JPH0862979A - Image forming device - Google Patents
Image forming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH0862979A JPH0862979A JP6339804A JP33980494A JPH0862979A JP H0862979 A JPH0862979 A JP H0862979A JP 6339804 A JP6339804 A JP 6339804A JP 33980494 A JP33980494 A JP 33980494A JP H0862979 A JPH0862979 A JP H0862979A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- toner
- main body
- container
- shutter
- body side
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
- Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【0001】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、ファクシミリ、プリン
タ、複写機若しくはこれらの複合機として適用され、粉
体トナーを用いて画像形成を行う画像形成装置に係り、
特に装置本体側に設けた現像ユニットその他のトナー受
入れ部に対し補給容器短手方向に沿って着脱可能なトナ
ー補給容器を具えた画像形成装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus which is applied as a facsimile, a printer, a copying machine or a composite machine of these, and which forms an image using powder toner.
In particular, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a toner replenishing container that can be attached to and detached from a developing unit and other toner receiving portions provided on the apparatus main body side in the lateral direction of the replenishing container.
【0002】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来より、ファクシミリ、プリンタ、複
写機として適用される画像形成装置として、感光体ドラ
ムやベルト状感光体を用い、露光手段により感光体上に
書込まれた潜像を現像装置によりトナー像化した後、該
トナー像を感光体を介して記録紙に転写させる、例えば
電子写真装置や静電記録装置のような間接トナー像記録
方式、又、トナー担持ローラと記録紙を挿通させる背面
電極との間に、マトリックス状のメッシュ電極を配し、
画像情報に対応させて前記メッシュ電極を通電制御させ
ながら前記トナー担持ローラ側より記録紙側に直接トナ
ー像を飛翔付着させるトナージェットタイプの直接記録
方式も公知である。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus applied as a facsimile, a printer or a copying machine, a photoconductor drum or a belt-shaped photoconductor is used, and a latent image written on the photoconductor by an exposing means is developed. After forming a toner image by means of a toner image, the toner image is transferred onto a recording paper via a photoconductor, for example, an indirect toner image recording system such as an electrophotographic device or an electrostatic recording device, or a toner carrying roller and recording paper are inserted. A matrix-shaped mesh electrode is placed between the back electrode and
A toner jet type direct recording method is also known in which a toner image is directly fly-adhered from the toner carrying roller side to the recording paper side while controlling the energization of the mesh electrode in correspondence with image information.
【0003】この種の記録方式、例えば、電子写真装置
においては、感光体ドラム側よりのトナー消費により、
現像装置内のトナー収納部のトナーがエンプティになっ
た時点で、別に準備されたトナー補給容器からトナーを
補給し得る形態を採用している。In this type of recording system, for example, in an electrophotographic apparatus, toner consumption from the photosensitive drum side causes
When the toner in the toner storage unit in the developing device becomes empty, the toner can be replenished from a separately prepared toner replenishing container.
【0004】即ち、かかるトナー補給機構は、現像装置
側のトナー収納部に上面に受入開口部を開口させ、一
方、トナー補給容器は、前記トナー収納部の上面受け入
れ開口部に接面して仮係止可能にされた補給開口部を下
面側に形成すると共に、該補給開口部をピーリングシー
ト若しくはシャッタ部材で封止し、該トナー補給容器を
前記受入開口部に接面して仮係止させた後ピーリングシ
ート若しくはシャッタ部材を開放操作し、補給開口部/
受入開口部を介してトナー収納部側に適宜トナーを補給
せんとするものである。That is, in such a toner replenishing mechanism, a receiving opening is opened on the upper surface of the toner accommodating portion on the side of the developing device, while the toner replenishing container is temporarily in contact with the upper surface receiving opening of the toner accommodating portion. A replenishing opening that can be locked is formed on the lower surface side, the replenishing opening is sealed with a peeling sheet or a shutter member, and the toner replenishing container is brought into contact with the receiving opening and temporarily locked. After releasing the peeling sheet or shutter member,
The toner is appropriately replenished to the toner storage portion side through the receiving opening.
【0005】しかしながらかかるピーリングシートを用
いる構成では移動操作中の衝接により破壊され易いのみ
ならず、一旦ピーリングシートを剥離した後では下向き
のトナー補給開口が常に開口しており、この為トナー補
給容器取外し操作中に前記トナー開口より残留トナーが
飛散し、機内汚染が生じやすい。この為トナー補給容器
側の補給開口とトナー収納部側の受入開口の夫々にシャ
ッタ部材を設け、これらを一のシャッタ部材の開放操作
により連動して開放可能にした装置が提案されている
(実開昭50ー84056、実公昭55ー12193
他)。However, the structure using such a peeling sheet is not only easily broken by the collision during the moving operation, but also the toner replenishing opening facing downward is always opened after the peeling sheet is once peeled off. During the removing operation, the residual toner is scattered from the toner opening, and the inside of the machine is likely to be contaminated. For this reason, there has been proposed a device in which a shutter member is provided in each of the toner supply container side replenishment opening and the toner storage unit side reception opening, and these can be opened interlockingly by an opening operation of one shutter member (actually, Kaisho 50-84056, Actual Public Sho 55-12193
other).
【0006】しかしながら、かかる装置においては、シ
ャッタ部材の開放動作に追従してトナーが落下するため
に、その開口端にトナーが付着し、やはり閉塞後のトナ
ー補給容器取外し操作中に前記開口端に付着したトナー
が飛散し、僅かながら機内汚染が生じ易い。又前記シャ
ッタ部材は一般に補給容器長手方向に引張するために、
その操作空間が無用に長くなる。However, in such an apparatus, the toner drops following the opening operation of the shutter member, so that the toner adheres to the opening end of the shutter member, and the toner also adheres to the opening end during the operation of removing the toner supply container after closing. The adhered toner is scattered and the inside of the machine is likely to be slightly polluted. Further, since the shutter member is generally pulled in the longitudinal direction of the supply container,
The operating space becomes unnecessarily long.
【0007】かかる欠点を解消するために、実開平5ー
84966号においてシャッタ部材を引張して開閉する
のではなく、底面にシャッタ部材を具えた補給容器を装
置本体側の受入開口に隣接して配置し、装置本体側のシ
ャッタ部材を引出すことによりこれに連動して(補給容
器側のシャッタ部材が固定された状態で)補給容器本体
が装置本体の受入れ開口と対面する位置まで移動し、補
給容器内のトナー全量が装置本体内に投入される。In order to eliminate such a drawback, the shutter member is not pulled to open and close in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-84966, but a replenishing container having a shutter member on the bottom is provided adjacent to the receiving opening on the apparatus main body side. By placing the shutter member on the main body of the device and pulling out the shutter member of the main body of the device, the refill container main body moves to a position facing the receiving opening of the main body of the device (with the shutter member of the refill container fixed) and replenishes. The entire amount of toner in the container is put into the apparatus main body.
【0008】[0008]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、前記装
置においては補給容器内のトナー全量が装置本体に投入
されるために、装置本体内の例えば現像ホッパのトナー
収納容積を前記全量が投入されてもオーバフローしない
容積に設定せねばならず、その分装置本体の大形化につ
ながる。However, in the above apparatus, the total amount of toner in the replenishing container is charged into the main body of the apparatus, so that even if the total amount of toner stored in, for example, the developing hopper in the main body of the apparatus is charged. The volume must be set so that it will not overflow, which leads to an increase in the size of the device body.
【0009】特に二成分現像剤を用いた現像装置におい
ては、トナーを収納するホッパと、キャリアとトナーを
攪拌するT/C収納部の複数の部屋を必要とし、前記ホ
ッパに全量投入する構成を取ると、トナーがエンプティ
状態と満杯状態では、トナー収納量に大きな違いが生
じ、T/C収納部へのトナー補給制御を円滑に出来にく
い。又全量が一度に投入されることは、補給容器内のト
ナーが固化若しくは凝集化していた場合でもホッパ内に
そのまま投入されてしまうために、現像に悪影響を及ぼ
す。Particularly, in a developing device using a two-component developer, a plurality of chambers of a hopper for accommodating toner and a T / C accommodating portion for agitating carrier and toner are required, and the whole amount is put into the hopper. If it is taken, there is a large difference in the amount of toner stored between the empty state and the full state, and it is difficult to smoothly control the toner supply to the T / C storage section. In addition, if all the toner is charged at one time, even if the toner in the replenishing container is solidified or agglomerated, it is directly charged in the hopper, which adversely affects the development.
【0010】本発明は、比較的簡単な装置構成によっ
て、シャッタ部材の開閉動作の確実さと共に、トナー補
給容器からの補給用トナーの充填,補給時におけるトナ
ーの飛散,漏出を容易に防止し得るようにした発明を提
供することである。本発明の他の目的は補給容器を取外
し時のトナーの飛散,漏出防止の確実さを図るために、
トナー補給容器若しくは装置本体側のシャッタ部材が開
放された状態で補給容器を取外すことなく、確実の両者
のシャッタ部材が閉塞した後に補給容器を取外すことが
出来るようにした発明を提供することにある。According to the present invention, with a relatively simple device structure, the opening / closing operation of the shutter member can be ensured, and the replenishment toner from the toner replenishing container can be easily prevented from scattering and leaking at the time of replenishment. The invention is to provide such an invention. Another object of the present invention is to ensure the prevention of toner scattering and leakage when the supply container is removed.
An object of the present invention is to provide an invention capable of surely removing a replenishing container after both shutter members are closed without removing the replenishing container with the toner replenishing container or the shutter member of the apparatus main body side opened. .
【0011】本発明の他の目的はトナー補給容器の移動
操作中に誤ってシャッタ部材が開放することなく、機内
外のトナー汚染を完全に阻止し得る発明を提供すること
にある。本発明の他の目的は、トナー補給容器の取扱い
の容易化と、シャッタの気密性の向上、更には構成の簡
単化を図った発明を提供することにある。Another object of the present invention is to provide an invention capable of completely preventing toner contamination inside and outside the apparatus without accidentally opening the shutter member during a moving operation of the toner supply container. Another object of the present invention is to provide an invention that facilitates handling of the toner supply container, improves the airtightness of the shutter, and further simplifies the configuration.
【0012】本発明の他の目的は、二成分現像剤を用い
た現像装置の装着するトナーコンテナとして好適な発明
を提供することにある。本発明の他の目的は、トナーコ
ンテナを装置本体側へ容易に装着可能な発明を提供する
事にある。Another object of the present invention is to provide an invention suitable as a toner container to which a developing device using a two-component developer is mounted. Another object of the present invention is to provide an invention in which a toner container can be easily attached to the apparatus main body side.
【0013】[0013]
【課題を解決する為の手段】本発明の第1発明は、装置
本体側に設けた現像ユニットその他のトナー受入れ部に
対し、所定方向に沿って着脱可能に構成したトナー補給
容器を具えた画像形成装置において、前記補給容器のト
ナー供給開口が形成された壁面と、該壁面と対面する装
置本体側のトナー受入開口が形成された壁面夫々に、前
記各壁面に沿って移動しながら対応する開口を開閉する
シャッタ部材を設けるとともに、前記トナー補給容器を
所定方向に沿って装置本体側に装着する際に、夫々のシ
ャッタ部材に設けた係合部が他側壁面の係合部と係合
し、夫々のシャッタ部材が、前記装着動作と連動して開
放可能に構成した。また、装置本体側に設けたシャッタ
部材にトナー受入開口を閉塞する方向に付勢させた弾性
部材を設けると共に、前記補給容器を装置本体側の所定
位置に装着した際に前記補給容器を固持させる固持部材
の固持面を、前記弾性部材の付勢方向に抗する方向に形
成すると好ましい。また、前記装置本体側に設けたシャ
ッタ部材がトナー受入面と平行な面内で僅かに揺動可能
に構成すると好ましい。According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image including a toner replenishing container configured to be detachable along a predetermined direction with respect to a toner receiving portion such as a developing unit provided on the apparatus main body side. In the forming device, the wall surface of the replenishing container on which the toner supply opening is formed and the wall surface of the device body facing the wall, on which the toner receiving opening is formed, correspond to the respective wall surfaces while moving along the respective wall surfaces. A shutter member for opening and closing is provided, and when the toner replenishing container is mounted on the apparatus main body side along a predetermined direction, the engaging portion provided on each shutter member engages with the engaging portion on the other side wall surface. Each shutter member is configured to be openable in conjunction with the mounting operation. Further, the shutter member provided on the apparatus main body side is provided with an elastic member biased in the direction of closing the toner receiving opening, and the replenishment container is firmly held when the replenishment container is mounted at a predetermined position on the apparatus main body side. It is preferable that the holding surface of the holding member is formed in a direction that opposes the urging direction of the elastic member. Further, it is preferable that the shutter member provided on the apparatus main body side is configured to be slightly swingable in a plane parallel to the toner receiving surface.
【0014】本発明の第2発明は、装置本体側に設けた
現像ユニットその他のトナー受入れ部に対し、所定方向
に沿って着脱可能に構成したトナー補給容器を具えた画
像形成装置において、前記補給容器のトナー供給口が形
成された一側壁面に前記トナー供給口を開閉するシャッ
タ部材を配設すると共に、前記シャッタ部材の開閉ガイ
ド上に、該シャッタ部材を閉塞位置でロックするロック
部材を設け、トナー補給容器を装置本体側に装着する際
に前記ロック部材が装置本体側に設けたロック解除部材
と係合し、前記装着動作と連動して前記ロック部材の強
制解除を行いながらシャッタ部材が開放可能に構成し
た。また、前記現像ユニットの壁面上に、前記シャッタ
部材の開放位置で、該シャッタ部材と係合する係合部材
を設け、トナー補給容器の取り出し動作時に、該取り出
し動作と連動して前記係合部材がシャッタ部材の係合状
態を維持しながら該シャッタ部材を閉塞方向に移動さ
せ、前記ロック部材のシャッタ部材のロックが完了した
後若しくはロック完了と同時に、前記係合が解除可能に
構成すると好ましい。また、前記係合部材を、装置本体
側に設けたシャッタ部材の移動面から退避する方向に揺
動する係合爪その他の係合部材で形成すると好ましい。According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a toner replenishing container configured to be attachable to and detachable from a developing unit or other toner receiving portion provided on the apparatus main body side along a predetermined direction. A shutter member that opens and closes the toner supply port is provided on one side wall surface of the container on which the toner supply port is formed, and a lock member that locks the shutter member at a closed position is provided on an opening / closing guide of the shutter member. When the toner replenishing container is mounted on the apparatus main body side, the lock member engages with a lock release member provided on the apparatus main body side, and the shutter member is operated while performing the forced release of the lock member in conjunction with the mounting operation. It can be opened. An engaging member that engages with the shutter member is provided on the wall surface of the developing unit at the open position of the shutter member, and the engaging member is interlocked with the taking-out operation when the toner replenishing container is taken out. It is preferable that the shutter member is moved in the closing direction while maintaining the engagement state of the shutter member so that the engagement can be released after the locking of the shutter member of the locking member is completed or at the same time when the locking is completed. Further, it is preferable that the engaging member is formed by an engaging claw or other engaging member that swings in a direction of retracting from a moving surface of a shutter member provided on the apparatus main body side.
【0015】本発明の第3発明は、装置本体側に設けた
現像ユニットその他のトナー受入れ部に対し、所定方向
に沿って着脱可能に構成したトナー補給容器を具えた画
像形成装置において、前記トナー補給容器からのトナー
の補給を装置本体側に設けた揺動板のトナー受入開口を
介して行うように構成するとともに、該揺動板を、本体
側に設けたトナー受入口方向、及び前記トナー補給容器
の装着方向に対して左右方向に揺動自在に本体側のトナ
ー受入開口に配置して構成した。A third aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a toner replenishing container configured to be attachable to and detachable from a developing unit or other toner receiving portion provided on the apparatus main body side along a predetermined direction. The toner is replenished from the replenishing container through a toner receiving opening of an oscillating plate provided on the main body side of the apparatus, and the oscillating plate is provided on the main body side in a toner receiving direction toward the toner receiving port. It is arranged in the toner receiving opening on the main body side so as to be swingable in the left-right direction with respect to the mounting direction of the supply container.
【0016】本発明の第4発明は、装置本体側に設けた
現像ユニットその他のトナー受入れ部に対し、所定方向
に沿って着脱可能に構成したトナー補給容器を具えた画
像形成装置において、前記トナー補給容器からのトナー
の補給を装置本体側にトナー受入口方向に揺動自在に設
けた揺動板のトナー受入開口を介して行うように構成す
るとともに、前記トナー補給容器側の規制ガイド溝と嵌
合する前記揺動板のガイド壁を、前記本体側のトナー受
入開口が設けられた壁面の傾斜角度より上方に向かって
開角して、本体側のトナー受入開口に配置して構成し
た。A fourth aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a toner replenishing container configured to be attachable to and detachable from a developing unit or other toner receiving portion provided on the apparatus main body side along a predetermined direction. The toner is replenished from the replenishing container via a toner receiving opening of an oscillating plate that is provided on the main body side of the apparatus so as to be swingable in the toner receiving direction. The guide wall of the rocking plate to be fitted is arranged at the toner receiving opening on the main body side so as to open upward from the inclination angle of the wall surface on which the toner receiving opening on the main body side is provided.
【0017】[0017]
【作用】本発明の第1発明は、補給容器のトナー供給開
口が形成された壁面と、該壁面と対面する装置本体側の
トナー受入開口が形成された壁面夫々に、前記各壁面に
沿って移動しながら対応する開口を開閉するシャッタ部
材を設け、前記トナー補給容器を所定方向に沿って装置
本体側に装着する際に、夫々のシャッタ部材に設けた係
合部が他側壁面の係合部と係合し、前記装着動作と連動
して各々のシャッタ部材が開放される。かかる技術手段
によれば、補給容器の装着動作とシャッタ部材の開放を
夫々個別に行うのではなく、前記装着動作に連動してシ
ャッタ部材が自動的に開放するものであるために、取扱
い操作が極めて簡単化する。According to the first aspect of the present invention, the wall surface of the replenishing container on which the toner supply opening is formed and the wall surface of the main body of the apparatus facing the toner receiving opening are formed along the respective wall surfaces. A shutter member that opens and closes a corresponding opening while moving is provided, and when the toner supply container is mounted on the apparatus main body side along a predetermined direction, the engagement portion provided on each shutter member is engaged with the other side wall surface. The shutter members are engaged with each other and the shutter members are opened in association with the mounting operation. According to this technical means, the operation of mounting the supply container and the opening of the shutter member are not performed individually, but the shutter member is automatically opened in association with the mounting operation. Extremely simple.
【0018】そして本発明の好ましい実施例によれば、
夫々の開口の周囲に位置する周壁とシャッタ部材の端面
を同士を互いに係合させる事により、夫々のシャッタ部
材によるトナー受入開口と供給開口の開放が同時に且つ
両者が対面しながら行うことが出来る。従って、前記係
合部は独立した係合部材を設けることなく、他の機能部
品を兼用して用いることが出来る。And according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
By engaging the peripheral wall located around each opening and the end surface of the shutter member with each other, the toner receiving opening and the supply opening can be opened by the respective shutter members at the same time and while facing each other. Therefore, the engaging portion can be used also as another functional component without providing an independent engaging member.
