JP4591474B2 - Method for regenerating developer container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a developer supply method for a developer container such as a toner cartridge and a developer container .

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-66668 JP 2000-267411 A

  Conventionally, toner cartridges used in image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, and facsimiles that employ an electrophotographic system, etc. are mounted with toner contained in a toner container for replenishment of the toner cartridge. The developing device is configured to supply at a predetermined timing.

  In such a toner cartridge, when the toner stored in the replenishment toner container is consumed, the toner cartridge is regenerated, so that when toner is replenished in the replenishment toner container, the scattering of the toner can be prevented or the efficiency can be reduced. Techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 5-66668 and 2000-267411 have already been proposed as techniques for performing toner filling.

  The toner stirrer according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-66668 has a stirrer that protrudes from a rotating shaft, has a stirrer that can rotate, a stirrer detector that detects the rotational position of the stirrer, and a toner hopper Toner supply determining means for determining toner supply to the toner, and means for rotating the stirring unit to a predetermined position based on the detection state of the stirring unit detector when toner supply to the toner hopper is determined by the toner supply determining unit Are provided.

  Further, in the toner filling method according to the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-267411, when the toner is filled in at least the toner container having the toner discharge port, the stirring / conveying shaft having the stirring / conveying shaft arranged in the toner container is used. It is configured to have a process of filling the toner into the container while rotating the conveying unit 41 material.

Accordingly, the present invention is the has been made in view of the prior art, the development of the working efficiency can be improved developer container at the time of replenishing the developer from the developer supply opening of the developer container It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer replenishing method and a developer container .

That is, the invention described in claim 1 includes a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer,
A developer supply port provided at a corner near one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer container;
There is a flexible sheet-like member that agitates the developer contained in the developer containing portion and conveys it to the developer supply port, and its tip is slid on the inner wall of the developer containing portion. An agitating / conveying member disposed in a rotatable manner in an eccentric manner on the developer supply port side in the developer accommodating portion in a state of contact;
When replenishing the developer from the developer supply port into the developer container provided with
Holding the developer container such that the developer supply port is positioned above;
The tip of the agitating / conveying member is at a position other than the developer supply port, and the base end of the agitating / conveying member is opposite to the developer supplying port from a direction parallel to the opening surface of the developer supplying port. In the state facing the side, replenish the developer from the developer supply port ,
The flexible sheet-like member of the stirring and conveying member is provided with a tongue-like portion for scraping the developer from the developer supply port, and the tongue-like portion of the flexible sheet-like member Is fitted into the developer supply port, so that it is possible to identify that the base end portion of the agitating / conveying member faces the side opposite to the developer supply port. Is the method.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer,
A developer supply port provided at a corner near one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer container;
There is a flexible sheet-like member that agitates the developer contained in the developer containing portion and conveys it to the developer supply port, and its tip is slid on the inner wall of the developer containing portion. An agitating / conveying member disposed in a rotatable manner in an eccentric manner on the developer supply port side in the developer accommodating portion in a state of contact;
When replenishing the developer from the developer supply port into the developer container provided with
Holding the developer container such that the developer supply port is positioned above;
The tip of the agitating / conveying member is at a position other than the developer supply port, and the base end of the agitating / conveying member is opposite to the developer supplying port from a direction parallel to the opening surface of the developer supplying port. In the state facing the side, replenish the developer from the developer supply port,
The agitating / conveying member has a developer leveling member extending in a direction opposite to the flexible sheet-like member, and the developer leveling member of the agitating / conveying member is visually confirmed from the developer supply port. Thus, the developer replenishing method is characterized in that it is possible to identify that the base end portion of the agitating / conveying member faces the side opposite to the developer supply port.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer accommodating portion in which an inner wall for accommodating the developer is surrounded by four wall surfaces;
A developer supply port provided at a corner near one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer container;
There is a flexible sheet-like member that agitates the developer contained in the developer containing portion and conveys it to the developer supply port, and its tip is slid on the inner wall of the developer containing portion. An agitating / conveying member disposed in a rotatable manner in an eccentric manner on the developer supply port side in the developer accommodating portion in a state of contact;
When replenishing the developer from the developer supply port into the developer container provided with
Holding the developer container such that the developer supply port is positioned above;
The first inner wall, the second inner wall, and the third wall that are continuous downstream of the developer supply port in the rotation direction of the stirring and conveying member after the tip of the stirring and conveying member passes through the developer supply port. 3. The developer replenishing method according to claim 1 , wherein the developer is replenished from the developer supply port in a state in which a tip of the agitating and conveying member is in sliding contact with any one of the inner walls.

Furthermore, the invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the developer is replenished from the developer supply port in a state where the tip of the agitating and conveying member is located on the side opposite to the developer supply port. The developer replenishing method according to claim 1 .

Further, the invention described in claim 5, in a state in which rotating the stirring carrying member by a small rotation amount of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that supplying the developer from the developer supply port The developer supply method according to any one of the above items.

Furthermore, the invention described in claim 6, in a state where the oscillating the stirring carrying member, any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that supplying the developer from the developer supply port The developer replenishing method described in 1. above.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the developer is replenished from the developer supply port in a state where the stirring and conveying member is vibrated. The developer replenishing method described.

Further, The invention described in claim 8, the flexible sheet-like member of the agitating and conveying member, according to claim 1, characterized in that the slit is provided at a position corresponding to the developer supply port 8. The developer supply method according to any one of items 1 to 7 .

The invention described in claim 9 is the developer replenishment according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein a drive gear is provided on a rotating shaft of the stirring and conveying member. Is the method.

