JPH08305260A - Image forming device, process cartridge, developing device, and developer replenishment container - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a toner replenishment type process cartridge, a developing device, and a developer replenishment container which allow easily determining the kind and mounting position of the developer replenishment container when the developer replenishment container is mounted, in the process cartridge or the developing device and to provide an image forming device having the process cartridge, developing device, and developer replenishment container. CONSTITUTION: This developer replenishment container 8 is mounted in a process cartridge 5 in such a way that at least a part of it overlaps with the developer storage part 3a of the process cartridge 5. The developer replenishment container 8 is firmly held in place by engagement of its locking part 13 with a claw 11 formed on the wall surface of the developer storage part 3a and is not removed. Further, the developer replenishment container 8 has a sealing member 12 for sealing a developer T in the developer replenishment container 8, the sealing member 12 is provided with a portion to be detected, and either an image forming device or the process cartridge is provided with a detecting part 50 for detecting the portion to be detected.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, such as an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer, a word processor, and the like, which is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a process cartridge, a developing device, and a developer supply container attachable to the process cartridge and the developing device.

In the specification of the present application, a process cartridge is an integrally formed cartridge including a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means as a process means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the cartridge is, for example, an electrophotographic copy. Machine, electrophotographic printer, or other image forming apparatus main body, or at least one of a charging means, a developing means, and a cleaning means as the process means, and an electrophotographic photoreceptor. Or to make the cartridge attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, the developing means as the process means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge, and the cartridge is formed. Is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic recording system such as an electrophotographic copying machine or an electrophotographic printer, charges an electrophotographic photosensitive member uniformly, and then exposes it in accordance with image information to make it static. An electrostatic latent image is formed, and then a developer is attached to the latent image by a developing unit to form a visible image (toner image), and then this toner image is transferred to a recording medium to obtain an image.

In such an apparatus, the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the charging means, the developing means, the cleaning means and the like are collectively formed into a cartridge so that the user himself can put the process cartridge into the main body of the image forming apparatus. It has been put into practical use that can be easily replaced by making it easy to maintain.

However, in recent years, a process cartridge or a developing device of a system for supplying toner has been proposed.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a further development of the toner replenishment type process cartridge.

An object of the present invention is to provide a toner replenishing system which can securely fix the developer replenishing container when it is attached to a process cartridge or a developing device and does not require a large space. A process cartridge, a developing device, and a developer supply container, and an image forming apparatus including the process cartridge, the developing device, and the developer supply container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner replenishment type process cartridge which can easily detect the type and mounting position of the developer replenishing container when the developer replenishing container is attached to the process cartridge or the developing device. A developing device and a developer supply container, and an image forming apparatus including the process cartridge, the developing device, and the developer supply container.

Another object of the present invention is to confirm the number of times of replenishment of the developer replenishing container when the developer replenishing container is attached to the process cartridge or the developing device, and the type and mounting position of the developer replenishing container. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner replenishment type process cartridge, a developing device and a developer replenishing container, and an image forming apparatus including the process cartridge, the developing device and the developer replenishing container, which can easily detect the above.

[0010]

The above objects can be achieved by a process cartridge, a developing device, a developer supply container and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In summary, the present invention provides an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process unit that acts on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a developer accommodating portion that accommodates a developer in a process cartridge that is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. When the developer replenishing container for replenishing the process cartridge with the developer is attached to the process cartridge, the developer accommodating portion and the developer replenishing container at least partially overlap, and the process cartridge and the process cartridge The developer replenishing container is attached to the cartridge by a locking mechanism formed on at least one of the developer replenishing containers, and the developer replenishing container is a sealing member for enclosing the developer in the developer replenishing container. The seal member is provided with a detected portion, and the image forming apparatus or the process cartridge is provided with the detected portion of the seal member. A process cartridge which is characterized in that a detector that knowledge.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge can be attached and detached and which forms an image on a recording medium, (a) the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are operated. And a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer. When the developer replenishing container for replenishing the process cartridge with the developer is attached to the process cartridge, the developer accommodating portion and the developer accommodating portion are provided. At least a part of the developer supply container overlaps, and the developer supply container is attached to the cartridge by a locking mechanism formed on at least one of the process cartridge and the developer supply container. Further, the developer supply container Has a seal member for enclosing the developer in the developer supply container, the seal member is provided with a detected portion, and an image forming apparatus or A mounting means for mounting a process cartridge configured to provide a detection portion for detecting the detected portion of the seal member on the process cartridge, and (b) a transporting means for transporting the recording medium. An image forming apparatus having the above is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device having a developer accommodating portion, which is detachable from an image forming apparatus, and is equipped with a developer replenishing container for development. In a developing device that receives replenishment of a developer, when the developer replenishing container is attached to the developing device, the developer accommodating portion and the developer replenishing container at least partially overlap each other, and the developing device and the developer replenishing container. The developer replenishing container is attached to the developing device by a locking mechanism formed on at least one of the above, and the developer replenishing container has a seal member for enclosing the developer in the developer replenishing container. ,
Provided is a developing device, wherein the seal member is provided with a detected portion, and the image forming apparatus or the developing device is provided with a detection portion for detecting the detected portion of the seal member.

