JP4376655B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus to which the current image storage container you accommodating a developer to be used in electrophotographic image formation are detachably mounted.

  The first conventional technique is shown in FIGS. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the toner cartridge 1 and a part of the image forming apparatus 2, and FIG. 15 is a front view showing the toner cartridge 1 and a part of the image forming apparatus 2. When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 2, an elastic force directed in one direction in the width direction is given by the pressing member 3 included in the image forming apparatus 2. The toner cartridge 1 includes a developing roller 4. When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 2, the outer peripheral portion of the developing roller 4 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 5 included in the image forming apparatus by the elastic force. Abut.

  The pressing member 3 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating shaft body 6. The rotating shaft body 6 includes a lever 7 at one end in the axial direction. The rotating shaft body 6 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the toner cartridge 1.

  16 is a plan view showing a state where the elastic force applied to the toner cartridge 1 is released, and FIG. 17 is a front view showing a state where the elastic force applied to the toner cartridge 1 is released. When the operator removes the toner cartridge 1 from the image forming apparatus 2, first, the operator rotates the lever 7 to release the elastic force by the pressing member 3. Further, the toner cartridge 1 is formed with a fitting portion 8 into which the tip portion 3a of the pressing member 3 is fitted. When the lever 7 is rotated, the tip portion 3a of the pressing member 3 comes into contact with the fitting portion 8, and the lever 7, the toner cartridge 1 is displaced. As a result, the developing roller 4 and the photosensitive drum 5 are separated from each other. Next, when the operator moves the toner cartridge 1 in the separation direction A, the toner cartridge 1 is guided by the pressing member 3, and the toner cartridge 1 can be detached from the image forming apparatus 2.

  The second conventional technique is described in Patent Document 1. The process cartridge of Patent Document 1 has a guide portion, and the guide portion is displaced along a guide rail included in the image forming apparatus main body, and the process cartridge is inserted. When the process cartridge is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus, the operator turns the main body lever of the image forming apparatus to lower the guide rail. Thus, the process cartridge is supported by the abutting member of the image forming apparatus main body, and the positioning portion of the process cartridge fits into the groove of the image forming apparatus main body, thereby positioning the process cartridge with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. As a third conventional technique, a similar technique of Patent Document 1 is described in Patent Document 2.

JP 2001-142376 A JP 2002-328582 A

  In the first conventional technique, when the image forming apparatus 2 is detached from the toner cartridge 1, the operator first operates the lever 7 so that the toner cartridge 1 can be displaced in the separation direction A, and then The toner cartridge is displaced in the separation direction A. Therefore, in order to remove the toner cartridge 1 from the image forming apparatus 2, the operator individually performs two operations, an operation of the lever 7 provided in the image forming apparatus 2 and an operation of displacing the toner cartridge 1 in the separation direction A. There is a need to do. Therefore, the attaching / detaching operation is complicated and time-consuming. The second and third conventional techniques have the same problem.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a developer container can be easily attached and detached.

The present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a developer container is detachably mounted ,
In a state where the current image storage container is mounted, and a locking portion for restricting that engages a portion of the developer accommodating container, displaced in the separating direction in which the developer container is detached,
The locking direction crossing the removing direction, and urges the elastic force to the developer accommodating container, and a biasing means comprising a pressing member for maintaining a state where the developer accommodating container is locked ,
An operation member is formed in the developer container.
Said developer accommodating container, by which the operating member is displacement of the opposite unlocking direction to the locking direction, against the spring force by the biasing means, with the locking release direction while being displaced, by the operating member is displaced in the disengaging direction, an image forming apparatus characterized by configured to be detached from the image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, the biasing in a state in which the developer container is mounted, to restrict the developer accommodating container is displaced in the separating direction, the elastic force to the developer container and the container in the locking direction and, it maintains a state where the developer accommodating container is locked. Therefore, in the state where the developer container is mounted, the developer accommodating container, to the image forming apparatus, can be prevented easily displaced in withdrawal direction and the locking direction.

