JP4562941B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer. More specifically, the present invention has a toner replenishing device having a toner discharge port for supplying toner to a toner introduction port provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and printers use fine powder toner having a particle size of about 10 μm. When this toner is consumed and consumed, it is necessary to replenish the image forming apparatus with toner. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which a toner box is provided in an image forming apparatus and the toner filled in a spare toner bottle is transferred into the toner box when the toner in the toner box runs out is supplied. Are known. However, the image forming apparatus having this configuration has a problem in that when the operation of transferring the toner from the spare toner bottle to the toner box is performed, the toner is scattered around and the hands, clothes, and the like are stained. Therefore, since this operation is difficult for the user, it is usually performed by a service person.
[0003]
Therefore, recently, an image forming apparatus is known that is configured such that a housing itself such as a toner container filled with toner can be replaced, and the user can replenish toner. The image forming apparatus having this configuration generally includes a toner replenishing device on which a toner container is placed, and the toner replenishing device is supported so as to be able to be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body. Then, the toner in the toner storage container is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body at the replenishment position where the toner replenishing apparatus is mounted inside the image forming apparatus main body, and the toner storage container is replaced at the retracted position pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body. It is like that.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even in the image forming apparatus configured to replace the toner container, when toner is supplied from the toner container to the image forming apparatus main body, the vicinity of the toner discharge port of the toner replenishing device and the toner inlet of the image forming apparatus main body There is a problem that the surroundings are contaminated with scattered toner.
Further, when the toner replenishing device moves between the replenishing position and the retracted position, the toner is easily scattered. In particular, when toner remains in the vicinity of the toner discharge port of the toner replenishing device, if the toner replenishing device moves from the replenishing position to the retracted position, toner scattering is significant.
[0005]
In order to solve the toner scattering problem, it is conceivable to provide a heat seal or the like at the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port. However, after the seal is pulled out, the toner is always opened and the toner scattering occurs. .
Also, an image forming apparatus provided with a toner scattering prevention mechanism such as a shutter has been devised, but the toner scattering prevention mechanism is complicated and expensive.
[0006]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to remove toner from the toner discharge port of the toner replenishing device and the toner introduction port of the image forming apparatus main body.ScatterAn object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be prevented.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above objective,A latent image carrier, a developing section for developing toner by attaching the toner to an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier by a developing sleeve provided in the case, a toner introduction port provided in the case, A toner replenishing device having a toner discharge port for supplying toner to the toner introduction port, wherein the toner discharge port faces the toner introduction port and a toner replenishment position where the toner can be replenished; In an image forming apparatus configured to be able to move the toner supply device between a retracted position retracted from a toner introduction port, the toner supply device is slidably held parallel to the moving direction of the toner supply device to open and close the toner discharge port. And a discharge port opening / closing member provided with a protrusion in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction, and the discharge port opening / closing member in the same direction as the direction in which the toner supply device moves from the retracted position to the supply position. A discharge port opening / closing member urging means for urging, and a projecting portion that is slidably held parallel to the moving direction of the toner replenishing device to open and close the toner introducing port, and that extends in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction. An inlet opening / closing member and an inlet opening / closing member urging means for urging the inlet opening / closing member in a direction opposite to a direction in which the toner replenishing device moves from the retracted position to the replenishing position. During the mounting operation of moving the device from the retracted position to the replenishment position, the case portion of the toner replenishing device in which the toner discharge port of the toner replenishing device is formed abuts on the protruding portion of the inlet opening / closing member. The inlet opening / closing member is moved in the same direction as the mounting direction of the toner replenishing device against the biasing force of the inlet opening / closing member biasing means, and the toner inlet is started to open. Up The protrusion of the discharge port opening / closing member abuts against the case portion of the developing unit, and the movement of the discharge port opening / closing member is locked against the urging force of the discharge port opening / closing member urging means. It is characterized by being configured to start opening the discharge port.
