JP6972504B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction device thereof.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction device thereof, in addition to a four-color (for YMCB) image forming unit for forming a normal color image, white or transparent. It is widely known that image forming portions for special colors such as colors are arranged side by side (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Specifically, in the image forming apparatus in Patent Document 1, five photoconductor drums (image carriers) are arranged side by side so as to face the intermediate transfer belt, and latent images formed on the five photoconductor drums are respectively. Five developing devices for developing are installed. The five developing devices are a developing device for four colors (for YMCB) for forming a normal color image and a developing device for special colors such as white and transparent colors, and the corresponding photoconductor drums are used. It will form a toner image of the color corresponding to the surface of. Then, the toner images formed on the surfaces of the five photoconductor drums are superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt and primary transferred, and the further superimposed toner images (color images) are secondarily transferred to the sheet. become.

Further, in the image forming apparatus in Patent Document 1, five developer containers (toner containers) are installed corresponding to the five developing apparatus. In addition, five tubes (transport paths) for supplying the developer (toner) contained in the five developer containers to each of the five developing devices are installed.
Specifically, the developer discharged from the developer container is temporarily stored in the storage section (connecting section). A flexible tube is connected between the storage unit and the transfer pump installed in the sub hopper. Then, when the transfer pump operates, the developer stored in the storage unit is conveyed to the sub hopper via the tube. The developer transported and stored in the sub hopper is discharged from the discharge port of the sub hopper by rotationally driving the transport screw installed in the sub hopper, and is appropriately supplied to the developing apparatus. Then, the latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum is developed by a developing apparatus in which a developing agent is appropriately supplied and an appropriate amount of the developing agent is contained.

On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, when the arrangement of a plurality of developing devices is changed in order to change the order of toner colors superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt, the plurality of developing devices are connected to supply the developer. Disclosed is a technique for changing the arrangement of a plurality of tubes without changing the arrangement of the plurality of tubes or the plurality of developer containers.

In the conventional image forming apparatus, the length of the tubes is set long so that the arrangement of a plurality of tubes can be changed, so that the tubes may buckle or become entangled. If the tube is buckled or entangled in this way, the developer cannot be satisfactorily transported by the tube.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a tube is less likely to buckle or get entangled.

The image forming apparatus in the present invention includes a plurality of developing devices for developing latent images formed on a plurality of image carriers, a plurality of developing agent containers each containing a developing agent, and the plurality of developing agent containers. A plurality of tubes directly or indirectly connected to each of the plurality of developing devices, respectively, and a part of at least one of the plurality of tubes can be wound up. It is provided with a tube accommodating portion configured in.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the tube is less likely to buckle or get entangled.

It is an overall block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the neighborhood of a process cartridge. It is an overall block diagram which shows the developer supply apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the transfer pump and a sub hopper. (A) A schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each member when the toner image is first transferred in the order of spot color, color color, and black from the upstream side in the traveling direction with respect to the intermediate transfer belt, and (B) with respect to the intermediate transfer belt. It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each member at the time of primary transfer of a toner image in the order of black, color color, and spot color from the upstream side in the traveling direction. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the tube accommodating part. In the tube accommodating portion, (A) a diagram showing a state in which the tube is largely wound up, and (B) a diagram showing a state in which the tube is wound up in a small size. As a comparative example, when the tube accommodating portion is not installed, (A) each member for primary transfer of a toner image in the order of spot color, color color, and black from the upstream side in the traveling direction with respect to the intermediate transfer belt. A schematic diagram showing the arrangement and (B) a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each member when the toner image is first transferred in the order of black, color color, and spot color from the upstream side in the traveling direction with respect to the intermediate transfer belt. be. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the tube accommodating part as a modification 1. FIG. As the second modification, there are a diagram showing a state in which a large amount of the tube is wound up in the tube accommodating portion, and a diagram showing a state in which a small amount of the tube is wound up in the tube accommodating portion. It is a schematic diagram which shows the main part of the tube accommodating part in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description thereof will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

First, FIGS. 1 and 2 will explain the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 100.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a printer as an image forming apparatus, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a vicinity of the process cartridge 6Y.
As shown in FIG. 1, toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, and 32S, which are five different types of substantially tubular developer containers, can be attached to and detached from the upper one end side of the image forming apparatus main body 100. The installed developer replenishing devices 90Y, 90M, 90C, 90K, 90S (toner replenishing devices) are installed side by side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C (developer replenisher 90Y, 90M, 90C) corresponding to the three colors (yellow, magenta, and cyan) for color are the most on the left. From the left, yellow, magenta, and cyan are installed in this order. A toner container 32K (developer replenisher 90K) corresponding to black color is installed on the right side thereof, and a toner container 32S (developer agent replenishment device 90S) corresponding to the spot color is installed on the rightmost side. ing.
In particular, the toner container 32S corresponding to the spot color is often replaced with another type of toner container 32S for the spot color according to the user's application before all the toner contained therein is consumed. Since the replacement frequency is higher than that of other toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, it is arranged at the rightmost position where the replacement work is easy.
Then, in the present embodiment, the order (arrangement) of each of the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S and the developer replenishing device 90Y, 90M, 90C, 90K, 90S is variable. It is set not to be done.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and the like, the black developer replenishing device 90K uses a black toner (developer) contained in a black toner container 32K (developer container) as a black developer. It is for replenishing 5Y.
Further, the three color developer replenishing devices 90Y, 90M, and 90C are the color (yellow, magenta, and cyan) toners (yellow, magenta, and cyan) contained in the color toner containers 32Y, 32M, and 32C (developer containers), respectively. The developer) is to be replenished to the color developing devices 5Y, 5M, and 5C, respectively.
Further, the spot color developer replenishing device 90S is for replenishing the spot color toner (developer) contained in the spot color toner container 32S (developer container) to the spot color developer 5S. ..