Further, The invention described in claim 10, wherein the developer supply port, any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the shutter member for opening and closing the developer supply port is provided The developer replenishing method described in 1. above.
An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a developer storage container in which a developer is replenished by the developer replenishment method according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

According to the first and second aspects of the invention, when the developer is replenished from the developer supply port of the developer container, the agitating and conveying member does not become a hindrance and work efficiency can be improved. In addition, the replenishment amount can be increased.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the developer does not stay in the developer supply port of the developer container, and the developer can be prevented from scattering when the developer is replenished.
Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the invention, the leveling process of the developer replenished in the developer container can be easily performed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the developer is replenished from the developer supply port of the developer container, the agitating / conveying member is not hindered, and the working efficiency can be improved. The replenishment amount can be increased.

Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 4 , when the developer is replenished from the developer supply port of the developer container, it is possible to reliably avoid the trouble of the agitating and conveying member. The working efficiency when replenishing the agent can be further improved, and the replenishment amount can be increased.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the developer replenished from the developer supply port of the developer container can be effectively leveled and the replenishment amount can be increased.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 6 , the developer replenished from the developer supply port of the developer container can be effectively leveled, and the replenishment amount can be increased.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the developer replenished from the developer supply port of the developer container can be effectively leveled, and the replenishment amount can be increased.

Furthermore, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the developer replenished from the developer supply port of the developer container can be effectively distributed in the developer container through the slit.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the agitating / conveying member can be easily swung or rotated, and the developer replenished from the developer supply port of the developer container can be effectively used. Can be leveled and the replenishment amount can be increased.

Furthermore, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent leakage of the replenished developer from the developer supply port.
Further, according to the invention described in claim 11, when the developer is replenished from the developer supply port of the developer container, the agitating and conveying member does not become a hindrance, and the working efficiency can be improved. Further, it is possible to provide a developer container that can increase the replenishment amount.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 2 shows a tandem type full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the developer container recycling method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. This full-color printer is configured to execute a printing operation based on image data sent from, for example, a personal computer or a scanner. As a matter of course, the image forming apparatus may be configured as a copier or facsimile provided with a scanner, or as a multifunction machine having these functions.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of a tandem type full-color printer. Inside the full-color printer main body 1, an image forming unit 2 is disposed along the vertical direction at a substantially central portion thereof. . Further, inside the full-color printer main body 1, a transfer material onto which toner images of a plurality of colors formed by the image forming unit 2 are transferred is adsorbed to one side (left side in the illustrated example) of the image forming unit 2. And a control unit 4 having a control circuit or the like is provided on the other side (right side in the illustrated example) of the image forming unit 2. Power supply circuit units 5 each including a high-voltage power supply circuit and the like are disposed obliquely above 2. A paper feeding device 6 for feeding transfer paper 18 or the like as a transfer material is disposed at the bottom of the full color printer main body 1.

  The image forming unit 2 includes four image forming units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7B that form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) in order from the bottom. These four image forming units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7B are arranged in series at regular intervals along the vertical direction.

  These four image forming portions 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7B are all configured in the same manner except for the color of the image to be formed, and roughly divided as shown in FIG. 2, a predetermined rotational speed along the arrow direction. The photosensitive drum 8 rotating at the same time, the charging roll 9 for primary charging that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 8, and an image corresponding to each color is exposed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 to electrostatically An image exposure device 10 that forms a latent image, a developing device 11 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 8 with toner of a corresponding color, and a transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 8 A cleaning device 12 for cleaning and a toner cartridge 13 for supplying toner to the developing device 11 are configured.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 11 supplies two-component or one-component developer contained in the developing device 11 to the developing roll 14 while stirring, and the developer layer supplied to the developing roll 14. While regulating the thickness, the sheet is conveyed to a developing area facing the photosensitive drum 8, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 is developed with toner of a predetermined color. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device 12 removes the transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 by the cleaning blade 15 and transports the removed transfer residual toner to the inside of the cleaning device 12. To accommodate.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a control unit 4 is disposed inside the full-color printer main body 1, and the control unit 4 is, for example, an image that performs predetermined image processing on image data. A processing device (IPS) 16 is provided. The image processing device 16 sequentially outputs image data of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) to the image exposure device 10, and the image exposure device 10 outputs the image data. The four laser beams LB emitted according to the above are scanned and exposed on the respective photosensitive drums 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8B to form electrostatic latent images. The electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8B are respectively yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and cyan by the developing devices 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11B. It is developed as a toner image of each color of black (B).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the paper transport belt unit 3 includes a paper transport belt 17 that circulates and moves as an endless belt, and the paper transport belt 17 includes the image forming units 7Y, 7M, A state in which the transfer paper 18 as a transfer material on which toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) formed by 7C and 7B are transferred is electrostatically adsorbed It is comprised so that it may convey.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet conveying belt 17 is stretched between a driving roll 19 and a driven roll 20 as a stretching roll disposed along the vertical direction with a predetermined tension. A drive roll 19 that is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown) is configured to circulate in a clockwise direction at a predetermined speed.

  For example, the distance between the drive roll 19 and the driven roll 20 is set to be approximately equal to the length of the A3-size transfer paper 18, but is not limited thereto, and the distance between the drive roll 19 and the driven roll 20 is not limited thereto. Of course, it may be set arbitrarily. As the paper conveyance belt 17, for example, a flexible synthetic resin film such as polyimide is formed in an endless belt shape.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an attracting roll 22 for electrostatically attracting the transfer paper 18 to the surface of the paper transport belt 17 is applied to the surface of the drive roll 19 via the paper transport belt 17. It arrange | positions so that it may contact | connect. The suction roll 22 is configured, for example, by covering the surface of a metal core with a conductive rubber in the same manner as the charging roll 9 of the image forming units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7B. A predetermined bias voltage for adsorption is applied. The suction roll 22 is configured to electrostatically charge the transfer paper 18 sent from the paper feeding device 6 and suck it onto the surface of the paper transport belt 17. The suction roll 22 is not necessarily provided.

