JP6319710B2 - Developer container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer container that contains a developer, and an image forming apparatus including the developer container.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine of these, when the developer is consumed due to image formation or the like, it is necessary to replenish the developer. In that case, there is a method to replace the developer container installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus with a new one, but a refill container for refilling is also provided so that the developer container can be replenished by the user or service person Has been.

  In order to prevent the developer from spilling from the replenishing port provided in the developer container when the developer is replenished from the refilling container to the developer container, as shown in FIG. The funnel 600 is inserted and the developer T is supplied through the funnel 600.

  However, in the method using the funnel, since the operator must hold the three objects of the developer container, the replenishing container, and the funnel, these postures are not stable and it is difficult to perform the developer replenishment work.

  In addition, if the replenishment port is made larger, it will be easier to replenish without using a funnel. The problem of getting dirty with the agent arises.

  Incidentally, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-215792) discloses a configuration in which an introduction part 200 formed in a funnel shape is provided in a container body 300 as shown in FIG. In this way, since the funnel is integrally provided in the replenishing port, it is not necessary to hold the funnel by hand, so the developer container and the replenishing container can be stably held, This makes it easier to replenish the developer.

  In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the sealing member 400 formed so as to have an outer peripheral surface having the same shape as the inner peripheral surface of the introducing portion 200 is used to seal the introducing portion 200. Specifically, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 54, the sealing member 400 is inserted into the introduction portion 200, and the male screw portion provided on the distal end side of the sealing member 400 and the back of the introduction portion 200 are inserted. The introduction part 200 is sealed by fastening the female screw part provided on the side.

  Here, when sealing the introduction part 200, as shown in FIG. 55A, the outer opening 200 a communicating with the outside of the introduction part 200 without inserting the sealing member 400 into the introduction part 200. It is also possible to seal only the side.

  However, when such a sealing member is employed, as shown in FIG. 55 (b), when the developer container is mounted sideways, the developer T in the apparatus main body 300 enters the introducing portion 200. When the developer T in the apparatus main body 300 is consumed, a part of the developer T may remain in the introduction unit 200 as shown in FIG. The remaining part of the developer T can be dropped into the container main body 300 by removing the developer container and placing the developer container in a vertical orientation, but it takes time to attach and detach the developer container. Also, since the characteristics of developers generally change over time, the remaining old developer and the new developer to be replenished are used together from the viewpoint of obtaining good image quality. It is not preferable. As described above, in the configuration shown in FIG. 55, there are various problems due to a part of the developer T remaining in the introduction unit 200.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a developer container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, the container main body having a developer containing portion therein that can contain the developer, and an external portion at one end. An outside opening communicating with the other end, an inside opening communicating with the developer accommodating portion at the other end, and an introduction portion for introducing developer supplied from the outside into the developer accommodating portion; and a sealing member for sealing an outer opening, in a state of being mounted to the image forming apparatus main body, a through hole as a developer dropping mechanism for dropping the developer to said developer housing from the inlet portion The introduction portion has a plurality of elastic pieces separated from each other by the through holes formed so as to extend from the outer opening side to the inner opening side, and the elastic piece has the outer opening. Provided to the introduction side. A first inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the developer introduction direction, and a second inclined portion that is provided on the inner opening side and is inclined at a smaller inclination angle with respect to the developer introduction direction than the first inclined portion. It is characterized by having .

  According to the present invention, since the developer can be dropped from the introduction portion into the developer accommodating portion by the developer dropping mechanism with the developer container mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the developer remaining in the introduction portion The amount of can be reduced.

1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a color laser printer as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the said color laser printer. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a developer container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the vicinity of an introduction portion of a developer container. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view around the introduction portion of the developer container cut along line CC in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where toner is supplied to a developer container. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure which made the opening area large on the way to an inner side opening part from an outer side opening part. (A) is a diagram showing an example in which the introduction portion is formed in a quadrangle, (b) is a diagram showing an example in which the introduction portion is formed in a triangle, and (c) is an example in which the introduction portion is formed in an elliptical shape. FIG. 4D is a diagram showing an example in which the shape is different between the outer opening and the inner opening of the introduction part. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the structure which made the edge part by the side of the outer side opening part of an introducing | transducing part protrude outside from a container main body. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the structure which attached | subjected the scale to the introducing | transducing part, (b) is sectional drawing which shows the structure which attached | subjected the mark which shows an appropriate filling amount to the introducing | transducing part. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the structure which provided the vent hole in the container main body. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the structure which provided the exhaust means in the container main body. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the developer container in the mounting attitude | position. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the developer was consumed. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating a configuration of an engaging portion that engages a developer container with an image forming apparatus main body. (A) is a front view showing a state where the developer container is engaged with the image forming apparatus main body, and (b) is a side view showing a state where the developer container is engaged with the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the vicinity of an introduction portion of a developer container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the introduction part periphery cut | disconnected by the EE line | wire in FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view of the introduction part periphery of the developer container which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the introduction section cut along line FF in FIG. 19. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where toner is supplied to a developer container. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the developer container in the mounting attitude | position. It is an external appearance perspective view of the introduction part periphery of the developer container which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the introduction section taken along line GG in FIG. 23. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where toner is supplied to a developer container. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the developer container in the mounting attitude | position. It is an external appearance perspective view of the introduction part periphery of the developer container which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the introduction part periphery cut | disconnected by the HH line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the introduction part periphery. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where toner is supplied to a developer container. It is an external appearance perspective view of the introduction part periphery of the developer container which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the introduction part periphery cut | disconnected by the QQ line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the introduction part contracted. (A) (b) is sectional drawing which shows a mode that a toner is supplied to a developer container. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the developer container in the mounting attitude | position. It is an external appearance perspective view of the introduction part periphery of the developer container which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the introduction section cut along line RR in FIG. 36. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the developer container in the mounting attitude | position. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a developer container is disposed in a toner supply posture. It is an external appearance perspective view of the introduction part periphery of the developer container which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the introduction part periphery cut | disconnected by the UU line | wire in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where toner is supplied to a developer container. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the developer container in the mounting attitude | position. It is an external appearance perspective view of the introduction part periphery of the developer container which concerns on 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the introduction part 52 periphery cut | disconnected by the VV line in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the developer container which has a level | step difference surface in an introducing | transducing part. It is a figure which shows the structure by which the developer container was united with the process unit. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a monochrome laser printer to which the present invention is applicable. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the said monochrome laser printer. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which developer containers according to a comparative example are arranged in a posture at the time of toner supply. It is a figure which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the developer container which concerns on the said comparative example with the mounting attitude | position. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the developer is consumed in the developer container according to the comparative example. It is a figure which shows the replenishment method which uses the conventional funnel. It is a figure which shows the structure which provided the introduction part formed in the funnel shape in the container main body. (A) is a diagram showing a state where the outer opening side of the introduction portion formed in a funnel shape is sealed with a sealing member, (b) is a diagram showing a state where toner has entered the introduction portion, (c) ) Is a diagram illustrating a state in which toner remains in the introduction portion.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, components such as members and components having the same function or shape are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and once described, the description is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a laser printer as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the laser printer.
In the following description, “image forming apparatus” refers to an apparatus that forms an image by attaching toner or ink as a developer to a sheet that is a recording medium for recording an image. “Image formation” not only means that an image having a meaning such as a character or a figure is given to the medium but also an image having no meaning such as a pattern is given to the medium. The “sheet” is not limited to paper (paper), but includes OHP sheets, fabrics, and the like, and means a medium or an original on which a developer or ink can be attached. In addition to plain paper, “paper” includes cardboard, postcard, envelope, thin paper, coated paper (coated paper, art paper, etc.), tracing paper, and the like. In the following embodiment, the sheet is referred to as “paper” and the developer is referred to as “toner”, and the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like in the description of each component are examples, and are particularly specific. Unless stated otherwise, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

