JPH11149210A - Developing device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To break down blocking of a toner without having a bad influence upon an image in a simple means constitution by providing mutual interference members relatively generating vibration on a toner cartridge in the insertion process to a housing part on the housing side and the toner cartridge side. SOLUTION: An inward projecting part 1c is provided on the insertion port 1a of a toner cartridge housing part 1. This projecting part 1c is an energizing member using an elastic member such as a spring plate. When a toner cartridge 2 is inserted, the recessed and projecting parts 2b on the outer face is made to contact with the projecting part 1c provided on the insertion port 1a of the toner cartridge housing part 1, and the toner cartridge 2 is vibrated. This vibration action is performed from the start of the insertion to completion of insertion interlocking with the insertion action, and by the hitting with the energizing member 1c and followed vibration of the toner cartridge 2, blocking of the toner in the toner cartridge 1 can be broken down.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier as a toner image, and an image forming apparatus including the developing device, such as an electrophotographic system or an electrostatic recording system. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier as a toner image, a developing device has a toner cartridge housing portion, and a toner (developer) from a toner cartridge mounted in the housing portion. There is a developing device configured to receive supply.

A toner cartridge is one of toner replenishing means for a developing device, and a replenishing toner is filled and stored in a container in an appropriate amount, and is loaded (inserted) into a toner cartridge accommodating portion of the developing device. It is mounted and communicated with the developing device body. This toner cartridge is mounted (installed) in the toner cartridge storage section as it is during use of the developing device. The toner in the toner cartridge is sequentially supplied to the developing device main body side and consumed. When the toner in the toner cartridge is exhausted, the empty toner cartridge is removed from the toner cartridge accommodating portion, and a new toner cartridge is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating portion, so that the toner cartridge can be replaced. ing.

[0004]

By the way, there is a phenomenon (blocking phenomenon) that the toner collects in a new toner cartridge, and even if the toner is blocked, the operator does not know it.

[0005] Therefore, when the toner cartridge in which the toner is blocked is inserted and mounted in the toner cartridge accommodating portion of the developing device and used, the toner may remain in the toner cartridge due to the blocking. .

Means for hitting a cartridge by providing a drive means for breaking toner blocking may adversely affect an image.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a developing device of this type and an image forming apparatus provided with the developing device, by vibrating a toner cartridge with a simple means configuration and without affecting the image. It is intended to make it possible to break the blocking of.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a developing device having the following constitution and an image forming apparatus provided with the developing device.

(1) It has a toner cartridge storage section,
A developing device configured to receive a supply of toner from a toner cartridge mounted in the accommodating portion, wherein the toner is supplied relative to the toner cartridge accommodating portion and the toner cartridge side in a process of loading the toner cartridge into the toner cartridge accommodating portion A developing device comprising: a cartridge provided with a mutual interference member for generating vibration.

(2) The mutual interference member is a projection provided on the toner cartridge accommodating portion side and the toner cartridge side, and unevenness rubbing the projection. The developing device according to (1).

(3) The developing device according to (2), wherein the projection is provided on the toner cartridge accommodating portion side, and the unevenness is provided on an outer surface of the toner cartridge.

(4) The developing device according to (2) or (3), wherein the projection is a biasing member made of an elastic material.

(5) The developing device according to (2) or (3), wherein the protrusion is a rotatable elliptical member made of an elastic material.

(6) The developing device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the toner cartridge is used while being installed in a toner cartridge storage section.

(7) An image forming apparatus comprising: means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier; and developing means for forming the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier as a toner image. Is the developing device according to any one of (1) to (6).

<Operation> That is, when a new toner cartridge is replaced with a new toner cartridge, during the process of loading a new toner cartridge into the toner cartridge housing portion of the developing device, the toner cartridge housing portion side and the toner cartridge side are relatively provided. Vibration is applied to the loaded toner cartridge by the action of the mutual interference member. Due to this vibration, even if the toner in the newly loaded toner cartridge is blocking, the blocking is effectively broken.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toner from remaining in the toner cartridge due to the blocking.

The oscillating action on the toner cartridge occurs during the process of loading the toner cartridge into the toner cartridge housing of the developing device, and the toner cartridge is held fixed in the toner cartridge housing during use of the developing device and the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the image is not adversely affected.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) (1) Example of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a multifunctional image forming apparatus having a printer function, a copier function, and a facsimile function.

Reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus main body, 200 denotes an image scanner, and 300 denotes a sorter.

A) Image Forming Apparatus Main Body 100 The image forming apparatus main body 100 is of a transfer type using an electrophotographic process and a laser beam scanning exposure type.

Reference numeral 101 denotes a rotating drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as a drum) as an image carrier, which is rotationally driven in a clockwise direction indicated by an arrow at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed).

