Developer supply system and developer supply container

Abstract

The developer supply container is attachable to and detachable from the developer receiving device, the developer receiving device including a developer receiving portion in which a receiving opening for receiving the developer is formed, and including an engaged portion 11b that can be displaced integrally with the developer receiving portion. The developer supply container includes a discharge portion in which a shutter opening for discharging the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion is formed. After the developer supply container is mounted to a prescribed position on the developer receiving device, the operating portion 21 performs a prescribed operation to engage the engaging portion 21d with the engaged portion 11b, thereby displacing the developer receiving portion to communicate the receiving opening with the shutter opening.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Developer supply system, developer supply container installation method and developer supply unit", with an international application date of September 21, 2018, an international application number of PCT / JP2018 / 036618, and a national application number of 201880060150.8. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a developer supply container which is detachably mountable to a developer receiving device, and a developer supply system. Background Art

[0003] Generally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, fine developer powder such as toner has been used. In such an image forming apparatus, the developer consumed by image formation is replenished from a developer supply container.

[0004] For example, a structure has been proposed in which a developer supply container can be mounted to and removed from a developer receiving device provided in an imaging device, and a developer receiving portion of the developer receiving device is shifted toward a discharge opening of the developer supply container according to the installation operation of the developer supply container (JP2013-015826A). Summary of the invention

[0005] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a structure that is a further improvement over the structure described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-015826.

[0007] [Methods of solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a developer supply system is provided, comprising: a developer receiving device, which includes a developer receiving portion provided with a receiving opening for receiving the developer; and a developer supply container, which can be detachably mounted to the developer receiving device, the developer supply container including a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer, and a discharge portion provided with a discharge opening for discharging the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion, wherein the developer receiving portion is provided with a force receiving portion, the force receiving portion being used to receive a force for moving the developer receiving portion toward the developer supply container so that the receiving opening is connected with the discharge opening by manual operation after the developer supply container is mounted on the developer receiving device.

[0009] [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a further improved structure can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1 is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 3 Parts (a) and (b) of illustrate a developer receiving device according to Embodiment 1, wherein part (a) is a perspective view of the developer receiving device and part (b) is a sectional view of the developer receiving device.

[0014] Figure 4 Parts (a), (b) and (c) show a developer receiving device according to Example 1, wherein part (a) is an enlarged partial perspective view of the developer receiving device, part (b) is an enlarged sectional view of the developer receiving device, and part (c) is a perspective view of the developer receiving portion.

[0015] Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of a developer receiving portion according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective view of essential parts of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 7 Parts (a) and (b) show an end portion of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 1, part (a) being a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is removed, and part (b) being a sectional view of the end portion of the developer supply container.

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a container main body of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Fig. 9 Parts (a) and (b) of the drawings show a baffle according to Embodiment 1, wherein part (a) is a top view and part (b) is a perspective view.

[0020] Fig.10 Parts (a) and (b) show a pump portion according to Example 1, wherein part (a) is a top view and part (b) is a perspective view.

[0021] Fig.11 Parts (a) and (b) of the drawings show a reciprocating member according to Embodiment 1, wherein part (a) is a perspective view and part (b) is a side view.

[0022] Fig.12Parts (a) and (b) show the cover according to Example 1, wherein part (a) is a perspective view and part (b) is a perspective view when viewed from the opposite side of part (a).

[0023] Fig.13 Parts (a), (b) and (c) show a developer supply container according to Example 1, wherein part (a) is a perspective view, part (b) is a side view showing a state in which the operating portion is in a first position, and part (c) is a side view showing a state in which the operating portion is in a second position.

[0024] Fig.14 Part (a) is a perspective view of a manipulation portion and an operating portion according to Embodiment 1, Fig.14 Part (b) is the Fig.14 An enlarged view of part C of part (a).

[0025] Fig.15 : is a perspective view showing an engaging state between an engaged portion (portion to be engaged) and an engaging portion of a developer receiving portion according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] Fig.16 Part (a) and part (b) show a developer receiving portion according to Example 1, wherein part (a) is a partial sectional view near the developer receiving portion after the developer supply container is installed, and part (b) is a partial sectional view near the developer receiving portion after a predetermined operation with the developer supply container installed.

[0027] Fig.17 1 is a schematic diagram showing operation of the operation portion by operating the manipulation portion according to Embodiment 1.

[0028] Fig.18 Part (a) is a partial sectional view of the engaged portion and the engaging portion of the developer receiving portion when the operating portion is in the first position according to Example 1, and part (b) is a partial sectional view of the engaged portion and the engaging portion of the developer receiving portion when the operating portion is in the second position.

[0029] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 2.

[0030] Fig. 20 Part (a) and part (b) show a developer supply container according to Example 2, wherein part (a) is an end perspective view when the operating portion is in a first position, and part (b) is an end perspective view when the operating portion is in a second position.

[0031] Fig.21 is a perspective view of a manipulation member and an operating portion according to Embodiment 2.

[0032] Fig. 22 Parts (a) and (b) show a developer receiving portion according to Example 2, wherein part (a) is an enlarged view of the developer receiving portion and the vicinity of the cam portion when the operating portion is in the first position, and part (b) is an enlarged view of the developer receiving portion and the vicinity of the cam portion when the operating portion is in the second position.

[0033] Fig.23 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 3.

[0034] Fig.24 Parts (a) and (b) show an operating member and a manipulation portion according to Embodiment 3, wherein part (a) is a perspective view of the operating member and the manipulation portion, and part (b) is a perspective view of a compression spring.

[0035] Fig.25 1 is a perspective view of an end portion of a cover member and a manipulation portion of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 3.

[0036] Fig.26 Parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 show a developer supply container according to Embodiment 3, wherein Fig.26 Part (a) is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which the manipulation portion and the operating member are in a first position, and part (b) is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which the manipulation portion and the operating member are in a second position.

[0037] Fig. 27 Parts (a) and (b) show a manipulation portion according to Embodiment 3, wherein Fig. 27 Part (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the operating portion when the operating portion is in the first position, Fig. 27 Part (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the operating portion when the operating portion is in the second position.

[0038] Fig.28 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 4.

[0039] Fig.29 is a perspective view of an operating member according to Embodiment 4.

[0040] Fig.30 is a perspective view of a second control portion according to Example 4.

[0041] Fig.31 Parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 4 show a developer supply container according to Embodiment 4, wherein Fig.31 Part (a) shows a state when the openable cover is opened, and part (b) is a perspective view of a part of the opening / closing cover and the end side of the developer supply container when the openable cover is closed.

[0042] Fig.32 Parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) show a developer supply container according to Example 4, wherein part (a) is a perspective view of a portion of an end portion of the developer supply container, part (b) is a perspective view showing a portion of part (a), part (c) is a perspective view of a portion of the end portion of the developer supply container when the opening / closing cover is closed, and part (d) is a perspective view showing a portion of part (c).

[0043] Fig.33 Parts (a) and (b) relate to Example 4, wherein part (a) is a partial sectional view of the operating member and the opening / closing cover when the opening / closing cover is open, and part (b) is a partial sectional view of the operating member and the opening / closing cover when the opening / closing cover is closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] <Example 1>

[0045] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 1-18 To describe the embodiment 1 of the present invention. First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a schematic structure of the imaging device of this embodiment will be described.

[0046] [Imaging device]

[0047] exist Figure 1 , the imaging device 100 includes a manuscript reading device 103 at the top of the main component 100a of the imaging device. The manuscript 101 is placed on the manuscript table glass 102. A light image corresponding to the image information of the manuscript 101 is imaged on a photosensitive drum 104 (which is a cylindrical photosensitive member as an image bearing member) using multiple mirrors M and lenses Ln of the manuscript reading device 103 to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by a dry developing device (single-component developing device) 201 using a toner (single-component magnetic toner) as a developer (dry powder). Here, in the present embodiment, the single-component magnetic toner is used as a developer supplied from a developer supply container 1 (also referred to as a toner box), but the present invention is not limited to this example, but may have a structure as will be described below.