  For each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) formed on the photosensitive drums 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8B of the image forming units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7B. As shown in FIG. 2, the toner images are multiplexed in a state where they are superimposed on each other by the transfer rolls 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23B on the transfer paper 18 conveyed while being attracted to the surface of the paper conveyance belt 17. Transcribed. The transfer rolls 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23B are integrally attached to the paper transport belt unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transfer sheet 18 is fed from a sheet feeding device 6 disposed at the bottom of the printer body 1. The paper feeding device 6 includes a paper tray 24 that accommodates transfer paper 18 having a desired size and material, and the transfer paper 18 having a desired size and material is fed from the paper tray 24 by a feed roll 25. In addition, the paper is fed one by one by the separating roll 26 and is conveyed to a suction position on the paper conveying belt 17 at a predetermined timing via a registration roll 27 as a paper feeding means. It has become.

  The transfer paper 18 is a sheet-like member, for example, various sizes such as A4 size, A3 size, B5 size and B4 size, and thick paper such as plain paper and coated paper, an OHP sheet, etc. Various materials are used.

  Then, the transfer paper 18 on which the toner images of the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) are transferred in a multiple manner is shown in FIG. After being separated from the paper transport belt 17 by the rigidity (so-called stiffness), it is transported to the fixing device 29 along the transport path 28, and the toner image of each color is transferred onto the transfer paper 18 by heat and pressure by the fixing device 29. To be established. The paper transport belt 17 and the fixing device 29 are disposed close to each other, and the transfer paper 18 separated from the paper transport belt 17 is transported to the fixing device 29 by the transport force of the paper transport belt 17. The fixing device 29 is driven to rotate while the heating roll 30 and the pressure belt 31 are in pressure contact with each other, and the transfer paper 18 is passed through a nip portion formed between the heating roll 30 and the pressure belt 31. The fixing process is performed by heat and pressure. Thereafter, the transfer paper 18 on which the toner images of the respective colors are fixed is discharged by the discharge roll 32 with the print surface facing down on the discharge tray 33 provided on the upper part of the full-color printer main body 1, and the printing operation is completed. To do.

  The full-color printer is capable of printing an image of a desired color such as monochrome as well as a full-color image, and yellow (Y) and magenta (M) depending on the color of the image to be printed. , Cyan (C), black (B), or a part of the image forming portions 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7B form toner images.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 34 denotes an operation panel provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel attached to the front of the printer main body 1. The operation panel 34 displays the status of the printer or is necessary. It is configured to perform various operations.

By the way, the method for regenerating the developer container according to this embodiment includes a developer container that stores the developer,
A developer supply port provided at a corner near one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer container;
There is a flexible sheet-like member that agitates the developer contained in the developer containing portion and conveys it to the developer supply port, and its tip is slid on the inner wall of the developer containing portion. An agitating / conveying member disposed in a rotatable manner in an eccentric manner on the developer supply port side in the developer accommodating portion in a state of contact;
When replenishing the developer from the developer supply port into the developer containing container and regenerating the developer containing container,
Holding the developer container such that the developer supply port is positioned above;
The tip of the agitating / conveying member is at a position other than the developer supply port, and the base end of the agitating / conveying member is opposite to the developer supplying port from a direction parallel to the opening surface of the developer supplying port. The developer is replenished from the developer supply port in a state of being directed to the side.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, it corresponds to the developing devices 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11B for each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B). Toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13B are provided as developer storage containers for supplying toner of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B).

  These yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13B are provided on the side surface of the printer body 1 as shown in FIG. The opening / closing cover 100 is opened by pulling the handle 101 provided on the opening / closing cover 100 by hand to unlock the hook 101a, and as shown in FIG. The cartridge holder 41 is mounted so as to be detachable. The toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13B are basically configured in the same manner except that the color of the toner to be stored is different.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cartridge holder 41 is rotatably mounted with the tip of the arm 42 protruding, and the tip of the arm 42 is covered with a cover provided on the opening / closing cover 100. The cartridge holder 41 is configured to engage with the engaging portion 43, and the cartridge holder 41 is rotated from the printer main body 1 in conjunction with the operation of opening the opening / closing cover 100 and moved to the attachment / detachment position.

  Further, the toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13B are attached to the operation positions in the opening 40 of the printer main body 1 and handle members 128 provided on the toner cartridges 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13B. Fixed by operating.

  5 and 6 are external perspective views of the toner cartridge as the developer storage container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as viewed from different directions.

  5 and 6, reference numeral 13 denotes a toner cartridge. The toner cartridge 13 is configured as a box formed in an elongated and substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The toner cartridge 13 includes a supply toner storage container 104 having a supply toner storage section 102 as a developer storage section that stores new toner or a supply developer composed of new toner and a carrier, and a longitudinal direction of the supply toner storage container 104. And a collected toner container 103 as a collected developer container for collecting the collected toner removed by the cleaning device 12 and the collected toner or collected developer collected from the developing device 11. And a collected toner storage container 106. In this embodiment, the collected toner removed by the cleaning device 12 is stored in the collected toner storage unit 103. The supply toner storage unit 102 is set to have a larger volume than the collected toner storage unit 103, and the supply toner storage unit 102 is set to occupy about 3/4 of the volume of the toner cartridge 13, for example. . Of course, the volume of the toner supply unit 102 may be larger or smaller.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the supply toner storage unit 102 includes a supply toner storage container 104 constituting the supply toner storage unit 102, and the supply toner storage container 104 is an end surface on the recovered toner storage unit 103 side. Further, it is formed as an elongated, substantially rectangular parallelepiped box having an opening 105 whose entire surface is open. The collected toner storage unit 103 includes a recovered toner storage container 106 that constitutes the recovered toner storage unit 103. The recovered toner storage container 106 is open at the end surface on the supply toner storage unit 102 side. It is formed as a box having a substantially cubic shape having the opening 107. The supply toner container 102 and the collected toner container 106 are preferably formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or a substantially cubic shape so that a large amount of toner or collected toner can be accommodated in a limited installation space. However, the shape is not necessarily limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or a substantially cubic shape, and may be other cylindrical shapes, polygonal shapes, or the like.