The drum 101 undergoes a primary charging process of a predetermined polarity and potential uniformly by a primary charging device 102 during the rotation process, and a laser beam scanning exposure L by a laser scanner (laser modulation) 103 is applied to the charged surface. As a result, electrostatic latent images corresponding to target image information are sequentially formed on the peripheral surface of the drum. 103a is the laser scanner 10
3 is a reflecting mirror that deflects the output laser beam from 3 to an exposure unit of the rotating drum 101.

The electrostatic latent image is subjected to reverse development or regular development as a toner image by the developing device 104, and the toner image is transferred to the rotating drum 101 and the transfer charger 105.
Is transferred to a sheet material (transfer sheet) S fed from the sheet feeding unit to the transfer unit, which is a part facing the transfer unit. The sheet material to which the toner image has been transferred in the transfer unit is separated from the surface of the rotating drum 101 by a separation charger 106, conveyed to a fixing device 109 by a conveyance belt device 108, subjected to a fixing process of the toner image, and subjected to a discharge roller 110. From
In the case of this embodiment, it is discharged to the sorter 300.

After the separation of the sheet material, the surface of the rotary drum 101 is cleaned by the cleaning device 107 and repeatedly used for image formation.

Reference numerals 111 and 112 denote first and second sheet cassettes which are mounted on the sheet feeding section in two upper and lower stages. When the sheet feeding from the first sheet feeding cassette 111 is selected, the first sheet feeding roller 113 is driven, and the sheet material S is fed from the first sheet feeding cassette 111 in cooperation with a separation claw (not shown). Are separated and fed. When the sheet feeding from the second sheet feeding cassette 112 is selected, the second sheet feeding roller 114 is driven to cooperate with a separation claw (not shown).
, One sheet material S is separated and fed.

Then, the first or second paper feed cassette 11
The sheet material S fed from 1 is conveyed by the registration roller 115 to the transfer unit at a predetermined control timing.

B) An image scanner 200 201 is a platen glass on which a document O to be read is placed with an image surface facing downward according to a predetermined placement standard, and a document pressure plate 202 is placed thereon. Set.

The moving optical system including the original illumination lamp 203 and the reflecting mirrors 204 to 206 is driven to move along the lower surface of the original table glass 201 based on the reading start signal.
The downward image surface of the original O on the original platen glass 201 is illuminated and scanned from one end side to the other end side, and the original surface reflected light of the illumination scanning light is reflected by the imaging lens 207 to a solid-state imaging device array (light receiving element array, photoelectric conversion). By forming an image on the element array 208, the image information of the original O is sequentially photoelectrically converted and read, and is converted into a time-series electric digital pixel signal by the image processing unit 209. Is transmitted to The laser scanner 103 outputs a laser beam L modulated according to the input time-series electric digital pixel signal, and scans and exposes the surface of the rotating drum 101.

Here, if an automatic document feeder 202A as shown by a two-dot chain line is mounted in place of the document pressure plate 202, a plurality of documents O can be automatically read sequentially.

The image forming apparatus main body 100 and the image scanner 200 may be separate bodies or may be integrated. In the case of being integrated, it is usually called an image forming apparatus (or a printer).

The image forming apparatus main body 100 functions as a copying machine when the processing signal of the image processing unit 209 of the image scanner 200 is input to the laser scanner 103 regardless of whether the image scanner 200 is separate or integrated, and the other party's facsimile machine (FAX) ) Functions as a facsimile apparatus (reception) when a transmission signal is input, and functions as a printer when an output signal from a host device such as a personal computer is input. The image processing unit 20 of the image scanner 200
If the processing signal of No. 9 is transmitted to another facsimile apparatus, it functions as a facsimile apparatus (transmission).

(2) Developing Device 104 The developing device 104 has a toner cartridge accommodating portion.
The developing device has a configuration in which toner (developer) is supplied from a toner cartridge mounted in the storage section.

In FIG. 2A, reference numeral 1 denotes a toner cartridge accommodating portion of the developing device 104. The developing device main body is omitted in the figure.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a toner cartridge which is attached to and detached from the toner cartridge accommodating section 1. The toner cartridge 2 has an appropriate amount of replenishing toner filled and stored in a container.

The toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating portion 1 of the developing device from the entrance 1a with the connection port member 2a side for the developing device main body first.
The toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the toner cartridge connection opening member 1b on the inner side of the accommodation
The connection member 2a on the side matches. Thus, the toner cartridge 2 is connected to the developing device main body side. FIG. 2B is a diagram when charging is being performed, and FIG. 2C is a diagram when charging is completed.

The toner cartridge 2 mounted as described above is mounted in the toner cartridge accommodating section 1 as it is during use of the developing device or the image forming apparatus (stationary). The toner in the toner cartridge 2 is sequentially supplied to the developing device main body side and consumed. When the toner in the toner cartridge 2 is exhausted, the empty toner cartridge 2 is removed from the toner cartridge housing 1 and a new toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the toner cartridge housing 1 to be mounted. Exchange.

The toner cartridge accommodating portion 1a of the toner cartridge accommodating portion 1 is provided with an inward projection 1c. In this embodiment, the protrusion 1c is a biasing member using an elastic member such as a spring plate.

The outer surface of the toner cartridge 2 is provided with a number of uneven portions 2b continuously along the toner cartridge loading direction.

The above-mentioned projection 1c and uneven portion 2b are attached to the toner cartridge 2 in the process of loading the toner cartridge 2 into the toner cartridge housing 1 relatively to the toner cartridge housing 1 and the toner cartridge 2 side. Mutual interference members that generate vibration.

That is, when the toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating section 1 of the developing device, the uneven portion 2b on the outer surface of the toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating port 1a of the toner cartridge accommodating section 1. When the pressing member 1c is further pressed against the provided urging member 1c, the urging member 1c is pushed against the elasticity by the convex portion as shown in FIG. 2D. When the urging member 1c is further pushed in, the toner cartridge 2 is vibrated by hitting the outer surface of the toner cartridge 2 when the urging member 1c returns to the original position at the concave portion as shown in (e).

In the case of this embodiment, the vibration action on the toner cartridge 2 is from the start of loading to the end of loading in conjunction with the loading operation of the toner cartridge 2 into the toner cartridge accommodating section 1 of the developing device. Made between
By the impact of the urging member 1c and the vibration of the toner cartridge 2 accompanying the impact, the toner blocked in the toner cartridge 1 can be broken.

As shown in (c), the urging member 1c has a function of fixing the toner cartridge 2 when the loading of the toner cartridge 2 into the toner cartridge accommodating section 1 is completed.

Further, the toner cartridge 2 is vibrated during the loading process into the toner cartridge housing 1,
After that, it is fixed and does not affect the image.

<Second Embodiment> (FIG. 3) In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, a shaft 11e is formed as a protrusion at the toner cartridge loading port 1a of the toner cartridge housing 1. Elliptical member 1 rotatable around the center
d is provided.

The outer surface of the toner cartridge 2 is provided with a number of uneven portions 2b continuously along the toner cartridge loading direction.

The above-described rotatable elliptical member 1d and the uneven portion 2b form the toner cartridge 2 into the toner cartridge housing 1 relative to the toner cartridge housing 1 and the toner cartridge 2 side. Are interference members that cause the toner cartridge 2 to vibrate.

That is, when the toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating portion 1 of the developing device, the uneven portion 2b on the outer surface of the toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating entrance 1a of the toner cartridge accommodating portion 1. As shown in (d), the long radius portion of the elliptical member 1d comes into contact with the concave portion on the outer surface of the toner cartridge 2 as shown in FIG. Move in the direction. When the toner cartridge 2 is further loaded, the elliptical member 1d rotates,
As shown in (e), the outer surface of the toner cartridge 2 comes into contact with the convex portion. At that time, the toner cartridge 2 moves downward in the figure. By repeating this operation, the toner cartridge 2 can be vibrated in conjunction with the operation of loading the toner cartridge 2 into the toner cartridge storage unit 1.

In this embodiment, when the loading of the toner cartridge 2 into the toner cartridge accommodating portion 1 is completed, the fixed end is provided such that the leading end of the toner cartridge 2 is located at the back of the toner cartridge accommodating portion 1 as shown in FIG. The fitting state is fixed by fitting to the member 1f.

Thus, also in the case of the structure of the present embodiment, it is possible to break the blocking of the toner in the toner cartridge 2 and not to affect the image.

[0050]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a developing device having a configuration in which a toner cartridge accommodating portion is provided and toner is supplied from a toner cartridge mounted in the accommodating portion, and the developing device. With respect to the image forming apparatus, it is possible to break the toner blocking by applying a vibration to the toner cartridge with a simple configuration and without adversely affecting the image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration explanatory view of a toner cartridge storage section and a toner cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a configuration explanatory view of a toner cartridge storage section and a toner cartridge according to a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Toner cartridge accommodating part 1a Toner cartridge loading / unloading part 1b Toner cartridge connection port member 1c Energizing member as projection 1d Rotatable elliptical member as projection 2 Toner cartridge 2a Connection port member 2b Concavo-convex part

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A developing device having a toner cartridge accommodating portion and receiving a supply of toner from a toner cartridge mounted in the accommodating portion. A developing device comprising: a mutual interference member that causes a vibration in the toner cartridge during a process of loading the toner cartridge into the toner cartridge housing portion. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mutual interference member is a projection provided on the toner cartridge housing portion side and the toner cartridge side, and projections and depressions rubbing the projection. 3. The developing device according to claim 1. 3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the projection is provided on a toner cartridge housing portion side, and the unevenness is provided on an outer surface of the toner cartridge. 4. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the projection is a biasing member made of an elastic material. 5. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the projection is a rotatable elliptical member made of an elastic material. 6. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the toner cartridge is used by being installed in a toner cartridge storage section. 7. A means for forming an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier,
An image forming apparatus having a developing unit that forms an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier as a toner image, wherein the developing unit is the developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Characteristic image forming apparatus.