JP4872321B2 - Developer container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine, having a developer container that is detachably attached to a rotary developing device and a rotary developer device to which the developer container is detachably attached. It is about.

  As an image forming apparatus to which an electrophotographic system or an electrostatic recording system is applied, for example, a plurality of developing devices are attached to a rotating support in the vicinity of an image carrier such as one photosensitive drum, and the rotating support is rotated. A rotary developing device that sequentially moves to a developing position facing the image carrier is installed, and each electrostatic latent image that is sequentially formed on the one image carrier is accommodated in each developer in the rotary developer. There is a type in which image formation is performed while developing sequentially with a developer.

  In this type of image forming apparatus, a predetermined developer is supplied to each developing device in the rotary developing device, so that the developer container containing the supplied developer is connected to the rotary developing device (rotation of the rotary developing device). For example, when the developing device to be developed is moved to the developing position, the replenishment developer is discharged from the developer container corresponding to the developing device. Thus, a predetermined amount is supplied to the developing device via a developer supply device.

  Also, in this type of image forming apparatus, a two-component developer containing toner and carrier is used as a developer. However, when this two-component developer repeats image formation, the carrier deteriorates and becomes charged. Therefore, a so-called trickle development method may be employed in which a new two-component developer (including a carrier) is replenished, and at the same time, an excess developer in the developing device is recovered and the carrier is replaced. In this case, the collected developer to be collected from the developing device must be accommodated. As the accommodation method, an additional accommodating portion for accommodating the collected developer is additionally provided in a part of the developer container and the collected developer is developed. It is possible to apply a method in which a receiving port for receiving the collected developer discharged and collected from the developing device is provided in the developer container, and the collected developer is stored in the collected developer container through the receiving port.

  However, in the developer container provided with the recovered developer container, the developer container rotates and moves integrally with the rotary support of the rotary developing device, so depending on the position (posture) of the developer container. There has been a problem that the collected developer once stored in the collected developer storage portion flows out (reversely flows) to the developing device side through the receiving port.

  Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, the present applicant also has a cylindrical shape in which a developer recovery box 102 is attached to one end of a cylindrical developer storage portion 101 that stores a replenishment developer as shown in FIG. As a developer cartridge, a developer cartridge provided with a shutter mechanism 104 for preventing the collected developer L from flowing out at the developer collection port 103 opened in the collection box 102 is proposed (Patent Document 1). .

  The shutter mechanism 104 includes a plate-like elastic body 106 supported by a cantilever type with a weight 105 fixed to a free end, and a fixing member 107 that fixes the plate-like elastic body 106. It is attached to the inner wall surface of 101a (it becomes a partition wall with the accommodating part 101) 101a of the collection box 102. FIG. Reference numeral 108 in the figure is a cap for closing the opening at the other end of the collection box 102, and 109 is a support for limiting the change in posture of the free end of the plate-like elastic body 106 within a certain range. .

  When the developer cartridge is used in a rotary developing device, the developer collection port 103 is located at the same time as the collection box 102 is positioned below the rotation shaft 110 as shown in the lower part of the figure. In the posture that is positioned on the upper side, the free end of the plate-like elastic body 106 in the shutter mechanism 104 is separated from the collection port 103 by the gravity F of the weight 105, so that the collection port 103 is opened. On the other hand, as shown in the upper side of the figure, in the posture in which the collection box 102 is located above the rotation shaft 110 and the developer collection port 103 is located below, the elastic plate 106 Since the free end is pressed against the recovery port 103 by the gravity F of the weight 105, the recovery port 103 is closed. As a result, the collected developer L stored in the collection box 102 is prevented from flowing out through the collection port 103.

JP-A-10-1981144

  However, this conventional developer cartridge also has the following problems.

  That is, since the shutter mechanism is provided on the inner wall surface of the one end face of the collection box, the assembly work is complicated, and it is difficult to attach the plate-like elastic body of the shutter mechanism in the correct position and in the correct posture. There is a risk that the performance of the shutter mechanism varies between products (developer cartridges).

  In addition, when the used developer cartridge is reused, the collection box has a structure having a shutter mechanism on the inner wall surface of one end surface thereof. It is difficult to remove the developer) and it is difficult to dismantle the shutter mechanism temporarily. For this reason, there was a disadvantage in reuse. In particular, this reuse is disadvantageous because it induces an increase in the cost of a developer container that is also a consumable item, so that even in an image forming apparatus that uses such a developer container, the running cost increases. There is a fear.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and as a developer container that is detachably attached to a rotary developing device, an assembly prevention and reuse prevention mechanism that can be easily reused. And a developer container provided with an image forming apparatus using the developer container.

