JP6033596B2 - Image forming apparatus and toner supply device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a toner replenishing device.

  In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of a photosensitive member by a charging device and an exposure device, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by supplying toner to the photosensitive member by a developing device. Then, the toner image is transferred to a recording medium such as recording paper, and the toner image is fixed on the recording medium by a fixing device, thereby forming an image. In such an image forming apparatus, since toner is consumed at every development, a toner replenishing device that replenishes toner to the developing device is provided in the image forming apparatus. The toner replenishing device includes a toner accommodating portion that accommodates toner, and discharges toner from a toner outlet that is an opening formed in the toner accommodating portion, and replenishes toner to the developing device.

  The toner supply device includes a shutter member for closing the toner discharge port, and the toner discharge port is closed by the shutter member before the toner supply device is attached to the image forming apparatus. In order to enable toner replenishment by the toner replenishing device, it is necessary to move the shutter member and open the toner discharge port. However, when such an operation is performed with a human hand, the human hand is covered with toner. There is a risk of contamination. As a toner replenishing device for solving such a problem, Patent Documents 1 and 2 attach the toner replenishing device so as to face the developing device, so that the shutter member automatically moves and the toner discharge port automatically moves. A toner replenishing device configured to open is described.

JP 2002-14531 A JP 2001-83792 A

  In the toner replenishing device described in Patent Document 1, the toner replenishing device moves in parallel in a state where the protrusion provided on the shutter member and the elastically deformable engaging piece provided on the developing device are engaged. The member moves relatively to open and close the toner discharge port. Another toner supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes a spring that urges the shutter member so as to close the toner discharge port, instead of the elastically deformable engagement piece. These toner replenishing devices described in Patent Document 1 are provided with elastically deformable engagement pieces and springs to open and close the toner discharge port, and the structure is complicated. As a result, the toner replenishing device and the image forming apparatus provided with the toner replenishing device are increased in size.

  In the toner replenishing device described in Patent Document 2, a shutter engaging piece that faces the main surface of the shutter member and protrudes toward the toner accommodating portion is provided in the developing device, and the shutter member engages with the shutter engaging piece. In this state, the toner container rotates and moves, so that the shutter member moves relative to the toner discharge port, and the toner discharge port is opened and closed. In the toner replenishing device described in Patent Document 2, a shutter engaging piece that engages with a shutter member that closes the toner discharge port is an opening formed in the developing device for receiving the toner discharged from the toner replenishing device. Projecting from the toner receiving port. Therefore, the toner receiving port of the developing device and the toner discharging port of the toner replenishing device cannot be disposed close to each other, and as a result, the toner receiving port and the toner discharging port are located on the outer surface of the developing device. Toner accumulates. If toner accumulates on the outer surface of the developing device, the accumulated toner may be scattered when the toner replenishing device is replaced, and the inside of the image forming apparatus may be contaminated. Further, when the accumulated toner aggregates and hardens, there is a possibility that the operation of moving the shutter member and closing the toner discharge port may not be performed well.

  Further, in the toner replenishing device described in Patent Document 2, the shutter engaging piece is directed toward the toner accommodating portion so as to sandwich the upstream end and the downstream end of the shutter member in the rotation direction of the toner accommodating portion. It protrudes. Therefore, in the toner replenishing device described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to sufficiently separate the shutter engaging piece from the toner containing portion so that the shutter engaging piece and the toner containing portion do not interfere with each other. The contact area between the shutter engaging piece and the shutter member is reduced, and when the toner container is rotated, a part of the shutter member is separated from the shutter engaging piece, and the relative movement of the shutter member is performed well. There is a risk of not.

  The present invention is to solve such a problem, and provides an image forming apparatus and a toner replenishing apparatus capable of smoothly opening and closing a toner discharge port and suppressing toner scattering. With the goal.

The present invention includes a toner container that stores toner in an internal space;
An opening forming portion that faces the outside of the toner containing portion and is fixed to the toner containing portion, wherein an opening forming portion is formed with a toner discharge port communicating with the internal space;
A shutter portion that is provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the opening forming portion, and that opens and closes the toner discharge port by changing a relative position with respect to the toner discharge port;
A first engagement portion fixed to the toner storage portion;
A toner replenishing device having a second engagement portion that is fixed to a part of an end portion of the shutter portion in the extending direction of the main surface of the shutter portion and protrudes forward from the portion of the end portion in the extending direction;
A support member that engages with the first engagement portion and rotatably supports the first engagement portion;
And a movement restricting member that restricts movement of the shutter portion by fitting and engaging the shutter portion including the second engaging portion, the first surface portion including the first surface, and the first A second surface portion that is adjacent to the surface and is closer to the rotation axis of the first engaging portion than the first surface, and includes a second surface on which a toner receiving port is formed , the first surface portion, Two steps at the connection portion with the second surface portion, the first step located at the rear end of the second surface portion in the rotation direction and the second step located at the inner side in the surface direction of the second surface. A movement limiting member having two steps,
When the first engagement portion prior SL is rotated, the engagement between the movement limiting member, wherein movement of the shutter portion is restricted by the first step and the second that engages the second step The engaging portion is fitted into a gap formed between a rear end portion of the opening forming portion and a front end portion of the first surface .

  In the invention, it is preferable that the movement restricting member is an outer peripheral wall portion erected from a peripheral edge of the second surface, and has an outer peripheral wall portion provided other than between the first surface and the second surface. It is characterized by that.

Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that a moquette sheet is attached to the main surface of the opening forming portion.
Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that a moquette sheet is attached to the first surface.

The present invention also provides a toner replenishing device that can be used in an image forming apparatus including a support member and a movement restricting member,
A toner container for storing toner in the internal space;
An opening forming portion that faces the outside of the toner containing portion and is fixed to the toner containing portion, wherein an opening forming portion is formed with a toner discharge port communicating with the internal space;
A shutter portion that is provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the opening forming portion, and that opens and closes the toner discharge port by changing a relative position with respect to the toner discharge port;
A first engagement portion fixed to the toner storage portion;
A second engagement portion that is fixed to a part of the end portion of the shutter portion in the extending direction of the main surface of the shutter portion and protrudes forward from the portion of the end portion in the extending direction ;
The support member engages with the first engagement portion and rotatably supports the first engagement portion.
The movement limiting member is
A first surface portion including a first surface, and a second surface adjacent to the first surface and disposed closer to the rotation axis of the first engaging portion than the first surface and forming a toner receiving port. Two steps in a connecting portion between the second surface portion and the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the first step located at the rear end in the rotation direction in the second surface portion and the second step. and two steps of the second step, located on a surface inwardly of the plane, was closed,
The shutter part including the second engaging part is fitted and engaged, and the movement of the shutter part is limited ;
When the first engagement portion prior SL is rotated, the engagement between the movement limiting member, wherein movement of the shutter portion is restricted by the first step and the second that engages the second step The toner replenishing device is characterized in that the engaging portion is fitted into a gap formed between a rear end portion of the opening forming portion and a front end portion of the first surface .

According to the present invention, the movement restricting member is provided with the second surface on which the toner receiving port is formed at a position closer to the rotation axis of the first engaging portion than the first surface facing the main surface of the shutter portion. . Therefore, when the first engagement portion and the toner storage portion rotate, the shutter portion moves relative to the toner discharge port, and as a result, when the toner discharge port is opened, the toner receiving port, the toner discharge port, Can be brought close to each other. Therefore, toner scattering outside the developing device can be suppressed. The second engaging portion is fixed to an end portion in the extending direction of the main surface of the shutter portion , protrudes forward from a part of the end portion, the movement limiting member has two steps, and the second engaging portion since engagement fits shutter unit containing section, it is possible to reliably engage the movement restricting member and the shutter unit, when the first engagement portion and the toner accommodating portion is rotated, it moves the shutter unit The engagement state with the restricting member can be made difficult to be released, and the toner discharge port can be opened and closed smoothly.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the first engagement portion and the toner storage portion rotate, the shutter portion moves relative to the toner discharge port, and as a result, when the toner discharge port is opened, the opening forming portion However, it will be enclosed by the outer peripheral wall part standingly arranged from the periphery of the 2nd surface of a movement limitation member. Therefore, since the toner receiving port formed on the second surface and the toner discharging port formed in the opening forming portion are aligned, the toner receiving port and the toner discharging port can be reliably brought close to each other.

