JP2000347489A - Developer replenishment container, developing device, and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer replenishment container capable of replenishing an image forming device main body with developer by a specified amount, a developing device and an image forming device provided with the developer replenishment container. SOLUTION: This developer replenishment container 1 replenishes the image forming device main body with developer stored in the storing recessed part 2e1 of a developer measuring part 2 in the case of a sealing phase where the aperture 2e of the developer measuring part 2 possessed by a developer storing member 1b does not communicate with a developer discharging port 1c possessed by a holding member 1a rotatably holding the member 1b among the developer stored in the member 1b by the specified amount through the aperture 2e and a developer discharging port 1c in the case of a discharging phase where the aperture 2e communicates with the discharging port 1c through the aperture 2e and the discharging port 1c.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a developer supply container,
The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a powder toner is used as a developer in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium using an electrostatic recording system, an electrophotographic system, or the like. Then, when the developer in the image forming apparatus main body is consumed, the toner is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body using the toner supply container (developer supply container).

Conventionally, as the toner supply container, a container in which a flange portion is integrally provided on a box-shaped container body, and a flexible film is detachably adhered to the flange portion by means of heat welding or the like has been widely used. Has been provided. When replenishing toner to the image forming apparatus main body, the toner replenishing container is placed on a toner hopper or a developing device of the image forming apparatus main body, peels off the flexible film from the flange portion of the container main body, and drops by gravity. All of the toner in the container body is supplied to the toner hopper or the developing device at a time.

Further, in order to prevent a small amount of toner remaining inside the used toner supply container from spilling and scattering, a shutter is further added to the container main body, thereby resealing the opening of the container main body. Those that have been made possible have been proposed and put to practical use.

On the other hand, on the image forming apparatus main body side, some toner hoppers or developing devices that receive toner supply from the toner supply container are provided with a seal member for preventing toner scattering and contamination.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned prior art, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a developer supply container capable of supplying a fixed amount of developer to the image forming apparatus main body. Is to do.

Another main object is to provide a developing device which is detachably provided with a developer supply container which can supply a fixed amount of developer to a developer supply section.

Another main object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a detachable developer supply container capable of supplying a fixed amount of developer to a developer supply section.

Another main object is to provide a detachable developer supply container for supplying a fixed amount of developer to a developer supply section, and to remove the developer supply container in a state where leakage of the developer is prevented. To provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the following.

[0010]

A typical configuration of a developer supply container of the present invention for achieving the above object is a developer supply container for supplying a developer to an image forming apparatus main body. A developer accommodating member for accommodating a developer to be supplied to the forming apparatus main body; and a holding member for covering the developer accommodating member and rotatably holding the developer accommodating member. A developer carrying-out opening for carrying out the developer to the developer carrying-out opening, a developer carrying-out means for carrying the developer to the developer carrying-out opening, and a developer conveyed from the developer carrying-out opening being fixed to the accommodation recess through the opening. A developer metering section for accommodating an amount of the developer, wherein the holding member rotatably supports the developer metering section of the developer accommodating member, and covers the developer outlet, and discharges the developer from the developer outlet. The developer to be used A developer introduction unit for guiding the developer to the opening of the metering unit, and a developer for discharging the developer guided by the developer introduction unit and housed in the housing recess of the developer measuring unit to the image forming apparatus main body. Having a discharge section, by rotating the developer storage member with respect to the holding member,
A seal phase in which the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port are disconnected from each other so that the opening of the developer measuring section is located on the side of the developer introduction section and the developer is stored in the storage recess. A discharge phase for communicating an opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port so as to discharge the developer in the storage recess to the image forming apparatus main body through the opening and the developer discharge port. Wherein the two types of operation phases are obtained.

In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of the developing device of the present invention is a developing device used in an image forming apparatus, wherein (a) an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member is developed by a developer. (B) a developer supply unit for supplying a developer to the developing unit;
(C) a developer accommodating member for accommodating a developer to be supplied to the developer supply unit; and a holding member for rotatably covering the developer accommodating member, wherein the developer accommodating member is A developer discharge opening for discharging the developer to the outside, a developer conveying means for conveying the developer to the developer discharge opening, and a developer discharged from the developer discharge opening through the opening. And a developer metering section for accommodating a fixed amount of the developer in the accommodating recess. The holding member rotatably supports the developer metering section of the developer accommodating member and covers the developer discharge opening so as to cover the developer A developer introduction section for guiding the developer discharged from the developer discharge opening to the opening of the developer measurement section; and a developer guided by the developer introduction section and stored in the storage recess of the developer measurement section. For discharging the developer to the developer supply unit An opening, and by rotating the developer accommodating member with respect to the holding member, an opening of the developer measuring section is positioned on the developer introducing section side to accommodate the developer in the accommodating recess. A seal phase that makes the opening of the developer metering section and the developer outlet not communicate with each other,
A discharge phase communicating the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port so as to discharge the developer in the storage recess to the developer supply section through the opening and the developer discharge port. And a container accommodating section for detachably accommodating a developer supply container for obtaining two types of operation phases.

A typical configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows: (a) an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in which a developer supply container is detachable; ) An electrophotographic photosensitive member, (b) developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer, and (c) developing for supplying a developer to the developing means. A developer supply member, (d) a developer storage member that stores a developer to be supplied to the developer supply portion, and a holding member that rotatably holds the developer storage member so as to cover the developer storage member. The developer accommodating member includes a developer discharge opening for discharging the developer to the outside, a developer conveying unit for conveying the developer to the developer discharge opening, and a developer discharged from the developer discharge opening. A certain amount of the agent is stored in the storage recess through the opening. The developer measuring portion of the developer accommodating member rotatably supports the developer measuring portion of the developer accommodating member, and covers the developer discharging opening to discharge the developer from the developer discharging opening. And a developer introduction section for guiding the developer to an opening of the developer measurement section, and discharging the developer contained in the accommodation recess of the developer measurement section to the developer supply section by being guided by the developer introduction section. A developer discharging portion for rotating the developer accommodating member with respect to the holding member so that an opening of the developer measuring portion is located on the developer introducing portion side and the developer is contained in the accommodating concave portion. A seal phase in which the opening of the developer metering section and the developer discharge port are disconnected so as to accommodate the developer, and the developer in the storage concave portion passes the developer through the opening and the developer discharge port. Open the developer metering section so as to discharge it to the supply section. And a container storage section for detachably storing a developer supply container that obtains two types of operation phases, that is, a discharge phase for communicating the developer supply port with the developer discharge port, and (e) the two types of developer supply container. Rotation driving means for rotating the developer accommodating member with respect to the holding member using the developer measuring section so as to obtain the operation phase of (a), (f) conveying means for conveying the recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising:

A typical configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object is a removable image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in which a developer supply container is detachable. (A) an electrophotographic photosensitive member, (b) developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer, and (c) supplying a developer to the developing means. (D) a developer accommodating member for accommodating a developer to be supplied to the developer supplying unit, and a holding member for rotatably covering the developer accommodating member. The developer accommodating member, a developer carrying-out opening for carrying out the developer outside, a developer carrying means for carrying the developer to the developer carrying-out opening, and the developer carrying-out member carried out from the developer carrying-out opening. A certain amount of developer is stored in the recess through the opening A developer measuring section for supporting the developer measuring section of the developer accommodating member, and rotatably supporting the developer measuring section. The holding member covers the developer discharging opening and is discharged from the developer discharging opening. A developer introduction part for guiding a developer to an opening of the developer measurement part; and a developer guided from the developer introduction part and stored in a storage recess of the developer measurement part to the developer supply part. A developer discharging section for discharging, and by rotating the developer accommodating member with respect to the holding member, an opening of the developer measuring section is positioned on the developer introducing section side and the accommodating recess is formed. A seal phase that disconnects the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port so as to store the developer, and the developer in the storage recess through the opening and the developer discharge port. The developer meter so that the developer is discharged to the developer supply section. A container accommodating portion for detachably accommodating a developer replenishing container that obtains two kinds of operation phases of an opening of the portion and a discharging phase for communicating the developer discharging port, and (e) the developer replenishing container. Rotation driving means for rotating the developer accommodating member with respect to the holding member using the developer measuring portion so as to obtain the two kinds of operation phases; and (f) detecting a rotation angle of the rotation driving means. And (g) performing the rotation drive such that the developer supply container is set to a seal phase during non-image formation of the image forming apparatus based on a rotation angle of the rotation drive unit detected by the detection means. Control means for controlling the means;
(H) An image forming apparatus comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium.

(Action) In the developer supply container,
By rotating the developer accommodating member with respect to the holding member, the opening of the developer measuring section of the developer accommodating member is positioned on the developer introducing section side of the holding member so that the accommodating recess accommodates the developer. A seal phase in which the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port of the holding member are not communicated with each other; and the opening of the developer in the accommodating recess of the developer measuring section of the developer accommodating member and the development of the holding member. Two types of operation phases are obtained, that is, a discharge phase in which the opening of the developer metering section communicates with the developer discharge port so that the developer is discharged to the image forming apparatus main body through the developer discharge port. Therefore, of the developer stored in the developer storage member, the developer stored in the storage recess of the developer measurement section during the seal phase is changed to the developer storage section during the discharge phase. The fixed amount can be supplied to the image forming apparatus main body through the opening and the developer outlet of the holding member.

In the above-mentioned developing device, the developer supply container can be removably mounted in the container storage section.
The developer supply container is configured such that the opening of the developer measuring portion of the developer storage member is positioned on the developer introduction portion side of the holding member so that the developer storage member is rotated by the developer storage member with respect to the holding member. A seal phase in which the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port of the holding member are disconnected so as to house the developer, and the developer in the housing concave portion of the developer measuring section of the developer housing member. Two types of operation phases are obtained: a discharge phase that connects the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port so that the developer is discharged to the developer supply section through the opening and the developer discharge port of the holding member. Therefore, of the developer stored in the developer storage member, the developer stored in the storage recess of the developer measurement section during the seal phase is changed to the developer storage section during the discharge phase. A fixed amount can be supplied to the developer supply unit through the opening and the developer discharge port of the holding member.

In the above-described image forming apparatus, the developer supply container can be removably mounted in the container storage section. The developer supply container is rotated by the rotation of the developer accommodating member with respect to the holding member, so that the opening of the developer measuring section of the developer accommodating member is positioned on the developer introducing section side of the holding member. A seal phase in which the opening of the developer metering section and the developer discharge port of the holding member are disconnected so that the developer is housed in the housing recess, and the inside of the housing recess of the developer metering section of the developer housing member. And a discharge phase in which the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port communicate with each other so as to discharge the developer through the opening and the developer discharge port of the holding member to the developer supply section. Get. Therefore, of the developer stored in the developer storage member, the developer stored in the storage recess of the developer measurement section during the seal phase is changed to the developer storage section during the discharge phase. A fixed amount can be supplied to the developer supply unit through the opening and the developer discharge port of the holding member.

In the above-described image forming apparatus, the developer supply container can be removably mounted in the container storage section. The developer supply container is rotated by the rotation of the developer accommodating member with respect to the holding member, so that the opening of the developer measuring section of the developer accommodating member is positioned on the developer introducing section side of the holding member. A seal phase in which the opening of the developer metering section and the developer discharge port of the holding member are disconnected so that the developer is housed in the housing recess, and the inside of the housing recess of the developer metering section of the developer housing member. And a discharge phase in which the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port communicate with each other so as to discharge the developer through the opening and the developer discharge port of the holding member to the developer supply section. Get. Therefore, of the developer stored in the developer storage member, the developer stored in the storage recess of the developer measurement section during the seal phase is changed to the developer storage section during the discharge phase. A fixed amount can be supplied to the developer supply unit through the opening and the developer discharge port of the holding member. The control unit controls the rotation driving unit based on the rotation angle of the rotation driving unit detected by the detection unit so that the developer supply container is set to the sealing phase when the image forming apparatus does not form an image. This allows
The developer supply container can be removed from the container storage portion in a state where the developer supply container is in the seal phase, and thus the developer supply container can be removed in a state where leakage of the developer is prevented.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic method will be described. FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as an "image forming apparatus") 40 according to the present embodiment is a drum-shaped electronic device which carries an electrostatic latent image formed by an electrophotographic method. Photoconductor (hereafter, "photoconductor drum")
) 41 is rotatably housed in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter, referred to as “image forming apparatus main body”) 30. Around the photosensitive drum 41, a primary charger 42 for uniformly primary charging the photosensitive drum 41, and a semiconductor laser beam emitted from a scanner optical system 60 described later is guided on the photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image. Scanner mirrors 40a and 40b for forming an image, a developing device 47 for developing a toner image by attaching toner as a developer to the photosensitive drum 41 on which an electrostatic latent image has been formed, a toner image on a recording paper, OHP
A transfer charger 48 for transferring to a recording medium such as a sheet or a cloth; and a separation static elimination needle 4 for separating the recording medium from the photosensitive drum 41
9. Process devices such as a cleaner 50 for cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 41 are provided.

When the image forming apparatus 40 having the process equipment having such a configuration is operated, the photosensitive drum 41 rotates clockwise, and the primary charger 42 and the photosensitive drum 41 are moved to the photosensitive drum 41 by the semiconductor laser light. Formation of an electrostatic latent image, development of an electrostatic latent image with toner in a developing device 47, transfer of a toner image to a recording medium by a transfer charger 48, separation electrostatic elimination needle 4
An image is transferred to the recording medium by repeating processes such as separation of the recording medium from the photosensitive drum 41 by the cleaning unit 9 and cleaning of residual toner on the photosensitive drum 41 by the cleaner 50.

A platen glass 70, a CCD 71 for detecting a document (not shown) placed on the platen glass 70 as an image,
A mirror group 71a, a lens group 72, and a mirror 71b for forming an original image on D71, and a scanner optical system 60 for exposing an image detected by the CCD 71 to the photosensitive drum 41
Is arranged. The scanner optical system 60 has a function of irradiating a semiconductor laser beam onto the photosensitive drum 41 via the scanner mirrors 40b and 40a to form an electrostatic latent image. Further, below the process equipment, a cassette 75 for accommodating a recording medium, and conveyance means 79 such as a feeding roller A76, a feeding roller B77a, a feeding roller C77b, a registration roller 78, and a conveying belt 90 are arranged. A heat fixing roller 80 for fixing an image formed on a recording medium, a roller 81, and discharge rollers 82a and 82b are disposed on the left side of the process device.

The operation of the image forming apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment when forming an image is as follows. First, when an operator places a document on the platen glass 70 and operates the image forming apparatus 40, a mirror group 71a capable of moving the lower surface of the platen glass 70 in the left-right direction moves rightward from the illustrated position. To scan the original from the left end to the right end. At this time, the original image is guided to the lens group 72 by the mirror group 71a and further forms an image on the CCD 71 via the mirror 71b. The original image formed on the CCD 71 is converted into an electric signal, and image-processed by an image processing circuit (not shown).
The image data is output to the scanner optical system 60 as image data.

Next, a recording medium, for example, a bundle of recording papers stacked in the cassette 75 is separated into one recording paper by a feeding roller A76, a feeding roller B77a, and a feeding roller C77b. Then, the separated recording paper is conveyed to a registration roller 78, the timing of which is adjusted by the registration roller 78, and then sent between the photosensitive drum 41 and the transfer charger 48.

Next, the scanner optical system 60 operates to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photosensitive drum 41 by the semiconductor laser light. At the same time, the above-described process device operates to transfer an image to the recording paper sent between the photosensitive drum 41 and the transfer charger 48. The recording paper on which the image has been transferred is conveyed to a heat fixing roller 80 by a conveyance belt 90, where the image is thermally fixed, and
1. The sheet is discharged onto a discharge tray 92 via discharge rollers 82a and 82b.

Here, the structure of the developing device 47 built in the image forming apparatus 40 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the developing device.

As shown in FIG. 9, the developing device 47 includes a hopper 47a for storing the toner, a stirrer 47b for stirring the toner in the hopper 47a and transporting the toner into the developing chamber 47f, The developing device includes stirrers 47c and 47d for stirring the toner in 47f, a magnetized developing sleeve 47e, and a regulating blade 47g for forming a toner layer on the developing sleeve 47e. The developing device 47 is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 30 as a single unit. The developing sleeve 47e rotates counterclockwise during image formation. Therefore, when the toner is conveyed onto the photosensitive drum 41 by the rotation of the developing sleeve 47e, the toner is formed as a thin layer on the developing sleeve 47e by the regulating blade 47g.
Further, at both ends of the developing sleeve 47e, abutting rollers 47k larger than the diameter (outer diameter) of the developing sleeve 47e by about 1 to 2 mm are arranged. Then, the developing device 40
Is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 30, the abutting roller 47k abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41,
The gap is secured between the photosensitive drum 41 and the developing sleeve 47e.

Next, the hopper 47 in the developing device 47
The mechanism and procedure for replenishing the toner in a will be described with reference to FIG.

When supplying toner to the hopper 47a,
First, the developing device 47 is detached from the image forming apparatus main body 30, and a toner supply container 100 shown in FIG. 8 is prepared. The toner supply container 100 is formed in a box-like body,
An opening (not shown) for supplying toner is provided at the bottom. The toner supply opening is closed by a peelable seal member (not shown) (not shown).

Then, a lid 47h for covering the toner receiving opening of the hopper 47a of the developing device 47 is slid open in the direction A indicated in the drawing to open and cover the toner receiving opening on the hopper 47a. Toner supply container 100
Is placed. Then, an opening for toner supply provided at the bottom of the toner supply container 100 is opened by peeling off the seal member, and all the toner is supplied to the hopper 47a by gravity drop at one time.

The toner supply container 100 having the above-described structure is used.
Means that all of the toner is
7, the toner supply amount to the developing chamber 47f cannot be stabilized, and as a result, the image density may be unstable. Further, when the toner replenishing container 100 is separated from the hopper 47a after replenishing the toner, there is a possibility that a plume of the toner filled in the toner replenishing container 100 may leak to the outside. In order to prevent the leakage of the toner plume, a shutter mechanism for closing the toner supply opening is provided in the toner supply container 100, and the toner supply container 1 is provided with a shutter mechanism.
It is conceivable that the shutter is closed to close the toner supply opening when the 00 is separated from the hopper 47a. However, the configuration of the shutter mechanism is expected to be complicated.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a toner supply container 1 which is a developer supply container shown in FIG. 1 is used in place of the toner supply container 100 described above, so that a later-described developing device 20 (see FIG. 6) is used. A fixed amount of toner can be replenished to the developing chamber 21k by a fixed amount at a time, and leakage of toner can be prevented except when toner is replenished.

(Structure of Toner Supply Container (Developer Supply Container)) The structure of the toner supply container of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 1A is a front view of the toner supply container according to the present embodiment, FIG. 1B is a left side view of the toner supply container shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. A is a sectional view, and (d) is a BB sectional view of the toner supply container of (a). In (a), a part of the toner replenishing container is cut away to explain the internal structure of the toner replenishing container.

As shown in FIG. 1, the toner supply container 1
An inner shell 1b as a developer accommodating member, an outer shell 1a as a holding member for covering the inner shell 1b and rotatably holding the inner shell 1b;
The outer shell 1a has an outer shell lid 1h as a lid member for closing the storage opening of the outer shell 1a for housing the inner shell 1b, and has a substantially cylindrical appearance.

The inner shell 1b is a cylindrical portion 1 of the outer shell 1a which will be described later.
a1 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to be housed therein, and has a toner storage section 1e for storing toner inside. The toner storage 1e stores toner T (see FIG. 3) for replenishing the image forming apparatus main body 30. More specifically, a toner T for replenishing a developing device 20 described later, which is built in the image forming apparatus main body 30, is stored. On one side surface in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell 1b, a toner measuring section 2 as a developer measuring section is integrally provided substantially at the center thereof. The toner measuring section 2 is formed in a small-diameter cylindrical shape, and protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell 1b. Further, the toner measuring section 2 has an accommodating recess 2e1 for accommodating a fixed amount of the toner T therein, through an opening 2e as an opening formed by cutting a part of the peripheral surface in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the toner T can be stored in the storage recess 2e1. At the tip of the toner measuring section 2, a coupling convex section 2 as a drive input section is provided.
f is formed integrally. The coupling convex portion 2f is
The image forming apparatus main body 30 is connected to a coupling recess 21j of a rotation drive shaft 21a serving as rotation drive means, which will be described later, of the image forming apparatus main body 30, and receives a rotation drive force for rotating the inner shell 1b from the rotation drive shaft 21a. ing. Further, on one side surface in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell 1b, there is a developer discharge opening for discharging the toner T in the toner storage unit 1e to the outside of the inner shell 1b on the peripheral surface between the inner shell 1b and the toner measuring unit 2. A toner discharge opening 1g is provided. 1 g of toner discharge opening is
A plurality is provided so as to surround the toner measuring unit 2 which is the rotation center axis of “a”. The inner shell 1b is provided with an impeller 2 as a feeding portion which constitutes a developer conveying means therein.
b, and a helical rib 2c as a transport unit. The impeller 2b is provided on one side surface of the inner shell 1b in the longitudinal direction so as to correspond to the toner discharge opening 1g, and the inner shell 1b rotates with respect to the outer shell 1a to scoop up the toner T to correspond. The toner is fed into the toner discharge opening 1g. The rib 2c is helically provided on the inner surface of the inner shell 1b in the longitudinal direction, and conveys the toner T to the impeller 2b by rotating the inner shell 1b with respect to the outer shell 1a.

The outer shell 1a is provided with the toner storage portion 1e of the inner shell 1b.
Cylindrical portion 1a for rotatably holding the outer peripheral surface portion of
1 and an inner shell 1b protruding from one end of the cylindrical portion 1a1.
And a side wall protruding from one end of the cylindrical portion 1a1 toward the toner introduction portion 1a2 and covering one side surface in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell 1b. It has the part 1a3 integrally. Toner introduction unit 1
Reference symbol a2 denotes a substantially U-shaped bearing portion 1a21 which rotatably supports the toner measuring portion 2 of the inner shell 1b, and a toner container T containing the toner T discharged from the toner discharging opening 1g and leading the toner T to the opening 2e of the toner measuring portion 2. It has a fan-shaped toner preliminary chamber 1f integrally. The bearing portion 1a21 is provided with a through hole 1a22 that rotatably supports the tip portion of the toner measuring portion 2. The coupling convex portion 2f is inserted into the through hole 1a22 by inserting the tip portion of the toner measuring portion 2. The outer shell 1
It is exposed outside a. The toner preliminary chamber 1f has a guide plate 1f1 on the side of the bearing portion 1a21 which expands in the radial direction of the inner shell 1b from both ends of the bearing portion 1a21.
Is to lead to. The bearing portion 1a21 of the toner introduction portion 1a2 is provided with a toner as a developer outlet for discharging the toner T stored in the storage recess 2e1 of the toner measuring portion 2 on the opposite side of the toner preliminary chamber 1f in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 1a1. It has an outlet 1c. The toner discharge port 1c is provided on a center line that bisects the substantially fan-shaped toner auxiliary chamber 1f on the peripheral surface of the bearing 1a21, and the inner shell 1b is rotated with respect to the outer shell 1a, so that the toner metering section 2 is rotated. It is formed so as to communicate with or not communicate with the opening 2e. Further, a seal member 2d for preventing the toner T from leaking out from between the toner measuring section 2 and the inner peripheral surface of the bearing section 1a21 except for the toner discharge port 1c is attached. An outer shell lid 1h is fixed to the other end of the cylindrical portion 1a1. A spring 1d as an urging member is mounted between the outer shell lid 1h and the other longitudinal side surface of the inner shell 1b, and the urging force of the spring 1d causes one longitudinal side surface of the inner shell 1b to be moved. The outer shell 1a is pressed against the inner wall surface of the side wall 1a3.

In the toner supply container 1 of the present embodiment, when the toner measuring section 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1A, the inner shell 1b is attached to the outer shell 1a by using the toner measuring section 2 as a rotation axis 2h. On the other hand, the spiral rib 2c conveys the toner T in the toner storage unit 1e toward the impeller 2b. Then, the toner T is scraped up by the impeller 2b,
The toner is discharged to the toner preliminary chamber 1f through the toner discharge opening 1g. At this time, since the inner shell 1b is pressed against the inner wall surface of the side wall 1a3 of the outer shell 1a by the spring 1d, the toner T can be reliably sent to the toner reserve chamber 1f by the impeller 2b. When the opening 2e of the toner measuring section 2 faces the toner preliminary chamber 1f side (at the time of the sealing phase), the toner T in the toner preliminary chamber 1f is not in contact with the toner discharging port 1c. Since the communication is established, a predetermined amount (the accommodation recess 2e1) is stored in the accommodation recess 2e1 of the toner measuring section 2.
Only). Thereby, the toner measuring section 2
Of the toner T from the opening 2e can be prevented. Next, when the toner measuring unit 2 further rotates and the opening 2e of the toner measuring unit 2 faces the toner outlet 1c side of the outer shell 1a (during the discharge phase), the opening 2e and the toner outlet 1c Are communicated with each other, the toner T stored in the storage recess 2e1 of the toner measuring section 2 is supplied to the opening 2e and the toner discharge port 1e.
is discharged to the outside through c.

The toner supply container 1 has an inner shell 1b.
Of the impeller 2b and the spiral rib 2c, that is, the function of conveying the toner T by the spiral rib 2c, and the function of the impeller 2
By the function of sending the toner T to the toner discharge opening 1g by b, the toner T in the toner storage unit 1e can be completely used up. Further, if the inner shell 1b is rotated by applying a rotational force at a constant speed to the coupling convex portion 2f provided at the tip of the toner measuring section 2, a constant amount of the toner T can be continuously carried out to the outside. Further, when the toner supply container 1 is not used, as shown in FIG.
If the toner discharge port 2e is directed toward the toner spare chamber 1f, the toner measuring section 2 is sealed by the seal member 2d, so that the toner supply container 1 can be carried without causing toner leakage.

(Description of Configuration of Developing Apparatus and Replenishment of Toner by Toner Replenishing Container) Next, the configuration of the developing apparatus incorporating the toner replenishing container of the present embodiment and toner replenishment by the toner replenishing container will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing device having a built-in toner supply container, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how toner T is supplied from the toner supply container into the developing device, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the toner replenishing container, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the toner replenishing container in a sealed state for preventing toner leakage, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device and the toner replenishing container taken along the line DD in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the toner supply container 1 of this embodiment is built in
It can be put in and taken out (removed) from the side of No. 0.
More specifically, the developing device 20 is provided with a container storage chamber 22 as a container storage section for storing the toner supply container 1 next to the developing chamber 21k which is a developer supply section (see FIG. 6).
The toner supply container 1 can be detachably stored in the container storage chamber 22 from the side of the toner introduction section 1a2 of the outer shell 1a.
Here, the container storage chamber 22 and the developing chamber 21k are
0 of the main frame. The developing device 20 has a screw 21c (see FIGS. 4 and 6) serving as a diffusion member for diffusing the toner T supplied from the toner supply container 1 into the developing chamber 21k, and has diffused into the developing chamber 21k. A stirrer 21d for stirring the toner T, and a developing sleeve 21 forming a developing unit
e, butting roller 21f, and regulating blade 21g. Further, in the developing device 20, an insertion port 2 of a rotary drive shaft 21a (see FIGS. 3 and 4) serving as a rotary drive unit on the image forming apparatus main body 30 side is inserted into the container storage chamber 22 of the frame 20a.
1b, the developing device 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus main body 30.
, The insertion opening 21b receives the rotary drive shaft 21a and rotatably supports it. When the insertion opening 21b receives the rotary drive shaft 21a, the coupling convex portion 2f of the toner supply container 1 built in the developing device 20 is connected to the coupling concave portion 21j provided at the tip of the rotary drive shaft 21a.

Incidentally, the developing device 20 shown in this embodiment is
Like the developing device 47 described above, it can be detached from the image forming apparatus main body 30 as a single unit as described above.
The agitator 21d of the developing device 20, the developing sleeve 21e, the abutting roller 21f, and the regulating blade 21g, which constitute the developing means, have the same configuration as the developing device 47 described above. The image forming apparatus to which the developing device 20 is attached includes the developing device 20 and the rotary drive shaft 2.
The configuration of the image forming apparatus 40 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 40 described above, except for a toner supply container 1, a rotation angle detection unit as a detection unit described later, and a CPU (not shown) as a control unit. In other words, in the image forming apparatus shown in the present embodiment, the developing device 20 is detachable, and the image forming apparatus 40 has a rotational drive for rotating the toner supply container 1 housed in the developing device 20. Shaft 21a, rotation angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the rotation drive shaft 21a, and rotation drive shaft 2 based on the detection result of the rotation angle detection means.
1a is added to the CPU.

When the toner T is supplied to the image forming apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment using the toner supply container 1, the toner supply container 1 is first inserted into the container storage chamber 22 of the developing device 20. At this time, there is no need to remove the developing device 20 from the image forming apparatus main body 30. When the toner supply container 1 is inserted into the container storage chamber 22 of the developing device 20, the coupling convex portion 2f offset with respect to the rotation axis 2h of the toner supply container 1 is similarly offset with respect to the rotation axis 2h. It is connected to the coupling recess 21j. At this time, the coupling convex portion 2f and the coupling concave portion 21j
If the rotation angles do not match, the two do not mesh well, but in this case, if the image forming apparatus 40 is operated to rotate the rotary drive shaft 21a, there is no problem because the two automatically mesh. At this time, the coupling convex portion 2f
And the coupling recess 21j are both offset with respect to the rotation shaft 21h, so that the relationship between the two rotation angles is always constant.

Next, when the image forming apparatus 40 is operated (at the time of image formation), the rotary drive shaft 21a is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed by a drive source (not shown), and the rotation is coupled with the coupling projection 2f. This is transmitted to the toner measuring section 2 via the concave portion 21j. Thereby, the toner supply container 1
Of the inner shell 1b rotates with respect to the outer shell 1a, and transmits the rotation to the spiral rib 2c and the impeller 2b. by this,
The toner T in the toner storage section 1e is helically
c is conveyed to the impeller 2b side, and the toner T is transferred to the impeller 2b.
Is lifted and the toner reserve chamber 1f is opened from the toner discharge opening 1g.
To be carried out. The toner T in the toner preliminary chamber 1f is stored in the toner concave section 2e1 of the toner measuring section 2 when the opening 2e of the toner measuring section 2 is in the seal phase in which the opening phase faces the toner preliminary chamber 1f.
Stored inside. The toner T stored in the housing recess 2e1 is supplied to the opening 2e of the toner measuring section 2 by the outer shell 1a.
Is supplied to the developing device 20 via the toner discharge port 1c during the discharge phase facing the toner discharge port 1c side. Therefore,
At the time of image formation of the image forming apparatus 40, by rotating the rotation drive shaft 21a at a predetermined rotation speed by a drive source,
A required amount of toner T can be supplied from the toner supply container 1 to the developing device 20.

The toner T supplied into the developing device 20 is
By gravity on the inclined passage 7a (see FIGS. 4 and 6) which is provided in the developing device 20 so as to extend across the container storage chamber 22 and the development chamber 21k from the container storage chamber 22 to the development chamber 21k. Sliding down, screw 21 in developing room 21k
reaches c. At this time, the screw 21c is rotating in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4 to diffuse the toner T into the developing chamber 21k. The toner T diffused into the developing chamber 21k is
After being stirred by the stirrer 21d, the developing sleeve 21
e, and then forms an image on a recording medium by the same process as that of the image forming apparatus 40 described above.

When the image forming apparatus 40 has completed the image forming operation (non-image forming), the image forming apparatus main body 30
A rotation angle detection sensor (not shown), which is a detection means provided in, detects the rotation angle of the rotation drive shaft 21a. Next, a CPU (not shown), which is a control means provided in the image forming apparatus main body 30, causes the opening 2e of the toner measuring unit 2 to open the toner reserve chamber based on the rotation angle of the rotation drive shaft 21a detected by the rotation angle detection sensor. It is determined whether or not it faces the 1f side (the coupling convex portion 2f and the coupling concave portion 21j).
The relationship between the rotation angles of
The direction of the opening 2e can be determined from the rotation angle of 1a). C
The rotational drive shaft 2 detected by the PU by the rotational angle detection sensor
When it is determined that the opening 2e of the toner measuring section 2 is not directed toward the toner preliminary chamber 1f based on the rotation angle of the toner measuring section 1a, the rotation drive shaft 21a is rotated to move the opening 2e toward the toner preliminary chamber 1f. The toner supply container 1 is set to the sealing phase (see FIG. 5). This makes it possible to remove the toner supply container 1 from the container storage chamber 22 of the developing device 20 in a state where the toner supply container 1 is in the seal phase. Therefore, the toner supply container 1
Can be removed in a state where leakage of toner is prevented.

After the toner in the toner supply container 1 is used up, the developing device 20
And is replaced with a new toner supply container.

As described above, the toner replenishing container 1 shown in the present embodiment is provided with the toner T during the discharge phase in which the opening 2e of the toner measuring section 2 of the inner shell 1b and the toner outlet 1c of the outer shell 1a communicate with each other. Can be supplied to the developing device 20 in a required amount. Therefore, the amount of toner in the developing chamber 21k of the developing device 20 can be kept constant, and the density of the image can always be kept constant. When the toner supply container 1 is removed,
Since the opening 2e of the toner measuring section 2 has a seal phase facing the toner preliminary chamber 1f, the toner T is supplied to the opening 2e.
No leakage from outside. Further, the toner supply container 1
When the toner T is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body 30 by using the image forming apparatus, the developing device 20 does not need to be removed from the image forming apparatus main body 30, so that the operability for toner supply is good.

That is, the toner supply container 1 shown in this embodiment
According to this, of the toner T stored in the inner shell 1b, the toner T stored in the storage recess 2e1 of the toner measuring section 2 during the sealing phase is changed to the opening 2e of the toner measuring section 2 during the discharging phase. A fixed amount can be supplied to the image forming apparatus main body 30 through the toner discharge port 1c of the outer shell 1a.

Further, according to the developing device 20 shown in this embodiment, the toner supply container 1 can be removably mounted in the container storage chamber 22. Then, the toner supply container 1
Of the toner T stored in the inner shell 1b, the toner T stored in the storage recess 2e1 of the toner measuring section 2 at the time of the sealing phase is different from the opening 2e of the toner measuring section 2 and the outer shell 1a at the time of the discharging phase. Is supplied to the developing chamber 21k through the toner discharge port 1c.

Further, the image forming apparatus 40 shown in this embodiment
According to the developing device 2 incorporated in the image forming apparatus main body 30,
The toner supply container 1 can be removably mounted in the container storage room 22 of the No. 0. Then, of the toner T stored in the inner shell 1b of the toner replenishing container 1, the toner T stored in the storage recess 2e1 of the toner measuring section 2 during the sealing phase is changed to the toner T of the toner measuring section 2 during the discharging phase. A fixed amount is supplied to the developing chamber 21k through the opening 2e and the toner outlet 1c of the outer shell 1a.

The image forming apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment
According to the developing device 2 incorporated in the image forming apparatus main body 30,
The toner supply container 1 can be removably mounted in the container storage room 22 of the No. 0. Then, of the toner T stored in the inner shell 1b of the toner replenishing container 1, the toner T stored in the storage recess 2e1 of the toner measuring section 2 during the sealing phase is changed to the toner T of the toner measuring section 2 during the discharging phase. A fixed amount is supplied to the developing chamber 21k through the opening 2e and the toner outlet 1c of the outer shell 1a. Further, since the toner supply container 1 is in the seal phase during non-image formation, it is possible to remove the toner supply container 1 from the container storage chamber 22 with the toner supply container 1 in the seal phase. Therefore, the toner supply container 1 can be removed in a state where leakage of the toner T is prevented.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the toner replenishing container is applied to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been exemplified. The present invention can be suitably applied to a forming apparatus. Further, the toner supply container can be suitably applied to a developing device attached to an electrostatic recording type image forming apparatus.

[0053]

As described above, the developer supply container of the present invention can supply a fixed amount of the developer to the image forming apparatus main body.

The developing device of the present invention can supply a fixed amount of developer to the developer supply unit from a developer supply container detachably stored in the container storage unit.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention can supply a fixed amount of the developer to the developer supply unit from the developer supply container detachably stored in the container storage unit.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can supply a fixed amount of the developer to the developer supply unit from the developer supply container detachably stored in the container storage unit. The developer can be removed in a state where leakage of the developer is prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a toner supply container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing device having a built-in toner supply container.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which toner is supplied from a toner supply container into a developing device.

4 is a perspective view of the developing device and a toner supply container in a cross section taken along line CC of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the toner supply container in a sealed state for preventing toner leakage.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device and the toner replenishing container taken along a line DD in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

8 is an explanatory diagram of a developing device and a toner supply container built in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

9 is a sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the developing device illustrated in FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 30 Image forming apparatus main body 1 Toner supply container 1a Outer shell 1a2 Toner introduction part 1a22 Through hole 1b Inner shell 1c Toner discharge port 1d Spring 1g Toner discharge opening 2b Impeller 2c Spiral rib 2e Opening 2e1 Housing recess 2f Coupling convex Unit 21a Rotary drive shaft 21e Developing sleeve 21f Abutting roller 21g Restriction blade 21k Developing chamber 22 Container storage chamber 79 Transport means T Toner

Claims (13)

[Claims] A developer supply container for supplying a developer to the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the developer storage member stores a developer to be supplied to the image forming apparatus main body; A developer holding member that covers and rotatably holds the developer, the developer accommodating member includes a developer discharge opening for discharging the developer to the outside, and a developer for conveying the developer to the developer discharge opening. A developer conveying unit, and a developer metering unit for storing a fixed amount of the developer discharged from the developer discharge opening into the storage recess through the opening. A developer introducing portion for rotatably supporting the developer measuring portion and covering the developer discharging opening to guide the developer discharged from the developer discharging opening to the opening of the developer measuring portion; Guided by the introduction section A developer discharging portion for discharging the developer stored in the storing recess of the developer measuring portion to the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the developer storing member is rotated with respect to the holding member, whereby the developing is performed. A seal phase in which the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port are disconnected from each other so that the opening of the developer measuring section is located on the developer introduction section side and the developer is stored in the storage recess; A discharge phase that connects the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port so that the developer in the storage recess is discharged to the image forming apparatus main body through the opening and the developer discharge port. A developer supply container characterized by obtaining different kinds of operation phases. 2. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the developer accommodating member is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. 3. The developer accommodating member is urged by an urging member disposed on a side opposite to the developer carrying-out opening, and the developer carrying-out opening side is pressed against the holding member. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein 4. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the developer accommodating member rotates about the developer measuring section with respect to the holding member. 5. The developer measuring section is provided so as to protrude substantially at the center of one side surface of the developer accommodating member in the longitudinal direction, and the developer discharge opening is formed so as to surround the developer measuring section. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the developer storage members are provided on one side surface in a longitudinal direction. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said developer conveying means is provided integrally with said developer accommodating member.
4. The developer supply container according to item 1. 7. The developer conveying device according to claim 6, wherein said developer conveying means has a feeding section for feeding the developer to said developer discharge opening, and a conveying section for feeding the developer to said feeding section side. The developer supply container as described in the above. 8. The developer holding member has a through hole for rotatably supporting a front end side of a developer measuring section of the developer accommodating member, and the developer measuring section of the developer accommodating member has a front end side. 2. The developer supply container according to claim 1, further comprising a drive input unit that receives a drive from a rotation drive unit included in the image forming apparatus main body and rotates the developer storage member with respect to the holding member. 9. A developing device used in an image forming apparatus, wherein: (a) developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer; and (b) developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image. A developer supply section for supplying the developer, (c)
A developer accommodating member for accommodating a developer for replenishing the developer supply unit; and a holding member for rotatably holding the developer accommodating member, wherein the developer accommodating member includes a developer. A developer discharging opening for discharging the developer to the outside, a developer transporting means for transporting the developer to the developer discharging opening, and a recess for accommodating the developer discharged from the developer discharging opening through the opening. A developer metering unit for accommodating a fixed amount of the developer in the developing device. The holding member rotatably supports the developer measuring unit of the developer accommodating member, and covers the developer discharging opening to cover the developer discharging opening. A developer introduction section for guiding the developer discharged from the developer measurement section to the opening of the developer measurement section; and a developer guided by the developer introduction section and stored in the storage recess of the developer measurement section. Developer discharge to discharge to developer supply section By rotating the developer accommodating member with respect to the holding member, the opening of the developer measuring section is positioned on the developer introducing section side so that the accommodating recess accommodates the developer. A seal phase in which the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port are not communicated with each other; and the developer in the storage recess is discharged to the developer supply section through the opening and the developer discharge port. A container storage section for removably storing a developer supply container that obtains two types of operation phases of an opening of the developer measuring section and a discharge phase communicating the developer discharge port. Characteristic developing device. 10. The developing device according to claim 9, wherein the developer supply unit has a diffusion member for diffusing the developer into the developer supply unit. 11. The container accommodating portion has an insertion opening for inserting a rotation drive unit on a main body side of the image forming apparatus for rotating the developer accommodating member of the developer supply container with respect to the holding member. The developing device according to claim 9, wherein: 12. A developer supply container which is detachable,
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and (b) developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer. (C) a developer supply unit for supplying a developer to the developing unit, (d) a developer storage member for storing a developer for replenishing the developer supply unit, and the developer storage member And a holding member that rotatably holds the developer, wherein the developer accommodating member has a developer discharge opening for discharging the developer to the outside, and a developer discharge opening for conveying the developer to the developer discharge opening. A developer conveying unit; and a developer metering unit configured to store a predetermined amount of the developer discharged from the developer discharge opening into the storage recess through the opening. The holding member includes the developer storage member. Rotatably supports the developer measuring section of the A developer introduction section for guiding the developer discharged from the developer discharge opening over the discharge opening to the opening of the developer measurement section; and a housing for the developer measurement section guided by the developer introduction section. A developer discharging portion for discharging the developer contained in the concave portion to the developer supply portion; and opening the developer measuring portion by rotating the developer containing member with respect to the holding member. A seal phase in which the opening of the developer metering section and the developer discharge port are disconnected so that the developer is accommodated in the accommodating concave portion by positioning the developer in the accommodating concave portion; The two types of operation phases, namely, a discharge phase that connects the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port so as to discharge the developer to the developer supply section via the opening and the developer discharge port, are performed. Removably store the obtained developer supply container (E) rotation for rotating the developer storage member with respect to the holding member using the developer metering unit so that the developer supply container obtains the two types of operation phases. An image forming apparatus comprising: a driving unit; and (f) a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium. 13. A developer supply container which is detachable,
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and (b) developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer. (C) a developer supply unit for supplying a developer to the developing unit, (d) a developer storage member for storing a developer for replenishing the developer supply unit, and the developer storage member And a holding member that rotatably holds the developer, wherein the developer accommodating member has a developer discharge opening for discharging the developer to the outside, and a developer discharge opening for conveying the developer to the developer discharge opening. A developer conveying unit; and a developer metering unit configured to store a predetermined amount of the developer discharged from the developer discharge opening into the storage recess through the opening. The holding member includes the developer storage member. Rotatably supports the developer measuring section of the A developer introduction part for guiding the developer discharged from the developer discharge opening over the discharge opening to the opening of the developer measurement part; and a housing for the developer measurement part guided by the developer introduction part. A developer discharging portion for discharging the developer contained in the concave portion to the developer supply portion; and opening the developer measuring portion by rotating the developer containing member with respect to the holding member. A seal phase in which the opening of the developer metering section and the developer discharge port are disconnected so that the developer is accommodated in the accommodating concave portion by positioning the developer in the accommodating concave portion; The two types of operation phases, namely, a discharge phase that connects the opening of the developer measuring section and the developer discharge port so as to discharge the developer to the developer supply section via the opening and the developer discharge port, are performed. Removably store the obtained developer supply container And (e) rotation for rotating the developer storage member with respect to the holding member using the developer measuring section so that the developer supply container obtains the two types of operation phases. Driving means; (f) detecting means for detecting the rotation angle of the rotation driving means; and (g) non-image forming of the image forming apparatus based on the rotation angle of the rotation driving means detected by the detection means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit for controlling the rotation driving unit so that the developer supply container is in a sealing phase at some times; and (h) a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium.