JP6268853B2

JP6268853B2 - Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP6268853B2
Application number: JP2013195163A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 池田　英明; 英明池田
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Current assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Priority date: 2013-09-20
Filing date: 2013-09-20
Publication date: 2018-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-20
Also published as: JP2015060153A

Description

本発明は、内部にトナーが収容されたトナー容器を、装置本体に設けられたトナー容器取付部に着脱自在に取り付けるようにした複写機、プリンター、ファクシミリ及びこれらの複合機等の画像形成装置に関するものである。特に、トナー容器取付部に取り付けるトナー容器の装着部に設けられた回路基板に、トナー容器取付部に設けられた接続端子を接続させるようにした画像形成装置において、前記の接続端子が回路基板と適切に接触されるように、接続端子を清掃する作業が簡単に行えると共に、接続端子が変形したりすることなく、接続端子が適切に清掃されるようにした点に特徴を有するものである。 The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and a composite machine in which a toner container in which toner is contained is detachably attached to a toner container mounting portion provided in an apparatus main body. Is. In particular, in an image forming apparatus in which a connection terminal provided in a toner container attachment portion is connected to a circuit board provided in a toner container attachment portion attached to the toner container attachment portion, the connection terminal is connected to the circuit board. It is characterized in that the operation of cleaning the connection terminal can be easily performed so that the connection terminal can be appropriately contacted, and the connection terminal is appropriately cleaned without deformation of the connection terminal.

従来から、複写機、プリンター、ファクシミリ及びこれらの複合機等の画像形成装置においては、画像形成により装置本体内におけるトナーの量が減少した場合に、内部にトナーが収容されたトナー容器を、装置本体に設けられたトナー容器取付部に取り付けて、トナー容器から装置本体内にトナーを補給させることが行われている。 Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a composite machine thereof, when the amount of toner in the apparatus main body is reduced due to image formation, a toner container in which toner is accommodated is The toner is replenished from the toner container into the apparatus main body by being attached to a toner container attaching portion provided in the main body.

また、このようにトナー容器を装置本体に設けられたトナー容器取付部に取り付けて、トナー容器から装置本体内にトナーを補給させるにあたり、特許文献１に示されるように、トナー容器に収容されているトナーの色や適合機種、初期充填量、現在の残量、トナー切れが近いかどうか等の固有情報を記憶させた記憶回路基板等の回路基板をトナー容器に設ける一方、トナー容器取付部に前記の回路基板に接触する接続端子を設け、この接続端子を前記の回路基板に接触させて、トナー容器取付部取り付けられたトナー容器が当該画像形成装置に適合するか等を判断することが行われている。 Further, when the toner container is attached to the toner container mounting portion provided in the apparatus main body and the toner is replenished from the toner container into the apparatus main body, as shown in Patent Document 1, the toner container is accommodated in the toner container. A circuit board such as a storage circuit board that stores specific information such as the color of the toner being used, compatible model, initial filling amount, current remaining amount, and whether toner is almost exhausted is provided in the toner container, while the toner container mounting portion A connection terminal that contacts the circuit board is provided, and the connection terminal is brought into contact with the circuit board to determine whether or not the toner container attached with the toner container mounting portion is compatible with the image forming apparatus. It has been broken.

しかし、特許文献１に示されるものの場合、トナー容器取付部にトナー容器が装着されていない状態では、装置本体の接続端子が露出しているため、トナー等が接続端子に付着し、接続端子と回路基板とが適切に接触されなくなって、接続端子と回路基板との接点不良が生じるおそれがあった。 However, in the case of the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, in a state where the toner container is not attached to the toner container mounting portion, the connection terminal of the apparatus main body is exposed. There is a possibility that contact failure between the connection terminal and the circuit board may occur because the circuit board is not properly contacted.

そして、特許文献２に示されるものにおいては、トナー容器が取り付けられるトナー容器取付部において、トナー容器におけるトナー排出口から排出されるトナーを受け入れるトナー受入口を開閉するシャッター部材を設け、このシャッター部材がトナー受入口を閉塞する位置においては、このシャッター部材によって接続端子が覆われるようにして、トナー受入口を閉塞した状態で、トナー等が接続端子に付着するのを抑制する一方、シャッター部材がトナー受入口を開放する位置においては、接続端子が露出して回路基板と接触されるようにしたものが提案されている。 And in the thing shown by patent document 2, the shutter member which opens and closes the toner inlet which receives the toner discharged | emitted from the toner discharge port in a toner container is provided in the toner container attachment part to which a toner container is attached, This shutter member In the position where the toner inlet closes, the connecting terminal is covered by the shutter member, and the toner member is prevented from adhering to the connecting terminal in the state where the toner inlet is closed. In the position where the toner receiving opening is opened, a connection terminal is exposed so as to be in contact with a circuit board.

しかし、特許文献２に示されるものにおいても、シャッター部材がトナー受入口を開放する位置においては接続端子が露出した状態になり、長く使用すると、次第に接続端子にトナー等が付着して汚れ、新しいトナー容器を装着させる場合等に、接続端子と回路基板とが適切に接触されなくなって、接続端子と回路基板との接点不良が生じるという問題があった。 However, even in the case shown in Patent Document 2, the connection terminal is exposed at the position where the shutter member opens the toner receiving port, and when used for a long time, the toner gradually adheres to the connection terminal and becomes dirty and new. When the toner container is mounted, there is a problem in that the connection terminal and the circuit board are not properly contacted to cause a contact failure between the connection terminal and the circuit board.

このため、定期的に接続端子を清掃する作業を行うことが必要になり、また接続端子を清掃する際に、静電気によって回路基板が破損したり、接続端子が変形したり、破損したりするという問題があった。 For this reason, it is necessary to periodically clean the connection terminals, and when cleaning the connection terminals, the circuit board may be damaged by static electricity, or the connection terminals may be deformed or damaged. There was a problem.

特許第４４１２４２１号公報Japanese Patent No. 4412421 特開２０１２−２３０２２１号公報JP 2012-230221 A

本発明は、内部にトナーが収容されたトナー容器を、装置本体に設けられたトナー容器取付部に着脱自在に取り付け、トナー容器に設けられた回路基板に、トナー容器取付部に設けられた接続端子を接続させるようにした画像形成装置における前記のような問題を解決することを課題とするものである。 According to the present invention, a toner container containing toner therein is detachably attached to a toner container mounting portion provided in the apparatus main body, and a connection provided in the toner container mounting portion is connected to a circuit board provided in the toner container. An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems in an image forming apparatus in which terminals are connected.

すなわち、本発明においては、前記のような画像形成装置において、前記の接続端子が回路基板と適切に接触されるように、接続端子を清掃する作業が簡単に行えると共に、接続端子が変形したりすることなく、接続端子が適切に清掃されるようにすることを課題とするものである。 That is, in the present invention, in the image forming apparatus as described above, the operation of cleaning the connection terminals can be easily performed so that the connection terminals are appropriately brought into contact with the circuit board, and the connection terminals can be deformed. It is an object of the present invention to ensure that the connection terminals are properly cleaned without doing so.

本発明の第１の画像形成装置においては、前記のような課題を解決するため、内部にトナーが収容されたトナー容器が、装置本体に設けられたトナー容器取付部に着脱自在に取り付けられる画像形成装置において、前記のトナー容器取付部に取り付けられるトナー容器の装着部に、回路基板と、収容されたトナーを排出するトナー排出口とが設けられる一方、前記の装置本体のトナー容器取付部に、前記の回路基板に接続される接続端子が設けられた端子部材と、前記のトナー排出口から排出されるトナーを受け入れるトナー受入口とが設けられると共に、前記の端子部材における接続端子をカバーするカバー部材が移動可能に設けられ、このカバー部材に前記の接続端子を清掃する清掃部が設けられると共に、前記の接続端子を前記の回路基板及び前記の清掃部側に付勢する付勢手段、及び前記の付勢手段による前記の接続端子と清掃部との接触圧を調整する接触圧調整手段が設けられ、前記のトナー容器が移動されて、トナー容器の装着部におけるトナー排出口とトナー容器取付部におけるトナー受入口とが連通されると共に、前記のカバー部材が移動され、前記の接続端子が前記の清掃部により清掃されて、前記の回路基板に接続されるようにし、前記の接続端子を線バネで構成し、前記のカバー部材を移動させて、前記の接続端子を前記の清掃部により清掃させる際に、前記の接続端子の変形を抑制するように、前記の接触圧調整手段により、前記の接続端子と清掃部との接触圧を調整するようにした。 In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, an image in which a toner container in which toner is contained is detachably attached to a toner container attachment portion provided in the apparatus main body. In the forming apparatus, the mounting portion of the toner container attached to the toner container mounting portion is provided with a circuit board and a toner discharge port for discharging the stored toner, while the toner container mounting portion of the apparatus main body is provided with the toner container mounting portion. A terminal member provided with a connection terminal connected to the circuit board, and a toner receiving port for receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port, and covering the connection terminal of the terminal member. A cover member is movably provided, and a cleaning portion for cleaning the connection terminal is provided on the cover member, and the connection terminal is connected to the circuit. An urging means for urging the plate and the cleaning part side, and a contact pressure adjusting means for adjusting a contact pressure between the connection terminal and the cleaning part by the urging means are provided, and the toner container moves. The toner discharge port in the toner container mounting portion and the toner receiving port in the toner container mounting portion communicate with each other, the cover member is moved, and the connection terminal is cleaned by the cleaning portion, The connection terminal is configured to be connected to the circuit board, the connection terminal is configured by a wire spring, the cover member is moved, and the connection terminal is cleaned by the cleaning unit. deformed so as to suppress the, by the contact pressure adjusting means, and to adjust the contact pressure between the cleaning part and the connection terminal.

そして、本発明の画像形成装置において、トナー容器を装置本体に設けられたトナー容器取付部に取り付け、トナー容器の装着部におけるトナー排出口とトナー容器取付部におけるトナー受入口とを連通させるように、トナー容器を移動させると、装置本体のトナー容器取付部に設けられた端子部材をカバーするカバー部材が移動されて、このカバー部材に設けられた清掃部により前記の接続端子が清掃され、このように清掃された接続端子がトナー容器に設けられた回路基板に接続されるようになる。 In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the toner container is attached to the toner container mounting portion provided in the apparatus main body, and the toner discharge port in the toner container mounting portion and the toner receiving port in the toner container mounting portion are communicated with each other. When the toner container is moved, the cover member that covers the terminal member provided in the toner container mounting portion of the apparatus main body is moved, and the connection terminal is cleaned by the cleaning portion provided in the cover member. The connection terminal thus cleaned is connected to the circuit board provided in the toner container.

また、本発明の前記の画像形成装置においては、前記のように接続端子を線バネで構成し、前記のカバー部材を移動させて、前記の接続端子を前記の清掃部により清掃させる際に、前記の接続端子の変形を抑制するように、前記の接触圧調整手段により、前記の接続端子と清掃部との接触圧を調整するようにしたため、線バネのように変形しやすい接続端子であっても、前記の清掃部によって接続端子を清掃する際に、接続端子が変形するのが防止されるようになる。 In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the connection terminal is configured by a wire spring as described above, the cover member is moved, and the connection terminal is cleaned by the cleaning unit. In order to suppress the deformation of the connection terminal, the contact pressure adjusting means adjusts the contact pressure between the connection terminal and the cleaning portion, so that the connection terminal is easily deformed like a wire spring. even, when cleaning the connection terminals by the cleaning unit, the connection terminal is to be prevented from being deformed.

