83 fixed to the portion.
[0041]
Further, a pipe-like member 75 formed in a cylindrical shape by a soft synthetic resin having flexibility is attached to the distal end portion of the joint member 73 in a fitted state. Inside the pipe-like member 75, a metal spiral agitator 84 connected to the distal end portion of the transfer auger 78 is disposed, and is supplied to the inside of the joint member 73 by the agitator 85. The toner is conveyed to a connecting member 74 connected to the developing devices 41, 42, 4 3, 44. The connecting member 74 is attached in a state of being fitted to the tip of the pipe-shaped member 84, and the toner conveyed through the pipe-shaped member 84 is transferred to the inside of the developing devices 41, 42, 43, 44. It is comprised so that it may fall and supply. In FIGS. 6 and 7, reference numeral 85 denotes an air hole.
[0042]
By the way, thisReference example 1The toner cartridge according to the present invention includes a cylindrical cartridge main body that contains a developer containing at least toner, a conveyance member that is disposed inside the cartridge main body and conveys the developer to a discharge port, and the conveyance A toner cartridge having a drive member rotatably attached to the cartridge body with one end of the member fixed, and a manual rotation member that is mounted outside the cartridge body and rotates the drive member is provided It is configured as follows.
[0043]
Also thisReference example 1Then, the manual rotation member is attached in a state of being screwed to the end portion of the cartridge main body.
[0044]
In addition, thisReference example 1Then, the manual rotation member is configured to be detached from the cartridge main body when rotated one or more times.
[0045]
Furthermore, thisReference example 1Then, the manual rotation member also serves as protection of information storage means or a drive member provided in the cartridge body.
[0046]
Also thisReference example 1Then, the toner cartridge is configured so that it cannot be mounted at a predetermined position unless it is in a state where it is desired to remove the manual rotation member.
[0047]
That is, thisReference example 1Then, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a toner cartridge 58 includes a cylindrical toner cartridge main body 58a containing a developer 88 containing at least toner therein, and a toner cartridge main body 58a rotatably arranged inside the toner cartridge main body 58a. The developer 88 contained in the toner cartridge main body 58a is conveyed while being agitated and supplied from a toner discharge port 59, and an agitator 82 serving as a rotary conveying member and an external driving source generate driving force. And a coupling member 83 as a drive member for rotating and driving the agitator 82. The agitator 82 is formed by spirally bending a metal linear member having elasticity, and the base end portion of the agitator 82 is fixed to the coupling member 83 by means such as fitting. . As shown in FIG. 4, the coupling member 83 is operatively coupled to a coupling disposed on the printer body 01 side in a state where the toner cartridge 58 is mounted at a predetermined position of the printer body 01. It is like that. The toner cartridge 58 is the same as the toner cartridge 04Y, 04M, 04K, 04C in FIG.
[0048]
In addition, thisReference example 1The agitator 82 of the toner cartridge 58 is configured to be rotationally driven via the coupling member 83. However, the agitator 82 may be configured to be rotationally driven via a gear. Of course.
Further, at the end of the agitator 82 of the toner cartridge 58, information on the toner cartridge 58 of the toner material such as the amount of developer consumption of the toner cartridge 58 is provided near the coupling member 83 as shown in FIG. An information storage means 89 is provided for storing data so as to be readable and writable from the outside. A cap member 87 described later also serves as a protective member for the information storage member 89 and the coupling member 83.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 1A, the coupling member 83 has a central axis 83a on the back side thereof connected to an agitator 82 disposed inside the toner cartridge main body 58a, and the toner cartridge main body 58a. It is rotatably attached to the end face on the back side in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 1B, the coupling member 83 is formed in a substantially disc shape by a synthetic resin such as POM, and is fixed to the back surface side with the end of the agitator 82 connected. A central shaft 86 for projecting is projected in a columnar shape, and a groove for fixing the end of the agitator 82 in a fitted state is formed in the central shaft 83a. Further, on the surface side of the coupling member 83, a total of four protrusions 83b for transmitting a driving force are provided at positions different from each other by 90 degrees along the circumferential direction.
