Developer supply container

Abstract

A developer supply container configured to contain a developer, the developer supply container including: a developer discharge portion provided with a discharge passage extending to the outside of the developer supply container, wherein the discharge passage is configured to discharge the developer contained in the developer supply container; a feed portion configured to be rotatable relative to the developer discharge portion about a rotation axis to feed the developer to the discharge passage; a joint portion provided outside the developer discharge portion on one side of the developer discharge portion with respect to a first imaginary plane, the first imaginary plane being parallel to the rotation axis of the feed portion and passing through the discharge path; and a baffle provided with a baffle opening configured to allow the developer to be discharged from the discharge passage, the baffle being supported by the developer discharge portion so as to be slidable between an open position where the baffle opening and one end of the discharge passage are in fluid communication with each other and a closed position where the one end of the discharge passage is closed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application for invention titled "Developer Supply Container and Developer Supply System", with an international filing date of September 21, 2018, an international application number of PCT / JP2018 / 036620, and a national application number of 201880060173.9. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a developer supply container that can be detachably mounted to a developer receiving device. Background Art

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

[0004] For example, a structure has been proposed in which a developer supply container can be mounted on a developer receiving device provided in an imaging apparatus and can be detached from the developer receiving device, and a developer receiving portion of the developer receiving device is displaced toward a discharge opening of the developer supply container according to an 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 further improved in the structure described in the above - mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open No. 2013 - 015826.

[0007] [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer supply container that can be detachably mounted to a developer receiving device. The developer receiving device includes a developer receiving portion provided with a receiving opening for receiving a developer and includes a portion to be engaged that can be displaced integrally with the developer receiving portion. The developer supply container includes: a rotatable developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer; a developer discharge portion that can rotate relative to the developer accommodating portion and is provided with a discharge opening at its bottom side for discharging the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion; and an engaging portion that is provided only on one side of the developer discharge portion when viewed in a direction in which the developer supply container is inserted into the developer receiving device. The engaging portion can be engaged with the portion to be engaged by an installation operation of the developer supply container to displace the developer receiving portion so that the developer receiving portion moves toward the discharge opening, thereby bringing the receiving opening into fluid communication with the discharge opening.

[0009] [Effects of the present 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 an embodiment is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 Parts (a) and (b) of [device name] show a developer receiving device according to this embodiment, where part (a) is a perspective view of the developer receiving device, and part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the developer receiving device.

[0014] Figure 4 Parts (a), (b), and (c) of [device name] show a developer receiving device according to this embodiment, where part (a) is an enlarged partial perspective view of the developer receiving device, part (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the developer receiving device, and part (c) is a perspective view of the developer receiving portion.

[0015] Figure 5 Parts (a), (b), and (c) of [device name] show a developer supply container according to this embodiment, where part (a) is a perspective view with a partial cutaway, part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container around the flange portion, and part (c) is a front view of the developer supply container when viewed from the front side.

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the container body of the developer supply container according to this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 Parts (a) and (b) of [device name] show the flange portion in this embodiment, where part (a) is a perspective view of the flange portion, and part (b) is a bottom view of the flange portion.

[0018] Figure 8 is from the side opposite to Figure 7 a perspective view of the flange portion according to this embodiment when viewed from the side opposite to part (a) of [device name].

[0019] Figure 9 Part (a) of [device name] is a top view of a baffle according to this embodiment, Figure 9 part (b) of [device name] is a perspective view.

[0020] Figure 10 Part (a) of [device name] is from the side opposite to Figure 9 a perspective view of the baffle according to this embodiment when viewed from the side opposite to part (b) of [device name], Figure 10 part (b) of [device name] is alongFigure 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of part (b).

[0021] Figure 11 Parts (a) and (b) show a pump according to Embodiment 1, where part (a) is a perspective view and part (b) is a side view.

[0022] Figure 12 Parts (a) and (b) show a reciprocating member according to Embodiment 1, where part (a) is a perspective view and part (b) is a perspective view when viewed from the opposite side of part (a).

[0023] Figure 13 Parts (a) and (b) show a cover according to Embodiment 1, where part (a) is a perspective view and part (b) is a perspective view when viewed from the opposite side of part (a).

[0024] Figure 14 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of a developer supply container and a developer receiving device according to this embodiment in a state where a baffle is fixed to the developer receiving device. Figure 14 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the joint portion at this time.

[0025] Figure 15 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of a developer supply container and a developer receiving device according to this embodiment in a state where the joint portion of the developer receiving portion has started to engage with the joint portion of the flange portion. Figure 15 Part (b) is a view showing the position of the joint portion at this time.

[0026] Figure 16 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of a developer supply container and a developer receiving device according to this embodiment when the joint portion of the developer receiving portion is engaged with the joint portion of the flange portion and is moving. Figure 16 Part (b) shows the position of the joint portion at this time.

[0027] Figure 17 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of a developer supply container and a developer receiving device in a state where the installation of the developer supply container according to this embodiment is completed. Figure 17 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the joint portion at this time.

[0028] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view of a developer supply container and a developer receiving device in a state where the installation of the developer supply container according to this embodiment is completed.

[0029] Figure 19 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the connection portion between the baffle and the developer receiving portion according to the comparative example. Figure 19Part (b) is a sectional view of the baffle and the developer receiving portion.

[0030] Figure 20 Parts (a), (b) and (c) show modified examples of the flange portion according to the embodiment, wherein part (a) is a side view of a first example, part (b) is a side view of a second example, and part (c) is a side view of a third example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the following, reference Figures 1 - 20 , Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. First, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a schematic structure of the imaging device of this embodiment will be described.

[0032] [Imaging device]

[0033] 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 a plurality of reflection mirrors M and a lens Ln of the manuscript reading device 103 so as 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 cartridge), but the present invention is not limited to this example, but may have a structure as will be described below.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 side of the feeding member (201e) 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 where the developing roller faces the photosensitive drum 104. In the present embodiment, since a one-component developer is used, toner is supplied as the developer from the developer supply container 1 to the developing device 201. However, when a two-component developer is used, toner and a carrier can be supplied as the developer from the developer supply container.

[0037] The cassettes 105 to 108 accommodate a recording material S such as paper. When an image is to be formed, based on the information input by the operator (user) on the operation unit 100d of the imaging device 100 or based on the size of the original document 101, the cassette that accommodates the best recording material S among the sheets accommodated in these cassettes 105 to 108 is selected. Here, regarding the recording material S, it is not limited to paper, but may be an OHP sheet or the like depending on the situation. A single recording material S fed by the feeding and separating devices 105A to 108A is fed to the alignment roller 110 via the feeding unit 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 document reading device 103.

[0038] The transfer charging device 111 and the separation charging device 112 are provided at positions facing the photosensitive drum 104 on the downstream side of the alignment 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 alignment roller 110 by the transfer charging device 111. And the recording material S having the toner image transferred thereon is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation charging device 112. Subsequently, heat and pressure are applied to the recording material S fed by the feeding unit 113 in the fixing unit 114, thereby fixing the toner image on the recording material. Thereafter, in the case of single-sided copying, the recording material S having the toner image fixed thereon passes through the discharge / reversal unit 115 and is discharged by the discharge roller 116 to the discharge tray 117.

[0039] On the other hand, in the case of double-sided copying, the recording material S passes through the discharge / reversal unit 115, and the recording material S is partially discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller 116. Thereafter, at the timing when the rear end of the recording material S passes through the switching member 118 but is still held 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 alignment roller 110 via the re-feed and feed units 119 and 120, and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 via the same path as in the case of single-sided copying.

[0040] In the image forming apparatus 100 having the above structure, image forming processing devices such as a developing device 201, a cleaner section 202, a primary charging device 203, etc. are provided around the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the developing device 201 supplies a developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 based on the 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. Further, the cleaner section 202 has a function of removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104.

[0041] As Figure 2 shown, when the operator opens the replacement 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 device 8 described below can be seen. And by inserting the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving device 8, the developer supply container 1 is installed in a state where it can supply the developer to the developer receiving device 8. On the other hand, when the operator replaces the developer supply container 1, an operation opposite to the loading operation is performed, whereby the developer supply container 1 is detached from the developer receiving device 8, and then a new developer supply container 1 can be installed. Here, the replacement cover 40 is a cover dedicated to the installation / detachment (replacement) of the developer supply container 1, and is opened and closed only for the purpose of detaching / installing 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 replacement cover 40 and the front cover 100c can be integrated. In this case, the replacement of the developer supply container 1 and the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 are performed by opening and closing an integrated cover (not shown).

[0042] [Developer Receiving Device]

[0043] Next, referring to Figure 3 parts (a) to Figure 4 parts (c) of Figure 3As shown in part (a), 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 dismounting directions. In the case of this embodiment, this structure makes the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 the direction denoted by A, and the dismounting direction B of the developer supply container 1 is opposite to the mounting direction A in which the developer supply container 1 is mounted through the insertion guide 8e.

[0044] As Figure 3 part (a) to Figure 4 As shown in part (a), the developer receiving device 8 has a drive gear 9 that serves as a drive mechanism for driving the developer supply container 1. The rotational driving force is transmitted from the drive motor 500 to the drive gear 9 through a drive gear train (not shown), such that the drive gear 9 applies the rotational driving force to the developer supply container 1 mounted in the mounting portion 8f. The operation of the drive motor 500 is controlled by the control device 600.

[0045] In addition to controlling the drive motor 500, the control device 600 also 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 the control process stored in the ROM. In addition, the working data and input data are stored in the RAM, and the CPU performs control while looking up the data stored in the RAM based on the program and the like.

[0046] In the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8, a developer receiving portion 11 for receiving the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 is provided. The developer receiving portion 11 is connected to the container discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 when the developer supply container 1 is mounted ( Figure 5 part (b)), and has a receiving opening 11a for receiving the developer discharged through the container discharge opening 3a4. The developer receiving portion 11 is mounted so as to be movable (shifted) in a direction (in this embodiment, a direction intersecting the direction along which the developer supply container 1 is mounted (more specifically, the vertical direction of the developer receiving device 8)) in which the receiving opening 11a faces toward and away from the container discharge opening 3a4. In the case of this embodiment, as Figure 3 shown in part (b), the developer receiving portion 11 is pushed by a pushing member (spring) 12 in the direction (vertically downward) in which the receiving opening 11a moves away from the container discharge opening 3a4. 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 pushing force of the pushing member 12.

[0047] In addition, as shown in part (a) of Figure 4 , on the upstream side in the installation direction (the direction of arrow A) of the developer receiving portion 11, a first baffle stopper portion 8a and a second baffle stopper portion 8b are provided on the installation portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8. In the developer supply container 1 that moves relative to the developer receiving device 8 during installation and disassembly, the first baffle stopper portion 8a and the second baffle stopper portion 8b limit the relative movement of only the baffle 4 ( Figure 9 , such as part (a) thereof) relative to the developer receiving device 8, which will be described later. In this example, the baffle 4 moves relative to the portion of the developer supply container 1 other than the baffle 4 (for example, the container body 2, etc., which will be described later).

[0048] As Figure 3 shown in part (b) of Figure 4 and part (b) of Figure 1 , 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 this sub-hopper 8c, a feed screw 14 for feeding the developer to the developer hopper portion 201a ( Figure 1 ) that is part of the developing device 201, and an opening 8d communicating with the developer hopper portion 201a are provided.

[0049] As Figure 4 shown in part (c) of Figure 5 , a main component seal 13 formed to surround the receiving opening 11a is provided in the developer receiving portion 11. The main component seal 13 includes an elastic member, foam, etc. When the developer supply container 1 is installed, the main component seal 13 and the opening seal 3a5 ( Figure 5 , part (b) thereof) surrounding the container discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 are in close contact with the baffle 4 ( Figure 9 , parts (a) and (b) thereof) and sandwich the baffle 4 therebetween. 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 feed path).

[0050] 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 deposit on the upper surface of the main assembly seal 13. If the developer deposits on the lower surface of the developer supply container 1 when performing the installation / dismantling operation of the developer supply container 1, this will cause contamination by the developer. Taking this into account, it is preferable that the diameter of the receiving opening 11a is approximately equal to the diameter of the baffle opening 4j or about 2 mm larger than the diameter of the baffle opening 4j. For example, when 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.

[0051] In addition, as Figure 4 shown in part (c), on the side surface of the developer receiving portion 11, there is provided a portion to be joined (portion to be engaged) 11b that protrudes toward the center side. In the case of this embodiment, the portion to be joined 11b is directly joined to the engaging portion 30 provided in the developer supply container 1 ( Figure 7 part (a)) described below, and is guided by the engaging portion 30, whereby the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted upward in the direction U toward the developer supply container 1.

[0052] [Developer Supply Container]

[0053] Next, referring to Figure 5 parts (a) to Figure 12 part (b), the developer supply container 1 constituting the developer supply system 200 will be described. First, referring to Figure 5 parts (a) and Figure 5 part (b), the overall structure of the developer supply container 1 will be described. The developer supply container 1 mainly includes a container body 2, a flange portion 3, a baffle 4, a pump portion 5, a reciprocating member 6, and a lid 7. The developer supply container 1 supplies the developer to the developer receiving device 8 by rotating about the rotation axis P shown in Figure 5 part (a) of the developer receiving device 8 in the direction indicated by the arrow R. Hereinafter, each element constituting the developer supply container 1 will be described in detail.

[0054] [Container Body]

[0055] As Figure 6As shown, the container body 2 mainly includes a developer accommodating portion 2c for accommodating a developer. In addition, the container body 2 is provided with a spiral feed groove 2a (feeding portion) for feeding the developer in the developer accommodating portion 2c by rotating the container body 2 about the rotation axis P in the direction of arrow R. Further, as Figure 6 shown, a cam groove 2b and a drive receiving portion 2d for receiving a driving force from the main assembly side are integrally formed on the entire circumference 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 member 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 diameter of 5 μm - 6 μm is accommodated as the developer in the developer accommodating portion 2c. Further, in the present embodiment, the developer accommodating portion 2c includes not only the container body 2 but also the internal spaces of a flange portion 3 and a pump portion 5 which will be described below.

[0056] [Flange portion]

[0057] Referring to Figure 5 part (a) of Figure 5 part (b) of Figure 7 and parts (a) to Figure 8 , the flange portion 3 will be described. The flange portion 3 is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the container body 2 about the rotation axis P. And 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 rotatable in the direction of arrow R relative to the mounting portion 8f ( Figure 3 part (a) of Figure 7 As shown in part (b)), a container discharge opening 3a4 is provided in a part of the flange portion 3, and an opening seal 3a5 is mounted to the periphery of the container discharge opening 3a4. As shown in Figure 5 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.

[0058] First, as Figure 5 shown in part (b), the pump portion 5 is screwed to one end side of the flange portion 3, and the container body 2 is connected to the other end side of the flange portion with a sealing member (not shown) therebetween. In addition, the reciprocating member 6 is provided so as to sandwich the pump portion 5 therebetween, and engaging protrusions 6b ( Figure 12 shown in parts (a) and (b)) provided on the reciprocating member 6 engage with the cam groove 2b ( Figure 6)Joining. 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. Further, 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, the cover 7 is integrally provided to entirely cover the flange portion 3, the pump portion 5, and the reciprocating member 6, as shown in part (b) of Figure 5 .

[0059] [Joint portion]

[0060] As shown in part (a) of Figure 7 , the flange portion 3 is provided with a joint portion 30 that can be joined to the joint portion 11b ( Figure 4 part (c) of

[0061] ) of the developer receiving portion 11. The joint portion 30 displaces the developer receiving portion 11 toward the developer supply container 1 according to the installation operation of the developer supply container 1 and connects the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving portion 11 to each other, so that the developer can be replenished from the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving portion 11. In addition, the joint portion 30 is guided as the developer supply container 1 is removed, so that the developer receiving portion 11 displaces in a direction away from the developer supply container 1, thereby stopping the connection state between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving portion 11. Figure 5 Part (c) is a front view of the developer supply container 1. As shown in part (c) of Figure 5 , the first joint surface 3b2 and the second joint surface 3b4 are provided below the plane H including the rotation axis. Further, the plane H including the rotation axis P is a horizontal plane, and the first joint surface 3b2 and the second joint surface 3b4 are provided below this horizontal plane. According to the installation operation of the developer supply container 1, the developer receiving portion 11 is upwardly guided by engaging the joint portion 11b with the first joint surface 3b2. Thus, the receiving opening 11a communicates with the container discharge opening 3a4 by engaging the joint portion 11b with the second joint surface 3b4. Although the details will be described below, the joint portion of the present embodiment has the following structure. An inclined portion (first part) 31 and a parallel portion (second part) 32 extending from the lower end (first position) toward the upper end (second position) constitute a track through which the joint portion 11b passes. And, as shown in Figure 5As shown in part (c), the track is arranged below the plane H. In addition, when imagining a hypothetical plane including the rotation axis, the discharge opening and the track are arranged in the same area (lower area). In this case, the parallel portion 32 is arranged closer to the horizontal plane H or the hypothetical plane than the inclined portion 31. Moreover, in the present embodiment, in the developer receiving portion 11, the engaged portion 11b and the receiving opening are located in the same plane perpendicular to the rotation axis P. As a result, the engaged portion 11b and the parallel portion 32 are located in the same plane perpendicular to the rotation axis P. The engaged portion 11b is engaged with the track, and the engaged portion 11b is lifted so that the discharge opening and the receiving opening can communicate. And when forming the communication path, a discharge path is formed between the inside of the developer supply container and the discharge opening so that the developer in the developer supply container can be discharged toward the receiving opening. Hereinafter, a more detailed description will be given.

[0062] The first engaging surface 3b2 displaces the developer receiving portion 11 in a direction crossing the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1, thereby performing the opening operation of the developer receiving portion 11. In the present embodiment, the first engaging surface 3b2 displaces the developer receiving portion 11 toward the developer supply container 1 according to the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 so that the developer receiving portion 11 is connected to a part of the opening seal 3a5 of the developer supply container 1. To achieve this, the first engaging surface 3b2 extends in a direction crossing the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1. More specifically, the first engaging surface 3b2 is an inclined surface that is inclined so that the engaged portion 11b is guided in the direction in which the receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving portion 11 communicates with the container discharge opening 3a4 according to the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. In the present embodiment, the first engaging surface 3b2 is inclined so that the first engaging surface faces upward from the downstream side to the upstream side along the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1.

[0063] In addition, the first engaging surface 3b2 has a shape such that as the first engaging surface 3b2 approaches the drive receiving portion 2d, the first engaging surface 3b2 extends upward on the rotation axis P. Here, in the present embodiment, the first engaging surface 3b2 has a linear shape. It is desirable that the inclination angle of the first engaging surface 3b2 with respect to the mounting and dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is 10 degrees to 50 degrees. In the present embodiment, the inclination angle is about 40 degrees.

[0064] Here, the first engaging surface 3b2 is not limited to this structure as long as it extends upward as it approaches the drive receiving portion 2d. For example, as Figure 20 shown in part (a), the shape of the first engaging surface 3b2A can be a curved inclined surface. In addition, as Figure 20As shown in part (b), the shape of the first joint surface 3b2B can be a stepped shape including a parallel surface and an inclined surface. In addition, as Figure 20 shown in part (c), the first joint surface 3b2C and the second joint surface 3b4 can be integrated to form a unified linear inclined surface.

[0065] On the other hand, the second joint surface 3b4 maintains the position of the developer receiving portion 11, so that the container discharge opening 3a4 is in a state of communicating with the receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving portion 11 according to the installation operation of the developer supply container 1. That is, after connecting a part of the receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving portion 11 to the opening seal 3a5 of the developer supply container 1, while moving the developer supply container 1 relative to the baffle 4, the connection state between the main assembly seal 13 and the opening seal 3a5 is maintained. In other words, while the receiving opening 11a is connected to a part of the opening seal 3a5 and then moves toward the container discharge opening 3a4, the connection state between the main assembly seal 13 and the opening seal 3a5 is maintained, and the receiving opening 11a communicates with the container discharge opening 3a4. To achieve this, the second joint surface 3b4 extends in a direction parallel to the installation direction of the developer supply container 1. More specifically, the second joint surface 3b4 is a substantially horizontal surface. In this embodiment, the joint portion (the second joint surface 3b4) that is joined to the joined portion 11b is substantially parallel to the installation direction or the rotation axis P, but the joint portion corresponding to the second joint surface 3b4 of this embodiment is not limited to being parallel, but can be inclined.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, as Figure 7 shown in part (a), the joint portion 30 is provided only on one side surface of the flange portion 3 in a predetermined direction that intersects the installation direction of the developer supply container 1 and crosses the displacement direction of the developer receiving portion 11. In this embodiment, this predetermined direction is a direction perpendicular to the installation direction (arrow A direction) of the developer supply container 1 and perpendicular to the displacement direction (vertical direction) of the developer receiving portion 11, and this predetermined direction is the left - right direction when viewed in the direction of arrow D as Figure 8 shown. And the joint portion 30 is provided only on one of the two side surfaces of the flange portion 3 in the predetermined direction. Therefore, as Figure 8 shown, the joint portion 30 is not provided on the other side surface of the flange portion 3 in the predetermined direction. Here, in the flange portion 3 of this embodiment, although the joint portion 30 is not provided on the left side surface when viewed in the direction of arrow D in Figure 8 , the joint portion can be provided conversely.

[0067] [Baffle]

[0068] Next, referring to Figure 9Part (a) to Figure 9 Part (b) will describe the baffle 4. The baffle 4 that can slide on the baffle insertion part 3b1 ( Figure 7 Part (a)) of the flange part 3 moves relative to a part (flange part 3) of the developer supply container 1. The baffle 4 has a baffle opening 4j as a discharge opening, and opens and closes the container discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 according to the installation and removal operations of the developer supply container 1 ( Figure 7 Part (b) in). That is, by moving the baffle 4 relative to the developer supply container 1 according to the installation operation of the developer supply container 1, the receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving part 11 and the baffle opening 4j communicate with each other, and further communicate with the container discharge opening 3a4. In this way, the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be discharged to the receiving opening 11a. That is, the discharge part 300 ( Figure 5 Part (b)) for discharging the developer is composed of the flange part 3 and the baffle 4, and the baffle 4 of the discharge part 300 is provided with a baffle opening 4j as a discharge opening for discharging the developer.

[0069] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9 Parts (a) and (b), a developer sealing part 4a is provided at a position of the baffle 4 deviated from the baffle opening 4j. As the baffle 4 moves relative to the developer supply container 1 according to the removal operation of the developer supply container 1, the developer sealing part 4a closes the container discharge opening 3a4. In addition, when the developer supply container 1 is not installed on the installation part 8f ( Figure 3 Part (a)) of the developer receiving device 8, the developer sealing part 4a prevents the developer from leaking from the container discharge opening 3a4. A sliding surface 4i that slides on the baffle insertion part 3b1 of the flange part 3 is provided on the back side (developer receiving part (11) side). Here, the baffle 4 engages with the flange part 3 with the developer sealing part 4a facing upward.

[0070] The baffle 4 is provided with a first stopper part 4b and a second stopper part 4c held by the first baffle stopper 8a and the second baffle stopper 8b ( Figure 4 Part (a)) of the developer receiving device 8, so that the developer supply container 1 can move relative to the baffle 4. In addition, the baffle 4 is provided with a support part 4d for displaceably supporting the first stopper part 4b and the second stopper part 4c. The support part 4d can be elastically deformed and extends from one side of the developer sealing part 4a to the other side. And, the first stopper part 4b and the second stopper part 4c are provided at the free end of the support part 4d. In this way, the first stopper part 4b and the second stopper part 4c can be displaced by the elasticity of the support part 4d.

[0071] Here, the first stopper portion 4b is inclined such that the angle α formed by the first stopper portion 4b and the support portion 4d is an acute angle. Conversely, the second stopper portion 4c is inclined such that the angle β formed by the second stopper portion 4c and the support portion 4d is an obtuse angle.

[0072] When the developer supply container 1 is installed, the first stopper portion 4b engages with the guide portion 8g of the developer receiving device 8 and is displaced to pass the second baffle stopper portion 8b, thereby engaging with the first baffle stopper portion 8a. By engaging the first stopper portion 4b with the first baffle stopper portion 8a, the position of the baffle 4 relative to the developer receiving device 8 is fixed, and the baffle 4 and the developer supply container 1 can move relative to each other. When removing the developer supply container 1, the second stopper portion 4c engages with the second baffle stopper portion 8b of the developer receiving device 8, causing the first stopper portion 4b to disengage from the first baffle stopper portion 8a. Thereby, the baffle 4 disengages from the developer receiving device 8.

[0073] In addition, as Figure 10 shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 10 the baffle 4 has a connection surface 4k connected to the developer receiving portion 11 such that the connection surface 4k surrounds the baffle opening 4j of the sliding surface 4i. Figure 9 Part (b) of Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view near the baffle opening 4j of the baffle 4 ( Figure 8 the C-C cross-sectional view of part (b) of Figure 10 ). Here, Figure 10 the direction C in part (b) of Figure 7 is the same as the direction D in Figure 8 . As shown in part (b) of

[0074] [Pump section]

[0075] Referring to Figure 11 parts (a) and (b) of Figure 6The driving receiving part 2d receives the driving force and alternately and repeatedly changes the internal pressure of the developer accommodating part 2c, switching between a state lower than atmospheric pressure and a state higher than 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 part 5 is provided at a part of the developer supply container 1. The pump part 5 is a positive displacement pump in which the volume changes. More specifically, the pump part 5 adopted in the present embodiment has a bellows-shaped expandable member that can expand and contract.

[0076] The pressure inside the developer supply container 1 is changed by the expansion and contraction operation of the pump part 5, and the developer is discharged by utilizing this pressure. More specifically, when the pump part 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 part 5 expands, the inside of the developer supply container 1 enters a decompressed state, and air is inhaled from the outside through the container discharge opening 3a4. Through the inhaled air, the developer located in the container discharge opening 3a4 and near the storage part 3a3 ( Figure 7 part (a)) is discharged loosely and smoothly, and the storage part 3a3 stores the developer transported from the container body 2 of the flange part 3.

[0077] That is, near the container discharge opening 3a4 and the storage part 3a3 of the developer supply container 1, the developer in the developer supply container 1 may aggregate due to vibrations applied when transporting the developer supply container 1, and as a possible result, the developer may agglomerate at this part. Therefore, as described above, air is inhaled through the container discharge opening 3a4, so that the agglomerated developer can be loosened. In addition, in the normal discharge operation of the developer, as air is inhaled as described above, the air is mixed with the powder of the developer, and as a result, the fluidity of the developer is improved, and as an additional advantage, clogging of the developer is not likely to occur. By repeatedly performing the expansion and contraction operation as described above, the developer is discharged.

[0078] As Figure 11 shown in part (a), in the pump part 5, the coupling part 5b is provided at the open end side (disassembly direction B) so as to be able to be coupled to the flange part 3. In the present embodiment, a threaded part is formed as the coupling part 5b. In addition, as Figure 11 shown in part (b), the pump part 5 has a reciprocating member engaging part 5c at the other end side that engages with a reciprocating member 6 ( Figure 12 parts (a) and (b)) to be described below.

[0079] In addition, as Figure 11As shown in part (b), the pump unit 5 has a bellows-shaped extensible part (bellows part, telescopic member) 5a in which peak parts and bottom parts are periodically and alternately formed. The telescopic part 5a can be folded along the folding line (with the folding line as the base point) in the direction of arrow A or extended in the direction of arrow B. Therefore, when the bellows-shaped pump unit 5 is adopted in this embodiment, the fluctuation of the volume change with respect to the telescopic amount can be reduced, and thus a stable volume change can be achieved.

[0080] Here, in this embodiment, a polypropylene resin is used as the material of the pump unit 5, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As for the material (material quality) of the pump unit 5, any material can be used as long as the material has a telescopic function and can change the internal pressure of the developer accommodating part by changing the volume. For example, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), polystyrene, polyester, polyethylene, etc. can be used. Or, rubber, other stretchable materials, etc. can also be used.

[0081] [reciprocating member]

[0082] Refer to Figure 12 parts (a) and (b), the reciprocating member 6 will be described. As Figure 12 shown in parts (a) and (b), in order to change the volume of the pump unit 5, the reciprocating member 6 is provided with a pump engaging part 6a ( Figure 12 part (b)), which engages with the reciprocating member engaging part 5c ( Figure 11 part (b)) provided on the pump unit. In addition, the reciprocating member 6 is provided with an engaging protrusion 6b that is to be engaged with the above-mentioned cam groove 2b ( Figure 6 ) during assembly. The engaging protrusion 6b is provided at the free end of an arm 6c that extends along the mounting and dismounting direction (arrows A and B in the figure) from near the pump engaging part 6a. In addition, the reciprocating member 6 is regulated to rotate about the rotation axis P ( Figure 13 part (b)) of the arm 6c by the reciprocating member holding part 7b ( Figure 5 part (a)) of the cover 7 described later. Therefore, when the container body 2 is driven by the drive receiving part 2d by the drive gear 9 and the cam groove 2b rotates integrally, the reciprocating member 6 reciprocates back and forth in the directions A and B by the pushing action of the reciprocating member holding part 7b of the cover 7 and the engaging protrusion 6b fitted in the cam groove 2b. Therefore, the pump unit 5 engaged with the pump engaging part 6a of the reciprocating member 6 by the reciprocating member engaging part 5c expands and contracts in the directions B and A.

[0083] [cover]

[0084] Refer to Figure 13 parts (a) and (b), the cover 7 will be described. As described above, as Figure 5The lid 7 is provided as shown in part (b) to improve the appearance of the developer supply container 1 and protect the reciprocating member 6 and the pump section 5. More specifically, the lid 7 is provided to cover the entire flange section 3, the pump section 5, and the reciprocating member 6. As Figure 13 shown in part (a), the lid 7 is provided with a guide groove 7a to be guided by the insertion guide 8e ( Figure 3 of part (a)) of the developer receiving device 8. Further, as Figure 13 shown in part (b), the lid 7 is provided with a reciprocating member holding section 7b for restricting the rotation of the reciprocating member 6 about the rotation axis P ( Figure 5 of part (a)).

[0085] [Operation of installing the developer supply container]

[0086] Refer to Figure 14 parts (a) to Figure 17 part (b), and the operation of installing the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 will be described. Figure 14 Parts (a) to Figure 17 part (b) are diagrams showing each timing when the developer supply container 1 is installed to the developer receiving device 8.

[0087] When the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the device main assembly 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 in the direction A ( Figure 5 of part (a)), the baffle 4 contacts the developer receiving device 8 at the position shown in Figure 14 part (a), so that the position of the baffle 4 relative to the developer receiving device 8 is fixed. In this position, the positions of the developer supply container 1 and the baffle 4 do not shift relative to each other, so the container discharge opening 3a4 of the flange section 3 is sealed by the developer sealing section 4a of the baffle 4. At this time, as Figure 14 shown in part (b), the first joint surface 3b2 of the joint section 30 provided on one side of the flange section 3 and the jointed section 11b of the developer receiving section 11 are not yet jointed.

[0088] When the developer supply container 1 is further inserted in the direction A from this state, the developer supply container 1 is displaced relative to the baffle 4 in the state where the baffle 4 is fixed to the developer receiving device 8, as Figure 15 shown in part (a). However, as Figure 15 shown in part (b), the first joint surface 3b2 of the flange section 3 and the jointed section 11b of the developer receiving section 11 are in a state of starting to joint with each other, so the upward position of the receiving opening 11a is maintained at the initial position.

[0089] When the developer supply container 1 is further inserted in the direction A from this state, the developer supply container 1 is further displaced relative to the baffle 4, asFigure 16 Part (a). At this time, as Figure 16 shown in part (b), the engaged portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced along the first joint surface 3b2 of the flange portion 3. As a result, the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted above the initial position, so that the receiving opening 11a contacts the shutter opening 4j of the shutter 4. That is, the developer receiving portion 11 is raised to a position where it abuts against the shutter 4. However, in this state, the shutter opening 4j and the container discharge opening 3a4 are not yet in communication with each other.

[0090] When the developer supply container 1 is further inserted in the direction A from this state, the engaged portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced parallel to the second joint surface 3b4, as Figure 17 shown in part (b), so that the receiving opening 11a and the shutter opening 4j remain in contact with each other. Here, as Figure 17 shown in part (b), the positional relationship between the container discharge opening 3a4 and the second joint surface 3b4 is such that a plane L perpendicular to the rotation axis P and passing through the container discharge opening 3a4 passes through the second joint surface 3b4. In addition, the plane including the second joint surface 3b4 is arranged between the rotation axis P and the container discharge opening 3a4. On the other hand, as the developer supply container 1 is further displaced relative to the shutter 4, the shutter opening 4j and the container discharge opening 3a4 are finally in communication with each other, as Figure 17 shown in part (a). In this state, the container discharge opening 3a4, the shutter opening 4j, and the receiving opening 11a are in communication with each other, so that the developer can be replenished from the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving portion 11.

[0091] As Figure 7 shown in part (a) and Figure 8 shown, the joint portion 30 is provided only on one of the two sides in a predetermined direction of the flange portion 3. Therefore, when performing the installation operation of the developer supply container 1 as described above, the upward lifting effect does not act on the engaged portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 located on the side without the joint portion 30. As a result, as Figure 18 shown, the developer receiving portion 11 itself is lifted upward in an inclined state.

[0092] Here, as in Figure 19In the comparative example shown in part (a), if the connection surface 400k of the baffle 400 connected to the developer receiving portion 11 is formed substantially horizontally without inclination, a gap G may be formed between the connection surface 400k and the main component seal 13 of the developer receiving portion 11. That is, the contact between the connection surface 400k and the main component seal 13 may be insufficient. In this state, when performing the operation of supplying the developer from the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8, a part of the developer discharged through the container discharge opening 3a4 and the baffle opening 400j may leak as shown by the arrow F and may scatter into the developer receiving device 8.

[0093] On the contrary, in the case of the present embodiment, as Figure 10 shown in part (b), the connection surface 4k slopes downward from the side of the setting engagement portion 30 of the flange portion 3 toward the side where the engagement portion 30 is not provided. Therefore, as Figure 19 shown in part (b), even if the developer receiving portion 11 is inclined, the connection surface 4k follows the main component seal 13 of the developer receiving portion 11, so that reliable contact can be made. Therefore, the developer can be supplied from the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 without the scattering of the developer as in the comparative example.

[0094] Here, the inclination direction of the developer receiving portion 11 varies according to the side surface of the flange portion 3 where the engagement portion 30 is not provided, so the inclination direction of the connection surface 4k is selected corresponding to this side.

[0095] In addition, the inclination angle of the connection surface 4k is selected according to the inclination angle of the developer receiving portion 11. As Figure 18 shown, in the developer receiving portion 11, while the wall 11c of the engaged portion 11b is guided and provided inside the wall 7c in the lid 7 provided in the developer supply container 1, the wall 11c is raised. Therefore, the developer receiving portion 11 is inclined until the wall 11c is displaced and abuts against the wall 7c near the engagement position between the second engagement surface 3b4 and the engaged portion 11b. Therefore, the inclination angle of the connection surface 4k is made equal to the angle ( Figure 18 θ in

[0096] formed between the wall 11c and the wall 7c at this time). That is, the inclination angle of the connection surface 4k is adjusted by the distance between the wall 7c and the wall 11c.

[0097] In addition, in the foregoing description, the shutter opening 4j of the shutter 4 is a discharge opening communicating with the receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving portion 11. However, in the case where the shutter is not provided, the receiving opening of the developer receiving portion may directly contact the container discharge opening of the developer supply container 1. In this case, the container discharge opening is a discharge opening communicating with the receiving opening.

[0098] [Industrial Applicability]

[0099] According to the present invention, there are provided a developer supply container and a developer supply system suitable for an electrophotographic imaging apparatus and the like.

[0100] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0101] 1 = developer supply container; 2c = developer accommodating portion; 3 = flange portion; 3a4 = container discharge opening; 3b2, 3b2A, 3b2B, 3b2C = first joint surface (inclined surface); 4 = shutter; 4j = shutter opening (discharge opening); 4k = connecting surface (inclined surface); 8 = developer receiving device; 11 = developer receiving portion; 11a = receiving opening; 11b = joint portion; 30 = joint portion; 200 = developer supply system; 300 = discharge portion

Claims

1. A developer supply container configured to accommodate a developer, the developer supply container comprises: a developer discharge portion provided with a discharge passage extending to the outside of the developer supply container, wherein the discharge passage is configured to discharge the developer accommodated in the developer supply container; a feeding portion configured to be rotatable relative to the developer discharge portion about a rotation axis to feed the developer to the discharge passage; a joint portion provided on the outside of the developer discharge portion on one side of the developer discharge portion with respect to a first imaginary plane, the first imaginary plane (i) being parallel to the rotation axis of the feeding portion and (ii) passing through the discharge passage; and a baffle provided with a baffle opening configured to allow the developer to be discharged from the discharge passage, the baffle being supported by the developer discharge portion so as to be slidable between an open position in which the baffle opening and one end of the discharge passage are in fluid communication with each other and a closed position in which the one end of the discharge passage is closed, wherein the baffle is provided with an inclined surface inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and surrounding the baffle opening, the inclined surface being inclined such that on a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and passing through the discharge passage and the baffle opening, in a state where the baffle opening and one end of the discharge passage are in fluid communication with each other, the inclined surface is closer to the joint portion on the one side than to a portion corresponding to the joint portion on the other side of the developer discharge portion.

2. A developer supply container configured to accommodate a developer, the developer supply container comprises: a developer discharge portion provided with a discharge passage extending to the outside of the developer supply container, wherein the discharge passage is configured to discharge the developer accommodated in the developer supply container; a feeding portion configured to be rotatable relative to the developer discharge portion about a rotation axis to feed the developer to the discharge passage; a joint portion provided on the outside of the developer discharge portion on one side of the developer discharge portion with respect to a first imaginary plane, the first imaginary plane (i) being parallel to the rotation axis of the feeding portion and (ii) passing through the discharge passage; a baffle provided with a baffle opening configured to allow the developer to be discharged from the discharge passage, the baffle being supported by the developer discharge portion so as to be slidable between an open position in which the baffle opening and one end of the discharge passage are in fluid communication with each other and a closed position in which the one end of the discharge passage is closed; and a developer accommodating portion, the developer accommodating portion (i) being configured to accommodate the developer, (ii) being configured to be rotatable relative to the developer discharge portion, and (iii) integrally provided with a spiral feeding portion serving as the feeding portion on its inner surface, wherein the baffle is provided with an inclined surface inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and surrounding the baffle opening, the inclined surface being inclined such that on a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and passing through the discharge passage and the baffle opening, in a state where the baffle opening and one end of the discharge passage are in fluid communication with each other, the inclined surface is closer to the joint portion on the one side than to a portion corresponding to the joint portion on the other side of the developer discharge portion.

Images