JP4914813B2 - Developer container, developing unit, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer container that stores a developer used in an electrophotographic process system such as a printer, a fax machine, and a copying machine, a developing unit including the developer container, and an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, for example, an LED printer that employs an electrophotographic system, for example, the surface of a photoconductor is charged by a charging roller, An electrostatic latent image is formed by exposure with an exposure means such as a head, and the toner formed on the developing roller is electrostatically attached to the electrostatic latent image for development, and the toner is applied to the medium. An image is formed by transferring with a transfer device. Among these, the photosensitive member, the charging roller, the developing roller, and the like are unitized as a developing unit, and toner is supplied to such a developing unit from a toner cartridge as a developer container that is detachably disposed. Therefore, a toner supply port is formed on the lower surface of the toner cartridge, and a shutter member is provided to open and close the toner supply port. The shutter member has an opening, and the toner supply port is opened by aligning the toner supply port and the opening by rotating an operation lever formed integrally with the shutter member ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-50505 A (page 4, FIG. 5)

  However, since the detachable toner cartridge can be opened and closed even when the toner cartridge is not attached to the developing unit, the toner supply port may be opened due to an erroneous operation. There was a problem that it occurred.

A developer container according to the present invention includes a developer container having a supply port for discharging a developer accommodated therein, a shutter member that opens and closes the supply port, and an operation member that operates the shutter member. In the developer container provided,
A displacement member provided inside the developer container so as to be displaceable and having a magnetic member and an engaging portion engageable with the shutter member, and a biasing member for biasing the displacement member in a predetermined direction And
When the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, the engaging portion of the displacement member is engaged with an engaged portion formed on the shutter member or the operation member by urging by the urging member. Then, the operation of opening the supply port is sealed.

Another developer container according to the present invention includes a developer container having a supply port for discharging the developer accommodated therein, a shutter member that opens and closes the supply port, and an operation member that operates the shutter member. A developer container comprising:
A displacement member provided inside the developer container so as to be displaceable and having a magnet and an engagement portion engageable with the shutter member; and a biasing member for biasing the displacement member in a predetermined direction; Have
When the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, the engaging portion of the displacement member is engaged with an engaged portion formed on the shutter member or the operation member by urging by the urging member. Then, the operation of opening the supply port is sealed.

Still another developer container according to the present invention includes a developer container having a supply port for discharging the developer accommodated therein, a shutter member for opening and closing the supply port, and an operation for operating the shutter member. A developer container including a member,
A displacement member that is displaceably provided in the developer container and has a first magnetic member and an engagement portion that can be engaged with the shutter member, and urges the displacement member in a predetermined direction. An urging member, a first coil wound around the displacement member, and a contact portion that electrically connects and disconnects the first coil and the outside,
When the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, the engaging portion of the displacement member is engaged with an engaged portion formed on the shutter member or the operation member by urging by the urging member. Then, the operation of opening the supply port is sealed.

According to the developer container of the present invention, when the shutter is alone, the movement in the direction of opening the supply port is restricted at the position where the shutter member closes the supply port. It can be prevented from leaking from the mouth.
According to the developing unit of the present invention, when the developer container having the above-described effect is mounted, the movement restriction in the direction of automatically opening the supply port is released, and the shutter member is moved in the direction of opening the supply port. Can be operated. For this reason, the shutter member can be locked in a state where the supply port is closed, and the lock can be automatically released only when necessary.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a main configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment that employs a toner cartridge according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 is configured as a color electrophotographic printer capable of printing four colors of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). The lower frame 28 is formed with a substantially S-shaped paper transport path 15 having paper transport rollers 16 to 19. A paper feed cassette for storing recording paper is disposed at the upstream end of the paper transport path 15. 20 is disposed, and a stacker 21 is provided at the downstream end.

  In the paper conveyance path 15, a paper feeding unit 22 that feeds the recording paper from the paper feed cassette 20, a conveyance belt unit 24 that conveys the fed recording paper to the transfer belt 11 by an electrostatic effect, and a toner image are recorded. A fixing unit 25 for fixing the sheet is provided.

  Black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (in order from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording paper, at a position sandwiching the recording paper that is adhered to the transfer belt 11 and conveyed by the conveyance belt unit 24. C) development units 23K, 23Y, 23M, and 23C (collectively referred to as development units 23) that contain toner as a developer are arranged in a row in a detachable manner with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. Yes. In the present embodiment, these developing units 23K, 23Y, 23M, and 23C have the same configuration and differ only in the color of the contained toner. Therefore, here, the black (K) developing unit 23K is taken as an example. The internal structure will be described below.

  The XYZ coordinates in FIG. 1 take the X axis in the transport direction when the recording paper 13 shown in FIG. 2 passes through the developing unit 23, and take the Y axis in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive member 1 described later. The Z-axis is taken in a direction perpendicular to both axes. Further, when XYZ coordinates are shown in other drawings to be described later, the axial directions of these coordinates indicate a common direction. That is, the XYZ axes in each drawing indicate the arrangement direction when the depicted portion of each drawing constitutes the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of the black (K) developing unit 23 </ b> K together with the transfer roller 12, the exposure device 3, and the recording paper 13.

  As shown in the figure, in the developing unit 23K, a photoconductor 1 as an image carrier composed of a conductive base layer made of aluminum or the like and a surface layer made of an organic photoconductor is disposed rotatably in the direction of the arrow. A semiconductive rubber such as epichlorohydrin rubber is formed on a conductive metal shaft in the form of a roll around the photosensitive member 1 in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction, and contacts the surface of the photosensitive member 1 with a constant pressure. A charging roller 2 for supplying electric charges to be charged, and an exposure device 3 for forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating light from a light source such as an LED head onto the surface of the charged photoreceptor 1 are disposed. The exposure apparatus 3 is disposed on the upper cover 26 on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1).

  Further, a developing unit 110 that causes development by causing toner of a predetermined color (here, black) to adhere to the surface of the photoreceptor 1 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, and toner development on the photoreceptor 1 is applied to the recording paper 13. A cleaning blade 9 is provided that removes transfer residual toner remaining at the time of transfer and drops it onto the waste toner collecting unit 111. For this reason, the cleaning blade 9 is formed of an elastic body, and is arranged so that the edge portion thereof is in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 1 with a constant pressure. In the waste toner collecting unit 111, a waste toner conveying member 111a made of a spiral or a coil spring is provided. Note that the rotating body used in each of these devices rotates by receiving power from a drive source (not shown) via a gear or the like.

  The developing unit 110 stores toner 4 as a developer, a toner cartridge 5 that supplies the toner 4 from a lower toner supply port 31a formed in a lower portion thereof, and a toner storage that stores the toner 4 supplied from the toner cartridge 5 Part 112, a semiconductive rubber such as silicone is formed on a conductive metal shaft, a developing roller 6 disposed in contact with the photoreceptor 1, and a rubber kneading to improve the toner transportability on the conductive metal shaft A toner supply roller 8 that is sometimes formed by adding a foaming agent to supply the toner 4 to the developing roller 6 and a developing blade 7 that uniformly thins the toner 4 on the developing roller 6 are provided on the surface of the photoreceptor 1. The toner 4 on the developing roller 6 is attached to the formed electrostatic latent image to visualize it, that is, develop. Further, a developing roller power source, a supply roller power source, and a developing blade power source (not shown) are connected to the developing roller 6, the toner supply roller 8, and the developing blade 7, respectively, so that a predetermined bias voltage can be applied.

  The developing unit 23K is configured to detachably dispose the toner cartridge 5 above the toner supply roller 8 as will be described later. Thereafter, the detachable toner of the developing unit 23 will be described. A portion excluding the cartridge 5 is referred to as a developing unit main body 23a. The developing unit body 23a has a pair of sides (not shown) that are arranged on both ends in the axial direction of the base frame 10a, the photoconductor 1, the charging roller 2, and the toner supply roller 8 to support the respective axes. The housing 10 includes a frame and a cover frame 10b held by the base frame 10a. A toner cartridge 5 for supplying toner to the toner storage chamber 112 is disposed above the cover frame 10 b, and a toner supply port 10 c for receiving toner supply from the toner cartridge 5 is a lower toner supply port of the toner cartridge 5. It is provided at a position facing 31a.

  The developing roller 6 and the toner supply roller 8 are arranged in parallel with each other so as to be in contact with each other with a constant pressure, and rotate in the directions of the arrows (same direction) shown in the figure. Further, as shown in the figure, the developing blade 7 and the developing roller 6 are arranged in parallel to each other such that, for example, a bent portion of the developing blade 7 contacts the peripheral surface of the developing roller 6 with a constant pressure. Note that the rotating body used in each of these devices rotates by receiving power from a drive source (not shown) via a gear or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, transfer rollers 12 formed of conductive rubber or the like are placed on the recording paper 13 (FIG. 2) at positions facing the respective photoreceptors 1 of the four developing units 23 described above. They are arranged in pressure contact via a transfer belt 11 that is electroabsorbed and conveyed. These transfer rollers 12 transfer the toner development on the photoreceptor 1 to the recording paper 13 (FIG. 2). At the time of this transfer, the surface potential of each photoreceptor 1 and the respective photoreceptors are arranged opposite to each other. A potential for applying a potential difference to the surface potential of each transfer roller 12 is applied.

  The fixing unit 25 (FIG. 1) has a heating roller and a backup roller inside, and fixes the toner 14 after being transferred onto the recording paper 13 (FIG. 2) by applying pressure and heating. The recording sheet 13 fixed here is conveyed to the recording sheet stacker 21 by the sheet conveying rollers 18 and 19 at the subsequent stage.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the toner cartridge 5 includes a toner storage portion 5a for storing unused toner and a waste toner collection portion 111 which is stored in the waste toner collection portion 111 and includes a waste toner transport member 111a. A waste toner storage portion 5b for storing waste toner transported by the transport means is formed. The toner 4 in the toner storage portion 5a is disposed near the lower toner supply port 31a by a crank-shaped toner stirring bar 39 having both ends rotatably held by the toner cartridge 5 and rotated by driving means (not shown). It is guided to the lower toner supply port 31a. In FIG. 2, for the sake of simplicity, the inner cartridge 32 (FIG. 3), which is a member for opening and closing a lower toner supply port 31a described later, is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is an essential part exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the toner cartridge 5 according to the first embodiment corresponding to the developer container of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the toner cartridge 5 includes an outer cartridge 31 corresponding to a developer container, an inner cartridge 32 corresponding to a shutter member and an operation member, a cap 33, and a cover plate 34. As described above, the lower toner supply port 31 a is formed in the outer cartridge 31. As shown by the arrows in the drawing, the inner cartridge 32 has a shutter member 32g having an opening portion 32b and a shutter portion 32c inserted and incorporated through the opening 36 of the outer cartridge 31, and operates an operation lever 32a that remains outside. Thus, the outer cartridge 31 is held rotatably within a predetermined range. The regulating member 35 formed in the outer cartridge 31 enters the arcuate guide hole 37 formed in the inner cartridge 32 when the inner cartridge 32 is assembled, and regulates the rotation range of the inner cartridge 32.

  The inner cartridge 32 includes a shutter member 32g having an opening portion 32b and a shutter portion 32c, and an operation member 32e on which an operation lever 32a is formed. These members are integrally formed here. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which separate objects are combined.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the inner cartridge 32 is rotated to the limit position in the arrow A direction, the shutter portion 32c (FIG. 3) of the inner cartridge 32 faces the lower toner supply port 31a of the outer cartridge 31. When the lower toner supply port 31a is closed and the inner cartridge 32 is rotated to the limit position in the arrow B direction as shown in FIG. The portion 32b (FIG. 3) is positioned to face the lower toner supply port 31a of the outer cartridge 31, and the lower toner supply port 31a is opened.

  FIG. 5 is a main part perspective view showing the state shown in FIG. 4A, that is, the state immediately before the toner cartridge 5 with the lower toner supply port 31a closed is located above the developing unit main body 23a. Furthermore, in order to show the inside of the cartridge 5 at this time, a part of the outer cartridge 31 is cut away. FIG. 4A shows the cover member 41 disposed at the end of the inner cartridge 32. FIG. 4B shows the state in which the cover member 41 is further removed, and the cover member 41 protects the toner from the toner. The arm member 42 is shown.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the relationship between the outer cartridge 31, the inner cartridge 32, the cover member 41, and the arm member 42. The toner cartridge 5 and the developing unit main body 23a shown in FIG. Corresponds to the seen figure. 5A shows a state immediately before the toner cartridge 5 in a state where the lower toner supply port 31a is closed is mounted above the developing unit main body 23a, as in FIG. ) Shows a state in which the toner cartridge 5 is placed on the developing unit main body 23a, and FIG. 4C shows the state in which the toner cartridge 5 is shown in FIG. In this state, the lower toner supply port 31a is opened.

  The configurations of the outer cartridge 31, the inner cartridge 32, the cover member 41, the arm member 42, and the like will be further described with reference to FIGS.

  The arm member 42 as a displacement member is a member having an L-shaped cross section made of a magnetic material, and is rotatably supported inside the inner cartridge 32 near the end on the side where the operation lever 32a is provided. Yes. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of this support. As shown in the figure, the arm member 42 includes a rotating shaft 45 extending from the bent portion to both sides. On the other hand, in the vicinity of the end portion in the inner cartridge 32, the rotating shaft 45 is rotatable. A pair of support members 46 that support the shaft are fixedly arranged. The pair of support members 46 are arranged so that the axial direction of the rotating shaft 45 of the arm member 42 is parallel to the rotating shaft direction when the inner cartridge 32 is rotated, as shown in FIG. In addition, when the inner cartridge 32 is in a rotational position for closing the lower toner supply port 31a of the outer cartridge 31, one arm portion 42a of the arm member 42 is positioned on the side where the lower toner supply port 31a of the outer cartridge 31 is formed. Are arranged to be.

  A lock pin 43 is provided on the back surface of the other arm portion 42b of the arm member 42 as an engaging portion that is planted in the vertical direction from the back surface, and a tension is provided between the other arm portion 42b and the inner cartridge 32. A spring 44 is stretched. When the inner cartridge 32 is in a rotational position where the inner toner cartridge 32 closes the lower toner supply port 31 a of the outer cartridge 31, the lock pin 43 is engaged with the engaged portion formed on the inner cartridge 32 by the biasing force of the tension spring 44. The through hole 32d is further in contact with the bottom of the bottomed hole 31b formed in the outer cartridge 31.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, when the toner cartridge 5 with the lower toner supply port 31a closed is attached to the developing unit main body 23a from above the developing unit main body 23a. A magnet 48 is provided by bonding or press-fitting on the upper surface of the cover frame 10b at a position where one arm portion 42a of the arm member 42 faces. The magnetic force of the magnet 48 is set such that one arm portion 42a of the arm member 42 can be attracted with a stronger force than the tension spring 44 in a state where the toner cartridge 5 is placed on the developing unit main body 23a. ing.

  With the above configuration, the operation when the toner cartridge 5 is placed on the cover frame 10b of the developing unit main body 23a and the lower toner supply port 31a is opened and closed will be further described with reference to the operation explanatory diagram of FIG.

  When the toner cartridge 5 is separated from the developing unit main body 23a and exists alone, the toner cartridge 5 is in the state shown in FIG. 4A, that is, in the rotation position where the inner cartridge 32 is rotated to the limit position in the arrow A direction. Thus, the lower toner supply port 31a of the outer cartridge 31 is closed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6A, the tip of the lock pin 43 of the arm member 42 passes through the through hole 32d formed in the inner cartridge 32, and further, the bottomed hole 31b formed in the outer cartridge 31 The state is in contact with the bottom. For this reason, the inner cartridge 32 is locked, and the inner cartridge 32 is not rotated in the direction of arrow B by the operation of the operation lever 32a and the like, and the lower toner supply port 31a is not opened.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the toner cartridge 5 is placed on the developing unit main body 23a, one arm portion 42a of the arm member 42 is pulled by a magnet 48 provided on the developing unit main body 23a. Since the arm member 42 is attracted with a force stronger than the urging force of the spring 44, the arm member 42 rotates in the direction of arrow D as shown in FIG. Thus, the tip of one arm portion 42a is in contact with the inner wall of the inner cartridge 32. The bottomed hole 31b and the through hole 32d are provided with an inclined portion or the like as necessary, and at this time, the lock pin 43 can be detached from these holes.

  Since the lock pin 43 is disengaged from the bottomed hole 31b and the through hole 32d, the inner cartridge 32 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow B, so that the toner cartridge 5 is developed as shown in FIG. While placed on the unit main body 23a, the inner cartridge 32 can be rotated to the limit position in the arrow B direction by operating the operation lever 32a (FIG. 4), and the lower toner supply port 31a can be opened. . At this time, the arm member 42 is rotated in the direction of the arrow E by the urging force of the tension spring 44 because one of the arm portions 42a is separated from the magnet 48, and the lock pin 43 penetrates the through hole 32d. The cartridge 31 is in contact with the inner wall surface of the cartridge 31.

  Conversely, when removing the toner cartridge 5 from the developing unit main body 23a, first, the inner cartridge 32 is rotated to the limit position in the arrow A direction by operating the operation lever 32a (FIG. 4), and the lower toner supply port 31a is closed. 6B is removed from the state. In the process of removing, that is, in the process of shifting from the state shown in FIG. 6B to the state shown in FIG. 6A, the magnet 48 and the one arm part 42a are separated from each other. Furthermore, the influence is lost. For this reason, the arm member 42 is rotated again in the direction of arrow E by the urging force of the tension spring 44, the tip of the lock pin 43 of the arm member 42 passes through the through hole 32d formed in the inner cartridge 32, and further the outer cartridge. 6 (a) in contact with the bottom of the bottomed hole 31b formed in 31, the rotation of the inner cartridge 32 in the direction of arrow B is locked.

  As described above, according to the developing unit of the present embodiment, when the toner cartridge 5 is present alone, the inner cartridge 32 is locked at the rotational position where the lower toner supply port 31a of the outer cartridge 31 is closed. Thus, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the toner supply port is opened due to an operation error or the like, and the internal toner leaks to the outside. Further, when the toner cartridge 5 is attached to the developing unit main body 23a, the lock is automatically released. Therefore, the inner cartridge 32 can be rotated to open the lower toner supply port 31a without manually releasing the lock. . Further, when the lower toner supply port 31a is closed and the toner cartridge 5 is removed from the developing unit main body 23a, the inner cartridge 32 is automatically locked at the rotational position where the lower toner supply port 31a is closed. It is possible to prevent inconvenience due to the troublesome setting and the wrinkle of the lock setting.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main part of the toner cartridge 205 employed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment based on the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus employing the toner cartridge 205 is mainly different from the toner cartridge 5 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 described above in the structure of a mechanism for locking the inner cartridge 232 including the guide member 211. . Accordingly, in the image forming apparatus employing the toner cartridge 205, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) of Embodiment 1 described above, or the description is omitted with the drawing omitted. And focus on the differences. The main part configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is the main part configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the development of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Since it is common with the principal part structure of the unit 23, FIG.1 and FIG.2 is referred as needed. Since the toner cartridge 205 and the toner cartridge 5 of the first embodiment have the same external shape, FIG. 4 is referred to as necessary.

  The toner cartridge 205 shown in FIG. 8 is in the state shown in FIG. 4A, that is, immediately before the toner cartridge 205 in the state where the lower toner supply port 31a is closed is above the developing unit main body 23a (FIG. 2). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part showing the state of the cartridge. Further, in order to show the inside of the cartridge 205 at this time, a part of the outer cartridge 231 is cut away.

  On the other hand, FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the relationship among the outer cartridge 231, the inner cartridge 232, the guide member 211, and the locking member 212. The toner cartridge 205 and the developing unit main body 23a shown in FIG. Corresponds to the figure seen from. 8A shows a state immediately before the toner cartridge 205 in a state where the lower toner supply port 31a is closed is mounted above the developing unit main body 23a, as in FIG. ) Shows a state in which the toner cartridge 205 is placed on the developing unit main body 23a, and FIG. 8C shows that the toner cartridge 205 is rotated in the arrow B direction by the operation of the operation lever 32a as will be described later. FIG. 4B shows the state where the lower toner supply port 31a is opened.

  The configuration of the outer cartridge 231, the inner cartridge 232, the guide member 211, the locking member 212, and the like will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the guide member 211 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the inner diameter direction of the inner cartridge 232 inside the end of the inner cartridge 232 near the end on which the operation lever 32a is provided. Both ends of the member are fixed in contact with the inner surface of the inner cartridge 232. Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the inner cartridge 232 is in a rotational position where the lower toner supply port 31a of the outer cartridge 231 is closed, the guide member 211 has one end 211a on the lower toner supply of the outer cartridge 231. It arrange | positions so that it may be located in the side in which the opening | mouth 31a is formed.

  Inside the guide member 211, a bar-shaped locking member 212 made of a magnetic material is slidably provided. A locking portion 212 a as a small-diameter engaging portion is formed at the end of the locking member 212 on the other end side 211 b side of the guide member 211. A compression spring 233 is placed between the end 212b of the locking member 212 and the inner cartridge 232 to urge the locking member 212 in the direction of arrow F.

  When the inner cartridge 232 is in a rotational position that closes the lower toner supply port 31 a of the outer cartridge 231, the locking member 212 is biased by the compression spring 233 to form the tip of the locking portion 212 a in the inner cartridge 232. The through-hole 32d is penetrated and is in contact with the bottom of the bottomed hole 31b formed in the outer cartridge 231.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9, when the toner cartridge 205 with the lower toner supply port 31a closed is attached to the developing unit main body 23a from above the developing unit main body 23a. A magnet 48 is provided by bonding or press-fitting at a position on the upper surface of the cover frame 10b where the one end side 211a of the guide member 211 faces. The magnetic force of the magnet 48 is set such that the locking member 212 can be attracted with a stronger force than the compression spring 233 in a state where the toner cartridge 205 is placed on the developing unit main body 23a.

  With the above configuration, the operation when the toner cartridge 205 is placed on the cover frame 10b of the developing unit main body 23a and the lower toner supply port 31a is opened and closed will be further described with reference to the operation explanatory diagram of FIG.

  When the toner cartridge 205 is separated from the developing unit main body 23a and exists alone, the toner cartridge 205 is in the state shown in FIG. 4A, that is, in the rotation position where the inner cartridge 232 is rotated to the limit position in the arrow A direction. Thus, the lower toner supply port 31a of the outer cartridge 231 is closed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9A, the tip of the locking portion 212a of the locking member 212 passes through the through hole 32d formed in the inner cartridge 232, and further has a bottomed hole formed in the outer cartridge 231. It is in the state which contact | abutted to the bottom part of 31b. For this reason, the inner cartridge 232 is locked, and the inner cartridge 232 is not rotated in the arrow B direction by the operation of the operation lever 32a or the like, so that the lower toner supply port 31a is not opened.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the toner cartridge 205 is placed on the developing unit main body 23a, the locking member 212 is biased by the compression spring 233 by the magnet 48 provided on the developing unit main body 23a. Since it is sucked with a stronger force, it moves in the direction of arrow G as shown in FIG. 5B, and the tip of the locking portion 212a is in a state of being disengaged from the bottomed hole 31b and the through hole 32d.

  Since the locking member 212 is disengaged from the bottomed hole 31b and the through hole 32d, the inner cartridge 232 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow B, so that as shown in FIG. The inner cartridge 232 is rotated to the limit position in the direction of arrow B by the operation of the operation lever 32a (FIG. 4) while being placed on the developing unit main body 23a, and the lower toner supply port 31a is opened. it can. At this time, since the end 212b of the locking member 212 is separated from the magnet 48, the locking member 212 moves in the direction of arrow F by the urging force of the compression spring 233, and the tip of the locking portion 212a penetrates the through hole 32d. Thus, the outer cartridge 231 is in contact with the inner wall surface.

  Conversely, when removing the toner cartridge 205 from the developing unit main body 23a, first, the inner cartridge 232 is rotated to the limit position in the direction of arrow A by the operation of the operation lever 32a (FIG. 4), and the lower toner supply port 31a is closed. It will be removed from the state shown in FIG. In the state of FIG. 9B, the locking member 212 is again detached from the bottomed hole 31b and the through hole 32d by the suction by the magnet 48, but the process of removing, that is, from FIG. 9B to FIG. ), The magnet 48 and the end portion 212b of the locking member 212 are separated from each other, so that the suction of the locking member 212 by the magnet 48 is weakened as the distance is increased, and the influence is eliminated.

  For this reason, the locking member 212 is moved again in the direction of arrow F by the urging force of the compression spring 233, the tip of the locking portion 212 a passes through the through hole 32 d formed in the inner cartridge 232, and further formed in the outer cartridge 231. The state shown in FIG. 9A comes into contact with the bottom of the bottomed hole 31b, and the rotation of the inner cartridge 232 in the arrow B direction is locked.

  As described above, according to the developing unit of the present embodiment, as with the developing unit of the first embodiment, when the toner cartridge 205 exists alone, the inner cartridge 232 supplies the lower toner of the outer cartridge 231. Since the opening 31a is locked in the closed rotation position, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the toner supply port is opened due to an operation error or the like and the toner inside leaks out. When the toner cartridge 205 is attached to the developing unit main body 23a, the lock is automatically released. Therefore, the inner toner cartridge 232 can be rotated to open the lower toner supply port 31a without manually releasing the lock. . Further, when the lower toner supply port 31a is closed and the toner cartridge 205 is removed from the developing unit main body 23a, the inner cartridge 232 is automatically locked at the rotational position where the lower toner supply port 31a is closed. It is possible to prevent inconvenience due to the troublesome setting and the wrinkle of the lock setting. Further, since the size of the lock mechanism according to the first embodiment can be reduced, the toner filling amount can be reduced by adding an opening / closing lock mechanism.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of a toner cartridge 305 employed in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment based on the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus employing the toner cartridge 305 is mainly different from the toner cartridge 5 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 described above. The inner cartridge 332 including the guide member 211 and the first coil 313 is locked. The structure of the mechanism. Accordingly, in the image forming apparatus employing the toner cartridge 305, parts common to the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, or description thereof is omitted and omitted. And focus on the differences. The main configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is the main configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the development of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Since it is common with the principal part structure of the unit 23, FIG.1 and FIG.2 is referred as needed. Since the toner cartridge 305 and the toner cartridge 5 of the first embodiment have the same external shape, FIG. 4 is referred to as necessary.

  The toner cartridge 305 shown in FIG. 10 is in the state shown in FIG. 4A, that is, immediately before the toner cartridge 305 in the state where the lower toner supply port 31a is closed is located above the developing unit main body 23a (FIG. 2). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part showing the state of the cartridge. Further, in order to show the inside of the cartridge 305 at this time, a part of the outer cartridge 331 is cut away.

  On the other hand, FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the relationship among the outer cartridge 331, the inner cartridge 332, the guide member 211, and the locking member 212. The toner cartridge 305 and the developing unit main body 23a shown in FIG. Corresponds to the figure seen from. 10A shows a state immediately before the toner cartridge 305 with the lower toner supply port 31a closed is mounted above the developing unit main body 23a, as in FIG. ) Shows a state where the toner cartridge 305 is placed on the developing unit main body 23a, and FIG. 4C shows the state where the toner cartridge 305 is in the state shown in FIG. The lower toner supply port 31a is opened.

  The configuration of the outer cartridge 331, the inner cartridge 332, the guide member 211, the locking member 212, and the like will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The difference between the inner cartridge 332 and the inner cartridge 232 (FIG. 9) of the second embodiment is that a first coil 313 and connection terminals 341 and 342 to be described later connected to the first coil are newly added. It is. Accordingly, the guide member 211 disposed in the inner cartridge 332, the locking member 212 guided and moved by the guide member 211, the compression spring 233 spanned between the locking member 212 and the inner cartridge 332, and further locking The relationship between the locking portion 212a of the member 212, the through hole 32d formed in the inner cartridge 332, and the bottomed hole 31b formed in the outer cartridge 331 is as described in the second embodiment. The detailed description of is omitted.

  The coil 313 is wound around the cylindrical guide member 211 a predetermined number of times, and one end and the other end thereof are a connection terminal 341 and a connection terminal 342 made of a conductive member disposed at predetermined positions on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cartridge 332. (FIG. 12) is electrically connected. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of the periphery of the connection terminal 341 and the connection terminal 342 in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the inner cartridge 332 (FIG. 11) is in a rotational position where the lower toner supply port 31a is closed and locked, the outer cartridge facing the connection terminals 341 and 342 of the inner cartridge 332 Connection terminals 343 and 344 are arranged at positions 331, respectively. In the vicinity of the connection terminals 343 and 344 of the outer cartridge 331, a lockout portion 350 is formed in which a pair of lockout recess members 345 and 346 are arranged adjacent to each other. When the toner cartridge 305 is placed on the cover frame 10b of the developing unit body 23a, the lockout recess members 345 and 346 face the lockout part 351 formed in the developing unit body 23a as described later. Conductive plates 345b and 346b and engagement holes 345a and 346a are provided on the opposing surfaces of the lockout recess members 345 and 346, respectively. The connection terminal 343 is electrically connected to the conductive plate 345b, and the connection terminal 344 is electrically connected to the conductive plate 356b.

  On the other hand, lockout convex members 347 and 348 are disposed on the lockout portion 351 of the developing unit main body 23a at positions facing the pair of lockout concave portions 345 and 346 of the outer cartridge 331. Conductive plates 347b and 348b and engagement protrusions 347a and 348a are provided on the opposing surfaces of the lockout convex members 347 and 348, respectively. The connection portion 347c of the conductive plate 347b is electrically connected to a power supply control unit 402 (FIG. 15) described later, and the connection portion 348c of the conductive plate 348b is electrically connected to one end of a second coil 324 (FIG. 11) described later. Connected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, when the toner cartridge 305 with the lower toner supply port 31a closed is attached to the developing unit main body 23a from above the developing unit main body 23a. The magnetic body 323 and the second coil 324 wound around the magnetic body 323 are provided by bonding or press-fitting on the upper surface of the cover frame 10b at the position where the one end side 211a of the guide member 211 faces.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the arrangement positions and shapes of the lockout concave members 345 and 346 and the lockout convex members 347 and 348, and FIG. 13A shows the end of the toner cartridge 305 on the operation lever 32 a side. FIG. 4B shows lockout convex members 347 and 348 formed at positions facing the developing unit main body 23a.

  The lockout portions 350 and 351 prevent mechanical attachment when the combination of the toner cartridge 305 and the developing unit main body 23a is wrong due to color discrimination in a color machine or a different destination of the image forming apparatus. Here, the positions of the engagement holes 345a and 346a formed in the lockout recess members 345 and 346 and the engagement protrusions formed in the lockout convex members 347 and 348 so that the color combination is not mistaken. The positions of 347a and 348a are determined in advance.

  FIG. 14 shows a list of formation positions of the engagement holes 345a and 346a and the engagement protrusions 347a and 348a determined according to each color. As shown in the figure, for example, in the case of a yellow toner cartridge 305Y, the engagement holes 345a and 346a are both formed in the middle of the positive side of the Y axis, and similarly in the case of the yellow developing unit main body 23a (Y). The mating protrusions 347a and 348a are both formed in the middle on the plus side of the Y axis. Accordingly, the developing unit main body 23a and the toner cartridge 305 described in the present embodiment correspond to those for yellow. As described above, as can be seen from the list of FIG. 14, when the developing unit main body 23a and the toner cartridge 305 of different colors are combined, the two sets of engaging holes and engaging protrusions do not match at the same time. By this lockout portion, it is possible to prevent the toner cartridge 305 having a different color from being erroneously attached to the developing unit main body 23a for a predetermined color.

  FIG. 15 is a principal block diagram showing a path of current supplied to the first coil 313 and the second coil 324.

  As shown in the figure, as described above, the current output unit of the power control unit 402 that controls the current flowing through each coil upon receiving power from the power source 401 of the image forming apparatus 100 is disposed in the developing unit main body 23a. The conductive plate 345b of the lockout concave member 345 of the toner cartridge 305 facing the lockout convex member 347 is connected to the connection terminal 344 of the outer cartridge 331. . The connection terminal 342 of the inner cartridge 332 facing the connection terminal 344 is connected to one terminal of the first coil 313, and the other terminal of the first coil 313 is connected to the connection terminal 341 of the inner cartridge 332. The connection terminal 343 of the outer cartridge 331 facing the connection terminal 341 is connected to the connection terminal 346 b of the lockout recess member 346 of the developing unit 305. The conductive plate 348b of the lockout convex member 348 disposed on the developing unit main body 23a facing the lockout concave member 346 is connected to one terminal of the second coil 324, and the other terminal of the second coil 324 is grounded. ing.

  In the above configuration, the operation when the toner cartridge 305 is placed on the cover frame 10b of the developing unit main body 23a and the lower toner supply port 31a is opened and closed will be further described with reference mainly to the operation explanatory diagram of FIG. To do.

  When the toner cartridge 305 is separated from the developing unit main body 23a and exists alone, the toner cartridge 305 is in the state shown in FIG. 4A, that is, in the rotation position where the inner cartridge 332 is rotated to the limit position in the arrow A direction. Thus, the lower toner supply port 31a of the outer cartridge 331 is closed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11A, the tip of the locking portion 212a of the locking member 212 passes through the through hole 32d formed in the inner cartridge 332, and further has a bottomed hole formed in the outer cartridge 331. It is in the state which contact | abutted to the bottom part of 31b. Therefore, the inner cartridge 332 is locked, and the inner cartridge 332 is not rotated in the direction of arrow B by the operation of the operation lever 32a or the like, so that the lower toner supply port 31a is not opened.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the toner cartridge 305 is placed on the developing unit main body 23a, the conductive plate 345b and the conductive plate 347b, and the conductive plate 346b and the conductive plate 348b shown in FIG. Are electrically connected to each other, so that the drive current supplied from the power supply control unit 402 flows to the first coil 313 and the second coil 324, and the locking member 212 and the magnetic body 323 formed of magnetic bodies are magnets. Thus, they are attracted to each other with a force stronger than the urging force of the compression spring 233. For this reason, the locking member 212 moves in the direction of arrow G as shown in FIG. 4B, and the tip of the locking portion 212a is in a state of being detached from the bottomed hole 31b and the through hole 32d. Thus, the winding direction of the first coil 313 and the second coil 324 is set to a direction in which the locking member 212 and the magnetic body 323 are attracted to each other, and this attraction force is stronger than the biasing force by the compression spring 233. It is set to become.

  Since the locking member 212 is disengaged from the bottomed hole 31b and the through hole 32d, the inner cartridge 332 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow B, so that the toner cartridge 305 is disposed as shown in FIG. The inner cartridge 332 is rotated to the limit position in the direction of arrow B by the operation of the operation lever 32a (FIG. 4) while being placed on the developing unit main body 23a, and the lower toner supply port 31a is opened. it can.

  At this time, the electrical connection relationship between the connection terminal 341 of the inner cartridge 332 and the connection terminal 343 of the outer cartridge 331 and the connection terminal 342 of the inner cartridge 332 and the connection terminal 344 of the outer cartridge 331 are interrupted. The locking member 212 is moved in the direction of arrow F by the urging force of the compression spring 233, and the leading end of the locking portion 212a passes through the through hole 32d and is in contact with the inner wall surface of the outer cartridge 331.

  Conversely, when removing the toner cartridge 305 from the developing unit main body 23a, first, the inner cartridge 332 is rotated to the limit position in the direction of arrow A by the operation of the operation lever 32a (FIG. 4), and the lower toner supply port 31a is closed. The state shown in FIG. 11B is removed. In the state of FIG. 11B, the current again flows through the first coil and the second coil, and the locking member 212 is detached from the bottomed hole 31b and the through hole 32d. In the process of shifting from b) to the state of FIG. 11A, the electrical connection states of the conductive plate 345b and the conductive plate 347b, and the conductive plate 346b and the conductive plate 348b are cut off.

  Therefore, the locking member 212 is again moved in the direction of arrow F by the urging force of the compression spring 233, and the leading end of the locking portion 212 a passes through the through hole 32 d formed in the inner cartridge 332, and further formed in the outer cartridge 331. The state shown in FIG. 11A in contact with the bottom of the bottomed hole 31b is locked, and the rotation of the inner cartridge 332 in the arrow B direction is locked.

    As described above, according to the developing unit of the present embodiment, as with the developing unit of the first embodiment, when the toner cartridge 305 exists alone, the inner cartridge 332 supplies the lower toner of the outer cartridge 331. Since the opening 31a is locked in the closed rotation position, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the toner supply port is opened due to an operation error or the like and the toner inside leaks out. Further, since the lock is automatically released when the toner cartridge 305 is attached to the developing unit main body 23a, the inner cartridge 332 can be rotated to open the lower toner supply port 31a without manually releasing the lock. . Further, when the lower toner supply port 31a is closed and the toner cartridge 305 is removed from the developing unit main body 23a, the inner cartridge 332 is automatically locked at the rotation position where the lower toner supply port 31a is closed. It is possible to prevent inconvenience due to the troublesome setting and the lock setting. Furthermore, in this embodiment, although an electromagnet is used, the toner cartridge 305 is mounted in the lower toner supply port 31a, and the lower toner supply port 31a is substantially closed. Since the current flows only in time, power is not wasted.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the magnet is disposed on the developing unit main body 23a side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the first embodiment, one arm portion 42a of the arm member 42 is provided. In the second embodiment, a magnet may be disposed at the end 212b of the locking member 212, and a magnetic member may be disposed at the developing unit main body 23a side.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the mode in which the engaging portion formed on the displacement member is engaged with the engaged portion formed on the shutter member 32g shown in FIG. 3 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an engaged portion is formed in the cylindrical portion 32f of the operating member 32e in which the operating lever 32a shown in FIG. 3 is formed, and the engaging portion of the displacement member is engaged with the engaged portion. Various modes can be taken, such as a configuration in which it can be configured.

  Although the present invention has been described by taking an example of an image forming apparatus having a function as a printer, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to facsimile machines, copiers, MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals), and the like.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a main configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment that employs a toner cartridge according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a black (K) developing unit together with a transfer roller, an exposure device, and recording paper. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part showing the configuration of the toner cartridge corresponding to the developer container of the first embodiment of the first embodiment; FIG. 6A is a view showing a state when the inner cartridge 32 is rotated to the limit position in the arrow A direction, and FIG. 5B is a view illustrating the inner cartridge 32 being rotated to the limit position in the arrow B direction. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part showing a state immediately before the toner cartridge in a state where the lower toner supply port is closed is located above the developing unit main body, and (a) is a cover disposed at an end of the inner cartridge. The member is shown, (b) shows the state which removed the cover member further. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a relationship among an outer cartridge, an inner cartridge, a cover member, and an arm member in Embodiment 1, in which (a) shows a toner cartridge in a state where a lower toner supply port is closed as a developing unit; FIG. 5B shows a state immediately before being mounted on the main body, FIG. 5B shows a state in which the toner cartridge is placed on the developing unit main body, and FIG. 6C shows a state in which the lower toner supply port is opened thereafter. Is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the example of support when an arm member is rotatably supported by the inner cartridge. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of essential parts of a toner cartridge employed in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a relationship among an outer cartridge, an inner cartridge, a guide member, and a locking member in Embodiment 2, and (a) shows a toner cartridge in a state where a lower toner supply port is closed; FIG. (B) shows a state where the toner cartridge is placed on the developing unit main body, and (c) shows a state where the lower toner supply port is opened thereafter. Indicates the state. It is a principal part perspective view of the toner cartridge employ | adopted for the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 3 based on this invention. In Embodiment 3, it is a schematic block diagram schematically showing the relationship between the outer cartridge, the inner cartridge, the guide member and the locking member, (a) is a toner cartridge in a state where the lower toner supply port is closed, (B) shows a state where the toner cartridge is placed on the developing unit main body, and (c) shows a state where the lower toner supply port is opened thereafter. Indicates the state. In Embodiment 3, it is the elements on larger scale which saw through the periphery of each connection terminal from the arrow H direction. In Embodiment 3, it is a perspective view which shows the arrangement position and shape of a lockout recessed part material and a lockout convex member, (a) is the lockout recessed part material formed in the edge part by the side of an operation lever in the bottom part of a toner cartridge. (B) shows a lockout formed in the developing unit main body. In Embodiment 3, it is a figure which shows the list of the formation position of the engagement hole and engagement protrusion which were decided according to each color. In Embodiment 3, it is a principal part block diagram which shows the path | route of the electric current supplied to the 1st coil and the 2nd coil.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor, 2 Charging roller, 3 Exposure apparatus, 4 Toner, 5 Toner cartridge, 6 Developing roller, 7 Developing blade, 8 Toner supply roller, 9 Cleaning blade, 10 Housing | casing, 11 Transfer belt, 12 Transfer roller, 13 Recording Paper, 14 Transferred toner, 15 Paper transport path, 16-19 Paper transport, 20 Paper feed cassette, 21 Stacker, 22 Paper feed section, 23 Development unit, 23a Development unit body, 24 Transport belt unit, 25 Fixing section, 26 Upper cover, 28 lower frame, 31 outer cartridge, 31a lower toner supply port, 31b bottomed hole, 32 inner cartridge, 32a operation lever, 32b opening, 32c shutter part, 32d through hole, 32e operation member, 32g shutter member, 33 Cap, 34 cover plate, 35 regulating member, 36 opening, 37 guide hole, 39 toner stirring bar, 41 cover member, 42 arm member, 42a one arm part, 42b other arm part, 43 lock pin, 44 tension spring, 45 rotating shaft, 46 support member, 48 magnet, 100 image forming apparatus, 110 developing unit, 111 waste toner collecting unit, 112 toner storage unit, 205 toner cartridge, 211 guide member, 211a one end side, 211b other end side, 212 engagement Stop member, 212a locking portion, 212b end, 231 outer cartridge, 232 inner cartridge, 233 compression spring, 305 toner cartridge, 313 first coil, 323 magnetic body, 324 second coil, 331 outer cartridge, 332 inner cartridge 341-344 connecting terminal, 345, 346 lockout recess material, 345a, 346a engagement hole, 345b, 346b conductive plate, 350 lockout portion, 351 lockout portion, 347, 348 lockout convex member, 347a, 348a Engagement protrusion, 347b, 348b conductive plate, 347c, 348c connection, 401 power supply.

Claims (14)

In a developer container including a developer container having a supply port for discharging a developer housed therein, a shutter member that opens and closes the supply port, and an operation member that operates the shutter member.
A displacement member provided inside the developer container so as to be displaceable, and having a magnetic member and an engaging portion engageable with the shutter member;
A biasing member that biases the displacement member in a predetermined direction;
When the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, the engaging portion of the displacement member is engaged with an engaged portion formed on the shutter member or the operation member by urging by the urging member. Then, the developer container is sealed off from opening the supply port. The engaging portion of the displacement member is a convex portion;
The engaged portion of the shutter member is an engagement hole through which the convex portion can pass,
The displacement member is provided in the shutter member, and when the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, the convex portion passes through the engagement hole and further into a hole provided in the developer container. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the developer container is inserted.   A developing unit comprising the developer container of claim 1 or 2 detachably, and a magnet provided at a position corresponding to the magnetic body. In a developer container including a developer container having a supply port for discharging a developer housed therein, a shutter member that opens and closes the supply port, and an operation member that operates the shutter member.
A displacement member provided inside the developer container so as to be displaceable, and having a magnet and an engaging portion engageable with the shutter member;
A biasing member that biases the displacement member in a predetermined direction;
When the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, the engaging portion of the displacement member is engaged with an engaged portion formed on the shutter member or the operation member by urging by the urging member. Then, the developer container is sealed off from opening the supply port. The engaging portion of the displacement member is a convex portion;
The engaged portion of the shutter member is an engagement hole through which the convex portion can pass,
The displacement member is provided in the shutter member, and when the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, the convex portion passes through the engagement hole and further into a hole provided in the developer container. The developer container according to claim 4, wherein the developer container is inserted.   6. A developing unit, wherein the developer container according to claim 4 is detachably provided, and a magnetic material is provided at a position corresponding to the magnet.   6. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the displacement member is an L-shaped arm and is provided so as to be rotatable.   The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the displacement member is a rod-like member having a convex portion formed at one end thereof, and is slidably provided.   An image forming apparatus comprising the developing unit according to claim 3. In a developer container including a developer container having a supply port for discharging a developer housed therein, a shutter member that opens and closes the supply port, and an operation member that operates the shutter member.
A displacement member provided inside the developer container so as to be displaceable, and having a first magnetic member and an engagement portion engageable with the shutter member;
A biasing member that biases the displacement member in a predetermined direction;
A first coil wound around the displacement member;
A contact portion for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first coil and the outside;
When the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, the engaging portion of the displacement member is engaged with an engaged portion formed on the shutter member or the operation member by urging by the urging member. Then, the developer container is sealed off from opening the supply port. The engaging portion of the displacement member is a convex portion;
The engaged portion of the shutter member is an engagement hole through which the convex portion can pass,
The displacement member is provided in the shutter member, and when the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, the convex portion passes through the engagement hole and further into a hole provided in the developer container. The developer container according to claim 10, wherein the developer container is inserted. The developer container according to claim 10 or 11 is detachably provided,
A second magnetic body provided at a position corresponding to the first magnetic body;
A developing unit comprising: a second coil wound around the second magnetic body. A developing unit according to claim 12;
Current supply and
Only when the developing unit is mounted with the developer container and the shutter member is in a position to close the supply port, a current is passed through the first and second coils, and the shutter member The image forming apparatus, wherein the first coil and the outside are electrically disconnected by the contact portion when the supply port is open. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the shutter member and the operation member are integrally formed.

Images