【0019】そして、装置本体側に設けたシャッタ部材
にトナー受入開口を閉塞する方向に付勢させた弾性部材
を設けると共に、前記補給容器を装置本体側の所定位置
に装着した際に前記補給容器を固持させる固持部材の固
持面を、前記弾性部材の付勢方向に抗する方向に形成し
た事により、前記弾性部材がシャッタ部材の自動閉塞手
段と補給容器の位置固定手段の両者に共用して使用され
る為に、部品点数の削減が図れると共に、装置本体側の
シャッタ部材にトナー受入開口を閉塞する方向に付勢さ
せた弾性部材を効果的に利用して精度良く補給容器の位
置決め固定を行うことができる。また、前記弾性部材は
閉塞方向に付勢するものであるために、補給容器が位置
固定される開放位置では最も付勢力が強まり、そして前
記装着動作終了後は、前記開口同士が一致且つ密着した
状態でトナー補給容器が精度良く位置決め固定され、確
実なる固定が可能となる。A shutter member provided on the apparatus main body side is provided with an elastic member biased in a direction to close the toner receiving opening, and the replenishment container is attached when the replenishment container is mounted at a predetermined position on the apparatus main body side. By forming the holding surface of the holding member for holding the elastic member in a direction that opposes the urging direction of the elastic member, the elastic member is shared by both the automatic closing means of the shutter member and the position fixing means of the supply container. Since it is used, the number of parts can be reduced, and the shutter member on the main body of the apparatus can effectively utilize the elastic member biased in the direction of closing the toner receiving opening to accurately position and fix the supply container. It can be carried out. Further, since the elastic member urges in the closing direction, the urging force is the strongest at the open position where the replenishment container is fixed in position, and after the mounting operation, the openings are in close contact with each other. In this state, the toner replenishing container is accurately positioned and fixed, and reliable fixing is possible.
【0020】又、本発明は、前記装置本体側に設けたシ
ャッタ部材がトナー受入面と平行な面内で僅かに揺動可
能に構成した為に、補給容器側若しくは装置本体側での
組立誤差、又は、装着時に僅かに位置ずれが生じてもこ
れを吸収して精度良く且つ確実にシャッタ部材の開放と
両開口の合致が可能となる。而も、前記揺動はトナー受
入面と平行な面内であるために、言い換えれば開口面と
平行な面内であるために、開口同士を合致させても空隙
が生じることなく容易に密着を行う事が出来る。Further, according to the present invention, since the shutter member provided on the apparatus main body side is configured to be slightly swingable in a plane parallel to the toner receiving surface, an assembly error on the replenishing container side or the apparatus main body side. Alternatively, even if a slight positional deviation occurs at the time of mounting, it can be absorbed and the opening of the shutter member and the matching of both openings can be performed accurately and reliably. Moreover, since the swing is in a plane parallel to the toner receiving surface, in other words, in a plane parallel to the opening surface, even if the openings are aligned with each other, no void is generated and the close contact is easily achieved. You can do it.
【0021】本発明の第2発明は、前記補給容器のトナ
ー供給口が形成された一側壁面に前記トナー供給口を開
閉するシャッタ部材を配設すると共に、前記シャッタ部
材の開閉ガイド上に、該シャッタ部材を閉塞位置でロッ
クするロック部材を設け、トナー補給容器を装置本体側
に装着する際に、前記ロック部材が装置本体側に設けた
ロック解除部材と係合し、前記装着動作と連動して前記
ロック部材の強制解除を行いながらシャッタ部材が開放
可能に構成したので、ロック部材は外部に突出すること
なく前記シャッタ部材の開閉ガイド上に収納されている
ために、通常の移動操作ではロック部材が誤って作動す
ることなく、不用意にシャッタが開放する恐れを完全に
解消する。In a second aspect of the present invention, a shutter member for opening and closing the toner supply port is provided on one side wall surface of the replenishing container where the toner supply port is formed, and an opening / closing guide for the shutter member is provided. A lock member is provided to lock the shutter member at the closed position, and when the toner supply container is mounted on the apparatus main body side, the lock member engages with the lock release member provided on the apparatus main body side to interlock with the mounting operation. Since the shutter member can be opened while forcibly releasing the lock member, the lock member is housed on the opening / closing guide of the shutter member without protruding to the outside. It completely eliminates the risk that the shutter will be opened accidentally without the lock member accidentally operating.
【0022】又、前記ロック部材は、補給容器の装着動
作と連動して自動的に強制解除されるために、補給容器
装着動作の簡単化と共に、前記ロック解除し忘れによる
シャッタ部材の破損を完全に防止できる。Further, since the lock member is automatically and forcibly released in conjunction with the mounting operation of the replenishing container, the replenishing container mounting operation is simplified, and damage to the shutter member caused by forgetting to release the lock is completely eliminated. Can be prevented.
【0023】更に、本発明は前記現像ユニットの壁面上
に前記シャッタ部材の開放位置で、該シャッタ部材と係
合する係合部材を設け、トナー補給容器の取り出し動作
時に、該取り出し動作と連動して前記係合部材がシャッ
タ部材の係合状態を維持しながら該シャッタ部材を閉塞
方向に移動させ、前記ロック部材のシャッタ部材のロッ
クが完了した後若しくはロック完了と同時に、前記係合
が解除可能に構成している。Further, according to the present invention, an engaging member that engages with the shutter member is provided on the wall surface of the developing unit at the open position of the shutter member, and is interlocked with the taking-out operation when the toner replenishing container is taken out. The engagement member can move the shutter member in the closing direction while maintaining the engagement state of the shutter member, and the engagement can be released after the locking of the shutter member of the locking member is completed or at the same time as the locking is completed. Is configured.
【0024】これにより、トナー補給容器取り出し時に
おいてもトナー補給容器の取り出し動作と連動して前記
係合部材によりシャッタ部材を閉塞方向に移動させる事
が出来、そして前記ロック部材はシャッタ部材の閉塞位
置でのみロック部材のロックが行われるために、言い換
えればシャッタ部材が閉塞しロック部材のロックが完了
しなければ係合部材の係合が解除して、補給容器を取外
すことが出来ない。Accordingly, even when the toner replenishing container is taken out, the shutter member can be moved in the closing direction by the engaging member in conjunction with the taking-out operation of the toner replenishing container, and the lock member is in the closing position of the shutter member. In other words, since the locking member is locked only in this case, in other words, unless the shutter member is closed and the locking of the locking member is completed, the engagement of the engaging member is released and the supply container cannot be removed.
【0025】従ってロックが完了せず又はシャッタ部材
の閉塞が終了していない内に、前記トナー補給容器を取
り出してトナー飛散が生じる恐れを完全に解消できる。
尚、前記係合部材は、装置本体側に設けたシャッタ部材
の移動面から退避する方向に揺動する係合爪その他の係
合部材で形成する事により補給容器の装着動作に該係合
爪等が障害となることなく円滑な係合動作が可能とな
る。Therefore, it is possible to completely eliminate the possibility that the toner replenishing container is taken out and the toner is scattered before the locking is completed or the shutter member is not completely closed.
The engaging member is formed by an engaging claw or other engaging member that swings in the direction of retracting from the moving surface of the shutter member provided on the apparatus main body side, so that the engaging claw can be used for the mounting operation of the supply container. The smooth engagement operation can be performed without any obstacles.
【0026】本発明の第3発明は、トナー補給容器から
のトナーの補給を装置本体側に設けた揺動板のトナー受
入開口を介して行うように構成するとともに、該揺動板
を、本体側に設けたトナー受入口方向、及び前記トナー
補給容器の装着方向に対して左右方向に揺動自在に本体
側のトナー受入開口に配置して構成したので、装置本体
側のシャッタ取付板を装置本体側に設けたトナー受入開
口に対して接近離反可能である。According to a third aspect of the present invention, the toner is replenished from the toner replenishing container through the toner receiving opening of the oscillating plate provided on the apparatus main body side, and the oscillating plate is provided in the main body. The shutter mounting plate on the main body side of the apparatus is arranged so as to be swingable in the left and right direction with respect to the toner receiving port provided on the side and the mounting direction of the toner supply container. It is possible to approach and separate from the toner receiving opening provided on the main body side.
【0027】したがって、装置本体側の規制ガイド溝を
基準としてのトナーコンテナのシャッタ取付板及び、装
置本体側に装着されるシャッタ取付板の位置は、個々の
部品の製造及び組立誤差等によりバラツクものである
が、その際に、各々のシャッタ取付板が各々の本体に固
定されたものであると、前述の誤差などにより両者の係
合部分が離れすぎて係合しない場合、また、その逆に両
者の係合部分が近ずきすぎて、食い合って両者の動作が
スムーズに行われないという場合が生じる恐れがある
が、その際に、装置本体側のシャッタ取付板は、装置本
体側のトナー受入開口に対して接近離反方向に揺動して
装置本体側の規制ガイド溝に対して位置調節される。Therefore, the position of the shutter mounting plate of the toner container and the position of the shutter mounting plate mounted on the device main body side with respect to the regulation guide groove on the main body side of the device may vary due to manufacturing and assembly errors of individual parts. However, at that time, if each shutter mounting plate is fixed to each main body, if the engaging parts of both are too far apart to engage due to the above-mentioned error, and vice versa. There is a possibility that the engaging parts of the two will get too close to each other and they will not work smoothly, but at that time, the shutter mounting plate on the device body side will be The position is adjusted with respect to the regulation guide groove on the apparatus main body side by swinging in a direction away from and toward the toner receiving opening.
【0028】また、本発明は、トナー補給容器の装着方
向に対して左右方向に揺動可能である。したがって、ト
ナーコンテナ本体のトナー供給開口に装着しているシャ
ッタ取付板の開口に対する取付位置、及び装置本体のト
ナー受入開口に装着されるシャッタ取付板の開口に対す
る取付位置は、個々の部品の製造及び組立誤差などによ
り、トナーコンテナもしくは装置本体の長手方向にバラ
ツクものであり、各々のシャッタ取付板が各々の本体に
固定されたものであると、前述の誤差などにより両者の
係合部分が離れすぎて係合しない恐れがあったり、その
逆に両者の係合部分が近ずきすぎて、食い合って両者の
動作がスムーズに行われないという恐れがあっても、ト
ナーコンテナ側のシャッタ取付板と装置本体側のシャッ
タ取付板との合体のときに、装置本体側のシャッタ取付
板を装置本体側に設けたトナー受入開口に対して長手方
向に揺動して装着され、装置本体側のシャッタ取付板に
対して位置調節される。Further, according to the present invention, the toner can be swung in the left-right direction with respect to the mounting direction of the toner supply container. Therefore, the mounting position of the shutter mounting plate mounted on the toner supply opening of the toner container main body with respect to the opening and the mounting position of the shutter mounting plate mounted on the toner receiving opening of the apparatus main body with respect to the opening of the individual parts are Due to assembly errors, etc., there are variations in the longitudinal direction of the toner container or the main unit of the device.If each shutter mounting plate is fixed to each main unit, the engaging parts of the two will be too far apart due to the aforementioned errors. Even if there is a risk that they will not engage with each other, or on the other hand that the engaging parts of both are too close to each other and they may interfere with each other, the shutter mounting plate on the toner container side When the shutter mounting plate on the device body side is combined with the shutter mounting plate on the device body side, the shutter mounting plate on the device body side is oriented in the longitudinal direction with respect to the toner receiving opening provided on the device body side. Swinging is mounted, it is positioned adjusted with respect to the apparatus main body side of the shutter mounting plate.
【0029】また、本発明の第4発明は、トナー補給容
器からのトナーの補給を装置本体側にトナー受入口方向
に揺動自在に設けた揺動板のトナー受入開口を介して行
うように構成するとともに、前記トナー補給容器側の規
制ガイド溝と嵌合する前記揺動板のガイド壁を、前記本
体側のトナー受入開口が設けられた壁面の傾斜角度より
上方に向かって開角して、本体側のトナー受入開口に配
置しているので、このシャッタ取付板の揺動板は本体側
の開口に向かって揺動可能に構成され、それによって、
シャッタ取付板同士の合体のときに、嵌合し合う各々の
シャッタ取付板が各々の本体側に固定されていると、無
理に規制溝にガイド板を挿入して機構を破損することに
なるが、その際に、装置本体側のシャッタ取付板は本体
側の開口に向かって揺動し、その揺動中にシャッタ取付
板のガイド板がトナーコンテナ側のシャッタ取付板の規
制溝を徐々に受け入れることになり、両者が馴染み規制
溝へガイド板の挿入がスムーズに行われる。Further, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the toner is supplied from the toner supply container through the toner receiving opening of the swing plate which is swingably provided on the apparatus main body side in the toner receiving direction. In addition to the above, the guide wall of the rocking plate that fits into the regulation guide groove on the toner supply container side is opened upward from the inclination angle of the wall surface of the main body on which the toner receiving opening is provided. Since the shutter mounting plate is arranged in the toner receiving opening on the main body side, the swing plate of the shutter mounting plate is configured to be swingable toward the main body side opening.
If the shutter mounting plates that are fitted together are fixed to the main body side when the shutter mounting plates are united, the guide plate will be forcibly inserted into the regulation groove and the mechanism will be damaged. At that time, the shutter mounting plate on the apparatus main body side swings toward the opening on the main body side, and the guide plate of the shutter mounting plate gradually receives the regulation groove of the shutter mounting plate on the toner container side during the swing. As a result, both are familiar, and the guide plate can be smoothly inserted into the regulation groove.
【0030】[0030]
【実施例】以下、図面に基づいて本発明の実施例を例示
的に詳しく説明する。但しこの実施例に記載されている
構成部品の寸法、材質、形状、その相対配置などは特に
特定的な記載がない限りは、この発明の範囲をそれのみ
に限定する趣旨ではなく単なる説明例に過ぎない。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention; However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto, but are merely examples, unless otherwise specified. Not too much.
【0031】図2及び図4は本発明の実施例にかかる画
像形成装置の、主として現像ユニット廻りの要部構成を
示し、1は現像ユニット、2は該現像ユニット1上部の
コンテナ取付け部11に矢印方向(コンテナ短手方向)
に沿って着脱自在に装着される、炭酸カルシウム入り合
成樹脂で成形されたトナーコンテナ、3は現像スリーブ
14と対峙し、矢印方向に回転する感光体ドラムで、回
転方向に沿ってクリーニングブレード4aを具えた廃ト
ナー回収機構4、帯電機構5、LEDユニット6、前記
現像スリーブ14、及び転写ローラ7からなり、前記L
EDユニット6により画像情報に対応した潜像を感光体
ドラム3に書込んだ後、現像ユニット1によりトナー像
を付着させ、次に転写ローラ7により、該像始端に同期
させて不図示のレジストローラ側より給紙された記録紙
にトナー像を転写させた後、定着ローラ(不図示)によ
り画像定着を行って排紙する。尚、現像ユニット1と感
光体ドラム3及びトナー回収機構4、帯電機構5、LE
Dユニット6等のプロセス手段は、これらを一体的にユ
ニット化しても良い。FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 mainly show the structure of the main part around the developing unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, where 1 is a developing unit and 2 is a container mounting portion 11 above the developing unit 1. Arrow direction (container lateral direction)
A toner container 3 made of a synthetic resin containing calcium carbonate, which is detachably attached along with, is a photosensitive drum which faces the developing sleeve 14 and rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the cleaning blade 4a is attached along the rotating direction. The waste toner recovery mechanism 4, the charging mechanism 5, the LED unit 6, the developing sleeve 14, and the transfer roller 7 are provided, and the L
After the latent image corresponding to the image information is written on the photosensitive drum 3 by the ED unit 6, the toner image is attached by the developing unit 1, and then by the transfer roller 7, the resist image (not shown) is synchronized with the image start end. After the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper fed from the roller side, the image is fixed by a fixing roller (not shown) and the paper is ejected. Incidentally, the developing unit 1, the photosensitive drum 3, the toner collecting mechanism 4, the charging mechanism 5, and the LE.
The process means such as the D unit 6 may be integrated into a unit.
【0032】次に前記プロセス手段について説明する。
廃トナー回収機構4は、その作用を中心に構成を説明す
ると、前記トナー像転写後、感光体ドラム3に付着して
いる残留トナーをクリーニングブレード4aで除去す
る。そして除去されたトナーは上面をマイラ4dにより
封止された楕円ローラ4bにより回収室内に送り込まれ
た後、図1に示すスクリューローラ4cによりドラム軸
端側の搬送ベルト機構60に送られる。搬送ベルト機構
60は図1及び図6に示すように、斜め上方に向け立上
げた長円状のベルト容器62内を、適宜間隔毎に仕切り
壁61aを立設させたゴム状無端ベルト体61が矢印方
向に周回可能に構成されており、スクリューローラ4c
によりベルト容器62底部に送り込まれた廃トナーは、
前記ベルト体61の仕切り壁61a間の空隙を利用して
ベルト体61の周回にしたがって上方の排出開口68側
に搬送され、そして該排出開口68と対面する廃トナー
回収部30側の回収口35より回収部30内に投入され
る。Next, the process means will be described.
The structure of the waste toner collecting mechanism 4 will be described focusing on its operation. After the toner image is transferred, the residual toner adhering to the photosensitive drum 3 is removed by the cleaning blade 4a. Then, the removed toner is sent into the collecting chamber by the elliptical roller 4b whose upper surface is sealed by the mylar 4d, and then sent to the transport belt mechanism 60 on the drum shaft end side by the screw roller 4c shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the conveyor belt mechanism 60 includes a rubber-like endless belt body 61 in which partition walls 61a are erected at appropriate intervals inside an elliptical belt container 62 that is erected obliquely upward. Of the screw roller 4c.
The waste toner sent to the bottom of the belt container 62 by
Utilizing the gap between the partition walls 61a of the belt body 61, the belt body 61 is conveyed to the upper discharge opening 68 side along the circulation of the belt body 61, and the collecting port 35 on the waste toner collecting section 30 side facing the discharge opening 68. It is thrown into the recovery unit 30.
【0033】トナー回収部30は、後記するように低公
害樹脂材からなるトナーコンテナ2の長手方向端側に仕
切り壁10を介して分割形成され、その形状及び内部構
造は後記に詳細に説明する。帯電機構5は、図2に示す
ようにマグネットローラ5a、磁性材からなる前帯電板
5b及びこれらの周囲空間に収納された磁性帯電粒子群
5c、及び感光体ドラムの背面側に配設された背面磁極
3aからなり、前記背面磁極を利用してマグネットロー
ラ5a及び前記帯電板5b上に担持された帯電粒子群を
介して、帯電バイアスを印加しながら感光体ドラム3上
に均一帯電を行うように構成されている。LEDユニッ
ト6は公知のように画像上方に基づいてLED素子列を
点灯制御するLEDヘッドアレイと、該アレイよりの光
出力を結像させるセルフォックレンズからなる。As will be described later, the toner collecting portion 30 is divided and formed on the end side in the longitudinal direction of the toner container 2 made of a low-pollution resin material with the partition wall 10 interposed therebetween, and its shape and internal structure will be described in detail later. . As shown in FIG. 2, the charging mechanism 5 includes a magnet roller 5a, a pre-charging plate 5b made of a magnetic material, a group 5c of magnetically charged particles housed in a space around them, and a rear surface of the photosensitive drum. The back magnetic pole 3a is used to uniformly charge the photoconductor drum 3 while applying a charging bias through the charged magnetic particles carried on the magnet roller 5a and the charging plate 5b using the back magnetic pole. Is configured. As is well known, the LED unit 6 includes an LED head array that controls lighting of the LED element array based on the upper side of the image, and a SELFOC lens that forms an optical output from the array.
