JP6561736B2 - Image forming apparatus and developer container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a developer container.

  In the image forming apparatus, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is conventionally known as a developer container for supplying a new developer.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-48104 as Patent Document 1, a screw-shaped male screw (208) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion of the cylindrical container (202) and the cylindrical container (202) are driven. A configuration of a toner bottle is described in which a female screw (232) provided on an inner peripheral surface of a transmission gear portion (230) is engaged and connected.
In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the tightening prevention protrusion (235) and the loosening prevention protrusion (236) are arranged with a phase difference of 40 ° at the tip of the inner peripheral surface of the gear part (230). When the gear portion (230) and the cylindrical container (202) are fastened, the protrusion (210) provided on the cylindrical container (202) is connected to the tightening prevention protrusion (235) and the loosening prevention protrusion (236). The relative rotation between the cylindrical container (202) and the gear part (230) is limited to a range of 40 °. Therefore, when the cylindrical container (202) rotates relative to the gear part (230) in the direction in which the connection between the gear part (230) and the cylindrical container (202) is released, the loosening prevention protrusion The protrusion (210) comes into contact with (236), and the release of the connection between the cylindrical container (202) and the gear portion (230) is prevented.

JP 2012-48104 A (“0050”, “0055” to “0057”, FIGS. 14 to 19)

  An object of the present invention is to further prevent the connection between the housing member and the breaking member in the direction of the rotation axis as compared with the case where the relative rotation between the housing member and the breaking member is limited.

In order to solve the technical problem, the developer container of the invention according to claim 1,
The developer is housed therein, and has a housing member formed on the inner surface with a transport portion for transporting the developer during rotation, and a collapsing member that collapses the internal developer during rotation. A rotating body that rotates, and
A discharge member having a discharge port through which the developer conveyed from the housing member is discharged, and rotatably supporting the rotating body;
A connected portion provided in the housing member;
A connecting portion that is provided on the breaking member and connected to the connected portion, and connects the housing member and the breaking member;
An engaged portion provided on one outer surface of the housing member and the breaking member;
Provided on the other outer surface of the housing member and the breaking member and extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body toward the engaged portion, the connection between the housing member and the breaking member is released An engagement portion that engages with the engaged portion in case to prevent the release of the connection between the housing member and the breaking member;
It is provided with.

A second aspect of the present invention provides the developer container according to the first aspect,
When the accommodating member and the breaking member are connected, the engaged member is separated from the engaged portion and moved in a direction in which the connection between the accommodating member and the breaking member is released. The engaging part in contact with the part,
It is provided with.

A third aspect of the present invention provides the developer container according to the first or second aspect,
The engagement portion capable of releasing engagement with the engaged portion when elastically deforming toward the radially outer side of the rotating body;
The discharge member having a cover portion that covers the outside of the engaging portion and the engaged portion when the rotating body is rotatably supported, and has an inner surface disposed close to the engaging portion. When,
It is provided with.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention provides:
A rotating image carrier;
A developing device that develops the latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring a visible image of the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for fixing the visible image transferred to the medium;
The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a developer to be replenished to the developing device is accommodated and detachably supported with respect to a main body of the image forming apparatus.
It is provided with.

According to invention of Claim 1, 4, compared with the structure which restrict | limits the relative rotation of a storage member and a crushing member, it can prevent the connection of a storage member and a crushing member in a rotating shaft direction more. it can.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the accommodating member and the breaking member are connected, the engagement member and the breaking member are compared with the case where the engaged portion and the engaging portion are in contact with each other. Parts accuracy can be suppressed.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the engaging portion is deformed radially outward as compared with the configuration in which the engaging portion is not covered by the discharging member, the engaging portion comes into contact with the discharging member. It is difficult to disengage from the engaging portion, and release of the connection between the housing member and the breaking member can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the toner image forming apparatus portion of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded explanatory view of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the collapsing member of Example 1, FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the collapsing member when viewed from the right front, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the collapsing member when viewed from the left rear.

Next, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a printer U as an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a printer main body U1 as an example of an apparatus main body. A first discharge tray TRh as an example of a first medium discharge unit is provided on the upper surface of the printer body U1. An operation unit UI is provided on the upper surface of the right part of the printer main body U1. The operation unit UI includes a display unit (not shown). The operation unit UI is configured so that a user can perform an input operation.
The printer U according to the first embodiment illustrates a host computer as an example of an image information transmission device, and specifically, a personal computer is electrically connected thereto.