  In this embodiment, the supply toner storage portion 102 has a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 8, formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the inside thereof is clockwise in FIG. The first to fourth inner walls 102a to 102d are surrounded by the direction.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, a connecting portion 108 is provided at the end of the supply toner storage container 104 on the opening 105 side, and on the opening 107 side of the collected toner storage container 106. A connecting portion 109 that is fitted to the inner periphery of the connecting portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104 is provided at the end.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the vicinity of the opening of the supply toner storage container 104 is provided with a step portion on the outer periphery of the end portion 104 a of the supply toner storage section 102 of the supply toner storage container 104 formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The connecting portion 108 is formed in a rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the stepped portion 108a through 108a. Further, the connecting portion 109 of the collected toner storage container 106 is formed in a rectangular shape smaller than the connecting portion 108 of the collected toner storage container 104 so as to be fitted inside the connected portion 108 of the recovered toner storage container 104. Has been. The inner peripheral length of the connecting portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104 and the outer peripheral length of the connecting portion 109 of the recovered toner storage container 106 are substantially equal.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the connection portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104 is engaged with the connection portion 109 of the collected toner storage container 106 on the side surface on the front surface side and the back surface side, and is snap-fit to each other. Two small rectangular connection holes 132 for connection are provided at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, the connection portion 109 of the collected toner storage container 106 is engaged with a connection hole provided in the connection portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104 on the side surface on the front surface side and the back surface side and is connected to each other by a snap fit. Two rectangular projections 133 are provided corresponding to the connecting holes 132. As shown in FIG. 10, the protrusion 133 has a slope 133 a and a trapezoidal shape having a predetermined height on the rear end portion 133 b side, and connects the connecting portion 109 of the collected toner storage container 106. By pushing into the connecting portion 108 of the collected toner storage container 104, the protrusion 133 of the connecting portion 109 of the recovered toner storage container 106 is engaged with the connecting hole 132 of the connecting portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104 and snap-fit. Configured to be combined.

  The supply toner storage container 104 and the recovered toner storage container 106 are released from the snap-fit connection by inserting a tip of a screwdriver or the like into the connection hole 132 of the connection portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104 and twisting it. It can be easily disassembled.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the supply toner storage container 104 has a substantially rectangular cross section in the vicinity of the opening 105, but is opposite to the opening 105 along the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), the lower right side surface 110a is formed in an arc shape, and the portion 110 of about 2/3 on the side is along the longitudinal direction of the side surface 110a formed in the arc shape. As shown in FIG. 8C, a toner supply port 111 as a developer supply port for supplying toner to the developing device 11 is opened at a corner portion positioned at the end in the direction. In addition, a rectangular frame part 112 is integrally provided outside the toner supply port 111, and the vertical edges 112a and 112b of the frame part 112 are provided with a shutter 113 described later. The guide member to guide is comprised. As shown in FIG. 5, a shutter 113 for opening and closing the toner supply port 111 is slidable in the horizontal direction at the upper and lower edges 112a and 112b of the frame portion 112 constituting the guide member. As shown in FIG. 7, a seal member 114 is attached to the inner surface of the shutter 113 while being attached. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a driving piece 115 for moving the toner cartridge 13 protrudes from the lower right side surface 110 a of the supply toner storage container 104. Further, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8C, an inner side of the upper right side surface of the portion 110 of about 1/3 opposite to the opening 107 along the longitudinal direction of the supply toner storage container 104 is provided. A recessed portion 116 is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the supply toner storage container 104 and the recovery toner storage container 106 include a connecting portion 108 provided on the outer periphery of the opening 105 of the supply toner storage container 104 as a recovery toner storage container. 105 is fitted to a connecting portion 109 provided on the outer periphery of the opening 107, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the partition member 117 is integrally provided on both the front and back surfaces as shown in FIGS. The seal members 118 and 119 as members are connected to each other in a partitioned state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, a supply toner storage portion 102 for storing the supply toner is formed inside the supply toner storage container 104, and the recovery toner storage container 104 has a recovery toner stored therein. A collected toner storage portion 103 for storage is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the partition member 117 is configured by a flat rectangular flat plate made of synthetic resin, and each of the partition member 117 on the supply toner storage portion 102 side and the recovery toner storage portion 103 side is provided. On the surface, strip-shaped sealing members 118 and 119 each having a planar rectangular shape are formed integrally with the partition member 117 along the outer peripheral edge thereof. The sealing members 118 and 119 are formed of, for example, an elastic body such as silicon rubber in order to improve the sealing performance. However, workability when inserting the partition member 117 into the connecting portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104 is considered. Then, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the seal members 118 and 119 do not come into direct contact with the inner wall of the connecting portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104 to cause sliding resistance. A flat rectangular band is provided along the outer peripheral edge excluding the outer peripheral edge. The seal member is preferably provided on both sides of the partition member 117, but may be provided on only one side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the partition member 117 is integrally formed with a cylindrical bearing portion 117a that pivotally supports the rotational axis of an agitator shaft 141 of an agitator 140 as an agitating and conveying member described later. Yes. The cylindrical bearing portion 117 a is formed so that the closed tip portion protrudes toward the collected toner storage portion 103, and the tip portion is an end portion of the connecting portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104. It is formed so as to protrude further toward the collected toner storage portion 103 side. Further, the bearing portion 117a of the partition member 117 is a robot hand of the automatic assembly machine when the partition member 117 is mounted in the connecting portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104 by the automatic assembly machine or the like and the toner cartridge 13 is assembled. It also functions as a handle to be gripped by. In addition, you may comprise this handle so that it may provide separately other than the bearing part 117a.

  Part or all of the partition member 117 is configured to be transparent as required. When the partition member 117 is mounted in the connecting portion 108 of the supply toner storage container 104, the supply toner storage container 104 is provided. The agitator shaft 141 and the like of the agitator 140 located inside are visible from the outside. It is sufficient to be translucent so that the agitator shaft 141 can be seen during mounting.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting portions 108 and 109 between the supply toner storage container 104 and the recovery toner storage container 106 are covered with a tape 122 on the outer periphery thereof. The toner cartridge 13 is configured so that the storage container 106 is not accidentally detached. Further, the toner cartridge 13 can be easily disassembled by peeling off the tape 122 and can be easily recycled.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a collection toner introduction port 123 is formed in a circular shape on the end surface of the collection toner storage container 106, and the collection toner storage container 106 in which the collection toner introduction port 123 is opened. A duct seal 124 made of a sponge or the like for preventing the collected toner from leaking to the outside is fixed to the outer surface of the sheet by means such as adhesion. The duct seal 124 is provided with a circular opening 125 having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the collected toner introduction port 123. Further, a recovery toner shutter 126 formed in a cylindrical shape is slidably disposed in the recovery toner introduction port 123 of the recovery toner storage container 106 so as to be slidable and retracted. 126 is urged in a protruding direction by a shutter spring 127. The collected toner shutter 126 is urged in a direction protruding by the shutter spring 127, and the leading end 126a of the collected toner shutter 126 is fitted into the opening 125 of the duct seal 124. The recovered toner introduction port 123 is configured to open and close.

  Further, as will be described later, the collected toner introduction port 123 is provided with a waste toner conveyance path formed in a cylindrical shape provided on the printer body 1 side when the toner cartridge 13 is mounted at a predetermined position of the printer body 1. By inserting the collected toner shutter 126 against the urging force of the shutter spring 127, the collected toner is transferred from the waste toner conveyance path 190 on the printer body 1 side into the collected toner storage chamber 121 in the toner cartridge 13. It can be accommodated.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a handle member 128 for mounting and fixing the toner cartridge 13 at a predetermined position is attached to the collected toner storage container 106 so as to be rotatable around a fulcrum 129. On the inner surface of the handle member 128, a spring portion 130 that urges the handle member 128 in the clockwise direction is constantly provided.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the bottom surface of the collected toner storage container 106 contains data such as the color and serial number of the toner stored in the toner cartridge 13 or the usage history of the toner cartridge 13. A RAM 131 as storage means for storing is detachably attached. The RAM 131 is connected to the printer main body 1 side via an electrical contact 131a when the toner cartridge 13 is mounted at a predetermined position of the printer main body 1.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, an agitator serving as an agitating and conveying member that conveys the supplied toner accommodated in the supply toner accommodating portion 102 while agitating it is provided inside the toner supply portion 102 of the toner cartridge 13. 140 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 13, the agitator 140 is roughly composed of an agitator shaft 141 as a rotating shaft member and an agitator film 142 as a rotating blade member. FIG. 11 shows a state where the agitator film 142 is extended for convenience.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the agitator 140 is rotationally driven in a state in which the tip of the agitator film 142 is deformed in a spiral shape by contacting and flexing with the inner surface of the supply toner storage portion 102, and the supply toner storage The supply toner stored in the chamber 102 is agitated and gradually supplied from a toner supply port 111 provided at an end of the supply toner storage unit 102. The agitator film 142 is formed to be curved as shown in FIG. 15 by appropriately changing the thickness as shown in FIG.

  Further, the tip portion 141a of the agitator shaft 141 is set to be elongated as shown in FIG. 15, and the tip portion 141a is inserted into the bearing hole 117b of the bearing portion 117a and rotated as shown in FIG. It is supported freely. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the agitator shaft 141 is provided with a plurality of agitating members 148 for agitating the toner in the supply toner accommodating portion 102 so as to protrude on the opposite side that is 180 degrees different from the agitator film 142. However, it is not necessary to provide all of these stirring members 148, and about two intermediate stirring members 148 may be removed in order to reduce the stirring resistance.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the agitator film 142 is provided with insertion holes 150 and 151 and notches 152 for mounting in a state of being inserted into the protrusions 146 and 147 of the agitator shaft 141. A slit 162, a concave portion 160, and a notch 161 for adjusting the toner conveyance amount are formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, a drive gear 156 for rotationally driving the agitator 140 is attached to the proximal end portion of the agitator shaft 141 via a seal member 165. As shown in FIG. 7, the drive gear 156 is disposed outside the supply toner storage container 104 and at the end opposite to the recovery toner storage container 106. Further, the drive gear 156 is set to have a large diameter, and the gear portion protrudes outward from a concave portion 116 (see FIG. 8C) provided in a corner portion of the supply toner storage container 104. It has become.

  The agitator 140 is basically configured to slowly drive the agitator shaft 141 at a predetermined timing and to rotate at a predetermined angle in order to appropriately control the amount of toner supplied from the toner supply port 11. .