In this image forming apparatus, the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port are opened in conjunction with the operation of mounting the toner supply device on the image forming apparatus main body. This makes it possible to open the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port substantially simultaneously in the operation of mounting the toner replenishing device. Therefore, even when the toner near the toner discharge port is discharged from the toner discharge port when the toner replenishing device is attached, the toner enters the toner introduction port and does not leak to the outside. It is possible to prevent the toner from being scattered around the toner discharge port or adhering to each part of the apparatus.
Further, in conjunction with the mounting operation of the toner replenishing device, the discharge port opening / closing member contacts the image forming apparatus main body, and the movement of the discharge port opening / closing member is locked against the biasing force of the discharge port opening / closing member biasing means. As a result, the toner discharge port is opened. In this way, the toner discharge port can be opened with a simple configuration.
Further, in conjunction with the mounting operation of the toner replenishing device, the toner replenishing device contacts the inlet opening / closing member, and the inlet opening / closing member is moved against the biasing force of the inlet opening / closing member biasing means. The toner inlet is opened by moving in the insertion direction. Thus, the toner inlet can be opened with a simple configuration.
  Claim2The invention ofClaim 1In the image forming apparatus,the aboveToner supply devicethe aboveFrom the replenishment positionthe aboveRetraction operation to move to the retreat positioninside,the aboveOpen / close outletElementButthe aboveClose the toner outlet opening andthe aboveInlet opening / closingElementButthe aboveThe toner introduction port is configured to be closed.
[0008]
In this image forming apparatus, the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port are closed in conjunction with the retreat operation of moving the toner replenishment device from the replenishment position to the retreat position. As a result, the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port can be opened and closed substantially simultaneously in the retracting operation of the toner replenishing device. Therefore, even when the toner near the toner discharge port is discharged from the toner discharge port in accordance with the retraction operation of the toner supply device, the toner enters the toner introduction port. It is possible to prevent scattering around and adhesion to each part of the apparatus.
[0009]
  Claim3The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe aboveToner supply deviceDuring the retraction operation of moving from the replenishment position to the retraction position,the aboveDischarge port opening / closing memberThe case part of the development part againstThe lock by is released,the aboveThe outlet opening / closing member is moved by the biasing force of the outlet opening / closing member biasing means.the aboveClose toner outletIn addition, the movement of the toner supply device by the case portion with respect to the inlet opening / closing member is released, and the inlet opening / closing member closes the toner inlet by the biasing force of the inlet opening / closing member biasing means.It is configured as described above.
[0010]
  In this image forming apparatusTheIn conjunction with the retraction operation of the toner replenishing device, the locking of the discharge port opening / closing member by the image forming apparatus main body is released, and the discharge port opening / closing member closes the toner discharge port by the biasing force of the discharge port opening / closing member biasing means. . In this way, the toner outlet can be easily configured.ClosureIt can be performed.
[0012]
  Also,In this image forming apparatusTheIn conjunction with the retracting operation of the toner replenishing device, the movement of the inlet opening / closing member by the toner replenishing device is released, and the inlet opening / closing member closes the toner inlet by the biasing force of the inlet opening / closing member biasing means. In this way, the toner inlet can be easily configured.ClosureIt can be performed.
[0013]
  The invention of claim 4 claimsItem 3In the image forming apparatus, when the toner replenishing device moves between the replenishing position and the retreating position, the toner introducing port starts to open earlier than the toner discharging port, and the toner discharging port The toner discharge port is completely closed earlier than the introduction port, and the toner discharge port starts to open and is completely closed opposite to the region where the toner introduction port is open. Is.
[0014]
When the toner discharge port of the toner replenishing device starts to open, the toner introduction port is not opened, or the region where the toner discharge port starts to open is not opposed to the region where the toner introduction port is opened. If the toner present near the toner discharge port is discharged, the toner does not smoothly enter the toner introduction port and leaks to the outside. Also, the toner introduction port is not closed before the toner discharge port of the toner replenishing device is completely closed, or when the toner discharge port is completely closed, it does not face the region where the toner introduction port is open. If the toner present near the toner discharge port is discharged, the toner does not smoothly enter the toner introduction port and leaks to the outside. In this image forming apparatus, the toner introduction port starts to open earlier than the toner discharge port, and the toner discharge port is completely closed earlier than the toner introduction port. In addition, the toner discharge port starts to open facing the region where the toner introduction port is open, and is completely closed. As a result, when the toner replenishing device is attached to and retracted from the image forming apparatus, even if the toner existing near the toner discharge port is discharged, the toner smoothly flows into the toner introduction port. It can prevent entry and leakage to the outside.
