JP4433471B2 - Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof, and a developing device and a process cartridge installed therein, and in particular, a developer container for presetting a developer. The present invention relates to a developing device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers, a developing device that contains a two-component developer (including a case where an external additive or the like is added) composed of a toner and a magnetic carrier is often used. .
In such a two-component developing type developing device, a technique is known in which the developer is supplied to the developing roller while circulating the developer in the longitudinal direction of the developing device by two conveying screws for the purpose of downsizing the device. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Specifically, a developing roller, two transport screws, a doctor blade, and the like are disposed in the main part of the developing device.
Then, according to the toner consumption in the main part of the developing device, the toner is appropriately supplied into the main part from the toner supply port provided at one end of the developing device. The replenished toner is mixed with the developer in the main part of the developing device while being circulated in the longitudinal direction (the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the developing roller) in the main part of the device by two conveying screws. The A part of the mixed developer is carried on a developing roller facing one conveying screw. After the developer carried on the developing roller is regulated to an appropriate amount by a doctor blade, the toner in the developer adheres to the latent image on the photosensitive drum at a position facing the photosensitive drum (image carrier). .

  In such a biaxial agitation type developing device equipped with a conveying screw, the developer is positively conveyed in the longitudinal direction of the main part of the apparatus, so that the developer is offset in a part in the longitudinal direction. Defects are less likely to occur. Thereby, the toner replenishing port can be provided at one end in the longitudinal direction, instead of being provided in the entire region in the longitudinal direction. Further, the transport screw does not require much installation space in the short direction (the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). Therefore, the developing device and the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, etc., in order to improve workability when setting the developer in the developing device (or process cartridge) at the time of arrival, a developer accommodating portion (initial carrier accommodating portion) in which the developer is encapsulated in advance. , A developer cartridge, and a preset case) are disclosed in one piece.

Specifically, main members such as a developer carrying member (developing sleeve) and a doctor are disposed in the main part (developer housing chamber) of the developing device. Then, the developing process by the developing device is performed by the developer accommodated in the main part of the device.
Here, when the developer is previously set (preset) in the main part of the developing device at the time of shipment from the factory, the opening of the developing device (the developer carrier is arranged due to vibrations, etc. that occur during transportation until it is loaded). The developer may leak from the image bearing member provided) or the like. For this purpose, in Patent Document 2 and the like, a developer accommodating portion (initial carrier accommodating portion) in which a developer is enclosed (preset) in advance is provided above the main part of the apparatus.

  The developer sealed in the developer container is supplied to the main part of the developing device at the time of arrival. Specifically, at the time of arrival, a sealing member (partition plate) that seals an opening provided in the upper part of the main part of the apparatus (which communicates with the developer container through this opening) is taken out, and the developer is removed. The developer sealed in the storage unit is supplied to the main part of the apparatus. Then, the developer is accommodated in the empty apparatus main part, and a desired developing process is performed in the developing apparatus.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 3 and the like are for the purpose of visually confirming the remaining amount, color, deterioration state, and the like of toner stored in a toner bottle (toner storage unit) attached to a developing device (developer). A technique for providing a toner bottle with a window (transparent window) is disclosed.

JP 2000-194194 A JP 2003-57935 A JP-A-6-258911

  The conventional developing device has insufficient operability when supplying the developer contained in the developer containing portion to the main portion of the device.

  First, when performing the operation of supplying the developer in the preset developer container to the main part of the developing device, the user unfamiliar with the operation is sure to remove the sealing member and ensure that the developer container is opened. There were many times when I was worried about whether I was released.

  In addition, in order to confirm the operation of the developing device before shipment from the factory (supplying the developer to the main part of the device and confirming the operation of the developing device alone), the operator installs the developer container. In many cases, the flow of the developer in the main part of the apparatus was confirmed in the removed state. In particular, in a biaxial agitation type developing device, it is confirmed whether the developer flows in the longitudinal direction with certainty (particularly, whether there is a stagnation of the developer at the position of the second conveying screw). ) Often. In such a case, in order to prevent the developer from being scattered from the opening of the main part of the apparatus (the opening communicating with the developer container), the working environment is deteriorated. ) Was installed in the opening to check the operation, and the work efficiency was not good.