  By the way, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the toner cartridge 13 configured as described above is attached to the cartridge holder 41 on the printer body 1 side with the opening / closing cover 100 of the printer body 1 being opened. As shown in FIG. 18, the cartridge holder 41 is provided in the printer main body 1 so as to be rotatable about a fulcrum 170. As shown in FIG. 19, the cartridge holder 41 is open at the tip, and has a ceiling wall 171, a bottom wall 172, left and right side walls 173 that cover the upper and lower surfaces, both left and right sides, and the back end surface of the toner cartridge 13. It is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having 174 and a back wall 175.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the opening end of the ceiling wall 171 of the cartridge holder 41 has a substantially semicircular recess that engages with a substantially semicircular projection 176 provided at the upper end of the toner cartridge 13. 177 is provided. Of course, the convex portion 176 and the concave portion 177 are not limited to a substantially semicircular shape, and may be other shapes such as a flat V-shape.

  Further, on the inner surface of the ceiling wall 171 of the cartridge holder 41, as shown in FIG. 19, a columnar protrusion that is relatively engaged with a restricting engaging portion 178 provided on the upper end surface of the toner cartridge 13. 179 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the toner cartridge 13 is mounted in a state where it is pushed all the way into the cartridge holder 41, and is then slid downward in FIG. 20 by holding the handle member 128 by hand. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 21, the handle member 128 is locked by a not-shown locking portion on the printer body 1 side and stopped. In this state, the shutter member 113 of the toner cartridge 13 is opened, and the toner supply port 111 of the toner cartridge 13 and the toner introduction port 195 on the printer main body 1 side are in communication with each other, and the collected toner on the printer main body 1 side is also in contact. The leading end of the conveying member 190 is connected to the toner recovery port 125 of the toner cartridge 13, and the drive gear 156 of the toner cartridge 13 is engaged with the gear 191 on the printer main body 1 side. In FIG. 18, 100 a indicates a fulcrum of the cover 100.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the toner cartridge 13 is stopped in a state where the inner end of the toner cartridge 13 is in contact with one end of the lever 42, and the cartridge holder 41 is rotated in accordance with the operation of closing the opening / closing cover 100, and the printer main body. It may be configured to be mounted at a predetermined position.

  When the toner cartridge 13 is pushed to a predetermined position of the cartridge holder 41, a concave groove 180 provided at the tip of the lever 42 is engaged with the engaged portion 43 of the opening / closing cover 100 as shown in FIG. It has become. The lever 42 is attached to the cartridge holder 41 so as to be rotatable about a fulcrum 181 and to be rotated counterclockwise by a compression spring 182, and its tip portion Is configured to project outward from an opening 183 provided in the cartridge holder 41.

  The restricting engaging portion 178 provided on the upper end surface of the toner cartridge 13 is relatively engaged with a protrusion 179 provided on the inner surface of the ceiling wall 171 of the cartridge holder 41 as shown in FIG. Thus, the movement of the toner cartridge 13 is regulated.

  First, in a state where the toner cartridge 13 is pushed into the cartridge holder 41, the protrusion 179 of the cartridge holder 41 is positioned on the groove 178 a side of the restricting engagement portion 178. When the toner cartridge 13 is pushed to a predetermined position of the cartridge holder 41 and is attached to the printer main body 1, the cartridge holder 41 is rotated clockwise. In this state, the protrusion 179 of the cartridge holder 41 is Since the toner cartridge 13 moves along the groove 178b of the restriction engaging portion 178, the movement of the toner cartridge 13 in the protruding direction is restricted.

  Finally, when the toner cartridge 13 is pushed to a predetermined position of the cartridge holder 41, as shown in FIG. 20, the protrusion 179 of the cartridge holder 41 is positioned in the groove 178c of the restricting engagement portion 178, and the toner cartridge 13 is It is possible to move in the protruding direction.

  Further, the toner cartridge 13 is configured to be moved in the cartridge holder 41 by a cartridge moving mechanism 184 as shown in FIG. The cartridge moving mechanism 184 has a ball screw 187 including a screw shaft 185 rotatably disposed in the printer main body 1 and a nut portion 186 engaged with the screw shaft 185. The cartridge moving mechanism 184 is provided on the nut portion 186. The slit 189 of the driven portion 188 engaged with the convex portion 115 (see FIG. 5) of the toner cartridge 13 causes the screw shaft 185 to rotate in the A direction or B direction, thereby causing the C direction or D direction. The toner cartridge 13 can be moved through a nut portion 186 that moves to the position.

  When the toner cartridge 13 is moved by the cartridge moving mechanism 184, as shown in FIG. 21, the toner cartridge 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape on the printer main body 1 side at a waste toner collecting port 123 provided at one end of the toner cartridge. The waste toner conveyance path 190 is configured to be connected.

  Further, when the toner cartridge 13 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 21, the driving gear 156 on the toner cartridge 13 side is engaged with the driving force transmission gear 191 on the printer main body 1 side. The rotational driving force of the driving motor 193 provided in the toner cartridge 13 is transmitted to the driving gear 156 of the toner cartridge 13 via the intermediate gear 192.

  When the toner cartridge 13 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 21, the shutter member 113 that has blocked the toner supply port 111 provided on the side surface of the toner cartridge 13 is opened, and is provided on the printer main body 1 side. New toner accommodated in the toner introduction port 95 of the toner conveying member 194 and accommodated in the new toner accommodating portion 105 of the toner cartridge 13 is supplied to the developing device 11 on the printer main body 1 side as shown in FIG. It has come to be.

  Further, on the printer main body 1 side, as shown in FIG. 2, the amount of collected toner collected in the cleaning device 12 with the printing operation reaches a predetermined amount, as shown in FIG. As described above, the augers 196 and 197 for transporting the collected toner are rotationally driven via the second drive motor 198 and the gears 199 and 200, and the cylindrical member disposed on the outer periphery of the auger 197 for transporting the collected toner is used. The recovered toner is stored in the recovered toner storage portion 106 of the toner cartridge 13 through the formed waste toner conveyance path 190.

  When the toner cartridge 13 is removed from the printer main body 1, as shown in FIG.