Further, according to the present invention, a developer replenishing container attached to a developer accommodating portion of a process cartridge or a developing device, wherein when the developer replenishing container is attached to the process cartridge or the developing device, At least a part of the developer accommodating portion and the developer replenishing container overlap, and the developer replenishing container is the process cartridge due to a locking mechanism formed on at least one of the process cartridge or the developing device and the developer replenishing container. Alternatively, the developer supply container is attached to the developing device,
The developer supply container has a seal member for enclosing the developer, the seal member is provided with a detected portion, and the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge or the developing device detects the detected portion of the seal member. There is provided a developer supply container characterized in that a detection unit is provided.

In each of the above aspects of the present invention, a plurality of developer supply containers can be attached to the process cartridge, and when installing the second and subsequent developer supply containers,
Make sure that the developer supply containers at least partially overlap each other,
The second and subsequent developer supply containers are attached to the already installed developer supply container, the process cartridge, or the developing device. Further, preferably, the plurality of developer supply containers have the same shape.

In the present invention, the process cartridge is a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means as the process means, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is used as a main body of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, it is detachable, or at least one of the charging means, the developing means and the cleaning means as the process means, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge, and the cartridge is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The developing means as the process means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge, and the cartridge is made detachable with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. Is.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The image forming apparatus, the process cartridge, the developing device, and the developer supply container according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 First, with reference to FIG. 8, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge 5 constructed according to the present invention can be mounted will be described.

In this embodiment, the process cartridge 5
Is a drum-shaped image carrier such as an electrophotographic photosensitive member, that is, the photosensitive drum 1, and a charging means 2, a developing means 3, a cleaning means 4, and other image forming process means arranged around the photosensitive drum 1. And these means are integrated by the plastic frame bodies 6 and 7. The process cartridge 5 can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus through mounting guide means 100.

Further, the transfer charging means 1 is provided in the apparatus main body below the photosensitive drum 1 in the process cartridge 5.
5 are arranged. A paper feed tray 16, a paper feed roller 17, and a registration roller 1 are provided on the paper feed side of the transfer charging means 15.
8 is arranged, on the other hand, a paper guide 19 is arranged on the paper discharge side, and further, a fixing unit 20, a paper discharge roller 21, and a paper discharge tray 22 are arranged.

Further, above the process cartridge 5, an illumination lamp 23 for illuminating the original document and a reflected image light of the light emitted from the illumination lamp 23 to the original O are provided on the photosensitive drum 1.
A short-focus optical element array 24 for exposing the light is arranged.
Further, a document table 25 which is capable of reciprocating in the direction of arrow A is provided on the upper part of the apparatus body, and a document pressure plate 26 is attached to the document table 25.

With the above-mentioned structure, in the image forming apparatus, the reflected image light of the light emitted from the illumination lamp 23 to the original O is short-focused optical element array on the photosensitive drum 1 uniformly charged by the charging means 2. When the light is emitted via 24, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document information is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. This electrostatic latent image is sent to a position facing the developing means 3 as the photosensitive drum 1 rotates. The developing means 3 includes a developer carrier 3A such as a developing sleeve that carries and conveys a developer (toner). The toner is supplied from the developing sleeve 3A to the latent image on the photoconductor drum 1 to form a visible image, that is, a toner image.