また、本発明の第２の画像形成装置においては、内部にトナーが収容されたトナー容器が、装置本体に設けられたトナー容器取付部に着脱自在に取り付けられる画像形成装置において、前記のトナー容器取付部に取り付けられるトナー容器の装着部に、回路基板と、収容されたトナーを排出するトナー排出口とが設けられる一方、前記の装置本体のトナー容器取付部に、前記の回路基板に接続される接続端子が設けられた端子部材と、前記のトナー排出口から排出されるトナーを受け入れるトナー受入口とが設けられると共に、前記の端子部材における接続端子をカバーするカバー部材が移動可能に設けられ、このカバー部材に前記の接続端子を清掃する清掃部が設けられると共に、前記の接続端子を前記の回路基板及び前記の清掃部側に付勢する付勢手段、及び前記の付勢手段による前記の接続端子と清掃部との接触圧を調整する接触圧調整手段が設けられ、前記の接触圧調整手段として、カバー部材と端子部材との間隔を規制するリブが設けられ、前記のトナー容器が移動されて、トナー容器の装着部におけるトナー排出口とトナー容器取付部におけるトナー受入口とが連通されると共に、前記のカバー部材が移動され、前記の接続端子が前記の清掃部により清掃されて、前記の回路基板に接続されるようにした。なお、前記の第１の画像形成装置においても、第２の画像形成装置と同様に、前記の接触圧調整手段として、カバー部材と端子部材との間隔を規制するリブを設けるようにすることができる。In the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus in which the toner container in which the toner is accommodated is detachably attached to the toner container attaching portion provided in the apparatus main body, the toner container The mounting portion of the toner container attached to the mounting portion is provided with a circuit board and a toner discharge port for discharging the stored toner, while being connected to the circuit board at the toner container mounting portion of the apparatus main body. A terminal member provided with a connection terminal and a toner receiving port for receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port, and a cover member for covering the connection terminal in the terminal member is movably provided. The cover member is provided with a cleaning portion for cleaning the connection terminal, and the connection terminal is attached to the circuit board and the cleaning portion side. And a contact pressure adjusting means for adjusting a contact pressure between the connection terminal and the cleaning portion by the biasing means, and the contact pressure adjusting means is a distance between the cover member and the terminal member. The toner container is moved, the toner discharge port in the toner container mounting portion and the toner receiving port in the toner container mounting portion are communicated, and the cover member is moved, The connection terminal is cleaned by the cleaning unit and connected to the circuit board. In the first image forming apparatus as well, as in the second image forming apparatus, a rib for regulating the distance between the cover member and the terminal member is provided as the contact pressure adjusting means. it can.

また、前記のような第１及び第２の本発明の画像形成装置においては、前記のカバー部材を前記のトナー受入口の開閉を行うシャッター部材と一体に構成し、トナー受入口がシャッター部材によって閉じられた状態で、前記のカバー部材によって接続端子がカバーされ、シャッター部材が移動されてトナー受入口が開放される際に、前記のカバー部材に設けられた前記の清掃部により前記の接続端子が清掃されるようにすることができる。このようにすると、シャッター部材によるトナー受入口の開閉に伴って、装置本体のトナー容器取付部に設けられた端子部材をカバーするカバー部材が移動し、このカバー部材に設けられた清掃部により前記の接続端子が清掃され、このように清掃された接続端子が前記の回路基板に接続されるようになる。In the image forming apparatuses according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the cover member is integrally formed with the shutter member that opens and closes the toner receiving port, and the toner receiving port is formed by the shutter member. When the connection terminal is covered by the cover member in the closed state and the shutter member is moved to open the toner receiving port, the connection terminal is provided by the cleaning unit provided in the cover member. Can be cleaned. With this configuration, the cover member that covers the terminal member provided in the toner container mounting portion of the apparatus main body is moved along with the opening and closing of the toner receiving port by the shutter member, and the cleaning portion provided in the cover member moves the above-described cover member. The connection terminals are cleaned, and the connection terminals thus cleaned are connected to the circuit board.

また、本発明の画像形成装置においては、前記のトナー容器取付部に、前記のトナー容器の装着部を回動可能に取り付け、前記の装着部の回動に伴って、前記のカバー部材が移動されるようにすることができる。 In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the toner container mounting portion is rotatably attached to the toner container mounting portion, and the cover member moves as the mounting portion rotates. Can be done.

本発明の画像形成装置においては、前記のようにトナー容器を装置本体に設けられたトナー容器取付部に取り付け、トナー容器の装着部におけるトナー排出口とトナー容器取付部におけるトナー受入口とを連通させるように、トナー容器を移動させると、装置本体のトナー容器取付部に設けられた端子部材をカバーするカバー部材が移動されて、このカバー部材に設けられた清掃部により前記の接続端子が清掃され、このように清掃された接続端子がトナー容器に設けられた回路基板に接続されるようになると共に、前記の接触圧調整手段によって接続端子と清掃部との接触圧が適切に調整され、清掃部によって接続端子を清掃する際に、接続端子が変形するのが防止される。 In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, as described above, the toner container is attached to the toner container mounting portion provided in the apparatus main body, and the toner discharge port in the toner container mounting portion and the toner receiving port in the toner container mounting portion are communicated with each other. When the toner container is moved, the cover member that covers the terminal member provided in the toner container mounting portion of the apparatus main body is moved, and the connection terminal is cleaned by the cleaning portion provided in the cover member. The connection terminal thus cleaned is connected to the circuit board provided in the toner container, and the contact pressure between the connection terminal and the cleaning unit is appropriately adjusted by the contact pressure adjusting means, When the connection terminal is cleaned by the cleaning unit, the connection terminal is prevented from being deformed.

この結果、本発明の画像形成装置においては、トナー容器取付部に設けられた接続端子が、トナー容器に設けられた回路基板と適切に接触されるように、接続端子を清掃する作業が簡単に行えると共に、接続端子が変形したりすることなく、接続端子が適切に清掃されるようになる。 As a result, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is easy to clean the connection terminals so that the connection terminals provided in the toner container mounting portion are in proper contact with the circuit board provided in the toner container. In addition to being able to do this, the connection terminal is appropriately cleaned without being deformed.