  The developer container of the present invention is a developer container that is detachably attached to a rotary developing device in which a developing device is attached to a rotating support and is moved to a developing position by the rotation of the rotating support. A replenishment developer accommodating portion for accommodating a replenishment developer for replenishing the container, and a recovered developer accommodating portion for accommodating a recovered developer recovered from the developing device; While providing a discharge port for discharging the developer in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis direction of the rotating support, the collected developer is introduced into the collected developer storage portion from a direction intersecting with the rotation axis direction of the rotating support. A receiving port is provided for receiving, and the receiving member is detachably mounted in the collected developer container so that the receiving port is closed when the rotating support is present at a position within a specific range. Swing Together is characterized in that the mounting opening and closing member that swings to open the receiving opening when located at a position other than the specific range.

  Here, the position of the specific range in the opening / closing member means that the collected developer accommodated in the collected developer accommodating portion flows out from the receiving port when the attitude of the developer container is changed by the rotation of the rotary support. A position that falls within the range to be prevented. In addition, the swinging of the opening / closing member may be normally performed by the weight of the member itself when the posture of the opening / closing member changes due to the rotation of the rotation support.

  Further, since the stationary member is attached with an opening / closing member that swings so as to open / close the receiving port, although it is not particularly limited, the portion of the collected developer containing portion where the receiving port is provided is usually used. Mounted in the vicinity.

  According to such a developer container, since the opening / closing member swings and closes the receiving port of the recovered developer accommodating portion when the rotation support member is located at a specific range of position, the recovered developer is closed. It is possible to prevent the collected developer that has been collected in the housing portion from flowing out (reverse) from the receiving port. As a result, the recovered developer can be reliably recovered. In addition, the opening / closing member as a mechanism for preventing the collected developer from flowing out is attached to a stationary member that is detachably mounted in the collected developer accommodating portion, and therefore its assembly (including assembly of the entire developer container) is included. The developer container can be easily used, and the developer can be easily disassembled, so that the developer container can be easily reused.

  Further, the developer container is disposed in a state where the replenishment developer accommodating portion and the recovered developer accommodating portion pass through, and the stationary member is provided with a replenishment developer accommodating portion of the recovered developer accommodating portion. It is good to make it the structure which is an inner lid | cover which blocks and partitions the penetration part between. The replenishment developer accommodating portion and the collected developer accommodating portion can be realized, for example, by partitioning the internal space of one cylindrical member as an adjacent replenishment developer accommodating portion and a recovered developer accommodating portion.

  In this case, the stationary member to which the opening / closing member is attached functions as an inner lid, and the number of components can be reduced as compared with the case where the stationary member is configured as an independent component. Assembly work and dismantling work can be performed more efficiently.

  Each developer container may be provided with a guide structure between the recovered developer accommodating portion and the stationary member that guides and positions the stationary member in a direction when the stationary member is attached and detached. The positioning by this guide structure is a positioning function that positions the opening / closing member attached to the stationary member at a position where the receiving port should be opened / closed when the stationary member is mounted in the collected developer accommodating portion.

  In this case, assembly and disassembly of the immovable member (inner lid) to which the opening / closing member is attached can be simply and accurately performed by the guide and positioning function by the guide structure.

  Further, the opening / closing member in each developer container has a range in which one end thereof is swingably attached to the immovable member and a swinging free end opposite to the one end closes to face the receiving port. It is good to set it as the structure which has the extended edge part extended and formed beyond.

  In this case, the extension end portion functions as a weight of the opening / closing member, so that the opening / closing member swings reliably and quickly, and the opening / closing of the receiving port is also performed reliably and smoothly. Become.

  Further, the extended end of the opening / closing member may be formed with a notch or a penetrating portion that becomes a space through which the collected developer passes immediately after exceeding the closing range facing the receiving port.

  In this case, when the recovered developer is received by the recovered developer container from the receiving port with the opening / closing member opened, the recovered developer once contacts the (opening / closing member) surface. When it is received, it passes through the notch or through part and falls into the accommodating part. For example, the collected developer is prevented from being deposited on the extended end of the opening / closing member. be able to. As a result, the collected developer accumulates on the extended end of the opening / closing member, so that the swinging function of the opening / closing member and the opening / closing function of the receiving port are not impaired.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a rotary developing device in which a developing device is attached to a rotary support and moved to a development position by the rotation of the rotary support, and a development that is detachably attached to the rotary developing device. In the image forming apparatus having a developer container, the developer container is any one of the developer containers having the above-described configurations.