【0034】現像ユニット1はキャリアとトナー(以下
「T/C」という)からなる二成分現像剤が収納され、
トナーの帯電を行うT/C収納部13と、該T/C収納
部13内のT/C量を一定割合幅内に維持するために、
適宜前記収納部内にトナー補給を行うホッパ12からな
り、これらの空間部の上方に、前記ホッパ12にトナー
供給を行うためのトナーコンテナ2を装着するコンテナ
取り付け部11が形成されている。前記T/C収納部1
3内には、固定磁石集成体(不図示)が内包された現像
スリーブ14と、T/Cを均一混合する為の攪拌ローラ
13aが収納されており、前記攪拌ローラ13aは非磁
性スリーブ内を同心状に回転する磁石ローラ13cが内
包されている。又、ホッパ12には、マイラが連設され
た攪拌ローラ12aと、T/C収納部13内のトナー量
検知センサに基づいてT/C収納部13内のトナー量が
低下する毎に、トナー補給口12cよりトナー補給を行
うトナー補給ローラ12bからなる。The developing unit 1 contains a two-component developer consisting of carrier and toner (hereinafter referred to as "T / C"),
In order to maintain the T / C storage portion 13 for charging the toner and the T / C amount in the T / C storage portion 13 within a certain ratio range,
A hopper 12 for replenishing toner is appropriately provided in the storage portion, and a container mounting portion 11 for mounting a toner container 2 for supplying toner to the hopper 12 is formed above these space portions. The T / C storage section 1
A developing sleeve 14 containing a fixed magnet assembly (not shown) and an agitating roller 13a for uniformly mixing T / C are housed in the inside 3. A magnet roller 13c that rotates concentrically is included. Further, in the hopper 12, a stirring roller 12a in which a mylar is continuously provided and a toner amount detection sensor in the T / C storage unit 13 are used to reduce the toner amount every time the toner amount in the T / C storage unit 13 decreases. It comprises a toner replenishing roller 12b for replenishing toner from the replenishing port 12c.
【0035】コンテナ取り付け部11には後記に詳述す
るコンテナ取り付け機構と、ホッパ12のシャッタ開閉
機構が取り付けられている。トナーコンテナ2は炭酸カ
ルシウム入りの低公害樹脂材で形成され、図1に示すよ
うに長手方向に沿って補給用トナー収納部20を設ける
と共に、その長手方向端側に仕切壁10を介して廃トナ
ー回収部30を形成する。A container mounting mechanism, which will be described in detail later, and a shutter opening / closing mechanism of the hopper 12 are mounted on the container mounting portion 11. The toner container 2 is formed of a low-pollution resin material containing calcium carbonate. As shown in FIG. 1, the toner container 2 for replenishment is provided along the longitudinal direction, and the partition wall 10 is disposed on the longitudinal end side thereof. The toner collecting unit 30 is formed.
【0036】次に補給用トナー収納部20側の構成につ
いて説明する。図4及び図5は図2の裏面から見た図で
ある。該収納部20は図4及び図5に示す短手断面から
明らかなように、中央底部20dより短手方向一側側壁
20cを、上面側端より僅かに垂下させた位置より斜め
に直線状に凹設して該直線状の凹斜面状に形成し、そし
て該一側側壁20cの前記中央底部20dより僅かに立
上げた位置に方形のトナー供給開口25を設ける。一
方、他側壁面20aは、上面側端より前記凹斜面20c
より僅かに急峻な角度で斜めに直線状に凹設するととも
に、更に底面に至る他側側壁20aの下側短手断面20
eの形状を、弧状面に形成する。Next, the structure of the replenishment toner storage portion 20 side will be described. 4 and 5 are views seen from the back surface of FIG. As is clear from the short-side cross sections shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the storage portion 20 is linearly formed obliquely from a position where the side wall 20c in the lateral direction of the center bottom portion 20d is slightly hung from the upper end. A rectangular toner supply opening 25 is provided at a position slightly raised from the central bottom portion 20d of the one side wall 20c by being concavely formed to have the linear concave slope shape. On the other hand, the other side wall surface 20a has the concave slope 20c from the upper surface side end.
The lower short section 20 of the other side wall 20a is formed in a linearly inclined manner at a slightly steeper angle and further reaches the bottom surface.
The shape of e is formed into an arc surface.
【0037】そして、図1に示すように、前記トナー収
納部20内には長手方向に沿って仕切り壁10を介して
回収部30まで貫通し、その両端側の端壁に軸支される
回転軸21を取り付けるとともに、前記トナー収納部2
0全長に亙って半径方向に延設し、回転方向に弾性変形
可能なマイラ状の羽根体22を連設し、該羽根体22の
長さを、前記回転により湾曲しながらトナー収納部20
内壁面を摺擦可能な長さに設定する。そして、図4に示
すように前記回転軸21の取り付け位置は、一側側壁2
0cが底部20dを挟んで前記供給開口25と対面する
側に位置する他側側壁20a上における攪拌羽根体22
の湾曲量より大になる如く容器中央垂直線より僅かに供
給開口25側にシフトさせて形成すると共に、前記底部
20dを挟んで前記供給開口25と対面する側に位置す
る他側側壁20aの短手断面形状を、前記底部20dに
至るにしたがって攪拌羽根体22の湾曲量が徐々に大に
なるごとく、容器中央水平線より僅かに下方に位置させ
る。尚、22a、22b(図1)は供給開口25に合せ
て三つの攪拌羽根22A,22B,22Cに切断した切
れ目であり、攪拌羽根22Bの先端には、供給開口25
内に設けられた開口制限部材52eによって制限される
開口25′より短い幅を有する突出部22Baが形成さ
れている。Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner accommodating portion 20 penetrates through the partition wall 10 along the longitudinal direction to the collecting portion 30 and is rotatably supported by the end walls on both ends thereof. The shaft 21 is attached and the toner storage unit 2
0 A Mylar-shaped blade body 22 that extends in the radial direction over the entire length and is elastically deformable in the rotation direction is continuously provided, and the length of the blade body 22 is curved by the rotation while the toner storage unit 20 is being curved.
Set the length so that the inner wall surface can be rubbed. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the mounting position of the rotary shaft 21 is set to one side wall 2
0c on the side wall 20a on the other side of the stirring blade body 22 located on the side facing the supply opening 25 with the bottom portion 20d interposed therebetween.
Is formed so as to be slightly larger than the bending amount of the container center vertical line toward the supply opening 25 side, and the short side wall 20a located on the side facing the supply opening 25 with the bottom portion 20d interposed therebetween is short. The cross-sectional shape of the hand is positioned slightly below the horizontal line of the center of the container as the amount of curvature of the stirring blade body 22 gradually increases toward the bottom portion 20d. Incidentally, 22a and 22b (FIG. 1) are cuts into three stirring blades 22A, 22B and 22C in accordance with the supply opening 25, and the supply opening 25 is provided at the tip of the stirring blade 22B.
A projecting portion 22Ba having a width shorter than the opening 25 'limited by the opening limiting member 52e provided therein is formed.
【0038】一方、図1に示すように供給開口25は容
器底部20d(図4)より僅かに立上げた一側側壁20
cの長手方向中央部より僅かに端壁側に寄せた位置に、
トナー収納部20の長手方向長さの約1/4程度の開口
長にて開口されているとともに、開口制限部材52eに
よる開口25′はトナー収納部20の長手方向の長さ約
1/50(3〜5mm)程度の開口長に開口されてい
る。又、回転軸21は、端壁より外部に突出させ、該突
出部に軸歯車26を取り付け、前記コンテナ2を現像ユ
ニット1側のコンテナ取り付け部11に装着した際に、
中継歯車27を介して前記軸歯車26に回転力が伝達さ
れ、矢印に示すように、底部20dから供給開口25側
に向け回転しながら、図5(B)に示すように、供給開
口25、25′及びトナー受入れ開口44を介して現像
ユニット1側のホッパ12にトナーが供給される。On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the supply opening 25 has one side wall 20 slightly raised from the container bottom portion 20d (FIG. 4).
At a position slightly closer to the end wall side than the central portion in the longitudinal direction of c,
The opening length of the toner storage portion 20 is about 1/4 of the length of the toner storage portion 20. The opening 25 'formed by the opening limiting member 52e has a length of about 1/50 ( The opening length is about 3 to 5 mm). Further, when the rotary shaft 21 is projected to the outside from the end wall, the shaft gear 26 is attached to the protruding portion, and the container 2 is attached to the container attaching portion 11 on the developing unit 1 side,
Rotational force is transmitted to the shaft gear 26 via the relay gear 27, and while rotating from the bottom portion 20d toward the supply opening 25 side as shown by the arrow, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), the supply opening 25, Toner is supplied to the hopper 12 on the side of the developing unit 1 through 25 'and the toner receiving opening 44.
【0039】そして、前記ホッパ12内に供給されたト
ナーは、ホッパ12内の攪拌ローラ12aにより回転し
ながら、T/C収納部13内のトナー量検知センサ13
bに基づいてT/C収納部13内のトナー量が低下する
毎にトナー補給ローラ12bが回転し、トナー補給口1
2c(図2)よりT/C収納部13にトナー補給が行わ
れ、T/C収納部13内のトナー量を一定幅内に維持で
きる。この際、コンテナ2のトナー収納部20からのト
ナー補給はホッパ12内へ早く落とし込まなければなら
ない為、装置本体の駆動系からの動力を用いて、連続的
に攪拌羽根22を回転させるのが良い。The toner supplied to the hopper 12 is rotated by the stirring roller 12a in the hopper 12, and the toner amount detection sensor 13 in the T / C storage unit 13 is rotated.
The toner replenishing roller 12b rotates every time the amount of toner in the T / C storage unit 13 decreases based on b.
2c (FIG. 2), the toner is supplied to the T / C storage portion 13, and the toner amount in the T / C storage portion 13 can be maintained within a certain width. At this time, the toner replenishment from the toner storage portion 20 of the container 2 must be dropped into the hopper 12 quickly, so that it is possible to continuously rotate the stirring blade 22 using the power from the drive system of the apparatus main body. good.
【0040】尚、図1に示すようにコンテナ長手方向端
側に軸支させた中継歯車27と軸歯車26は、コンテナ
装着の際に誤って他の器物に衝接して破損するのを防止
するために、炭酸カルシウム入り合成樹脂で成形された
蓋体Aと一体の保護カバー28が取り付けられている
が、該保護カバー28の外壁側に必要に応じ前記コンテ
ナの一側側壁20cと平行なリブ状装入ガイド29を設
けている。このガイド29はコンテナ装着の際に、装置
本体の図示しないガイド溝に嵌挿される。又、トナー供
給開口25の容器長手方向開口幅をトナー収納部20長
さの1/25以下、好ましくは前記したように1/50
(3〜5mm)程度に設定すると良い。そして、トナー
供給開口25′は小さく形成されているために、トナー
はホッパ12内に一度に供給される事なく徐々に供給さ
れ、ホッパ12内が満杯になってもコンテナ内でトナー
が空回りしているだけで、トナーがホッパ内に詰め込ま
れてホッパ内の駆動機構がロックされる事がない。又、
前記トナー収納部20の羽根体22回転方向に沿う短手
断面が非対称であり、且つ羽根体22回転軸21も収納
部中心より変位させているために、羽根体22の先端に
付与される摩擦抵抗と軸トルクも回転方向に沿って変動
し、前記羽根体22の回転により長手方向両端側にトナ
ーが偏在していてもトナーが開口25′から排出されて
均等に供給できる。As shown in FIG. 1, the relay gear 27 and the shaft gear 26, which are axially supported on the longitudinal side of the container, are prevented from accidentally abutting and damaging other equipment when the container is mounted. For this purpose, a protective cover 28 which is integral with the lid A formed of a synthetic resin containing calcium carbonate is attached, and a rib parallel to the one side wall 20c of the container is provided on the outer wall side of the protective cover 28 if necessary. A charging guide 29 is provided. The guide 29 is fitted into a guide groove (not shown) of the apparatus main body when the container is attached. In addition, the opening width of the toner supply opening 25 in the container longitudinal direction is 1/25 or less of the length of the toner storage portion 20, preferably 1/50 as described above.
It is preferable to set it to about (3 to 5 mm). Further, since the toner supply opening 25 'is formed small, the toner is gradually supplied to the hopper 12 without being supplied all at once, and even if the hopper 12 is full, the toner is idle in the container. However, the toner is not packed in the hopper and the drive mechanism in the hopper is not locked. or,
Friction applied to the tip of the blade body 22 because the lateral cross section of the toner storage section 20 along the rotation direction of the blade body 22 is asymmetric and the rotary shaft 21 of the blade body 22 is displaced from the center of the storage section. The resistance and the axial torque also fluctuate along the rotation direction, and even if the toner is unevenly distributed on both longitudinal ends due to the rotation of the blade body 22, the toner can be discharged from the opening 25 'and uniformly supplied.
【0041】又、本実施例によれば、前記羽根体22の
他側側壁20aにおいて、底面に至るにしたがって攪拌
羽根体22の湾曲量が徐々に大になるごとく、そして前
記底部20d位置で攪拌羽根の付勢力の蓄積が最も大に
なる如く形成されているために、充分蓄積された湾曲が
供給開口25側に向けて開放させることとなり、いわゆ
るトナー掻き上げ効果が極めて大になり、容器底部20
dに溜まったトナーを供給口より円滑且つ容易に排出出
来る。そして、容器底部20dに溜まったトナーを排出
したことにより、そこに長手方向左右からトナーが流れ
込む。又、供給開口25の一側側壁20cの攪拌羽根体
22の湾曲量は他側側壁20aより大であるために、底
部20dより供給開口25に至る部分ではトナーの掻き
上げ力と共に、攪拌力も大になり、これによりトナー開
口部25の方に向けてトナーの長手方向に移動するのも
一層容易となり、円滑な攪拌が可能となる。また、トナ
ー収納部20のトナーが少なくなった場合でも攪拌羽根
体22で繰り返し回転させて、少しずつでもトナーを開
口25′から供給するために、トナーが排出される開口
25にトナーが集まってきて、容器の長手方向両端に溜
まらずに、ほぼすべてのトナーがホッパ12に供給され
る。また、開口25′は横幅が短いためにトナーが固ま
って(ケーキング)、その横幅方向に橋絡する場合であ
っても、攪拌羽根22の突出部22Baが、開口25′
内に回動して侵入するために、該突出部22Baにより
ケーキングを破壊して、トナーの供給が阻害されること
がない。Further, according to this embodiment, in the other side wall 20a of the blade body 22, as the curved amount of the stirring blade body 22 gradually increases toward the bottom surface, the stirring is performed at the position of the bottom portion 20d. Since the blade is formed so that the urging force is maximized, the sufficiently accumulated curvature is opened toward the supply opening 25 side, and the so-called toner scraping effect is extremely large, and the bottom of the container is extremely large. 20
The toner accumulated in d can be smoothly and easily discharged from the supply port. Then, by discharging the toner accumulated in the container bottom portion 20d, the toner flows into the container bottom portion 20d from the left and right in the longitudinal direction. Further, since the amount of curvature of the stirring blade body 22 on one side wall 20c of the supply opening 25 is larger than that of the other side wall 20a, the stirring force as well as the toner scraping force is large in the portion from the bottom portion 20d to the supply opening 25. As a result, it becomes easier to move the toner in the longitudinal direction toward the toner opening 25, and smooth stirring becomes possible. Further, even when the toner in the toner storage portion 20 runs low, the toner is collected in the opening 25 through which the toner is discharged in order to rotate the stirring blade member 22 repeatedly and supply the toner little by little through the opening 25 '. As a result, almost all the toner is supplied to the hopper 12 without being accumulated at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the container. In addition, since the opening 25 'has a short width and the toner is solidified (caking) and bridges in the width direction, the protruding portion 22Ba of the stirring blade 22 has the opening 25'.
The protrusion 22Ba does not break the caking and the toner supply is not obstructed because the protrusion 22Ba rotates and enters.
【0042】次にトナー回収部30側の形状について説
明する。トナー回収部30は前記図1及び図6に示すご
とく、前記トナー収納部20より深い断面略正方形状に
形成すると共に、供給開口25の反対側に位置する他側
側壁20aの長手方向端側に、上面を斜めにカットした
台形空間30bを延設して、該台形空間30bの上面側
の傾斜面、即ち上縁端より外方に向け下向きに傾斜する
傾斜面39を、前記凹斜面20cと平行な方向な直線状
の傾斜面に形成して、該傾斜面に回収口35を開口す
る。Next, the shape of the toner collecting section 30 side will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the toner collecting portion 30 is formed to have a substantially square cross section deeper than the toner storing portion 20, and is provided on the side of the other side wall 20 a opposite to the supply opening 25 in the longitudinal direction. , A trapezoidal space 30b whose upper surface is obliquely cut is extended, and an inclined surface on the upper surface side of the trapezoidal space 30b, that is, an inclined surface 39 which inclines downward from the upper edge end is referred to as the concave inclined surface 20c. The recovery port 35 is formed on a linear slanted surface in a parallel direction, and the recovery port 35 is opened on the slanted surface.
【0043】そして、更に、図2及び図7に示すように
前記回収口35の上面側に搬送ベルト機構の嵌合ガイド
80を取り付け、該ガイド80の側面に前記傾斜面39
と平行にスリット溝81を形成し、該スリット溝に搬送
ベルト機構の容器側壁面に設けたリブ状規制ガイドが嵌
合可能に構成する。尚、図7(B)に示す嵌合ガイド8
0及びベルト容器62は、実際の形状より大きくして構
成の明瞭化を図っている。Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the fitting guide 80 of the conveyor belt mechanism is attached to the upper surface side of the recovery port 35, and the inclined surface 39 is attached to the side surface of the guide 80.
A slit groove 81 is formed in parallel with the slit groove 81, and a rib-shaped regulation guide provided on the side wall surface of the container of the conveyor belt mechanism can be fitted into the slit groove 81. The fitting guide 8 shown in FIG.
0 and the belt container 62 are made larger than the actual shape to clarify the configuration.
【0044】一方、図1及び図6に示すごとく、前記回
収空間30aの仕切り壁10側の30dは段差状に隆起
させ、トナー堆積空間を形成する。そして、前記回収空
間30aの回収口35の下方の台形空間30bの先側
に、断面楕円状の硬質樹脂からなる搬送ローラ31を配
設するとともに、その出口側周面が上方より下方に仕切
壁30cが設けられ、下端側の開口31aよりトナー回
収空間30aと対面可能に構成する。On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, 30d on the partition wall 10 side of the recovery space 30a is raised in a stepped manner to form a toner accumulation space. A transport roller 31 made of a hard resin having an elliptical cross section is disposed on the front side of the trapezoidal space 30b below the recovery port 35 of the recovery space 30a, and the outlet side peripheral surface of the transport roller 31 is located below the partition wall. 30c is provided so that it can face the toner recovery space 30a through the opening 31a on the lower end side.
【0045】一方、前記回収空間30aを貫通する回転
軸21には、回転方向に弾性変形可能な羽根体32を半
径方向に延設して設ける。そして前記回収部30の回収
口35の下方域から外れた仕切壁10側に位置するトナ
ー堆積空間に位置する回転軸21には羽根体を設けるこ
となく、いわゆる方形空間内のみを摺擦可能に羽根体3
2を設ける。On the other hand, the rotary shaft 21 passing through the recovery space 30a is provided with a blade body 32 which is elastically deformable in the rotational direction and extends in the radial direction. The rotary shaft 21 located in the toner accumulation space located on the partition wall 10 side outside the area below the recovery port 35 of the recovery section 30 can be rubbed only in a so-called rectangular space without providing a blade body. Feather body 3
2 is provided.
【0046】そして、前記羽根体32は、台形空間30
bと対応する位置に帯状羽根体32bを、又スリット割
り32cを介してその側方に片側が斜めにカットされた
広幅羽根体32aを夫々形成すると共に、前記帯状羽根
体32bの先側が前記搬送ローラ31の出口側周面を摺
擦可能に所定長さに延設し、該羽根体32bの先側の前
記ローラ周面に面接触する部位に、羽根体より摩擦係数
の大なる薄層部材例えば薄層スポンジ層34を貼着し、
該スポンジ層34が前記ローラ出口側周面に面接触によ
り摺擦しながら、若しくは該出口周面に近接させながら
ローラ31出口周面及びその周囲の開口付近に集積して
いる廃トナーを確実に捕足して回収空間30a側に送る
よう構成する。そして、前記回収空間30a側に送られ
た廃トナーは更に広幅の羽根体32aにより攪拌されな
がら仕切り壁10側の堆積空間30dに送られる。そし
て、仕切壁10側に位置する堆積空間30dには羽根体
が設けられていないために、攪拌が行われることなく集
積のみが行われ、高密度での集積が可能となる。The vane body 32 has a trapezoidal space 30.
A strip-shaped blade 32b is formed at a position corresponding to b, and a wide blade 32a is formed on one side of the strip-shaped blade 32b through a slit 32c, and the front side of the strip-shaped blade 32b is conveyed. A thin layer member having a friction coefficient larger than that of the blade body is provided at a portion of the roller 31 that extends to a predetermined length so as to be slidable on the outlet side peripheral surface and comes into surface contact with the roller peripheral surface on the front side of the blade body 32b. For example, a thin sponge layer 34 is attached,
While the sponge layer 34 rubs the peripheral surface of the roller outlet side by surface contact or is brought close to the peripheral surface of the outlet, waste toner accumulated on the peripheral surface of the roller 31 and around the opening around the roller 31 is surely secured. It is configured to catch and send it to the side of the collection space 30a. Then, the waste toner sent to the collection space 30a side is sent to the deposition space 30d on the partition wall 10 side while being agitated by the wider blade 32a. Moreover, since the blades are not provided in the deposition space 30d located on the partition wall 10 side, only the stacking is performed without stirring, and the stacking can be performed at a high density.
【0047】尚、仕切り壁10上面はスリット溝102
が設けられ、図1及び図12に示すように、蓋体2Aと
の間をシールするスポンジ状の紐状シール部材101を
スリット溝102内に介装するとともに、該スリット溝
102を前記回転軸21貫通部まで舌片状に垂下させシ
ール部材101の中央部細U字状に前記スリット溝に沿
って垂下させ、回転軸21のシール部として機能させ
る。The upper surface of the partition wall 10 has a slit groove 102.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, a sponge-like string-shaped sealing member 101 for sealing the gap with the lid 2A is interposed in the slit groove 102, and the slit groove 102 is provided on the rotary shaft. The penetrating portion 21 is made to hang down like a tongue, and is made to hang down along the slit groove in the shape of a thin U-shape in the central portion of the seal member 101 to function as the seal portion of the rotary shaft 21.
【0048】又、前記回転軸21の軸端側の回収空間3
0a内壁面側に、該回転軸21と搬送ローラ間を連結す
る歯車列33が配設されている。該歯車列33は、増速
ギアで形成されており、羽根体32の回転数が搬送ロー
ラ31の回転数より小になるごとく設定する。Further, the recovery space 3 on the shaft end side of the rotary shaft 21.
On the inner wall surface side of 0a, a gear train 33 that connects the rotating shaft 21 and the conveying rollers is arranged. The gear train 33 is formed of a speed-up gear, and is set so that the rotation speed of the blade body 32 becomes smaller than the rotation speed of the transport roller 31.
【0049】又、歯車列33の隣接する歯車33a、3
3bの歯面形状は図11(B)に示すごとく等形に形成
することなく、(A)に示すように一方を痩せさせて山
幅を狭くする(谷幅は広くなる)る等の工夫を取って互
いに不等形に形成し、ガタを持って歯合させる。例え
ば、歯車直径が30φの場合、噛合面の片側クリアラン
スは通常0.1mm(B参照)であるが本実施例の場
合、0.4〜0.5mmに設定している。尚、図1の3
6はコンテナの長手方向端面37に形成された位置規制
リブでトナー供給開口25が形成されたトナー収納部2
0側の凹斜面20cと平行に延設されており、該ガイド
36が装置本体側に設けた不図示の規制ガイド溝に嵌合
されながら着脱可能に構成されている。Further, adjacent gears 33a, 3 of the gear train 33
The tooth surface shape of 3b is not formed in the same shape as shown in FIG. 11 (B), but as shown in FIG. 11 (A), one side is thinned to narrow the mountain width (widen the valley width). Take them and make them unequal to each other, and hold them to engage with each other. For example, when the gear diameter is 30φ, the clearance on one side of the meshing surface is usually 0.1 mm (see B), but in the case of this embodiment, it is set to 0.4 to 0.5 mm. In addition, 3 in FIG.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a position regulating rib formed on the end surface 37 in the longitudinal direction of the container, and the toner storage portion 2 in which the toner supply opening 25 is formed.
The guide 36 extends in parallel with the 0-side concave slope 20c, and is configured such that the guide 36 can be attached and detached while being fitted into a regulation guide groove (not shown) provided on the apparatus main body side.
【0050】かかる実施例によれば、前記歯車列33
が、回収部30端壁の内側に位置しているために、該コ
ンテナ装着時に、歯車列33が装置本体側のガイド等に
衝接する恐れを解消できると共に、隣接する歯車33
a、33bの歯面形状を互いに不等形に形成されている
ために、噛合面間のクリアランスにトナーが入り込んで
もこれをすくい取りながら回転するために、ロッキング
現象を完全に解消できる。According to such an embodiment, the gear train 33
However, since it is located inside the end wall of the collecting portion 30, it is possible to eliminate the risk of the gear train 33 colliding with a guide or the like on the apparatus main body side when the container is mounted, and it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the adjacent gear 33
Since the tooth surface shapes of a and 33b are formed to be unequal to each other, even if the toner enters the clearance between the meshing surfaces, it rotates while scooping out the toner, so that the locking phenomenon can be completely eliminated.
【0051】次に前記トナーコンテナ2の装着機構とシ
ャッタ部材に付いて説明する。先ず図3に示すように前
記現像ユニット1上面側のコンテナ取り付け部11には
前記コンテナ2の装着時の位置固定と装着解除を行う、
ロック/解除レバー部材15が軸18により揺動自在に
軸支されている。該レバー部材15は下面側に設けた軸
18の軸支部よりユニット傾斜面19に沿って斜め上方
に延設し、その先端部に爪部15aを設けたロックレバ
ー部15bと、前記軸支部よりL字状に立上げた操作レ
バー部15cからなり、前記操作レバー部は、揺動可能
に構成している。Next, the mounting mechanism of the toner container 2 and the shutter member will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the container mounting portion 11 on the upper surface side of the developing unit 1 is fixed in position and unmounted when the container 2 is mounted.
A lock / release lever member 15 is swingably supported by a shaft 18. The lever member 15 extends obliquely upward along the unit inclined surface 19 from the shaft support portion of the shaft 18 provided on the lower surface side, and the lock lever portion 15b provided with the claw portion 15a at the tip thereof and the shaft support portion It is composed of an operation lever portion 15c that is raised in an L shape, and the operation lever portion is configured to be swingable.
【0052】一方、トナー回収部30側には、図7
(B)に示すように排トナー受入れ口35が形成された
傾斜面39上に、内形を装置本体側のベルト容器62断
面形状に合致する、方形筒体状の嵌合ガイド80が取付
けられており、該嵌合ガイドは前記傾斜面39と平行に
スリット溝81が形成されている。又傾斜面39にはシ
ャッタ部材は不図示の規制ガイドにより、傾斜面39表
面に沿って前記トナー受入れ口35を開閉可能なシャッ
タ板69を設け、該シャッタ板69の上面に突起69a
を設ける。On the other hand, FIG.
As shown in (B), a rectangular cylindrical fitting guide 80 whose inner shape matches the sectional shape of the belt container 62 on the apparatus main body side is mounted on the inclined surface 39 on which the discharged toner receiving port 35 is formed. A slit groove 81 is formed in the fitting guide in parallel with the inclined surface 39. A shutter member is provided on the inclined surface 39 by a regulation guide (not shown) so that the toner receiving port 35 can be opened and closed along the surface of the inclined surface 39, and a projection 69a is provided on the upper surface of the shutter plate 69.
To provide.
【0053】一方、排トナー搬送機構側は、図6及び図
7(B)に示すように、ベルト容器62の排出開口68
を開閉するシャッタ部材66を、スポンジ層66aを介
して配設し、該シャッタ部材66が閉塞する方向に弾性
バネ67により引張されており、又、容器の上端には、
トナー受入れ口35側のシャッタ板69の突起69aに
係合してその開閉操作を行う爪65aが、シャッタ板6
9離間方向に弾性的に揺動可能に延在させた板片65の
先端に設けている。On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7B, on the side of the discharged toner carrying mechanism, a discharge opening 68 of the belt container 62 is provided.
A shutter member 66 that opens and closes is disposed via a sponge layer 66a, and is stretched by an elastic spring 67 in the direction in which the shutter member 66 is closed.
The shutter plate 6 has a claw 65a that engages with the projection 69a of the shutter plate 69 on the toner receiving port 35 side to open and close the projection.
9 It is provided at the tip of a plate piece 65 that extends elastically and swingably in the direction of separation.
【0054】この結果、図2に示すように、現像ユニッ
ト1側の傾斜面19の延長線上にコンテナの凹斜面20
cを一致させた状態で該コンテナ2を現像ユニット1側
に装着させると、最初に嵌合ガイド80がベルト容器6
2外周に嵌合し(図7(B)参)、容器62の先端突起
69aがシャッタ板69の突起69aに係合して該シャ
ッタ板69を押上げながらトナー受入れ口35を開放す
る。と同時に、トナー回収部30下端の縁面とベルト容
器62側のシャッタ部材66上縁が係合して弾性バネ6
7に抗して該シャッタ部材66を押し下げ、排出開口6
8を開口させながら容器側の先端突起65aがシャッタ
板69の突起69aを乗り上げて停止する。尚、前記シ
ャッタ板69は先端突起65aによる係止とともにスポ
ンジ層66aの上端で位置固定されている。As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the concave slope 20 of the container is formed on the extension line of the slope 19 on the developing unit 1 side.
When the container 2 is mounted on the side of the developing unit 1 in the state where c is matched, first, the fitting guide 80 causes the belt container 6 to move.
2 is fitted on the outer periphery (see FIG. 7B), the tip projection 69a of the container 62 engages with the projection 69a of the shutter plate 69, and pushes up the shutter plate 69 to open the toner receiving port 35. At the same time, the edge surface of the lower end of the toner collecting unit 30 and the upper edge of the shutter member 66 on the side of the belt container 62 are engaged with each other to cause the elastic spring 6 to move.
The shutter member 66 is pushed down against 7 and the discharge opening 6
While opening 8, the tip projection 65a on the container side rides on the projection 69a of the shutter plate 69 and stops. The shutter plate 69 is locked by the tip projection 65a and fixed in position at the upper end of the sponge layer 66a.
【0055】一方、トナー収納部20側でも、現像ユニ
ット1側の傾斜面19の延長線上にコンテナ2の凹斜面
20cを一致させた状態で該コンテナ2を現像ユニット
1側に装着させることにより該収納部20側のシャッタ
部材も開放されるが、その構成作用は後述する。On the other hand, even on the toner storage section 20 side, by mounting the container 2 on the developing unit 1 side with the concave inclined surface 20c of the container 2 aligned with the extension line of the inclined surface 19 on the developing unit 1 side, The shutter member on the side of the storage section 20 is also opened, but its constituent action will be described later.
【0056】そして、図2に示すように、前記コンテナ
の凹斜面20cがユニット側の傾斜面19に沿って斜め
下方に引き下ろすと、先ずロックレバー部15bの爪部
15aが当接して該レバー15を弾性バネ16の弾性力
に抗して傾斜面19から退避する方向に揺動させなが
ら、所定位置に装着されると同時にロックレバー部15
bの爪部15aがトナー収納部20の係合凹部201に
係合する。そして、この際前記操作レバー15側に付勢
された弾性バネ16により係合固定されるが、該一の弾
性バネ16の付勢力のみでは精度良い確実な位置固定が
困難になる。そこで、本実施例では現像ユニット1側の
シャッタ部材40の弾性バネ43を有効に利用してい
る。Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when the concave inclined surface 20c of the container is pulled down obliquely along the inclined surface 19 on the unit side, first the claw portion 15a of the lock lever portion 15b comes into contact with the lever. The lock lever portion 15 is mounted at a predetermined position at the same time as the lock lever portion 15 is swung in the direction of retracting from the inclined surface 19 against the elastic force of the elastic spring 16.
The claw portion 15a of b is engaged with the engagement concave portion 201 of the toner storage portion 20. At this time, the elastic spring 16 biased to the operation lever 15 side is engaged and fixed, but it becomes difficult to fix the position accurately and surely only by the biasing force of the one elastic spring 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, the elastic spring 43 of the shutter member 40 on the developing unit 1 side is effectively used.
【0057】即ち、図4に示すように前記装着時点では
後記する現像ユニット1側のシャッタ部材40が、トナ
ー受入開口44を閉塞する方向に弾性バネ43が係合
し、そして前記弾性バネ43は閉塞方向に付勢するもの
であるために、トナー受入れ口44が開放されている位
置では最も付勢力が強まり、一方、図2において、ロッ
クレバー部の爪部15aは傾斜面19に沿って下向き
に、言換えれば前記弾性バネ43の付勢方向に抗する方
向に係止させているために、精度良くトナーコンテナ2
の位置決め固定を図る事が出来る。即ち、操作レバー部
15側に付勢された弾性バネ16とシャッタ部材40の
弾性バネ43両者の引張力を利用し得ると共に、而もそ
の引張方向も異ならしているために、更に前記シャッタ
部材の弾性バネは閉塞方向に付勢するものであるため
に、コンテナ2が位置固定される開放位置では最も付勢
力が強まり、確実なる固定が可能となる。That is, as shown in FIG. 4, at the time of mounting, the elastic member 43 engages with the shutter member 40 on the developing unit 1 side, which will be described later, in the direction of closing the toner receiving opening 44, and the elastic spring 43 Since the biasing force is applied in the closing direction, the biasing force is strongest at the position where the toner receiving port 44 is opened, while the claw portion 15a of the lock lever portion is directed downward along the inclined surface 19 in FIG. In other words, since the elastic spring 43 is locked in the direction against the urging direction, the toner container 2 can be accurately moved.
Positioning and fixing can be achieved. That is, the pulling force of both the elastic spring 16 biased to the operation lever portion 15 side and the elastic spring 43 of the shutter member 40 can be used, and the pulling directions are different, so that the shutter member is further changed. Since the elastic spring of (2) biases in the closing direction, the biasing force is the strongest at the open position where the container 2 is fixed and the secure fixing is possible.
【0058】そして、図3に示す前記コンテナ2が所定
位置に固定されるとユニット側の駆動歯車17にコンテ
ナ側の中継歯車27が歯合すると共に、図6に示すよう
に、回収部30の底面が現像ユニット1側の設置台70
上に設けたスリット開口71より突設する線状バネ73
を押圧することにより、該線状バネ73の下方への変位
により基板72上に固定されたコンテナ装着センサ75
を押圧動作させ、精度よく装着されたことを不図示の制
御回路側に指示する事が出来る。尚、前記線状バネ73
は軸76に軸支されているために左右に揺動しやすい。
そこで、設置台71の下面の線状バネ73のスイッチ押
圧位置の両側に、各一対の突起74を垂下させ、該突起
74により前記線状バネ73の左右の揺動を阻止し、繰
り返し精度よく前記センサ75を押圧可能に構成してい
る。When the container 2 shown in FIG. 3 is fixed at a predetermined position, the unit-side drive gear 17 meshes with the container-side relay gear 27, and as shown in FIG. An installation base 70 whose bottom surface is the developing unit 1 side
A linear spring 73 protruding from the slit opening 71 provided above
By pressing the, the container mounting sensor 75 fixed on the substrate 72 by the downward displacement of the linear spring 73.
It is possible to instruct the control circuit side (not shown) that the device has been mounted with high accuracy by pressing. Incidentally, the linear spring 73
Is rotatably supported by the shaft 76, so that it easily swings to the left and right.
Therefore, a pair of protrusions 74 are hung on both sides of the switch pressing position of the linear spring 73 on the lower surface of the installation table 71, and the left and right swings of the linear spring 73 are prevented by the protrusions 74, and the repetition accuracy is high. The sensor 75 can be pressed.
【0059】元に戻り、前記トナーコンテナ2を取り出
す際は、図3(B)に示すように、ロックレバー15の
操作レバー部15cを反時計方向に倒すことにより前記
ロックレバーの爪部15aが、係合凹部201よりの係
合が解除されて、該解除と同時にシャッタ部材の弾性バ
ネ43(図4)の付勢力により傾斜斜面に沿って上方に
向けて自動的に移動する。尚、係合凹部201は弾性バ
ネ43の付勢方向に対し対面する方向言換えれば傾斜面
19と直交する方向に沿って係止面を形成している。Returning to the original state, when the toner container 2 is taken out, as shown in FIG. 3B, the operating lever portion 15c of the lock lever 15 is tilted counterclockwise so that the lock lever claw portion 15a is released. The engagement from the engagement recess 201 is released, and at the same time when the engagement is released, the elastic spring 43 (FIG. 4) of the shutter member automatically moves upward along the inclined slope. The engaging concave portion 201 forms a locking surface along a direction facing the biasing direction of the elastic spring 43, in other words, a direction orthogonal to the inclined surface 19.