Known black toners, color toners (yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner), and special toners can be used.
In particular, special toners are different from black toners and color toners, and are known clear toners (transparent toners, colorless toners, achromatic toners, no pigment toners, etc.), white toners, and white toners, which are known according to the user's application. Gold toner, silver toner and the like can be used.

With reference to FIG. 1, five exposure units 7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K, and 7S are installed on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 1, respectively, and each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and spot color) is installed below the exposure units 7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K, and 7S, respectively. ) Corresponding process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, 6S (developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S) are arranged side by side so as to face the intermediate transfer belt unit 15 (intermediate transfer belt 8). There is.
As shown in FIG. 1, the basic order (arrangement) of the five process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, 6S (developing apparatus 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S) is the running of the intermediate transfer belt 8. From the upstream side in the direction, the special color process cartridge 6S (developer 5S), the yellow process cartridge 6Y (developer 5Y), the magenta process cartridge 6M (developer 5M), and the cyan process cartridge 6C (developer). 5C), a black process cartridge 6K (developer 5K). The order (array) is configured so that it can be appropriately changed according to the user's usage.
In particular, in the present embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a black process cartridge 6K (developer 5K) and a spot color process cartridge 6S (developer 5S) are used. It is configured so that the installation positions can be exchanged.

The special color toner is not limited to one type, and different types of special color toner containers 32S are often replaced as appropriate according to the user's application. For example, it is a case where the toner container 32S for clear toner is replaced with the toner container 32S for white toner.
Then, in such a case, the arrangement order (arrangement) of the spot color process cartridges 6S (developerable apparatus 5S) is arranged from the most upstream side in the traveling direction to the most downstream in the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 8 according to the type of the spot color toner. It may be better to change to the side. For example, when clear toner is used as the special color toner, it is often used for the purpose of improving the glossiness of the image. Therefore, it is desirable that the clear toner is first transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 first, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the special color process cartridge 6S (developer 5S) is arranged at the uppermost stream in the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 8. On the other hand, when white toner is used as the special color toner, it is often used for the purpose of forming an image on a non-white colored sheet P, so that it is secondarily transferred to the bottom layer on the sheet P. As shown in FIG. 5B, the special color process cartridge 6S (developer 5S) is arranged at the most downstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 8 in the traveling direction. Then, with the change of the installation position of the special color process cartridge 6S (developerable device 5S), the installation position of the black process cartridge 6K (development device 5K) is changed so as to be replaced. Further, these replacement operations are manually performed by a user (or a serviceman) based on an operation manual displayed on a display panel installed on the exterior portion of the image forming apparatus 100.
Such a change in the arrangement of the black process cartridge 6K (developer 5K) and the spot color process cartridge 6S (developer 5S) will be described in more detail later.

Here, referring to FIG. 2, the process cartridge 6Y corresponding to yellow includes a photoconductor drum 1Y as an image carrier, a charging device 4Y arranged around the photoconductor drum 1Y, a developing device 5Y, and cleaning. It is a unit (detachable unit) in which the device 2Y and the device 2Y are integrated. Then, an image forming process (charging step, exposure step, developing step, transfer step, cleaning step) is performed on the photoconductor drum 1Y, and a yellow image is formed on the photoconductor drum 1Y.

The other four process cartridges 6M, 6C, 6K, and 6S also have almost the same configuration as the process cartridge 6Y corresponding to yellow, except that the color (type) of the toner used is different. An image corresponding to the toner color is formed. Hereinafter, the description of the other four process cartridges 6M, 6C, 6K, and 6S will be appropriately omitted, and only the process cartridge 6Y corresponding to yellow will be described.

With reference to FIG. 2, the photoconductor drum 1Y as an image carrier is rotationally driven counterclockwise by a drive motor. Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1Y is uniformly charged at the position of the charging device 4Y (the charging step).
After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1Y reaches the irradiation position of the laser beam L emitted from the exposure unit 7Y (writing device), and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow is formed by exposure scanning at this position. (It is an exposure process.).

After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1Y reaches a position facing the developing device 5Y (developing unit), and the electrostatic latent image is developed at this position to form a yellow toner image (development process). .).
After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1Y reaches a position facing the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the primary transfer roller 9Y, and at this position, the toner image on the photoconductor drum 1Y is on the intermediate transfer belt 8 as an intermediate transfer body. (It is a primary transfer step). At this time, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the photoconductor drum 1Y.

After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1Y reaches a position facing the cleaning device 2Y, and the untransferred toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 1Y at this position is collected in the cleaning device 2Y by the cleaning blade 2a (cleaning). It is a process.).
Finally, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1Y reaches a position facing the static elimination device, and the residual potential on the photoconductor drum 1 is removed at this position.
In this way, a series of image forming processes performed on the photoconductor drum 1Y is completed.

The image forming process described above is performed on the other process cartridges 6M, 6C, 6K, and 6S in the same manner as the yellow process cartridge 6Y. That is, the laser beam L based on the image information is directed onto the photoconductor drums of the process cartridges 6M, 6C, 6K, and 6S from the exposed units 7M, 7C, 7K, and 7S arranged above the process cartridge. Is irradiated. Specifically, the exposure unit emits a laser beam L from a light source, scans the laser beam L with a rotation-driven polygon mirror, and irradiates the photoconductor drum via a plurality of optical elements.
After that, the toner images of each color formed on each photoconductor drum through the development step are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 and primary transfer is performed. In this way, a desired color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

The intermediate transfer belt unit 15 (intermediate transfer belt device) includes an intermediate transfer belt 8 as an intermediate transfer body, five primary transfer rollers (9Y), a drive roller, a secondary transfer opposed roller, a plurality of tension rollers, and cleaning. It consists of an opposed roller, an intermediate transfer cleaning device, and the like. The intermediate transfer belt 8 (intermediate transfer body) is stretched and supported by a plurality of roller members, and is endlessly moved in the arrow direction (clockwise direction) in FIG. 1 by rotational drive of one roller member (drive roller). ..