  According to such an image forming apparatus, since any one of the developer containers having the above-described configurations is used as the developer container, the developer container is easy to assemble and dismantle and can be easily reused. The developer container can be handled well, which is advantageous in terms of cost. Further, in the developer container, the recovered developer is prevented from flowing out by the opening / closing member, so that the recovered developer is surely recovered without being returned to the developing device side. As a result, the developer is reliably recovered, the development performance is maintained, and good image formation can be performed.

  According to the present invention, as a developer container that is detachably attached to a rotary developing device, a developer container having a recovery developer outflow prevention mechanism that can be easily assembled and reused can be provided. Also, an image forming apparatus using such an excellent developer container can be provided.

  FIG. 8 shows an outline of a full-color printer to which the present invention is applied.

  This printer employs a known image forming system such as an electrophotographic system, and is mainly provided with a photosensitive drum 1 as a latent image carrier that rotates in an arrow direction A. A charging roll 2 as charging means for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 1 around the periphery, and an illustration for forming an electrostatic latent image by performing exposure (H) on the charged photosensitive drum 1 based on image information. 4 (yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K) for developing the electrostatic latent image of the color component formed on the photosensitive drum 1 without exposure means (for example, a laser exposure apparatus). As a transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 to the intermediate transfer member 6 having an endless belt form, etc. Transfer roll 5 etc. are arranged It is.

  Among these, the rotary type developing device 4 includes four color developing devices 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotation support frame 31. In addition, the developing device 4 is rotated by a predetermined amount in the arrow direction B at a predetermined timing with the rotation support frame 31 around the rotation shaft 31a, so that the developing devices 30Y and 30M corresponding to the color to be developed. , 30C, 30K are moved to developing positions facing the photosensitive drum 1, respectively.

  Each of the developing devices 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K has the same configuration except for the difference in the type (color) of the developer to be used and the specific condition setting corresponding to the difference in the type. Each of these developing devices 30 uses a two-component developer containing any one of the above four colors of non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier as the developer 9, and adopts a trickle developing method as described later. is doing.

  The common configuration will be described mainly. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the developing device 30 has a hollow main body case 32 partially opened in a slit shape along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1. A developing roll 33 that rotates in a state where a part of the case 32 is exposed from the opening thereof, and is rotated in a state parallel to the developing roll 33 that is positioned obliquely below the developing roll 33. Spiral augers 34 and 35 as two developer agitating and conveying members are installed.

  The spiral augers 34 and 35 have a structure in which blade portions in a state of being spirally wound around the rotation axis along the axial direction are formed. A partition wall 36 is provided in the case 32 portion between the two spiral augers 34 and 35 (excluding both ends), and communicates at both ends in a parallel state with the partition wall 36 as a boundary. The developer containing passage in a state exists. Accordingly, the developer 9 accommodated in the developer accommodating passage is circulated and conveyed in one direction so as to pass through the developing roll 33 while being agitated and frictionally charged by the rotation of the spiral augers 34 and 35.

  The developing roll 33 is composed of a cylindrical roll body (sleeve) that rotates in a predetermined direction, and a magnet roll 33a installed in a fixed state inside the sleeve, and the developing bias is applied to the sleeve. Applied. Such a developing roll 33 carries the developer 9 (magnetic carrier) conveyed by the spiral auger 34 in a heading state (magnetic brush) on the sleeve surface by a magnetic force, and then regulates it to a constant layer thickness. Then, the development is performed by electrostatically adhering only the toner that electrostatically adheres to the carrier to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 in the development area.

  In this printer, basically, after the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roll 2, light such as a laser beam modulated on the surface after charging in accordance with image information from the exposure means. H is scanned and exposed to form an electrostatic latent image, and then the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developer 9 supplied from a predetermined developing device 30 of the rotary developing device 4 to be a toner of a predetermined color. An image is formed. In particular, when a full color image composed of the above four color toners (images) is formed, the above-described charging, exposure, and development processes are performed four times for each of the colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. This process is repeated, whereby toner images corresponding to the four colors are sequentially formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

  Subsequently, in this printer, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is placed on an endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 6 that rotates so as to circulate in a predetermined direction when passing through the primary transfer roll 5. Primary transfer is electrostatically performed. When the four color toner images are formed on the photosensitive drum 1, the toner images are primarily transferred in a state where the toner images are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer body 6.

  When the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer body 6 passes through a secondary transfer means (not shown) (for example, a secondary transfer roll) arranged at the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer body 6, the intermediate transfer body 6. And the secondary transfer device are electrostatically secondary transferred onto a recording sheet (not shown) conveyed at a predetermined timing. The recording sheet on which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is sent from a secondary transfer position to a fixing device (not shown), and is heated and pressurized when passing through the fixing device, whereby the toner image is fixed on the recording sheet. Thus, the basic image forming operation (printing) by this printer is completed.

