JPH09160362A - Developer cartridge and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely open/close the developer supplying port of a developer cartridge, with a simple constitution and to make a device compact and inexpensive. SOLUTION: This device is constituted so that the developer cartridge 42 can be attached to and detached from a developer cartridge holding part 43, while being rotated and the developer cartridge holding part 43 is rotated in a state of attaching the developer cartridge 42 by drive for supplying a developer and a developer supplying device 40 for supplying the developer to a developer housing part 41 is provided. Then, in the cartridge developer supplying part 42a of the developer cartridge 42, a stopper 70 having the developer supplying port 70a is provided to be rotatable integrally with the developer cartridge 42 and movable forward/backward in the center axis direction of the rotation. Further, the gap between the stopper 70 and the developer cartridge holding part 43 is constituted so that the stopper 70 is advanced or retreated in the center axis direction of the rotation of the cartridge 42 by the rotational force of the stopper 70, in the state of fixing the cartridge holding part 43, to enable supply of the developer to the developer housing part 41 through the developer supplying port 70a of the stopper 70.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is capable of being attached to and detached from a developer cartridge holding portion installed in an image forming apparatus, and supplies a developer to a developer cartridge and a developer accommodating portion which are rotated to supply the developer. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a developer replenishing device for replenishing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image forming apparatus, there is a color laser printer or the like. For example, a developer cartridge is mounted in a developer cartridge holding portion, and a developer replenishing drive is performed with the developer cartridge holding portion mounted with the developer cartridge. Some include a developer replenishing device that rotates and replenishes the developer in the developer containing portion.

There is also such a developer replenishing device having a mechanism for removing a stopper that blocks the developer from spilling from the developer replenishing port of the developer cartridge (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-20701). Gazette).

[0004]

By the way, in order to pull out the plug blocking the developer replenishing port of the developer cartridge, it is necessary to pull it out with a strong force, and the mechanism for removing the plug becomes large, There are problems that the device becomes large and the cost increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the invention described in claims 1 to 4 provides a developer cartridge having a simple structure and capable of surely opening and closing the developer supply port. For the purpose of providing the invention, the invention according to claim 5 to claim 8 has a simple structure and is capable of surely opening and closing the developer replenishing port of the developer cartridge, thereby reducing the size of the apparatus and reducing the cost. An object is to provide a certain image forming apparatus.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and to achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is attachable to and detachable from a developer cartridge holding portion installed in an image forming apparatus, and rotates. In the developer cartridge for replenishing the developer by doing so, a stopper having a developer replenishing port is integrally rotatable with the developer cartridge in the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge, and is advanced and retracted in the rotation center axis direction. Then, the developer replenishing port is provided so as to be openable and closable.

As described above, the developer cartridge has a simple structure in which the developer replenishing port is opened and closed by advancing and retreating without removing the stopper, and the developer is replenished by the stopper before or after mounting the developer cartridge. The mouth is surely closed, the sealing property is good, and the leakage of the developer is prevented.

In the developer cartridge according to the present invention, the stopper can be integrally rotated with the developer cartridge by an engaging portion provided between the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge and the stopper. The stopper is moved forward and backward in the direction of the central axis of rotation by the rotation of the screw portion with respect to the developer cartridge holding portion, so that the developer supply port can be opened and closed.

As described above, by rotating the developer cartridge, the stopper advances and retreats in the direction of the central axis of rotation to open and close the developer supply port, and the developer is accommodated in the developer supply port of the plug. Can be made available to the department.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer cartridge which can be attached to and detached from a developer cartridge holding portion installed in an image forming apparatus, and which rotates to replenish the developer. In the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the cartridge, a stopper having a developer replenishing port is provided so that the developer replenishing port can be opened and closed by advancing and retracting in the direction of the central axis of rotation by the rotation of the developer cartridge while the rotation is restricted. It is characterized by that.

As described above, the developer cartridge rotates integrally with the developer cartridge holding portion while the rotation of the plug is restricted, whereby the plug advances and retreats in the direction of the rotation center axis of the developer cartridge to replenish the developer. The developer can be supplied from the mouth to the developer accommodating portion. Moreover, the developer cartridge is
It has a simple structure that opens and closes the developer supply port by advancing and retracting without removing the stopper, and also securely seals the developer supply port of the stopper before mounting or removing the developer cartridge and has a good sealing property. Leakage is prevented.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer cartridge holding portion of the developer cartridge and a screw portion provided on the stopper in a state where the rotation of the stopper is restricted by the developer cartridge holding portion. Thus, the stopper is moved forward and backward in the direction of the central axis of rotation of the developer cartridge by the rotation of the developer cartridge to open and close the developer supply port.

As described above, the developer cartridge has a simple structure including the guide portion formed on the developer cartridge holding portion and the stopper, and the screw portion provided on the developer cartridge and the stopper. Can be moved back and forth in the direction of the central axis of rotation of the developer cartridge to open and close the developer supply port.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the developer cartridge can be attached to and detached from the developer cartridge holding portion, and the developer cartridge holding portion is rotated by a developer replenishing drive with the developer cartridge mounted. In an image forming apparatus equipped with a developer replenishing device for replenishing developer to a developer accommodating portion, a stopper having a developer replenishing port can be integrally rotated with the developer cartridge in the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge. And is provided so as to be movable back and forth in the direction of the central axis of rotation, while the developer cartridge holding portion is fixed between the stopper and the developer cartridge holding portion, and the stopper is rotated by the rotation force of the developer It is configured such that the cartridge can be advanced and retracted in the direction of the rotation center axis of the cartridge so that the developer can be supplied from the developer supply port of the stopper to the developer accommodating portion. That.

As described above, the stopper and the developer cartridge are integrally rotated, and the stopper is rotated in the developer cartridge holding portion to move the stopper forward and backward in the direction of the central axis of rotation of the developer cartridge, and the developer is supplied from the developer supply port of the stopper. The agent can be supplied to the developer container. Moreover, the developer supply port is opened and closed by advancing and retracting without removing the stopper. Further, before mounting or removing the developer cartridge, the developer replenishing port of the stopper is surely closed and the sealing property is good, and the leakage of the developer is prevented.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, a guide portion provided between the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge and the stopper causes the stopper to move in the direction of the central axis of rotation of the developer cartridge. It is configured to guide forward and backward, and the screw portion provided on the developer cartridge holding portion and the stopper allows the stopper to move forward and backward in the rotation center axis direction of the developer cartridge by the rotational force of the developer cartridge. Is characterized by.

As described above, the stopper has a simple structure including the guide portion formed on the stopper and the developer cartridge, and the screw portion provided on the developer cartridge holding portion and the stopper. The developer can be supplied to the developer accommodating portion from the developer supply port of the stopper.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a developer cartridge can be attached to and detached from the developer cartridge holding portion, and the developer replenishing drive is performed with the developer cartridge holding portion attached with the developer cartridge. In the image forming apparatus equipped with the developer replenishing device that revolves by the above and replenishes the developer to the developer containing portion, the rotation of the stopper having the developer replenishing port is restricted in the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge. In this state, the developer cartridge is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in the direction of the central axis of rotation by rotation of the developer cartridge, while between the stopper and the developer cartridge holding portion, the stopper is attached to the developer while the rotation of the stopper is restricted. It is characterized in that the cartridge can be moved forward and backward in the direction of the rotation center axis of the cartridge so that the developer can be supplied to the developer accommodating portion from the developer supply port of the stopper.

As described above, the developer cartridge is integrally rotated while the rotation of the stopper is restricted by the developer cartridge holding portion, and the rotation of the developer cartridge advances and retracts the stopper in the direction of the central axis of rotation of the developer cartridge. The developer can be supplied to the developer accommodating portion from the developer supply port of the stopper. Moreover, the developer supply port is opened and closed by advancing and retracting without removing the stopper. Further, before mounting or removing the developer cartridge, the developer replenishing port of the stopper is surely closed and the sealing property is good, and the leakage of the developer is prevented.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention as defined in claim 8, the developer cartridge is provided with screw portions provided on the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge and the stopper, while the rotation of the stopper is restricted. Rotation causes the stopper to move forward and backward in the direction of the rotation center axis of the developer cartridge, and the guide portion provided between the developer cartridge holding portion and the stopper regulates the rotation of the stopper to prevent the developer cartridge from moving. It is characterized in that it is configured so as to be capable of advancing and retracting in the direction of the central axis of rotation.

In this way, the stopper is formed in the rotation center axis direction of the developer cartridge with a simple structure by the guide portion formed on the developer cartridge holding portion and the stopper, and the screw portion provided on the developer cartridge and the stopper. The developer can be supplied to the developer accommodating portion from the developer supply port of the stopper.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the developer cartridge and the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below. First, an embodiment of the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a state in which the mount of the image forming apparatus is pulled out, and FIG. 4 is a state in which the mount of the image forming apparatus is pulled out. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which the developer cartridge attaching / detaching door is viewed from the direction A in FIG. 5, and FIG. The figure which shows the state which opened the developer cartridge attaching / detaching door which looked at, FIG. 8 is sectional drawing which shows the mounting state of a developer cartridge and a developer cartridge holding part, and FIG. 9 is the mounting state of a developer cartridge and a developer cartridge holding part. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting state of the developer cartridge and the developer cartridge holding portion, FIG. 11 is a view showing the developer cartridge, and FIG. 12 is a view showing a stopper.

The color laser printer as the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a frame 3 with respect to the apparatus main body 2 so that the frame 3 can be pulled out horizontally in the front direction of the apparatus. An automatic paper feed cassette 4 is arranged in the lower part of the apparatus main body 2, and a manual paper feed cassette 5 is arranged on the front side wall so as to be openable and closable, and a feed / conveyance path for conveying recording paper from each cassette to a transfer unit 6. 7 and 8 are formed. The bottom plate 9 provided in the automatic paper feed cassette 4 is urged by a spring 10 so that the recording papers that are always set come into contact with the feeding roller 11, and the feeding rollers 11 drive the recording papers one by one to the feeding and conveying path 7. Sent out. The recording papers set in the manual paper feed cassette 5 are fed one by one to the supply / conveyance path 8 by the drive of the feeding roller 12. The supply conveyance paths 7 and 8 are gathered on the transfer section 6 side, and the conveyance roller pair 1 is provided in the supply conveyance paths 7 and 8.
3 and the conveyance guide 14 are arranged, and by these, the recording paper is conveyed to the transfer section 6 at a predetermined timing.

The transfer section 6 is arranged at a position facing the image carrier 30, and the multicolor image on the peripheral surface of the image carrier 30 is collectively transferred to the recording paper. A fixing unit 16 and a discharge roller 17 are arranged in the discharge / conveyance path 15 of the recording paper onto which the image is transferred, and the recording paper separated from the transfer unit 6 is conveyed to the fixing unit 16. The fixing unit 16 is composed of two pressure bonding rollers 18 having a heater inside at least one of the rollers.
By applying heat and pressure between the book pressure rollers 18, the adhered toner is melted and fixed on the recording paper, and then discharged from the discharge conveyance path 15 to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller 17.

An image writing unit 20 is provided in the apparatus main body 2, and the image writing unit 20 performs image exposure on the peripheral surface of the image carrier 30 based on an image signal. Image writing unit 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes a rotary polygon mirror 2 which is a laser beam emitted from a laser light source.
1 is rotated and scanned, and the fθ lens 22 and the filter 23
After that, the optical path is bent by the reflection mirror 24 and projected onto the peripheral surface of the pre-charged image carrier 30.
A latent image is formed on the surface of the.

The image carrier 30 is provided on the gantry 3 so as to be driven and rotated in one direction (clockwise direction in the drawing). Further, on the gantry 3, a PCL 31, a charger 32, and a PCL 31 are provided around the image carrier 30.
A developing unit 33, a cleaning unit 34, and a static eliminator 35 are arranged. After the charge is removed by the PCL 31 to remove the charge at the time of the previous print, the peripheral surface is uniformly charged by the charger 32 to prepare for a new print. After this uniform charging, the image writing unit 20 performs image exposure based on the image signal.

On the periphery of the image carrier 30, yellow (Y),
A developing device 33 filled with a developer composed of a mixture of magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners and a magnetic carrier is provided. The developing device 33 has a stirring screw 36. A transport rotary body 37 and a developer carrying body 38 are provided. First, the development of the first color is carried out by the developing agent carrier 38 having a magnet built therein and rotating. The developer is carried by the layer forming rod 39 on the developer carrier 38.
The film is regulated to a predetermined thickness and conveyed to the developing area. An AC bias voltage and a DC bias voltage are superposedly applied between the image carrier 30 and the developer carrier 38, and visualized by a known method.

After the development of the first color is completed in this way, the image forming process of the second color (magenta) is started, the image carrier 30 is uniformly charged again, and the third color (cyan) and the fourth color (black). The image forming process similar to that for the second color is performed for the image carrier 30 and the image carrier 30 is developed with a total of four colors.

The pedestal 3 is provided with a developer replenishing device 40, and the developer replenishing device 40 has four color developer accommodating portions 41.
And a four-color developer cartridge 42 for supplying the developer to the developer container 41. The developer accommodating portion 41 and the developer cartridge 42 are installed above the main body of the apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the developer accommodating portion of four colors is provided. 41 and a developer cartridge 42 are installed in parallel.

The developer cartridge 42 is mounted while being rotated on the developer cartridge holding portion 43, and when the developer cartridge holding portion 43 rotates in that state, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, development is carried out. The agent is supplied from the developer cartridge 42 to the developer accommodating section 41 through the developer cartridge holding section 43. 4 color developer storage 4
A developer carrying screw 44 is provided in the lower part of the No. 1 correspondingly, and the developer in the developer accommodating portion 41 is arranged corresponding to each developing device 33 by the rotation of the developer carrying screw 44. Then, the developer is dropped from the supply passage 45 and supplied to the corresponding developing device 33.

The developer cartridge holding portion 43 is shown in FIG.
3, a housing portion 43b having a replenishment opening 43a is integrally formed, and the housing portion 43b is rotatably supported by the developer accommodating portion 41.
A driven gear 46 is integrally provided at the tip of 3b. A coupling gear 47 meshes with the driven gear 46 and is interlocked with the driven gear 46.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a direction changing gear 48 meshes with a driven gear 46 of the developer cartridge holding portion 43 arranged on one side of the pedestal 3, and the direction changing gear 48 is connected to the direction changing gear 48. The intermediate large-diameter gear 49 meshes and the rotational drive is changed in direction by 90 degrees. The intermediate large diameter gear 49
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the drive gear 51 is connected via an intermediate small-diameter gear 50. A gear that transmits a driving force from the apparatus main body 2 (not shown) meshes with the drive gear 51, and the rotational drive of the drive gear 51 holds the developer cartridge through the intermediate small diameter gear 50, the intermediate large diameter gear 49, and the direction changing gear 48. It is transmitted to the driven gear 46 of the portion 43, and the developer cartridge holding portions 43 of the respective four colors are interlocked and rotated via the connecting gear 47.

The pedestal 3 is provided with drive regulating means 60 for regulating the developer replenishing drive when the developer cartridge 42 is attached to or detached from the developer cartridge holding portion 43. As shown in FIG. 7, when the developer cartridge attaching / detaching door 61 is opened, the drive restricting means 60 operates the restricting lever 62 in the restricting direction to restrict the developer replenishing drive, and as shown in FIG. When the attachment / detachment door 61 is closed, the regulation lever 62 operates in the regulation release direction to release the regulation of the developer replenishment drive. The developer cartridge attachment / detachment door 61 is rotatably provided on the gantry 3 with the support pin 63 as a fulcrum, and also serves as an exterior of the gantry 3. This developer cartridge attachment / detachment door 61
Opens and closes when the developer cartridge 42 is attached to and detached from the developer cartridge holding portion 43, and a protrusion 61b and a stopper 61c are formed on the arm 61a. The restriction lever 62 uses the support pin 64 as a fulcrum to support the pedestal 3
Is provided rotatably, the claw portion 62a is configured to be disengageable from the drive gear 51, and when the claw portion 62a of the regulation lever 62 is engaged, the rotation of the drive gear 51 is regulated and the engagement is released. And can be rotated.

The developer cartridge attaching / detaching door 61 operates the regulating lever 62, and when the developer cartridge attaching / detaching door 61 is closed, as shown in FIG. lift. Therefore, the claw portion 62a does not engage with the drive gear 51, so that the drive gear 51
Is rotated. On the other hand, in the state where the developer cartridge attaching / detaching door 61 is opened, as shown in FIG. 7, the protrusion 61b lifts the side of the regulating lever 62 opposite to the claw portion 62a, and the stopper portion 61c engages with the locking portion 65. Held by the claw 6
2a engages with the drive gear 51 to restrict rotation.