The operator operates the operation member is formed on the developer container, against the spring force by the biasing means comprising a pressing member, the image forming apparatus a developer accommodating container in the unlocking direction On the other hand, it is displaced to release the locking state of the locking portion. When the locking state is released, the developer accommodating container, since Ru can be displaced in the separating direction, it is possible to desorb the developer container from the image forming apparatus. The operator can perform the release of the locked state and the displacement in the disengagement direction by a series of operations by operating the operation member formed in the developer container . As a result, the operator can easily remove the developer container from the image forming apparatus, and convenience is improved. Similarly, the operator, by displacing in the opposite insertion direction and the developer accommodating container separating direction, a series of operations, it is possible to easily mount the developer container into the image forming apparatus .

  The lever used for attaching and detaching the developer container shown in the above-described conventional technique is not necessary in the image forming apparatus on which the developer container of the present invention is mounted. Therefore, the configuration of the image forming apparatus can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The present invention further comprises a sensitive light drum,
Wherein the developer container, a developing roller is further provided for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum,
In a state where the developer container is locked by the locking portion , the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are in contact with each other ,
The developer container formed by said operating member is displaced in the unlocking direction, in the state where the developer container is unlocked, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are separated It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, since the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are in contact with each other in the locked state, the developer can be supplied from the developing roller onto the photosensitive drum, and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum can be obtained. It can be developed. In the unlocked state, since the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are separated from each other, the developer containing container is displaced in the separation direction with respect to the image forming apparatus without the developing roller and the photosensitive drum coming into contact with each other. be able to. As a result, when the developer container is attached or detached, the developing roller can be prevented from being damaged due to contact with the photosensitive drum.

Furthermore, the present invention includes a locking pin for assisting locking of the developer container in a state where the developer container is mounted,
The developer container is a sub-side plate that is displaceable in the locking direction or the unlocking direction with respect to the operation member, the operation through hole through which the operation member passes, and the operation member. A secondary side plate having a parallel side plate operation piece and a locking hole is further provided,
In a state where the developer container is locked by the locking portion, the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole, and the auxiliary side plate is locked in the locking direction and the locking direction with respect to the image forming apparatus. Displacement in the release direction is restricted .

According to the present invention, the sub-side plate provided in the developer container is locked by the locking pin provided in the image forming apparatus in a state where the developer container is mounted on the image forming apparatus. Therefore, in a state where the developer container is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the operation member can be displaced with respect to the sub-side plate . Thus, the operator can easily displace the operation member in the unlocking direction, and the operability is improved.

Furthermore, the present invention comprises a guide portion for guiding the developer container to be inserted and removed,
The developer container is formed with a guide pin that fits into the guide portion,
The guide portion until said developer container is locked state, the state where the photosensitive drum and the developing roller is separated, that the guide pin is fitted to guide the developer container It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, the guide portion provided in the image forming apparatus, to a developing agent container is locked state, in a state in which the current image roller and the photosensitive drum are separated from each other, the guide pin is fitted developing Guide the drug container . Therefore, when the developer container is inserted and removed, it is possible to prevent the developing roller and the photosensitive drum from undesirably contacting and being damaged. Therefore, the operator can easily displace the developer container so that the developer container is locked, and the operability is improved.

The present invention further wherein the developer accommodating container, in a state of being locked by the locking portion, the projecting portion is formed at a position opposed to said pressing member,
In a state where the developer container is displaced in the disengaging direction from the locked state, the pressing biasing position is biased by a member in the developer container is Ru sites der remaining except for the projecting portion and wherein a call.

According to the present invention, when the biasing position biased by the pressing member in the developer container is a protrusion formed in the developer container , the elastic force is biased in the locking direction. The locked state can be maintained. Also if the biasing position is the site of residual excluding the protruding portions, since the elastic force is released, when the developer accommodating container is displaced in the removal direction, the elastic force is released. Thus the developer accommodating container can be easily displaced in the separating direction. As a result, operability can be improved.

According to the present invention, the operator can perform the release of the locked state and the displacement in the disengagement direction by operating the operation member in a series of operations. Thus, the operator can easily attach and detach the developer container from the image forming apparatus, and convenience is improved. Similarly, the operator, by displacing in the opposite insertion direction and the developer accommodating container separating direction, a series of operations, it is possible to easily mount the developer container into the image forming apparatus .