  In the above configuration, in the method for regenerating the developer container according to this embodiment, the working efficiency when replenishing the developer from the developer supply port of the developer container can be improved as follows. It is possible.

  That is, the toner cartridge 13 according to this embodiment collects the toner cartridge 13 in a state where all the supply toner stored in the supply toner storage portion 102 of the toner cartridge 13 is consumed, and the toner cartridge recycling factory Alternatively, a regeneration process for replenishing the toner cartridge 13 by replenishing new toner in the supply toner storage portion 102 of the toner cartridge 13 is performed.

  In this toner cartridge regeneration process, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 25, the toner cartridge 13 is substantially horizontal so that the fourth surface 102d is the bottom surface so that the toner supply port 111 is positioned upward in the vertical direction. The toner supply port 111 of the toner cartridge 13 is opened. Since the toner supply port 111 of the toner cartridge 13 is provided at the corner of the supply toner storage portion 102, the toner cartridge 13 is held by being held substantially horizontally so that the second surface 102c becomes the bottom surface. The toner supply port 111 may be opened.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 25, the toner cartridge 13 is rotated by a hand or driving means (not shown) so that the agitator 140 disposed in the toner supply portion 102 of the toner cartridge 13 is rotated. Is moved to a position opposite to the toner supply port 111.

  At that time, as shown in FIG. 13, the agitator 140 is composed of an agitator shaft 141 and an agitator film 142. The agitator 148 provided on the agitator shaft 141 faces the toner supply port 111, and the agitator film. The base end portion of 142 is rotated so as to face the position opposite to the toner supply port 111. The agitator film 142 is formed in an elongated shape by a flexible film-like member, but the leading end 142b of the agitator film 142 is a new one positioned approximately 180 degrees opposite to the toner supply port 111. It is located near the corner of the toner storage chamber 120. Reference numeral 142a indicates that the leading end 142b of the agitator film 142 is positioned in the vicinity of the corner of the new toner storage chamber 120 that is located approximately 180 degrees opposite to the toner supply port 111. Reference numeral 142a denotes a base end portion of the agitator film 142 (a portion attached to the agitator shaft 141).

  As described above, when the agitator 140 disposed in the supply toner storage portion 102 of the toner cartridge 13 is moved to a position opposite to the toner supply port 111, the drive gear 156 is rotated by a hand or a drive means (not shown). As a result, as shown in FIG. 26A, the operator visually observes that the leading end of the agitator film 142 passes through the toner supply port 111. At that time, as shown in FIG. 16, the tip portion 142 b of the agitator film 142 is provided with a notch 161 at a position corresponding to the toner supply port 111, and a tongue-like shape separated by these notches 161. The portion fits into the toner supply port 111, and the tongue-shaped portion comes into contact with the end of the toner supply port 111, and a “click” sound is generated. Therefore, the operator can visually confirm that the tip of the agitator film 142 passes through the toner supply port 111 and can also identify it by a sound such as “click”.

  When the drive gear 156 is further rotated, as shown in FIG. 26B, it is visually observed that the agitating portion 148 of the agitator shaft 141 passes through the toner supply port 111 and the leading end portion 142b of the agitator film 142 is supplied. It is the discontinuity of the agitator film 142 that moves from the first inner wall 102a to the second inner wall 102b through the corners of the first inner wall 102a and the second inner wall 102b of the toner containing portion 102. Perceived by the rotation state.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 26C, the agitator 140 further rotates the drive gear 156 so that the leading end of the agitator film 142 is in contact with the second inner wall 102ba and the third inner wall 102c of the toner containing portion 102. The agitator film 142 is in its most extended state, the force required to rotate the drive gear 156 is minimized, and the tip 142b of the agitator film 142 is moved to the second portion of the toner storage portion 102. Since the operator senses that the corner has moved between the inner wall 102b and the third inner wall 102c, the agitator 140 is stopped in this state.

  In this state, the toner (T) is supplied from the toner supply port 111 to the supply toner storage portion 102 of the toner cartridge 13 through a funnel member (not shown) as shown in FIGS.

  At this time, the toner cartridge 13 is vibrated, the agitator film 142 is rotated by the drive gear 156, or the agitator film 142 is supplied in order to replenish and fill the toner in the supply toner storage portion 102 of the toner cartridge 13. It is desirable to vibrate. However, when the agitator film 142 is rotated by the drive gear 156, simply rotating the agitator film 142 causes the agitator film 142 to move toward the toner supply port 111, so that the rotation amount of the agitator film 142 is reduced. Is desirable.

  Thus, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the agitator 140 disposed in the supply toner storage portion 102 of the toner cartridge 13 is moved to a position opposite to the toner supply port 111. Thus, since the toner is replenished, the agitator 140 disposed in the supply toner storage unit 102 does not interfere with the toner supplied from the toner supply port 111, and the toner is efficiently supplied from the toner supply port 111. It is possible to replenish the toner cartridge 13 with sufficient replenishment.

  The present invention prevents the flexible sheet-like member in the developer container from obstructing when replenishing the developer from the developer supply port, so that the developer can be efficiently supplied from the developer supply port. It is possible to replenish.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the tip of the stirring and conveying member is located at a position other than the developer supply port, and the base end portion 142a of the stirring and conveying member 142 is from a direction parallel to the opening surface of the developer supplying port 111. The developer is replenished from the developer supply port 111 in a state facing the developer supply port 111.

  Here, the tip of the agitating and conveying member is at a position other than the developer supply port, and the base end portion of the agitating and conveying member is connected to the developer supplying port from a direction parallel to the opening surface of the developer supplying port. The state of being directed to the opposite side is not limited to the state described in the first embodiment, but is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 28, the base end of the agitator film 142 of the agitator 140 The portion 142 a, that is, the portion attached to the agitator shaft 141 of the agitator film 142 is from the direction substantially parallel to the opening surface of the toner supply port 111, and the base end portion 142 a of the agitator film 142 is opposite to the toner supply port 111. Means up to the state of facing.