  Secondly, when the sealing member is taken out and the opening of the developer accommodating portion is opened (at the time of supplying the developer), a sealing material (foamed polyurethane) installed between the developer accommodating portion and the apparatus main portion. Etc.) may be damaged. This is because when the sealing member is taken out, a sharp peeling mark is formed on the sealing surface of the sealing member that has been adhered to the housing of the developer accommodating portion around the opening. The above-described sealing material is in close contact with both surfaces (a sealing surface and a non-sealing surface) of the sealing member that is pulled out in a predetermined direction, and the developer is discharged from the gap between the developer accommodating portion and the apparatus main portion. It is intended to prevent leakage. However, the sealing material may be damaged by sharp peeling marks formed on the sealing surface of the sealing member, and the developer may leak from the damaged portion. In such a case, the user who supplies the developer may feel uncomfortable, or the developer and toner may be scattered outside the developing device in the subsequent developing process, and the image forming apparatus main body may be It will be contaminated.

Such a problem is not limited to a biaxial agitation type developing device, but is common to other agitation type developing devices.
On the other hand, the technique described in Patent Document 3 described above is intended to visually check the remaining amount, color, deterioration state, and the like of the toner contained in the toner bottle. It does not solve.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has a high operability when supplying the developer contained in the developer containing portion to the main part of the device. Another object is to provide an image forming apparatus.

A developing device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a developing device for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier, and a developer comprising toner and a carrier for developing the latent image. And a main part of the apparatus in which a developer carrying member carrying the developer is disposed at a position facing the image carrying member, and a state in which no developer is contained before the start of use. A developer containing a toner and a carrier to be supplied to the main part of the apparatus, and a developer containing part communicating with the main part of the apparatus through an opening at a position above the main part of the apparatus; A sealing member that seals the opening and opens the opening when supplying the developer contained in the developer accommodating portion to the apparatus main portion. The developer facing the developer carrying member and the developer A first conveying member that conveys the developer in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the holder, and the first conveying member that opposes the first conveying member via a partition member and is opposite to the conveying direction of the first conveying member A second conveying member that conveys the developer to form a circulation path of the developer together with the first conveying member, and is disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the second conveying member and above the second conveying member. A toner replenishing port provided separately from the opening for replenishing toner in the apparatus main part as the toner in the apparatus main part is consumed, and the developer containing part contains the developer containing part A window for visually observing the inside of the main part of the apparatus after the developer contained in the section is supplied through the opening, and the window and the opening are arranged above the second conveying member. And the longitudinal direction of the second conveying member The sealing member is folded back from one end of the sticking portion and a sticking portion that is thermally welded to the surface of the casing around the opening of the developer containing portion. A sheet-like sealing member is provided that includes a non-sticking portion that extends to the outside of the device and is not stuck to the developer accommodating portion and the device main portion .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the developing device according to the first aspect, wherein the window portion is formed on an upper surface of the lower surface of the housing of the developer accommodating portion in which the opening is formed. It is a thing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the developing device according to the second aspect, wherein the window is formed immediately above the opening.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the developing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the developer containing portion is disposed over the entire upper surface relative to the lower surface where the opening is formed. A housing in which a second opening is formed and a sheet-like member that seals the second opening, and the window portion is the sheet-like member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the developing device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the sheet-like member is made of any one of polyethylene, stretched polypropylene, and stretched nylon.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the developing device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the toner concentration detection for detecting the toner concentration of the developer contained in the main part of the device. The means is disposed below the opening.

A developing device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the developing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the main part of the apparatus is in close contact with the sealing member when the opening is opened. And a sealant that seals the gap between the developer container and the sealant, and the sealant contacts only the non-sealing surface of the sealing member that seals the opening.

