JP4802876B2 - Toner container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner container that contains toner and an image forming apparatus including the toner container, and more particularly, a toner container having a shutter member that opens and shields a discharge port of the toner container and an image forming apparatus including the toner container. Relates to the device.

  In conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, detachable toner cartridges are widely used to replenish toner consumed by printing. The toner cartridge is configured such that the toner discharge port is shielded by a shutter member so that the toner inside does not leak when the toner cartridge is detached, and the toner discharge port is opened when the toner cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. Has been.

The following conventional techniques (J01) to (J03) are known as techniques relating to the toner cartridge provided with the shutter member.
(J01) Technology described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-120206) In Patent Document 1, an opening (1d) is formed in almost the entire lower surface of the toner supply container (1), and a pair of plate-shaped shutters The upper (2) and the lower shutter (3) and the upper shutter (2) and the lower shutter (3) are sandwiched between the upper shutter (2) and the toner supply container (1) is opened. A toner container is described in which the opening (1d) is opened and closed by a toner seal (4) that seals the toner. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, by pulling out the toner seal (4), the toner seal (4) is peeled off while the shutter (2, 3) is drawn in and pulled out, and the opening (1d) is opened. .

(J02) Technology described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-270384) Patent Document 2 supports a shutter member that is slidable along the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical toner cartridge main body, and has cylindrical toner. A technique is described in which the toner discharge port is opened by mounting the image forming apparatus main body along the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the cartridge and then rotating the toner cartridge main body relative to the shutter in the circumferential direction.
(J03) Technology described in Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-109367) Patent Document 3 supports a shutter member that is slidable along the longitudinal direction of a rectangular cylindrical toner cartridge. A technique is disclosed in which a toner discharge port is opened when the toner is attached and detached.

JP-A-9-120206 ("0026", "0043", "0049", FIG. 11) JP 2002-270384 A JP 2004-109367 A

(Problems of conventional technology)
In the prior art (J01) technique, when opening the opening, a space for pulling out the toner seal is required, and the shutter is also pulled out, so that there is a problem that the necessary space increases. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the entire image forming apparatus is increased in size, and there is a problem that it is difficult to increase the toner capacity while downsizing the image forming apparatus. Further, since the toner seal is wound around the shutter, there is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated.
In the prior art (J02), since the toner cartridge needs to be rotated when mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the shape of the toner cartridge is limited to a cylindrical shape, and the dead space in the image forming apparatus main body is increased, and the toner capacity is increased. There are problems that it is difficult to increase the number of images and that it becomes an obstacle to downsizing of the image forming apparatus. In particular, in recent years, from the viewpoint of environment and cost, a toner cartridge filled with as much toner as possible has been demanded, and the image forming apparatus has been required to be downsized so that it can be installed in a limited installation space.

In the prior arts (J02) and (J03), since the shutter is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge is accidentally hit when the toner cartridge is transported or detached, and the shutter is damaged. There was a problem that toner leaked out or could not be opened and closed.
In recent years, in order to increase the capacity while reducing dead space, a toner cartridge having a complicated shape (an irregular shape) is also used. However, when the shape is complicated, there is a problem that a mechanism for opening and closing the shutter becomes complicated. When the shutter structure is complicated, there is a problem that the toner easily leaks due to vibration and impact during transportation, handling by the user, and the like.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has the following contents (O01) and (O02) as technical problems.
(O01) To increase resistance to toner leakage while increasing the toner capacity of the toner container.
(O02) To reduce the dead space and reduce the size of the image forming apparatus.

Next, the present invention that solves the above problems will be described. In order to facilitate correspondence with the constituent elements of the embodiments described later, the constituent elements of the present invention are enclosed in parentheses. I will add that.
The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described later is to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

(First invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, the toner container (TC) of the first invention is:
An inner housing (12 , 31) having a toner storage chamber (12f) for storing toner therein and an inner toner discharge port (12e) for discharging the toner in the toner storage chamber (12f). The discharge port forming member (32) in which the inner toner discharge port (12e) is formed and the discharge port forming member (32) are configured separately and supported by the discharge port forming member (32). A storage chamber forming member (33) communicating with the discharge port forming member (32), and the toner storage chamber by a space surrounded by the discharge port forming member (32) and the storage chamber forming member (33). The inner housing (12, 31) comprising (12f) ;
The outer toner discharge port (21a) communicating with the inner toner discharge port (12e) is formed, and an arcuate outer housing (fixed and supported by the discharge port forming member (32) of the inner housing (12, 31)). 21) and
A communication position that is disposed between the inner housing (12, 31) and the outer housing (21) and communicates the inner toner discharge port (12e) and the outer toner discharge port (21a); A shutter member (18) that moves between a discharge port (12e) and a shielding position that blocks communication between the outer toner discharge port (21a), and is circular along the arcuate outer housing (21). The shutter member (18) moving in an arc ;
A shutter moving member (19) connected to the shutter member (18) and moving the shutter member (18) between the communication position and the shielding position;
A flange portion (21b) provided at a boundary portion between the storage chamber forming member (33) and the discharge port forming member (32) and protruding outward, and is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus (U1). The flange portion (21b) guided by
It is provided with.

In the toner container (TC) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described structural requirements, a toner storage chamber (12f) for storing toner is formed inside the inner housing (12, 31). The inner housing (12, 31) has an inner toner discharge port (12e) through which the toner in the toner storage chamber (12f) is discharged. An outer housing (21) in which an outer toner discharge port (21a) communicating with the inner toner discharge port (12e) is formed is fixedly supported by the discharge port forming member (32) of the inner housing (12, 31). ing. A shutter member (18) disposed between the inner housing (12, 31) and the outer housing (21) communicates the inner toner discharge port (12e) and the outer toner discharge port (21a). It moves between a communication position and a shielding position that blocks communication between the inner toner discharge port (12e) and the outer toner discharge port (21a). A shutter moving member (19) connected to the shutter member (18) moves the shutter member (18) between the communication position and the shielding position.

Therefore, in the toner container (TC) of the first invention, since the outer housing (21) is disposed outside the shutter member (18), the shutter member (18) is protected against external force and the like, and the shutter member (TC) 18) can be reduced. As a result, toner leakage can be reduced. Further, since the shutter member (18) disposed between the inner housing (12, 31) and the outer housing (21) is merely moved, a storage chamber is formed in which the outer housing (21) is not disposed. The shape of the inner housing (12, 31 ) in the part of the member (33) can be an arbitrary shape. As a result, the shape of the inner housing (12, 31) can be increased to increase the toner capacity of the toner container (TC). Furthermore, since the inner housing (12, 31) can have any shape, dead space can be reduced and the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size.

In the toner container (TC) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above constituent elements, the shutter member (18) moves in an arc along the arcuate outer housing (21). ) Can guide the shutter member (18).

Furthermore, in the toner container (TC) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described structural requirements, the inner toner discharge port (12e) is formed in the discharge port forming member (32) of the inner housing (12, 31). The storage chamber forming member (33) configured separately from the discharge port forming member (32) and supported by the discharge port forming member (32) communicates with the discharge port forming member (32). . The toner storage chamber (12f) includes a space surrounded by the discharge port forming member (32) and the storage chamber forming member (33). Accordingly, the shape of the toner container (TC) and the toner can be changed by simply replacing the discharge port forming member (32) and replacing the storage chamber forming member (33) formed separately from the discharge port forming member (32). The capacity can be changed flexibly. Moreover, since the discharge port forming member (32) can be shared, the cost can be reduced.
In the toner container (TC) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described structural requirements, a flange is provided at a boundary portion between the storage chamber forming member (33) and the discharge port forming member (32) and protrudes outward. The part (21b) is guided when being attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus (U1).

( Embodiment 1 of the first invention)
Embodiment 1 of the toner container of the first aspect of the present invention (TC) is Oite the first invention,
An elastic seal member (13) supported on the outer peripheral edge of the inner toner discharge port (12e) and preventing leakage of toner by contact with the shutter member (18) moved to the shielding position;
It is provided with.
(Operation of Form 1 of the First Invention)
In the toner container (TC) according to Embodiment 1 of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the elastic seal member (13) supported on the outer peripheral edge of the inner toner discharge port (12e) is moved to the shielding position. The shutter member (18) contacts to prevent toner leakage. Therefore, toner leakage can be further reduced.

( Form 2 of the first invention)
The toner container (TC) according to the second aspect of the first invention is the toner container (TC) according to the first aspect of the first invention.
A plate-like moving member connecting portion (18a) connected to the shutter moving member (19) and the inner toner discharge port (12e) and the outer toner discharge port (21a) at the shielding position are arranged. A plate-shaped shielding portion (18b), and the shutter member (18) having the shielding portion (18b) whose plate thickness is thinner than the moving member connecting portion (18a),
It is provided with.
( Operation of the second aspect of the first invention)
In the toner container (TC) according to the second aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the shielding portion (18b) of the shutter member (18) is configured so that the inner toner discharge port (12e) and the outer toner are at the shielding position. Since it is disposed between the discharge port (21a) and is thinner than the moving member connecting portion (18a), the toner can be scraped off with the elastic seal member (13) when moving to the shielding position. Toner leakage can be reduced.

(Second invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, the image forming apparatus (U1) of the second invention is:
The toner container (TC) according to any one of the first invention and the first and second aspects of the first invention is provided.
(Operation of the second invention)
Since the image forming apparatus (U1) of the second invention having the above-described constituent features includes the toner container (TC) of any one of the first invention and the first and second aspects of the first invention, the shutter member (18). An outer housing (21) is arranged on the outer side. Therefore, the shutter member (18) is protected against external force or the like, and damage to the shutter member (18) can be reduced. As a result, toner leakage can be reduced. Moreover, since it is the structure which only moves the shutter member (18) arrange | positioned between an inner housing (12,31) and an outer housing (21), the inner side of the part in which the outer housing (21) is not arrange | positioned The shape of the housing (12, 31) can be any shape. As a result, the shape of the inner housing (12, 31) can be increased to increase the toner capacity of the toner container (TC). Furthermore, since the inner housing (12, 31) can have any shape, dead space can be reduced and the image forming apparatus (U1) can be reduced in size.

The above-described present invention has the following effects (E01) and (E02).
(E01) It is possible to increase resistance to toner leakage while increasing the toner capacity of the toner container.
(E02) It is possible to reduce the dead space and reduce the size of the image forming apparatus.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an image forming apparatus to which a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment of a powder container of the present invention is mounted.
In FIG. 1, an automatic document feeder U2 is placed on the upper surface of the platen glass PG at the upper end of an image forming apparatus U1 constituted by a copying machine.
The automatic document feeder U2 has a document feed tray TG1 on which a plurality of documents Gi to be copied are stacked. Each of the plurality of documents Gi placed on the document feed tray TG1 is sequentially passed through a copy position on the platen glass PG and discharged to the document discharge tray TG2. The automatic document feeder U2 can be rotated with respect to the copying machine U1 by a hinge shaft (not shown) provided in the rear end portion (-X end portion) extending in the left-right direction. Is rotated upward when placed on the platen glass PG by hand.

The image forming apparatus U1 has a UI (user interface) through which a user inputs an operation command signal such as a copy start.
The IIT as a document reading device disposed below the transparent platen glass PG on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus U1 includes an exposure system registration sensor (platen registration sensor) Sp disposed at a platen registration position (OPT position), and an exposure optical system A. have.
The movement and stop of the exposure optical system A are controlled by the detection signal of the exposure system registration sensor Sp, and always stop at the home position.
Reflected light from the document Gi passing through the exposure position on the upper surface of the platen glass PG by the automatic document feeder U2 or from the document Gi manually placed on the platen glass PG is passed through the exposure optical system A to a CCD (solid state). It is converted into electrical signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) by the imaging device.

The IPS (Image Processing System) converts the RGB electrical signals input from the CCD into K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) image data and temporarily stores them. The image data is output to the laser drive circuit DL as image data for forming a latent image at a predetermined timing.
The laser drive circuit DL outputs a laser drive signal to the ROS (latent image forming apparatus) according to the input image data.

  The photoconductor (image carrier) PR rotates in the direction of arrow YA, and the surface thereof is uniformly charged by a charger (charge corotron) CC, and then the ROS (latent image) at the latent image writing position Q1. An electrostatic latent image is formed by exposure scanning with the laser beam L of the image forming apparatus. When forming a full-color image, electrostatic latent images corresponding to four color images of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) are sequentially formed. Only the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the (black) image is formed.

The surface of the photoconductor PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed rotates and moves sequentially through the development area Q2 and the primary transfer area Q3.
The rotary developing device G is a four-color developing device of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) that sequentially rotates and moves to the developing region Q2 as the rotating shaft GA rotates. It has GK, GY, GM, GC. Each of the developing devices GK, GY, GM, GC of each color has a developing roll GR that transports toner to the developing region Q2, and an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor PR that passes through the developing region Q2 is converted into a toner image. Develop.

Below the photoreceptor PR, a plurality of belt support rolls (Rd, Rt, Rd, Rt, belt drive roll Rd, tension roll Rt, walking roll Rw, idler roll (free roll) Rf, and backup roll T2a are provided. Rw, Rf, T2a), a primary transfer roll T1, and a belt frame (not shown) for supporting them.
The intermediate transfer belt B is supported by the belt support rolls (Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf, T2a) so as to be rotatable in the arrow YB direction.

When forming a full-color image, an electrostatic latent image of the first color is formed at the latent image writing position Q1, and a toner image Tn of the first color is formed in the development region Q2. The toner image Tn is electrostatically primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer roll T1 when passing through the primary transfer region Q3. Thereafter, similarly, the second, third, and fourth color toner images Tn are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt B carrying the first color toner image Tn, and finally transferred to a full color. Are formed on the intermediate transfer belt B.
In the case of forming a monochromatic monochromatic image, only one developing device is used, and the monochromatic toner image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B.
After the primary transfer, the surface of the photoconductor PR is cleaned by the photoconductor cleaner CL1 after the residual toner is discharged by the static eliminator JR.

Below the backup roll T2a, a secondary transfer roll T2b is disposed so as to be movable between a position separated from the backup roll T2a and a position in contact therewith. The backup roll T2a and the secondary transfer roll T2b constitute a secondary transfer device T2. A secondary transfer region Q4 is formed by a contact region between the backup roll T2a and the secondary transfer roll T2b.
A secondary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner used in the developing device G is supplied from the power supply circuit E to the secondary transfer roll T2b, and the power supply circuit E is controlled by the controller C.

The recording sheets S accommodated in the sheet feed tray TR1 or TR2 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp at a predetermined timing, separated one by one by the separation roll Rs, and registered by the plurality of transport rolls Ra in the sheet feed path SH1. To be transported. The recording sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is subjected to the secondary transfer from the pre-transfer sheet guide SG1 at the timing when the primary transferred multiple toner image or single color toner image moves to the secondary transfer area Q4. Transported to region Q4.
In the secondary transfer area Q4, the secondary transfer unit T2 electrostatically secondary-transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B onto the recording sheet S. The residual toner is removed from the intermediate transfer belt B after the secondary transfer by the belt cleaner CL2.

  The secondary transfer roll T2b and the belt cleaner CL2 are disposed so as to be separated from (contacted with and separated from) the intermediate transfer belt B. When a color image is formed, an unfixed toner image of the final color is formed. Is separated from the intermediate transfer belt B until it is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt B. The secondary transfer roll cleaner CL3 that cleans the secondary transfer roll T2b moves away from the intermediate transfer belt B together with the secondary transfer roll T2b.

  The recording sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred is conveyed to the fixing region Q5 by the post-transfer sheet guide SG2 and the sheet conveying belt BH. The fixing region Q5 is a region (nip) where the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp of the fixing device F are in pressure contact, and the recording sheet S passing through the fixing region Q5 is heated and fixed by the fixing device F. On the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll Fh, on the upstream side in the rotation direction from the fixing region Q5, oil for sheet peeling is applied by an oil application device. Around the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp, a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of the heating roll Fh is disposed in contact with the downstream side of the fixing region Q5 in the rotation direction.

In FIG. 1, a sheet discharge path SH2 and a sheet reversing path SH3 are provided on the downstream side of the fixing region Q5, and a switching gate GT1 is provided at the branch point. The recording sheet S conveyed to the sheet discharge path SH2 is conveyed to the sheet discharge roller Rh by a plurality of conveyance rollers Ra, and is discharged from the sheet discharge port Ka formed at the upper end of the image forming apparatus U1 to the discharge tray TR3. The
A sheet circulation path SH4 is connected to the sheet reversing path SH3, and a mylar gate GT2 formed of a sheet-like member is provided at the connection portion. The Mylar gate GT2 passes the recording sheet S conveyed through the sheet reversing path SH3 from the switching gate GT1 as it is, and the recording sheet S that has been once switched and then switched back is directed toward the sheet circulation path SH4. Dodge. The recording sheet S conveyed to the sheet circulation path SH4 is retransmitted to the transfer area Q4 through the sheet feeding path SH1. A sheet conveying path SH is constituted by the elements indicated by the symbols SH1 to SH4.

(Rotary developing device)
2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the rotary developing device of the image forming apparatus of FIG.
A rotary shaft GA of the rotary developing device G is rotatably supported on the fixed frame of the image forming apparatus main body U1. Four color K, Y, M, and C developing devices GK, GY, GM, and GC are supported on the four side surfaces of the rotating shaft GA, and these developing units are developed as the rotating shaft GA rotates. The units GK, GY, GM, GC are sequentially rotated to the developing position P1. Each developing unit GK, GY, GM, GC has a developing container V and a toner supply cylinder 1. Inside the developing container V are accommodated a toner, a developing roll GR that conveys the toner to the developing region Q2, and a first agitating and conveying member R1 and a second agitating and conveying member R2 that agitate and convey the toner, respectively. .
The toner supply cylinder 1 has a protruding portion that protrudes forward from the developing container V, and when the developing devices GK, GY, GM, and GC move to the developing position P1, the toner supply cylinder 1 is supplied with toner. It is comprised so that it may be connected to path 2K-2C (refer FIG. 2, FIG. 3). Such a rotary developing device is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2000-131942 and 2000-231250.
The toner replenished to the toner replenishing cylinder 1 from the toner replenishing paths 2K to 2C is replenished into the developing container V by the toner conveying member 3 disposed inside the toner replenishing cylinder 1 and replenished to the toner container V. The deteriorated toner is discharged from a discharge path 4 formed inside the rotary shaft GA. The developer replenished in the toner container V can be composed of a one-component developer containing only toner or a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier.

(Toner supply route)
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion according to the first exemplary embodiment and the developing unit at the development position.
In the following description, since the four-color cartridge mounting portions Hk, Hy, Hm, and Hc have the same configuration, only the K (black) cartridge mounting portion Hk will be described.
In FIG. 3, the cartridge mounting portion (housing member mounting portion) Hk includes a semi-cylindrical cartridge support portion 6 that supports the toner cartridge TCk.
The cartridge support 6 is formed with a toner receiving hole 6a extending in the vertical direction.

Each cartridge mounting portion Hy, Hm, Hc, Hk is supported on the upper surface of the toner reserve container 7 (supply container) having the same configuration. Since the configuration of each toner reserve container 7 is the same, only the toner reserve container 7 that supports the cartridge mounting portion Hk will be described.
The toner reserve container 7 includes a reserve container lid member 7a that covers the entire toner reserve container 7 and supports the cartridge mounting portion Hk. A toner inflow port 7b communicating with the toner receiving hole 6b of the cartridge mounting portion Hk is formed at the rear portion of the reserve container lid member 7a.
A pair of partition walls 7c, 7c are formed in the inner lower portion of the toner reserve container 7 so as to be spaced apart in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and extend in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).
By means of the partition walls 7c, 7c, the toner reserve container 7 is connected to the first stirring / conveying chamber 7d and the first stirring / conveying chamber 7d disposed below the toner inflow port 7b at the front and rear ends. It is partitioned into a chamber 7e and a toner discharge chamber 7f disposed between the first stirring and conveying chamber 7d and the second stirring and conveying chamber 7e. A toner discharge port 7g is formed in the toner discharge chamber 7f. A sensor SN that detects the amount of toner in the toner reserve container 7 is supported on the side wall of the toner reserve container 7.
The toner reserve container 7 is constituted by elements indicated by the reference numerals 7a to 7g.

In the first agitating and conveying chamber 7d, the second agitating and conveying chamber 7e, and the toner discharge chamber 7f in the toner reserve container 7, a first conveying member 8a, a second conveying member 8b, and a toner carrying out auger 8c are accommodated, respectively. Has been.
The first transport member 8a and the second transport member 8b are opposite in toner transport direction, and are in a circulation transport chamber (7d + 7e) composed of the first stirring transport chamber 7d and the second stirring transport chamber 7e. Thus, the toner is circulated and conveyed while being stirred.
Part of the circulated and conveyed toner is discharged from the toner discharge port 7g of the toner discharge chamber 7f by the toner discharge auger 8c.
Therefore, new toner supplied to the toner reserve container 7 by the toner cartridge TCk is stirred and circulated in the circulation and conveyance chamber (7d + 7e) by the first conveyance member 8a and the second conveyance member 8b. The toner is delivered to the toner discharge port 7g of the toner discharge chamber 7f by the toner discharge auger 8c and discharged from the toner discharge port 7g.

A toner supply pipe 9 is disposed below the toner reserve container 7 for each color. The inside of the toner supply pipe 9 communicates with the toner discharge port 7 g of the toner reserve container 7.
A supply screw 11 is rotatably disposed in each of the toner supply pipes 9. Gears G5y, G5m, G5c, and G5k that are rotationally driven by a toner supply / conveyance motor M3 (supply drive device) via a gear train, a clutch, and the like are mounted on the shafts of the supply screws 11.
Therefore, when the supply screw 11 is rotated by the toner supply / conveyance motor M3, the toner supplied to each toner supply pipe 9 is conveyed to the toner supply path 2 (2C + 2Y + 2M + 2K), and the toner supply path 2 (2C + 2Y + 2M + 2K) is supplied to the developing device G.

The rotation of the supply screw 11 by the toner supply / conveyance motor M3 is caused by a plurality of gears (not shown) meshed with the gears G5y, G5m, G5c, and G5k fixed to the shaft of the supply screw 11, and the toner reserve container. 7 is transmitted to the first conveying member 8a, the second conveying member 8b, and the toner carrying-out auger 8c.
Therefore, when the toner supply / conveyance motor M3 rotates, the first conveyance member 8a, the second conveyance member 8b, the toner carry-out auger 8c, and the supply screw 11 can rotate.
A toner supply path (2 + 7 + 9) is constituted by the toner reserve container 7, the toner supply pipe 9, and the toner supply path 2. The toner reserve container 7, the toner supply pipe 9, and the toner supply path 2 of Example 1 are configured in the same manner as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2000-131942 and 2000-231250.

(Toner cartridge)
4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of the toner cartridge of Example 1, FIG. 4A is a perspective view, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVB-IVB in FIG. 4A.
FIG. 5 is a view seen from the direction of arrow V in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a view seen from the direction of arrow VI in FIG.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view when the lower housing member is removed from the state of FIG.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view when the shutter member is removed from the state of FIG.

In the following description, the four color toner cartridges (toner containers) TCk, TCy, TCm, and TCc have the same configuration, so only the K (black) toner cartridge TCk will be described.
3, 4, and 5, the toner cartridge TCk of Example 1 includes an inner housing member (inner housing) 12 as a toner container body.
The inner housing member 12 includes a downwardly recessed storage chamber forming portion 12a, a semi-cylindrical discharge port forming portion 12b integrally formed continuously with a lower end of the storage chamber forming portion 12a, and the discharge port formation. And a cylindrical front end accommodating portion 12c (see FIG. 4B) formed at the front end of the portion 12b. A flange portion 12d that protrudes outward and extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is formed at the boundary between the storage chamber forming portion 12a and the discharge port forming portion 12b.
3 and 8, an inner toner discharge port 12e is formed at the rear lower portion of the discharge port forming portion 12b. An elastic seal member 13 made of an elastic material is fixed to the outer surface of the discharge port forming portion 12b so as to surround the inner toner discharge port 12e.
In FIG. 3, a toner storage chamber 12 f is formed inside the inner housing member 12.

3 and 4B, a coil-shaped toner stirring / conveying member 14 is accommodated in the toner accommodating chamber 12f.
The rear end surface of the inner housing member 12 is open, and a rear housing mounting member 16 that rotatably supports the rear end of the toner agitating and conveying member 14 is mounted (supported) on the rear end of the inner housing member 12. Has been. On the rear side of the rear housing mounting member 16, a coupling 17 that is connected to the toner stirring and conveying member 14 and transmits rotation is disposed.
Four claws are formed on the rear surface of the coupling 17 and engage with another pair of driving side couplings (not shown) when the toner cartridge is mounted. When the drive side coupling is rotated by driving a motor (not shown), the coupling 17 meshing with the drive side coupling and the toner stirring / conveying member 14 connected to the coupling 17 are rotated, and the inner housing member 12 is rotated. The toner inside is conveyed while stirring toward the toner discharge port 12d.

In FIG. 7, a shutter member 18 is disposed below the discharge port forming portion 12b. The shutter member 18 includes an arcuate plate-like handle connecting portion (moving member connecting portion) 18a extending from the front end to the rear end along the lower surface of the discharge port forming portion 12b, and a circumferential direction from the left rear portion of the handle connecting portion 18a. And an arcuate plate-shaped shielding portion 18b extending in the direction. In addition, the said shielding part 18b of Example 1 is formed thinner than the said handle | steering-wheel connection part 18a.
4B and 7, a cylindrical handle member 19 (shutter moving member) is rotatably mounted (supported) on the front end accommodating portion 12c. The handle member 19 includes a cylindrical cylindrical portion 19a, and an operation portion 19b formed at the front end of the cylindrical portion 19a for a user to hold and operate.
A handle connecting portion 18b of the shutter member 18 is connected to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 19a.

6 and 7, an outer housing member (outer housing) 21 is disposed outside the discharge port forming portion 12b and the shutter member 18.
The outer housing member 21 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape extending from the front end to the rear end so as to surround the discharge port forming portion 12b and the shutter member 18.
An outer toner discharge port 21 a is formed at a position corresponding to the inner toner discharge port 12 e of the inner housing member 12 at the lower rear portion of the outer housing member 21.
Further, a flange portion 21b that protrudes outward and extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is formed at the upper end portion of the discharge port forming portion 21a. The flange portion 21 b is fixedly supported by the flange portion 12 d of the inner housing member 12. The flange portions 12d and 21b according to the first exemplary embodiment also function as a guide when the toner cartridge TCk is attached to and detached from the cartridge support portion 6.

(Operation of Example 1)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a main part in a state where the shutter member of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment is moved to the shielding position.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a main part in a state where the shutter member of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment is moved to the communication position.
In FIG. 9, in the image forming apparatus U1 including the toner cartridge of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the shutter member 18 is held in the shielding position when the toner cartridge TCk is detached from the image forming apparatus U1. Is done. At the shielding position, the shielding portion 18b of the shutter member 18 blocks between the inner toner discharge port 12e and the outer toner discharge port 21a. In this state, the shielding portion 18b of the shutter member 18 contacts the elastic seal member 13 made of the elastic material, and the inner toner discharge port 12e is sealed.
When the shutter member 18 is in the shielding position, the shielding portion 18b of the shutter member 18 and the elastic seal member 13 seal the toner, and the toner in the inner housing member 12 can be sealed.
Therefore, toner leakage from the toner cartridge TCk can be prevented.

9 and 10, when the toner cartridge TCk is inserted into the image forming apparatus U1 and the operation member 19b is operated to rotate the handle member 19 in the communication direction YC (see FIG. 4), the handle member The shutter member 18 connected to 19 also rotates and moves from the shielding position shown in FIG. 9 to the communication position shown in FIG.
Therefore, the inner toner discharge port 12e, the outer toner discharge port 21a, and the toner inflow port 7b communicate with each other. When the toner stirring and conveying member 14 rotates in this state, toner is supplied to the toner reserve container 7 from the inner toner discharge port 12e and the outer toner discharge port 21a.

When the toner cartridge TCk is used up and is removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus U1 (when pulled out in the forward direction), when the handle member 19 is rotated in the shielding direction YD (see FIG. 4) by the user, The shutter member 18 moves from the communication position to the shielding position. At this time, the shutter member 18 moves to the shielding position and is sealed again by the shielding portion 18b of the shutter member 18 and the elastic seal member 13 while the toner near the inner toner discharge port 12e is worn away.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent toner leakage in the toner cartridge TCk when the toner cartridge TCk is removed.

In the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the shutter member 18 rotates the handle member 19 and moves between the shielding position and the communication position when the inner housing member 12 and the outer housing are moved. It is configured to be guided by the member 21.
Therefore, since the outer side of the shutter member 18 is covered by the outer housing member 21, the toner cartridge TCk is more resistant to external forces such as impact than the conventional technology in which the shutter member 18 is exposed to the outside. It is possible to prevent the shutter member 18 from being damaged due to vibration and impact during transportation, handling by the user, and the like.

Further, the toner cartridge TCk according to the first exemplary embodiment is moved between the shielding position and the communication position only by rotating the handle member 19 connected to the shutter member 18. Can do.
Therefore, the toner cartridge TCk can simplify the mechanism for moving the shutter member 18 between the shielding position and the communication position. Therefore, since the configuration is not complicated, it is strong against failure and breakage, and cost can be suppressed.

Further, in the toner cartridge TCk, the shutter member 18 can move between the shielding position and the communication position even if the storage chamber forming portion 12a of the inner housing member 12 is formed in a downwardly concave shape. As in the prior art (J02), it is not necessary to form the entire toner cartridge into a cylindrical shape.
Therefore, the toner cartridge TCk can freely form the shape of the upper inner housing member 12 regardless of the mechanism for moving the shutter member 18 between the shielding position and the communication position. It can be deformed according to the shape of U1.
As a result, the toner cartridge TCk can reduce the dead space of the main body of the image forming apparatus U1. Therefore, since the toner cartridge TCk can be configured with a small dead space, the small space can be used effectively, and the image forming apparatus U1 can be reduced in size. Further, the toner capacity of the toner cartridge TC can be increased by effectively using the small space.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the toner cartridge according to the second exemplary embodiment.
In the description of the second embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
11, in the toner cartridge TC (TCy + TCm + TCc + TCk) of the second embodiment, the inner housing member 12 (see FIG. 4) of the first embodiment in which the storage chamber forming portion 12a and the discharge port forming portion 12b are integrally formed. In contrast, the inner housing member 31 of the second embodiment has a semi-cylindrical discharge port forming member 32 in which the inner toner discharge port 12e is formed, and a storage chamber formed separately from the discharge port forming member 32. Member 33.
A lower flange 34 that protrudes outward and extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is integrally formed at the left and right upper ends of the discharge port forming member 32.
An upper flange 36 that protrudes outward and extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is integrally formed at the left and right lower ends of the storage chamber forming member 33, and the lower flange 34 and the upper flange 36 are joined to each other. Thus, the storage chamber forming member 33 is fixedly supported by the discharge port forming member 32.
The discharge port forming member 32 includes, as the storage chamber forming member 33, a downward-facing concave standard storage chamber forming member 33a, a large capacity storage chamber forming member 33b having a height higher than the standard storage chamber forming member 33a, Any one of the trapezoidal cylindrical trapezoidal chamber forming members 33c can be mounted.
Therefore, in the toner cartridge TC according to the second exemplary embodiment, the toner storage chamber 12f is configured by an internal space surrounded by the discharge port forming member 32 and the storage chamber forming member 33.

(Operation of Example 2)
In the toner cartridge TC of Example 2 having the above-described configuration, the inner housing member (inner housing) 31 is configured as a separate body by the discharge port forming member 32 and the storage chamber forming member 33, and the storage The chamber forming member 33 can be replaced with the standard type containing chamber forming member 33a, the large capacity containing chamber forming member 33b, and the trapezoid type containing chamber forming member 33c.
Therefore, the toner cartridge TC can freely constitute the storage chamber forming member 33 according to the shape and use of the image forming apparatus U1. Therefore, the toner cartridge TCk can reduce the dead space of the main body of the image forming apparatus U1. As a result, since the toner cartridge TCk can be configured with a small dead space, the small space can be effectively used, and the size of the image forming apparatus U1 can be reduced. Further, the toner capacity of the toner cartridge TC can be increased by effectively using the small space.

Moreover, the said discharge port formation member 32 is comprised similarly to the said discharge port formation part 12b of Example 1, and the other structural member is also comprised similarly to Example 1. FIG.
Therefore, the shape of the toner cartridge TC can be changed only by changing the storage chamber forming member 33. As a result, since the discharge port forming member 32 of the inner housing member 31 can be shared, the cost of the inner housing member 31 can be suppressed while maintaining the simple mechanism of the first embodiment.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Examples of modifications of the present invention are illustrated below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the copying machine as the image forming apparatus has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a FAX, a printer, or a multifunction machine having all or a plurality of functions may be used. Further, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a color image forming apparatus, and may be configured by a monochrome image forming apparatus. The present invention is not limited to a so-called rotary image forming apparatus, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a tandem type. is there.

(H02) In the above embodiment, the material of the shutter member 18 is preferably a metal from the viewpoint of strength against an external force, but is not limited to a metal, and other materials can be used. For example, the shutter member 18 can be applied to any material such as glass, plastic, elastic rubber, or the like. Further, when the shutter member 18 is made of a transparent material such as tempered glass, plastic, or elastic rubber, it is possible to check the color or remaining amount of toner in the toner storage chamber 12f.

(H03) In the embodiment, when the toner cartridge TC is shipped, a seal may be attached to the outer toner discharge port 21a and the exposed shielding portion 18b to close the outer toner discharge port. In this case, even if the handle member 19 is rotated for some reason and the shutter member 18 is moved from the shielding position to the communication position, the outer toner discharge port is blocked by the seal. Can be prevented.

(H04) In the embodiment, the toner cartridge TC can also lock the handle member 19 in the shielding position until it is inserted into the image forming apparatus U1. For example, a movable claw for locking the rear end of the shutter member 18 at the shielding position is provided, and the claw engages with a lock release member of the main body when mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus U1. The rear end of the shutter member 18 can be unlocked. In this case, since the handle member 19 is rotated and the shutter member 18 cannot be moved from the shielding position to the communication position, toner leakage until the toner cartridge TC is loaded into the image forming apparatus U1 can be prevented. it can.

(H05) In the embodiment, when the toner cartridge TC is detached from the image forming apparatus U1, the toner cartridge TC cannot be pulled out when the shutter member 18 is in the communication position and does not move to the shielding position. It is also possible to incorporate a lock mechanism that prevents it from being pulled out. For example, a pin that can rotate integrally with the shutter member 18 is provided, and a retaining member that does not engage with the pin at the shielding position and engages with the pin at the communication position is provided on the frame of the image forming apparatus U1 main body. Can do. In this case, the toner cartridge TC cannot be pulled out from the image forming apparatus U1 until the handle member 19 is rotated and the shutter member 18 is moved from the shielding position to the communication position. It is possible to prevent the toner cartridge TC from being drawn out and contaminated with toner in a state where the outlet 21a is in communication.

(H06) In the embodiment, the shutter member 18 includes the handle connecting portion 18a and the shielding portion 18b, and the shielding portion 18b is formed thinner than the handle connecting portion 18a. It is also possible to form the same thickness as the handle member 18a.

(H07) In the above embodiment, the elastic seal member 13 is provided at the inner toner discharge port so that the toner in the toner storage chamber 12f is sealed in contact with the shielding portion 18b of the shutter member 18. It can be omitted.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an image forming apparatus to which a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment of a powder container of the present invention is mounted. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the rotary developing device of the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion according to the first exemplary embodiment and the developing unit at the development position. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of the toner cartridge of Example 1, FIG. 4A is a perspective view, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVB-IVB in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5 is a view seen from the direction of arrow V in FIG. FIG. 6 is a view seen from the direction of arrow VI in FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view when the lower housing member is removed from the state of FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view when the shutter member is removed from the state of FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a main part in a state where the shutter member of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment is moved to the shielding position. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a main part in a state where the shutter member of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment is moved to the communication position. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the toner cartridge according to the second exemplary embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12, 31 ... Inner housing 12e ... Inner toner discharge port 12f ... Toner storage chamber 13 ... Elastic seal member 18 ... Shutter member 18a ... Moving member connection part 18b ... Shielding member 19 ... Shutter moving member 21a ... Outer toner discharge port 21 ... Outer side Housing 32 ... Discharge port forming member 33 ... Storage chamber forming member TC ... Toner container U1 ... Image forming apparatus

Claims (4)

An inner housing in which a toner storage chamber for storing toner and an inner toner discharge port for discharging toner in the toner storage chamber are formed, and a discharge port forming member in which the toner discharge port is formed; A discharge chamber forming member and a storage chamber forming member that are configured separately from the discharge port forming member and supported by the discharge port forming member and having an interior communicating with the discharge port forming member. The inner housing in which the toner storage chamber is constituted by a space surrounded by members ;
An outer toner discharge port communicating with the inner toner discharge port, and an arcuate outer housing fixedly supported by the discharge port forming member of the inner housing;
The communication unit is disposed between the inner housing and the outer housing, and blocks communication between the inner toner discharge port and the outer toner discharge port, and communication between the inner toner discharge port and the outer toner discharge port. A shutter member that moves between a shield position and the shutter member that moves in an arc along the arcuate outer housing ;
A shutter moving member connected to the shutter member and moving the shutter member between the communication position and the shielding position;
A flange portion provided at a boundary portion between the storage chamber forming member and the discharge port forming member and projecting outward, the flange portion being guided when being attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus;
A toner container comprising: An elastic seal member that is supported by an outer peripheral edge of the inner toner discharge port and prevents the toner from leaking when the shutter member moved to the shielding position comes into contact;
The toner container according to claim 1, further comprising: A plate-like moving member connecting portion connected to the shutter moving member, and a plate-like shielding portion disposed between the inner toner outlet and the outer toner outlet at the shielding position, The shutter member having the shielding portion with a plate thickness thinner than the moving member connecting portion;
The toner container according to claim 2 , further comprising: An image forming apparatus comprising the toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images