In this way, the developer replenishment drive is regulated when the developer cartridge 42 is attached to or detached from the developer cartridge holding portion 43. For example, when the developer cartridge 42 is replaced, the developer cartridge 42 is replaced. Since the holding portion 43 is stationary, the developer cartridge 42 can be easily attached to and detached from the developer cartridge holding portion 43, and maintenance work can be performed easily and quickly.

Further, when the developer cartridge attaching / detaching door 61 is opened, the developer replenishing drive is regulated, and when the developer cartridge attaching / detaching door 61 is closed, the developer replenishing drive regulation is released. Agent cartridge 42
The opening / closing mechanism of the special developer cartridge attaching / detaching door 61 is not necessary because the opening is always opened when the developer is attached and the closing is always performed when the developer is taken out. Is also prevented from leaking.

Further, by providing a means for restricting the developer replenishing drive connected to the developer cartridge attaching / detaching door 61, the developer replenishing drive is regulated at a lower cost and more reliably than the developer replenishing drive is regulated by an electric component such as a solenoid. It is possible.

The means for restricting the drive for rotating the developer cartridge 42 is not limited to this, and the drive restriction means may be installed directly on the developer cartridge attaching / detaching door 61.
Further, when the developer cartridge 42 is attached or detached, the opening and closing of the developer cartridge attachment / detachment door 61 may be detected and the drive may be restricted by a solenoid.

In this developer replenishing device 40, the developer cartridge 42 can be attached to and detached from the developer cartridge holding portion 43 by rotating the developer cartridge 42.
When the developer cartridge 42 is attached to the cartridge 3, the developer cartridge is rotated by the developer replenishing drive to replenish the developer container 41 with the developer.

The developer cartridge 42 is shown in FIG.
FIG. 11A is a front view of the developer cartridge 42, and FIG.
1 (b) is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 11 (a). The cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a of the developer cartridge 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape, a male screw 42h is formed outside the cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a, and a pair of convex portions is formed inside the cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a. 42b are formed at symmetrical positions.

A stopper 70 is provided in the cartridge developer replenishing section 42a. The stopper 70 is shown in FIG. FIG.
12A is a front view of the stopper 70, and FIG. 12B is FIG. 12A.
12C is a plan view of the stopper 70 of FIG. 12C, and FIG.
12 is a left side view, FIG. 12 (d) is a right side view of the stopper 70 of FIG. 12 (a), and FIG. 12 (e) is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 12 (a).

The shaft 70h of the stopper 70 has a developer supply port 7
0a is formed at a symmetrical position, and a groove 70b is formed in the shaft 70h in the axial direction. The groove 70b is engaged with the convex portion 42b formed on the cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a, so that the stopper 70 is provided so as to be integrally rotatable with the developer cartridge 42 and capable of advancing and retracting in the rotation center axis direction L1. The axial groove portion 70b of the stopper 70 and the convex portion 42b of the cartridge developer supplying portion 42a regulate the rotation of the stopper 70 provided between the cartridge developer supplying portion 42a of the developer cartridge 42 and the stopper 70. A guide portion A that guides the developer cartridge 42 so as to be able to advance and retreat in the rotation center axis direction L1.

The head 70c of the stopper 70 has a male screw 7
0d is formed at a symmetrical position.

A replenishing opening 43a is formed in the housing portion 43b of the developer cartridge holding portion 43, a female screw 43c is formed in the inner rear portion 43h of the housing portion 43b, and a female screw 43c is formed in the inner opening 43i. 43j is formed.

As shown in FIG. 10, the developer cartridge 42 is mounted on the developer cartridge holding portion 43, and the female screw 43c of the developer cartridge holding portion 43 is attached with the male screw 70d formed on the head portion 70c of the stopper 70. The female screw 43j is meshed with the male screw 42h formed in the cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a of the developer cartridge 42.