The developing device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the developing device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the developer accommodating portion is connected to the main portion of the device together with the sealing member. It is configured to be detachable.

A process cartridge according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a process cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the developing device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. And the image carrier.

An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the invention includes the developing device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects and the image carrier.

  In the present application, the “process cartridge” refers to a charging unit that charges the image carrier, a developing device (developing unit) that develops a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a cleaning on the image carrier. At least one of the cleaning units and the image carrier are integrated and defined as a unit configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention provides a developing device, a process cartridge, and a operability when supplying the developer contained in the developer containing portion to the main part of the apparatus without adding a complicated configuration to the developer containing portion. An image forming apparatus can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
First, the configuration and operation of the entire image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 1, 1 is an apparatus main body of a color copying machine as an image forming apparatus, 2 is a writing section (exposure section) that emits laser light based on input image information, and 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK are colors (yellow, magenta). , Cyan, and black), 21 is a photosensitive drum as an image carrier accommodated in each of the process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK, 22 is a charging unit that charges the photosensitive drum 21, Reference numerals 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23BK denote developing devices (developing units) that develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 21, and 24 denotes a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 to the intermediate transfer belt 27. A transfer bias roller 25 for transferring represents a cleaning unit for collecting untransferred toner on the photosensitive drum 21.

  In addition, 27 is an intermediate transfer belt on which toner images of a plurality of colors are transferred in an overlapping manner, 28 is a second transfer bias roller for transferring the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the recording medium P, and 29 is an intermediate transfer belt. 27 is an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit that collects untransferred toner, 30 is a conveyance belt that conveys a recording medium P on which a four-color toner image is transferred, and 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32BK are developing devices 23Y and 23M. , 23C and 23BK, a toner replenishing unit for replenishing each color toner, 51 a document conveying unit for conveying the document D to the document reading unit 55, 55 for a document reading unit (scanner) for reading image information of the document D, and 61 for transferring A paper feed unit 66 for storing a recording medium P such as paper, and a fixing unit 66 for fixing an unfixed image on the recording medium P are shown.

Here, in each of the process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK, the photosensitive drum 21, the charging unit 22, and the cleaning unit 25 are integrated. The process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK are exchanged with respect to the apparatus main body 1 in a predetermined exchange cycle. Similarly, the developing devices 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23BK are also replaced with the image forming apparatus main body 1 in a predetermined replacement cycle.
Image formation of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) is performed on the photosensitive drum 21 in each of the process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK.

Hereinafter, an operation during normal color image formation in the image forming apparatus will be described.
First, the document D is transported from the document table in the direction of the arrow in the drawing by the transport roller of the document transport unit 51 and placed on the contact glass 53 of the document reading unit 55. Then, the document reading unit 55 optically reads the image information of the document D placed on the contact glass 53.

  Specifically, the document reading unit 55 scans the image of the document D on the contact glass 53 while irradiating light emitted from the illumination lamp. Then, the light reflected by the document D is imaged on the color sensor via the mirror group and the lens. The color image information of the document D is read for each RGB (red, green, blue) color separation light by the color sensor, and then converted into an electrical image signal. Further, an image processing unit (not shown) performs color conversion processing, color correction processing, spatial frequency correction processing, and the like on the basis of RGB color separation image signals, so that yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are processed. Get color image information.

  Then, the image information of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is transmitted to the writing unit 2. Then, laser light (exposure light) based on the image information of each color is emitted from the writing unit 2 toward the photosensitive drums 21 of the corresponding process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK.

On the other hand, the four photosensitive drums 21 rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged at a position facing the charging unit 22 (a charging process). Thus, a charged potential is formed on the photosensitive drum 21. Thereafter, the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 21 reaches the irradiation position of each laser beam.
In the writing unit 2, laser light corresponding to the image signal is emitted from the light source corresponding to each color. The laser light is incident on the polygon mirror 3 and reflected, and then passes through the lenses 4 and 5. The laser light after passing through the lenses 4 and 5 passes through different optical paths for each of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color components (this is an exposure process).

  The laser beam corresponding to the yellow component is reflected by the mirrors 6 to 8 and then irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 of the first process cartridge 20Y from the left side of the drawing. At this time, the yellow component laser light is scanned in the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 21 by the polygon mirror 3 that rotates at high speed. Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow component is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 charged by the charging unit 22.

  Similarly, the laser beam corresponding to the magenta component is reflected by the mirrors 9 to 11 and then irradiated to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 of the second process cartridge 20M from the left side of the paper, thereby causing an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the magenta component. An image is formed. The cyan component laser light is reflected by the mirrors 12 to 14 and then irradiated to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 of the third process cartridge 20C from the left side of the drawing to form a cyan component electrostatic latent image. The black component laser light is reflected by the mirror 15 and then irradiated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 of the fourth process cartridge 20BK from the left side of the paper, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of black component.

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 on which the electrostatic latent images of the respective colors are formed reaches positions facing the developing devices 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23BK, respectively. Then, the respective color toners are supplied from the developing devices 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23BK onto the photosensitive drum 21, and the latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 is developed (this is a developing step).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the development process reaches the position facing the intermediate transfer belt 27 after passing the position facing the photosensor 41 (see FIG. 2). Here, the transfer bias roller 24 is installed at each facing position so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 27. Then, at the position of the transfer bias roller 24, the images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 21 are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 (first transfer step).

Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the first transfer process reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 25. The untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 is collected by the cleaning unit 25 (this is a cleaning process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 passes through a static elimination unit (not shown), and a series of image forming processes on the photosensitive drum 21 is completed.

On the other hand, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 27 on which the images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drum 21 are transferred in an overlapping manner travels in the direction of the arrow in the drawing and reaches the position of the second transfer bias roller 28. Then, the full-color image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is secondarily transferred onto the recording medium P at the position of the second transfer bias roller 28 (second transfer step).
Thereafter, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 27 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 29. Then, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 29, and a series of transfer processes on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is completed.

Here, the recording medium P at the position of the second transfer bias roller 28 is transported from the paper feeding unit 61 via the transport guide 63, the registration roller 64, and the like.
Specifically, the transfer paper P fed by the paper feed roller 62 from the paper feed unit 61 that stores the recording medium P passes through the conveyance guide 63 and is guided to the registration roller 64. The recording medium P that has reached the registration roller 64 is conveyed toward the position of the second transfer bias roller 28 in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27.

Thereafter, the recording medium P on which the full-color image is transferred is guided to the fixing unit 66 by the conveyance belt 30. In the fixing unit 66, the color image is fixed on the recording medium P at the nip between the heating roller 67 and the pressure roller 68.
Then, the recording medium P after the fixing process is discharged as an output image outside the apparatus main body 1 by the paper discharge roller 69, and a series of image forming processes is completed.

Next, the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the image forming unit, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) showing the developing device.
The four image forming units installed in the apparatus main body 1 have substantially the same structure except that the color of the toner T used in the image forming process is different. Therefore, the alphabet of reference numerals in the process cartridge, the developing device, and the toner supply unit (Y, M, C, BK) is omitted for illustration.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 20 mainly contains a photosensitive drum 21 as an image carrier, a charging unit 22, and a cleaning unit 25 integrally in a case 26. The cleaning unit 25 is provided with a cleaning blade 25 a and a cleaning roller 25 b that are in contact with the photosensitive drum 21.

The apparatus main part 23h of the developing device 23 mainly includes a developing roller 23a as a developer carrying member facing the photosensitive drum 21, a first conveying screw 23b as a first conveying member facing the developing roller 23a, and a partition. A second conveying screw 23c as a second conveying member facing the first conveying screw 23b via the member 23e and a doctor blade 23d facing the developing roller 23a are configured. Referring to FIG. 3, the developing roller 23a includes a magnet 23a1 that is fixed inside and forms a magnetic pole on the peripheral surface of the roller, and a sleeve 23a2 that rotates around the magnet 23a1.
A two-component developer G composed of carrier C and toner T is accommodated in the main part 23 h of the developing device 23.