本発明の一実施形態に係る画像形成装置の概略説明図である。1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 前記の実施形態に係る画像形成装置に使用するトナー容器を示した概略斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a toner container used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. 前記の実施形態に係る画像形成装置に使用するトナー容器の装着部を示した部分拡大斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a mounting portion of a toner container used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. 前記の実施形態に係る画像形成装置において、トナー容器の装着部を取り付けるトナー容器取付部を示し、トナー容器取付部におけるトナー受入口を開口させた状態の概略斜視図である。In the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, a toner container attachment portion to which a toner container attachment portion is attached is shown, and a schematic perspective view in a state where a toner receiving port in the toner container attachment portion is opened. 前記の実施形態に係る画像形成装置において、トナー容器取付部に設ける端子部材を示した概略斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a terminal member provided in a toner container mounting portion in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. 前記の実施形態に係る画像形成装置において、トナー容器取付部に移動可能に設けられるシャッター・カバー部材を示した概略斜視図である。4 is a schematic perspective view showing a shutter cover member that is movably provided in a toner container mounting portion in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 前記の実施形態に係る画像形成装置において、シャッター・カバー部材におけるシャッター部材によりトナー受入口を閉塞させると共に、シャッター・カバー部材におけるカバー部材により端子部材における接続端子をカバーした状態を示した断面説明図である。In the image forming apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a state in which the toner receiving port is closed by the shutter member in the shutter cover member and the connection terminal in the terminal member is covered by the cover member in the shutter cover member. It is. 前記の実施形態の画像形成装置において、トナー容器の装着部をトナー容器取付部に取り付けて、トナー容器の装着部を回転させる状態を示した断面説明図である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a state where the toner container mounting portion is attached to the toner container mounting portion and the toner container mounting portion is rotated in the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. 前記の実施形態に係る画像形成装置において、トナー容器取付部に取り付けられたトナー容器の装着部を回転させて、端子部材における接続端子をカバー部材に設けられた清掃部によって清掃する状態を示した断面説明図である。In the image forming apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the state where the mounting portion of the toner container attached to the toner container attaching portion is rotated to clean the connection terminal of the terminal member by the cleaning portion provided on the cover member is shown. FIG. 前記の実施形態の画像形成装置において、端子部材における接続端子を清掃させた状態から、トナー容器の装着部をさらに回転させて、端子部材における接続端子にトナー容器の装着部に設けられた回路基板を接触させた状態を示した断面説明図である。In the image forming apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the connection portion of the toner container is further rotated from the state where the connection terminal of the terminal member is cleaned, and the circuit board provided on the connection portion of the terminal member at the attachment portion of the toner container It is sectional explanatory drawing which showed the state which made contact. 前記の実施形態の画像形成装置において、トナー容器取付部に設ける端子部材の変更例を示した概略斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of a terminal member provided in a toner container mounting portion in the image forming apparatus of the embodiment.

次に、この発明の実施形態に係る画像形成装置を添付図面に基づいて具体的に説明する。なお、本発明に係る画像形成装置は、下記の実施形態に示したものに限定されず、その要旨を変更しない範囲において適宜変更して実施できるものである。 Next, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to those shown in the following embodiments, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof.

この実施形態の画像形成装置においては、図１に示すように、その装置本体１０内において、ドラム状になって感光体１１を回転させ、この感光体１１の表面を帯電装置１２によって帯電させた後、この感光体１１の表面にレーザー等を用いた潜像形成装置１３により画像情報に応じた露光を行い、この感光体１１の表面に静電潜像を形成するようにしている。 In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, in the apparatus main body 10, the photosensitive member 11 is rotated in a drum shape, and the surface of the photosensitive member 11 is charged by the charging device 12. Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductor 11 is exposed according to image information by a latent image forming apparatus 13 using a laser or the like, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 11.

そして、このように静電潜像が形成された感光体１１と対向する位置に、現像装置１４内に収容されたトナーを含む現像剤を現像ローラー１４ａによって搬送し、感光体１１の表面に形成された静電潜像の部分に現像剤中のトナーを供給して、感光体１１の表面に静電潜像に対応するトナー像を形成するようにしている。 Then, a developer containing toner stored in the developing device 14 is conveyed by the developing roller 14 a to a position facing the photoconductor 11 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed in this manner, and formed on the surface of the photoconductor 11. The toner in the developer is supplied to the portion of the electrostatic latent image, and a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 11.

また、このように感光体１１の表面に形成されたトナー像を、ローラー状になった転写装置１５と対向する位置に導くと共に、この感光体１１と転写装置１５との間に記録シートＳを導き、感光体１１の表面に形成されたトナー像を転写装置１５により記録シートＳに転写させるようにしている。 In addition, the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 11 in this way is guided to a position facing the transfer device 15 in the form of a roller, and the recording sheet S is placed between the photoconductor 11 and the transfer device 15. The toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 11 is transferred to the recording sheet S by the transfer device 15.

そして、このようにトナー像が転写された記録シートＳを定着装置１６に導き、この定着装置１６によって転写されたトナー像を記録シートＳに定着させる一方、転写後において前記の感光体１１の表面に残留しているトナー等の残留物を、クリーニング装置１７に設けたクリーニング部材１７ａによって感光体１１の表面から除去するようにしている。 Then, the recording sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred in this manner is guided to the fixing device 16, and the toner image transferred by the fixing device 16 is fixed to the recording sheet S. On the other hand, the surface of the photoreceptor 11 after the transfer is transferred. Residue such as toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive member 11 is removed by a cleaning member 17 a provided in the cleaning device 17.

また、この実施形態の画像形成装置１０においては、前記の現像装置１４の上に、現像装置１４に補給させるトナーを一時的に貯留させるトナーホッパー１８を設けると共に、このトナーホッパー１８の上に、トナーを収容させた筒状のトナー容器２０の装着部２１を着脱自在に取り付けるトナー容器取付部３０を設けている。 In the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, a toner hopper 18 for temporarily storing toner to be replenished to the developing device 14 is provided on the developing device 14, and on the toner hopper 18, A toner container mounting portion 30 is provided for detachably mounting a mounting portion 21 of a cylindrical toner container 20 containing toner.

ここで、前記のように現像装置１４内に収容された現像剤中のトナーを感光体１１の表面に形成された静電潜像の部分に供給した結果、この現像装置１４内に収容された現像剤中のトナーの量が減少した場合には、図１に示すように、現像装置１４に設けられたセンサー１４ｂによって現像剤中におけるトナーの量が減少したことを検知し、この検知結果に基づいて、制御装置４０によりトナーホッパー１８に設けられた供給ローラー１８ａを回転させて、トナーホッパー１８内に収容されたトナーを、前記の現像装置１４に補給させるようにしている。 Here, as described above, the toner in the developer accommodated in the developing device 14 is supplied to the portion of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 11, and as a result, is accommodated in the developing device 14. When the amount of toner in the developer decreases, as shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 14b provided in the developing device 14 detects that the amount of toner in the developer has decreased, and the detection result Based on this, the supply roller 18a provided in the toner hopper 18 is rotated by the control device 40 so that the toner contained in the toner hopper 18 is supplied to the developing device 14.

また、このトナーホッパー１８内におけるトナーの量が減少した場合には、これをトナーホッパー１８に設けられたセンサー１８ｂによって検知し、この検知結果に基づいて、制御装置４０により回転装置４１を駆動させ、この回転装置４１により前記のトナー容器２０における容器本体部２３を回転させて、この容器本体部２３の外周に設けられた送り溝２２により、この容器本体部２３内に収容されたトナーを前記の装着部２１に導くようにしている。 Further, when the amount of toner in the toner hopper 18 decreases, this is detected by a sensor 18b provided in the toner hopper 18, and the rotation device 41 is driven by the control device 40 based on the detection result. Then, the container body 23 in the toner container 20 is rotated by the rotating device 41, and the toner contained in the container body 23 is fed by the feed groove 22 provided on the outer periphery of the container body 23. To the mounting portion 21.

そして、このようにトナー容器２０の装着部２１に導かれたトナーを、前記のトナー容器取付部３０を通して、トナーホッパー１８内に供給するようにしている。 The toner thus guided to the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 is supplied into the toner hopper 18 through the toner container mounting portion 30.

ここで、前記のトナー容器２０においては、図２及び図３に示すように、トナーを収容させた容器本体部２３の先端側に、トナー容器取付部３０に取り付ける装着部２１が設けられ、この装着部２１に対して容器本体部２３が自由に回転できるようにして接続されている。 Here, in the toner container 20, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a mounting portion 21 that is attached to the toner container mounting portion 30 is provided on the distal end side of the container main body portion 23 that stores the toner. The container body 23 is connected to the mounting portion 21 so as to freely rotate.

また、このトナー容器２０の装着部２１においては、トナーを排出させるトナー排出口２４が設けられ、この装着部２１の外周側に、前記のトナー排出口２４の開閉を行うシャッター部材２５が、装着部２１の周方向に移動可能に設けられると共に、前記のトナー排出口２４から軸方向にずれた位置に回路基板２６が設けられている。ここで、この回路基板２６には、例えば、トナーの種類、適用可能な画像形成装置の機種、トナーの充填量、製造年月、ロット番号、使用履歴、現在までの消費量と保有トナー量などのデータが記憶されている。 In addition, a toner discharge port 24 for discharging toner is provided in the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20, and a shutter member 25 for opening and closing the toner discharge port 24 is mounted on the outer peripheral side of the mounting portion 21. A circuit board 26 is provided at a position displaced in the axial direction from the toner discharge port 24, while being provided so as to be movable in the circumferential direction of the portion 21. Here, the circuit board 26 includes, for example, toner type, applicable image forming apparatus model, toner filling amount, manufacturing date, lot number, usage history, current consumption amount and retained toner amount, and the like. Is stored.

一方、トナー容器２０の装着部２１が取り付けられる前記のトナー容器取付部３０においては、図４に示すように、トナー容器２０の装着部２１に設けられたトナー排出口２４から排出されるトナーを受け入れるトナー受入口３１が設けられると共に、前記のトナー容器２０の装着部２１に設けられた回路基板２６に接続される線バネからなる接続端子３２１がトナー容器取付部３０の内部側に向けて突出された端子部材３２が設けられている。また、前記のトナー受入口３１の開閉を行うシャッター部材３３１と前記の端子部材３２における接続端子３２１をカバーするカバー部材３３２とが一体になったシャッター・カバー部材３３がトナー容器取付部３０の内周に沿って移動可能に設けられている。 On the other hand, in the toner container mounting portion 30 to which the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 is mounted, as shown in FIG. 4, the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 24 provided in the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 is removed. A toner receiving port 31 is provided, and a connection terminal 321 made of a wire spring connected to the circuit board 26 provided in the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 protrudes toward the inside of the toner container mounting portion 30. A terminal member 32 is provided. The shutter cover member 33 in which the shutter member 331 that opens and closes the toner receiving port 31 and the cover member 332 that covers the connection terminal 321 in the terminal member 32 is integrated in the toner container mounting portion 30. It is provided to be movable along the circumference.

そして、前記の端子部材３２は、図５に示すように、前記のトナー容器取付部３０に回動軸３２２を支点に回動可能に設けられ、コイルバネからなる付勢部材３２３により、前記の接続端子３２１がトナー容器取付部３０の内部側、すなわち前記のカバー部材３３２やトナー容器２０に設けられた回路基板２６に向かう方向に付勢されている。 As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal member 32 is provided on the toner container mounting portion 30 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 322, and is connected by the biasing member 323 made of a coil spring. The terminal 321 is biased toward the inside of the toner container mounting portion 30, that is, in the direction toward the circuit board 26 provided in the cover member 332 and the toner container 20.

また、前記のシャッター・カバー部材３３においては、図６に示すように、カバー部材３３２の外周面において、シャッター部材３３１がトナー受入口３１を開口させる移動方向下流側の端部に、前記の端子部材３２における接続端子３２１を清掃する清掃部３３４としてフェルトを取り付け、この清掃部３３４に前記の接続端子３２１を適当な接触圧で接触させて、接続端子３２１に付着したトナー等を除去するようにしている。なお、清掃部３３４の構成はこのようなものに限られず、図示していないが、清掃部３３４として凹凸を設けるようにすることも可能である。 Further, in the shutter cover member 33, as shown in FIG. 6, on the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 332, the terminal is disposed at the end on the downstream side in the moving direction in which the shutter member 331 opens the toner receiving port 31. A felt is attached as a cleaning unit 334 for cleaning the connection terminal 321 in the member 32, and the connection terminal 321 is brought into contact with the cleaning unit 334 with an appropriate contact pressure so as to remove toner or the like attached to the connection terminal 321. ing. Note that the configuration of the cleaning unit 334 is not limited to this, and although not illustrated, the cleaning unit 334 may be provided with unevenness.

ここで、前記の清掃部３３４に前記の接続端子３２１が適当な接触圧で接触されるように、接続端子３２１と清掃部３３４との接触圧を調整する接触圧調整手段３４として、図５に示すように、前記の端子部材３２における回動軸３２２の近くに、カバー部材３３２に向かって山形状に突出された第１調整リブ３４１を設けると共に、図６に示すように、前記のカバー部材３３２におけるシャッター部材３３側の縁部に、前記の第１調整リブ３４１と当接する第２調整リブ３４２とを設け、前記の第１調整リブ３４１と第２調整リブ３４２との高さを調整して、接続端子３２１と清掃部３３４との接触圧を調整するようにしている。また、この実施形態においては、カバー部材３３２における前記の第２調整リブ３４２に案内部３４２ａをカバー部材３３２から突出するように設けている。 Here, as the contact pressure adjusting means 34 for adjusting the contact pressure between the connection terminal 321 and the cleaning unit 334 so that the connection terminal 321 contacts the cleaning unit 334 with an appropriate contact pressure, FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, a first adjustment rib 341 protruding in a mountain shape toward the cover member 332 is provided near the rotation shaft 322 of the terminal member 32, and as shown in FIG. A second adjustment rib 342 that contacts the first adjustment rib 341 is provided at the edge of the shutter member 33 on the side 332, and the height of the first adjustment rib 341 and the second adjustment rib 342 is adjusted. Thus, the contact pressure between the connection terminal 321 and the cleaning unit 334 is adjusted. Further, in this embodiment, the guide portion 342 a is provided on the second adjustment rib 342 of the cover member 332 so as to protrude from the cover member 332.

さらに、この実施形態においては、図５に示すように、前記の端子部材３２において、前記の第１調整リブ３４１よりも回動軸３２２から離れた位置に、山形状に突出された端子接触圧調整リブ３２４を設け、前記の第１調整リブ３４１と第２調整リブ３４２とが離れた状態で、この端子接触圧調整リブ３２４により、前記の接続端子３２１とトナー容器２０の装着部２１に設けられた回路基板２６との接触圧を調整するようにしている。 Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in the terminal member 32, the terminal contact pressure protruding in a mountain shape at a position farther from the rotation shaft 322 than the first adjustment rib 341. An adjustment rib 324 is provided. When the first adjustment rib 341 and the second adjustment rib 342 are separated from each other, the terminal contact pressure adjustment rib 324 is provided on the connection terminal 321 and the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20. The contact pressure with the circuit board 26 is adjusted.

ここで、前記のトナー容器２０の装着部２１がトナー容器取付部３０に装着される前の状態では、図７に示すように、前記のシャッター・カバー部材３３におけるシャッター部材３３１により前記のトナー受入口３１が閉塞されると共に、前記のカバー部材３３２により前記の端子部材３２における接続端子３２１がカバーされた状態になっている。 Here, in a state before the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 is mounted on the toner container mounting portion 30, the toner reception is performed by the shutter member 331 in the shutter cover member 33 as shown in FIG. The inlet 31 is closed, and the connection terminal 321 in the terminal member 32 is covered by the cover member 332.

そして、このようにシャッター部材３３１によりトナー受入口３１が閉塞されると共に、カバー部材３３２により端子部材３２における接続端子３２１がカバーされた状態で、このトナー容器取付部３０にトナー容器２０の装着部２１を取り付けるようにする。 The toner container 31 is closed by the shutter member 331 as described above, and the connecting portion 321 of the terminal member 32 is covered by the cover member 332, and the toner container 20 mounting portion is attached to the toner container mounting portion 30. 21 is attached.

そして、このようにトナー容器取付部３０にトナー容器２０の装着部２１を取り付けた後、このトナー容器２０において装着部２１に設けられた前記のトナー排出口２４を閉塞させている前記のシャッター部材２５をトナー容器取付部３０に設けられた当止め部（図示せず）等に当接させ、シャッター部材２５が回転できない状態で、図８に示すように、前記のトナー排出口２４がトナー容器取付部３０に設けられた前記のトナー受入口３１に向かうと共に、前記の回路基板２６が前記の端子部材３２に向かうように、トナー容器２０の装着部２１を回転させ、前記のトナー排出口２４が前記のシャッター部材２５から離れるようにして、このトナー排出口２４をトナー受入口３１に向けて徐々に開口させるようにする。 Then, after the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 is attached to the toner container mounting portion 30 in this way, the shutter member that closes the toner discharge port 24 provided in the mounting portion 21 in the toner container 20. 8 is in contact with a stopper (not shown) or the like provided in the toner container mounting portion 30 and the shutter member 25 cannot be rotated. As shown in FIG. The mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 is rotated so that the circuit board 26 faces the terminal member 32 while moving toward the toner receiving port 31 provided in the mounting portion 30, and the toner discharge port 24. The toner discharge port 24 is gradually opened toward the toner receiving port 31 so as to be away from the shutter member 25.