Each of the five primary transfer rollers (9Y) sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 8 between the photoconductor drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K, and 1S to form a primary transfer nip. Then, a transfer voltage (primary transfer bias) opposite to the polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer roller (9Y).
Then, the intermediate transfer belt 8 travels in the direction of the arrow and sequentially passes through the primary transfer nip of the primary transfer roller (9Y). In this way, the toner images of each color on the photoconductor drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K, and 1S are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 and primaryly transferred.

After that, the intermediate transfer belt 8 on which the toner images of each color are superimposed and transferred reaches the position facing the secondary transfer roller 19. At this position, the secondary transfer facing roller sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 8 with the secondary transfer roller 19 to form a secondary transfer nip. Then, the four-color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are transferred onto the sheet P of the paper or the like conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip. At this time, untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the sheet P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

After that, the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer cleaning device. Then, at this position, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is removed.
In this way, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed.

Here, referring to FIG. 1, the sheet P transported to the position of the secondary transfer nip is transferred from the paper feed unit 26 (paper feed cassette) arranged below the apparatus main body 100 to the paper feed roller 27 and the paper feed roller 27. It is transported via the transport path K1 in which the resist roller pair 28 and the like are arranged.
Specifically, a plurality of sheets P are stacked and stored in the paper feed unit 26. Then, when the paper feed roller 27 is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 1, the top sheet P is fed between the rollers of the resist roller vs. 28.

The sheet P conveyed to the resist roller pair 28 (timing roller pair) temporarily stops at the position of the roller nip of the resist roller pair 28 that has stopped the rotational drive. Then, the resist roller pair 28 is rotationally driven in time with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the sheet P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. In this way, the desired color image is transferred onto the sheet P.

After that, the sheet P on which the color image is transferred at the position of the secondary transfer nip is conveyed to the position of the fixing device 20. Then, at this position, the color image transferred to the surface is fixed on the sheet P by the heat and pressure of the fixing belt and the pressure roller (the fixing step).
After that, the sheet P is discharged to the outside of the device by the paper discharge roller pair via the discharge path K2. The sheets P discharged to the outside of the device by the paper ejection roller pair are sequentially stacked on the stack portion as an output image.
In this way, a series of image forming processes in the image forming apparatus is completed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration and operation of the developing apparatus in the process cartridge will be described in more detail.
The developing apparatus 5Y detects the developing roller 51 facing the photoconductor drum 1Y, the doctor blade 52 facing the developing roller 51, the two transport screws 55 arranged in the developing agent accommodating portion, and the toner concentration in the developing agent. It is composed of a concentration detection sensor 56, a unit-side opening 57 for supplying toner (developer) to the developer accommodating portion, and the like. The developing roller 51 is composed of a magnet fixed inside, a sleeve rotating around the magnet, and the like. A two-component developer G composed of a carrier and toner is housed in the developer accommodating portion.

The developing device 5Y configured in this way operates as follows.
The sleeve of the developing roller 51 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Then, the developer G supported on the developing roller 51 by the magnetic field formed by the magnet moves on the developing roller 51 as the sleeve rotates.

Here, the developer G in the developing apparatus 5Y is adjusted so that the ratio of the toner in the developing agent (toner concentration) is within a predetermined range. Specifically, depending on the toner consumption in the developing device 5Y, the toner (developer) contained in the toner container 32Y (developer container) is moved into the developing device 5Y (developer storage unit) by the developing agent replenishing device 90Y. Is replenished to. The configuration and operation of the toner container 32Y and the developer replenishing device 90Y will be described in detail later.

After that, the toner replenished in the developing apparatus 5Y (developing agent accommodating portion) circulates in the two developing agent accommodating portions partitioned by the partition member while being mixed and stirred together with the developing agent G by the two transport screws 55. (Movement in the longitudinal direction in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2). Then, the toner in the two-component developer G is adsorbed on the carrier by triboelectric charging with the carrier, and is supported on the developing roller 51 together with the carrier by the magnetic force formed on the developing roller 51.

The developer G supported on the developing roller 51 is conveyed along the rotation direction of the sleeve and reaches the position of the doctor blade 52. Then, the developer G on the developing roller 51 is conveyed to a position facing the photoconductor drum 1Y (a developing region) after the amount of the developer is adjusted to an appropriate amount at this position. Then, the toner is adsorbed on the latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 1Y by the electric field formed in the developing region. After that, the developer G remaining on the developing roller 51 reaches the upper part of the developing agent accommodating portion as the sleeve rotates, is separated from the developing roller 51 at this position, and is returned to the developing agent accommodating portion.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration and operation of the developer replenishing device 90Y for yellow will be briefly described.
In this embodiment, the other four developer replenishing devices (magenta developer replenishing device 90M, cyan developer replenishing device 90C, black developer replenishing device 90K, spot color developer replenishing device 90M, and spot color developer replenishing device 90M). The device 90S) also has almost the same configuration as the developer replenishing device 90Y for yellow except that the color (type) of the toner used is different, so that the developer replenishing devices 90M and 90C are used. , 90K, 90S will be omitted as appropriate, and only the developer supply device 90Y for yellow will be described.

The developer replenishing device 90Y rotationally drives the toner container 32Y as a developer container installed in the installation unit 31 in a predetermined direction (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3), and drives the toner contained in the toner container 32Y. Is discharged to the outside of the container and guided to the developing device 5Y, and forms a toner supply path (toner transfer path).
Note that FIG. 3 shows the toner container 32Y, the developer replenishing device 90Y, the developing device 5Y, and the like in different arrangement directions in order to facilitate understanding. Actually, in FIG. 3, the toner container 32Y and a part of the developer replenishing device 90Y are arranged so that the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the paper surface (see FIG. 1). Further, the orientation and arrangement of the tube 95Y (transport path) are also shown in a simplified manner.

The toner in the toner container 32Y installed in the installation unit 31 of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is appropriately replenished in the developing device 5Y by the developing agent replenishing device 90Y according to the toner consumption in the developing device 5Y.
Specifically, when the toner container 32Y is set in the installation portion 31 of the apparatus main body 100, the bottle gear 37 of the toner container 32Y meshes with the drive gear 110 of the apparatus main body 100, and the cap opening / closing chuck 92 of the cap receiving portion 91 The cap 34 (a member for closing the toner discharge port C) is removed from the toner container 32Y. As a result, the toner discharge port C (opening) of the toner container 32Y is opened, and the toner contained in the toner container 32Y can be discharged.

On the other hand, in the developer replenishing device 90Y, a storage unit 81Y is provided below the opened toner discharge port C via the drop path unit 82. A suction port 83 is provided at the bottom of the storage portion 81Y, and the suction port 83 is connected to one end of the tube 95Y (transport path) via a nozzle. The tube 95Y as a transport path is made of a flexible and flexible rubber material having low toner resistance, and the other end is connected to the transport pump 60Y (diaphragm pump). The transfer pump 60Y is connected to the developing device 5Y via the sub hopper 70Y and the transfer tube 98.
In the developer replenishing device 90Y configured in this way, when the drive gear 110 is driven by the drive motor 115, the container body 33 of the toner container 32Y is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction from the toner discharge port C of the toner container 32Y. Toner is ejected. The toner discharged from the toner container 32Y falls down the drop path portion 82 and is stored in the storage portion 81. When the transfer pump 60Y operates, the toner stored in the storage unit 81 is sucked from the suction port 83 and transferred from the transfer pump 60Y to the sub hopper 70Y via the tube 95Y. Then, the toner conveyed to the sub hopper 70Y is replenished in the developing apparatus 5Y via the conveying tube 98 extending in the vertical direction. That is, the toner in the toner container 32Y is conveyed in the direction of the broken line arrow in FIG. In the present embodiment, the transport pipe 98 (convey pipe) that relays the sub hopper 70Y and the developing device 5Y is made of a hard resin material or a metal material that is not easily deformed, unlike the tube 95Y.

Next, FIG. 4 details the transfer pump 60Y and the sub hopper 70Y in the developer replenishing device 90Y.
In the present embodiment, the transfer pump 60Y is integrally installed in the sub hopper 70Y.
With reference to FIG. 4, the transfer pump 60Y in the present embodiment is a diaphragm pump (positive displacement pump), and has a diaphragm 61 (rubber member), a case 62, a motor 67, a rotary plate 68, and a check valve 63. It is composed of 64, a seal member 65, 66 (elastic member), and the like. The transfer pump 60Y configured in this way is relatively small and low in cost.

Here, the case 62 and the diaphragm 61 form a pump body.
The case 62 is made of a rigid resin material or a metal material, and functions as a main part (housing) of the pump body. The case 62 (pump main body) is formed with an inlet A for inflowing the developer together with air toward the inside and an outlet B for flowing out the developer together with air from the inside.
The diaphragm 61 is made of a rubber material having low toneriness and elasticity, and the inside of the bowl-shaped portion functions as the volume variable portion W, and the arm portion 61a stands up on the outer peripheral portion thereof. (The eccentric shaft 68a of the rotating plate 68 is fitted in the hole portion.) Is formed. The diaphragm 61 is joined to the case 62 so as not to form a gap, and the variable volume portion W of the diaphragm 61 and the inside of the case 62 are formed as one closed space inside the pump body. Then, the pump bodies 61 and 62 increase or decrease the internal volume by the expansion / contraction operation of the diaphragm 61 accompanying the rotation of the rotating plate 68 (eccentric shaft 68a) described later, and alternately generate positive pressure and negative pressure. Become.

The rotary plate 68 is installed on the motor shaft of the motor 67, and the eccentric shaft 68a is provided so as to stand up at a position eccentric from the motor shaft (rotation center) on the surface thereof. The eccentric shaft 68a of the rotating plate 68 is inserted (fitted) into a hole formed in the tip end portion of the arm portion 61a in the diaphragm 61.
With such a configuration, the rotary plate 68 (eccentric shaft 68a) is rotated by driving the motor 67 under the control of the control unit 120, and the diaphragm 61 periodically changes the volume of the volume variable unit W accordingly. It will expand and contract so as to increase and decrease. As the diaphragm 61 expands and contracts, positive pressure and negative pressure are alternately generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62.

Here, an inflow side check valve 63 is installed at the inflow port A of the pump body (case 62). The inflow side check valve 63 opens the inflow port A when a negative pressure is generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62, and the inflow port A when a positive pressure is generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62. Is to close. The inflow side check valve 63 is arranged so as to face the inflow port A from the inside (inside) of the pump bodies 61 and 62. A storage unit 81 is connected to the inflow port A side of the transfer pump 60Y via a tube 95Y.
On the other hand, an outflow side check valve 64 is installed at the outflow port B of the pump body (case 62). The outflow side check valve 64 closes the outlet B when a negative pressure is generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62, and the outlet B is when a positive pressure is generated inside the pump bodies 61 and 62. Is to open up. The outflow side check valve 64 is arranged so as to face the outflow port B from the outside of the pump bodies 61 and 62. A sub hopper 70Y is connected to the side of the outlet B of the transfer pump 60Y.
With such a configuration and operation, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, by operating the transfer pump 60Y, the toner stored in the storage unit 81 as the replenishment source is sucked from the suction port 83. After the tube 95Y is conveyed, the toner is conveyed into the sub hopper 70Y. Specifically, when the hopper remaining amount sensor 76 of the sub hopper 70Y detects that the amount of toner in the sub hopper 70 is insufficient, the transfer pump 60Y (motor 67) is driven to replenish the toner from the storage unit 81 to the sub hopper 70Y.
In the transfer pump 60Y (motor 67), when the hopper remaining amount sensor 76 detects a shortage state because the toner amount in the sub hopper 70 does not reach a predetermined amount, the cycle is relatively short as in the known one. Driven intermittently. As a result, the problem that the toner transfer amount by the transfer screws 71 and 72 in the sub hopper 70Y does not catch up with the toner amount supplied from the transfer pump 60Y and the toner stays in a part of the sub hopper 70Y is prevented.

With reference to FIG. 4, two transport screws 71 and 72, a hopper remaining amount sensor 76, a replenishment motor 121 (see FIG. 3), and the like are installed in the sub hopper 70Y as a replenishment unit (replenishment destination). .. Further, a supply port communicating with the outlet B of the transfer pump 60Y is formed above the upstream side of the first transfer path of the sub hopper 70Y (the transfer path in which the first transfer screw 71 is installed). .. A discharge port 74 is formed below the downstream side of the second transport path (the transport path in which the second transport screw 72 is installed) of the sub hopper 70Y, and this discharge port 74 is the transport pipe 98 (convey pipe). ) Is connected to the developing device 5Y. Further, above the second transport path of the sub hopper 70Y, an exhaust port 75 for discharging the air fed together with the toner from the transport pump 60Y is provided.
As described above, the hopper remaining amount sensor 76 functions as a detection means for detecting a shortage state in which the toner (developer) contained in the sub hopper 70Y (supplied unit) does not reach a predetermined amount.

Here, in the sub hopper 70Y, the downstream side of the first transport path and the upstream side of the second transport path communicate with each other at one end side in the longitudinal direction (the vertical direction of the paper in FIGS. 3 and 4). Except for the communication portion, the first transport path and the second transport path are separated by a wall portion.
Then, the toner replenished in the sub hopper 70Y is conveyed in the order of the first transfer path and the second transfer path in the sub hopper 70Y by the transfer screws 71 and 72 rotationally driven by the replenishment motor 121, and then the sub hopper 70Y. Is supplied into the developing device 5Y via the transport tube 98. Specifically, when the concentration detection sensor 56 of the developing device 5Y detects an insufficient toner concentration in the developer accommodating portion (circulation path by the transport screw 55), the transport screws 71 and 72 of the sub hopper 70Y are controlled by the control unit 120. Is driven to rotate to supply toner from the sub hopper 70Y to the developing device 5Y.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the toner transfer path from the storage unit 81Y to the transfer pump 60Y is formed by the flexible tube 95Y. Therefore, even when various members are installed in the space between the storage unit 81Y and the transfer pump 60Y, the tube 95Y is distributed so as to avoid these members to form a toner transfer path. Can be done. Therefore, the installation portion 31 of the toner container 32Y can be laid out relatively freely at a position away from the developing device 5Y.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a description of the toner container 32Y and a description of the developer replenishing device 90 accompanying the toner container 32Y will be given.
As described above, the toner container 32Y is mainly composed of a container main body 33 and a cap 34 (plug member) detachably provided at the toner discharge port C thereof.
The head of the container body 33 is provided with a bottle gear 37 that rotates integrally with the container body 33, and a toner discharge port C. The bottle gear 37 meshes with the drive gear 110 of the device main body 100 to rotationally drive the container main body 33 in a predetermined direction. Further, the toner discharge port C is for discharging the toner (powder) as a developer contained in the container main body 33 toward the drop path portion 82.
The container body 33 is provided with a spiral protrusion 33a from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface. The spiral protrusion 33a is for rotationally driving the container body 33 to discharge toner from the toner discharge port C.
The container body 33 configured in this way can be manufactured by blow molding together with the bottle gear 37.

On the other hand, with reference to FIG. 3, the cap receiving portion 91 of the developer replenishing device 90Y is provided so as to cover the head of the toner container 32Y installed in the installation unit 31 (developer replenishing device 90Y). There is.
The cap receiving portion 91 is provided with a cap opening / closing chuck 92 that opens / closes the cap 34 in conjunction with the attachment / detachment operation of the toner container 32Y, and an opening / closing drive portion that drives the cap opening / closing chuck 92. It is provided as a part of the storage unit 81Y together with the above. Then, the toner container 32Y placed on the installation portion 31 is slid and moved toward the cap receiving portion 91, and when the cap 34 reaches the position of the cap opening / closing chuck 92, the toner container 32Y is further slid and pushed in. In conjunction with the operation, the opening / closing drive unit operates so as to detach the cap 34 from the toner discharge port C with the cap opening / closing chuck 92 sandwiching the cap 34. As a result, the toner discharge port C of the toner container 32Y is opened, and the toner can be discharged from the toner discharge port C. Further, in conjunction with such a mounting operation of the toner container 32Y, the lock mechanism operates and the head side of the toner container 32Y is locked so as not to be removed from the installation portion 31. At this time, the toner container 32Y is rotatably fixed to the developer supply device 90Y (installation unit 31) on the side of the toner discharge port C (head), and the container body 33 rotates on the installation unit 31. Will be retained as possible.
Further, when the toner container 32Y is detached from the installation unit 31 (toner container cradle), the operation opposite to the above-mentioned operation at the time of mounting is performed.

The storage portion 81Y of the developer replenishing device 90Y is formed in a substantially bowl shape so as to store the toner that has fallen in the drop path portion 82, and a toner detection sensor 86 and a stirring member are installed inside the storage portion 81Y. .. The transfer pump 60Y is connected to the suction port 83 of the storage unit 81Y via the tube 95Y as a transfer path, and sucks the toner stored in the storage unit 81Y to convey the toner in the tube 95Y.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the toner discharged from the toner container 32Y is not directly sucked by the transport pump 60Y, but the toner discharged from the toner container 32Y and stored in the storage unit 81Y to some extent. Of these, since the transfer pump 60Y is configured to suck only the required amount, it is possible to reliably reduce the problem that the amount of toner sucked by the transfer pump 60Y is insufficient.

The toner detection sensor 86 is for indirectly detecting a state in which the toner contained in the toner container 32Y is empty (toner end state) or a state close to it (toner near end state). , It is installed near the suction port 83. Then, the toner is discharged from the toner container 32Y based on the detection result of the toner detection sensor 86.
Specifically, as the toner detection sensor 86, a piezoelectric sensor, a transmitted light sensor, or the like can be used. In this embodiment, a piezoelectric sensor is used as the toner detection sensor 86. The height of the detection surface of the toner detection sensor 86 is set so that the amount of toner (deposit height) deposited above the suction port 83 becomes the target value.
Then, based on the detection result of the toner detection sensor 86, the drive timing and drive time of the drive motor 115 that rotationally drives the toner container 32Y (container body 33) are controlled by the control by the control unit 120. Specifically, when the toner detection sensor 86 determines that there is no toner at that position, the drive motor 115 is driven for a predetermined time, and the toner detection sensor 86 determines that there is toner at that position. In that case, the drive of the drive motor 115 will be stopped.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 100, which is characteristic of the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 and the like.
As described above with reference to FIG. 1 and the like, the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment has an intermediate transfer belt as an intermediate transfer body traveling in a predetermined traveling direction (clockwise in FIG. 1). Photoreceptor drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K, 1S as a plurality of image carriers arranged side by side along the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 8 so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 8 (intermediate transfer body). , Is installed. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of developing apparatus 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S for developing latent images formed on a plurality of photoconductor drums (image carriers). , A plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S (developer containers) containing toner as a developer are installed.
Further, the image forming apparatus 100 is indirectly connected to a plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S via storage portions 81Y, 81M, 81C, 81K, 81S, respectively, and is connected to a plurality of developing apparatus. A plurality of tubes 95Y connected via subhoppers 70Y, 70M, 70C, 70K, 70S (conveyor pumps 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, 60S are installed) to 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, and 5S, respectively. , 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S are installed. The plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S replenish the toner contained in the plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S to the plurality of developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S, respectively. Is for.

Then, in the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of developing devices are used without changing the arrangement of the plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S (developer container) as needed. Multiple developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S and multiple subhoppers 70Y so that the connection relationship between 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S and multiple subhoppers 70Y, 70M, 70C, 70K, 70S is not changed. , 70M, 70C, 70K, 70S and the arrangement in the traveling direction (the order is arranged along the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 8), and a plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S. Multiple tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S are arranged so that the connection relationship with the plurality of developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, and 5S via the sub hoppers 70Y, 70M, 70C, 70K, and 70S is not changed. The turning is changed.

Specifically, as described above, the plurality of developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, and 5S are processed together with the corresponding photoconductor drums of the plurality of photoconductor drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K, and 1S, respectively. Cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, 6S are configured.
Further, in each of the plurality of sub hoppers 70Y, 70M, 70C, 70K, and 70S, the corresponding transfer pumps among the plurality of transfer pumps 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, and 60S are integrally installed. The plurality of transfer pumps 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, 60S are detachably connected to the downstream openings of the plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S, respectively.
Therefore, a plurality of process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, 6S and a plurality of transfer pumps 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, 60S without changing the arrangement of the plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S. And multiple process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, 6S and multiple transfer pumps 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, 60S so that the connection relationship between the and multiple sub hoppers 70Y, 70M, 70C, 70K, 70S is not changed. And a plurality of sub hoppers 70Y, 70M, 70C, 70K, 70S, and a plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S and a plurality of transfer pumps 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, 60S. The arrangement of the plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S will be changed so that the connection relationship with the tube is not changed.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, a plurality of developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S and a plurality of subhoppers 70Y are used without changing the arrangement of the plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S. , 70M, 70C, 70K, 70S, the developing device and sub hopper located at the most upstream and the developing device and sub hopper located at the most downstream are replaced, and a plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S. Of these, the arrangement of two tubes corresponding to those two sets (one is a developing device 5S and a sub hopper 70S for special color, and the other is a developing device 5K and a sub hopper 70K for black). You will change the turn.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the spot color process cartridge 6S and the sub hopper 70S (and the transfer pump 60S) are located at the uppermost stream, and the black process cartridge 6K and the sub hopper 70K (and the transfer pump 60S) are located at the uppermost stream. The pump 60K) is located at the most downstream position, and as shown in FIG. 5B, the spot color process cartridge 6S and the sub hopper 70S (and the transfer pump 60S) are located at the most downstream position for black. The state in which the process cartridge 6K and the sub hopper 70K (and the transfer pump 60K) are located at the uppermost stream can be appropriately switched.
The specific replacement operation is a special process cartridge 6S, a sub hopper 70S (and a transfer pump 60S), and a black process cartridge without replacing the five toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, and 32S. The operation is to replace the 6K and the sub hopper 70K (and the transfer pump 60K), and to change the arrangement of the special tube 95S and the black tube 95K.

Here, the lengths of the two tubes 95K and 95S described above (which are the lengths in the transport direction) are set according to the subhoppers located farther from the two subhoppers 70K and 70S, respectively. ..
As a result, the developing apparatus 5K, 5S (process cartridges 6K, 6S) from the state of FIG. 5 (A) to the state of FIG. 5 (B) (or the state of FIG. 5 (B) to the state of FIG. 5 (A)). ) And the sub hoppers 70K and 70S (and the transfer pumps 60K and 60S) are replaced, but there is no problem that the lengths of the tubes 95K and 95S are insufficient.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S and a plurality of toners connected to supply toner to the plurality of developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, and 5S, respectively. While changing the arrangement of the plurality of developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S and the plurality of subhoppers 70Y, 70M, 70C, 70K, 70S without changing the arrangement of the containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S. Since the arrangement of the plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S is changed, the intermediate transfer belt 8 is overlapped on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 (or the sheet P) without being circulated multiple times. The order of toner colors can be easily changed. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to form an optimum image according to the application. Further, even if the arrangement is changed in this way, the toners of different colors are not mixed in the developing device or the sub hopper whose arrangement has been changed (color mixing does not occur).

Here, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured so that at least one of the plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, and 95S can be wound without buckling. The accommodating portions 108S and 108K (transport path accommodating portions) are provided.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, both the spot color tube 95S and the black tube 95K can be arranged so that the arrangement can be changed according to the replacement work of the developing devices 5S and 5K and the sub hoppers 70S and 70K. , The length is set long. Therefore, when these tubes 95K and 95S are connected to a sub hopper (conveyor pump) located closer to the two sub hoppers 70K and 70S, the lengths of the tubes 95S and 95K become excessive.
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K are provided so that a part of the tubes 95S and 95K can be wound without buckling. The lengths of 95S and 95K will be adjusted to the optimum length without becoming excessive. Therefore, it is possible to prevent buckling, entanglement, and slackening of the tube 95S without impairing the toner transportability of the tubes 95S and 95K.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K are used for each of the plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K and 95S whose distribution is changed for each of the tubes 95S and 95K, respectively. is set up.
Specifically, the spot color tube accommodating section 108S capable of winding the spot color tube 95S is installed in the vicinity of the spot color storage section 81S, and the black tube 95K can be wound up for black. The tube accommodating portion 108K is installed in the vicinity of the black accommodating portion 81K. In this way, by installing the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K in the vicinity of the storage portions 81S and 81K installed at the fixed positions without changing the arrangement, the sub hoppers 70S and 70K (conveying pumps) whose arrangement has been changed. 60S, 60K) and tubes 95S, 95K can be easily connected.

Here, in the present embodiment, the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K are configured to wind the tubes 95S and 95K with a radius R1 (> R0) larger than the maximum radius R0 at which buckling occurs in the tubes 95S and 95K. ing.
As a result, the tubes 95S and 95K are wound around the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K with a radius R1 (curvature) at which buckling does not occur, so that good toner transportability in the tubes 95S and 95K is ensured. become.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K are mainly provided inside the cylindrical portion 108a in which a part of the tubes 95S and 95K is accommodating and a position eccentric from the center of the cylindrical portion 108a. It is composed of a core shaft 108b and a core shaft 108b. The core shaft 108b is formed with a radius R1'larger than the maximum radius R0 at which buckling occurs in the tubes 95S and 95K, and a part of the tubes 95S and 95K is wound by about one round.

The tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K are cylindrical members having a core shaft 108b formed therein, and the tubes 95S and 95K that make one round around the core shaft 108b inside the cylindrical member (the inside of the cylindrical portion 108a). It is formed so that the size of the ring can be changed.
That is, when it is desired to shorten the distance between both ends of the tubes 95S and 95K (the end connected to the replenishment source and the end connected to the replenishment destination) (characteristically, as shown in FIG. 5B). In the black state, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), as shown in FIG. 7 (A), around the core shaft 108b so as to be close to the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 108a. The size of the ring of the tubes 95S and 95K that go around the tube 95S and 95K will be increased. On the other hand, when it is desired to increase the distance between both ends of the tube 95S (the spot color is the state as shown in FIG. 5 (A), and the black color is the state shown in FIG. 5 (B)). As shown in FIG. 7B, the size of the ring of the tube 95S that goes around the core shaft 108b is reduced so as to be close to the outer wall of the core shaft 108b.

As shown in FIG. 8 as a comparative example corresponding to FIG. 5, when the lengths of the tubes 95S and 95K are set long so that the arrangement of the plurality of tubes 95S and 95K can be changed, the tubes 95S and 95K become toners. When connected to the developing devices 5S and 5K (sub hopper 70S, 70K, transfer pump 60S, 60K) arranged close to the containers 32S, 32K (reservoir 81S, 81K), the tubes 95S, 95K are shown in FIG. It buckles, gets entangled, and loosens as surrounded by a broken line. Therefore, the toner cannot be satisfactorily conveyed by the tubes 95S and 95K.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K are provided, and the toner containers 32S and 32K (reservoir 81S and 81K) to the developing devices 5S and 5K (sub hopper 70S and 70K, transport pumps 60S and 60K) are provided. ), Since the tubes are wound without buckling so that the tubes 95S and 95K do not have an excess length, such a problem is less likely to occur.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the tube accommodating portion 108 as the first modification.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the tube accommodating portion 108 in the first modification, a plurality of tube accommodating portions (a special color tube accommodating portion 108S and a black tube accommodating portion 108K) are arranged so as to overlap each other. ing.
As explained earlier with reference to FIG. 5, when the spot color tube 95S is desired to be lengthened (or shortened), the black tube 95K is desired to be shortened (or lengthened). The winding states of the two tubes 95K and 95S have the opposite relationship as shown in FIG.
When the two tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K are arranged in an overlapping manner in this way, the image forming apparatus 1 can be made compact as a whole, and the arrangement of the tubes 95S and 95K can be changed and the tube accommodating portions can be arranged. The maintenance of 108 can be performed relatively easily.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 10 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which a large number of tubes 95S and 95K are wound in the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K as a modification 2, and FIG. 10 (B) shows a state in which the tubes 95S and 95K are wound. It is a figure which shows the state which was wound little. Further, FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a winding mechanism in the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K in the first modification mainly include a rotary core shaft 108c that can rotate in the forward and reverse directions and an annular guide portion 108d that guides the tubes 95S and 95K. It is composed of ,.
The rotating core shaft 108c is formed with a radius R1'(> R0) larger than the maximum radius R0 at which buckling occurs in the tubes 95S and 95K. Further, the rotating core shaft 108c is formed so that a part of the tubes 95S and 95K can be wound in a plurality of turns by shifting the position in the rotation axis direction for each winding.
The guide portion 108d moves in the rotation axis direction (vertical direction in FIG. 11) of the rotation core shaft 108c with the rotation of the rotation core shaft 108c in a state where the tubes 95S and 95K are inserted into the hole portion 108d1. ..
Specifically, a spiral groove 108c1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary core shaft 108c. Then, the first fitting portion 108d2 of the guide portion 108d is fitted in the spiral groove 108c1. Further, the second fitting portion 108d3 of the guide portion 108d is fitted to the housings of the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K, and the guide portion 108d is held so as to be movable in the vertical direction so as not to rotate together with the rotary core shaft 108c. The groove portion 108e to be formed is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction.
With such a configuration, when the rotary core shaft 108c rotates in the positive direction, as shown in FIG. 10A, the tubes 95S and 95K move 1 to the rotary core shaft 108c while the guide portion 108d moves upward. The winding position shifts up and down for each winding, and the winding is performed so that they do not overlap and be wound. In such a case, the lengths of the tubes 95S and 95K from the supply source to the supply destination are set short.
On the other hand, when the rotary core shaft 108c rotates in the opposite direction, as shown in FIG. 10B, the winding of the tubes 95S and 95K on the rotary core shaft 108c is released while the guide portion 108d moves downward. Will be done. In such a case, the lengths of the tubes 95S and 95K from the supply source to the supply destination are set long.
With such a configuration, the tubes 95S and 95K can be compactly accommodated in the tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K while preventing buckling, entanglement and slackening of the tubes 95S and 95K.
The rotary core shaft 108c may be configured to rotate by manual operation or may be configured to rotate by automatic operation.
Further, also in the second modification, the two tube accommodating portions 108S and 108K can be arranged so as to be overlapped with each other as in the first modification.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment is directly or indirectly connected to a plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S (developer container), and a plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S (developerable agent container), respectively. A plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S directly or indirectly connected to the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, and 5S, respectively, are installed. Then, tube accommodating portions 108K and 108S configured so that a part of at least one of the plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K and 95S can be wound up are installed.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the tubes 95K and 95S from having a problem of buckling or getting entangled.

In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a developing device 5Y integrated as a process cartridge 6Y together with a photoconductor drum 1Y (image carrier), a charging device 4Y, and a cleaning device 2Y. .. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the developing device 5Y is configured as a unit that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 100 by itself, the present invention is naturally applied. Can be applied.
In the specification of the present application and the like, the "process cartridge" refers to a charging device for charging the image carrier, a developing device for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and cleaning for cleaning the image carrier. It is defined as a unit in which at least one of the device, an image carrier, and the image carrier are integrated and detachably installed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.

Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the developer replenishing device 90S in which the toner container 32S in which the substantially tubular container body is rotationally driven is installed, but the toner installed in the developer replenishing device is applied. The form of the container is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to, for example, a developer replenishing device in which a box-shaped toner container is installed.
And even in such a case, almost the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S are connected to the plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S via the storage portions 81Y, 81M, 81C, 81K, 81S, respectively. It was configured to be connected indirectly. On the other hand, the plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S can be configured to be directly connected to the plurality of toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S, respectively.
Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S are connected to a plurality of developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S, respectively, and subhoppers 70Y, 70M, 70C, 70K, 70S (conveying pumps). 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, 60S are installed). On the other hand, a plurality of tubes 95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S can be configured to be directly connected to a plurality of developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, and 5S, respectively.
And even in such a case, almost the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.

It is clear that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and the embodiments may be appropriately modified in addition to those suggested in the present embodiments within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. .. Further, the number, position, shape and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number, position, shape and the like suitable for carrying out the present invention can be used.

1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K, 1S Photoreceptor drum (image carrier),
5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5S developer,
6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, 6S process cartridge,
8 Intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer body),
32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, 32S toner container (developer container),
60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, 60S transfer pump,
70Y, 70M, 70C, 70K, 70S sub hopper (supplied part),
81Y, 81M, 81C, 81K, 81S reservoir,
90Y, 90M, 90C, 90K, 90S developer replenisher,
95Y, 95M, 95C, 95K, 95S tube (transport path),
100 Image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body),
108, 108K, 108S tube accommodating part (transport path accommodating part),
108a Cylindrical part, 108b Core shaft,
108c rotary core shaft,
108c1 spiral groove,
108d guide section,
108d1 hole part, 108d2 first fitting part, 108d3 second fitting part,
108e Groove.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-215415

Claims (9)

A plurality of developing devices for developing latent images formed on a plurality of image carriers, and
Multiple developer containers, each containing a developer,
A plurality of tubes directly or indirectly connected to the plurality of developer containers, respectively, and directly or indirectly connected to the plurality of developing devices, respectively.
A tube accommodating portion configured to be able to wind up a part of at least one of the plurality of tubes.
An image forming apparatus characterized by being equipped with. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tube accommodating portion is configured to wind the tube with a radius larger than the maximum radius at which buckling occurs in the tube. The tube accommodating part
A cylindrical portion in which a part of the tube is housed, and a cylindrical portion.
A core that is installed at a position eccentric from the center of the cylindrical portion and is formed with a radius larger than the maximum radius at which buckling occurs in the tube, and a part of the tube is wound by about one round. Axis and
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided. The tube accommodating part
The tube is formed with a radius larger than the maximum radius at which buckling occurs, and a part of the tube is formed so that multiple turns can be performed by shifting the position for each turn, so that the tube can rotate in the forward and reverse directions. With the core axis,
A guide portion through which the tube is inserted and moves in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation core axis as the rotation core axis rotates.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided. Equipped with an intermediate transfer body that travels in a predetermined traveling direction,
The plurality of image carriers are arranged side by side along the traveling direction so as to face the intermediate transfer body.
The arrangement of the plurality of developing devices in the traveling direction is changed without changing the arrangement of the plurality of developing agent containers, and the connection relationship between the plurality of tubes and the plurality of developing devices is not changed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distribution of a plurality of transport paths is changed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tube accommodating portion is installed for each of the plurality of tubes whose distribution is changed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of the tube accommodating portions are arranged in an overlapping manner. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the plurality of tubes is connected to the developing apparatus via a sub hopper in which a transfer pump is installed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of tubes is connected to the developer container via a storage portion.

Images