  Further, in this printer, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the developer cartridge 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is developed with respect to the rotation support frame 31 of the rotary developing device 4. , 30K, and is detachably mounted in a state of being close to each other.

  The developer cartridge 10 individually contains developer (supplement developer) 9A for replenishing the four developers 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K, and each developer 30Y of the trickle developing system described above. , 30M, 30C, and 30K, the developer (recovered developer) 9B is accommodated, and there are four (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K).

  The developer cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K in this example all have a cylindrical container body 11 that is open at both ends. The container main body 11 has its internal space raised by a certain amount toward the center of the cross section of the internal space at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the directions of arrows D and F), and the central portion penetrates into a circular shape ( The annular rib 12 formed in the form of the central through portion 12a) is divided into a replenishment developer accommodating portion 13 for accommodating the replenishing developer 9A and a recovered developer accommodating portion 14 for accommodating the recovered developer 9B. Yes. A cap 15 is attached to the open end portion 11a of the container main body 11 on the supply developer storage portion 13 side. Further, a cap 16 with a handle having a handle-shaped portion 16a is attached to the opening end portion 11b of the container main body 11 on the recovered developer accommodating portion 14 side.

  A discharge port for discharging supply developer 9A in the vicinity of the annular rib 12 in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis (31b) of the rotation support frame 31 is provided in a portion of the container main body 11 serving as the supply developer storage portion 13. 17 has been established. In addition, in the replenishment developer accommodating portion 13, an agitator 18 for efficiently conveying the accommodated replenishment developer 9A toward the discharge port 17 (in the direction of arrow F) is rotatably installed. .

  The agitator 18 is a developer transport rotating member obtained by bending a wire rod into a spiral shape, and is arranged so that one end portion 18 a thereof is located near the side surface of the annular rib 12 and the other end portion 18 b is located near the cap 15. Has been. The other end 18 b is fixed by being inserted into a rotary drive shaft 19 that is pivotally supported by the center portion of the cap 15 and protrudes into the housing portion 13. The rotary drive shaft 19 is integrated with a drive system connector 20 disposed on the outer surface of the cap 15. 2 and 3, reference numeral 21 denotes a ring-shaped packing attached to a position facing the end 11 a of the container body inside the cap 15, and 22 a and 22 b are in close contact with the front and back surfaces of the cap 15 through the rotary drive shaft 19. It is a sealing material.

  On the other hand, in the container main body 11 portion serving as the collected developer accommodating portion 14, a receiving port 23 for receiving the collected developer 9 </ b> B from the direction intersecting the rotational axis direction of the rotation support frame 31 is provided in the vicinity of the annular rib 12. It has been established. The receiving port 23 and the discharge port 17 are arranged in a state of being close to each other with the annular rib 12 interposed therebetween, and are extended to a joint ridge portion 24 formed in a state of protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 11. Is formed. In FIGS. 1 to 3, reference numeral 25 denotes packings 25 and 26 attached to the upper surface of the joint ridge 24, and is attached to the upper surface of the joint ridge 24 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the container body 11. A sliding shutter 27 that opens and closes the receiving port 23 and the discharging port 17 by sliding in the arrow directions D and F during mounting, and 27 is a packing that is attached to the inner side of the cap 16 with the handle and facing the end 11b of the container body. .

  Further, the developer cartridge 10 is provided with an inner cap 40 which is fitted from the collected developer accommodating portion 14 side and is brought into close contact with the side surface 12b of the annular ring 12 so as to close the central through portion 12a (see FIG. 14) of the annular ring. Have.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the inner cap 40 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the circular section of the internal space of the collected developer accommodating portion 14 and has a width that contacts the entire circumference of the side surface 12 b of the annular rib 12. The disc-shaped flange portion 41 and a cylindrical raised portion 42 formed in a raised state so as to be fitted into the central through portion 12a of the annular rib inside the disc-shaped flange portion 41 are mainly configured.

  The inner cap 40 is fitted from the other end portion 11b of the container body toward the internal space of the collected developer accommodating portion 14, and the cylindrical raised portion 42 is fitted into the central through portion 12a of the annular rib and is disc-shaped. The flange portion 41 is attached by bringing it into contact with the side surface 12b of the annular rib 12. By mounting the inner cap 40, the central through-hole 12a of the annular rib is closed, and the replenishment developer accommodating portion 13 and the collected developer accommodating portion 14 of the container body 11 are completely partitioned. On the other hand, the inner cap 40 can be removed from the collected developer accommodating portion 14 by extracting the cylindrical raised portion 42 from the central through portion 12a of the annular rib.

