JPH1063084A - Toner bottle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate a side shift, to stably feed toner, and to make the constitution of a driving system simple by providing projections for the rotary force transmission to the toner bottle in the axial direction, outside the bottom part and at positions apart from the central axis line of a cylindrical shape. SOLUTION: This toner bottle provided with the axial direction projections 38c and 38c' for the rotary force transmission to the toner bottle, severally composed of square pillar projection part, at the positions apart from the central axis line O-O of the cylindrical shape outside the bottom part 38-2. In this example, the axial direction projections 38c and 38c' is respectively composed of the square pillar projection parts, however, it may be any projection capable of engaging with a joint rotating with the center at the axial line O. Then, the toner bottle 38 can be rotated by rotating the joint. In such a manner, by composing the axial direction projection for transmitting the rotary force on the bottom part side 38-2 instead of the toner discharging port part side, the vibration on the port part 38a side can be minimized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toner bottle used for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer and a facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a so-called electrostatic image forming apparatus,
The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor is visualized by the attachment of toner supplied from the developing device, is transferred to a recording sheet, and becomes a recorded material through a fixing process, and is discharged out of the apparatus. . Since the toner is consumed by the development, the consumed amount is replenished by the toner replenishing device. In the toner replenishing device, a so-called toner bottle containing toner is provided detachably, and when the toner bottle becomes empty, it is replaced with a new toner bottle filled with toner prepared in advance.

The toner bottle has a cylindrical main body, a closed bottom at one end of the main body, and a finely squeezed toner discharge opening at the other end of the main body. An inner wall extending from the main body to the mouth is provided with a spiral groove for toner transfer formed continuously from the main body on the bottom side toward the mouth, and the spiral groove is rotated by rotation. The toner of the main body is sent to the outside, that is, to the developing device through the mouth.

[0004] As described above, the toner bottle is rotated by the action of an external force.
Obtained from the mouth side. For example, a projection is formed on a narrow portion of a step on the mouth side, a so-called shoulder portion, and the projection is formed on the projection.
The toner bottle is rotated by engaging a rotatable driving claw, which is incorporated in the toner supply device and connected to a driving source. A driven gear fitted to the outer periphery of the toner bottle is provided at a position near the mouth of the main body, and a rotating drive gear connected to a drive source is meshed with this gear to rotate the toner bottle. I have.

[0005]

However, in the technique described above, the portion near the mouth is a portion where the toner feeding mechanism is provided in a complicated manner. However, arranging the toner bottles has problems that the structure becomes complicated, the size of the apparatus is hindered, the bottom side of the toner bottle easily swings, and stable supply of toner becomes difficult.

In the technique described above, since the toner bottle is rotated by meshing with a driving gear adjacent to the driven gear, the toner bottle receives a force that tends to shift in the direction perpendicular to the axis due to the rotational moment. If the toner bottle is simply mounted in the concave groove, the toner bottle floats up or shifts sideways, preventing normal rotation. In order to prevent such a shift, it is necessary to surround and support the entire periphery of the toner bottle. However, in this case, the operation of attaching and detaching the toner bottle cannot be performed easily.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a toner bottle which can solve the above problems.

[0008]

The present invention has the following configuration to achieve the above object. (1) A container for accommodating toner, a cylindrical main body, a closed bottom at one end of the main body, and a narrowed toner discharge at the other end of the main body. And a spiral groove for toner transfer formed continuously from the main body portion on the bottom side toward the mouth portion on an inner wall from the main body portion to the mouth portion. A toner bottle that is configured to send the toner of the main body portion to the outside through the mouth portion by the spiral groove with rotation, wherein the toner is located outside the bottom portion and away from the central axis of the cylindrical shape. An axial projection for transmitting torque to the bottle is provided (claim 1).

(2) In the toner bottle according to (1), a center for center positioning protruding outward in the longitudinal direction of the axis from the axial projection outside the bottom portion on the central axis. (Claim 2).

(3) In the toner bottle described in (1) or (2), a ring having a predetermined width in the longitudinal direction of the shaft is rotatable, and the ring is rotated with respect to the toner bottle during the rotation. It was fitted to the convex outer diameter portion of the bottom by a fitting means so as not to shift in the longitudinal direction (claim 3).

(4) In the toner bottle described in (3), the predetermined width of the ring is such that an outer end surface of the ring in the axial longitudinal direction is located outside the center relative to the center. (Claim 4).

(5) In the toner bottle described in (3), a radial projection is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the ring so as to protrude in a radial direction and engage with a concave portion of the immovable member. ).

(6) In the toner bottle described in (3), the ring is provided with a projection for preventing interchangeability of the toner bottle.

(7) In the toner bottle described in (3), the fitting means comprises a stopper provided on an inner diameter portion of the ring, an elastic claw, and the convex outer diameter portion. The convex outer diameter portion is sandwiched between the claws (claim 7).

(8) In the toner bottle described in (7), the convex outer diameter portion has a diameter smaller than that of the main body portion, and the convex outer diameter portion is provided with the ring fitted in the toner bottle. The convex outer diameter portion is smaller in diameter than the main body portion so that an end face formed by a difference in diameter between the convex outer diameter portion and the main body portion can cover the elastic claw. Item 8).

(9) In the toner bottle according to (1), a part of the main body closer to the bottom than the mouth supports the toner bottle and rotates integrally with the toner bottle. Forming a cylindrical intermediate portion for fitting the toner discharged from the mouth into a cylindrical bottle holding member for guiding the toner to a predetermined portion. A small projection is provided at the inner diameter portion of the toner receiving table so as to be centered and rotatably positioned (claim 9).

(10) In the toner bottle according to (1), the toner bottle is supported between the mouth and the main body, and is rotated integrally with the toner bottle and discharged from the mouth. A cylindrical intermediate portion is formed for fitting the formed toner to a cylindrical bottle holding member for guiding the toner to a predetermined portion, and the end surface on the mouth side of the intermediate portion is provided on the bottle holding member. A driving claw for transmitting the rotational force is formed (claim 10).

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(1) Toner replenishing device equipped with toner bottle The toner bottle according to the present invention is used, for example, in an image forming apparatus described below. Therefore, a toner bottle used in the image forming apparatus and the toner replenishing apparatus will be described together with the image forming apparatus and the toner replenishing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a process cartridge 4 detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus main body (not shown) and a toner supply device 6 detachably mounted on the process cartridge 4. Provided,
In the process cartridge 4, a photoconductor 8 as an image carrier and a developing device 10 are integrally housed.

Around the photosensitive member 8, there are provided a charging roller 12, a transfer roller 14, a cleaning blade 16 and the like.
0, a developing sleeve 22, a doctor blade 24, and the like. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 26 denotes a toner recycling belt, and reference numeral 28 denotes a toner density sensor.

The image forming operation is performed as follows. The photoconductor 8 is neutralized by the neutralizing light 32 and has a surface potential of 0 to -15.
It is averaged to a reference potential of 0V. Next, it is charged by the charging roller 12, and the surface potential becomes around -1100V. Next, the portion (image portion) exposed by the exposure light 34 and irradiated with the light has a surface potential of 0 to -290 V. Since a bias voltage of about -800 V is applied to the developing sleeve 22, the toner on the developing sleeve 22 adheres to the image portion.

The photoreceptor 8 on which the toner image has been formed is rotated, and the transfer paper is fed from a paper supply unit (not shown) at a timing such that the leading end of the paper and the leading end of the image coincide with each other at the transfer roller 14. The toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 8 is transferred to the transfer paper by the roller 14. Thereafter, the transfer paper is sent to a fixing unit (not shown), and the toner is fused to the transfer paper by heat and pressure and discharged as a copy. The residual toner remaining on the photoreceptor 8 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 16, and then the residual charge of the photoreceptor 8 is removed by the charge removing light 32, so that the photoreceptor 8 is in a flat state without toner, and the process proceeds to the next image forming step again. .

The above-described photosensitive member 8, charging roller 12, developing device 10, cleaning blade 16 and the like are housed in a case around the photosensitive member. The residual toner collected by the cleaning device having the cleaning blade 16 is conveyed by a toner conveying coil provided coaxially with the pulley 29 to a position of a toner recycling belt 26 provided at a position in a direction penetrating the paper surface. Then, the stirring screws 18 and 2 are rotated by the toner recycling belt 26.
The developer is sent to the developer agitating section having 0, and the toner is recycled.

Next, the developing device 10 will be described. The developing sleeve 22 has a fixed shaft in which five-pole magnets are arranged, and the outer peripheral surface is covered with a non-magnetic pipe material.
As the pipe material rotates, the developer is transferred to the developing sleeve 2.
2 Move up. The developer is a two-component type composed of a small iron ball called a carrier and toner. The developer circulates while being stirred by the stirring screws 18 and 20, whereby the toner has a charge, adheres to the carrier and is carried to the surface of the photoconductor 8, and can be adhered to the photoconductor 8 by the action of electrostatic force. Of the developer, the carrier circulates, but the toner is consumed because it adheres to the image portion on the photoconductor 8. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish as appropriate. If the supply amount of the developer to the photoreceptor 8 is not constant, an image density defect or density unevenness occurs. Therefore, the doctor blade 24 that regulates the flow amount of the developer is provided.

As shown in FIG. 15, the toner supply device 6 generally includes a toner bottle 38 as a toner container.
And the toner bottle 3
8 and a bottle holding member 44 mounted on the toner hopper portion 40 and rotating integrally with the toner bottle 38. The bottle holding member 44 has a plurality of pushing members 46. I have. The toner hopper 40 has an opening 48 formed therein.
A replenishing amount regulating member 50 having an elasticity for making the toner replenishing amount appropriate is provided on the outer surface of the device. A toner introduction cover 52 is attached outside the opening 48, and a toner supply port 54 that opens horizontally is formed at the lower end of the toner introduction cover 52.

On the other hand, on the process cartridge 4 side, the upper position of the stirring screw 20 of the developing device 10 is
A toner receiving port 56 which is also opened horizontally is formed.
And the toner receiving port 56 are opposed to each other.

When the toner bottle 38 rotates, the toner flows out of the mouth 38a into the toner hopper 40 as shown by the arrow A. This toner is pushed by the pushing member 46 of the bottle holding member 44 along with the rotation of the toner bottle along with the arrow B.
, And enters the toner introduction cover 52 through the opening 48 in the direction of arrow C, and passes through the toner supply port 54 and the toner receiving port 56 which are in communication with each other, as shown by arrow D. It is replenished into 10. The toner supply port 54 and the toner receiving port 56 are each opened and closed by a shutter member described later.

Next, the toner replenishing device 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 will be described.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the components of the toner supply device 6. The toner bottle 38 is connected to a rear plate 58 of the apparatus main body (FIG. 1).
8, the driving unit 60 fixed to FIG. The drive section 60 is composed of a joint section 62, a spring 64, a case section 66 containing a motor and a shaft, and a concave section 62a and a convex section 62b, 62b are formed at the end of the joint 62 so as to fit into a cylinder. I have. Correspondingly, on the bottom (rear end) of the toner bottle 38, a center 38b composed of a columnar convex portion that enters the concave portion 62a of the joint 62, and a prismatic convex portion that engages the side surfaces of the convex portions 62b and 62b '. Are formed in the axial direction. The position of the bottom of the toner bottle 38 is held by fitting the center 38b into the concave portion 62a, and the axial protrusions 38c, 38c 'with respect to the convex portions 62b, 62b'.
, The rotation of the toner bottle 38 is obtained. As shown in FIG. 19, when the joint 62 of the driving unit 60 rotates in the direction of arrow E, the toner bottle 38 also rotates in the same direction.

A spiral groove 38D is formed on the inner wall of the toner bottle 38 from the bottom toward the mouth. The spiral groove on the inner wall appears on the outer periphery as a spiral groove 38d. By rotating the toner bottle, the toner is guided by the spiral groove 38D, and the toner is discharged from the mouth 38a. This toner opening 38
a is provided with a cap 68 for preventing the toner from being discharged when not in use.

A plurality of ribs 44a are integrally formed on the distal end side of the bottle holding member 44, and the extruding member 46 is attached to these ribs 44a with a double-sided tape or the like. The pushing member 46 is made of an elastic material such as mylar or rubber. A rib 44 is provided on a portion of the inner wall surface of the bottle holding member 44 facing the end surface of the intermediate portion of the toner bottle 38.
b is formed.

On the other hand, the main body portion, which is a cylindrical large-diameter portion of the toner bottle 38, and the mouth portion whose diameter is reduced are connected by an intermediate portion having an intermediate diameter. Driving claws 38q, 38q 'are provided on an end surface on the mouth side, a so-called shoulder portion.
Are formed. These driving claws 38q and 38q 'engage the ribs 44b, and rotate the bottle holding member 44 by the rotation of the toner bottle 38.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 70 denotes a cap 68.
Shows a collet chuck for picking up and releasing, and is incorporated in a cylindrical case 72 and integrated with a shaft member 76 by a screw 74. Reference numeral 78 denotes a sealing material, reference numeral 80 denotes a sealing member, and reference numeral 82 denotes a coil spring that constantly presses a series of components such as a collet chuck 70, a cylindrical case 72, and a shaft member 76 toward the toner bottle 38. These assembled parts are held in the toner hopper section 40. Reference numeral 84 denotes a handle for opening and closing the cap 68. The integrally formed shaft portion 84a is supported by a shaft hole 42a formed at the tip of the toner receiving table 42 and is rotatable.

Reference numeral 86 denotes a slide shaft which enters a hole 76a formed in the shaft member 76 and is in contact with a cam portion 84b formed in the handle 84, and rotates the handle 84 in the direction F shown in FIG. The collet chuck 7
When a series of components such as 0 is slid in a direction away from the toner bottle 38, the cap 68 comes out of the mouth 38a, and the toner in the toner bottle 38 can be discharged into the toner hopper 40 (FIGS. 20, 21). . Details of this will be described later.

Next, a shutter member for opening and closing the toner supply port 54 in FIG. 15 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the supply amount regulating member 50 provided in the opening 48 of the toner hopper section 40 is formed of an elastic material such as mylar or rubber, and has a slit hole 50a (an elongated rectangular hole). By setting the width of the slit hole 50a, the toner supply amount is made appropriate. The supply amount regulating member 50 is attached to the opening 48 with a double-sided tape or the like.

A toner supply port 54 (FIG. 17) is provided inside the toner introduction cover 52 attached outside the opening 48.
A shutter member 88 for opening and closing the toner supply port 54 is provided so as to be movable up and down, that is, in a vertical state (intersecting state) with respect to the toner supply port 54 which is opened horizontally. The shutter member 88 is composed of a bendable elastic member 90 as a shutter body, a support member 92 for supporting the same, and a columnar protrusion 94 integrally formed with the support member 92. Reference numeral 92 denotes a spring member 96 for urging the shutter member 88 to be always closed.
In this embodiment, the elastic member 90 is formed of a polyester film such as Mylar, and is attached to the support member 92 with a double-sided tape or the like. The toner introduction cover 52 is formed with a movement hole 52a through which the protrusion 94 moves.

As shown in FIG. 17, a toner supply port 54 is formed on the bottom of the toner introduction cover 52, and arc-shaped guide portions 98, 98 for guiding the elastic member 90 of the shutter member 88 are integrally formed. Is formed. Further, a sponge seal member 100 as an elastic seal member for preventing the toner from being scattered by penetrating the distal end of the elastic member 90 is provided at the end side of the guide portion 98. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 104 displayed near the opening 48 indicates a second guide rib projecting in a trapezoidal shape in a horizontal direction for driving a second shutter member described later, and reference numeral 106 indicates an elastic member 90. 2 shows a deformation regulating guide that supports the rear side of the.

As shown in FIG. 18, the toner receiving table 42 is guided by a guide plate 108 so as to be detachable in the direction of arrow G. The guide plate 108 is shown on the apparatus main body rear side plate 58 and the apparatus main body front side plate 59. Not fixed with screws. At the end of the guide plate 108, a stopper 112 for retaining is supported by a leaf spring 110 fixed to the guide plate 108, and the toner supply device 6 is mounted with the stopper 112 pressed down. Stopper 1 after mounting
When the cover 12 is returned, the stopper 112 is engaged with the distal end of the receiving table 42, and the toner replenishing device 6 is held in a retaining state as shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 shows a state in which the toner supply device 6 is connected to the guide plate 10.
6 shows a state extracted from FIG. In the assembled state,
The side portions 42m and 42n are the guides 108 of the guide plate 108.
m, 108n. FIG. 18 shows the toner receiving tray 42
The toner bottle 38 is attached to and detached from the toner supply device 6 in a state where the toner bottle 38 is pulled out to a state close to the state shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the stopper 42e is formed by the stepped portion 42e formed on the toner receiving table 42 being caught by the notch 108a formed on the guide plate 108. The step portion 42d is caught by the notch of the guide 108m, but this notch is hidden by the apparatus body front side plate 59 and cannot be seen.

As shown in FIG. 18, the toner bottle 38 is placed on the toner receiving table 42, and the toner replenishing device 6 is pushed into the apparatus main body and set. In this case, the toner supply device 6
Before pushing the shutter member 88, the shutter member 88
When the toner supply port 54 formed at the bottom of the toner introduction cover 52 is closed by the urging force, the elastic member 90 bends along the arcuate guide portion 98, and its tip bites into the sponge seal member 100. I have. For this reason, the gap between the opening 48 of the toner hopper section 40 and the toner supply port 54 is sealed so as not to cause toner leakage.

When the toner replenishing device 6 is pushed in from this state, the cylindrical portion of the projection 94 formed integrally with the support member 92 comes into contact with the guide rib provided on the main body of the process cartridge 4. It is pushed up against the biasing force of the spring member 96 and finally stops at the flat top of the guide rib. With this operation, the elastic member 90 also rises (retreats) along the guide portion 98, the toner supply port 54 is opened, and the developing device 10 and the toner replenishing device 6 are in communication. When the toner replenishing device 6 is pulled out, the protrusion 94 is lowered, so that the shutter member 88 is automatically moved in the closing direction by the urging force of the spring member 96, and the elastic member 90 is moved.
Is bent from the vertical state along the toner supply port 54 to be in the closed state.

FIG. 20 shows a state in which the toner supply port 54 and the toner receiving port 56 are open, that is, a state in which the toner supply device 6 and the process cartridge 4 are mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. 20, an intermediate portion 38-3 (see FIG. 2) of the toner bottle 38 is engaged with the spherical small projection 38f by contact with the inner diameter portion 44d of the bottle holding member 44 and is engaged with the hopper portion 40. It is positioned by the contact of the bottle holding member 44 with the rib 44b.

From this state, as shown in FIG. 19, when the handle 84 is turned downward as shown by an arrow F,
The cam portion 84b (FIG. 16) pulls the slide shaft 86 in the direction of arrow J as shown in FIG. Thereby, the shaft member 7
6 also starts to move in the J direction, and the collet chuck 70 comes into contact with the projection 72a of the cylindrical case 72, whereby the collet chuck 70 starts closing and the cap 6
Pick 8 In this state, the movement in the J direction further proceeds, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cap 68 of the toner bottle 38 is removed by the collet chuck 70, and the toner Tn in the toner bottle 38 can flow into the toner hopper unit 40 assembled on the toner receiving table 42.

The toner is supplied by detecting the toner density in the developing device 10 by the toner density sensor 28 (FIG. 15). When the detected value becomes equal to or lower than the reference density, the driving unit 60 operates to rotate the joint 62 in the direction of arrow E as shown in FIG. As a result, the joint 62 is engaged with the bottom of the toner bottle 38, and the toner bottle 38 also rotates in the same direction. When the toner bottle 38 rotates, the toner is discharged from the mouth 38 a and accumulates in the toner hopper 40. On the other hand, by the rotation of the toner bottle 38, the driving claws 38q and 38q 'formed on the mouth side end surface of the intermediate portion 38-3 of the toner bottle 38 engage with the rib 44b integrated with the bottle holding member 44 and Push.
Thus, the pushing member 46 integrated with the bottle holding member 44 slides and rotates on the inner wall surface of the toner hopper 40. By the rotation of the pushing member 46, the toner Tn accumulated in the toner hopper 40 is scraped up.

When the pushing member 46 passes through the slit hole of the supply amount regulating member 50, the toner is pushed out of the slit hole. The extruded toner falls in the toner introduction cover 52 and passes through the toner supply port 54 and the toner receiving port 56 which are located below and are in an open state.
Will be replenished within.

(2) Toner Bottle The toner bottle according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate the basic configuration of a toner bottle according to all claims according to the present invention. FIGS. 9 to 14 show toner bottles in which the value of use is increased by combining a member called a ring with the toner bottle having the above-described basic configuration, and a toner bottle relating to claims 3 to 8 will be described. It was done.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the basic structure of the toner bottle 38. In FIG. 1, arrows a to e show several viewpoints for grasping the toner bottle. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the shape of the toner bottle 38 when viewed from the front as indicated by arrow a. Similarly, FIG. 3 is a rear view of the shape as viewed from the back as viewed from arrow b, and FIG. 4 is a right side view of the shape as viewed from the right side as viewed as arrow c. FIG. 5 is a left side view showing the shape when viewed from the left side, and FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the shape when viewed from the top as shown by arrow e, and the shape when viewed from below as shown by arrow f. FIG. 8 is a bottom view, and FIG. 6 is an end view of a cross section taken along line KK of FIG.

A. Example Corresponding to Claim 1 In FIGS. 1 to 14, reference numeral 38-1 denotes a cylindrical main body. One end of the main body is sealed. This sealed portion is referred to as a bottom 38-2. Of the other end of the main body 38-1, the narrowed portion forms a toner discharge port 38a. Main unit 38-1
A spiral groove 38 </ b> D for toner conveyance formed continuously from the main body 38-1 on the bottom part 38-2 toward the mouth 38 a is formed on the inner wall from to the mouth 38 a. The spiral groove 38D appears as 38d on the outer peripheral surface.

In FIGS. 1 to 6, for convenience of explanation, the mouth 38a is shown with the upper side thereof.
As shown in FIG. 21, it is used by being attached to the toner replenishing device so that the mouth 38a faces the horizontal direction. Therefore,
In accordance with the rotation of the toner bottle 38, the toner in the toner bottle 38 is guided to the spiral groove 38D and sent out through the opening 38a.

At the position outside the bottom 38-2 and away from the cylindrical central axis OO, a prismatic projection is formed as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8 to transmit the rotational force to the toner bottle. Axial projections 38c, 38c 'are formed. In this example, the axial projections 38c and 38c 'are formed of prismatic protrusions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any shape may be used as long as the protrusions 62b and 62b' serving as a driving force of the rotational force can be easily engaged. As shown in FIG. 14, any protrusion may be used as long as it engages with the protrusions 62b, 62b ′ of the joint 60 that rotates about the axis O. By rotating the joint 60 in the direction of the arrow E in this manner, the projection 62b and the axial projection 38c and / or the projection 62b 'and the axial projection 38c' are engaged, and the toner bottle 38 is rotated. Will be done. In this case, it goes without saying that the opening 38a is rotatably supported by the support means.

As described above, since the axial projection for transmitting the rotational force is formed on the bottom side 38-2, not on the side of the mouth from which the toner is discharged, the vibration on the side of the mouth 38a can be minimized. . Further, two axial projections 38 are provided around the center axis line OO and are spaced from the center axis line OO, so that a rotational force close to a couple is applied. 38 does not receive the force to protrude in the radial direction, and therefore, measures for preventing protruding are unnecessary or reduced, so that the toner can be supplied stably with a simple configuration.

B. Example corresponding to claim 2 Outside the bottom 38-2 and on the central axis OO,
A column-shaped center 38b for center positioning protruding by Δt is provided outside the axial projections 38c, 38c 'in the longitudinal direction of the axis. This center 38b is shown in FIG.
As described with reference to FIG. 18, the position of the bottom of the toner bottle 38 is maintained by fitting the joint 62 into the concave portion 62a.
The fact that the relationship protrudes by Δt outward in the axial longitudinal direction from 38c 'has the following meaning.

That is, the rotation stop position of the joint 62 is unstable. Therefore, when the toner bottle 38 is mounted, the protrusions 62b, 62 'and the axial protrusions 38c,
There may be a mode where the positions of 38c 'overlap. In this case, the projections 62b, 62 'and the axial projections 38c, 38c'
Cannot be engaged to transmit the rotational force. However, as in this example, the height of the center 38 b is
If it is higher than 8c, 38c ', the center 38b will fit into the recess 62a only at its tip, so that the protrusions 62b, 62' and the axial protrusion 38
Even if the positions of c and 38c 'overlap, by rotating the joint 62 in that state, the positions of the convex portions 62b and 62' are shifted from the axial protrusions 38c and 38c '.

On the other hand, since the joint 62 is urged by the spring 64, when the position of the projections 62b, 62 'deviates from the axial projections 38c, 38c', the joint 62 is automatically placed between the axial projections 38c, 38c '. The rotation of the joint 62 makes it possible to apply a rotational force to the toner bottle 38 as shown in FIG. Therefore, according to this example, it is not necessary to perform control such as stopping the shore 62 at a specific rotation position.

C. A portion closer to the bottom 38-2 than the mouth 38a supports the toner bottle 38 and rotates together with the toner bottle 38 to discharge toner discharged from the mouth 38a. And a cylindrical intermediate portion 38-3 for fitting to a cylindrical bottle holding member 44 for guiding to a portion of the same. The intermediate portion 38-3 is a part of the main body 38-1, but has a smaller diameter than the other main body and a larger diameter than the mouth 38a. Naturally, the spiral groove 38D is also provided on the inner wall of the intermediate portion 38-3.
Are formed.

As described with reference to FIG. 20, the outer diameter portion of the intermediate portion 38-3 is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the bottle holding member 44 and is held without displacement with respect to the center of rotation of the bottle holding member 44. Small projection 38f is provided. The small projections 38f are provided corresponding to positions where the circumference is divided at equal intervals in order to uniformly contact the inner peripheral surface of the bottle holding member 44. In this example, four small projections 38f are provided at 90 ° intervals. The number may be four or more or less, but in order to stabilize the position, the minimum value is three and the interval is 120 °. The size of the small projection 38f is determined by the relationship between the diameter of the intermediate portion 38-3 and the inner diameter of the bottle holding member 44. The degree of contact with the bottle holding member 44 depends on the toner bottle 38.
Considering the ease of attachment and detachment, it is preferable that the contact pressure does not become too strong.

As described above, since the small projection 38f is accurately held on the inner diameter of the bottle holding member 44, the main body 38-1 of the toner bottle 38 is attached to the toner receiving table 42.
The center is centered on the curved inner diameter portion for supporting the toner bottle formed in the above, and the positioning is performed rotatably. Therefore, since the toner bottle 38 rotates without swinging, the toner can be stably supplied.

D. An example corresponding to claim 10 Of the intermediate portion 38-3, the driving claw 38q, 3 protruding in the direction of the central axis OO is provided on the end face on the side of the mouth 38a, that is, on the shoulder.
8q 'is formed. These driving claws 38q, 38
q ′ engages with the bottle holding member 44, more specifically, the rib 44 b that rotates integrally with the bottle holding member 44 to rotate the pushing member 46. Drive claws 38q, 38q '
Are provided facing each other in the diameter direction of the intermediate portion 38-3. These driving claws 38q and 38q 'transmit the rotation of the toner bottle 38 to the toner holding member 44 via the rib 44b.

Since the driving claws 38q, 38q 'and the ribs 44b are formed of small pieces, the probability of the toner bottle 38 being hit in the axial direction when the toner bottle 38 is moved in the axial direction is reduced. By the rotation of the toner holding member 44, the pushing member 46 rotates, and the toner hopper 4
The toner ejected into the nozzle 0 is scraped up, and flows out from the opening 48 to the developing device 10 through the toner supply port 54.

As described above, with the structure of the simple driving claws 38q and 38q 'protruding from the end face of the intermediate portion 38-3, the toner in the toner hopper 40 can be rotated without the need for another driving means. Can be automatically guided to the outside of the toner hopper.

E. Examples corresponding to claims 3 and 7 A ring 120 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is provided on the bottom 38-2 of the toner bottle 38 described with reference to FIGS.
The ring 120 is rotatable and can be rotated during the rotation.
Can be fitted to the toner bottle 38 without shifting in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. FIG.
0 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line PP of FIG. 10 (b). In FIGS. 9 and 10, the fitting means for fitting so as not to cause the displacement is formed on the convex outer diameter portion 38-2a formed on the bottom portion 38-2 and the inner diameter portion of the ring 120. Three elastic claw members 120-1a, 120-1b,
120-1c and three stoppers 120-1A, 120-1B, 120-1C formed on the inner diameter of the ring 120.
And so on. A groove is formed between the convex outer diameter portion 38-2a and the main body portion 38-1, as indicated by reference numeral 38-4 in FIG.

Three elastic claw members 120-1a, 120-
1b and 120-1c are located at equally divided three positions on the inner circumference of the ring 120, and are made of a cantilevered elastic member having one end integrated with the ring main body. These adjacent elastic claw members 120-1a, 120-1b, 120-1c
, A cantilever-shaped stopper holding member is located between the three stopper holding members.
0-1A, 120-1B, and 120-1C are formed. These three elastic claw members 120-1a, 120-
Although the base end portions of 1b, 120-1c and the three stopper holding members are divided through slits,
A circular inner peripheral surface is formed as a whole, and a convex outer diameter portion 38-2 is formed.
When fitted to the outer diameter of "a", it is formed to be slidably rotatable without causing rotational runout.

Three elastic claw members 120-1a, 120-
The free ends of 1b and 120-1c have a hook-like shape bent inward. As shown by an arrow Q in FIG. 9, by pushing the ring 120 into the convex outer diameter portion 38-2a,
The ring 120 can be attached to the toner bottle 38. At this time, three elastic claw members 120-1 are attached.
a, the free end sides of 120-1b and 120-1c bend,
The nail part gets over the convex outer diameter part 38-2a, and the groove 38-
Get inside 4. At this time, the three elastic claw members 120-
1a, 120-1b, 120-1c and stopper 120-
1A, 120-1B and 120-1C are convex outer diameter portions 3
8-2a is sandwiched with slidable clearance.
Thus, once fitted, ring 120 cannot be easily removed. This is a means for fulfilling the function of the ring 120. To make disassembly impossible,
Three elastic claw members 120-1a, 120-1b, 120
-1c has a right-angled bent portion in conformity with the right-angled corner of the convex outer diameter portion 38-2a.
Following the right angle of the corner of -2a, it fulfills the function of preventing axial disengagement and disassembly.

Since the convex outer diameter portion 38-2a is sandwiched between the three elastic claw members 120-1a, 120-1b, 120-1c and the stoppers 120-1A, 120-1B, 120-1C, a toner bottle is provided. 38 can rotate with respect to the ring 120 but does not shift in the axial direction.

F. In FIG. 11, one end of the ring 120 is opposed to and close to the edge of the main body 38-1 of the toner bottle 38, and the convex outer diameter portion 38-2a is The diameter of the toner bottle 38 formed by the diameter difference is smaller than the diameter of the main body 38-1 so that the elastic claw 120-1a, 120-
1b and 120-1c. Moreover, as mentioned above,
Since the toner bottle 38 cannot move in the axial direction with respect to the ring 120, the three elastic claw members 120-1a, 120-1b, and 120-1c cannot be operated from the outside. As a result, the ring 120 cannot be disassembled. If an attempt is made to disassemble the toner bottle 38 by applying external force, the convex outer diameter portion 38-2a of the toner bottle 38 is used.
Will be impaired.

As described above, the ring 120 is attached to the toner bottle 3
The reason why the ring 120 cannot be disassembled is that the ring 120 has one or all of incompatibility, a stand function, and a detent function as described later. It is important to make the relationship

G. This example relates to the stand function of the ring 120. The ring 120 has a predetermined width W in the axial longitudinal direction. FIG.
1 indicates that the ring 120 is a convex outer diameter portion 3 of the toner bottle 38.
In the state where the ring is fitted in 8-2a, FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view assuming a case of cutting along a line corresponding to a cross section taken along the line POB ′ in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the size of the predetermined width W is such that, in the assembled state, one end is in contact with the end surface of the main body 38-1 of the toner bottle 38, and the other end is outside the center 38b. It is set to be located. That is, the surface on the other end side of the ring 120 is higher than the surface of the center 38b by Δt. Therefore, not to mention the center 38b,
The axial projections 38c and 38c 'are also attached to the ring 120.
Inside the other end of the

For this reason, the toner bottle 38 with the ring 120 can be made to stand on a flat surface such as a table 130 as shown in FIG. Such a ring 12
If there is no 0, the toner bottle 38 is placed in the center 3
8b protrudes from the bottom of the toner bottle 38,
It cannot stand as shown in FIG. Therefore,
When the toner bottle is replaced, the toner bottle is placed on its side. However, since the cylindrical toner bottle 38 easily rolls, it may fall onto the floor from a table or the like when replacing the toner bottle. is there. In this regard, if the ring 120 is combined as in the present example, it is possible to stably stand upright, so that a fall accident can be reduced.

H. Example Corresponding to Claim 5 This example relates to the function of preventing the ring 120 from rotating. In FIG. 9, a ring 120 has a radial projection formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof in a radial direction and having a shape and a size so as to engage with a concave portion 200 formed in a toner receiving table 42 as a stationary member. 120-4 are formed. In this example, the radial projection 120-4 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. On the other hand, the concave portion 200 formed in the toner receiving table 42
It is rectangular in size and shape to fit into the radial projection 120-4. Therefore, when mounting the toner bottle 38, the toner bottle 38 is mounted on the toner receiving table 42 such that the radial projection 120-4 is fitted into the recess 200 as shown in FIG.

The ring 1 can be mounted in this manner.
Reference numeral 20 indicates that rotation of the toner receiving table 42 is stopped. And the radial projection 120-4 and the recess 20
As a result, the toner bottle 38 is stably held and rotated by using the ring 120 as a bearing. In addition, radial projection 1
20-4 only protrudes outward, so that the recess 2
Engagement with 00 is simple by simply lifting the ring together with the toner bottle, and is easily removable.

I. This example relates to the function of preventing the ring 120 from incompatibility. The ring 120 has a protrusion 1 for preventing toner bottle compatibility at a radial position opposite to the radial protrusion 120-4.
20-5 are provided. The projection 120-5 corresponds to the toner bottle 38 in a one-to-one correspondence, and has a unique combination relationship. In this example, the projection 120 has a single plate shape. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, an identification member 141 having a groove 140 having a width corresponding to a specific ring, for example, the protrusion 120-5 of the ring 120 is provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body front side plate 59. This identification member 14
The position 1 is provided in accordance with the positions of the toner bottle 38 containing the toner for the image forming apparatus and the identification member 141 of the ring 120 combined with the toner bottle 38.

Accordingly, if the toner bottle is combined with the ring 120 having the projection 120-5, the toner bottle shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, since the position of the projection 120-5 matches the position of the groove 140, the toner bottle 38 can be mounted without any problem. On the other hand, on the user side or the maintenance service side, FIG. 13A, FIG.
As shown in (c), various projections 120-5a, 120-5b, 120-5c and the like having different positions and shapes are prepared.

The projections 120-5a, 120-5
b, 120-5c, etc., even if the toner bottle having a ring used and used by mistake is to be mounted on the toner replenishing device 6 of FIG.
Since a, 120-5b, 120-5c, and the like all have different positions and shapes from the protrusion 120-5, the toner receiving table 6 cannot be advanced beyond the portion of the identification member 141. It cannot be mounted on the supply device 6. That is, the ring 120 has a toner bottle incompatibility function, and by this function, the selection of a toner bottle different from the toner bottle containing the toner unique to the image forming apparatus is avoided in advance. .

In many cases, the use of a toner having a different charge-controlling material in each image forming apparatus in relation to the developing speed depends on the developing speed. If a toner whose characteristics do not match is selected, the image forming function is impaired. Therefore, the incompatibility prevention function as in this example is important.

In the embodiment, the projection 120-5 is illustrated as projecting in the outer diameter direction of the ring 120.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. The position and shape of the projection are not limited as long as the alternative identification is possible in relation to the identification member 141. The configuration relating to the stand function, the rotation preventing function, and the incompatibility preventing function described above may be adopted by being superimposed on one ring. However, it is needless to say that a ring adopting only one of these functions is used. It is possible.

In addition, the ring 120 has ribs 120.
a, 120b, 120c, etc. are provided. Rib 1
20a and 120b are in contact with the guide 108n, and the rib 120c is in contact with the guide 108m to stabilize the guiding operation when the toner receiving table 6 is inserted and to enhance the positional accuracy.

In the ring 120, the protrusion 120
Comparing the −5 side with the radial projection 120-4 side, the radial projection 120-4 side is rounded, while the projection 120-5 side is centered on the projection 120-5 on both sides. The corners protrude. This is because the operator can use the projection 120-
Shape characteristics are given so as not to confuse the fifth side and the radial projection 120-4. Thus, by making the shape of the ring vertically asymmetric, it is easy to see that the rounded side projection is the radial projection 120-4 and the opposite projection is the projection 120-5, False positives can be prevented.

[0077]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the driving force is obtained from the axial direction, the lateral displacement in the direction perpendicular to the axis is eliminated, and the toner can be stably supplied. Since the axial projection as a drive system is provided in the drive system, the structure of the drive system is simplified.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the connection of the drive system to the axial projection is automatically performed on the basis of the center, so that the connection of the drive system is performed smoothly and reliably.

According to the third and seventh aspects of the present invention, the ring and the toner bottle are securely integrated with each other.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the surface of the ring is located outside the projection projecting from the bottom of the toner bottle, the toner bottle can be erected and an accidental rolling and falling accident can be avoided. .

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the ring that rotatably supports the toner bottle is prevented from rotating with respect to the immovable member, the toner bottle can be rotated without causing a run-out or displacement. Further, it is easy to attach and detach to and from the immovable member together with the toner bottle.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to avoid an accidental installation of a toner bottle other than a predetermined toner bottle suitable for the image forming apparatus.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the integral and non-separable relationship between the toner bottle and the ring is guaranteed.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the toner bottle rotates without swinging, the toner can be stably supplied.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to drive the pushing member for conveying the toner by utilizing the rotation of the toner bottle.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner bottle.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the toner bottle.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the toner bottle.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the toner bottle.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the toner bottle.

FIG. 6 is an end view of a cross section taken along line KK of the toner bottle in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the toner bottle.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the toner bottle.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the ring together with the bottom of the toner bottle.

10A is a cross-sectional view taken along a line P-P in FIG. 10B, and FIG. 10B is a front view of a ring.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a state where the ring is assembled to the toner bottle.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a toner bottle with a ring is set up.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating various examples of protrusions for preventing compatibility.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a toner bottle with a ring is mounted on a toner receiving tray.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the entire image forming apparatus.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the toner supply device.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the toner introduction cover.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the toner supply device.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the toner supply device when a toner bottle is mounted.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state before the cap of the toner bottle held by the bottle holding member is removed.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the cap of the toner bottle held by the bottle holding member is removed and toner is discharged.

[Explanation of symbols]

38 Toner bottle 38b Center 38c, 38c 'Axial projection 38q, 38q' Driving claw 38-2a Convex outer diameter portion 38-3 Intermediate portion 44 Bottle holding member 120 Ring 120-1a, 120-1b, 120-1c Elastic claw Member 120-1A, 120-1B, 120-1C Stopper 120-4 Radial projection 120-5, 120-5a, 120-5b, 120-5
c Projection for preventing interchangeability 200 Concave OO Center axis

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A container for accommodating toner, comprising a cylindrical main body, a closed bottom at one end of the main body, and a finely squeezed toner discharge at the other end of the main body. And a spiral groove for toner conveyance formed continuously from the main body on the bottom side toward the mouth is provided on an inner wall from the main body to the mouth. In the toner bottle, the toner of the main body is sent out through the mouth by the spiral groove with rotation, and the toner bottle is outside the bottom and away from the central axis of the cylindrical shape. A toner bottle having an axial projection for transmitting a rotational force to the toner bottle. 2. A toner bottle according to claim 1, further comprising a center positioning center protruding outward in the longitudinal direction of the axis from the axial direction outside the bottom and on the central axis. A toner bottle characterized by being provided. 3. The toner bottle according to claim 1, wherein a ring having a predetermined width in the longitudinal direction of the shaft is rotatable, and the ring is rotated with respect to the toner bottle during the rotation. A toner bottle characterized in that the toner bottle is fitted to the convex outer diameter portion of the bottom portion by a fitting means so as not to be displaced upward. 4. The toner bottle according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined width of the ring is such that an outer end surface of the ring in the axial longitudinal direction is located outside the center relative to the center. A toner bottle characterized in that: 5. The toner bottle according to claim 3, wherein a radial projection is provided on an outer peripheral surface of said ring so as to protrude in a radial direction and to be engaged with a concave portion of a stationary member. And toner bottle. 6. A toner bottle according to claim 3, wherein said ring is provided with a projection for preventing interchangeability of said toner bottle. 7. The toner bottle according to claim 3, wherein said fitting means comprises a stopper provided on an inner diameter portion of said ring, an elastic claw, and said convex outer diameter portion, wherein said stopper and said elastic claw are provided. Wherein the convex outer diameter portion is sandwiched between the toner bottle and the toner bottle. 8. A toner bottle according to claim 7, wherein said convex outer diameter portion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said main body portion, and said convex outer diameter portion is provided with said ring fitted in said toner bottle. An end face formed by a diameter difference between a convex outer diameter portion and the main body portion has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the main body portion so that the convex outer diameter portion can cover the elastic claw. And toner bottle. 9. The toner bottle according to claim 1, wherein a part of the main body closer to the bottom than the mouth supports the toner bottle and rotates integrally with the toner bottle. A cylindrical intermediate portion is formed to be fitted to a cylindrical bottle holding member for guiding the toner discharged from the mouth to a predetermined portion, and the toner bottle is provided at an outer diameter portion of the intermediate portion. A toner bottle, characterized in that a small protrusion for centering and rotatably positioning the center of the inner diameter of the toner receiving table is provided. 10. The toner bottle according to claim 1, wherein
A cylindrical bottle for supporting the toner bottle between the mouth and the main body, and guiding the toner discharged from the mouth to a predetermined portion while rotating integrally with the toner bottle; A cylindrical intermediate portion for fitting to the holding member is formed, and a drive claw for transmitting a rotational force to the bottle holding member is formed on an end surface of the intermediate portion on the mouth side. And toner bottle.