The above-described image forming process will be described in more detail with a focus on the developing process.
The developing roller 23a rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the developer G in the apparatus main portion 23 h of the developing device 23 is in the direction of the arrows of the first conveyance screw 23 b and the second conveyance screw 23 c that are arranged so that the partition member 23 e is interposed therebetween. Is rotated in the longitudinal direction while being agitated and mixed with the toner T supplied from the toner replenishing portion 32 through the toner replenishing port 23f (circulation in the direction of the broken line arrow in FIG. 3). The first conveying screw 23b as the first conveying member conveys the developer G to the left side in FIG. 3, and the second conveying screw 23c as the second conveying member conveys the developer G to the left side in FIG. It is conveyed in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the conveying screw 23b.

  Then, the toner T that is frictionally charged and adsorbed on the carrier C is carried on the developing roller 23 a together with the carrier C. The developer G carried on the developing roller 23a then reaches the position of the doctor blade 23d. The developer G on the developing roller 23a is adjusted to an appropriate amount at the position of the doctor blade 23d, and then reaches a position facing the photosensitive drum 21 (developing area).

  Thereafter, in the development area, the toner T in the developer G adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Specifically, the toner T is latently exposed by the electric field formed by the potential difference (development potential) between the latent image potential (exposure potential) of the image area irradiated with the laser light L and the development bias applied to the development roller 23a. Adhere to the image.

  Thereafter, most of the toner T adhering to the photosensitive drum 21 in the developing process is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27. The untransferred toner T remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 is collected in the cleaning unit 25 by the cleaning blade 25a and the cleaning roller 25b.

  Here, the toner replenishing unit 32 provided in the apparatus main body 1 includes a toner bottle 33 configured to be replaceable, and a toner hopper that holds and rotates the toner bottle 33 and replenishes the developing device main unit 23h with fresh toner T. Part 34. The toner bottle 33 contains toner T (any one of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black). In addition, a spiral protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the toner bottle 33.

  The toner T in the toner bottle 33 is appropriately supplied from the toner supply port 23f into the apparatus main part 23h as the toner T in the apparatus main part 23h is consumed. The toner T in the apparatus main part 23h is consumed by a reflection type photosensor 41 facing the photosensitive drum 21 and a magnetic sensor 40 (toner density detection means) installed below the second conveying screw 23c of the developing device 23. And indirectly or directly. Further, the toner replenishing port 23f is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the second transport screw 23c (the left-right direction in FIG. 3) and above the second transport screw 23c.

Hereinafter, the developer container 43 (developer cartridge) characteristic of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing device 23 before the start of use. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an AA cross section in the developing device 23 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing device 23 after starting use (after supplying the developer).
2 is a cross-sectional view of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing device 23. The positions of the cross sections of FIGS. 4, 6, and 2 can refer to the positions of the openings 23g and 43a and the toner replenishing port 23f in FIG. .

Referring to FIG. 4, the developing device 23 is integrally provided with the device main portion 23 h and the developer accommodating portion 43 described above. The apparatus main portion 23h and the developer accommodating portion 43 communicate with each other through both openings 23g and 43a.
The opening 43a of the developer accommodating portion 43 (opening 23g of the apparatus main portion 23h) is provided above the second conveying screw 23c and in the central portion in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 3).

  The developer accommodating portion 43 installed in the developing device 23 before the start of use (before arrival) has a seal member 45 (heat seal) as a sealing member covering the opening 43a. Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the seal member 45 is formed in a sheet shape (film shape), and the sealing surface 45 a 1 of the sticking portion 45 a is a housing around the opening 43 a of the developer accommodating portion 43. It is heat welded to the body surface. The seal member 45 includes a non-sticking part 45 b that extends from one end of the sticking part 45 a that is stuck to the developer accommodating part 43 at the position of the folding part 45 c. The non-sticking portion 45b of the seal member 45 is not stuck to the developer accommodating portion 43 or the device main portion 23h, and the other end (the side opposite to the folded portion 45c) is the developing device 23. A grip 45d is formed extending to the outside.

  A seal material 47 made of foamed polyurethane or the like is attached to the gripping portion 45 d side of the seal member 45 and on the developer accommodating portion 43 side between the apparatus main portion 23 h and the developer accommodating portion 43. In the first embodiment, no sealing material is provided on the apparatus main portion 23 h side between the apparatus main portion 23 h and the developer accommodating portion 43. That is, the sealing material 47 is disposed so as to be in close contact with the non-sealing surface 45a2 side of the sticking portion 45a, not the sealing surface 45a1 side of the sticking portion 45a.

  By pulling the grip portion 45d of the seal member 45 configured in this way in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5 (the pull-out direction), the sticking portion 45a is gradually peeled from the folded portion 45c side, Eventually, the entire areas of the openings 43a and 23g are opened (the developer accommodating portion 43 and the apparatus main portion 23h communicate with each other). At this time, the surface of the seal member 45 (on the non-sealing surface 45a2 side) moves to the outside of the developing device 23 while being in close contact with the seal material 47, so that the developer G in the device is outside the device. The problem of leaking out is suppressed.

  Furthermore, since the sealing material 47 does not contact the sealing surface 45a1 side of the sealing member 45, it is possible to prevent a problem that the sealing material 47 is damaged by sharp peeling marks formed on the sealing surface 45a1. . That is, the operability when the seal member 45 of the developer accommodating portion 43 is taken out is improved, and the developer G and toner T in the apparatus 23 are removed from between the apparatus main portion 23h and the developer accommodating portion 43 outside the apparatus. The problem of leaking out is prevented.

In addition, a new developer G is sealed in the developer accommodating portion 43 before the start of use in which the openings 43 a and 23 g are sealed with the seal member 45. Further, the developer G is not accommodated in the apparatus main part 23h before the start of use. As described above, the developer accommodating portion 43 functions as a preset container for the developer G in the developing device 23.
Further, the developer accommodating portion 43 is configured to be detachable (replaceable) with respect to the apparatus main portion 23h together with the seal member 45, so that the developer accommodating portion 43 also functions as a container for replacing the developer G. It will be. That is, when the used developer G that has reached the end of its life and is stored in the apparatus main portion 23h is replaced with a new developer G, the existing developer storage portion 43 is removed from the apparatus main portion 23h. After the developer G is discharged, a new developer container 43 is installed, the seal member 45 is pulled out, and the new developer G is supplied to the apparatus main part 23h.

Here, in the first embodiment, it is the upper surface (upper surface with respect to the lower surface on which the opening 43a is formed) in the housing of the developer accommodating portion 43, and is substantially the opening 43a (or the second conveying screw 23c). A window 44 is formed at a position directly above. The window portion 44 is formed of a transparent or translucent material (a material having a high light transmittance).
With this configuration, referring to FIG. 6, in the developing device 23 after the seal member 45 is taken out, the user or the operator can connect the device 44 through the openings 43a and 23g from the window 44 of the developer accommodating portion 43. The developer G in the main portion 23h can be visually recognized (visual recognition in the direction of the arrow).

In other words, even when a user who is unfamiliar with the operation is required to supply the developer G in the preset developer container 43 to the apparatus main part 23h, the seal member 45 is taken out and the apparatus main part 23h. It can be visually confirmed that the developer G is reliably supplied into the inside.
Further, when checking the operation of the developing device before shipment from the factory, the operator can flow the developer G in the apparatus main portion 23h without removing the developer container 43 or using a dedicated jig. The state (particularly, the state of flow of the developer G at the position of the second conveying screw 23c) can be easily confirmed.
Thus, by providing the window portion 44 in the developer 43, the operability of the developer accommodating portion 43 is reliably improved. The positional relationship between the “upper surface” and the “lower surface” of the developer accommodating portion in the present application is that in a state where the developer accommodating portion 43 is installed in the apparatus main portion 23h.