ここで、前記のようにトナー容器２０の装着部２１を回転させると、この装着部２１の回転に伴なって、トナー容器取付部３０における前記のシャッター・カバー部材３３が押され、図７及び図８に示すように、シャッター・カバー部材３３がトナー容器取付部３０の内周に沿って移動し、このシャッター・カバー部材３３におけるシャッター部材３３１がトナー受入口３１を開口させる方向に移動すると共に、前記の端子部材３２に設けられた前記の第１調整リブ３４１と前記のカバー部材３３２に設けられた第２調整リブ３４２とが当接した状態で、前記のカバー部材３３２の外周面に設けられた前記の清掃部３３４が、端子部材３２における接続端子３２１に向かう方向に移動されるようになる。 Here, when the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 is rotated as described above, the shutter cover member 33 in the toner container mounting portion 30 is pushed along with the rotation of the mounting portion 21, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the shutter cover member 33 moves along the inner periphery of the toner container mounting portion 30, and the shutter member 331 in the shutter cover member 33 moves in a direction to open the toner receiving port 31. The first adjustment rib 341 provided on the terminal member 32 and the second adjustment rib 342 provided on the cover member 332 are in contact with each other, and are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 332. The cleaning part 334 is moved in the direction toward the connection terminal 321 in the terminal member 32.

ここで、前記のように端子部材３２に設けられた前記の第１調整リブ３４１と前記のカバー部材３３２に設けられた第２調整リブ３４２とが当接した状態で、カバー部材３３２に設けられた清掃部３３４が、端子部材３２における接続端子３２１の位置に導かれる前は、前記の接続端子３２１がカバー部材３３２の外周面に非接触、或いは軽接触の状態になっている。 Here, as described above, the first adjustment rib 341 provided on the terminal member 32 and the second adjustment rib 342 provided on the cover member 332 are in contact with each other, and are provided on the cover member 332. Before the cleaning portion 334 is guided to the position of the connection terminal 321 in the terminal member 32, the connection terminal 321 is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 332 or in a light contact state.

そして、前記のように回転するトナー容器２０の装着部２１によってシャッター・カバー部材３３が押されて移動し、図９に示すように、前記のカバー部材３３２の外周面に設けられた前記の清掃部３３４が、端子部材３２における接続端子３２１と接触する位置に導かれると、前記の第１調整リブ３４１と第２調整リブ３４２とにより、清掃部３３４と接続端子３２１とが適切な接触圧で接触し、この状態で、前記のカバー部材３３２が移動して、接続端子３２１が清掃部３３４によって適切に清掃されるようになる。 Then, the shutter cover member 33 is pushed and moved by the mounting portion 21 of the rotating toner container 20 as described above, and the cleaning provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 332 as shown in FIG. When the portion 334 is guided to a position where the terminal member 32 contacts the connection terminal 321, the cleaning portion 334 and the connection terminal 321 are brought into contact with each other at an appropriate contact pressure by the first adjustment rib 341 and the second adjustment rib 342. In this state, the cover member 332 moves and the connection terminal 321 is appropriately cleaned by the cleaning unit 334.

また、このようにカバー部材３３２に設けられた清掃部３３４によって端子部材３２における接続端子３２１を清掃させた後、前記のトナー容器２０の装着部２１をさらに回転させて、シャッター・カバー部材３３を移動させると、図１０に示すように、トナー容器２０の装着部２１に設けられた回路基板２６が端子部材３２の位置に導かれる共に、端子部材３２に設けられた前記の第１調整リブ３４１が、カバー部材３３２に設けられた第２調整リブ３４２における案内部３４２ａに案内されながら、端子部材３２に設けられた第１調整リブ３４１がこの案内部３４２ａから離れ、前記のように清掃された端子部材３２の接続端子３２１が回路基板２６に接触して、端子部材３２における接続端子３２１が回路基板２６に適切に接続されるようになる。なお、端子部材３２における接続端子３２１と回路基板２６との接触圧は、前記の端子接触圧調整リブ３２４をトナー容器取付部３０に設けられた突起（図示せず）等に当接させて調整するようにしている。 In addition, after the connection portion 321 of the terminal member 32 is cleaned by the cleaning portion 334 provided in the cover member 332 in this way, the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 is further rotated, and the shutter cover member 33 is moved. When moved, the circuit board 26 provided in the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 is guided to the position of the terminal member 32 and the first adjustment rib 341 provided in the terminal member 32 as shown in FIG. However, while being guided by the guide portion 342a of the second adjustment rib 342 provided on the cover member 332, the first adjustment rib 341 provided on the terminal member 32 is separated from the guide portion 342a and cleaned as described above. The connection terminal 321 of the terminal member 32 contacts the circuit board 26, and the connection terminal 321 in the terminal member 32 is appropriately connected to the circuit board 26. Uninaru. The contact pressure between the connection terminal 321 and the circuit board 26 in the terminal member 32 is adjusted by bringing the terminal contact pressure adjusting rib 324 into contact with a protrusion (not shown) provided on the toner container mounting portion 30. Like to do.

そして、このように接続端子３２１と回路基板２６とが接続された状態で、図示していないが、トナー容器２０の装着部２１に設けられた前記のトナー排出口２４と、トナー容器取付部３０に設けられた前記のトナー受入口３１とがそれぞれ開口された状態で連通され、トナー容器２０内に収容されたトナーが、前記のトナー排出口２４からトナー受入口３１を通して前記のトナーホッパー１８内に供給されるようになる。 In the state where the connection terminal 321 and the circuit board 26 are connected as described above, the toner discharge port 24 provided in the mounting portion 21 of the toner container 20 and the toner container mounting portion 30 are not shown. The toner receiving port 31 provided in the toner container 20 communicates with each other in an open state, and the toner accommodated in the toner container 20 passes through the toner receiving port 31 from the toner discharge port 24 into the toner hopper 18. Will be supplied to.

なお、この実施形態においては、端子部材３２における接続端子３２１に、線バネを用いるようにしたが、接続端子３２１は線バネに限られない。 In this embodiment, a wire spring is used for the connection terminal 321 in the terminal member 32, but the connection terminal 321 is not limited to a wire spring.