[0050]
By the way, thisReference example 1As shown in FIG. 1, a cylindrical cap member 87 as a manual rotating member is attached to the end of the toner cartridge main body 58a of the toner cartridge 58 on the coupling member 83 side. As shown in FIG. 9, the cap member 87 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the cap member 87 so that the cap member 87 is fitted in a male screw portion 58b formed at the end of the toner cartridge main body 58a. A female screw portion 87a is provided. Further, on the inner side surface of the end surface of the cap member 87, two columnar engaging projections 87b that engage with the coupling member 83 are provided at positions different from each other by 180 degrees. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the coupling member 83 is provided with two engagement holes 83c into which the engagement protrusions 87b of the cap member 87 are engaged at positions different from each other by 180 degrees. Has been. Note that the length of the engagement protrusion 87b is such that, for example, if the cap member 87 is not rotated one or more times, the engagement state with the engagement hole 83c is not released, and the agitator 82 is rotated one or more times. It is possible.
Further, the engaging portion provided in the coupling member 83 is not limited to the engaging hole 83c, and is configured by an engaging notch 83d and an engaging protrusion 83e as shown in FIG. May be.
[0051]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge 58 can be inserted into the mounting opening provided in the printer main body 01 with the cap member 87 obstructing when the cap member 87 is still mounted. First, the cap member 87 cannot be attached to the printer main body 01 unless the cap member 87 is removed.
[0052]
In addition, the cap member 87 may be configured so as to serve as a packing material for the toner cartridge 58 by appropriately increasing the length thereof as necessary.
[0053]
In the above configuration, thisReference example 1In the toner cartridge according to the present invention, toner sticking and aggregation can be eliminated by an inexpensive and simple and reliable means as described below, and the conveying member or the like cannot be rotated, or the driving means may fail. It is possible to prevent this.
[0054]
That is, thisReference example 11A, when the toner cartridge 58 is shipped, the cap member 87 is screwed into the end portion of the toner cartridge main body 58a. Even in a stored state until the toner cartridge 58 is used, the cap member 87 is screwed.
[0055]
In the digital color printer and the copying machine, when a color image is formed and one of the toner cartridges 58 mounted on the main body 01 of the color printer becomes empty, a new toner cartridge is obtained. It is exchanged for 58.
[0056]
At that time, as shown in FIG. 1, the new toner cartridge 58 is in a state in which a cap member 87 is screwed onto the end of the toner cartridge main body 58a. Therefore, in order to mount the new toner cartridge 53 in the printer main body 01, the cap member 87 screwed into the end portion of the toner cartridge main body 58a must be manually rotated and removed. 1, the coupling protrusion 83a provided on the inner surface of the end portion of the cap member 87 and the coupling member 83 engaged through the engagement hole 83c rotate as shown in FIG. The agitator 82 that is driven and fixed to the coupling member 83 is also driven to rotate at least once. As a result, even when the developer 88 contained in the toner cartridge 58 is fixed or aggregated, the fixed or aggregated developer 88 is not removed before the toner cartridge 58 is mounted on the printer main body 01. As the cap member 87 is forcibly agitated once or a plurality of times in accordance with the operation of removing the cap member 87, the fixed or aggregated state is eliminated.
[0057]
Thus, aboveReference example 1According to the above, the agitator 82 is rotationally driven in accordance with the operation of removing the cap member 87 provided at the end of the toner cartridge 53, and the developer 88 stored in the toner cartridge 53 is moved once to a plurality of times. Since it is forcibly agitated, the fixed or agglomerated state is eliminated, and the agitator 82 and the driving means are not damaged. Also thisReference example 1According to the above, since it is only necessary to provide the cap member 87 at the end of the toner cartridge 53, the toner cartridge 53 cannot be attached to the printer main body 01 unless the cap member 87 is removed by an inexpensive and simple means. Thus, the fixing or aggregation state of the developer 88 can be reliably eliminated.