【0060】一方、ベルト搬送機構60側では、ベルト
容器62の排出開口68を開閉するシャッタ部材66を
スポンジ層66aを介して配設し、ベルト容器62の先
端突起65aが、シャッタ板69の突起69aを乗り上
げて係合しているために(図6)、前記コンテナの上方
移動により、これに追従して該シャッタ板69を下方に
押下げながらトナー受入れ口35を開放すると同時に弾
性バネ67(図7)の付勢力によりベルト容器62側の
シャッタ部材66も自動閉塞され、ベルト容器62及び
排トナー回収部30側のいずれのシャッタ部材も閉塞し
た状態でトナーコンテナ2の取り出しが可能となる。On the side of the belt transport mechanism 60, on the other hand, a shutter member 66 for opening and closing the discharge opening 68 of the belt container 62 is arranged via a sponge layer 66a, and the tip projection 65a of the belt container 62 is projected on the shutter plate 69. Since the container 69a is engaged and engaged (FIG. 6), the upward movement of the container follows the movement of the container to push down the shutter plate 69 to open the toner receiving port 35 and at the same time the elastic spring 67 ( The shutter member 66 on the side of the belt container 62 is automatically closed by the urging force of FIG. 7), and the toner container 2 can be taken out with both shutter members on the side of the belt container 62 and the discharged toner collecting unit 30 closed.
【0061】次に、前記コンテナのトナー収納部20側
のシャッタ機構について図2、図4及び図5に基づいて
説明する。先ず、前記現像ユニット1上面側のコンテナ
取り付け部11には前記トナー収納部20の供給口を具
えた一側側壁20cの凹斜面20cと平行な傾斜面19
を現像ユニット1上面側に形成すると共に、該傾斜面1
9のホッパ12と対応する位置を開口しトナー受入開口
44を形成すると共に(図4)、前記コンテナ側の凹斜
面20c、及び、現像ユニット1側の受入れ開口44夫
々にシャッタ部材40、50を取り付ける。Next, the shutter mechanism on the toner storage portion 20 side of the container will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. First, the container mounting portion 11 on the upper surface side of the developing unit 1 has an inclined surface 19 parallel to the concave inclined surface 20c of the side wall 20c having the supply port of the toner storage portion 20.
Is formed on the upper surface side of the developing unit 1 and the inclined surface 1
9 is formed at a position corresponding to the hopper 12 to form a toner receiving opening 44 (FIG. 4), and shutter members 40 and 50 are provided on the concave slope 20c on the container side and the receiving opening 44 on the developing unit 1 side, respectively. Install.
【0062】コンテナ2側のシャッタ部材50は弾性変
形可能な樹脂体で形成され、そして前記凹斜面20cに
取り付けられ供給開口25が形成されたシャッタ取り付
け板52と、該取り付け板52に設けた、後述する規制
ガイド58に沿ってカートリッジ短手方向に移動して供
給開口25を開閉するシャッタ板51からなり、該シャ
ッタ板及びシャッタ取付け板の平面構成について、次に
説明する。図8(A),(B)は、トナーコンテナ2の
上方からシャッタ取付板52、及び、42を見た図、
(C)は、(A)のA−A線切断図、図10(A),
(B)は、これらをホッパ12側、すなわち、図8の反
対方向から見た図である。The shutter member 50 on the side of the container 2 is formed of an elastically deformable resin body, and is attached to the concave slope 20c and has a supply opening 25 formed therein. A shutter plate 51 that opens and closes the supply opening 25 by moving in the short side direction of the cartridge along a regulation guide 58, which will be described later, and a planar configuration of the shutter plate and the shutter mounting plate will be described below. 8A and 8B are views of the shutter mounting plates 52 and 42 seen from above the toner container 2.
10C is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.
FIG. 8B is a view of these as viewed from the hopper 12 side, that is, the opposite direction of FIG. 8.
【0063】これらの図において、先ず、コンテナ2側
のシャッタ取付け板52はシャッタ板51を位置規制し
ながら開閉方向(コンテナ短手方向)に移動させる一対
の規制溝58bをシャッタ板51の長手方向両側に延在
させ、該規制溝58bの上側に一対の規制溝58aを形
成するとともに、該規制溝58aの外側に一対の規制溝
58cを形成し(図8(C)参)、溝58cには現像ユ
ニット1側のシャッタ取付板42のガイド壁423aが
装入可能に構成し、一方下段溝58bには前記シャッタ
板51の側端を断面L字状に折曲したガイド縁51aが
装入可能に構成されている。なお、下端側の中央縁部5
2dは段差状に形成し(図10)、ユニット側のシャッ
タ板41上端が係合可能に構成されている。In these figures, first, the shutter mounting plate 52 on the container 2 side is provided with a pair of restricting grooves 58b for moving the shutter plate 51 in the opening / closing direction (container lateral direction) while restricting the position of the shutter plate 51 in the longitudinal direction of the shutter plate 51. A pair of restricting grooves 58a are formed on both sides of the restricting groove 58b, and a pair of restricting grooves 58c are formed outside the restricting groove 58a (see FIG. 8C). Is configured so that the guide wall 423a of the shutter mounting plate 42 on the developing unit 1 side can be inserted therein, while the lower edge 58b is provided with a guide edge 51a formed by bending the side end of the shutter plate 51 into an L-shaped cross section. It is configured to be possible. In addition, the central edge portion 5 on the lower end side
2d is formed in a stepped shape (FIG. 10), and the upper end of the shutter plate 41 on the unit side can be engaged.
【0064】又、該ガイド溝58cにシャッタ板51を
閉塞位置でロックするロック部材53を設置する。ロッ
ク部材53は、基端側方形部53cが取付け板52の凹
部に嵌合し、該基端側53cを中心としてロック部材5
3の先側が外方に向けて揺動可能に構成すると共に、そ
の中腹部内側を前記シャッタ板51のガイド縁51aに
設けた矩形状凹設部位51b側に向け水平に突設する凸
片53bと(図9)、更にその先側に現像ユニット1側
の係合板42の端部423dの装入により強制的に外方
に揺動する楔状片53aを設ける。Further, a lock member 53 for locking the shutter plate 51 at the closed position is installed in the guide groove 58c. In the lock member 53, the base end side rectangular portion 53c is fitted into the recess of the mounting plate 52, and the lock member 5 is centered on the base end side 53c.
The tip side of 3 is configured to be capable of swinging outward, and a convex piece 53b that horizontally projects the inside of its middle abdominal portion toward the rectangular concave portion 51b side provided on the guide edge 51a of the shutter plate 51. (FIG. 9), a wedge-shaped piece 53a that is forcibly swung outward by the insertion of the end portion 423d of the engaging plate 42 on the developing unit 1 side is provided on the front side thereof.
【0065】一方、前記シャッタ板51は、前記したよ
うに側端側に設けたL字状ガイド縁51aと、該ガイド
縁51aの側壁を矩形状に凹設し、前記ロック部材53
の凸片53bが係合する凹設部位51bを設ける。尚図
中519はシャッタ取付け板52側の凹溝529に係合
し、シャッタ板51の押し下げ位置(閉塞位置)を規制
する突起片でシャッタ板51上端に設けられている。
又、528はシャッタ板51側のH状凹溝518に係合
し、シャッタ板51の押し上げ位置(閉塞位置)を規制
する突起片でシャッタ取付け板52上端に設けられてい
る。On the other hand, in the shutter plate 51, the L-shaped guide edge 51a provided on the side end side as described above and the side wall of the guide edge 51a are concavely formed in a rectangular shape, and the lock member 53 is formed.
The concave portion 51b with which the convex piece 53b is engaged is provided. In the figure, reference numeral 519 is a projection piece that engages with the recessed groove 529 on the shutter mounting plate 52 side and regulates the push-down position (closed position) of the shutter plate 51, and is provided at the upper end of the shutter plate 51.
Reference numeral 528 is a projection piece that engages with the H-shaped groove 518 on the shutter plate 51 side and restricts the push-up position (closed position) of the shutter plate 51, and is provided on the upper end of the shutter mounting plate 52.
【0066】一方、現像ユニット1側のシャッタ部材4
0も弾性変形可能な樹脂体で形成され、そして、図4に
示す軸状の差込み部423cを介して前記傾斜面19の
取り付け穴451に嵌合固定され、トナー受入れ開口4
4が形成されたシャッタ取り付け板42と、該取り付け
板42に設けた規制ガイド423bに沿ってコンテナ短
手方向に移動して供給開口25を開閉するシャッタ板4
1からなる。そして、前記シャッタ取付板42の平面構
成について図8(B)に基づいて説明するに、該シャッ
タ取付板42は、方形門型状のスリット割424を介し
て、方形状の係合板423と、その外周側に位置する揺
動板421とからなり、該揺動板421の先端中央に前
記コンテナ2側のシャッタ板51の上端と係合する係合
爪422aを立上げ、そして、前記シャッタ板51が開
放後において該係合爪422aを介してシャッタ板51
が閉塞する方向に押し下げ可能に構成すると共に、該揺
動板421の先端左右角隅部にカム突起422bを突設
させ、前記シャッタ板51開放時にカム突起422bが
シャッタ取付け板52下端に当接して該揺動板421を
シャッタ取付け板52背面側に退避可能に構成する。On the other hand, the shutter member 4 on the developing unit 1 side
0 is also formed of an elastically deformable resin body, and is fitted and fixed in the mounting hole 451 of the inclined surface 19 via the shaft-shaped insertion portion 423c shown in FIG.
4 is formed, and a shutter plate 4 that moves in the lateral direction of the container along a regulation guide 423b provided on the mounting plate 42 to open and close the supply opening 25.
It consists of 1. Then, the plane configuration of the shutter mounting plate 42 will be described with reference to FIG. 8B. The shutter mounting plate 42 is provided with a square engagement plate 423 through a square gate-shaped slit split 424. An oscillating plate 421 located on the outer peripheral side of the oscillating plate 421, and an engaging claw 422a that engages with the upper end of the shutter plate 51 on the container 2 side is launched at the center of the tip of the oscillating plate 421. After the opening of the shutter 51, the shutter plate 51 is released through the engaging claw 422a.
Of the rocking plate 421 is provided with a cam projection 422b projecting from the left and right corners of the tip of the swing plate 421. When the shutter plate 51 is opened, the cam projection 422b contacts the lower end of the shutter mounting plate 52. The oscillating plate 421 can be retracted to the rear side of the shutter mounting plate 52.
【0067】係合板423は、その側端にL字状ガイド
壁423aを形成して、該ガイド壁423aがコンテナ
シャッタ取付け板52の下端に設けた溝58aに装入可
能に構成する。又、前記L字状ガイド壁423aと平行
に現像ユニットのシャッタ板41と対面する内側に断面
コの字状の凹溝423bを形成し、該凹溝423bにシ
ャッタ板41のガイド壁41aを嵌合させて該シャッタ
板41を上下に移動可能に自在に構成すると共に、該シ
ャッタ板41の両側端に設けた突起を揺動板上端側に係
止させた弾性バネに係合させ、シャッタ板51がトナー
受入れ開口25の短手方向に沿って移動可能に構成す
る。尚、係合板のトナー受入れ開口44の上縁には段差
部4235が設けており、コンテナ1側のシャッタ板5
1の下端に係合可能に構成されている。The engaging plate 423 is formed with an L-shaped guide wall 423a at its side end so that the guide wall 423a can be inserted into the groove 58a provided at the lower end of the container shutter mounting plate 52. Further, a concave groove 423b having a U-shaped cross section is formed inside the L-shaped guide wall 423a facing the shutter plate 41 of the developing unit, and the guide wall 41a of the shutter plate 41 is fitted into the concave groove 423b. The shutter plate 41 is configured to be movable up and down by being combined with each other, and projections provided on both side ends of the shutter plate 41 are engaged with elastic springs locked to the upper end side of the swing plate to form a shutter plate. 51 is configured to be movable along the lateral direction of the toner receiving opening 25. A step portion 4235 is provided on the upper edge of the toner receiving opening 44 of the engagement plate, and the shutter plate 5 on the container 1 side is provided.
It is configured to be engageable with the lower end of 1.
【0068】そして、かかる実施例によれば、図4に示
すように、現像ユニット1側の傾斜面19の延長線上に
コンテナの凹斜面20cを一致させた状態で該コンテナ
2を現像ユニット1側に装着しようとすると、先ず、コ
ンテナ2側のシャッタ取付け板52の下縁52f(図1
3(C)参)が前記揺動板421のカム突起422bに
当接して該揺動板421をシャッタ取り付け板52背面
側に退避させながら更に移動すると、該シャッタ取付け
板52に設けた溝58aに係合板423の側端のL字状
ガイド壁423aが装入されそして更に装入する事によ
り、ロック部材53の先側に設けた楔状片53aが係合
板423の先端角隅R部に当接しながら拡開し(図9
(a)参)、前記シャッタ板51のガイド縁51aの凹
設部位51bに係合している凸片53bの係合が解除さ
れ、その後コンテナ側シャッタ板51の下端が係合板4
23の段差4235に押圧されて該シャッタ板51の開
放が開始される。According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the container 2 is placed on the side of the developing unit 1 with the concave slope 20c of the container being aligned with the extension of the inclined surface 19 on the side of the developing unit 1. First, the lower edge 52f of the shutter mounting plate 52 on the container 2 side (see FIG.
3C) comes into contact with the cam projection 422b of the rocking plate 421 and moves further while retracting the rocking plate 421 to the rear side of the shutter mounting plate 52, the groove 58a provided in the shutter mounting plate 52. The L-shaped guide wall 423a at the side end of the engaging plate 423 is inserted into the engaging plate 423 and further inserted, so that the wedge-shaped piece 53a provided on the front side of the lock member 53 contacts the tip corner R of the engaging plate 423. Spread while contacting (Fig. 9
(See (a)), the convex piece 53b engaged with the concave portion 51b of the guide edge 51a of the shutter plate 51 is disengaged, and then the lower end of the container side shutter plate 51 is engaged with the engaging plate 4.
The shutter plate 51 is pressed by the step 4235 of 23 to open the shutter plate 51.
【0069】一方、シャッタ板51の開放と同時に前記
コンテナ2側の取付け板52下端の係合段差52dがユ
ニット1側のシャッタ板41上端を押圧して夫々のシャ
ッタ板51、41が前記装着動作と連動して前記夫々の
開口が互いに重なりながら両開口25、44を開放す
る。そして、前記両開口25、44が完全に一致した時
点で、前記揺動板421の係合爪422aがコンテナ2
側のシャッタ板51の上縁51cと係合する(図13
(A)参)。On the other hand, at the same time when the shutter plate 51 is opened, the engaging step 52d at the lower end of the mounting plate 52 on the container 2 side presses the upper end of the shutter plate 41 on the unit 1 side so that the respective shutter plates 51, 41 perform the mounting operation. The openings 25 and 44 are opened while the openings are overlapped with each other. Then, when the openings 25 and 44 are completely aligned with each other, the engaging claw 422a of the swing plate 421 is moved to the container 2
The upper edge 51c of the shutter plate 51 on the side is engaged (see FIG. 13).
(See (A)).
【0070】又、本実施例は、前記ユニット1側のシャ
ッタ取付け板52は軸状の差込み部423cを介して前
記傾斜面19の取り付け穴451に嵌合固定されている
ために、該取付板42がトナー受入面44と平行な面内
で僅かに揺動する事が出来、この結果、前記揺動板42
1の係合爪422aとコンテナ1側のシャッタ板41と
の間で組立誤差、又は装着時に僅かに位置ずれが生じて
もこれを吸収して精度良く且つ確実に前記シャッタ板4
1の開放位置での固定が可能となる。而も、前記取付け
板42の揺動は開口面と平行な面内であるために、開口
同士を合致させても空隙が生じることなく容易に密着を
行う事が出来る。Further, in this embodiment, since the shutter mounting plate 52 on the unit 1 side is fitted and fixed in the mounting hole 451 of the inclined surface 19 through the shaft-shaped insertion portion 423c, the mounting plate is attached. 42 can be slightly swung in a plane parallel to the toner receiving surface 44, and as a result, the swing plate 42 can be swung.
Even if there is an assembly error between the engagement claw 422a of No. 1 and the shutter plate 41 on the container 1 side, or a slight displacement occurs during mounting, this is absorbed and the shutter plate 4 is accurately and surely.
1 can be fixed at the open position. Moreover, since the swing of the mounting plate 42 is in the plane parallel to the opening surface, even if the openings are aligned with each other, it is possible to easily adhere to each other without forming a void.
【0071】そして、前記図3に示すように前記操作レ
バー部15cを手前に引くことにより爪部15aとの係
合が解除し、シャッタ板41を引張している弾性バネ4
3の弾性力によりトナーコンテナ2が傾斜面19に沿っ
て斜め上方に移動する。トナーコンテナ2側のシャッタ
板51は揺動板421の係合爪422aに係止されてい
るので、シャッタ取付いた52の、図13(A)上の左
行により、シャッタ板51は、トナーコンテナ2側の開
口25を閉塞する。Then, as shown in FIG. 3, by pulling the operating lever portion 15c toward the front, the engagement with the claw portion 15a is released, and the elastic spring 4 pulling the shutter plate 41 is released.
The toner container 2 moves diagonally upward along the inclined surface 19 by the elastic force of 3. Since the shutter plate 51 on the toner container 2 side is locked by the engaging claw 422a of the swing plate 421, the shutter plate 51 is moved to the left side of FIG. The opening 25 on the second side is closed.
【0072】シャッタ板51の閉塞方向に移動すると同
時に、コンテナ2側のシャッタ取付け板52下端に係合
しているユニット1側のシャッタ板41も前記弾性バネ
43の付勢力により閉塞方向に移動すると共に、コンテ
ナ2側のシャッタ取付け板52に設けたロック部材53
の揺動片が係合板423の先端角隅部423dとの当接
から解除され、と同時にロック部材53自体の弾性力に
より、前記シャッタ板51のガイド縁51a側に復帰
し、その凸片53bがガイド縁51aの凹設部位51b
に係合し、シャッタ板51のロックが完了する。このと
き、シャッタ取付板52の傾斜面52aは図13(B)
に示されるように、カム突起422bに当接して、
(C)に示すように、カム突起422b上にシャッタ取
付板54が乗り上げるために、トナーコンテナ2を装置
本体側よりの取り出しを容易に行うことができる。Simultaneously with the movement of the shutter plate 51 in the closing direction, the shutter plate 41 on the unit 1 side engaged with the lower end of the shutter mounting plate 52 on the container 2 side also moves in the closing direction by the urging force of the elastic spring 43. In addition, a lock member 53 provided on the shutter mounting plate 52 on the container 2 side
Is released from contact with the tip corner portion 423d of the engaging plate 423, and at the same time, the elastic force of the lock member 53 returns to the guide edge 51a side of the shutter plate 51, and the convex piece 53b thereof. Is a recessed portion 51b of the guide edge 51a.
To lock the shutter plate 51. At this time, the inclined surface 52a of the shutter mounting plate 52 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
As shown in (C), since the shutter mounting plate 54 rides on the cam protrusion 422b, the toner container 2 can be easily taken out from the apparatus main body side.
