JP6570704B1 - Developer supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration in which the degree of interference with a lock member can be easily adjusted so that rotation of a developer supply container is not hindered when the lock member is switched. When a developer supply container is rotated from a supply position in a direction opposite to the setting direction, a moving portion 7c of a lock member 7 is brought into contact with a torsion coil spring 21 and moved from a second position to a first position. . When the developer supply container is rotated from the attachment / detachment position in the setting direction, the torsion coil spring 21 is retracted even when the moving part 7c of the lock member 7 comes into contact, and the moving part 7c is maintained at the first position. Thus, even if the operator rotates the developer supply container set at the supply position in the direction opposite to the setting direction and returns the developer supply container to the mounting position without removing it from the developer receiving device, the lock member 7 Is switched from the inoperative position to the activated position. That is, the developer supply container can be set at the supply position. If the torsion coil spring 21 is used, it is easy to adjust the degree of interference with the lock member 7. [Selection] Figure 26

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer supply system including a detachable developer supply container and a developer receiving device that rotatably supports the developer supply container between an attachment position and a supply position.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a developer such as fine powder toner is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine. In such an image forming apparatus, the developer consumed by the image formation is supplemented from the developer supply system. The developer supply system includes a developer supply container that contains a developer, and a developer receiving device that can attach and detach the developer supply container. The developer supply container is manually inserted into the attachment / detachment position by an operator into a developer receiving device provided in the image forming apparatus. Then, as a developer receiving device, the developer supply container is automatically rotated in a predetermined direction after insertion, whereby the developer supply container mounted at the mounting position (connection position) is automatically rotated, so that the developer supply container is A configuration has been proposed in which a replenishment position where replenishment is possible is set (Patent Document 1).

  Automatic rotation of the developer supply container is realized by using a rotating body that can rotate integrally with a discharge means provided in the developer supply container in order to discharge the developer to the outside. Further, the developer supply container is provided with a lock member that can be switched between an operation position that suppresses relative rotation between the container main body and the rotating body and a non-operation position that does not suppress relative rotation between the container main body and the rotating body. ing. When the lock member is in the operating position, the rotating body is in a locked state, and when the rotating body is rotated by an external rotational driving force, the container body rotates integrally. In the developer supply container after insertion and after mounting, the lock member is in the operating position. Then, the lock member is switched from the operating position to the non-operating position in accordance with the setting of the developer supply container to the supply position. Therefore, after the developer supply container is set to the supply position, the rotating body and the discharging means are rotated by the external rotational driving force. That is, the rotating body rotates relative to the container body.

Japanese Patent No. 4898501

  By the way, after the developer supply container is set to the supply position, the operator rotates the developer supply container from the supply position in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction for some reason such as jam processing, and then removes the developer supply container. And may return to the mounting position. In such a case, if the developer replenishing container is not automatically rotated while the lock member remains in the non-operating position, the developer replenishing container is not set to the replenishing position. There is a possibility that the discharged developer is not properly supplied. In order to prevent this, conventionally, when the developer supply container is rotated from the supply position to the direction opposite to the predetermined direction on the outer peripheral side of the developer receiving device, the lock member in the non-operating position interferes with the operating position. The guide part for switching to is formed. However, in the case of the configuration in which the conventional guide portion is formed, it is difficult to form the guide portion by adjusting the interference with the lock member so as not to hinder the rotation of the developer supply container.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is configured to automatically rotate the developer supply container and set the developer supply container at a supply position where the developer can be supplied, so that the rotation of the developer supply container is not hindered. An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that allows easy adjustment of interference.

  The developer supply system according to the present invention includes a developer supply container having a container main body for storing the developer, a detachable position where the developer supply container can be attached and detached, and a supply capable of supplying the developer from the developer supply container. And a developer receiving device that supports the developer supply container in a rotatable manner with respect to a position, and is provided in the developer supply container and supported relative to the container body so as to be relatively rotatable. A rotating body that is provided on the developer supply container and is movable to a first position and a second position. When the moving part is located at the first position, A restraining means that restrains relative rotation of the rotating body and does not restrain relative rotation of the container body and the rotating body when the moving part is located at the second position; Relative rotation with the main body Drive transmission means for rotating the developer supply container in a predetermined direction and setting it to the supply position by transmitting to the suppressed rotating body, and in a state where the developer supply container is set to the supply position The rotational driving force is transmitted to the rotating body by the drive transmitting means, so that the moving portion is moved from the first position to the second position, and the rotating body and the container body by the suppressing means are moved. Release means for releasing the suppression of relative rotation with the developer receiving device, and when the developer replenishing container at the first position rotates the developer supply container in the predetermined direction. When the moving part is allowed to pass while maintaining the first position and the moving part rotates the developer supply container in the second position in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the moving part comes into contact with the moving part. The moving part It is moved to said first position from said second position, thereby inhibiting the relative rotation between said rotary member and said container body to said suppressing means comprises an elastically deformable elastic member, characterized in that.

  According to the present invention, the developer replenishing container is automatically rotated to be set at a replenishment position where the developer can be replenished, and it is easy to adjust the degree of interference with the suppressing means so as not to hinder the rotation of the developer replenishing container. Become.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a developing device. 2A and 2B show a developer receiving device, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view seen from the left side, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view seen from the right side. The front view which looked at the developer acceptance apparatus from the insertion direction back side. The enlarged view which shows a guide member. It is a figure explaining a developer receiving apparatus, (a) is at the time of sealing of a developer receiving port, (b) shows at the time of opening of a developer receiving port. The developer supply container is shown, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a sectional view. The developer supply container is shown, (a) is a front view, and (b) is an enlarged view. The perspective view which shows a 2nd gear. The torque generation part of a developer supply container is shown, (a) is sectional drawing, (b) is an exploded view. The perspective view which shows a locking member. It is a figure explaining a locking member, (a) is a locked state, (b) is a non-locking state, (c) shows a tooth tip contact state. The time of insertion of a developer supply container is shown, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a sectional view. FIG. 3A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view after the developer supply container is inserted. FIG. 2A is a perspective view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the developer supply container is mounted. FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view after the developer supply container is mounted. It is a figure explaining an IC chip and a contact part, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is an enlarged view. The perspective view explaining the contact part of an IC chip. The relationship between the developer supply container and the developer receiving device is shown. (A) after installation, (b) after completion of drive connection. The relationship between the developer supply container and the developer receiving device is shown. (A) is after the end of rotation, and (b) is when unlocking. FIG. 5 is a model diagram for explaining automatic rotation of a developer supply container by a pulling force. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a case where a developer supply container is inserted while a lock member is in a non-operating position. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a guide member and a guidance | induction part, (a) at the time of an insertion start, (b) when a lock member locks, (c) shows before reaching the guide member of the insertion direction downstream. . It is a figure which shows the relationship between a guide member and a guidance | induction part, (a) reaches | attains the guide member of the insertion direction downstream side, (b) shows after passage of a guide member. The locked state of a locking member in case a developer supply container exists in a supply position is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is an enlarged view. FIG. 3A is a front view and FIG. 2B is an enlarged view showing an unlocked state of the lock member when the developer supply container is in a supply position. The lock start by the torsion coil spring in the case where the developer supply container is rotated in the opposite direction is shown, (a) is a front view, and (b) is an enlarged view. The retracted torsion coil spring is retracted after being locked when the developer supply container is rotated in the opposite direction, (a) is a front view and (b) is an enlarged view. The retracted torsion coil spring after locking is shown, (a) is an enlarged front view, and (b) is an enlarged top view. The time of insertion of a developer supply container is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is an enlarged view. The case where the developer supply container is manually rotated in a predetermined direction is shown, (a) is a front view, and (b) is an enlarged view. FIG. 3A is a front view and FIG. 2B is an enlarged view showing a developer supply container setting operation. FIG. 4A shows the retracted torsion coil spring during the setting operation, FIG.

[Image forming apparatus]
A schematic configuration of a suitable image forming apparatus using the developer receiving apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this specification, a system including a developer receiving device and a developer supply container, which will be described later, is referred to as a developer supply system.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an electrophotographic copying machine main body (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body 100”). A document 101 is placed on the document glass 102. An optical image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 by a plurality of mirrors M and lenses Ln of the optical unit 103, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 201 using a developer.

