JP7005366B2 - Developer receiving device and developer replenishment system - Google Patents

Developer receiving device and developer replenishment system Download PDF

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JP7005366B2
JP7005366B2 JP2018014122A JP2018014122A JP7005366B2 JP 7005366 B2 JP7005366 B2 JP 7005366B2 JP 2018014122 A JP2018014122 A JP 2018014122A JP 2018014122 A JP2018014122 A JP 2018014122A JP 7005366 B2 JP7005366 B2 JP 7005366B2
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developer
supply container
container
mounting
developing agent
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JP2019132959A (en
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大二郎 加藤
洋平 蒲生
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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本発明は、現像剤補給容器を着脱可能な現像剤受入れ装置及び現像剤補給システムに関する。 The present invention relates to a developer receiving device and a developer replenishing system in which a developer replenishing container can be attached and detached.

従来、複写機などの電子写真方式の画像形成装置には微粉末のトナーなどの現像剤が使用されている。このような画像形成装置においては、画像形成によって消費されてしまう現像剤を、現像剤補給容器から補う構成となっている。 Conventionally, a developing agent such as fine powder toner has been used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copier. In such an image forming apparatus, the developing agent consumed by the image forming is supplemented from the developing agent supply container.

例えば、現像剤補給容器が画像形成装置内に設けられた現像剤受入れ装置に着脱可能であって、現像剤補給容器の装着動作に伴って、現像剤受入れ装置の現像剤受入れ部を現像剤補給容器の排出口に向けて変位させる構成が提案されている（特許文献１）。 For example, the developer replenishment container can be attached to and detached from the developer receiving device provided in the image forming apparatus, and the developing agent receiving portion of the developing agent receiving device is replenished with the developing agent as the developing agent replenishing container is attached. A configuration has been proposed in which the container is displaced toward the discharge port (Patent Document 1).

特許第６０８３９５４号公報Japanese Patent No. 6083954

本発明は、現像剤受入れ装置への現像剤補給容器の着脱時にかかる力を低減し、装着動作時と離脱動作時とで着脱にかかる力の差を小さくできる構成を提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration capable of reducing the force applied when attaching / detaching a developer supply container to / from a developer receiving device and reducing the difference in the force applied during attachment / detachment operation and detachment operation. ..

本発明は、現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、前記現像剤収容部に収容された現像剤を排出する排出口が形成された排出部と、前記現像剤収容部と一体的に変位可能な、装着方向上流に向かって鉛直方向上方に傾斜した係合部と、を有する現像剤補給容器を着脱可能な現像剤受入れ装置において、前記現像剤補給容器を装着する装着部と、前記装着部に変位自在に設けられた、現像剤を受入れる受入れ口を有する現像剤受入れ部と、前記現像剤補給容器の装着動作時に前記係合部に係合されて、前記受入れ口が前記排出口と連通するように前記現像剤受入れ部を変位させる被係合部と、前記装着部に設けられた第１部材と、前記第１部材と前記現像剤受入れ部を挟んで前記装着方向下流側に設けられ、前記第１部材とで前記現像剤受入れ部を遊嵌可能な第２部材と、を備え、前記第１部材は、前記現像剤補給容器の離脱動作時に前記現像剤受入れ部に対し鉛直方向の第１位置で当接し、前記第２部材は、前記現像剤補給容器の装着動作時に前記現像剤受入れ部に対し前記第１位置よりも低い第２位置で当接する、ことを特徴とする現像剤受入れ装置にある。 In the present invention, the developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer, the discharge portion formed with the discharge port for discharging the developer contained in the developer accommodating portion, and the developer accommodating portion can be integrally displaced. In a developer receiving device capable of attaching and detaching a developer replenishing container having an engaging portion inclined upward in the vertical direction toward the upstream in the mounting direction, a mounting portion for mounting the developing agent replenishing container and the mounting portion. The developing agent receiving portion having a receiving port for receiving the developing agent, which is provided so as to be freely displaceable, is engaged with the engaging portion during the mounting operation of the developing agent supply container, and the receiving port communicates with the discharging port. The engaged portion that displaces the developer receiving portion, the first member provided in the mounting portion, and the first member and the developing agent receiving portion are provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction. The first member includes a second member into which the developer receiving portion can be loosely fitted, and the first member is in the vertical direction with respect to the developer receiving portion when the developer replenishment container is detached. The developer abuts at the first position, and the second member abuts at a second position lower than the first position with respect to the developer receiving portion during the mounting operation of the developer replenishment container. It is in the receiving device.

本発明は、現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、前記現像剤収容部に収容された現像剤を排出する排出口が形成された排出部と、前記現像剤収容部と一体的に変位可能な、装着方向上流に向かって鉛直方向上方に傾斜した係合部と、を有する現像剤補給容器と、前記現像剤補給容器を着脱可能な現像剤受入れ装置と、を備え、前記現像剤受入れ装置は、前記現像剤補給容器を装着する装着部と、前記装着部に変位自在に設けられた、現像剤を受入れる受入れ口を有する現像剤受入れ部と、前記現像剤補給容器の装着動作時に前記係合部に係合されて、前記受入れ口が前記排出口と連通するように前記現像剤受入れ部を変位させる被係合部と、前記装着部に設けられた第１部材と、前記第１部材と前記現像剤受入れ部を挟んで前記装着方向下流側に設けられ、前記第１部材とで前記現像剤受入れ部を遊嵌可能な第２部材と、を備え、前記第１部材は、前記現像剤補給容器の離脱動作時に前記現像剤受入れ部に対し鉛直方向の第１位置で当接し、前記第２部材は、前記現像剤補給容器の装着動作時に前記現像剤受入れ部に対し前記第１位置よりも低い第２位置で当接する、ことを特徴とする現像剤補給システムにある。 In the present invention, the developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer, the discharge portion formed with the discharge port for discharging the developer contained in the developer accommodating portion, and the developer accommodating portion can be integrally displaced. The developer receiving device includes a developer replenishing container having an engaging portion inclined upward in the vertical direction toward the upstream in the mounting direction, and a developing agent receiving device to which the developing agent replenishing container can be attached and detached. Refers to a mounting portion for mounting the developing agent replenishing container, a developing agent receiving portion having a receiving port for receiving the developing agent, which is provided in the mounting portion so as to be freely displaceable, and the processor during the mounting operation of the developing agent replenishing container. An engaged portion that is engaged with the joint portion to displace the developer receiving portion so that the receiving port communicates with the discharging port, a first member provided on the mounting portion, and the first member. A second member provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction with the developer receiving portion interposed therebetween and capable of loosely fitting the developer receiving portion with the first member, and the first member is the developing processor. The second member comes into contact with the developer receiving portion at the first position in the vertical direction during the detaching operation of the developer supply container, and the second member is in the first position with respect to the developer receiving portion during the mounting operation of the developer supply container. It is in a developer replenishment system characterized by abutting at a lower second position.

本発明によれば、現像剤受入れ装置への現像剤補給容器の着脱時にかかる力を低減し、装着動作時と離脱動作時とで着脱にかかる力の差を小さくすることができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the force applied when the developer supply container is attached to and detached from the developer receiving device, and to reduce the difference in the force applied when the developer is attached and detached between the attachment operation and the detachment operation.

本実施形態の現像剤受入れ装置を用いて好適な画像形成装置の概略構成図。The schematic block diagram of the image forming apparatus suitable for using the developer receiving apparatus of this embodiment. 画像形成装置の斜視図。Perspective view of the image forming apparatus. 本実施形態の現像剤受入れ装置の、（ａ）斜視図、（ｂ）断面図。(A) perspective view, (b) sectional view of the developer receiving apparatus of this embodiment. 本実施形態の現像剤受入れ装置の、（ａ）部分拡大斜視図、（ｂ）部分拡大断面図、（ｃ）現像剤受入れ部の斜視図。(A) Partially enlarged perspective view, (b) Partially enlarged cross-sectional view, (c) Perspective view of the developer receiving part of the developer receiving apparatus of this embodiment. 現像剤補給容器の、（ａ）一部を切断して示す斜視図、（ｂ）フランジ部周辺の断面図、（ｃ）正面から見た正面図。(A) A perspective view showing a part of the developer supply container cut out, (b) a sectional view around a flange portion, and (c) a front view seen from the front. 現像剤補給容器の容器本体の斜視図。A perspective view of the container body of the developer supply container. フランジ部の、（ａ）斜視図、（ｂ）底面図。(A) perspective view, (b) bottom view of the flange portion. （ａ）係合開始前、（ｂ）係合開始時、（ｃ）係合途中、（ｄ）受入れ口がシャッタ開口と連通した時の、それぞれ被係合部と係合部の関係を示す図。The relationship between the engaged portion and the engaged portion is shown when (a) before the start of engagement, (b) at the start of engagement, (c) during engagement, and (d) when the receiving port communicates with the shutter opening. figure. シャッタの、（ａ）上面図、（ｂ）斜視図。(A) top view and (b) perspective view of the shutter. ポンプの、（ａ）斜視図、（ｂ）側面図。(A) perspective view, (b) side view of the pump. 往復部材の、（ａ）斜視図、（ｂ）（ａ）の反対側から見た斜視図。(A) perspective view and (b) (a) perspective view of the reciprocating member as viewed from the opposite side. カバーの、（ａ）斜視図、（ｂ）（ａ）の反対側から見た斜視図。(A) perspective view of the cover, (b) (a) perspective view seen from the opposite side. （ａ）現像剤補給容器の装着動作時、（ｂ）現像剤補給装置の離脱動作時の、それぞれ現像剤受入れ部と規制部材との関係を示す図。The figure which shows the relationship between a developer receiving part and a regulation member, respectively, at the time of (a) mounting operation of a developer replenishing container, and (b) disengagement operation of a developer replenishing device. （ａ）現像剤補給容器の装着動作時、（ｂ）現像剤補給容器の離脱動作時に、それぞれ現像剤受入れ部を変位させるのに必要な力について説明するモデル図。A model diagram illustrating (a) the force required to displace the developer receiving portion during the mounting operation of the developer replenishment container and (b) the detaching operation of the developer replenishment container. （ａ）比較例、（ｂ）本実施形態の、それぞれ現像剤補給容器の着脱時にかかる力に関連するパラメータの一例を示す図。(A) A diagram showing an example of parameters related to a comparative example and (b) a force applied when the developer supply container is attached / detached in each of the present embodiments. （ａ）比較例、（ｂ）本実施形態の、それぞれ現像剤受入れ部の高さと現像剤補給容器の着脱時にかかる力との関係を示すグラフ。(A) A graph showing the relationship between the height of the developer receiving portion and the force applied when the developer supply container is attached / detached in (a) Comparative Example and (b) the present embodiment, respectively.

［画像形成装置］
本実施形態の現像剤受入れ装置を用いて好適な画像形成装置の概略構成について、図１及び図２を用いて説明する。図１において、画像形成装置１００は、装置本体１００ａの上部に原稿読取装置１０３を有する。原稿１０１は、原稿台ガラス１０２の上に置かれる。そして、原稿１０１の画像情報に応じた光像を原稿読取装置１０３の複数のミラーＭとレンズＬｎにより、像担持体としての円筒状の感光体である感光ドラム１０４上に結像させることにより静電潜像を形成する。この静電潜像は乾式の現像器（１成分現像器）２０１により現像剤（乾式粉体）としてのトナー（１成分磁性トナー）を用いて可視化される。なお、本実施形態では、現像剤補給容器１（トナーカートリッジとも呼ぶ）から補給すべき現像剤として１成分磁性トナーを用いた例について説明するが、このような例だけではなく、後述するような構成としても構わない。 [Image forming device]
The schematic configuration of a suitable image forming apparatus using the developer receiving apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 has a document reading apparatus 103 on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 100a. The document 101 is placed on the platen glass 102. Then, an optical image corresponding to the image information of the document 101 is formed statically by forming an image on the photosensitive drum 104, which is a cylindrical photosensitive member as an image carrier, by a plurality of mirrors M and lenses Ln of the document reading device 103. Form an electro-latent image. This electrostatic latent image is visualized by a dry-type developer (one-component developer) 201 using toner (one-component magnetic toner) as a developer (dry powder). In this embodiment, an example in which a one-component magnetic toner is used as the developer to be replenished from the developer replenishment container 1 (also referred to as a toner cartridge) will be described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example and will be described later. It may be configured.

具体的には、１成分非磁性トナーを用いて現像を行う１成分現像器を用いる場合、現像剤として１成分非磁性トナーを補給することになる。また、磁性キャリアと非磁性トナーを混合した２成分現像剤を用いて現像を行う２成分現像器を用いる場合、現像剤として非磁性トナーを補給することになる。なお、この場合、現像剤として非磁性トナーとともに磁性キャリアも併せて補給する構成としても構わない。 Specifically, when a one-component developer that develops using a one-component non-magnetic toner is used, the one-component non-magnetic toner is replenished as a developer. Further, when a two-component developer that develops using a two-component developer in which a magnetic carrier and a non-magnetic toner are mixed is used, the non-magnetic toner is replenished as the developer. In this case, the developer may be configured to supply a magnetic carrier together with the non-magnetic toner.

図１に示す現像器２０１は、上述したように、原稿１０１の画像情報に基づいて感光ドラム１０４上に形成された静電潜像を、現像剤としてトナーを用いて現像するものである。また、現像器２０１には、現像剤補給システム２００が接続されており、現像剤補給システム２００は、現像剤補給容器１と、現像剤補給容器１が着脱可能な現像剤受入れ装置８とを有する。現像剤補給システム２００については後述する。 As described above, the developer 201 shown in FIG. 1 develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 based on the image information of the original document 101 by using toner as a developer. Further, a developer replenishment system 200 is connected to the developer 201, and the developer replenishment system 200 includes a developer replenishment container 1 and a developer receiving device 8 to which the developer replenishment container 1 can be attached and detached. .. The developer replenishment system 200 will be described later.

現像器２０１は、現像剤ホッパ部２０１ａの他に、現像ローラ２０１ｆが設けられている。この現像剤ホッパ部２０１ａには、現像剤補給容器１から補給された現像剤を撹拌するための撹拌部材２０１ｃが設けられている。そして、この撹拌部材２０１ｃにより撹拌された現像剤は、搬送部材２０１ｄにより搬送部材２０１ｅ側へと送られる。そして、搬送部材２０１ｅ、２０１ｂにより順に搬送されてきた現像剤は、現像ローラ２０１ｆに担持され、最終的に感光ドラム１０４と対向する現像部へと供給される。本実施形態では、１成分現像剤を用いているため、現像剤補給容器１から現像剤としてのトナーを、現像器２０１へ補給する構成としているが、２成分現像剤を用いる場合、現像剤補給容器から現像剤としてのトナー及びキャリアを補給する構成としても構わない。 The developer 201 is provided with a developing roller 201f in addition to the developer hopper section 201a. The developer hopper section 201a is provided with a stirring member 201c for stirring the developer supplied from the developer supply container 1. Then, the developer stirred by the stirring member 201c is sent to the transport member 201e side by the transport member 201d. Then, the developing agent conveyed in order by the conveying members 201e and 201b is supported on the developing roller 201f and finally supplied to the developing unit facing the photosensitive drum 104. In the present embodiment, since the one-component developer is used, the toner as the developer is replenished from the developer replenishment container 1 to the developer 201. However, when the two-component developer is used, the developer is replenished. It may be configured to replenish the toner and the carrier as a developer from the container.

カセット１０５～１０８は、それぞれシートなどの記録材Ｓを収容する。画像形成時には、これらカセット１０５～１０８のうち、画像形成装置の操作部１００ｄから操作者（ユーザやサービスマン）が入力した情報もしくは原稿１０１のサイズを基に最適な記録材Ｓを収容したカセットが選択される。ここで記録材Ｓとしては用紙に限定されずに、例えばＯＨＰシート等適宜使用、選択できる。そして、給送分離装置１０５Ａ～１０８Ａにより搬送された１枚の記録材Ｓを、搬送部１０９を経由してレジストレーションローラ１１０まで搬送し、感光ドラム１０４の回転と、原稿読取装置１０３のスキャンのタイミングを同期させて搬送する。 The cassettes 105 to 108 each accommodate a recording material S such as a sheet. At the time of image formation, among these cassettes 105 to 108, the cassette containing the optimum recording material S based on the information input by the operator (user or serviceman) from the operation unit 100d of the image forming apparatus or the size of the document 101 is Be selected. Here, the recording material S is not limited to paper, and can be appropriately used and selected, for example, an OHP sheet or the like. Then, one recording material S conveyed by the feeding / separating devices 105A to 108A is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the conveying unit 109, and the photosensitive drum 104 is rotated and the document reading device 103 is scanned. Transport at the same timing.

レジストレーションローラ１１０の記録材搬送方向下流側で、感光ドラム１０４と対向する位置には、転写帯電器１１１及び分離帯電器１１２が設けられている。レジストレーションローラ１１０により搬送された記録材Ｓは、転写帯電器１１１によって、感光ドラム１０４上に形成された現像剤による画像（トナー画像）が転写される。そして、トナー画像が転写された記録材Ｓは、分離帯電器１１２によって感光ドラム１０４から分離される。この後、搬送部１１３により搬送された記録材Ｓは、定着部１１４において熱と圧力が加えられ、記録材上にトナー像が定着される。その後、トナー像を定着した記録材Ｓは、片面コピーの場合には、排出反転部１１５を通過し、排出ローラ１１６により排出トレイ１１７へ排出される。 A transfer charger 111 and a separate charger 112 are provided at positions facing the photosensitive drum 104 on the downstream side of the registration roller 110 in the recording material transport direction. An image (toner image) of the developer formed on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred to the recording material S conveyed by the registration roller 110 by the transfer charger 111. Then, the recording material S to which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation charger 112. After that, heat and pressure are applied to the recording material S conveyed by the conveying unit 113 at the fixing unit 114, and the toner image is fixed on the recording material. After that, in the case of single-sided copying, the recording material S on which the toner image is fixed passes through the discharge inversion unit 115 and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the discharge roller 116.

他方、両面コピーの場合には、記録材Ｓは、排出反転部１１５を通り、一度、排出ローラ１１６により一部が装置外へ排出される。そして、この後、記録材Ｓの終端が切換部材１１８を通過し、排出ローラ１１６にまだ挟持されているタイミングで切換部材１１８の位置を切り換えると共に排出ローラ１１６を逆回転させることにより、記録材Ｓは、再度、装置内へ搬送される。さらに、この後、記録材Ｓは、再給送搬送部１１９、１２０を経由してレジストレーションローラ１１０まで搬送された後、片面コピーの場合と同様の経路をたどって排出トレイ１１７へ排出される。 On the other hand, in the case of double-sided copying, the recording material S passes through the discharge inversion unit 115, and a part of the recording material S is once discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller 116. After that, the end of the recording material S passes through the switching member 118, and the position of the switching member 118 is switched at the timing when the recording material S is still sandwiched by the discharge roller 116, and the discharge roller 116 is rotated in the reverse direction. Is transported into the device again. Further, after that, the recording material S is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the refeeding and conveying units 119 and 120, and then discharged to the discharge tray 117 by following the same route as in the case of single-sided copying. ..

上記構成の画像形成装置１００において、感光ドラム１０４の周りには現像器２０１、クリーナ部２０２、一次帯電器２０３等の画像形成プロセス機器が設置されている。なお、現像器２０１は、原稿読取装置１０３により読み取った原稿１０１の画像情報などに基づき感光ドラム１０４に形成された静電潜像に現像剤を付着させることにより、静電潜像を現像するものである。また、一次帯電器２０３は、感光ドラム１０４上に所望の静電潜像を形成するために感光ドラム表面を一様に帯電するためのものである。また、クリーナ部２０２は感光ドラム１０４に残留している現像剤を除去するためのものである。 In the image forming apparatus 100 having the above configuration, image forming process equipment such as a developing device 201, a cleaner portion 202, and a primary charging device 203 is installed around the photosensitive drum 104. The developer 201 develops an electrostatic latent image by adhering a developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 based on the image information of the original 101 read by the original reading device 103. Is. Further, the primary charger 203 is for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum in order to form a desired electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104. Further, the cleaner portion 202 is for removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104.

図２に示すように、画像形成装置１００の装置本体１００ａの外装カバーの一部である交換用カバー４０を操作者が開けると、後述する現像剤受入れ装置８の一部が現れる。そして、この現像剤受入れ装置８に現像剤補給容器１を挿入することで、現像剤補給容器１は、現像剤受入れ装置８へ現像剤を補給可能な状態に装着される。他方、操作者が現像剤補給容器１を交換する際は、装着動作とは逆の動作を行って現像剤受入れ装置８から現像剤補給容器１を離脱した後に、新たな現像剤補給容器１を装着する。なお、交換用カバー４０は、現像剤補給容器１を着脱（交換）するための専用カバーであって、現像剤補給容器１を着脱するためだけに開閉される。他方、画像形成装置１００のメンテナンスは、前面カバー１００ｃを開閉することにより行われる。ここで、交換用カバー４０と前面カバー１００ｃは一体であってもよく、その場合、現像剤補給容器１の交換や、画像形成装置１００のメンテナンスは一体化されたカバー（不図示）を開閉することにより行われる。 As shown in FIG. 2, when the operator opens the replacement cover 40, which is a part of the exterior cover of the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100, a part of the developer receiving apparatus 8 described later appears. Then, by inserting the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving device 8, the developer supply container 1 is mounted in a state where the developer can be supplied to the developer receiving device 8. On the other hand, when the operator replaces the developer replenishment container 1, the developer replenishment container 1 is replaced after the developer replenishment container 1 is removed from the developer receiving device 8 by performing the operation opposite to the mounting operation. Mounting. The replacement cover 40 is a dedicated cover for attaching / detaching (replacement) the developer replenishment container 1, and is opened / closed only for attaching / detaching the developer replenishment container 1. On the other hand, maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 is performed by opening and closing the front cover 100c. Here, the replacement cover 40 and the front cover 100c may be integrated, and in that case, the integrated cover (not shown) is opened and closed for replacement of the developer supply container 1 and maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100. It is done by.

［現像剤受入れ装置］
次に、現像剤補給システム２００を構成する現像剤受入れ装置８について、図３（ａ）乃至図４（ｃ）を用いて説明する。現像剤受入れ装置８には、図３（ａ）に示すように、現像剤補給容器１が着脱自在に装着される装着部（装着スペース）８ｆが設けられている。装着部８ｆには、現像剤補給容器１を着脱方向に案内するための挿入ガイド８ｅが設けられている。本実施形態の場合、挿入ガイド８ｅにより現像剤補給容器１の装着方向が矢印Ａ方向となるように、現像剤補給容器１の離脱方向が矢印Ａ方向と逆方向（矢印Ｂ方向）となるように構成されている。 [Developer receiving device]
Next, the developer receiving device 8 constituting the developer replenishment system 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) to 4 (c). As shown in FIG. 3A, the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a mounting portion (mounting space) 8f to which the developer replenishing container 1 is detachably mounted. The mounting portion 8f is provided with an insertion guide 8e for guiding the developer supply container 1 in the attachment / detachment direction. In the case of the present embodiment, the insertion guide 8e is used so that the mounting direction of the developer replenishing container 1 is in the direction of arrow A, and the detaching direction of the developer replenishing container 1 is in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A (direction of arrow B). It is configured in.

図３（ａ）乃至図４（ａ）に示すように、現像剤受入れ装置８は、現像剤補給容器１を駆動する駆動機構として機能する駆動ギア９を有している。この駆動ギア９は、駆動モータ５００から駆動ギア列（不図示）を介して回転駆動力が伝達され、装着部８ｆに装着された状態にある現像剤補給容器１に対し回転駆動力を付与する機能を有している。駆動モータ５００は、制御装置６００によりその動作を制御される構成となっている。 As shown in FIGS. 3A to 4A, the developer receiving device 8 has a drive gear 9 that functions as a drive mechanism for driving the developer supply container 1. The drive gear 9 transmits a rotational drive force from the drive motor 500 via a drive gear train (not shown), and applies the rotational drive force to the developer replenishment container 1 mounted on the mounting portion 8f. It has a function. The drive motor 500 is configured such that its operation is controlled by the control device 600.

制御装置６００は、駆動モータ５００の制御の他、画像形成装置１００全体の制御を行う。このような制御装置６００は、ＣＰＵ（Ｃｅｎｔｒａｌ Ｐｒｏｃｅｓｓｉｎｇ Ｕｎｉｔ）、ＲＯＭ（Ｒｅａｄ Ｏｎｌｙ Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）、ＲＡＭ（Ｒａｎｄｏｍ Ａｃｃｅｓｓ Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）を有している。ＣＰＵは、ＲＯＭに格納された制御手順に対応するプログラムを読み出しながら各部の制御を行う。また、ＲＡＭには、作業用データや入力データが格納されており、ＣＰＵは、前述のプログラム等に基づいてＲＡＭに収納されたデータを参照して制御を行う。 The control device 600 controls not only the drive motor 500 but also the entire image forming apparatus 100. Such a control device 600 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU controls each part while reading a program corresponding to the control procedure stored in the ROM. Further, work data and input data are stored in the RAM, and the CPU controls by referring to the data stored in the RAM based on the above-mentioned program or the like.

現像剤受入れ装置８の装着部８ｆには、現像剤補給容器１から排出された現像剤を受入れるための現像剤受入れ部１１が設けられている。現像剤受入れ部１１は、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時に現像剤補給容器１の容器排出口３ａ４（図５（ｂ）参照）と接続され、容器排出口３ａ４から排出される現像剤を受け入れる受入れ口１１ａを有する。現像剤受入れ部１１は、受入れ口１１ａが容器排出口３ａ４に対して遠近動する方向に、本実施形態では現像剤補給容器１の装着方向に交差する方向（具体的には、現像剤受入れ装置８に対して鉛直方向）に移動可能（変位可能）に取り付けられている。 The mounting unit 8f of the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a developer receiving unit 11 for receiving the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1. The developer receiving unit 11 is connected to the container discharge port 3a4 (see FIG. 5B) of the developer supply container 1 during the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 and receives the developer discharged from the container discharge port 3a4. It has a receiving port 11a. The developer receiving unit 11 is in a direction in which the receiving port 11a moves in perspective with respect to the container discharging port 3a4, and in the present embodiment, intersects with the mounting direction of the developing agent supply container 1 (specifically, the developing agent receiving device). It is attached so that it can be moved (displaceable) in the vertical direction with respect to 8.

そして、本実施形態の場合、図３（ｂ）に示すように、現像剤受入れ部１１は、直径が現像剤受入れ部１１よりも狭い、弾性部材からなるガイドシール１２により変位自在に保持されている。それ故、現像剤受入れ部１１は、受入れ口１１ａが容器排出口３ａ４に対し接離するように鉛直方向の上下方向に移動する際、ガイドシール１２との間で生じる摩擦力に抗して移動する（摺動する）。 Then, in the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the developer receiving portion 11 is displaceably held by the guide seal 12 made of an elastic member whose diameter is narrower than that of the developer receiving portion 11. There is. Therefore, the developer receiving portion 11 moves against the frictional force generated with the guide seal 12 when the receiving port 11a moves vertically in the vertical direction so as to be in contact with and separated from the container discharging port 3a4. (Sliding).

また、図４（ａ）に示すように、現像剤受入れ装置８の装着部８ｆには、現像剤受入れ部１１よりも装着方向（矢印Ａ方向）の上流側に第１シャッタストッパ部８ａ及び第２シャッタストッパ部８ｂが設けられている。第１、第２シャッタストッパ部８ａ、８ｂは、現像剤受入れ装置８に対し相対移動する着脱中の現像剤補給容器１において、後述するシャッタ４（図９（ａ）など参照）のみに関し現像剤受入れ装置８に対する相対移動を規制する。この場合、シャッタ４は後述する容器本体２などのシャッタ４以外の現像剤補給容器１の一部に対し相対移動することになる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 has a first shutter stopper portion 8a and a first shutter stopper portion 8a on the upstream side in the mounting direction (arrow A direction) from the developer receiving portion 11. 2 A shutter stopper portion 8b is provided. The first and second shutter stoppers 8a and 8b are attached / detached developer supply containers 1 that move relative to the developer receiving device 8, and the developer is provided only for the shutter 4 (see FIG. 9A and the like) described later. Restrict relative movement to the receiving device 8. In this case, the shutter 4 moves relative to a part of the developer supply container 1 other than the shutter 4 such as the container body 2 described later.

図３（ｂ）及び図４（ｂ）に示すように、現像剤受入れ装置８の鉛直方向下方には、現像剤補給容器１から補給された現像剤を一時的に溜めておくサブホッパ８ｃが設けられている。このサブホッパ８ｃ内には、現像器２０１の一部である現像剤ホッパ部２０１ａ（図１参照）へ現像剤を搬送するための搬送スクリュー１４と、現像剤ホッパ部２０１ａと連通した開口８ｄが設けられている。 As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (b), a sub hopper 8c for temporarily storing the developer supplied from the developer supply container 1 is provided below the developer receiving device 8 in the vertical direction. Has been done. In the sub hopper 8c, a transport screw 14 for transporting the developer to the developer hopper section 201a (see FIG. 1), which is a part of the developer 201, and an opening 8d communicating with the developer hopper section 201a are provided. Has been done.

図４（ｃ）に示すように、現像剤受入れ部１１には、受入れ口１１ａを取り囲むように形成された本体シール１３が配置されている。本体シール１３は、弾性体、発泡体等で構成されている。本体シール１３は、現像剤補給容器１が装着された状態で、現像剤補給容器１の容器排出口３ａ４を取り囲む開口シール３ａ５（図５（ｂ）参照）との間で後述するシャッタ４を挟んで密着する。これにより、現像剤補給容器１の容器排出口３ａ４からシャッタ４のシャッタ開口４ｊ（排出口）を介して受入れ口１１ａへと排出される現像剤が、現像剤搬送経路である受入れ口１１ａ外へ漏れないようにしている。 As shown in FIG. 4C, a main body seal 13 formed so as to surround the receiving port 11a is arranged in the developer receiving portion 11. The main body seal 13 is made of an elastic body, a foam body, or the like. The main body seal 13 sandwiches the shutter 4 described later with the opening seal 3a5 (see FIG. 5B) surrounding the container discharge port 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 with the developer supply container 1 attached. Adhere with. As a result, the developer discharged from the container discharge port 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 to the receiving port 11a through the shutter opening 4j (discharge port) of the shutter 4 goes out of the receiving port 11a which is the developer transport path. I try not to leak.

なお、受入れ口１１ａの直径は、装着部８ｆ内が現像剤により汚れてしまうのを防止するために、シャッタ４のシャッタ開口４ｊの直径よりも略同径からやや大きくするのが望ましい。これは、シャッタ開口４ｊの直径よりも受入れ口１１ａの直径が小さい場合、シャッタ開口４ｊから排出された現像剤が本体シール１３の上面に付着し易くなるためである。付着した現像剤は、現像剤補給容器１の着脱動作時に現像剤補給容器１の下面に付着することによって、現像剤による汚れの一因となる。この点に鑑み、受入れ口１１ａの直径は、シャッタ開口４ｊの直径に対して略同径～約２ｍｍ大きくすることが望ましい。例えば、シャッタ４のシャッタ開口４ｊの直径が約２ｍｍの微細口（ピンホール）である場合、受入れ口１１ａの直径は約３ｍｍに設定することが好ましい。 It is desirable that the diameter of the receiving port 11a is slightly larger than the diameter of the shutter opening 4j of the shutter 4 to be slightly larger than the diameter of the shutter opening 4j of the shutter 4 in order to prevent the inside of the mounting portion 8f from being contaminated by the developer. This is because when the diameter of the receiving port 11a is smaller than the diameter of the shutter opening 4j, the developer discharged from the shutter opening 4j tends to adhere to the upper surface of the main body seal 13. The adhering developer adheres to the lower surface of the developer replenishment container 1 during the attachment / detachment operation of the developer replenishment container 1, which contributes to contamination by the developer. In view of this point, it is desirable that the diameter of the receiving port 11a is substantially the same as the diameter of the shutter opening 4j to about 2 mm larger. For example, when the diameter of the shutter opening 4j of the shutter 4 is a fine opening (pinhole) of about 2 mm, it is preferable to set the diameter of the receiving port 11a to about 3 mm.

また、図４（ｃ）に示すように、現像剤受入れ部１１には、側面に中央側に向け突出した被係合部１１ｂが設けられている。本実施形態の場合、この被係合部１１ｂは、後述する、現像剤補給容器１に設けられた係合部３０（図７（ａ）参照）と直接係合し、ガイドされることで、現像剤受入れ部１１が現像剤補給容器１へ向けて鉛直方向上方へ持ち上げられる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the developer receiving portion 11 is provided with an engaged portion 11b protruding toward the center on the side surface thereof. In the case of the present embodiment, the engaged portion 11b is directly engaged with and guided by the engaging portion 30 (see FIG. 7A) provided in the developer supply container 1, which will be described later. The developer receiving unit 11 is lifted upward in the vertical direction toward the developer supply container 1.

［規制ガイド］
本実施形態では、図４（ａ）に示すように、現像剤受入れ部１１を被係合部１１ｂが設けられた側面で遊嵌可能に、現像剤補給容器１の装着方向（矢印Ａ方向）に関し、上流側に第１規制ガイド８ｈ、下流側に第２規制ガイド８ｉが設けられている。つまり、現像剤受入れ部１１は、第１部材としての第１規制ガイド８ｈと、第２部材としての第２規制ガイド８ｉとの間に僅かな隙間を空けて挟まれている。これら第１規制ガイド８ｈ及び第２規制ガイド８ｉは、現像剤補給容器１の現像剤受入れ装置８への着脱動作に伴って現像剤受入れ部１１に当接し、着脱方向（矢印Ａ、矢印Ｂ方向）における現像剤受入れ部１１の動きを規制する。 [Regulatory Guide]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the developer receiving portion 11 can be loosely fitted on the side surface where the engaged portion 11b is provided, and the developer supply container 1 is mounted in the mounting direction (arrow A direction). The first regulation guide 8h is provided on the upstream side, and the second regulation guide 8i is provided on the downstream side. That is, the developer receiving portion 11 is sandwiched between the first regulation guide 8h as the first member and the second regulation guide 8i as the second member with a slight gap. The first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i come into contact with the developer receiving portion 11 as the developer supply container 1 is attached to and detached from the developer receiving device 8, and are in contact with the developer receiving portion 11 in the attaching / detaching direction (arrow A, arrow B direction). ), The movement of the developer receiving unit 11 is regulated.

本実施形態の場合、着脱動作時の現像剤受入れ部１１と第１規制ガイド８ｈ及び第２規制ガイド８ｉとの当接態様によって、装着動作時及び離脱動作時に現像剤補給容器１を変位させるのに必要とされる力を低減するようにしている。また、それに応じて装着動作時と離脱動作時とで現像剤補給容器１を変位させるのに必要とされる力の差が小さくなる。この点については後述する（図１３（ａ）乃至図１６（ｂ）参照）。なお、本実施形態では、第１規制ガイド８ｈ及び第２規制ガイド８ｉが現像剤受入れ部１１の一方の側面を遊嵌するように設けられた場合を示したが、これに限らない。第１規制ガイド８ｈ及び第２規制ガイド８ｉは、現像剤受入れ部１１の両方の側面を遊嵌するように設けられてもよい。 In the case of the present embodiment, the developer supply container 1 is displaced during the mounting operation and the detaching operation depending on the contact mode between the developer receiving portion 11 and the first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i during the attachment / detachment operation. I am trying to reduce the force required for. Further, the difference in the force required to displace the developer replenishment container 1 between the mounting operation and the detaching operation becomes smaller accordingly. This point will be described later (see FIGS. 13 (a) to 16 (b)). In this embodiment, the case where the first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i are provided so as to loosely fit one side surface of the developer receiving portion 11 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i may be provided so as to loosely fit both side surfaces of the developer receiving portion 11.