【0073】その後、シャッタ取付け板52の規制溝5
8aより係合板423の先端423dが抜出し、トナー
コンテナ2が装置本体側よりの取り出される。従って、
前記コンテナ2が装置本体側より取り出された後は、常
にロック部材53によりシャッタ板51が閉塞位置でロ
ックされているために、通常の移動操作ではロック部材
53が誤って作動することなく、不用意にシャッタ板5
1が開放する恐れを完全に解消する。而も、ロック部材
53は外部に突出することなく前記シャッタ部材の開閉
ガイド上に収納されているために、通常の移動操作中不
用意に前記シャッタ部材が開放されることもない。又、
前記ロック部材53は、コンテナの装着動作と連動して
自動的に強制解除されるために、コンテナ装着動作の簡
単化と共に、前記ロック解除し忘れを完全に防止でき
る。After that, the regulating groove 5 of the shutter mounting plate 52
The tip 423d of the engaging plate 423 is pulled out from the 8a, and the toner container 2 is taken out from the apparatus main body side. Therefore,
After the container 2 is taken out from the apparatus main body side, the shutter member 51 is always locked at the closed position by the lock member 53, so that the lock member 53 does not operate erroneously in a normal moving operation, and Prepare shutter plate 5
Completely eliminates the fear of opening 1. Moreover, since the lock member 53 is housed on the opening / closing guide of the shutter member without protruding to the outside, the shutter member is not accidentally opened during the normal moving operation. or,
Since the lock member 53 is automatically and forcibly released in association with the container mounting operation, the container mounting operation can be simplified and the unlocking forgetting can be completely prevented.
【0074】次に、本発明に係る第2実施例を説明す
る。図14は、第2実施例のトナーコンテナと排トナー
搬送機構の平面図を示す。図1との実質的な相違点は、
トナー収納部20と廃トナー回収部30の仕切壁10に
おける、羽根体22を有する回転軸21のシール構造
と、該回転軸21と廃トナーを回収空間に送り込む搬送
ローラ31間を連結する歯車列33が設けられる位置関
係であり、以下にそれらの相違点に係る構造について説
明する。図14において、攪拌羽根22′が固着された
回転軸21′は、(B)F部拡大図に示すように、トナ
ー収納部20′と廃トナー回収部30′間に介在する仕
切壁10′に開設された貫通孔10′aに回転自在に嵌
合され、トナー収納部20′側の仕切壁面10′bに
は、該貫通孔10′aと同軸にドーナツ状の薄膜フィル
ム体91が、両面テープ90でもって貼着され、該フィ
ルム体91の中心の孔は、回転軸21′の外径より0.
01〜0.5mmの範囲で小に開設されているために、
該中心の孔に嵌通された回転軸21′は該孔の内縁91
aにより押圧密閉された状態で回転可能に配置されてい
る。Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the toner container and the discharged toner carrying mechanism of the second embodiment. The substantial difference from FIG. 1 is that
In the partition wall 10 of the toner storage unit 20 and the waste toner collecting unit 30, a seal structure of a rotary shaft 21 having a blade body 22 and a gear train that connects the rotary shaft 21 and a conveying roller 31 that sends the waste toner into the collecting space. 33 is a positional relationship in which 33 is provided, and structures relating to the differences will be described below. In FIG. 14, a rotary shaft 21 'to which a stirring blade 22' is fixed is provided with a partition wall 10 'interposed between a toner storage portion 20' and a waste toner collecting portion 30 ', as shown in an enlarged view of part (B) F. A donut-shaped thin film film 91 coaxially fitted to the through hole 10'a is rotatably fitted in the through hole 10'a opened in the partition wall surface 10'b on the toner storage portion 20 'side. A double-sided tape 90 is used for attachment, and the central hole of the film body 91 has a diameter of 0.
Since it is opened small in the range of 01 to 0.5 mm,
The rotary shaft 21 'fitted in the central hole has an inner edge 91 of the hole.
It is rotatably arranged in a state of being pressed and sealed by a.
【0075】本実施例のシール構造は、上述のように構
成されているので、貫通孔と同軸にドーナツ状のフィル
ム体を貼着し、ドーナツ状の中心孔と貫通孔を回転軸で
貫通させるという簡単な構成において、貫通孔10′a
の隙間から侵入する廃トナーは前記フィルム体91の内
縁91aにより完全に遮断される。また、トナー収納部
20′内にある供給用の未使用トナーも、該フィルム体
91の内縁91aにより廃トナー回収部30′への漏洩
が防止される。Since the seal structure of the present embodiment is constructed as described above, a donut-shaped film body is attached coaxially with the through-hole, and the donut-shaped center hole and the through-hole are passed through by the rotary shaft. In such a simple structure, the through hole 10'a
The waste toner entering from the gap is completely blocked by the inner edge 91a of the film body 91. Further, the unused toner for supply in the toner storage portion 20 'is prevented from leaking to the waste toner collecting portion 30' by the inner edge 91a of the film body 91.
【0076】図14において、コンテナの長手方向端面
37′には回転軸21′から廃トナの搬送ローラ31に
回転力を伝達する歯車列33が設けられている。これら
の歯車の、それぞれ回転軸もしくは搬送ローラとの結合
は、回転軸もしくは搬送ローラと一体で回転できるよう
に、例えば、小判孔もしくは欠円孔とそれに嵌合する軸
先端部により結合し、それらの間に介在する中間歯車は
中心部分に孔を有し、該孔に端面37′に起立した回転
軸部を挿入することにより回転自在に端面37′に配置
され、それらの歯車の抜け落ちを防止するために、端面
37′上方からギアカバー370によって、それらの歯
車33を覆蓋している。In FIG. 14, a gear train 33 for transmitting a rotational force from the rotary shaft 21 'to the transport roller 31 of the waste toner is provided on the longitudinal end surface 37' of the container. These gears are coupled to the rotary shaft or the transport roller, respectively, so that they can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft or the transport roller, for example, by coupling them with an oval hole or an oval hole and a shaft tip portion fitted to them. The intermediate gear which is interposed between the gears has a hole in the center thereof, and a rotary shaft portion standing on the end face 37 'is inserted into the hole so that the intermediate gear is rotatably arranged on the end face 37' to prevent the gears from coming off. In order to do so, those gears 33 are covered with a gear cover 370 from above the end surface 37 '.
【0077】この覆蓋構造は、図15(A),(B)に
開示されている。これらの図において、コンテナの長手
方向端面37′の左手上部に斜めに起立する壁縁37′
c及び、それと平行でそれと対角する右下角に、斜めに
起立する壁縁37′dとにより、ほぼひし形状に空間が
形成され、(B)に示されるように、壁縁37′cには
二つの開口部37′b、37′bが開設され、壁縁3
7′dには、同じく二つの開口部37′a、37′aが
開設されている。このひし形状空間に嵌合覆蓋するギア
カバー370は、ほぼひし形状の端部の周囲を囲む縁部
を、前記壁縁37′cおよび37′dの高さとほぼ同じ
高さに垂下させるとともに、外部の上面に、装置本体側
に設けられた規制ガイド溝(不図示)と嵌合する位置規
制リブ36′が起立して成形され、左側縁370cに
は、開口部37′bと係合する突起370b、370b
が、右側縁370dには開口部37′aと係合する突起
370a、370aが設けられている。本実施例の歯車
列は、このように廃トナー回収部の外に配置されている
ので、すでに説明した噛合面間のクリアランスを取るこ
とがなくても、歯車の歯の間にトナーが入り込み、ロッ
キング現象を起こすことがない。This cover structure is disclosed in FIGS. 15 (A) and 15 (B). In these figures, a slanted wall edge 37 'on the upper left hand of the longitudinal end surface 37' of the container is shown.
c and a wall edge 37'd that is diagonally erected at a lower right corner that is parallel to and diagonally intersects with c, a space is formed in a substantially rhombus shape, and as shown in (B), a wall edge 37'c is formed. Has two openings 37'b, 37'b, and the wall edge 3
Two openings 37'a and 37'a are similarly formed in 7'd. The gear cover 370 that fits and covers the rhombus-shaped space hangs the edge portion that surrounds the periphery of the substantially rhombus-shaped space to a height substantially the same as the height of the wall edges 37'c and 37'd. A position regulating rib 36 'that fits with a regulating guide groove (not shown) provided on the apparatus main body side is formed on the upper surface of the outside so as to stand up, and the left side edge 370c is engaged with the opening 37'b. Protrusions 370b, 370b
However, the right side edge 370d is provided with protrusions 370a and 370a that engage with the opening 37'a. Since the gear train of the present embodiment is arranged outside the waste toner collecting portion in this manner, toner does not enter between the teeth of the gears even if the clearance between the meshing surfaces described above is not taken, No locking phenomenon will occur.
【0078】次に、トナーコンテナ本体と蓋体間の封止
構造の第2実施例を説明する。図16(B)は、トナー
コンテナ本体を上から見た図、(A)は(B)のA−A
線断面図である。トナーコンテナ2は、炭酸カルシウム
入り合成樹脂で成形されたトナーコンテナ本体20′と
同じく炭酸カルシウム入り合成樹脂で成形された蓋体2
Aの間に弾力性を有したシール部材97を挟んで、トナ
ーコンテナ本体側の係合部20′fと蓋体側の係止爪2
Aaとを係止させて構成される。トナーコンテナ本体2
0′の上面開口と同じ外形形状に成形されたシール部材
97は、トナーコンテナ本体20′の上縁20′gに接
着剤もしくは両面テープなどによって貼着され、しかる
後に蓋体2Aの本体20′への係止により、押圧され
る。この押圧によって、蓋体2Aの内面と本体の上縁2
0′gとの間に歪みにより空隙が生じても、シール部材
97によってその空隙が埋まり、蓋体とトナーコンテナ
の上縁間が完全に密閉される。この結果、トナーコンテ
ナ本体と蓋体との完全密閉のために、従来のような超音
波溶着や振動溶着を行う高価な設備の必要がなく、簡単
な構成で完全密閉ができる。尚、トナーコンテナは炭酸
カルシウム入り含或樹脂で成形されているので焼却の際
に燃焼カロリーが低く、有害ガスの発生をおさえること
ができ環境によい。また、シール部材はウレタンフォー
ム、不織布、紙、フェルト、ゴム系スポンジ等が良く、
中でも焼却する際に、有害ガス、異臭が発生しないPP
系のスポンジが環境によい。Next, a second embodiment of the sealing structure between the toner container body and the lid will be described. 16B is a view of the toner container main body as seen from above, and FIG. 16A is an AA line of FIG.
It is a line sectional view. The toner container 2 includes a toner container body 20 'made of a synthetic resin containing calcium carbonate and a lid body 2 made of a synthetic resin containing calcium carbonate in the same manner as the toner container body 20'.
A sealing member 97 having elasticity is sandwiched between A and the engaging portion 20'f on the toner container main body side and the locking claw 2 on the lid side.
It is configured by locking Aa. Toner container body 2
The seal member 97 molded in the same outer shape as the upper surface opening of 0'is attached to the upper edge 20'g of the toner container main body 20 'with an adhesive or a double-sided tape, and then the main body 20' of the lid 2A. It is pressed by being locked to. By this pressing, the inner surface of the lid 2A and the upper edge 2 of the main body
Even if a gap is generated between the lid and the toner container 0'g, the gap is filled by the seal member 97, and the lid and the upper edge of the toner container are completely sealed. As a result, since the toner container main body and the lid are completely sealed, there is no need for expensive equipment for performing ultrasonic welding or vibration welding as in the past, and complete sealing can be performed with a simple configuration. Since the toner container is formed of a resin containing calcium carbonate or a resin, it has a low calorie burning when incinerated, and can suppress the generation of harmful gas, which is good for the environment. Further, the seal member is preferably urethane foam, non-woven fabric, paper, felt, rubber-based sponge,
Above all, PP that does not generate harmful gas or offensive odor when incinerated
The system sponge is good for the environment.
【0079】次に、装置本体側のシャッタ取付板の第2
実施例を説明する。図17は、第2実施例に係る装置本
体側のシャッタ取付板を装置本体側に装着した断面図、
図18は、図17の上方から見た図、図19は、第2実
施例に係る装置本体側のシャッタ取付板の断面図であ
る。第1実施例の装置本体側のシャッタ取付板42と第
2実施例の装置本体側のシャッタ取付板42′との相違
は、図19に示されるように、第2実施例のシャッタ取
付板42′は、装置本体側の取付穴451に挿入されて
係合される差込部423′c及び423′eの係合板4
23′からの突出長さが、第2実施例のほうが長い点
と、装置本体側のトナー受入開口44側に、ウレタンス
ポンジで成形され、開口部120aを有したクッション
120が貼着されている点である。Next, the second shutter mounting plate on the apparatus main body side
An example will be described. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view in which the shutter mounting plate on the apparatus body side according to the second embodiment is attached to the apparatus body side,
FIG. 18 is a view seen from above in FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a shutter mounting plate on the apparatus main body side according to the second embodiment. The difference between the shutter mounting plate 42 on the apparatus body side of the first embodiment and the shutter mounting plate 42 'on the apparatus body side of the second embodiment is that the shutter mounting plate 42 of the second embodiment is as shown in FIG. ′ Is the engaging plate 4 of the insertion portions 423′c and 423′e which are inserted into and engaged with the mounting hole 451 on the apparatus body side.
The protrusion length from 23 'is longer in the second embodiment, and a cushion 120 formed of urethane sponge and having an opening 120a is attached to the toner receiving opening 44 side of the apparatus main body side. It is a point.
【0080】このように構成されたシャッタ取付板4
2′の下端42′aを、装置本体側の傾斜面19の下端
に、傾斜面上方側に向けて開口して設けられた係止部1
11に係合させるとともに、傾斜面19の上方に延在し
た係止部113の取付穴451に差込部423′c及び
423′eを挿入して、差込部423′cで取付穴45
1の内部に係止すると、クッション120の張力により
シャッタ取付板42′は本体側のトナー受入開口44か
ら離間する方向に力が働き、図17に示されるように、
装置本体に装着される。このとき、差込部423′cは
第1実施例のシャッタ取付板42の差込部423より長
いために、係合板423′とトナー受入開口44が開設
されている傾斜面19との間隔は、係止部111近辺よ
り段差部4235′近辺の方が高く、すなわち、クッシ
ョン120は段差部4235′近辺より係止部111近
辺がより押圧される。したがって、係止部111に係止
されている係合板423′の上面は、傾斜面19とは平
行にならずに、該傾斜面19より上方に向かって開いた
角度を有することとなり、よって、シャッタ板41及
び、トナーコンテナ側のシャッタ取付板52に設けられ
た規制溝58aに挿入されるガイド壁423′aも傾斜
面19より上方に向かって開角する。The shutter mounting plate 4 configured as described above
The lower end 42'a of the 2'is provided at the lower end of the inclined surface 19 on the apparatus main body side so as to open toward the upper side of the inclined surface.
11, the insertion portions 423'c and 423'e are inserted into the attachment holes 451 of the locking portion 113 extending above the inclined surface 19, and the attachment portions 423'c are used to attach the attachment holes 45.
When locked inside 1, the shutter mounting plate 42 'exerts a force in a direction away from the toner receiving opening 44 on the main body side due to the tension of the cushion 120, and as shown in FIG.
It is attached to the device body. At this time, since the inserting portion 423'c is longer than the inserting portion 423 of the shutter mounting plate 42 of the first embodiment, the distance between the engaging plate 423 'and the inclined surface 19 where the toner receiving opening 44 is formed is not larger than that. The vicinity of the stepped portion 4235 ′ is higher than the vicinity of the engaging portion 111, that is, the cushion 120 is pressed more near the engaging portion 111 than near the stepped portion 4235 ′. Therefore, the upper surface of the engagement plate 423 ′ locked to the locking portion 111 is not parallel to the inclined surface 19 but has an angle opened upward from the inclined surface 19, and The shutter plate 41 and the guide wall 423'a inserted into the regulation groove 58a provided in the shutter mounting plate 52 on the toner container side also open upward from the inclined surface 19.
【0081】そして、このシャッタ取付板42′は係止
部111を中心として、段差部4235′部分が傾斜面
19方向(Z方向)に揺動可能に構成され、それによっ
て、シャッタ取付板52とシャッタ取付板42′との合
体のときに、嵌合いあう各々のシャッタ取付板が各々の
本体側に固定されていると、無理に規制溝にガイド板を
挿入して機構を破損することになるが、その際に、装置
本体側のシャッタ取付板42″は傾斜面19方向に揺動
し、その揺動中にシャッタ取付板42″のガイド板がト
ナーコンテナ側のシャッタ取付板の規制溝を徐々に受け
入れることになり、両者が馴染み規制溝へガイド板の挿
入がスムーズに行われる。一方、図18において、係止
部111から左右所定距離離れた所に、ガイド壁42
3′aと当接触して係合板423′の左右動を制限する
係止部112a,112bが設けられている。また、前
記取付穴451も係合板423′の差込部423′c及
び423′eより左右方向に若干の余裕をもって開設さ
れている。よって、トナーコンテナが挿入されて、シャ
ッタ取付板52と係合板423′が合体するとき、左右
動して若干の位置合わせが可能に構成されている。The shutter mounting plate 42 'is structured such that the stepped portion 4235' can swing about the locking portion 111 in the direction of the inclined surface 19 (Z direction), whereby the shutter mounting plate 52 and When the shutter mounting plates 42 'are united with each other and the fitted shutter mounting plates are fixed to the respective main body sides, the guide plate is forcibly inserted into the restriction groove and the mechanism is damaged. However, at that time, the shutter mounting plate 42 ″ on the apparatus main body side swings in the direction of the inclined surface 19 and the guide plate of the shutter mounting plate 42 ″ slides in the regulating groove of the shutter mounting plate on the toner container side during the swing. The guide plates will be gradually accepted, and the guide plate will be smoothly inserted into the regulation groove. On the other hand, referring to FIG.
Locking portions 112a and 112b are provided which make contact with the 3'a and limit the lateral movement of the engaging plate 423 '. The mounting hole 451 is also opened with a slight margin in the left-right direction from the insertion portions 423'c and 423'e of the engaging plate 423 '. Therefore, when the toner container is inserted and the shutter mounting plate 52 and the engagement plate 423 'are united, the shutter container is moved to the left and right to be slightly aligned.
【0082】このように構成された本体側のシャッタ取
付板42′とトナーコンテナ側のシャッタ取付板52と
の合体のときの作用を説明する。トナーコンテナ2の長
手方向の両端部には、位置規制リブ36′及びリブ状装
入ガイド29が設けられている。図20において、トナ
ーコンテナ2を現像ユニット1に挿入すると、まず、シ
ャッタ取付板52の下縁52fがシャッタ取付板42′
のカム突起422′に当接する。そして、トナーコンテ
ナ2は、位置規制リブ36′及びリブ状装入ガイド29
が、図示しない装置本体側に設けられた規制ガイド溝に
案内されることにより下降し、トナーコンテナ2に設け
られているシャッタ取付板52の下縁52fによるカム
突起422′bの下降により、シャッタ取付板42′は
クッション120の張力に抗して下降する。The operation when the shutter mounting plate 42 'on the main body side and the shutter mounting plate 52 on the toner container side thus constructed are combined will be described. Position regulating ribs 36 ′ and rib-shaped charging guides 29 are provided at both ends of the toner container 2 in the longitudinal direction. In FIG. 20, when the toner container 2 is inserted into the developing unit 1, first, the lower edge 52f of the shutter mounting plate 52 is moved to the shutter mounting plate 42 '.
Of the cam projection 422 '. Then, the toner container 2 includes the position regulating rib 36 ′ and the rib-shaped charging guide 29.
Is lowered by being guided by a regulation guide groove provided on the apparatus main body side (not shown), and the shutter is lowered by lowering the cam projection 422'b by the lower edge 52f of the shutter mounting plate 52 provided on the toner container 2. The mounting plate 42 'moves down against the tension of the cushion 120.