  In this embodiment, toner is used as the developer. Therefore, toner for replenishment is accommodated in a developer replenishment container described later. The developing may be performed using a developer including toner and carrier. In that case, the developer may be stored in a developer supply container together with the toner and supplied. Further, in the case of performing the development using the developer including the toner and the carrier described above, the carrier may be stored in the developer supply container and supplied.

  Reference numerals 105 to 108 denote cassettes that accommodate recording media (hereinafter referred to as “sheets”) such as paper and OHP sheets. Among the sheets S stacked in these cassettes 105 to 108, an optimum cassette is selected based on information input by the operator from the liquid crystal operation unit of the copying machine or the sheet size of the original 101.

  Then, one sheet S conveyed by the feeding / separating devices 105 </ b> A to 108 </ b> A is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the conveying unit 109, and the rotation timing of the photosensitive drum 104 and the scanning timing of the optical unit 103 are set. Transport in synchronization.

  Reference numerals 111 and 112 denote a transfer discharger and a separation discharger. Here, an image formed by the developer formed on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer discharger 111. Then, the sheet S on which the developer image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation discharger 112.

  Thereafter, the sheet S conveyed by the conveying unit 113 is fixed on the developer image on the sheet by heat and pressure in the fixing unit 114, and then passes through the discharge reversing unit 115 in the case of single-sided copying. The paper is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the roller 116. In the case of multiple copying, after being conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the refeed conveyance units 119 and 120 under the control of the flapper 118 of the discharge reversing unit 115, the same path as in the case of single-sided copying is followed. Then, it is discharged to the discharge tray 117.

  On the other hand, in the case of duplex copying, the sheet S passes through the discharge reversing unit 115 and is temporarily discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller 116. Then, after the end of the sheet S passes through the flapper 118 and is still nipped by the discharge roller 116, the flapper 118 is controlled and the discharge roller 116 is reversely rotated. It is conveyed to. Further, after this, the sheet S is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the re-feed conveyance units 119 and 120, and then discharged to the discharge tray 117 along the same path as in the case of single-sided copying.

  In the apparatus main body 100 having the above-described configuration, image forming process devices such as a developing device 201, a cleaner unit 202, and a primary charger 203 are installed around the photosensitive drum 104. The cleaner unit 202 is for removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104. The primary charger 203 is for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 in order to form a desired electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104.

[Developer]
Next, the developing device will be described. The developing device 201 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 by the optical unit 103 based on information on the document 101 with a developer. A developer supply container 1 for supplying developer to the developing device 201 is detachably provided on the apparatus main body 100 by an operator.

  Further, the developing device 201 includes a developer receiving device 10 in which the developer supply container 1 can be attached and detached, and a developing device 201a, and the developing device 201a further includes a developing roller 201b and a feeding member 201c. ing. The developer replenished from the developer replenishing container 1 is sent to the developing roller 201b by the feeding member 201c, and is supplied to the photosensitive drum 104 by the developing roller 201b. As shown in FIG. 2, the developing roller 201b is in contact with the developing roller 201b in order to prevent leakage of the developer between the developing blade 201d that regulates the amount of developer coating on the roller and the developing device 201a. An arranged leak prevention sheet 201e is provided.

[Developer receiving device]
Next, the developer receiving apparatus 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the developer receiving device 10 includes a storage portion 10 a to which the developer supply container 1 can be attached and detached, and a developer receiving port 10 b that receives the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1. Is provided. Further, the developer receiving apparatus 10 rotatably supports the developer supply container 1 inserted into the storage portion 10a. The developer discharged to the developer receiving port 10b is supplied to the developing device 201a as a supply target and used for image formation.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the developer receiving device 10 has a developer replenishment container 1 (see FIG. 7A) and a circumferential shape of the storage portion 10a. A developing device shutter 11 having a substantially semi-cylindrical surface shape is provided. The developing device shutter 11 engages with a guide portion 10c provided at the lower edge of the storage portion 10a, and is provided so as to be slidable along the circumferential direction so that the developer receiving port 10b can be opened and closed. The guide portions 10 c are formed at both edge portions of the developer receiving port 10 b that is opened by the movement of the developing device shutter 11.

  When the developer supply container 1 is not mounted in the storage portion 10a, the developer shutter 11 is brought into a position where one end is brought into contact with the stopper 10d provided in the developer receiving device 10 and the developer receiving port 10b is sealed. Yes, the developer does not flow backward from the developing unit to the storage portion 10a.

  Further, when the developing device shutter 11 is opened, the lower end of the developer receiving port 10b and the upper end of the developing device shutter 11 are precisely matched so that the developer receiving port 10b is fully opened. In order to do so, the developer receiving apparatus 10 is provided with a stopper 10e (see FIG. 15B) that defines the end position of the opening movement of the developer shutter 11. The stopper 10e also functions as a stop portion that stops the rotation of the developer supply container 1 (specifically, the container body 1a) at a position where the developer discharge port 1b faces the developer receiving port 10b. In other words, the developer supply container 1 that is engaged with the developing device shutter 11 by an opening protrusion to be described later is stopped when the opening movement of the developing device shutter 11 is stopped by the stopper 10e.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a drive for transmitting a rotational driving force from a drive motor (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100 to one end in the longitudinal direction of the storage portion 10a. A drive gear member 12 is provided as a transmission means. As will be described later (see FIGS. 7A and 7B), the drive gear member 12 generates a second rotational force in the same direction as the rotation direction of the developer supply container 1 for opening the developer shutter 11. The discharge member 4 is driven by being applied to the gear 6. Further, the drive gear member 12 is connected to the feed member 201c of the developing device 201a, the developing roller 201b, and the drive gear train (not shown) for rotating the photosensitive drum 104 shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3B to 5, the developer receiving apparatus 10 has a groove 10 h and a moving force applying means having inclined surfaces inclined with respect to the insertion direction and the removal direction of the developer supply container 1. Guide portions 10j and 10k are provided. The guide portions 10j and 10k can also be referred to as a movement force applying device, a guide device, and the like. The insertion direction of the developer supply container 1 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 1.

  The groove portion 10h is configured such that the moving portion 7c (see FIG. 8A) of the lock member 7 passes when the developer supply container 1 is inserted into and removed from the developer receiving device 10. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the guide portions 10j and 10k are provided so as to protrude toward the inside of the accommodating portion 10a of the groove portion 10h. The guide portions 10j and 10k move through the groove portion 10h when the lock portion 7b of the lock member 7 is disengaged from the hook portion 9a of the fixing member 9 (see FIG. 12B). It is set to come into contact with the portion 7c.

[Developer supply container]
Next, the developer supply container 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, the developer supply container 1 has a slit-like developer discharge extending in the longitudinal direction of the container main body 1a on the outer peripheral surface of a substantially cylindrical container main body 1a capable of containing the developer. An outlet 1b is provided.

  As will be described later, the developer discharge port 1b has a replenishment position in which the developer replenishment container 1 mounted on the developer receiving device has been rotated by a predetermined angle (the developer replenishment container setting operation that enables developer replenishment is completed) When facing the camera, it is facing almost sideways. As will be described later, the developer supply container 1 is configured to be mounted on the developer receiving device with the developer discharge port 1b facing substantially vertically upward.

  The container body 1a is required to protect the developer contained during distribution before use, and to have a certain degree of rigidity so that the developer does not leak. In this embodiment, polystyrene is used as the material. It is molded by injection molding. Note that the resin material to be used is not limited to such an example, and other materials such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin can be used.

  A first gear 5 and a second gear 6 are provided on the back side in the insertion direction of the container body 1a. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, a developer filling port 1c is provided on one end face on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction from the side on which the gears 5 and 6 are provided. The developer filling port 1c is sealed with a sealing member (not shown) after the developer filling.

  On the end surface of the container main body 1a, a handle 2 is provided as a handle member that is gripped by an operator when the developer supply container 1 is inserted and removed, as shown in FIG. The handle 2 is desired to have a certain degree of rigidity, similar to the container body 1a, and is formed by using the same material and molding method as the container body 1a. The container main body 1a and the handle 2 need only be secured with sufficient strength such that they cannot be removed during the insertion / extraction operation, such as mechanical fitting, screwing, adhesion, and fixing by welding. In the present embodiment, fixing is performed by mechanical fitting so that it can rotate with respect to an axis perpendicular to the insertion direction of the developer supply container and cannot move in the insertion direction.

[Container shutter]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the developer discharge port 1 b is closed by a container shutter 3 having a shape substantially along the outer peripheral surface of the developer supply container 1. The container shutter 3 is engaged with guide portions 1d provided on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the container. The guide portion 1d guides the sliding movement for opening and closing the container shutter 3 and prevents the container shutter 3 from being detached from the container.

  In order to prevent developer leakage from the container, it is preferable to provide a seal member (not shown) on the surface of the container shutter 3 that faces the developer discharge port 1b. Or conversely, a seal member may be provided around the developer discharge port 1b of the container body 1a. Of course, you may provide a sealing member in both the container shutter 3 and the container main body 1a. In this embodiment, the seal member is provided only on the container body 1a.

  In addition, without providing the container shutter 3 as in the present embodiment, the developer discharge port 1b is hermetically sealed by attaching a resin seal film to the container body portion around the developer discharge port 1b by a method such as heat welding. However, the sealing film may be peeled off and opened. However, in the case of this configuration, when the container in which the developer is emptied is replaced, there is a possibility that the developer slightly remaining inside the container may be scattered from the developer discharge port 1b. Therefore, it is desirable that the developer discharge port 1b be resealed by the container shutter 3 as in this embodiment. Of course, if there is a possibility that the developer may leak during distribution before the developer replenishment due to the shape of the developer discharge port 1b of the container or the developer filling amount in the container, the above-described seal film and container Both shutters 3 can be provided to ensure a stronger sealing performance.

[Discharge member]
In the container main body 1a (inside the container main body), a discharge member 4 is provided as discharge means for discharging the developer from the developer discharge port 1b to the outside and supplying the developer to the supply target (here, the developing device 201a). It has been. The discharge member 4 is rotatably provided so as to convey the developer in the container body 1a while stirring. As shown in FIG.7 (b), the discharge member 4 is mainly comprised by the stirring shaft 4a and the stirring blade 4b.

  One end of the stirring shaft 4a in the longitudinal direction is rotatably provided on the container main body 1a and is provided so as to be substantially unable to move in the rotational axis direction. On the other hand, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the stirring shaft 4a is connected to the first gear 5 so as to be rotatable integrally therewith. Specifically, in the container main body 1a, the shaft portion of the first gear 5 and the other end of the agitation shaft 4a are locked to connect them. In order to prevent the developer from leaking out of the container from around the shaft portion of the first gear 5, a seal member is provided around the shaft portion.

  Note that the first gear 5 and the stirring shaft 4a are not directly connected to each other as described above, but can be indirectly connected to each other via a certain member.

  It is preferable that the agitation shaft 4a has such a rigidity that the developer in the container can be agitated and conveyed to the developing device side even if the developer is solidified. And it is preferable that the stirring shaft 4a makes sliding resistance with the container main body 1a as small as possible. From this point of view, in the present embodiment, polystyrene is used as the material of the stirring shaft 4a. Of course, other materials such as polyacetal are not limited to such materials.

  The agitation blade 4b is fixed to the agitation shaft 4a, and is for conveying the developer in the container toward the developer discharge port 1b while agitating the developer in the container as the agitation shaft 4a rotates. Further, the stirring blade 4b has an overhanging length so that it can slide appropriately with the inner surface of the container in order to reduce the amount of developer remaining in the container.

  Further, the tip edge of the stirring blade 4b is provided so as to be inclined in an approximately L shape ("A" part in FIG. 7B), and the developer is exploited using the rotation delay of this "A" part. Is also transported in the longitudinal direction of the container toward the developer discharge port 1b. In the present embodiment, the stirring blade 4b is formed of a polyester sheet. Of course, other materials may be used as long as they are flexible resin sheets.

[Developer shutter opening / closing mechanism]
Next, a mechanism for opening and closing the developing device shutter 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8A, an opening protrusion 1e and a sealing protrusion 1f are provided on the peripheral surface of the container body 1a as interlocking portions for opening and closing the developing device shutter 11 (see FIG. 6A). It has been. The unsealing protrusion 1e pushes down the developing device shutter 11 and develops it during the setting operation (the operation of automatically rotating the developer supply container 1 toward the supply position) after the operator places the developer supply container 1 in the installation position. The agent receiving port 10b (see FIG. 7A) is opened. The sealing protrusion 1f is used when the developer takes out the developer supply container 1 (operation for rotating the developer supply container 1 in the opposite direction from the supply position to the attachable / detachable position via the attachment position). The shutter 11 is pushed up to seal the developer receiving port 10b.

  Thus, in order to link the opening / closing movement of the developer shutter 11 with the rotation operation of the developer supply container 1, the opening protrusion 1e and the sealing protrusion 1f are installed in the container so as to be in the following positions. That is, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 10, the unsealing protrusion 1e is located upstream with respect to the rotation direction when the developing device shutter 11 is unsealed, and the sealing protrusion 1f is located downstream. ing.

  In the present embodiment, the attachment / detachment position is a position that allows insertion / extraction of the developer supply container 1 with respect to the developer receiving apparatus 10. The replenishment position is a position where the developer can be replenished from the developer replenishment container 1. Further, the mounting position is a position where the developer supply container 1 is rotated to the supply position side by a predetermined angle from the attachment / detachment position, and a drive gear member 12 and a second gear 6 which will be described later are engaged and connected. Position. When the developer supply container 1 is rotated from the attachment / detachment position to the supply position side, insertion / extraction of the developer supply container 1 with respect to the developer receiving device 10 is restricted. That is, the developer supply container 1 at the mounting position or the supply position cannot be taken out from the developer receiving device 10.

  Next, a configuration for transmitting the rotational driving force received from the developer receiving apparatus 10 to the discharge member 4 will be described. The developer receiving device 10 is provided with a drive gear member 12 as drive transmission means for applying a rotational force to the discharge member 4 of the developer supply container. On the other hand, the developer supply container 1 is provided with a rotating body that is drivingly connected to the driving gear member 12 and transmits the rotational driving force received from the driving gear member 12 to the discharge member 4. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the rotating body is a gear train (first gear 5 and second gear 6), and the shaft portion of each gear is installed on the end face of the developer supply container.

  In the present embodiment, after the developer supply container 1 is inserted, the rotating body and the drive gear member 12 are before the operator manually rotates the developer supply container 1 by a predetermined angle by the handle 2 and rotates it to the attachment / detachment position. Are located at positions separated from each other in the circumferential direction without driving connection. Thereafter, the developer supply container 1 is rotated by a handle 2 in a predetermined angle and in a predetermined direction and moved to a mounting position (connection position), whereby the rotating body and the drive gear member 12 face each other and are connected to each other. (Details are in the engaged state).

  Specifically, the first gear 5 serving as the driving force transmitting means connected to the discharge member 4 can rotate around the rotation center of the developer supply container on one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the container main body 1a. (Fig. 7 (b)). The first gear 5 can rotate coaxially with the discharge member 4. The rotation center of the first gear 5 is attached so as to substantially coincide with the rotation center of the container when the developer supply container 1 is rotated by a predetermined angle during the setting operation.

  Further, the second gear 6 is pivotally supported by the container so as to be rotatable around a position eccentric from the rotation center of the developer supply container (FIG. 8A). The second gear 6 is provided so as to be drivably coupled to the drive gear member 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10 and receives a rotational driving force from the drive gear member 12. The second gear 6 is engaged with the drive gear member 12 that applies a rotational force in a direction opposite to the rotation direction (setting direction) during the setting operation of the container main body 1a, and thereby the container gear 1a is set during the setting operation. It is set as the structure rotated in the same direction as this. As shown in FIG. 9, the second gear 6 has a stepped gear configuration for transmitting the rotational driving force to the first gear 5, and the third gear 6 that is drivingly connected to the first gear 5. 'Is provided. The rotation direction during the setting operation of the container main body 1a is the same as the rotation direction for opening the developing device shutter 11.

  As described above, when the rotational driving force is input from the driving gear member 12 to the second gear 6, the third gear 6 ′ and the first gear 5 that are in a driving connection relationship with the second gear 6 rotate. Accordingly, the discharge member 4 inside the container body 1a rotates.