［現像剤補給容器］
次に、現像剤補給システム２００を構成する現像剤補給容器１について、図５（ａ）乃至図１２（ｂ）を用いて説明する。まず、図５（ａ）～図５（ｃ）を用いて現像剤補給容器１の全体構成について説明する。現像剤補給容器１は、主に容器本体２、フランジ部３、シャッタ４、ポンプ部５、往復部材６、カバー７を有する。現像剤補給容器１は、現像剤受入れ装置８内で図５（ａ）に示す回転軸線Ｐを中心に矢印Ｒ方向へ回転することにより、現像剤を現像剤受入れ装置８へ補給する。以下に、現像剤補給容器１を構成する各要素について、詳細に説明する。 [Developer supply container]
Next, the developer replenishment container 1 constituting the developer replenishment system 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (a) to 12 (b). First, the overall configuration of the developer supply container 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c). The developer supply container 1 mainly has a container body 2, a flange portion 3, a shutter 4, a pump portion 5, a reciprocating member 6, and a cover 7. The developer supply container 1 replenishes the developer to the developer receiving device 8 by rotating in the direction of the arrow R about the rotation axis P shown in FIG. 5A in the developer receiving device 8. Hereinafter, each element constituting the developer supply container 1 will be described in detail.

［容器本体］
容器本体２は、主に、図６に示すように内部に現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部２ｃを有する。また、容器本体２には、容器本体２が回転軸線Ｐに対して矢印Ｒ方向へ回転することによって現像剤収容部２ｃ内の現像剤を搬送する螺旋状に形成された搬送溝２ａ（搬送部）が形成されている。また、図６に示すように、容器本体２の一端面側の外周面の全周に渡って、カム溝２ｂと、本体側から駆動を受ける駆動受け部２ｄとが、一体的に形成されている。なお、本実施形態では、カム溝２ｂと駆動受け部（ギア）２ｄが容器本体２に対して一体的に形成されているが、カム溝２ｂあるいは駆動受け部２ｄを別体として形成し、容器本体２に一体的に取り付けた構成であってもよい。また、本実施形態では現像剤として、例えば体積平均粒径が５μｍ～６μｍのトナーが現像剤収容部２ｃ内に収容されている。また、本実施形態では、現像剤収容部２ｃは容器本体２だけでなく、容器本体２と後述するフランジ部３及びポンプ部５の内部スペースを合わせたものである。 [Container body]
As shown in FIG. 6, the container main body 2 mainly has a developer accommodating portion 2c for accommodating a developer inside. Further, in the container body 2, the container body 2 rotates in the direction of the arrow R with respect to the rotation axis P to convey the developer in the developer accommodating portion 2c in a spirally formed transport groove 2a (conveyance portion). ) Is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the cam groove 2b and the drive receiving portion 2d that receives the drive from the main body side are integrally formed over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface on the one end surface side of the container main body 2. There is. In the present embodiment, the cam groove 2b and the drive receiving portion (gear) 2d are integrally formed with respect to the container body 2, but the cam groove 2b or the drive receiving portion 2d is formed as a separate body to form the container. It may be configured to be integrally attached to the main body 2. Further, in the present embodiment, as the developer, for example, a toner having a volume average particle size of 5 μm to 6 μm is contained in the developer accommodating portion 2c. Further, in the present embodiment, the developer accommodating portion 2c is not only the container main body 2, but also the container main body 2 and the internal spaces of the flange portion 3 and the pump portion 5 which will be described later.

［フランジ部］
続いて、フランジ部３について図５（ａ）及び図５（ｂ）を参照しながら、図７（ａ）乃至図８（ｄ）を用いて説明する。フランジ部３は、容器本体２と回転軸線Ｐに対して相対回転可能に取り付けられる。そして、現像剤補給容器１が現像剤受入れ装置８に装着されると、フランジ部３は装着部８ｆ（図３（ａ）参照）に対し矢印Ｒ方向の回転が不可となるように保持される。また、フランジ部３の一部には、図７（ｂ）に示すように、容器排出口３ａ４が設けられており、その周囲には開口シール３ａ５が貼着されている。フランジ部３には、図５（ａ）及び図５（ｂ）に示すように、ポンプ部５、往復部材６、シャッタ４、カバー７が組み付けられている。 [Flange part]
Subsequently, the flange portion 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 8 (d). The flange portion 3 is attached so as to be rotatable relative to the container body 2 and the rotation axis P. Then, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 8, the flange portion 3 is held so as not to be able to rotate in the arrow R direction with respect to the mounting portion 8f (see FIG. 3A). .. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, a container discharge port 3a4 is provided on a part of the flange portion 3, and an opening seal 3a5 is attached around the container discharge port 3a4. As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the flange portion 3 is assembled with a pump portion 5, a reciprocating member 6, a shutter 4, and a cover 7.

まず、図５（ｂ）に示すように、フランジ部３の一端側にはポンプ部５がネジ接合され、他端側には容器本体２が不図示のシール部材を介して接合される。また、ポンプ部５を挟み込むようにして、往復部材６が配置され、往復部材６に設けられた係合突起６ｂ（図１１（ａ）、（ｂ）参照）が容器本体２のカム溝２ｂ（図６参照）に嵌め込まれる。さらに、フランジ部３にはシャッタ４が組み込まれる。本実施形態では、フランジ部３とシャッタ４とで、現像剤収容部２ｃに収容された現像剤を排出する排出部３００を構成している。また、シャッタ４が設けられている面は、フランジ部３の底面である。また、外観上の見た目を向上させる目的と往復部材６、ポンプ部５を保護するために、上記したフランジ部３、ポンプ部５、往復部材６の全体を覆うようにカバー７が一体的に組み付けられ、図５（ｂ）のように構成される。 First, as shown in FIG. 5B, the pump portion 5 is screw-joined to one end side of the flange portion 3, and the container body 2 is joined to the other end side via a seal member (not shown). Further, the reciprocating member 6 is arranged so as to sandwich the pump portion 5, and the engaging protrusion 6b (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) provided on the reciprocating member 6 is a cam groove 2b (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) of the container body 2. (See FIG. 6). Further, a shutter 4 is incorporated in the flange portion 3. In the present embodiment, the flange portion 3 and the shutter 4 constitute a discharge unit 300 for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage unit 2c. The surface on which the shutter 4 is provided is the bottom surface of the flange portion 3. Further, in order to improve the appearance of the appearance and to protect the reciprocating member 6 and the pump portion 5, the cover 7 is integrally assembled so as to cover the entire flange portion 3, the pump portion 5, and the reciprocating member 6 described above. It is configured as shown in FIG. 5 (b).

［係合部］
フランジ部３は、図７（ａ）に示すように、現像剤受入れ部１１の被係合部１１ｂ（図４（ｃ）参照）と係合可能な係合部３０を有している。係合部３０は、現像剤補給容器１から現像剤受入れ部１１への現像剤補給が可能な互いが接続した状態となるように、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作に伴い、現像剤受入れ部１１を現像剤補給容器１に向けて変位させる。また、係合部３０は、現像剤補給容器１の離脱動作に伴い、現像剤補給容器１と現像剤受入れ部１１との接続状態が断たれるように、現像剤受入れ部１１が現像剤補給容器１から離間する方向へ変位するようにガイドする。 [Engagement part]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the flange portion 3 has an engaging portion 30 that can be engaged with the engaged portion 11b (see FIG. 4C) of the developer receiving portion 11. The engaging portion 30 is connected to each other so that the developing agent can be replenished from the developing agent replenishing container 1 to the developing agent receiving unit 11 as the developer replenishing container 1 is attached. 11 is displaced toward the developer supply container 1. Further, in the engaging portion 30, the developer receiving unit 11 replenishes the developing agent so that the connection state between the developing agent replenishing container 1 and the developing agent receiving unit 11 is cut off due to the disengagement operation of the developing agent replenishing container 1. Guide it so that it is displaced in the direction away from the container 1.

係合部３０は、図７（ａ）に示すように、傾斜部３ｂと、平行部３ｃとを有する。図５（ｃ）は現像剤補給容器１を正面から見た図である。図５（ｃ）に示すように、係合部３０は、回転軸線Ｐを含む平面Ｈよりも下方に配置される。更には、回転軸線Ｐを含む平面Ｈは水平面であり、係合部３０は、この水平面よりも下方に配置される。傾斜部３ｂは、現像剤受入れ部１１の開封動作が行われるように、現像剤補給容器１の装着方向と交差する方向へ現像剤受入れ部１１を変位させる。本実施形態では、傾斜部３ｂは、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作に伴い、現像剤受入れ部１１が現像剤補給容器１の開口シール３ａ５上の一部と接続した状態となるように、現像剤受入れ部１１を現像剤補給容器１に向けて変位させる。このために傾斜部３ｂは、現像剤補給容器１の装着方向と交差する方向に延びている。具体的には、傾斜部３ｂは、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作に伴って、現像剤受入れ部１１の受入れ口１１ａ（図４（ｃ）参照）が容器排出口３ａ４と連通する方向に、係合した被係合部１１ｂを案内するように傾斜した傾斜面を有する。 As shown in FIG. 7A, the engaging portion 30 has an inclined portion 3b and a parallel portion 3c. FIG. 5C is a front view of the developer supply container 1. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), the engaging portion 30 is arranged below the plane H including the rotation axis P. Further, the plane H including the rotation axis P is a horizontal plane, and the engaging portion 30 is arranged below this horizontal plane. The inclined portion 3b displaces the developer receiving portion 11 in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the developer replenishing container 1 so that the developing agent receiving portion 11 is opened. In the present embodiment, the inclined portion 3b is developed so that the developer receiving portion 11 is connected to a part of the opening seal 3a5 of the developer supply container 1 as the developer supply container 1 is attached. The agent receiving portion 11 is displaced toward the developer supply container 1. For this reason, the inclined portion 3b extends in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1. Specifically, the inclined portion 3b has a direction in which the receiving port 11a (see FIG. 4C) of the developing agent receiving portion 11 communicates with the container discharging port 3a4 as the developing agent replenishing container 1 is attached. It has an inclined surface that is inclined so as to guide the engaged portion 11b that is engaged.

平行部（係合面）３ｃは、傾斜部３ｂの装着方向上流端部と滑らかに連続し、装着方向と略平行に形成されている。このような平行部３ｃは、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作に伴い、容器排出口３ａ４が現像剤受入れ部１１の受入れ口１１ａと連通した状態となるように、現像剤受入れ部１１の位置を維持させる。即ち、現像剤受入れ部１１が現像剤補給容器１の開口シール３ａ５上の一部と接続してから、現像剤補給容器１がシャッタ４に対し相対移動する間、本体シール１３と開口シール３ａ５が接続した状態を維持させる。言い換えれば、受入れ口１１ａが開口シール３ａ５上の一部と接続してから容器排出口３ａ４まで移動する間、本体シール１３と開口シール３ａ５が接続した状態を維持させ、受入れ口１１ａを容器排出口３ａ４と連通させる。このために平行部３ｃは、現像剤補給容器１の装着方向と平行な方向に延びている。具体的には、平行部３ｃの被係合部１１ｂが係合する面は、略水平な面である。 The parallel portion (engagement surface) 3c is smoothly continuous with the upstream end portion of the inclined portion 3b in the mounting direction, and is formed substantially parallel to the mounting direction. Such a parallel portion 3c positions the developer receiving portion 11 so that the container discharge port 3a4 communicates with the receiving port 11a of the developing agent receiving portion 11 as the developer supply container 1 is attached. To maintain. That is, after the developer receiving portion 11 is connected to a part of the developer supply container 1 on the opening seal 3a5, the main body seal 13 and the opening seal 3a5 are while the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4. Keep connected. In other words, while the receiving port 11a is connected to a part of the opening seal 3a5 and then moves to the container discharging port 3a4, the main body seal 13 and the opening seal 3a5 are maintained in a connected state, and the receiving port 11a is connected to the container discharging port. Communicate with 3a4. Therefore, the parallel portion 3c extends in a direction parallel to the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1. Specifically, the surface on which the engaged portion 11b of the parallel portion 3c engages is a substantially horizontal surface.

現像剤補給容器１の現像剤受入れ装置８への装着動作時には、まず、図８（ａ）から図８（ｂ）に示すように、係合部３０の傾斜部３ｂの装着方向下流端部に、現像剤受入れ部１１の被係合部１１ｂが接触する。そして、図８（ｃ）に示すように、現像剤補給容器１の装着方向（矢印Ａ方向）の移動に伴って、被係合部１１ｂが傾斜部３ｂの形状に沿ってガイドされる。これにより、現像剤受入れ部１１は、鉛直方向上方（矢印Ｄ方向）、即ち現像剤補給容器１に近づく方向に変位する。更に、現像剤補給容器１が挿入されると、図８（ｄ）に示すように、被係合部１１ｂが平行部３ｃに乗り上げて移動し、受入れ口１１ａ（図４（ｃ）参照）が容器排出口３ａ４と連通した状態となる。ここで、図８（ｄ）に示すように、容器排出口３ａ４と平行部３ｃの位置関係は容器排出口３ａ４を通る回転軸線Ｐに直交する平面Ｌが平行部３ｃを通るような関係にある。また、平行部３ｃを含む平面は、回転軸線Ｐと容器排出口３ａ４の間に配置される関係にある。 At the time of mounting the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8, first, as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (b), at the downstream end of the inclined portion 3b of the engaging portion 30 in the mounting direction. , The engaged portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 comes into contact with each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the engaged portion 11b is guided along the shape of the inclined portion 3b as the developer supply container 1 moves in the mounting direction (direction of arrow A). As a result, the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced upward in the vertical direction (direction of arrow D), that is, in a direction approaching the developer supply container 1. Further, when the developer supply container 1 is inserted, as shown in FIG. 8 (d), the engaged portion 11b rides on the parallel portion 3c and moves, and the receiving port 11a (see FIG. 4 (c)) moves. It is in a state of communicating with the container discharge port 3a4. Here, as shown in FIG. 8D, the positional relationship between the container discharge port 3a4 and the parallel portion 3c is such that the plane L orthogonal to the rotation axis P passing through the container discharge port 3a4 passes through the parallel portion 3c. .. Further, the plane including the parallel portion 3c is arranged between the rotation axis P and the container discharge port 3a4.

［シャッタ］
次に、シャッタ４について、図９（ａ）、（ｂ）を用いて説明する。シャッタ４はフランジ部３のシャッタ挿入部３ｄ上（図７（ａ）参照）を摺動するようにして、現像剤補給容器１の一部（フランジ部３）に対して移動可能に設けられている。シャッタ４は、排出口としてのシャッタ開口４ｊを有し、現像剤補給容器１の着脱動作に伴い、現像剤補給容器１の容器排出口３ａ４（図７（ｂ）参照）を開閉する。即ち、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作に伴ってシャッタ４が現像剤補給容器１に対して移動することで、現像剤受入れ部１１の受入れ口１１ａとシャッタ開口４ｊが連通し、さらに容器排出口３ａ４が連通する。これにより、現像剤補給容器１内部の現像剤を受入れ口１１ａへ排出可能となる。即ち、フランジ部３とシャッタ４とで、現像剤を排出する排出部３００（図５（ｂ）参照）を構成し、排出部３００のシャッタ４には、現像剤を排出する排出口としてのシャッタ開口４ｊが形成されている。 [Shutter]
Next, the shutter 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. The shutter 4 is provided so as to be slidable on the shutter insertion portion 3d of the flange portion 3 (see FIG. 7A) so as to be movable with respect to a part of the developer supply container 1 (flange portion 3). There is. The shutter 4 has a shutter opening 4j as a discharge port, and opens and closes the container discharge port 3a4 (see FIG. 7B) of the developer supply container 1 with the attachment / detachment operation of the developer supply container 1. That is, the shutter 4 moves with respect to the developer replenishment container 1 with the mounting operation of the developer replenishment container 1, so that the receiving port 11a of the developing agent receiving unit 11 and the shutter opening 4j communicate with each other, and further, the container discharge port. 3a4 communicates. As a result, the developer inside the developer supply container 1 can be discharged to the receiving port 11a. That is, the flange portion 3 and the shutter 4 form a discharge unit 300 (see FIG. 5B) for discharging the developer, and the shutter 4 of the discharge unit 300 is a shutter as a discharge port for discharging the developer. An opening 4j is formed.

一方、シャッタ４のシャッタ開口４ｊから外れた位置には現像剤封止部４ａが設けられている。現像剤封止部４ａは、現像剤補給容器１を抜き出す動作に伴ってシャッタ４が現像剤補給容器１に対して移動することで、容器排出口３ａ４を塞ぐ。また、現像剤封止部４ａは、現像剤補給容器１が現像剤受入れ装置８の装着部８ｆ（図３（ａ）参照）に装着されていない時に、容器排出口３ａ４からの現像剤の漏れを防ぐ。なお、シャッタ４は、現像剤封止部４ａを上向きにした姿勢で、フランジ部３に係合している。 On the other hand, a developer sealing portion 4a is provided at a position outside the shutter opening 4j of the shutter 4. The developer sealing portion 4a closes the container discharge port 3a4 by moving the shutter 4 with respect to the developer replenishment container 1 as the developer replenishment container 1 is taken out. Further, the developer sealing portion 4a leaks the developer from the container discharge port 3a4 when the developer supply container 1 is not mounted on the mounting portion 8f (see FIG. 3A) of the developer receiving device 8. prevent. The shutter 4 is engaged with the flange portion 3 with the developer sealing portion 4a facing upward.

シャッタ４は、現像剤補給容器１がシャッタ４に対して相対移動することが可能となるように、現像剤受入れ装置８の第１、第２シャッタストッパ部８ａ、８ｂ（図４（ａ）参照）に保持される第１ストッパ部４ｂ及び第２ストッパ部４ｃを有している。また、シャッタ４は、第１、第２ストッパ部４ｂ、４ｃを変位可能に支持する支持部４ｄを有している。支持部４ｄは、弾性変形可能で、現像剤封止部４ａの両側面の一端側から他端側に向けてそれぞれ延設されている。そして、支持部４ｄの先端部に、それぞれ第１ストッパ部４ｂと第２ストッパ部４ｃを設けている。これにより、第１、第２ストッパ部４ｂ、４ｃは、支持部４ｄの弾性により変位可能となる。 The shutter 4 has first and second shutter stoppers 8a and 8b of the developer receiving device 8 so that the developer supply container 1 can move relative to the shutter 4 (see FIG. 4A). ), It has a first stopper portion 4b and a second stopper portion 4c. Further, the shutter 4 has a support portion 4d that supports the first and second stopper portions 4b and 4c in a displaceable manner. The support portion 4d is elastically deformable and extends from one end side to the other end side of both side surfaces of the developer sealing portion 4a. A first stopper portion 4b and a second stopper portion 4c are provided at the tip of the support portion 4d, respectively. As a result, the first and second stopper portions 4b and 4c can be displaced by the elasticity of the support portion 4d.

なお、第１ストッパ部４ｂと支持部４ｄが形成する角度αは鋭角となるよう、第１ストッパ部４ｂは傾斜している。これに対して、第２ストッパ部４ｃと支持部４ｄが形成する角度βは鈍角となるように、第２ストッパ部４ｃは傾斜している。 The first stopper portion 4b is inclined so that the angle α formed by the first stopper portion 4b and the support portion 4d is an acute angle. On the other hand, the second stopper portion 4c is inclined so that the angle β formed by the second stopper portion 4c and the support portion 4d is an obtuse angle.

第１ストッパ部４ｂは、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時に、現像剤受入れ装置８の案内部８ｇと係合して変位し、第２シャッタストッパ部８ｂを通過して、第１シャッタストッパ部８ａと係合する。第１ストッパ部４ｂと第１シャッタストッパ部８ａとが係合することで、シャッタ４の現像剤受入れ装置８に対する位置が固定され、シャッタ４と現像剤補給容器１が相対移動可能なる。そして、シャッタ４と現像剤補給容器１が相対移動することで、シャッタ開口４ｊと容器排出口３ａ４が開閉することとなる。つまり、現像剤補給容器１の装着により、現像剤補給容器１から現像剤が排出可能となり、現像剤補給容器１を取り外した際には、現像剤補給容器１から現像剤が排出されないようになる。 The first stopper portion 4b engages with and displaces the guide portion 8g of the developer receiving device 8 during the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1, passes through the second shutter stopper portion 8b, and passes through the second shutter stopper portion 8b to pass through the first shutter stopper portion. Engage with 8a. By engaging the first stopper portion 4b and the first shutter stopper portion 8a, the position of the shutter 4 with respect to the developer receiving device 8 is fixed, and the shutter 4 and the developer supply container 1 can move relative to each other. Then, the shutter 4 and the developer supply container 1 move relative to each other, so that the shutter opening 4j and the container discharge port 3a4 are opened and closed. That is, by attaching the developer supply container 1, the developer can be discharged from the developer supply container 1, and when the developer supply container 1 is removed, the developer is not discharged from the developer supply container 1. ..

第２ストッパ部４ｃは、現像剤補給容器１の離脱動作時に、現像剤受入れ装置８の第２シャッタストッパ部８ｂに係合して、第１ストッパ部４ｂが第１シャッタストッパ部８ａから外れるように変位させる。これにより、シャッタ４が現像剤受入れ装置８から外れる。 The second stopper portion 4c engages with the second shutter stopper portion 8b of the developer receiving device 8 when the developer supply container 1 is detached, so that the first stopper portion 4b is disengaged from the first shutter stopper portion 8a. Displace to. As a result, the shutter 4 is disengaged from the developer receiving device 8.

［ポンプ部］
ポンプ部５について、図１０（ａ）及び図１０（ｂ）を用いて説明する。ポンプ部５は、容器本体２（図６参照）の駆動受け部２ｄが受けた駆動力により、現像剤収容部２ｃの内圧が大気圧よりも低い状態と高い状態とに交互に繰り返し切り替わるように動作する。本実施形態では前述したように小さな容器排出口３ａ４から現像剤を安定的に排出させるために、現像剤補給容器１の一部にポンプ部５を設けている。ポンプ部５はその容積が可変な容積可変型ポンプである。具体的には、ポンプ部として、伸縮可能な蛇腹状の伸縮部材で構成されているものを採用している。 [Pump section]
The pump unit 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). The pump unit 5 repeatedly switches between a state in which the internal pressure of the developer accommodating unit 2c is lower than the atmospheric pressure and a state in which the internal pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure due to the driving force received by the drive receiving unit 2d of the container body 2 (see FIG. 6). Operate. In the present embodiment, as described above, the pump unit 5 is provided in a part of the developer supply container 1 in order to stably discharge the developer from the small container discharge port 3a4. The pump unit 5 is a variable volume pump having a variable volume. Specifically, as the pump portion, a pump portion composed of a stretchable bellows-shaped telescopic member is adopted.

このポンプ部５の伸縮動作により現像剤補給容器１内の圧力を変化させ、その圧力を利用して現像剤の排出を行っている。具体的には、ポンプ部５を縮める際には現像剤補給容器１内が加圧状態となり、その圧力に押し出される形で現像剤が現像剤補給容器１の容器排出口３ａ４から排出される。またポンプ部５を伸ばす際には現像剤補給容器１内が減圧状態になり、外部から容器排出口３ａ４を介してエアが取り込まれる。この取り込まれたエアにより容器排出口３ａ４や、フランジ部３の容器本体２から搬送された現像剤を貯留する貯留部３ａ３付近（図７（ａ）参照）の現像剤がほぐれ、次の排出がスムーズに行われるようになっている。 The pressure inside the developer supply container 1 is changed by the expansion / contraction operation of the pump unit 5, and the pressure is used to discharge the developer. Specifically, when the pump unit 5 is contracted, the inside of the developer supply container 1 is in a pressurized state, and the developer is discharged from the container discharge port 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 in the form of being pushed out by the pressure. Further, when the pump portion 5 is extended, the inside of the developer supply container 1 is in a reduced pressure state, and air is taken in from the outside through the container discharge port 3a4. The air taken in loosens the developer in the vicinity of the container discharge port 3a4 and the reservoir 3a3 (see FIG. 7A) that stores the developer conveyed from the container body 2 of the flange portion 3, and the next discharge is performed. It is designed to be done smoothly.

即ち、このように現像剤補給容器１の容器排出口３ａ４や貯留部３ａ３付近は、現像剤補給容器１の運搬時などの振動で現像剤補給容器１内の現像剤が集まり、この部分で現像剤が固まってしまう場合がある。したがって、上述のように容器排出口３ａ４を介してエアが取り込まれることで、このように固まってしまった現像剤をほぐすことができる。また、通常の現像剤の排出動作においては、このようにエアが取り込まれることで、エアと粉体である現像剤が混成されて、現像剤の流動性が良くなり、現像剤の詰まりが生じにくくなるという効果もある。以上のような伸縮動作を繰り返し行うことで現像剤の排出が行われる。 That is, in the vicinity of the container discharge port 3a4 and the storage portion 3a3 of the developer supply container 1 in this way, the developer in the developer supply container 1 gathers due to vibration during transportation of the developer supply container 1, and the developer is developed in this portion. The agent may harden. Therefore, as described above, air is taken in through the container discharge port 3a4, so that the developer that has solidified in this way can be loosened. Further, in the normal discharge operation of the developer, by taking in the air in this way, the air and the developer which is a powder are mixed, the fluidity of the developer is improved, and the developer is clogged. It also has the effect of making it difficult. The developer is discharged by repeating the expansion and contraction operation as described above.

図１０（ａ）に示すように、ポンプ部５は、開口端側に、フランジ部３と接合可能なように接合部５ｂを有している。ここでは、接合部５ｂとしてネジが形成された構成を例示している。また、図１０（ｂ）に示すように、ポンプ部５は他端側に、後述する往復部材６（図１１（ａ）及び図１１（ｂ）参照）と同期して変位させるために、往復部材６と係合する往復部材係合部５ｃを有する。 As shown in FIG. 10A, the pump portion 5 has a joint portion 5b on the open end side so as to be capable of joining with the flange portion 3. Here, a configuration in which a screw is formed as the joint portion 5b is illustrated. Further, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the pump portion 5 is reciprocated to the other end side in order to be displaced in synchronization with the reciprocating member 6 (see FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b)) described later. It has a reciprocating member engaging portion 5c that engages with the member 6.

また、図１０（ｂ）に示すように、ポンプ部５は、「山折り」部と「谷折り」部が周期的に形成された蛇腹状の伸縮部（蛇腹部、伸縮部材）５ａを有する。伸縮部５ａは、その折り目に沿って（その折り目を基点として）、矢印Ｂ方向に折り畳まれたり、矢印Ａ方向に伸びたりし得る。したがって、本実施形態のような蛇腹状のポンプ部５を採用した場合には、伸縮量に対する容積変化量のばらつきを少なくすることができるので、安定した容積可変動作を行うことが可能となる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the pump portion 5 has a bellows-shaped expansion / contraction portion (bellows portion, expansion / contraction member) 5a in which a “mountain fold” portion and a “valley fold” portion are periodically formed. .. The stretchable portion 5a may be folded in the direction of arrow B or may extend in the direction of arrow A along the crease (with the crease as a base point). Therefore, when the bellows-shaped pump portion 5 as in the present embodiment is adopted, it is possible to reduce the variation in the volume change amount with respect to the expansion / contraction amount, so that stable volume variable operation can be performed.

なお、本実施形態では、ポンプ部５の材料としてポリプロピレン樹脂を用いたが、これに限らない。ポンプ部５の材料（材質）に関しては、伸縮機能を発揮し容積変化によって現像剤収容部の内圧を変化させることができる材料であれば何でもよい。例えば、ＡＢＳ（アクリロニトリル・ブタジエン・スチレン共重合体）、ポリスチレン、ポリエステル、ポリエチレン等を用いてもよい。あるいは、ゴム、その他の伸縮性材料などを用いることも可能である。 In this embodiment, polypropylene resin is used as the material of the pump portion 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. The material (material) of the pump portion 5 may be any material as long as it exhibits an expansion / contraction function and can change the internal pressure of the developer accommodating portion by changing the volume. For example, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), polystyrene, polyester, polyethylene and the like may be used. Alternatively, rubber, other elastic materials and the like can be used.

［往復部材］
往復部材６について、図１１（ａ）及び図１１（ｂ）を用いて説明する。図１１（ａ）及び図１１（ｂ）に示すように、往復部材６は上述したポンプ部５の容積を可変するために、ポンプ部５に設けられた往復部材係合部５ｃ（図１０（ｂ）参照）に係合するポンプ係合部６ａを有する。また、往復部材６は、組み立ての際に上述したカム溝２ｂ（図６参照）に嵌め込まれる係合突起６ｂを有する。係合突起６ｂは、ポンプ係合部６ａ近傍より着脱方向（図中矢印Ａ、矢印Ｂ方向）に延在するアーム６ｃの先端部に設けられている。また、往復部材６は、後述するカバー７の往復部材保持部７ｂ（図１２（ｂ）参照）によってアーム６ｃの軸線Ｐ（図５（ａ）参照）中心の回転変位が規制されている。したがって、容器本体２が駆動ギア９によって駆動受け部２ｄより駆動を受け、カム溝２ｂが一体となって回転する際に、カム溝２ｂに嵌め込まれた係合突起６ｂとカバー７の往復部材保持部７ｂの作用により、往復部材６は矢印Ａ、Ｂ方向へ往復運動する。それに伴い、さらに、往復部材６のポンプ係合部６ａと往復部材係合部５ｃを介して係合したポンプ部５が矢印Ａ、Ｂ方向へ伸縮運動する。 [Reciprocating member]
The reciprocating member 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b). As shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), the reciprocating member 6 is provided with a reciprocating member engaging portion 5c (FIG. 10 (FIG. 10)) provided in the pump portion 5 in order to change the volume of the pump portion 5 described above. b) It has a pump engaging portion 6a that engages (see). Further, the reciprocating member 6 has an engaging protrusion 6b that is fitted into the cam groove 2b (see FIG. 6) described above at the time of assembly. The engagement protrusion 6b is provided at the tip of the arm 6c extending in the attachment / detachment direction (arrow A, arrow B direction in the figure) from the vicinity of the pump engagement portion 6a. Further, in the reciprocating member 6, the rotational displacement of the center of the axis P (see FIG. 5A) of the arm 6c is regulated by the reciprocating member holding portion 7b (see FIG. 12B) of the cover 7, which will be described later. Therefore, when the container body 2 is driven by the drive gear 9 from the drive receiving portion 2d and the cam groove 2b rotates integrally, the engaging protrusion 6b fitted in the cam groove 2b and the reciprocating member of the cover 7 are held. Due to the action of the portion 7b, the reciprocating member 6 reciprocates in the directions of the arrows A and B. Along with this, the pump portion 5 engaged with the pump engaging portion 6a of the reciprocating member 6 via the reciprocating member engaging portion 5c expands and contracts in the directions of arrows A and B.

［カバー］
カバー７について、図１２（ａ）及び図１２（ｂ）を用いて説明する。上述したが、カバー７は、現像剤補給容器１の外観の見た目向上と、往復部材６やポンプ部５の保護を目的として、図５（ｂ）に示すように設けられている。詳しくは、カバー７は、フランジ部３、ポンプ部５、往復部材６の全体を覆うように設けられている。図１２（ａ）に示すように、カバー７には、現像剤受入れ装置８の挿入ガイド８ｅ（図３（ａ）参照）にガイドされるガイド溝７ａが設けられている。また、図１２（ｂ）に示すように、カバー７には、上述した往復部材６の軸線Ｐ（図５（ａ）参照）を中心とする回転変位を規制する往復部材保持部７ｂが設けられている。 [cover]
The cover 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b). As described above, the cover 7 is provided as shown in FIG. 5B for the purpose of improving the appearance of the developer supply container 1 and protecting the reciprocating member 6 and the pump portion 5. Specifically, the cover 7 is provided so as to cover the entire flange portion 3, the pump portion 5, and the reciprocating member 6. As shown in FIG. 12A, the cover 7 is provided with a guide groove 7a guided by the insertion guide 8e (see FIG. 3A) of the developer receiving device 8. Further, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), the cover 7 is provided with a reciprocating member holding portion 7b that regulates rotational displacement around the axis P (see FIG. 5 (a)) of the reciprocating member 6 described above. ing.

［第１規制ガイド、第２規制ガイド］
第１規制ガイド８ｈ及び第２規制ガイド８ｉの構成について、図１３（ａ）及び図１３（ｂ）を用いて説明する。図１３（ａ）及び図１３（ｂ）に示すように、第１規制ガイド８ｈと第２規制ガイド８ｉとは現像剤受入れ部１１を遊嵌可能に、着脱方向（矢印Ａ、矢印Ｂ方向）に間隔を空けて配置されている。 [1st regulation guide, 2nd regulation guide]
The configurations of the first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b). As shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), the first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i allow the developer receiving portion 11 to be loosely fitted in the attachment / detachment direction (arrow A, arrow B direction). They are arranged at intervals.

図１３（ａ）に示すように、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時、現像剤受入れ部１１は現像剤補給容器１の装着方向（矢印Ａ方向）の移動に伴い、係合部３０の傾斜部３ｂに沿って鉛直方向上方に変位する。この際に、被係合部１１ｂは主に鉛直方向下方側の下方ガイド３０ａに接触し（図中Ｐ３参照）、下方ガイド３０ａから力を受け変位する。そして、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時に、第１規制ガイド８ｈが現像剤受入れ部１１と当接する鉛直方向の位置は、図中Ｐ１で示す位置である。これに対し、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時に、第２規制ガイド８ｉが現像剤受入れ部１１と当接する鉛直方向の位置は、図中Ｐ２で示す位置（第２位置）である。即ち、現像剤受入れ部１１は装着方向下流側に傾いた状態で、第１規制ガイド８ｈ及び第２規制ガイド８ｉの両方に当接し、これらに摺動しながら鉛直方向上方に変位する。 As shown in FIG. 13A, during the mounting operation of the developer replenishment container 1, the developer receiving portion 11 tilts the engaging portion 30 as the developer replenishment container 1 moves in the mounting direction (arrow A direction). It is displaced upward in the vertical direction along the portion 3b. At this time, the engaged portion 11b mainly contacts the lower guide 30a on the lower side in the vertical direction (see P3 in the figure), and receives a force from the lower guide 30a to be displaced. The vertical position where the first regulation guide 8h comes into contact with the developer receiving portion 11 during the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 is the position indicated by P1 in the drawing. On the other hand, the vertical position where the second regulation guide 8i comes into contact with the developer receiving portion 11 during the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 is the position (second position) indicated by P2 in the drawing. That is, the developer receiving portion 11 abuts on both the first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i in a state of being tilted downstream in the mounting direction, and is displaced upward in the vertical direction while sliding on them.

他方、図１３（ｂ）に示すように、現像剤補給容器１の離脱動作時、現像剤受入れ部１１は現像剤補給容器１の離脱方向（矢印Ｂ方向）の移動に伴い、係合部３０の傾斜部３ｂに沿って鉛直方向下方に変位する。この際に、被係合部１１ｂは主に鉛直方向上方側の上方ガイド３０ｂに接触し（図中Ｐ３´参照）、上方ガイド３０ｂから力を受け変位する。そして、現像剤補給容器１の離脱動作時に、第１規制ガイド８ｈが現像剤受入れ部１１と当接する鉛直方向の位置は、図中Ｐ１´で示す位置（第１位置）である。これに対し、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時に、第２規制ガイド８ｉが現像剤受入れ部１１と当接する鉛直方向の位置は、図中Ｐ２´で示す位置である。即ち、現像剤受入れ部１１は離脱方向下流側に傾いた状態で、第１規制ガイド８ｈ及び第２規制ガイド８ｉの両方に当接し、これらに摺動しながら鉛直方向下方に変位する。 On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), during the disengagement operation of the developer replenishment container 1, the developer receiving unit 11 moves with the disengagement direction (arrow B direction) of the developer replenishment container 1 and the engaging portion 30. It is displaced downward in the vertical direction along the inclined portion 3b of. At this time, the engaged portion 11b mainly contacts the upper guide 30b on the upper side in the vertical direction (see P3'in the figure), and receives a force from the upper guide 30b to be displaced. The vertical position where the first regulation guide 8h comes into contact with the developer receiving portion 11 during the detaching operation of the developer supply container 1 is the position (first position) indicated by P1'in the figure. On the other hand, the vertical position where the second regulation guide 8i comes into contact with the developer receiving portion 11 during the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 is the position indicated by P2'in the figure. That is, the developer receiving portion 11 abuts on both the first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i in a state of being tilted downstream in the detachment direction, and is displaced downward in the vertical direction while sliding on them.

本実施形態の場合、第１規制ガイド８ｈ及び第２規制ガイド８ｉは、現像剤受入れ部１１と当接する係合部３０に近い鉛直方向の位置が装着動作時と離脱動作時で異なるように設けられている。具体的には、現像剤補給容器１の離脱動作時に第１規制ガイド８ｈが現像剤受入れ部１１に当接する第１位置（Ｐ１´）よりも、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時に第２規制ガイド８ｉが現像剤受入れ部１１に当接する第２位置（Ｐ２）が低い位置である。そうなるように、例えば第１規制ガイド８ｈは上記第１位置（Ｐ１´）が鉛直方向最上端となる高さに形成され、第２規制ガイド８ｉは上記第２位置（Ｐ２）が鉛直方向最上端となる高さに形成されると好ましい。また、第１規制ガイド８ｈの上記第１位置（Ｐ１´）と、第２規制ガイド８ｉの上記第２位置（Ｐ２）との差が５～１０ｍｍとなるように、第１規制ガイド８ｈ及び第２規制ガイド８ｉは形成されるのが好ましい。 In the case of the present embodiment, the first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i are provided so that the vertical positions near the engaging portion 30 in contact with the developer receiving portion 11 are different between the mounting operation and the disengaging operation. Has been done. Specifically, the second regulation is performed during the mounting operation of the developer replenishing container 1 rather than the first position (P1') at which the first regulation guide 8h abuts on the developer receiving portion 11 when the developer replenishing container 1 is detached. The second position (P2) where the guide 8i abuts on the developer receiving portion 11 is a low position. For example, the first regulation guide 8h is formed at a height at which the first position (P1') is at the uppermost end in the vertical direction, and the second regulation guide 8i is formed at a height where the second position (P2) is at the maximum in the vertical direction. It is preferably formed at a height that is the upper end. Further, the first regulation guide 8h and the first regulation guide 8h and the first regulation guide 8h so that the difference between the first position (P1') of the first regulation guide 8h and the second position (P2) of the second regulation guide 8i is 5 to 10 mm. 2 The regulation guide 8i is preferably formed.

［力学モデル］
次に、現像剤補給容器１の着脱動作に伴い現像剤受入れ部１１を変位させるのに必要な力について、図１３（ａ）及び図１３（ｂ）を参照しながら図１４（ａ）及び図１４（ｂ）を用いて説明する。図１４（ａ）は現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時、図１４（ｂ）は現像剤補給容器１の離脱動作時に、それぞれ現像剤受入れ部１１を変位させるのに必要な力Ｆ１、Ｆ２について力学モデルにより説明するための図である。図１４（ａ）及び図１４（ｂ）には、現像剤受入れ部１１に作用する力を示す。 [Mechanical model]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (a) and FIGS. 14 (b) will be described. 14 (a) shows the force F 1 and F required to displace the developer receiving portion 11 when the developer replenishment container 1 is attached and FIG. 14 (b) shows the developer replenishment container 1 detached. It is a figure for demonstrating 2 by a dynamic model. 14 (a) and 14 (b) show the force acting on the developer receiving unit 11.

現像剤受入れ部１１に作用する力として、現像剤受入れ部１１の自重とガイドシール１２から受ける摩擦力を含む力をｆ１、第１規制ガイド８ｈから受ける垂直抗力をＮ１、第２規制ガイド８ｉから受ける垂直抗力をＮ２で示している。また、係合部３０（下方ガイド３０ａ、上方ガイド３０ｂ）から受ける垂直抗力をＮ３、第１規制ガイド８ｈとの摩擦力をμＮ１、第２規制ガイド８ｉとの摩擦力をμＮ２、係合部３０との摩擦力をμＮ３で示している（μは摩擦係数）。そして、位置Ｐ１（Ｐ１´、以下同）から位置Ｐ３（Ｐ３´、以下同）までの鉛直方向の長さをＬ、位置Ｐ１から位置Ｐ２（Ｐ２´、以下同）までの鉛直方向の長さをΔＬで表している。位置Ｐ１から位置Ｐ３までの水平方向の長さをＷ１、位置Ｐ２から位置Ｐ３までの水平方向の長さをＷ２、係合部３０の傾斜部３ｂと水平方向とがなす角度をθで表している。なお、現像剤受入れ部１１の昇降量に従って、位置Ｐ１から位置Ｐ３までの鉛直方向の長さＬは変化する。 As the force acting on the developer receiving unit 11, the force including the own weight of the developing agent receiving unit 11 and the frictional force received from the guide seal 12 is f 1 , the normal force received from the first regulation guide 8h is N 1 , and the second regulation guide. The normal force received from 8i is indicated by N2 . Further, the normal force received from the engaging portion 30 (lower guide 30a, upper guide 30b) is N 3 , the frictional force with the first regulation guide 8h is μN 1 , and the frictional force with the second regulation guide 8i is μN 2 . The frictional force with the joint portion 30 is indicated by μN 3 (μ is the coefficient of friction). Then, the vertical length from the position P1 (P1', the same below) to the position P3 (P3', the same below) is L, and the vertical length from the position P1 to the position P2 (P2', the same below). Is represented by ΔL. The horizontal length from position P1 to position P3 is represented by W1, the horizontal length from position P2 to position P3 is represented by W2, and the angle between the inclined portion 3b of the engaging portion 30 and the horizontal direction is represented by θ. There is. The length L in the vertical direction from the position P1 to the position P3 changes according to the amount of elevation of the developer receiving unit 11.

現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時に現像剤受入れ部１１を変位させるのに必要な力Ｆ１と、現像剤補給容器１の離脱動作時に現像剤受入れ部１１を変位させるのに必要な力Ｆ２とは、以下に示すように示される。この力Ｆ１、Ｆ２は、現像剤補給容器１の着脱動作時に必要とされる力（操作力と呼ぶ）に相当する。 The force F 1 required to displace the developer receiving unit 11 during the mounting operation of the developer replenishing container 1 and the force F 2 required to displace the developing agent receiving unit 11 during the detaching operation of the developing agent replenishing container 1. Is shown below. These forces F 1 and F 2 correspond to the forces (called operating forces) required for the attachment / detachment operation of the developer supply container 1.

Figure 0007005366000001
Figure 0007005366000001

本実施形態の効果について、図１３（ａ）乃至図１４（ｂ）を参照しながら図１５（ａ）乃至図１６（ｂ）を用いて説明する。図１５（ａ）及び図１６（ａ）は比較例での実験に関し、図１５（ｂ）及び図１６（ｂ）は本実施形態での実験に関する。図１５（ａ）及び図１５（ｂ）に示した各項目（Ｌ、ΔＬ、Ｗ１、Ｗ２、θ、ｆ１、μ）は、上述した通りである（図１４（ａ）及び図１４（ｂ）参照）。また、図１５（ａ）及び図１５（ｂ）に記載のＬは、昇降開始時点の値である。現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時における昇降開始時点は、被係合部１１ｂが係合部３０（詳しくは傾斜部３ｂ）に係合開始した時点（所定の下方位置に位置決めされている状態、昇降量０ｍｍの場合）である。他方、現像剤補給容器１の離脱動作時における昇降開始時点は、被係合部１１ｂが係合部３０の傾斜部３ｂに到達した時点（所定の上方位置に位置決めされている状態、例えば昇降量８ｍｍの場合）である。なお、図１５（ａ）、図１５（ｂ）の位置Ｐ１から位置Ｐ２までの鉛直方向の長さΔＬは、位置Ｐ１（Ｐ１´）から位置Ｐ２（Ｐ２´）を見て、位置Ｐ２（Ｐ２´）が位置Ｐ１（Ｐ１´）よりも鉛直方向下方にある場合を正として示している。 The effects of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 (a) to 14 (b) with reference to FIGS. 15 (a) to 16 (b). 15 (a) and 16 (a) relate to the experiment in the comparative example, and FIGS. 15 (b) and 16 (b) relate to the experiment in the present embodiment. The items (L, ΔL, W1, W2, θ, f1, μ) shown in FIGS. 15 ( a ) and 15 (b) are as described above (FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b)). )reference). Further, L shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) is a value at the start of ascending / descending. The ascending / descending start time in the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 is the time when the engaged portion 11b starts engaging with the engaging portion 30 (specifically, the inclined portion 3b) (a state in which the engaged portion 11b is positioned at a predetermined lower position). When the lifting amount is 0 mm). On the other hand, the ascending / descending start time in the disengagement operation of the developer supply container 1 is the time when the engaged portion 11b reaches the inclined portion 3b of the engaging portion 30 (a state in which the engaged portion 11b is positioned at a predetermined upper position, for example, an elevating amount). (In the case of 8 mm). The length ΔL in the vertical direction from the position P1 to the position P2 in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) is the position P2 (P2) when the position P1 (P1 ′) is viewed from the position P2 (P2 ′). The case where ′) is vertically below the position P1 (P1 ′) is shown as positive.

図１５（ａ）と図１５（ｂ）とを比較して理解できるように、比較例と本実施形態では、位置Ｐ１から位置Ｐ３までの鉛直方向の長さＬ、位置Ｐ１から位置Ｐ２までの鉛直方向の長さΔＬが異なっている。これら長さＬと長さΔＬとの相違によって、装着動作時に第２規制ガイド８ｉが現像剤受入れ部１１に当接する第２位置（Ｐ２）と、離脱動作時に第１規制ガイド８ｈが現像剤受入れ部１１に当接する第１位置（Ｐ１´）とが決まる。 As can be understood by comparing FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b), in the comparative example and the present embodiment, the length L in the vertical direction from the position P1 to the position P3 and the length L from the position P1 to the position P2. The length ΔL in the vertical direction is different. Due to the difference between the length L and the length ΔL, the second regulation guide 8i comes into contact with the developer receiving portion 11 at the second position (P2) during the mounting operation, and the first regulation guide 8h receives the developer during the detaching operation. The first position (P1') that abuts on the portion 11 is determined.

図１６（ａ）及び図１６（ｂ）では、横軸が係合部３０と被係合部１１ｂとの係合開始時点を基準（０）とした現像剤受入れ部１１の昇降量を示し、縦軸が装着動作時、離脱動作時における各操作力Ｆ１、Ｆ２の大きさを示す。図１６（ａ）に示す比較例の場合、操作力Ｆ１は現像剤受入れ部１１の昇降量が大きくなるにつれて大きくなる。他方、操作力Ｆ２は現像剤受入れ部１１の昇降量が小さくなるにつれて小さくなる。即ち、操作力Ｆ１、Ｆ２は、現像剤受入れ部１１の昇降量に応じて増減する関係にある。この時、操作力Ｆ１、Ｆ２のうちの最大値をＦ１，２ｍａｘと表し、装着動作時の操作力Ｆ１の最大値と離脱動作時の操作力Ｆ２の最大値との差をΔＦ（＝｜Ｆ１ｍａｘ－Ｆ２ｍａｘ｜）で表し得る。 In FIGS. 16A and 16B, the horizontal axis indicates the amount of elevation of the developer receiving portion 11 with reference to the engagement start time point between the engaging portion 30 and the engaged portion 11b (0). The vertical axis shows the magnitudes of the operating forces F 1 and F 2 during the mounting operation and the detaching operation. In the case of the comparative example shown in FIG. 16A, the operating force F 1 increases as the amount of elevation of the developer receiving portion 11 increases. On the other hand, the operating force F 2 decreases as the amount of elevation of the developer receiving portion 11 decreases. That is, the operating forces F 1 and F 2 are in a relationship of increasing or decreasing according to the amount of elevation of the developer receiving unit 11. At this time, the maximum value of the operating forces F 1 and F 2 is expressed as F 1, 2max , and the difference between the maximum value of the operating force F 1 during the mounting operation and the maximum value of the operating force F 2 during the detachment operation is expressed. It can be represented by ΔF (= | F 1max −F 2max |).

上記の操作力の最大値Ｆ１，２ｍａｘは、ユーザが現像剤補給容器１の着脱動作時に負荷として感じることから、その値は小さいほど好ましい。また、上記の操作力の最大値の差ΔＦは、ユーザが現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時と離脱動作時に感じる負荷の違いとなって表れる。そこで、装着動作時と離脱動作時とで操作性に変わりなくスムーズに着脱動作をユーザに行わせるには、操作力の最大値の差ΔＦが小さいほど好ましい。比較例の場合、図１６（ａ）に示すように、操作力の最大値Ｆ１，２ｍａｘは約８（Ｎ）であり、操作力の最大値の差ΔＦは約４（Ｎ）であった。 The maximum value F 1,2max of the above-mentioned operating force is preferable as the value is smaller because the user feels it as a load during the attachment / detachment operation of the developer replenishment container 1. Further, the difference ΔF of the maximum value of the operating force described above appears as a difference in the load felt by the user during the mounting operation and the detaching operation of the developer replenishment container 1. Therefore, in order for the user to smoothly perform the attachment / detachment operation without changing the operability between the mounting operation and the detaching operation, it is preferable that the difference ΔF of the maximum value of the operating force is small. In the case of the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 16A, the maximum operating force values F 1, 2max were about 8 (N), and the difference ΔF between the maximum operating force values was about 4 (N). ..

これに対し、図１６（ｂ）に示す本実施形態の場合、比較例と同様に、操作力Ｆ１、Ｆ２は、現像剤受入れ部１１の昇降量に応じて増減する関係にある。ただし、比較例に比べると、操作力Ｆ１、Ｆ２が共に低減され、操作力の最大値Ｆ１，２ｍａｘは約３．２（Ｎ）となっている。特に、装着動作時の操作力Ｆ１の低減が顕著であり、それに応じて操作力の最大値の差ΔＦが約０．１（Ｎ）と小さくなっている。このように、本実施形態では、操作力の最大値の差ΔＦが比較例に比べ小さくなることから、ユーザは装着動作時と離脱動作時とで操作性に変わりなくスムーズに現像剤補給容器１の着脱動作を行うことができるようになる。 On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 16B, the operating forces F 1 and F 2 are in a relationship of increasing or decreasing according to the amount of elevation of the developer receiving unit 11, as in the comparative example. However, as compared with the comparative example, both the operating forces F 1 and F 2 are reduced, and the maximum operating force F 1, 2max is about 3.2 (N). In particular, the decrease in the operating force F1 during the mounting operation is remarkable, and the difference ΔF of the maximum value of the operating force is correspondingly small as about 0.1 (N). As described above, in the present embodiment, the difference ΔF of the maximum value of the operating force is smaller than that of the comparative example, so that the user can smoothly operate the developer replenishment container 1 during the mounting operation and the detaching operation. You will be able to perform the attachment / detachment operation of.

以上のように、本実施形態では、現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時に第２規制ガイド８ｉが現像剤受入れ部１１に当接する第２位置が、現像剤補給容器１の離脱動作時に第１規制ガイド８ｈが現像剤受入れ部１１に当接する第１位置よりも低くなるようにしている。そうなるように、第１規制ガイド８ｈと第２規制ガイド８ｉとが形成される。こうすることで、特に現像剤補給容器１の装着動作時に、現像剤受入れ部１１の鉛直方向の位置が高くなるにつれて、数１から操作力Ｆ１が比較例よりも高くなりにくい。したがって、現像剤受入れ部１１の鉛直方向の位置と操作力Ｆ１との関係が図１６（ｂ）で示すようになり、操作力Ｆ１の最大値を比較例よりも大きく下げ得る。以上より、本実施形態では、特に現像剤補給容器１を装着する際の操作力Ｆ１を大きく低減でき、また装着動作時と離脱動作時とで現像剤受入れ部１１を変位させるのに必要な力の差（ΔＦ）を小さくできることから、もって操作者の操作性の向上を図れる。 As described above, in the present embodiment, the second position where the second regulation guide 8i comes into contact with the developer receiving portion 11 during the mounting operation of the developer replenishment container 1 is the first regulation during the detachment operation of the developer replenishment container 1. The guide 8h is set to be lower than the first position where it abuts on the developer receiving portion 11. As such, the first regulation guide 8h and the second regulation guide 8i are formed. By doing so, the operating force F1 is less likely to be higher than in the comparative example from Equation 1 as the position of the developer receiving portion 11 in the vertical direction becomes higher, especially during the mounting operation of the developer replenishment container 1. Therefore, the relationship between the vertical position of the developer receiving portion 11 and the operating force F 1 is shown in FIG. 16B, and the maximum value of the operating force F 1 can be significantly lowered as compared with the comparative example. From the above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to greatly reduce the operating force F1 especially when the developer supply container 1 is mounted, and it is necessary to displace the developer receiving portion 11 between the mounting operation and the detaching operation. Since the force difference (ΔF) can be reduced, the operability of the operator can be improved.

なお、上述した実施形態では、係合部３０として傾斜部３ｂと平行部３ｃを備えた構成について説明したがこれに限らず、係合部３０は傾斜部３ｂのみを備えた構成であってもよい。また、傾斜部３ｂは上側に凸形状となるように湾曲していてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the inclined portion 3b and the parallel portion 3c are provided as the engaging portion 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the engaging portion 30 may be configured to include only the inclined portion 3b. good. Further, the inclined portion 3b may be curved so as to have a convex shape on the upper side.

なお、上述の説明では、現像剤受入れ部１１の受入れ口１１ａが連通する排出口をシャッタ４のシャッタ開口４ｊとしたが、シャッタを設けずに、現像剤補給容器１の容器排出口に現像剤受入れ部の受入れ口を直接、当接させて連通させるようにしても良い。この場合、容器排出口が受入れ口と連通する排出口に相当する。 In the above description, the discharge port through which the receiving port 11a of the developing agent receiving unit 11 communicates is the shutter opening 4j of the shutter 4, but the developing agent is not provided in the container discharging port of the developing agent supply container 1. The receiving port of the receiving portion may be brought into direct contact with each other to communicate with each other. In this case, the container discharge port corresponds to the discharge port communicating with the receiving port.

１…現像剤補給容器、２ｃ…現像剤収容部、３ａ４…容器排出口、４ｊ…排出口（シャッタ開口）、８…現像剤受入れ装置、８ｆ…装着部、８ｈ…第１部材（第１規制ガイド）、８ｉ…第２部材（第２規制ガイド）、１１…現像剤受入れ部、１１ａ…受入れ口、１１ｂ…被係合部、３０…係合部、２００…現像剤補給システム、３００…排出部、Ｐ１´…第１位置、Ｐ２…第２位置 1 ... developer supply container, 2c ... developer accommodating part, 3a4 ... container discharge port, 4j ... discharge port (shutter opening), 8 ... developer receiving device, 8f ... mounting part, 8h ... first member (first regulation) Guide), 8i ... 2nd member (2nd regulation guide), 11 ... developer receiving part, 11a ... receiving port, 11b ... engaged part, 30 ... engaging part, 200 ... developer replenishment system, 300 ... discharging Part, P1'... 1st position, P2 ... 2nd position

Claims (4)

現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、前記現像剤収容部に収容された現像剤を排出する排出口が形成された排出部と、前記現像剤収容部と一体的に変位可能な、装着方向上流に向かって鉛直方向上方に傾斜した係合部と、を有する現像剤補給容器を着脱可能な現像剤受入れ装置において、
前記現像剤補給容器を装着する装着部と、
前記装着部に変位自在に設けられた、現像剤を受入れる受入れ口を有する現像剤受入れ部と、
前記現像剤補給容器の装着動作時に前記係合部に係合されて、前記受入れ口が前記排出口と連通するように前記現像剤受入れ部を変位させる被係合部と、
前記装着部に設けられた第１部材と、
前記第１部材と前記現像剤受入れ部を挟んで前記装着方向下流側に設けられ、前記第１部材とで前記現像剤受入れ部を遊嵌可能な第２部材と、を備え、
前記第１部材は、前記現像剤補給容器の離脱動作時に前記現像剤受入れ部に対し鉛直方向の第１位置で当接し、
前記第２部材は、前記現像剤補給容器の装着動作時に前記現像剤受入れ部に対し前記第１位置よりも低い第２位置で当接する、
ことを特徴とする現像剤受入れ装置。 A mounting direction that can be integrally displaced with the developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developing agent, the discharging portion formed with the discharging port for discharging the developing agent contained in the developing agent accommodating portion, and the developing agent accommodating portion. In a developer receiving device in which a developer supply container having an engaging portion inclined upward in the vertical direction toward the upstream and a developer supply container can be attached and detached can be attached and detached.
A mounting portion for mounting the developer supply container and
A developer receiving portion having a receiving port for receiving the developing agent, which is provided in the mounting portion so as to be freely displaceable,
An engaged portion that is engaged with the engaging portion during the mounting operation of the developing agent supply container and displaces the developing agent receiving portion so that the receiving port communicates with the discharging port.
The first member provided in the mounting portion and
A second member provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction with the first member and the developer receiving portion interposed therebetween, and capable of loosely fitting the developer receiving portion with the first member, is provided.
The first member abuts on the developer receiving portion at the first position in the vertical direction when the developer supply container is detached.
The second member abuts on the developer receiving portion at a second position lower than the first position during the mounting operation of the developer supply container.
A developer receiving device characterized by this. 前記第１部材は、前記第１位置が前記第１部材の鉛直方向最上端となる高さに形成され、
前記第２部材は、前記第２位置が前記第２部材の鉛直方向最上端となる高さに形成されている、
ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の現像剤受入れ装置。 The first member is formed at a height at which the first position is the uppermost end in the vertical direction of the first member.
The second member is formed at a height at which the second position is the uppermost end in the vertical direction of the second member.
The developer receiving apparatus according to claim 1. 現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部と、前記現像剤収容部に収容された現像剤を排出する排出口が形成された排出部と、前記現像剤収容部と一体的に変位可能な、装着方向上流に向かって鉛直方向上方に傾斜した係合部と、を有する現像剤補給容器と、
前記現像剤補給容器を着脱可能な現像剤受入れ装置と、を備え、
前記現像剤受入れ装置は、
前記現像剤補給容器を装着する装着部と、
前記装着部に変位自在に設けられた、現像剤を受入れる受入れ口を有する現像剤受入れ部と、
前記現像剤補給容器の装着動作時に前記係合部に係合されて、前記受入れ口が前記排出口と連通するように前記現像剤受入れ部を変位させる被係合部と、
前記装着部に設けられた第１部材と、
前記第１部材と前記現像剤受入れ部を挟んで前記装着方向下流側に設けられ、前記第１部材とで前記現像剤受入れ部を遊嵌可能な第２部材と、を備え、
前記第１部材は、前記現像剤補給容器の離脱動作時に前記現像剤受入れ部に対し鉛直方向の第１位置で当接し、
前記第２部材は、前記現像剤補給容器の装着動作時に前記現像剤受入れ部に対し前記第１位置よりも低い第２位置で当接する、
ことを特徴とする現像剤補給システム。 A mounting direction that can be integrally displaced with the developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developing agent, the discharging portion formed with the discharging port for discharging the developing agent contained in the developing agent accommodating portion, and the developing agent accommodating portion. A developer supply container having an engaging portion inclined vertically upward toward the upstream, and a developer replenishing container.
A developer receiving device to which the developer supply container can be attached and detached is provided.
The developer receiving device is
A mounting portion for mounting the developer supply container and
A developer receiving portion having a receiving port for receiving the developing agent, which is provided in the mounting portion so as to be freely displaceable,
An engaged portion that is engaged with the engaging portion during the mounting operation of the developing agent supply container and displaces the developing agent receiving portion so that the receiving port communicates with the discharging port.
The first member provided in the mounting portion and
A second member provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction with the first member and the developer receiving portion interposed therebetween, and capable of loosely fitting the developer receiving portion with the first member, is provided.
The first member abuts on the developer receiving portion at the first position in the vertical direction when the developer supply container is detached.
The second member abuts on the developer receiving portion at a second position lower than the first position during the mounting operation of the developer supply container.
A developer replenishment system characterized by that. 前記第１部材は、前記第１位置が前記第１部材の鉛直方向最上端となる高さに形成され、
前記第２部材は、前記第２位置が前記第２部材の鉛直方向最上端となる高さに形成されている、
ことを特徴とする請求項３に記載の現像剤補給システム。 The first member is formed at a height at which the first position is the uppermost end in the vertical direction of the first member.
The second member is formed at a height at which the second position is the uppermost end in the vertical direction of the second member.
The developer replenishment system according to claim 3, wherein the developer is replenished.
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