  According to the present invention, when the developer container is attached or detached, the developing roller can be prevented from being damaged due to contact with the photosensitive drum. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in image forming accuracy caused by damage to the photosensitive drum.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the operator can easily displace the operation member in the unlocking direction, and the operability is improved.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the developing roller and the photosensitive drum from abutting undesirably and being damaged. Therefore, the operator can easily displace the developer container so that the developer container is locked, and the operability is improved.

Further according to the invention, it is possible to displace the developer accommodating container easily removing direction. As a result, operability can be improved.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing a toner cartridge 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the toner cartridge 10. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the toner cartridge 10. The toner cartridge 10 is a developer container and includes a container body 11, an operation member 12, a sub-side plate 13, and a developing roller 14. The container body 11 defines a storage space 11a for storing a developer such as toner used for electrophotographic image formation, and the toner is stored in the storage space 11a.

  The container body 11 is generally formed in a bottomed rectangular tube shape. In the width direction X one end face portion 16 of the container body 11, a plurality of projecting portions 15 projecting in one direction in the width direction X are formed at a distance in the longitudinal direction Z, two in the present embodiment. The projecting portion 15 formed on one side in the longitudinal direction Z is referred to as a first projecting portion 15a, and the projecting portion 15 formed on the other side in the longitudinal direction Z is referred to as a second projecting portion 15b. Each protrusion 15 is substantially trapezoidal when viewed from one side in the height direction Y, and the lower bottom portion 17 is in contact with the one end surface portion 16 in the width direction X. In the present embodiment, the projecting dimension of the first projecting portion 15a is formed to be larger by the dimension value d than the projecting dimension of the second projecting portion 15b.

  A step 18 is formed on the other end surface 19 in the width direction X of the container body 11. The step portion 18 is formed in a shape having a step. The width direction X other end surface part 19 of the container main body 11 is substantially parallel to the first container plane part 20 that is a plane part including the longitudinal direction Z and the height direction Y, and the width direction X. The second container plane part 21 is arranged with a space therebetween, and the third container plane part 22 is a plane part including the height direction Y and the width direction X.

  The 1st container plane part 20 is arrange | positioned in the longitudinal direction Z one side, and the 2nd container plane part 21 is arrange | positioned in the longitudinal direction Z other side. The first container plane part 20 is arranged on one side in the width direction X, and the second container plane part 21 is arranged on the other side in the width direction X. The third container plane part 22 is disposed so as to connect the other end part in the longitudinal direction Z of the first container plane part 20 and one end part in the longitudinal direction Z of the second container plane part 21. Accordingly, the first container flat surface portion 20 and the second container flat surface portion 21 are arranged in the width direction X with an interval of the width dimension in the width direction X of the third container flat surface portion 22. The length dimension of the first container plane part 20 in the longitudinal direction Z is selected to be smaller than the length dimension of the second container plane part 21 in the longitudinal direction Z.

  The container main body 11 is formed with a guide pin 23 that protrudes in one direction in the height direction Y on one end surface portion 25 in the height direction Y, which is one end in the longitudinal direction Z. In the longitudinal direction Z one end face portion 26 of the container main body 11, a plurality of operation pins 24 projecting in the longitudinal direction Z are formed in the present embodiment.

  The operation member 12 is a substantially flat plate-like member, and is provided on the one end surface portion 26 in the longitudinal direction Z of the container body 11 so as to protrude outward in the longitudinal direction Z. The operation member 12 is disposed such that the thickness direction thereof is substantially parallel to the width direction X of the container body 11. The size of the operation member 12 is selected so that the operator can easily hold it.

  The sub-side plate 13 is an auxiliary member and is provided so as to be displaceable with respect to the operation member 12. The sub side plate 13 includes a sub side plate main body 27 and a sub side plate operating piece 28. The sub-side plate main body 27 is a substantially flat plate-like member, and is formed with an operation through hole 29 penetrating in the thickness direction. The operation through hole 29 is formed so that the operation member 12 passes therethrough. Further, the operation through hole 29 is formed in such a size that the operation member 12 can be displaced in the thickness direction in a state where the operation member 12 has penetrated.

