Developer storage container and image forming device

Abstract

The present invention provides a developer storage container and an image forming device, which can suppress heat transfer from the main body side through the gear part. The developer storage container includes a storage part, a connecting part and a gear part. The storage part rotates in a specific direction with a rotating shaft as the center, thereby transporting the developer stored inside toward the conveying direction along the rotating shaft. The connecting part is cylindrical and concentric with the rotating shaft, and an opening part opened toward the conveying direction is connected to the storage part. The gear part receives a rotational driving force supplied from the outside, and comprises: a supporting part, which is formed in a circular plate shape concentric with the rotating shaft at the outer periphery of the connecting part; a tooth part, which is arranged along the edge of a supporting surface in the supporting part that is orthogonal to the conveying direction; and a rib, which extends radially from either the outer periphery of the connecting part and the tooth part in the supporting surface without reaching the other side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer storage container and an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] An image forming device such as a printer that can form an image using an electrophotographic method includes a developer storage container that stores a developer such as a toner. The developer storage container includes a cylindrical storage portion. The storage portion rotates in a specific direction around a rotation axis along a horizontal plane, thereby transporting the developer stored inside in a transport direction along the rotation axis.

[0003] In addition, as a related art, a developer storage container is known, in which a gear portion for transmitting a rotational driving force supplied from the outside to the storage portion is provided on the downstream side of the storage portion in the conveying direction. The developer storage container of the related art includes a connecting portion that supports the gear portion and connects an opening portion for discharging the developer in the conveying direction with the storage portion.

[0004] However, in the image forming apparatus, heat generated by driving the device body may be transferred to the storage portion via the gear portion. In this case, the developer in the storage portion is heated and easily solidified. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a developer storage container and an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing heat transfer from a main body side via a gear portion.

[0006] The developer storage container according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a posture with a rotating axis along a horizontal plane, and includes: a storage portion, which transports the developer stored inside toward a conveying direction along the rotating axis by rotating in a specific direction with the rotating axis as the center; a connecting portion, which is arranged to extend from an end portion on the downstream side of the conveying direction in the storage portion toward the conveying direction in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotating axis, and connects an opening portion opening toward the conveying direction with the storage portion; and a gear portion, which receives a rotational driving force supplied from the outside and includes: a supporting portion, which is formed in a circular plate shape concentric with the rotating axis on the outer periphery of the connecting portion; a tooth portion, which is arranged along an edge portion of a supporting surface in the supporting portion that is orthogonal to the rotating axis; and a rib, which extends radially from either the outer periphery of the connecting portion and the tooth portion in the supporting surface without reaching the other side.

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes the developer storage container and an image forming section that forms an image using the developer supplied from the developer storage container.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress heat transfer from the main body side via the gear portion.

[0009] This specification is presented in a simplified form, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, to summarize the concepts described in the following detailed description. This specification is not intended to limit the important features and essential features of the subject matter described in the claims, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the subject matter described in the claims. In addition, the subject matter described in the claims is not limited to implementations that solve some or all of the disadvantages described in any part of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a toner replenishing section of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a side view showing the structure of a toner container of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a side view showing the structure of a container body of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a front view showing the structure of an insertion port portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a driving unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the periphery of the locking mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the periphery of the locking mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is a rear view showing the structure of a lock release portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig.10 It is a rear view showing the structure of a lock release portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a grip portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig.12 It is a front view showing the structure of a grip portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a lifting portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.14 It is a side view showing the structure of a lifting portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Cross-sectional view as viewed in the direction of X1-X1.

[0025] Fig.16 It is a plan view showing the structure of a lift portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.17 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the periphery of the communication portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.18 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the periphery of the communication portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.19 It is a rear view showing the structure of an opening portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 20 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a projection portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.21 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the vicinity of the communication portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 22 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a toner container of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.23 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a gear portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0034] [Structure of Image Forming Apparatus 100]

[0035] First, refer to Figure 1The structure of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0036] In the following description, the upper and lower directions D1 are defined based on the state in which the image forming apparatus 100 is set. The front-back direction D2 is defined with the side of the image forming apparatus 100 where the toner container 200 is inserted being the front side (front side). The left-right direction D3 is defined by viewing the image forming apparatus 100 from the front side (front side).

[0037] The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus having at least a printing function. The image forming apparatus 100 uses a developer including a toner (an example of the developer of the present invention) to print an image on a printing paper as a sheet member. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 is a color printer. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a black and white printer, a fax machine, a copier, a multifunction machine, etc.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called tandem color image forming apparatus. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of image forming units 1 to 4, an optical scanning device 5, an intermediate transfer unit 6, a secondary transfer device 7, a fixing device 8, a control unit 9, an operation display unit 10, a paper supply tray 11, a paper discharge tray 12, and a toner replenishing unit 13. These components are mounted in a housing 14 constituting an outer frame (not shown) and an inner frame of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0039] The image forming units 1 to 4 form toner images of different colors on a plurality of photosensitive drums 21 arranged in a row by a so-called electrophotographic method. The toner images are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6A in a superimposed manner while traveling (moving). Figure 1 As shown, the image forming units 1 to 4 are arranged in a row from the downstream side in the moving direction D4 of the intermediate transfer belt 6A, namely, the image forming unit 1 for black, the image forming unit 2 for yellow, the image forming unit 3 for cyan, and the image forming unit 4 for magenta.

[0040] The image forming units 1 to 4 are respectively arranged on the lower side of the intermediate transfer belt 6A. The image forming units 1 to 4 are respectively provided with a photosensitive drum 21 carrying a toner image, a charging device 22, a developing device 23, a primary transfer device 24, and the like. The surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is charged by the charging device 22, and the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is exposed and scanned by the light scanning device 5. Thus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The developing device 23 develops the electrostatic latent image using toner. Furthermore, the primary transfer device 24 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 to the intermediate transfer belt 6A.

[0041] The intermediate transfer unit 6 includes an intermediate transfer belt 6A, a driving roller 6B, a driven roller 6C, and a belt cleaning device 6D. The intermediate transfer belt 6A carries a toner image composed of toner images of multiple colors (four colors in this embodiment). The intermediate transfer belt 6A is supported by the driving roller 6B and the driven roller 6C so as to be rotatable, whereby the intermediate transfer belt 6A can move while its surface is in contact with the surface of each photosensitive drum 21. When the intermediate transfer belt 6A is driven to rotate, its surface passes between the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer device 24. At this time, the toner images of various colors carried on the plurality of photosensitive drums 21 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6A in an overlapping manner.

[0042] A toner replenishing section 13 is provided above the intermediate transfer unit 6. The toner replenishing section 13 supplies toners of corresponding colors to the image forming sections 1 to 4, respectively.

[0043] The secondary transfer device 7 transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6A to the printing paper conveyed from the paper supply tray 11. The printing paper to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 8 by a conveying section (not shown). The fixing device 8 has a heating roller 8A and a pressure roller 8B. The fixing device 8 conveys the printing sheet while applying heat and pressure to the printing sheet to which the toner image is transferred. As a result, the toner image is melted and fixed to the printing sheet. The printing sheet to which the toner image is fixed is further conveyed to the downstream side, discharged and held on the tray-shaped paper discharge tray 12, which is arranged above the intermediate transfer unit 6.

[0044] The belt cleaning device 6D removes and recovers the waste toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6A, and discharges the recovered waste toner into the waste toner container 6E.

[0045] The control unit 9 is equipped with control devices such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and EEPROM, which are not shown in the figure. The CPU is a processor that performs various calculation processes. The ROM is a non-volatile storage device that pre-stores information such as control programs for the CPU to perform various processes. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage device. The EEPROM is a non-volatile storage device. The RAM and the EEPROM are used as temporary storage (operating area) for various processes performed by the CPU. In the control unit 9, the CPU executes various control programs pre-stored in the ROM. As a result, the image forming device 100 is uniformly controlled by the control unit 9. In addition, the control unit 9 can also be composed of an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC), or it can be a control unit that is independently provided from the main control unit that performs uniform control of the image forming device 100.

[0046] The operation display unit 10 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information in accordance with a control command from the control unit 9 , and an operation unit such as an operation key or a touch panel that inputs various information to the control unit 9 in accordance with a user operation.

[0047] [Structure of Toner Replenishing Section 13]

[0048] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 10 The toner replenishing section 13 will be described.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the toner replenishing section 13 includes toner containers 200 (an example of a developer storage container of the present invention) corresponding to the respective colors of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, and mounting sections 30 to which the toner containers 200 are mounted.

[0050] In addition, if Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the toner replenishing section 13 includes an insertion port 31 , a driving section 32 , and a lock cover 33 .

[0051] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the toner replenishing portion 13 includes a lock mechanism 34 and a lock release portion 35 .

[0052] The toner container 200 contains toner to be replenished to the developing device 23. In the present embodiment, the toner replenishing section 13 is provided with four toner containers 200 corresponding to the respective colors of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , only the toner container 200 for yellow is shown, and the toner containers 200 for other colors are omitted. Figure 5 In the figure, only the locking cover 33 and the locking mechanism 34 corresponding to the toner container 200 for yellow are shown, and the locking cover 33 and the locking mechanism 34 corresponding to the toner containers 200 for other colors are omitted. The toner containers 200 for various colors have a common structure except that the toner container 200 for black has a larger outer diameter than the toner containers 200 for other colors. Figure 2 The toner container 200 for yellow shown in FIG. 1 and the structure corresponding to the toner container 200 for yellow will be described.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the toner container 200 includes a container body 201 and a cover portion 202 .

[0054] The container body 201 contains toner and conveys the toner in the conveying direction D5 (see Figure 3) to transport the toner. The transport direction D5 is a direction from the front (front) to the rear (back) of the image forming apparatus 100. The container body 201 is formed integrally of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET resin). For example, the container body 201 is formed by injection molding to form the connecting portion 214, the gear portion 215, and the opening portion 216 (see Figure 4 ). In addition, the container body 201 is formed into the housing portion 211 and the gripping portion 212 by injection blow molding.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the container body 201 includes a housing portion 211 , a grip portion 212 , a communication portion 214 , a gear portion 215 , and an opening 216 .

[0056] The storage portion 211 is formed so as to be aligned with the rotation shaft 203 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 Specifically, the storage section 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The storage section 211 contains replenishing toner.

[0057] In the toner container 200, the container body 201 is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis 203. A protrusion 211A (see FIG. 21A ) formed in a spiral shape along the rotation axis 203 is provided on the inner circumference of the storage portion 211. Figure 4 ).exist Figure 4 2 shows a spiral recessed portion formed on the outer periphery of the receiving portion 211 corresponding to the protrusion 211A. The receiving portion 211 has a spiral protrusion 211A formed therein, so that the receiving portion 211 is rotated in a first direction D6 (an example of a specific direction of the present invention) with the rotation axis 203 as the center (see Figure 2 ) rotates, and can transport the colorant contained inside in a transport direction D5 along the rotating shaft 203.

[0058] The gripping portion 212 is provided at the end portion of the container body 201 on the upstream side in the conveying direction D5. The gripping portion 212 is provided from the insertion opening 31 (see Figure 2 and Figure 5 ) is a portion for the user to hold when pulling out the toner container 200 forward. The toner container 200 is inserted into the insertion opening 31 with the end portion in the conveying direction D5 as the head.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the gripping portion 212 is protruded from the end surface 211B on the upstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the housing portion 211 toward the upstream side of the conveying direction D5. Specifically, the gripping portion 212 is protruded from the end surface 211B in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotating shaft 203. The gripping portion 212 is formed to be hollow inside, and the internal space is connected to the housing portion 211. The toner for replenishment is accommodated inside the gripping portion 212.

[0060] The gripping portion 212 is formed such that the protruding tip portion is expanded in a radial direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 203 compared to the protruding base end portion. Figure 4 As shown, the gripping portion 212 includes a small diameter portion 221 and a large diameter portion 222. The small diameter portion 221 is formed on the protruding base end side of the gripping portion 212. The large diameter portion 222 is formed on the protruding terminal side of the gripping portion 212. The large diameter portion 222 is disposed adjacent to the small diameter portion 221. The diameter of the large diameter portion 222 is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 221. Since the gripping portion 212 is formed in this way, the user can hook his fingers on the large diameter portion 222 and pull out the colorant container 200 from the insertion port 31. In addition, the gripping portion 212 can also be formed so that the radial dimension is expanded in an arbitrary number of stages from the protruding base end to the protruding terminal. In addition, the gripping portion 212 can also be formed so that the radial dimension is continuously expanded from the protruding base end to the protruding terminal.

[0061] The opening 216 is provided at the downstream end of the container body 201 in the conveying direction D5. The opening 216 opens in the conveying direction D5 along the rotating shaft 203. The toner in the container body 201 is discharged from the opening 216 in the conveying direction D5.

[0062] The communication portion 214 is provided so as to extend from the end portion on the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the accommodating portion 211 in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotating shaft 203 toward the conveying direction D5. Figure 4 As shown, the communication portion 214 is formed into a cylindrical shape having a diameter smaller than that of the housing portion 211. The communication portion 214 connects the internal space of the housing portion 211 with the opening portion 216. The opening portion 216 is formed to have the same size as the end portion on the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the communication portion 214. The opening portion 216 may also be referred to as the end portion on the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the communication portion 214.

[0063] The gear portion 215 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 241 of the communication portion 214 (see Fig.13 The gear portion 215 receives the rotational driving force supplied from the driving portion 32. The container body 201 is configured such that the components including the gear portion 215 are integrated. Therefore, when the gear portion 215 receives the rotational driving force supplied from the driving portion 32, the container body 201 rotates around the rotation axis 203.

[0064] The cover 202 is attached to the rear end portion of the container body 201, that is, the opening 216. The cover 202 has a size capable of covering a portion of the communication portion 214 including the opening 216, and is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open in one direction.

[0065] The cover 202 guides the toner discharged from the opening 216 downward on the downstream side of the opening 216 in the conveying direction D5. A guide space 202A (see FIG. 20A ) is formed inside the cover 202 to guide the toner discharged from the opening 216 downward. Fig. 22 The guide space 202A is formed by the inner peripheral portion of the cover 202 and the inner wall surface facing the opening 216. Inside the cover 202, the gap formed between the opening 216 and the cover 202 is sealed by the sealing member 202B (see Fig. 22 A discharge port 202C is formed at the bottom of the inner peripheral portion of the cover body 202 (see Fig. 22 ), the discharge port 202 is used to discharge the toner to the outside of the cover body 202.

[0066] The mounting portion 30 is mounted with the toner container 200. The mounting portion 30 is provided corresponding to each toner container 200. The mounting portion 30 forms a storage space for the toner container 200 extending along the front-rear direction D2 inside the housing 14. The toner container 200 is mounted on the mounting portion 30 with the rotation axis 203 along the horizontal plane.

[0067] The insertion opening 31 is provided on the side of the housing 14 of the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the insertion opening 31 is provided on the front (front) of the housing 14. A locking frame 14A (see FIG. 1 ) which is long in the left-right direction D3 is provided on the front of the housing 14. Figure 5 The insertion opening 31 is formed in the lock frame 14A. The insertion opening 31 is provided corresponding to each mounting portion 30. The insertion opening 31 is located at the front end of the mounting portion 30 and communicates with the mounting portion 30. The toner container 200 is inserted into the insertion opening 31.

[0068] The driving unit 32 rotates the container body 201 of the toner container 200. The driving unit 32 is provided corresponding to each mounting unit 30. The driving unit 32 is provided at the rear end portion of the mounting unit 30 (see Figure 2 ).

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, the driving unit 32 includes a motor 41, a first gear 42, a second gear 43, a shaft 44, and a third gear 45. The first gear 42 is fixed to the driving shaft of the motor 41. The second gear 43 is fixed to one end of the shaft 44 and meshes with the first gear 42. The shaft 44 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) inside the housing 14. The third gear 45 is fixed to the other end of the shaft 44 and meshes with the gear portion 215 of the container body 201.

[0070] In the driving unit 32, the rotational driving force generated by the motor 41 is transmitted to the gear unit 215 via the first gear 42, the second gear 43, the shaft 44, and the third gear 45. As a result, the container body 201 rotates around the rotation shaft 203.

[0071] The locking cover 33 opens and closes the insertion opening 31. The locking cover 33 is provided corresponding to each insertion opening 31. Figure 5 As shown, the locking cover 33 is provided on the front side of the locking frame 14A.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the locking cover 33 includes a flat plate-shaped portion 51, a bearing portion 52, and a swing shaft 53. The flat plate-shaped portion 51 functions as a cover that covers the insertion port 31. The bearing portion 52 supports the locking cover 33 so that it can be opened and closed. The bearing portion 52 is provided at the lower portion of the flat plate-shaped portion 51, and a rotation shaft along the left-right direction D3 passes through. The rotation shaft is fixed to the lower portion of the locking frame 14A. Thus, the locking cover 33 rotates around the rotation shaft, and can transition between a closed state in which the insertion port 31 is closed and an open state in which the insertion port 31 is opened. The swing shaft 53 is provided to protrude from the inner surface (back surface) of the flat plate-shaped portion 51 along the front-to-back direction D2 (refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ).

[0073] The locking mechanism 34 restricts the lock cover 33 from transitioning from the closed state to the open state. The locking mechanism 34 is provided corresponding to each lock cover 33. Figure 5 As shown, the locking mechanism 34 is disposed on an upper portion of the locking frame 14A.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking mechanism 34 includes an arm support portion 61, an arm portion 62, an engaging portion 63, and an engaged portion 64. The arm support portion 61 is fixed to the upper portion of the locking frame 14A. The arm portion 62 is provided so as to protrude forward from the arm support portion 61. The engaging portion 63 is provided so as to protrude to the left from the end of the protruding direction of the arm portion 62. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the engaging portion 63 has an inclined surface 63A facing obliquely forward and downward. The inclined surface 63A is formed to be inclined downward from the front end portion of the engaging portion 63 toward the rear end portion. The engaged portion 64 is provided to be able to swing around the swing shaft 53 of the locking cover 33. The engaged portion 64 is formed to be able to engage with the engaging portion 63. Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , the engaged portion 64 has an inclined surface 64A. When the locking cover 33 is in the closed state, the inclined surface 64A faces obliquely upward and backward. When the locking cover 33 is transferred from the open state to the closed state, the inclined surface 64A contacts the inclined surface 63A of the engaging portion 63, causing the engaged portion 64 to swing downward. As a result, the engaged portion 64 is guided toward the rear side of the engaging portion 63, and the engaging portion 63 engages with the engaged portion 64. The engagement of the engaging portion 63 with the engaged portion 64 restricts the state transition of the locking cover 33 from the closed state to the open state.

[0075] The lock release portion 35 releases the restriction on the state transition of the lock cover 33 by the lock mechanism 34. The lock release portion 35 is provided corresponding to each lock mechanism 34. The lock release portion 35 is provided on the inner surface (back surface) of the flat plate-shaped portion 51 of the lock cover 33.

[0076] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, the lock release portion 35 includes a first operating lever 71 and a second operating lever 72. The first operating lever 71 extends from a swing axis 53 (see FIG. 20 ) parallel to the rotation axis 203. Fig. 9 ) extends toward the rotating shaft 203, and the extended base end is supported by the swing shaft 53 so as to be able to swing. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 2 , the first operating rod 71 is configured to extend from the swing shaft 53 toward the gripping portion 212. Fig. 9 As shown, the first operating lever 71 includes: a bearing portion 71A through which the swing shaft 53 passes; an extension portion 71B extending from the bearing portion 71A in a direction perpendicular to the swing shaft 53; and a pressing portion 71C provided on the left side of the extension portion 71B. The second operating lever 72 is provided to be able to swing around the swing shaft 53 and to support the engaged portion 64. The second operating lever 72 is provided between the first operating lever 71 and the inner surface (back surface) of the flat plate-shaped portion 51. Fig. 9 As shown, the second operating lever 72 includes: a bearing portion 72A through which the swing shaft 53 passes; a support portion 72B extending rightward from the bearing portion 72A and supporting the engaged portion 64; and a pressed portion 72C extending leftward from the bearing portion 72A.

[0077] The lock release portion 35 is directed toward the second direction D7 (see FIG. 1 ) opposite to the first direction D6 according to the first operation lever 71. Fig. 9 ) side, thereby releasing the restriction of the lock mechanism 34 on the state transition of the lock cover 33.

[0078] Specifically, the extension portion 71B of the first operating lever 71 is arranged to be able to contact the grip portion 212 of the toner container 200 mounted on the mounting portion 30. If the container body 201 rotates in the second direction D7, the first operating lever 71 contacts the grip portion 212 and swings in the second direction D7. As a result, the pressing portion 71C of the first operating lever 71 presses the pressed portion 72C of the second operating lever 72 upward, and the supporting portion 72B and the engaged portion 64 of the second operating lever 72 swing downward, thereby releasing the engagement between the engaging portion 63 and the engaged portion 64. In other words, the lock of the locking mechanism 34 is released. In addition, when the container body 201 rotates in the first direction D6, the first operating lever 71 contacts the grip portion 212 and swings in the first direction D6, but the second operating lever 72 does not move in conjunction with the swing of the first operating lever 71. Therefore, even if the container body 201 is rotated in the first direction D6, the lock of the lock mechanism 34 cannot be released.

[0079] As a related art, an image forming apparatus is known that includes a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 212 , protruding from the outer peripheral surface toward the outer side in the radial direction, and rotating integrally with the housing portion 211 to contact the first operating lever 71 .

[0080] However, in the above-mentioned related art image forming apparatus, since the protrusion is provided to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 212 toward the outer side in the radial direction, a collision sound is generated when the protrusion contacts the first operating lever 71 .

[0081] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as described below, it is possible to suppress the collision sound generated when the toner container 200 is driven.

[0082] [Structure of container body 201]

[0083] Below, refer to Figures 11 to 23 The container main body 201 will be described.

[0084] The grip portion 212 includes a contact portion 224 that rotates integrally with the housing portion 211 and contacts the first operating lever 71 . The contact portion 224 is provided on the outer periphery of the grip portion 212 .

[0085] Specifically, the contact portion 224 has a curved surface 224A extending from a reference circle 223 (see FIG. 224A ) which is concentric with the rotation axis 203 and does not intersect the first operating lever 71. Fig. 9 and Fig.12 ) in the first position P1 (refer to Fig.12 ) toward a second position P2 (refer to FIG. 2 ) on the reference circle 223 that is opposite to the first position P1 across the rotation axis 203. Fig.12) passes through the outside of the reference circle 223 and is curved. The curved surface 224A is formed to intersect with the first operating lever 71, that is, to be able to contact with the first operating lever 71.

[0086] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in the figure, the large diameter portion 222 of the gripping portion 212 is formed in an elliptical column shape concentric with the rotation axis 203. The contact portion 224 is a bulging portion bulging from the reference circle 223 included in the large diameter portion 222. That is, the large diameter portion 222 is provided with a pair of contact portions 224 facing each other across the rotation axis 203. In addition, the small diameter portion 221 of the gripping portion 212 is also formed in an elliptical column shape similar to the large diameter portion 222.

[0087] By providing the contact portion 224 described above, the contact surface provided on the outer peripheral portion of the grip portion 212 that contacts the first operating lever portion 71 can be laid down as much as possible. Thus, it is possible to suppress the collision sound generated when the contact portion 224 contacts the first operating lever portion 71. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to suppress the collision sound generated when the toner container 200 is driven.

[0088] In addition, the number of the contact portions 224 provided on the outer periphery of the gripping portion 212 may be one or more than three. In this case, the small diameter portion 221 may be formed in the same shape as the large diameter portion 222 including the contact portion 224, or may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the gripping portion 212 may be formed so that the radial dimension does not expand from the protruding base end portion toward the protruding terminal end portion. In addition, the contact portion 224 may be provided on the outer periphery of the housing portion 211.

[0089] As a related technology, a developer storage container is known, which forms an end portion on the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the storage portion 211 to be tapered and connected to the connecting portion 214, and forms a protrusion 211A to a connecting portion connected to the connecting portion 214 along the conveying direction D5, thereby guiding the colorant in the storage portion 211 toward the connecting portion 214.

[0090] However, in the developer storage container of the related art described above, the conveying force applied to the toner by the protrusion 211A formed in the connecting portion is weak, and therefore, the toner remains in the communicating portion 214 when the container is replaced.

[0091] Furthermore, if no structure for conveying toner to the communicating portion 214 is provided, toner will remain in the communicating portion 214 even when the developer storage container is replaced.

[0092] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the toner container 200 is replaced, the toner remaining in the container can be reduced as described below.

[0093] Specifically, if Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, a lifting portion 231 and a guide portion 234 are provided at the downstream end of the conveying direction D5 in the receiving portion 211. In addition, the inner peripheral portion of the connecting portion 214 is formed into a tapered shape that expands toward the radial direction along the conveying direction D5 (see Fig.21 ). These features are described below in turn.

[0094] The lifting portion 231 is an end portion of the storage portion 211 on the downstream side of the conveying direction D5, and has a lifting surface 231A facing the first direction D6 on the outer side of the connecting portion 214 in the radial direction (see Fig.14 and Fig.15 ). The lifting portion 231 lifts the toner in contact with the lifting surface 231A according to the rotation of the storage portion 211 toward the first direction D6. Fig.15 In FIG. 2 , an end portion 242A on the upstream side in the conveying direction D5 of the inner peripheral portion 242 of the communicating portion 214 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0095] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lifting surface 231A is formed to be inclined toward the upstream side of the first direction D6 along the conveying direction D5 . Thus, the toner lifted by the lifting surface 231A is guided toward the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 .

[0096] The lifting portion 231 has a wall portion 231B, which is upright along the first direction D6 at the end portion on the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the lifting surface 231A, and the radial inner end portion is inclined more toward the conveying direction D5 side than the radial outer end portion (refer to Fig.14 and Fig.16 The wall portion 231B guides the toner lifted up by the lifting surface 231A toward the inner side in the radial direction, that is, toward the communicating portion 214 side.

[0097] The guide portion 234 guides the toner lifted by the lifting portion 231 toward the communicating portion 214. Specifically, the guide portion 234 guides the toner sliding down from the lifting surface 231A tilted downward toward the inside in the radial direction as the housing portion 211 rotates in the first direction D6 toward the communicating portion 214.

[0098] like Figure 13 to Figure 16 As shown, the guide portion 234 is provided continuously with the lift surface 231A and the inner peripheral surface of the communication portion 214 on the inner side of the lift portion 231 in the radial direction.

[0099] like Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the guide portion 234 is formed to be inclined along the inner peripheral surface of the communication portion 214 from the inner end portion of the lifting surface 231A in the radial direction.

[0100] like Fig.16 As shown, the guide portion 234 is formed to gradually expand from the end portion on the upstream side of the lifting surface 231A in the conveying direction D5 toward the communicating portion 214 .

[0101] The storage portion 211 includes a pair of lifting portions 231 that are opposed to each other across the rotation axis 203 (see Fig.15 The first lifting portion 232 of the pair of lifting portions 231 is provided continuously with the end portion of the protrusion 211A on the downstream side in the conveying direction D5 (see Fig.14 ). In addition, the second lifting portion 233 of the pair of lifting portions 231 is not continuous with the protrusion 211A of the receiving portion 211 (see Fig.13 ).

[0102] In addition, the storage portion 211 includes a pair of guide portions 234 corresponding to the pair of lifting portions 231 (see Fig.15 The first guide portion 235 of the pair of guide portions 234 is provided corresponding to the first lifting portion 232. In addition, the second guide portion 236 of the pair of guide portions 234 is provided corresponding to the second lifting portion 233.

[0103] By providing the lifting portion 231 and the guide portion 234 described above, the toner in the storage portion 211 can slide down from the position above the rotating shaft 203 toward the connecting portion 214. Thus, the toner can be conveyed to the connecting portion 214 with a stronger conveying force than a structure in which the protrusion 211A formed on the connecting portion connected to the connecting portion 214 is used to convey the toner to the connecting portion 214. Therefore, when the toner container 200 is replaced, the toner remaining in the container can be reduced.

[0104] In addition, the number of the lifting parts 231 provided in the receiving part 211 may be three or more. In this case, the guide parts 234 may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of the lifting parts 231. In addition, the lifting part 231 provided in the receiving part 211 may be any one of the first lifting part 232 and the second lifting part 233.

[0105] In addition, the guide portion 234 may be formed to gradually expand from the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 toward the connecting portion 214 compared to the end portion of the lifting surface 231A on the upstream side of the conveying direction D5. In addition, the wall portion 231B may not be formed so that the inner end portion in the radial direction is inclined toward the conveying direction D5 side compared to the outer end portion in the radial direction. In addition, the lifting surface 231A may not be formed to be inclined toward the upstream side of the first direction D6 along the conveying direction D5.

[0106] like Fig.21As shown, the inner peripheral portion 242 of the communication portion 214 is formed to be inclined at a specific angle Z1 toward the radial outer side along the conveying direction D5. For example, the specific angle Z1 is an angle arbitrarily set within a range of up to 10 degrees.

[0107] In addition, the communication portion 214 includes a protrusion portion 243 formed along the rotation axis 203 in the inner peripheral portion 242 (see Fig.18 ).

[0108] like Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown, six protrusions 243 are provided at intervals along the inner circumference of the inner circumferential portion 242 .

[0109] like Fig.18 As shown, the protrusion portion 243 extends from an end portion 242A on the upstream side of the inner peripheral portion 242 in the conveying direction D5 to an end portion on the downstream side, that is, the opening 216 .

[0110] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the protrusion 243 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 214 toward the conveying direction D5 intersecting the inner circumferential surface. That is, the protrusion 243 is arranged on the outer side of the radial direction compared with the end 242A on the upstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the inner circumferential portion 242. For example, the top of the protrusion 243 passes through the end 242A and is formed along a straight line parallel to the rotating shaft 203 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Fig.19 In this case, the protrusion amount of the protrusion 243 from the inner peripheral portion 242 along the conveying direction D5 gradually increases. This can avoid the generation of a step between the end of the protrusion 243 on the upstream side of the conveying direction D5 and the inner peripheral portion 242. That is, it can avoid the step from hindering the conveying of the toner.

[0111] like Fig.19 As shown, the protrusion 243 has a wall surface 243A facing the downstream side in the first direction D6. The wall surface 243A lifts up the toner in contact with the wall surface 243A and causes the toner to slide downward as the storage portion 211 rotates in the first direction D6.

[0112] like Fig.19 As shown, the protruding end portion of the protrusion 243 is formed into a claw shape facing the downstream side of the first direction D6. That is, the protrusion 243 has an inclined surface that is inclined from the inner end of the wall surface 243A in the radial direction toward the upstream side of the first direction D6 toward the inner peripheral portion 242. As a result, compared with a structure in which the protrusion 243 has a wall surface 243A and a wall surface facing the upstream side of the first direction D6, the size of the protrusion 243 can be miniaturized.

[0113] By providing the inner circumference 242 described above, the toner in the communication portion 214 can slide down toward the downstream side of the conveying direction D5. In addition, by lifting the toner with the protrusion 243 and causing the toner to fall, and causing the falling toner to contact the inner circumference 242, the energy of the fall can be converted into a conveying force in the conveying direction D5 and applied to the toner.

[0114] In addition, the protrusion 243 may be provided in any section between the end 242A on the upstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the inner circumference 242 and the opening 216. In addition, the protrusion 243 may be provided so as to extend along the conveying direction D5 in a manner such that the protrusion amount from the inner circumference 242 is constant. In addition, the protrusion 243 may be of any shape as long as it is formed along the rotation axis 203 in the inner circumference 242. In addition, the number of protrusions 243 provided in the inner circumference 242 may be any number including "0".

[0115] As a related art, an image forming apparatus is known in which a plurality of layers of the image forming apparatus are provided to prevent the image forming apparatus from being attached to the cover portion 202 (see Fig. 22 ) is solidified, and includes a stirring member extending from the container body 201 across the opening 216 toward the downstream side of the conveying direction D5.

[0116] However, in the above-mentioned related art image forming apparatus, the container body 201 and the stirring member are constituted by separate components, and it takes time and effort to mount the stirring member on the container body 201 when manufacturing the developer storage container.

[0117] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as described below, it is possible to reduce the number of man-hours required for manufacturing the toner container 200 .

[0118] like Fig.17 As shown, the container body 201 includes a protruding portion 217 .

[0119] The extension portion 217 is formed integrally with the container body 201. The extension portion 217 extends from the container body 201 across the opening 216 toward the downstream side in the conveying direction D5.

[0120] like Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown, the extension portion 217 is formed in a flat plate shape along the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 214, and the extension base end is supported by the inner peripheral portion 242 of the connecting portion 214. As a result, the support area of ​​the extension base end of the extension portion 217 in the inner peripheral portion 242 can be increased. In addition, the extension portion 217 can be prevented from hindering the movement of the toner in the connecting portion 214.

[0121] like Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the exposed portion 261 of the extension portion 217 exposed to the outside of the container body 201 is formed such that the end surface 261A on the downstream side in the first direction D6 is inclined along the conveying direction D5 toward the upstream side of the first direction D6. For example, the exposed portion 261 is formed to be substantially triangular in side view (see Fig.17 Thus, when the extension portion 217 contacts the toner attached to the inner wall of the cover portion 202, the force along the first direction D6 applied to the extension base end of the extension portion 217 can be dispersed. Therefore, the durability of the extension portion 217 can be improved.

[0122] like Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the extension portion 217 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 214 in the conveying direction D5 intersecting the inner circumferential surface in the same manner as the protruding strip portion 243. That is, the extension portion 217 is arranged on the outer side of the radial direction compared to the end portion 242A on the upstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the inner circumferential portion 242. For example, the upper portion of the extension portion 217 is formed along a straight line parallel to the rotating shaft 203 through the end portion 242A (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.19 In addition, the extension portion 217 extends from the opening 216 toward the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 203 with a predetermined thickness (see Fig.19 and Fig. 20 ). Thus, it is possible to avoid generation of a step between the end portion of the extending portion 217 on the upstream side in the conveying direction D5 and the inner peripheral portion 242. That is, it is possible to avoid the step from hindering the conveying of the toner.

[0123] By providing the extending portion 217 described above, it is possible to save the man-hours for attaching the extending portion 217 when manufacturing the toner container 200. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the man-hours for manufacturing the toner container 200.

[0124] In addition, the extension portion 217 may be provided so as to extend along the conveying direction D5 in a manner that the amount of protrusion from the inner peripheral portion 242 is constant. In addition, the exposed portion 261 may be formed in any shape. In addition, the extension portion 217 may be formed in a shape different from the flat plate shape along the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 214.

[0125] In the conventional image forming apparatus, heat generated by driving the apparatus main body may be transferred to the storage portion 211 via the gear portion 215. In this case, the toner in the storage portion 211 is heated, and the toner is easily solidified.

[0126] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as described below, it is possible to suppress heat transfer from the main body side through the gear portion 215 .

[0127] like Fig.21 and Fig.23 As shown, the gear portion 215 includes a support portion 251 , a tooth portion 252 , and a rib 253 .

[0128] like Fig.21 and Fig.23 As shown, the support portion 251 is formed in the outer peripheral portion 241 of the communication portion 214 in a disk shape that is concentric with the rotation shaft 203 .

[0129] like Fig.21 and Fig.23 As shown, the tooth portion 252 is provided along the edge of the support surface 251A of the support portion 251 which is orthogonal to the conveying direction D5. The support surface 251A is a surface on the upstream side of the conveying direction D5 of the support portion 251. The tooth portion 252 includes a support portion formed in an annular shape along the edge of the support surface 251A and teeth formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support portion. The tooth portion 252 meshes with the third gear 45 of the drive portion 32.

[0130] like Fig.21 and Fig.23 As shown, the rib 253 is provided so as to extend from the outer peripheral portion 241 of the communication portion 214 in the support surface 251A in the radial direction. Fig.21 As shown, the rib 253 is formed to be inclined toward the outer side of the radial direction along the conveying direction D5. Fig.23 As shown, the extended end of the rib 253 does not reach the tooth portion 252. Thus, it is possible to prevent heat from being transferred from the tooth portion 252 to the communication portion 214 along the rib 253 instead of via the support portion 251.

[0131] like Fig.23 As shown, the gear portion 215 has eight ribs 253 arranged at equal intervals along the outer peripheral surface of the communication portion 214. In addition, the number of ribs 253 provided on the gear portion 215 may be any number.

[0132] Here, if Fig.12 , Fig.14 and Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the gear portion 215 is configured such that the diameter of the tooth tip circle is larger than the diameter of the housing portion 211. Thus, compared with a configuration in which the diameter of the tooth tip circle is smaller than the diameter of the housing portion 211, the moving path of the airflow generated along the conveying direction D5 by the rotation of the housing portion 211 can pass through the gear portion 215, so that the gear portion 215 can be cooled by the airflow. In addition, it is possible to avoid an undesirable situation such as the airflow flowing toward the downstream side of the gear portion 215 in the conveying direction D5, causing the toner leaking from the cover portion 202 to scatter.

[0133] Furthermore, in the gear portion 215, the teeth 252 and the ribs 253 are provided on the surface of the support portion 251 on the upstream side of the conveying direction D5, that is, the support surface 251A. Thus, compared with a structure in which the teeth 252 and the ribs 253 are provided on the surface of the support portion 251 on the downstream side of the conveying direction D5, the contact area between the airflow and the gear portion 215 can be increased. That is, the cooling effect of the airflow on the gear portion 215 can be improved. In addition, the airflow that has reached the support surface 251A can be guided toward the opposite side of the conveying direction D5 along the shape of the gear portion 215, and the airflow can be more effectively suppressed from flowing toward the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 that is closer to the gear portion 215.

[0134] By providing the gear portion 215 described above, it is possible to suppress heat transfer from the main body side through the gear portion 215 .

[0135] In addition, the gear portion 215 may be provided so that the diameter of the tooth tip circle is smaller than the diameter of the receiving portion 211. In addition, the support surface 251A may be the surface on the downstream side of the conveying direction D5 in the support portion 251. In addition, the rib 253 may be provided so as to extend from the tooth portion 252 in the radial direction in the support surface 251A. In addition, the rib 253 may be provided on both the tooth portion 252 and the outer peripheral portion 241 of the communication portion 214.

[0136] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above content, but is defined by the description of the claims, so it can be considered that the embodiments described in this specification are only illustrative, not limiting. Therefore, all changes that do not depart from the scope and limits of the claims, as well as contents that are equivalent to the scope and limits of the claims, are included in the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A developer storage container, used with its rotation axis along a horizontal plane, characterized in that: include: The storage unit is configured to transport the developer stored therein in a transport direction along the rotation axis by rotating in a specific direction around the rotation axis; a communicating portion, which is provided to extend from an end portion of the storage portion on the downstream side in the conveying direction in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis toward the conveying direction, and connects an opening portion opened toward the conveying direction with the storage portion; and The gear portion receives a rotational driving force supplied from the outside, and comprises: a support portion formed in a circular plate shape concentric with the rotating shaft at the outer periphery of the connecting portion; a tooth portion provided along an edge portion of a support surface of the supporting portion that is orthogonal to the conveying direction; and a rib extending radially from either the outer periphery of the connecting portion or the tooth portion in the supporting surface without reaching the other.

2. The developer storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The rib is provided on either an outer peripheral portion of the communication portion or the teeth portion.

3. The developer storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The supporting surface is a surface on the upstream side in the conveying direction.

4. The developer storage container according to claim 3, wherein: The receiving portion is formed into a cylindrical shape that is concentric with the rotating shaft and has a diameter larger than that of the communicating portion. The addendum diameter of the gear portion is greater than the diameter of the receiving portion.

5. An image forming device, characterized in that: include: The developer storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 4; as well as The image forming section forms an image using the developer supplied from the developer storage container.

Images