  The second gear 6 is at a position away from the drive gear member 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10 in the circumferential direction when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving apparatus 10 (see FIG. 14A). . When the operator rotates the developer supply container 1 in this state, the second gear 6 is in a drivingly connected state with the driving gear member 12 (see FIG. 16A). At this time, the developer discharge port 1b is not in communication with the developer receiving port 10b (the developer shutter 11 is closed). Thereafter, as described later, driving is input to the driving gear member 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10.

  Thus, the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12 are adjusted by adjusting the circumferential position of the second gear 6 with respect to the developer supply container 1 (opening protrusion 1e and developer discharge port 1b). The drive connection start is set to be performed at the timing described above. For this reason, the second gear 6 is arranged so that the rotation center differs from that of the first gear 5.

  In the present embodiment, since the container has a hollow cylindrical shape, the rotation center of the discharge member 4 and the rotation center of the container main body coincide (substantially coincide), and the first gear directly connected to the discharge member 4 The rotation center of 5 coincides (substantially coincides) with the rotation center of the container body 1a. On the other hand, the second gear 6 has a rotation center different from that of the first gear 5 and revolves with respect to the rotation center of the container main body 1 a as the developer supply container 1 rotates, so that the developer receiving device 10. The drive gear member 12 is connected. Therefore, the rotation center of the second gear 6 is different from the rotation center of the container body 1a. It is desirable that the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 have a function of sufficiently transmitting the drive from the developer receiving apparatus 10. In this embodiment, polyacetal is used as the material, and injection molding is performed. Gears.

[Lock member]
The developer supply container 1 of the present embodiment is configured to automatically rotate in the set direction (predetermined direction) by the rotational driving force from the drive gear member 12. The developer supply container 1 is rotated relative to the developer supply container 1 so that the developer supply container 1 can automatically rotate in the setting direction in accordance with the rotational driving force received from the drive gear member 12. A restrainable lock member 7 is provided.

  The lock member 7 serving as a restraining means is an operating position (suppressing position) that suppresses relative rotation of the gears 5 and 6 (drive transmission means) with respect to the developer supply container 1, and retracts from the operating position and does not restrain the relative rotation. It is set as the structure which can be switched to a non-operation position (non-inhibition position). In the present embodiment, the lock member 7 is configured to automatically switch from the non-operating position to the operating position. The lock member 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 12 (c).

  In this embodiment, as a mechanism for automatically rotating the developer supply container 1 from the mounting position toward the supply position, the structure is simplified by using a rotating body that transmits a rotational driving force to the discharge member 4. ing. That is, the rotational driving force of the drive gear member 12 is converted into a pulling force that automatically rotates the developer supply container 1 toward the supply position by a torque generation mechanism using a rotating body. Specifically, the rotational load on the container main body 1a of the second gear 6 is increased by increasing the rotational load (torque) of the first gear 5 as a rotating body on the container main body 1a. That is, when drive is input from the drive gear member 12 to the second gear 6 meshed with the drive gear member 12, the second gear 6 is in a state in which relative rotation with respect to the container body 1a is suppressed. In this case, a rotational force is generated in the container main body 1a according to the drive by the drive gear member 12, and the container main body 1a is automatically rotated toward the replenishment position.

  When the developer supply container 1 (specifically, the container main body 1a) is automatically rotated, the lock member 7 is controlled so that relative rotation between the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 and the developer supply container is suppressed. Thus, the rotation suppression force is applied. In other words, the rotational load on the developer supply container 1 of the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 is greater than the force required to automatically rotate the developer supply container 1. To do so, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a ring-shaped fixing member 9 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface 5 c of the first gear 5. The fixing member 9 as the second rotating part is configured to be rotatable relative to the first gear 5 around the rotation axis of the first gear 5 as the first rotating part. On the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 9, a serrated hook portion 9 a that is engaged with the lock member 7 is provided over the entire circumference. A ring member 14 (so-called O-ring) is provided in a compressed state between the outer peripheral surface 5 c of the shaft portion of the first gear 5 and the inner peripheral surface 9 b of the fixing member 9. The ring member 14 is preferably made of an elastic material such as rubber, felt, foam, urethane rubber, elastomer, and the like. In this embodiment, silicon rubber is used. Since the ring member 14 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 5c of the first gear 5, when the fixing member 9 is rotated relative to the first gear 5, the inner peripheral surface 9b of the fixing member 9 and the compressed state are compressed. Torque is generated by sliding with the ring member 14.

  In the present embodiment, the serrated hooking portion 9a is provided on the entire circumference, but basically the hooking portion may be one place, and the hooking portion 9a may be convex or concave. . Further, as the ring member 14, a non-ring-shaped member such as a member lacking a part of the circumferential portion may be adopted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the recessed part 5b is provided on the outer peripheral surface 5c of the 1st gear 5, and the ring member 14 is engage | inserted and fixed there, the fixing method is not limited to this. For example, the ring member 14 is fixed to the fixing member 9 without being fixed to the first gear 5, and the outer peripheral surface 5c of the first gear 5 and the ring member 14 are slid to generate torque. It doesn't matter. Further, the ring member 14 and the first gear 5 may be integrated by integral molding.

  As shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the column 1h protruding from the gear installation side end face of the container body 1a in the rotation axis direction is a state in which the rotation of the fixing member 9 is suppressed (locked state). And a lock member 7 that is switched to a non-suppressed state (non-locked state). As shown in FIG. 11, the lock member 7 serving as a suppressing unit includes a released portion 7 a, a lock portion 7 b, a moving portion 7 c, and a support column 7 d. The moving part 7c is for moving the lock member 7 in the non-operating position to the operating position, and in the case of this embodiment, at least the tip is configured to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 1a. The lock member 7 of this embodiment employs a so-called flip-flop mechanism, and a spring member 8 is provided as a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the lock member 7. One end of the spring member 8 is attached to the column 1 h and the other end is attached to the column 7 d of the lock member 7. When the spring member 8 is positioned in a rotational phase (see region A shown in FIG. 8B) where the lock member 7 is in the non-actuated position, the direction of the arrow B in FIG. The locking member 7 is moved to the operating position by applying an urging force to. As will be described later, the movement of the lock member 7 in the operating position to the non-operating position is performed by a release protrusion 5 a as a release means provided in the first gear 5.

  Next, the relationship between the lock member 7 and the fixing member 9 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12A, in a state where the lock portion 7b is hooked on the catch portion 9a of the fixing member 9, the rotation of the fixing member 9 with respect to the container body 1a is restricted (the lock member 7 is in the operating position). ). In this state, when driving is input from the drive gear member 12 to the first gear 5 via the second gear 6, the ring member 14 is connected to the inner peripheral surface 9 b of the fixed member 9 and the shaft portion of the first gear 5. , The rotational load (torque) of the first gear 5 is large.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, in a state where the lock portion 7b is not hooked on the catch portion 9a of the fixing member 9, the relative rotation of the fixing member 9 with respect to the container body 1a is not restricted (the lock member 7). Is inactive position). In this state, when driving is input from the drive gear member 12 to the first gear 5 via the second gear 6, the fixed member 9 rotates integrally with the first gear 5. That is, the increase in the rotational load (torque) of the first gear 5 by the fixing member 9 and the ring member 14 is canceled, and the rotational load of the first gear 5 is sufficiently small.

  In the case of this embodiment, even if the tip of the lock portion 7b contacts the tip of the hook portion 9a of the fixing member 9 (see FIG. 12C), the biasing force of the spring member 8 against the lock member 7 , The tip of the lock portion 7b is easily hooked to the catch portion 9a of the fixing member 9. In the present embodiment, the position of the moving portion 7c when the lock portion 7b is hooked on the hook portion 9a of the fixing member 9 is referred to as a first position, and the lock portion 7b is the hook portion of the fixing member 9. The position of the moving part 7c when it is not hooked by 9a is called a first position. Therefore, when the moving part 7c is moved from the first position to the second position, the lock member 7 is switched from the operating position to the non-operating position, and when the moving part 7c is moved from the second position to the first position. The lock member 7 is switched from the non-operating position to the operating position.

(Developer supply container setting operation)
Next, the setting operation of the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 (a) to 20 (b).