[0015]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, or fourth aspect, a seal member made of an elastic member is provided around at least one of the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port. When the toner replenishing device is in the replenishing position, the gap between the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port is sealed with the seal member.
[0016]
In this image forming apparatus, the gap between the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port is sealed by the seal member. Therefore, when the toner is replenished from the toner replenishing device to the image forming apparatus main body, the toner leaks from the gap and the surroundings. It is possible to prevent scattering. In addition, since the sealing member made of an elastic member is used, the sealing member is elastically deformed to be in close contact with the other party, and the gap can be more completely sealed.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a photosensitive drum 1 as a latent image carrier is disposed in a process cartridge 40, and close to the periphery of the photosensitive drum 1. Alternatively, a charging roller 2 for charging a uniform charge on the photosensitive drum 1 in contact, a charge removing light 7 for removing charge on the photosensitive drum 1, and an illustration for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1. The laser beam 3 from the exposure means, the developing sleeve 4 for attaching the toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1, the transfer roller 5 for transferring the toner image onto the transfer paper P, and the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 1 A cleaning blade 6 to be removed and a toner transport coil 8 for transporting the toner removed by the cleaning blade 6 to a recycle toner transport unit (not shown) are arranged. The developing sleeve 4 has a fixed shaft in which a 5-pole magnet is disposed inside, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is covered with a nonmagnetic pipe material. A doctor blade 10 and a stirring screw 11 for circulating and stirring the developer are arranged. The photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, the developing sleeve 4, and the like are housed in an integral photosensitive member surrounding case 42 and constitute a process cartridge 40.
[0020]
In the above configuration, the photosensitive drum 1 is neutralized by the neutralizing light 7, and the surface potential is averaged to a reference potential of 0 to 150V. Next, it is charged by the charging roller 2 and the surface potential becomes around −1100V. Next, the surface potential of the portion (image portion) irradiated with the exposure laser beam 3 is 0 to −290V. Since the developing sleeve 4 disposed to face the photosensitive drum 1 is biased to about −800 V, the toner on the developing sleeve 4 adheres. In this way, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred by the transfer roller 5 to the transfer paper P that has been sent at such a timing that the leading edge of the paper and the leading edge of the image coincide. The transferred transfer paper P is sent to a fixing unit (not shown), and the toner is fused to the transfer paper P by heat and pressure and discharged as a copy. On the other hand, after the residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 6, the residual charge is removed from the photosensitive drum 1 by the neutralizing light 7, the toner is removed, and the next image forming process is performed again. Migrate to
[0021]
Next, the toner replenishing device 41 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the toner replenishing device 41 as seen from the direction of arrows AA in FIG. 1 and shows a state where the cover 29 is removed. In FIG. 2, the toner replenishing device 41 includes a cradle 18 and a mechanism portion (see FIG. 1) including movable parts such as a bottle holding member 16 built in a case 181 formed integrally with the cradle 18. A toner storage container (hereinafter referred to as a toner bottle) 14 that can be attached to and detached from the mechanism portion and a drive unit 13 (see FIG. 3A) are configured.
[0022]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner replenishing device 41 is positioned so that toner can be replenished to the toner introduction port 12 which is an opening provided in the photosensitive member surrounding case 42 in the vicinity of the stirring screw 11 of the process cartridge 40. It is installed. A cylindrical bottle holding member 16 that holds the head of the toner bottle 14 and rotates in the direction of arrow B as the toner bottle 14 rotates is disposed inside the case 181 formed integrally with the cradle 18. Has been. The bottle holding member 16 is provided with a driving rib (not shown) on its inner wall surface, and this driving rib engages with a driving transmission protrusion 14 a (see FIG. 2) provided on the head of the toner bottle 14. The toner bottle 14 rotates as the toner bottle 14 rotates. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottle holding member 16 is integrally formed with a plurality of ribs 16a, and a toner replenishing blade 17 made of an elastic member such as Mylar is attached to the plurality of ribs 16a with a double-sided tape or the like. It has been. In the illustrated example, four toner supply blades 17 are provided.
[0023]
The case 181 is provided with an opening 181 a for allowing the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 14 b of the toner bottle 14 to communicate with the toner introduction port 12 of the process cartridge 40. Outside the opening 181a, an elastic member 19 is made of an elastic material such as Mylar or rubber and has a slit hole 19a that is a rectangular hole elongated in a direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the moving direction of the toner supply blade 17. Is attached with double-sided tape. By appropriately setting the opening area of the slit hole 19a, the toner replenishment amount is set to an appropriate amount.
[0024]
A toner supply unit 182 formed integrally with the case 181 is provided for guiding the toner discharged from the slit hole 19a to the toner introduction port 12. By attaching the cover 29 to the toner supply unit 182, a toner discharge port 20 is formed below the cover 29, and this corresponds to the position of the toner introduction port 12. The toner discharge port 20 and the toner introduction port 12 are provided with shutters 30 and 31, respectively. These shutters will be described in detail later.
[0025]
In FIG. 1, toner replenishment is performed when a toner density sensor (not shown) provided in the process cartridge 40 detects that the toner density has fallen below a predetermined toner density, and the motor of the drive unit 13 (see FIG. 3) is activated. The bottle 14 is rotated in the direction of arrow B. When the toner bottle 14 rotates, toner is discharged from the discharge port 14b of the toner bottle 14 and collected in the case 181 as indicated by an arrow L in FIG. At the same time, the bottle holding member 16 rotates and the toner supply blade 17 slides and rotates on the inner wall surface of the case 181 to scrape the toner accumulated in the case 181 as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. When the toner supply blade 17 passes through the slit hole 19a of the elastic member 19 provided outside the opening 181a of the case 181, the toner is pushed out from the slit hole 19a as indicated by an arrow C. The pushed toner falls in the toner supply unit 182, passes through the toner discharge port 20 below the toner supply unit 182, and the toner is replenished from the toner introduction port 12 into the process cartridge 40 as indicated by an arrow D. Is done.
When the toner density sensor detects that the toner density is equal to or higher than the predetermined toner density, the motor of the drive unit 13 stops and the drive of the toner bottle 14 stops.
[0026]
Next, an operation at the time of setting the toner replenishing device 41 in the image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the toner replenishing device 41 is pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus and is placed on the receiving table 18. When the toner replenishing device 41 is slid on the guide plate (not shown) in the direction of arrow E with the toner bottle 14 placed, the cradle 18 strikes the inside of the image forming apparatus, and the toner replenishing device 41 is in a predetermined position. Positioned. At the same time, the driving device 13 and the bottom of the toner bottle 14 are engaged, and the rotational driving force of the driving device 13 can be transmitted to the toner bottle 14.
Note that, as shown in a partially enlarged view surrounded by a solid line, the toner bottle 14 is provided with a cap 15 for preventing toner discharge. A collet chuck 21 for picking and releasing the cap 15 is provided in the case 181.
[0027]
When the set handle 22 is rotated downward in the figure with the toner replenishing device 41 positioned inside the device, the collet chuck 21 is pulled out with the cap 15 held, and the toner in the toner bottle 14 is drawn. The cap 15 is removed from the discharge port 14b. Then, the toner in the toner bottle 14 flows out into the case 181. This state is a state where the toner replenishing device 41 is completely set.
[0028]
In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, as described above, the shutters 30 and 31 are provided in the toner discharge port 20 of the toner supply device 41 and the toner introduction port 12 of the process cartridge 40, respectively. These shutters will be described in detail.
[0029]
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an example of the discharge-side shutter 30 provided at the toner discharge port 20 of the toner replenishing device 41. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an example of the introduction side shutter 31 provided in the toner introduction port 12 of the process cartridge 40.