  A sheet feeding cassette 30 as a sheet container capable of stacking and storing a large number of sheets is disposed below the apparatus main body (image forming apparatus main body) 100 of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The paper feed cassette 30 can be pulled out and inserted into the apparatus main body 100 in the front-rear horizontal direction (the direction of arrow A in the figure). A front cover 8 for internal inspection is disposed on the upper portion of the paper feed cassette 30. The front cover 8 can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 100 in the front-rear direction (the arrow B direction in the figure). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the front cover 8 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 12 disposed in the lower part of the apparatus main body 100. A paper discharge tray 44 is disposed on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 100.

  The front cover 8 includes a duplex unit 9 on its inner surface. The duplex unit 9 has a transport housing 9a, and a paper reverse transport path 41 is formed on the back side of the transport housing 9a. In addition, the inner surface side of the transport housing 9 a constitutes a part of the sheet transport path on the apparatus main body 100 side, and includes a secondary transfer roller 20 as a transfer member and one timing driving roller 142 of the timing roller pair 14. ing. The timing driving roller 142 and the timing driven roller 141 on the main body side constitute a pair of timing rollers 14.

The main part of the image forming apparatus will be described below with reference to FIG.
The image forming apparatus includes four process units 1K, 1Y, 1M, and 1C for forming an image with toners of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan corresponding to color separation components of the color image in the image forming unit. I have. The process units 1K, 1Y, 1M, and 1C have the same configuration except that they store different color toners.

  The structure of one process unit 1K will be described as an example. The process unit 1K includes a photoconductor (photoconductor drum) 2K as an image carrier that carries an image on the surface, and a cleaning unit that cleans the surface of the photoconductor 2K. A drum cleaning device 3K, a neutralization device (not shown) that neutralizes the surface of the photoconductor 2K, a charging device 4K as a charging unit that charges the surface of the photoconductor 2K, and a toner supplied on the photoconductor 2K to develop an image (development). And a developing device 5K as developing means for forming (agent image). The process unit 1K is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 100 of the image forming apparatus so that consumable parts can be replaced at a time.

  Above each process unit 1K, 1Y, 1M, 1C, an exposure device 7 is disposed as an exposure means for exposing the surface of each photoconductor 2K, 2Y, 2M, 2C. The exposure device 7 is configured to emit laser light from a laser diode based on image data.

  A transfer device 15 is disposed below each process unit 1K, 1Y, 1M, 1C. The transfer device 15 includes four primary transfer rollers 19K, 19Y, 19M, and 19C that face the photoconductors 2K, 2Y, 2M, and 2C, each primary transfer roller 19K, 19Y, 19M, and 19C, a driving roller 18 and a driven roller 17. The intermediate transfer belt 16 is circulated and circulated, the secondary transfer roller 20 is disposed opposite to the driving roller 18, the belt cleaning device 21, the cleaning backup roller 22, and the like. If the photoreceptors 2K, 2Y, 2M, and 2C are the first image carriers for the respective colors, the intermediate transfer belt 16 is a second image carrier that combines these images.

  In the lower part of the image forming apparatus, a paper feed cassette 30 capable of storing a large number of sheets P and a feed roller 32 as a feed unit that feeds the paper P from the paper feed cassette 30 toward the paper feed path 31 are provided. is there. Near the end of the paper feed path 31, a timing roller pair 14 for temporarily stopping the paper is provided.

  The timing roller pair 14 is positioned immediately upstream of the intermediate transfer belt 16, and in order to accurately align the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 16 and the leading end position of the sheet, the sheet P is once slackened to perform intermediate transfer. Immediately before the toner image formed on the belt 16 is transferred to the paper P at the secondary transfer nip portion, the paper P is sent to the secondary transfer nip portion at a predetermined timing.

  In general, the secondary transfer roller 20 is often urged to the intermediate transfer belt 16 by a compression spring 25. However, in the full-front operation type image forming apparatus, the duplex unit 9 is often disposed on the front side of the intermediate transfer belt 16, and it is difficult to reduce the size around the compression spring 25. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the transfer nip portion is disposed in an oblique direction, the dead space of the duplex unit 9 can be used effectively, and the size reduction of the image forming apparatus in the front-rear direction can be achieved.

  A post-transfer conveyance path 33 is disposed above the nip portion between the secondary transfer roller 20 and the driving roller 18. A fixing device 34 is provided near the end of the post-transfer conveyance path 33. The fixing device 34 includes a fixing roller 34a containing a heat source such as a halogen lamp (not shown), and a pressure roller 34b that rotates while contacting the fixing roller 34a with a predetermined pressure.

  A post-fixing conveyance path 35 is disposed above the fixing device 34, and branches to a paper discharge path 36 and a reverse conveyance path 41 at the end of the post-fixing conveyance path 35. A switching member 42 that swings around a swing shaft 42a is disposed on the side of the post-fixing conveyance path 35. At the end of the paper discharge path 36, a paper discharge roller pair 37 is provided as a paper discharge means for discharging the paper out of the apparatus. The reverse conveyance path 41 joins the paper feed path 31 at the end thereof, and a reverse conveyance roller pair 43 is disposed in the middle of the reverse conveyance path 41. A paper discharge tray 44 having an upper cover recessed inward is disposed at the top of the image forming apparatus.

  A powder container 10 (toner container) that stores waste toner is disposed between the transfer device 15 and the paper feed cassette 30. The powder container 10 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body.

  In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the space from the feeding roller 32 to the secondary transfer roller 20 needs to be separated to some extent due to the transfer paper transfer relationship. For this purpose, the powder container 10 is installed in the dead space generated to reduce the size of the entire image forming apparatus.

  In addition, although the laser printer as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is described, any one of a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, a printing machine, and an ink jet recording apparatus, or at least two or more of these. It is also possible to apply the present invention to a multi-function machine that combines the above.

Next, the basic operation of this image forming apparatus will be described.
In FIG. 2, when the feed roller 32 is rotated by a paper feed signal from a control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus, only the uppermost paper P stacked on the paper feed cassette 30 is separated to the paper feed path 31. Sent out. When the leading edge of the paper P reaches the nip portion of the timing roller pair 14, the timing is synchronized with the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 16, and the paper P is slackened to correct the leading edge skew of the paper P. Wait in the state of forming.

  The image forming operation will be described by taking one process unit 1K as an example. First, the surface of the photoreceptor 2K is charged to a uniform high potential by the charging device 4K. Based on the image data, the surface of the photoreceptor 2K is irradiated with laser light L from the exposure device 7, and the potential of the irradiated portion is lowered to form an electrostatic latent image.

  The toner is transferred to the surface portion of the photoreceptor 2K on which the electrostatic latent image is formed by the developing device 5K, and a black toner image is formed (developed). Then, the toner image formed on the photoreceptor 2K is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 16.

  The drum cleaning device 3K removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the photoreceptor 2K after the intermediate transfer process. The removed residual toner is sent to a waste toner container in the process unit 1K and collected by a waste toner transport unit (not shown). Further, a static elimination device (not shown) neutralizes residual charges on the photoreceptor 2K after cleaning.

  In the process units 1Y, 1M, and 1C for the respective colors, toner images are similarly formed on the photoreceptors 2Y, 2M, and 2C, and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 16 so that the respective color toner images are overlapped.

  When each color toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 16 so as to overlap, the timing roller pair 14 and the feeding roller 32 start to drive, and take timing (synchronization) with the toner image superimposed and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 16. The paper P is sent to the secondary transfer roller 20. Then, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 16 is transferred to the fed paper P by the secondary transfer nip portion of the secondary transfer roller 20.

  The paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 34 through the post-transfer conveyance path 33. The paper P sent to the fixing device 34 is sandwiched between the fixing roller 34a and the pressure roller 34b, and the unfixed toner image is heated and pressed to be fixed on the paper P. The sheet P on which the toner image is fixed is sent out from the fixing device 34 to the post-fixing conveyance path 35.

  At the timing when the paper P is sent out from the fixing device 34, the switching member 42 is in the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2 and opens near the end of the post-fixing conveyance path 35. The paper P sent out from the fixing device 34 passes through the post-fixing conveyance path 35, is sandwiched between the paper discharge roller pair 37, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 44.

  When performing duplex printing, when the trailing edge of the paper P conveyed by the paper discharge roller pair 37 passes through the post-fixing conveyance path 35, the switching member 42 swings to the position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. The vicinity of the end of the path 35 is closed. At substantially the same time, the paper discharge roller pair 37 rotates in the reverse direction, and the paper P is fed back and enters the reverse conveyance path 41.

  The sheet P transported in the reverse transport path 41 passes through the reverse transport roller pair 43, reaches the timing roller pair 14, and is sent out in synchronism with the toner image for the back surface formed on the intermediate transfer belt 16. A toner image is transferred to the back surface of the paper P when passing through the secondary transfer roller 20. After the toner image on the back surface of the paper P is fixed by the fixing device 34, the toner image is discharged to the paper discharge tray 44 through the post-fixing conveyance path 35, the paper discharge path 36, and the paper discharge roller pair 37 in order.

  Further, after the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 16 is transferred to the paper P, residual toner adheres on the intermediate transfer belt 16. This residual toner is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 16 by the belt cleaning device 21. The toner removed from the intermediate transfer belt 16 is transported to an entrance (not shown) of the powder container 10 by a waste toner transport unit (not shown) and collected in the powder container 10.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the developer container 50.
The color laser printer according to the present embodiment includes four longitudinal developer containers 50 as shown in FIG. 3 corresponding to the process units 1K, 1Y, 1M, and 1C. The developer container 50 is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 100, and is disposed sideways (with the longitudinal direction set to the horizontal direction) when mounted on the apparatus main body 100. The developer container 50 includes a container body 51 that can store toner. On one end side in the longitudinal direction of the container body 51, an introduction part 52 having an opening provided to fill the inside is provided, and a sealing member 53 is detachably attached to the introduction part 52. ing. On the other hand, a supply port 54 for supplying toner to a corresponding process unit and a shutter member 55 for opening and closing the supply port 54 are provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the container body 51. When the developer container 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 100, the shutter member 55 is opened and the toner can be supplied from the supply port 54. Conversely, when the developer container 50 is removed from the apparatus main body 100, the shutter member 55 is It is supposed to close.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
4 is an external perspective view of the vicinity of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50 taken along line CC in FIG. .
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the introduction portion 52 is formed of a cylindrical member whose opening area gradually decreases toward the inside of the container body 51 (the developer introduction direction). Hereinafter, in the introduction portion 52, an opening 52 a provided on one end portion side of the container main body 51 so as to communicate with the outside D is referred to as an “outside opening portion”, and a developer accommodating portion 56 is provided on the other end portion side of the container main body 51. The opening 52b provided so as to communicate with each other is referred to as an “inner opening”, and the cylindrical portion 52c that connects the openings 52a and 52b is referred to as a “circumferential wall”. The peripheral wall portion 52c is formed with a through hole 52d penetrating from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where toner is supplied to the developer container 50 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, when replenishing toner to the developer container 50, the developer container 50 is disposed in a vertical posture so that the outer opening 52 a of the introduction portion 52 faces upward, and the sealing member 53 is removed, The introduction part 52 is opened. Then, the refill supply container 700 filled with the supply toner is tilted, the toner is discharged from the discharge port 701, and the toner is supplied into the developer container 50 through the introduction unit 52.

  At this time, the toner replenished from the replenishing container 700 is guided by the peripheral wall portion 52 c of the introducing portion 52, but the opening area of the introducing portion 52 (peripheral wall portion 52 c) gradually decreases toward the inside of the container body 51. Yes. That is, since the opening area of the outer opening 52a is larger than the opening area of the inner opening 52b, the introduction part 52 is easy to supply without spilling toner. On the contrary, since the opening area of the inner opening 52b is formed smaller than the opening area of the outer opening 52a, it is possible to prevent the toner that has risen in the developer accommodating portion 56 due to replenishment from being discharged to the outside. be able to. Further, by providing such an introduction part 52 in the container body 51, it is not necessary to use a funnel as in the prior art, so that the developer container 50 and the replenishing container 700 can be stably held, Excellent workability for toner supply.

  Further, when the toner is replenished, the through hole 52d provided in the introduction portion 52 functions as an exhaust port for discharging the air in the developer accommodating portion 56 to the outside. As a result, the toner can easily fall into the developer accommodating portion 56, and the toner can be prevented from stagnation particularly at the inner opening 52b having a small opening area, so that the toner replenishment operation can be performed more smoothly. Become.

  In the present embodiment, the opening area gradually decreases from the outer opening 52a toward the inner opening 52b. However, as in the example shown in FIG. 7, the outer opening 52a is changed to the inner opening 52b. You may comprise so that an opening area may once become large on the way to.

  In this embodiment, the outer opening 52a and the inner opening 52b of the introduction part 52 are formed in a circle (perfect circle). However, the outer opening 52a and the inner opening 52b are circular (true). The shape may be other than a circle.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the shape of the outer opening 52a and the inner opening 52b is a square {FIG. 8 (a)}, a triangle {FIG. 8 (b)}, or an ellipse {FIG. 8 (c)}. It is good. Further, as shown in FIG. 8D, the shapes of the outer opening 52a and the inner opening 52b may be different from each other.

  In the present embodiment, the entire introduction portion 52 is provided so as to be accommodated in the container body 51. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the end portion on the outer opening 52a side of the introduction portion 52 is connected to the container. You may comprise so that it may protrude outside from the main body 51. FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, a scale 59 indicating the filling amount of the toner is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the introducing portion 52, or a reference indicating an appropriate filling amount as shown in FIG. 10B. A mark 60 such as a line may be attached to the inner peripheral surface of the introduction portion 52. This makes it possible to replenish toner while checking the filling amount. Furthermore, by making the introduction part 52 a color different from the toner to be replenished, the visibility of the filling toner with respect to the introduction part 52 is improved, and the filling amount can be easily confirmed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, a vent hole 57 that communicates the developer container 56 with the outside may be formed in the container main body 51 separately from the through hole 52 d. The vent hole 57 is provided with an air permeable film 58 that allows the passage of air but prevents the passage of toner, so that the toner in the developer accommodating portion 56 does not leak from the vent hole 57 to the outside. ing. In this case, since the air in the developer accommodating portion 56 can be discharged to the outside through the vent hole 57 in addition to the through hole 52d, the toner is more likely to fall into the developer accommodating portion 56. The stagnation of the toner in the inner opening 52b can be effectively suppressed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the container main body 51 may be provided with exhaust means 61 for positively discharging the air in the developer accommodating portion 56 to the outside. Here, an air suction pump is provided as the exhaust means 61. In this case, even if the toner stagnates in the introduction portion 52 when the toner is replenished, the air in the developer accommodating portion 56 is discharged to the outside by the air suction pump, thereby reducing the pressure in the developer accommodating portion 56. The stagnant toner can be sucked into the inside by the introduction part 52. As a result, the stagnation of the toner can be eliminated.

Here, the configuration of the developer container according to the comparative example will be described.
FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developer container 50 according to the comparative example is arranged in a posture (vertical posture) at the time of toner supply.
Unlike the first embodiment of the present invention, the developer container 50 according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 50 does not include the through hole 52d in the introduction portion 52. Other than that, the configuration is basically the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, in the developer container 50 according to the comparative example, the effect of suppressing the toner stagnation due to the exhaust from the through hole 52d cannot be obtained when the toner is replenished, but the introduction portion 52 is formed in the same shape as described above, so It is easy to replenish, and it is possible to suppress the discharge of toner that has risen inside.

FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developer container 50 according to the comparative example is disposed in a posture (lateral posture) when the developer container 50 is attached to the apparatus main body.
As shown in FIG. 51, in a state in which the developer container 50 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the developer container 50 is disposed in a lateral orientation with the longitudinal direction thereof being the horizontal direction. As described above, when the developer container 50 is disposed in the horizontal orientation, the toner T in the developer accommodating portion 56 enters the introduction portion 52 through the inner opening 52b. That is, in the comparative example, since the sealing member 53 is not sealed up to the position of the inner opening 52b, the toner enters the introduction part 52 from the inner opening 52b that is not sealed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 52, when the toner T is supplied from the supply port 54 to the developing device and the toner T in the developer accommodating portion 56 is consumed, the upper surface position of the toner T gradually decreases. However, the toner T in the introduction portion 52 is inclined such that the inner surface (guide surface for guiding the toner) of the introduction portion 52 that faces upward is higher on the inner opening 52b side than the outer opening 52a. Since it is the surface 52e, it is difficult to get over the inclined surface 52e, and it remains without being consumed.

  As described above, if the toner T remains in the introduction section 52, the new toner and the remaining old toner are mixed when the toner is replenished next time, and the image quality may be deteriorated. is there. In addition, the toner T can be dropped from the introduction portion 52 into the developer storage portion 56 by removing the developer container 50 once in a vertical direction before replenishing new toner, but in this case, the development is performed. The effort which attaches and detaches the agent container 50 is required.

On the other hand, FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the developer container 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a posture (lateral posture) when mounted on the apparatus main body.
As shown in FIG. 13, in the state in which the developer container 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the apparatus main body, the developer container 50 is horizontally oriented with its longitudinal direction set to the horizontal direction as in the comparative example. It is arranged with the posture. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a protruding engagement portion 50 a that is engaged with the apparatus main body is formed at one end portion of the developer container 50. As shown in FIG. 16, when the developer container 50 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the engaging portion 50a of the developer container 50 is inserted and engaged between the pair of engaging portions 100a on the apparatus main body 100 side. Thus, the rotation around the longitudinal direction of the developer container 50 is restricted. As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the developer container 50 is arranged in the horizontal mounting posture, as shown in FIG. 13, it is sealed by the sealing member 53 as in the comparative example. The toner T enters the introduction portion 52 from the inner opening 52b that is not.

  However, as shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, when the toner T is consumed, unlike the comparative example, the toner T does not accumulate much in the introduction portion 52. This is because the toner T in the introduction portion 52 has dropped into the developer accommodating portion 56 through the through hole 52 d formed in the introduction portion 52.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, the toner in the introduction part 52 can be dropped into the developer accommodating part 56 through the through hole 52d. The amount of remaining toner can be reduced. Accordingly, even if the user does not remove the developer container 50 once and change the posture, the toner in the introduction portion 52 is hardly left, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality and save the user's trouble.

  The through hole 52d has the developer container 50 attached to the main body of the inner peripheral surface (guide surface for guiding the toner) of the introduction portion 52 so that the function as a toner dropping mechanism (developer dropping mechanism) can be exhibited. It is necessary to be formed in a part facing upward in the posture. However, in the configuration in which the developer container 50 rotates around the longitudinal axis in the mounting posture, it is only necessary that the through hole 52d is formed somewhere on the inner peripheral surface of the introduction portion 52.

  Further, in order to effectively drop the toner in the introduction portion 52 and reduce the amount of toner remaining in the introduction portion 52, it is desirable to form the through hole 52d on the outer opening 52a side of the introduction portion 52. That is, more toner can be effectively dropped by forming the through hole 52d at a low position on the inclined surface 52e facing upward in the mounting posture.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, since the same effect | action and effect are acquired about the part of the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted.

17 is an external perspective view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 taken along the line EE in FIG. is there.
In the second embodiment of the present invention, the through hole 52d is formed so as to extend from the outer opening 52a side to the inner opening 52b side. In particular, in the present embodiment, the through hole 52d is formed continuously from the end on the outer opening 52a side to the end on the inner opening 52b side of the inclined surface 52e facing upward in the mounting posture shown in FIG. ing.

  In this case, since the through hole 52d is formed larger than that in the first embodiment, the toner in the introduction part 52 can be more effectively dropped into the developer accommodating part 56 through the through hole 52d. .

FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the introduction portion 52 taken along the line FF in FIG. is there.
In the third embodiment of the present invention, the introduction part 52 is constituted by a member that can be elastically deformed.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, at the time of toner replenishment, the inner opening 52 b of the introduction part 52 is expanded by the weight of the toner T replenished from the refill container 700. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the toner T from staying in the inner opening 52b of the introduction portion 52, and the toner supply operation can be performed smoothly.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a state in which the developer container 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a posture (lateral posture) when attached to the apparatus main body.
As shown in FIG. 22, when the developer container 50 is placed in the lateral orientation, the introduction portion 52 is elastically deformed so that the inner opening 52 b is lowered by its own weight or the weight of the toner T inside. As a result, the inclined surface 52e (indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure) inclined upward toward the inner opening 52b is inclined downward toward the inner opening 52b by elastic deformation. (The state indicated by the solid line in the figure), the toner T in the introduction portion 52 can be dropped into the developer accommodating portion 56. As described above, in the third embodiment, the introduction portion 52 is configured to be elastically deformable, so that the function as a toner dropping mechanism can be exhibited without providing the through hole 52d as described above.

  In order to exhibit the function as the toner dropping mechanism, the entire introduction portion 52 does not necessarily have to be formed of an elastic member. Even when the introduction portion 52 is partially configured by an elastically deformable elastic portion, the introduction portion 52 is elastic so that the inner opening 52b is lowered by its own weight and the weight of toner inside the introduction portion 52 when it is in the mounting posture. It only has to be deformable.

  In the configuration of the third embodiment, a through hole 52d may be further provided. Thereby, in addition to the introduction part 52 being elastically deformed and allowing the toner to fall, the toner can also be dropped from the through hole 52d, so that the amount of toner remaining in the introduction part 52 can be more effectively reduced. Can be reduced.

23 is an external perspective view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 taken along the line GG in FIG. is there.
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of slits 52g extending from the vicinity of the outer opening 52a to the inner opening 52b are formed in the introduction part 52 configured to be elastically deformable. Thereby, a plurality of elastic pieces 52 f separated from each other are formed on the peripheral wall portion 52 c of the introduction portion 52.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 25, at the time of toner replenishment, the plurality of elastic pieces 52f included in the introduction portion 52 are pushed by the weight of the toner T replenished from the refilling supply container 700, and the tips thereof spread. Thus, it is elastically deformed in the outer diameter direction. Accordingly, since the inner opening 52b is enlarged, the toner T can be prevented from staying in the inner opening 52b, and the toner supply operation can be performed smoothly. In addition, in this case, the elastic pieces 52f can be elastically deformed in the outer diameter direction independently from each other without being constrained to each other, and therefore, the inner opening 52b is smaller than the configuration of the third embodiment without the slit 52g. It is easy to enlarge, and the stagnation of the toner T can be more reliably suppressed.

FIG. 26 is a view showing a state in which the developer container 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a posture (lateral posture) when attached to the apparatus main body.
As shown in FIG. 26, when the developer container 50 is in the horizontal mounting posture, the plurality of elastic pieces 52 f included in the introducing portion 52 are elastically deformed so that the leading ends thereof are lowered by their own weight or the weight of the toner T inside. Particularly, among the plurality of elastic pieces 52f, the elastic piece 52f disposed below in the mounting posture is elastically deformed and the tip thereof is lowered, so that the toner T in the introduction portion 52 falls into the developer accommodating portion 56. Can be made. Furthermore, since the elastic piece 52f is elastically deformed, an interval between the adjacent elastic pieces 52f (slit 52g) is widened, so that the toner T can be dropped even between these. Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the toner in the introduction portion 52 can be effectively dropped by elastically deforming the plurality of elastic pieces 52f.

FIG. 27 is an external perspective view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 taken along line HH in FIG. is there.
In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, similar to the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 to 26, the introduction portion 52 is common in that it has a plurality of elastic pieces 52f, but each elastic piece 52f is bent. It differs in that it is.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the elastic piece 52f has an outer opening side end M and an inner opening in a cross section cut from the outer opening side end M to the inner opening side end N. It is bent at a halfway point J between the side end N. The elastic piece 52f has a first inclined portion 521 on the outer opening 52a side and a second inclined portion 522 on the inner opening 52b side, which have different inclination angles, with the bent portion J as a boundary. The first inclined part 521 is inclined at a large inclination angle θ1 with respect to the straight line K in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in FIG. 29) of the container body 51, and the second inclined part 522 is small with respect to the straight line K. It is inclined at an inclination angle θ2.

  By configuring the elastic piece 52f as described above, the mutually opposing surfaces of the elastic piece 52f are straight lines Z connecting the end M on the outer opening side and the end N on the inner opening side at the bent portion J. Rather than being closer together. As a result, at the bent portion J, the width W1 between the opposing surfaces of the elastic piece 52f is smaller than the width W2 between the opposing surfaces indicated by the straight line Z.

  As described above, in the configuration according to the fifth embodiment, since the elastic piece 52f is bent, the width between the opposed surfaces is reduced as compared to the configuration in which the elastic piece 52f is not bent (W1 <W2). In addition, when the toner T is replenished to the developer container 50, the toner T is collected at the central portion at the bent portion J. As a result, the force by which the elastic piece 52f is pushed and expanded by the toner T is increased, and the inner opening 52b is easily enlarged, so that the stagnation of the toner T in the inner opening 52b is less likely to occur.

  Although not shown, also in the fifth embodiment, when the developer container 50 is in the mounting posture, the elastic piece 52f disposed below in the mounting posture is elastically deformed as in the fourth embodiment. As a result, the toner in the introduction portion 52 can be dropped into the developer accommodating portion 56.

31 is an external perspective view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the introduction portion 52 taken along line QQ in FIG. is there.
In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the introduction portion 52 is provided with a bellows portion 52h. The bellows portion 52h can be changed between an extended state as shown in FIG. 32 and a contracted state as shown in FIG. Thus, the introduction part 52 includes the bellows part 52h, and is configured to be extendable and contractible so that the inner opening part 52b approaches and separates from the outer opening part 52a. In addition, a through hole 52d that functions as a toner dropping mechanism is provided in a portion in the vicinity of the outer opening 52a (a portion not constituted by the bellows portion 52h).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 34A, the toner T is introduced into the interior along the bellows portion 52h by making the bellows portion 52h extend when the toner is replenished. Thereafter, when the toner T is replenished into the developer container 50, as shown in FIG. 34B, the lower end of the bellows portion 52h (the end on the inner opening 52b side) is moved by the replenished toner T. Pushed up.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the lower end portion of the bellows portion 52h is pushed up as the toner is replenished, so that the toner T is easily diffused to the surroundings without being blocked by the peripheral wall portion 52c of the introduction portion 52. As a result, the toner T can be efficiently stored in the developer storage portion 56, and a larger amount of toner T can be supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 35, when the developer container 50 is in the mounting posture (lateral orientation), the toner T in the introduction portion 52 is transferred to the developer via the through hole 52d provided in the introduction portion 52. Since it falls into the storage portion 56, the amount of toner T remaining in the introduction portion 52 can be reduced. Further, at this time, since the bellows portion 52h is in a contracted state, the amount of toner T remaining in the introduction portion 52 can be further reduced.

36 is an external perspective view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the introduction portion 52 taken along the line RR in FIG. is there.
In 7th Embodiment of this invention, the cover member 63 which opens and closes the through-hole 52d formed in the introducing | transducing part 52 is provided. The lid member 63 is supported so as to rotate in the direction of arrow S in FIG. 37 about the rotation shaft 63a.

  As shown in FIG. 37, when the developer container 50 is in a posture for supplying toner (vertical posture), the lid member 63 is held in a posture to close the through hole 52d. Specifically, the lid member 63 has a weight portion (not shown), and is held in a posture to close the through hole 52d by gravity acting on the weight portion. As described above, when the developer container 50 is in the posture at the time of toner replenishment, the through hole 52d is closed by the lid member 63, so that the portion where the through hole 52d is formed is used as a guide surface for guiding the toner. can do.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 38, when the developer container 50 is in the mounting posture (lateral posture), the lid member 63 is rotated downward by gravity acting on the weight portion (not shown), and the through hole 52d is formed. It is held in an open posture. Therefore, when the developer container 50 is in the mounting posture, the toner T in the introduction portion 52 can be dropped into the developer storage portion 56 through the opened through hole 52d.

  In the seventh embodiment, an inclined surface 64 is provided at the edge of the through hole 52d on the inner opening 52b side so that the toner to be supplied is not easily caught. Thus, the toner can be smoothly guided without stagnation at the through hole 52d. Further, such an inclined surface 64 may be provided on the lid member 63 as shown in FIG.

40 is an external perspective view of the vicinity of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50 according to the eighth embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the introduction portion 52 taken along the line U-U in FIG. is there.
In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, a rotary blade 65 having a plurality of blades 65b extending radially from the rotary shaft 65a is provided in the through hole 52d.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 42, when the toner T is supplied to the developer container 50, the rotary blade 65 is rotated by the falling motion of the toner T. Due to the rotation of the rotary blade 65, the toner T is successively introduced into the developer accommodating portion 56, so that the stagnation of the toner T in the inner opening 52b can be suppressed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 43, when the developer container 50 is in the mounting posture (lateral posture), the toner T in the introduction portion 52 is dropped into the developer storage portion 56 through the through hole 52d. Can do. Further, at this time, the rotating blade 65 is rotated by the weight of the toner T, so that the toner T around the rotating blade 65 can be dropped by the rotating rotating blade 65.

44 is an external perspective view of the vicinity of the introduction portion 52 of the developer container 50 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the introduction portion 52 taken along line VV in FIG. is there.
In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, a screw 66 that conveys toner to the developer accommodating portion 56 is provided in the through hole 52d. Thus, by arranging a part of the screw 66 in the through hole 52d, the toner can be conveyed from the end portion on the introduction portion 52 side to the supply port 54 on the opposite end portion, and An increase in the size of the developer container 50 in the longitudinal direction can also be suppressed.

  In this case, when the developer container 50 is disposed in the mounting posture (lateral posture), the toner T in the introduction portion 52 can be dropped into the developer accommodating portion 56 through the through hole 52d. At this time, by rotating the screw 66, the toner 66 around it can also be dropped by the screw 66.

  As described above, each embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the inner peripheral surface of the introduction portion 52 is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter is reduced toward the inner opening 52b side, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the introduction portion 52 is also effective when it has a step surface 52j. That is, even in the developer container 50 having such a configuration, the toner T may remain in the introduction portion 52 as in the case of the taper shape when the developer container 50 is in the lateral orientation. Therefore, even in a configuration having such a stepped surface 52j, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the introduction portion 52 by employing the above-described toner dropping mechanism.

  In short, according to the present invention, an inclined surface or a stepped surface that is higher on the inner opening side 52b than on the outer opening side 52a is provided on a portion of the guide surface that guides the developer of the introduction portion 52 that faces upward in the mounting posture. The effect is particularly exerted on the structure having. However, the present invention is not limited to these configurations, and a configuration that does not have an inclined surface or a stepped surface, for example, even if the surface facing upward in the mounting posture is arranged horizontally, development is performed on the surface. If there is a possibility that the agent will accumulate, there is a merit to apply.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the developer container configured separately from the process unit as described above, but the photosensitive member 2, the drum cleaning device 3, the charging device 4, the developing device 5 and the like as shown in FIG. It is also applicable to the developer container 50 integrated with a process unit including

Further, the configuration according to the present invention can be applied to a monochrome laser printer in addition to the color laser printer.
Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of a monochrome laser printer to which the present invention can be applied will be described.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a monochrome laser printer to which the present invention can be applied, and FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the laser printer.
As shown in FIG. 48, at the lower part of the apparatus main body (image forming apparatus main body) 100 of this monochrome laser printer, a paper feed tray 26 is disposed as a sheet mounting portion on which a large number of sheets can be stacked. ing. The paper feed tray 26 is configured to be rotatable in the front-rear direction (in the direction of the arrow X in the figure) about a rotation shaft (not shown) disposed at the lower part of the apparatus main body 100. A paper discharge tray 44 is disposed on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 100.

The main part of the monochrome laser printer will be described below with reference to FIG.
The monochrome laser printer includes a process unit 1 for forming an image with black toner in the image forming unit. The process unit 1 includes a photoconductor (photoconductor drum) 2 as an image carrier that carries an image on the surface, a drum cleaning device (not shown) as a cleaning unit that cleans the surface of the photoconductor 2, and the surface of the photoconductor 2. A neutralizing device (not shown) for neutralizing the toner, a charging device 4 as a charging unit for charging the surface of the photosensitive member 2, and a developing unit for supplying toner onto the photosensitive member 2 to form an image (developer image). The apparatus 5 is included. Further, unused toner T is accommodated in the developing device 5. The process unit 1 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 100 so that consumable parts can be replaced at a time.

  An exposure unit 7 that exposes the surface of the photoreceptor 2 is disposed on the left side of the drawing with respect to the process unit 1. The exposure device 7 is configured to emit laser light L from the laser diode to the surface of the photoreceptor 2 based on the image data. Further, on the right side of the drawing with respect to the process unit 1, a transfer roller 23 is disposed as a transfer unit that transfers an image on the photosensitive member 2 to a sheet. The transfer roller 23 is disposed at a position where the transfer roller 23 can come into contact with the photoreceptor 2, and a transfer nip is formed at the contact portion between the two.

  A feeding roller 32 serving as a feeding unit that feeds the paper P placed on the paper feed tray 26 is disposed below the apparatus main body 100. In addition, a timing roller that is downstream of the feeding roller 32 in the sheet conveyance direction and upstream of the transfer nip, temporarily stops the sheet fed by the feeding roller 32 and then conveys the sheet at a predetermined timing. Pair 14 is arranged.

  Further, a fixing device 34 for fixing the image transferred to the paper is disposed downstream of the transfer nip in the paper transport direction, and further, on the downstream side, paper discharge as discharge means for discharging the paper out of the device. A roller pair 37 is arranged. The fixing device 34 includes a fixing roller 34a containing a heat source such as a halogen lamp (not shown), and a pressure roller 34b that rotates while contacting the fixing roller 34a with a predetermined pressure.

Next, the basic operation of the printer according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
When the feed roller 32 is rotated by a paper feed signal from a control unit (not shown), only the uppermost paper P stacked on the paper feed tray 26 is separated and sent to the paper feed path 31. When the leading edge of the sheet P reaches the nip portion of the timing roller pair 14, a slack is formed on the sheet P in order to synchronize with the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 2 and to correct the leading edge skew of the sheet P. Wait in the state.

  The image forming operation will be described. First, the charging device 4 charges the surface of the photoreceptor 2 to a uniform high potential. Based on image information from a reading device or a computer (not shown), the exposure device 7 irradiates the surface of the photoreceptor 2 with the laser light L, and the potential of the irradiated portion is lowered to form an electrostatic latent image. . The electrostatic latent image is supplied with toner T by the developing device 5 to form (develop) a toner image (developer image).

  When the toner image is formed on the photosensitive member 2, the timing roller pair 14 and the feeding roller 32 start to drive, and the paper P is fed to the transfer nip in synchronism with the toner image on the photosensitive member 2. Then, the transfer roller 23 transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor 2 to the fed paper P. The residual toner on the photosensitive member 2 that could not be transferred onto the paper P is removed by the drum cleaning device 3, and then the surface of the photosensitive member 2 is neutralized by a neutralizing device (not shown).

  The paper P on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 34 through the post-transfer conveyance path 33. The paper P sent to the fixing device 34 is sandwiched between the fixing roller 34a and the pressure roller 34b, and the unfixed toner image is heated and pressed to be fixed on the paper P. Then, the paper P on which the toner image is fixed is sent out from the fixing device 34 to the post-fixing conveyance path 35 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 44 by the paper discharge roller pair 37.

  The developer container according to the present invention includes at least the following configuration.

[First configuration]
The first configuration is a developer container that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, and includes a container main body having a developer containing portion therein that can contain a developer, and an outer opening that communicates with the outside at one end portion. And having an inner opening communicating with the developer accommodating portion at the other end, an introduction portion for introducing the developer replenished from the outside into the developer accommodating portion, and the outer opening. And a developer dropping mechanism that drops the developer from the introduction portion into the developer accommodating portion in a state of being attached to the image forming apparatus main body.

  With such a configuration, the developer can be dropped from the introduction portion into the developer storage portion by the developer dropping mechanism with the developer container mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, and development remaining in the introduction portion can be performed. The amount of agent can be reduced.

[Second configuration]
In the developer container of the first configuration, the second configuration is a portion of the guide surface that guides the developer in the introduction portion that faces upward in a posture attached to the image forming apparatus main body. It has an inclined surface or a step surface that is higher on the inner opening side than on the outer opening side.

  In such a configuration having an inclined surface or a stepped surface, the developer is consumed because the developer is difficult to get over the inclined surface or the stepped surface in a mounting posture in which the developer container is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. There is a high possibility of being left without. Therefore, in particular, by providing the developer container having such a configuration with the developer dropping mechanism as described above, a reduction in the amount of the developer remaining in the introduction portion can be expected.

[Third configuration]
According to a third configuration, in the developer container of the first configuration or the second configuration described above, the developer dropping mechanism may be disposed on the image forming apparatus main body on the guide surface for guiding the developer of the introduction unit. It is a through-hole formed in the portion facing upward in the mounted posture.

  In this case, when the developer container is put in the mounting posture, the developer in the introduction portion can be dropped into the developer storage portion through the through hole, and the amount of the developer remaining in the introduction portion can be reduced. .

[Fourth configuration]
According to a fourth configuration, in the developer container of the third configuration, the developer dropping mechanism is a through-hole formed on the outer opening side of the inclined surface.

  By forming the through hole on the outer opening side of the inclined surface, the developer in the introduction portion can be effectively dropped.

[Fifth Configuration]
According to a fifth configuration, in the developer container of the third configuration or the fourth configuration, the through hole is formed to extend from the outer opening side to the inner opening side.

  By forming the through hole so as to extend from the outer opening side to the inner opening side, the developer in the introduction part can be effectively dropped.

[Sixth configuration]
According to a sixth configuration, in the developer container according to any one of the third to fifth configurations, the through hole is closed in a posture in which the developer is replenished into the developer storage portion from the outside, and the image forming apparatus A lid member is provided that opens the through hole in a posture attached to the main body.

  When the developer container is in the mounting posture, the lid member opens the through hole, so that the developer in the introducing portion can be dropped into the developer accommodating portion through the opened through hole. On the other hand, when the developer container is in the developer replenishing posture, the through hole is closed by the lid member, so that the portion where the through hole is formed can be used as a guide surface for guiding the developer.

[Seventh Configuration]
According to a seventh configuration, in the developer container of any one of the third to sixth configurations, a rotary blade that rotates by a falling motion of the developer is provided in the through hole.

  By providing such a rotary blade, when the developer in the introduction portion falls from the through hole, the developer around it can also be dropped by the rotating rotary blade.

[Eighth configuration]
According to an eighth configuration, in the developer container of any one of the third to sixth configurations, a screw that conveys the developer to the developer accommodating portion is provided in the through hole.

  In this case, by rotating the screw, the developer around it can be dropped from the through hole by the screw.

[Ninth Configuration]
According to a ninth configuration, in the developer container according to the first configuration, the developer dropping mechanism is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, and the introduction unit has its own weight or the developer inside thereof. It is composed of an elastic part that is elastically deformed so that the inner opening is lowered by weight.

  In this case, when the developer container is put in the mounting posture, the elastic portion is elastically deformed and the inner opening portion is lowered, so that the developer in the introduction portion can be dropped into the developer storage portion and remains in the introduction portion. The amount of developer can be reduced.

[Tenth configuration]
According to a tenth configuration, in the developer container of the ninth configuration, the elastic portion is elastically deformed so that the inner opening is expanded by a developer replenished into the developer containing portion from the outside. is there.

  In such a configuration, when the developer is replenished, the elastic portion is elastically deformed and the inner opening is enlarged, so that the developer can be prevented from stagnation in the inner opening, and the developer replenishment operation is smoothly performed. be able to.

[Eleventh configuration]
In an eleventh configuration, in the developer container of the tenth configuration, the elastic portion is an inclined portion that is inclined so that surfaces facing each other approach each other from the outer opening side toward the inner opening side. The cross-section of the inclined portion that is cut from the end portion of the outer opening portion toward the end portion on the inner opening portion side, and the opposite surfaces of the inclined portion are defined as end portions on the outer opening portion side. And bent at an intermediate position between the end on the inner opening side and the end on the outer opening side and the end on the inner opening side, closer to each other. It is.

  As described above, by bending the surfaces of the inclined portion facing each other, the width between the opposing surfaces becomes small at the bent portion, so that the developer is more collected at the central portion at the bent portion. As a result, the force with which the elastic portion is pushed and expanded by the developer is increased, and the inner opening is easily enlarged, so that the stagnation of the developer in the inner opening is less likely to occur.

[Twelfth configuration]
In a twelfth configuration, in the developer container of the tenth configuration or the eleventh configuration, the elastic portion is provided with a plurality of slits extending from the outer opening side to the inner opening portion.

  Providing such a slit makes it easier to enlarge the inner opening as compared to a configuration without a slit, so that the stagnation of the developer can be more reliably suppressed.

[13th Configuration]
According to a thirteenth configuration, in the developer container of any one of the first to twelfth configurations, the introduction portion is configured to be extendable and contractible so that the inner opening portion approaches and separates from the outer opening portion. is there.

  In this case, when the developer container is replenished with the developer from the outside, the introduction portion is pushed up and contracted by the replenished developer. This makes it easier for the developer to diffuse to the surroundings without being blocked by the introduction portion, so that the developer can be efficiently stored in the developer storage portion, and a larger amount of developer can be replenished. It becomes.

[14th Configuration]
In a fourteenth configuration, in the developer container of any one of the first to thirteenth configurations, the introduction portion has a color different from that of the supplied developer.

  By making the introduction part a color different from the replenished developer, the visibility of the developer with respect to the introduction part is improved, and the filling amount can be easily confirmed.

[Fifteenth configuration]
According to a fifteenth configuration, in the developer container of any one of the first to fourteenth configurations, the introduction portion is provided with a scale indicating a filling amount of the developer in the developer accommodating portion.

  By attaching such a scale, the developer can be replenished while checking the filling amount.

[Sixteenth configuration]
In a sixteenth configuration, in the developer container of any one of the first to fourteenth configurations, a mark indicating an optimal filling amount of the developer in the developer accommodating portion is attached to the introduction portion. .

  By attaching such a mark, the developer can be replenished while checking the filling amount.

[17th Configuration]
According to a seventeenth configuration, in the developer container of any one of the first to sixteenth configurations, a vent hole is formed in the container main body so as to communicate the developer containing portion with the outside. An air permeable film that allows passage of air and prevents passage of developer is provided.

  In this case, since the air in the developer accommodating portion can be discharged to the outside through the vent hole, the developer is more likely to fall into the developer accommodating portion, and the stagnation of the developer at the inner opening is effective. Can be suppressed.

[18th Configuration]
According to an eighteenth configuration, in the developer container according to any one of the first to sixteenth configurations, the container main body is provided with an exhaust unit for discharging the air in the developer accommodating portion to the outside. .

  Even if the toner stagnates at the introduction part when the developer is replenished, the air inside the developer accommodation part is discharged to the outside by the exhaust means, so that the developer inside the developer accommodation part becomes negative pressure, and the developer stagnant at the introduction part to the inside Can be aspirated. Thereby, it is possible to eliminate the stagnation of the developer.

50 Developer Container 51 Container Body 52 Introduction Portion 52a Outer Opening 52b Inner Opening 52d Through Hole (Developer Dropping Mechanism)
52e Inclined surface 52f Elastic piece 52g Slit 52j Stepped surface 53 Sealing member 56 Developer accommodating portion 63 Cover member 65 Rotary blade 66 Screw 100 Image forming apparatus main body T Toner (Developer)

JP 2012-215792 A

Claims (7)

A developer container detachable from the image forming apparatus body,
A container body having a developer accommodating portion therein that can accommodate a developer;
Introducing a developer replenished from the outside into the developer accommodating portion having an outer opening communicating with the outside at one end and an inner opening communicating with the developer accommodating portion at the other end And
A sealing member for sealing the outer opening ;
A through hole as a developer dropping mechanism for dropping the developer from the introduction portion into the developer accommodating portion in a state of being mounted on the image forming apparatus main body ,
The introduction part has a plurality of elastic pieces separated from each other by the through-holes formed to extend from the outer opening part side to the inner opening part side,
The elastic piece is provided on the outer opening side and is inclined with respect to the developer introduction direction into the introduction part, and the elastic piece is provided on the inner opening side than the first inclination part. And a second inclined portion inclined at a small inclination angle with respect to the developer introduction direction .   Of the guide surface for guiding the developer in the introduction portion, an inclined surface that is higher on the inner opening side than the outer opening side in a portion facing upward in a posture attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus Alternatively, the developer container according to claim 1 having a stepped surface. The through hole, of the guide surface inducing a developer of the introduction, development according to 請 Motomeko 1 or 2 which is formed in a portion facing upward in the mounted position with respect to the image forming apparatus main body container. 2. A lid member that closes the through hole in a posture in which developer is replenished into the developer accommodating portion from the outside and opens the through hole in a posture attached to the image forming apparatus main body. 4. The developer container according to any one of items 1 to 3 . 5. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the through-hole is provided with a rotating blade that rotates by a falling motion of the developer. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein a screw that conveys the developer to the developer accommodating portion is provided in the through hole . An image forming apparatus comprising the developer container according to claim 1.