On the other hand, a recording medium P such as a transfer sheet is sent to a registration roller 18 via a paper feed tray 16 and a paper feed roller 17 which constitute a conveyance means, and the registration roller 18 adjusts the timing. And is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer charging means 15. And
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred onto the transfer paper P by the action of the transfer charging means 15.

Transfer paper P carrying the transferred toner image
After being sent to the fixing unit 20 to make the toner image a permanent image, the sheet is stacked on the sheet discharge tray 22 by the sheet discharge roller 21.

After the transfer, the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by the cleaning means 4, and the photosensitive drum 1 is subjected to the next image forming step.

Next, the process cartridge 5 according to the present invention will be further described.

1 to 4 show details of the process cartridge 5 described above. In this embodiment, the process cartridge 5 includes, for example, a drum-shaped image bearing member, which is an electrophotographic photosensitive member, that is, the photosensitive drum 1, and at least one process unit.

Here, as the process means, for example, a charging means 2 for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, a developing means 3 for forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1, and a toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 are removed. There is a cleaning means 4 for doing so. As shown in FIG. 1, in the process cartridge of this embodiment, a charging unit 2, a developing unit 3 containing a toner (developer) T, and a cleaning unit 4 are arranged around a photosensitive drum 1, and a frame 6 is provided. , 7 to form a cartridge integrally with the housing, and is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Next, the developing means 3 will be described. The developing means 3 has a developer (toner) storage portion 3a for storing toner, a wall surface of which has a claw 11 and an opening portion 3b above it. A developing container lid 3c attached to the process cartridge 5 by a hinge 3e so as to be openable and closable is arranged in the opening 3b. Although the developing container lid 3c is shown in FIG. 1 in an open state, the opening 3b is normally closed by the developing container lid 3c, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. FIG. 2 schematically shows the entire process cartridge 5 with the developing container lid 3c closed.

In this embodiment, the developer replenishing container 8 is as shown in FIG.
As can be understood with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 3, the toner container 8a is formed as a box-shaped container including a top wall 81, a bottom wall 82, a front wall 83, a rear wall 84, and side walls 85 and 86.
Further, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 82 is smaller than the top wall 81,
Therefore, the front wall 83, the rear wall 84, and the side walls 85 and 86 are
The upper wall 81 side is inclined to the bottom wall 82 side.

The toner T is stored in the toner storage portion 8a, the opening 8b is formed in the bottom wall 82, and the opening 8b is formed.
Is closed by a seal member, which is a flexible film-like seal 12 in this embodiment. Further, the outer wall of the developer supply container 8, that is, the front wall 83 and the rear wall 84 is provided with a locking portion 13 when the container 8 is attached to the process cartridge 5. The locks 13 are provided on the front wall 83 and the rear wall 8 of the container 8 as will be better understood with reference to FIG.
4 has a triangular cross-section protruding outward from the outer wall surface, and in this embodiment, has a flat upper surface and has a claw-like outer shape inclined downward. This locking portion 13
Are formed along the longitudinal direction of the container, and when mounted on the process cartridge 5, as will be described later, they are elastically engaged with the claws 11 provided on the toner containing portion 3a to develop the toner. The agent supply container 8 is fixed and held in the toner storage portion 3a. The claw 11 includes a rear wall 3g and a front wall 3g of the toner storage portion 3a.
It is formed on the inner surface of h along the longitudinal direction of the toner storage portion 3a, and is elastically deformable. Further, the lower surface 11a of the tip of the claw 11 is formed in a stepped groove shape so as to tightly engage with the engaging portion 13 of the container 8.

Here, a method of replenishing toner when the toner T in the toner containing portion 3a of the process cartridge 5 is completely consumed will be described.

First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the developing container lid 3c of the process cartridge 5 is opened to expose the opening 3b of the developer accommodating portion 3a. Next, the developer supply container 8 is opened 3b of the cartridge 5 until the claw 11 and the locking portion 13 of the developer supply container 8 are engaged and fixed.
Insert into. When the regular developer supply container 8 is inserted, the developer supply container 8 is further pushed downward so that the locking portion 13 of the developer supply container 8 is moved to the toner storage portion 3a.
Abutting against the claw 11 of the toner, further elastically deforming the claw 11 downward, and finally, as shown in FIG.
The developer replenishing container 8 is elastically engaged with the claw 11 provided in a.
Is fixed and held in the toner containing portion 3a. At this time, the bottom wall 82 of the developer supply container 8 is placed on the support wall 3j provided in the toner containing portion 3a.