In this state, since the developer cartridge holding portion 43 is fixed, when the developer cartridge 42 is rotated, the stopper 70 rotates integrally, and this rotating force causes the stopper 7 to rotate.
0 advances and retreats in the rotation center axis direction L1 of the developer cartridge 43, the stopper 70 advances, and the developer replenishment port 70a comes to a position where the developer opposes the replenishment opening 43a of the developer cartridge holding portion 43. The developer can be supplied to the developer container 41. A female screw 43c formed inside the housing portion 43b of the developer cartridge holding portion 43 and a stopper 7
From the male screw 70d formed on the head portion 70c of 0 to the screw portion B
And the screw portion B is used to form the developer cartridge 42.
Is used to move the stopper 70 forward and backward in the direction L1 of the rotation center axis of the developer cartridge 42.

In this way, the stopper 70 and the developer cartridge 42 rotate integrally, and the stopper 70 rotates in the developer cartridge holding portion 43 to move the stopper 70 forward and backward in the direction L1 of the central axis of rotation of the developer cartridge 42, thereby causing the stopper to move. The developer replenishing port 70 a of the developer cartridge holding section 43
By making the developer cartridge 42 face the 3a,
The internal developer is supplied from the developer replenishing port 70a of the stopper 70 through the replenishing opening 43a of the developer cartridge holding portion 43 to the developer accommodating portion 41.

Moreover, the developer supply is of a simple structure in which the developer supply port 70a is opened and closed by advancing and retracting without removing the stopper 70. Further, before or after mounting the developer cartridge 42, the developer replenishing port 70a of the stopper 70 is surely closed so that the sealing property is good and the leakage of the developer is prevented.

In this way, the stopper 70 is developed with a simple structure by the guide portion A formed on the stopper 70 and the developer cartridge 42, and the screw portion B provided on the developer cartridge holding portion 43 and the stopper 70. The developer cartridge 42 is advanced and retracted in the direction of the central axis L1 of rotation so that the developer can be supplied to the developer accommodating portion 41 from the developer supply port 70a of the stopper 70.

13 and 14 show another embodiment of the developer cartridge and the image forming apparatus, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting state of the developer cartridge and the developer cartridge holding portion, and FIG. 14 shows a stopper. It is a figure.

In this embodiment, the same members as those in the previous embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Also in this developer supply device 40, the developer cartridge 42 can be attached to and detached from the developer cartridge holding portion 43 while being rotated, and the developer cartridge 42 can be attached to the developer cartridge holding portion 43.
The developer is supplied to the developer accommodating portion 41 to be replenished with the developer.

That is, the cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a of the developer cartridge 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the male screw 42h is formed outside the cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a, and the female screw 42n is formed inside. There is. The cartridge developer replenishing section 4 of the developer cartridge 42
A stopper 70 is provided on 2a.

The stopper 70 is shown in FIG. 14 (a) is a front view of the stopper 70, and FIG. 14 (b) is a stopper 70 of FIG. 14 (a).
FIG. A developer replenishing port 70a is formed on the shaft portion 70h of the stopper 70, and a male screw 70n is formed on the outer side at a symmetrical position. Further, the head 70c of the stopper 70 has grooves 70m formed at symmetrical positions.

A replenishing opening 43a is formed in the housing portion 43b of the developer cartridge holding portion 43.
A pair of guide portions 43f are formed to extend in the axial direction in the inner rear portion 43h of the housing portion 43b.

A female screw 42n formed on the cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a of the developer cartridge 42 and a male screw 70n formed on the stopper 70 form a screw portion C, and the screw 70 is screwed in a state where the rotation of the stopper 70 is restricted. The portion C allows the developer cartridge 42 to rotate to move back and forth in the rotation center axis direction L1.

As shown in FIG. 13, the developer cartridge 42 is mounted on the developer cartridge holding portion 43, and the pair of guide portions 43 f of the developer cartridge holding portion 43 are plugged with the stopper 7.
The groove 70m of 0 is engaged, and the male screw 42h formed in the cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a of the developer cartridge 42 is meshed with the female screw 43j. The pair of guide portions 43f of the developer cartridge holding portion 43 and the groove 7 of the stopper 70
The guide portion D is configured with 0 m.

In this way, the developer cartridge 42 is integrally rotated while the rotation of the stopper 70 is restricted. Then, the guide portion 43f of the developer cartridge holding portion 43
Since the groove 70m of the stopper 70 is engaged with the stopper 70, the stopper 70 is formed by the female screw 42n formed on the cartridge developer replenishing portion 42a of the developer cartridge 42 and the male screw 70n formed on the stopper 70. 42 moves back and forth in the direction L1 of the rotation center axis.

When the developer replenishing port 70a faces the replenishing opening 43a of the developer cartridge holding portion 43 as shown in FIG. 13 due to the forward movement of the stopper 70, the developer in the developer cartridge 42 is removed from the stopper 70. The developer is supplied from the developer replenishing port 70a to the developer accommodating portion 41 through the replenishing opening 43a of the developer cartridge holding portion 43. Moreover, the supply of the developer has a simple structure in which the developer supply port 70a is opened and closed by advancing and retracting without removing the stopper 70. In addition, the stopper 70 is used before and after the developer cartridge 42 is mounted or removed.
The developer replenishing port 70a is surely closed and the sealing property is good, and the leakage of the developer is prevented.

In addition, the guide portion D formed on the developer cartridge holding portion 43 and the stopper 70, and the developer cartridge 4
2 and the screw C provided on the plug 70, a simple structure,
The stopper 70 is attached to the rotation center axis direction L1 of the developer cartridge 42.
To allow the developer to be supplied to the developer accommodating portion 41 from the developer supply port 70a of the stopper 70.

[0060]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the developer cartridge has a simple structure for opening and closing the developer replenishing port by advancing and retracting without removing the stopper. Before attachment or removal, the developer replenishing port of the plug is surely closed and the sealing property is good, so that the leakage of the developer can be prevented.

The invention according to claim 2 has a simple structure in which the stopper advances and retreats in the direction of the central axis of rotation by the rotation of the developer cartridge to open and close the developer supply port. The developer can be supplied to the developer container.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the developer cartridge rotates integrally with the developer cartridge holding portion in a state where the rotation of the plug is restricted, so that the plug advances and retreats in the direction of the central axis of rotation of the developer cartridge. The developer supply port can supply the developer to the developer accommodating portion, and the developer cartridge has a simple structure for opening and closing the developer supply port by advancing and retracting without removing the stopper. Before mounting or removing the cartridge, the developer replenishing port of the stopper is surely closed and the sealing property is good, and the leakage of the developer can be prevented.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a developer cartridge has a simple structure including a guide portion formed on a developer cartridge holding portion and a stopper, and a screw portion provided on the developer cartridge and the stopper. With this structure, the stopper can be moved back and forth in the direction of the rotation center axis of the developer cartridge to open and close the developer supply port.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the stopper and the developer cartridge are integrally rotated, and the stopper is rotated in the developer cartridge holding portion to move the stopper in the direction of the central axis of rotation of the developer cartridge. This is a simple configuration in which the developer supply port can be supplied from the supply port to the developer accommodating portion, and the developer supply port can be opened and closed by advancing and retracting without removing the stopper. Further, before mounting or removing the developer cartridge, the developer replenishing port of the stopper is surely closed and the sealing property is good, and the leakage of the developer is prevented.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a simple structure including a guide portion formed on the stopper and the developer cartridge, and a screw portion provided on the developer cartridge holding portion and the stopper.
Move the stopper back and forth in the direction of the rotation center axis of the developer cartridge,
This is a simple structure in which the developer can be supplied from the developer supply port of the stopper to the developer accommodating portion, and the developer supply port can be opened and closed by advancing and retracting without removing the stopper.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the developer cartridge is integrally rotated while the rotation of the stopper is restricted by the developer cartridge holding portion, and the stopper is rotated by the rotation of the developer cartridge. This is a simple configuration that opens and closes the developer supply port by advancing and retracting in the direction, allowing the developer to be supplied to the developer accommodating portion from the developer supply port of the stopper, and advancing and retracting without removing the stopper. Further, before mounting or removing the developer cartridge, the developer replenishing port of the stopper is surely closed and the sealing property is good, and the leakage of the developer is prevented.

The invention described in claim 8 has a simple structure including a guide portion formed on the developer cartridge holding portion and the stopper, and a screw portion provided on the developer cartridge and the stopper. This is a simple structure that opens and closes the developer supply port by advancing and retreating in the direction of the central axis of rotation, allowing the developer to be supplied to the developer accommodating portion from the developer supply port of the stopper, and advancing and retracting without removing the stopper.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a state in which a frame of the image forming apparatus is pulled out.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a state in which a frame of the image forming apparatus is pulled out.

5 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG.

6 is a view showing a state in which a developer cartridge attaching / detaching door is closed when viewed from the direction A in FIG.

7 is a view showing a state in which a developer cartridge attaching / detaching door is opened when viewed from the direction A in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of a developer cartridge and a developer cartridge holding portion.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of a developer cartridge and a developer cartridge holding portion.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting start state of the developer cartridge and the developer cartridge holding portion.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a developer cartridge.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a stopper.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another embodiment showing a mounting state of a developer cartridge and a developer cartridge holding portion.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a stopper.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 40 Developer replenishing device 41 Developer accommodating section 42 Developer cartridge 43 Developer cartridge holding section 60 Drive regulation means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A developer cartridge which can be attached to and detached from a developer cartridge holding portion installed in an image forming apparatus and which replenishes the developer by rotating the developer cartridge in the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge. A developer cartridge, wherein a stopper having a developer replenishing port is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the developer cartridge, and the developer replenishing port can be opened and closed by advancing and retracting in a rotation center axis direction. 2. An engaging portion provided between a cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge and the stopper enables the stopper to rotate integrally with the developer cartridge, and the developer cartridge holding portion with respect to the developer cartridge holding portion. 2. The developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is moved forward and backward in the direction of the central axis of rotation to rotate the developer supply port so that the developer supply port can be opened and closed. 3. A developer cartridge which can be attached to and detached from a developer cartridge holding portion installed in an image forming apparatus and which replenishes the developer by rotating the developer cartridge in the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge. A developer cartridge characterized in that the developer supply port is provided so as to be openable and closable by advancing and retracting in a direction of a central axis of rotation by rotation of the developer cartridge in a state in which rotation of a stopper having the agent supply port is restricted. 4. The rotation of the developer cartridge is controlled by a cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge and a screw portion provided on the stopper while the rotation of the stopper is restricted by the developer cartridge holding portion. 4. The developer cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the stopper is moved back and forth in the direction of the rotation center axis of the developer cartridge to open and close the developer supply port. 5. A developer cartridge can be attached to and detached from a developer cartridge holding portion, and the developer cartridge holding portion is rotated by a developer replenishing drive while the developer cartridge is mounted to develop in the developer containing portion. In an image forming apparatus provided with a developer replenishing device for replenishing a developer, a stopper having a developer replenishing port is provided in a cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge so as to be rotatable integrally with the developer cartridge and in a rotation center axis direction. Between the stopper and the developer cartridge holding portion, while the developer cartridge holding portion is fixed, the rotation force of the stopper causes the stopper to move in the direction of the rotation center axis of the developer cartridge. The image forming apparatus is configured such that the developer can be supplied to the developer accommodating portion from the developer supply port of the stopper. 6. A guide portion provided between a cartridge developer replenishing portion and a stopper of the developer cartridge guides the stopper so as to advance and retreat in the direction of the rotation center axis of the developer cartridge, and the developer cartridge. 6. The image according to claim 5, wherein the stopper is configured to be movable in the direction of the rotation center axis of the developer cartridge by a rotational force of the developer cartridge by a screw portion provided on the holding portion and the stopper. Forming equipment. 7. A developer cartridge can be attached to and detached from a developer cartridge holding portion, and the developer cartridge holding portion is rotated by a developer replenishing drive while the developer cartridge is mounted to develop in the developer containing portion. In an image forming apparatus provided with a developer replenishing device for replenishing a developer, the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge is provided with a stopper having a developer replenishing port, and the rotation of the developer cartridge is restricted. Provided to be movable back and forth in the rotation center axis direction, while between the stopper and the developer cartridge holding portion, the stopper is moved forward and backward in the rotation center axis direction of the developer cartridge in a state in which rotation of the stopper is restricted, An image forming apparatus, wherein the developer can be supplied to the developer accommodating portion from a developer supply port of the stopper. 8. The developer cartridge is rotated by rotating the developer cartridge while the rotation of the stopper is restricted by a screw portion provided on the cartridge developer replenishing portion of the developer cartridge and the stopper. In the direction of the central axis of rotation of the developer cartridge, and the guide portion provided between the developer cartridge holding portion and the stopper regulates the rotation of the stopper so that the developer cartridge can be moved in the direction of the central axis of rotation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured as described above.