  The inner cap 40 is provided with an opening / closing swing plate 50 for opening and closing the receiving port 23 of the collected developer accommodating portion 14.

  The open / close swing plate 50 has a shape (for example, a rectangular shape) and a size that can be closed in contact with the opening of the receiving port 23 and protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container body 11 at one end thereof. The opening / closing body 51 formed with the swinging support shafts 52a and 52b, and the weight of the opening / closing body 51 are formed so as to extend from the end opposite to the side where the swinging support shaft 52 is located. It consists of an extended end 53 that fulfills. In particular, the extension end 53 is formed with cutouts 54a and 54b formed by cutting the opening / closing main body 51 from both sides, whereby the extension end 53 becomes the weight tip 55 and the weight tip 55. 55 and a connecting portion 56 that connects the opening / closing main body 51.

  The opening / closing swing plate 50 is formed in a state of protruding to a portion that is closest to the receiving port 23 when the inner cap 40 is mounted (a portion of the flange portion 42 that faces the receiving port 23 is cut off in a horizontal state). The swinging support shafts 52a and 52b of the opening / closing main body 51 are attached to the bearing portion 57 in a state of being rotatably supported. The bearing portion 57 is formed with a U-shaped mounting recess for holding the pivot shafts 52a and 52b. The open / close oscillating plate 50 attached in this way is configured so that the free end sides of the open / close main body 51 and the extended end 53 are oscillated in the directions of arrows J and K around the oscillating support shafts 52a and 52b on the inner cap 40. It will be ready to move.

  Further, in the developer cartridge 10, when the opening / closing swing plate 50 swings in the direction of arrow K approaching the receiving port 23, the surface of the opening / closing main body 51 comes into contact with the receiving port 23 and opens the opening. From the viewpoint of making the contact close, but the receiving port 23 is formed with a receiving port protruding portion 23a that protrudes inside the collected developer accommodating portion 14 and has a tip portion that is a horizontal surface. (See FIG. 6).

Further, when the opening and closing swing plate 50 is swung in the arrow J direction away from the receiving opening 23, it is possible to swing until it contacts the surface of the inner cap 40, swings to the direction of arrow J A protrusion support portion 58 is formed on the inner cap 40 for limiting the swing range to a necessary limit by the opening / closing swing plate 50 being in contact with and supported (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

  Further, two guide ribs 61 a and 61 b extending linearly in the longitudinal direction of the container main body 11 are formed on the inner surface of the collected developer accommodating portion 14 up to a position reaching the annular rib 12. In combination with this, the inner cap 40 has a U-shaped guide groove that is slidably guided in a state where the guide rib 61 is fitted and held in a portion of the disc-shaped flange portion 41 facing the guide ribs 61a and 61b. 45a and 45b are formed. The guide grooves 45a and 45b are positioned so that the open / close swing plate 50 faces the receiving port 23 when the inner cap 40 is attached to the collected developer accommodating portion 14 by fitting into the guide ribs 61a and 61b. The inner cap 40 is formed at a predetermined portion.

  In this developer cartridge 10, the assembly (attachment) work of the opening / closing swing plate 50 as a mechanism for preventing the collected developer from flowing is first performed by attaching the opening / closing swing plate 50 to the bearing portion 57 of the inner cap 40. After mounting so as to insert 52, the inner cap 40 to which the opening / closing swing plate 50 is attached can be easily installed in the collected developer accommodating portion 14 of the container body 11.

  Further, when the inner cap 40 to which the opening / closing swing plate 50 is attached is mounted, the guide grooves 45a and 45b of the inner cap 40 are fitted into the guide ribs 61a and 61b in the collected developer accommodating portion 14, and in this state. Push the inner cap 40 inward (in the direction of arrow D). As a result, the inner cap 40 is held and guided by the guide rib 61 and smoothly moved until it reaches the annular rib 12, and the flange portion 41 reaches the annular rib 12 (the side surface portion 12b of the annular rib). The opening / closing swing plate 50 (the opening / closing main body 51) is positioned in a state of facing the receiving port 23 (receiving port protruding portion 23a). At this time, the inner cap 40 is fixed by fitting the cylindrical raised portion 42 to the central through portion 12a of the annular rib.

  The developer cartridge 10 is mounted in a cartridge mounting space formed in a portion of the rotation support frame 31 of the rotary developing device 4 that is near the developing devices 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9 and the like, each developer cartridge 10 when mounted on the rotary developing device 4 has its replenishment developer discharge port 17 at the developer replenishment device 70 (development of the developer replenishment device 70). It is designed to face the agent intake). In FIG. 9 and the like, reference numeral 65 denotes a holder with an elastic member that holds the developer cartridge 10 when it is mounted.

  The developer replenishing device 70 is rotatable at one end side thereof into a cylindrical developer delivery part case 71 attached in communication with a replenishment port 37 in the case 32 of the developing device 30, and inside the hollow of the delivery part case 71. And a spiral auger 72 installed in The developer delivery section case 71 is connected to the supply port 37 of the developer case 32 via a connection opening 73 provided on one end side of the case. A receiving port 74 for receiving the replenishment developer 9 </ b> A discharged from the discharge port 17 of the developer cartridge 10 is provided at the end of the developer delivery unit case 71 opposite to the end where the connection opening 73 is provided. It is formed in a state that can face the outlet 17.

  In the replenishment of the replenishment developer, first, the replenishment developer 9A in the replenishment developer accommodating portion 13 of the developer cartridge 10 is discharged so as to drop to the developer delivery portion case 71 through the discharge port 17 by the conveying force of the agitator 18. The Next, after the spiral auger 62 is driven to rotate at a predetermined timing (replenishment time) for a predetermined time, the replenishment developer 9A in the developer delivery section case 71 is sent to the connection opening 73 side by a predetermined amount. This is performed by finally being fed into the case 32 of the developing device 30 through the connection opening 63.

  Further, in the developer replenishing device 70, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one end portion swings around the shaft 78c so as to open and close the replenishing port at the periphery of the replenishing port 37 of the developing device 30. A flap 78 is provided. As will be described later, the flap 78 swings according to the rotation position of the rotation support frame 31 (change in the direction of the action of gravity) to open and close the replenishing port 37, so that the rotation support frame 31 rotates particularly during the developing process. Further, the developer 9 in the developing device 30 is prevented from flowing back to the developer cartridge 10 through the supply port 37.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10 and the like, each developer cartridge 10 when mounted on the rotary developing device 4 has a collected developer receiving port 23 whose developer collection mechanism 80 of each developer unit 30 (development of the developer collecting mechanism 80). It is designed to face the agent delivery port).

  The developer recovery mechanism 80 includes a developer discharge pipe 81 that is disposed so as to connect between the developing device 30 and the holder 65 of the developer cartridge. The developer discharge pipe 81 is attached so that one end of the developer discharge pipe 81 penetrates and protrudes from a portion facing the spiral auger 35 on the rear side above the case 32 of each developing device 30. In addition, the developer discharge pipe portion projecting into the case 32 of the developing device 30 is formed as a bent portion 82 obtained by bending the tip portion thereof, and enters the case from the recovery port 83 opened at the tip portion. It arrange | positions so that a part of already existing developing agent 9 can be taken in. The opening area of the recovery port 83 is appropriately set according to the developer recovery rate. On the other hand, at the end of the developer discharge pipe 81 opposite to the recovery port 83, there is a delivery port 84 for sending the developer taken in from the recovery port 83 of the bent portion 82 to the developer cartridge 10 side. It is formed in the state which can oppose.

  The collected developer is collected by taking in a part of the developer in the developing device 30 at the bent portion 82 of the developer discharge pipe 81 and then rotating the rotating support frame 31 of the rotary developing device 4 to rotate the developing device 30 and the developing device 30. By changing the posture of the developer discharge pipe 81, the developer 9 </ b> B that has been taken in and collected moves through the discharge pipe 81 toward the delivery port 84, and finally develops through the delivery port 84 and the reception port 23. This is performed by being sent into the collected developer accommodating portion 14 of the agent cartridge 10.

  Next, the usage state (operation) of the developer cartridge 10 will be described including the operation of the rotary developing device 4.

  As described above, the electrostatic latent image formed for each color component on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed by the developing device 30 of the developing device 4 containing the developer 9 corresponding to the color of the latent image. The image is visualized by moving and moving to a developing position facing the photosensitive drum 1 by rotation.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when developing yellow (Y), the developing device 30 (Y) moves to the position (development position) indicated by the reference numeral “E1” and the development operation is performed.

  At this time, the developer cartridge 10Y is positioned above the rotation shaft 31a (rotation axis 31b) of the rotation support frame 31, and the discharge port 17 and the receiving port 23 are positioned substantially below. Become. Further, the flap 78 in the developing device 30Y is in a state where the replenishing port 37 of the developing device is opened by its own weight (FIG. 9).

  As a result, the developing device 30Y is placed in a state where the replenishment developer 9A from the developer cartridge 10Y can be replenished. In the developer cartridge 10Y, as shown in the upper part of FIGS. 6 and 7, the open / close swing plate 50 is supported by gravity G due to its own weight such as the weight front end 55 on the free end side. By swinging downward (in the direction of the arrow K) about the shaft 52, the opening / closing main body 51 comes into contact with the receiving port protrusion 23a, thereby closing the receiving port 23. As a result, the recovered recovered developer 9B in the recovered developer storage portion 14 of the cartridge is prevented from flowing back to the developing device 30Y side through the receiving port 23. At this time, when the developer is replenished in the developing device 30Y, a part of the developer slightly surplus due to the replenishment is taken into the bent portion 82 of the discharge pipe 81 of the developer recovery mechanism 80 (FIG. 10). ).

  Next, when the developing operation of the developing device 30Y is completed, the developing device 30Y is moved to the position of “E2” as the developing device 30 (K) shown in FIG. 8 by the rotation of the rotation support frame 31 in the arrow B direction. To do.

  At this time, the developer cartridge 10Y is positioned above the rotation shaft 31a of the rotation support frame 31 as in the cartridge 10K shown in FIG. 8, and the discharge port 17 and the receiving port 23 are slightly below. Inclined and turned sideways. As a result, in the developer cartridge 10Y, as in the case described above, the open / close swing plate 50 abuts on the receiving port protrusion 23a and the receiving port 23 remains closed (FIGS. 6 and 7). At the top). On the other hand, in the developing device 30Y, the flap 78 is swung by its own weight and the supply port 37 of the developing device is closed. This prevents the developer in the developing device 30Y from flowing back to the developer supply device 70 through the supply port 37. At this time, in the image agent recovery mechanism 80, the discharge pipe 81 is in a horizontal state and the bent portion 83 is in an upward direction, so that the developer taken in by the bent portion 83 is in the discharge pipe 81. It will be in the state held by.

  Subsequently, when the developing device 30Y moves to the position of the symbol “E3” as in the developing device 30 (C) shown in FIG. 8, the developer cartridge 10Y at this time is as shown in the lower part of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 8, the cartridge 10C is positioned below the rotation shaft 31a (rotation axis 31b) of the rotation support frame 31 and the discharge port 17 and the receiving port 23 are positioned substantially above. Become.

  As a result, in the developer cartridge 10Y, as shown in the lower part of FIGS. 6 and 7, the open / close swing plate 50 is subjected to gravity G due to its own weight such as the weight tip 55 on the free end side. By swinging downward (in the direction of arrow J) about the support shaft 52, the opening / closing main body 51 is separated from the receiving port protrusion 23a, and the receiving port 23 is opened. At this time, in the image agent recovery mechanism 80, the discharge pipe 81 is in a state where the bent portion 83 is positioned upward, so that the developer taken in by the bent portion 83 moves through the discharge pipe 81 and is sent out from the delivery port 84. It becomes a state to be As a result, the collected developer 9B collected by the image material collecting mechanism 80 is received and accommodated in the collected developer accommodating portion 14 of the cartridge through the receiving port 23. Incidentally, at this time, the flap 78 of the developing device 30Y is in a state in which the supply port 37 of the developing device is closed.

  Further, the collected developer 9 </ b> B when stored in the collected developer storage portion 14 of the cartridge through the receiving port 23 is first placed on the surface of the opening / closing main body 51 of the open / close swing plate 50 existing below the receiving port 23. After hitting once, it falls into the accommodating portion 14. At this time, the collected developer 9B passes through the notches 54a and 54b of the open / close swing plate 50 and is smoothly dropped and stored. Accordingly, there is no possibility that the collected developer 9B is deposited on a part (particularly, the extended end portion 53) of the open / close swing plate 50.

Subsequently, when the developing device 30Y moves to the position of “E4” like the developing device 30 (M) shown in FIG. 8, the developer cartridge 10Y at this time is rotationally supported as the cartridge 10M shown in FIG. The frame 31 is positioned below the rotating shaft 31a, and the discharge port 17 and the receiving port 23 are slightly tilted upward and turned sideways. As a result, in the developer cartridge 10Y, the open / close swing plate 50 remains in the state in which the receiving port 23 is opened (lower portion in FIGS. 6 and 7), but the receiving port 23 is inclined slightly upward. some reason, not that the collected developer 9 B flows back through the receiving opening 23. On the other hand, in the developing device 30Y, the flap 78 starts to swing due to its own weight and shifts to a state where the replenishing port 37 of the developing device is opened.