According to the present invention, as described above, once the developer replenishing container 8 is connected to the process cartridge 5 by the cooperating work of the locking mechanism including the claw 11 and the locking portion 13, the subsequent process is performed. It cannot be removed. Such a locking mechanism is not limited to the claw 11 and the locking portion 13 having the above-described configuration, but may be used in the process cartridge 5 or the developer supply container 3, or in the process cartridge 5 and the developer supply container 8. It can be any configuration provided.

According to the present embodiment, as will be better understood with reference to FIGS. 5 and 3 which are schematic cross-sectional views of the process cartridge as seen from the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 8, the toner accommodating portion 3a is understood. Inside, a guide means 40 for the seal 12 is provided adjacent to the side wall 3f in which the developing container cutout 3d is formed. In the present embodiment, this guide means 40
Is a support plate 41 fixed to the side wall 3f of the cartridge 5.
The guide roller 42 is rotatably supported by the guide roller 42. Further, the developing container lid 3c has a protrusion 3 which fits and fits into the developing container notch 3d when the lid 3c is closed.
Further, as will be described later in detail, the detected portion 5 formed on the seal 12 is formed inside the protrusion 3k.
A detection unit, that is, a sensor 50 for detecting 1 is installed.

After the developer supply container 8 is fixed and held in the toner accommodating portion 3a as described above, the seal 12 is guided onto the guide roller 42 and then to the developing container cutout portion 3d. It Then, the developing container lid 3c is closed with the end portion of the seal 12 protruding outward from the notch 3d of the developing container. The projecting portion 3k of the developing container lid 3c fits into the developing container cutout portion 3d, a gap G (FIG. 5) is formed between them, and the seal 12 is pulled out through the gap G to the outside.

Therefore, the sensor 50 installed on the developing container lid 3c is positioned so as to face the seal 12 that is pulled out. As the sensor 50, for example, a reflection type photo sensor can be used. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, a detected portion 51 formed by vapor deposition of aluminum is provided on the seal 12, and the detected portion 51 is detected by the sensor 50. The detection signal of the sensor 50 is transmitted to, for example, a display unit (not shown) of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and can display that the developer supply container 8 is set in the cartridge 5.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the detected portion 51 of the toner seal 12 may be changed depending on the type of the developer replenishing container 8, for example, the capacity of the toner or the color of the stored toner. , 51b, 51c and so on. In this case, the sensor 50
The number of ON-OFF detected by the difference is different, the type of the developer replenishing container 8 is discriminated, and the control or display corresponding to this is performed, for example, the capacity display of the toner or the selection of the developing bias current amount optimum for the type of toner. The above can be performed from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

In this embodiment, a reflective photosensor is used as the sensor 50 and an aluminum vapor deposition layer is used as the detected portion 51. However, other optical sensors, contact sensors, magnetic sensors, etc. may be used as the sensor 50. Any object can be used as long as the detected portion 51 can determine the difference in light transmittance, the difference in reflectance, the difference in shape (unevenness, hole, section shape, etc.), magnetic material, or the like. . Further, the method of attaching the detected portion 51 on the sticker 12 may be printing or pasting, or the shape of the sticker 12 itself may be changed.

With the above construction, by pulling the end of the seal 12 in the direction of the arrow, the opening 8b of the developer supply container 8 is opened, and the toner T is supplied to the process cartridge 5.

The process cartridge 5 thus refilled with the toner T is mounted again in the main body of the image forming apparatus to enable image formation.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 9 shows a developing device 10 in the form of a cartridge which is another embodiment of the present invention.

The developing device 10 of this embodiment has a developing agent carrier 3A such as a developing sleeve, and a developing device 3A in which a toner T is housed in order to supply a developing agent (toner) to the developing agent carrier 3A. The developing means 3 having the agent (toner) accommodating portion 3a is integrally formed into a cartridge by the plastic frame body 6. That is, the developing device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment can be considered as a cartridge obtained by integrating the process cartridge 5 described in the first exemplary embodiment except the photosensitive drum 1. Therefore, the configuration and operation of the toner storage portion 3a and the developer supply container 8 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and those having the same configuration and operation are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is incorporated. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the developer supply container 8 is attached to the developing device 10.