  (1) The operator opens a replacement cover (not shown), and inserts the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving device 10 from the insertion direction as shown in FIG. When the developer supply container 1 is in the insertion position, as shown in FIG. 14A, the drive gear member 12 on the developer receiving apparatus 10 side and the second gear 6 on the developer supply container 1 side are separated from each other. Thus, the drive from the drive gear member 12 to the second gear 6 is not transmitted. The lock member 7 is in the operating position (see FIG. 19A).

  (2) After inserting the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the operator turns the handle 2 in the direction of arrow B, the developer supply container 1 is mounted. To be rotated. When the developer supply container 1 is in the mounting position, the drive connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 10 is performed. FIG. 16A shows a state where the developer supply container 1 is rotated by a predetermined angle by the operator. As shown in FIG. 16A, when the container main body 1a is rotated in the direction of the arrow B, the second gear 6 is rotated with respect to the rotation center of the developer supply container 1 (here, the rotation center of the discharge member 4). Revolves and engages with the drive gear member 12. Thereafter, the drive can be transmitted from the drive gear member 12 to the second gear 6. When the developer supply container 1 is in the mounting position, the developer discharge port 1b of the developer supply container 1 is substantially closed by the container shutter 3 as in the insertion position. The receiving port 10b is closed by the developing device shutter 11. That is, the developer cannot be replenished. Note that the lock member 7 is still in the operating position (see FIG. 19B).

  (3) When the operator closes the replacement cover (not shown) after the developer supply container 1 is mounted, the drive motor (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100 starts to be driven, and the developer receiving device 10 is driven from the drive motor. Driving is input to the driving gear member 12. With the input of driving to the drive gear member 12, the developer supply container 1 is automatically rotated from the mounting position to the supply position (set operation). However, the lock member 7 remains in the operating position (see FIG. 20A).

  At this time, the rotation operation of the developer supply container 1 and the opening operation of the developing device shutter 11 are performed in conjunction with each other by the opening protrusion 1e. Specifically, in the developer receiving port 10b, the developer shutter 11 is pushed down by the opening protrusion 1e of the developer supply container 1 by the rotation of the container body 1a, and slides to open (FIGS. 14B and 15). (See (b)). On the other hand, in conjunction with the opening operation of the developer shutter 11 associated with the rotation of the container main body 1a, the developer discharge port 1b also comes into contact with the engaging portion of the developer receiving device 10 and the rotation of the developer discharge port 1b is restricted. Is opened. As a result, the developer discharge port 1b exposed from the container shutter 3 is opposed to the developer receiving port 10b exposed from the developer shutter 11 and is in a state of communicating with each other (FIGS. 13B and 15B). )reference).

  Since the developing device shutter 11 stops by striking against a stopper 10e (see FIG. 15B) that defines the end position of the unsealing movement, the lower end of the developer receiving port 10b and the upper end of the developing device shutter 11 are accurately matched. The automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1 ends in conjunction with the stop of the movement of the developer shutter 11 that is connected to each other.

  In the present embodiment, the developer discharge port 1b with respect to the container main body 1a is aligned so that the developer discharge port 1b accurately matches the position of the developer receiving port 10b when the developer supply container 1 is positioned at the supply position. The installation position (circumferential direction) is adjusted.

  (4) Further, the drive input to the drive gear member 12 is continuously performed. The developer supply container 1 set at the supply position is in a state in which further rotation is prevented via the developer shutter 11. Therefore, the first gear 5 starts relative rotation against the torque generated by the torque generating mechanism described above with respect to the developer supply container 1 that does not rotate. At this time, the release protrusion 5 a provided on the first gear 5 hits the released part 7 a of the lock member 7. Further, when the rotation of the first gear 5 proceeds, the release protrusion 5a pushes up the released portion 7a, so that the hook of the lock member 7b of the lock member 7 to the hook portion 9a is released. That is, the lock member 7 is moved from the operating position to the non-operating position (see FIG. 20B). As a result of the movement of the lock member 7 to the inoperative position, the rotational load (torque) applied to the first gear 5 is released and becomes sufficiently small. Therefore, the force required to rotate the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 (including the third gear 6 ′) by the drive gear member 12 in the developer replenishment process thereafter is small. Accordingly, stable drive transmission can be performed without applying a large torque load to the drive gear member 12.

  In this embodiment, after the automatic rotation of the developer supply container 1 to match the positions of the developer discharge port 1b and the developer receiving port 10b, the first gear 5 is given with a time difference. The rotational load is released. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily align the developer discharge port 1b and the developer receiving port 10b.

  In the case of a configuration in which the rotational load (torque) applied to the rotating body is maintained as it is without being changed, there is a concern that the following problem may occur. The configuration is more preferable. For example, when the configuration is such that the rotation load is maintained without being changed, the developer discharge port 1b matches the position of the developer receiving port 10b, and the rotation of the container body 1a is completed for a long time. The torque generating mechanism is still in the first gear 5. If it does so, a load will always be applied also to the drive gear member 12 via the 2nd gear 6, and there exists a concern that the durability of the drive gear member 12, stability of drive transmission, etc. may be affected. In addition, the ring member 14 generates heat due to a long period of rotational sliding, and this heat causes the drive transmission means (gears 5 and 6) to deteriorate, or the developer in the developer supply container 1 deteriorates. There is a risk that it will end up.

  On the other hand, with the configuration of the present embodiment, the power required to drive the rotating body (first gear 5 and second gear 6) by the developer receiving device 10 can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to excessively increase the strength and durability of the drive gear series on the developer receiving device 10 side including the drive gear member 12, it is possible to contribute to the cost reduction of the developer receiving device 10. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the developer in the rotating body (the first gear 5 and the second gear 6) and the developer supply container 1 from being thermally deteriorated.

  As described above, despite the simple configuration in which driving is input from the developer receiving apparatus 10 to the rotating body of the developer supply container 1, development for properly performing the subsequent developer supply process is performed. The positioning operation of the agent supply container 1 can be automated. That is, a simple drive motor (first gear 5 and second gear 6) is used without providing a special drive motor for rotating the developer supply container 1 or a separate drive gear train. With the configuration, the developer supply container 1 can be automatically rotated to the supply position. As a result, usability can be improved, and at the same time, developer can be replenished satisfactorily.

[IC chip]
Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 17B, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip 31 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the developer supply container 1 as a recording unit. In the IC chip 31, for example, management data such as the amount of toner discharged from the developer supply container 1 and the remaining amount of toner in the developer supply container 1 is recorded as unique information.

  On the other hand, a contact portion 32 for transmitting / receiving information to / from the IC chip 31 provided in the developer supply container 1 is provided in the guide portion 10m shown in FIG. Yes. The guide portion 10m is provided to restrict movement in the rotation axis direction when the developer supply container 1 is rotated. As shown in FIG. 18, the contact portion 32 is in contact with and electrically connected to the IC chip 31 at least when the setting operation of the developer supply container 1 is completed. The contact portion 32 is connected to a control unit (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100 by an electric cable or the like. Although not shown, the control unit has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Randam Access Memory). The control unit can acquire information recorded on the IC chip 31 through the contact unit 32, and can record various information on the IC chip 31 through the contact unit 32.

  In addition, the control unit is connected to various components constituting the image forming apparatus including an image forming process device provided in the apparatus main body 100, an operation unit (not shown), a display unit, and the like so that they can be controlled. I have to. That is, the ROM stores various control programs for controlling the image forming apparatus, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM is used as a work area from which various control programs are read or as a storage area for temporarily storing various data. The CPU controls each component constituting the image forming apparatus while storing the processing result in the RAM based on a control program read from the ROM or signals sent from various sensors (not shown).

(Developer removal container removal operation)
Next, an operation of removing the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving apparatus 10 for replacement of the developer supply container 1 or for other reasons will be described.

  (1) The operator opens a replacement cover (not shown) and manually rotates the handle 2 in the direction opposite to the arrow B direction shown in FIG. 18 to rotate the developer supply container 1. As a result, the developer supply container 1 is returned from the supply position to the attachment / detachment position via the mounting position (see FIG. 13A).

