JP5541606B2 - Toner container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner container installed in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof, and an image forming apparatus in which the toner container is installed, and particularly stores electronic information such as RFID. The present invention relates to a toner container in which members are installed and an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a toner container (toner bottle) in which an electronic information storage member such as an RFID or an ID chip is installed is often used (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). .

In Patent Document 1, etc., various information such as toner type and lot is stored (stored) as electronic information in an electronic information storage unit (ID chip) installed in the toner container. Information is exchanged between the electronic information storage member of the toner container and the communication circuit installed in the image forming apparatus main body.
Further, such a toner container is configured to be replaceable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. Then, the used toner container is collected in a recycling factory and recycled there.

In the conventional toner container described above, since the electronic information storage member is fixed to the toner container by adhesion or heat welding, it takes time to separate the electronic information storage member from the toner container during the recycling process.
Specifically, when the container body of the toner container is reused, the toner inside the container must be cleaned with high pressure using water, air, or the like. At this time, if the electronic information storage member is installed in the toner container, the electronic information storage member may be damaged by water or air. Therefore, it is necessary to separate the electronic information storage member from the container body before cleaning the container body of the toner container. Then, the electronic information storage member after the data has been re-input or the like is again installed in the cleaned container body.
Also, when the container body of the toner container is reused (made as a raw material), it is necessary to separate the electronic information storage member made of a different material from the container body. The separated electronic information storage member is reused after the data is initialized.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a toner container having an electronic information storage member installed therein, and a toner container and an image forming apparatus having high work efficiency during recycling processing. There is to do.

A toner container according to a first aspect of the present invention is a toner container that is detachably installed on an image forming apparatus main body, and includes a cylindrical container main body that contains toner, and an outer periphery of the container main body. An electronic information storage member that is installed non-adhered / non-welded to the surface, stores electronic information, and can communicate with the image forming apparatus main body in a non-contact manner, and along the outer peripheral surface of the electronic information storage member A first restricting member that restricts movement in the circumferential surface direction, and a second restricting member that restricts movement of the electronic information storage member in a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface. A wall portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface so as to surround the electronic information storage member, and the second restricting member can be fitted to the wall portion from a direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface. Formed with the wall In fitted state, the covering part of the top surface of the electronic information storage member, a cover member having a through hole is formed to expose the other portion of the top surface, said cover member said wall portion The electronic information storage member can be independently separated by removing the electronic information storage member and releasing the engagement between the electronic information storage member and the lid member.

A toner container according to a second aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the first aspect, wherein the lid member is adhered to the wall portion via an adhesive.

A toner container according to a third aspect of the present invention is a toner container that is detachably installed on the main body of the image forming apparatus, and includes a cylindrical container main body that stores toner, and an outer peripheral surface of the container main body. The electronic information storage member is installed in a non-adhering / non-welding manner, stores electronic information, and can communicate in a non-contact manner with the image forming apparatus main body, and along the outer peripheral surface of the electronic information storage member A first restricting member for restricting movement in a circumferential direction; and a second restricting member for restricting movement of the electronic information storage member in a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface, the first restricting member and the second restricting member. The restricting member is detachably installed from a direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface with respect to the recess or the through hole formed on the outer peripheral surface, and holds the electronic information storage member in a non-adhering / non-welding manner. there is, the Support member is in a state of being installed in the concave portion or the through hole, covers a portion of the top surface of the electronic information storage member, an opening for exposing the other portion of the top surface is formed, the retaining member The electronic information storage member can be independently separated by releasing the engagement between the electronic information storage member and the holding member in a state of being removed from the recess or the through hole.

A toner container according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the third aspect , wherein the holding member includes a cylindrical concave portion that houses the electronic information storage member in the center. It has a buttock around it.

The toner container according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to the fourth aspect , wherein the electronic information storage member has a gap between the cylindrical concave portion of the holding member and the bottom surface of the concave portion. It is held open.

A toner container according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the holding member is installed in the through hole formed in the outer peripheral surface. In this state, the container body is partly formed on the inner surface and is installed so as to protrude from the inner surface.

A toner container according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the toner container according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the toner discharge port that discharges the toner contained in the container main body; A shutter member provided on the toner discharge port, which opens and closes the toner discharge port, is rotatably installed inside the container main body, and is driven by a driving force transmitted from the image forming apparatus main body on the other end side. A conveying member that rotates in a predetermined direction and conveys the toner contained in the container main body from the other end side to one end side where the toner discharge port is provided in the longitudinal direction of the container main body. The information storage member is positioned by the first restriction member and the second restriction member at a position recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the container body and closer to the one end side than the other end side, The child information storage member includes the shutter member and the toner discharge port in a state where the toner discharge port is closed by the shutter member when the container body is viewed from the one end side toward the other end side in the longitudinal direction. The shutter member and the toner discharge port are disposed so as to be within the projection plane in the longitudinal direction so as to be hidden by the outlet.

An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the invention is an image forming apparatus in which the toner container according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention can provide a toner container in which an electronic information storage member is installed, and a toner container and an image forming apparatus having high work efficiency during recycling processing.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an image formation part. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a toner supply device. FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating a toner supply device. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a toner supply device. FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating a state where a toner container is installed in the toner supply device. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a toner container is installed in the toner supply device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a toner container. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a toner container with a shutter member opened. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container. FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing a toner container. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a container body of a toner container as viewed in the longitudinal direction. It is an enlarged view which shows the installation part in which the electronic information storage member was installed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for separating an electronic information storage member from a toner container. FIG. 6 is a view of a toner container as viewed from the flange member side in the longitudinal direction. It is an enlarged view which shows the installation part in which the electronic information storage member of the toner container in Embodiment 2 of this invention was installed. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view and FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view illustrating a toner container according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the container main body of the toner container in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the container main body of another form. It is the schematic which shows the container main body of another form. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the bottom of the toner container. It is a front view which shows a bearing member. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the toner container in Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure which shows a container main body.

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

Embodiment 1 FIG.
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
First, the configuration and operation of the entire image forming apparatus will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K corresponding to the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are attached to and detached from the toner container accommodating portion 31 above the image forming apparatus main body 100. It is installed freely (changeable) (see also FIGS. 3 to 6).
An intermediate transfer unit 15 is disposed below the toner container housing 31. Image forming portions 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K corresponding to the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are arranged in parallel so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 8 of the intermediate transfer unit 15.
Below the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K, toner replenishing devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K are disposed, respectively. The toners stored in the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are supplied (supplemented) into the developing devices of the image forming units 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K by the toner replenishing devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K, respectively. )

  Referring to FIG. 2, an image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow includes a photosensitive drum 1Y, a charging unit 4Y disposed around the photosensitive drum 1Y, a developing device 5Y (developing unit), a cleaning unit 2Y, It is comprised by the static elimination part (not shown) etc. Then, an image forming process (charging process, exposure process, developing process, transfer process, cleaning process) is performed on the photosensitive drum 1Y, and a yellow image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1Y.

  The other three image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K have substantially the same configuration as that of the image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow except that the color of the toner used is different. A corresponding image is formed. Hereinafter, description of the other three image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K will be omitted as appropriate, and only the image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum 1Y is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. 2 by a drive motor (not shown). Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y is uniformly charged at the position of the charging unit 4Y (a charging process).
After that, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches the irradiation position of the laser beam L emitted from the exposure device 7 (see FIG. 1), and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow by exposure scanning at this position. Is formed (this is an exposure step).

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the developing device 5Y, and the electrostatic latent image is developed at this position to form a yellow toner image (developing process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the first transfer bias roller 9Y, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 at this position. (This is a primary transfer step.) At this time, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the photosensitive drum 1Y.

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 2Y, and untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1Y at this position is mechanically collected by the cleaning blade 2a (in the cleaning process). is there.).
Finally, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing a neutralization unit (not shown), and the residual potential on the photosensitive drum 1Y is removed at this position.
Thus, a series of image forming processes performed on the photosensitive drum 1Y is completed.

The image forming process described above is performed in the other image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K in the same manner as the yellow image forming unit 6Y. That is, the laser beam L based on the image information is emitted from the exposure unit 7 disposed below the image forming unit onto the photosensitive drums of the image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K. Specifically, the exposure unit 7 emits laser light L from a light source, and irradiates the photosensitive drum through a plurality of optical elements while scanning the laser light L with a polygon mirror that is rotationally driven.
Thereafter, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photosensitive drums through the developing process are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in an overlapping manner. In this way, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Here, referring to FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer unit 15 includes an intermediate transfer belt 8, four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K, a secondary transfer backup roller 12, a plurality of tension rollers, and an intermediate transfer. It consists of a cleaning unit, etc. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is stretched and supported by a plurality of roller members, and is endlessly moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

The four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K respectively sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 8 with the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K to form a primary transfer nip. Then, a transfer bias reverse to the polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K.
The intermediate transfer belt 8 travels in the direction of the arrow and sequentially passes through the primary transfer nips of the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K. In this way, the toner images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are primarily transferred while being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 on which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred in a superimposed manner reaches a position facing the secondary transfer roller 19. At this position, the secondary transfer backup roller 12 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 8 with the secondary transfer roller 19 to form a secondary transfer nip. The four-color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are transferred onto a recording medium P such as transfer paper conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip. At this time, untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the recording medium P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches the position of an intermediate transfer cleaning unit (not shown). At this position, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is collected.
Thus, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed.

Here, the recording medium P transported to the position of the secondary transfer nip is transported from a paper feeding unit 26 disposed below the apparatus main body 100 via a paper feeding roller 27, a registration roller pair 28, and the like. It is a thing.
Specifically, a plurality of recording media P such as transfer paper are stored in the paper supply unit 26 in a stacked manner. When the paper feed roller 27 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1, the uppermost recording medium P is fed toward the rollers of the registration roller pair 28.

  The recording medium P transported to the registration roller pair 28 temporarily stops at the position of the roller nip of the registration roller pair 28 whose rotation drive has been stopped. Then, the registration roller pair 28 is rotationally driven in synchronization with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the recording medium P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. In this way, a desired color image is transferred onto the recording medium P.

Thereafter, the recording medium P on which the color image is transferred at the position of the secondary transfer nip is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 20. At this position, the color image transferred to the surface is fixed on the recording medium P by heat and pressure generated by the fixing belt and the pressure roller.
Thereafter, the recording medium P is discharged to the outside of the apparatus through the rollers of the discharge roller pair 29. The transferred P discharged from the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 29 is sequentially stacked on the stack unit 30 as an output image.
Thus, a series of image forming processes in the image forming apparatus is completed.

Next, the configuration and operation of the developing device in the image forming unit will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
The developing device 5Y includes a developing roller 51Y facing the photosensitive drum 1Y, a doctor blade 52Y facing the developing roller 51Y, two conveying screws 55Y disposed in the developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y, and toner in the developer. Consists of a density detection sensor 56Y for detecting density. The developing roller 51Y includes a magnet fixed inside, a sleeve rotating around the magnet, and the like. In the developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y, a two-component developer G composed of a carrier and a toner is accommodated. The developer accommodating portion 54Y communicates with the toner dropping path 64Y through an opening formed thereabove.

The developing device 5Y configured as described above operates as follows.
The sleeve of the developing roller 51Y rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The developer G carried on the developing roller 51Y by the magnetic field formed by the magnet moves on the developing roller 51Y as the sleeve rotates.

  Here, the developer G in the developing device 5Y is adjusted so that the ratio of toner in the developer (toner concentration) is within a predetermined range. Specifically, according to the toner consumption in the developing device 5Y, the toner accommodated in the toner container 32Y is replenished into the developer accommodating portion 54Y via the toner replenishing device 60Y (see FIG. 3 and the like). The The configuration and operation of the toner supply device will be described in detail later.

  Thereafter, the toner replenished in the developer accommodating portion 54Y is circulated through the two developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y while being mixed and stirred together with the developer G by the two conveying screws 55Y (perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2). Direction movement.) The toner in the developer G is attracted to the carrier by frictional charging with the carrier, and is carried on the developing roller 51Y together with the carrier by the magnetic force formed on the developing roller 51Y.

  The developer G carried on the developing roller 51Y is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 and reaches the position of the doctor blade 52Y. The developer G on the developing roller 51Y is conveyed to a position facing the photosensitive drum 1Y (development region) after the developer amount is made appropriate at this position. The toner is attracted to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1Y by the electric field formed in the development area. Thereafter, the developer G remaining on the developing roller 51Y reaches above the developer containing portion 53Y as the sleeve rotates, and is detached from the developing roller 51Y at this position.

Next, the toner replenishing devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
Referring to FIG. 3, the toner in each of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K installed in the toner container housing portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100 is separated for each toner color according to the toner consumption in each color developing device. Each developing device is appropriately replenished by toner replenishing devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K provided on the developing device.
The four toner replenishing devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K and the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K have substantially the same structure except for the color of the toner used in the image forming process, and therefore correspond to yellow. Only the toner supply device 50Y and the toner container 32Y will be described, and descriptions of the toner supply devices 60M, 60C, and 60K and the toner containers 32M, 32C, and 32K corresponding to the other three colors will be omitted as appropriate.

When the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are mounted in the toner container housing portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100, the shutter members of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K move in conjunction with the mounting operation. While the discharge port W is opened, the main body side shutter 89 (see FIG. 5) of the toner supply devices 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K is moved to open the toner supply port, and the toner discharge port W and the toner are discharged. Supply port communicates. As a result, the toner stored in the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K is discharged from the toner discharge port W and stored in the toner tank portion from the toner supply ports of the toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K. Will be.
Here, referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 7, the toner container 32Y is a substantially cylindrical toner bottle, and a conveyance member 32Y3 is rotatably provided therein. The transport member 32Y3 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7 by a drive unit 71 (comprising a drive motor 80, a drive coupling 90, a gear 91, etc.). The conveying member 32Y3 conveys the toner contained in the toner container 32Y (container body 32Y1) in the longitudinal direction (conveying from the left to the right in FIG. 7), and the toner discharge port W. The toner is discharged from. That is, the toner is appropriately supplied to the toner tank 61Y by appropriately driving the transport member 32Y3 of the toner container 32Y by the driving unit 71. The toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are replaced with new ones when they reach the end of their lives (when almost all the toner to be stored is consumed and emptied).

  The toner replenishing devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K (toner container housing portion 31) include a toner tank portion 61Y, a toner conveying screw 62Y, a stirring member 65Y, a toner end sensor 66Y, a drive motor 80, a drive coupling 90, and a gear train 81. To 82, 91, 92, a drive transmission shaft 81a, an antenna substrate 120, and the like.

3 to 6, on the back side of toner replenishing devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K (the back side in the direction of attaching / detaching the toner container), coupling 32Y6 disposed at the bottom of the toner container. (See FIG. 7, FIG. 10, etc.) A drive coupling 90 that engages is installed. The coupling 32Y6 is installed on the shaft portion on the bottom side (the other end side) of the transport member 32Y3 and rotates together with the transport member 32Y3. When the driving force of the driving motor 80 is transmitted to the driving coupling 90 via the two-stage gear 91, the conveying member 32Y3 of the toner container 32Y is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction by the driving coupling 90.
On the other hand, the gear 92 that meshes with the two-stage gear 91 applies driving force to the gear 81 that is installed on the front side of the toner supply device 60Y (on the front side in the attaching / detaching direction of the toner container) via the drive transmission shaft 81a. introduce. The toner conveying screw 62Y and the stirring member 65Y are rotationally driven through the gear trains 81 to 82 by the driving force transmitted to the front gear 81.

  Here, referring to FIG. 1, when the main body cover (not shown) installed on the front side of the apparatus main body 100 (the front side in the direction perpendicular to the paper in FIG. 1) is opened, each toner container is accommodated. The portions 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K (toner container housing portion 31) are exposed. Then, the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are attached / detached from the front side of the apparatus main body 100 (the attaching / detaching operation with the longitudinal direction of the toner container as the attaching / detaching direction).

Referring to FIG. 6, in the first embodiment, toner container storage unit 31 (toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K) in which toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are detachably arranged side by side. The antenna substrate 120 is installed in the holding portion. More specifically, the antenna substrate 120 has an RFID 32Y10 (FIG. 3) as an electronic information storage member installed in the installation unit 32Y1c on the peripheral surfaces of the four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K arranged in parallel with the toner container storage unit 31. 8 to FIG. 10 and the like.) Four antennas 121Y, 121M, 121C, and 121K for performing communication with the respective RFIDs 32Y10 (other than the yellow toner container 32Y are not shown). They are arranged on the same plane so as to face each other. More specifically, the antenna substrate 120 is disposed below the four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K arranged in parallel in the toner container housing portion 31.
Then, it is necessary between the RFID (electronic information storage member) of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K and the image forming apparatus main body 100 on which the antennas 121Y, 121M, 121C, and 121K (antenna substrate 120) are installed. Information is exchanged. Information communicated between the two includes information such as a toner container manufacturing number and the number of recycling, information such as toner capacity, lot number and color, and information such as usage history of the image forming apparatus main body 100. . The RFID 32Y10 (electronic information storage member) stores these electronic information in advance before being installed in the image forming apparatus main body 100 (or stores information received from the apparatus main body 100 after being installed). .

In the first embodiment, the antenna substrate 120 is located on the back side in the mounting direction with respect to the toner discharge ports W of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K arranged in parallel in the toner container housing portion 31 (FIG. ) Below).).
With such a configuration, even when the antenna substrate 120 is disposed below the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K and toner leaks from the toner discharge port W, the antenna substrate 120 is placed on the antenna substrate 120. It becomes difficult for the toner to fall directly. As a result, it is possible to suppress the problem that the communication sensitivity between the two deteriorates due to the presence of toner between the RFID (electronic information storage member) and the antennas 121Y, 121M, 121C, and 121K.

Next, the configuration and operation of the front side of the toner replenishing device 60Y will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.
A toner tank 61Y, a toner transport screw 62Y, a stirring member 65Y, a toner end sensor 66Y, gear trains 81 to 82, and the like are installed on the front side of the toner supply device 60Y.
The toner tank 61Y is disposed below the toner discharge port W of the toner container 32Y, and stores toner discharged from the toner discharge port W of the toner container 32Y. The bottom of the toner tank 61Y is connected to the upstream part of the toner conveying screw 62Y.

  Further, a toner end sensor 66Y that detects that the amount of toner stored in the toner tank 61Y has become a predetermined amount or less is installed on the wall surface of the toner tank 61Y (position at a predetermined height from the bottom). ing. A piezoelectric sensor or the like can be used as the toner end sensor 66Y. Referring to FIG. 7, when the control unit 70 detects that the toner stored in the toner tank unit 61Y has become a predetermined amount or less (toner end detection) by the toner end sensor 66Y, the control unit 70 With this control, the driving unit 71 (the driving motor 80, the gear 91, and the driving coupling 90) rotates the conveying member 32Y3 of the toner container 32Y for a predetermined time to supply toner to the toner tank unit 61Y. Further, if the toner end detection by the toner end sensor 66Y is not canceled even after such control is repeated, it is assumed that there is no toner in the toner container 32Y and is displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 100. A message to prompt the user to replace the toner container 32Y is displayed.

  In addition, a stirring member 65Y that prevents aggregation of the toner stored in the toner tank 61Y is installed at the center of the toner tank 61Y (in the vicinity of the toner end sensor 66Y). The agitating member 65Y is provided with a flexible member at the shaft portion, and agitates the toner in the toner tank portion 61Y by rotating clockwise in FIG. Further, the tip of the flexible member of the stirring member 65Y is in sliding contact with the detection surface of the toner end sensor 66Y at a rotation cycle, so that the toner adheres to the detection surface of the toner end sensor 66Y and the detection accuracy decreases. Suppressed.

  Although illustration is omitted, the toner conveying screw 62Y conveys the toner stored in the toner tank portion 61Y obliquely upward. Specifically, the toner transport screw 62Y linearly transports the toner from the bottom (lowermost point) of the toner tank 61Y toward the upper side of the developing device 5Y. Then, the toner conveyed by the toner conveying screw 62Y falls by its own weight on the toner dropping path 64Y (see FIG. 2) and is replenished into the developing device 5Y (developer containing portion 54Y).

Next, the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
8 to 11, the toner container 32Y is a cylindrical toner container, and includes a container body 32Y1, a flange member 32Y2, a conveying member 32Y3, a shutter member 32Y4, an RFID 32Y10 as an electronic information storage member, and the like. Composed.
The toner container 32Y is configured such that a flange member 32Y2 is fitted (joined) to an opening K (see FIG. 11) formed on one end side, and a conveying member 32Y3 is installed therein. Yes. The flange member 32Y2 is formed with a toner discharge port W, and this portion fits into the notch KQ of the container main body 32Y1.

Referring to FIG. 11, the container body 32Y1 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and an opening K is provided on one end side, and a hole B is provided on the other end side (drive side). A notch KQ is formed on the peripheral surface so as to be connected to the opening K on one end side of the container main body 32Y1. Then, the flange member 32Y2 is joined to the container main body 32Y1 with the portion where the toner discharge port W is formed aligned with the position of the notch KQ so as to fit into the opening K and the notch KQ. On the other hand, a bearing member 32Y5 that rotatably holds the other end side of the transport member 32Y3 is inserted into the hole B formed on the other end side (bottom portion) of the container main body 32Y1. Further, a seal member 32Y7 is installed on the shaft portion 32Y3a of the transport member 32Y3 so as to cover the bearing member 32Y5 from the outside at the bottom of the container body 32Y1, and a coupling 32Y6 is fixed on the shaft portion 32Y3a on the outside. . Note that one end side of the conveying member 32Y3 is inserted and held in a hole formed in the flange member 32Y2 (see FIG. 10).
Then, the conveyance member 32Y3 provided in the container main body 32Y1 receives a driving force from the drive coupling 90 (engaged with the coupling 32Y6) of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and rotates in a predetermined direction. The toner housed in the 32Y1 is conveyed in the longitudinal direction from the other end side toward the toner discharge port W (one end side). The conveyed toner is discharged from a toner discharge port W (provided on the peripheral surface of the toner container 32Y) communicating with the container main body 32Y1, and is supplied to the toner tank portion 61Y of the toner supply device 60Y. (See FIG. 7 etc.).

8 and 9, an installation portion 32Y1c for installing an RFID 32Y10 (electronic substrate) as an electronic information storage member and an incompatible projection member 32Y1d are provided on the peripheral surface of the container body 32Y1. Color identification ribs 32Y1e, guide ribs 32Y1f, and the like are provided.
The installation part 32Y1c for installing the RFID 32Y10 is a protruding part (concave part) protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface of the container main body 32Y1 (see FIG. 12). And RFID32Y10 is installed by non-adhesion and non-welding so that it may fit in this concave installation part 32Y1c. In this way, by embedding the RFID 32Y10 in the concave installation portion 32Y1c, even when the toner container 32Y is bumped or dropped somewhere by carelessness of the user, the RFID 32Y10 is directly damaged. Is less likely to get damaged. The configuration and operation of the installation unit 32Y1c will be described in detail later.
The incompatible protrusion member 32Y1d is engaged with the image forming apparatus main body 100 when the toner container 32Y is mounted in the longitudinal direction with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100 to prevent erroneous setting of different types of containers. belongs to. For example, the incompatible projection member 32Y1d is a case where a company different from the manufacturer sells the image forming apparatus under a different brand and the manufacturer supplies a toner container to the other company. It is provided when the toner container is distinguished from that of another company. The incompatible projection member 32Y1d is formed on the peripheral surface of the toner container 32Y so as to sandwich the RFID 32Y10 (electronic substrate) together with the shutter member 32Y4 (with the toner discharge port closed).
The color identification rib 32Y1e is configured so that toner containers 32M, 32C, and 32K having a different color from the yellow toner container 32Y are not erroneously set in the yellow toner supply device 60Y. That is, the yellow color identification rib 32Y1e, the magenta color identification rib, the cyan color identification rib, and the black color identification rib shown in FIGS. The positions are different, and they are formed to match only the corresponding toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K.
The guide rib 32Y1f is for guiding the toner container 32Y to be attached and detached in a correct posture with respect to the insertion port of the toner replenishing device.
The container body 32Y1 is formed of a resin material such as PET, PE, PP, and is formed by blow molding or biaxial stretch blow molding. Thus, by using blow molding or biaxial stretch blow molding, the concave installation portion 32Y1c and the like can be easily formed in order to install the RFID 32Y10.

On the other hand, the flange member 32Y2 is formed of a resin material such as PS and is formed by injection molding. The flange member 32Y2 is fixed to the container main body 32Y1 by bonding or heat-welding a portion that contacts the container main body 32Y1.
When the flange member 32Y2 and the container main body 32Y1 are bonded using an adhesive, after the flange member 32Y2 and the container main body 32Y1 are fitted, the adhesive is applied so as to coat the outer peripheral portion of the contact portion. It is preferable to use the method to do. When an adhesive is used for joining the flange member 32Y2 and the container main body 32Y1, the manufacturing apparatus for joining becomes inexpensive and the joining strength of both the members 32Y1 and 32Y2 can be increased.
When the flange member 32Y2 and the container main body 32Y1 are heat-welded, after the flange member 32Y2 and the container main body 32Y1 are fitted, heat is applied to the outer peripheral portion of the contact portion to heat both the members 32Y1 and 32Y2. Will be welded. In such a case, since the drying time of the adhesive becomes unnecessary as compared with the case of joining using an adhesive, the productivity of the toner container 32Y can be increased.
The toner container 32Y is filled with toner in the manufacturing process after the adhesion or thermal welding between the flange member 32Y2 and the container main body 32Y1 is completed (after the assembly of the toner container 32Y is completed). It can be done from.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, the flange member 32Y2 is provided with a gripping portion 32Y2a, a toner discharge port W, a shutter member 32Y4, and the like.
The shutter member 32Y4 is arranged in the toner container so as to open and close the toner discharge port W in conjunction with the rotation operation of the flange member 32Y2 performed together with the container main body 32Y1 in the state where it is installed in the toner replenishing device 60Y (image forming apparatus main body 100). It is installed on the circumferential surface of 32Y (flange member 32Y2).
Specifically, when the toner container 32Y is attached to the toner replenishing device 60Y (image forming apparatus main body 100), the user grips the grip portion 32Y2a (in the state of FIG. 8) of the toner container 32Y (flange member 32Y2). Meanwhile, the toner container 32Y is pushed from the bottom of the container main body 32Y1 of the toner container 32Y toward the insertion port of the apparatus main body 100. At this time, the guide rib 32Y1f on the toner container 32Y is engaged with the guide groove of the apparatus main body 100, and the attitude of the toner container 32Y in the circumferential direction is restricted. Thereafter, the gripping portion 32Y2a is moved about 90 in the clockwise direction after being further pushed in with the circumferential posture regulated and the coupling 32Y6 provided at the bottom of the toner container 32Y being engaged with the drive coupling 90. When the shutter member 32Y4 is manually rotated only once, the rotation is restricted by engaging the engaging member (not shown) provided in the toner replenishing device 60Y, and the toner discharge port W is opened. At this time, the toner discharge port W faces downward and engages (communicates) with the toner replenishment port of the toner tank 61Y (the state shown in FIGS. 3 to 7), and the toner container 32Y (container main body 32Y1 and The flange member 32Y2 is fixedly held by the toner replenishing device 60Y. On the other hand, when the toner container 32Y is taken out from the toner replenishing device 60Y (image forming apparatus main body 100), the operation is performed in a procedure reverse to the operation at the time of mounting described above.
A seal member made of foamed polyurethane or the like is attached to the opposing surfaces of the toner discharge port W and the shutter member 32Y4 facing the periphery thereof. Accordingly, a problem that the toner in the toner container 32Y leaks from the vicinity of the toner discharge port W in a state where the toner discharge port W is closed by the shutter member 32Y4 (the state shown in FIG. 8) is suppressed.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the conveying member 32Y3 has a flexible blade member 32Y3b formed of a resin material such as thin PET having a thickness of about 188 μm on the shaft portion 32Y3a over the axial direction. A plurality are provided. Then, one end side of the shaft portion 32Y3a of the transport member 32Y3 is supported by the hole portion of the flange member 32Y2, and the other end side is supported by the hole portion B of the container body 32Y1 via the bearing member 32Y5. Further, on the other end side of the shaft portion 32Y3a of the conveying member 32Y3, a seal member 32Y7 and a coupling 32Y6 are sequentially installed outside the bearing member 32Y5. The coupling 32Y6 is fitted into the shaft portion 32Y3a of the transport member 32Y3 and rotates integrally with the transport member 32Y3. As described above, in Embodiment 1, since the blade member 32Y3b of the conveying member 32Y3 is formed of a flexible and soft material, even if it slides on the inner peripheral surface of the toner container 32Y, The load resistance at the time can be reduced, and damage to the toner to be conveyed can be reduced.
In addition, the arrangement | sequence, arrangement number, shape, etc. of the blade member 32Y3b of the conveying member 32Y3 are not limited to those of the first embodiment.

  As described above, the toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment is obtained by firmly bonding the container body 32Y1 and the flange member 32Y2. Therefore, a toner container (having a non-rotating cap portion that is held in the image forming apparatus main body is installed on the head of the container main body that is formed with a spiral protrusion on the inner peripheral portion and is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction. As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-178969, etc.), when the toner container is struck or dropped somewhere by carelessness of the user, the gap between the cap part and the container body There is no problem that a gap is instantaneously generated in the sealing material provided in the toner and toner is ejected therefrom. That is, in the toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment, since the container body 32Y1 and the flange member 32Y2 are firmly joined, the toner container may be bumped or dropped somewhere inadvertently by the user. Even so, there is no problem that the toner is ejected from between the members 32Y1 and 32Y2.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration and operation of the toner container 32Y according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.
As described above, in the installation portion 32Y1c (recessed portion) provided on the outer surface of the toner container 32Y in the first embodiment, the RFID 32Y10 as an electronic information storage member storing electronic information is provided with an adhesive or a heat. It is installed without using welding.
FIG. 13A is an enlarged top view showing the installation portion 32Y1c where the RFID 32Y10 is installed, and FIG. 13B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the installation portion 32Y1c where the RFID 32Y10 is installed.
Referring to FIG. 13, wall 32Y1c1 as a first restricting member that restricts movement in the surface direction along the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of toner container 32Y of RFID 32Y10, and the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of toner container 32Y of RFID 32Y10. The RFID 32Y10 is installed on the installation portion 32Y1c in a non-adhering and non-welding manner by a lid member 32Y1m as a second regulating member that regulates the movement in a direction orthogonal to the direction. By disengaging the RFID 32Y10 and the lid member 32Y1m (second regulating member), the RFID 32Y10 can be separated from the toner container 32Y independently without using a special jig or the like. .

Specifically, referring to FIG. 13, the wall portion 32Y1c1 as the first restricting member projects outward from the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) so as to surround the RFID 32Y10 in the installation portion 32Y1c of the container main body 32Y1. It is formed as follows. By the wall portion 32Y1c1 formed in this way, positioning in the surface direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 13B and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface) along the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y of the RFID 32Y10 is performed.
Further, the lid member 32Y1m as the second restricting member is provided with an upright portion 32Y1m1 so as to be fitted inside the wall portion 32Y1c1. Further, the standing portion 32Y1m1 contacts the RFID 32Y10 so as to cover a part of the top surface of the RFID 32Y10. The lid member 32Y1m is provided with an opening, and even when the lid member 32Y1m is attached to the installation portion 32Y1c, a part of the top surface of the RFID 32Y10 is exposed from the outside. The lid member 32Y1m configured as described above positions the RFID 32Y10 in the direction perpendicular to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y (the vertical direction in FIG. 13B).

Here, the standing portion 32Y1m1 of the lid member 32Y1 and the wall portion 32Y1c1 of the container main body 32Y1 are formed with dimensions that allow good fitting of both members. As a result, even when a large external force is applied to the toner container 32Y, the problem that the lid member 32Y1 easily falls off the installation portion 32Y1c and the RFID 32Y10 also falls off can be suppressed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the RFID 32Y10 can be easily separated from the toner container 32Y by removing the lid member 32Y1m from the wall portion 32Y1c1 in the direction of the arrow and releasing the engagement between the RFID 32Y10 and the lid member 32Y1m. Yes (white arrow direction separation).

Therefore, the efficiency of the separation work of the RFID 32Y10 can be increased during the recycling process.
Specifically, when the container main body 32Y1 of the toner container 32Y is reused, the toner in the container main body 32Y1 must be cleaned using water, air, or the like. At this time, if the RFID 32Y10 is installed in the toner container 32Y, the RFID 32Y10 may be damaged by water or air. Therefore, it is necessary to efficiently separate the RFID 32Y10 from the container body 32Y1 before cleaning the container body 32Y1 of the toner container 32Y. Then, the RFID 32Y10 after the data is re-input or the like is installed again in the cleaned container body 32Y1.
Also, when the container main body 32Y1 of the toner container 32Y is reused (raw material), it is necessary to efficiently separate the RFID 32Y10 made of a different material from the container main body 32Y10. The separated RFID 32Y10 is reused after data initialization and the like.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the RFID 32Y10 can be easily attached to / separated from the toner container 32Y without using an adhesive or using a jig for performing heat welding. Accordingly, in the manufacturing process of the toner container 32Y, the workability of assembling the RFID 32Y10 to the toner container 32Y can be improved. Further, in the maintenance process of the toner container 32Y, it is possible to improve the workability of replacing the RFID 32Y10 with the toner container 32Y.

In the first embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, etc., the RFID 32Y10 is surrounded by the wall 32Y1c1 (first regulating member) and the lid member 32Y1m (second regulating member). It is positioned at a position recessed inward from the surface and close to the toner discharge port W (notch KQ).
As shown in FIG. 15, the RFID 32Y10, the wall portion 32Y1c1 (first regulating member), and the lid member 32Y1m (second regulating member) have a shutter member 32Y4 when the container body 32Y1 is viewed from the flange member 32Y2. The toner discharge port W is disposed so as to enter the projection surface of the flange member 32Y2 in a closed state. In other words, the RFID 32Y10 is disposed so as to be present in the projection region of the container 32Y including the shutter member 32Y4 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the toner container 32Y with the shutter member 32Y4 closing the toner discharge port W. As a result, even when the toner container 32Y is bumped or dropped somewhere due to carelessness of the user, there is a high possibility that the shutter member 32Y4 directly hits an object or the ground. The possibility that the RFID 32Y10 is directly damaged and broken is reduced.

Here, referring to FIG. 12 (a sectional view passing through the position of the installation portion 32Y1c), the installation portion 32Y1c formed in the container main body 32Y1 of the toner container 32Y is inward from the inner peripheral surface of the container main body 32Y1. It is the protrusion part (concave part) which protruded only height H toward. As described above, when the RFID 32Y10 is embedded in a position (installation portion 32Y1c) that is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the container main body 32Y1, the toner container 32Y is hit or dropped somewhere by carelessness of the user. Even if it exists, possibility that RFID32Y10 will collide with an object or the ground directly and will be damaged becomes low.
However, the protruding portion 32Y1c (installation portion) protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface in this way has a smooth flow of the toner conveyed in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 12) by the conveying member 32Y3. May be limited. Specifically, the toner may stay in the vicinity of the protruding portion 32Y1c (installation portion). If the toner stays in this way, the toner transportability in the toner container 32Y by the transport member 32Y3 is deteriorated, resulting in a defective toner discharge from the toner discharge port W, or the toner at the end of the toner. The amount of toner remaining in the container 32Y has increased.
In order to solve such a problem, in the first embodiment, the protruding amount H of the protruding portion 32Y1c (installation portion) is set to 5 mm or less (H ≦ 5 mm). The inventor of the present application has found through experiments and simulations that if the protrusion amount H of the protrusion portion 32Y1c (installation portion) is 5 mm or less, the degree of toner retention at the protrusion portion 32Y1c is almost negligible. .

Furthermore, in this Embodiment 1, with reference to FIG. 12, the flexible blade | wing member 32Y3b installed in the conveyance member 32Y3 is 5 mm or less in encroachment amount (delta) which bites into protrusion part 32Y1c (installation part) (0 mm <δ ≦ 5 mm). Here, the “biting amount” of the blade member 32Y3b with respect to the protruding portion 32Y1c is an amount that overlaps the position of the actually existing protruding portion 32Y1c when it is assumed that there is no protruding portion 32Y1c. Therefore, actually, the blade member 32Y3b comes into contact with the protruding portion 32Y1c, and the blade member 32Y3b bends according to the amount of biting δ shown in FIG.
By causing the blade member 32Y3b to bite into the protruding portion 32Y1c, the flow of the toner stagnating in the vicinity of the protruding portion 32Y1c can be promoted, so that the problems caused by the toner stagnation described above can be further reduced. Also, the amount δ of the blade member 32Y3b to the protrusion 32Y1c is limited to 5 mm or less because if the amount δ exceeds 5 mm, the tip of the blade member 32Y3b is brought into sliding contact with the protrusion 32Y1c. This is because the degree to which the temperature rises increases. As described above, when the tip temperature of the blade member 32Y3b rises greatly, the toner around it aggregates (fixes), and the aggregated toner is supplied to the developing device 5Y as it is, so that a white spot image is formed on the output image. Will occur. Therefore, the amount of intake δ of the blade member 32Y3b into the protrusion 32Y1c is set in the above range.

  In the first embodiment, the protruding portion where the height H and the amount of biting δ of the blade member 32Y3b are limited is the installation portion 32Y1c where the RFID 32Y10 is installed on the outer peripheral surface side. However, the protruding portion that should limit the height H and the amount δ of the blade member 32Y3b is not limited to the installation portion 32Y1c where the RFID 32Y10 is installed, but is otherwise directed inward from the inner peripheral surface of the container body 32Y1. When there is a protruding portion (concave portion) that protrudes, the height H of the protruding portion and the amount δ of the blade member 32Y3b with respect to the protruding portion must also be limited to the above-described ranges.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the toner container 32Y in which the RFID 32Y10 (electronic information storage member) is installed can reliably improve the working efficiency during the recycling process.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the installation portion 32Y1c where the RFID 32Y10 (electronic information storage member) of the toner container in the second embodiment is installed, and corresponds to FIG. 13 in the first embodiment. The toner container 32Y according to the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in the configuration of the installation portion 32Y1c.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the toner container 32Y in the second embodiment is also configured by a container main body 32Y1, a flange member 32Y2, a conveying member 32Y3, a shutter member 32Y4, an RFID 32Y10 as an electronic information storage member, and the like. The
In addition, a first restricting member that restricts movement of the RFID 32Y10 in the surface direction along the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y and a first restricting member that restricts movement of the RFID 32Y10 in a direction orthogonal to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y. The RFID 32Y10 is installed on the installation portion 32Y1c in a non-adhesive / non-welded manner by the two regulating members. By disengaging the RFID 32Y10 from the first restriction member and the second restriction member, the RFID 32Y10 can be separated from the toner container 32Y independently without using a special jig or the like. .
Furthermore, the protrusion amount H of the protrusion 32Y1c (installation portion) is set to 5 mm or less, and the amount δ of the blade member 32Y3b with respect to the protrusion 32Y1c (installation portion) is set to 5 mm or less.

  Here, the toner container 32Y of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in the configuration of the first regulating member and the second regulating member. Here, FIG. 16 (A1) and (A2), FIG. 16 (B1) and (B2), FIG. 16 (C1) and (C2), FIG. 16 (D1) and (D2), FIG. E5), the five forms shown respectively will be described. Each drawing of FIG. 16 described above corresponds to FIGS. 13A and 13B in the first embodiment.

In the toner container shown in FIGS. 16A1 and 16A2, the wall portion 32Y1c1 as the first restricting member is configured in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment.
Further, the lid member 32Y1m as the second restricting member is provided with an upright portion so as to be fitted to the outside of the wall portion 32Y1c1. Positioning in the direction orthogonal to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y of the RFID 32Y10 is performed by the lid member 32Y1m configured as described above.

In the toner container shown in FIGS. 16B1 and 16B2, the wall portion 32Y1c1 as the first restricting member is configured in substantially the same manner as that of the first embodiment.
Further, the lid member 32Y1m as the second restricting member is adhered to the wall portion 32Y1c1 via an adhesive in a region NZ surrounded by a broken line in the drawing. Positioning in the direction orthogonal to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y of the RFID 32Y10 is performed by the lid member 32Y1m configured as described above. Here, the pressure-sensitive adhesive described above can be separated from the wall 32Y1c1 relatively easily during recycling without the lid member 32Y1 easily falling off the wall 32Y1c1 even if a large external force acts on the toner container 32Y. It has the adhesive force of.

In the toner container shown in FIGS. 16C1 and 16C, a plurality of boss portions 32Y1c2 as first regulating members are installed in the installation portion 32Y1c of the container main body 32Y1 so as to protrude outward from the outer surface. Yes. The plurality of boss portions 32Y1c2 are inserted into holes formed in the RFID 32Y10. Positioning in the surface direction along the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y of the RFID 32Y10 is performed by the boss portion 32Y1c2 formed in this way.
Further, a plurality of hook portions 32Y1c3 as second restricting members are installed in the installation portion 32Y1c of the container main body 32Y1 so as to protrude outward from the outer surface. The plurality of hook portions 32Y1c3 engage with a part of the top surface of the RFID 32Y10. Positioning in a direction orthogonal to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y of the RFID 32Y10 is performed by the hook portion 32Y1c3 configured as described above.
Then, the RFID 32Y10 can be easily separated from the toner container 32Y by releasing the engagement between the RFID 32Y10 and the hook 32Y1c3 while the hook 32Y1c3 is elastically deformed.

In the toner container shown in FIGS. 16D1 and 16D2, the holding member 32Y1n that is detachably installed in the installation portion 32Y1c (concave portion) of the container body 32Y1 has a function as a first regulating member and a second regulating member. As a function. The holding member 32Y1n is made of a relatively soft resin material, and has holes for holding the four corners of the RFID 32Y10. Then, by bending the holding member 32Y1n in a state where the holding member 32Y1n is taken out from the installation portion 32Y1c, the RFID 32Y10 held in a non-adhesive / non-welded manner with respect to the holding member 32Y1n can be easily attached and detached. Further, the holding member 32Y1n is engaged with the installation portion 32Y1c by the engaging portion Q1 surrounded by a broken line in the drawing, and the position in the surface direction and the orthogonal direction in the installation portion 32Y1c is determined.
Then, after removing the holding member 32Y1n from the installation portion 32Y1c (recessed portion), the RFID 32Y10 and the holding member 32Y1n are released from the toner container 32Y by releasing the engagement between the RFID 32Y10 and the holding member 32Y1n while the holding member 32Y1n is elastically deformed. Can be separated.

In the toner container shown in FIGS. 16E1 and 16E, the holding member 32Y1n functions as a first restricting member and a second restricting member, similar to those shown in FIGS. 16D1 and 16D2. It is configured. Here, the container main body 32Y1 is provided with a through hole into which the holding member 32Y1n is inserted. Therefore, by inserting the holding member 32Y1n into the through hole of the container body 32Y1, the through hole is sealed, and the holding member 32Y1n itself functions as the installation portion 32Y1c (protruding portion) in the first embodiment. Will do. The holding member 32Y1n is engaged by the engaging portion Q2 surrounded by the broken line in the drawing, and the position in the surface direction and the orthogonal direction in the installation portion 32Y1c is determined.
Then, after removing the holding member 32Y1n from the through hole of the container main body 32Y1, the RFID 32Y10 and the holding member 32Y1n are released from the toner container 32Y by releasing the engagement between the RFID 32Y10 and the holding member 32Y1n while the holding member 32Y1n is elastically deformed. Can be separated.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the toner container 32Y in which the RFID 32Y10 (electronic information storage member) is installed has improved separation of the RFID 32Y10. In addition, the work efficiency during the recycling process can be reliably increased.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 17A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the toner container in Embodiment 3, and FIG. 17B is a schematic perspective view thereof. The toner container 32Y in the third embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that a toner filling port KR is mainly formed on the end surface of the flange member 32Y2.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the toner container 32Y in the third embodiment is also configured by a container main body 32Y1, a flange member 32Y2, a conveying member 32Y3, a shutter member 32Y4, an RFID 32Y10 as an electronic information storage member, and the like. The
In addition, a first restricting member that restricts movement of the RFID 32Y10 in the surface direction along the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y and a first restricting member that restricts movement of the RFID 32Y10 in a direction orthogonal to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y. The RFID 32Y10 is installed on the installation portion 32Y1c in a non-adhesive / non-welded manner by the two regulating members. By disengaging the RFID 32Y10 from the first restriction member and the second restriction member, the RFID 32Y10 can be separated from the toner container 32Y independently without using a special jig or the like. .
Furthermore, the protrusion amount H of the protrusion 32Y1c (installation portion) is set to 5 mm or less, and the amount δ of the blade member 32Y3b with respect to the protrusion 32Y1c (installation portion) is set to 5 mm or less.

Here, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, a toner filling port KR for filling the toner is formed on the end surface of the flange member 32Y2. Further, a cap 32Y2c as a sealing member for sealing the toner filling port KR is detachably installed.
Thus, by providing the toner filling port KR on the end surface of the flange member 32Y2, the toner container 32Y is in a state where the longitudinal direction of the toner container 32Y is vertical (with the bottom of the toner container 32Y being a stationary surface). Since the toner can be filled from the toner filling port KR above 32Y, the efficiency of the toner filling operation into the toner container 32Y during the manufacturing process is improved. After the toner filling operation into the toner container 32Y is completed, the cap 32Y2c is attached to the toner filling port KR to prevent toner leakage from the toner filling port KR. Further, at the time of the recycling process of the toner container 32Y, the cap 32Y2c is separated from the toner filling port KR, and the cleaning process and the toner refilling operation of the toner container 32Y are performed.

  Here, in the third embodiment, the grip portion 32Y2a provided on the flange member 32Y2 does not prevent the cap 32Y2c from being attached to or detached from the toner filling port KR, or prevent the toner filling operation from the toner filling port KR. In addition, an escape portion 32Y2a10 is formed in the grip portion 32Y2a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17B, the grip portion 32Y2a is provided with a concave relief portion 32Y2a10 at a portion overlapping the toner filling port KR when viewed in the longitudinal direction.

In the third embodiment, the flange member 32Y2 and the container main body 32Y1 are not joined by bonding or heat welding, but the portion where the flange member 32Y2 and the container main body 32Y1 abut (in the region S in the figure). A part or all of the members 32Y1 and 32Y2 are joined to each other by adhering a part or all of them with a tape material from the outside.
With this configuration, when it is necessary to disassemble the flange member 32Y2 and the container main body 32Y1 during the recycling process of the toner container 32Y (for example, when the transport member 32Y3 is replaced). However, the disassembly work is easily performed.

  As described above, also in the third embodiment, the toner container 32Y in which the RFID 32Y10 (electronic information storage member) is installed as in each of the above embodiments, and the separation property of the RFID 32Y10 is enhanced. In addition, the work efficiency during the recycling process can be reliably increased.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
18A1 is a schematic front view showing a state before assembly of the container main body 32Y1 of the toner container in Embodiment 4, and FIG. 18A2 is a schematic side view thereof. FIG. 18B1 is a schematic front view showing a state after assembly of the container main body 32Y1 of the toner container in Embodiment 4, and FIG. 18B2 is a schematic side view thereof. FIG. 19 is a schematic front view showing a state after assembling the container main body 32Y1 of another form. FIG. 20A is a schematic front view showing a state before the assembly of the container body 32Y1 of still another form, and FIG. 20B is a schematic front view showing the state after the assembly. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the bottom of the toner container 32Y. FIG. 22 is a front view showing the bearing member 32Y5.
The toner container 32Y according to the fourth embodiment is different from that according to the first embodiment in that the toner main body 32Y1 is mainly assembled by dividing the container main body 32Y1 into two in the circumferential direction.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the toner container 32Y according to the fourth embodiment is configured by a container main body 32Y1, a flange member 32Y2, a conveying member 32Y3, a shutter member 32Y4, an RFID 32Y10 as an electronic information storage member, and the like. The
In addition, a first restricting member that restricts movement of the RFID 32Y10 in the surface direction along the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y and a first restricting member that restricts movement of the RFID 32Y10 in a direction orthogonal to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y. The RFID 32Y10 is installed on the installation portion 32Y1c in a non-adhesive / non-welded manner by the two regulating members. By disengaging the RFID 32Y10 from the first restriction member and the second restriction member, the RFID 32Y10 can be separated from the toner container 32Y independently without using a special jig or the like. .
Furthermore, the protrusion amount H of the protrusion 32Y1c (installation portion) is set to 5 mm or less, and the amount δ of the blade member 32Y3b with respect to the protrusion 32Y1c (installation portion) is set to 5 mm or less.

Here, as shown in FIG. 18, the container main body 32Y1 in the fourth embodiment is formed by bonding the two divided in the circumferential direction by bonding or welding. That is, after the first divided container body 32Y1A and the second divided container body 32Y1B are formed separately, as shown in FIGS. 18A1 and 18A2, both divided container bodies 32Y1A and 32Y1B are Move in the direction of the white arrow. Then, as shown in FIGS. 18 (B1) and (B2), after aligning the two divided container main bodies 32Y1A and 32Y1B, the contact portion (the broken line portion in the figure) is bonded or thermally welded. Join.
In this way, by dividing the container main body 32Y1 into two parts in the circumferential direction, each divided container main body 32Y1A, 32Y1B can be formed by injection molding, so the container main body 32Y1 has a complicated shape. Even when an uneven portion is formed, the shape can be easily realized. Furthermore, the installation of the conveying member 32Y3 on the container main body 32Y1 can be performed simultaneously with the combination of the two divided container main bodies 32Y1A and 32Y1B, so that the workability is improved.

  The container main body 32Y1 shown in FIG. 19 forms a joint surface in the circumferential direction so that the contact portion (the broken line portion in the figure) of the two divided container main bodies 32Y1A and 32Y1B divided in the circumferential direction does not protrude outward. doing. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

The container main body 32Y1 shown in FIG. 20 is formed by splitting the container main bodies 32Y1A and 32Y1B, which are divided into two in the circumferential direction, detachably fixed by a fixing member 32Y1E (clip) with the seal material 32Y1D sandwiched therebetween. Is.
Since the container main body 32Y1 can be easily separated into two divided container main bodies 32Y1A and 32Y1B by removing the fixing member 32Y1E (clip), the container main body (recycle processing) The efficiency of the cleaning work of the divided container main bodies 32Y1A and 32Y1B is improved.

Referring to FIG. 21, any of the above-described divided container main bodies 32Y1A and 32Y1B has a semicircular groove for sealing the bearing member 32Y5 at the bottom thereof, and a sealing member. A semicircular convex portion for sandwiching and fixing the sealing member 32Y7 is formed.
In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a toner filling port 32Y5b for filling toner is provided in the bearing member 32Y5 separately from the hole 32Y5a into which the shaft portion 32Y3a of the transport member 32Y3 is inserted. Four are formed radially. In the manufacturing process of the toner container 32Y, after the toner container 32Y is assembled, the toner is filled from the toner filling port 32Y5b.
As described above, by providing the toner filling port 32Y5b at the bottom of the toner container 32Y, the toner container 32Y is in a state where the longitudinal direction of the toner container 32Y is vertical (with the bottom of the toner container 32Y being the top surface). Since the toner can be filled from the upper toner filling port 32Y5b, the efficiency of the toner filling operation into the toner container 32Y during the manufacturing process is improved. In addition, after the toner filling operation into the toner container 32Y is completed, a sealing member 32Y7 as a sealing member is installed on the bearing member 32Y5 so that the toner filling port 32Y5b is sealed. Toner leakage from the filling port 32Y5b is prevented.

  As described above, also in the fourth embodiment, similar to the above-described embodiments, the toner container 32Y in which the RFID 32Y10 (electronic information storage member) is installed has improved separation of the RFID 32Y10. In addition, the work efficiency during the recycling process can be reliably increased.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
23 and 24, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the toner container 32Y in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 24A is a plan view showing a state before the container body is assembled, and FIG. 24B is a perspective view showing a state after the container body is assembled.
In the toner container 32Y according to the fifth embodiment, an opening (second opening) is mainly formed on the other end side of the container main body 32Y1, and a flange member (second flange member 32Y20) is fitted therein. This is different from the first embodiment in which the opening K is formed only on one end side of the container body 32Y1 and the flange member 32Y2 is fitted therein.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the toner container 32Y according to the fifth embodiment is configured by a container main body 32Y1, a flange member 32Y2, a conveying member 32Y3, a shutter member 32Y4, an RFID 32Y10 as an electronic information storage member, and the like. The
In addition, a first restricting member that restricts movement of the RFID 32Y10 in the surface direction along the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y and a first restricting member that restricts movement of the RFID 32Y10 in a direction orthogonal to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the toner container 32Y. The RFID 32Y10 is installed on the installation portion 32Y1c in a non-adhesive / non-welded manner by the two regulating members. By disengaging the RFID 32Y10 from the first restriction member and the second restriction member, the RFID 32Y10 can be separated from the toner container 32Y independently without using a special jig or the like. .
Furthermore, the protrusion amount H of the protrusion 32Y1c (installation portion) is set to 5 mm or less, and the amount δ of the blade member 32Y3b with respect to the protrusion 32Y1c (installation portion) is set to 5 mm or less.

Here, the toner container 32Y in the fifth embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the other end side of the container main body 32Y1 (the opening K where the flange member 32Y2 is installed and the notch KQ are formed. An opening (second opening) is also formed on the other end. Then, a second flange member 32Y20 on which a bearing member 32Y5 for holding the other end side of the conveying member 32Y3 is fitted and bonded (or thermally welded) to the second opening.
The toner container 32Y configured in this manner also has the container body 32Y1 and the flange member 32Y2 firmly joined together, and the container body 32Y1 and the second flange member 32Y20 are joined firmly. Thus, even if the toner container is bumped or dropped somewhere, there is no problem that the toner is ejected from any of the members 32Y1, 32Y2, 32Y20.

In the toner container 32Y configured as in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the container body 32Y1 can be formed by a single film-like member 32Y100. That is, as shown in FIG. 24A, one sheet of a substantially rectangular film-like member 32Y100 having a notch KQ is formed. And as shown in FIG.24 (B), after winding in the cylinder shape so that the edge part (it is the part enclosed with the broken line) of this film-like member 32Y100 may be match | combined, the edge part is joined, An inexpensive cylindrical container body 32Y1 can be formed. Thereafter, flange members 32Y2 and 32Y20 are fitted into openings formed at both ends of the cylindrical container body 32Y1 to form a toner container 32Y similar to that described with reference to FIG.
When the container body 32Y1 is formed of the film-like member 32Y100 as described above, it is difficult to form the concave installation portion 32Y1c in the first embodiment on the peripheral surface. Therefore, in such a case, the concave installation portion 32Y1c is formed in the flange member 32Y2.

  As described above, also in the fifth embodiment, similar to each of the above embodiments, the toner container 32Y in which the RFID 32Y10 (electronic information storage member) is installed has improved separation of the RFID 32Y10. In addition, the work efficiency during the recycling process can be reliably increased.

  In each of the above embodiments, only the toner is accommodated in the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K. In other words, the two-component developer can be accommodated in the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K. Even in that case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

  In each of the above embodiments, a part or all of the image forming units 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K may be a process cartridge. Even in that case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

  In each of the above embodiments, the toner replenishing devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K are all the toner tank unit (61Y), the toner transport unit (62Y, 63Y), the toner dropping path, with reference to FIG. The toner transport path formed by (64Y) is formed in an inverted N-shape (Russian character-like shape) (N-shape when viewed from the back side of the sheet of FIG. 1). The toner transport sections (62Y, 63Y) for the respective colors are provided above the process cartridges (image forming section 6Y) for the corresponding colors and above the attachment / detachment opening of the process cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body 100. Further, the upstream side in the transport direction of each color toner container (32Y), toner tank unit (61Y), and toner transport unit (62Y) is not a process cartridge of the corresponding color but an adjacent process cartridge (on the left side in FIG. 1). It is provided above. With such a configuration, in the tandem image forming apparatus in which a plurality of process cartridges (image forming units) are arranged in parallel, the process cartridge and the toner replenishing device are used when the process cartridge (image forming unit) is attached and detached. In addition, the vertical layout from the toner container of each color to the process cartridge can be made compact, and an image forming apparatus that does not cause variations in the amount of toner replenishment can be provided.

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

5Y developing device,
31 Toner container container,
32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K toner containers,
32Y1 container body,
32Y1c installation part (protrusion part),
32Y1c1 wall (first regulating member),
32Y1c2 boss (first regulating member),
32Y1c3 hook part (second regulating member),
32Y1m lid member (second regulating member),
32Y1n holding member (first and second regulating members),
32Y2 flange member,
32Y2a gripping part,
32Y2c cap (sealing member),
32Y3 conveying member,
32Y3a shaft part, 32Y3b blade member,
32Y4 shutter member,
32Y5 bearing member, 32Y5b toner filling port,
32Y6 coupling,
32Y7 sealing member (sealing member),
32Y10 RFID (electronic information storage member),
32Y20 second flange member,
100 Image forming apparatus body (apparatus body),
W Toner discharge port, K opening, KQ notch, KR toner filling port.

JP 2007-178969 A JP 2008-20617 A

Claims (8)

A toner container that is detachably installed on the image forming apparatus main body,
A cylindrical container body for containing toner;
An electronic information storage member that is non-adhered and non-welded to the outer peripheral surface of the container main body, stores electronic information, and can communicate in a non-contact manner with the image forming apparatus main body,
A first regulating member that regulates movement of the electronic information storage member in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface;
A second restricting member for restricting movement of the electronic information storage member in a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface;
With
The first restricting member is a wall portion projecting outward from the outer peripheral surface so as to surround the electronic information storage member,
The second restricting member is formed so as to be able to be fitted to the wall portion from a direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface, and is fitted to the wall portion so as to be one of the top surfaces of the electronic information storage member. A cover member formed with a through hole that covers the portion and exposes the other part of the top surface,
A toner configured such that the electronic information storage member can be independently separated by removing the lid member from the wall and releasing the engagement between the electronic information storage member and the lid member. container.   The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the lid member is adhered to the wall portion via an adhesive. A toner container that is detachably installed on the image forming apparatus main body,
A cylindrical container body for containing toner;
An electronic information storage member that is non-adhered and non-welded to the outer peripheral surface of the container main body, stores electronic information, and can communicate in a non-contact manner with the image forming apparatus main body,
A first regulating member that regulates movement of the electronic information storage member in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface;
A second restricting member for restricting movement of the electronic information storage member in a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface;
With
The first restricting member and the second restricting member are detachably installed in a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface with respect to a recess or a through hole formed in the outer peripheral surface, and the electronic information storage member is not attached to the first restricting member and the second restricting member. A holding member that is held by adhesion and non-welding,
In the state where the holding member is installed in the recess or the through hole, an opening that covers a part of the top surface of the electronic information storage member and exposes the other part of the top surface is formed.
The electronic information storage member can be independently separated by releasing the engagement between the electronic information storage member and the holding member in a state where the holding member is removed from the recess or the through hole. A toner container.   4. The toner container according to claim 3, wherein the holding member includes a cylindrical concave portion that accommodates the electronic information storage member in the center, and a flange portion around the concave portion.   The toner container according to claim 4, wherein the electronic information storage member is held in a cylindrical recess of the holding member with a gap between the electronic information storage member and a bottom surface of the recess.   The holding member is installed so as to form a part of an inner surface of the container main body and protrude from the inner surface in a state of being installed in the through hole formed in the outer peripheral surface. The toner container according to claim 3. A toner outlet for discharging the toner contained in the container body;
A shutter member provided on the toner discharge port and opening and closing the toner discharge port;
The toner which is rotatably installed inside the container main body and rotates in a predetermined direction by the driving force transmitted from the image forming apparatus main body on the other end side, allows the toner contained in the container main body to be transferred from the other end side. A conveying member that conveys in the longitudinal direction of the container body toward one end where the toner discharge port is provided;
With
The electronic information storage member is positioned by the first restricting member and the second restricting member at a position recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the container body and closer to the one end side than the other end side. ,
The electronic information storage member includes the shutter member and the toner in a state where the toner discharge port is closed by the shutter member when the container body is viewed from the one end side to the other end side in the longitudinal direction. The toner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the toner is disposed so as to be within a projection surface in the longitudinal direction of the shutter member and the toner discharge port so as to be hidden by the discharge port. container.   8. An image forming apparatus, wherein the toner container according to claim 1 is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Images