[0030]
The discharge-side shutter 30 shown in FIG. 4A is obtained by processing a stainless steel plate into a sheet metal. At the left end of the discharge side shutter 30 in the figure, a spring holding portion 30a for holding a tension spring is bent 90 degrees upward. The spring holding portion 30a has an engagement hole for a tension spring. Further, the abutting portion 30b for abutting against the process cartridge 40 and stopping the movement of the ejection side shutter 30 is bent 90 degrees downward on the ejection side shutter 30.
[0031]
5A and 5B are explanatory views of a state in which the discharge-side shutter 30 is mounted on the toner supply unit 182. FIG. 5A shows a state in which the discharge-side shutter 30 is closed. (B) shows a state in which the discharge-side shutter 30 is opened.
In FIG. 5B, the discharge-side shutter 30 is slidably held in the groove 182 a of the toner supply unit 182, and is urged in a direction (right side in the figure) that closes the toner discharge port 20 by the tension spring 32. When the toner replenishing device 41 is pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the tension spring 32 is contracted as shown in FIG. 5A, the discharge side shutter 30 is closed, and the toner discharge port 20 is closed.
[0032]
Moreover, the introduction side shutter 31 shown in FIG. 4B is obtained by processing a stainless plate into a sheet metal, and a spring holding portion 31a holding a compression spring is bent 90 degrees upward at a right end portion in the drawing. Further, the L metal fitting 31b that comes into contact with the toner supply unit 182 of the toner supply device 41 is spot-welded.
[0033]
6A and 6B are explanatory views showing a state where the introduction-side shutter 31 is attached to the toner introduction port 12 of the photosensitive member surrounding case 42, and FIG. 6A shows the introduction-side shutter 31 closed. FIG. 6B shows a state where the introduction-side shutter 31 is opened.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the introduction-side shutter 31 is slidably held in a groove 42 a formed in the toner introduction port 12 of the photosensitive member surrounding case 42, and closes the toner introduction port 12 with a compression spring 33. It is biased in the direction (left side in the figure). When the toner replenishing device 41 is pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the compression spring 33 is extended to close the introduction side shutter 31 and close the toner introduction port 12 as shown in FIG.
[0034]
7A to 7C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the shutters 30 and 31 and the like when the toner replenishing device 41 is set in the image forming apparatus.
[0035]
In order to set the toner replenishing device 41 inside the image forming apparatus, the toner bottle 14 is slid in the direction of arrow E in the state where the toner bottle 14 is placed in FIG.
Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, the toner supply unit 182 of the toner replenishing device 41 first comes into contact with the L bracket 31b of the introduction-side shutter 31 provided in the photosensitive member surrounding case 42 of the process cartridge 40. When the toner supply unit 182 is further slid in the arrow E direction in this state, the introduction-side shutter 31 urged in the direction opposite to the arrow E direction by the compression spring 33 moves in the arrow E direction, and the toner introduction port 12 is opened. start.
[0036]
Then, after the toner supply unit 182 comes into contact with the introduction-side shutter 31 and starts to open the toner introduction port 12, the toner supply unit 182 is slid by the distance S, and this time, as shown in FIG. The abutting portion 30 b of the side shutter 30 abuts against the photosensitive member surrounding case 42. When the toner supply unit 182 is further slid in the direction of arrow E from this state, the toner supply unit 182 slides while the discharge-side shutter 30 is locked to the photosensitive member case 42 and the position thereof is fixed. As a result, the discharge-side shutter 30 moves relative to the toner supply unit 182 in the direction opposite to the arrow E direction, and the toner discharge port 20 starts to open.
[0037]
When the toner replenishing device 41 is completely slid to the back of the image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 7C, the toner discharge port 20 blocked by the discharge shutter 30 and the introduction shutter 31 are blocked. The removed toner inlet 12 is completely opened.