  At this time, the developer receiving port 10b is resealed and moved by the developer shutter 11 being pushed up by the sealing protrusion 1f of the developer supply container 1, and the developer discharge port 1b is also rotated and re-engaged by the container shutter 3. Sealed (see FIG. 13B). Specifically, the container shutter 3 abuts against a stopper portion (not shown) of the developer receiving device 10 and is prevented from further movement. In this state, the developer supply container 1 rotates, so that the developer discharge port 1b is opened. The container shutter 3 is configured to be closed again.

  The rotation of the developer supply container 1 for resealing the developing device shutter 11 is caused by a stopper portion (not shown) provided on the guide portion 1d (see FIG. 7A) of the container shutter 3 being the container shutter 3. It is configured to stop when it hits.

  Further, the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12 are disengaged following the rotation of the developer supply container 1, and when the developer supply container 1 reaches the attachment / detachment position, the second gear 6 and The drive gear member 12 does not interfere with each other (see FIG. 14A).

  (3) Then, the operator takes out the developer supply container 1 at the attachment / detachment position from the developer receiving device 10. Thereafter, the operator replaces the developer with a new developer supply container 1 prepared in advance, and the operation at this time is the same as the above-described “setting operation of the developer supply container 1”.

(Principle of rotating developer supply container)
Here, the principle of rotating the developer supply container 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the principle that the developer supply container 1 automatically rotates by the pulling force.

  When the second gear 6 is engaged with the drive gear member 12 and receives a rotational driving force from the drive gear member 12, the shaft P of the second gear 6 rotates along with the rotation of the second gear 6. A force f is applied, and the rotational force f acts on the container body 1a. At this time, the rotational resistance force F received by the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 10 (the rotational resistance force received by the sliding of the outer peripheral surface of the developer supply container 1 with the developer receiving device 10) is larger than the rotational resistance force F. When the force f is large, the container body 1a rotates.

  Therefore, the rotational load on the developer supply container 1 of the second gear 6 caused by applying a torque generating mechanism to the first gear 5 is based on the rotational resistance force that the developer supply container 1 receives from the developer receiving device 10. It is preferable to increase the value. However, the rotational load on the developer supply container 1 of the second gear 6 after the action of the torque generating mechanism is released is at least smaller than the rotational resistance force that the developer supply container 1 receives from the developer receiving device 10. Is preferred. Such a magnitude relationship between the two forces is established during the process and the period from when the engagement between the drive gear member 12 and the second gear 6 is started to when the developing device shutter 11 is completely opened. It is desirable.

  The rotational force f measures the rotational torque of the drive gear member 12 when the drive gear member 12 engaged with the second gear 6 is rotated in the direction for opening the developing device shutter 11. Can be obtained. Specifically, a measurement shaft that rotates together with the drive gear member 12 is provided at the center of the rotation shaft of the drive gear member 12, and the rotational torque of the measurement shaft is obtained by measuring with a torque measuring instrument. it can. This rotational torque is measured with no toner in the container.

  The rotational resistance force F can be obtained by measuring the rotational torque at the rotation center of the container when the container body 1a is rotated in the developing device shutter opening direction. This measurement is performed by rotating the container body 1a from the time when the engagement of the drive gear member 12 and the second gear 6 is started until the time when the developing device shutter 11 is completely opened. Specifically, the drive gear member 12 is removed from the developer receiving apparatus 10, and a measurement shaft that rotates with the container main body 1a is provided at the rotation center of the container main body 1a, and the rotational torque of the measurement shaft is determined. It can be obtained by measuring with a torque measuring instrument.

  This will be described using a specific example. The radius of the pitch circle of each of the drive gear member 12, the second gear 6, and the first gear 5 is “a, b, c”, respectively, and the rotational torque at the shaft center of each gear is “A, B, C”, respectively. (Note that the shaft centers of the gears in FIG. 21 are also represented as A, B, and C). In addition, the driving gear member 12 and the second gear 6 are engaged with each other, and E is the force applied when retracting, and D is the resistance torque at the rotation center of the container body 1a.

  The rotation condition of the container body 1a is “rotational force f> rotational resistance force F”, and rotational resistance force F = D / (b + c), rotational force f = (c + 2b) / (c + b) × E = (c + 2b) / ( c + b) × (C / c + B / b). If so, it can be expressed as (c + 2b) / (c + b) × (C / c + B / b)> D / (b + c). When this is transformed, the expression (C / c + B / b)> D / (c + 2b) Is guided.

  From this, it is preferable to satisfy the above-mentioned “(C / c + B / b)> D / (c + 2b)” in order to reliably generate the pulling force and rotate the container body 1a. Specifically, the rotational torque C or the rotational torque B may be increased, and the resistance torque D may be decreased. That is, the container body 1a can be rotated by increasing the rotational torque of the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 directly connected to the discharge member 4 and decreasing the rotational resistance of the container body 1a.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation condition of the container body 1a is set by increasing the rotational torque C of the first gear 5 and consequently increasing the rotational torque B of the second gear 6 by the torque generation mechanism described above. Have achieved.

  It is to be noted that the rotational torque C of the first gear 5 is preferably as large as possible in consideration of reliably generating a pulling force and rotating the container body 1a. However, if the rotational torque C of the first gear 5 is too large, the power consumption of the drive motor that drives these gears becomes large, and the strength and durability of each gear must be excessively increased. Further, since it is not preferable from the viewpoint of the influence of heat generation on the developer, the optimum value is set by adjusting the amount of compression of the ring member 14 onto the inner peripheral surface 9b of the fixing member 9 and the material of the ring member 14. Is preferred.

  Further, it is preferable that the rotational resistance force (sliding resistance force between the outer peripheral surface of the developer supply container and the mounting portion of the developer receiving device 10) received by the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 10 is as small as possible. In this embodiment, from such a viewpoint, the area of the sliding portion (container outer peripheral surface) at the time of rotation of the container main body 1a is reduced, or a seal member having a good slidability is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the container. It corresponds.

  Next, the set torque of the second gear 6 will be specifically described. The torque applied to the second gear 6 takes into account the magnitude of the container rotational force (on the outer peripheral surface of the developer supply container), the diameter of the developer supply container 1, and the eccentric amount and diameter of the second gear 6. Therefore, it is preferable to set an appropriate value. Here, the rotational resistance force of the container is F ′, the diameter of the container is D ′, the eccentric amount of the second gear 6 (the distance from the rotation center of the container to the point where it is pivotally supported) is e, and the second gear. The diameter of 6 is d '. In that case, the torque of the second gear 6 satisfies the relationship “F ′ × d ′ × D ′ / (2 × (2e + d ′)”.

First, the rotational resistance force F ′ of the container varies depending on the diameter and seal area of the container and the seal configuration to be used, but a general container can have a diameter of about 30 to 200 mm. It is set within a range of 1 to 200N. The diameter d ′ of the second gear 6 is 4 to 100 mm in consideration of the diameter of the container, and the eccentricity e of the second gear 6 is about 4 to 100 mm. This is appropriately selected depending on the size of the image forming apparatus and its specifications. In a generally considered container, when the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) of the above ranges are calculated, the torque of the second gear 6 is 3.0 × 10 ^{−4 to} 18.5 N · m. .

  In the present embodiment, the torque of the second gear 6 is 0. including the variation of various members and the stirring torque (about 0.05 N · m) generated when the developer in the developer supply container 1 is stirred. It is configured to be within a range of 15 N · m to 0.34 N · m. However, since the agitation torque varies depending on the amount of developer and the agitation configuration, it may be set as appropriate.

  Further, when the lock member 7 is released after the developer replenishing container 1 is automatically rotated and the contribution of the torque generating mechanism becomes zero, the load required for driving the developer replenishing container 1 is substantially only the stirring torque. . In the present embodiment, the torque of the second gear 6 after unlocking is about 0.05 N · m, which is a stirring torque. The torque of the second gear 6 after unlocking is preferably as small as possible considering the load applied to the developer receiving device 10 and the power consumption. Further, assuming the configuration as in the present embodiment, if the contribution torque by the torque generation mechanism is greater than 0.05 N · m when the lock is released, heat is generated from the torque generation unit, and the heat accumulates and develops. The developer in the agent supply container 1 may be transmitted and affected. In view of this point, it is preferable that the contribution torque of the torque generating mechanism after unlocking is less than 0.05 N · m.

  It is also important to consider the direction of the force E generated when the second gear 6 receives a rotational force from the drive gear member 12.