The printer U includes a controller C as an example of a control unit. The controller C can receive electrical signals such as image information and control signals transmitted from the personal computer PC. The controller C is configured to be able to output a control signal to the operation unit UI and the electric circuit E. Further, the controller C is electrically connected to the write circuit DL.
The writing circuit DL outputs a drive signal to an exposure device ROS as an example of a writing device in accordance with the input information. The exposure machine ROS is configured to be able to output a laser beam L as an example of writing light in accordance with an input signal.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the toner image forming apparatus portion of FIG.
1 and 2, a photoconductor PR as an example of an image carrier is disposed on the left side of the exposure machine ROS. The photoconductor PR of Example 1 is supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow about the rotation axis PRa. The photoconductor PR is irradiated with laser light L in the writing area Q1.
Around the photoconductor PR, along the rotational direction of the photoconductor PR, a charging roll CR as an example of a charging member, a developing device G, and a photoconductor cleaner CL as an example of a cleaner for an image carrier. Is arranged.
In the printer U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the photosensitive member PR, the charging roll CR, the developing device G, and the photosensitive member cleaner CL are integrated into a unit that can be attached and detached. That is, the photoconductor PR, the charging roll CR, the developing device G, and the photoconductor cleaner CL are configured to be detachable from the printer body U1 as a process unit U2.

A charging voltage is applied from the electric circuit E to the charging roll CR.
The developing device G includes a developing container V that accommodates toner as an example of a developer. Inside the developing container V, a developing roll Ga as an example of a developer holding body is rotatably supported. The developing roll Ga is disposed to face the photoreceptor PR in the developing area Q2.
Further, a developing voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the developing roll Ga. Further, augers Gb and Gc, which are examples of a developer conveying member, are rotatably supported in the developing container V.
The photoconductor PR, the charging roll CR, the exposure machine ROS, the developing device G, and the like constitute a toner image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on the photoconductor PR.

One end of a replenishment path of a toner replenishing device TH1 as an example of a developer replenishing device fixedly supported by the printer U is connected to the developing container V. The other end of the supply path of the toner supply device TH1 is connected to a toner cartridge TC as an example of a developer container.
The toner cartridge TC is configured to be detachable by being inserted into and removed from the printer U in the front-rear direction.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of paper feed trays TR <b> 1 to TR <b> 4 are provided below the printer U as an example of a medium storage unit. The plurality of paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 contain a recording sheet S as an example of a medium.
In FIG. 1, rails RL1 as an example of container guide members are arranged on the left and right sides of each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. The rail RL1 movably supports the left and right ends of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. Accordingly, the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 are supported by the pair of left and right rails RL1 so as to be able to enter and exit in the front-rear direction.

In FIG. 1, a paper feeding device K is disposed at the upper left of each of the paper feeding trays TR1 to TR4. The paper feeding device K has a pickup roll Rp as an example of a medium take-out member. On the left side of the pick-up roll Rp, a separating roll Rs as an example of a separating member is disposed. The separating roll Rs includes a feed roll as an example of a medium conveying member and a retard roll as an example of a medium separating member.
On the left side of the sheet feeding device K, a sheet feeding path SH1 as an example of a medium transport path is disposed. The sheet feed path SH1 extends upward. A plurality of transport rolls Ra as an example of a medium transport member are arranged in the paper feed path SH1. A registration roll Rr, which is an example of a medium transport timing adjustment member, is disposed at the upper end, which is the downstream end of the sheet feed path SH1.

A manual feed tray TR0 as an example of a manual feed unit is mounted on the left side of the printer U. The right end of the manual feed tray TR0 is connected to the left end of a manual feed path SH2 as an example of a manual feed path. The right end of the manual feed path SH2 is connected to the paper feed path SH1.
In FIG. 1, a transfer roll Rt as an example of a transfer device is disposed above the registration roll Rr. The transfer roll Rt faces and contacts the photoconductor PR in the transfer region Q3. Accordingly, the transfer roll Rt according to the first exemplary embodiment rotates following the rotation of the photoconductor PR. A transfer voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the transfer roll Rt.

  The photoreceptor cleaner CL is disposed on the downstream side of the transfer roll Rt with respect to the rotation direction of the photoreceptor PR. The photoreceptor cleaner CL supports a recovery path CL4 as an example of a developer transport path. The recovery path CL4 extends from the photoconductor cleaner CL to the developing device G.

In FIG. 1, a fixing device F is supported above the transfer roll Rt. The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heat fixing member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member. The heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp are in contact with each other in the fixing region Q4. Driving is transmitted to the heating roll Fh from a driving source (not shown) to rotate. The heating roll Fh is supplied with electric power for heating a heater (not shown) from the electric circuit E.
The process unit U2 as an example of the toner image forming apparatus, the transfer roll Rt, and the fixing device F constitute an image recording unit U2 + Rt + F that records an image on the sheet S.