[0038]
As described above, the toner discharge port 20 starts to open after the toner introduction port 12 starts to open. Therefore, when the toner supply device 41 is set, the toner in the toner supply unit 182 is replaced with toner when the toner discharge port 20 is opened. It is surely dropped into the introduction port 12 and is not leaked to the outside. On the other hand, when the toner replenishing device 41 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body for exchanging the toner bottle, the toner discharge port 20 is closed and then the toner introduction port 12 is closed. Toner does not leak. Thereby, when the toner replenishing device 40 is moved by exchanging the toner bottle 14, it is possible to prevent the toner from leaking to the outside and scattering.
[0039]
A seal member 34 made of foamed urethane or the like is provided around the toner introduction port 12 of the photosensitive member surrounding case 42 so that the toner does not leak from the gap between the toner discharge port 20 and the toner introduction port 12. ing. Here, the material of the sealing member 34 is not limited to the urethane foam, but may be a material such as elastic resin or rubber.
[0040]
Then, by rotating the set handle 22 in a state where the toner replenishing device 41 is completely slid to the back of the image forming apparatus and inserted, as shown in FIG. Fixed to the forming apparatus body. Further, the cap 15 of the toner bottle 14 is removed, and the toner in the toner bottle 14 flows out into the case 181. As shown in FIG. 8, the toner that has flowed into the case 181 is scraped up by the four toner supply blades 17, falls to the toner discharge port 20, and is supplied into the process cartridge 40 from the toner introduction port 12. .
[0041]
As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can prevent toner scattering when toner is supplied from the toner supply device 41 to the process cartridge 40 with a simple configuration. In addition, toner scattering from the toner discharge port 20 and the toner introduction port 12 when the toner supply device 41 is moved by exchanging the toner bottle 14 can be prevented.
Further, when the toner replenishing device 41 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body, the toner introduction port 12 is completely blocked by the introduction side shutter 31, and the toner inside the process cartridge is scattered from the toner introduction port 31 or vice versa. In this way, no foreign matter is mixed into the process cartridge.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, even when the toner near the toner discharge port is discharged from the toner discharge port when the toner replenishing device is attached, the toner enters the toner introduction port and leaks to the outside. Absent. Accordingly, for example, when the toner supply device is moved from the retracted position to the supply position after the toner container is replaced, it is possible to prevent the toner from being scattered and adhering to each part of the device or the operator. Has an excellent effect.
In addition, since the toner outlet and the toner inlet can be opened with a simple configuration, there is an excellent effect that the manufacturing cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
  Claim2In the inventions 5 through 5, even when the toner present near the toner discharge port of the toner supply device is discharged from the toner discharge port in accordance with the retreat operation of the toner supply device with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, Since it enters the toner inlet of the forming apparatus main body and does not leak outside, it does not scatter around the toner outlet. Accordingly, for example, when the toner replenishing device is moved from the replenishing position to the retracted position in order to replace the toner container, it is possible to prevent the toner from scattering and adhering to each part of the apparatus or the operator. There is an excellent effect. In addition, when the toner replenishing device is retracted from the image forming apparatus main body, the toner introduction port is closed, so that the toner scatters from the toner introduction port to the outside, or foreign matter enters inside from the toner introduction port. There is also an excellent effect that can be prevented.
[0043]
  In particular, the claims3In the present invention, the toner discharge portClosureTherefore, there is an excellent effect that the manufacturing cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
[0044]
  MoreThe toner inletClosureTherefore, there is an excellent effect that the manufacturing cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
[0045]
In particular, in the invention of claim 4, the toner introduction port starts to open earlier than the toner discharge port, the toner discharge port is completely closed earlier than the toner introduction port, and the toner introduction port is opened. The toner discharge port starts to open and completely closes in opposition to the existing area. As a result, when the toner replenishing device is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus, even if the toner existing near the toner outlet is discharged, the toner smoothly enters the toner inlet and does not leak to the outside. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to more reliably prevent scattering around.
[0046]
In particular, in the invention of claim 5, since the gap between the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port is sealed with a sealing member made of an elastic member, when toner is supplied from the toner supply device to the image forming apparatus main body, There is an excellent effect that the toner can be prevented from leaking and scattering from the gap.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the toner replenishing device as seen from the direction of arrows AA in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining a mounting operation of the toner replenishing device.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a discharge-side shutter of the toner supply device.
(B) is a perspective view of the introduction side shutter of the developing device.
FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a state where a toner discharge port of a toner supply unit is closed with a discharge-side shutter.
FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state where the discharge side shutter of the toner discharge port is opened.
FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the toner introduction port of the developing device is closed with an introduction-side shutter.
FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state where the introduction side shutter of the toner introduction port is opened.
FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are operation explanatory views in a state in which the shutters of the discharge port and the introduction port are opened in conjunction with the mounting of the toner replenishing device.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state where toner is supplied from the toner supply device to the developing device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Photosensitive drum
12 Toner inlet
13 Drive unit
14 Toner bottle
14a Drive transmission projection
14b Toner outlet
16 Bottle holding member
16a Drive rib
17 Toner supply blade
18 cradle
181 Case molded integrally with cradle
182 Toner supply unit
20 Toner outlet
30 Discharge shutter
30a Spring holding part
30b Butting part
31 Inlet shutter
31a Spring holding part
31b L bracket
32 Tension spring
33 Compression spring
40 Process cartridge
41 Toner supply device
42 Case around photoconductor

Claims (5)

  A latent image carrier, a developing section for developing toner by attaching the toner to an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier by a developing sleeve provided in the case, a toner introduction port provided in the case, A toner replenishing device having a toner discharge port for supplying toner to the toner introduction port, wherein the toner discharge port faces the toner introduction port and a toner replenishment position where the toner can be replenished; In the image forming apparatus configured to be able to move the toner supply device between the retracted position retracted from the toner inlet,
A discharge port opening / closing member that is slidably held parallel to the moving direction of the toner replenishing device to open and close the toner discharge port, and has a protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction;
A discharge port opening / closing member urging means for urging the discharge port opening / closing member in the same direction as the direction in which the toner supply device moves from the retracted position to the supply position;
An inlet opening / closing member that is slidably held in parallel with the moving direction of the toner replenishing device to open and close the toner inlet, and has a protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction;
An inlet opening / closing member biasing means for biasing the inlet opening / closing member in a direction opposite to a direction in which the toner replenishing device moves from the retracted position to the supply position;
During the mounting operation of moving the toner supply device from the retracted position to the supply position,
A case portion of the toner replenishing device in which the toner discharge port of the toner replenishing device is formed abuts against the protruding portion of the inlet opening / closing member and resists the biasing force of the inlet opening / closing member biasing means. Moving the inlet opening / closing member in the same direction as the mounting direction of the toner replenishing device to start opening the toner inlet; and
Thereafter, the protruding portion of the discharge port opening / closing member contacts the case portion of the developing unit, and the movement of the discharge port opening / closing member is locked against the urging force of the discharge port opening / closing member urging means. Thus, the image forming apparatus is configured to start opening the toner discharge port. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
Closed during operation of saving the toner replenishing device is moved to the retracted position from the refill position, together with the outlet opening and closing member closes the opening of the toner outlet, the inlet opening and closing member the toner introduction port An image forming apparatus configured to do so. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
During operation of saving the toner replenishing device is moved to the retreat position from said supply position,
The outlet engagement by the housing part of the developing unit is released for opening and closing member, the exhaust outlet opening and closing member closes the toner discharge port by the biasing force of the outlet closing member biasing means, and,
The movement by the case portion of the toner supply device with respect to the inlet opening / closing member is released, and the inlet opening / closing member is configured to close the toner inlet by the biasing force of the inlet opening / closing member biasing means. An image forming apparatus . The image forming apparatus billed to claim 3,
When the toner supply device moves between the supply position and the retracted position,
The toner introduction port begins to open earlier than the toner discharge port, and the toner discharge port is completely closed earlier than the toner introduction port.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the toner discharge port starts to open and is completely closed opposite to the region where the toner introduction port is open. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4,
A seal member made of an elastic member is provided around at least one of the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a seal member configured to seal a gap between the toner discharge port and the toner introduction port when the toner supply device is in the supply position .

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