  The sub-side plate main body 27 is formed with a plurality of operation holes 30 penetrating in the thickness direction, in the present embodiment. The operation hole 30 is formed so that the aforementioned operation pin 24 can be inserted therethrough. The operation hole 30 is formed in such a size that the container body 11 can be displaced in the width direction X in a state where the operation pin 24 is inserted. The sub-side plate main body 27 is formed with a plurality of through holes in the thickness direction, in the present embodiment, two locking holes 31. The locking hole 49 is inserted into the locking hole 31 when the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40. The locking holes 31 are formed, for example, at both ends in the width direction X of the auxiliary side plate body 27.

  The sub-side plate operation piece 28 is a substantially flat plate-like member, and is formed in the same shape and size as the operation member 12. The sub-side plate operation piece 28 is provided integrally with its one end surface portion 28 a in the longitudinal direction Z abutting on one end surface portion in the thickness direction of the sub-side plate main body 27. The sub-side plate operation piece 28 is arranged so that the thickness direction thereof is substantially parallel to the width direction X of the sub-side plate main body 27.

  The sub-side plate 13 is provided so that the operation member 12 is inserted into the operation through hole 29 and the operation pin 24 is inserted into the operation hole 30. Further, a stop member is provided at the distal end portion of the operation pin 24 so that the auxiliary side plate 13 is not displaced in the longitudinal direction Z of the container body 11 in a state where the auxiliary side plate 13 is provided on the operation member 12 and the container body 11. It is done.

  The developing roller 14 is capable of sending the toner contained in the container body 11 to the photosensitive drum 41 included in the image forming apparatus 40 and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 41. A visual image. The developing roller 14 is provided at the other end in the width direction X of the container body 11 along the axis Z of the developing body 14 along the longitudinal direction Z of the container body 11.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 40 where the toner cartridge 10 is mounted. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the toner cartridge 10 of the image forming apparatus 40 mounted thereon. FIG. 6 is an enlarged rear view showing the vicinity of the toner cartridge 10 of the image forming apparatus 40.

  The image forming apparatus 40 forms an image on transfer paper using an electrophotographic system. The image forming apparatus 40 includes an exposure scanning unit and a photosensitive drum 41. The exposure scanning unit irradiates the photosensitive drum 41 with laser light based on the given image information, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 41. The photosensitive drum 41 is provided along the axis of the developing roller 14. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 41 is developed by the developing roller 14 described above. Accordingly, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41.

  In the image forming apparatus 40, a container accommodating space 40a in which the toner cartridge 10 is accommodated is defined. The toner cartridge 10 is detachably mounted in a container housing space 40a defined in the image forming apparatus 40. The operator detaches the toner cartridge 10 whose toner remaining amount is low from the image forming apparatus 40 and installs a new toner cartridge 10 in which the toner is sufficiently stored in the container body 11. Thus, the operator can replace the toner cartridge 10 and replenish the toner. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 41 is transferred to the transfer paper surface. The transfer paper to which the toner image has been transferred is pressurized at a high temperature, and the toner is fixed to the transfer paper.

  The image forming apparatus 40 further includes a locking part 42, a pressing member 43, and a guide part 44. The locking portion 42 locks a part of the container main body 11 in a state where the toner cartridge 10 is mounted, and restricts the toner cartridge 10 from detaching in the separating direction, in other words, the longitudinal direction Z. To do. The locking part 42 locks the stepped part 18 formed in the container body.

  The locking portion 42 is formed in a shape having a step. The locking portion 42 is substantially parallel to the first plane portion 45, which is a plane portion including the longitudinal direction Z and the height direction Y, and is spaced in the locking direction, in other words, the width direction X. The second flat part 46 is disposed with a gap between the second flat part 46 and the third flat part 47 which is a flat part including the height direction Y and the locking direction. The 1st plane part 45 is arrange | positioned at the longitudinal direction Z one side, and the 2nd plane part 46 is arrange | positioned at the longitudinal direction Z other side. Moreover, the 1st plane part 45 is arrange | positioned in the latching direction, and the 2nd plane part 46 is arrange | positioned in the latch release direction, in other words, the width direction X one side. The third plane part 47 is arranged so as to connect the other end part in the longitudinal direction Z of the first plane part 45 and one end part in the longitudinal direction Z of the second plane part 46. Therefore, the first flat surface portion 45 and the second flat surface portion 46 are arranged in the locking direction with a gap in the width dimension in the locking direction of the third flat surface portion 47.