Above the fixing device F, a sheet guide F1 as an example of a medium guiding portion is formed. A sheet discharge roll R1 as an example of a medium discharge member is disposed on the right side of the sheet guide F1. A medium discharge port Ha is formed on the right side of the paper discharge roll R1. A first discharge tray TRh is disposed below the medium discharge port Ha.
In FIG. 1, a connection path SH3 as an example of a medium transport path is disposed above the fixing device F and on the left side of the paper discharge roll R1. The connection path SH3 extends to the left from the medium discharge port Ha.

A reversing unit U3, which is an example of a medium reversing device, is supported on the left side surface of the printer body U1 above the manual feed tray TR0. A reversing path SH4 as an example of a medium transport path is formed inside the reversing unit U3. The upper end of the inversion path SH4 is connected to the left end of the connection path SH3. The lower end of the reversing path SH4 joins the sheet feeding path SH1 on the upstream side of the registration roll Rr.
A second discharge path SH6 as an example of a medium transport path is formed above the reversing unit U3. The second discharge path SH6 has a right end connected to the connection path SH3 and branches off from the inversion path SH4. The left end of the second discharge path SH6 extends to the left side surface of the reversing unit U3. A face-up tray TRh1 as an example of a second discharge unit is supported on the left side surface of the reversing unit U3. Accordingly, the sheet S that has passed through the second discharge path SH6 is configured to be discharged to the face-up tray TRh1.

(Function of image forming apparatus)
In the printer U of the first embodiment having the above configuration, the image information transmitted from the personal computer PC is input to the controller C. The controller C converts the inputted image information into information for forming a latent image at a preset time and outputs it to the writing circuit DL. The exposure machine ROS outputs a laser beam L based on the signal received by the writing circuit DL. The controller C controls operations of the operation unit UI, the writing circuit DL, the power supply circuit E, and the like.
1 and 2, the surface of the photoreceptor PR is charged by a charging roll CR to which a charging voltage is applied. The surface of the photoreceptor PR charged by the charging roll CR is exposed and scanned by the laser beam L of the exposure machine ROS in the writing area Q1 to form an electrostatic latent image. The surface of the photoconductor PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed sequentially passes through the development area Q2 and the transfer area Q3.

In the developing area Q2, the developing roll Ga faces the photoconductor PR. The developing roll Ga rotates while holding the developer inside the developing container V on the surface. Therefore, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor PR is developed into a toner image as an example of a visible image by the toner image held on the surface of the developing roll Ga. The developer inside the developing container V is circulated while being stirred by the augers Gb and Gc.
When the developer inside the developing container V is consumed with the development by the developing roll Ga, the developer is supplied from the toner cartridge TC. That is, the toner in the toner cartridge TC is conveyed to the discharge port TC3 according to the consumption amount of the developer. The toner discharged from the discharge port TC3 is transported to the developing container V by a replenishment transport member (not shown) in the replenishment path of the toner replenishing device TH1.

The sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4 accommodate sheets S on which images are recorded. The sheets S stored in the sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp of the sheet feeding device K. The sheets S taken out by the pickup roll Rp are separated one by one by the separating roll Rs. The sheet S separated by the separating roll Rs is fed to the sheet feeding path SH1. The sheet S in the sheet feeding path SH1 is conveyed toward the registration roll Rr by the conveyance roll Ra.
The sheet S fed from the manual feed tray TR0 is conveyed to the registration roll Rr through the manual feed path SH2. The sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is conveyed to the transfer area Q3 by the registration roll Rr in accordance with the timing when the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor PR moves to the transfer area Q3.

In the transfer area Q3, the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor PR is transferred to the sheet S passing through the transfer area Q3 by the transfer roll Rt to which the transfer voltage is applied.
1 and 2, the photosensitive member PR after passing through the transfer region Q3 is cleaned by removing the toner adhered to the surface by the photosensitive member cleaner CL. The toner removed by the photoreceptor cleaner CL is returned to the inside of the developing container V through the recovery path CL4. That is, the developer collected by the photoreceptor cleaner CL is reused by the developing device G.
The photoconductor PR whose surface is cleaned by the photoconductor cleaner CL is charged again by the charging roll CR.

The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred in the transfer area Q3 is conveyed to the fixing area Q4 of the fixing device F in a state where the toner image is not fixed.
In the fixing region Q4, the sheet S is sandwiched between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp, and the toner image is heated and fixed.
The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device F is guided by the sheet guide F1 and conveyed to the paper discharge roll R1. When the sheet S is discharged to the first discharge tray TRh, the sheet S sent to the discharge roll R1 is discharged from the medium discharge port Ha to the first discharge tray TRh.

During double-sided printing, the sheet S on which an image is recorded on the first side rotates the paper discharge roll R1 in a state where the trailing end in the transport direction has passed the sheet guide F1. Accordingly, the sheet S is conveyed to the reversing path SH4 through the connection path SH3. The sheet S conveyed on the reversing path SH4 is conveyed to the registration roll Rr in a state where the front and back sides are reversed. Therefore, the image on the second side is recorded again from the registration roll Rr to the transfer area Q3.
When the sheet S is discharged to the face-up tray TRh1, the sheet S conveyed through the connection path SH3 by the reverse rotation of the discharge roll R1 is carried into the second discharge path SH6. Then, the sheet S conveyed through the second discharge path SH6 is discharged to the face-up tray TRh1.

(Description of toner cartridge)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an exploded explanatory view of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.
3 and 4, the toner cartridge TC according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a bottle 1 as an example of a housing member. The bottle 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction, and is configured so that a developer can be accommodated therein. In addition, the bottle 1 of Example 1 is comprised with the polyethylene (PE) as an example of the resin material. On the wall surface of the bottle 1, a spiral groove 2 as an example of a transport unit is formed.

  3 to 5, an opening 3 is formed at the rear end of the bottle 1. On the outer surface of the bottle 1, a male screw 4, which is an example of a connected part and an example of a fastened part, is formed at a position on the front side of the opening 3. In addition, on the outer surface of the bottle 1, an annular convex portion 6 is provided as an example of an engaged portion at a position on the front side of the male screw 4.

6A and 6B are perspective views of the collapsing member of Example 1, FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the collapsing member when viewed from the right front, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the collapsing member when viewed from the left rear.
3 to 6, a fin member 11 as an example of a breaking member is disposed on the rear side of the bottle 1. The fin member 11 has a cylindrical portion 12. In addition, the fin member 11 of Example 1 is comprised by POM (polyoxymethylene, polyacetal) as an example of a material harder than the material which comprises the bottle 1. FIG. The cylindrical part 12 of Example 1 is formed in the cylindrical shape extended in the front-back direction. On the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 12, a female screw 12 a corresponding to the male screw 4 is formed as an example of a connecting portion and an example of a fastening portion at a front position.

  A ring-shaped concave groove 12b is formed on the outer periphery of the rear portion of the cylindrical portion 12. A hook ring 12c as an example of a hooked portion is formed behind the ring-shaped concave groove 12b. The hook ring 12c of the first embodiment is formed in a ring shape having a larger diameter than the ring-shaped concave groove 12b. In the configuration of the first embodiment, the female screw 12a and the male screw 4 are engaged with each other, and the fin member 11 and the bottle 1 are connected. In the first embodiment, the fin member 11 and the bottle 1 constitute the rotating body 1 + 11 of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 5, a stopper 13 as an example of an engaging portion is supported at a position corresponding to the convex portion 6 at the front end of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 12. The stopper 13 according to the first embodiment is formed in a plate shape extending forward. In addition, the stopper 13 of Example 1 is comprised with the flexible resin material as an example of the material which can be elastically deformed. The stopper 13 according to the first embodiment is supported by the cylindrical portion 12 at the rear end as an example of the base end.

A claw portion 14 corresponding to the convex portion 6 is formed at the front end as an example of the tip of the stopper 13. At the front end of the claw portion 14, an inclined portion 14 a that is inclined toward the inner side in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 12 as it goes rearward is formed. At the rear end of the inclined portion 14a, a restricting portion 14b extending toward the outer side in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 12 is formed.
In the configuration of the first embodiment, when the fin member 11 and the bottle 1 are connected, as shown in FIG. 5, the restricting portion 14 b is disposed in front of the convex portion 6 with a preset gap. The length in the front-rear direction of the stopper 13 and the claw portion 14 is set.

  Further, the fin member 11 has a fin body 16 as an example of a body of a breaking member on the rear side of the cylindrical portion 12. The fin body 16 has a fin shaft portion 16a extending in the front-rear direction. A support arm 16b is formed at the front end of the fin shaft portion 16a. The support arm 16b extends outward in the radial direction as an example of a collapsed portion and an example of a supported portion. The outer end of the support arm 16 b is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 12. A first breaking portion 16c extending outward in the radial direction is formed at the rear portion of the fin shaft portion 16a. Between the outer end in the radial direction of the first breaking portion 16c and the support arm 16b, a second breaking portion 16d extending in the front-rear direction is formed.

  4 and 5, a toner seal 17 as an example of a leakage preventing member is supported on the rear end surface of the hook ring 12c. The toner seal 17 is formed in an annular shape, a so-called ring shape, along the rear end surface of the cylindrical portion 12. The toner seal 17 is made of any material capable of preventing the developer from leaking out, and for example, a foaming member such as a sponge or rubber can be employed.

A flange portion 21 as an example of a discharge member is disposed on the rear side of the fin member 11. The flange portion 21 is configured in a cylindrical shape. The flange portion 21 includes a front portion 22 as an example of a cover portion, a central portion 23 at the center in the front-rear direction, and a rear portion 24.
The front part 22 of the first embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the inner diameter of the front part 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the rear part of the rotating body 1 + 11 including the stopper 13. Therefore, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the rear portion of the rotating body 1 + 11 can be accommodated inside the front portion 22.

  In the configuration of the first embodiment, the inner diameter of the front portion 22 is set such that the inner surface of the front portion 22 has a gap between the outer surface of the stopper 13 and is close thereto. Moreover, in the front part 22 of Example 1, when the rotary body 1 + 11 is supported by the flange part 21, as shown in FIG. 5, the front end of the front part 22 is arrange | positioned ahead rather than the front end of the stopper 13. As shown in FIG. Thus, the length of the front part 22 in the front-rear direction is set.

  3 and 4, the front portion 22 is formed with a hook portion 25 as an example of a movement restricting portion. The hook portion 25 of the first embodiment includes a leaf spring portion 25a as an example of an elastically deformable portion. The leaf spring portion 25 a of the first embodiment is configured by forming a U-shaped slit in the front portion 22. A claw portion 25b is formed at the rear end of the leaf spring portion 25a. The claw portion 25b of the first embodiment is provided at a position corresponding to the ring-shaped concave groove 12b and extends toward the inside in the radial direction. And as shown in FIG. 3, when the rear part of the rotary body 1 + 11 is accommodated in the inside of the front part 22, the nail | claw part 25b was fitted in the ring-shaped recessed groove 12b, and the state hooked on the front surface of the hook ring 12c become. Accordingly, the forward movement of the rotating body 1 + 11 with respect to the flange portion 21 is restricted.

  A rear end plate 26 is supported at the rear end of the central portion 23. The rear end plate 26 of the first embodiment is formed in a disc shape corresponding to the diameter of the central portion 23. Further, an inner cylinder portion 27 extending forward from the rear end plate 26 is formed inside the central portion 23. The inner cylinder part 27 of Example 1 is formed in the cylindrical shape extended in the front-back direction. Note that the diameter of the inner cylinder portion 27 of the first embodiment is formed to a diameter corresponding to the toner seal 17. Further, a ring-shaped convex portion 27 a as an example of a biting portion is formed at the front end of the inner cylinder portion 27 at a position corresponding to the toner seal 17.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, in a state where the rotating body 1 + 11 is supported by the flange portion 21, the convex portion 27 a at the front end of the inner cylinder portion 27 is in a state where it bites into the toner seal 17. Therefore, the inside of the rotating body 1 + 11 and the flange portion 21 is sealed between the convex portion 27 a and the toner seal 17, and leakage of the developer accommodated inside the toner cartridge TC is prevented. In addition, a discharge path 28 extending downward is provided at the rear end of the central portion 23 at a position below the peripheral surface. A discharge port 29 as an example of an outlet is formed at the lower end of the discharge path 28.

  A shutter 31 as an example of an opening / closing member is supported below the discharge path 28 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The shutter 31 moves between an open position where the discharge port 29 is opened and a closed position where the discharge port 29 is closed as the toner cartridge TC is inserted and removed. As the configuration for moving the shutter 31 with the insertion / extraction of the toner cartridge TC, various conventionally known configurations such as, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-229938 can be adopted, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the rear portion 24 of the first embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction, and has an outer diameter that is smaller than the front portion 22 and the central portion 23. 3 and 4, the rear end portion of the rear portion 24 is provided with a support portion 41 of a storage member as an example of a contacted portion at the position of the upper surface of the outer periphery. It is formed to be supportable. Note that information regarding the toner cartridge TC, such as whether or not the developer contained in the toner cartridge TC is empty, is stored in the memory substrate of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 5, an opening 42 extending from the rear end to the rear end plate 26 is formed in the rear portion 24 along the axial direction of the rotating body 1 + 11. In the first exemplary embodiment, when the toner cartridge TC is attached to the printer body U1, a drive transmission coupling (not shown) supported by the printer body U1 can pass through the opening 42 as an example of a drive transmission member. It is configured.

  Further, a shaft portion 52 of a coupling 51 as an example of a driven transmission member passes through a central portion in the radial direction of the rear end plate 26. Therefore, the coupling 51 is configured to be rotatable at the shaft portion 52 with respect to the rear end plate 26. The front portion of the shaft portion 52 of the coupling 51 is supported by the fin shaft portion 16a. Further, the coupling 51 has a coupling main body 53 as an example of a main body of the driven transmission member at a position behind the rear end plate 26. When the toner cartridge TC is mounted on the printer main body U1, the coupling main body 53 according to the first exemplary embodiment meshes with the drive transmission coupling, and the driving is transmitted. Therefore, in the configuration of the first embodiment, when the drive is transmitted to the coupling 51, the rotating body 1 +11 rotates with respect to the flange portion 21.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the printer U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, in a state where the toner cartridge TC is mounted on the printer main body U1, when the drive is transmitted to the coupling 51 according to the consumption of the developer, the rotating body 1 + 11 rotates. To do. When the bottle 1 rotates, the developer is conveyed backward along the spiral groove 2. Further, the developer conveyed rearward as the bottle 1 rotates is replenished to the toner replenishing device TH1 through the discharge port 29. In the configuration of the first embodiment, the fin body 16 also rotates when the bottle 1 rotates. Therefore, the developer is conveyed by the vibration during the transportation of the toner cartridge TC and the rotation of the bottle 1, and the developer that has become dense and solid in the vicinity of the discharge port 29 is broken or loosened.

  Further, in the toner cartridge TC according to the first exemplary embodiment, when the fin member 11 is accommodated in the flange portion 21, the ring-shaped concave groove 12 b formed in the cylindrical portion 12 is hooked on the front portion 22. The claw portion 25b of the portion 25 is fitted. Therefore, in a state where the claw portion 25 b is fitted in the concave groove 12 b, the rotating body 1 +11 is rotatably supported with respect to the flange portion 21, and the dropping of the rotating body 1 +11 is restricted with respect to the flange portion 21. In the toner cartridge TC according to the first exemplary embodiment, the male screw 4 of the bottle 1 and the female screw 12a of the fin member 11 are engaged with each other, and the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 are connected.

  Here, the elastic coefficient of the material constituting the bottle 1 or the fin member 11 may change depending on the environmental temperature where the toner cartridge TC is placed, and the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 may be softened. . Furthermore, when the toner cartridge TC is transported for movement or shipment in a warehouse, the bottle 1 or the fin member 11 may be rattled due to vibration or impact during transportation. When vibration is applied in a state where the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 are softened, a gap is widened between the male screw 4 and the female screw 12a, and the fin member 11 rotates relative to the bottle 1 in a direction in which the fastening is loosened. It may be easy to do. If such a situation continues for a long time, in the worst case, the engagement between the female screw 12a and the male screw 4 is released, and there is a problem that the fin member 11 falls off the bottle 1.

  Further, when the driving of the toner cartridge TC is started, when the driving is transmitted corresponding to the fin member 11, there may be a momentary difference in rotation with the stopped bottle 1. In addition, even when driving is stopped, there may be a difference in rotation between the fin member 11 that has started decelerating and the bottle 1. When the fin member 11 and the bottle 1 rotate in the direction in which the fastening is loosened, the meshing between the female screw 12a and the male screw 4 is released, and the fin member 11 may drop off from the bottle 1.

On the other hand, in the toner cartridge TC of the first embodiment, when the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 are connected, the restricting portion 14b of the claw portion 14 is disposed in front of the convex portion 6. From this state, when the fin member 11 rotates relative to the bottle 1 in the direction in which the fastening is loosened, the fin member 11 moves relative to the bottle 1 in a direction away from the bottle 1. At this time, the restricting portion 14b comes into contact with the convex portion 6, and the movement of the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 in the separating direction is restricted.
Therefore, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the separation between the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 is restricted by the restriction portion 14 b and the convex portion 6, and the separation between the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 is restricted.

Here, in the configuration of the conventional toner bottle described in Patent Document 1, a loosening prevention protrusion (236) is provided at the tip of the inner peripheral surface of the gear portion (230), and the cylindrical container (202 ) Is provided with a protrusion (210) at a position corresponding to the loosening prevention protrusion (236). Therefore, when the gear part (230) and the cylindrical container (202) rotate relatively in the direction in which the fastening is loosened, the protrusion (210) comes into contact with the looseness prevention protrusion (236), and the fastening is moved in the loosening direction. Is regulated.
However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the protrusion (210) is assembled over the loosening prevention protrusion (236) when the toner bottle is assembled, and the protrusion (210) and the looseness prevention protrusion (236) are assembled during assembly. Easy to wear. On the other hand, in the configuration of the first embodiment, when the toner cartridge TC is assembled, the restricting portion 14b can be elastically deformed outwardly before the flange portion 21 is attached. Wear due to contact with the convex portion 6 is reduced as compared with the configuration described in Patent Document 1.
Further, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the slack prevention protrusion (236) directly receives the circumferential force to be released when the toner bottle rotates, and the slack prevention protrusion (236) is easily broken. On the other hand, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the restricting portion 14b and the convex portion 6 are in contact with each other in the axial direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction, and are rubbed in the shearing direction. Is hard to reach.
Therefore, compared with the structure which restrict | limits the relative rotation of the gear part (230) and cylindrical container (202) which were described in patent document 1, in Example 1, the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 in a rotating shaft direction are used. Can be further prevented.

Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when the cylindrical container (202) and the gear portion (230) are rotated relative to each other, the protrusion (210) and the loosening prevention protrusion (236) contact each other in the rotation direction. On the other hand, positional accuracy is required, and the protrusion (210) and the loosening prevention protrusion (236) relatively move in the axial direction when the toner bottle rotates, so that positional accuracy is also required in the axial direction. Become.
On the other hand, in the configuration of the first embodiment, it is sufficient to ensure the accuracy of the convex portion 6 and the regulating portion 14b with respect to the axial direction, which is the direction in which the fin member 11 is separated from the bottle 1.

Here, when the fin member 11 is connected to the bottle 1, the male screw 4 and the female screw 12 a are tightened to the end when the convex portion 6 and the restricting portion 14 b are in contact with each other. Sometimes, in order for the convex portion 6 and the restricting portion 14b to come into contact with each other, high accuracy is required for the position of the convex portion 6 and the length of the claw portion 14 with respect to the axial direction.
On the other hand, in the structure of Example 1, when the fin member 11 is connected with the bottle 1, the control part 14b is in a state where a gap is left between the convex part 6 with respect to the axial direction. Has been placed. In the configuration of the first embodiment, when the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 are relatively moved in the separating direction, before the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 are completely detached, the convex portion 6 and the restricting portion 14b. It is sufficient to secure a positional accuracy that can be contacted with each other.

Further, if the stopper 13 or the convex portion 6 is simply provided outside and the stopper 13 or the convex portion 6 is exposed to the outside, the printer U may be mistaken for the replacement operation of the toner cartridge. The stopper 13 may come into contact with the printer U and the stopper 13 may be damaged.
On the other hand, in the toner cartridge TC of Example 1, the outer side of the stopper 13 and the convex portion 6 is covered with the flange portion 21. Therefore, compared with the configuration of the toner cartridge in which the outside of the stopper 13 is exposed, the configuration of the first embodiment can reduce the contact of the stopper 13 with the printer U when the toner cartridge TC is replaced. Therefore, damage to the stopper 13 is reduced, and separation between the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 is reduced.

Further, if the outer side of the stopper 13 is not covered with the flange portion 21, when the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 move in the direction in which they are removed, the stopper 13 is pushed outward in the radial direction and may be detached from the convex portion 6. There is.
In the configuration of the first embodiment, the outer side of the stopper 13 is covered with the flange portion 21, and even when the stopper 13 is pushed outward in the radial direction, the stopper 13 comes into contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 21 and stops. Therefore, compared with the case where the stopper 13 is exposed to the outside, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the stopper 13 is less likely to be detached from the convex portion 6 by the flange portion 21, and the dropout of the fin member 11 with respect to the bottle 1 can be reduced. Is possible. In the configuration of the first embodiment, when the fin member 11 is connected to the bottle 1 and disassembled, the stopper 13 can be moved radially outward by removing the flange portion 21 from the toner cartridge TC. . Therefore, it is possible to disassemble and connect the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 when the toner cartridge TC is disassembled while reducing the disassembly of the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 when the toner cartridge TC is used.

Further, if the rotating body 1 + 11 is accommodated in the flange portion 21, in the configuration in which the inner surface of the flange portion 21 and the stopper 13 are in contact with each other, the inner surface of the flange portion 21 and the stopper 13 are rotated with the rotation of the fin member 11. May be rubbed and noise such as an impact sound at the time of contact may be generated.
On the other hand, in the configuration of the first embodiment, when the rotating body 1 + 11 is accommodated in the flange portion 21, the stopper 13 is disposed with a gap with respect to the inner surface of the flange portion 21. Therefore, when the fin member 11 rotates, contact between the inner surface of the flange portion 21 and the stopper 13 is avoided. Therefore, compared with the case where the inner surface of the flange portion 21 and the stopper 13 are in contact, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the contact between the inner surface of the flange portion 21 and the stopper 13 is reduced. Noise can be reduced.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is made in the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. Is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H08) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the printer as an example of the image forming apparatus is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a FAX.

(H02) In the above embodiment, the male screw 4 as an example of the connected portion and an example of the fastened portion is engaged with the female screw 12a as an example of the connected portion and the fastening portion, Although the structure which connects the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 was illustrated, it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to connect the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 by fitting the connected portion in which the screw groove is not formed and the connecting portion.
(H03) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the coupling 51 for driving the bottle 1 is provided at the rear end is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to form a coupling shape at the front end of the bottle 1 or to form a gear on the outer peripheral surface of the bottle 1 to rotate the bottle 1.

(H04) In the embodiment described above, the bottle 1 is provided with an annular and collar-shaped convex portion 6 as an example of an engaged portion, and the fin member 11 is provided with a restricting portion 14b as an example of an engaging portion. Although the structure which regulates the space | interval with the fin member 11 was illustrated, it is not limited to this. Design and specifications such as a configuration in which the separation between the bottle 1 and the fin member 11 is regulated by, for example, a pair of magnets, a hook or a plate or hole for fastening the hook as an example of a fastening rod as the engaging portion or the engaged portion It can be changed as appropriate.

(H05) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the convex portion 6 is disposed on the bottle 1 side and the stopper 13 is disposed on the fin member 11 side is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the stopper 13 is disposed on the bottle 1 side. And the structure which arrange | positions the convex part 6 to the fin member 11 side is also possible.
(H06) In the above embodiment, the male screw 4 as an example of the connected portion is provided on the bottle 1 side and the female screw 12a as an example of the connecting portion is provided on the fin member 11 side. However, a configuration in which the female screw 12a is provided on the bottle 1 side and the male screw 4 is provided on the fin member 11 side is also possible.

(H07) In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the inner surface of the flange portion 21 and the stopper 13 are not in contact with each other when the rotating body 1 + 11 is accommodated inside the flange portion 21, but this is not limitative. For example, the flange portion 21 and the stopper 13 are in contact with each other while reducing the frictional force between the inner surface of the flange portion 21 and the stopper 13 such as by attaching or applying a low friction member such as a fluororesin to the outer surface of the stopper 13. Configuration is also possible.
(H08) In the above-described embodiments, the exemplified specific materials and the like can be appropriately changed according to the design, specifications, and the like.

1 ... Housing member,
1 + 11 ... Rotating body,
2 ... conveying section,
4 ... Connected part, Fastened part,
6 ... engaged portion,
11 ... Breaking member,
12a ... connecting part, fastening part,
13 ... engaging part,
21 ... discharge member,
22 ... the cover,
29 ... discharge port,
F: Fixing device,
G: Developing device,
Rt ... transfer device,
S ... medium
TC: Container for developer,
U: Image forming apparatus,
U1... Main body of the image forming apparatus.

Claims (4)

The developer is housed therein, and has a housing member formed on the inner surface with a transport portion for transporting the developer during rotation, and a collapsing member that collapses the internal developer during rotation. A rotating body that rotates, and
A discharge member having a discharge port through which the developer conveyed from the housing member is discharged, and rotatably supporting the rotating body;
A connected portion provided in the housing member;
A connecting portion that is provided on the breaking member and connected to the connected portion, and connects the housing member and the breaking member;
An engaged portion provided on one outer surface of the housing member and the breaking member;
Provided on the other outer surface of the housing member and the breaking member and extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body toward the engaged portion, the connection between the housing member and the breaking member is released An engagement portion that engages with the engaged portion in case to prevent the release of the connection between the housing member and the breaking member;
A developer container, comprising: When the accommodating member and the breaking member are connected, the engaged member is separated from the engaged portion and moved in a direction in which the connection between the accommodating member and the breaking member is released. The engaging part in contact with the part,
The developer container according to claim 1, further comprising: The engagement portion capable of releasing engagement with the engaged portion when elastically deforming toward the radially outer side of the rotating body;
The discharge member having a cover portion that covers the outside of the engaging portion and the engaged portion when the rotating body is rotatably supported, and has an inner surface disposed close to the engaging portion. When,
The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the developer container is provided. A rotating image carrier;
A developing device that develops the latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring a visible image of the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for fixing the visible image transferred to the medium;
The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a developer to be replenished to the developing device is accommodated and detachably supported with respect to a main body of the image forming apparatus.
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images