例えば、図１１に示すように、端子部材３２における接続端子３２１に板バネを用いることもできる。そして、このように接続端子３２１に板バネを用いた場合、接続端子３２１の強度が前記の線バネに比べて高くなるため、前記の第１調整リブ３４１や第２調整リブ３４２の高さを低くして、清掃部３３４と接続端子３２１との接触圧が線バネの場合よりも強くなるようにして、接続端子３２１をより強く清掃することができる。 For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a leaf spring can be used for the connection terminal 321 in the terminal member 32. When a leaf spring is used for the connection terminal 321 in this way, the strength of the connection terminal 321 is higher than that of the wire spring, so the height of the first adjustment rib 341 and the second adjustment rib 342 is increased. The contact terminal 321 can be cleaned more strongly by lowering it so that the contact pressure between the cleaning part 334 and the connection terminal 321 becomes stronger than that of the wire spring.

また、この実施形態においては、トナー容器取付部３０には、シャッター部材３３１とカバー部材３３２とが一体になったシャッター・カバー部材３３を設けるようにしたが、シャッター部材３３１とカバー部材３３２とを分離させて設けることもできる。 In this embodiment, the toner container mounting portion 30 is provided with the shutter cover member 33 in which the shutter member 331 and the cover member 332 are integrated, but the shutter member 331 and the cover member 332 are provided. It can also be provided separately.

１０装置本体
１１感光体
１２帯電装置
１３潜像形成装置
１４現像装置、１４ａ現像ローラー、１４ｂセンサー
１５転写装置
１６定着装置
１７クリーニング装置、１７ａクリーニング部材
１８トナーホッパー、１８ａ供給ローラー、１８ｂセンサー
２０トナー容器
２１装着部
２２送り溝
２３容器本体部
２４トナー排出口
２５シャッター部材
２６回路基板
３０トナー容器取付部
３１トナー受入口
３２端子部材、３２１接続端子、３２２回動軸、３２３付勢部材、３２４端子接触圧調整リブ
３３シャッター・カバー部材、３３１シャッター部材、３３２カバー部材、３３４清掃部
３４接触圧調整手段、３４１第１調整リブ、３４２第２調整リブ、３４２ａ案内部
４０制御装置
４１回転装置
Ｓ記録シート DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Device main body 11 Photoconductor 12 Charging device 13 Latent image forming device 14 Developing device, 14a Developing roller, 14b Sensor 15 Transfer device 16 Fixing device 17 Cleaning device, 17a Cleaning member 18 Toner hopper, 18a Supply roller, 18b Sensor 20 Toner container DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Mounting part 22 Feeding groove 23 Container main body part 24 Toner discharge port 25 Shutter member 26 Circuit board 30 Toner container attachment part 31 Toner inlet 32 Terminal member, 321 Connection terminal, 322 Rotating shaft, 323 Biasing member, 324 Terminal contact Pressure adjusting rib 33 Shutter / cover member, 331 Shutter member, 332 Cover member, 334 Cleaning unit 34 Contact pressure adjusting means, 341 First adjusting rib, 342 Second adjusting rib, 342a Guide unit 40 Controller 41 Rotating device S Recording sheet

Claims

In an image forming apparatus in which a toner container in which toner is accommodated is detachably attached to a toner container attaching portion provided in the apparatus main body.
The mounting portion of the toner container attached to the toner container mounting portion is provided with a circuit board and a toner discharge port for discharging the stored toner, while the toner container mounting portion of the apparatus main body is provided with the circuit. A terminal member provided with a connection terminal connected to the substrate and a toner receiving port for receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port are provided, and a cover member for covering the connection terminal in the terminal member is moved. And provided with a cleaning portion for cleaning the connection terminal on the cover member,
An urging means for urging the connection terminal toward the circuit board and the cleaning part, and a contact pressure adjusting means for adjusting a contact pressure between the connection terminal and the cleaning part by the urging means are provided. The toner container is moved, the toner discharge port in the toner container mounting portion and the toner receiving port in the toner container mounting portion are communicated with each other, the cover member is moved, and the connection terminal is To be connected to the circuit board by being cleaned by the cleaning section of
The contact terminal is constituted by a wire spring, the contact member is moved so as to suppress deformation of the connection terminal when the cover member is moved and the connection terminal is cleaned by the cleaning unit. An image forming apparatus, wherein a contact pressure between the connection terminal and the cleaning unit is adjusted by a pressure adjusting unit.

In an image forming apparatus in which a toner container in which toner is accommodated is detachably attached to a toner container attaching portion provided in the apparatus main body.
The mounting portion of the toner container attached to the toner container mounting portion is provided with a circuit board and a toner discharge port for discharging the stored toner, while the toner container mounting portion of the apparatus main body is provided with the circuit. A terminal member provided with a connection terminal connected to the substrate and a toner receiving port for receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port are provided, and a cover member for covering the connection terminal in the terminal member is moved. And provided with a cleaning portion for cleaning the connection terminal on the cover member,
An urging means for urging the connection terminal toward the circuit board and the cleaning part, and a contact pressure adjusting means for adjusting a contact pressure between the connection terminal and the cleaning part by the urging means are provided. And
As the contact pressure adjusting means, a rib for regulating the distance between the cover member and the terminal member is provided,
The toner container is moved so that the toner discharge port in the toner container mounting portion and the toner receiving port in the toner container mounting portion communicate with each other, the cover member is moved, and the connection terminal is cleaned. The image forming apparatus is cleaned by a section and connected to the circuit board .

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rib for regulating a distance between the cover member and the terminal member is provided as the contact pressure adjusting means .

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member is configured integrally with a shutter member that opens and closes the toner receiving port, and the toner receiving port is closed by the shutter member. When the connection terminal is covered by the cover member and the shutter member is moved to open the toner receiving port, the connection terminal is cleaned by the cleaning unit provided in the cover member, An image forming apparatus connected to the circuit board.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mounting portion of the toner container is rotatably attached to the toner container mounting portion, and the rotation of the mounting portion is performed. Accordingly, the cover member is moved along with the image forming apparatus.