[0058]
Embodiment 2
  FIG. 11 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of the above embodiment, and in this second embodiment, the conveying member is elastic. It is formed in a spiral shape from a linear material having, the transport member is the manual rotation memberCompression release member consisting ofWhen the manual rotation member is removed, the distal end portion is locked with the locking portion and the compressed state is released when the manual rotation member is removed. It is comprised as follows.
[0059]
That is, thisEmbodiment 1Then, as shown in FIG. 11, a locking portion 58 b that locks the front end portion 82 a of the agitator 82 is provided on the inner surface of the cartridge main body 58 a of the toner cartridge 58. The locking portion 58b is for locking the tip end portion 82a of the agitator 82 in a compressed state, and is provided on the inner surface of the cartridge main body 58a in an open state in the rotational direction of the agitator 82. Therefore, when the agitator 82 is rotated in a predetermined direction, the locked state with the locking portion 58b is released, and the agitator 82 expands to a predetermined free length as shown in FIG. The developer accommodated in the cartridge main body 58a is agitated to eliminate the sticking and aggregation of the developer.
[0060]
In contrast, the agitator 82 as the conveying member isCompression release memberIn the state where is attached, its tip is locked to the locking portion and is in an extended state,Compression release memberOf course, it may be configured such that when it is removed, the locking portion is released and the extended state is released.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, toner sticking and aggregation can be eliminated by inexpensive and simple and reliable means, and the conveying member or the like cannot be rotated, or the driving means is broken. It is possible to provide a toner cartridge capable of preventing the above.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) show the present invention.Reference example 1FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of the toner cartridge according to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of the present invention.Reference example 1FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner cartridge according to the invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of the present invention.Reference example 1FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an image forming unit of a color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner cartridge according to the invention is applied.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of the present invention.Reference example 1FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the toner cartridge according to the invention is applied.
FIG. 5 is a diagram of the present invention.Reference example 1FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a toner cartridge according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of the present invention.Reference example 1FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a toner replenishing device to which the toner cartridge according to the invention is applied.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of the present invention.Reference example 1FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part of a toner supply device to which the toner cartridge according to the invention is applied.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating a toner conveying member.
FIG. 9 is an illustration of the present invention.Reference example 1FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of the toner cartridge according to the embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows this.Reference example 1FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of the toner cartridge according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram of the present invention.Embodiment 1FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram of the present invention.Embodiment 1FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a toner cartridge according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
01: printer main body, 58: toner cartridge, 58a: cartridge main body 58a, 59: toner discharge port, 82: agitator (conveying member), 83: coupling member (driving member), 83c: hole for engagement, 87: cap member (Compression release member), 87b: projections for engagement.

Claims (7)

A cartridge body containing a developer containing at least toner;
A conveying member that is spirally formed from a linear material having elasticity, is disposed inside the cartridge body, and conveys the developer to a discharge port while stirring;
A locking portion for locking the conveying member in a compressed state;
A drive member rotatably attached to the cartridge body in a state where one end of the transport member is fixed,
The locking portion locks the transport member between the driving member and the discharge port so that the transport member is compressed from the discharge port toward the drive member,
A compression release member that is mounted outside the cartridge body and that releases the compressed state of the transport member by the locking portion by rotating the transport member via the drive member ;
The conveying member released from the compressed state of the conveying member by the locking portion by the compression releasing member is stirred toward the developer stored in the cartridge body by extending toward the discharge port. Features toner cartridge. 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the compression release member is attached in a state of being screwed to an end portion of the cartridge body. 3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the compression release member is configured to be detached from the cartridge body when rotated one or more times. 4. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the compression release member also serves as protection of an information storage unit or a drive member provided in the cartridge body. 5. 5. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the toner cartridge cannot be mounted at a predetermined position unless the compression release member is removed. 6. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the compression release member also serves as a packing material for the toner cartridge. 7. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the transport member is formed in a spiral shape from a linear material having elasticity, and the transport member is in a state where the compression release member is mounted. The tip portion is locked by the locking portion and is in a compressed state, and when the compression release member is removed, the locking with the locking portion is released and the compressed state is released. Features toner cartridge.

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