The developing device 10 having the above structure can achieve the same effect hardening as the process cartridge 5 described in the first embodiment. That is, since the developer supply container is attached so as to overlap the toner storage portion of the developing device and is not removed, the developer supply container can be securely fixed, and a large space is not required, and toner is scattered. I won't let you. Further, the seal 12 is provided with the detected portion 51, and the sensor 50 detects the detected portion 51. Therefore, the type and the mounting position of the developer supply container are detected, and the image formation is performed without the developer supply container. It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from occurring and to automatically perform control according to the type of developer supply container.

Embodiment 3 FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment of the process cartridge according to the present invention. The process cartridge 5 of the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the process cartridge of the first embodiment, but the developer supply container 8 used in the process cartridge 5 has an opening 8e at the upper part. The difference from the first embodiment is that the opening 8e is closed by the upper opening seal 8f.

Also in this embodiment, the first developer replenishing container 8 is the same as that in the first embodiment and is the process cartridge 5.
, And then withdraw the seal 12. At this time, the detected portion 5 on the seal 12 is the same as in the first embodiment.
1 is discriminated by the sensor 50, and, for example, a display indicating that the replenishment container 8 has been set is displayed on the display unit of the apparatus main body.

Next, when the toner replenished from the first developer replenishing container 8 is consumed, if the toner is further replenished, first, the developer replenishing container 8 currently attached to the process cartridge 5 is first. The upper opening seal 8f is peeled off to expose the upper opening 8e. Subsequently, the new developer supply container 8A is inserted into the upper opening 8e of the first developer supply container 8. At this time, the claw 8g formed in the upper opening 8e of the developer supply container 8 and the locking portion 13 of the developer supply container 8A mesh with each other, and the supply container 8A is fixed to the first supply container 8. The manner of engagement between the claw 8g and the engagement portion 13 is the same as the manner of engagement between the nail 11 and the engagement portion 13 in the developer supply container 8 described in the first embodiment. Further, the developer supply containers 8 and 8A preferably have the same shape.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
With the end of the seal 12 of the developer supply container 8A exposed, the developer container lid 3c is closed, and the end of the seal 12 is pulled in the direction of the arrow to open the opening 8b of the supply container 8A, so that the toner T To replenish.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the seal 12
The upper detected portion 51 is discriminated by the sensor 50, and informs that the developer supply container 8A is set on the display portion of the apparatus main body as when the first supply container 8 is attached.

Thereafter, the developer replenishing containers are piled up in this manner, and the toner can be replenished up to the life of parts such as the image carrier.

The depletion of the toner in the process cartridge 5 can be performed by, for example, attaching a toner remaining amount detecting sensor 30 to the bottom of the toner containing portion 3a of the process cartridge 5 as shown in FIG. . For example, when a piezoelectric element is used as the remaining amount detection sensor 30, the remaining amount of toner can be detected by determining whether the upper surface of the sensor 30 has toner or not.

If the toner in the toner storage portion 3a is used up, the remaining amount detection sensor 30 sends the signal to the control device (not shown) of the image forming apparatus to automatically stop the image formation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the developer carrying member 3A of the developing device 3 from rotating and being damaged in the absence of toner. This image formation stopped state can be automatically canceled by setting a new developer supply container 8A and detecting the detected portion 51 on the seal 12 with the sensor 50 thereafter.

Further, in the toner replenishing system of the present invention, since the developer replenishing containers 8 and 8A and the like remain in the cartridge 5 in an overlapping state as described above, the number of replenishment times can be easily known.

In the process cartridge 5 of FIGS. 11 and 12, the second and subsequent developer supply containers 8A are the claws 8 of the developer supply container 8 already mounted in the cartridge 5.
Although described as being locked by g, as shown in FIG. 14, both the developer supply containers 8 and 8A can be fixed by the locking mechanisms 11A and 11A formed on the process cartridge side. .