In the first embodiment, a magnetic sensor 40 as a toner concentration detecting unit is disposed below the second conveying screw 23c and substantially below the openings 43a and 23g.
With such a configuration, if the developer G in the developer accommodating portion 43 is supplied to the apparatus main portion 23h at the time of arrival, the development supplied by the magnetic sensor 40 even before the developing device 23 is operated. The agent G can be reliably detected.

  Specifically, when the magnetic sensor 40 detects the supply of the developer G from the developer storage unit 43, the fact is displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 1. In this way, even when a user who is unfamiliar with the operation when performing the work of supplying the developer G in the developer accommodating portion 43 that has been preset (or replaced) to the apparatus main portion 23h, the sealing member It can be easily confirmed that 45 is taken out and the supply of the developer G into the apparatus main portion 23h has been reliably performed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the developer G accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 43 is supplied to the apparatus main portion 23h without adding a complicated configuration to the developer accommodating portion 43. Operability can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, the process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK are configured by integrating the photosensitive drum 21, the charging unit 22, and the cleaning unit 25, respectively. Further, each developing device 23Y, 23M, 23C, 23BK is configured as a single unit. On the other hand, the developing devices 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23BK can be integrated with the process cartridges 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20BK. In other words, the process cartridge 20 can be configured by the photosensitive drum 21, the charging unit 22, the developing device 23, and the cleaning unit 25. Also in this case, the same effect as in the first embodiment is obtained. Furthermore, the maintainability of the image forming unit is improved.

  In the first embodiment, the first conveying screw 23b and the second conveying screw 23c are used as conveying members. However, the number and types of conveying members to be installed in the apparatus main part 23h are not limited thereto. Absent. In contrast to the apparatus main portion 23h in which such a plurality of conveying members are installed, the developer accommodating portion 43 is preferably installed above the conveying member disposed at the position farthest from the developing roller 23a. By doing in this way, the developer G supplied to the apparatus main part 23h is sufficiently stirred and mixed by the time it reaches the position of the developing roller 23a, and a good developing process can be performed.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the developing device in the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the developer accommodating portion 43 is different from that of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the developer accommodating portion 43 (developer cartridge) in the second embodiment is mainly configured by a housing 43b, a sheet-like member 46, and a seal member 45. The housing 43b of the developer accommodating portion 43 is formed by resin molding, and openings 43a and 43c are formed on the lower surface side and the upper surface side, respectively. Similar to the first embodiment, a seal member 45 is attached to the opening 43a on the lower surface side. An opening 43c (second opening) formed over the entire upper surface is covered with a sheet-like member 46 so as to seal the opening 43c.

The sheet-like member 46 provided on the upper surface of the housing 43b of the developer accommodating portion 43 is made of a transparent or translucent material such as polyethylene, stretched polypropylene, stretched nylon and the like that is soft and thin and relatively difficult to break. As described above, the developer accommodating portion 43 of the second embodiment is formed of the thin sheet-like member 46 on the upper surface, and therefore, compared to the developer accommodating portion 43 of the first embodiment. Can be reduced in height. That is, the developer accommodating portion 43 can be reduced in size.
In addition, since the sheet-like member 46 is located at a position away from the apparatus main part 23h, a problem that the sheet-like member 46 is damaged by the developer flying from the apparatus main part 23h is prevented.