  The pressing member 43 is an urging unit that urges the container main body 11 with a resilient force in a locking direction that intersects the detachment direction, and maintains the state in which the container main body 11 is locked. A plurality of pressing members 43, two in the present embodiment, are provided at intervals in the separation direction. The pressing member 43 that urges the first projecting portion 15a with a resilient force is referred to as a first pressing member 43a, and the pressing member 43 that urges the second projecting portion 15b with a resilient force is referred to as a second pressing member 43b. The pressing member 43 is realized by a compression coil spring or the like, and in a state in which the toner cartridge 10 is mounted, the pressing direction is fixed to the width direction X one end face portion 16 of the container body 11, in other words, the width direction X of the container body 11. Energize the spring force, which is an elastic force.

  The pressing member 43 is arranged so that the urging position urged by the pressing member 43 is the protruding portion 15 formed in the container body 11 at least in the locked state. Since the projecting dimension of the first projecting part 15a is larger than the projecting dimension of the second projecting part 15b, the first pressing member 43a is disposed closer to the one side in the width direction X than the second pressing member 43b. Thus, in the locked state, each projecting portion 15 is urged by the same elastic force from each pressing member 43. When the urging position is the protruding portion 15, the pressing member 43 urges the protruding portion 15 with a resilient force and maintains the locked state. Further, the pressing member 43 is configured so that the elastic force is released when the urging position is the remaining portion of the container main body 11 excluding the protruding portion 15. For example, in a natural state, the pressing member 43 is configured not to come into contact with the remaining portion other than the protruding portion 15. The pressing member 43 is configured to be compressed by the protruding portion 15 when the urging position is the protruding portion 15, for example.

  The guide unit 44 guides the toner cartridge 10 to be inserted and removed. The guide unit 44 guides the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 41 in a separated state until the toner cartridge 10 is locked. The guide portion 44 is realized by a concave portion that is concave in one direction in the height direction Y. In the state where the guide unit 44 is guiding the toner cartridge 10, the guide pin 23 formed on the container body 11 is fitted. The guide unit 44 guides the guide pin 23 so that the toner cartridge 10 is locked. The shape of the guide portion 44 extends substantially parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 41, and the width dimension thereof is selected so as to restrict the displacement of the guide pin 23 in the width direction X. The guide portion 44 is formed such that, at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction Z, the width dimension thereof is released from the restriction of the displacement of the guide pin 23 in the other width direction X direction. The guide portion 44 has an inclined surface at the other end in the longitudinal direction Z so that the guide pin 23 can be easily guided to the other in the width direction X. Thereby, the guide pin 23 can be smoothly guided in the removal direction and the insertion direction.

  In the image forming apparatus 40, a locking pin 49 is formed on the one end surface portion 48 in the longitudinal direction Z of the image forming apparatus 40 so as to project in one direction in the longitudinal direction Z. The locking pin 49 is an auxiliary locking portion 42 that locks the sub-side plate 13 in a state where the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40, and the sub-side plate 13 is against the image forming apparatus 40. Prevents displacement in the locking and unlocking directions. The locking pin 49 is inserted into the locking hole 31 formed in the secondary side plate body 27 and restricts the displacement of the secondary side plate body 27 with respect to the image forming apparatus 40.

  FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state in which the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40. FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a state in which the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40. In a state in which the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40, the locking portion 42 is displaced in the separation direction in which the stepped portion 18 that is a part of the container main body 11 is locked and the developer container is separated. The pressing member 43 urges the projecting portion 15 with a resilient force and maintains the locked state. In the locked state, the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 41 are in contact with each other. Since the developing roller 14 provided in the container main body 11 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 41, the displacement of the container main body 11 in the locking direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 40 is restricted. In the locked state, the third flat surface portion 47 of the locking portion 42, the container main body 11 and the third container flat surface portion 22 come into contact with each other, and the displacement of the container main body 11 with respect to the image forming apparatus 40 is restricted. Is done.