[0048] More specifically, in the case of using a single-component developing device that performs a developing operation using a single-component non-magnetic toner, the single-component non-magnetic toner is supplied as a developer. In addition, when using a two-component developing device that develops an image using a two-component developer prepared by mixing a magnetic carrier and a non-magnetic toner, a non-magnetic toner is supplied as a developer. In this case, as a developer, a structure in which a magnetic carrier is also supplied together with a non-magnetic toner can be adopted.

[0049] As mentioned above, Figure 1 The developing device 201 shown in the figure develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 using toner as a developer based on the image information of the original 101. In addition, the developer supply system 200 is connected to the developing device 201, and the developer supply system 200 includes a developer supply container 1 and a developer receiving device 8, and the developer supply container 1 can be attached to and detached from the developer receiving device 8. The developer supply system 200 will be described below.

[0050] The developing device 201 includes a developer hopper portion 201a and a developing roller 201f. In the developer hopper portion 201a, a stirring member 201c for stirring the developer supplied from the developer supply container 1 is provided. The developer stirred by the stirring member 201c is fed to the feeding member (201e) side by the feeding member 201d. Moreover, the developer that has been sequentially fed by the feeding members 201e and 201b is carried on the developing roller 201f and is finally supplied to the developing area in which the developing roller is opposite to the photosensitive drum 104. In the present embodiment, a single-component developer is used, and therefore a toner is supplied as a developer from the developer supply container 1 to the developing device 201, but when a two-component developer is used, a toner and a carrier may be supplied as a developer from the developer supply container.

[0051] The cassettes 105 to 108 contain recording materials S such as paper. When an image is to be formed, a cassette containing the best recording material S among the sheets contained in these cassettes 105 to 108 is selected based on information input by an operator (user or maintenance personnel) on the operation portion 100d of the image forming apparatus 100, or based on the size of the original 101. Here, as for the recording material S, it is not limited to paper, but may be an OHP sheet or the like as appropriate. One sheet of the recording material S fed by the feeding and separation devices 105A to 108A is fed to the registration roller 110 via the feeding portion 109. Then, the recording material S is fed in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 104 and the scanning timing of the original reading device 103.

[0052] The transfer charging device 111 and the separation charging device 112 are provided at a position opposite to the photosensitive drum 104 on the downstream side of the registration roller 110 in the recording material feeding direction. The developer image (toner image) formed on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred to the recording material S fed by the registration roller 110 by means of the transfer charging device 111. And, the recording material S to which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by means of the separation charging device 112. Subsequently, heat and pressure are applied to the recording material S fed by the feeding section 113 in the fixing section 114, so that the toner image is fixed on the recording material. Thereafter, in the case of single-sided copying, the recording material S to which the toner image is fixed passes through the discharge / reversal section 115 and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the discharge roller 116.

[0053] On the other hand, in the case of double-sided copying, the recording material S passes through the discharge / reversing portion 115, and the recording material S is once partially discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller 116. Thereafter, at a timing at which the rear end of the recording material S passes through the switching member 118 but is still nipped by the discharge roller 116, the position of the switching member 118 is switched, and the discharge roller 116 rotates counterclockwise, whereby the recording material S is fed into the apparatus again. Thereafter, the recording material S is fed to the registration roller 110 via the re-feeding and feeding portions 119 and 120, and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 via the same path as in the case of single-sided copying.

[0054] In the image forming apparatus 100 having the above-described structure, image forming processing devices such as a developing device 201, a cleaner portion 202, a primary charging device 203, etc. are provided around the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the developing device 201 supplies a developer to an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 based on image information of the original 101 read by the original reading device 103, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image. In addition, the primary charging device 203 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum to form a desired electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104. In addition, the cleaner portion 202 has a function of removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104.

[0055] like Figure 2As shown, when the operator opens the opening / closing cover 40 which is a part of the outer cover of the apparatus main assembly 100a of the image forming apparatus 100, a part of the developer receiving apparatus 8 which will be described below can be seen. Moreover, by inserting the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving apparatus 8, the developer supply container 1 is installed in a state in which it can supply the developer to the developer receiving apparatus 8. That is, the developer supply container 1 is installed to the developer receiving apparatus 8 through the opening 100b of the apparatus main assembly 100a provided with the developer receiving apparatus 8. The opening / closing cover 40 can open and close the opening 100b. On the other hand, when the operator replaces the developer supply container 1, an operation opposite to the loading operation is performed, thereby removing the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving apparatus 8, and then a new developer supply container 1 can be installed. Here, the opening / closing cover 40 is a cover dedicated to mounting / removing (replacing) the developer supply container 1, and is opened and closed only for removing / mounting the developer supply container 1. On the other hand, the maintenance operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is performed by opening / closing the front cover 100c. Here, the opening / closing cover 40 and the front cover 100c may be integrated. In this case, replacement of the developer supply container 1 and maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 are performed by opening and closing the integrated cover (not shown).

[0056] [Developer receiving device]

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 3 Part (a) to Figure 5 , the developer receiving device 8 constituting the developer supply system 200 will be described. Figure 3 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a mounting portion (mounting space) 8f to which the developer supply container 1 is detachably mounted. The mounting portion 8f is provided with an insertion guide 8e for guiding the developer supply container 1 in the mounting and removal directions. In the case of the present embodiment, the structure is such that the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is the direction indicated by A, and the removal direction B of the developer supply container 1 is opposite to the mounting direction A in which the developer supply container 1 is mounted by the insertion guide 8e.

[0058] like Figure 3 Part (a) to Figure 4 As shown in part (a) of the figure, the developer receiving device 8 has a driving gear 9 serving as a driving mechanism for driving the developer supply container 1. The rotational driving force is transmitted from the driving motor 500 to the driving gear 9 through a driving gear train (not shown), so that the driving gear 9 applies the rotational driving force to the developer supply container 1 mounted in the mounting portion 8f. The operation of the driving motor 500 is controlled by the control device 600.

[0059] In addition to controlling the drive motor 500, the control device 600 controls the entire imaging device 100. The control device 600 has a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read only memory), and a RAM (random access memory). The CPU controls each part while reading a program corresponding to a control process stored in the ROM. In addition, working data and input data are stored in the RAM, and the CPU performs control while searching for data stored in the RAM based on the program, etc.

[0060] In the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8, there is provided a developer receiving portion 11 for receiving the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1. The developer receiving portion 11 is connected to the container discharge opening 3a4 ( Figure 7 The developer receiving portion 11 is installed so as to be movable (displaced) along the direction in which the receiving opening 11a moves toward and away from the container discharge opening 3a4 (in the present embodiment, a direction intersecting with the direction in which the developer supply container 1 is installed (more specifically, a vertical direction relative to the developer receiving device 8)). In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the developer receiving portion 11 is urged by an urging member (spring) 12 as an urging device in the direction (vertically downward) in which the receiving opening 11a moves away from the container discharge opening 3a4. That is, the urging member 12 urges the developer receiving portion 11 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced according to the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. Therefore, when the receiving opening 11a moves toward the container discharge opening 3a4 (upward in the vertical direction), the developer receiving portion 11 moves against the urging force of the urging member 12.

[0061] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , a first shutter stopper 8a and a second shutter stopper 8b are provided on the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 on the upstream side of the developer receiving portion 11 in the mounting direction (the direction of arrow A). In the developer supply container 1 that moves relative to the developer receiving device 8 during mounting and dismounting, the first shutter stopper 8a and the second shutter stopper 8b restrict only the shutter 4 ( Fig. 9 In this example, the shutter 4 moves relative to the developer supply container 1 except the shutter 4 (for example, the container body 2 etc. which will be described later).

[0062] like Figure 3 Part (b) and Figure 4As shown in part (b) of the figure, a sub-hopper 8c for temporarily storing the developer supplied from the developer supply container 1 is provided below the developer receiving device 8 in the vertical direction. In the sub-hopper 8c, a developer hopper portion 201a ( Figure 1 ) a feed screw 14 for feeding the developer, and an opening 8d communicating with the developer hopper portion 201a.

[0063] like Figure 4 Part (c) and Figure 5 As shown, a main assembly seal 13 formed to surround the receiving opening 11a is provided in the developer receiving portion 11. The main assembly seal 13 includes an elastic member, foam, etc. In a state where the developer supply container 1 is mounted, the main assembly seal 13 and the opening seal 3a5 ( Figure 7 The portion (b) of the baffle 4 is in close contact with the baffle 4 to sandwich the baffle 4. In this way, the developer discharged from the container discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 through the baffle opening 4j (discharge opening) of the baffle 4 to the receiving opening 11a is prevented from leaking from the receiving opening 11a (developer feeding path).

[0064] Here, it is desirable that the diameter of the receiving opening 11a is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the baffle opening 4j of the baffle 4 to prevent the interior of the mounting portion 8f from being contaminated by the developer. This is because if the diameter of the receiving opening 11a is smaller than the diameter of the baffle opening 4j, the developer discharged from the baffle opening 4j is more likely to be deposited on the upper surface of the main component seal 13. If the developer is deposited on the lower surface of the developer supply container 1 when the mounting / dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1 is performed, this will become a cause of contamination by the developer. In view of this, it is preferable that the diameter of the receiving opening 11a is substantially equal to the diameter of the baffle opening 4j or is approximately 2 mm larger than the diameter of the baffle opening 4j. For example, in the case where the diameter of the baffle opening 4j of the baffle 4 is a fine hole (pinhole) with a diameter of about 2 mm, it is preferable that the diameter of the receiving opening 11a is about 3 mm.

[0065] In addition, if Figure 4 Part (c) and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , on the side surface of the developer receiving portion 11, an engaged portion (to-be-engaged portion) 11b protruding toward the center side is provided. In the case of this embodiment, the engaged portion 11b directly engages with an engaging portion 21d ( Fig.17 Moreover, the engaging portion 21d is engaged with the engaged portion 11b by the operating portion 21 performing a predetermined operation, so that the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted upward in the vertical direction toward the developer supply container 1.

[0066] [Developer Supply Container]

[0067] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 18 In part (b) of the present invention, the developer supply container 1 constituting the developer supply system 200 will be described. Figure 6 to Figure 7 In part (b) of the present invention, the basic structure of the developer supply container 1 (excluding the cover member 19, the manipulation portion 20, the operation portion, etc. which will be described below) will be described. The developer supply container 1 mainly includes a container body 2, a flange portion 3, a shutter 4, a pump portion 5, a reciprocating member 6 and a cover 7. The developer supply container 1 is wound around the developer receiving device 8. Figure 8 The developer receiving device 8 is supplied with developer by rotating the developer supply container 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow R. Hereinafter, each element constituting the developer supply container 1 will be described in detail.

[0068] [Container body]

[0069] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the container body 2 mainly includes a developer containing portion 2c for containing developer. In addition, the container body 2 is provided with a spiral feed groove 2a (feed portion) for feeding the developer in the developer containing portion 2c by rotating the container body 2 around the rotation axis P in the direction of the arrow R. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the cam groove 2b and the drive receiving portion 2d for receiving the driving force from the main component side are integrally formed on the entire periphery of the outer peripheral surface of the container body 2 at one end side. Here, in the present embodiment, the cam groove 2b and the drive receiving portion (gear) 2d are integrally formed with the container body 2, but the cam groove 2b or the drive receiving portion 2d may be formed as a separate component and may be integrally mounted to the container body 2. In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, a toner having a volume average particle size of 5μm-6μm is accommodated as a developer in the developer accommodating portion 2c. In addition, in the present embodiment, the developer accommodating portion 2c includes not only the container body 2, but also the internal space of the flange portion 3 and the pump portion 5 to be described below.

[0070] [Flange]

[0071] refer to Figure 7 8. The flange portion 3 is mounted so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis P relative to the container body 2. When the developer supply container 1 is mounted to the developer receiving device 8, the flange portion 3 is held so as not to be able to rotate relative to the mounting portion 8f ( Figure 3 The part (a) rotates in the direction of arrow R. In addition, Figure 7As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the container discharge opening 3a4 is provided in a part of the flange portion 3, and the opening seal 3a5 is attached to the periphery of the container discharge opening 3a4. Figure 5 As shown in parts (a) and (b), the flange portion 3 is provided with a pump portion 5, a reciprocating member 6, a baffle 4 and a cover 7.

[0072] First, if Figure 7 As shown in part (b), the pump portion 5 is screwed on one end side of the flange portion 3, and the container body 2 is connected to the other end side of the flange portion, and a flange seal 17 is provided between the container body 2 and the other end side. In addition, the reciprocating member 6 is arranged to sandwich the pump portion 5, and the engaging protrusion 6b ( Fig.11 The parts (a) and (b)) and the cam groove 2b ( Figure 8 ) is engaged. The flange portion 3 is provided with a baffle 4. In the present embodiment, the flange portion 3 and the baffle 4 constitute a discharge portion 300 for discharging the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 2c. In addition, the surface on which the baffle 4 is provided is the bottom side of the flange portion 3. In addition, in order to improve the appearance and protect the reciprocating member 6 and the pump portion 5, a cover 7 is integrally provided to cover the flange portion 3, the pump portion 5 and the reciprocating member 6 as a whole, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 as shown in part (b).

[0073] [Baffle]

[0074] Next, we will refer to Fig. 9 Parts (a) and (b) of the embodiment describe the baffle plate 4. The baffle plate inserting portion 3d ( Figure 7 The shutter 4 which slides on the portion (a) of the developer supply container 1 moves relative to a portion (flange portion 3) of the developer supply container 1. The shutter 4 has a shutter opening 4j as a discharge opening, and opens and closes the container discharge opening 3a4 ( Figure 7 That is, by moving the shutter 4 relative to the developer supply container 1 according to the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1, the receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving portion 11 and the shutter opening 4j are communicated with each other, and further communicated with the container discharge opening 3a4. Thus, the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be discharged to the receiving opening 11a. That is, the discharge portion 300 ( Figure 5 The portion (b) of the discharge portion 300 is composed of the flange portion 3 and the baffle 4, and the baffle 4 of the discharge portion 300 is provided with a baffle opening 4j as a discharge opening for discharging the developer.

[0075] On the other hand, the developer seal portion 4a is provided at a position of the shutter 4 that is offset from the shutter opening 4j. As the shutter 4 moves relative to the developer supply container 1 in accordance with the removal operation of the developer supply container 1, the developer seal portion 4a closes the container discharge opening 3a4. In addition, in the mounting portion 8f ( Figure 3 When the developer seal portion 4a is closed, the developer seal portion 4a prevents the developer from leaking from the container discharge opening 3a4. Here, the shutter 4 is engaged with the flange portion 3 in a posture in which the developer seal portion 4a faces upward.

[0076] The shutter 4 is provided with a first shutter stopper 8a and a second shutter stopper 8b ( Figure 4 The developer supply container 1 is movable relative to the baffle 4 by holding the first stopper 4b and the second stopper 4c by the part (a)). In addition, the baffle 4 is provided with a supporting portion 4d for displaceably supporting the first stopper 4b and the second stopper 4c. The supporting portion 4d is elastically deformable and extends from one side to the other side of the developer sealing portion 4a. And, the first stopper 4b and the second stopper 4c are arranged at the free end portions of the supporting portion 4d. In this way, the first stopper 4b and the second stopper 4c can be displaced by the elasticity of the supporting portion 4d.

[0077] Here, the first stopper 4b is inclined so that the angle α formed by the first stopper 4b and the support portion 4d is an acute angle. In contrast, the second stopper 4c is inclined so that the angle β formed by the second stopper 4c and the support portion 4d is an obtuse angle.

[0078] When the developer supply container 1 is mounted, the first stopper 4b engages with the guide portion 8g of the developer receiving device 8 and is displaced to pass through the second shutter stopper 8b, thereby engaging with the first shutter stopper 8a. By engaging the first stopper 4b with the first shutter stopper 8a, the position of the shutter 4 relative to the developer receiving device 8 is fixed, and the shutter 4 and the developer supply container 1 can move relative to each other. Moreover, as the shutter 4 and the developer supply container 1 move relative to each other, the shutter opening 4j and the container discharge opening 3a4 are opened and closed. That is, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted, the developer can be discharged from the developer supply container 1, and when the developer supply container 1 is removed, the developer is not discharged from the developer supply container 1.

[0079] When the developer supply container 1 is removed, the second stopper 4c engages with the second shutter stopper 8b of the developer receiving apparatus 8, so that the first stopper 4b is disengaged from the first shutter stopper 8a.

[0080] [Pump Department]

[0081] refer to Fig.10 The pump section 5 is described in parts (a) and (b) of the present invention. The pump section 5 is provided by the container body 2 ( Figure 6 ) by the driving force received by the drive receiving portion 2d of the developer containing portion 2c, and the internal pressure of the developer containing portion 2c is alternately and repeatedly changed, switching between a state below the atmospheric pressure and a state above the atmospheric pressure. In the present embodiment, in order to stably discharge the developer through the small container discharge opening 3a4 as described above, the pump portion 5 is provided at a part of the developer supply container 1. The pump portion 5 is a positive displacement pump in which the volume is changed. More specifically, the pump portion 5 adopted in the present embodiment has a bellows-shaped extendable member that can be extended and retracted.

[0082] The pressure inside the developer supply container 1 is changed by the expansion and contraction operation of the pump portion 5, and the developer is discharged by utilizing the pressure. More specifically, when the pump portion 5 contracts, the inside of the developer supply container 1 enters a compressed state, and the developer is pushed out to be discharged through the container discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1. In addition, when the pump portion 5 extends, the inside of the developer supply container 1 enters a decompressed state, and air is sucked from the outside through the container discharge opening 3a4. By the sucked air, the developer located in the container discharge opening 3a4 and near the storage portion that stores the developer transported from the container body 2 of the flange portion 3 is loosely and smoothly discharged.

[0083] That is, near the container discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 and near the storage portion, the developer in the developer supply container 1 may be gathered due to vibration or the like applied when the developer supply container 1 is transported, with the possible result that the developer agglomerates at this portion. Therefore, as described above, air is sucked in through the container discharge opening 3a4, thereby enabling the developer that has agglomerated to be loosened. In addition, in the conventional discharge operation of the developer, as the air is sucked in as described above, the air and the powder as the developer are mixed, with the result that the fluidity of the developer is improved, and therefore as an additional advantage, clogging of the developer is not likely to occur. By repeatedly performing the telescopic operation as described above, the developer is discharged.

[0084] like Fig.10 As shown in part (a), in the pump part 5, the coupling part 5b is provided at the opening end side (disassembly direction B) so as to be able to be coupled with the flange part 3. In this embodiment, the threaded part is formed as the coupling part 5b. Fig.10 As shown in part (b), the pump portion 5 has a reciprocating member 6 (described below) on the other end side. Fig.11 The reciprocating member joint portion 5c is joined with parts (a) and (b)).

[0085] In addition, if Fig.10As shown in part (b) of the figure, the pump section 5 has a bellows-shaped expandable section (bellows section, telescopic member) 5a in which peaks and bottoms are periodically and alternately formed. The telescopic section 5a can be folded in the direction of arrow A along a folding line (with the folding line as a base point) or stretched in the direction of arrow B. Therefore, when the bellows-shaped pump section 5 is adopted in the present embodiment, the fluctuation of the volume change relative to the expansion and contraction amount can be reduced, so that a stable volume change can be achieved.

[0086] Here, in this embodiment, polypropylene resin is used as the material of the pump portion 5, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As for the material (material) of the pump portion 5, any material can be used as long as the material has a telescopic function and can change the internal pressure of the developer containing portion by changing the volume. For example, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), polystyrene, polyester, polyethylene, etc. can be used. Alternatively, rubber, other stretchable materials, etc. can also be used.

[0087] [Reciprocating member]

[0088] refer to Fig.11 The reciprocating member 6 will be described in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. Fig.11 As shown in parts (a) and (b), in order to change the volume of the pump portion 5, the reciprocating member 6 is provided with a pump joint 6a ( Fig.11 The pump joint portion is connected to the reciprocating member joint portion 5c ( Fig.10 In addition, the reciprocating member 6 is provided with a cam groove 2b ( Figure 8 ) is engaged with an engagement protrusion 6b. The engagement protrusion 6b is provided at the free end of an arm 6c extending from the vicinity of the pump engagement portion 6a in the mounting and removal directions (arrows A and B in the figure). In addition, the reciprocating member 6 is held by a reciprocating member holding portion 7b ( Fig.12 (b)) and is controlled around the rotation axis P ( Figure 8 ) rotates. Therefore, when the container body 2 is driven by the drive receiving portion 2d through the drive gear 9 and the cam groove 2b rotates integrally, the reciprocating member 6 reciprocates back and forth in directions A and B by the pushing action of the reciprocating member holding portion 7b of the cover 7 and the engaging protrusion 6b fitted in the cam groove 2b. Therefore, the pump portion 5 engaged with the pump engaging portion 6a of the reciprocating member 6 through the reciprocating member engaging portion 5c expands and contracts in the directions B and A.

[0089] [build]

[0090] refer to Fig.12 , the cover 7 will be described. As described above, Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in part (b) of the embodiment of the present invention, a cover 7 is provided to improve the appearance of the developer supply container 1 and protect the reciprocating member 6 and the pump portion 5. In more detail, the cover 7 is provided to cover the entire flange portion 3, the pump portion 5 and the reciprocating member 6. Fig.12 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, the cover 7 is provided with an insertion guide 8e ( Figure 3 The guide groove 7a of the guide portion (a) is provided. Fig.12 As shown in part (b), the cover 7 is provided with a cover for limiting the movement of the reciprocating member 6 around the rotation axis P ( Figure 8 ) The rotating reciprocating member holding portion 7b.

[0091] [Operation and control unit]

[0092] Next, refer to Fig.13 Part (a) to Fig.18 In part (b) of the present invention, the operating portion 21 for shifting the developer receiving portion 11 toward the developer supply container 1 after the developer supply container 1 is mounted at a predetermined position of the developer receiving apparatus 8 will be described.

[0093] First, refer to Fig.13 The developer supply container 1 of the present embodiment has a cover member 19, an operating portion 20 and an operating portion 21 in addition to the above-mentioned container body 2, flange portion 3, baffle 4, pump portion 5, reciprocating member 6, cover 7, etc. The cover member 19 mainly covers a part of the flange portion 3 and the container body 2. The operating portion 21 extends inside the cover member 19 along the container body 2 and the flange portion 3, and the operating portion 20 is provided at the upstream end portion of the operating portion 21 in the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 (the direction of arrow A).

[0094] like Fig.14 As shown in part (a) of the figure, the manipulation portion 20 has a gripping portion 20b formed such that the base ends of a pair of arm portions are connected by a connecting portion, and the support holes 20a and the connecting holes 20c are arranged in this order from the free end side at the free ends of the pair of arm portions. Fig.13 As shown in parts (b) and (c) of the cover member 19, the rotation support shaft 19b provided at the upstream end along the installation direction is rotatably assembled in the support hole 20a. As a result, the operating part 20 can rotate around the rotation support shaft (rotation shaft) 19b. In addition, the connecting shaft 21b provided at the upstream end along the installation direction of the operating part 21 described below is inserted through the connecting hole 20c. In this way, the operating part 20 and the operating part 21 are connected by the connecting shaft 21b, and the operating part 21 operates in conjunction with the operation of the operating part 20.

[0095] like Fig.14As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawing, the operating portion 21 has a base portion 21a and a pair of arm portions 21c extending from both ends of the base portion 21a toward the downstream side in the mounting direction (longitudinal direction) of the developer supply container 1. A connecting shaft 21b ( 21c ) which is fitted into the above-mentioned connecting hole 20c is provided at the base end side of each arm portion 21c. Fig.13 In addition, at the free end of each arm portion 21c, an engaging portion 21d capable of engaging with the engaged portion 11b formed in the developer receiving portion 11 is formed. Moreover, a support shaft 21e is provided between the connecting shaft 21b of each arm portion 21c and the engaging portion 21d. Fig.13 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the support shaft 21e is engaged with a support groove 19a provided in the cover member 19. The support groove 19a is inclined upward toward the downstream in the mounting direction (the direction of arrow A).

[0096] Here, after the developer supply container 1 is installed, Fig.13 In the part (b) in which the position of the operating part 20 is the first position when the operating part 20 is not operated, and Fig.13 The position of the portion (c) in a state where the receiving opening 11 a communicates with the shutter opening 4 j after the manipulation portion 20 which will be described below is operated is the second position.

[0097] When the operator inserts the developer supply container 1 into the apparatus main assembly 100a and mounts the developer supply container 1 at a predetermined position in the developer receiving apparatus 8, the engaging portion 21d abuts against the lower surface of the engaged portion 11b, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 At this time, the operating part 20 remains in Fig.13 In addition, when the operating portion 20 is in the first position, the container discharge opening 3a4, the shutter opening 4j of the shutter 4 and the receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving portion 11 are located at the same position relative to the mounting direction (the direction of arrows A and B) of the developer supply container 1, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 . In addition, the container discharge opening 3a4, the baffle opening 4j and the receiving opening 11a are approximately located on the same line in the vertical direction (arrow X, Y direction), but the receiving opening 11a and the baffle opening 4j are located at positions away from each other in the vertical direction, so the receiving opening 11a and the baffle opening 4j are not connected to each other. At this time, although the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be discharged, the diameter of the baffle opening 4j is very small and only a very small amount of developer may fall due to its own weight, so scattering etc. hardly occurs unless a signal for driving the developer supply container 1 is generated.

[0098] When the operator rotates the operating portion 20 in the direction of arrow V1 from the first position to the second position after mounting the developer supply container 1 at the predetermined position (eg, Fig.13 Part (b) to Fig.13 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 1 , the operation unit 21 performs a predetermined operation, such as Fig.17 That is, the operating portion 21 is displaced in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion 20, so that the engaging portion 21d and the engaged portion 11b are engaged to displace, i.e., raise, the developer receiving portion 11, so that the receiving opening 11a is communicated with the shutter opening 4j. Therefore, in this embodiment, the predetermined operation is an operation in which the operating portion 21 is displaced in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion 20.

[0099] A more detailed description will be given. Fig.17 As shown, when the operating part 20 rotates around the rotation support shaft 19b in the direction of arrow V1, the operating part 21 rotates relative to the operating part 20 around the connecting shaft 21b connected to the operating part 20 as the rotation center in the direction of arrow W. As a result, the operating part 20 and the operating part 21 rotate relative to each other. Fig.17 1 to the position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1 . In other words, the operating portion 21 is pushed to the downstream side in the installation direction in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion 20. As described above, the support shaft 21e provided in the operating portion 21 is engaged with the support groove 19a provided in the cover member 19, so the support shaft 21e moves along the support groove 19a by pushing the operating portion 21 in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion 20.

[0100] As described above, the support groove 19a is inclined upward toward the downstream in the installation direction, so the engaging portion 21d engaged with the engaged portion 11b is raised. In this way, the engaging portion 21d causes the engaged portion 11b to move from the position indicated by the solid line in 17 to the position indicated by the solid line in 17 in the direction of the arrow X. Fig.18 The position shown in part (a) is raised to the position shown by the dotted line in 17 and Fig.18 At this time, Fig.16 As shown in part (b) of , the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced upward and the receiving opening 11a is in a state of being communicated with the shutter opening 4j.

[0101] Here, when the developer supply container 1 is disassembled, the engaging portion 21d is displaced downward by pivoting the operating portion 20 in the direction opposite to the above-mentioned direction. At this time, the developer receiving portion 11 is pushed by the urging member 12 ( Figure 5 ) is pushed downward in the vertical direction, so that as the engaging portion 21d is displaced downward, the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced in a direction away from the developer supply container 1. Thereafter, by moving the developer supply container 1 in the removal direction (the direction opposite to the mounting direction (the direction of arrow B)), the shutter 4 closes the container discharge opening 3a4, and the developer supply container 1 can be removed.

[0102] As described above, in the present embodiment, after the developer supply container 1 is mounted to the developer receiving device 8, the manipulation portion 20 is operated to displace the developer receiving portion 11 so that the receiving opening 11a communicates with the shutter opening 4j. For this reason, the developer receiving portion 11 can be connected to the developer supply container 1. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, contrary to the structure described in Patent Document 1, the developer receiving portion is not displaced according to the mounting operation of the developer supply container, so the developer receiving portion can be more reliably connected to the developer supply container regardless of the mounting operation of the developer supply container, that is, regardless of the posture or momentum when the developer supply container 1 is mounted.

[0103] <Example 2>

[0104] refer to Figures 19 to 22 In the part (b) of the embodiment 2, the embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the structures of the manipulation portion 20A and the operation portion 21A are different from those in the embodiment 1. The other structures and operations are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, so the illustration and description of the same structures will be omitted or simplified, and the following description will focus on the parts different from the embodiment 1.

[0105] like Fig.19 As shown, also in the case of this embodiment, the developer supply container 1A includes a cover member 19A, a manipulation portion 20A and an operation portion 21A ( Fig.21 ), the container body 2, etc. The cover member 19A covering the container body 2, etc. rotatably supports a shaft 20Ad ( Fig.21 ). The shaft 20Ad is arranged in the cover member 19A substantially parallel to the mounting direction (longitudinal direction) of the developer supply container 1A. Fig. 20 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , the manipulation portion 20A is rotatable together with the shaft 20Ad around the central axis (rotation axis) of the shaft 20Ad.

[0106] like Fig.21 As shown, the manipulation portion 20A has a gripping portion 20Ab, a shaft 20Ad, and a cam portion 20Ae. That is, the gripping portion 20Ab is fixed to the upstream end of the shaft 20Ad in the installation direction, and the cam portion 20Ae is fixed to the downstream end in the installation direction. These components can rotate integrally with the cover member 19A. In addition, in the cover member 19A, the operation portion 21A is arranged to be able to engage with the cam portion 20Ae.

[0107] The operation portion 21A is held by a holding portion (not shown) of the cover member 19A so as to be displaceable only in the vertical direction. Fig.21As shown, this operating portion 21A has a base portion 21Aa and a pair of arm portions 21Ac extending from each end of the base portion 21Aa in the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 1A (downstream side in the mounting direction). Fig.15 ) is formed at the free end of the associated arm portion 21Ac. In addition, the operating portion 21A is held at a certain position in the vertical direction by the cam portion 20Ae of the manipulation portion 20A via the base portion 21Aa.

[0108] Here, after the developer supply container 1A is installed, Fig. 20 The position of the operating portion 20A in the state where the operating portion 20A has not been operated is the first position. Fig. 20 The position of the portion (b) in a state in which the receiving opening 11a as will be described below communicates with the shutter opening 4j is the second position.

[0109] When the operator inserts the developer supply container 1A into the apparatus main assembly 100a and mounts the developer supply container at a predetermined position on the developer receiving apparatus 8, the engaging portion 21Ad abuts against the lower surface of the engaged portion 11b, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 At this time, the operating part 20A is kept in Fig. 20 The first position of the portion (a), and the phase of the cam portion 20Ae is Fig. 22 In addition, when the manipulation portion 20A is in the first position, the receiving opening 11a and the shutter opening 4j are located at positions away from each other in the vertical direction and are therefore not connected to each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 as shown in part (a).

[0110] When the operator rotates the operating portion 20A from the first position to the second position in the direction of arrow V2 after mounting the developer supply container 1A at the predetermined position (eg, Fig. 20 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , the operation unit 21A performs a predetermined operation, such as Fig. 22 That is, the operating portion 21A is displaced in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion 20A, so that the engaging portion 21Ad and the engaged portion 11b are engaged with each other, and the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced, i.e., raised, so that the receiving opening 11a is communicated with the shutter opening 4j. Therefore, also in this embodiment, the predetermined operation is an operation in which the operating portion 21A is displaced in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion 20A.

[0111] A detailed description will be given. Fig. 20As shown in parts (a) and (b), when the operating portion 20A rotates around the axis 20Ad in the direction of arrow V2, the cam portion 20Ae moves from the center of the shaft 20Ae to the center of the shaft 20Ae. Fig. 22 The position shown in part (a) is rotated to Fig. 22 As described above, the operating portion 21A is held in the vertical position by the cam portion 20Ae, so the operating portion 21A is displaced in the direction of arrow X according to the rotation of the cam portion 20Ae, as shown in FIG. Fig. 22 As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the engaging portion 21Ad engaged with the engaged portion 11b rises. In this way, as in Embodiment 1, the developer receiving portion 11 is vertically shifted upward toward the developer supply container 1A, and the shutter opening 4j and the receiving opening 11a are connected to each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 as shown in part (b).

[0112] Here, when removing the developer supply container 1A, the engaging portion 21Ad is displaced downward by pivoting the manipulation portion 20A in the direction opposite to the above direction as in Embodiment 1. Thereafter, as in Embodiment 1, the developer supply container 1A can be detached.

[0113] <Example 3>

[0114] refer to Figures 23 to 27 In the part (b) of the embodiment 3, the structure of the manipulation portion 20B and the operation portion 21B is different from that of the embodiment 1. The other structures and actions are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, so the illustration and description of the same structure will be omitted or simplified, and the following description will focus on the parts different from the embodiment 1.

[0115] like Fig.23 As shown, also in the case of this embodiment, the developer supply container 1B has a cover member 19B, a manipulation portion 20B, an operation portion 21B ( Fig.24 The manipulation portion 20B is detachably mounted to a cover member 19B that covers the container body 2 and the like.

[0116] like Fig.24 As shown in part (a) of the figure, the operating portion 21B includes a base portion 21Ba and a pair of arm portions 21Bc extending from each end of the base portion 21Ba in the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 1B (downstream side in the mounting direction). Fig.15 An engaging portion 21Bd for engaging with the cover member 19B is formed at a free end portion of each arm portion 21Bc. In addition, the operating portion 21B is held by a holding portion (not shown) of the cover member 19B so as to be displaceable only in the vertical direction.

[0117] The operating portion 21B of the present embodiment further includes a compression spring 41 as a pressing member and a regulating portion 21Bf ( Fig.26 (b) etc.). Fig.24 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , a total of four such compression springs 41 are arranged, that is, two compression springs 41 are respectively located between the lower surface of each end of the pair of arm portions 21Bc and the cover member 19B (at Fig.24 The compression spring 41 pushes the entire operation portion 21B in the vertical upward direction (the direction of the arrow X). That is, the compression spring 41 pushes the receiving opening 11a and the shutter opening 4j in a direction that makes them communicate with each other ( Fig.16 The compression spring 41 is configured to push the engaging portion 21Bd provided on the free end side of the operating portion 21B in the direction (vertically upward) of the portions (a) and (b) in the operating portion 21B. Fig.24 The urging member 12 ( FIG. 14 ) is a coil spring shown in FIG. 14 , but the urging member 12 may be another member such as a leaf spring. The sum of the urging forces of the compression springs 41 is greater than the urging member 12 ( FIG. 14 ) that urges the developer receiving portion 11 downward in the vertical direction. Figure 5 )’s pushing pressure.

[0118] The regulating portion 21Bf can be engaged with the manipulation portion 20B, and regulates the position of the engaging portion 21Bd against the urging force of the compression spring 41 in the state of being engaged with the manipulation portion 20B. The regulating portion 21Bf is formed on the upper surface of the base portion 21Ba in the shape of a recess into which a support portion 20Bf of the manipulation portion 20B, which will be described in detail later, can freely enter.

[0119] like Fig.25 As shown, the manipulation portion 20B includes a support portion 20Bf and a grip portion 20Bb formed integrally with the end of the support portion 20Bf. Here, at the upstream end of the cover member 19B in the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1B, a fixing hole 19Bc is formed, and the support portion 20Bf can be inserted into the fixing hole 19Bc. Fig.23 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14 , the gripping portion 20Bb projects toward the upstream side of the cover member 19B in the mounting direction, and the supporting portion 20Bf is inserted into the fixing hole 19Bc.

[0120] like Fig.26 Part (a) and Fig. 27 As shown in part (a), in the state of being inserted into the fixing hole 19Bc, the support portion 20Bf protrudes toward the downstream side of the fixing hole 19Bc in the installation direction, and the support portion 20Bf is engaged with the regulating portion 21Bf of the operating portion 21B. That is, the lower surface of the support portion 20Bf abuts against the regulating portion 21Bf. In this engaged state, the position of the entire operating portion 21B is restricted, so that the operating portion 21B resists the urging force of the compression spring 41 and does not shift upward in the vertical direction.

[0121] On the other hand, when the operator grasps the grasping portion 20Bb and pulls the supporting portion 20Bf out of the fixing hole 19Bc by pulling the supporting portion 20Bf toward the upstream side in the mounting direction, the engagement between the supporting portion 20Bf and the regulating portion 21Bf is released, as shown in FIG. Fig.26 Part (b) and Fig. 27 As shown in part (b) of . Thus, the entire operation portion 21B is displaced upward in the vertical direction under the urging force of the compression spring 41. As described above, the manipulation portion 20B can be operated to engage with and disengage from the regulation portion 21Bf.

[0122] Here, in Fig.26 Part (a) and Fig. 27 The position of the operating portion 20B is the first position shown in the portion (a) in which the supporting portion 20Bf and the regulating portion 21Bf are engaged with each other without operating the operating portion 20B after the developer supply container 1 is installed. On the other hand, by operating (pulling out) the operating portion 20B, the engagement between the supporting portion 20Bf and the regulating portion 21Bf is released, and the receiving opening 11a is communicated with the shutter opening 4j (as will be described below), as shown in FIG. Fig.26 Part (b) and Fig. 27 As shown in part (b), in this state the position of the operating portion is the second position.

[0123] When the operator inserts the developer supply container 1B into the apparatus main assembly 100a and mounts the developer supply container 1B at a predetermined position on the developer receiving apparatus 8, the engaging portion 21Bd abuts against the lower surface of the engaged portion 11b, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 At this time, the operating part 20B remains in Fig.26 Part (a) and Fig. 27 The first position shown in part (a) of the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 21, and the operation portion 21B maintains the engagement between the support portion 20Bf and the regulating portion 21Bf to regulate the position of the operation portion 21B. In addition, when the operation portion 20B is in the first position, the receiving opening 11a and the shutter opening 4j are located at positions away from each other in the vertical direction and are not connected to each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 as shown in part (a).

[0124] After the developer supply container 1B is mounted at a predetermined position, when the operator pulls out the operating portion 20B from the fixing hole 19Bc, that is, when the operating portion 20B is operated from the first position to the second position, the operating portion 21B performs a predetermined operation, such as Fig.26 Part (b) and Fig. 27As shown in part (b) of . That is, by releasing the engagement between the supporting portion 20Bf and the regulating portion 21Bf, the operating portion 21B is displaced by the urging force of the compression spring 41. Moreover, by the engagement between the engaging portion 21Bd and the engaged portion 11b, the operating portion 21B causes the developer receiving portion 11 to be displaced, i.e., raised, so that the receiving opening 11a is communicated with the baffle opening 4j. In this way, as in Embodiment 1, the developer receiving portion 11 is vertically displaced upward toward the developer supply container 1B, so that the baffle opening 4j and the receiving opening 11a are communicated with each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 as shown in part (b).

[0125] Here, in the present embodiment, the predetermined operation is an operation of displacing the engagement portion 21Bd by the urging force of the compression spring 41 by releasing the engagement between the manipulation portion 20B and the regulating portion 21Bf.

[0126] In addition, when removing the developer supply container 1B, the operator pushes down the portion of the operating portion 21B exposed from the cover member 19B to the upstream side in the mounting direction, for example, against the urging force of the compression spring 41, and inserts the operating portion 20B into the fixing hole 19Bc again. Moreover, the supporting portion 20Bf and the regulating portion 21Bf engage with each other. Thus, the engaging portion 21Bd is held in a downwardly descended state, and the developer supply container 1B can be removed. Thereafter, as in Embodiment 1, the developer supply container 1B can be disassembled.

[0127] <Example 4>

[0128] refer to Figure 28 to Figure 33 In the present embodiment, unlike the embodiment 1, the opening 100b ( Figure 2 ) is also used as an operating portion. In addition, the structure of the operating portion 21C is different from that of Embodiment 1. Other structures and operations are the same as those in the above-mentioned Embodiment 1, so the illustration and description of the same structure will be omitted or simplified, and the following description will focus on the parts different from Embodiment 1.

[0129] like Fig.28 and Fig.29 As shown, the developer supply container 1C has a cover member 19C and an operation portion 21C in addition to the container body 2 and the like. Fig.29 As shown, the operating portion 21C has a base portion 21Ca and a pair of arm portions 21Cc extending from each end of the base portion 21Ca toward the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 1C (downstream side in the mounting direction). Fig.15) is formed at the free end of each arm portion 21Cc. The base portion 21Ca and the pair of arm portions 21Cc constitute the main body portion 23, and the main body portion 23 is integrally provided with the engagement portion 21Cd at its free end. The main body portion 23 of the operating portion 21C is held by a holding portion (not shown) of the cover member 19C so as to be displaceable only in the vertical direction.

[0130] Similar to the third embodiment, the operating portion 21C of the present embodiment further includes a compression spring 41 as a pressing element and a regulating portion 21Cf ( Fig.33 The compression spring 41 pushes the entire operation portion 21C (upward in the vertical direction, the direction of the arrow X). That is, the compression spring 41 communicates with the shutter opening 4j along the receiving opening 11a ( Fig.16 The first regulating portion 21Cf has a recess on the upper surface of the base 21Ca, into which the support portion 22a of the movable member 22, which will be described in detail later, can enter.

[0131] The movable member 22 as the second regulating portion can be engaged with the regulating portion 21Cf, and when engaged with the regulating portion 21Cf, it regulates the position of the engaging portion 21Cd against the urging force of the compression spring 41. Fig.28 As shown, such movable member 22 is mounted so as to be movable in the mounting direction (direction of arrow A) relative to cover member 19C.

[0132] In addition, if Fig.30 As shown, the movable member 22 has a support portion 22a, an insertion portion 22b, a pair of guide protrusions 22d and a base 22e. The support portion 22a is formed to protrude downward from the middle of the base 22e. The insertion portion 22b is formed at one end side of the support portion 22a of the base 22e so that the lower surface of the insertion portion 22b is located above the lower surface of the support portion 22a. The pair of guide protrusions 22d are formed to protrude downward from the support portion 22a from the other end side of the support portion 22a of the base 22e.

[0133] like Fig.31 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, the movable member 22 is arranged in a state where the insertion portion 22b is inserted into the fixing hole 19Cc provided at the upstream end portion of the cover member 19C in the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1C. Fig.32As shown in parts (a) and (c) of the drawing, the pair of guide protrusions 22d are inserted into guide grooves 19Cd formed in the bottom surface of the cover member 19C. The guide grooves 19Cd are elongated holes formed along the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 1C, and the movable member 22 is able to move along the longitudinal direction of the guide grooves 19Cd by the guide protrusions 22d guided by the guide grooves 19Cd.

[0134] In addition, an opening 100b is provided in a portion of the apparatus main assembly 100a where the developer receiving device 8 is provided ( Figure 2 ), and an opening / closing cover 50 capable of opening and closing the opening 100b is provided in the apparatus main assembly 100a, as shown in FIG. Fig.31 The opening / closing cover 50 is supported so as to be movable relative to the apparatus main assembly 100a about the rotation axis 51 in the direction of arrow V3. Fig.31 The opening position for opening the opening 100b shown in part (a) is similar to that shown in FIG. Fig.31 The portion (b) is used to rotate between a closed position for closing the opening 100b.

[0135] like Fig.32 As shown in parts (a) and (b), in the movable member 22, the support portion 22a is engaged with the regulating portion 21Cf of the main body 23, and the insertion portion 22b protrudes from the fixing hole 19Cc toward the upstream side in the installation direction. That is, the lower surface of the support portion 22a abuts against the regulating portion 21Cf. In this engaged state, the position of the entire main body 23 is restricted to resist the urging force of the compression spring 41 and cannot be displaced upward in the vertical direction. At this time, the position of the movable member 22 is the first position.

[0136] On the other hand, Fig.32 As shown in parts (c) and (d), the movable member 22 is Fig.32 When the positions of parts (a) and (b) of the movable member 22 are moved to the downstream side in the installation direction, the engagement between the support portion 22a and the regulating portion 21Cf is released. In this way, the entire main body 23 is displaced upward in the vertical direction by the urging force of the compression spring 41. At this time, the position of the movable member 22 is the second position.

[0137] When the operator inserts the developer supply container 1C into the apparatus main assembly 100a and mounts the developer supply container 1C at a predetermined position of the developer receiving apparatus 8, the engaging portion 21Cd abuts against the lower surface of the engaged portion 11b, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 At this time, the movable member 22 is kept at Fig.32 Parts (a) and (b) of Fig.33The first position shown in part (a) of the movable member 22 is shown, and the position of the main body 23 is regulated by the engagement between the support portion 22a and the regulating portion 21Cf. At this time, the free end portion 22c of the insertion portion 22b protrudes toward the upstream side of the fixing hole 19Cc in the insertion direction, that is, toward the opening / closing cover 50. In addition, when the movable member 22 is in the first position, the receiving opening 11a and the baffle opening 4j are located at positions away from each other in the vertical direction and are not connected to each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 as shown in part (a).

[0138] After installing the developer supply container 1C at a predetermined position, the operator rotates the opening / closing cover 50 to Fig.31 The opening / closing cover 50 is moved from the movable member 22 to the position shown in part (b) of the embodiment of the present invention, and the opening / closing cover 50 is closed, so that the operation portion 21C performs a predetermined operation. That is, the opening / closing cover 50 is moved from the movable member 22 to the position shown in part (b) of the present invention, and the opening / closing cover 50 is closed, so that the operation portion 21C performs a predetermined operation Fig.33 The state of the first position shown in part (a) is rotated in the direction of arrow V3. Then, as Fig.33 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the opening / closing cover 50 contacts the free end portion 22c of the movable member 22, and the movable member 22 is pressed and moved to the second position in the direction of arrow A (downstream side in the mounting direction) by the opening / closing cover 50. At this time, the position of the support portion 22a of the movable member 22 deviates from the position where it engages with the regulating portion 21Cf, so that the engagement between the support portion 22a and the regulating portion 21Cf is released.

[0139] By releasing the engagement between the supporting portion 22a and the regulating portion 21Cf, the main body portion 23 of the operating portion 21C is displaced by the urging force of the compression spring 41. Moreover, the main body portion 23 displaces, i.e., rises, the developer receiving portion 11 by the engagement between the engaging portion 21Cd and the engaged portion 11b, so that the receiving opening 11a communicates with the shutter opening 4j. In this way, as in Embodiment 1, the developer receiving portion 11 is vertically displaced upward toward the developer supply container 1C, and the shutter opening 4j and the receiving opening 11a communicate with each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 as shown in part (b).

[0140] Here, in the present embodiment, the predetermined operation is an operation of displacing the engagement portion 21Cd by the urging force of the compression spring 41 by releasing the engagement between the support portion 22 a and the regulating portion 21Cf.

[0141] In addition, when removing the developer supply container 1C, the operator pushes the portion of the main body portion 23 exposed from the cover member 19C toward the upstream side in the mounting direction against the urging force of the compression spring 41, and pushes the insertion portion 22b of the movable member 22 into the fixing hole 19Cc again. Moreover, the support portion 22a and the regulating portion 21Cf engage with each other. Thus, the engaging portion 21Cd is kept in a downwardly descended state, and the developer supply container 1C can be removed. After that, as in Embodiment 1, the developer supply container 1C can be removed.

[0142] <Other embodiments>

[0143] In the above description, the discharge opening communicating with the receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving portion 11 is the shutter opening 4j of the shutter 4. However, in the case where no shutter is adopted, the receiving opening of the developer receiving portion may directly contact the container discharge opening of the developer supply container 1 to establish communication with each other. In this case, the container discharge opening is the discharge opening for communicating with the receiving opening.

[0144] [Industrial Applicability]

[0145] According to the present invention, there are provided a developer supply system, a method of mounting a developer supply container, and a developer supply unit suitable for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus or the like.

[0146] [reference numerals]

[0147] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C = developer supply container; 2c = developer accommodating portion; 3 = flange portion; 3a4 = container discharge opening; 4 = baffle; 4j = baffle opening (discharge opening); 8 = developer receiving device; 11 = developer receiving portion; 11a = receiving opening; 11b = engaged portion (to-be-engaged portion); 19b = supporting shaft; 20, 20A, 20B = operating portion; 20Ad = shaft (rotating shaft); 21, 21A, 21B, 21C = operating portion; 21d, 21Ad, 21Bd, 21Cd = engaging portion; 21Bf = regulating portion; 21Cf = regulating portion (first regulating portion); 22 = movable member (second regulating portion); 41 = compression spring (urging device); 50 = opening / closing cover; 100b = opening; 200 = developer supply system; 300 = discharge portion

Claims

1. A developer supply system, comprising: a developer receiving device including a developer receiving portion provided with a receiving opening for receiving the developer; and a developer supply container removably mountable to the developer receiving device, the developer supply container comprising: a developer containing portion for containing developer, the developer containing portion being rotatable about a rotation axis thereof, the developer containing portion including a gear portion disposed about the rotation axis; a discharge portion which is in fluid communication with the developer accommodating portion and is provided with a discharge opening for discharging the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion, wherein an end of the discharge opening is located at the bottommost side of the developer supply container, and the developer accommodating portion is rotatable relative to the developer discharge portion; a supporting member for supporting the developer containing portion; an operating portion connected to the supporting member in a manner rotatable relative to the supporting member, the operating portion being provided at a position adjacent to an end portion of the developer supply container in the direction of the rotation axis and on an opposite side of the discharge opening relative to the position of the gear portion; an operating portion operable in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion, the operating portion comprising a displacement portion disposed adjacent to an end portion of the discharge opening in the direction of the rotation axis and located on the same side as the discharge opening relative to the position of the gear portion in the direction of the rotation axis, In which, the shifting portion is shifted upward in conjunction with the rotation of the operating portion in a first direction to lift the developer receiving portion upward and establish a connection between the discharge opening and the receiving opening, and the shifting portion is shifted downward in conjunction with the rotation of the operating portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction to lower the developer receiving portion downward and separate the receiving opening from the discharge opening.

2. The developer supply system according to claim 1, in, The developer supply container includes an arm portion rotatably connected to the manipulation portion, wherein the arm portion is displaced upward and slides in the direction of the rotation axis by the rotation of the arm portion relative to the manipulation portion in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion relative to the support member in the first direction, and The support member is provided with an inclined portion located between the displacement portion and the manipulation portion in the direction of the rotation axis, and the inclined portion is inclined so that the displacement portion moves upward through the sliding movement of the arm portion in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion in the first direction.

3. The developer supply system according to claim 1, in, The developer supply container comprises: A shaft fixed to the operating part and a cam fixed to the shaft, wherein the operating part and the cam are rotatable around the axis of the shaft; a base that contacts the cam and is configured to be displaced upward in conjunction with rotation of the cam in a first direction and to be displaced downward in conjunction with rotation of the cam in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and An arm portion connects the displacement portion and the base portion to each other.

4. A developer supply container comprising: a developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate a developer, the developer accommodating portion being rotatable about a rotation axis thereof, the developer accommodating portion including a gear portion disposed about the rotation axis; a developer discharge portion in fluid communication with the developer accommodating portion, the developer discharge portion having a discharge opening configured to discharge the developer, wherein an end of the discharge opening is located at the bottommost side of the developer supply container, and the developer accommodating portion is rotatable relative to the developer discharge portion; a supporting member for supporting the developer containing portion; an operating portion connected to the supporting member in a manner rotatable relative to the supporting member, the operating portion being provided at a position adjacent to an end portion of the developer supply container in the direction of the rotation axis and on an opposite side of the discharge opening relative to the position of the gear portion; an operating portion operable in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion, the operating portion comprising a displacement portion disposed adjacent to an end portion of the discharge opening in the direction of the rotation axis and located on the same side as the discharge opening relative to the position of the gear portion in the direction of the rotation axis, In which, the shifting portion is shifted upward in conjunction with the rotation of the operating portion in a first direction to lift up a developer receiving portion provided with a receiving opening for receiving the developer and establish a connection between the discharge opening and the receiving opening, and the shifting portion is shifted downward in conjunction with the rotation of the operating portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction to lower the developer receiving portion downward and separate the receiving opening from the discharge opening.

5. A developer supply container according to claim 4, further comprising an arm portion rotatably connected to the manipulation portion, in, The arm portion is displaced upward by its rotation relative to the manipulation portion and slides in the direction of the rotation axis in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion relative to the support member in the first direction, and The support member is provided with an inclined portion located between the displacement portion and the manipulation portion in the direction of the rotation axis, and the inclined portion is inclined so that the displacement portion moves upward through the sliding movement of the arm portion in conjunction with the rotation of the manipulation portion in the first direction.

6. A developer supply container according to claim 4, further comprising: A shaft fixed to the operating part and a cam fixed to the shaft, wherein the operating part and the cam are rotatable around the axis of the shaft; a base that contacts the cam and is configured to be displaced upward in conjunction with rotation of the cam in a first direction and to be displaced downward in conjunction with rotation of the cam in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and An arm portion connects the displacement portion and the base portion to each other.

Images