  Further, since the sheet-like member 46 provided on the upper surface of the housing 43b of the developer accommodating portion 43 is formed of a transparent or translucent material, the sheet-like member 46 is the window portion 44 in the first embodiment. Will function in the same way. That is, by providing the sheet-like member 46 as the window portion, in the developing device 23 after taking out the seal member 45, the user or the operator opens the openings 43 a and 23 g from the sheet-like member 46 of the developer accommodating portion 43. The developer G in the apparatus main part 23h can be visually recognized.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, the developer G accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 43 is added to the developer accommodating portion 43 without adding a complicated configuration as in the first embodiment. The operability at the time of supplying to the apparatus main part 23h can be improved.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, the embodiments can be modified as appropriate in addition to those suggested in the embodiments. Is clear. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be set to a number, position, shape, and the like that are suitable for carrying out the present invention.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming unit in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which looked at the developing device to the longitudinal direction. It is sectional drawing which shows the developing device before the start of use. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an AA cross section in the developing device of FIG. 4. It is sectional drawing which shows the image development apparatus after a developing agent supply. It is sectional drawing which shows the developing device in Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 image forming apparatus body (apparatus body),
20, 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20BK Process cartridge,
21 photosensitive drum (image carrier), 22 charging unit,
23, 23Y, 23M, 23C, 23BK Developing device (developing unit),
23a Development roller (developer carrier),
23b 1st conveyance screw (1st conveyance member),
23c 2nd conveyance screw (2nd conveyance member),
23e partition member, 23f toner supply port,
23g opening, 23h main part of the device, 25 cleaning part,
32, 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32BK toner supply unit,
43 developer container (developer cartridge), 43a opening,
44 window part, 45 sealing member (sealing member),
45a sticking part, 45a1 sealing surface, 45a2 non-sealing surface,
45b non-sticking part, 45c folded part, 45d gripping part,
46 sheet-like member (window), 47 sealing material,
G Two-component developer (developer), T toner, C carrier.

Claims (10)

A developing device for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier,
A main part of the apparatus in which a developer composed of a toner and a carrier for developing the latent image is accommodated, and a developer carrier on which the developer is carried is disposed at a position facing the image carrier. When,
A developer composed of toner and a carrier to be supplied to the main part of the apparatus before the start of use and in a state where the developer is not accommodated is previously stored , and an opening is formed at a position above the main part of the apparatus. A developer container that communicates with the main part of the apparatus via
A sealing member that seals the opening and opens the opening when supplying the developer contained in the developer containing portion to the main part of the apparatus;
With
The apparatus main part is:
A first conveying member that faces the developer carrying member and conveys the developer in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the developer carrying member;
The developer is transported in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the first transport member while facing the first transport member via a partition member, and forms a circulation path for the developer together with the first transport member. A second conveying member;
The second conveying member is disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction and above the second conveying member, and is provided separately from the opening for replenishing toner into the apparatus main part as the toner in the apparatus main part is consumed. Toner refill port
Comprising
The developer accommodating portion includes a window portion for visually observing the inside of the main part of the apparatus after the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion is supplied through the opening.
The window portion and the opening are disposed above the second transport member and are formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the second transport member,
The sealing member includes a sticking portion that is heat-welded to the surface of the casing around the opening of the developer accommodating portion, and is folded from one end of the sticking portion to extend to the outside of the apparatus. A developing device comprising: a sheet-like sealing member including a housing portion and a non-sticking portion that is not attached to the apparatus main portion .   The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the window portion is formed on an upper surface of a lower surface of a housing of the developer accommodating portion in which the opening is formed.   The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the window portion is formed immediately above the opening. The developer accommodating portion includes a housing in which a second opening is formed over the entire upper surface with respect to the lower surface in which the opening is formed, and a sheet-like member that seals the second opening,
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the window portion is the sheet-like member. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the sheet-like member is formed of any one of polyethylene, stretched polypropylene, and stretched nylon. 6. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein a toner concentration detecting means for detecting a toner concentration of a developer contained in the main part of the device is disposed below the opening. A sealing material that seals a gap between the main part of the apparatus and the developer container in close contact with the sealing member when opening the opening;
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing material contacts only a non-sealing surface with respect to a sealing surface of the sealing member that seals the opening. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer accommodating portion is configured to be detachable with respect to the apparatus main portion together with the sealing member. A process cartridge that is detachably installed on the main body of the image forming apparatus,
9. A process cartridge in which the developing device according to claim 1 and the image carrier are integrated. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 1 and the image carrier.

Images