  Therefore, in this rotary developing device 4, as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, the developer cartridge 10 is positioned in a range (region) above the rotation shaft 31a (rotation axis 31b) of the rotation support frame 31. When the exhaust port 17 and the receiving port 23 are located in a substantially lower range (when present in the position of the specific range M), the open / close swing plate 50 closes the receiving port 23. Is set to

  Further, the used developer cartridge 10 can be easily disassembled after being removed from the rotary developing device 4 until it becomes a part (excluding packing and sealing material) as shown in FIG.

  In particular, when removing the inner cap 40 attached to the collected developer accommodating portion 14, the inner cap 40 is pulled out from the opening end portion 11 b of the collected developer accommodating portion 14 or the inner cap from the supply developer accommodating portion 13 side. It can be easily removed by pressing 40 (the cylindrical raised portion 42) with a tool such as a rod-shaped member. That is, the inner cap 40 is pulled out or pushed in such a manner, so that the cylindrical raised portion 42 is extracted from the central through portion 12a of the annular rib, and then the guide ribs 61 of the guide grooves 45a and 45b. With this guiding function, the entire inner cap 40 moves smoothly in the collected developer accommodating portion 14 and is removed from the accommodating portion 14.

  The disassembled container body 11 and the like can be cleaned by easily removing the developer 9 by blowing air, for example. As a result, the parts after overflow are reassembled (filled with the replenishment developer 9A) to complete the developer cartridge 10, which can be easily reused as the developer cartridge 10. .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a developer cartridge according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line QQ of the developer cartridge in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the developer cartridge in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a principal part showing a configuration of a collected developer storage portion and an inner cap of the developer cartridge. It is a perspective view which shows an inner side cap and an opening-and-closing swing board. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part along the longitudinal direction of the container main body showing the state of the developer cartridge and the operation of the open / close swing plate. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part along the circumferential direction of the container body showing the state of the developer cartridge and the operation of the open / close swing plate. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of a printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view illustrating configurations of a developer cartridge, a developer supply device, and a developing device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view illustrating configurations of a developer cartridge, a developer recovery mechanism, and a developing device. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the structure of the conventional developer cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 ... Rotating developing device, 9 ... Developer, 9A ... Supply developer, 9B ... Collected developer, 10 ... Developer cartridge (developer container), 12a ... Through part, 13 ... Supply developer accommodating part, 14 ... Collected developer accommodating portion, 17 ... discharge port, 23 ... receiving port, 31 ... rotation support frame (rotation support), 31b ... rotation axis, 40 ... inner cap (non-moving member, inner lid), 45 ... guide groove (guide) (Part of structure), 50 ... open / close swing plate (open / close member), 53 ... extended end, 54 ... notch, M ... specific range.

Claims (4)

A developer container is detachably mounted on a rotary developing device in which a developing device is attached to a rotating support and is moved to a developing position by the rotation of the rotating support,
A replenishment developer accommodating portion for accommodating a replenishment developer for replenishing the developer, and a recovered developer accommodating portion for accommodating a recovered developer recovered from the developer;
The replenishment developer container is provided with a discharge port for discharging the replenishment developer in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction of the rotary support, while the recovered developer is stored in the recovered developer container. A receiving port for receiving from a direction intersecting the rotational axis direction of
Further, the immovable member that is detachably mounted in the collected developer accommodating portion swings so as to close the receiving port when present at a position within a specific range due to the rotation of the rotary support, and other than the specific range. Attach the closing member that swings to open the receiving opening when present in position,
The opening / closing member has one end portion swingably attached to the immovable member, and the swinging free end portion opposite to the one end portion extends beyond a range close to the receiving port. An extended end portion is formed, and the extended end portion is formed with a cutout portion or a penetration portion that becomes a space through which the collected developer passes immediately after exceeding the closed range facing the receiving port.
When the opening / closing member swings to open the receiving port, the opening / closing member is in contact with and supported by a part of the opening / closing member facing the receiving port and closing. A developer container, characterized in that a protrusion supporting portion is formed to limit a range when swinging so as to open the receiving port of the toner.   The replenishment developer accommodating portion and the recovered developer accommodating portion are disposed in a penetrating manner, and the stationary member blocks a penetrating portion between the recovered developer accommodating portion and the replenishment developer accommodating portion. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the developer container is a partitioning inner lid.   3. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein a guide structure is provided between the recovered developer storage portion and the stationary member for guiding and positioning the stationary member in a direction when the stationary member is attached and detached. In an image forming apparatus having a developing device attached to a rotating support and moved to a developing position by the rotation of the rotating support, and a developer container detachably attached to the rotating developing device.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the developer container is the developer container according to claim 1 .

Images