  On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 29, since the base end 142a of the agitator film 142 of the agitator 140 faces the toner supply port 111 side, it is not desirable because the toner cannot be supplied efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing a toner cartridge as a developer container to which the developer container regeneration method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a tandem type full-color printer as a paper direct transfer type image forming apparatus to which the developer container recycling method according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a tandem type full-color printer. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a state where the cover of the tandem type full color printer is opened. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective configuration view showing a state in which the toner cartridge as the developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is disassembled. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a cross section of a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a main part of a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an agitator of a toner cartridge as a developer storage container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an agitator of a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an agitator film. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a drive unit of the agitator. FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram illustrating a mounted state of the toner cartridge. FIG. 19 is a perspective configuration diagram illustrating a mounted state of the toner cartridge. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating a mounted state of the toner cartridge. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating a mounted state of the toner cartridge. FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram showing a supply path of toner supplied from the toner cartridge to the developing device. FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram illustrating a collection path of collected toner from the cleaning device to the toner cartridge. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing the toner cartridge being attached and detached. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner cartridge as a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner cartridge to which the method for regenerating a developer container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner cartridge to which a method for regenerating a developer container according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 29 is an explanatory view showing a method for regenerating the developer container.

Explanation of symbols

  13Y, 13M, 13C, 13B: toner cartridge (developer container), 102: supply toner container, 103: collected toner container, 104: supply toner container, 106: collected toner container, 111: toner supply port 140: agitator, 141: agitator shaft, 142: agitator film.

Claims (11)

A developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developer supply port provided at a corner near one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer container;
There is a flexible sheet-like member that agitates the developer contained in the developer containing portion and conveys it to the developer supply port, and its tip is slid on the inner wall of the developer containing portion. An agitating / conveying member disposed in a rotatable manner in an eccentric manner on the developer supply port side in the developer accommodating portion in a state of contact;
When replenishing the developer from the developer supply port into the developer container provided with
Holding the developer container such that the developer supply port is positioned above;
The tip of the agitating / conveying member is at a position other than the developer supply port, and the base end of the agitating / conveying member is opposite to the developer supplying port from a direction parallel to the opening surface of the developer supplying port. In the state facing the side, replenish the developer from the developer supply port ,
The flexible sheet-like member of the stirring and conveying member is provided with a tongue-like portion for scraping the developer from the developer supply port, and the tongue-like portion of the flexible sheet-like member Is fitted into the developer supply port, so that it is possible to identify that the base end portion of the agitating / conveying member faces the side opposite to the developer supply port. Method. A developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developer supply port provided at a corner near one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer container;
There is a flexible sheet-like member that agitates the developer contained in the developer containing portion and conveys it to the developer supply port, and its tip is slid on the inner wall of the developer containing portion. An agitating / conveying member disposed in a rotatable manner in an eccentric manner on the developer supply port side in the developer accommodating portion in a state of contact;
When replenishing the developer from the developer supply port into the developer container provided with
  Holding the developer container such that the developer supply port is positioned above;
  The tip of the agitating / conveying member is at a position other than the developer supply port, and the base end of the agitating / conveying member is opposite to the developer supplying port from a direction parallel to the opening surface of the developer supplying port. In the state facing the side, replenish the developer from the developer supply port,
The agitating / conveying member has a developer leveling member extending in a direction opposite to the flexible sheet-like member, and the developer leveling member of the agitating / conveying member is visually confirmed from the developer supply port. Thus, it is possible to identify that the base end portion of the agitating and conveying member is in a state facing the opposite side to the developer supply port. A developer accommodating portion in which an inner wall accommodating the developer is surrounded by four wall surfaces;
A developer supply port provided at a corner near one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer container;
There is a flexible sheet-like member that agitates the developer contained in the developer containing portion and conveys it to the developer supply port, and its tip is slid on the inner wall of the developer containing portion. An agitating / conveying member disposed in a rotatable manner in an eccentric manner on the developer supply port side in the developer accommodating portion in a state of contact;
When replenishing the developer from the developer supply port into the developer container provided with
Holding the developer container such that the developer supply port is positioned above;
The first inner wall, the second inner wall, and the third wall that are continuous downstream of the developer supply port in the rotation direction of the stirring and conveying member after the tip of the stirring and conveying member passes through the developer supply port. 3. The developer replenishing method according to claim 1 , wherein the developer is replenished from the developer supply port in a state in which a tip of the agitating and conveying member is in sliding contact with any one of the inner walls of the developer. The tip of the stirring conveyance member, the state positioned on the opposite side of the developer feed inlet, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that supplying the developer from the developer supply port Developer supply method. 5. The developer supply method according to claim 1 , wherein the developer is supplied from the developer supply port in a state where the stirring and conveying member is rotated by a small rotation amount . 6. The developer replenishing method according to claim 1 , wherein the developer is replenished from the developer supply port in a state where the agitating and conveying member is swung. 5. The developer replenishing method according to claim 1 , wherein the developer is replenished from the developer supply port in a state where the agitating and conveying member is vibrated. The developer according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible sheet-like member of the stirring and conveying member is provided with a slit at a position corresponding to the developer supply port. Supply method. The developer replenishing method according to claim 1 , wherein a drive gear is provided on a rotation shaft of the agitation transport member. 10. The developer supply method according to claim 1 , wherein a shutter member that opens and closes the developer supply port is provided at the developer supply port. A developer storage container in which a developer is replenished by the developer replenishing method according to claim 1 .

Images