  This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The rotational force f (for rotating the container main body 1a) generated in the shaft portion of the second gear 6 corresponds to a component force of the force E received by the second gear 6 from the drive gear member 12. Therefore, depending on the positional relationship when the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12 are engaged, there may be a case where the rotational force f is not generated. In the model shown in FIG. 21, the point C which is the rotation center of the container body 1a (in this model, coincides with the rotation center of the first gear 5) and the point B which is the rotation center of the second gear 6 are connected. The straight line is the reference line. An angle θ (an angle measured in a clockwise direction with the reference line being 0 °) formed by the reference line and a straight line connecting the point B and the point A that is the rotation center of the drive gear member 12 is 90 °. It is preferable to make it larger than 270 °.

  In particular, with respect to the force E generated by the engagement between the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12, the f direction component of the force E (the container at the engagement portion between the second gear 6 and the drive gear member 12). It is preferable to efficiently utilize the tangential component force of the main body 1a. Therefore, it is preferable to set the angle θ to 120 ° or more and 240 ° or less. In order to more effectively utilize the f-direction component of the force E, it is preferable to set the angle θ in the vicinity of 180 °, and this model shows an example in which the angle θ is 180 °.

  In the present embodiment, the arrangement of each gear is configured in consideration of the above points. Actually, there is a loss at the time of driving transmission of each gear, but in this model, this is omitted. Accordingly, in consideration of such a loss, various configurations of the developer supply container 1 may be set so that the developer supply container 1 is automatically rotated appropriately.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the gears are used as the first gear 5 and the second gear 6, the drive can be reliably transmitted with a simple configuration.

[First re-locking mechanism of locking member]
In the case of the above-described configuration, the lock portion 7b of the lock member 7 is detached from the catch portion 9a of the fixing member 9 for some reason before the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the developer receiving device 10. (That is, the lock member 7 is in the inoperative position). For example, even if the operator touches the lock member 7 before insertion and the lock is accidentally released, or the developer is sufficiently contained, the operator takes out the developer supply container 1 and reinserts it. It is assumed that In such a case, the developer supply container 1 is mounted at the mounting position while the lock member 7 is in the non-operating position, the above setting operation is not performed, and the developer supply container 1 is not set at the supply position. (See FIG. 22). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the developer supply container 1 is inserted and removed, the lock member 7 is moved from the non-operating position to the operating position. This will be described below.

  In the case of this embodiment, the developer receiving device 10 is provided with a relocking mechanism (guidance mechanism) in order to switch the lock member 7 from the non-operating position to the operating position when the developer supply container 1 is inserted and removed. FIG. 23A to FIG. 24B are diagrams illustrating the relock mechanism. The re-locking mechanism moves the lock member 7 to the inoperative position when the container from FIG. 23 (a) to FIG. 24 (b) is inserted and when the container from FIG. 24 (b) to FIG. To the operating position.

  Specifically, as the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the developer receiving device 10, the moving portion 7 c of the lock member 7 passes through the groove 10 h of the developer receiving device 10. At that time, the moving part 7c comes into contact with the guide part 10j, and the moving part 7c is pushed up by the inclined part of the guide part 10j (FIG. 23 (a) → (b) → (c)). By this push-up, the lock member 7 is rotated, and the lock portion 7b is hooked on the catch portion 9a of the fixed member as shown in FIG. In this way, the lock member 7 is re-locked.

  Alternatively, when the developer supply container 1 is detached from the developer receiving device 10, the lock portion 7b of the lock member 7 may come off from the catch portion 9a of the fixing member 9 for some reason (that is, the lock) Member 7 is in a non-actuated position). In view of this point, in the present embodiment, when the developer supply container 1 is detached, the lock member 7 may be moved from the non-operating position to the operating position.

  Specifically, the moving portion 7 c of the lock member 7 passes through the groove portion 10 h of the developer receiving device 10 as the developer replenishing container 1 is detached from the developer receiving device 10. At that time, the moving part 7c comes into contact with the guide part 10k, and the moving part 7c is pushed up by the inclined part of the guide part 10k (FIG. 24 (b) → (a)). By this push-up, the lock member 7 is rotated, and the lock portion 7b is hooked on the catch portion 9a of the fixed member as shown in FIG. In this way, the lock member 7 is re-locked.

  Even if the tip of the lock portion 7b contacts the tip of the hook portion 9a of the fixing member 9 (see FIG. 12C), the urging force of the spring member 8 is applied to the lock member 7 as described above. Therefore, the tip of the lock portion 7b is easily caught on the catch portion 9a of the fixing member 9.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the relocking of the lock member 7 can be reliably performed without a special operation by the operator. Therefore, since the set rotation of the developer supply container 1 can be automatically automated, the developer can be appropriately supplied by opening the developer shutter 11 and the container shutter 3.

[Second re-locking mechanism of locking member]
By the way, for example, when the apparatus is temporarily stopped due to a jam or the like during image formation, the operator opens the replacement cover and removes the jammed paper from the apparatus main body 100 in order to restore the temporarily stopped apparatus. Work may be done (jam processing). At that time, the operator can rotate the developer supply container 1 set at the supply position in the direction opposite to the setting direction. In such a case, the operator may return the developer supply container 1 to the mounting position without removing the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 10. However, since the first re-locking mechanism described above does not operate unless the operation of removing the developer supply container 1 is performed, conventionally, the lock member 7 is not moved from the non-operation position to the operation position. Was not reset to the refill position. Even if the developer supply container 1 is returned to the mounting position, if the lock member 7 is in the non-operating position, the discharge member 4 only rotates according to the drive input of the drive gear member 12, and the developer supply container 1 1 is not automatically rotated from the mounting position to the replenishment position. If this setting operation is not performed, the developer may not be properly supplied from the developer supply container 1.

  In view of this point, in this embodiment, even when the developer supply container 1 set at the supply position by the operator is rotated in the direction opposite to the setting direction, the lock member 7 is moved from the non-operating position to the operating position. And re-lockable. When the developer supply container 1 is returned to the mounting position by returning the lock member 7 to the operating position, the above-described setting operation is performed. That is, the developer supply container 1 is set at the supply position. In this embodiment, when the developer supply container 1 is rotated in the direction opposite to the setting direction from the supply position, the second re-locking mechanism that moves the lock member 7 from the non-operation position to the operation position is a developer receiving The device 10 is provided. The second relocking mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 (a) to 33 (b). FIGS. 25A and 25B show the locked state of the lock member 7 when the developer supply container 1 is in the supply position. FIGS. 26A and 26B show the developer supply container 1. Shows a non-locked state of the lock member 7 when is at the replenishment position.

  In this embodiment, when the developer supply container 1 is rotated in the direction opposite to the setting direction from the supply position, the lock member 7 in the non-operating position is switched to the operating position. A “torsion coil spring” 21 that is elastically deformable is provided.

  FIGS. 26A to 28B show how the lock member 7 moves from the non-operating position to the operating position when the developer supply container 1 is rotated in the direction opposite to the setting direction from the supply position. . The torsion coil spring 21 is connected to the moving portion 7c of the lock member 7 in the non-actuated position when the developer supply container 1 rotates in the opposite direction, so that the rear frame 20 that is a part of the developer receiving device 10 can be contacted. It is arranged. The torsion coil spring 21 relates to a predetermined direction in which the developer supply container 1 is rotated, and the position of the moving portion 7c when the developer supply container 1 is at the attachment / detachment position and the case where the developer supply container 1 is at the supply position. It arrange | positions between the positions of the moving part 7c. Therefore, as the developer supply container 1 rotates in the opposite direction, the lock member 7 comes into contact with the set-side arm portion 21a of the torsion coil spring 21, and the moving portion 7c is moved from the second position to the first position. It can be switched from a non-actuated position to an activated position.

  The torsion coil spring 21 is pressed against the moving portion 7c of the lock member 7 when the developer supply container 1 is rotated in the direction opposite to the setting direction. Pushing back and moving from the second position to the first position (FIGS. 26A and 27A). That is, when the developer supply container 1 rotates in the opposite direction, the torsion coil spring 21 does not allow the moving part 7c to pass if it is in the second position, and moves from the second position to the first position. The elastic force to be applied is applied to the moving part 7c. After the lock member 7 is switched to the operating position, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the torsion coil spring 21 is elastically deformed in the rotational axis direction of the developer supply container 1 and retracts. Therefore, the lock member 7 can pass through the torsion coil spring 21. That is, the torsion coil spring 21 is configured to be elastically deformed by contact with the moving portion 7c moved from the second position to the first position, and to pass through the moving portion 7c.

  Further, in order to re-lock the lock member 7 by the torsion coil spring 21, it is necessary to make it difficult for the torsion coil spring 21 to escape in the radial direction of the developer supply container 1 when contacting the moving portion 7c. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the back frame 20 is formed with a non-set-side retraction preventing portion 20a. When receiving a force from the moving portion 7c of the lock member 7 that moves in the opposite direction, the non-set-side retraction preventing portion 20a and the non-set-side arm portion 21b of the torsion coil spring 21 come into contact, and the set-side arm portion 21a The developer replenishment container 1 is not easily retracted in the radial direction (FIG. 29A). As shown in FIG. 29 (b), the torsion coil spring 21 has both end portions at the center side in the circumferential direction of the developer supply container 1 so as to have a set side arm portion 21a and a non-set side arm portion 21b. It is formed so as to protrude inside the developer supply container 1 from the side. However, the set side arm portion 21a and the non-set side arm portion 21b are formed so as to form an obtuse angle. By doing so, the torsion coil spring 21 can reliably move the moving part 7c from the second position to the first position, and can pass the moving part 7c after the movement.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 30A to 32B show a state in which the lock member 7 does not move from the operating position when the developer supply container 1 in the attach / detach position rotates in the setting direction. When the developer supply container 1 is rotated in the setting direction from the attachment / detachment position, the lock member 7 comes into contact with the non-setting side arm portion 21 b of the torsion coil spring 21. The set-side arm portion 21a of the torsion coil spring 21 is disposed in a state of ensuring a gap from the set-side retraction preventing portion 20b formed on the back frame 20 in a state where it is not in contact with the moving portion 7c of the lock member 7. (See FIG. 30A). For this reason, when receiving the force accompanying the set operation from the moving portion 7c, the non-set side arm portion 21b of the torsion coil spring 21 can be retracted upward. If it carries out like this, the moving part 7c can be passed so that the moving part 7c may not receive the force only to cancel | release the locked state of the locking member 7 from the torsion coil spring 21. FIG. That is, when the developer supply container 1 is rotated in the setting direction from the attachment / detachment position, the torsion coil spring 21 retracts from the path through which the moving part 7c passes without moving the moving part 7c at the first position to the second position. Are arranged to be. Accordingly, the developer supply container 1 is rotated while the lock member 7 is maintained at the suppression position.

  In the present embodiment, the torsion coil spring 21 is allowed to pass by retracting the moving part 7c upward, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 21 is smaller than the force that moves the moving part 7c from the first position to the second position (that is, shifts to the unlocked state), the moving part 7c passes through the first position. Therefore, it is not limited to retreating upward.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when the developer supply container 1 is rotated from the supply position in the direction opposite to the setting direction, the moving portion 7c of the lock member 7 is brought into contact with the torsion coil spring 21, It was made possible to move from the second position to the first position. On the other hand, when the developer supply container 1 is rotated in the setting direction from the attachment / detachment position, the torsion coil spring 21 is retracted even if the moving portion 7c of the lock member 7 comes into contact, and the moving portion 7c is moved to the first position. So that it can be maintained. From this, it is assumed that, for example, the developer rotates the developer supply container 1 set in the supply position in the direction opposite to the setting direction, and returns the developer supply container 1 as it is without removing it from the developer receiving apparatus 10. In addition, the lock member 7 is switched from the non-operating position to the operating position. Therefore, the developer supply container 1 returned to the mounting position without being removed from the developer receiving device 10 by the operator can be automatically rotated from the mounting position to the supply position by the setting operation and set. In the present embodiment using the torsion coil spring 21 described above, it is easier to adjust the degree of interference with the lock member 7 so as not to hinder the rotation of the developer supply container 1 as compared with the conventional embodiment. Further, since the above-described torsion coil spring 21 can be disposed inside the outer shape of the developer supply container 1 in the radial direction, there is an advantage that it can be attached to a narrow space of the developer supply container 1. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Developer supply container, 1a ... Container main body, 4 ... Discharge means (discharge member), 5 ... Rotating body (1st rotation part, 1st gear), 5a ... Release means (release protrusion), 7 ... Control means (Locking member), 7c ... moving part, 9 ... second rotating part (fixing member), 10 ... developer receiving device, 12 ... drive transmission means (driving gear member), 21 ... elastic member (torsion coil spring)

Claims (9)

A developer replenishing container having a container main body for containing the developer, a detachable position where the developer replenishing container can be attached and detached, and a replenishing position where the developer can be replenished from the developer replenishing container; In a developer supply system comprising a developer receiving device that supports a developer supply container,
A rotating body provided in the developer supply container and supported by the container main body so as to be relatively rotatable;
Provided in the developer supply container and having a moving part movable between a first position and a second position, and when the moving part is located at the first position, relative rotation of the container main body and the rotating body Suppression means that does not suppress relative rotation of the container body and the rotating body when the moving unit is located at the second position;
Drive transmission means for rotating the developer replenishing container in a predetermined direction and setting it to the replenishment position by transmitting a rotational driving force to the rotating body whose relative rotation with the container body is restrained by the restraining means; ,
With the developer replenishing container set at the replenishing position, the rotational transmission force is transmitted to the rotating body by the drive transmission means, so that the moving unit is moved from the first position to the second position. Releasing means for moving and releasing the suppression of relative rotation between the rotating body and the container body by the suppressing means;
When the developer replenishing container provided in the developer receiving apparatus and rotated by the moving part in the first position in the predetermined direction is allowed to pass through the moving part while maintaining the first position. When the developer supply container in which the moving portion is in the second position is rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the moving portion is brought into contact with the moving portion and the moving portion is moved from the second position to the first position. An elastic member capable of elastic deformation that is moved to a position and causes the restraining means to restrain relative rotation between the rotating body and the container body,
A developer replenishment system. The elastic member moves in the rotation direction of the developer supply container when the developer supply container is in the attachment / detachment position, and the movement when the developer supply container is in the supply position. Placed between the position of the part,
The developer replenishing system according to claim 1. The elastic member moves from the second position to the first position when the developer supply container rotates in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction and contacts the moving portion at the second position. It is configured to apply an elastic force to the moving unit.
The developer supply system according to claim 1, wherein The elastic member is elastically deformed by contact with the moving part moved from the second position to the first position by rotation of the developer supply container in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, thereby moving the moving part. Configured to pass through,
The developer replenishing system according to claim 3. The elastic member is disposed so as to be retracted from a path through which the moving portion passes when the developer supply container rotates in the predetermined direction and contacts the moving portion at the first position. Yes,
The developer replenishing system according to claim 1, wherein the developer replenishing system is provided. The elastic member is a torsion coil spring.
The developer replenishing system according to claim 1, wherein The rotating body is not drivingly connected to the drive transmission means at the attachment / detachment position, and is connected to the drive transmission means at a connection position obtained by rotating the developer supply container in the predetermined direction from the attachment / detachment position. ,
The developer replenishing container is set in the replenishing position by rotating in the predetermined direction by transmitting the rotational driving force to the rotating body by the drive transmission means at the connection position.
The developer replenishing system according to claim 1, wherein The rotating body is controlled to rotate by engaging a first rotating part that rotates when the drive of the drive transmitting means is transmitted, and the moving part engages with the suppressing means at the first position. A second rotating part that is disengaged from the restraining means and is rotatable when in the second position;
The first rotating part rotates together with the second rotating part disengaged from the restraining means, and the driving is performed in a state where the second rotating part is engaged with the restraining means and the rotation is restricted. When the rotational driving force is transmitted from the transmission means, the relative rotation with the second rotating part,
The release means is provided in the first rotating part.
The developer replenishing system according to claim 1, wherein The developer replenishing container has discharge means for discharging the developer in the container main body to the outside by rotating to replenish the developer to be replenished,
The discharging means rotates integrally with the rotating body;
The developer replenishing system according to claim 1, wherein the developer replenishing system is provided.

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