Recovery container and powder coating device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of recovery container and powder coating device.Recovery container includes: container body, is equipped with the recovery path of recovery powder, and can be attached to installation object;Discharge port, is equipped in the container body, and the powder of recovery path is discharged;Opening and closing portion, is equipped in the container body, closes the discharge port, in the installation state of the container body, be equipped in the periphery of recovery port of installation object and push open;Guide portion, is equipped in the side opposite to the discharge port by the opening and closing portion of the container body, and the movement of opening and closing portion is guided;And inhibiting component, is equipped in the container body, before the periphery of recovery port and the opening and closing portion meet, with installation object meets and inhibits the inclination of the container body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a recycling container and a powder coating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a powder recovery container that can be detachably installed in an image forming apparatus.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6551093 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] A device has a discharge port at the bottom of a powder recovery container for discharging the recovered powder. The discharge port is closed by an opening and closing part that is applied in the installation direction. When the recovery container is installed on the device body, the opening and closing part is pushed open to the side opposite to the installation direction by the periphery of the recovery port of the recovery bottle on the device body, thereby connecting the discharge port to the recovery port of the recovery bottle. However, if the recovery container is tilted when installed on the device body, the opening and closing part may sometimes fail to open properly.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to suppress poor opening of the opening and closing part when installing the recycling container on the installation object, compared with a structure in which the opening and closing part is connected to a part of the installation object after the peripheral part of the recycling port and the opening and closing part are connected to suppress the tilting of the container body.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] The first embodiment of the recycling container includes: a container body having a recycling path for the recycled powder and being detachable relative to an installation object; a discharge port provided on the container body for discharging the powder transported in the recycling path to the outside; an opening and closing part provided on the container body, which closes the discharge port when force is applied in the installation direction of the container body, and is pushed open by a recycling port periphery provided on the installation object when the container body is installed on the installation object; a guide part provided on the side opposite to the discharge port, sandwiching the opening and closing part of the container body, extending along the installation direction of the container body, and guiding the movement of the opening and closing part; and a suppressing member provided on the container body, which contacts a portion of the installation object before the recycling port periphery contacts the opening and closing part to suppress the tilting of the container body.

[0011] The second embodiment of the recycling container is based on the first embodiment of the recycling container, wherein the container body is capable of being housed in a receiving portion provided in the installation object, the discharge port is provided on one side of the container body, and the suppression member on the one side includes: a first protrusion protruding upward, extending along the installation direction, and the top of which contacts a first wall surface of the opposite receiving portion; and a second protrusion protruding downward, extending along the installation direction, and the top of which contacts a second wall surface of the opposite receiving portion.

[0012] The recycling container of the third embodiment is based on the recycling container of the second embodiment, wherein, at the end of the first protrusion in the mounting direction, there is an inclined portion that is inclined from the top toward the root and the height of the first protrusion decreases, and at the end of the second protrusion in the mounting direction, there is an inclined portion that is inclined from the top toward the root and the height of the second protrusion decreases.

[0013] The fourth recycling container is a recycling container based on any one of the first to third schemes, wherein the guide portion is provided with an inclined portion that extends obliquely from the end of the guide portion toward the installation direction and away from the opening and closing portion.

[0014] The fifth embodiment of the recycling container is based on the fourth embodiment of the recycling container, wherein the guide portion is provided on both sides of the container body in the width direction, sandwiching the discharge outlet.

[0015] The sixth embodiment of the recycling container is a recycling container based on any one of the first to fifth embodiments. In the recycling path of the container body, a conveying section is provided. The conveying section rotates with the extension direction of the recycling path as its axis to convey the powder from one side to the other in the extension direction of the recycling path. At the lower part of the container body, a force transmission section, a discharge port, and an opening / closing section are provided. When the container body is installed on the mounting object, the force transmission section is connected to a rotation drive section provided on the mounting object and transmits the rotational force of the rotation drive section as the rotational force of the conveying section. At the upper part of the container body and on the other side of the extension direction of the recycling path, a protrusion is provided. An anti-detachment portion of the protrusion, formed on the portion opposite to the installation direction, hooks onto a hook section provided on the mounting object. Between the container body and the protrusion, a force-applying portion applies force to the protrusion towards the side away from the container body. The protrusion has an inclined portion that tilts towards the direction gradually moving away from the container body from the anti-detachment portion towards the installation direction.

[0016] The powder coating apparatus of the seventh embodiment includes: a supply component for supplying a colorant as powder; and a recovery container of any one of the first to sixth embodiments for recovering the colorant discharged from the supply component.

[0017] [The effects of the invention]

[0018] According to the structure of the first embodiment, in the structure in which the opening and closing part that closes the outlet of the powder provided in the recycling container is pushed open by the periphery of the recycling port of the installation object, compared with the structure in which the opening and closing part is connected to the periphery of the recycling port and the opening and closing part and then connected to a part of the installation object to suppress the tilting of the container body, the poor opening of the opening and closing part can be suppressed.

[0019] According to the structure of the second embodiment, compared with the structure in which a part of the side of the container body contacts the entire opposite wall of the receiving part, the container body can be smoothly received into the receiving part.

[0020] According to the structure of the third scheme, compared with the structure in which the ends of the first and second protrusions have sharp edges in their respective mounting directions, it is easier to house the container body into the housing.

[0021] According to the structure of the fourth scheme, compared with the structure that extends the guide section along the installation direction, the peripheral part of the recovery port can contact the opening and closing part located between the guide section and the discharge port.

[0022] According to the structure of the fifth scheme, compared with the structure in which the guide part is only provided on one side of the width direction of the container body, the periphery of the recovery port can be stably guided between the guide part and the discharge port.

[0023] According to the structure of the sixth embodiment, compared with the structure in which a protrusion without tilt is arranged on the upper part of the container body and on the other side of the extension direction of the recycling path, it is possible to suppress poor hooking of the protrusion relative to the hook, thereby suppressing the tilting of the container body.

[0024] According to the structure of the seventh scheme, compared with the structure in which the recycling container is installed at an angle on the installation object, the recycling container can be used to recover the color material discharged from the supply component. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state with the cover open.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The image forming apparatus is a three-dimensional view showing the state after the recycling container has been removed.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the recycling container of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front surface side, showing its installation state toward the frame.

[0029] Figure 5 Viewed from the back side Figure 4 A 3D view of the recycling container, showing the state in which the recycling container is locked to the frame.

[0030] Figure 6 Viewed from the back side Figure 4 A 3D view of the recycling container, showing the state of the recycling container being unlocked from the frame (the state of being unlocked).

[0031] Figure 7 View from the front Figure 5 A front view of the recycling container.

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The back of the recycling container.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of a recycling container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 From and Figure 9 Observe from the opposite side Figure 9 A 3D view of the main parts of the recycling container.

[0035] Figure 11 Viewed from the side Figure 9 A side view of the main parts of the recycling container.

[0036] Figure 12 (A) is an enlarged side view of the main part used to explain the operation of guiding the periphery of the recycling port of the frame using the tilt and guide parts of the recycling container. Figure 12 (B) is used for passing through Figure 12 The enlarged side view of the main part of (A) illustrates the action of the opening and closing barrier of the external discharge outlet being pushed open by the peripheral part of the guided recycling port. Figure 12 (C) is used for in Figure 12 The enlarged side view of the main part of (B) illustrates the state where the opening and closing gate is fully pushed open and the external discharge port and the recovery port are connected.

[0037] Figure 13 This is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the locking mechanism, showing the state of the recycling container moving relative to the frame along the installation direction.

[0038] Figure 14This is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the protrusion, showing the state of the recycling container moving relative to the frame along the installation direction.

[0039] Figure 15 This is an enlarged plan view of the main part showing the state in which the locking part is in operation while the recycling container is moving relative to the frame in the installation direction.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a magnified plan view of the main part showing the state in which the first inclined protrusion contacts the end of the hook part while the recycling container is moving relative to the frame in the installation direction.

[0041] Figure 17 This is an enlarged plan view of the main part showing the state in which the recycling container moves relative to the frame along the installation direction and the locking part is inserted into the opening.

[0042] Figure 18 This is an enlarged plan view of the main part showing the state in which the recycling container moves relative to the frame along the installation direction and is hooked onto the hook part.

[0043] Figure 19 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of the containment section, showing the state in which the recycling container has been installed in the frame.

[0044] Figure 20 This is a front view of the main part of the recycling container, showing it installed in the frame.

[0045] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 11: Frame

[0047] 54A: Hook and Hanging Part

[0048] 54B: End of hook part

[0049] 60: Recycling Containers

[0050] 62: Container body

[0051] 62B: Side (one side)

[0052] 64: Recycling Path

[0053] 66: Recycling Port

[0054] 67: Opening and closing the gate

[0055] 68: External discharge outlet

[0056] 70: Screw conveyor (transfer section)

[0057] 72: Opening and closing gate (opening and closing section)

[0058] 82: First protruding section (suppression component)

[0059] 82A: Top

[0060] 82B: End

[0061] 82C: Inclined section

[0062] 84: Second protrusion (suppression component)

[0063] 84A: Top

[0064] 84B: End

[0065] 84C: Inclined section

[0066] 86: Connector (force transmission part)

[0067] 88: Operating handle (operating component)

[0068] 90: Protrusion

[0069] 92: Anti-hair loss section

[0070] 94: First inclined section (inclined section)

[0071] 96: Second inclined section

[0072] 98: Bend

[0073] 100: Loading / unloading handle (force application part)

[0074] 100A: surface

[0075] 100B: One end

[0076] 100C: The other end

[0077] 102: Locking component

[0078] 110: Promotion Department. Detailed Implementation

[0079] A recycling container and powder coating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0080] First, an example of the powder coating apparatus of this embodiment, namely the image forming apparatus 10, will be described. Next, the recycling container 60 used for the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0081] [Overall Structure]

[0082] First, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0083] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 has a frame 11 that serves as the apparatus body. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes, inside the housing 11: a photoreceptor 12 as an image holder, a charging device 14 as a charging component, an exposure device 16 as an exposure component, a developing device 18 as a supply component, a control unit 20 as a control component, a transfer device 22 as a transfer component, a fixing device 24 as a fixing component, a cleaning device 26 as a cleaning component, and an ink cartridge 28 as a powder container. Furthermore, the photoreceptor 12, the charging device 14, the exposure device 16, and the cleaning device 26 form a photoreceptor unit 30 as an image holder unit. The housing 31 of the photoreceptor unit 30 is detachably mounted relative to the housing 11.

[0084] In the following description, the width, height, and depth of the image forming apparatus 10 as viewed from the side where the user (illustration omitted) is standing are referred to as the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, when it is necessary to distinguish between one side and the other side of each of the X, Y, and Z directions, the upper side of the image forming apparatus 10 as the +Y side, the lower side as the -Y side, the right side as the +X side, the left side as the -X side, the inner side as the +Z side, and the front side as the -Z side. The Y direction is an example of the direction of gravity. The X and Z directions are examples of horizontal directions.

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, a cover 32 that rotates forward in the depth direction of the device is installed on the front surface of the frame 11. Inside the cover 32 in the depth direction of the device, a recovery container 60 for a powder, specifically a developer used as a colorant, is detachably mounted relative to the frame 11, which is an example of a device to be installed. Specifically, a receiving portion 50 with a shape corresponding to the shape of the recovery container 60 is formed in the frame 11. The recovery container 60 is received in the receiving portion 50 and mounted on the frame 11. Furthermore, the width, height, and thickness directions of the recovery container 60 are aligned with the width, height, and depth directions of the device when the recovery container 60 is mounted on the frame 11. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the upper side of the recovery container 60 corresponds to the +Y side, the lower side to the -Y side, the right side to the +X side, the left side to the -X side, the inner side to the +Z side, and the front side to the -Z side.

[0086] and, Figure 11In this diagram, the installation direction of the recycling container 60 (container body 62) relative to the frame 11 is indicated by the direction of arrow E. Furthermore, the installation direction referred to here is the same as the inward direction in the longitudinal direction of the device.

[0087] At the front part of the recycling container 60 (the portion 62D on the front side of the container body 62 in the longitudinal direction of the device), such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, an operating handle 88 is provided as an example of an operating component. By operating the operating handle 88, the locking of the recovery container 60 to the frame 11 is released, and the recovery port 66 of the developer, an example of powder, is closed. Furthermore, in conjunction with the operation of the operating handle 88, the primary transfer roller 34 of the transfer device 22 moves away from the photoreceptor 12. Subsequently, the recovery container 60 is detached from the frame 11, thereby exposing the photoreceptor units 30 corresponding to each color mounted on the frame 11 to the outside (see reference). Figure 3 Thus, the photoreceptor unit 30 can be accessed.

[0088] Furthermore, with the recycling container 60 detached, the operating lever 38 provided in the developing apparatus 18 is operated to retract the operating lever 38 from the detachment path of the photoreceptor unit 30. Subsequently, the photoreceptor unit 30 is pulled forward in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus, thereby detaching the photoreceptor unit 30 from the frame 11.

[0089] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be explained.

[0090] The operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled by the control unit 20. In the image forming apparatus 10, the developing unit 18 develops the latent image of the photoreceptor 12 using a developer, which is a type of powder transported from the ink cartridge 28 and serves as a color material, thereby forming a toner image, which is an example of a developer image. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, after the transfer unit 22 transfers the toner image to the recording medium P, the fixing unit 24 fixes the toner image to the recording medium P.

[0091] As an example, a developer is composed of toner (a negatively charged material) and an iron carrier (a positively charged magnetic material) as its main components, and further includes additives. The toner is, for example, made of polyester resin.

[0092] [Main Structure]

[0093] Next, the recycling container 60 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0094] The recovery container 60 of this embodiment recovers the developer used in the developing apparatus 18, the developer removed from the intermediate transfer belt 36, and the developer removed from the photoreceptor 12. The recovered developer is then collected and discharged from the external outlet 68 (see below). Figure 12 The waste is discharged into the recycling bottle 58 at the bottom of the frame 11 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 12 In addition, "recycling" in this invention includes either temporarily maintaining the powder in its current form or ultimately maintaining the powder's current form.

[0095] like Figures 4-8 As shown, the recycling container 60 includes a container body 62.

[0096] The container body 62 is box-shaped and has a recovery path 64 inside for recovering the developer. The container body 62 is housed in the receiving portion 50 of the frame 11 and is mounted on the frame 11. In addition, as mentioned above, the shape of the receiving portion 50 corresponds to the shape of the recovery container 60 (container body 62), so that when the container body 62 is housed in the receiving portion 50, the photoreceptor 12 and the transfer device 22 are covered by the container body 62.

[0097] The recovery path 64 is a passageway for collecting and conveying the developer recovered from the recovery port 66 (described later) to the external discharge port 68. The recovery path 64 includes branch paths (not shown) extending downwards from the plurality of recovery ports 66, and a main passage 64A where these branch paths converge. The main passage 64A is located at the lower part of the container body 62, extending from one side of the container body 62 in the width direction (…). Figure 7 and Figure 8 (middle is the right side) facing the other side ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 (The middle is on the left). Additionally, the developer recovered by the main pathway 64A extends from one side of the extension direction of the main pathway 64A (the middle is on the left). Figure 7 and Figure 8 The middle (left side) is moved to the other side. Figure 7 and Figure 8 (The middle is the right side). Specifically, in the main passage 64A, there is a spiral conveyor 70, which is an example of a conveying unit that rotates with the extension direction of the main passage 64A as the axis direction. By rotating the spiral conveyor 70, the developer in the main passage 64A is conveyed from one side of the container body 62 in the width direction to the other side.

[0098] Furthermore, an external discharge port 68 is provided at the bottom 62A of the container body 62 (see reference). Figure 12Specifically, the external discharge port 68 is located at the other end of the main passage 64A in the extending direction, and opens downwards. The developer being transported in the main passage 64A is discharged to the outside through the external discharge port 68. Furthermore, in this embodiment, with the recycling container 60 installed in the frame 11, the external discharge port 68 is connected to the recycling port 52 located on the bottom surface 50A of the receiving portion 50. The recycling port 52 is connected to the opening of the recycling bottle 58 mounted on the lower side of the receiving portion 50 of the frame 11. Therefore, the developer discharged from the external discharge port 68 is collected in the recycling bottle 58 via the recycling port 52.

[0099] Furthermore, at the portion corresponding to the external outlet 68 at the bottom 62A of the container body 62, an opening / closing gate 72 is provided as an example of an opening / closing part. This gate 72 is subjected to force in the mounting direction E via a spring (not shown, for example a helical spring) to close the external outlet 68. In the installed state where the container body 62 is mounted on the frame 11, the opening / closing gate 72 is pushed open by the flange 52A of the retraction port 52. Specifically, when the container body 62 is moved relative to the frame 11 in the mounting direction E, as... Figure 12 (A) Figure 12 As shown in (C), the flange 52A of the recovery port 52 contacts the end 72A of the opening / closing gate 72 on the mounting direction E side. Furthermore, when the container body 62 is moved further towards the mounting direction E, the opening / closing gate 72 is pushed in towards the side opposite to the mounting direction E, thereby opening the external discharge port 68. The external discharge port 68 is connected to the recovery port 52.

[0100] Furthermore, on the side of the container body 62 opposite to the external outlet 68, which sandwiches the opening and closing gate 72, a guide portion 74 is provided to guide the movement of the opening and closing gate 72. The guide portion 74 is a flat surface extending along the thickness direction of the container body 62 (synonymous with the installation direction E).

[0101] Moreover, in the guidance section 74, such as Figure 10 and Figure 12As shown, an inclined portion 76 extends obliquely from the end in the installation direction E toward the opening and closing gate 72. The inclined portion 76 is a flat surface extending downwards in the installation direction E when the guide portion 74 is viewed from the width direction of the container body 62. The inclined portion 76 guides the flange portion 52A of the recovery port 52 into the opening and closing gate 72. Specifically, when the container body 62 is mounted on the frame 11, when the flange portion 52A of the recovery port 52 contacts the inclined portion 76, the flange portion 52A of the recovery port 52 is guided by the inclined portion 76 in the height direction of the container body 62 to between the external discharge port 68 and the guide portion 74. Furthermore, the guided flange portion 52A of the recovery port 52 contacts the end portion 72A of the opening and closing gate 72 and pushes it into the opening and closing gate 72.

[0102] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, guide portions 74 are respectively provided on both sides of the container body 62 in the width direction, sandwiching the external discharge port 68. These guide portions 74 support and guide both ends of the opening / closing gate 72 in the width direction, thus suppressing any swaying during its movement. Furthermore, each pair of guide portions 74 is provided with the aforementioned inclined portion 76. Therefore, the flange portion 52A of the recovery port 52 is guided in a stable state.

[0103] In container body 62, such as Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, a suppressing part 78 is provided. This suppressing part 78 connects to a portion of the frame 11 before the flange 52A of the recirculation port 52 connects to the opening / closing gate 72, thereby suppressing the tilting of the container body 62. Specifically, on one side 62B of the container body 62 in the width direction, a protrusion 80 extending outward in the width direction is provided at its lower part. On the upper surface 80A of the protrusion 80, a first protruding strip 82 constituting the suppressing part 78 is provided, and on the lower surface 80B, a second protruding strip 84 constituting the suppressing part 78 is provided.

[0104] First protrusion 82 Figures 9-11 As shown, the first protrusion 82 protrudes upward from the upper surface 80A of the protrusion 80 and extends along the thickness direction of the container body 62 (synonymous with the mounting direction E). The top 82A of the first protrusion 82 is a flat surface extending along the mounting direction E. Moreover, when the container body 62 is mounted on the frame 11, the top 82A of the first protrusion 82 will contact the top surface 51A of the concave portion 51 of the side wall surface 50B of the receiving portion 50 corresponding to the protrusion 80 (see reference). Figure 20 With the recycling container 60 installed in the frame 11, as follows: Figure 20 As shown, the top surface 51A and the first protruding portion 82 face each other. Moreover, the top surface 51A of the concave portion 51 in this embodiment is an example of the first wall surface of the receiving portion in the present invention.

[0105] Furthermore, at the end 82B in the mounting direction E of the first protrusion 82, there is an inclined portion 82C that slopes downwards from the top 82A toward the root, such that the height of the first protrusion 82 decreases (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple (two) first protrusions 82 are formed at intervals along the width direction of the container body 62 on the upper surface 80A (see reference). Figure 20 Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this structure; the first protrusion 82 may also be formed as one or more.

[0107] like Figure 11 As shown, the second protrusion 84 protrudes downward from the lower surface 80B of the protrusion 80 and extends along the thickness direction of the container body 62 (synonymous with the mounting direction E). The top 84A of the second protrusion 84 is a flat surface extending along the mounting direction E. Moreover, when the container body 62 is mounted on the frame 11, the top 84A contacts the bottom surface 51B of the concave portion 51 (see reference). Figure 20 With the recycling container 60 installed in the frame 11, as follows: Figure 20 As shown, the bottom surface 51B and the second protruding portion 84 face each other. Moreover, the bottom surface 51B of the concave portion 51 in this embodiment is an example of the second wall surface of the receiving portion in the present invention.

[0108] Furthermore, at the end 84B in the mounting direction E of the second protrusion 84, there is an inclined portion 84C that slopes downwards from the top 84A toward the root, such that the height of the second protrusion 84 decreases (see reference). Figure 11 Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the end 84D of the second protrusion 84 opposite to the mounting direction E, there is also an inclined portion 84E that slopes downwards from the top 84A toward the root, such that the height of the second protrusion 84 decreases (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second protrusion 84 is formed on the lower surface 80B (see reference). Figure 20 Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and multiple second protrusions 84 may also be formed.

[0110] Near the external outlet 68 of the container body 62, there is a connector 86, which serves as an example of a force transmission part for rotating the screw conveyor 70 (see reference). Figure 10Specifically, connector 86 is located on the lower part of the side 62B of container body 62. When container body 62 is mounted on frame 11, it connects to a rotation drive unit (not shown) located on frame 11, and converts the rotational force of the rotation drive unit into the rotational force of the screw conveyor 70. When container body 62 is mounted on frame 11, the rotational force from the rotation drive unit is converted into the rotational force of the screw conveyor 70 via connector 86. The developer recovered into the main passage 64A is conveyed towards the external discharge port 68 by the rotation of the screw conveyor 70.

[0111] Furthermore, a plurality of recovery ports 66 for recovering developer from the frame 11 side are provided at the rear portion 62E (the portion at the rear in the longitudinal direction of the device) of the container body 62. These recovery ports 66 are provided on the recovery path 64 of the container body 62. Moreover, these recovery ports 66 can be connected to the developer discharge section 40, which is an example of a powder discharge section, on the frame 11 side. When the recovery port 66 is connected to the developer discharge section 40, the developer discharged from the developer discharge section 40 is recovered by the recovery port 66 and sent to the recovery path 64 (from the branch path to the main path 64A). Specifically, the recovery port 66 of this embodiment recovers the developer used in the developing apparatus 18, the developer removed from the intermediate transfer belt 36, and the developer removed from the photoreceptor 12. In addition, the recovery port for recovering the developer discharged from the developer discharge section 40 of the developing apparatus 18 is designated by the symbol 66A (see reference). Figure 5 The recovery port for recovering the developer removed from the photoreceptor 12 by the cleaning device 26 is indicated by the symbol 66B (see reference). Figure 5 The recovery port for recovering the developer removed from the intermediate transfer belt 36 by the belt cleaning member (not shown) is indicated by the symbol 66C (see reference). Figure 5 ) is used to represent this.

[0112] Additionally, the recovery port 66A can be opened and closed by an opening / closing gate 67, which is subjected to force in the installation direction E by a helical spring (not shown) as an example of a force-applying component. In the installed state where the container body 62 is mounted on the frame 11, the opening / closing gate 67 is pushed by the periphery of the developer discharge section 40 to the side opposite to the installation direction E, thereby opening the recovery port 66A (see reference). Figure 6 Furthermore, in the disengaged state where the container body 62 is detached from the frame 11, the opening / closing gate 67 closes the recovery port 66A (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0113] Moreover, in the container body 62, such as Figure 10 and Figure 16As shown, protrusions 90 are provided spaced apart in a direction intersecting the installation direction E. Specifically, the protrusions 90 are provided spaced apart outward in the width direction from the upper part of the side portion 62B of the container body 62. More specifically, the protrusions 90 are provided on the surface 100A of the loading and unloading handle 100, which will be described in detail later, and protrude outward in the width direction from the surface 100A. The protrusions 90 are hooked to the hook portion 54A, which is formed on one side of the receiving portion 50 in the device width direction. Figure 14 and Figure 19 The side wall surface 50B (right side) is shown in the middle. Furthermore, the hook portion 54A mentioned here refers to the wall portion of the side wall surface 50B where the opening 54 is formed, located on the front side in the longitudinal direction of the device. Moreover, the end portion 54B of the hook portion 54A, described later, refers to the corner located at the boundary between the side wall surface 50B and the hook portion 54A. Furthermore, the opening 54 is formed on the upper side compared to the concave portion 51 of the side wall surface 50B.

[0114] In this embodiment, the protrusion 90 has an anti-detachment portion 92 formed on the portion opposite to the installation direction E. By hooking the anti-detachment portion 92 onto the hook portion 54A, the protrusion 90 is prevented from detaching from the hook portion 54A (hook release). (See reference) Figure 18 Additionally, the anti-detachment portion 92 of the protrusion 90 is a flat surface along the width direction of the container body 62.

[0115] Furthermore, a first inclined portion 94 is formed on the protrusion 90, which slopes gradually away from the container body 62 from the anti-detachment portion 92 toward the mounting direction E. When viewed from above, the first inclined portion 94 is a flat surface in a direction inclined relative to the mounting direction E.

[0116] Moreover, at the protrusion of 90, such as Figure 18 As shown, a second inclined portion 96 is formed on the side of the first inclined portion 94 that is inclined in the mounting direction E, gradually approaching the container body 62 in the mounting direction E. When viewed from above, the second inclined portion 96 is a flat surface that is inclined in the opposite direction to the first inclined portion 94 relative to the mounting direction E.

[0117] Furthermore, a curved portion 98, which is arc-shaped, is formed between the first inclined portion 94 and the second inclined portion 96 on the protrusion 90. The first inclined portion 94 and the second inclined portion 96 are connected via the curved portion 98.

[0118] Between the container body 62 and the protrusion 90, such as Figure 18As shown, a loading / unloading handle 100 is provided as an example of a force-applying part. The loading / unloading handle 100 applies force to the protrusion 90 towards the side away from the container body 62. Specifically, the loading / unloading handle 100 is provided on the upper part of the side portion 62B of the container body 62. More specifically, the loading / unloading handle 100 is positioned above the protrusion 80 of the side portion 62B. The loading / unloading handle 100 is a plate-shaped spring material, as described below, where one end 100B is supported on the side portion 62B of the container body 62, and the other end 100C is located on the opposite side of the installation direction E from the first end 100B. Furthermore, when the recycling container 60 is detached, the other end 100C of the loading / unloading handle 100 is in a free state. In further detail, the loading / unloading handle 100 is as follows... Figure 18 As shown, it includes: an inclined plate portion 100D, which, when viewed from above, extends from one end 100B toward a side opposite to the mounting direction E and away from the side portion 62B (outer side in the width direction of the container body 62); and a gripping plate portion 100E, which extends from the end of the inclined plate portion 100D toward a side opposite to the mounting direction E. The length of the inclined plate portion 100D is longer than the length of the gripping plate portion 100E. In addition, the other end 100C of the loading / unloading handle 100 extends beyond the front surface 62DA of the container body 62 to the other side in the thickness direction of the container body 62 (front side in the depth direction of the device). That is, since a part of the gripping plate portion 100E extends beyond the front surface 62DA to the front side in the depth direction of the device, the operation of the loading / unloading handle 100 when detaching from the frame 11 and the recycling container 60 becomes easier.

[0119] Furthermore, a protrusion 90 is provided on the surface 100A of the other end 100C side of the loading / unloading handle 100. Specifically, the protrusion 90 is provided at the end of the inclined plate portion 100D on the gripping plate portion 100E side. The loading / unloading handle 100 is as follows: Figure 14 As shown, when the recycling container 60 (container body 62) is installed on the frame 11, it is subjected to a force from the protrusion 90, which is in contact with the side wall 50B of the receiving part 50, toward the inside of the container body 62 in the width direction. This causes it to flex about one end 100B, and the other end 100C moves laterally toward the inside of the container body 62 in the width direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 18 As shown, when the protrusion 90 reaches the opening 54 of the receiving portion 50, the anti-detachment portion 92 of the protrusion 90 hooks onto the hook portion 54A. In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 90 has a groove (recess) extending in the mounting direction E formed in the middle portion in the height direction of the container body 62, but the present invention is not limited to this structure.

[0120] Moreover, in the loading and unloading handle 100, such as Figure 10 and Figure 15As shown, an opening 101 is formed for the locking portion 102A of the locking member 102, which will be described later, to pass through. Specifically, the opening 101 is formed across the inclined plate portion 100D and the gripping plate portion 100E of the loading and unloading handle 100. Moreover, the protrusion 90 is disposed on the lower side of the opening 101 of the inclined plate portion 100D. Specifically, the protrusion 90 is formed near the lower end of the inclined plate portion 100D.

[0121] Furthermore, on the other side of the width direction of the container body 62 ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 A loading / unloading handle 104 is provided on the lower part of the side portion 62C (left side). The loading / unloading handle 104 is a plate-shaped spring material, as described below: one end 104B is supported on the lower part of the side portion 62C of the container body 62, and the other end 104C is located on the opposite side of the mounting direction E compared to the first end 104B. Furthermore, when the recycling container 60 is detached, the other end 104C of the loading / unloading handle 104 is in a free state. The loading / unloading handle 104 includes: a tilting plate portion 104D extending from one end 104B to the side opposite to the mounting direction E and away from the side portion 62B (outer side of the container body 62 in the width direction); and a gripping plate portion 104E extending from the end of the tilting plate portion 104D toward the side opposite to the mounting direction E. The length of the tilting plate portion 104D is longer than the length of the gripping plate portion 104E. In addition, the other end 104C of the loading and unloading handle 104 extends beyond the front surface 62DA of the container body 62 to the other side of the thickness direction of the container body 62 (the front side of the device in the depth direction). That is, a part of the gripping plate portion 104E extends beyond the front surface 62DA to the front side of the device in the depth direction, thus making it easier to operate the loading and unloading handle 104 when detaching it from the frame 11 and the recycling container 60.

[0122] Furthermore, on the surface 104A of the other end 104C side of the loading / unloading handle 104, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a protrusion 106 is provided. Specifically, the protrusion 106 is provided at the end of the inclined plate portion 104D on the gripping plate portion 104E side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 106 has a groove (recess) extending along the mounting direction E formed in the middle portion in the height direction of the container body 62, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. Moreover, the protrusion 106 is hooked to a hook portion (not shown), which is formed on the side wall surface 50C of the receiving portion 50. Figure 7 and Figure 8(The left wall is shown in the middle). When the recycling container 60 (container body 62) is installed on the frame 11, the loading and unloading handle 104 is subjected to a force from the protrusion 106, which is in contact with the side wall 50C of the receiving part 50, toward the inside of the container body 62 in the width direction. As a result, it flexes about one end 104B, and the other end 104C moves laterally toward the inside of the container body 62 in the width direction. Furthermore, when the protrusion 106 reaches the hook portion of the side wall 50C, the protrusion 106 hooks onto the hook portion. In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 106 is formed in pairs at intervals along the height direction of the container body 62.

[0123] Here, the protrusions 90 and 106 of the recycling container 60 are hooked onto the hook portion 54A and a hook portion (not shown), respectively, thereby holding (installing) the recycling container 60 on the frame 11. Furthermore, by grasping the other ends 100C and 104C of the loading / unloading handles 100 and 104 located on both sides of the recycling container 60 and pushing them apart towards the inside in the width direction, the protrusions 90 and 106 disengage from the hook portion 54A and the hook portion (not shown) (the hooks are released). In this state, the recycling container 60 is pulled from the frame 11 towards the side opposite to the installation direction E, thereby detaching the recycling container 60 from the frame 11.

[0124] Furthermore, preferably, the first inclined portion 94 of the protrusion 90 has an inclination angle θ relative to the mounting direction E (refer to...). Figure 18 It is configured such that when the container body 62 is installed on the frame 11, as Figure 16 As shown, when the first inclined portion 94 of the protrusion 90 is in contact with the end 54B of the hook portion 54A, the force F1 that moves the container body 62 in the installation direction, obtained by converting the repulsive force (applied force) F on the loading and unloading handle 100, is greater than the repulsive force (total repulsive force) R that the container body 62 receives from the helical spring that applies force to the opening and closing gate 67.

[0125] In container body 62, such as Figure 14 As shown, a pushing unit 110 is provided. Specifically, the pushing unit 110 is provided on the side 62B of the container body 62, and is movable from the inside to the outside in the width direction of the container body 62. More specifically, the pushing unit 110 can move from... Figure 14 The first position shown is located outside the width direction of the container body 62 compared to the first position. Figure 18 The second position movement is shown. When the pushing part 110 moves from the first position to the second position, it can push the other end 100C of the loading / unloading handle 100 to the side away from the container body 62 (outer side in the width direction) (see reference). Figure 16Specifically, when the recycling container 60 is installed on the frame 11, under the condition that the loading / unloading handle 100 is elastically deformed inward in the width direction toward the container body 62 (load state), when the pushing part 110 is moved from the first position to the second position, the pushing part 110 pushes the other end 100C side of the loading / unloading handle 100 (more specifically, the gripping plate part 100E) outward in the width direction. The pushing part 110 moves in conjunction with the locking member 102 described later.

[0126] In container body 62, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a locking member 102 is provided. The locking member 102 is a member that maintains the installation state of the recycling container 60 relative to the frame 11 by operating the handle 88. The locking member 102 includes: a locking part 102A, which protrudes outward from the side part 62B of the container body 62 in the width direction of the container body 62; and a locking part 102B, which protrudes outward from the side part 62C in the width direction of the container body 62.

[0127] like Figure 9 , Figure 13 and Figure 17 As shown, the locking part 102A is formed in a generally cuboid shape, and a bevel 102AC is formed on the side 102AB of the container body 62 in the thickness direction (the front side in the depth direction of the device) from the front end face 102AA. When the locking part 102A protrudes outward in the width direction of the container body 62 by operating the handle 88, it passes through the opening 101 of the loading and unloading handle 100 and is inserted into the opening 55 provided on the side wall surface 50B of the receiving part 50.

[0128] Locking part 102B Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the locking part 102A protrudes outward in the width direction from the upper part of the side portion 62C of the container body 62. Specifically, it protrudes outward in the width direction from the upper side of the side portion 62C of the container body 62, beyond the loading / unloading handle 104. The locking part 102B is formed in a generally cuboid shape. When the locking part 102B protrudes outward in the width direction of the container body 62 by operating the handle 88, it is inserted into an opening (not shown) provided on the side wall surface 50C of the receiving portion 50. In addition, the locking parts 102A and 102B protrude outward in the width direction in conjunction with each other by operating the handle 88.

[0129] Furthermore, the locking member 102 includes a locking portion 102C that protrudes from the upper part 62F of the container body 62.

[0130] Locking part 102C Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the locking part 102C protrudes upward from the upper part 62F of the container body 62. Specifically, it protrudes upward from the side part 62C of the upper part 62F of the container body 62. The locking part 102C is generally rectangular. When the locking part 102C protrudes upward from the container body 62 by operating the handle 88, it hooks onto a hook (not shown) provided on the top surface 50D of the receiving part 50. In addition, the locking part 102C protrudes upward in conjunction with the locking parts 102A and 102B by operating the handle 88.

[0131] Alternatively, the locking part 102A can be configured to move linearly in the width direction of the container body 62 by operating the handle 88, protruding outward from the side part 62B in the width direction. It can also be configured to protrude outward from the side part 62B in the width direction by rotating. Furthermore, the locking parts 102B and 102C can also be configured with the same structure as the locking part 102A.

[0132] Furthermore, the locking member 102 and the pushing part 110 are integrally formed. Specifically, the pushing part 110 is integrally formed around the locking part 102A of the locking member 102. Therefore, in conjunction with the action of the locking part 102A protruding outward from the side 62B in the width direction of the container body 62, the pushing part 110 also moves outward in the width direction of the container body 62.

[0133] Furthermore, an operating handle 88 is provided at the front 62D of the container body 62. The operating handle 88 is connected to the locking member 102. By operating the operating handle 88, the locking member 102 can be switched between locking (maintaining the installation state) and unlocking (releasing the maintenance of the installation state) of the recycling container 60. Specifically, when the operating handle 88 is rotated clockwise with the recycling container 60 installed in the frame 11, the locking member 102 is activated by the operating force of the operating handle 88, and locking parts 102A, 102B, and 102C protrude from the container body 62, locking the recycling container 60 in its installation state relative to the frame 11. At this time, an opening / closing mechanism (not shown) is activated by operating the operating handle 88 to open the recycling port 66A. Furthermore, a primary transfer roller 34, which has left the photoreceptor 12, approaches the photoreceptor 12 via a moving mechanism (not shown). On the other hand, when the operating handle 88 is rotated counterclockwise, the locking member 102 is activated by the operating force of the operating handle 88, and the installation state of the recycling container 60 relative to the frame 11 is unlocked. At this time, the opening and closing mechanism (not shown) is activated by the operation of the operating handle 88, and the recycling port 66A is closed. Moreover, the primary transfer roller 34 is moved away from the photosensitive element 12 by the moving mechanism (not shown).

[0134] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0135] In the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, the container body 62 is held (installed) on the frame 11 by hooking the anti-detachment part 92 of the protrusion 90 provided on the container body 62 to the hook part 54A provided on the frame 11.

[0136] Here, a first inclined portion 94 is formed on the protrusion 90, gradually tilting away from the container body in the mounting direction E from the anti-detachment portion 92 toward the container body 62. Therefore, even if the container body 62 is not pushed in sufficiently relative to the mounting direction E of the frame 11, the position of the protrusion 90 may not reach the desired position. Figure 16 With the anti-detachment part 92 hooked onto the hook part 54A as shown, the end 54B of the hook part 54A connects with the first inclined part 94 of the protrusion 90. Thus, the applied force (repulsive force) F of the loading / unloading handle 100 is converted into a moving force F1 towards the installation direction E via the first inclined part 94. Through this moving force F1, the container body 62 moves together with the protrusion 90 towards the installation direction E. Furthermore, when the end 54B of the hook part 54A reaches the anti-detachment part 92 from the first inclined part 94 of the protrusion 90, the anti-detachment part 92 of the protrusion 90 hooks onto the hook part 54A of the frame 11, and the container body 62 is mounted (held) on the frame 11 (see reference). Figure 18 ).

[0137] Thus, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, compared to a structure where the protrusion 90 has a flat portion extending from the anti-detachment portion 92 along the installation direction E, poor hooking of the protrusion 90 relative to the hook portion 54A can be suppressed. Furthermore, "poor hooking" as used here refers to a state where the anti-detachment portion 92 of the protrusion 90 does not contact the hook portion 54A.

[0138] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, when the container body 62 is not pushed in sufficiently relative to the mounting direction E of the frame 11, and the first inclined portion 94 of the protrusion 90 contacts the end 54B of the hook portion 54A, the applied force F of the loading / unloading handle 100 is converted into a force F1 that moves the container body 62 toward the mounting direction E through the first inclined portion 94. Here, in the recycling container 60, as... Figure 16 As shown, the moving force F1 of the container body 62 in the mounting direction E is greater than the applied force (repulsive force) R of the container body 62 from the helical spring that applies force to the opening and closing stop 67. Therefore, compared with a structure that has the same moving force F1 of the container body 62 in the mounting direction E and the same repulsive force (total repulsive force) R of the container body 62 from the opening and closing stop 67, it is possible to suppress poor hooking of the protrusion 90 relative to the hook part 54A.

[0139] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, a second inclined portion 96 is formed on the protrusion 90. Therefore, when the second inclined portion 96 comes into contact with the side wall surface 50B of the receiving portion 50 during installation onto the frame 11, the moving force in the installation direction E is converted by the second inclined portion 96 into a force that pushes the protrusion 90 in the opposite direction of the force applied by the loading and unloading handle 100. Thus, in the recycling container 60, when it is installed onto the frame 11, the second inclined portion 96 comes into contact with the side wall surface 50B of the receiving portion 50, and the protrusion 90 is pushed in in the opposite direction of the force applied by the loading and unloading handle 100. Therefore, compared to the structure where the first inclined portion 94 of the protrusion 90 has a portion extending toward the container body 62 in a direction orthogonal to the installation direction E (the width direction of the container body 62) in the installation direction, the protrusion 90 can be smoothly moved to the position of the hook portion 54A.

[0140] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, the first inclined portion 94 and the second inclined portion 96 of the protrusion 90 are connected via a curved portion 98 that is arc-shaped. Therefore, when installed in the frame 11, the contact portion with the side wall surface 50B of the receiving portion 50 moves smoothly from the second inclined portion 96 to the first inclined portion 94 via the curved portion 98. In this way, in the recycling container 60, the first inclined portion 94 and the second inclined portion 96 of the protrusion 90 are connected via the curved portion 98. Therefore, compared with the structure in which the first inclined portion 94 and the second inclined portion 96 are connected via an angular portion, the contact portion with the frame 11 can move smoothly from the second inclined portion 96 to the first inclined portion 94 via the curved portion 98.

[0141] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, a plate-shaped spring material with a protrusion 90 is used as the loading and unloading handle 100. Therefore, compared with the structure that uses a coil spring to apply force to the protrusion 90, a simple structure can be used to apply force to the protrusion 90.

[0142] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, such as Figure 16 As shown, during the installation of the container body 62 relative to the frame 11, even when the protrusion 90 is not in position where the anti-detachment part 92 is hooked onto the hook part 54A, by moving the push part 110 from the first position to the second position, the other end (free end) 100C of the loading / unloading handle 100 is pushed away from the container body 62, and the anti-detachment part 92 of the protrusion 90 is forcibly hooked onto the hook part 54A. Thus, the container body 62 is installed onto the frame 11.

[0143] In this way, compared with the structure in which the anti-detachment part 92 of the protrusion 90 is hooked to the hook part 54A by only using the force applied by the loading and unloading handle 100, poor hooking of the protrusion 90 relative to the hook part 54A can be suppressed in the recycling container 60.

[0144] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, when the locking member 102 is moved by operating the handle 88, the pushing part 110 moves in conjunction with the movement. Therefore, with a single operation, the protrusion 90 can be hooked onto the hook part 54A, and the installation state of the container body 62 and the frame 11 can be locked. In this way, compared with a structure in which the pushing part 110 and the locking member 102 operate separately, the operation of the recycling container 60 is simplified.

[0145] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, the pushing part 110 and the locking member 102 are integrally formed, so the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where the pushing part 110 and the locking member 102 are separate entities.

[0146] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, an opening / closing gate 72 is provided on the container body 62 to close the external discharge port 68. Therefore, when the container body 62 is installed on the frame 11, the opening / closing gate 72 is pushed in the direction opposite to the installation direction E, while opening the external discharge port 68. At this time, a repulsive force opposite to the direction of the force applied to the opening / closing gate 72 acts on the lower part of the side portion 62B of the container body 62. However, in the recycling container 60, a protrusion 90 with a first inclined portion 94 is arranged on the upper part of the side portion 62B of the container body 62. Therefore, compared with a structure in which a protrusion 90 without a first inclined portion 94 is arranged on the upper part of the side portion 62B of the container body 62, poor hooking of the protrusion 90 relative to the hook portion 54A can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the tilting of the container body 62.

[0147] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, when the container body 62 is installed on the frame 11, before the flange portion 52A of the recycling port 52 of the frame 11 comes into contact with the opening and closing gate 72 of the external discharge port 68, the suppression portion 78 comes into contact with the concave portion 51 of the receiving portion 50, thereby suppressing the tilting of the container body 62 (see reference). Figure 12 Therefore, in the recycling container 60, compared with the structure that tilts the container body 62 when installed to the frame 11, the poor opening of the flange 52A of the recycling port 52 to the external discharge port 68 is suppressed.

[0148] Specifically, when the container body 62 is housed in the housing portion 50, the top 82A of the first protrusion 82 contacts the top surface 51A of the concave portion 51, and the top 84A of the second protrusion 84 contacts the bottom surface 51B of the concave portion 51, thereby suppressing the tilting of the container body 62. Furthermore, since the first protrusion 82 and the second protrusion 84 extend along the mounting direction, the state of suppressing the tilting of the container body 62 is maintained until the container body 62 is housed in the housing portion 50. Moreover, since the top 82A and top 84A of the first protrusion 82 and the second protrusion 84 respectively contact the opposing top surface 51A and bottom surface 51B of the housing portion 50, compared to a structure where the upper surface 80A and lower surface 80B of the protrusion 80 of the container body 62 contact the entire top surface 51A and bottom surface 51B of the housing portion 50, the container body 62 can be smoothly housed in the housing portion 50.

[0149] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, by providing inclined portions 82C and 84C to the first protrusion 82 and the second protrusion 84 respectively, the first protrusion 82 and the second protrusion 84 become guide portions, making it easier to accommodate the container body 62 into the receiving portion 50. Thus, compared to structures where the ends of the first protrusion 82 and the second protrusion 84 in their respective mounting directions E are angular, it is easier to accommodate the container body 62 into the receiving portion 50 in the recycling container 60.

[0150] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, when the container body 62 is installed on the frame 11, such as Figure 12 (A) Figure 12 As shown in (C), the flange portion 52A of the recovery port 52 is guided by the inclined portion 76 to contact the opening and closing barrier 72 between the guide portion 74 and the external discharge port 68, thereby pushing open the opening and closing barrier 72. In this way, in the recovery container 60, compared with the structure that extends the guide portion 74 along the installation direction E, the flange portion 52A of the recovery port 52 can be guided toward the opening and closing barrier 72 located between the guide portion 74 and the external discharge port 68 by the inclined portion 76, so that the flange portion 52A can contact the opening and closing barrier 72.

[0151] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, the guide portion 74 is provided on both sides of the container body 62 in the width direction, sandwiching the external discharge port 68. Therefore, compared with the structure in which the guide portion 74 is only provided on one side in the width direction of the container body 62, the flange portion 52A of the recycling port 52 can be stably guided between the guide portion 74 and the external discharge port 68.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tilting of the recovery container 60 is suppressed when it is installed in the frame 11. Therefore, compared to a structure in which the recovery container 60 is installed at an angle in the frame 11, the recovery container 60 can be used to recover the developer discharged from the developing apparatus 18, which is an example of a supply component.

[0153] Furthermore, in the recycling container 60 of this embodiment, if it is pushed too far towards the frame 11 in the installation direction, the other end 100C of the loading / unloading handle 100 will not be pushed in using the pushing part 110, and the locking part 102A will contact the periphery of the opening 55 of the receiving part 50. At this time, since the operating handle 88 will not rotate beyond a certain point, it is possible to recognize that the recycling container 60 has not been pushed in sufficiently.

[0154] In the aforementioned embodiments, a structure is employed in which the developer temporarily recovered by the recovery container 60 is discharged through the recovery port 52 to the recovery bottle 58 installed on the frame 11 from the external discharge port 68. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. Alternatively, a structure can be adopted in which the recovery container 60 does not have an external discharge port 68, and each recovery container 60 is replaced after a certain amount of developer has been recovered.

[0155] Furthermore, while the foregoing embodiments apply the recycling container of the present invention to the image forming apparatus 10, the present invention is not limited to this structure. The recycling container of the present invention, as long as it is used for recycling powder, can also be applied to apparatuses that form images in a manner different from the image forming apparatus 10, and is not limited to the image forming apparatus 10. For example, it can also be used in apparatuses for coating or applying powders (powdered ingredients or additives, etc.) to food or the like.

[0156] In the aforementioned embodiment, the first inclined portion 94 and the second inclined portion 96 of the protrusion 90 are connected via a bend 98, but the present invention is not limited to the structure described above. For example, the first inclined portion 94 and the second inclined portion 96 of the protrusion 90 may also be connected by an inclined portion that is inclined relative to the mounting direction E.

[0157] Furthermore, while specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the relevant embodiments and that various other embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A recycling container, comprising: The container body has a recycling path for the recycled powder and can be loaded and unloaded relative to the object being installed. The discharge port is located on the container body and discharges the powder that has been transported in the recycling path to the outside. An opening and closing part is provided on the container body. When a force is applied in the installation direction of the container body, the outlet is closed. When the container body is installed on the installation object, it is pushed open by the periphery of the recycling port provided on the installation object. A guide portion, sandwiching the opening and closing portion of the container body, is provided on the side opposite to the outlet, extends along the mounting direction of the container body, and guides the movement of the opening and closing portion; and A damping component is provided on the container body, and before the periphery of the recycling port contacts the opening and closing part, it contacts a portion of the mounting object to dampen the tilting of the container body. The guide portion is provided with an inclined portion whose surface extends obliquely in a direction away from the opening and closing portion toward the mounting direction. The inclined portion is located on the mounting direction side of the guide portion.

2. The recycling container according to claim 1, wherein The container body can be housed in the receiving part provided in the installation object. The outlet is located on one side of the container body. The suppression component includes, on one of the sides: The first protrusion protrudes upward, extends along the installation direction, and its top contacts the first wall surface of the opposite receiving portion; And a second protrusion, which protrudes downward, extends along the mounting direction, and its top contacts the opposing second wall surface of the receiving portion.

3. The recycling container according to claim 2, wherein At the end of the first protruding part in the mounting direction, there is an inclined portion that slopes downwards from the top toward the root, with the height of the first protruding part decreasing. At the end of the second protrusion in the mounting direction, there is an inclined portion that slopes downward from the top toward the root, such that the height of the second protrusion decreases.

4. The recycling container according to claim 1, wherein The guide portion is located on both sides of the container body in the width direction, sandwiching the outlet.

5. The recycling container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The container body's recycling path includes a conveying unit that rotates along the extension direction of the recycling path as an axis to convey the powder from one side of the extension direction of the recycling path to the other. At the lower part of the container body, a force transmission part, a discharge port, and an opening / closing part are provided. When the container body is installed on the mounting object, the force transmission part is connected to a rotation drive part located on the mounting object, and transmits the rotational force of the rotation drive part as the rotational force of the conveying part. On the upper part of the container body and on the opposite side of the extension direction of the recycling path, a protrusion is provided. The protrusion is formed on the portion opposite to the installation direction and hooks onto the hook portion provided on the installation object. Between the container body and the protrusion, there is a force-applying part that applies force to the protrusion towards the side away from the container body. The protrusion has an inclined portion that slopes in a direction that gradually moves away from the container body from the anti-detachment portion toward the installation direction.

6. A powder coating apparatus, comprising: Supply components, supplying colorant as powder; as well as The recycling container as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 is used to recycle the colorant discharged from the supply component.

Images