  Further, according to the present invention, the outflow of toner can be suppressed by the moquette sheet attached to the main surface of the opening forming portion.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the outflow of toner can be suppressed by the moquette sheet attached to the first surface.

According to the invention, the movement restricting member is provided with the second surface on which the toner receiving port is formed at a position closer to the rotation axis of the first engaging portion than the first surface facing the main surface of the shutter portion. It is done. Therefore, when the first engagement portion and the toner storage portion rotate, the shutter portion moves relative to the toner discharge port, and as a result, when the toner discharge port is opened, the toner receiving port, the toner discharge port, Can be brought close to each other. Therefore, toner scattering outside the developing device can be suppressed. The second engaging portion is fixed to an end portion in the extending direction of the main surface of the shutter portion , protrudes forward from a part of the end portion, the movement limiting member has two steps, and the second engaging portion since engagement fits shutter unit containing section, it is possible to reliably engage the movement restricting member and the shutter unit, when the first engagement portion and the toner accommodating portion is rotated, it moves the shutter unit The engagement state with the restricting member can be made difficult to be released, and the toner discharge port can be opened and closed smoothly.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a developing device 200. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a developing device 200 having a section line taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 200 with a line IV-IV shown in FIG. 2 is a front view of toner replenishing devices 300b, 300c, 300m, and 300y arranged side by side in the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 6 is an end view taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toner supply device 300. FIG. 4 is a side view of the toner supply device 300. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an opening forming unit 302, a shutter unit 303, and a second engaging unit 305 included in the toner supply device 300. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a movement restriction member 500. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state before and after rotation when the toner supply device 300 changes its position by rotational movement. FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 11 and showing a part of the toner supply device 300. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an opening forming unit 302, a shutter unit 303, and a second engagement unit 305 provided in a toner supply device 300 according to a second modification. It is a perspective view of the movement limiting member 500 in the 2nd modification. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state before and after rotation when the toner supply device according to the second modification is changed in position by rotational movement. FIG. 16 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 15 and showing a part of a toner replenishing device 300 according to a second modification.

  Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 100 including the toner supply device 300 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. In the following description, two directions perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1 are collectively referred to as an X direction, one of which is referred to as an X1 direction, and the other is referred to as an X2 direction. A vertical direction that is perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as a Z direction, an upward direction of the Z direction is referred to as a Z1 direction, and a downward direction is referred to as a Z2 direction. In addition, two directions perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction are collectively referred to as a Y direction, one of which is referred to as a Y1 direction, and the other is referred to as a Y2 direction.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction device having both a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and forms a full-color or monochrome image on a recording medium according to transmitted image information. The image forming apparatus 100 has three types of printing modes, ie, a copier mode (copy mode), a printer mode, and a facsimile mode, and an operation input from an operation unit (not shown), a personal computer, a portable terminal device, and an information recording medium A print mode is selected by a control unit (not shown) in response to reception of a print job from an external device using the memory device.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a toner image forming unit 20, a transfer unit 30, a fixing unit 40, a recording medium supply unit 50, a discharge unit 60, and a control unit unit (not shown). The toner image forming unit 20 includes photosensitive drums 21b, 21c, 21m, and 21y, charging units 22b, 22c, 22m, and 22y, an exposure unit 23, developing devices 200b, 200c, 200m, and 200y, a cleaning unit 25b, 25c, 25m, 25y, and toner replenishing devices 300b, 300c, 300m, 300y. The transfer unit 30 includes an intermediate transfer belt 31, a driving roller 32, a driven roller 33, intermediate transfer rollers 34 b, 34 c, 34 m, 34 y, a belt cleaning unit 35, and a transfer roller 36.

  The photosensitive drum 21, the charging unit 22, the developing device 200, the cleaning unit 25, the toner replenishing device 300, and the intermediate transfer roller 34 are black (b), cyan (c), magenta (m), and magenta (m) included in the color image information. In order to correspond to image information of each color of yellow and yellow (y), four each are provided. In this specification, when distinguishing each member provided by four according to each color, an alphabet representing each color is added to the end of a number representing each member as a reference symbol, and when each member is collectively referred to As described above, only numerals representing the respective members are used as reference numerals.

  As will be described later, the photosensitive drum 21 has a toner image formed on the surface thereof, and transfers the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 31. The photosensitive drum 21 is supported by a drive unit (not shown) so as to be rotatable about an axis, and includes a conductive substrate (not shown) and a photoconductive layer formed on the surface of the conductive substrate. The conductive substrate can take various shapes, and examples thereof include a cylindrical shape, a columnar shape, and a thin film sheet shape. The photoconductive layer is formed of a material that exhibits conductivity when irradiated with light. As the photosensitive drum 21, for example, a cylindrical member (conductive base) formed of aluminum, and amorphous silicon (a-Si), selenium (Se), and the like formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member, Alternatively, a film including a thin film (photoconductive layer) made of an organic optical semiconductor (OPC) can be used.

  The charging unit 22, the developing device 200, and the cleaning unit 25 are arranged in this order around the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 21, and the charging unit 22 is arranged below the developing device 200 and the cleaning unit 25 in the Z direction. The

  The charging unit 22 is a device that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to a predetermined polarity and potential. The charging unit 22 is installed along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21 at a position facing the photosensitive drum 21. In the case of the contact charging method, the charging unit 22 is installed in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. In the case of the non-contact charging method, the charging unit 22 is installed so as to be separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The charging unit 22 is installed around the photosensitive drum 21 together with the developing device 200, the cleaning unit 25, and the like. The charging unit 22 is preferably installed at a position closer to the photosensitive drum 21 than the developing device 200, the cleaning unit 25, and the like. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the charging failure of the photosensitive drum 21.

  As the charging unit 22, a brush-type charging device, a roller-type charging device, a corona discharge device, an ion generation device, or the like can be used. The brush type charging device and the roller type charging device are contact charging type charging devices. As the brush type charging device, there are a type using a charging brush and a type using a magnetic brush. The corona discharge device and the ion generator are non-contact charging devices. Corona discharge devices include those using wire-like discharge electrodes, those using sawtooth discharge electrodes, and those using needle-like discharge electrodes.

  The exposure unit 23 is arranged such that light emitted from the exposure unit 23 passes between the charging unit 22 and the developing device 200 and is irradiated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The exposure unit 23 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drums 21b, 21c, 21m, and 21y with laser beams corresponding to the image information of the respective colors, so that each of the photosensitive drums 21b, 21c, 21m, and 21y is exposed. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information of each color is formed on the surface. As the exposure unit 23, for example, a laser scanning unit (LSU) including a laser irradiation unit and a plurality of reflection mirrors can be used. As the exposure unit 23, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) array, a unit in which a liquid crystal shutter and a light source are appropriately combined, or the like may be used.

  The developing device 200 is a device that forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 by developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 with toner. Details of the developing device 200 will be described later.

  The cleaning unit 25 removes toner (waste toner) remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 21 to the intermediate transfer belt 31, and cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. To do. The cleaning unit 25 includes a plate-like member that contacts the photosensitive drum 21 and scrapes off the waste toner, and a container that collects the scraped waste toner.

  The toner replenishing device 300 is disposed above the bottom of each developing tank 201 provided in the developing devices 200b, 200c, 200m, and 200y in the Z direction and on the X2 direction side from the photosensitive drums 21b, 21c, 21m, and 21y. . The toner replenishing device 300 stores unused toner, discharges the toner, and supplies the toner to the developing device 200. Details of the toner supply device 300 will be described later.

  According to such a toner image forming unit 20, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 that is uniformly charged by the charging unit 22 is irradiated with laser light corresponding to the image information from the exposure unit 23, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. A toner image is formed by supplying toner from the developing device 200 to the electrostatic latent image. This toner image is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 31 described later. After the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31, waste toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is removed by the cleaning unit 25.

  The intermediate transfer belt 31 is an endless belt-like member disposed above the photosensitive drum 21 in the Z direction. The intermediate transfer belt 31 is stretched by a driving roller 32 and a driven roller 33 to form a loop-shaped path, and moves as indicated by an arrow A1 in FIG.

  The drive roller 32 is provided so as to be rotatable around its axis by a drive unit (not shown). The drive roller 32 moves the intermediate transfer belt 31 in the direction of the arrow A1 by its rotation. The driven roller 33 is provided so as to be able to rotate following the rotation of the driving roller 32, and generates a certain tension on the intermediate transfer belt 31 so that the intermediate transfer belt 31 does not loosen.

  The intermediate transfer roller 34 is provided in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 21 via the intermediate transfer belt 31 and rotatable about its axis by a drive unit (not shown). As the intermediate transfer roller 34, for example, a metal (for example, stainless steel) roller having a diameter of 8 mm to 10 mm on which a conductive elastic member is formed can be used. The intermediate transfer roller 34 is connected to a power source (not shown) for applying a transfer bias, and has a function of transferring the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to the intermediate transfer belt 31.

  The transfer roller 36 is provided in pressure contact with the drive roller 32 via the intermediate transfer belt 31 and is rotatable about an axis by a drive unit (not shown). At the pressure contact portion (transfer nip portion) between the transfer roller 36 and the drive roller 32, the toner image carried and conveyed by the intermediate transfer belt 31 is transferred to a recording medium fed from a recording medium supply unit 50 described later. The

  The belt cleaning unit 35 is provided so as to face the driven roller 33 through the intermediate transfer belt 31 and to contact the toner image carrying surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31. The belt cleaning unit 35 is provided to remove and collect residual toner on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 after the toner image is transferred to the recording medium. If there is residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 31 after the transfer of the toner image to the recording medium, the residual toner adheres to the transfer roller 36 by the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 31, and the attached toner is transferred to the next recording. Since the back surface of the medium is contaminated, the intermediate transfer belt 31 needs to be cleaned.

  According to such a transfer unit 30, when the intermediate transfer belt 31 moves while being in contact with the photosensitive drum 21, the intermediate transfer roller 34 has a transfer bias having a polarity opposite to the charged polarity of the toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The applied toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 31. The toner images of the respective colors respectively formed on the photosensitive drum 21y, the photosensitive drum 21m, the photosensitive drum 21c, and the photosensitive drum 21b are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 31 in this order, thereby transferring full color. A toner image is formed. The toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31 is conveyed to the transfer nip portion by the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 31, and transferred to the recording medium at the transfer nip portion. The recording medium on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to a fixing unit 40 described later.

  The recording medium supply unit 50 includes a paper feed box 51, a pickup roller 52, a transport roller 53, and a registration roller 54. The paper feed box 51 is a container-like member that is provided in the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100 in the Z direction and stores a recording medium inside the image forming apparatus 100. Examples of the recording medium include plain paper, color copy paper, overhead projector sheet, and postcard.

  The pickup roller 52 is a member that takes out the recording medium stored in the paper feed box 51 one by one and feeds it to the paper transport path A2. The conveyance rollers 53 are a pair of roller-like members provided so as to be in pressure contact with each other, and convey the recording medium toward the registration rollers 54 in the sheet conveyance path A2. The registration rollers 54 are a pair of roller-like members provided so as to be in pressure contact with each other, and the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is conveyed to the transfer nip portion on the recording medium fed from the conveyance roller 53. In synchronism with this, the sheet is fed to the transfer nip portion.

  According to such a recording medium supply unit 50, the recording medium is fed from the paper supply box 51 to the transfer nip portion in synchronization with the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 31 being conveyed to the transfer nip portion. Then, the toner image is transferred to the recording medium.

  The fixing unit 40 includes a heating roller 41 and a pressure roller 42. The heating roller 41 is controlled to have a predetermined fixing temperature. The pressure roller 42 is a roller that is in pressure contact with the heating roller 41. The heating roller 41 nips the recording medium together with the pressure roller 42 while heating, thereby melting and fixing the toner constituting the toner image on the recording medium. The recording medium on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed to the discharge unit 60.

  The discharge unit 60 includes a conveyance roller 61, a discharge roller 62, and a discharge tray 63. The conveyance roller 61 is a pair of roller-like members provided so as to be in pressure contact with each other above the fixing unit 40 in the Z direction. The conveyance roller 61 conveys the recording medium on which the image is fixed toward the discharge roller 62.

  The discharge roller 62 is a pair of roller-like members provided so as to be in pressure contact with each other. The discharge roller 62 discharges the recording medium on which printing has been completed to the discharge tray 63. The discharge tray 63 is provided on the upper surface in the Z direction of the image forming apparatus 100 and stores a recording medium on which an image is fixed.

  Image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit (not shown). The control unit unit is provided, for example, at an upper portion in the Z direction in the internal space of the image forming apparatus 100, and includes a storage unit, a calculation unit, and a control unit. The storage unit stores various setting values via an operation panel (not shown) arranged on the upper surface in the Z direction of the image forming apparatus 100, detection results from sensors (not shown) arranged at various locations inside the image forming apparatus 100, external devices, and the like. The image information from is input. A program for executing various processes is written in the storage unit. Examples of the various processes include a recording medium determination process, an adhesion amount control process, and a fixing condition control process.

  As the storage unit, those commonly used in this field can be used, and examples thereof include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a hard disk drive (HDD). As the external device, an electric or electronic device that can form or acquire image information and can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 100 can be used. For example, a computer, a digital camera, a television receiver, a video recorder DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder, HDDVD (High-Definition Digital Versatile Disc) recorder, Blu-ray disc recorder, facsimile apparatus, portable terminal apparatus, and the like.

  The calculation unit retrieves various data (image formation command, detection result, image information, etc.) written in the storage unit and various processing programs, and performs various determinations. The control unit performs operation control by sending a control signal to each device provided in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the determination result of the calculation unit.

  The control unit and the calculation unit include a processing circuit realized by a microcomputer, a microprocessor, or the like provided with a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit unit includes a main power source together with the processing circuit, and the power source supplies power not only to the control unit unit but also to each device provided in the image forming apparatus 100.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the developing device 200 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the developing device 200. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 200 taken along line III-III shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 200 taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG.

  The developing device 200 is a device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by supplying toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The developing device 200 includes a developing tank 201, a first conveying member 202, a second conveying member 203, a developing roller 204, a developing tank cover 205, a doctor blade 206, a partition wall 207, and a toner concentration detection sensor 208. including.

  The developing tank 201 is a member in which an internal space is formed by the side wall portions 201a and 201b and the bottom wall portion 201c, and a two-component developer composed of toner and a carrier is stored in the internal space. The side wall parts 201a and 201b and the bottom wall part 201c may be integrally formed, or may be separate members. The developing tank 201 is made of a resin material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene, and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer synthetic resin). The developer used in the present invention may be a one-component developer composed only of toner or a two-component developer containing toner and carrier.

  In the developing tank 201, a developing tank cover 205 is provided above the Z direction, and a first conveying member 202, a second conveying member 203, a developing roller 204, a doctor blade 206, and a partition wall 207 are provided in the internal space. In addition, a toner concentration detection sensor 208 is provided in the lower part (bottom part) of the developing tank 201 in the Z direction.

  The developing tank 201 is provided with an opening between the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 204. The developing roller 204 includes a magnet roller, carries the two-component developer in the developing tank 201 on the surface, and supplies toner contained in the carried two-component developer to the photosensitive drum 21. A power supply (not shown) is connected to the developing roller 204, and a developing bias voltage is applied. The toner carried on the developing roller 204 moves to the photosensitive drum 21 in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 21 by electrostatic force due to the developing bias voltage.

  The doctor blade 206 is a rectangular plate-like member extending in the axial direction of the developing roller 204, one end in the width direction is fixed to the developing tank 201, and the other end is provided at a distance from the surface of the developing roller 204. It is done. An interval (doctor gap) between the doctor blade 206 and the developing roller 204 is, for example, 0.4 mm to 2.0 mm. The doctor blade 206 is provided at a distance from the surface of the developing roller 204, thereby restricting the amount of developer carried on the developing roller 204 to a predetermined amount. Examples of the material of the doctor blade 206 include stainless steel, aluminum, and synthetic resin.

  The partition wall 207 is a member that extends along the longitudinal direction of the developing tank 201 at a substantially central portion in the width direction of the developing tank 201. The partition wall 207 is provided between the bottom wall portion 201 c of the developing tank 201 and the developing tank cover 205, and is provided so that both end portions in the longitudinal direction are separated from the side wall portions 201 a and 201 b of the developing tank 201. The partition 207 divides the internal space of the developing tank 201 into a first conveyance path P, a second conveyance path Q, a first communication path R, and a second communication path S.

  The second transport path Q is a substantially semi-cylindrical space extending along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 207 and is a space facing the developing roller 204. The first transport path P is a substantially semi-cylindrical space extending along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 207 and is a space facing the second transport path Q across the partition wall 207. The first communication path R is a space that communicates the first transport path P and the second transport path Q on the longitudinal end 207a side of the partition wall 207. The second communication path S is a space that communicates the first transport path P and the second transport path Q on the side of the other end 207 b in the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 207.

  The developing tank cover 205 includes a movement restricting member 500 that is detachably provided above the developing tank 201 in the Z direction and in which a toner receiving port 500a is formed. The toner receiving port 500a is an opening for receiving the toner discharged from the toner replenishing device 300 into the developing tank 201, and the toner accommodated in the toner replenishing device 300 passes through the toner receiving port 500a, and then the developing tank. 201 is supplied. The toner receiving port 500a is always opened facing the second communication path S. The developing tank cover 205 may be provided with a shutter member that opens and closes the toner receiving port 500a. The movement limiting member 500 will be described in detail later.

  The first transport member 202 is provided in the first transport path P. The first conveying member 202 conveys the developer in the developing tank 201 from the other end 207b in the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 207 toward the one end 207a in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the X1 direction.

  The 1st conveyance member 202 is an auger screw-like member containing the rotating shaft member 202a, the spiral blade 202b, and the gear 202c. The rotating shaft member 202a is a cylindrical member having a diameter of 4 mm to 10 mm, and is connected to the gear 202c at the end in the X1 direction. The rotating shaft member 202a is supported rotatably around the axis by a bearing (not shown) fixed to the side wall 201a of the developing tank 201 and a bearing (not shown) fixed to the side wall 201b of the developing tank 201. A spiral blade 202b, which is a member that spirally surrounds the side surface, is provided on the side surface of the rotating shaft member 202a.

  The rotating shaft member 202a, the spiral blade 202b, and the gear 202c are formed from a resin material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene, ABS resin, polyacetal, and the like. Moreover, the rotating shaft member 202a may be formed of a metal material such as SUS or SUM. It is preferable that the rotating shaft member 202a and the spiral blade 202b are integrally formed from the same material.

  The first conveying member 202 is rotated at 150 rpm to 600 rpm around the axis of the rotating shaft member 202a via the gear 202c by a rotation driving source such as a motor (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 100. At this time, the spiral blade 202b rotates around the axis of the rotating shaft member 202a. Specifically, the portion of the spiral blade 202b located at the top in the Z direction moves away from the partition wall 207 and rotates in the rotational direction approaching the bottom wall 201c of the developing tank 201. As a result of such rotational movement, the developer stored in the first transport path P is transported in the X1 direction. As described above, since the toner receiving port 500a is formed facing the second communication path S, unused toner in the toner replenishing device 300 is first supplied to the second communication path S and then the second communication path S. The first transport member 202 transports the first transport path P in the X1 direction.

  The second transport member 203 is provided in the second transport path Q. The second conveying member 203 conveys the developer in the developing tank 201 from the longitudinal one end 207a side of the partition wall 207 toward the longitudinal other end 207b, that is, in the X2 direction.

  The second transport member 203 is an auger screw-like member including a rotating shaft member 203a, a spiral blade 203b, and a gear 203c. The rotating shaft member 203a is a columnar member having a diameter of 4 mm to 10 mm, and is connected to the gear 203c at the end in the X1 direction. The rotary shaft member 203a is supported rotatably around the axis by a bearing (not shown) fixed to the side wall 201a of the developing tank 201 and a bearing (not shown) fixed to the side wall 201b of the developing tank 201. A spiral blade 203b that is a member that spirally surrounds the side surface is provided on the side surface of the rotating shaft member 203a.

  The rotating shaft member 203a, the spiral blade 203b, and the gear 203c are made of a resin material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene, ABS resin, polyacetal, and the like. Moreover, the rotating shaft member 203a may be formed of a metal material such as SUS or SUM. The rotary shaft member 203a and the spiral blade 203b are preferably integrally formed from the same material.

  The second transport member 203 is rotated at 150 rpm to 600 rpm around the axis of the rotary shaft member 203a via the gear 203c by a rotational drive source such as a motor (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 100. At this time, the spiral blade 203b rotates around the axis of the rotating shaft member 203a. Specifically, the portion of the spiral blade 203b located at the top in the Z direction moves away from the partition wall 207 and rotates in the rotational direction approaching the bottom wall 201c of the developing tank 201. As a result of such rotational movement, the developer stored in the second transport path Q is transported in the X2 direction.

  The toner density detection sensor 208 is mounted at the bottom of the developing tank 201 below the second transport member 203 in the Z direction so that the sensor surface is exposed to the second transport path Q. The toner density detection sensor 208 determines whether or not the detection result is lower than a predetermined set value. If it is determined that the detection result is low, the control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the toner has decreased. To inform.

  As the toner concentration detection sensor 208, a general toner concentration detection sensor can be used. For example, a transmitted light detection sensor, a reflected light detection sensor, a magnetic permeability detection sensor, or the like can be used. Among these toner concentration detection sensors, it is preferable to use a magnetic permeability detection sensor. Examples of the magnetic permeability detection sensor include TS-L (trade name, manufactured by TDK Corporation), TS-A (trade name, manufactured by TDK Corporation), TS-K (trade name, manufactured by TDK Corporation), and the like. It is done.

  According to the developing device 200 configured as described above, the two-component developer is circulated and conveyed in the developing tank 201, and a part of the two-component developer circulated and conveyed is in the second conveyance path Q. The toner in the two-component developer carried on the surface of the developing roller 204 moves to the photosensitive drum 21 and is consumed sequentially. When the toner density detection sensor 208 detects that a predetermined amount of toner has been consumed, the user is informed that the toner has become low, and the user replaces the toner supply device 300.

  Next, the toner supply device 300 and the movement restriction member 500 will be described. FIG. 5 is a front view of the toner replenishing devices 300b, 300c, 300m, and 300y arranged side by side in the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. FIG. 6 is an end view taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the toner supply device 300. FIG. 8 is a side view of the toner supply device 300. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the opening forming portion 302, the shutter portion 303, and the second engaging portion 305 provided in the toner replenishing device 300. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the movement restricting member 500. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B show the movement restricting member 500 in different directions. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state before and after rotation when the toner replenishing device 300 changes its position by rotational movement. FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 11 and shows a part of the toner replenishing device 300.

  The toner replenishing device 300 includes a toner storage unit 301, an opening forming unit 302, a shutter unit 303, two first engaging units 304, and a second engaging unit 305, and is detachable by a support member 400. Supported. The support member 400 includes a flat plate portion 401 provided over the toner supply devices 300b, 300c, 300m, and 300y, a pair of support pieces 402b including a first support piece 4021b and a second support piece 4022b, a first support piece 4021c, A pair of support pieces 402c made up of a second support piece 4022c, a pair of support pieces 402m made up of a first support piece 4021m and a second support piece 4022m, and 1 made up of a first support piece 4021y and a second support piece 4022y And a pair of support pieces 402y.

  The flat plate portion 401 is a rectangular flat plate member extending in the Y direction and the Z direction, and is fixed to the X1 direction side of the developing device 200 in the image forming apparatus 100. The end portion in the Z1 direction of the flat plate portion 401 is located on the Z1 direction side with respect to the end portion in the Z1 direction of the toner supply device 300.

  Since the pair of support pieces 402b, 402c, 402m, and 402y are configured in the same manner, a common configuration is referred to as a pair of support pieces 402. The same applies to the first support pieces 4021b, 4021c, 4021m, and 4021y and the second support pieces 4022b, 4022c, 4022m, and 4022y.

  FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the flat plate portion 401 and the first support piece 4021 (4021b). The first support piece 4021 is a member in which a first notch 4023 and a second notch 4024 are provided on a pentagonal columnar member extending in the Y direction. The length of the pentagonal columnar member in the axial direction is, for example, 5 mm to 10 mm.

  The first notch 4023 defines a rectangular columnar space extending in the Y direction. This rectangular columnar space extends from the inside of the first support piece 4021 to the end in the Y1 direction and to the end in one direction perpendicular to the Y direction (the arrow M direction shown in FIG. 6). The second notch 4024 defines a cylindrical space extending in the Y direction. The columnar space is a columnar space in which one side of the rectangle defined by the first cutout portion 4023 is a string having a length L2 smaller than the diameter L1, and the columnar space is more than the string. The radially outer portion is a part of a rectangular columnar space defined by the first notch 4023. The columnar space extends to the end of the first support piece 4021 in the Y1 direction, and the length of the columnar space in the Y direction is equal to the length of the rectangular columnar space defined by the first notch 4023 in the Y direction. .

  The second support piece 4022 is a member configured in the shape of a mirror image of the first support piece 4021. That is, the second support piece 4022 has a pentagonal columnar member extending in the Y direction, a first cutout portion that defines a rectangular columnar space extending in the Y direction, and a second columnar space that defines a cylindrical space extending in the Y direction. The rectangular columnar space is a member provided with a notch, and extends in the Y2 direction end of the second support piece 4022 and is the end in one direction perpendicular to the Y direction (the arrow M direction shown in FIG. 6). This columnar space extends to the end in the Y2 direction. A line segment connecting the center of gravity of the first support piece 4021 and the center of gravity of the second support piece 4022 extends in the Y direction. The first support piece 4021 and the second support piece 4022 are mirror images of each other across a virtual plane that bisects the line segment vertically.

  The first support piece 4021 and the second support piece 4022 are formed of a material such as polystyrene, for example. The flat plate portion 401 is formed from a material such as polystyrene, for example.

  The first support piece 4021b and the second support piece 4022c are adjacent to each other, the first support piece 4021c and the second support piece 4022m are adjacent to each other, and the first support piece 4021m and the second support piece 4022y are adjacent to each other. Thus, the adjacent 1st support piece 4021 and 2nd support piece 4022 may be integrally molded. Moreover, the 1st support piece 4021 and the 2nd support piece 4022, and the flat plate part 401 may be integrally molded.

  7 and 8 forms an internal space, and stores toner in the internal space. The toner storage unit 301 may store a carrier together with toner.

  The toner container 301 is provided so that two side surfaces 3011 and 3012 in the Y direction are parallel to each other. The toner container 301 is made of a resin material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene, ABS resin, polyacetal, and the like.

The first engaging portion 304 shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 11 is a columnar member and is fixed to the toner containing portion 301. More specifically, the first engagement portion 304 extends perpendicularly to the side surfaces 3011 and 3012 of the toner storage portion 301. The first engagement portion 304 cuts a virtual circle having the same diameter L1 as the circle defined by the second notch portion 4024 of the support member 400 with two strings parallel to each other, and is more radial than the strings. It is a columnar member having a bottom surface with the outer portion removed, and has two flat portions 3041 extending in the Y direction. Here, the central axis line of the column that extends in the Y direction with the virtual circle as the bottom surface is defined as a central axis line S ₁ of the first engagement portion 304. Center axis lines _{S 1} of the two first engaging portion 304 coincide with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the flat portion 3041 is parallel to the front surface 3013 and the back surface 3014 of the toner storage unit 301. Further, the distance L3 between the plane portions 3041 shown in FIG. 11 is equal to the rectangular length L2 defined by the first cutout portion 4023 of the support member 400. The first engagement portion 304 may be a member that is slightly smaller than the member having such a shape.

  The toner replenishing device 300 including the first engagement portion 304 configured as described above has a first engagement in the arrow M direction, which is the direction in which the rectangular columnar space defined by the first notch portion 4023 of the support member 400 extends. By sliding the toner containing portion 301 fixed to the first engaging portion 304 in the arrow N direction opposite to the arrow M direction in a posture such that the flat portion 3041 of the joining portion 304 follows, 2 One first engaging portion 304 can be engaged with the first support piece 4021 and the second support piece 4022 and attached to the support member 400. As a result of the mounting, the toner supply device 300 is supported by the support member 400. FIG. 11A shows a state immediately after the toner supply device 300 is installed. From this state, the toner replenishing device 300 can be detached from the support member 400 by sliding the toner containing portion 301 in the arrow M direction.

The flat portion 3041 of the first engaging portion 304 is formed on the surface of the first notch portion 4023 from when the toner containing portion 301 starts to slide in the arrow M direction until the state shown in FIG. either in contact or is close, the first engagement portion 304 is made almost impossible rotate about the central axis S _1. That is, the first notch 4023, and has a rotation limiting part for limiting rotation around the center axis lines S ₁ of the first engagement portion 304.

In the state shown in FIG. 11 (a), the first engaging portion 304 is surrounded by a second notch 4024 may be rotated in the rotation direction G of around the central axis S _1. That is, the second notch 4024 has a rotation permitting portion that permits rotation around the center axis lines S ₁ of the first engagement portion 304. As the first engagement portion 304 rotates, the toner storage portion 301 to which the first engagement portion 304 is fixed also rotates. FIG. 11B shows a state after the toner container 301 is rotated. By rotation of the first engagement portion 304 and the toner storage portion 301 in the rotation direction G, the first engagement portion 304 and the toner storage portion 301 are in a posture in which the flat portion 3041, the front surface 3013, and the back surface 3014 are along the Z direction. .

  In the state shown in FIG. 11B, the back surface 3014 of the toner containing portion 301 and the flat plate portion 401 of the support member 400 are in contact with each other, and the toner containing portion 301 and the first engaging portion 304 move in the rotation direction G. Rotation is limited. However, in the state shown in FIG. 11B, it is possible to rotate the toner containing portion 301 and the first engaging portion 304 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction G and return to the state shown in FIG. As will be described later, in the state shown in FIG. 11A, the toner container 301 is restricted from rotating in the reverse direction of the rotation direction G by the shutter 303 and the movement restricting member 500.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, the toner supply device 300 is provided with the columnar first engagement portion 304, and the support member 400 includes the first notch portion 4023 and the second notch portion 4024. Although the piece 4021 is provided and the first engaging portion 304 and the first support piece 4021 are configured to engage with each other, the configuration may not be such. For example, the support member 400 may be provided with a columnar member, and the toner supply device 300 may be provided with a notch, and the columnar member and the notch may be engaged with each other. Moreover, the support piece engaged with the 1st engaging part 304 and the 1st engaging part 304 may be one each, respectively.

The opening forming portion 302 shown in FIG. 9 is fixed to the outer end of the toner storage portion 301 in the Z2 direction. The opening forming portion 302 extends outward from the toner containing portion 301 in the X direction and the Y direction. Opening forming portion 302 is a curved plate which is curved in the direction in which the plane direction central portion moves away from the center axis lines S ₁ of the first engagement portion 304, for example, a cylinder having a center axis corresponding to the center axis lines S ₁ in the circumferential direction It is a curved plate having a divided shape.

  In the opening forming portion 302, a toner discharge port 3021 which is an opening is formed at the center in the surface direction. The toner discharge port 3021 communicates with the internal space of the toner storage unit 301, and the toner in the toner storage unit 301 is discharged to the outside through the toner discharge port 3021. More specifically, the toner discharge port 3021 is a space defined by the opening forming portion 302 and opened to the outside, and this space communicates with the internal space of the toner storage portion 301.

  The opening formation part 302 is formed from materials, such as a polystyrene, for example. The opening forming portion 302 may be integrally formed with the toner storage portion 301. Further, a sponge or a moquette sheet for suppressing the outflow of toner may be attached to the surface of the opening forming portion 302 opposite to the toner containing portion 301 (the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302). A sponge or a moquette sheet is formed from synthetic fibers, such as nylon, for example.

The shutter portion 303 is provided so as to be movable relative to the opening forming portion 302, and opens or closes the toner discharge port 3021 by changing a relative position with respect to the toner discharge port 3021. The shutter portion 303 includes a bottom wall portion 3031 that is a curved plate shaped along the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302, two side wall portions 3032 that are continuous with the bottom wall portion 3031, and an upper portion that is continuous with the bottom wall portion 3031 and the side wall portion 3032. A wall 3033. The bottom wall 3031, for example, similarly to the opening forming portion 302, a curved plate having a shape obtained by dividing a cylinder having a center axis corresponding to the center axis lines S ₁ in the circumferential direction. The cylinder corresponding to the opening forming portion 302 and the cylinder corresponding to the bottom wall portion 3031 are such that the outer surface of the cylinder corresponding to the opening forming portion 302 is in contact with or close to the inner surface of the cylinder corresponding to the bottom wall portion 3031. This relationship holds. In addition, in the direction of the central axis (center axis S ₁ ) of the cylinder, the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 is provided with the same length as the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302 or slightly longer. In the circumferential direction of the cylinder, the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 is provided with the same length as the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302 or slightly longer.

Side wall portions 3032, in the central axis lines _{S 1} direction, from both ends of the bottom wall 3031, are erected toward the central axis lines _{S 1.} As shown in FIG. 9, the side wall portion 3032 is provided with two protrusions 30321 that protrude inward in the surface direction of the bottom wall portion 3031 and face the end portion in the surface direction of the bottom wall portion 3031. The protrusion 30321 restricts the shutter 303 from moving in the normal direction of the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302. More specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 9, the end portion in the surface direction of the opening forming portion 302 is positioned between the two protrusion portions 30321 provided on each side wall portion 3032 and the bottom wall portion 3031. Thus, the movement of the shutter portion 303 in the normal direction of the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302 is restricted.

Upper wall portion 3033, the rotation direction G rear end of the bottom wall 3031, are erected toward the central axis line _{S 1.} In the state shown in FIG. 9, the upper wall portion 3033 is in contact with or close to the rear end portion in the rotation direction G of the opening forming portion 302. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 9, the toner containing portion 301 to which the opening forming portion 302 is fixed is restricted from moving in the direction opposite to the rotation direction G relative to the shutter portion 303. As will be described later, since the movement of the shutter 303 is restricted by the movement restricting member 500 in the rotational direction G and in the opposite direction, as a result, in the state shown in FIG. Therefore, the rotation in the reverse direction of the rotation direction G is limited.

  The bottom wall part 3031, the side wall part 3032, and the upper wall part 3033 constituting the shutter part 303 are made of a material such as polystyrene, for example. It is preferable that the bottom wall portion 3031, the side wall portion 3032, and the upper wall portion 3033 are integrally formed with each other.

The second engaging portion 305 is an end portion of the shutter portion 303 in the extending direction of the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 (the main surface of the shutter portion 303), more specifically, the rotation of the shutter portion 303. It is fixed to a part of the front end portion in the direction G and protrudes forward in the rotational direction G from a part of the end portion. The second engagement portion 305, for example, similarly to the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303, a curved plate having a shape obtained by dividing a cylinder having a center axis corresponding to the center axis lines S ₁ in the circumferential direction. The cylinder corresponding to the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 and the cylinder corresponding to the second engagement portion 305 have the same diameter, and the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 and the second engagement portion 305 are the same. The outer surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 and the outer surface of the second engaging portion 305 are smoothly connected. Further, the second engaging portion 305 is provided shorter than the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 in the direction of the central axis (center axis S ₁ ) of the cylinder.

  The second engagement portion 305 is formed from a material such as polystyrene, for example. The second engagement portion 305 may be integrally formed with the shutter portion 303.

The second engaging portion 305 is engaged with and engaged with a movement restricting member 500 shown in FIG. 10 that is fixed to the developing tank cover 205 of the developing device 200, and the movement restricting member 500 restricts movement in the rotation direction G. Is done. Movement limiting member 500 includes a first surface portion 501 which includes a first surface 501a, and adjacent to the first surface 501a, a second surface 502a provided at a position closer to the center axis lines _{S 1} than first surface 501a It has a second surface portion 502, an upper wall portion 503 that is continuous with the first surface portion 501, and an outer peripheral wall portion 504 that is continuous with the second surface portion 502. A toner receiving port 500 a that communicates with the internal space of the developing tank 201 of the developing device 200 is formed in the second surface portion 502.

The first surface portion 501 is, for example, similarly to the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303, a curved plate having a shape obtained by dividing a cylinder having a center axis corresponding to the center axis lines S ₁ in the circumferential direction. The cylinder corresponding to the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 and the cylinder corresponding to the first surface portion 501 are such that the outer surface of the cylinder corresponding to the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 corresponds to the first surface portion 501. The relationship of being in contact with or close to the inner surface is established. Further, the first surface 501 a that is the inner surface of the first surface portion 501 is the sum of the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 (the main surface of the shutter portion 303) and the outer surface of the second engaging portion 305. It is the same shape as the one or slightly larger.

The second surface portion 502 is substantially C-shaped, and is connected to the first surface portion 501 to form a substantially rectangular toner receiving port 500a. As described above, the second surface 502a of the second surface portion 502, since it is provided at a position closer to the center axis lines _{S 1} than the first surface 501a, a first face 501 at the coupling portion between the second surface portion 502, a step Is formed. Of the surfaces forming the step in the second surface portion 502, the surface positioned at the rear end in the rotational direction G is referred to as a first step forming surface 502b, and the surface positioned inward in the surface direction of the second surface 502a is the second. This is referred to as a step forming surface 502c.

The second surface portion 502 is, for example, similarly to the opening forming portion 302, a curved plate having a shape obtained by dividing a cylinder having a center axis corresponding to the center axis lines S ₁ in the circumferential direction, and more particularly, to the curved plate, substantially A notch is formed so as to be C-shaped. The cylinder corresponding to the opening forming portion 302 and the cylinder corresponding to the second surface portion 502 are such that the outer surface of the cylinder corresponding to the opening forming portion 302 is in contact with or close to the inner surface of the cylinder corresponding to the second surface portion 502. This relationship holds. As will be described later, when the opening forming portion 302 and the second surface portion 502 are in close contact with each other, the second surface 502a that is the inner surface of the second surface portion 502 is a surface in the surface direction of the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302. The inner end in the direction overlaps with the inner end in the surface direction of the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302 or is positioned slightly outward, and the outer end in the surface direction is the surface direction of the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302 It overlaps the outer edge or is slightly outward.

Upper wall portion 503, the rotation direction G rear end of the first surface 501a of the first surface portion 501, are erected toward the central axis line _{S 1.} The outer peripheral wall portion 504, of the outer peripheral edge of the second surface 502a of the second surface portion 502, from the portion other than the portion between the first surface 501a and the second surface 502a, toward the central axis lines _{S 1} upright Has been.

  The first surface portion 501, the second surface portion 502, the upper wall portion 503, and the outer peripheral wall portion 504 constituting the movement restricting member 500 are made of a material such as polystyrene, for example. The first surface portion 501, the second surface portion 502, the upper wall portion 503, and the outer peripheral wall portion 504 are preferably integrally formed with each other. Further, a sponge or a moquette sheet for suppressing the outflow of toner may be attached to the first surface 501a of the first surface portion 501. A sponge or a moquette sheet is formed from synthetic fibers, such as nylon, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 12A, the toner container 301 is slid in the arrow N direction from the state before the toner replenishing device 300 is attached to the support member 400, so that the second The engaging portion 305 is fitted between the second step forming surfaces 502 c of the second surface portion 502 facing each other, whereby the second engaging portion 305 is engaged with the movement restricting member 500. At this time, the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 (the main surface of the shutter portion 303) is in close contact with the first surface 501a of the first surface portion 501, and the rotation direction of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 is A portion of the G front end portion where the second engaging portion 305 is not fixed is in close contact with the first step forming surface 502b of the second surface portion 502, and the upper wall portion 3033 of the shutter portion 303 is moved to the movement restricting member 500. Close to the upper wall portion 503.

  When the toner containing portion 301 is rotated in the rotation direction G after the second engaging portion 305 and the movement restricting member 500 are engaged as shown in FIGS. 11A and 12A, the second engaging portion The movement restricting member 500 restricts the movement of the shutter portion 303 to which the 305 and the second engaging portion 305 are fixed in the rotation direction G and the opposite direction, and the toner storage portion 301 and the opening forming portion 302 move in the rotation direction G. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 11B and 12B, the shutter portion 303 moves relative to the toner discharge port 3021 formed in the opening forming portion 302. As a result, the toner discharge port 3021 changes from a closed state to an open state, and toner can be supplied to the developing device 200. That is, the state shown in FIG. 11B and FIG. 12B is a toner replenishable state of the toner replenishing device 300. To close the toner discharge port 3021, the toner container 301 may be rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction G from the state shown in FIG. 11B and returned to the state shown in FIG.

  11B and 12B, the toner discharge port 3021 of the toner supply device 300 and the toner receiving port 500a of the developing device 200 communicate with each other. In this state, the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302 where the toner discharge port 3021 is formed and the second surface 502a of the second surface portion 502 where the toner receiving port 500a is formed are in close contact with each other. The outlet 3021 and the toner receiving port 500a are adjacent to each other. As described above, in this state, in the surface direction of the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302, the surface direction inner end of the second surface 502a overlaps with the surface direction inner end of the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302, or Alternatively, it is located slightly outward, and the surface direction outer end of the second surface 502a overlaps with the surface direction outer end of the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302, or is positioned slightly outward. In the state shown in FIG. 11B and the state from the state shown in FIG. 11A to the state shown in FIG. 11B, the toner discharge port 3021 is the shutter portion 303 or the toner receiving port 500a. Will face only.

It can be brought close to each toner receiving port 500a and the toner discharge port 3021 is that the second surface 502a is provided at a position closer to the center axis lines _{S 1} than the first surface 501a. Further, in the toner replenishing device 300, the second engagement portion 305 protrudes from the front end portion in the rotation direction G of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303, and the movement-limiting member 500 is fitted into the protruding second engagement portion 305. since it engages the second engaging portion 305 by, by reducing the movement limiting member 500 and the central axis S direction length towards ₁ of the movement restriction member 500 so that the toner container 301 does not interfere In addition, the second engagement portion 305 and the movement restricting member 500 can be reliably engaged, and when the first engagement portion 304 and the toner storage portion 301 rotate, the second engagement portion 305 and the movement restriction The engagement state with the member 500 can be made difficult to be released, and the toner discharge port 3021 can be opened and closed smoothly. In addition, as a first modification of the toner replenishing device, the second wall is replaced with a second end of the bottom wall 3031 in the rotational direction G instead of the front end in the rotational direction G of the bottom wall 3031. An engaging portion 305 may be provided. In this first modification, as the second engaging portion 305 is fittable, the center axis lines S ₁ direction central portion of the upper wall portion 503 of the movement restricting member 500, recessed in the direction of rotation G rear side. Also according to the first modified example, the second engaging portion 305 and the movement restricting member 500 can be reliably engaged.

  With the above-described configuration, in the toner replenishing device 300, it is difficult for the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 3021 to move toward other than the toner receiving port 500a and be deposited on the developing device 200. Contamination of the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 due to scattering of the image can be prevented. The toner replenishing device 300 directly replenishes the developing device 200 with toner. However, a portion around the toner receiving port 500a of the developing device 200 may be a toner receiving member different from the developing device 200.

  Further, in the toner replenishing device 300, the end portion in the surface direction of the opening forming portion 302 is in close contact with the outer peripheral wall portion 504 of the movement restricting member 500 in the toner replenishable state shown in FIGS. The outer peripheral wall portion 504 is surrounded. Accordingly, the toner receiving port 500a formed on the second surface 502a of the second surface portion 502 of the movement restricting member 500 and the toner discharge port 3021 formed on the opening forming unit 302 are aligned with each other. The toner discharge port 3021 can be reliably brought close to.

  Further, in the toner replenishing device 300, when the second engaging portion 305 is fitted and engaged between the two second step forming surfaces 502c of the movement limiting member 500, the rotation direction of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 is increased. The G front end is configured to contact each first step forming surface 502b perpendicular to each second step forming surface 502c of the movement limiting member 500.

  Generally, the movement of the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 of the toner supply device 300 is restricted so that the user can easily attach the toner supply device 300 to the developing device 200 when replacing the toner supply device 300. The shutter portion 303 and the movement limiting member 500 are manufactured in consideration of dimensional tolerances so as to be smaller than the first surface 501a of the member 500. Therefore, a gap is likely to be generated between the front end in the rotation direction G of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 and each first step forming surface 502b of the movement limiting member 500. Further, when the second engagement portion 305 is not provided at the front end portion in the rotation direction G of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303, the movement limitation with respect to the rear end portion in the rotation direction G of the opening forming portion 302 in the toner replenishable state. A gap is formed between the first surface 501a of the member 500 and the front end portion in the rotational direction G. When such a gap is generated, there is a risk that the toner leaks from the gap due to an airflow directed to the outside of the developing device 200 due to an increase in internal pressure of the developing device 200 during image formation.

  However, in the toner replenishing device 300, the second engaging portion 305 is fitted and engaged between the two second step forming surfaces 502 c of the movement limiting member 500, so that the opening forming portion 302 is in a toner replenishable state. Between the rotation direction G rear end portion and the rotation direction G front end portion of the first surface 501a of the movement restricting member 500, and the rotation direction G front end of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 is less likely to occur. Is in contact with each first step forming surface 502b perpendicular to each second step forming surface 502c of the movement restricting member 500, so that the rotation direction G front end of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 and each of the movement restricting members Since it is difficult for a gap to be formed between the first step forming surface 502b, toner leakage from the gap can be reduced.

Further, in the toner replenishing device 300, it is necessary to keep the toner containing portion 301 in the posture shown in FIG. 11B until all the toner to be contained is supplied to the developing device 200. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an attitude holding member for maintaining the attitude of the toner storage unit 301 in the image forming apparatus 100. However, it is possible to provide no posture holding member or to make the structure simpler. For example, the center of gravity of the toner container 301 as or to be located in the X1 direction and the Z1 direction end of the toner container 301, the center axis lines S ₁ located in the X2 direction and the Z2 direction end portion of the toner storage section 301 11B, torque in the rotational direction G is generated with respect to the toner containing portion 301 in the state shown in FIG. 11B, and as a result, the toner containing portion 301 presses the support member 400, and FIG. The posture shown in (b) may be maintained. As a method of positioning the center of gravity of the toner storage unit 301 at the end of the toner storage unit 301 in the X1 direction and the Z1 direction, the thickness of the end of the toner storage unit 301 in the X1 direction and the Z1 direction is increased or the material is heavier. Or making it into a material.

  Next, a second modification of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The second modified example is the same as the above-described embodiment except for a part of the configuration of the toner replenishing device 300 and the configuration of the movement restricting member 500. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the opening forming portion 302, the shutter portion 303, and the second engaging portion 305 included in the toner supply device 300 according to the second modification. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the movement restricting member 500 in the second modification. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state before and after rotation of the toner supply device 300 according to the second modification when the position is changed by rotational movement. FIG. 16 corresponds to FIG. 15 and shows a part of the toner replenishing device 300 in the second modification. The following description is all about the second modification.

As shown in FIG. 13, the shutter portion 303 does not have a protrusion 30321 at the front portion in the rotation direction G. As shown in FIG. 14, a semi-cylindrical protrusion extending in the direction of the central axis S ₁ is provided on the rear portion in the rotation direction G of the first surface 501 a of the first surface 501 of the movement limiting member 500. . As shown in FIG. 14, the first step forming surface 502 b of the second surface portion 502 of the movement limiting member 500 is a curved surface that is recessed forward in the rotational direction G.

  With such a configuration, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15A, the first surface 501 a of the first surface portion 501 is the bottom wall portion of the shutter portion 303 in a state before the toner containing portion 301 is rotated. The outer surface of 3031 (the main surface of the shutter portion 303) contacts only at the semi-cylindrical protrusion. Then, when the toner storage portion 301 and the first engagement portion 304 are rotated in the rotation direction G and the toner replenishable state shown in FIGS. 15B and 16B is reached, the shutter portion 303 and the opening forming portion 302 are moved. The shutter 303 is separated from the toner replenishing device 300.

  More specifically, in the state immediately after the toner replenishing device 300 is mounted on the support member 400, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 16A, the outer surface of the opening forming portion 302 is the shutter portion 303. Is in contact with the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 3031. When the toner storage unit 301 is rotated in the rotation direction G from this state, the opening forming unit 302 is rotated rearward in the rotation direction G from between the protrusion 30321 and the bottom wall portion 3031 provided at the rear portion in the rotation direction G of the shutter unit 303. The edge comes off. As a result, the shutter portion 303 rotates in the rotation direction H around the contact portion with the semi-cylindrical protrusion by the weight of the front end portion in the rotation direction G and the pressing force by the opening forming portion 302. During rotation, with the second engaging portion 305 fitted between the second step forming surfaces 502c of the second surface portion 502, among the front end portion in the rotational direction G of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303, The portion where the second engagement portion 305 is not fixed moves in the rotation direction H along the first step forming surface 502b of the second surface portion 502. In this way, the shutter portion 303 and the opening forming portion 302 are separated from each other. The shutter portion 303 rotated in the rotation direction H stops the rotation when the front end portion in the rotation direction G of the bottom wall portion 3031 collides with the front end portion of the first surface 501a of the first surface portion 501. As a result of such an operation, the toner replenishing device 300 is in the state shown in FIGS. 15B and 16B.

  According to the toner replenishing device 300 in the second modified example, when the toner adheres to the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303, the shutter portion 303 is rotated by the rotation of the shutter portion 303 in the rotation direction H. The toner adhering to the bottom wall portion 3031 can be detached by the collision between the first surface portion 501 and the first surface portion 501. The detached toner slides down the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 and moves to the toner receiving port 500a. On the other hand, when a long period of time elapses while the toner adheres to the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303, the toner adheres to the bottom wall portion 3031 and the shutter portion 303 cannot be properly fitted into the opening forming portion 302. There is a fear.

  In the second modification, as described above, the toner adhering to the bottom wall portion 3031 is detached, and the toner is moved to the toner receiving port 500a, so that the toner does not adhere to the bottom wall portion 3031. can do. Therefore, when the toner storage portion 301 is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction G from the state shown in FIGS. 15B and 16B, the opening forming portion 302 contacts the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303. Then, the shutter 303 is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction H, and can be smoothly returned to the state shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 16 (a). Therefore, replacement of the empty toner supply device 300 is facilitated.

  As described above, if there is a gap between the shutter portion 303 and the opening forming portion 302 and the movement restricting member 500, the air flow toward the outside of the developing device 200 due to an increase in the internal pressure of the developing device 200 during image formation. The toner may leak from the gap. In the second modification, in the toner replenishable state, the shutter portion 303 is disengaged from the opening forming portion 302, and the rear end in the rotation direction G of the toner receiving port 500a is opened. Therefore, the rotation of the toner receiving port 500a is performed. There is a possibility that the toner leaks from the rear end in the direction G toward the rear in the rotation direction G. However, the leaked toner gets on the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303, slips down the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303, and returns to the toner receiving port 500a. As a result, leakage of toner to the outside can be prevented.

In the second modification, as long as the shutter portion 303 can rotate in the rotation direction H, the projection portion 30321 is not limited to the rear portion in the rotation direction G but may be provided in the central portion in the rotation direction G or the front portion in the rotation direction G. Good. Further, instead of providing the protruding portions semi-cylindrical in the first face 501 of the movement limiting member 500, the rotation direction G rear portion of the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 3031 of the shutter portion 303 extends to the central axis lines S ₁ direction half A cylindrical protrusion may be provided. Further, in order to facilitate the rotation of the shutter unit 303 in the rotation direction H, the front portion in the rotation direction G of the shutter unit 303 may be heavier than the other portions. Further, the toner supply device 300 when the shutter unit 303 are separated, so that the position of the shutter portion 303 is not shifted to the center axis lines _{S 1} direction, the movement limiting member 500, the first face of the first surface portion 501 501a walls to be erected from the center axis lines S ₁ opposite ends of the center axis lines S ₁ may be provided.

100 Image forming device 200, 200b, 200c, 200m, 200y Developing device 205 Developing tank cover 300, 300b, 300c, 300m, 300y Toner replenishing device 301 Toner storage portion 302 Opening forming portion 303 Shutter portion 304 First engaging portion 305 First 2 engaging portion 400 support member 500 movement limiting member 500a toner receiving port 3021 toner discharging port

Claims (5)

A toner container for storing toner in the internal space;
An opening forming portion that faces the outside of the toner containing portion and is fixed to the toner containing portion, wherein an opening forming portion is formed with a toner discharge port communicating with the internal space;
A shutter portion that is provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the opening forming portion, and that opens and closes the toner discharge port by changing a relative position with respect to the toner discharge port;
A first engagement portion fixed to the toner storage portion;
A toner replenishing device having a second engagement portion that is fixed to a part of an end portion of the shutter portion in the extending direction of the main surface of the shutter portion and protrudes forward from the portion of the end portion in the extending direction;
A support member that engages with the first engagement portion and rotatably supports the first engagement portion;
And a movement restricting member that restricts movement of the shutter portion by fitting and engaging the shutter portion including the second engaging portion, the first surface portion including the first surface, and the first A second surface portion that is adjacent to the surface and is closer to the rotation axis of the first engaging portion than the first surface, and includes a second surface on which a toner receiving port is formed , the first surface portion, Two steps at the connection portion with the second surface portion, the first step located at the rear end of the second surface portion in the rotation direction and the second step located at the inner side in the surface direction of the second surface. A movement limiting member having two steps,
When the first engagement portion prior SL is rotated, the engagement between the movement limiting member, wherein movement of the shutter portion is restricted by the first step and the second that engages the second step An image forming apparatus , wherein the engaging portion is fitted into a gap formed between a rear end portion of the opening forming portion and a front end portion of the first surface .   The movement restricting member has an outer peripheral wall portion erected from a peripheral edge of the second surface, and has an outer peripheral wall portion provided other than between the first surface and the second surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a moquette sheet is attached to a main surface of the opening forming portion.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a moquette sheet is attached to the first surface. A toner replenishing device that can be used in an image forming apparatus including a support member and a movement restricting member,
A toner container for storing toner in the internal space;
An opening forming portion that faces the outside of the toner containing portion and is fixed to the toner containing portion, wherein an opening forming portion is formed with a toner discharge port communicating with the internal space;
A shutter portion that is provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the opening forming portion, and that opens and closes the toner discharge port by changing a relative position with respect to the toner discharge port;
A first engagement portion fixed to the toner storage portion;
A second engagement portion that is fixed to a part of the end portion of the shutter portion in the extending direction of the main surface of the shutter portion and protrudes forward from the portion of the end portion in the extending direction ;
The support member engages with the first engagement portion and rotatably supports the first engagement portion.
The movement limiting member is
A first surface portion including a first surface, and a second surface adjacent to the first surface and disposed closer to the rotation axis of the first engaging portion than the first surface and forming a toner receiving port. Two steps in a connecting portion between the second surface portion and the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the first step located at the rear end in the rotation direction in the second surface portion and the second step. and two steps of the second step, located on a surface inwardly of the plane, was closed,
The shutter part including the second engaging part is fitted and engaged, and the movement of the shutter part is limited ;
When the first engagement portion prior SL is rotated, the engagement between the movement limiting member, wherein movement of the shutter portion is restricted by the first step and the second that engages the second step The toner replenishing device , wherein the engaging portion is fitted into a gap formed between a rear end portion of the opening forming portion and a front end portion of the first surface .

Images