Image forming apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus to which a toner container is detachably mountable, the image forming apparatus including: a mounting portion to which the toner container is detachably mountable, and including a receiving port for receiving toner supplied from the toner container, a passage for allowing the toner received via the receiving port to pass therethrough and provided with a through-hole, and a filter portion provided so as to cover the through-hole and for allowing air to pass therethrough; and a containing portion configured to contain the toner received via the receiving port. At least a portion of the through-hole overlaps the receiving port when viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a direction of gravity. The present invention also relates to an image forming system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system for forming images on a sheet. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses form images by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum onto a transfer material that serves as the transfer medium. Furthermore, toner supply types, such as processing cartridge type or toner supply (replenishment) type, are known. The processing cartridge type is one in which the photosensitive drum and the developing (developer) container are integrally assembled into a processing cartridge, wherein the processing cartridge is replaced with a new processing cartridge when the toner is depleted.

[0003] On the other hand, toner supply type is a type in which toner is replenished to the developing container when it is used up. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. (JP-A) 2021-26218 discloses an image forming apparatus in which toner is supplied to the developing container by using a toner pack that can be mounted to a mounting part provided on the developing container.

[0004] However, regarding the toner packets described in JP-A 2021-26218, when the user compresses (squeezes) the toner packet to expel the toner, air is also expelled from the toner packet along with the toner. When air is expelled from the toner packet, the internal pressure of the developing container increases, which can reduce toner supply performance in certain situations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is provided, wherein a toner container is detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting portion to which the toner container is detachably mounted, the mounting portion including a receiving port configured to receive toner supplied from the toner container, a channel configured to allow toner received via the receiving port to pass through and having a through-hole, and a filter portion configured to cover the through-hole and to allow air to pass through; and a receiving portion configured to receive toner received via the receiving port, wherein at least a portion of the through-hole overlaps with the receiving port when viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming system is provided, the image forming system comprising: a toner container including a discharge portion and a first receiving portion for receiving toner, the discharge portion having an outlet for allowing toner to be discharged from the first receiving portion and configured to discharge toner along with air via the outlet by reducing the volume of the first receiving portion; a mounting portion to which the toner container can be detachably mounted, the mounting portion including a receiving port configured to receive toner supplied from the toner container, a channel configured to allow toner received via the receiving port to pass through and having a through hole, and a filter portion configured to cover the through hole and to allow air to pass through; and a second receiving portion configured to receive toner received via the receiving port, wherein at least a portion of the through hole overlaps with the receiving port when viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0007] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 Part (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment, and Figure 1 Part (b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the openable parts and supply ports.

[0010] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the toner packet in the shaded position with the side baffles of the packet in the shaded position.

[0011] Figure 4 This is another exploded perspective view showing the toner packet in the shaded position with the side baffles of the packet in the shaded position.

[0012] Figure 5 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the toner packet in the shaded position with the side baffles of the packet in the obscured position, and Figure 5 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the toner packet with the side baffle of the packet in the open position.

[0013] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting section.

[0014] Figure 7 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the breathable sheet and the breathable filter, and Figure 7 Part (b) is another exploded perspective view showing the breathable sheet and the breathable filter.

[0015] Figure 8Part (a) is a top view (plan view) showing the mounting portion including the operating lever in the closed position, and Figure 8 Part (b) is a top view showing the mounting portion including the operating lever in the open position.

[0016] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the HH cross section (a).

[0017] Figure 10 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the toner packet mounted on the mounting section, and Figure 10 Part (b) is another perspective view showing the toner pack mounted on the mounting section.

[0018] Figure 11 Part (a) is a top view showing the toner packet and mounting section with the operating lever in the closed position, and Figure 11 Part (b) is a top view showing the toner pack and mounting section with the lever in the open position.

[0019] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the JJ cross section (a).

[0020] Figure 13 Therefore, with Figure 12 The different forms shown are cross-sectional views of the flow channel E's route E2.

[0021] Figure 14 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the breathable sheet and the breathable filter.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing unit and the toner packet.

[0023] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting section according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting section.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a top view showing the mounting section.

[0026] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing the filter section.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the peripheral structure of the filter section. Detailed Implementation

[0028] <First Embodiment>

[0029] In the following description, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 Part (a) is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the openable component 83 and the supply port 32a.

[0031] Image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer used to form images on recording material P based on image information input from an external device. Recording material P includes various sheets of different materials, including paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic film such as sheets used in overhead projectors, specially shaped sheets such as envelopes and index paper, cloth, etc.

[0032] [Overall Structure]

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown in parts (a) and (b), the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main assembly 2, a reading device 200 supported and capable of being opened relative to the main assembly 2, and an operation unit 300 mounted to the housing surface of the main assembly 2. The main assembly 2 includes an image forming unit 10 for forming a toner image on a recording material, a feed unit 60 for feeding the recording material to the image forming unit 10, a fixing unit 70 for fixing the toner image formed by the image forming unit 10 onto the recording material, and an exhaust roller pair 80.

[0034] The image forming unit 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic processing unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 for transferring a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum 21 of the processing unit 20 onto a recording material. The processing unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22 disposed around the photosensitive drum 21, a pre-exposure device 23, and a developing device 30 including a developing roller 31.

[0035] The photosensitive drum 21 is a photosensitive component molded into a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 includes a photosensitive layer formed of negatively charged organic photosensitive components on a drum-shaped substrate material molded from aluminum. Furthermore, the photosensitive drum 21, which serves as an image-carrying component, is driven by a motor to rotate in a predetermined direction (clockwise in the figure) at a predetermined processing speed.

[0036] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressing force and forms a charging section. Furthermore, a desired charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 22 using a high charging voltage power supply, causing the charging roller 22 to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure device 23 releases (removes) the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 at a position in front of the charging section to generate a stable discharge at the charging section.

[0037] The scanner unit 11 scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating it with a laser corresponding to the image information input from an external device or reading device 200 using a faceted mirror. Through this exposure, an electrostatic latent image dependent on the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Incidentally, the scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, but may, for example, employ an LED exposure device including an LED array in which multiple LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0038] The developing apparatus 30 includes a developing roller 31 as a developer carrier for holding developer, a developing container 32 as the housing of the developing apparatus 30, and a supply roller 33 capable of supplying developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. Furthermore, the developing roller 31 is configured to rotate around a roller axis 31a, which serves as a first axis of rotation (see...). Figure 15 The feed roller 33 rotates and is positioned opposite the photosensitive drum 21 at the opening of the developing container 32. The feed roller 33 rotatably contacts the developing roller 31, and toner, as a component of the developer contained in the developing container 32, is applied to the surface of the developing roller 31 by the feed roller 33. Incidentally, the feed roller 33 is not essential; any structure capable of adequately supplying toner to the developing roller 31 is sufficient.

[0039] As the development type, the developing apparatus 30 in this embodiment uses a contact development type. That is, the toner layer carried on the developing roller 31 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 at the developing section (developing area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 are opposite each other. A high developing voltage power supply applies a developing voltage to the developing roller 31. When the developing voltage is applied, according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, the toner carried on the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the drum surface, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. Incidentally, this embodiment uses a reverse development type. That is, after charging in the charging step, the toner image is formed by deposition on the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21, where the charge has decayed due to exposure in the exposure step.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a toner with a particle size of 6 μm and a normal charged electrode polarity of negative is used. As the toner in this embodiment, a polymerized toner formed by polymerization is used, for example. Furthermore, the toner in this embodiment is a so-called non-magnetic single-component developer that does not contain magnetic components, wherein the toner is mainly carried on the developing roller 31 by intermolecular forces or electrostatic forces (mirror forces). However, single-component developers containing magnetic components can also be used. Furthermore, in some cases, single-component developers contain additives (e.g., wax or silica microparticles) for adjusting the flowability and charging performance of the toner, in addition to the toner particles. Furthermore, as a developer, a two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier can also be used. When using a magnetic developer, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet inside is used as the developer carrier, for example.

[0041] The developing container 32 is provided with a receiving portion 36 serving as a second receiving portion and a stirring member 34 disposed inside the receiving portion 36. The stirring member 34 includes a shaft member 34b and sheet-like members 34c and 34d. The shaft member 34b is driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate about a rotation axis 34a, which serves as a second rotation axis. The sheet-like members 34c and 34d are both fixed to the shaft member 34b. As a feeding member, the stirring member 34 not only stirs the toner in the developing container 32 but also feeds the toner to the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 by rotation. Furthermore, the stirring member 34 has the function of circulating toner that has been stripped from the developing roller 31 but not used for development within the developing container 32 and homogenizing the toner in the developing container 32. Incidentally, the stirring member 34 is not limited to a rotatable form. For example, a swingable stirring member may also be used. Furthermore, regarding the sheet-like members 34c and 34d, either one of them may be used, and three or more sheet-like members may be provided.

[0042] Furthermore, at the opening of the developing container 32 where the developing roller 31 is located, a developing blade 35 is provided for controlling the amount of toner carried on the developing roller 31. As the developing roller 31 rotates, the toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through the opposite part of the developing blade 35, causing the toner to form a thin layer uniformly and be charged to the negative polarity through triboelectric charging.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown in parts (a) and (b), the feed unit 60 includes a front door 61 supported by the main assembly 2 and capable of being opened, a tray 62, an intermediate plate 63, a tray spring 64, and a pickup roller 65. The tray 62 forms the bottom of the recording material receiving space that appears when the front door 61 is opened, and the intermediate plate 63 is supported by the tray 62 and can be raised and lowered. The tray spring 64 pushes the intermediate plate 63 upward and presses the recording material P stacked on the intermediate plate 63 against the pickup roller 65. Incidentally, when the front door 61 is closed relative to the main assembly 2, the front door 61 closes the recording material receiving space; when the front door 61 is open relative to the main assembly 2, the front door 61, together with the tray 62 and the intermediate plate 63, supports the recording material P.

[0044] The fixing unit 70 is a thermal fixing type, in which image fixing processing is performed by heating and melting the toner on the recording material. The fixing unit 70 includes a fixing film 71, a fixing heater such as a ceramic heater for heating the fixing film 71, a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the fixing heater, and a pressure roller 72 that presses against the fixing film 71.

[0045] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When an image forming instruction is input to the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming process of the image forming unit 10 begins based on image information input from an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus 1 or from the reading device 200. The scanner unit 11 emits a laser to the photosensitive drum 21 based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 21 is pre-charged by the charging roller 22 and irradiated by the laser, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21. Subsequently, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 31, thereby forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0046] In parallel with the image formation process described above, the pickup roller 65 of the feed unit 60 feeds recording material P supported by the front door 61, tray 62, and intermediate plate 63. The recording material P is fed by the pickup roller 65 to the alignment roller pair 15 and abuts against the clamping portion of the alignment roller pair 15, thereby correcting any skewed movement of the recording material P. Then, the alignment roller pair 15 is driven by the transfer timing in conjunction with the toner image and is conveyed toward the transfer clamping portion formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0047] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 12 from a high transfer voltage source, thereby transferring the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 onto the recording material P conveyed by the alignment roller pair 15. The recording material P with the toner image transferred onto it is conveyed to the fixing unit 70. As the recording material P passes through the clamping portion between the fixing film 71 and the pressure roller 72 of the fixing unit 70, the toner image is heated and pressurized in the fixing unit 70. As a result, the toner particles are melted and subsequently fixed, so that the toner image is fixed onto the recording material P. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing unit 70 is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (the outside of the printer) by the discharge roller pair 80, so that the discharged recording material P is stacked on the discharge tray 81 formed on the upper part of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus. The discharge roller pair 80, as discharge rollers, discharges the recording material P onto the discharge tray 81 in the discharge direction DD.

[0048] The discharge tray 81 is inclined upwards and downstream along the discharge direction of the recording material P, and the recording material P discharged onto the discharge tray 81 slides downwards on the discharge tray 81, so that the tail end of the recording material is aligned by the limiting surface 84.

[0049] The reading device 200 includes a reading unit 201 (a reading section, not shown, is built into the reading unit 201) and a pressure plate 202 supported by the reading unit 201 and capable of being opened (closed). A document support pressure plate glass 203 (which allows light emitted from the reading section to pass through and on which the document will be placed) is provided on the upper surface of the reading unit 201.

[0050] When a user wants the reading device 200 to read the original image, the user places the original on the original support platen glass 203 with the pressure plate 202 open. Then, the user closes the pressure plate 202 and prevents the original from shifting position on the original support platen glass 203, thereby outputting a reading command to the image forming apparatus 1, for example, by operating the operation unit 300. When the reading operation begins, with the user facing the operation unit 300 of the image forming apparatus 1 from the front (surface) side, the reading unit in the reading unit 201 reciprocates along the sub-scanning direction, i.e., the left-right direction. The reading unit emits light from the light emitting portion towards the original while simultaneously receiving light reflected from the original through the light receiving portion, and performs photoelectric conversion on the light to enable the reading unit to read the image of the original. Incidentally, in the following text, the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined based on the user's position facing the operation unit 300 from the front side.

[0051] A top cover 82 is provided on the upper part of the main assembly 2 of the device, and a discharge tray 81 is formed on the upper surface of the top cover 82. Figure 1 Part (b) and Figure 2As shown, the openable component 83 is supported by the top cover 82 and can be opened (closed) about a rotation axis 83a extending in the front-rear direction. An upwardly opening 82a is formed on the discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82.

[0052] The openable component 83 is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the openable component 83 covers the supply port 32a so that the toner pack 100 cannot be installed on the developing container 32; in the open position, the supply port 32a is exposed so that the toner pack 100 can be installed on the developing container 32. In the closed position, the openable component 83 functions as part of the discharge tray 81. The openable component 83 and the opening 82a are formed on the left (hand-held) side of the discharge tray 81. Furthermore, the openable component 83 can be opened in the left (hand-held) direction by the user hooking their finger into a recessed portion 82b provided on the top cover 82. The openable component 83 is formed in a generally L-shape along the shape of the top cover 82.

[0053] The opening 82a of the discharge tray 81 is opened, thereby exposing the supply port 32a formed at the top of the developing container 32 for toner supply, and the openable part 83 is opened to allow the user to operate the supply port 32a. Incidentally, in this embodiment, a type (direct supply type) is employed: the user draws toner from a toner packet 100 filled with toner for supply (see...). Figure 1 Parts (a) and (b) supply toner to the developing apparatus 30, which is maintained in the state where the developing apparatus 30 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1. With the toner pack 100 installed on the mounting section 106 (see...). Figure 6 At least a portion of the toner packet 100 is exposed.

[0054] Therefore, when the remaining toner dosage in processing unit 20 decreases, the operation of removing processing unit 20 from the main assembly 2 and replacing it with a new processing unit becomes unnecessary, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, toner can be supplied to the developing container 32 more cost-effectively compared to replacing the entire processing unit 20. Incidentally, the direct supply type reduces costs because even compared to replacing only processing unit 20 in the developing apparatus 30, it eliminates the need to replace various rollers and gears. Incidentally, the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner pack 100 constitute the image forming system 1000.

[0055] [Structure of the toner packet]

[0056] Will use Figures 3 to 5 Part (b) describes the basic structure of a toner bag 100 that can be detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus 1 and contains toner therein. The toner bag 100, which serves as a toner container, is mounted on a mounting section 106, which will be described later. Figure 3This is an exploded perspective view showing the toner bag 100 when the bag side baffle 103 is in the shaded position. Figure 4 This is another exploded perspective view showing the toner bag 100 when the bag side baffle 103 is in the shaded position. Figure 5 Part (a) is a perspective view of the toner bag 100 when the bag side baffle 103 is in the shaded position. Figure 5 Part (b) is a perspective view of the toner bag 100 when the side baffle 103 is in the open position.

[0057] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown in part (b), the toner package 100 includes a bag 101 for containing toner, a nozzle 102 connected to the bag 101, and a side baffle 103. The bag 101, serving as the first receiving portion, is flexible and is positioned at one end of the toner package 100 relative to the axial direction D1 along the axis of rotation A (i.e., the axis of rotation of the side baffle 103). The nozzle 102 and the side baffle 103 are positioned at the other end of the toner package 100 relative to the axial direction D1. The bag 101 is formed, for example, by bag processing of a polypropylene sheet and has a bag shape with one end open. Incidentally, the bag 101 may also be a bottle made of resin material or a container made of paper or vinyl resin material.

[0058] The nozzle 102, which serves as the discharge section, is connected to the bag 101, but the connection method can be any method. For example, the connection method can include using various adhesives such as hot melt adhesives, or hot-melt bonding the bag 101 to the outer periphery of the nozzle 102, etc.

[0059] The nozzle 102, extending along the axial direction D1, has a discharge port 102a and a recess 102e on its side surface. The discharge port 102a is configured to communicate with the interior of the bag 101. The recess 102e is located at a different position from the discharge port 102a relative to the rotation direction of the bag side baffle 103. The toner contained in the bag 101 is configured to be discharged, along with air, to the outside of the toner pouch 100 through the discharge port 102a by being compressed (squeezed) by the user, thereby reducing the volume of the bag 101. Incidentally, the nozzle 101 may also be composed of multiple parts instead of a single part.

[0060] A side baffle 103 is provided on the outer side of the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102. The side baffle 103 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis A extending in the axial direction D1, and is positioned on the outer side of the side surface 102c relative to a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The inner surface of the side baffle 103 (i.e., the surface opposite to the side surface 102c) is a curved surface extending along the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102, and a rectangular side seal 105 is mounted on this curved surface.

[0061] The side baffle 103 is configured to rotate between a covered position where the side seal 105 covers the outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 and an open position where the outlet 102a is open. When the side baffle 103 is in the open position, the outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed from the opening 103a provided in the side baffle 103. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in part (a), when the side baffle 103 is in the shielded position, at least a portion of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 is exposed from the side baffle 103 through the opening 103a. On the opposite side of the opening 103a of the side baffle 103, a driven transmission part 103b is provided, which can engage with the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 described later.

[0062] When located Figure 5 When the side baffle 103 of the shielding position shown in part (a) rotates about the rotation axis A in the direction of arrow K, the side baffle 103 reaches Figure 5 The open position is shown in part (b). Conversely, when the side baffle 103 in the open position is rotated in the direction of arrow L, the side baffle 103 reaches the shielded position. During the rotation operation of the side baffle 103, the side baffle 103 slides on the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 via the side seal 105.

[0063] [Installation Department]

[0064] Next, we will use Figures 6 to 9 The construction of the mounting portion 106 on which the toner cartridge 100 rotates is described. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 106 is a unit for allowing the toner cartridge 100 to be mounted, and is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 (see [link to image forming apparatus 1]). Figure 1 Part (a)). Specifically, the mounting part 106 is connected to the developing container 32 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0065] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the mounting section 106. Figure 7 Parts (a) and (b) are exploded perspective views showing the breathable sheet 112 and the breathable filter 116. Figure 8 Part (a) is a top view showing the mounting portion 106 including the operating lever 108 in the closed position, and Figure 8 Part (b) is a top view showing the mounting portion 106 including the operating lever 108 in the open position. Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of section (a) of the HH section.

[0066] like Figures 6 to 9As shown, the mounting portion 106 includes a main body base 3, an operating lever 108, and a device side baffle 109. The main body base 3 includes a first frame 107, a second frame 117, a cover component 110, a baffle plate 121, a vent plate 112, and a vent filter 116. The first frame 107 and the second frame 117 constitute a frame 150, and the frame 150 is configured as a component separately from the developing container 32 and restricts the movement of the device side baffle 109 in the axial direction D2. That is, the developing container 32 is configured as a component separately from the mounting portion 106.

[0067] The cover component 110 and the second frame 117 are fixed to the first frame 107. Incidentally, the first frame 107, the cover component 110, and the second frame can also be constructed as a single unit, rather than separate components. The second frame 117 has a device-side opening 117a, and the device-side opening 117a connects to the receiving portion 36 of the developing container 32 (see [link]). Figure 1 Part (a) is connected.

[0068] The operating lever 108 and the device side baffle 109 are both mounted to the main body base 3, thereby enabling them to rotate about the rotation axis B, which serves as the rotation axis of the baffle. The first frame 107 is provided with a positioning part 107a. The positioning part 107a protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface (the center of which is the rotation axis B of the first frame 107) in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis B.

[0069] In addition, the operating lever 108 is provided with a supply port 32a, a drive transmission part 108a, and an operating part 108b. The drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 is a protrusion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface (the center of which is the rotation axis B of the operating lever 108) in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis B.

[0070] The user can rotate the operating lever 108 about the rotation axis B relative to the main body base 3 by operating the operating unit 108b. Specifically, the operating lever 108 is configured to be able to... Figure 8 Part (a) shows the closed position and Figure 8 The device rotates between the open positions shown in part (b). As described below, when the operating lever 108 is in the closed position, the package side baffle 103 and the device side baffle 109 are in the shielded position. Then, as the operating lever 108 is operated from the closed position to the open position, the package side baffle 103 and the device side baffle 109 move to the open position.

[0071] The device side baffle 109, acting as a baffle, includes an inner peripheral surface 109h, a receiving port 109a formed in the inner peripheral surface 109h for receiving toner supplied from the toner package 100, an outer peripheral surface 109f, and a driven delivery portion 109e. The device side baffle 111 is applied to the inner peripheral surface 109h around the periphery of the receiving port 109a. The driven delivery portion 109e can engage with the driven delivery portion 103b of the package side baffle 103. The device side baffle 109 is supported such that the outer peripheral surface 109f can slide together with the inner peripheral surface of the first frame 107.

[0072] The device side baffle 109 is configured to move relative to the main body base 3 between a shielded position and an open position. Regarding the device side baffle 109, the receiving port 109a is shielded by the device side baffle 111 and the cover member 110 in the shielded position, and is open in the open position without being covered by the cover member 110. That is, when the device side baffle 109 is in the shielded position, the receiving port 109a is not in communication with the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117, while when the device side baffle 109 is in the open position, the receiving port 109a is in communication with the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117. When the device side baffle 109 moves to the open position, toner can be replenished (supplied) from the toner pack 100 to the receiving portion 36 of the developing container 32 through the receiving port 109a.

[0073] Incidentally, the operating lever 108 and the device side baffle 109 are not driven to each other, so the device side baffle 109 will not rotate even when the operating lever 108 is operated without the toner pack 100 installed.

[0074] like Figures 6 to 7 As shown in part (b), the first frame 107 has a through hole 107b serving as a first through hole, a breathable sheet bearing surface 107d, and a limiting surface 107e. The breathable sheet 112 is heat-fused to the breathable sheet bearing surface 107d and configured to cover the through hole 107b. In this embodiment, the breathable sheet 112 is made of nonwoven fabric, but it can also be formed of materials other than nonwoven fabric. Incidentally, the breathable sheet 112 serving as a first filter can also be attached to the breathable sheet bearing surface 107d by methods other than heat fusion, and can be attached to the breathable sheet bearing surface 107d by, for example, an adhesive.

[0075] In addition to the device-side opening 117a described above, the second frame 117 also includes a wall portion 117b and a limiting surface 117d. Regarding the device-side baffle 109, its movement along the rotation axis B in the axial direction D2 is limited by the limiting surface 107e of the first frame 107 and the limiting surface 117d of the second frame 117. In other words, the first frame 107 limits the movement of the device-side baffle 109 in the axial direction D2 on one side, while the second frame 117 limits the movement of the device-side baffle 109 in the axial direction D2 on the other side.

[0076] The wall portion 117b is provided with a through hole 117c serving as a second through hole, and the breathable filter 116 is attached to the wall portion 117b in such a way as to cover the through hole 117c. In this embodiment, the breathable filter 116 serving as the second filter is made of polyurethane foam, i.e., polyurethane material, but it may also be formed of a material other than polyurethane material, and preferably it may be formed of a material different from the material of the breathable sheet 112.

[0077] On the side of the toner that contacts the breathable filter 116, a portion of the surface 116a of the breathable filter 116 is bonded to the wall portion 117b by double-sided tape (not shown). The breathable sheet 112 and the breathable filter 116 are configured to cover the through holes 107b and 117c, and constitute a filter portion 140 for allowing air to pass through. The through holes 107b and 117c are configured to open upwards. Figure 14 As shown, the filter section 140, consisting of a breathable sheet 112 and a breathable filter 116, is disposed between the first frame 107 and the second frame 117. The thickness of the breathable filter 116 is preferably from 90 μm to 250 μm, and the thickness of the breathable sheet 112 is preferably from 1 mm to 20 mm.

[0078] Incidentally, the mesh size of the air filter 116 is coarser than that of the air sheet 112, and its air permeability is higher. The air permeability of the air sheet 112 and the air filter 116 is measured, for example, by the Frazier molding method. The Frazier molding method is performed as follows: First, five test pieces, each approximately 200 mm × 200 mm in size, are prepared and attached to the Frazier molding testing machine. Then, the exhaust fan and vents are adjusted so that the tilted barometer indicates a pressure of 125 Pa, and the pressure indicated by the vertical barometer at this time is measured. Then, based on the measured pressure and the type of vent, the air volume (airflow rate) (cm³) passing through the test piece is obtained using a conversion table attached to the testing machine. 3 / cm 2 •sec). It should be understood that the greater the amount of air passing through the test piece, the better the air permeability.

[0079] [Installation of the toner packet on the mounting section]

[0080] Next, we will use Figure 10 Part (a) to Figure 11 Part (b) describes the state of the toner pack 100 installed on the mounting section 106. Figure 10 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the toner packet 100 mounted on the mounting section 106. Figure 10 Part (b) is another perspective view showing the toner packet 100 mounted on the mounting section 106. Figure 10 In these parts (a) and (b), the operating lever 108 is in the closed position, and the package side baffle 103 and the device side baffle 109 are in the shielded position. Figure 11 Part (a) is a top view showing the toner cartridge 100 and mounting section 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the closed position. Figure 11 Part (b) is a top view showing the toner bag 100 and the mounting part 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the open position.

[0081] First, the user moves the toner bag 100 in the installation direction N (with the toner bag 100 in the shielded position of the bag side baffle 103) to install the toner bag 100 onto the mounting part 106 (with the device side baffle 109 in the shielded position). At this time, the user aligns the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 and the opening 103a of the bag side baffle 103 with the positioning part 107a of the first frame 107. Simultaneously, the user aligns the driven transmission part 103b of the bag side baffle 103 with the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108.

[0082] After the toner bag 100 is aligned with the mounting part 106, the user gradually installs the toner bag 100 onto the mounting part 106 by moving the toner bag 100 along the mounting direction N. Then, the driven transmission part 103b of the bag side baffle 103 engages with the driven transmission part 109b of the device side baffle 109 and the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108. As a result, the rotation axis A of the bag side baffle 103 and the rotation axis B of the device side baffle 109 are substantially coaxial with each other. Furthermore, the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 engages with the end face of the cap member 110, so that the nozzle 102 of the toner bag 100 cannot rotate relative to the main body base 3 including the cap member 110.

[0083] Then, the operating lever 108, the side baffle 103, and the device side baffle 109 can rotate approximately as one unit with respect to the main body base 3 and the nozzle 102 about the rotation axes A and B.

[0084] For example, such as Figure 11As shown in parts (a) and (b), when the operating lever 108 is rotated from the closed position to the open position in the direction of arrow D, the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 presses the driven transmission part 103b of the bag-side baffle 103. As a result, the bag-side baffle 103 rotates together with the operating lever 108 from the covered position to the open position. Furthermore, the driven transmission part 103b of the bag-side baffle 103, having rotated from the covered position to the open position, presses the driven transmission part 109e of the device-side baffle 109. As a result, the device-side baffle 109 rotates together with the bag-side baffle 103 from the covered position to the open position. Therefore, the bag 101 and the receiving part 36 of the toner packet 100 are connected to each other via the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a, and the device-side opening 117a.

[0085] Conversely, when the operating lever 108 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 presses the driven transmission part 103b of the bag-side baffle 103. As a result, the bag-side baffle 103 rotates together with the operating lever 108 from the open position to the closed position. Furthermore, the driven transmission part 103b of the bag-side baffle 103, having rotated from the open position to the closed position, presses the driven transmission part 109e of the device-side baffle 109. As a result, the device-side baffle 109 rotates together with the bag-side baffle 103 from the open position to the closed position.

[0086] Therefore, by operating the operating lever 108, the package side baffle 103 and the device side baffle 109 can be rotated between a shielded position and an open position, thereby enabling the supply of toner from the toner package 100 to the developing container 32. When the supply of toner from the toner package 100 to the developing container 32 is complete, the user rotates the operating lever 108 from the open position to the closed position and then pulls the toner package 100 out from the mounting part 106.

[0087] [Toner Supply]

[0088] Next, we will use Figures 12 to 15 The toner supply is described in detail from toner pack 100 to developing container 32. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of section JJ in part (b). That is, in Figure 12 In the middle, the operating lever 108 is in the open position, and the package side baffle 103 and the device side baffle 109 are in the open position. Figure 13 Therefore, with Figure 12 The different forms shown are cross-sectional views of the flow channel E's route E2. Figure 14 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the breathable sheet 112 and the breathable filter 116. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing unit 20 and the toner packet 100. Incidentally, Figures 12 to 15In the axial direction D4 of the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31 (see...) Figure 15 (and a schematic diagram showing the various parts viewed from a horizontal perspective.)

[0089] like Figure 12 As shown, the bag 101 of the toner pack 100 and the receiving portion 36 of the developing container 32 are connected to each other via a discharge port 102a, a receiving port 109a, and a device-side opening 117a. In this state, the user compresses the bag 101, so that the toner contained in the bag 101 of the toner pack 100 is supplied to the receiving portion 36. In the mounting portion 106, a hollow channel 400 is formed to allow toner and air to pass through the hollow channel 400, and... Figure 12 In the diagram, flow channel E illustrates the flow of toner from toner packet 100 toward receiving portion 36. Incidentally, channel 400 is primarily formed by the inner walls of the first frame 107 and the second frame 117.

[0090] Specifically, regarding the flow channel E, the toner travels from the bag 101 toward the interior of the nozzle 102 in the direction of gravity (gravity direction) G (route E1), and then proceeds toward the outlet 102a and the receiving port 109a while being guided by the guide surface 102f (i.e., the inner wall of the nozzle 102) (route E2). The guide surface 102f extends such that it approaches the receiving port 109a downward relative to the horizontal direction, and is inclined relative to the gravity direction G. The toner then collides with the surface 116a of the breathable filter 116 and travels along the gravity direction (route E3), and is then supplied toward the receiving portion 36.

[0091] Incidentally, when toner is supplied from toner pouch 100 to receiving portion 36, pouch 101 deforms to reduce its internal volume due to compression. For this purpose, air in toner pouch 100, along with the toner contained in toner pouch 100, travels through flow channel E toward receiving portion 36. That is, a portion of the air mixed with toner travels along routes E1 and E2 constituting flow channel E, and is then discharged into mounting portion 106 through outlet 102a and receiving port 109a. The air then passes through through hole 117c and reaches air filter 116.

[0092] At this time, the toner is collected by the breathable filter 116, and a portion of the remaining air passes through the breathable filter 116 and the breathable sheet 112. Then, the air passes through the through hole 107b as shown in the flow channel F, and is thus discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 106. This portion of air is discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 106 through the through hole 107b, thereby suppressing the amount of air discharged into the receiving portion 36, thereby suppressing the increase in internal pressure of the receiving portion 36. For this reason, the user can easily compress the bag 101 of the toner pack 100, and can improve the toner supply performance to the receiving portion 36.

[0093] Here, relative to the axial direction D2, the area where the receiving port 109a is located is region X, the area where the through hole 107b is located is region Y, and the area where regions X and Y overlap is region Z. Incidentally, with the toner bag 100 mounted on the mounting portion 106, the axial direction D2 is substantially parallel to the gravitational direction G. That is, the rotation axes A and B extend in the gravitational direction G. As described above, due to the pressure exerted by the user when deforming the bag 101, a portion of the air mixed with the toner passes through the receiving port 109a. That is, the air passes through region X. Furthermore, a portion of the air passing through the receiving port 109a passes through the through hole 107b as shown in the flow channel F, and is thus discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 106. That is, the air passes through region Y.

[0094] In this embodiment, regions X and Y overlap in region Z with respect to the axial direction D2. In other words, as... Figure 12 and Figure 15 As shown, when viewing the through-hole 107b and the receiving port 109a in a horizontal direction (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to each of, for example, the gravity direction G and the axial direction D4 of the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31), at least a portion of the through-hole 107b overlaps with the receiving port 109a. The direction perpendicular to each of, the gravity direction G and the axial direction D4 of the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31, is the front-back direction of the image forming apparatus 1. Similarly, when viewed in a horizontal direction, at least a portion of the through-hole 117c overlaps with the receiving port 109a. Furthermore, the through-holes 107b and 117c are positioned above the connection portion 117e between the mounting portion 106 and the developing container 32. The connection portion 117e is the portion where the second frame 117 and the developing container 32 are connected to each other by screws or the like.

[0095] Furthermore, relative to the direction of gravity G, at least a portion of the through holes 107b and 117c is located between the receiving port 109a and the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31. Furthermore, relative to the direction of gravity G, at least a portion of the through holes 107b and 117c is located between the receiving port 109a and the rotation axis 34a of the stirring member 34. When the through holes 107b and 117c are viewed along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (axial direction D4 of the developing roller 31), the through holes 107b and 117c are located below the supply port 32a for inserting the toner pack 100 and above the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31. Furthermore, the through holes 107b and 117c are located below the supply port 32a for inserting the toner pack 100 and above the rotation axis 34a of the stirring member 34.

[0096] Here, in Figure 15 In the diagram, the straight line passing through the supply port 32a and extending horizontally is line L1; the straight line passing through the roller axis 31a and extending horizontally is line L2; and the straight line passing through the rotation axis 34a and extending horizontally is line L3. Furthermore, the straight line passing through the lower end of the receiving port 109a and extending horizontally is line L4; the straight line passing through the receiving port 109a and extending in the direction of gravity G (vertical direction) is line L5. Additionally, the straight line passing through the roller axis 31a and extending in the direction of gravity G is line L6; and the straight line passing through the rotation axis 34a and extending in the direction of gravity G is line L7.

[0097] At least a portion of through holes 107b and 117c (e.g., Figure 12 The region Y (excluding region Z) lies between lines L4 and L2 and between lines L4 and L3.

[0098] Through holes 107b and 117c are located below line L1 and above lines L2 and L3. Furthermore, it is not always required that all portions of through holes 107b and 117c meet this condition; rather, it is acceptable that at least a portion of through holes 107b and 117c are located below the supply port 32a and above the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31 and the rotation axis 34a of the stirring member 34.

[0099] Furthermore, relative to the horizontal direction, through holes 107b and 117c are located between the receiving port 109a and the roller axis 31a. That is, through holes 107b and 117c are located between lines L5 and L6. Additionally, relative to the horizontal direction, through holes 107b and 117c are located between the receiving port 109a and the rotation axis 34a. That is, through holes 107b and 117c are located between lines L5 and L7. Incidentally, it is not always required that all portions of through holes 107b and 117c meet these conditions; rather, it is sufficient that at least a portion of through holes 107b and 117c are located relative to the horizontal direction between the receiving port 109a and the roller axis 31a, and also between the receiving port 109a and the rotation axis 34a.

[0100] like Figure 1 Part (a) and Figure 15 As shown, the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31, the rotation axis 34a of the stirring component 34, the through holes 107b and 117c, and the receiving port 109a are arranged in the above order relative to the discharge direction DD.

[0101] Therefore, by positioning the through holes 107b and 117c at the aforementioned locations, a portion of the air mixed with toner can be effectively discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 106, thereby suppressing the increase in internal pressure of the receiving portion 36. This improves toner supply performance. Furthermore, the through hole 107b is positioned above the connecting portion 117e, reducing the amount of toner that has been contained in the developing container 32 flowing back into the through hole 107b.

[0102] Furthermore, the air mixed with toner impacts the surface 116a of the air filter 116, but the surface 116a is configured not only to face the receiving port 109a, but also to be inclined relative to the direction of gravity G, such that the surface 116a is downward and away from the receiving port 109a relative to the horizontal direction. Similarly, the wall 400a of the channel 400, which has through holes 107b and 117c (see...) Figure 15 The toner is inclined downwards along the direction of gravity G, and the distance from the receiving port 109a towards the developing roller 31 increases relative to the horizontal direction. For this purpose, the air filter 116 collects the toner, and then easily allows the collected toner to fall along the direction of gravity G, i.e., towards the receiving section 36. Therefore, clogging of the air filter 116 is suppressed, thereby maintaining the performance of the air filter 116. The frequency of replacing the air filter 116 is reduced, thereby lowering maintenance costs and parts replacement costs.

[0103] like Figure 14As shown, the vent filter 116 and the vent plate 112 can be installed on the second frame 117 and the first frame 107 respectively without the need for seals or the like. The mesh of the vent plate 112 is finer than that of the vent filter 116, and it is positioned on the side opposite to the channel 400 relative to the vent filter 116. Therefore, even when the toner passes through the vent filter 116, the toner is collected by the vent plate 112, thereby reducing the amount of toner that scatters outside the mounting portion 106 through the through holes 117c and 107b.

[0104] Incidentally, in Figure 12 The diagram schematically illustrates the route E2 of the flow channel E, which is described as changing its direction at a point. Figure 13 The path E2 of the smoother flow channel E is shown, and the guide surface 102f of the nozzle 102 guides the toner and air along path E2. In path E2, the air passes through the receiver 109a in the air inlet direction D3. That is, the air is guided by the guide surface 102f through the receiver 109a in the air inlet direction.

[0105] At this time, at least a portion of the through-hole 107b is opposite to the receiving port 109a relative to the air inlet direction. For this purpose, a portion of the air mixed with the toner can be effectively discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 106 through the through-hole 107b, thereby suppressing the increase in internal pressure of the receiving portion 36.

[0106] <Second Embodiment>

[0107] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described, in which the construction of the filter section 140 in the first embodiment is modified. For this purpose, components similar to those in the first embodiment are omitted from the figures, or these components are described by adding the same reference numerals or symbols to the figures.

[0108] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting part 2106 in the second embodiment. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting section 2106. Incidentally, Figure 17 The cross-section is similar to Figure 8 The HH cross section of part (a). Figure 18 This is a top view showing the mounting section 2106. Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing the filter section 2140. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the peripheral structure of the filter section 2140.

[0109] like Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, the filter section 2140 in this embodiment includes a breathable sheet 112 as a third filter, an anti-scattering sheet 2113 as a fourth filter, double-sided tape 2114, and an auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115. Incidentally, apart from the filter section 2140, the other components of the mounting section 2106 are similar to those of the mounting section 106 in the first embodiment.

[0110] The first frame 107 and the second frame 117 of the frame 150 are respectively provided with through holes 107b and 117c. Similarly, as in the first embodiment, the ventilated sheet 112 is heat-fused and fixed to the ventilated sheet bearing surface 107d provided on the inner surface of the first frame 107. The anti-scattering sheet 2113 is fixed to the anti-scattering sheet bearing surface 107g provided on the outer surface of the first frame 107 by double-sided tape (not shown) or adhesive (not shown). The hole 2113h, which is a through hole, is provided at the center portion of the anti-scattering sheet 2113.

[0111] The auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 is integrally fixed to the anti-scattering sheet 2113 by U-shaped double-sided tape 2114. The double-sided tape 2114 is attached to the anti-scattering sheet 2113 in a manner that does not overlap with the holes 2113h of the anti-scattering sheet 2113. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the filter material used as the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 is similar to the filter material of the breathable sheet 112, and its air permeability is 2-80 cc / cm. 2 Furthermore, the anti-scattering sheet 2113 is a filter material or sheet with a thickness ranging from, for example, 25 μm to 3.0 mm, and has a smaller toner throughput than the breathable sheet 112 and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115. Toner that comes into contact with the anti-scattering sheet 2113, except for the pores 2113h, can hardly penetrate the anti-scattering sheet 2113.

[0112] The areas of the breathable sheet 112, the anti-scattering sheet 2113, and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 are all larger than the through hole 107b and are configured to cover the through hole 107b. The auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115, serving as the fifth filter, is positioned opposite the anti-scattering sheet 2113 on the side opposite the breathable sheet 112 and the channel 400. That is, the breathable sheet 112, the anti-scattering sheet 2113, and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 are configured to overlap the through hole 107b when viewed from the front by the user. Furthermore, the breathable sheet 112 and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 cover the hole 2113h of the anti-scattering sheet 2113.

[0113] Furthermore, the double-sided tape 2114 includes a first straight portion 2114a, a second straight portion 2114b, and a third straight portion 2114c connecting the first straight portion 2114a and the second straight portion 2114b, and is formed in a U-shape. That is, the double-sided tape 2114 is formed in a U-shape and therefore only located on a portion of the periphery of the hole 2113h, so that the double-sided tape 2114 is not distributed on the entire circumference of the periphery of the hole 2113h. In other words, the double-sided tape 2114 is open in one direction, forming an opening 2114f.

[0114] Therefore, the anti-scattering sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 are bonded at the portions where the double-sided tape 2114 is provided, but not at the opening 2114f. For this reason, as... Figure 18 As shown, a structure is employed in which air can easily escape in the direction of arrow K from a tiny gap between the anti-spray sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-spray sheet 2115, corresponding to the opening 2114f. In other words, the double-sided tape 2114 is configured such that air passing through the hole 2113h passes through the opening 2114f (the part where the double-sided tape 2114 is not present) between the anti-spray sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-spray sheet 2115. Arrow K points from the hole 2113h toward the opening 2114f.

[0115] Incidentally, as mentioned above, during toner supply, in some cases, a small amount of toner passes through the breathable sheet 112 along with air. In this situation, as... Figure 19 As shown, the toner passing through the breathable sheet 112 from the portion not opposite to the hole 2113h comes into contact with the anti-splash sheet 2113 and accumulates in the gap 107f formed between the breathable sheet 112 and the auxiliary anti-splash sheet 2115. The anti-splash sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-splash sheet 2115 are configured to clamp the gap 107f in the through hole 107b and a portion of the space formed by the through hole 107b. In other words, the breathable sheet 112 and the anti-splash sheet 2113 are configured such that the gap 107f is located between the breathable sheet 112 and the anti-splash sheet 2113 and below the hole 2113h.

[0116] On the other hand, very little toner passes through the vent 112 from the portion opposite to hole 2113h. This toner passes through hole 2113h and subsequently deposits on the auxiliary anti-splash sheet 2115. This reduces the amount of toner that spills through through holes 117c and 107b to the outside of the mounting portion 2106. Specifically, during transport of the image forming apparatus 1, or during the supply of toner from the toner pack 100 to the developing container 32, the toner in the developing container 32 easily escapes into the air, but the amount of toner spilling to the outside of the mounting portion 2106 can be reduced by the aforementioned filter 2140. Incidentally, the toner flow described above is merely an example; for instance, toner passing through the vent 112 from the portion opposite to hole 2113h may encounter the anti-splash sheet 2113 and subsequently accumulate in the gap 107f.

[0117] Most of the air passing through the vent 112 passes through the holes 2113h in the anti-scattering sheet 2113. The anti-scattering sheet 2113 has holes 2113h, thus providing good air permeability and effectively reducing the internal pressure of the receiving portion 18. Incidentally, the shape and size of the holes 2113h are not limited, as long as sufficient air can pass through them; however, the holes 2113h can suitably be circular holes with a diameter of 2mm to 15mm. Furthermore, the holes 2113h can also be polygonal holes, such as rectangular holes.

[0118] Air passing through the anti-spray sheet 2113 and encountering the auxiliary anti-spray sheet 2115 is discharged in the direction of arrow K through the opening 2114f of the double-sided tape 2114. Specifically, this air is discharged in the opening 2114f from between the anti-spray sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-spray sheet 2115 in the direction of arrow K. This air contains almost no toner. Incidentally, when a breathable filter material is used as the auxiliary anti-spray sheet 2115, a portion of the air passes through the auxiliary anti-spray sheet 2115 and can subsequently be discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 2106.

[0119] like Figure 20As shown in the plan view of the image forming apparatus 1 viewed from above, the photosensitive drum 21 is located on the rear side of the filter section 2140, and the supply port 32a for allowing the installation of toner packets is located on the front side of the filter section 2140. Furthermore, the scanner unit 11, serving as the exposure section, is located on the right-hand side of the filter section 2140, and the left side plate 401 of the main assembly 2 is located on the left-hand side of the filter section 2140. The left side plate 401 is part of the frame of the main assembly 2. In other words, the first straight portion 2114a of the double-sided tape 2114 is located between the hole 2113h of the anti-scattering sheet 2113 and the photosensitive drum 21. The second straight portion 2114b is located between the hole 2113h and the supply port 32a. The third straight portion 2114c is located between the hole 2113h and the scanner unit 11.

[0120] The arrow K mentioned above points in the direction from the filter section 2140 toward the left-hand side (i.e., toward the left side plate 401). The air discharged through the opening 2114f in the direction of arrow K contains almost no toner, but it may contain a very small amount of toner. When toner is deposited on the photosensitive drum 21 and the scanner unit 11, which are respectively located on the rear and right-hand sides of the filter section 2140, it may cause poor image formation.

[0121] Furthermore, when toner deposits on the supply port 32a located in front of the filter section 2140, toner may deposit on the user during toner supply. Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which air is discharged from the opening 2114f towards the left side plate 401 in the direction of arrow K. Between the left side plate 401 and the opening 2114f, there is no configuration that would lead to poor image formation or toner deposit on the user, thus suppressing poor image formation and toner deposit on the user. Incidentally, the left side plate 401 may be suitably provided with an opening to allow air to escape through.

[0122] As described above, in this embodiment, a structure is employed in which the frame 150 constituting the channel 400 (through which the toner passes during toner supply) is provided with through holes 107b and 117c, and through hole 107b is covered by a filter section 2140. Furthermore, during toner supply, the bag 101 of the toner packet 100 is compressed, causing air to pass through the channel 400 along with the toner. This air passes through through holes 107b and 117c and the filter section 2140 and is discharged to the outside of the mounting section 2106, thus increasing the internal pressure of the receiving section 36, thereby improving toner supply performance.

[0123] Furthermore, the filter section 2140 is composed of a breathable sheet 112, an anti-splash sheet 2113, double-sided tape 2114, and an auxiliary anti-splash sheet 2115. The toner contained in the air is successively collected by the breathable sheet 112, the anti-splash sheet 2113, and the auxiliary anti-splash sheet 2115, thereby reducing the extent to which the toner scatters outside the mounting section 2106.

[0124] Furthermore, since the double-sided tape 2114 that bonds the anti-scattering sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 together is formed in a U-shape, most of the air passing through the anti-scattering sheet 2113 is discharged in the direction of arrow K through the opening 2114f of the double-sided tape 2114. In addition, the anti-scattering sheet 2113 is provided with holes 2113h, thus providing good air permeability. This improves the air permeability of the filter section 2140, thereby effectively suppressing the increase in internal pressure of the receiving section 36.

[0125] Furthermore, the air discharged through the opening 2114f in the direction of arrow K flows to the left side plate 401, thus suppressing poor image formation and toner deposition on the user.

[0126] <Other Embodiments>

[0127] Incidentally, in the first embodiment, the region where the receiving port 109a exists relative to the axial direction D2 is region X, but the region where the discharge port 102a exists can also be region X. That is, the discharge port 102a and the through hole 107b are configured to overlap each other relative to the axial direction D2 so that air can be effectively discharged from the mounting portion 106.

[0128] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the breathable sheet 112 and the breathable filter 116 are configured to be sandwiched between the first frame 107 and the second frame 117, but the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the breathable sheet 112 and the breathable filter 116 may only need to be configured to cover at least one of the through holes 107b and 117c, and for example, the breathable filter 116 may be positioned on the side closer to the channel E than the through hole 117c.

[0129] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the filter section 140 is composed of two air filters (these two air filters are composed of an air-permeable sheet 112 and an air-permeable filter 116), but it may also be composed of a single air filter or three or more air filters.

[0130] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 has an air permeability of 2-80cc / cm. 2The filter material is of sec, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, considering the amount of toner passing through the breathable sheet 112 and the increase in internal pressure of the containment 36, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet or PO (polyolefin) sheet that does not have breathable properties can be used as an auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115.

[0131] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the anti-scattering sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 are constructed as components separate from the first frame 107, but they can also be integrally formed with the first frame 107. However, in this case, the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 is formed of the same material as the first frame 107, therefore, the internal pressure increases more compared to the case where a breathable filter material is used. Therefore, as the breathable sheet 112, a material with higher breathability can be used, for example, compared to a material with the same breathability.

[0132] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, while clamping the through hole 107b, the vent 112 is disposed on the channel 400 side, and the anti-scattering sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 are disposed on the side opposite to the channel 400 side, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the anti-scattering sheet 2113 may be disposed on the channel 400 side relative to the through hole 107b. In this case, U-shaped double-sided tape 2114 can bond the anti-scattering sheet bearing surface 107g of the first frame 107 and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 together. In addition, the vent 112, the anti-scattering sheet 2113, and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 may all be disposed on the anti-scattering sheet bearing surface 107g side of the first frame 107.

[0133] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the anti-scattering sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 are bonded together by a U-shaped double-sided tape 2114, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of double-sided tape, the anti-scattering sheet 2113 and the auxiliary anti-scattering sheet 2115 can be bonded together by an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, the shape of the double-sided tape is not limited to rectangle, but can be, for example, L-shaped, V-shaped, etc.

[0134] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the frame 150 is composed of a first frame 107 and a second frame 117, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the frame 150 may be composed of a single component or three or more components.

[0135] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the first frame 107 and the second frame 117 are respectively provided with through holes 107b and 117c, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second frame 117 may not be provided with through hole 117c, and only the first frame 107 may be provided with through hole 107b. That is, through hole 107b may only need to be provided in a specific part of the frame 150. In this case, the wall portion 117b of the second frame 117 may be omitted.

[0136] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the receiving port 109a is disposed in the device side baffle 109, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the receiving port 109a may be disposed in a component other than the device side baffle 109, and the receiving port 109a may be covered or opened by the device side baffle 109.

[0137] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the frame 150 and the developing container 32 are constructed as separate components, but the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the frame 150 and the developing container 32 can be integrally formed with each other.

[0138] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the processing unit 20 is installed in the main device assembly 2 so that the processing unit cannot be replaced; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the processing unit 20 can be installed in the main device assembly 2 in a way that allows it to be detachably installed in the main device assembly 2.

[0139] According to the present invention, the performance of toner supply can be improved.

[0140] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus to which a toner container is detachably mountable, the toner container being provided with a discharge port through which toner is discharged to the outside of the toner container, the image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting portion to which the toner container is detachably mountable, the mounting portion including a receiving port configured to receive toner supplied from the discharge port of the toner container, a passage configured to allow toner received via the receiving port to pass therethrough and provided with a through-hole, and a filter portion provided so as to cover the through-hole and configured to allow air to pass therethrough; and a containing portion configured to contain toner received via the receiving port, wherein at least a portion of the through-hole overlaps with the receiving port when viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a direction of gravity, and wherein the through-hole is positioned such that, in a state in which the toner container is mounted to the mounting portion, the discharge port of the toner container is visible through the through-hole when the discharge port of the toner container is viewed in the horizontal direction.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a developing roller configured to rotate around a rotation axis while carrying toner contained in the containing portion, wherein at least a portion of the through-hole is located between the receiving port and the rotation axis with respect to the direction of gravity.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the through-hole is located between the receiving port and the rotation axis with respect to the horizontal direction.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rotation axis is a first rotation axis, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises a feeding member configured to feed toner toward the developing roller and rotatable around a second rotation axis, and wherein at least a portion of the through-hole is located between the receiving port and the second rotation axis with respect to the direction of gravity.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the through-hole is located between the receiving port and the second rotation axis with respect to the horizontal direction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a discharge tray configured to stack recording material; and a discharge roller configured to discharge recording material onto the discharge tray in a discharge direction, wherein the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis, the through-hole, and the receiving port are arranged in the above order along the discharge direction.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a wall of the passage in which the through-hole is provided is inclined downward from the receiving port toward the developing roller with respect to the horizontal direction.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter portion includes a first filter and a second filter, the second filter being higher in air permeability than the first filter.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first filter is provided on an opposite side of the passage with respect to the second filter. ​ 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first filter is formed of a nonwoven fabric, and the second filter is formed of a polyurethane material.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter portion includes a third filter, a fourth filter provided with an opening, and a fifth filter provided on the opposite side of the third filter and the passage with respect to the fourth filter, and wherein the third filter and the fifth filter cover the opening of the fourth filter.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the third filter and the fourth filter are provided so as to form a gap therebetween and below the opening.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the third filter and the fourth filter are provided on the opposite sides of the passage with respect to the through-hole, and wherein the fifth filter is integrally fixed to the fourth filter.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the filter portion includes an adhesive portion for bonding the fourth filter and the fifth filter together, and wherein the adhesive portion is positioned on only a part of the periphery of the opening and is configured so that air passing through the opening passes between the fourth filter and the fifth filter from the part where the adhesive portion is not present.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the adhesive portion includes a first straight line portion, a second straight line portion, and a third straight line portion connecting the first straight line portion and the second straight line portion, and is provided in a U shape formed by the first straight line portion, the second straight line portion, and the third straight line portion, wherein the image forming apparatus further includes: an image bearing member configured to bear a toner image; and an exposure portion configured to form an electrostatic latent image on the image bearing member by exposing the image bearing member, wherein the mounting portion includes a supply port for allowing mounting of a toner container, and wherein the first straight line portion is located between the opening and the image bearing member, the second straight line portion is located between the opening and the supply port, and the third straight line portion is located between the opening and the exposure portion when viewed in a planar view.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the adhesive portion is a double-sided tape.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the through-hole is open upward.

18. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the mounting portion includes a shutter that is movable between a shielding position for shielding the receiving port and an opening position for opening the receiving port.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the shutter is rotatable about a shutter rotation axis between the shielding position and the opening position, and wherein the shutter rotation axis extends in a direction of gravity.

20. An image forming system, the image forming system including: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a toner container including a discharge portion and a first containing portion for containing toner, the discharge portion being provided with a discharge port for allowing toner to be discharged from the first containing portion and being configured to discharge toner together with air via the discharge port by reducing a volume of the first containing portion; a mounting portion to which the toner container is detachably mountable, and including a receiving port configured to receive toner supplied from the discharge port of the toner container, a passage configured to allow toner received via the receiving port to pass therethrough and provided with a through-hole, and a filter portion provided to cover the through-hole and configured to allow air to pass therethrough; and a second containing portion configured to contain toner received via the receiving port, wherein at least a portion of the through-hole overlaps with the receiving port when viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a direction of gravity, and wherein the through-hole is positioned such that, in a state where the toner container is mounted to the mounting portion, the discharge port of the toner container is visible through the through-hole when the discharge port of the toner container is viewed in the horizontal direction.

21. The image forming system according to claim 20, wherein the first containing portion is a bag, and the toner container is configured to discharge toner together with air via the discharge port by compressing the bag.

22. The image forming system according to claim 20, wherein the through-hole is open upward.

23. The image forming system according to claim 20, wherein the mounting portion includes a shutter that is movable between a shielding position for shielding the receiving port and an opening position for opening the receiving port.

24. The image forming system according to claim 23, wherein the shutter is rotatable about a shutter rotation axis between the shielding position and the opening position, and wherein the shutter rotation axis extends in a direction of gravity.

25. The image forming system according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the first containing portion is formed of a polypropylene material.

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