  The guide pin 23 is guided by the guide portion 44 and disposed at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction Z of the guide portion 44. As described above, the guide portion 44 is formed such that, at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction Z, the width dimension thereof is released from the restriction of the displacement of the guide pin 23 in the other width direction X direction. Thus, when the guide pin 23 is guided to the other end in the longitudinal direction Z, the guide pin is displaced from the unlocked state to the other in the width direction X, and the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 41 come into contact with each other. It becomes a state.

  The pressing member 43 abuts against the upper bottom portion of the protruding portion 15 at the pressing position, and urges the elastic force in the locking direction. The sub-side plate 13 is restricted from being displaced with respect to the image forming apparatus 40 by inserting a locking pin 49 into the locking hole 31 of the sub-side plate main body 27. The locking portion 42 restricts that the container body 11 is partially fitted and the container body 11, in other words, the cartridge is displaced in the detaching direction.

  FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a state in which the container body 11 is displaced in the unlocking direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 40. 11 is an enlarged rear view showing the vicinity of the engaging portion 42 in FIG. The operator operates the operation member 12 to move the container body 11 in the locking release direction B from the locking state indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 11 against the elastic force of the pressing member 43. To release the locking state of the locking portion 42. Since the operation member 12 is integrally formed with the container main body 11, the container main body 11 can be displaced in the width direction X by displacing the operation member 12 in the width direction X which is the unlocking direction. . The locking portion 42 restricts displacement of the container body 11 in the separating direction relative to the image forming apparatus 40, in other words, in the longitudinal direction Z, but does not restrict displacement in the width direction X. In the locked state, the container body 11 can be displaced in the width direction X against the elastic force of the pressing member 43.

  Further, when the sub-side plate 13 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40, the displacement in the width direction X is restricted with respect to the image forming apparatus 40. Therefore, the operator can be in the unlocked state by displacing the operation member 12 in the width direction X with respect to the sub-side plate operation piece 28. By operating the operation member 12 in this way to the unlocked state, the toner cartridge 10 can be displaced in the direction of detachment from the image forming apparatus 40.

  The dimension in the width direction X of the region where the third flat surface portion 47 of the image forming apparatus 40 and the third container flat surface portion 22 of the container main body 11 are in contact with each other is operated in one direction of the width direction X of the operation member 12. It is set smaller than the dimension to be displaced. As a result, the operating member 12 can be displaced in one direction in the width direction X, so that the operation member 12 can be surely separated from the contact state between the third flat surface portion 47 and the third container flat surface portion 22 and unlocked. can do.

  The pressing member 43 is configured to be displaceable further in the width direction X from the state in which the protruding portion 15 is pressed. The pressing member 43 is configured to be displaceable over the dimension in the width direction X of the region where the third flat surface portion 47 and the third container flat surface portion 22 are in contact with each other in the locked state. As a result, the operator can enter a separated state that is separated from the contact state between the third flat surface portion 47 and the third container flat surface portion 22 against the elastic force of the pressing member 43. It can be canceled.

  Further, the third flat surface portion 47 constituting the locking portion 42 and the third container flat surface portion 22 constituting the stepped portion 18 are arranged at one end portion in the longitudinal direction Z. Accordingly, a locking portion 42 that locks the separation direction of the container main body 11 and the image forming apparatus 40 is formed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction Z of the image forming apparatus 40. Therefore, since the operation member 12 and the engaging portion 42 are close to each other, when the operation member 12 is displaced in one direction in the width direction X, a distance substantially equal to the distance from which the operation member 12 is displaced is also near the engagement portion. Since it is displaced, it can be easily disengaged.

  12 is a rear view showing a state in which the container main body 11 is displaced from the locking state shown in FIG. 13 is an enlarged rear view showing the vicinity of the engaging portion 42 in FIG. Since the container main body 11 is released from the locked state as indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 13, the container main body 11 can be displaced in the detaching direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 40.

  The guide pin 23 formed on the container body 11 is guided in the separation direction C by the guide portion 44. The auxiliary side plate 13 is displaced in the width direction X with respect to the image forming apparatus 40 by the locking pin 49 of the image forming apparatus 40, but is displaceable in the detaching direction. As a result, the locking pin 49 is separated from the locking hole 31 of the auxiliary side plate 13.

  When the container main body 11 is displaced from the locked state in the disengagement direction, the pressing member 43 becomes a remaining part of the container main body 11 excluding the protruding portion 15. Accordingly, the elastic force from the pressing member 43 is released, so that the container body 11 can be smoothly displaced in the detaching direction.

  Further, when the toner cartridge 10 is displaced in the detaching direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 40, the urging position of the first pressing member 43a becomes the second protruding portion 15b. Since the projecting dimension of the second projecting part 15b is smaller than the projecting dimension of the first projecting part 15a, the first pressing member 43a should not contact the second projecting part 15b, in other words, the first pressing member 43a. In the case where the second projecting portion 15b is in the urging position, the elastic force is released. Therefore, the operator can smoothly displace in the disengagement direction in the locked state.

  Moreover, since each protrusion part 15 is formed in trapezoid shape, the both end surface parts of the longitudinal direction Z of each protrusion part 15 incline with respect to the direction to displace. Thus, when the container main body 11 is displaced in the detaching direction and the inserting direction, the load applied to the pressing member 43 by the both end surface portions in the longitudinal direction Z of each protruding portion 15 can be reduced and displaced. Therefore, the operator can easily attach and detach.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in a state where the toner cartridge 10 is mounted, the container main body 11 is restricted from being displaced in the separation direction, and the elastic force is applied to the container main body 11 in the locking direction. The state where the container body 11 is locked is maintained. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 10 is mounted, the container main body 11 can be prevented from being easily displaced in the separation direction and the locking direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 40.

  The operator operates the operation member 12 to displace the container body 11 with respect to the image forming apparatus 40 in the unlocking direction against the elastic force generated by the pressing member 43, thereby engaging the locking portion 42. Release the stop state. When the locked state is released, the container main body 11 can be displaced in the detaching direction, so that the toner cartridge 10 can be detached from the image forming apparatus 40. Further, the operator can perform the release of the locked state and the displacement in the disengagement direction by operating the operation member 12 in a series of operations. Thus, the operator can easily attach and detach the toner cartridge 10 from the image forming apparatus 40, and convenience is improved. Similarly, the operator can easily mount the toner cartridge 10 on the image forming apparatus 40 by a series of operations by displacing the container body 11 in the insertion direction opposite to the removal direction.

  The lever used for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 10 shown in the above-described prior art is not necessary in the image forming apparatus 40 in which the toner cartridge 10 of the present invention is mounted. Therefore, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 40 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, in the locked state, the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 41 are in contact with each other, so that toner can be supplied from the developing roller 14 onto the photosensitive drum 41, and The electrostatic latent image can be developed. In the unlocked state, since the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 41 are separated from each other, the toner cartridge 10 is detached from the image forming apparatus 40 without contacting the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 41. Can be displaced in the direction. As a result, when the toner cartridge 10 is attached or detached, the developing roller 14 can be prevented from being damaged due to contact with the photosensitive drum 41.

  In the present embodiment, the sub-side plate 13 is locked by the locking pin 49 provided in the image forming apparatus 40 in a state where the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40. Therefore, the operation member 12 can be displaced with respect to the sub-side plate 13 in a state where the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40. As a result, the operator can easily displace the operation member 12 in the unlocking direction, and the operability is improved.

  The operator only needs to grasp the operation member 12 and the sub-side plate operation piece 28 of the toner cartridge 10 and insert them into the container housing space of the toner cartridge 10 in the insertion direction, which is very simple. Further, when the toner cartridge 10 is detached from the image forming apparatus 40, the operator only has to hold the operation member 12 of the toner cartridge 10 and the sub-side plate operation piece 28 and pull out in the direction of separation. It is simple.

  In the present embodiment, the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 41 are guided in a separated state by the guide unit 44 until the locked state. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 10 is inserted and removed, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 41 from undesirably contacting and being damaged. Therefore, the operator can easily displace the toner cartridge 10 so that the toner cartridge 10 is locked, and the operability is improved.

  In the present embodiment, when the urging position is the protruding portion 15, the elastic force is urged in the locking direction, so that the locked state can be maintained. Further, when the urging position is the remaining portion excluding the projecting portion 15, the elastic force is released. Therefore, when the container body 11 is displaced in the detaching direction, the elastic force is released. Therefore, the container body 11 can be easily displaced in the detachment direction. As a result, operability can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 40 can mount the toner cartridge 10 that achieves the above-described operation in a detachable manner.

1 is a front view illustrating a toner cartridge 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a plan view showing the toner cartridge 10. FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the toner cartridge 10. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of the toner cartridge 10 of the image forming apparatus 40 mounted. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the toner cartridge 10 of the image forming apparatus 40 mounted. 3 is an enlarged rear view showing the vicinity of the toner cartridge 10 of the image forming apparatus 40. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state where the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state where the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40. FIG. 4 is a rear view illustrating a state in which the toner cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 40. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a state in which the container main body 11 is displaced in the unlocking direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 40. FIG. 11 is an enlarged rear view showing the vicinity of the engaging portion 42 in FIG. FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a state in which the container body 11 is displaced in the disengagement direction C from the locked state shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the image forming apparatus 40. It is a rear view which expands and shows the engaging part 42 vicinity of FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the toner cartridge 1 and a part of the image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the toner cartridge 1 and a part of the image forming apparatus 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state in which the elastic force applied to the toner cartridge is released. FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a state in which a resilient force applied to the toner cartridge is released.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Toner cartridge 11 Container main body 12 Operation member 13 Sub side plate 14 Developing roller 15 Protrusion part 18 Step part 23 Guide pin 24 Operation pin 40 Image forming apparatus 41 Photosensitive drum 42 Locking part 43 Pressing member 44 Guide part 49 Locking pin

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus in which a developer container is detachably mounted ,
In a state where the current image storage container is mounted, and a locking portion for restricting that engages a portion of the developer accommodating container, displaced in the separating direction in which the developer container is detached,
The locking direction crossing the removing direction, and urges the elastic force to the developer accommodating container, and a biasing means comprising a pressing member for maintaining a state where the developer accommodating container is locked ,
An operation member is formed in the developer container.
Said developer accommodating container, by which the operating member is displacement of the opposite unlocking direction to the locking direction, against the spring force by the biasing means, with the locking release direction while being displaced, by the operating member is displaced in the disengaging direction, the image forming apparatus characterized by configured to be detached from the image forming apparatus. Further comprising a sensing light drum,
Wherein the developer container, a developing roller is further provided for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum,
In a state where the developer container is locked by the locking portion , the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are in contact with each other ,
The developer container formed by said operating member is displaced in the unlocking direction, in the state where the developer container is unlocked, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are separated The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. In a state where the developer storage container is mounted, a locking pin for assisting the locking of the developer storage container is provided,
The developer container is a sub-side plate that is displaceable in the locking direction or the unlocking direction with respect to the operation member, the operation through hole through which the operation member passes, and the operation member. A secondary side plate having a parallel side plate operation piece and a locking hole is further provided,
In a state where the developer container is locked by the locking portion, the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole, and the auxiliary side plate is locked in the locking direction and the locking direction with respect to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the displacement in the release direction is restricted . Includes a guide portion for guiding the developer container so as to inserted and disengaged,
The developer container is formed with a guide pin that fits into the guide portion,
The guide portion until said developer container is locked state, the state where the photosensitive drum and the developing roller is separated, that the guide pin is fitted to guide the developer container The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus . Wherein the developer container and the container, in a state of being locked by the locking portion, the projecting portion is formed at a position opposed to said pressing member,
In a state where the developer container is displaced in the disengaging direction from the locked state, the pressing biasing position is biased by a member in the developer container is Ru sites der remaining except for the projecting portion the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the arc.

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