【0083】トナーコンテナ2がさらに下降すると、シ
ャッタ取付板42′は仮想線のごとくに下がり、最終的
には図20(B)に示すように、本体側の傾斜面19と
平行の位置にロックレバー部15の爪部15a(図3)
によって係止される。一方、トナーコンテナ2に装着さ
れているシャッタ取付板52の規制溝58aに嵌入され
るシャッタ取付板42′のガイド壁423′aは、その
左右の先端423′d、423′dが図18に示すよう
に、平面ハの字状に先端部分が斜めに切断されているの
で、トナー受入開口44を挟んで先端部分が短くなるた
めに、トナーコンテナ2のシャッタ取付板52の取付位
置が左右に若干ずれていても、規制溝58aを捕らえ
て、該溝58aに嵌入することができる。When the toner container 2 is further lowered, the shutter mounting plate 42 'is lowered like an imaginary line, and finally locked at a position parallel to the inclined surface 19 on the main body side as shown in FIG. Claw portion 15a of the lever portion 15 (Fig. 3)
Locked by. On the other hand, as for the guide wall 423'a of the shutter mounting plate 42 'fitted in the restriction groove 58a of the shutter mounting plate 52 mounted on the toner container 2, the left and right tips 423'd and 423'd thereof are shown in FIG. As shown in the drawing, since the tip portion is obliquely cut in the shape of a plane C, the tip portion is shortened across the toner receiving opening 44, so that the shutter mounting plate 52 of the toner container 2 is mounted at the left and right positions. Even if it is slightly displaced, it is possible to catch the restriction groove 58a and fit it into the groove 58a.
【0084】本実施例は、上述のごとく、装置本体側の
シャッタ取付板42′を装置本体側に設けたトナー受入
開口44に対して接近離反可能に装着している。したが
って、装置本体側の規制ガイド溝を基準としてのトナー
コンテナ2のシャッタ取付板52、及び、装置本体側に
装着されるシャッタ取付板42′の位置は、個々の部品
の製造及び組立誤差等によりバラツクものであるが、そ
の際に、シャッタ取付板52及び42′が各々の本体に
固定されたものであると、前述の誤差などにより両者の
係合部分が離れすぎて係合しない場合であっても、ま
た、その逆に両者の係合部分が近ずきすぎて、食い合っ
て両者の動作がスムーズに行われないという場合であっ
ても、装置本体側の規制ガイド溝に対して位置調節可能
である。In this embodiment, as described above, the shutter mounting plate 42 'on the apparatus main body side is attached to the toner receiving opening 44 provided on the apparatus main body side so as to be able to move toward and away from the toner receiving opening 44. Therefore, the positions of the shutter mounting plate 52 of the toner container 2 and the shutter mounting plate 42 'mounted on the device main body side with respect to the regulation guide groove on the main body side of the device may differ due to manufacturing and assembling errors of individual parts. In this case, if the shutter mounting plates 52 and 42 'are fixed to the respective main bodies at that time, there is a case where the engaging portions of the two are too far apart from each other due to the above-mentioned error or the like. However, on the contrary, even if the engaging parts of both are too close to each other and the two parts do not move smoothly, the position of the position relative to the restriction guide groove on the device body side It is adjustable.
【0085】また、トナーコンテナ本体のトナー供給開
口25に装着しているシャッタ取付板52の該開口25
に対する取付位置、及び装置本体のトナー受入開口44
に装着されるシャッタ取付板42′の該開口44に対す
る取付位置は、個々の部品の製造及び組立誤差などによ
り、トナーコンテナもしくは装置本体の長手方向にバラ
ツクものであり、シャッタ取付板52及び42′が各々
の本体に固定されたものであると、前述の誤差などによ
り両者の係合部分が離れすぎて係合しない恐れがあった
り、その逆に両者の係合部分が近ずきすぎて、食い合っ
て両者の動作がスムーズに行われないという恐れがあ
る。したがって、本実施例は装置本体側のシャッタ取付
板42′を装置本体側に設けたトナー受入開口44に対
して長手方向に揺動可能に装着することにより、シャッ
タ取付板42′とシャッタ取付板52との合体のとき
に、シャッタ取付板42′に対して位置調節可能に構成
した。Further, the opening 25 of the shutter mounting plate 52 attached to the toner supply opening 25 of the toner container body.
Mounting position with respect to the toner receiving opening 44 of the apparatus main body
The mounting position of the shutter mounting plate 42 'mounted on the opening 44 with respect to the opening 44 varies in the longitudinal direction of the toner container or the main body of the apparatus due to errors in manufacturing and assembling individual parts, and the shutter mounting plates 52 and 42'. Is fixed to each main body, the engaging portions of the two may be too far apart from each other due to the above-mentioned error, or the engaging portions of the two may be too close to each other, There is a risk that the two will not move smoothly due to conflict. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shutter mounting plate 42 'on the apparatus main body side is mounted so as to be swingable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the toner receiving opening 44 provided on the apparatus main body side. The position adjustment is possible with respect to the shutter mounting plate 42 'when united with the shutter 52.
【0086】次に、画像形成装置に適用される現像装置
のトナー攪拌羽根回転軸の軸受部のシール構造を説明す
る。図21は、本発明に適用される現像装置の軸受部の
シール構造を示す。(B)は、(A)のA部拡大斜視
図、(C)は説明図である。これらの図において、現像
装置100のトナー収納部20″の側面外壁20″fに
孔20″gを開設して、現像剤(トナー)を攪拌するた
めのフィン94を取付けた攪拌軸21″と嵌合する孔を
中心に有する軸受95を該孔20″gと同心状に配設
し、攪拌軸21″と現像装置100の軸受95にトナー
が回り込まないようにするために、現像装置100の側
面内壁20″eに、例えばポリエステルフィルムからな
るシール部材910を両面テープ90を使って現像装置
100の内面に張り付けて、そのシール部材910の内
孔910aに攪拌軸21″を挿入して、シール部材91
0の孔径の小さい分だけシール部材910が撓み、内孔
910aの内縁910bが攪拌軸21″の外径に押圧密
閉する。このように、シール部材が攪拌軸の外径に密着
してトナーの漏れを防ぐ構造になっている。Next, the seal structure of the bearing portion of the rotary shaft of the toner stirring blade of the developing device applied to the image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 21 shows the seal structure of the bearing portion of the developing device applied to the present invention. (B) is an enlarged perspective view of a portion A of (A), and (C) is an explanatory view. In these drawings, a hole 20 ″ g is formed in the outer side wall 20 ″ f of the toner storage portion 20 ″ of the developing device 100, and a stirring shaft 21 ″ is provided with a fin 94 for stirring the developer (toner). A bearing 95 having a fitting hole at the center is arranged concentrically with the hole 20 ″ g so that the toner does not go around the stirring shaft 21 ″ and the bearing 95 of the developing device 100. A sealing member 910 made of, for example, a polyester film is attached to the inner surface of the side surface 20 ″ e by using a double-sided tape 90 on the inner surface of the developing device 100, and the stirring shaft 21 ″ is inserted into the inner hole 910a of the sealing member 910 to seal Member 91
The seal member 910 bends by a small amount of the hole diameter of 0, and the inner edge 910b of the inner hole 910a presses and seals against the outer diameter of the stirring shaft 21 ″. It has a structure that prevents leakage.
【0087】上記シール構造を図22を用いてさらに詳
しく説明すると、トナー収納部20″の側面外壁20″
fに配置された軸受95の中心孔と同心にシール部材9
10の内孔910aを合わせて、該シール部材910を
両面テープ90により内壁20″eに貼着する。そし
て、トナー収納部20″内の攪拌軸21″の先端部2
1″aをシール部材910の内孔910aに嵌入する
と、シール部材910の内縁910bは、(B)に示す
ように、攪拌軸21″の外径を押圧密着する。The above seal structure will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 22. The outer side wall 20 "of the toner storage portion 20" is described.
The seal member 9 is concentric with the center hole of the bearing 95 arranged at f.
The sealing member 910 is attached to the inner wall 20 ″ e with the double-sided tape 90 by aligning the inner holes 910a of the ten. The tip portion 2 of the stirring shaft 21 ″ in the toner storage portion 20 ″.
When 1 ″ a is fitted into the inner hole 910a of the seal member 910, the inner edge 910b of the seal member 910 presses the outer diameter of the stirring shaft 21 ″ so as to be in close contact with the inner edge 910b.
【0088】図23は、軸受部のシール構造の他の実施
例を示す。同図において、トナー収納部20″の側面外
壁20″fに配置された軸受95の中心孔と同心にシー
ル部材910の内孔910aを合わせて、該シール部材
910を両面テープ90により内壁20″eに貼着す
る。そして、前記軸受95の中心孔に回転自在な回転軸
部96aを有したギア96と、前記回転軸部96aが嵌
入して一体的に合体する嵌合凹部210aを先端に有し
た攪拌軸210とを設け、前記ギア96の回転軸部96
aを軸受95に挿入し、該軸部96aをシール部材91
0の内孔910aに嵌入するとともに、トナー収納部2
0″内の攪拌軸210の凹部210aに嵌入する。する
と、シール部材910の内縁910bは、(B)に示す
ように、ギア96の回転軸部96aの外径を押圧密着す
る。FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of the seal structure of the bearing portion. In the figure, the inner hole 910a of the seal member 910 is aligned with the center hole of the bearing 95 arranged on the outer side wall 20 ″ f of the toner storage portion 20 ″, and the inner wall 20 ″ of the seal member 910 is attached by the double-sided tape 90. Then, the gear 96 having a rotatable shaft portion 96a in the center hole of the bearing 95 and a fitting recess 210a into which the rotating shaft portion 96a is fitted and integrally integrated are provided at the tip. And a rotating shaft part 96 of the gear 96.
a is inserted into the bearing 95, and the shaft portion 96a is inserted into the seal member 91.
No. 0 inner hole 910a and the toner storage portion 2
It is fitted into the concave portion 210a of the stirring shaft 210 inside 0 ". Then, the inner edge 910b of the seal member 910 presses and closely contacts the outer diameter of the rotating shaft portion 96a of the gear 96 as shown in (B).
【0089】尚、前記シール部材の内径と攪拌軸の外径
との差は、1mm以下とするのが好ましい。また、シー
ル部材の厚みは20μ〜0.5mmとするのが好まし
い。また、シール部材は、弾力性のある部材であれば、
樹脂、ゴム、または皮革の使用が可能であるが、ポリエ
ステルもしくはポリエチレンフィルムを用い、厚みは1
0μ〜250μが望ましい。The difference between the inner diameter of the seal member and the outer diameter of the stirring shaft is preferably 1 mm or less. The thickness of the seal member is preferably 20 μm to 0.5 mm. If the seal member is a member having elasticity,
Resin, rubber, or leather can be used, but polyester or polyethylene film is used, and the thickness is 1
0 μ to 250 μ is desirable.
【0090】上述したように、本実施例は、前記シール
部材を攪拌部材回転軸の軸径よりも小さい内径の孔を有
する薄膜体とするとともに、攪拌回転軸を前記薄膜体の
孔に挿入したときに薄膜体の内径寸法の小さい部分が軸
方向に撓んで軸の外周に密着する。すなわち、薄膜体の
内径と軸の外径の差の部分だけ撓んで、軸に密着する。
したがって、それほど大きな力で押しつけられないの
で、その部分の負荷は薄膜体の厚みが薄いためにそれほ
ど大きなトルクは発生せず、磨耗や異音が発生しない。
そして、簡単な構成で気密性が高いために、現像装置外
からの駆動力を伝達する攪拌部材の軸受孔と回転軸間に
現像剤がたまり攪拌駆動力に影響を生じることがなく、
その隙間から現像剤が機外へ漏れることがない。As described above, in this embodiment, the seal member is a thin film body having a hole having an inner diameter smaller than the shaft diameter of the stirring member rotating shaft, and the stirring rotating shaft is inserted into the hole of the thin film member. At times, a portion of the thin film body having a small inner diameter is bent in the axial direction and comes into close contact with the outer periphery of the shaft. That is, only the portion corresponding to the difference between the inner diameter of the thin film body and the outer diameter of the shaft bends and comes into close contact with the shaft.
Therefore, since it cannot be pressed with such a large force, the load at that portion does not generate a large torque due to the thin thickness of the thin film body, and neither wear nor abnormal noise occurs.
Since the airtightness is high with a simple structure, the developer does not accumulate in the bearing hole of the stirring member that transmits the driving force from the outside of the developing device and the rotating shaft, and the stirring driving force is not affected.
The developer does not leak out of the machine through the gap.
【0091】[0091]
【効果】以上記載した如く、本発明によれば、比較的簡
単な装置構成によって、シャッタ部材の開成動作を確実
に行うことができると共に、トナーカートリッジからの
補給用トナーの充填,補給時におけるトナーの飛散,漏
出を容易に防止し得る。更に、本発明によれば、トナー
カートリッジの移動操作中に誤ってシャッタ部材が開放
することなく、機内外のトナー汚染を完全に阻止し得
る。更に、又、本発明によれば、トナーカートリッジの
取扱いの容易化と、シャッタの気密性の向上、更には構
成の簡単化を図る事が出来る。又、本発明によれば、二
成分現像剤を用いた現像装置の装着するトナーコンテナ
として特に好適である。又、特に本第2発明によれば、
カートリッジを取外し時のトナーの飛散,漏出防止の確
実さを図るために、トナーカートリッジ若しくは装置本
体側のシャッタ部材が開放された状態でカートリッジを
取外すことなく、確実の両者のシャッタ部材が閉塞した
後にカートリッジを取外すことが出来る。又、本第3発
明及び第4発明によれば、トナーカートリッジの装置本
体側へのの装着を容易に行うことができる。等の種々の
著効を有す。As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to surely perform the opening operation of the shutter member with a relatively simple device configuration, and to fill the replenishment toner from the toner cartridge and the toner at the time of replenishment. It is possible to easily prevent scattering and leakage. Further, according to the present invention, the toner contamination inside and outside the apparatus can be completely prevented without accidentally opening the shutter member during the operation of moving the toner cartridge. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the handling of the toner cartridge can be facilitated, the airtightness of the shutter can be improved, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, according to the present invention, it is particularly suitable as a toner container to which a developing device using a two-component developer is mounted. According to the second aspect of the present invention,
To ensure the prevention of toner scattering and leakage when the cartridge is removed, do not remove the cartridge with the toner cartridge or the shutter member on the main body of the device open, and after surely closing both shutter members. The cartridge can be removed. Further, according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the toner cartridge can be easily attached to the apparatus main body side. It has various remarkable effects.
【図1】本発明の第1実施例に係るトナーコンテナと排
トナー搬送機構の平面図を示す。FIG. 1 is a plan view of a toner container and a discharged toner conveying mechanism according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
【図2】図1及び図14のE方向から見たトナーコンテ
ナを現像ユニット側に装着する前若しくは脱出させた後
の状態を示し、特に感光体ドラム側のプロセス手段の構
成を示す。FIG. 2 shows a state before the toner container is attached to the developing unit side or after the toner container is removed from the developing unit side as viewed from the direction E in FIGS. 1 and 14, and particularly shows the configuration of the process means on the photosensitive drum side.
【図3】図2の作用図で、(A)はトナーコンテナを現
像ユニット側に装着した状態、(B)は脱出させた直前
の状態を示す。FIG. 3 is an operation diagram of FIG. 2, in which (A) shows a state in which the toner container is attached to the developing unit side, and (B) shows a state immediately before the toner container is ejected.
【図4】図1のD方向から見たトナーコンテナを現像ユ
ニット側に装着する前若しくは脱出させた後の状態を示
し、特に感光体ドラム側のプロセス手段の構成とともに
トナー収納部の及び現像ユニットのシャッタ構成を示
す。FIG. 4 shows a state of the toner container seen from the direction D in FIG. 1 before being attached to the developing unit side or after the toner container is removed from the developing unit side. The shutter configuration of is shown.
【図5】図2の作用図で、(A)はトナーコンテナを現
像ユニット側に装着する直前の状態、(B)は装着後の
状態を示す。5A and 5B are views showing the state immediately before mounting the toner container on the developing unit side, and FIG. 5B shows the state after mounting.
【図6】(A)はベルト搬送機構を装着したトナー回収
部の断面構成を示し、特に図1及び図14のB線断面図
に相当する。(B)は(A)に示す線状バネの底面側か
ら見た配置図である。FIG. 6A shows a sectional structure of a toner recovery unit equipped with a belt conveying mechanism, and particularly corresponds to a sectional view taken along line B of FIGS. 1 and 14. (B) is a layout view seen from the bottom side of the linear spring shown in (A).
【図7】(A)はトナー回収部の長手方向端面側の側面
図であり、(B)はベルト搬送機構を装着する前の段階
のトナー回収部の断面構成を示し、特に図1のA線断面
図に相当する。7A is a side view of the toner collecting portion on the side of the end face in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the toner collecting portion before the belt conveying mechanism is mounted, and particularly, FIG. It corresponds to a line sectional view.
【図8】(A)と(B)はトナー収納部の供給開口と現
像ユニットのトナー受入れ開口を夫々開閉するシャッタ
部材を夫々示し、(A)はシャッタ部材50を上からみ
た平面図、(B)はシャッタ部材40を上からみた平面
図、(C)はトナー収納部の供給開口を開閉するシャッ
タ部材のA−A線断面図である。8A and 8B respectively show a shutter member for opening and closing the supply opening of the toner storage portion and the toner receiving opening of the developing unit, and FIG. 8A is a plan view of the shutter member 50 seen from above. 7B is a plan view of the shutter member 40 seen from above, and FIG. 9C is a sectional view taken along the line AA of the shutter member that opens and closes the supply opening of the toner storage portion.
【図9】(A)は図8のシャッタ部材の開放途中を示す
作用図、(B)現像ユニットのトナー受入れ開口の供給
開口を開閉するシャッタ部材のB−B線断面図。9A is an operation diagram showing the shutter member of FIG. 8 during opening, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view taken along line BB of the shutter member for opening and closing the supply opening of the toner receiving opening of the developing unit.
【図10】(A)と(B)はトナー収納部の供給開口と
現像ユニットのトナー受入れ開口を夫々開閉するシャッ
タ部材を夫々示し、(A)はシャッタ部材50を現像ユ
ニット側からみた平面図、(B)はシャッタ部材40を
現像ユニット側からみた平面図である。10A and 10B respectively show a shutter member for opening and closing the supply opening of the toner storage portion and the toner receiving opening of the developing unit, and FIG. 10A is a plan view of the shutter member 50 seen from the developing unit side. , (B) are plan views of the shutter member 40 as viewed from the developing unit side.
【図11】回収部側の回転軸と搬送ローラの伝導歯車の
歯合面の形状を示し、(A)は本実施例、(B)は従来
技術を示す。11A and 11B show the shapes of the meshing surfaces of the rotary shaft on the collecting section side and the transmission gear of the conveying roller, FIG. 11A showing the present embodiment, and FIG. 11B showing the prior art.
【図12】図1の仕切り壁部分の断面図でCーC線断面
に相当する。12 is a cross-sectional view of the partition wall portion of FIG. 1 and corresponds to a cross section taken along line CC.
【図13】トナーコンテナ側のシャッタ取付板の作用図
である。FIG. 13 is an operation diagram of a shutter mounting plate on the toner container side.
【図14】本発明の第2実施例に係るトナーコンテナと
排トナー搬送機構の平面図を示す。FIG. 14 is a plan view of the toner container and the discharged toner conveying mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
【図15】図14のA方向から見たギアカバーの詳細図
である。FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the gear cover viewed from the direction A in FIG.
【図16】トナーコンテナ本体と蓋体間の封止構造を示
す第2実施例である。FIG. 16 is a second embodiment showing a sealing structure between the toner container body and the lid.
【図17】図14のD方向から見たトナーコンテナを現
像ユニット側に装着する前若しくは脱出させた後の状態
を示し、特に感光体ドラム側のプロセス手段の構成とと
もにトナー収納部の及び現像ユニットのシャッタ構成を
示す。FIG. 17 shows a state before the toner container is attached to the developing unit side or after the toner container is removed from the developing unit side as viewed from the direction D in FIG. The shutter configuration of is shown.
【図18】図17の上方から見た装置本体側のシャッタ
取付板の平面図である。FIG. 18 is a plan view of the shutter mounting plate on the apparatus body side as seen from above in FIG.
【図19】第2実施例に係る装置本体のシャッタ取付板
の断面図である。FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a shutter mounting plate of the apparatus body according to the second embodiment.
【図20】図17の作用図で、(A)はトナーコンテナ
を現像ユニット側に装着する直前の状態、(B)は装着
後の状態を示す。FIG. 20 is an operation diagram of FIG. 17, where (A) shows a state immediately before mounting the toner container on the developing unit side, and (B) shows a state after mounting.
【図21】本発明に適用される現像装置の軸受部のシー
ル構造を示す。(B)は、(A)のA部拡大斜視図、
(C)は説明図である。FIG. 21 shows a seal structure of a bearing portion of a developing device applied to the present invention. (B) is an enlarged perspective view of part A of (A),
(C) is an explanatory view.
【図22】攪拌軸をシール部材に嵌入する説明図であ
る。FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of fitting the stirring shaft into the seal member.
【図23】軸受部にシール構造の他の実施例を示す。FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of the seal structure for the bearing portion.
1 現像ユニット 2 トナーコンテナ 20 トナー収納部 25 トナー供給開口 11 トナー受入れ部 40 シャッタ部材 423、52d 係合部 43 弾性部材 15 固持部材(ロック/解除レバー部材) 201 固持面 58、423b、シャッタ部材の開閉ガイド 53 ロック DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Development unit 2 Toner container 20 Toner storage part 25 Toner supply opening 11 Toner receiving part 40 Shutter members 423 and 52d Engagement part 43 Elastic member 15 Fixing member (lock / release lever member) 201 Fixing surface 58, 423b, of shutter member Open / close guide 53 Lock
Claims (8)
のトナー受入れ部に対し、所定方向に沿って着脱可能に
構成したトナー補給容器を具えた画像形成装置におい
て、 前記補給容器のトナー供給開口が形成された壁面と、該
壁面と対面する装置本体側のトナー受入開口が形成され
た壁面夫々に、前記各壁面に沿って移動しながら対応す
る開口を開閉するシャッタ部材を設けるとともに、前記
トナー補給容器を所定方向に沿って装置本体側に装着す
る際に、夫々のシャッタ部材に設けた係合部が他側壁面
の係合部と係合し、夫々のシャッタ部材が、前記装着動
作と連動して開放可能に構成した事を特徴とする画像形
成装置。1. An image forming apparatus comprising a toner replenishing container configured to be attachable / detachable along a predetermined direction with respect to a toner receiving portion such as a developing unit provided on the apparatus main body side. A shutter member is provided on each of the formed wall surface and the toner receiving opening on the apparatus body side facing the wall surface to open and close the corresponding opening while moving along the wall surface, and the toner replenishment is performed. When the container is attached to the main body of the apparatus along the predetermined direction, the engagement portion provided on each shutter member engages with the engagement portion on the other side wall surface, and each shutter member is interlocked with the attachment operation. An image forming apparatus characterized by being configured so that it can be opened.
ー受入開口を閉塞する方向に付勢させた弾性部材を設け
ると共に、 前記補給容器を装置本体側の所定位置に装着した際に前
記補給容器を固持させる固持部材の固持面を、前記弾性
部材の付勢方向に抗する方向に形成した請求項1記載の
画像形成装置。2. A shutter member provided on the apparatus main body side is provided with an elastic member biased in a direction of closing the toner receiving opening, and the replenishment container is attached when the replenishment container is mounted at a predetermined position on the apparatus main body side. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a holding surface of a holding member that holds the sheet is formed in a direction that opposes a biasing direction of the elastic member.
トナー受入面と平行な面内で僅かに揺動可能に構成した
請求項1記載の画像形成装置。3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shutter member provided on the apparatus main body side is configured to be slightly swingable in a plane parallel to the toner receiving surface.
のトナー受入れ部に対し、所定方向に沿って着脱可能に
構成したトナー補給容器を具えた画像形成装置におい
て、 前記補給容器のトナー供給口が形成された一側壁面に前
記トナー供給口を開閉するシャッタ部材を配設すると共
に、前記シャッタ部材の開閉ガイド上に、該シャッタ部
材を閉塞位置でロックするロック部材を設け、トナー補
給容器を装置本体側に装着する際に前記ロック部材が装
置本体側に設けたロック解除部材と係合し、前記装着動
作と連動して前記ロック部材の強制解除を行いながらシ
ャッタ部材が開放可能に構成した事を特徴とする画像形
成装置。4. An image forming apparatus comprising a toner replenishing container configured to be attachable to and detachable from a developing unit and other toner receiving portions provided on the apparatus main body side along a predetermined direction. A shutter member that opens and closes the toner supply port is provided on the formed one side wall surface, and a lock member that locks the shutter member at a closed position is provided on an opening / closing guide of the shutter member, and the toner replenishing container is configured as an apparatus. When the lock member is mounted on the main body side, the lock member engages with a lock release member provided on the main body of the apparatus, and the shutter member can be opened while performing the forced release of the lock member in conjunction with the mounting operation. An image forming apparatus characterized by.
ッタ部材の開放位置で、該シャッタ部材と係合する係合
部材を設け、トナー補給容器の取り出し動作時に、該取
り出し動作と連動して前記係合部材がシャッタ部材の係
合状態を維持しながら該シャッタ部材を閉塞方向に移動
させ、前記ロック部材のシャッタ部材のロックが完了し
た後若しくはロック完了と同時に、前記係合が解除可能
に構成した請求項4記載の画像形成装置。5. An engaging member that engages with the shutter member at the open position of the shutter member is provided on the wall surface of the developing unit, and when the toner replenishing container is taken out, the engaging member is interlocked with the taking-out operation. The engagement member moves the shutter member in the closing direction while maintaining the engagement state of the shutter member, and the engagement can be released after the locking of the shutter member of the locking member is completed or at the same time as the locking is completed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4,
ャッタ部材の移動面から退避する方向に揺動する係合爪
その他の係合部材で形成した請求項5記載の画像形成装
置。6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the engaging member is formed by an engaging claw or other engaging member that swings in a direction of retracting from a moving surface of a shutter member provided on the apparatus main body side.
のトナー受入れ部に対し、所定方向に沿って着脱可能に
構成したトナー補給容器を具えた画像形成装置におい
て、 前記トナー補給容器からのトナーの補給を装置本体側に
設けた揺動板のトナー受入開口を介して行うように構成
するとともに、 該揺動板を、本体側に設けたトナー受入口方向、及び前
記トナー補給容器の装着方向に対して左右方向に揺動自
在に本体側のトナー受入開口に配置したことを特徴とす
る画像形成装置。7. An image forming apparatus comprising a toner replenishing container configured to be attachable to and detachable from a developing unit and other toner receiving portions provided on the apparatus main body side along a predetermined direction. The replenishment is configured to be performed through a toner receiving opening of an oscillating plate provided on the apparatus main body side, and the oscillating plate is provided in a toner receiving port direction provided on the main body side and in a mounting direction of the toner replenishing container. On the other hand, an image forming apparatus characterized by being arranged in a toner receiving opening on the main body side so as to be swingable in the left-right direction.
のトナー受入れ部に対し、所定方向に沿って着脱可能に
構成したトナー補給容器を具えた画像形成装置におい
て、 前記トナー補給容器からのトナーの補給を装置本体側に
トナー受入口方向に揺動自在に設けた揺動板のトナー受
入開口を介して行うように構成するとともに、 前記トナー補給容器側の規制ガイド溝と嵌合する前記揺
動板のガイド壁を、前記本体側のトナー受入開口が設け
られた壁面の傾斜角度より上方に向かって開角して、本
体側のトナー受入開口に配置したことを特徴とする画像
形成装置。8. An image forming apparatus comprising a toner replenishing container configured to be attachable to and detachable from a developing unit or other toner receiving portion provided on the apparatus main body side along a predetermined direction. The replenishment is configured to be performed through a toner receiving opening of an oscillating plate that is provided on the apparatus main body side so as to be swingable in the toner receiving direction, and the swinging that fits into a regulation guide groove on the toner replenishing container side An image forming apparatus, wherein a guide wall of the plate is arranged in the toner receiving opening on the main body side so as to be opened upward from an inclination angle of a wall surface provided with the toner receiving opening on the main body side.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP33980494A JP3245512B2 (en) | 1994-03-03 | 1994-12-29 | Image forming device |
US08/396,409 US5614996A (en) | 1994-03-03 | 1995-02-28 | Toner storage unit, residual toner collect unit, toner container with these units and image forming apparatus with such toner container |
US08/763,418 US5842093A (en) | 1994-03-03 | 1996-12-11 | Toner storage unit |
US08/848,665 US5848342A (en) | 1994-03-03 | 1997-04-29 | Residual toner collecting unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP5822694 | 1994-03-03 | ||
JP13163994 | 1994-06-14 | ||
JP6-58226 | 1994-06-14 | ||
JP6-131639 | 1994-06-14 | ||
JP33980494A JP3245512B2 (en) | 1994-03-03 | 1994-12-29 | Image forming device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH0862979A true JPH0862979A (en) | 1996-03-08 |
JP3245512B2 JP3245512B2 (en) | 2002-01-15 |
Family
ID=27296526
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP33980494A Expired - Fee Related JP3245512B2 (en) | 1994-03-03 | 1994-12-29 | Image forming device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JP3245512B2 (en) |
Cited By (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6088556A (en) * | 1995-09-19 | 2000-07-11 | Fujitsu Limited | Image forming apparatus having a toner cartridge |
JP2002072651A (en) * | 2000-09-01 | 2002-03-12 | Canon Inc | Developer replenishing container and electrophotographic image forming device |
JP2006091284A (en) * | 2004-09-22 | 2006-04-06 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Process cartridge and image forming apparatus having the same |
US7277665B2 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 2007-10-02 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container configured for toner replenishment through blow system |
JP2007310148A (en) * | 2006-05-18 | 2007-11-29 | Toshiba Corp | Toner cartridge |
JP2008134570A (en) * | 2006-11-29 | 2008-06-12 | Kyocera Mita Corp | Image forming apparatus and toner container |
JP2008185829A (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2008-08-14 | Brother Ind Ltd | Developing device |
JP2008194885A (en) * | 2007-02-09 | 2008-08-28 | Brother Ind Ltd | Liquid supplying apparatus and liquid container |
US7515854B2 (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2009-04-07 | Murata Machinery, Ltd. | Image forming apparatus |
WO2011111863A1 (en) * | 2010-03-10 | 2011-09-15 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container and image forming device |
JP2011180508A (en) * | 2010-03-03 | 2011-09-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
JP2012014017A (en) * | 2010-07-01 | 2012-01-19 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developer storage container and image forming apparatus using the same |
US8229329B2 (en) | 2009-03-27 | 2012-07-24 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer cartridge including shutter for opening/closing casing and lock mechanisms to lock shutter in closed position usable with image forming device and developing device |
JP2012141521A (en) * | 2011-01-06 | 2012-07-26 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc | Cleaning device and image forming apparatus including the same |
JP2014134660A (en) * | 2013-01-10 | 2014-07-24 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
WO2014156239A1 (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2014-10-02 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Toner container and image forming device equipped with same |
JP2015014720A (en) * | 2013-07-05 | 2015-01-22 | 株式会社リコー | Developer storage container, developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
CN105612462A (en) * | 2013-10-09 | 2016-05-25 | 利盟国际有限公司 | Toner cartridge having loading and latching features |
JP2017049543A (en) * | 2015-09-04 | 2017-03-09 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Device for opening/closing shutter of toner container and image forming apparatus |
CN107479349A (en) * | 2016-06-08 | 2017-12-15 | 京瓷办公信息系统株式会社 | Toner container and image processing system |
US11067946B2 (en) | 2019-10-17 | 2021-07-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Removably mountable unit and image forming apparatus |
EP3765909A4 (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2021-10-27 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Structure for selectively locking toner inlet shutter of toner refill portion |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9477177B2 (en) * | 2014-09-02 | 2016-10-25 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Toner cartridge having a shutter lock mechanism |
-
1994
- 1994-12-29 JP JP33980494A patent/JP3245512B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6088556A (en) * | 1995-09-19 | 2000-07-11 | Fujitsu Limited | Image forming apparatus having a toner cartridge |
US7277665B2 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 2007-10-02 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container configured for toner replenishment through blow system |
JP4573972B2 (en) * | 2000-09-01 | 2010-11-04 | キヤノン株式会社 | Developer supply container and electrophotographic image forming apparatus |
JP2002072651A (en) * | 2000-09-01 | 2002-03-12 | Canon Inc | Developer replenishing container and electrophotographic image forming device |
JP2006091284A (en) * | 2004-09-22 | 2006-04-06 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Process cartridge and image forming apparatus having the same |
JP4645116B2 (en) * | 2004-09-22 | 2011-03-09 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Process cartridge and image forming apparatus having the same |
US7515854B2 (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2009-04-07 | Murata Machinery, Ltd. | Image forming apparatus |
JP2007310148A (en) * | 2006-05-18 | 2007-11-29 | Toshiba Corp | Toner cartridge |
JP2008134570A (en) * | 2006-11-29 | 2008-06-12 | Kyocera Mita Corp | Image forming apparatus and toner container |
JP2008185829A (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2008-08-14 | Brother Ind Ltd | Developing device |
JP2008194885A (en) * | 2007-02-09 | 2008-08-28 | Brother Ind Ltd | Liquid supplying apparatus and liquid container |
US8229329B2 (en) | 2009-03-27 | 2012-07-24 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer cartridge including shutter for opening/closing casing and lock mechanisms to lock shutter in closed position usable with image forming device and developing device |
JP2011180508A (en) * | 2010-03-03 | 2011-09-15 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
US8929779B2 (en) | 2010-03-10 | 2015-01-06 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus in which the toner container has protrusions which interact with the image forming device |
US10459370B2 (en) | 2010-03-10 | 2019-10-29 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container having protrusions projecting from opposite sides of the toner container |
US11314185B2 (en) | 2010-03-10 | 2022-04-26 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container having protrusions projecting from opposite sides of the toner container |
US10976686B2 (en) | 2010-03-10 | 2021-04-13 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container having protrusions projecting from opposite sides of the toner container |
US10054873B2 (en) | 2010-03-10 | 2018-08-21 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container having protrusions projecting from opposite sides of the toner container |
WO2011111863A1 (en) * | 2010-03-10 | 2011-09-15 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container and image forming device |
US9778596B2 (en) | 2010-03-10 | 2017-10-03 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus including a shutter having extension |
US9128415B2 (en) | 2010-03-10 | 2015-09-08 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container including first and second rails and a shutter which moves along the rails |
US9329529B2 (en) | 2010-03-10 | 2016-05-03 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus in which the toner container has protrusions which interact with the image forming apparatus |
US9541862B2 (en) | 2010-03-10 | 2017-01-10 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container including a cap with two shoulders and image forming device |
JP2012014017A (en) * | 2010-07-01 | 2012-01-19 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developer storage container and image forming apparatus using the same |
JP2012141521A (en) * | 2011-01-06 | 2012-07-26 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc | Cleaning device and image forming apparatus including the same |
JP2014134660A (en) * | 2013-01-10 | 2014-07-24 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
WO2014156239A1 (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2014-10-02 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Toner container and image forming device equipped with same |
US9429876B2 (en) | 2013-03-28 | 2016-08-30 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Toner case and image forming apparatus including the same |
JP2015014720A (en) * | 2013-07-05 | 2015-01-22 | 株式会社リコー | Developer storage container, developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
CN105612462B (en) * | 2013-10-09 | 2019-11-05 | 利盟国际有限公司 | With the toner cartridge loaded with latch feature |
CN105612462A (en) * | 2013-10-09 | 2016-05-25 | 利盟国际有限公司 | Toner cartridge having loading and latching features |
JP2017049543A (en) * | 2015-09-04 | 2017-03-09 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Device for opening/closing shutter of toner container and image forming apparatus |
CN107479349A (en) * | 2016-06-08 | 2017-12-15 | 京瓷办公信息系统株式会社 | Toner container and image processing system |
EP3765909A4 (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2021-10-27 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Structure for selectively locking toner inlet shutter of toner refill portion |
US11209754B2 (en) | 2018-08-30 | 2021-12-28 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Structure for selectively locking toner inlet shutter of toner refill portion |
US11067946B2 (en) | 2019-10-17 | 2021-07-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Removably mountable unit and image forming apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP3245512B2 (en) | 2002-01-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JPH0862979A (en) | Image forming device | |
JP4376851B2 (en) | Developer supply device | |
KR100352414B1 (en) | Toner replenishing container and toner replenishing apparatus | |
EP1927898B1 (en) | Powder material cartridge, image forming section, image forming apparatus | |
JP4437476B2 (en) | Toner supply device, image forming apparatus, and toner supply method | |
TWI582552B (en) | Container seal | |
JP4376853B2 (en) | Developer supply device | |
US7174120B2 (en) | Developer supply device containing a stopping member which moves into a toner supply port and restricts rotation of the device and image forming apparatus including the same | |
JP4208905B2 (en) | Image forming apparatus | |
KR102359671B1 (en) | Developer supply container and developer supply system | |
JP2007264073A (en) | Toner supply device, image forming apparatus and toner insufficiency detection method | |
JP2006309016A (en) | Developing apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus | |
JP2006243446A (en) | Developing device and image forming apparatus | |
JPH08171271A (en) | Toner cartridge and electrostatic recorder using the cartridge | |
JP4566147B2 (en) | Toner container and toner filling method | |
US5655181A (en) | Toner accommodation container, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus | |
JP4376852B2 (en) | Developer supply device | |
US7505711B2 (en) | Waste developer collecting device and image forming apparatus provided therewith | |
JP2007249019A (en) | Toner container and toner replenishing apparatus using it | |
US5809384A (en) | Developing device and toner cartridge applied to same | |
JPH07168435A (en) | Toner replenishing device | |
JPH0862966A (en) | Toner supplying container | |
EP0670530B1 (en) | Toner container | |
JP2001194884A (en) | Toner replenishing container | |
JP3285181B2 (en) | Waste toner collecting apparatus, toner container provided with waste toner collecting section, and image forming apparatus having the container |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
LAPS | Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees |