JP2006113137A - Developer transporting apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer transporting apparatus which can be easily moved between an image forming action position transporting developer to a developing apparatus and a maintenance operation position in which extracting operation of the developing apparatus can be carried out. <P>SOLUTION: The developer transporting apparatus GH is provided with an upstream side cylindrical member GH2 supported in a fitted state to an outside surface of a developer ejecting cylinder 41 and into which developer ejected from a developer ejecting opening flows in, a downstream side cylindrical member GH3 supported in a fitted state to an outside surface of a developer flowing in cylinder 3 and into which the developer is made to flow from the developer flowing in opening 3b into a developer flowing in cylinder 3 and a developer transporting cylinder GH1 installed extending in a direction perpendicular to a shaft of the upstream side cylinder member GH2 and the downstream side cylindrical member GH3 and transporting the developer from the upstream side cylinder member GH2 to the downstream side cylindrical member GH3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a developer conveying device and an image forming apparatus, and in particular, a developer conveying device and an image forming apparatus suitable for conveying a developer from a cylindrical developer discharge cylinder to a cylindrical inflow developer conveying cylinder. About.
The present invention is used in an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on the surface of an image carrier and transfers the toner image onto a sheet.

In the image forming apparatus, a device that supplies developer to a reserve tank from a developer cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, and conveys the developer from the reserve tank to a developing container of a developing device is conventionally known (patent) Reference 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-29518).
Technology described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-29518) Patent Document 1 describes a developer transport device in which a developer cartridge and a reserve tank are arranged at a position away from a developing device.
JP 2003-29518 A

(Problems of the technology described in Patent Document 1)
In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, the developer cartridge and the reserve tank are arranged at positions away from the developing device. For this reason, there is a problem that the developer conveying device for conveying the developer from the reserve tank to the developing device becomes large.
Patent Document 1 is a color image forming apparatus having a rotary developing device. However, even in a normal monochrome image forming apparatus or a tandem type image forming apparatus, the reserve tank and the developing device are separated from each other. If it arrange | positions, there will be a problem if a developer conveying apparatus becomes large.

In the monochrome image forming apparatus or the tandem type color image forming apparatus, when the developer cartridge and the reserve tank and the developing device are arranged close to each other, usually the rotating portion of the developer cartridge, the reserve tank and the developing device. The drive mechanism is disposed on the rear side of the image forming apparatus. The developer cartridge is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body and the developing device is attached and detached during maintenance from the front side of the image forming apparatus.
When the developer conveying device from the reserve tank to the developing device is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus, the developer conveying device is positioned so as not to interfere with the developing device removing operation when the developing device is taken forward. Must be moved to or removed from that position. Further, when the developer transport device is moved to a position that does not interfere with the developing device take-out operation, it is necessary to prevent the developer from leaking from the developer transport device.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has the following contents (O01) to (O03) as technical problems.
(O01) To provide a developer transport apparatus that can be easily moved between an image forming operation position for transporting a developer to a developing device and a maintenance work position where a developer can be taken out.
(O02) To provide a developer conveying device that does not cause developer leakage when moved from an image forming operation position to a maintenance work position where the developer can be taken out.
(O03) To provide a developer transport device of a compact size capable of changing the movable amount of the developer transport cylinder without impairing the developer leakage prevention function.

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

(First invention)
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the developer transport device of the first invention is characterized by comprising the following structural requirements (A01) to (A06).
(A01) A cylindrical developer discharge cylinder (41) protruding from the developer discharge container (RT) and having a developer discharge port (41a) for discharging the developer in the developer discharge container (RT) The developer discharge cylinder (41) formed on the side surface;
(A02) A first communication port (56a) is formed which is rotatably mounted on the developer discharge cylinder (41) and communicates with the developer discharge port (41a) when rotated to a predetermined communication rotation position. Upstream first cylindrical member (56),
(A03) An upstream second cylindrical member (57) slidably mounted on the upstream first cylindrical member (56), the storage position approaching the developer discharge container (RT), and the developer The upstream second cylinder having a second communication port (57a) that is slidably mounted between a protruding position away from the discharge container (RT) and communicates with the first communication port (56a) at the storage position. Member (57),
(A04) An upstream third cylindrical member (58) slidably mounted on the upstream second cylindrical member (57), the storage position approaching the developer discharge container (RT), and the developer A third communication port (58a) that is slidably mounted between the projecting position away from the discharge container (RT) and communicates with the second communication port (57a) and the first communication port (56a) at the storage position. The upstream third cylindrical member (58) having
(A05) a developer transport cylinder (GH1) that is integrally formed with the upstream third cylindrical member (58) and extends in a direction intersecting the axis of the upstream third cylindrical member (58). The developer transport cylinder (GH1) having one end portion communicating with the third communication port (58a) and the other end portion having a downstream first communication port (67);
(A06) The developer transport cylinder (GH1) is rotatably and slidably connected and extends in a direction intersecting the axis of the developer transport cylinder (GH1), and the downstream first communication port A downstream cylindrical member (GH3) having a downstream second communication port (68) communicating with (67).

(Operation of the first invention)
In the developer conveying device according to the first aspect of the present invention having the structural requirements (A01) to (A06), the cylindrical developer discharge cylinder (41) protruding from the developer discharge container (RT) is formed on the lower surface thereof. The developer in the developer discharge container (RT) is discharged from the developer discharge port (41a).
The first communication port (56a) formed in the upstream first cylindrical member (56) rotatably attached to the developer discharge cylinder (41) has a predetermined first upstream cylindrical member (56). When rotated to the communication rotation position, the developer discharge port (41a) communicates.
The upstream second cylindrical member (57) slidably mounted on the upstream first cylindrical member (56) has a storage position approaching the developer discharge container (RT) and the developer discharge container (RT). Slide between the protruding positions away from the. The second communication port (57a) of the upstream second cylindrical member (57) communicates with the first communication port (56a) when the upstream second cylindrical member (57) moves to the storage position. .
An upstream third cylindrical member (58) slidably mounted on the upstream second cylindrical member (57) has a storage position approaching the developer discharge container (RT) and the developer discharge container (RT). Slide between the protruding positions away from the. The third communication port (58a) of the upstream third cylindrical member (58) is connected to the second communication port (57a) and the first communication port when the upstream third cylindrical member (58) is moved to the storage position. It communicates with the communication port (56a).
One end of a developer transport cylinder (GH1) that is configured integrally with the upstream third cylindrical member (58) and extends in a direction intersecting the axis of the upstream third cylindrical member (58) is , Communicating with the third communication port (58a).

Therefore, the developer in the developer discharge container (RT) is conveyed by the developer discharge tube (41) and discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) of the developer discharge tube (41). The developer discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) is a first communication port (56a) of the upstream first cylindrical member (56), a second communication port (57a) of the upstream second cylindrical member (57), And it is conveyed to the one end part of a developer conveyance cylinder (GH1) through the 3rd communicating port (58a) of an upstream 3rd cylindrical member (58). The developer that has flowed in from one end of the developer transport cylinder (GH1) can be discharged from a downstream first communication port (67) formed in the other end.
The downstream cylindrical member (GH3) is rotatably and slidably connected to the developer transport cylinder (GH1) and extends in a direction intersecting the axis of the developer transport cylinder (GH1). The developer flowing in from the downstream second communication port (68) communicating with the first communication port (67) can be conveyed downstream. When the downstream cylindrical member (GH3) is provided with, for example, a developer inflow cylinder (for example, a developer supply cylinder of the developer container (V)) (3) on the downstream side thereof, the second downstream communication is provided. The developer flowing in from the port (68) can be conveyed to the developer supply cylinder (3).

(Embodiment 1 of the present invention)
The developer conveying device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention is characterized in that in the first invention, the following structural requirement (A07) is provided.
(A07) The second downstream communication port that is detachably attached to the developer inlet cylinder (3) having the developer inlet (3b) and communicates with the developer inlet (3b) in the state of being attached ( 68) said downstream cylindrical member (GH3).
(Operation of Form 1 of the Present Invention)
In the developer transport device according to the first embodiment of the present invention having the configuration requirement (A07), the downstream cylindrical member (GH3) is detachably attached to the developer inflow cylinder (3) having the developer inlet (3b). Installed. In the mounted state, the second downstream communication port (68) communicates with the developer inlet (3b). Therefore, the developer can be replenished from the downstream cylindrical member (GH3) to the inside of the developer inflow cylinder (3).

(Second invention)
The developer conveying device of the second invention is characterized by comprising the following structural requirements (A08) to (A011).
(A08) A cylindrical developer discharge cylinder (41) having a developer discharge port (41a) formed on the outer surface, a developer inlet (3b) formed on the outer surface, and the developer discharge cylinder (41). And a cylindrical developer inflow cylinder (3) parallel to the developer transporting the developer discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) into the developer inflow port (3b) Device (GH),
(A09) An upstream cylindrical member (GH2) supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer discharge cylinder (41) and into which the developer discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) flows, and the development A downstream cylindrical member (GH3) that is supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer inflow cylinder (3) and allows the developer to flow into the developer inflow cylinder (3) from the developer inlet (3b); The upstream cylindrical member (GH2) and the downstream cylindrical member (GH3) are arranged so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the upstream cylindrical member (GH2), and developer is supplied from the upstream cylindrical member (GH2) to the downstream cylindrical member (GH3). The developer transport device (GH) having a developer transport cylinder (GH1) for transporting,
(A010) It is constituted by a plurality of cylindrical members (56, 57, 58) having an extendable multi-tube structure having communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a), and the inside of the plurality of cylindrical members (56, 57, 58). A first cylindrical member (56) disposed on the innermost side and rotatably supported, and an outer cylindrical member (57, 58) slidably supported on the outer side of the first cylindrical member (56). In the contracted state, the communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a) of the plurality of cylindrical members (56, 57, 58) communicate with each other. In the expanded state, the communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a) communicate with other cylinders. One of the upstream cylindrical member (GH2) or the downstream cylindrical member (GH3) configured to be closed by the cylindrical surface of the member,
(A011) The other cylindrical member (GH3) detachably attached to either the developer discharge cylinder (41) or the developer inflow cylinder (3).

(Operation of the second invention)
In the developer conveying device according to the second aspect of the present invention having the structural requirements (A08) to (A011), the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical developer discharge tube (41). The developer to be transported is transported by a developer transport device (GH). The developer transported by the developer transport device (GH) is a developer inlet (3b) formed on the outer surface of a cylindrical developer inflow tube (3) parallel to the developer discharge tube (41). ).
The developer transport device (GH) includes an upstream cylindrical member (GH2), a developer transport cylinder (GH1), and a downstream cylindrical member (GH3).
The developer discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) flows into the upstream cylindrical member (GH2) supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer discharge tube (41). The developer transport cylinder (GH1) arranged extending in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the upstream cylindrical member (GH2) and the downstream cylindrical member (GH3) is disposed downstream from the upstream cylindrical member (GH2). The developer is conveyed to the side cylindrical member (GH3). The downstream cylindrical member (GH3) supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer inflow cylinder (3) allows the developer to enter the developer inflow cylinder (3) from the developer inflow port (3b). Let it flow.
One cylindrical member (GH2) of the upstream side cylindrical member (GH2) or the downstream side cylindrical member (GH3) is a plurality of cylindrical members having a telescopic multiple tube structure having communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a). (56, 57, 58).
Of the plurality of cylindrical members (56, 57, 58), the first cylindrical member (56) disposed on the innermost side is rotatably supported. Outer cylindrical members (57, 58) are slidably supported outside the first cylindrical member (56).
In the contracted state, the one cylindrical member (GH2) that can be expanded and contracted constituted by a plurality of cylindrical members (56, 57, 58) having a multi-tube structure communicates with each of the plurality of cylindrical members (56, 57, 58). When the mouths (56a, 57a, 58a) communicate with each other and extend, the communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a) are closed by the cylindrical surfaces of the other cylindrical members. In this case, it is possible to prevent the developer from leaking out from the communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a).
In a state where the one cylindrical member (GH2) is contracted, the developer can be conveyed between the first cylindrical member (56) and the outer cylindrical member (57, 58).
Further, the developer transport having the one cylindrical member (GH2), the other cylindrical member (GH3), and a developer transport cylinder (GH1) for transporting the developer between the cylindrical members (GH2, GH3). The apparatus (GH) includes the one cylindrical member (GH2) in a state in which the one cylindrical member (GH2) that can be expanded and contracted is attached to either the developer discharge cylinder (41) or the developer inflow cylinder (3). The other cylindrical member (GH3) can be easily attached to either the developer discharge cylinder (41) or the developer inflow cylinder (3).

(Embodiment 2 of the present invention)
The developer conveying device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the following constitutional requirement (A012) is provided.
(A012) One end is integrally connected to the outer cylindrical member (58) disposed on the outermost side of the one cylindrical member (GH2), and the other cylindrical member (GH3) is attached to the other end. The developer carrying cylinder (GH1).
(Operation of Embodiment 2 of the present invention)
In the developer transport device (GH) according to the second embodiment of the present invention having the structural element (A012), one end portion of the outer cylindrical member (58) disposed on the outermost side of the one cylindrical member (GH2) is provided. The developer cylinder (GH1) that is integrally connected has the other cylindrical member (GH3) attached to the other end.

(Embodiment 3 of the present invention)
The developer transport device (GH) of Embodiment 3 of the present invention is characterized in that, in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the following structural requirement (A013) is provided.
(A013) The developer carrying cylinder (GH1) in which the other cylindrical member (GH3) is slidably mounted on the other end.
(Operation of Form 3 of the Present Invention)
In the developer transport device (GH) according to the third embodiment of the present invention having the above-described structural requirement (A013), one end portion of the outer cylindrical member (58) disposed on the outermost side of the one cylindrical member (GH2) is provided. The other cylindrical member (GH3) is slidably and rotatably mounted on the other end of the developer transport cylinder (GH1) that is integrally connected.

(Third invention)
The developer conveying device (GH) of the third invention is characterized in that it comprises the following constituent elements (A08), (A09), (A010 '), (A011), (A012').
(A08) A cylindrical developer discharge cylinder (41) having a developer discharge port (41a) formed on the outer surface, a developer inlet (3b) formed on the outer surface, and the developer discharge cylinder (41). And a cylindrical developer inflow cylinder (3) parallel to the developer transporting the developer discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) into the developer inflow port (3b) Device (GH),
(A09) An upstream cylindrical member (GH2) supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer discharge cylinder (41) and into which the developer discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) flows, and the development A downstream cylindrical member (GH3) that is supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer inflow cylinder (3) and allows the developer to flow into the developer inflow cylinder (3) from the developer inlet (3b); The upstream cylindrical member (GH2) and the downstream cylindrical member (GH3) are arranged so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the upstream cylindrical member (GH2), and developer is supplied from the upstream cylindrical member (GH2) to the downstream cylindrical member (GH3). The developer transport device (GH) having a developer transport cylinder (GH1) for transporting,
(A010 ′) It is composed of a plurality of cylindrical members (56, 57, 58) having a telescopic multi-tube structure having communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a), and each of the plurality of cylindrical members (56, 57) in a contracted state. , 58) are connected to each other (56a, 57a, 58a), and in the extended state, the communication port (56a, 57a, 58a) is configured to be closed by a cylindrical surface of another cylindrical member. One cylindrical member (GH2) in the side cylindrical member (GH2) or the downstream cylindrical member (GH3),
(A011) The other cylindrical member (GH3) detachably attached to either the developer discharge cylinder (41) or the developer inflow cylinder (3),
(A012 ′) One end is integrally connected to the outer cylindrical member (57, 58) rotatably arranged on the outermost side of the one cylindrical member (GH2) and the other cylindrical member (GH3). ) Is attached to the other end of the developer transport cylinder (GH1).

(Operation of the third invention)
In the developer transport device (GH) according to the third aspect of the present invention having the structural requirements (A08), (A09), (A010 ′), (A011), (A012 ′), a cylindrical developer discharge tube (41) The developer discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) formed on the outer surface of the toner is transported by the developer transport device (GH). The developer transported by the developer transport device (GH) is a developer inlet (3b) formed on the outer surface of a cylindrical developer inflow tube (3) parallel to the developer discharge tube (41). ).
The developer transport device (GH) includes an upstream cylindrical member (GH2), a developer transport cylinder (GH1), and a downstream cylindrical member (GH3).
The developer discharged from the developer discharge port (41a) flows into the upstream cylindrical member (GH2) supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer discharge tube (41). The developer transport cylinder (GH1) arranged extending in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the upstream cylindrical member (GH2) and the downstream cylindrical member (GH3) is disposed downstream from the upstream cylindrical member (GH2). The developer is conveyed to the side cylindrical member (GH3). The downstream cylindrical member (GH3) supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer inflow cylinder (3) allows the developer to enter the developer inflow cylinder (3) from the developer inflow port (3b). Let it flow.
One cylindrical member (GH2) of the upstream side cylindrical member (GH2) or the downstream side cylindrical member (GH3) is a plurality of cylindrical members having a telescopic multiple tube structure having communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a). (56, 57, 58). In the contracted state, the one cylindrical member (GH2) communicates with the communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a) of the plurality of cylindrical members (56, 57, 58), and in the expanded state, the communication ports (56a, 57a, 58a) are closed by the cylindrical surface of another cylindrical member. In a state where the one cylindrical member (GH2) is contracted, the developer can be conveyed between the first cylindrical member (56) and the outer cylindrical member (57, 58).
Further, the developer transport having the one cylindrical member (GH2), the other cylindrical member (GH3), and a developer transport cylinder (GH1) for transporting the developer between the cylindrical members (GH2, GH3). The one cylindrical member (GH2) that can expand and contract in the apparatus (GH) is attached to one of the developer discharge cylinder (41) and the developer inflow cylinder (3). The developer conveying cylinder (GH1) is connected to the rotatable outer cylindrical member (57, 58) disposed on the outermost side of the one extendable cylindrical member (GH2). In this case, the one cylindrical member (GH2) is expanded or contracted, or the outer cylindrical member (57, 58) is rotated, so that the other cylindrical member (GH3) is moved to the developer discharge cylinder (41) or the development. It can be easily mounted on the other side of the agent inflow cylinder (3).

(Embodiment 4)
The developer transport device (GH) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes the following constituent elements (A014) and (A015) according to any one of the first to third inventions or the first to third embodiments of the present invention. It is provided with.
(A014) The developer discharge container (RT) configured by a reserve tank (RT) that stores the developer supplied from the developer cartridge (K).
(A015) The downstream cylindrical member (GH3) for discharging the developer from the second downstream communication port (68) into the developer supply chamber (3a) of the developing device (G).
(Operation of Form 4 of the Present Invention)
In the developer transport device (GH) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention having the structural requirements (A014) and (A015), the developer is discharged from the reserve tank (RT) that stores the developer supplied from the developer cartridge (K). The developer to be transported is conveyed into the developer supply chamber (3a) of the developing device (V).

(Fourth invention)
An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the invention is characterized by including the following configuration requirement (A016).
(A016) The developer conveying device (GH) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
(Operation of the fourth invention)
In the image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention having the structural requirement (A016), the developer conveying apparatus (GH) according to any one of the first to third aspects or the first to third aspects of the present invention. Therefore, the operation of any one of the first to third inventions or the first to third aspects of the invention is exhibited.

The developer conveying device of the present invention described above has the following effects (E01) to (E03).
(E01) It is possible to provide a developer transport device that can be easily moved between an image forming operation position for transporting the developer to the developer and a maintenance work position where the developer can be taken out.
(E02) It is possible to provide a developer transport device that does not cause developer leakage when moved from the image forming operation position to a maintenance work position where the developer can be taken out.
(E03) A compact developer transport apparatus that can change the amount of movement of the developer transport cylinder without impairing the developer leakage prevention function by changing the number of multiple cylindrical members having multiple structures. Can be provided.

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

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus including a developer conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus U includes a digital copying machine U1 as a main body of an image forming apparatus having a platen glass (transparent document table) PG on an upper surface, and an automatic removably mounted on the platen glass PG. And a document feeder (auto document feeder, ADF) U2.
The automatic document feeder U2 has a document feed tray TG1 on which a plurality of documents G to be copied are stacked. Each of the plurality of documents G placed on the document feed tray TG1 sequentially passes through the copy position on the platen glass PG and is discharged to the document discharge tray TG2.

The copying machine U1 includes a UI (user interface), an IIT (image input terminal) as an image reading unit sequentially arranged below the platen glass PG, and an IOT (image output terminal) as an image recording operation unit. And an IPS (Image Processing System) provided in the IIT or IOT.
The IIT as a document reading device disposed below the transparent platen glass PG on the upper surface of the copying machine main body U1 includes an exposure system registration sensor (platen registration sensor) Sp disposed at a platen registration position (OPT position), and an exposure optical system A. have.

The movement and stop of the exposure optical system A are controlled by the detection signal of the exposure system registration sensor Sp, and always stop at the home position.
In the ADF mode in which copying is performed using the automatic document feeder (auto document feeder) U2, the exposure optical system A passes through the copy position F1 on the platen glass PG in a state where the exposure optical system A is stopped at the home position. Each original G is exposed.
In the platen mode where the operator places the document G on the platen glass PG by hand, the exposure optical system A exposes and scans the document on the platen glass PG while moving.
The exposed reflected light from the original G passes through the exposure optical system A and is converged on a CCD (solid-state imaging device). The CCD converts the reflected document light converged on the imaging surface into an electric signal.

The IPS converts the read image signal input from the IIT CCD into a digital image write signal and outputs it to the IOT laser drive signal output device DL.
The laser drive signal output device DL outputs a laser drive signal corresponding to the input image data to the ROS (optical writing scanning device or image writing device).

  A photosensitive drum (toner image carrier in this embodiment) PR disposed below the ROS rotates in the direction of arrow Ya. The surface of the photosensitive drum PR is charged to − (minus) 700 V by a charging roll (charge roll) CR in the charging area Q0, and then the laser beam L of the ROS (image writing apparatus) at the latent image writing position Q1. Is exposed and scanned to form an electrostatic latent image of -300V. The latent image formation on the photosensitive drum PR by the laser beam L is started after a predetermined time has elapsed after the paper sensor SN1 detects the leading edge of the paper. The surface of the photosensitive drum PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed rotates and moves sequentially through the development area Q2 and the sheet transfer area Q3.

The developing unit G that develops the electrostatic latent image in the development area Q2 transports a developer containing toner having a negative charge polarity and a carrier having a positive charge polarity to the development area Q2 by a development roll R0, and the development unit Q2. The electrostatic latent image passing through the region Q2 is developed into a toner image. The toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR is conveyed to the sheet transfer area Q3.
A developer cartridge K for replenishing the developer consumed by the developing device G is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting member KS. The developer in the developer cartridge K is agitated in a reserve tank (developer discharge container) RT and then conveyed to the developer G by the developer conveyance device GH. The configuration for transporting the developer in the developer cartridge K detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting member KS to the reserve tank RT is conventionally known (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-84555).

  A transfer unit (transfer belt support device) TU arranged opposite to the photosensitive drum PR in the sheet transfer region Q3 can be rotated by a belt support roll (Rd, Rf) having a drive roll Rd and a driven roll Rf. A transfer belt TB, a transfer roll TR, a peeling claw SC, a belt cleaner CLb, and the like are supported. The transfer roll TR is a member that transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR to the sheet S. A transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the developing toner used in the developing device G is supplied from the power supply circuit E. The The power supply circuit E is controlled by a controller C.

The sheets S accommodated in the sheet feed trays TR1 to TR4 are conveyed to the sheet transfer area Q3 through the sheet supply path SH1. That is, the sheets S of the respective trays TR1 to TR4 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp at a predetermined timing, separated one by one by the separating roll Rs, and conveyed to the registration roll Rr by the plurality of conveying rolls Ra.
The sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is conveyed from the pre-transfer sheet guide SG1 to the transfer belt TB of the transfer unit TU in synchronization with the timing when the toner image on the photosensitive drum PR moves to the sheet transfer area Q3. Is done. The transfer belt TB conveys the conveyed sheet S to the sheet transfer area Q3.

  The toner image Tn developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer roll TR in the sheet transfer region Q3. After the transfer, the surface of the photosensitive drum PR is cleaned by the photosensitive cleaner CLp to remove residual toner, and then recharged by the charging roll CR.

The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roll TR in the sheet transfer area Q3 is peeled from the surface of the transfer belt TB by the sheet peeling claw SC on the downstream side of the sheet transfer area Q3. The peeled sheet S is a conveyance roll capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions of the sheet discharge path SH2 through a mylar gate MG made of an elastic sheet after the toner image is heated and fixed by a fixing device F having a heating roll Fh and a pressure roll Fp. Transported to Rb. The mylar gate MG is elastically deformed to direct the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device F toward the sheet discharge path SH2.
The sheet S to be discharged to the paper discharge tray TRh is transported through a sheet discharge path SH2 in which a transport roll Rb capable of forward and reverse rotation and a plurality of transport rolls Ra are arranged. A switching gate GT1 is disposed at the downstream end of the sheet discharge path SH2. When a post-processing device (not shown) is connected to the image forming apparatus, the switching gate GT1 discharges the conveyed sheet S to either the paper discharge tray TRh or a post-processing device (not shown). Is switched to. When the post-processing device is not mounted, the switching gate GT1 discharges the sheet S conveyed to the downstream end portion of the sheet discharge path SH2 to the discharge tray TRh.

The forward and reverse rotatable transport roll Rb rotates reversely immediately before the trailing edge of the single-side recorded sheet S passes through the transport roll Rb when a single-side recorded sheet for duplex copying is transported. The single-side recorded sheet S is switched back. The mylar gate MG directs the sheet S that has been switched back by the transport roll Rb to the sheet circulation transport path SH3. The single-side recorded sheet S conveyed to the sheet circulation conveyance path SH3 is retransmitted to the transfer area Q3 in a state where the front and back sides are reversed. The one-side recorded sheet S retransmitted to the sheet transfer area Q3 is transferred with the toner image on the second side.
Note that a sheet conveying device SH is constituted by the constituent elements indicated by the symbols SH1 to SH3, Rp, Rs, Rr, Ra, Rb, MG and the like.

(Developer)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing device of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an explanatory view of the developing unit shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3A is a sectional view taken along the line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB in FIG.
4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3A.
2 to 4, the developing unit G disposed opposite to the photosensitive drum PR in the developing region Q2 includes a toner charged to a negative (−) polarity and a carrier charged to a positive (+) polarity. It has the developing container V which accommodates a component developer (refer FIG. 3). The developer container V includes a developer container main body 1, a developer container cover 2 that closes the upper end thereof, and a developer supply cylinder (developer inflow cylinder) 3 connected to the front end of the developer container main body 1 (FIG. 2). reference).

In FIG. 3, the developing container body 1 is adjacent to the developing roll chamber 4 that houses the developing roll R 0, the first stirring chamber 6 adjacent to the developing roll chamber 4, and the first stirring chamber 6. And a second stirring chamber 7. The developing container cover 2 extends downward from a roll housing wall 2a forming the developing roll chamber 4, an upper wall 2b disposed on the second stirring chamber 7, and a right side (+ Y side) of the upper wall 2b. And a locked wall 2c that comes into contact with the side wall of the developing container main body 1. The roll housing wall 2a has a top wall 2a1 and a side wall 2a2, and the developing container cover 2 is placed in the developing roll chamber 4 on the inner surface side of the top wall 2a1 when the developing container cover 2 is mounted on the developing container body. A layer thickness regulating member 8 for regulating the layer thickness of the developer on the surface of the roll R0 is provided. When the developing container cover 2 is attached to the developing container main body 1, a locking port 2c1 (see FIG. 2) formed in the locked wall 2c is formed on the outer surface of the developing container main body 1. It is locked by a locking claw (not shown).
Cam engaging portions 2d (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3B) are provided at the front and rear end portions of the upper surface of the developer container cover 2 of the developer container V at positions spaced apart from the side wall 2a2. The distance between the pair of cam engaging portions 2d provided at the front and rear end portions and the side wall 2a2 is maintained at a distance where a cam described later can be disposed.

3 and 4, a supply chamber 6 a (see FIG. 4) inside the developer supply cylinder 3 is connected to the left side of the first stirring chamber 6. A partition wall 9 is formed at a portion other than both ends between the first stirring chamber 6 and the second stirring chamber 7 inside the developing container main body 1. The upper end of the partition wall 9 is in contact with the lower end (−Z side end) of the side wall 2a2 of the roll housing wall 2a (see FIG. 3). The first stirring chamber 6 and the second stirring chamber 7 are configured to communicate with each other at front and rear communication portions E1 and E2 at both ends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) (see FIG. 4).
The first stirring chamber 6 and the second stirring chamber 7 constitute a circulating stirring chamber (6 + 7).
A developer discharge port 7 a for discharging the deteriorated developer is formed at the rear of the second stirring chamber 7. A toner concentration sensor SU is disposed upstream of the developer discharge port 7a. The developer discharged from the developer discharge port 7a is collected in a developer collecting container (not shown). Further, a supply chamber 3a is formed inside the developer supply cylinder 3, and a supply port (developer inlet) 3b is formed at the upper part. The replenishing chamber 3 a is connected to the front portion of the first stirring chamber 6.

  3 to 4, the developing roll R0 is a conventionally known one in which a sleeve is provided outside a magnetic roll containing a magnet roll. The developer in the first stirring chamber 6 is adsorbed on the surface of the developing roll R0 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roll and is transported to the developing area Q2. The roll shaft R0a of the developing roll R0 is rotatably supported by the front wall and the rear wall of the developing container body 1, and a gear G0 (see FIG. 4) is provided at the rear end (−X side end) of the roll shaft R0a. ) Is fixed.

3 to 4, a first stirring member R1 for conveying the developer while stirring is disposed in the first stirring chamber 6 and the replenishing chamber 3a. The first agitating member R1 has a first rotating shaft R1a extending in the axial direction of the developing roll R0, and an agitating and conveying blade R1b and a reverse conveying blade R1c fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft R1a. The agitation transport blade R1b is provided from the rear communication portion E2 to the front communication portion E1 in order to transport the developer from the rear side (−X side) to the front side (+ X side). The reverse conveying blade R1c (see FIG. 4) is provided in the replenishing chamber 3a, and the developer replenished from the replenishing port 3b is in the reverse direction (rearward, -X direction) of the agitating and conveying blade R1b. Conveying. The developer transported backward by the reverse transport blade R1c and the developer transported forward by the stirring transport blade R1b are transported from the front communication portion E1 to the second stirring chamber.
The rotation shaft R1a is rotatably supported by the front wall of the replenishing cylinder 3 and the rear wall of the developing container main body 1, and a gear G1 (see FIG. 5) is provided at the rear end (−X side end) of the rotation shaft R1a. 4) is fixed.

  The second stirring chamber 7 is provided with a second stirring member R2 that conveys the developer backward while stirring the developer. The second agitating member R2 also has a second rotating shaft R2a, an agitating and conveying blade R2b, and a reverse conveying blade R2c. The agitating / conveying blade R2b is provided from the developer supply port 3b to the rear communication portion E2 in order to convey the developer from the front side (+ X side) to the rear side (−X side). The reverse conveying blade R1c (see FIG. 4) is provided on the rear end side (−X side) of the rear communication portion E2, and the developer is moved to the front side (X) opposite to the conveying direction of the stirring and conveying blade R2b. The developer is caused to flow from the second stirring chamber 7 into the first stirring chamber 6 by being conveyed to the first stirring chamber 6. The second rotation axis R2a is rotatably supported by the front wall and the rear wall of the developing container body 1, and a gear G2 is fixed to the rear end.

2 and 4, the gear G0 of the roll shaft R0a meshes with the gear G1 of the first rotation shaft R1a, and the gear G1 meshes with the gear G2 of the second rotation shaft R2a. The gear G0 receives the rotational force of a developing device motor (not shown). When the gear G0 is rotated by the motor, the gear G1 rotates in the opposite direction to the gear G0, and the gears G1 and G2 Rotate in opposite directions. That is, the first stirring member R1 and the second stirring member R2 that rotate together with the gear G1 and the gear G2 rotate in opposite directions. Accordingly, the developer in the first stirring chamber 6 and the second stirring chamber 7 is conveyed and circulated in opposite directions by the rotation of the first stirring member R1 and the second stirring member R2.
The replenishing cylinder 3, the developing container V, the developing roll chamber 4, the circulation stirring chamber (6 + 7), the first stirring member R1, and the second stirring member R2 constitute a developing device G.

Two projecting pins 11, 11 projecting forward are provided on the front end wall of the developing container V. Further, two projecting pins 11 and 11 (not shown) projecting forward are provided on the rear end wall of the developing device G.
(Developer support member 12)
The developing device support member 12 that supports the developing device G is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.
In FIG. 2, the developing device support member 12 includes a front end wall 13 and a rear end wall 14, and a connection wall 15 that connects the both end walls 13 and 14. The front end wall 13 is formed with pin penetration long holes 13a, 13a through which the protruding pins 11, 11 penetrate. Like the front end wall, the rear end wall 14 is formed with pin penetration long holes 13a and 13a through which the protruding pins 11 and 11 pass.
In the developing unit G, the projecting pins 11a and 11a provided on the front end wall and the rear end wall of the developing container V are respectively inserted into the front end wall 13 and the rear end wall 14 of the developing unit support member 12. The long holes 13a and 13a are supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction.
The developing device G and the developing device support member 12 that supports the developing device G are connected to the image forming apparatus main body U1 in a detachable manner from the front side. When the developing device support member 12 is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus main body U1, it is guided in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) by a guide member (not shown) supported by the image forming apparatus main body U1.

A cam shaft 17 is rotatably supported by the front end wall and the rear end wall of the developing container V. The cam shaft 17 is disposed through the space between the side wall 2a2 of the developing container V and the cam engaging portion 2d on the upper surface of the developing container cover 2 in the front-rear direction. Eccentric cams 18 (see FIGS. 2 and 3B) are fixed to both front and rear ends of the cam shaft 17, and the eccentric cam 18 is cam-engaged between the side wall 2a2 of the developer container V and the upper surface of the developer container cover 2. It arrange | positions in the space between the parts 2d.
The cam shaft 17 penetrates the front end wall 13 and protrudes forward, and an operation lever 19 is fixed to the front end of the cam shaft 17. In the state shown in FIG. 3B in which the operation lever 19 is rotated downward, the developing device G and the projecting pins 11 and 11 are guided by pin through-holes 13a and 13a provided in the front end wall 13 and the rear end wall 14, respectively. And moved to the right (Y direction) (position approaching the photosensitive drum PR).

(Cartridge mounting member, reserve tank and cartridge)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a reserve tank and a cartridge mounting portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the developer cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.
5 to 6, the cartridge mounting portion KS is a portion where the developer cartridge K is detachably mounted. The cartridge mounting portion KS includes a rear cylindrical portion 21, a front semi-cylindrical portion 22, and a rear end wall 23. A guide groove 22a extending in the front-rear direction and a supply port 22b connected to the rear end of the guide groove 22a are formed in the lower part of the inner surface of the front semi-cylindrical portion 22.

  The rear end wall 23 is formed with two arc-shaped positioning pin insertion holes 23a, 23a. A rotating shaft 25 is rotatably supported at the center of the rear end wall 23 via a bearing 24. A coupler 26 is fixed to the front end of the rotary shaft 25 penetrating the rear end wall 23, and a gear G4 is fixed to the rear end.

In FIG. 6, the developer cartridge K which is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion KS has a container 28 for storing a replenishment developer. An operation handle 29 is provided on the front surface of the front end wall of the container 28.
Positioning pins 30 are provided on the rear end wall of the container 28 so as to protrude rearward. A coupler shaft 31a passes through the center of the rear end wall of the container 28, and a coupler 31 is formed at the rear end of the coupler shaft 31a. The rear end of the agitator 32 is connected to the front end of the coupler shaft 31a.
At the rear of the cylindrical wall of the container 28, there are provided a developer discharge opening 33, a guide rail 34 extending in the circumferential direction, and a shutter 35 guided by the guide rail 34 and movable in the circumferential direction.

In FIG. 6, when the developer cartridge K is inserted from the front to the rear, the guide rail 34 and the shutter 35 of the developer cartridge K are guided by the guide groove 22a of the cartridge mounting portion KS and move backward. When the developer cartridge K is further inserted backward from the state of FIG. 6, the pins 30 and 30 are inserted into the arc-shaped positioning pin insertion holes 23a and 23a. In the inserted state, the coupler 31 of the developer cartridge K and the coupler 26 of the cartridge mounting portion KS are coupled.
When the developer cartridge K is rotated in the inserted state, the container 28 and the guide rail 34 are rotated while the shutter 35 is stopped without rotating. At that time, the opening 33 rotates and moves to a position communicating with the supply port 22b (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Since the replenishing port 22b is connected to the inside of the reserve tank RT, it is possible to replenish the developer for replenishment inside the developer cartridge K into the reserve tank RT from the opening 33 and the replenishing port 22b.

FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view of the reserve tank shown in FIG.
5 and 7, the reserve tank RT has a container body RT1 and a cover RT2 that closes the upper end opening of the container body RT1. A developer inlet RT2a is formed in the cover RT2 at a position corresponding to the supply port 22b (see FIG. 5). A developer amount sensor SNC is mounted on the right side wall of the container body RT1. A developer discharge cylinder 41 protruding forward is formed on the front wall of the container body RT1. A developer discharge port 41 a is formed on the lower side surface of the developer discharge cylinder 41.
Inside the container body RT1, two parallel partition walls 42, 42 and a rear end connection wall 43 for connecting the rear ends thereof are provided. Inside the container body RT1, developer agitating / conveying chambers 44 and 45 are formed outside the partition walls 42 and 42, respectively, and a developer discharge member accommodating chamber 46 is formed inside the partition walls 42 and 42. Has been. A front communication passage 47 is formed on the front side of the partition walls 42, 42 between the front wall of the container body RT1 and the rear side of the partition walls 42, 42 is between the rear wall of the container body RT1. A front communication passage 48 is formed in the front.

Developer agitating / conveying members 51 and 52 are disposed in the developer agitating / conveying chambers 44 and 45, respectively, and a developer discharging member 53 is disposed in the developer discharging member accommodating chamber 46. The developer agitating / conveying members 51 and 52 and the developer discharging member 53 have rotating shafts 51a, 52a and 53a extending forward and backward, and screw augers 51b, 52b and 53b mounted on the rotating shafts, respectively. . The rotary shafts 51a, 52a, 53a are rotatably supported by the container body RT1. Gears G6, G7, and G8 are attached to the rear ends of the rotary shafts 51a, 52a, and 53a, and the gear G8 meshes with the gears G6 and G7. The gear G6 is engaged with the gear G9 (see FIG. 5).
When the rotational force is transmitted to the gear G6 by a rotation transmission mechanism (not shown), the developer in the reserve tank RT is conveyed in the direction of arrow Yb in FIG. 7 and circulated in the reserve tank RT, and in the direction of arrow Yc. It is conveyed and discharged from the developer discharge port 41a.

(Developer transport device from reserve tank RT to developer container V)
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a developer conveying device having an upstream cylindrical member, a developer conveying cylinder, and a downstream cylindrical member for conveying the developer discharged from the reserve tank to the developing device. The upstream cylindrical member is extended. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developer transport cylinder and the downstream cylindrical member protrude forward and rotate upward.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the developer transport device that transports the developer discharged from the reserve tank to the developing device. In the state of FIG. 8, the developer transport cylinder and the downstream cylindrical member are rotated downward. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a developer transport device that transports the developer discharged from the reserve tank to a developing device, and shows a state in which the developer is stored rearward from the state of FIG. 9 (a state of protruding forward). is there.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the upstream cylindrical member, FIG. 11A is a longitudinal sectional view of the multi-pipe structure upstream cylindrical member in a contracted state (see FIG. 10), and FIG. 11B is a state in which the upstream cylindrical member is extended ( FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9).
12 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upstream cylindrical member of the multiple tube structure of FIG. 11B.

In FIG. 8, the developer transport device GH mounted on the developer discharge tube 41 of the reserve tank RT has a multi-tube structure connected to the developer transport tube GH1 and the upstream end of the developer transport tube GH1. The upstream cylindrical member GH2, the downstream cylindrical member GH3 connected to the downstream end, and the rotation of the developer discharging rotary shaft 53a supported in the developer discharging cylinder 41 are rotated in the developer conveying cylinder. And a rotational force transmission member GH4 for transmitting to a screw auger (described later).
The upstream cylindrical member GH2 having the multiple tube structure includes an upstream first cylindrical member 56 that is rotatably attached to the developer discharge cylinder 41, and an upstream that is slidably attached to the upstream first cylindrical member 56. A second side cylindrical member 57 and a third upstream cylindrical member 58 slidably mounted on the second upstream cylindrical member 57.

11 and 12, a first communication hole 56a is formed on the lower surface of the upstream first cylindrical member 56, and a first protrusion 56b extending in the axial direction is formed on the upper surface. A shaft through hole 56c through which the rotation shaft 53a (see FIG. 4) passes is formed in the front end wall of the upstream first cylindrical member 56.
11 and 12, a second communication hole 57a is formed on the lower surface of the upstream second cylindrical member 57, and a slit 57b extending in the axial direction is formed on the front portion of the upper surface. A pair of protrusions 57c is formed on the side surface.
11 and 12, a third communication port 58 a is formed on the lower surface of the upstream third cylindrical member 58, and a pair of ridge accommodating recesses 58 b and 58 b are formed on the side surface.

In FIG. 12, when the upstream second cylindrical member 57 is inserted from the front end side of the upstream third cylindrical member 58, the pair of ridges 57c and 57c of the upstream second cylindrical member 57 are connected to the upstream third cylinder. The member 58 is inserted into the ridge accommodating recess 58b, 58b. In this state, the first ridge 56b of the upstream first cylindrical member 56 is inserted into the slit 57b of the upstream second cylindrical member 57. When the upstream first to third cylindrical members 56 to 58 are sequentially inserted from the front end side of the developer discharge cylinder 41 shown in FIG. 11A and the gear G11 is attached to the front end of the rotating shaft 53a, FIG. It will be in the state of 11A.
In the state of FIG. 11A, the upstream first cylindrical member 56 can rotate on the developer discharge cylinder 41, and the upstream second cylindrical member 57 can slide on the upstream first cylindrical member 56. The side third cylindrical member 58 is slidable on the upstream second cylindrical member 57.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the communication ports 56a to 58a in a state where the cylindrical members 56 to 58 are contracted are in a communication state.
In the state (refer FIG. 8, FIG. 9) which each cylindrical member 56-57 extended like FIG. 11B, the communicating ports 56a-58a of each cylindrical member 56-57 are arrange | positioned apart, and the 1st communicating port 56a and The third communication port 58 a is closed by the cylindrical wall of the upstream second cylindrical member 57, and the second communication port 57 a is closed by the cylindrical wall of the upstream third cylindrical member 58.
In the state (refer FIG. 10) which each cylindrical member 56-57 contracted like FIG. 11A, the communicating ports 56a-58a of each cylindrical member 56-57 are arrange | positioned and are communicating. In this state, the developer discharged from the developer discharge port 41a of the developer discharge tube 41 is supplied below the third communication port 58a.

In FIG. 8, the upstream third cylindrical member 58 and the developer transport cylinder GH1 are integrally formed, and one end of the developer transport cylinder GH1 (the upstream end in the developer transport direction) is the upstream side. Three cylindrical members 58 are connected.
A downstream cylindrical member GH3 is slidably connected to the other end of the developer transport cylinder GH1 (downstream end in the developer transport direction) and rotatable within a predetermined angle range. The downstream cylindrical member GH3 and the developer transport cylinder GH1 are disposed so that their axes are orthogonal to each other. The inside of the developer carrying cylinder GH1 and the inside of the downstream cylindrical member GH3 communicate with each other. This will be described later with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the upstream cylindrical member GH2 and the developer transport cylinder GH1 are rotated downward with the upstream cylindrical member GH2 extended, the state shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. In the state of FIG. 9, the downstream cylindrical member GH3 is disposed in front of the developer supply cylinder 3 (see FIG. 8) of the developer container V.

  When the upstream cylindrical member GH2 is contracted in the state of FIG. 9, the downstream cylindrical member GH3 is fitted to the outside of the downstream cylindrical member GH3, and the state shown in FIG. 10 is obtained. In the state shown in FIG. 10, the developer in the developer discharge cylinder 41 flows from the developer discharge hole 41a (see FIG. 11A) through the communication ports 56a to 58a of the cylindrical members 56 to 57. It can be transported inside GH1. The developer transported into the developer transport cylinder GH1 passes through the developer supply hole 3b (see FIG. 8) of the supply cylinder 3 from the downstream cylindrical member GH3, and the supply chamber 3a and the first stirring chamber shown in FIG. 6 can be conveyed.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a developer conveying device that conveys the developer discharged from the reserve tank to the developing device, and shows a state in which the developing roll of the developing device is close to the photosensitive drum.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the developer transport cylinder of the developer transport apparatus of FIG. 13, and is a diagram illustrating a rotation transmission mechanism of a screw shaft in the developer transport cylinder.
In FIG. 13, a cam 18 mounted on a cam shaft 17 rotatably supported by a front end wall 13 and a rear end wall 14 of the developing device support member 12 presses the developing container V toward the photosensitive drum PR.

In FIG. 14, the gear G12a of the rotational force transmission member GH4 meshes with the gear G11 (see FIG. 11A) attached to the front end of the rotary shaft 53a. A gear G12b coaxial with the gear G12a is sequentially meshed with the gears G13, G14, and G15a. The bevel gear 15b coaxial with the gear G15a meshes with the bevel gear G16. The gears G12b, G13, G14, G15a, G15b and the gear G16 are accommodated in the gear accommodating case 61 of the G rotational force transmitting member GH4.
A screw shaft 66 is rotatably supported in the developer transport cylinder GH1, and when the gear G11 of the rotary shaft 53a rotates, the screw shaft 66 rotates through the gears G12 to G16.
The developer conveyed from the developer discharge cylinder 41 through the developer discharge hole 41a into the developer conveyance cylinder GH1 is conveyed downstream of the developer conveyance cylinder GH1 by the screw shaft 66.

In FIG. 14, a downstream first communication port 67 is formed on the downstream side of the developer transport cylinder GH1, and the downstream first communication port 67 is a downstream second communication port 68 of the flow side cylindrical member GH3. The supply tube 3 communicates with the supply port 3 b of the supply tube 3. Accordingly, the developer transported to the downstream side of the developer transport cylinder GH1 by the screw shaft 66 passes through the downstream first communication port 67, the downstream second communication port 68, and the supply port 3b, and the supply cylinder 3 The replenishment chamber 3a (see FIG. 4) is replenished.
In FIG. 4, the developer replenished in the replenishing cylinder 3a is sequentially conveyed to the second stirring chamber 7 and the first stirring chamber.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a state where the developing device is moved to the left in the state of FIG. 13 and the developing roll is separated from the photosensitive drum.
When the cam 18 is in the rotational position shown in FIG. 13, the cam 18 pushes the side wall 2a2 of the developing container V to the right, so that the developing unit G moves to the right. At this time, the developing roll R0 is held in a state of being close to the photosensitive drum PR.
When the cam shaft 17 and the eccentric cam 18 are rotated clockwise from the state of FIG. 13, the eccentric cam 18 presses the cam engaging portion 2d of the developing container V to the left. At this time, the developing container V moves to the left and is separated from the photosensitive drum PR, and is in the state shown in FIG.

In the state of FIG. 15, the upstream cylindrical member GH2 is extended to the state of FIG. 9, and then the upstream cylindrical member GH2 and the developer transport cylinder GH1 are rotated upward in the counterclockwise direction. The state shown in FIG. 8 is obtained.
In the state of FIG. 8, the developing device support member 12 and the developing device G can be pulled out forward.

(Operation of Example 1)
The developer transport device of Example 1 having the above-described configuration is configured to expand and contract the upstream cylindrical member GH2 having a multi-pipe structure so that the developer transport cylinder GH1 and the downstream cylindrical member GH3 are positioned as shown in FIG. It can be moved between the positions shown in FIG. Further, the upstream cylindrical member GH2 and the downstream cylindrical member are rotated by rotating the upstream cylindrical member GH2 on the developer discharge cylinder 41 of the reserve tank RT in the state of FIG. 9 in which the upstream cylindrical member GH2 is extended. The GH 3 can be easily moved between the position shown in FIG. 9 and the position shown in FIG.
The developer can be replenished from the reserve tank RT into the developing container V of the developing device G in a state where the developer transport cylinder GH1 and the downstream cylindrical member GH3 are moved to the positions shown in FIG. Further, the developing device support member 12 and the developing device G are taken out and inserted in front of the image forming apparatus in a state where the developer conveying cylinder GH1 and the downstream cylindrical member GH3 are moved to the positions shown in FIG. Can do.

  Therefore, the developer transport device GH is located between an image forming operation position (see FIG. 15) for transporting the developer to the developing device G and a maintenance work position (see FIG. 8) at which the developer G can be taken out. It can be moved easily. Further, the developer conveying device GH leaks the developer when it is moved from the image forming operation position (see FIG. 15) to the maintenance work position (see FIGS. 8 and 11B) where the developer G can be taken out. Absent. Further, by changing the number of the multiple cylindrical members 56 to 58 having a multiple structure, the movement amount of the developer conveying cylinder GH1 can be changed without impairing the developer leakage prevention function, and the development with a compact size is possible. The agent transport device GH can be provided.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modified embodiments of the present invention are illustrated below.
(H01) The developer conveying device of the present invention can be applied not only to a monochrome image forming apparatus but also to a tandem color image forming apparatus.
(H02) Instead of the upstream cylindrical member GH2 of the first embodiment having a multiple tube structure, the downstream cylindrical member GH3 can have a multiple tube structure.
(H03) In the first embodiment, both the upstream cylindrical member GH2 and the downstream cylindrical member GH3 can have a multiple tube structure.
(H04) In the first embodiment, the developer conveying cylinder GH1 may have a multi-tube structure.
(H05) The number of cylindrical members having a multiple tube structure may be any number of 2 or more.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus including a developer conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing device of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an explanatory view of the developing unit shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3A is a sectional view taken along line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3A. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reserve tank and the cartridge mounting portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the developer cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view of the reserve tank shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a developer conveying device having an upstream cylindrical member, a developer conveying cylinder, and a downstream cylindrical member for conveying the developer discharged from the reserve tank to the developing device. The upstream cylindrical member is extended. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developer transport cylinder and the downstream cylindrical member protrude forward and rotate upward. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the developer transport device that transports the developer discharged from the reserve tank to the developing device. In the state of FIG. 8, the developer transport cylinder and the downstream cylindrical member are rotated downward. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a developer transport device that transports the developer discharged from the reserve tank to a developing device, and shows a state in which the developer is stored rearward from the state of FIG. 9 (a state of protruding forward). is there. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the upstream cylindrical member, FIG. 11A is a longitudinal sectional view of the multi-pipe structure upstream cylindrical member contracted (see FIG. 10), and FIG. 11B is a state where the upstream cylindrical member is extended ( FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9). 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upstream cylindrical member of the multiple tube structure of FIG. 11B. FIG. 13 is a front view of a developer conveying device that conveys the developer discharged from the reserve tank to the developing device, and shows a state in which the developing roll of the developing device is close to the photosensitive drum. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the developer carrying cylinder of the developer carrying apparatus shown in FIG. 13, and is a view showing a rotation transmission mechanism of the screw shaft in the developer carrying cylinder. FIG. 15 is a view showing a state where the developing device is moved to the left in the state of FIG. 13 and the developing roll is separated from the photosensitive drum.

Explanation of symbols

3 ... Developer inflow cylinder,
3a: Developer supply chamber,
3b ... developer inlet,
41 ... Developer discharge cylinder,
41a ... developer outlet,
56. First upstream cylindrical member,
56a ... 1st communication port,
56, 57, 58 ... cylindrical member,
56a, 57a, 58a ... communication port,
57 ... Upstream second cylindrical member,
57a ... Second communication port,
57, 58 ... outer cylindrical member,
58 ... the third cylindrical member on the upstream side,
58a ... Third communication port,
67 ... 1st communication port on the downstream side,
68: Second downstream communication port,
G ... Developer,
GH ... developer transport device,
GH1 ... developer transport cylinder,
GH2: Upstream cylindrical member,
GH3: Downstream cylindrical member,
K: Developer cartridge,
RT: Developer discharge container (reserve tank),
V ... Developer,

Claims (8)

A developer conveying device having the following structural requirements (A01) to (A06);
(A01) A cylindrical developer discharge cylinder protruding from the developer discharge container, the developer discharge cylinder having a developer discharge port for discharging the developer in the developer discharge container formed on the lower surface;
(A02) an upstream first cylindrical member that is rotatably attached to the developer discharge cylinder and has a first communication port that communicates with the developer discharge port when rotated to a predetermined communication rotation position;
(A03) An upstream second cylindrical member slidably mounted on the upstream first cylindrical member, and having a storage position approaching the developer discharge container and a protruding position away from the developer discharge container The upstream second cylindrical member having a second communication port that is slidably mounted between the first communication port and the first communication port in the storage position;
(A04) An upstream third cylindrical member slidably mounted on the upstream second cylindrical member, wherein a storage position approaching the developer discharge container and a protruding position away from the developer discharge container The upstream third cylindrical member having a third communication port that is slidably mounted between the second communication port and the first communication port in the storage position;
(A05) A developer carrying cylinder that is integrally formed with the upstream third cylindrical member and extends in a direction intersecting with the axis of the upstream third cylindrical member, and one end portion of which is the third cylindrical member. The developer transport cylinder in which the downstream first communication port is formed at the other end, communicating with the communication port;
(A06) A downstream side communicating with the downstream first communication port and being rotatably connected to the developer conveying cylinder and extending in a direction intersecting with the axis of the developer conveying cylinder. A downstream cylindrical member having two communication ports. The developer conveying device according to claim 1, comprising the following constituent (A07):
(A07) The downstream cylindrical member having the downstream second communication port that is detachably mounted on the developer inflow cylinder having the developer inlet and communicates with the developer inlet in the mounted state. A developer conveying device having the following constitutional requirements (A08) to (A011);
(A08) a cylindrical developer discharge tube having a developer discharge port formed on the outer surface, and a cylindrical developer inflow tube having a developer inlet formed on the outer surface and parallel to the developer discharge tube. A developer conveying device that is disposed between the developer discharge port and allows the developer discharged from the developer discharge port to flow into the developer inflow port;
(A09) An upstream cylindrical member that is supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer discharge cylinder and into which the developer discharged from the developer discharge port flows, and is fitted to the outer surface of the developer inflow cylinder A downstream cylindrical member that is supported in a state and allows the developer to flow into the developer inflow cylinder from the developer inlet, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the upstream cylindrical member and the downstream cylindrical member And a developer transport cylinder having a developer transport cylinder transporting the developer from the upstream cylindrical member to the downstream cylindrical member,
(A010) a first cylindrical member configured by a plurality of cylindrical members having a multi-pipe structure having a communication port and capable of expanding and contracting, disposed in the innermost side among the plurality of cylindrical members and rotatably supported; An outer cylindrical member that is slidably supported on the outer side of one cylindrical member, and the communication ports of each of the plurality of cylindrical members communicate with each other in a contracted state, and the communication port is a cylinder of another cylindrical member in an expanded state. One of the upstream cylindrical member or the downstream cylindrical member configured to be closed by a surface;
(A011) The other cylindrical member detachably attached to either the developer discharge cylinder or the developer inflow cylinder. The developer conveying device according to claim 3, comprising the following constituent elements (A012):
(A012) The developer carrying cylinder in which one end is integrally connected to an outer cylindrical member disposed on the outermost side of the one cylindrical member and the other cylindrical member is attached to the other end. The developer conveying device according to claim 4, comprising the following constituent elements (A012):
(A013) The developer carrying cylinder in which the other cylindrical member is slidably and rotatably mounted on the other end. A developer conveying device having the following constitutional requirements (A08), (A09), (A010 ′), (A011), (A012 ′);
(A08) a cylindrical developer discharge tube having a developer discharge port formed on the outer surface, and a cylindrical developer inflow tube having a developer inlet formed on the outer surface and parallel to the developer discharge tube. A developer conveying device that is disposed between the developer discharge port and allows the developer discharged from the developer discharge port to flow into the developer inflow port;
(A09) An upstream cylindrical member that is supported in a fitted state on the outer surface of the developer discharge cylinder and into which the developer discharged from the developer discharge port flows, and is fitted to the outer surface of the developer inflow cylinder A downstream cylindrical member that is supported in a state and allows the developer to flow into the developer inflow cylinder from the developer inlet, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the upstream cylindrical member and the downstream cylindrical member And a developer transport cylinder having a developer transport cylinder transporting the developer from the upstream cylindrical member to the downstream cylindrical member,
(A010 ') It is composed of a plurality of cylindrical members having a multi-tube structure having a communication port having a communication port. The communication ports of the plurality of cylindrical members communicate with each other in the contracted state, and the communication port is another cylinder in the expanded state. One of the upstream cylindrical member or the downstream cylindrical member configured to be blocked by the cylindrical surface of the member;
(A011) The other cylindrical member that is detachably attached to either the developer discharge cylinder or the developer inflow cylinder,
(A012 ′) The development in which one end is integrally connected to the outer cylindrical member rotatably disposed on the outermost side of the one cylindrical member and the other cylindrical member is attached to the other end. Agent transport cylinder. The developer conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following constituent elements (A014) and (A015):
(A014) The developer discharge container configured by a reserve tank that stores the developer supplied from the developer cartridge,
(A015) The downstream cylindrical member that discharges the developer from the downstream second communication port into the developer supply chamber of the developing device. An image forming apparatus having the following configuration requirements (A016);
(A016) The developer conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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