In the third embodiment, the process cartridge 5 is used.
Although the case of replenishing the toner with the toner has been described, the configuration of the third embodiment is as shown in, for example, FIG. 15 and FIG.
The same can be applied to the developing device 10 and the same effect can be obtained. That is, the process cartridge 5 described in the third embodiment is similar to the developing device 10 described in the second embodiment with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 from the process cartridge 5 to the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging unit. Two
In addition to the cleaning means 4 and the cleaning means 4, the integrated developing device 10 having only the developing means including the toner storage portion 3a.
You can change the structure to. In the developing device 10 as well, toner can be replenished in the same manner, and the same effect can be obtained. Therefore, in this case, the developing device 10 can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus separately from the photosensitive drum 1 and other process means. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the cartridge shown in FIG. 14 can also be modified into a developing device as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 to achieve the same effect.

As described above, according to the invention of this embodiment, the next developer supply container 8A is attached so as to overlap the developer supply container 8 already attached to the process cartridge 5 and the developing device 10. In addition, since the developer supply containers 8 and 8A can be securely fixed because they are not removed, a large space is not required and the toner is not scattered to the process cartridge 5 or the developing device 10 without scattering the toner. Can be replenished multiple times,
And you can check the number of replenishments. Further, the seal 12 is provided with the detected portion 51, and the sensor 50 detects the detected portion 51. Therefore, the type and the mounting position of the developer supply container are detected, and the image formation is performed without the developer supply container. It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from occurring and to automatically perform control according to the type of developer supply container.

Embodiment 4 In Embodiments 1 to 3, the sensor 50 was mounted on the process cartridge 5 or the lid 3c of the developing device 10, but as shown in FIG.
It is possible to obtain the same operation and effect by attaching to. In this case, the process cartridge 5 or the lid 3c of the developing device 10 has at least an area where the sensor 50 is installed,
It is necessary to provide the transparent window 53 so that the detected portion 51 on the seal 12 can be detected.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the developer supply container is not attached and removed so as to overlap the process cartridge or the toner accommodating portion of the developing device, the developer supply container can be securely fixed, and a large space is not required. The toner can be replenished to the process cartridge or the developing device without being scattered. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect the type of the developer supply container, the mounting position, etc., and prevent malfunctions such as image formation in the absence of the developer supply container, and It is possible to automatically perform the controlled control.

Further, according to the present invention, since the next developer replenishing container is not attached so as to overlap the developer replenishing container already attached to the process cartridge or the developing device, a plurality of developing devices are not attached. The agent container can be securely fixed, and without requiring a large space,
The effect that the toner can be replenished to the developing device and the cartridge a plurality of times without scattering the toner, the number of times of replenishment can be confirmed, and the type and mounting position of the developer replenishing container can be easily detected. Can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a process cartridge of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of FIG.
The state which inserts a developer supply container from an opening part is shown.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a developer supply container is connected to the process cartridge of FIG.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken in the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container, showing a state in which the developer supply container is connected to the process cartridge of FIG. 1, showing a seal withdrawal mode.

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of a seal of a developer supply container.

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of another embodiment of the seal of the developer supply container.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a developer supply container is connected to the developing device in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a process cartridge of another embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a plurality of developer supply containers are connected to the process cartridge of FIG.

13 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge of FIG. 12 taken in a longitudinal direction of a developer supply container, showing a seal withdrawal mode.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a process cartridge of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a developing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a plurality of developer supply containers are connected to the developing device in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a developer supply container showing a process cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a seal withdrawal mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 image carrier (photosensitive drum) 2 charging means 3 developing means 3A developer carrier (developing sleeve) 3a developer accommodating section 4 cleaning means 5 process cartridges 6, 7 frame 8, 8A developer supply container 10 developing device 12 Seal member 30 Toner remaining amount detection sensor 40 Seal guide means 42 Guide roller 50 Detection unit (sensor) 51 Detected part

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A process cartridge attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer, When the developer supply container for supplying the developer to the process cartridge is attached to the process cartridge, the developer containing portion and the developer supply container at least partially overlap each other, and the process cartridge and the developer supply container The developer replenishing container is attached to the cartridge by a locking mechanism formed on at least one of the containers, and the developer replenishing container further has a sealing member for enclosing the developer in the developer replenishing container. The seal member is provided with a detected portion, and the image forming apparatus or the process cartridge detects the detected portion of the seal member. A process cartridge characterized by having an intelligence section. 2. A plurality of the developer replenishing containers can be attached to the process cartridge, and when the second and subsequent developer replenishing containers are mounted, the developer replenishing containers at least partially overlap each other. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second and subsequent developer supply containers are attached to the already-installed developer supply container or process cartridge by a locking mechanism. 3. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of developer supply containers have the same shape. 4. The process cartridge comprises a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means as the process means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which enables the process cartridge. 5. The process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit and a cleaning unit as the process unit, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is provided in an image forming apparatus main body. It can be attached to and detached from the device.
3. The process cartridge according to any one of item 3. 6. The process cartridge is a cartridge in which a developing unit as the process unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to claim 1. 7. An image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachably mountable and which forms an image on a recording medium,
(A) an electrophotographic photoreceptor, process means acting on the electrophotographic photoreceptor, a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer,
And a developer replenishing container for replenishing the process cartridge with the developer is attached to the process cartridge, the developer accommodating portion and the developer replenishing container at least partially overlap each other, and The developer replenishing container is attached to the cartridge by a locking mechanism formed on at least one of the developer replenishing containers, and the developer replenishing container has a seal for enclosing the developer in the developer replenishing container. A process cartridge, which has a member, is provided in the seal member, and the image forming apparatus or the process cartridge is provided with a detection unit for detecting the detected portion of the seal member. An image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting unit for mounting the recording medium; and (b) a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium. 8. A plurality of the developer replenishing containers can be attached to the process cartridge, and when the second and subsequent developer replenishing containers are attached, the developer replenishing containers at least partially overlap each other. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second and subsequent developer supply containers are attached to the already installed developer supply container or process cartridge by a locking mechanism. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of developer supply containers have the same shape. 10. The process cartridge comprises a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means as the process means, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, which enables the image forming apparatus. 11. The process cartridge comprises at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit and a cleaning unit as the process unit, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member, which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is used as a main body of an image forming apparatus. 8. The device according to claim 7, which is removable.
9 image forming apparatus. 12. The process cartridge is a cartridge in which a developing unit as the process unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. 13. A developing device which has a developing means having a developer accommodating portion and which can be detachably attached to an image forming apparatus, wherein the developing device is equipped with a developer replenishing container to receive replenishment of the developer. When attaching the agent supply container to the developing device,
At least a part of the developer accommodating portion and the developer replenishing container overlap, and the developer replenishing container is attached to the developing device by a locking mechanism formed on at least one of the developing device and the developer replenishing container. Further, the developer replenishing container has a seal member for enclosing the developer in the developer replenishing container, the detected portion is provided in the seal member, and the seal member is provided in an image forming apparatus or a developing device. A developing device, which is provided with a detecting portion for detecting the detected portion of. 14. A plurality of the developer replenishing containers can be attached to the developing device, and at the time of mounting the second and subsequent developer replenishing containers, the developer replenishing containers at least partially overlap each other. 14. The developing device according to claim 13, wherein the second and subsequent developer supply containers are attached to the already-installed developer supply container or the developing device by a locking mechanism. 15. The developing device according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of developer supply containers have the same shape. 16. A developer replenishing container attached to a developer containing portion of a process cartridge or a developing device, comprising:
When the developer supply container is attached to the process cartridge or the developing device, the developer accommodating portion and the developer supply container at least partially overlap each other, and at least the process cartridge or the developing device and the developer supply container. The developer replenishing container is attached to the process cartridge or the developing device by a locking mechanism formed on one side, and further, the developer replenishing container has a seal member for enclosing the developer in the developer replenishing container. The developer supply container is characterized in that the seal member is provided with a detected portion, and the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge or the developing device is provided with a detection portion for detecting the detected portion of the seal member. 17. A plurality of the developer replenishing containers can be attached to the process cartridge or the developing device, and when the second and subsequent developer replenishing containers are attached, at least some of the developer replenishing containers are attached to each other. So that they overlap, 2
17. The developer supply container according to claim 16, wherein the second and subsequent developer supply containers are attached to the already-installed developer supply container or the process cartridge or the developing device by the locking mechanism. 18. The developer supply container according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of developer supply containers have the same shape.