Developer supply device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a developer supply device and an image forming apparatus, the developer supply device including: a pump portion 21 whose volume is variable; a feed path portion 24 including, at one end, a connection opening connected to the pump portion 21 and, at the other end, a discharge opening 23; and a toner accommodating portion 22 connected to an intermediate portion between one end portion and the other end portion of the feed path portion 24 and accommodating toner. The volume change amount of the pump portion 21 is larger than the total volume from the connection opening to the discharge opening 23 of the feed path portion 24.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202080064862.4, application date September 15, 2020, and invention name “Developer Supply Device and Imaging Equipment”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a developer supply device for use with an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer. For example, the image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer forms an image on a recording material such as paper by using an electrophotographic imaging process. For example, it includes an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (e.g., an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile apparatus, etc.

[0003] Furthermore, a developer supply device (hereinafter also referred to as a "toner cartridge") for use with such an image forming apparatus includes a housing container in which at least a developer (hereinafter also referred to as a "toner") is housed. Furthermore, the developer supply device includes a discharge device for discharging the housed toner from the toner cartridge, and refers to a developer supply device in which these devices (members) are integrally constituted and made to be attachable to and detachable from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0004] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) 2010-256894, as Fig.16 In the first comparative example shown, the toner cartridge B100 is provided with a toner containing portion 117 for containing toner and a pump portion 121 for discharging toner. In addition, by utilizing the air flow generated by the pump portion 121, the toner in the toner containing portion 117 can be discharged downward from the discharge opening 123. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0006] However, in JP-A 2010-256894 Fig.16 In the toner cartridge B100 shown, the discharge opening 123 is provided just below the vicinity of the pump portion 121, and therefore, the distance and direction from the discharge opening 123 to the toner supply destination are restricted.

[0007] Purpose of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a developer supply device which improves the degree of freedom in the distance and direction from a discharge opening to a toner supply destination.

[0009] A representative structure of a developer supply device according to the present invention includes: a pump portion, the volume of which is variable; a feed path portion, the feed path portion including a connecting opening connected to the pump portion at one end and including a discharge opening at the other end; and a developer accommodating portion, the developer accommodating portion being connected to an intermediate portion between the above-mentioned one end and the above-mentioned other end of the feed path portion and being used to accommodate the developer.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the degree of freedom of the distance and direction from the discharge opening to the toner supply destination is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the toner cartridge of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view viewed from above when the toner cartridge of the first embodiment is cut in the horizontal direction.

[0015] exist Figure 4 , part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of a drive portion for a pump portion of the first embodiment. Part (b) is a side view showing a state when the pump portion of the first embodiment is expanded. Part (c) is a side view showing a state when the pump portion of the first embodiment is contracted.

[0016] exist Figure 5 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view before the pump part of the first embodiment is assembled, and part (b) is a cross-sectional view after the pump part of the first embodiment is assembled.

[0017] exist Figure 6 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the first embodiment. Part (b) is an enlarged view of the H portion of part (a).

[0018] exist Figure 7 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the first embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Part (b) is an enlarged view of part H of part (a). Parts (c) to (e) are views showing the external form of the communication opening when the pump portion is compressed when projected in the air flow direction, the external form when the boundary G3 is projected, and the external form when the boundary G2 is projected.

[0019] Figure 8is a sectional view showing the configuration of a pump portion and a feed path portion of a first modified embodiment of the first embodiment.

[0020] exist Fig. 9 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the second modified embodiment of the first embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Part (b) is an enlarged view of the H portion of part (a). Parts (c) to (e) are views showing the external form of the communication opening when the pump portion is compressed when projected in the air flow direction, the external form when the boundary G3 is projected, and the external form when the boundary G2 is projected.

[0021] exist Fig.10 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the second comparative example as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Part (b) is an enlarged view of part H of part (a). Parts (c) to (e) are views showing the external form of the communication opening when the pump portion is compressed when projected in the air flow direction, the external form when the boundary G3 is projected, and the external form when the boundary G2 is projected.

[0022] Fig.11 is a sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main assembly in the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.12 1 is a sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main assembly of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0024] exist Fig.13 , part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the toner cartridge and the process cartridge of the first modified embodiment of the second embodiment are separated from each other. Part (b) is a sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge and the process cartridge of the first modified embodiment of the second embodiment are connected to each other.

[0025] Fig.14 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an imaging apparatus of a third embodiment.

[0026] exist Fig.15 , part (a) is a sectional view showing a configuration of a toner supply device connected to the outside of the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. Part (b) is a sectional view showing a configuration of the toner supply device disassembled from the apparatus main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0027] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating connection of a toner cartridge of a first comparative example.

[0028] Fig.17 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a toner cartridge of a fifth embodiment.

[0029] Fig.18It is a cross-sectional view viewed from above when the toner cartridge of the fifth embodiment is cut in the horizontal direction.

[0030] exist Fig.19 , part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of a driving portion of a pump portion for a fifth embodiment. Part (b) is a side view showing a state when the pump portion of the fifth embodiment is expanded. Part (c) is a side view showing a state when the pump portion of the fifth embodiment is contracted.

[0031] exist Fig. 20 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view before the pump part of the fifth embodiment is assembled, and part (b) is a cross-sectional view after the pump part of the fifth embodiment is assembled.

[0032] exist Fig.21 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the fifth embodiment. Part (b) is an enlarged view of the H portion of part (a).

[0033] exist Fig. 22 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the fifth embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Part (b) is an enlarged view of part H. Parts (c) to (e) are views showing the external form of the communication opening when the pump portion is compressed when projected in the air flow direction, the external form when the boundary G3 is projected, and the external form when the boundary G2 is projected.

[0034] Fig.23 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a toner accommodating portion of the fifth embodiment.

[0035] Fig.24 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a toner accommodating portion of the fifth embodiment.

[0036] exist Fig.25 , part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a driving portion for driving the plate-like member of the fifth embodiment. Fig.25 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of a feeding portion for driving the plate-like member of the fifth embodiment.

[0037] Fig.26 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a toner accommodating portion of the fifth embodiment.

[0038] exist Fig. 27 , parts (a) and (b) are views for illustrating the operation of a feeding portion for driving a plate-like member of the fifth embodiment.

[0039] exist Fig.28 , parts (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views for illustrating the movement of the plate-like member of the fifth embodiment.

[0040] Fig.29 : is a diagram for illustrating the operation of the pump portion, the operation of the swingable member, and the phase of the shutter portion of the plate-like member in the fifth embodiment.

[0041] exist Fig.30 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a pump portion, a feed path portion, and a baffle portion of a plate-like member in the fifth embodiment. Part (b) is an enlarged view of a H portion of part (a).

[0042] Fig.31 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a pump portion and a feed path portion of a first modified embodiment of the fifth embodiment.

[0043] exist Fig.32 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the second modified embodiment of the fifth embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Part (b) is an enlarged view of the H portion of part (a). Parts (c) to (e) are views showing the external form of the communication opening when the pump portion is compressed when projected in the air flow direction, the external form when the boundary G3 is projected, and the external form when the boundary G2 is projected.

[0044] exist Fig.33 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the second comparative example as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Part (b) is an enlarged view of part H of part (a). Parts (c) to (e) are views showing the external form of the communication opening when the pump portion is compressed when projected in the air flow direction, the external form when the boundary G3 is projected, and the external form when the boundary G2 is projected.

[0045] exist Fig.34 , part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a driving portion for driving a plate-like member of the sixth embodiment. Fig.34 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of a driving portion for driving the plate-like member of the sixth embodiment.

[0046] exist Fig.35 , parts (a) to (c) are views for illustrating the operation of a driving portion for driving a plate-like member of the sixth embodiment.

[0047] exist Fig.36 , parts (a) to (c) are cross-sectional views for illustrating the movement of the plate-like member of the sixth embodiment.

[0048] Fig.37 : is a diagram for illustrating the operation of the pump portion, the operation of the swingable member, and the phase of the shutter portion of the plate-like member in the sixth embodiment.

[0049] Fig.38: is a sectional view showing the configuration of a pump portion and a feed path portion device in a toner cartridge of the seventh embodiment.

[0050] Fig.39 It is a cross-sectional view viewed from above when the toner cartridge of the first embodiment is cut in the horizontal direction.

[0051] exist Fig.40 , part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of a driving portion of a pump portion for a seventh embodiment. Part (b) is a side view showing a state when the pump portion of the seventh embodiment is expanded. Part (c) is a side view showing a state when the pump portion of the seventh embodiment is contracted.

[0052] exist Fig.41 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view before the pump part of the seventh embodiment is assembled, and part (b) is a cross-sectional view after the pump part of the seventh embodiment is assembled.

[0053] exist Fig.42 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the seventh embodiment. Part (b) is an enlarged view of the H portion of part (a).

[0054] exist Fig.43 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the seventh embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Part (b) is an enlarged view of the H portion of part (a). Parts (c) to (e) are views showing the external form of the communication opening when the pump portion is compressed when projected in the air flow direction, the external form when the boundary G3 is projected, and the external form when the boundary G2 is projected.

[0055] Fig.44 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an opposing region forming portion provided in the toner accommodating portion of the seventh embodiment.

[0056] Fig.45 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a pump portion, a feed path portion, and an opposing region forming portion provided in a toner accommodating portion in the seventh embodiment.

[0057] Fig.46 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a pump portion and a feed path portion of a first modified embodiment of the seventh embodiment.

[0058] exist Fig.47 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the second modified embodiment of the seventh embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Part (b) is an enlarged view of the H portion of part (a). Parts (c) to (e) are views showing the external form of the communication opening when the pump portion is compressed when projected in the air flow direction, the external form when the boundary G3 is projected, and the external form when the boundary G2 is projected.

[0059] exist Fig.48 , part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion and the feed path portion of the second comparative example as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Part (b) is an enlarged view of part H of part (a). Parts (c) to (e) are views showing the external form of the communication opening when the pump portion is compressed when projected in the air flow direction, the external form when the boundary G3 is projected, and the external form when the boundary G2 is projected.

[0060] Fig.49 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an opposing region forming portion provided in a toner accommodating portion of a third modified embodiment of the seventh embodiment.

[0061] Fig.50 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an opposing region forming portion provided in a toner accommodating portion of a fourth modified embodiment of the seventh embodiment.

[0062] Fig.51 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an opposing region forming portion provided in a toner accommodating portion of a fifth modified embodiment of the seventh embodiment.

[0063] Fig.52 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a pump portion, a feed path portion, and an opposing region forming portion provided in a toner accommodating portion in the eighth embodiment.

[0064] Fig.53 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an opposing region forming portion and a stirring member provided in a toner accommodating portion of the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Embodiments of a developer supply device and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings (Figures).

[0066] [First embodiment]

[0067] First, we will use Figures 1 to 7 The configuration of a first embodiment of a developer supply device and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

[0068] <Imaging equipment>

[0069] Will use Figure 1 The configurations of the image forming apparatus C and the process cartridge A are described. Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging device C of the present embodiment. Incidentally, in the following description, in some cases, the following coordinate system will be used for description, wherein Figure 1 The up and down (vertical direction) is the Y-axis direction, Figure 1 The horizontal direction is the X-axis direction, and Figure 1The depth direction is the Z-axis direction. Figure 1 The image forming apparatus C shown is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material S such as paper by using an electrophotographic (image forming) process. Figure 1 At a central portion of the image forming apparatus C shown, a process cartridge A detachably mountable to an apparatus main assembly 1C of the image forming apparatus C is provided.

[0070] <Processing cartridge>

[0071] Will use Figure 1 The configuration of the process cartridge A is described. Here, the process cartridge A is a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing member and various process devices that can act on the photosensitive drum 11. Here, as the process device, for example, there is a charging roller as a charging device for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Furthermore, as the process device, there is a developing device 3 for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 into a toner image by supplying a toner as a developer to the electrostatic latent image. Furthermore, as the process device, there is a cleaning blade 14 as a cleaning device for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after transfer.

[0072] The process box A of this embodiment is Figure 1 A charging roller 12 is provided at the periphery of the photosensitive drum 11 which rotates in the clockwise direction, and a cleaning blade 14 having elasticity is included as a cleaning device. In addition, the developing device 3 includes: a developing roller 13 which is provided opposite to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11; a developing blade 15; and a toner containing portion 17 for containing toner. The toner containing portion 17 is provided with a receiving portion 18 for receiving the toner supplied from the toner box B provided below the process box A via the maximum acceleration (side) path portion 1.

[0073] <Toner Cartridge>

[0074] Will use Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration of the toner cartridge B as a developer supply device used in the image forming apparatus C is described. Figure 2 : is a sectional view showing the structure of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The toner cartridge B shown is arranged so as to be detachably mountable to the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C.

[0075] like Figure 1As shown, the toner cartridge B includes a toner accommodating portion 22 as a developer accommodating portion for accommodating toner (developer) therein. Further, the toner cartridge B includes a variable volume pump portion 21 for generating an air flow by volume change. Further, the toner cartridge B includes a discharge opening 23 for allowing the toner to be discharged from the toner accommodating portion 22 of the toner cartridge B to the outside. Further, the toner cartridge B includes a connecting opening (boundary G1) connected to the pump portion 21 at one end, and includes a feed path portion 24 ( Figure 2 The toner cartridge B supplies toner to the toner containing portion 17 of the process cartridge A via the main assembly path portion 1 provided in the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the toner accommodating portion 22 is connected to the middle portion between one end portion (boundary G1) and the other end portion (discharge opening 23) of the feed path portion 24. The volume change amount of the pump portion 21 is set to be larger than the total volume from the boundary G1 (connection opening) of the feed path portion 24 to the discharge opening 23. The toner accommodating portion 22 and the feed path portion 24 are communicated with each other via the communication opening 25.

[0077] Figure 1 The process cartridge A and the toner cartridge B shown are mounted in the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C, and are used for image formation. At the lower portion of the image forming apparatus C, there is a feed cassette 6 in which recording materials S such as sheets of paper are accommodated. The recording materials S accommodated in the feed cassette 6 are fed and separated one by one by a separation device not shown, and the separated recording materials S are fed. Thereafter, the leading end portion of the recording material S abuts against the nip portion of the registration roller 7, thereby correcting the oblique movement of the recording material S.

[0078] In synchronization with the feeding operation of the recording material S from the feed box 6, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 uniformly charged by the charging roller 12 is selectively exposed according to image information, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. On the other hand, the toner contained in the toner containing portion 17 is supplied to the developing roller 13, and the toner is carried on the surface of the developing roller 13 in a thin layer state by the developing blade 15. By applying a developing bias to the developing roller 13, the toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image.

[0079] In agreement with the timing at which the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 reaches the transfer nip N formed by the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 9, the recording material S is fed to the transfer nip N by the registration roller 7. By applying a transfer bias to the transfer roller 9, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred onto the recording material S in the transfer nip N.

[0080] The recording material S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 10, and is heated and pressed by a heating unit 10a and a pressing roller 10b provided in the fixing device 10, so that the toner image is fixed on the recording material S. The recording material S on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed to a discharge roller 16, and is discharged to a discharge portion 4 provided at an upper portion of the image forming apparatus C.

[0081] Figure 3 1 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment as viewed from above when the toner cartridge B is cut in the horizontal direction. Figure 2 When following Figure 3 When the toner cartridge B is cut vertically, the L2-L2 (line) Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment as seen from the right side of FIG. Figure 3 When following Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment when the toner cartridge B is cut in the horizontal direction along line L1 - L1 (line).

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the toner accommodating portion 22 accommodates toner therein and includes a feeding portion 31 for feeding the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 22. As the feeding portion 31 in this embodiment, a feeding plate 31a is provided along the bottom of the interior of the toner accommodating portion 22. Figure 3 The toner on the feeding plate 31 a is fed by reciprocating motion in the directions of arrows D1 a and D1 b.

[0083] Here, the maximum acceleration when the feed plate 31a moves in the arrow D1a direction in which the feed plate 31a approaches the communication opening 25 is set to be smaller than the maximum acceleration when the feed plate 31a moves in the arrow D1b direction in which the feed plate 31a moves away from the communication opening 25. Thus, the toner on the feed plate 31a is fed in the arrow D1a direction in which the toner approaches the communication opening 25. Thus, the toner on the feed plate 31a is fed in the arrow D1a direction and is supplied from the communication opening 25 into the feed path portion 24 by its own weight.

[0084] Incidentally, as a structure for feeding the colorant contained in the colorant containing portion 22, a structure for feeding the colorant by rotating a flexible sheet not shown in the colorant containing portion 22 or a structure for feeding the colorant by rotating a screw not shown in the colorant containing portion 22 can be used. Figure 3 The bottom 22b of the toner accommodating portion 22 shown is on one end side with respect to the longitudinal direction ( Figure 3A communication opening 25 is provided on the side of the arrow D1a direction, which is an opening opening downward and connected to the feed path portion 24. Figure 3 As shown, the communication opening 25 is configured in a rectangular shape.

[0085] <Pump section>

[0086] Next, we will use Figure 4 and Figure 5 The configuration of the pump portion 21 will be described. Figure 4 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the driving portion 20 of the pump portion 21 in the present embodiment. Figure 4 Part (b) is a side view showing a state in which the pump portion 21 in the present embodiment is expanded. Figure 4 Part (c) is a side view showing a state where the pump portion 21 in the present embodiment is contracted. Figure 5 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view before assembling the pump portion 21 in this embodiment. Figure 5 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view after the pump portion 21 in this embodiment is assembled.

[0087] <Driver section>

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown in parts (a) to (c) of the present invention, the pump portion 21 changes its volume by being driven by the driving portion 20. The pump portion 21 is driven by the driving portion 20 so that the volume change amount of the pump portion 21 is greater than the total volume from the boundary G1 (connection opening) to the discharge opening 23. The driving portion is composed of a pump driving gear 27 and a reciprocating member 28. The pump portion 21 is driven by the pump driving gear 27 and the reciprocating member 28 as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The portion (c) is compressed in the downward direction, and as shown in Figure 4 The pump driving gear 27 includes a gear portion 27a and a cam portion 27b, and is driven by receiving a driving force input from the imaging device C. Figure 4 Parts (b) and (c) are rotated in the direction of arrow D3.

[0089] The pump drive gear 27 is configured in a cylindrical shape and is rotatably supported by a support member 29 configured such that the outer peripheral surface is a circumferential surface. A gear portion 27a is formed over the entire length of the lower end portion of the pump drive gear 27 relative to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface. At the outer peripheral surface of the pump drive gear 27 and the upper portion of the gear portion 27a, a cam portion 27b is formed over the entire length of the pump drive gear 27 relative to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface, the cam portion including a cam portion causing the pump drive gear 27 to rotate in the axial direction ( Figure 4 The groove portion that continuously moves back and forth in the up and down directions.

[0090] The pump drives the gear 27 to Figure 4 The reciprocating member 28 engaged with the cam portion 27b rotates in the direction of arrow D3 of the portions (b) and (c). Figure 4 The reciprocating member 28 reciprocates in the up-and-down directions of parts (b) and (c). The reciprocating member 28 engages with an engaging portion 26b provided at an upper end portion of the corrugated member 26 constituting a portion of the pump portion 21. The reciprocating member 28 is constituted by including a pair of arm portions 28a and a fixing portion 28b, each fixing portion 28b being connected to one end portion of each of the pair of arm portions 28a, and at the other end portion of each of the arm portions 28a, a protruding portion 28c protruding toward the inside of each of the arm portions 28a is provided. The protruding portion 28c of the reciprocating member 28 is slidably inserted into a groove portion of the cam portion 27b of the pump drive gear 27.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown in part (a) of the pump portion 21, the pump portion 21 is composed of a portion of a corrugated member 26, and when cut in the horizontal direction, the cross section of the corrugated member is circular and open at the lower portion. Fig.15 As shown, the corrugated member 26 includes a corrugated portion 26a and an engaging portion 26b provided at an upper end portion of the corrugated portion 26a. In addition, the corrugated member 26 is constituted by including a fixing portion 26c, which includes a cylindrical female threaded portion opened at a lower end portion of the corrugated portion 26a. The fixing portion 26c is threadedly fastened to a cylindrical male threaded portion 29a, which is opened at an upper end portion of the support member 29. The engaging portion 26b is installed in a fixing portion 28b of the reciprocating member 28.

[0092] like Figure 5 As shown in part (a), the fixing portion 26c has a spiral shape, and a female thread portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. In addition, the fixing portion 26c is Figure 5 The portion (a) of the support member 29 is rotated in the direction of arrow D4 and is threadedly fastened and fixed to the male thread portion 29 a of the support member 29 .

[0093] The pump driving gear 27 is driven by the driving force input from the image forming apparatus C to the gear portion 27a. Figure 4 Then, the cam portion 27b rotates integrally with the pump drive gear 27, so that the reciprocating member 28 is moved in the direction of the arrow D3 of the portions (b) and (c) of the cam portion 27b via the protruding portion 28c engaging with the groove portion of the cam portion 27b. Figure 4 Thus, the pump portion 21 is locked to the fixing portion 28b of the reciprocating member via the engaging portion 26b at the upper end portion. Figure 4Parts (b) and (c) show repeated expansion and contraction.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawings, inside the support member 29, a first feed path area 24a is provided as a part of the feed path portion 24. Here, the pump portion 21 is a part of the corrugated portion 26a. On the other hand, the fixed portion 26c that does not cause a volume change is included in the feed path portion 24, not in the pump portion 21. Therefore, the boundary between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is the boundary G1 between the corrugated portion 26a and the fixed portion 26c of the corrugated member 26.

[0095] like Figure 2 As shown, the boundary G1 which is the connection opening between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is arranged above the portion where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22. In addition, the direction in which the pump portion 21 is connected to the feed path portion is the downward direction, and the portion in which the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22 is arranged below the toner accommodating portion 22.

[0096] Here, as Figure 2 When the boundary G1 shown is located therebetween, the volume of the pump portion 21 is set larger than the volume of the feed path portion 24 ( Figure 2 In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the volume of the pump portion 21 is set to be larger than the sum of the volume of the feed path portion 24 and the volume of the main component path portion 1. In this embodiment, the volume of the pump portion 21 is 10cc, and the sum of the volume of the feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1 is 3cc.

[0097] Furthermore, the volume of the sum of the volumes of the feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1 is smaller than the volume change amount of the pump portion 21. Thus, even in a combination of a long feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1, or in a combination of a curved feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1, toner feeding can be facilitated by the expansion / contraction operation of the pump portion 21.

[0098] Furthermore, the boundary G1 between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is disposed at a position higher than the communication opening 25 disposed at the boundary between the toner containing portion 22 and the feed path portion 24 with respect to the vertical direction. Figure 2 When the pump portion 21 and the toner containing portion 22 are shown, Figure 2 The range of the middle pump portion 21 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is a range 21a, and similarly, Figure 2The range of the toner containing portion 22 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is range 22a. At this time, range 21a and range 22a are set to be located within the overlapping range in the vertical direction. That is, when viewed from the horizontal direction, the pump portion 21 is arranged at a position overlapping with the toner containing portion 22 in the vertical direction.

[0099] The pump portion 21 repeats expansion / contraction operations. The toner supplied into the feed path portion 24 is fed into the feed path portion 24 by the air flow in the arrow D2 direction generated during the compression process of the pump portion 21, and is supplied into the main component path portion 1 provided in the apparatus main component C1 of the image forming apparatus C through the discharge opening 23. In addition, the toner is supplied into the toner accommodating portion 17 through the receiving portion 18 provided in the toner accommodating portion 17 of the process cartridge A, with the other end portion of the main component path portion communicating with the receiving portion. Figure 1 The main component path portion 1 shown is composed of a hollow tube shape.

[0100] <Effect of the pump section>

[0101] The volume of the pump portion 21 is set to a volume greater than the sum of the volume of the feed path portion 24 and the volume of the main component path portion 1. Thus, the toner conveyed to the feed path portion 24 through the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 by the suction / contraction operation of the pump portion 21 can be fed from the feed path portion 24 to the outside of the discharge opening 23. In addition, the toner is fed to the receiving portion 18 provided in the toner accommodating portion 17 through the main component path portion 1, so that the toner can be supplied to the toner accommodating portion 17. In the present embodiment, the volume of the pump portion 21 is about 10 cc, and the volume of the sum of the volumes of the feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1 is about 3 cc. Thus, the volume of the pump portion 21 is set to be twice or more the volume of the feed path portion 24.

[0102] Incidentally, the relationship between the volume of the pump portion 21 and the volume of the sum of the volumes of the feed path portion 24 and the main assembly path portion is not limited thereto, but may be appropriately set according to the kind of toner fed or the height or distance to which the toner is fed. The volume of the pump portion 21 is set to be twice or more the volume of the feed path portion 24, whereby the toner can be stably discharged by the expansion / contraction operation without leaving the toner in the feed path portion 24.

[0103] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the (toner) discharge direction of the pump portion 21 is arranged downward, thereby making it difficult for toner to enter the pump portion 21 during the process of the pump portion 21 sucking air. Figure 2In the vertical direction shown, the boundary G1 between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is set at a position higher than the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22. Thus, it is possible to suppress the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 22 from entering the pump portion 21 via the feed path portion 24 during transportation of the toner cartridge B or the like. Figure 2 When the pump portion 21 is observed in the horizontal direction of Figure 2 The vertical direction of the toner cartridge B is arranged at a position overlapping with the toner accommodating portion 22. Thus, the toner cartridge B can be reduced in size in the vertical direction.

[0104] <Feed path section>

[0105] Next, we will use Figure 2 and Figure 6 The configuration of the feed path portion 24 will be described. Figure 6 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the present embodiment. Figure 6 Part (b) is Figure 6 (a) An enlarged view of section H.

[0106] Depend on Figure 2 The range of the feed path portion 24 indicated by the shaded portion is the range from the boundary G1 between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 to the discharge opening 23 in the arrow D2 direction, which is the direction of the flow of air generated during the compression process of the pump portion 21. The feed path portion 24 communicates with the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 in the middle portion thereof.

[0107] like Figure 6 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 , the feed path portion 24 includes a first feed path region 24a connected to the pump portion 21 and a second feed path region 24b connected to the discharge opening 23. In addition, the feed path portion 24 includes a third feed path region 24c connected to the first feed path region 24a, the second feed path region 24b, and the communication opening of the toner containing portion 22. Figure 6 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the first feed path region 24 a and the third feed path region 24 c are divided by a boundary G2 , and the second feed path region 24 b and the third feed path region 24 c are divided by a boundary G3 .

[0108] The boundary G2 is a cross section of the feed path portion 24 including an end portion 25a of the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 contacting the feed path portion 24 on the pump portion 21 side. The boundary G3 is a cross section of the feed path portion 24 including an end portion 25b of the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 contacting the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side.

[0109] The first feed path region 24a is a region of the feed path portion 24 from the boundary G1 to the boundary G2 on the pump portion 21 side. Figure 6 The second feed path region 24b is a region of the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side from the boundary G3 to the discharge opening 23, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The second feeding path region 24 b is a portion located on the discharge opening 23 side (discharge opening side) with respect to a boundary G3 where the feeding path portion communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22 .

[0110] In the second feed path region 24b, a boundary G3 as one end portion on the side where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner containing portion 22 is arranged at a position lower in the vertical direction than the discharge opening 23 as the other end portion. The third feed path region 24c is Figure 6 The feed path portion 24 shown in parts (a) and (b) is a region from the boundary G2 to the boundary G3 excluding the first feed path region 24 a and the second feed path region 24 b .

[0111] <First Feed Path Area>

[0112] Will use Figure 6 The configuration of the first feed path region 24 a is described. Figure 6 The first feed path region 24a shown in part (a) includes a funnel-shaped portion 24a1 connected to the pump portion 21, a tubular curved portion 24a2 connected to the funnel-shaped portion 24a2, and a tubular straight portion 24a3 connected to the curved portion 24a2. These portions are smoothly connected to each other. In the case of considering the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the opposite end portions of the first feed path region 24a, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the boundary G1 is G1a and the cross-sectional area of ​​the boundary G2 is G2a, the following relationship is satisfied:

[0113] G1a > G2a

[0114] Figure 6 The first feed path region 24a shown in the portion (a) of FIG. 2 is a portion located on the pump portion 21 side (pump portion side) relative to the portion where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22. In the first feed path region 24a, the cross-sectional area G1a of the boundary G1 (connection opening) is larger than the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2, which is the portion where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22. Further, in the first feed path region 24, the boundary G2, which is one end portion on the side where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22, is arranged at the lowest position in the vertical direction.

[0115] <Effect of the First Feed Path Area>

[0116] As described above, the first feed path area 24a can freely arrange the position of the pump portion 21 by including the curved portion 24a2. In addition, by including the curved portion 24a2, the boundary G1 as the connection opening of the pump portion 21 can be arranged downward in the vertical direction. Thus, it is possible to make it difficult for the toner to enter the pump portion 21.

[0117] Furthermore, the relationship between the cross-sectional areas of the opposite end portions of the first feeding path region 24a is made to satisfy G1a>G2a, so that the flow velocity of the airflow generated in the pump portion 21 can be made faster in the first feeding path region 24a. Thus, by the suction / contraction operation of the pump portion 21, the toner can be sent to a higher place or a farther place.

[0118] In addition, in the first feeding path area 24a, the boundary G2 side is set at the lowest position in the vertical direction. As a result, it becomes difficult for the toner contained in the toner containing portion 22 to enter the area from the curved portion 24a2 to the funnel-shaped portion 24a1 of the first feeding path area 24, and thus a stable toner feeding amount can be achieved.

[0119] <Second Feed Path Area>

[0120] Next, we will use Figure 6 The configuration of the second feed path region 24b will be described. Figure 6 The second feed path region 24b shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 is configured to include a tubular straight portion 24b1 connected to the third feed path region 24c, a tubular curved portion 24b2 connected to the straight portion 24b1, and a tubular straight portion 24b3 connected to the curved portion 24b2. The respective portions are smoothly connected to each other.

[0121] Incidentally, the inner diameter of each of the straight portions 24b1 and 24b3 and the curved portion 24b2 is 4 mm. In addition, the second feed path region 24b extends upward from the curved portion 24b2 to the straight portion 24b3 in the vertical direction, and the discharge opening 23 provided at the end portion of the straight portion 24b3 is arranged at a position higher than the third feed path region 24c in the vertical direction.

[0122] In addition, if Figure 6As shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 , the second feed path region 24b is a portion located on the discharge opening 23 side (discharge opening side) relative to the portion of the feed path portion 24 communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22. Further, in the second feed path region 24, the boundary G3 is arranged at the lowest position relative to the vertical direction. Further, the second feed path region 24b feeds the air sent from the pump portion 21 and the toner supplied from the toner accommodating portion 22. For this reason, it is desirable that a sudden change in the cross-sectional area of, for example, a stepped portion in the air flow direction is small.

[0123] <Effect of the Second Feed Path Area>

[0124] As described above, the second feed path region 24b includes the curved portion 24b2, so that the position of the discharge opening 23 can be freely arranged. In addition, in the second feed path region 24b, the boundary G3 side is set at the lowest position in the vertical direction. Thus, it becomes difficult for the toner in the toner containing portion 22 to enter the region from the curved portion 24b2 to the straight portion 24b3 of the second feed path region 24b, and therefore, a stable toner feeding amount can be achieved.

[0125] <Third Feed Path Area>

[0126] Next, we will use Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The configuration of the third feed path region 24c will be described. Figure 7 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the present embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Figure 7 Part (b) is Figure 7 (a) An enlarged view of section H. Figure 7 Part (c) is a schematic diagram showing an external form 25c1 when a cross section 25c of the communication opening 25 on the feed path portion 24 side is projected in the direction of air flow when the pump portion 21 is compressed, and shows an external form G31 when the boundary G3 is projected in this direction.

[0127] Figure 7 Part (d) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G21 when the boundary G2 is projected in the direction of the air flow when the pump part 21 is compressed. The arrow D2 direction is the direction of the air flow when the pump part 21 is compressed. Figure 7 Part (e) of FIG. 5 shows a superimposed view of these outer forms consisting of the outer form 24c1, the outer form G31 and the outer form G21.

[0128] The third feed path area 24c is a portion where the toner in the toner containing portion 22 is received in the feed path portion 24 through the communication opening 25. The third feed path area 24c is arranged below the toner containing portion 22 in the vertical direction and is located at the lowest portion of the feed path portion 24. The volume of the third feed path area 24c may be a volume consistent with the amount of toner to be fed, but Figure 6 In the vicinity of the boundary G2 and the boundary G3 shown in part (b), it is desirable that a sudden change in the cross section such as a step-shaped portion is small.

[0129] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown where the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 between the first feed path region 24a and the third feed path region 24c and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 between the second feed path region 24b and the third feed path region 24c are equal to each other.

[0130] like Figure 7 As shown in part (e) of FIG. 2 , when the cross section 25c of the communication opening 52 on the feed path portion 24 side is projected in the arrow D2 direction, the area of ​​the outer form 25c1 becomes substantially 0. On the other hand, the area of ​​the outer form G21 when the boundary G2 is projected in the arrow D2 direction and the area of ​​the outer form G31 when the boundary G3 is projected in the arrow D2 direction are substantially equal to each other.

[0131] For this reason, Figure 7 An area K2 of a region where the outer form G21 and the outer form G31 overlap indicated by hatching of the portion (e) is larger than an area K1 (=0) of a region where the outer form G21 and the outer form 25c1 overlap (K1<K2).

[0132] That is, when the pump portion 21 is compressed, the air flows in the direction of Figure 7The external form G21 and the external form 25c1 shown in the portion (e) of FIG. 2 are compared with each other. Here, the external form G21 is an external form in which the cross section of the boundary G2, which is the position of the feed path portion 24 on the pump portion 21 side at the portion communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22, is projected in the arrow D2 direction. In addition, the external form 25c1 is an external form in which the cross section 25c of the portion of the feed path portion 24 on the toner accommodating portion 22 side (developer accommodating portion side) at the portion communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22 is projected in the arrow D2 direction. At this time, with respect to the external form G21, when the cross section of the boundary G3 is a projection of the portion of the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side at the portion communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22 in the arrow D2 direction, the area K2 where the opening G21 overlaps with the external form G31 is larger than the external form 25c1.

[0133] Thus, air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a when the pump portion 21 is compressed does not flow toward the communication opening 25 but tends to flow toward the second feed path region 24b in one direction. Thus, the amount of toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be stabilized.

[0134] According to the present embodiment, the pump portion 21 and the discharge opening 23 are communicated with each other through the feed path portion 24. Furthermore, then, the volume of the feed path portion 24 is set to be smaller than the volume change amount of the pump portion 21. Thus, the toner can be fed more easily even when a long feed path portion 24 or a curved feed path portion 24 is adopted, and the degree of freedom of the distance and direction to the toner supply destination is also improved.

[0135] <First Modified Embodiment>

[0136] Next, we will use Figure 8 The configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the first modified embodiment of the present embodiment are described. Figure 8 : is a sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the first modified embodiment of the first embodiment. Figure 8 The second feed path region 24b of the toner cartridge B shown is provided with the discharge opening 23 at the end portion of the tubular straight portion 24b1 connected to the third feed path region 24c. Therefore, the second feed path region 24b extending from the third feed path region 24c to the discharge opening 23 can be arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0137] In this modified embodiment, Figure 8As shown, in the second feed path region 24b which is a portion located on the discharge opening 23 side relative to the boundary G3, the boundary G3 as one end is arranged at the same height (level) as the discharge opening 23 as the other end in the vertical direction. Here, the boundary G3 is one end of the feed path portion 24 on the side where the toner containing portion 22 communicates with the feed path portion 24.

[0138] At this time, the discharge opening 23 is provided with a not-shown shutter member outside the toner cartridge B, and the toner accommodated in the toner cartridge B is prevented from leaking to the outside by the shutter member.

[0139] <Second Modified Example>

[0140] Next, we will use Fig. 9 The configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the second modified embodiment of the present embodiment are described. Fig. 9 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the second modified embodiment of the present embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig. 9 Part (b) is Fig. 9 (a) An enlarged view of section H. Fig. 9 Part (c) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G31. Fig. 9 Part (d) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G21. Fig. 9 Part (e) of FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram in which three external forms consisting of the external form 25 c 1 , the external form G31 , and the external form G21 are overlapped with each other.

[0141] In reference Figure 6 In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 are equal to each other. In this modified embodiment, Fig. 9 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , an example is adopted in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 are different from each other. Fig. 9 As shown in part (e), Fig. 9 The area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 and the outer form G31 overlap is larger than the area indicated by the hatching of the portion (e). Fig. 9 The hatched area of ​​the portion (e) indicates an area K1 (K1 <K2)。

[0142] The boundary G2 is a portion of the feed path portion on the pump portion 21 side at the communication portion of the communication opening 25. The boundary G3 is a portion of the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side at the communication portion of the communication opening 25. With respect to the external form G21 when the cross section of the boundary G2 is projected in the direction in which the air flows when the pump portion 21 is compressed, an area K2 where the external form G21 overlaps with an external form G31 when the cross section of the boundary G3 is projected in the direction in which the air flows when the pump portion 21 is compressed is larger than an area where the external form G21 overlaps with the external form 25c1. Thus, the air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a when the pump portion 21 is compressed is likely to flow to the second feed path region 24b in large quantities.

[0143] <Second Comparative Example>

[0144] Next, we will use Fig.10 The configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the second comparative example are described. Fig.10 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the present comparative example as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig.10 Part (b) is Fig.10 (a) An enlarged view of section H. Fig.10 Part (c) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G31. Fig.10 Part (d) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G21. Fig.10 Part (e) of FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram in which three outer forms consisting of the outer forms 25c1, G31, and G21 are overlapped with each other.

[0145] In this comparison example, Fig.10 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , an example of a case where the difference between the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 is much greater than Fig. 9 The difference in the above-mentioned second modified embodiment is shown in part (b).

[0146] like Fig.10 As shown in part (e), Fig.10 The area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 and the outer form G31 overlap indicated by the hatching of part (e) is smaller than that indicated by Fig.10 The hatching of part (e) indicates an area K1 (K1>K2) where the outer form G21 overlaps the outer form 25c1. Thus, when the pump portion 21 is compressed, a large amount of air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a flows to the second feed path region 24b.

[0147] In order to prevent this, setting is made so that the area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form G31 is larger than the area K1 of the region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form 25c1. As a result, the air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a flows more easily toward the second feed path region 24b than toward the communication opening 25, so that the feeding amount of the toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be stabilized. For this reason, as Figure 7 As shown, it is desirable to increase the area K2 where the outer form G31 and the outer form G21 overlap each other.

[0148] <Effect of the Third Feed Path Area>

[0149] As described above, the third feed path area 24c is provided below the toner containing portion 22. For this reason, the toner in the toner containing portion 22 can be fed into the third feed path area 24c by utilizing the gravity of the toner. In addition, the third feed path area 24c is arranged at the lowest position of the feed path portion 24 in the vertical direction. For this reason, as described above, the toner supplied into the third feed path area 24c from the inside of the toner containing portion 22 by gravity can be prevented from entering the first feed path area 24a and the second feed path area 24b more than necessary. Thus, stabilization of the feed amount of the toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be achieved.

[0150] In addition, if Figure 7 Part (e) and Fig. 9 As shown in part (e), the area K2 of the region where the external form G21 and the external form G31 overlap is set to be larger than the area K1 of the region where the external form G21 and the external form 25c1 overlap (K1 <K2)。

[0151] Thus, by the expansion / contraction operation of the pump portion 21, the toner present in the third feed path region 24c can be conveyed to the second feed path region 24b instead of being blown back to the communication opening 25. Thus, stabilization of the feed amount of the toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be achieved.

[0152] <Toner Feeding from Toner Cartridge to Process Cartridge>

[0153] Next, we will use Figures 1 to 3 The toner feeding operation from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A is described. First, by using Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the toner feeding operation in the toner cartridge B will be described. Figure 3 As shown, the toner cartridge B is provided with a feeding portion 31.

[0154] The feeding section 31 includes a feeding plate 31a provided on the bottom of the toner containing section 22 so as to be able to feed the toner along the Figure 3 The toner contained in the toner containing portion 22 is placed on the feed plate 31a. The feed plate 31a is moved back and forth in the direction of arrows D1a and D1b. Figure 3 The feed plate 31a moves back and forth in the direction of arrows D1a and D1b. Figure 3 The maximum acceleration in the direction of arrow D1b is greater than the maximum acceleration of the feed plate 31a in Figure 3 The maximum acceleration in the direction of arrow D1a is thus generated. Figure 3 The machine is fed in the direction of arrow D1a.

[0155] along Figure 3 The toner fed in the direction of arrow D1a is guided by the inclined surface 22a provided at the inner surface of the toner containing portion 22, and is collected to the communication opening 25. Figure 2 As shown, since the communication opening 25 faces the lower side of the toner containing portion 22, the toner conveyed to the communication opening 25 passes through the communication opening 25 by gravity and is conveyed to the feed path portion 24. The toner conveyed to the feed path portion 24 is conveyed to the discharge opening 23 by the air flow generated when the pump portion 21 is compressed.

[0156] like Figure 1 As shown, in a state where the toner cartridge B and the process cartridge A are mounted in the image forming apparatus C, the discharge opening 23 of the feed path portion 24 communicates with one end portion of the main component path portion 1 provided on the apparatus main component C1 side of the image forming apparatus C. Furthermore, the other end portion of the main component path portion 1 and the receiving portion 18 of the toner accommodating portion 17 of the process cartridge A communicate with each other.

[0157] The toner sent out from the discharge opening 23 of the toner cartridge B passes through the main assembly path portion 1 provided in the image forming apparatus C, and is fed to the toner accommodating portion 17 through the receiving portion 18 of the process cartridge A. As described above, the toner is fed from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A. In the present embodiment, the toner can be discharged upward from the toner cartridge B arranged below the process cartridge A. In addition, the toner can be discharged to a distant place.

[0158] [Second embodiment]

[0159] Next, we will use Figures 11 to 13 The configuration of the developer supply device and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention in the second embodiment is described. Incidentally, components (parts) constructed similarly to those in the first embodiment will be omitted from the description by adding the same reference numerals or symbols or adding the same component (part) names even when the reference numerals or symbols are different. Fig.11 1 is a sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge B is being mounted into the apparatus main assembly C1 in the image forming apparatus C of this embodiment. Fig.12 1C is a sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 1C of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0160] In the first embodiment, if Figure 1 , an example of a case where toner is fed from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A by means of the main component path portion 1 provided in the image forming apparatus C is described. In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which toner is fed from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A without the aid of the main component path portion 1 provided in the image forming apparatus C. Incidentally, the image forming process in the image forming apparatus C and the configurations of the process cartridge A and the toner cartridge B are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore will be omitted from repeated description.

[0161] Will use Fig.11 and Fig.12 The operation of installing the toner cartridge B into the image forming apparatus C in this embodiment will be described. Fig.11 As shown, the main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C is provided with a door 2 which is rotatable about a rotation axis 2b. When the toner cartridge B is installed in the main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C, the toner cartridge B is moved along the rotation axis 2b in a state where the door 2 of the image forming apparatus C is opened. Fig.11 Insert in the direction of arrow D5. Then, Fig.12 As shown, when the toner cartridge B is inserted into its installation position and the door 2 is closed in the direction of arrow D6, the installation of the toner cartridge B is completed.

[0162] like Fig.12 As shown, in a state where the toner cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main assembly C1, the discharge opening 23 of the toner cartridge B and the receiving portion 18 of the process cartridge A communicate with each other. During toner feeding, the toner is fed from the toner containing portion 22 to the toner containing portion 17 of the process cartridge A via the feeding path portion 24 by the air flow generated by the pump 21 of the toner cartridge B. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the main assembly path portion 1 in the image forming apparatus C, and therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the image forming apparatus C is improved.

[0163] <First Modified Embodiment>

[0164] Next, we will use Fig.13 The configurations of the toner cartridge B and the process cartridge A of a first modified embodiment of the present embodiment are described. Fig.13 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the toner cartridge B and the process cartridge A of the first modified embodiment of the present embodiment are separated from each other. Fig.13Part (b) of FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge B and the process cartridge A of the first modified embodiment of the present embodiment are connected to each other.

[0165] Inside the toner containing portion 17 of the process cartridge A, a feeding member 19 using a scraper is provided, and a feeding path portion 124 communicates with the inside of the toner containing portion 17. The feeding path portion 124 is a tubular portion provided in the developing device 3, and is connected from the receiving portion 18 to the toner containing portion 17. Fig.13 Part (b) shows a state in which the toner cartridge B and the process cartridge A are connected to each other. Fig.13 In the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the discharge opening 23 of the toner cartridge B and the receiving portion 18 of the process cartridge communicate with each other.

[0166] Regarding the toner feeding in the present embodiment, the toner in the toner containing portion 22 is fed from the communication opening 25 to the feed path portion 24 by the air flow generated by the pump 21 of the toner cartridge B. Then, the toner is fed from the discharge opening 23 of the feed path portion 24 to the feed path portion 124 via the receiving portion 18 of the feed path portion 124 of the process cartridge A communicating with the discharge opening 23. Then, the toner passes through the feed path portion 124 and is fed into the toner containing portion 17.

[0167] Regarding the arrangement of the process cartridge A and the toner cartridge B, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the process cartridge A may be arranged on the toner cartridge B. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the process box A and the colorant box B can also be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. That is, the arrangement of the process box A and the colorant box B can be in the up-down direction or in the horizontal direction. Other configurations are similar to those in the first embodiment, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0168] [Third embodiment]

[0169] Next, we will use Fig.14 The configuration of the developer supply device and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention in the third embodiment is described. Incidentally, by adding the same symbol or adding the same component name even when the symbol is different, components (parts) similarly constructed to those in the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted from the description, and similar effects can be obtained. Fig.14 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus C of the present embodiment.

[0170] Figure 1 and Fig.13 The toner cartridge B shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 is an example in which the toner cartridge B is arranged just below the process cartridge A in the image forming apparatus C, and Fig.12The toner cartridge B shown in FIG. 1 is an example in which it is arranged right next to the process cartridge A in the image forming apparatus C. The toner cartridge B in this embodiment is an example in which it is arranged obliquely below the process cartridge A in the image forming apparatus C. Incidentally, the image forming process of the image forming apparatus C and the configurations of the process cartridge A and the toner cartridge B are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0171] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the toner cartridge B in this embodiment is arranged below the process cartridge A and deviates in the horizontal direction. Fig.14 The discharge opening 23 at the end portion of the feed path portion 24 of the toner cartridge B shown communicates with one end portion of the main assembly path portion 1 provided inside the image forming apparatus C. Furthermore, the receiving portion 18 provided in the toner accommodating portion 17 of the process cartridge A also communicates with the other end portion of the main assembly path portion 1. The main assembly path portion 1 may only need to be a hollow tubular portion, and the toner is feedable even when the main assembly path portion 1 includes the bent portion 1b as a part thereof.

[0172] Regarding the toner feeding in the present embodiment, the toner in the toner accommodating portion 22 is fed from the communication opening 25 to the discharge opening 23 via the feed path portion 24 by the air flow generated by the pump 21 of the toner cartridge B. Further, the toner passes from the discharge opening 23 through the receiving portion 18 of the toner accommodating portion 17 of the process cartridge A via the main assembly path portion 1 provided in the image forming apparatus C, and is fed into the toner accommodating portion 17.

[0173] By constituting the main component path portion 1 into a hollow tubular shape, even when the main component path portion 1 includes the curved portion 1b, the toner can be fed through the main component path portion. For this reason, the toner cartridge B and the main component path portion 1 can be arranged at a desired position in the apparatus main component C1 of the image forming apparatus C. The other configurations are similar to those in the above-described embodiments, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0174] [Fourth embodiment]

[0175] Next, we will use Fig.15 The configuration of the developer supply device and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention in the fourth embodiment is described. Incidentally, by adding the same symbols or adding the same component names even when the symbols are different, components (parts) similarly constructed to those in the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted from the description, and similar effects can be obtained. Fig.15 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the toner supply device E is connected to the outside of the image forming apparatus C of the present embodiment. Fig.15Part (b) of FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the construction of the toner supplying device E disassembled from the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C. FIG.

[0176] Incidentally, the image forming process of the image forming apparatus C and the configurations of the process cartridge A and the toner cartridge B are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore, repeated descriptions will be omitted. The image forming apparatus C of this embodiment includes the process cartridge A inside the apparatus main assembly C1. The process cartridge A of this embodiment can be detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C. Although not shown, the process cartridge A can also be constructed by being integrally assembled with the image forming apparatus C.

[0177] The toner supply device E of the present embodiment is arranged at a position away from the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C. Although not shown, the toner supply device E can also be constituted by being integrally assembled with the apparatus main assembly C1 outside the image forming apparatus C. A toner cartridge B is provided inside the toner supply device E. The toner cartridge B of the present embodiment is provided so as to be detachably mounted to the toner supply device E (cartridge) for use with the image forming apparatus C. Incidentally, although not shown, the toner cartridge B can also be constituted by being integrally assembled with the toner supply device E.

[0178] The toner supply device E includes a path portion E1 provided at an end portion of the feeding path portion 24 of the toner cartridge B and communicating with the discharge opening 23. The path portion E1 of the toner supply device E is formed of a flexible hollow tubular shape. Fig.15 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , in a state where the toner supply device E is connected to the image forming apparatus C, the discharge portion E1 a at one end portion of the path portion E1 communicates with the receiving portion 18 of the toner containing portion 17 .

[0179] Regarding the toner feeding in the present embodiment, the toner in the toner containing portion 22 is fed from the communication opening 25 to the feed path portion 24 by the air flow generated by the pump 21 of the toner cartridge B. Thereafter, the toner passes through the supply device E from the discharge opening 23 provided at the end portion of the feed path portion 24, and is fed into the toner containing portion 17 from the receiving portion 18 provided in the toner containing portion 17 of the process cartridge A.

[0180] Therefore, the toner can be fed from the toner cartridge B into the toner accommodating portion 17 of the process cartridge A via the path portion E1 of the toner supply device E disposed at a position away from the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C. Thus, the toner supply device E can be disposed at a desired position outside the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C. Other configurations are similar to those in the above-described embodiments, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0181] [Fifth embodiment]

[0182] In JP-A 2010-256894 Fig.16 In the toner cartridge B100 shown, there is a possibility that the air generated by the contraction operation of the pump portion 121 is blown toward the toner containing portion 117 .

[0183] The fifth and sixth embodiments described below show configurations that can further suppress the backflow of air generated by the contraction operation of the pump portion into the toner accommodating portion.

[0184] First, we will use Figure 1 as well as Figures 17 to 30 The construction of a fifth embodiment of a developer supply device and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described.

[0185] <Imaging equipment>

[0186] Will use Figure 1 The configurations of the image forming apparatus C and the process cartridge A are described. Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging device C of the present embodiment. Incidentally, in the following description, in some cases, description will be made using a coordinate system, wherein Figure 1 The up and down (vertical direction) is the Y-axis direction, Figure 1 The horizontal direction is the X-axis direction, and Figure 1 The depth direction is the Z-axis direction. Figure 1 The image forming apparatus C shown is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material S such as paper by using an electrophotographic (image forming) process. Figure 1 At a central portion of the image forming apparatus C shown, a process cartridge A detachably mountable to an apparatus main assembly 1C of the image forming apparatus C is provided.

[0187] <Processing cartridge>

[0188] Will use Figure 1 The configuration of the process cartridge A is described. Here, the process cartridge A is a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing member and various process devices that can act on the photosensitive drum 11. Here, as the process device, for example, there is a charging roller as a charging device for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Furthermore, as the process device, there is a developing device 3 for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 into a toner image by supplying a toner as a developer to the electrostatic latent image. Furthermore, as the process device, there is a cleaning blade 14 as a cleaning device for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after transfer.

[0189] The process box A of this embodiment is Figure 1A charging roller 12 is provided at the periphery of the photosensitive drum 11 which rotates in the clockwise direction, and a cleaning blade 14 having elasticity is included as a cleaning device. In addition, the developing device 3 includes: a developing roller 13 which is provided opposite to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11; a developing blade 15; and a toner containing portion 17 for containing toner. The toner containing portion 17 is provided with a receiving portion 18 for receiving the toner supplied from the toner box B provided below the process box A via the maximum acceleration (side) path portion 1.

[0190] <Toner Cartridge>

[0191] Will use Figure 1 and Fig.17 The configuration of the toner cartridge B as a developer supply device used in the image forming apparatus C is described. Fig.17 : is a sectional view showing the structure of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment. Figure 1 and Fig.17 The toner cartridge B shown is arranged so as to be detachably mountable to the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C.

[0192] like Figure 1 As shown, the toner cartridge B includes a toner accommodating portion 22 as a developer accommodating portion for accommodating toner (developer) therein. Further, the toner cartridge B includes a variable volume pump portion 21 for generating an air flow by volume change. Further, the toner cartridge B includes a discharge opening 23 for allowing the toner to be discharged from the toner accommodating portion 22 of the toner cartridge B to the outside. Further, the toner cartridge B includes a connecting opening (boundary G1) connected to the pump portion 21 at one end, and includes a feed path portion 24 ( Fig.17 The toner cartridge B supplies toner to the toner containing portion 17 of the process cartridge A via the main assembly path portion 1 provided in the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C.

[0193] like Fig.17 As shown, the toner containing portion 22 includes a communication opening 25 as a communication opening. The toner containing portion 22 is connected to a middle portion between one end portion (boundary G1) and the other end portion (discharge opening 23) of the feed path portion 24 via the communication opening 25. In the toner containing portion 22, toner as a developer is contained. The volume change amount of the pump portion 21 is set to be larger than the total volume from the boundary G1 (connection opening) of the feed path portion 24 to the discharge opening 23.

[0194] Figure 1The process cartridge A and the toner cartridge B shown are mounted in the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C, and are used for image formation. At the lower portion of the image forming apparatus C, there is a feed cassette 6 in which recording materials S such as sheets of paper are accommodated. The recording materials S accommodated in the feed cassette 6 are fed and separated one by one by a separation device not shown, and the separated recording materials S are fed. Thereafter, the leading end portion of the recording material S abuts against the nip portion of the registration roller 7, thereby correcting the oblique movement of the recording material S.

[0195] In synchronization with the feeding operation of the recording material S from the feed box 6, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 uniformly charged by the charging roller 12 is selectively exposed according to image information, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. On the other hand, the toner contained in the toner containing portion 17 is supplied to the developing roller 13, and the toner is carried on the surface of the developing roller 13 in a thin layer state by the developing blade 15. By applying a developing bias to the developing roller 13, the toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image.

[0196] In agreement with the timing at which the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 reaches the transfer nip N formed by the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 9, the recording material S is fed to the transfer nip N by the registration roller 7. By applying a transfer bias to the transfer roller 9, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred onto the recording material S in the transfer nip N.

[0197] The recording material S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 10, and is heated and pressed by a heating unit 10a and a pressing roller 10b provided in the fixing device 10, so that the toner image is fixed on the recording material S. The recording material S on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed to a discharge roller 16, and is discharged to a discharge portion 4 provided at an upper portion of the image forming apparatus C.

[0198] Fig.18 1 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment as viewed from above when the toner cartridge B is cut in the horizontal direction. Fig.17 When following Fig.18 When the toner cartridge B is cut vertically, the L2-L2 (line) Fig.18 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment as seen from the right side of FIG. Fig.18 When following Fig.17 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment when the toner cartridge B is cut in the horizontal direction along line L1 - L1 (line).

[0199] like Fig.18As shown in FIG. 1 , the toner accommodating portion 22 accommodates toner therein and includes a plate-shaped member 42 for feeding the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 22. In the present embodiment, the toner accommodating portion 22 is provided with a plate-shaped member 42 along the bottom of the interior of the toner accommodating portion 22. Fig.18 The plate-like member 42 is reciprocated in the directions of arrows D1a and D1b to feed the toner of the plate-like member 42 .

[0200] Here, the maximum acceleration a1 when the plate-like member 42 moves in the arrow D1a direction in which the plate-like member 42 approaches the communication opening 25 is set to be smaller than the maximum acceleration a2 when the plate-like member 42 moves in the arrow D1b direction in which the plate-like member 42 moves away from the communication opening 25. Thus, the toner on the plate-like member 42 is fed in the arrow D1a direction in which the toner approaches the communication opening 25.

[0201] Thereby, the toner on the plate-like member 42 is fed in the arrow D1 a direction, and is supplied from the communication opening 25 into the feed path portion 24 by its own weight. Fig.18 The bottom 22b of the toner accommodating portion 22 shown is on one end side with respect to the longitudinal direction ( Fig.18 A communication opening 25 is provided on the side of the arrow D1a direction, which is an opening opening downward and connected to the feed path portion 24. Fig.18 As shown, the communication opening 25 is formed by a rectangle.

[0202] <Pump section>

[0203] Next, we will use Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The configuration of the pump portion 21 will be described. Fig.19 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the driving portion 20 of the pump portion 21 in the present embodiment. Fig.19 Part (b) is a side view showing a state in which the pump portion 21 in the present embodiment is expanded. Fig.19 Part (c) is a side view showing a state where the pump portion 21 in the present embodiment is contracted. Fig. 20 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view before assembling the pump portion 21 in this embodiment. Fig. 20 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view after the pump portion 21 in this embodiment is assembled.

[0204] <Driver section>

[0205] like Fig.19As shown in parts (a) to (c) of the present invention, the pump portion 21 changes its volume by being driven by the driving portion 20. The pump portion 21 is driven by the driving portion 20 so that the volume change amount of the pump portion 21 is greater than the total volume from the boundary G1 (connection opening) to the discharge opening 23. The driving portion is composed of a pump driving gear 27 and a reciprocating member 28. The pump portion 21 is driven by the pump driving gear 27 and the reciprocating member 28 as shown in FIG. Fig.19 The portion (c) is compressed in the downward direction, and as shown in Fig.19 The pump driving gear 27 includes a gear portion 27a and a cam portion 27b, and is driven by receiving a driving force input from the imaging device C. Fig.19 Parts (b) and (c) are rotated in the direction of arrow D3.

[0206] The pump drive gear 27 is configured in a cylindrical shape and is rotatably supported by a support member 29 configured such that the outer peripheral surface is a circumferential surface. A gear portion 27a is formed over the entire length of the lower end portion of the pump drive gear 27 relative to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface. At the outer peripheral surface of the pump drive gear 27 and the upper portion of the gear portion 27a, a cam portion 27b is formed over the entire length of the pump drive gear 27 relative to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface, the cam portion including a cam portion causing the pump drive gear 27 to rotate in the axial direction ( Fig.19 The groove portion that continuously moves back and forth in the up and down directions.

[0207] The pump drives the gear 27 to Fig.19 The reciprocating member 28 engaged with the cam portion 27b rotates in the direction of arrow D3 of the portions (b) and (c). Fig.19 The reciprocating member 28 reciprocates in the up-and-down directions of parts (b) and (c). The reciprocating member 28 engages with an engaging portion 26b provided at an upper end portion of the corrugated member 26 constituting a portion of the pump portion 21. The reciprocating member 28 is constituted by including a pair of arm portions 28a and a fixing portion 28b, each fixing portion 28b being connected to one end portion of each of the pair of arm portions 28a, and at the other end portion of each of the arm portions 28a, a protruding portion 28c protruding toward the inside of each of the arm portions 28a is provided. The protruding portion 28c of the reciprocating member 28 is slidably inserted into a groove portion of the cam portion 27b of the pump drive gear 27.

[0208] like Fig.19 As shown in part (a) of the pump portion 21, the pump portion 21 is composed of a portion of a corrugated member 26, and when cut in the horizontal direction, the cross section of the corrugated member is circular and open at the lower portion. Fig.15As shown, the corrugated member 26 includes a corrugated portion 26a and an engaging portion 26b provided at an upper end portion of the corrugated portion 26a. In addition, the corrugated member 26 is constituted by including a fixing portion 26c including a cylindrical female threaded portion opened at a lower end portion of the corrugated portion 26a.

[0209] The fixing portion 26c is screwed to a cylindrical male threaded portion 29a which is open at an upper end portion of the support member 29. The engaging portion 26b is installed in the fixing portion 28b of the reciprocating member 28. Fig. 20 As shown in part (a), the fixing portion 26c has a spiral shape, and a female thread portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. In addition, the fixing portion 26c is Fig. 20 The portion (a) of the support member 29 is rotated in the direction of arrow D4 and is threadedly fastened and fixed to the male thread portion 29 a of the support member 29 .

[0210] The pump driving gear 27 is driven by the driving force input from the image forming apparatus C to the gear portion 27a. Fig.19 Then, the cam portion 27b rotates integrally with the pump drive gear 27, so that the reciprocating member 28 is moved in the direction of the arrow D3 of the portions (b) and (c) of the cam portion 27b via the protruding portion 28c engaging with the groove portion of the cam portion 27b. Fig.19 Thus, the pump portion 21 is locked to the fixing portion 28b of the reciprocating member via the engaging portion 26b at the upper end portion. Fig.19 Parts (b) and (c) show repeated expansion and contraction.

[0211] like Fig. 20 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawings, inside the support member 29, a first feed path area 24a is provided as a part of the feed path portion 24. Here, the pump portion 21 is a part of the corrugated portion 26a. On the other hand, the fixed portion 26c that does not cause a volume change is included in the feed path portion 24, not in the pump portion 21. Therefore, the boundary between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is the boundary G1 between the corrugated portion 26a and the fixed portion 26c of the corrugated member 26.

[0212] like Fig.17 As shown, the boundary G1 which is the connection opening between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is arranged above the portion where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22. In addition, the direction in which the pump portion 21 is connected to the feed path portion is the downward direction, and the portion in which the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22 is arranged below the toner accommodating portion 22.

[0213] Here, as Fig.17 When the boundary G1 shown is located therebetween, the volume of the pump portion 21 is set larger than the volume of the feed path portion 24 ( Fig.17 In addition, if Figure 1 and Fig.17 As shown, the volume of the pump portion 21 is set to be larger than the sum of the volume of the feed path portion 24 and the volume of the main component path portion 1. In this embodiment, the volume of the pump portion 21 is 10 cc, and the sum of the volume of the feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1 is 3 cc.

[0214] Furthermore, the volume of the sum of the volumes of the feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1 is smaller than the volume change amount of the pump portion 21. Thus, even in a combination of a long feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1, or in a combination of a curved feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1, toner feeding can be facilitated by the expansion / contraction operation of the pump portion 21.

[0215] Furthermore, the boundary G1 between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is disposed at a position higher than the communication opening 25 disposed at the boundary between the toner containing portion 22 and the feed path portion 24 with respect to the vertical direction. Fig.17 When the pump portion 21 and the toner containing portion 22 are shown, Fig.17 The range of the middle pump portion 21 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is a range 21a, and similarly, Figure 2 The range of the toner containing portion 22 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is range 22a. At this time, range 21a and range 22a are set to be located within the overlapping range in the vertical direction. That is, when viewed from the horizontal direction, the pump portion 21 is arranged at a position overlapping with the toner containing portion 22 in the vertical direction.

[0216] The pump portion 21 repeats expansion / contraction operations. The toner supplied into the feed path portion 24 is fed into the feed path portion 24 by the air flow in the arrow D2 direction generated during the compression process of the pump portion 21, and is supplied into the main component path portion 1 provided in the apparatus main component C1 of the image forming apparatus C through the discharge opening 23. In addition, the toner is supplied into the toner accommodating portion 17 through the receiving portion 18 provided in the toner accommodating portion 17 of the process cartridge A, with the other end portion of the main component path portion communicating with the receiving portion. Figure 1 The main component path portion 1 shown is composed of a hollow tube shape.

[0217] <Effect of the pump section>

[0218] The volume of the pump portion 21 is set to a volume greater than the sum of the volume of the feed path portion 24 and the volume of the main component path portion 1. Thus, the toner conveyed to the feed path portion 24 through the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 by the suction / contraction operation of the pump portion 21 can be fed from the feed path portion 24 to the outside of the discharge opening 23. In addition, the toner is fed to the receiving portion 18 provided in the toner accommodating portion 17 through the main component path portion 1, so that the toner can be supplied to the toner accommodating portion 17. In the present embodiment, the volume of the pump portion 21 is about 10 cc, and the volume of the sum of the volumes of the feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1 is about 3 cc. Thus, the volume of the pump portion 21 is set to be twice or more the volume of the feed path portion 24.

[0219] Incidentally, the relationship between the volume of the pump portion 21 and the volume of the sum of the volumes of the feed path portion 24 and the main assembly path portion is not limited thereto, but may be appropriately set according to the kind of toner fed or the height or distance to which the toner is fed. The volume of the pump portion 21 is set to be twice or more the volume of the feed path portion 24, whereby the toner can be stably discharged by the expansion / contraction operation without leaving the toner in the feed path portion 24.

[0220] In addition, if Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the (toner) discharge direction of the pump portion 21 is arranged downward, thereby making it difficult for toner to enter the pump portion 21 during the process of the pump portion 21 sucking air. Fig.17 In the vertical direction shown, the boundary G1 between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is set at a position higher than the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22. Thus, it is possible to suppress the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 22 from entering the pump portion 21 via the feed path portion 24 during transportation of the toner cartridge B or the like. Fig.17 When the pump portion 21 is observed in the horizontal direction of Fig.17 The vertical direction of the toner cartridge B is arranged at a position overlapping with the toner accommodating portion 22. Thus, the toner cartridge B can be reduced in size in the vertical direction.

[0221] <Feed path section>

[0222] Next, we will use Fig.17 and Fig.21 The configuration of the feed path portion 24 will be described. Fig.21 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the present embodiment. Fig.21 Part (b) is Fig.21 (a) is an enlarged view of section H. Fig.17The range of the feed path portion 24 indicated by the shaded portion is the range from the boundary G1 between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 to the discharge opening 23 in the arrow D2 direction, which is the direction of the flow of air generated during the compression process of the pump portion 21. The feed path portion 24 communicates with the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 in the middle portion thereof.

[0223] like Fig.21 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 , the feed path portion 24 includes a first feed path region 24a connected to the pump portion 21 and a second feed path region 24b connected to the discharge opening 23. In addition, the feed path portion 24 includes a third feed path region 24c connected to the first feed path region 24a, the second feed path region 24b, and the communication opening of the toner containing portion 22. Fig.21 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the first feed path region 24 a and the third feed path region 24 c are divided by a boundary G2 , and the second feed path region 24 b and the third feed path region 24 c are divided by a boundary G3 .

[0224] The boundary G2 is a cross section of the feed path portion 24 including an end portion 25a of the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 contacting the feed path portion 24 on the pump portion 21 side. The boundary G3 is a cross section of the feed path portion 24 including an end portion 25b of the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 contacting the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side.

[0225] The first feed path region 24a is a region of the feed path portion 24 from the boundary G1 to the boundary G2 on the pump portion 21 side. Fig.21 The second feed path region 24b is a region of the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side from the boundary G3 to the discharge opening 23, as shown in FIG. Fig.21 The second feeding path region 24 b is a portion on the discharge opening 23 side with respect to a boundary G3 , which is a portion where the feeding path portion communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22 .

[0226] In the second feed path region 24b, a boundary G3 as one end portion on the side where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner containing portion 22 is arranged at a position lower in the vertical direction than the discharge opening 23 as the other end portion. The third feed path region 24c is Fig.21 The feed path portion 24 shown in parts (a) and (b) is a region from the boundary G2 to the boundary G3 excluding the first feed path region 24 a and the second feed path region 24 b .

[0227] <First Feed Path Area>

[0228] Will use Fig.21 The configuration of the first feed path region 24 a is described. Fig.21 The first feed path region 24a shown in part (a) includes a funnel-shaped portion 24a1 connected to the pump portion 21, a tubular curved portion 24a2 connected to the funnel-shaped portion 24a2, and a tubular straight portion 24a3 connected to the curved portion 24a2. These portions are smoothly connected to each other. In the case of considering the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the opposite end portions of the first feed path region 24a, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the boundary G1 is G1a and the cross-sectional area of ​​the boundary G2 is G2a, the following relationship is satisfied:

[0229] G1a > G2a

[0230] Fig.21 The first feed path region 24a shown in the portion (a) of FIG. 2 is a portion located on the pump portion 21 side relative to the portion where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22. In the first feed path region 24a, the cross-sectional area G1a of the boundary G1 (connection opening) is larger than the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2, which is the portion where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22. Further, in the first feed path region 24, the boundary G2, which is one end portion on the side where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22, is arranged at the lowest position in the vertical direction.

[0231] <Effect of the First Feed Path Area>

[0232] As described above, the first feed path area 24a can freely arrange the position of the pump portion 21 by including the curved portion 24a2. In addition, by including the curved portion 24a2, the boundary G1 as the connection opening of the pump portion 21 can be arranged downward in the vertical direction. Thus, it is possible to make it difficult for the toner to enter the pump portion 21.

[0233] Furthermore, the relationship between the cross-sectional areas of the opposite end portions of the first feeding path region 24a is made to satisfy G1a>G2a, so that the flow velocity of the airflow generated in the pump portion 21 can be made faster in the first feeding path region 24a. Thus, by the suction / contraction operation of the pump portion 21, the toner can be sent to a higher place or a farther place.

[0234] In addition, in the first feeding path area 24a, the boundary G2 side is set at the lowest position in the vertical direction. As a result, it becomes difficult for the toner contained in the toner containing portion 22 to enter the area from the curved portion 24a2 to the funnel-shaped portion 24a1 of the first feeding path area 24, and thus a stable toner feeding amount can be achieved.

[0235] <Second Feed Path Area>

[0236] Next, we will use Fig.21 The configuration of the second feed path region 24b will be described. Fig.21 The second feed path region 24b shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 is configured to include a tubular straight portion 24b1 connected to the third feed path region 24c, a tubular curved portion 24b2 connected to the straight portion 24b1, and a tubular straight portion 24b3 connected to the curved portion 24b2. The respective portions are smoothly connected to each other.

[0237] Incidentally, the inner diameter of each of the straight portions 24b1 and 24b3 and the curved portion 24b2 is 4 mm. In addition, the second feed path region 24b extends upward from the curved portion 24b2 to the straight portion 24b3 in the vertical direction, and the discharge opening 23 provided at the end portion of the straight portion 24b3 is arranged at a position higher than the third feed path region 24c in the vertical direction.

[0238] In addition, if Fig.21 As shown in part (a) of , the second feed path area 24b is a portion located on the discharge opening 23 side (discharge opening side) relative to the portion of the feed path portion 24 communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22. Further, in the second feed path area 24b, the boundary G3 is arranged at the lowest position relative to the vertical direction. Further, the second feed path area 24b feeds the air sent from the pump portion 21 and the toner supplied from the toner accommodating portion 22. For this reason, it is desirable that a sudden change in the cross-sectional area of, for example, a stepped portion in the air flow direction is small.

[0239] <Effect of the Second Feed Path Area>

[0240] As described above, the second feed path region 24b includes the curved portion 24b2, so that the position of the discharge opening 23 can be freely arranged. In addition, in the second feed path region 24b, the boundary G3 side is set at the lowest position in the vertical direction. Thus, it becomes difficult for the toner in the toner containing portion 22 to enter the region from the curved portion 24b2 to the straight portion 24b3 of the second feed path region 24b, and therefore, a stable toner feeding amount can be achieved.

[0241] <Third Feed Path Area>

[0242] Next, we will use Fig.17 , Fig.21 and Fig. 22 The configuration of the third feed path region 24c will be described. Fig. 22 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the present embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig. 22 Part (b) is Fig. 22 (a) An enlarged view of section H. Fig. 22 Part (c) is a schematic diagram showing an external form 25c1 when a cross section 25c of the communication opening 25 on the feed path portion 24 side is projected in the direction of air flow when the pump portion 21 is compressed, and shows an external form G31 when the boundary G3 is projected in this direction.

[0243] Fig. 22 Part (d) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G21 when the boundary G2 is projected in the direction of the air flow when the pump part 21 is compressed. The arrow D2 direction is the direction of the air flow when the pump part 21 is compressed. Fig. 22 Part (e) of FIG. 5 shows a superimposed view of these outer forms consisting of the outer form 24c1, the outer form G31 and the outer form G21.

[0244] The third feed path area 24c is a portion where the toner in the toner containing portion 22 is received in the feed path portion 24 through the communication opening 25. The third feed path area 24c is arranged below the toner containing portion 22 in the vertical direction and is located at the lowest portion of the feed path portion 24. The volume of the third feed path area 24c may be a volume consistent with the amount of toner to be fed, but Fig.21 In the vicinity of the boundary G2 and the boundary G3 shown in part (b), it is desirable that a sudden change in the cross section such as a step-shaped portion is small.

[0245] exist Fig. 22 In the present embodiment shown, an example is shown in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 between the first feed path region 24a and the third feed path region 24c and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 between the second feed path region 24b and the third feed path region 24c are equal to each other. Fig. 22 As shown in part (e) of FIG. 2 , when the cross section 25 c of the communication opening 52 on the feed path portion 24 side is projected in the arrow D2 direction, the area of ​​the outer form 25 c 1 becomes substantially zero.

[0246] On the other hand, the area of ​​the outer form G21 when the boundary G2 is projected in the direction of the arrow D2 and the area of ​​the outer form G31 when the boundary G3 is projected in the direction of the arrow D2 are substantially equal to each other. Fig. 22 An area K2 of a region where the outer form G21 and the outer form G31 overlap indicated by hatching of the portion (e) is larger than an area K1 (=0) of a region where the outer form G21 and the outer form 25c1 overlap (K1<K2).

[0247] That is, when the pump portion 21 is compressed, the air flows in the direction of Fig. 22 The external form G21 and the external form 25c1 shown in part (e) are compared with each other. Here, the external form G21 is an external form in which the cross section of the boundary G2, which is the position of the feed path portion 24 on the pump portion 21 side at the portion communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22, is projected in the arrow D2 direction. In addition, the external form 25c1 is an external form in which the cross section 25c of the portion of the feed path portion 24 on the toner accommodating portion 22 side at the portion communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22 is projected in the arrow D2 direction. At this time, with respect to the external form G21, when the cross section of the boundary G3 is a projection of the portion of the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side at the portion communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22 in the arrow D2 direction, the area K2 where the opening G21 overlaps with the external form G31 is larger than the external form 25c1.

[0248] Thus, air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a when the pump portion 21 is compressed does not flow toward the communication opening 25 but tends to flow toward the second feed path region 24b in one direction. Thus, the amount of toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be stabilized.

[0249] According to the present embodiment, the pump portion 21 and the discharge opening 23 are communicated with each other through the feed path portion 24. Furthermore, then, the volume of the feed path portion 24 is set to be smaller than the volume change amount of the pump portion 21. Thus, the toner can be fed more easily even when a long feed path portion 24 or a curved feed path portion 24 is adopted, and the degree of freedom of the distance and direction to the toner supply destination is also improved.

[0250] <Toner Accommodating Section>

[0251] Next, we will use Fig.23 and Fig.24 The configuration of the toner accommodating portion 22 is described. Fig.23 : is a perspective view showing the configuration of the toner accommodating portion 22 of the present embodiment. Fig.24 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the toner containing portion 22 of the present embodiment. Fig.23 As shown, the outer portion of the toner accommodating portion 22 is formed by the frame 40 a , the cover portion 40 d , and the pump cover 48 .

[0252] like Fig.24 As shown, the toner accommodating portion 22 is constituted by including a plate member 42, a feed shaft 43, a swingable member 41, an urging member 46, a rotatable member 45, a pump portion 21 and a pump cover 48. The pump portion 21 is constituted by including a bellows member 26, a pump driving gear 27 and a reciprocating member 28.

[0253] <Feeding section>

[0254] Next, we will use Figure 24 to Figure 26 The configuration of the feeding portion 31 will be described. Fig.25 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a driving portion for driving the plate-like member 42 of the present embodiment. Fig.25 Part (b) is a perspective view showing a driving portion for driving the plate-like member 42 of the present embodiment. Fig.26 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the toner containing portion 22 of this embodiment. Fig.24 As shown, the feeding portion 31 is constituted by including a plate-like member 42 , a feeding shaft 43 , a swingable member 41 , a pushing member 46 , a rotatable member 45 , and a pump driving gear 27 .

[0255] <Rotatable Member>

[0256] The rotatable member 45 is provided with a gear portion 45b which rotates by receiving a driving force from the pump driving gear 27 by engaging with the pump driving gear 27. An inclined surface 45a is provided on a side surface 45b1 of the gear portion 45b, wherein the height of the gear portion 45b is continuously shifted in the rotation axis direction.

[0257] <Swingable Member>

[0258] The swingable member 41 is provided with a protruding portion 41a which can contact and swing together with the inclined surface 45a of the rotatable member 45. The swingable member 41 is urged by an urging member including a torsion coil spring in a direction in which the protruding portion 41a pressure-contacts the inclined surface 45a. Fig.26 As shown, in the frame 40a of the toner containing portion 22, a feed shaft 43 connected to the plate-like member 42 is arranged. Fig.25 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, the frame 40a is provided with a supporting portion 40a15 that rotatably supports the rotatable member 45, a supporting portion 40a16 that swingably (rotatably) supports the swingable member 41, and a communicating opening 40a12, which is a hole for allowing engagement between the swingable member 41 and the feed shaft 43.

[0259] The swingable member 41 is configured so that a portion of the swingable member 41 engages with the feed shaft 43 provided in the toner accommodating portion 22 through the communication opening 40a12. Fig.25As shown in part (b) of the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which the gear portion 27a of the pump driving gear 27 and the gear portion 45b of the rotatable member 45 are engaged with each other and in which the rotatable member 45 is rotated by the rotation of the pump driving gear 27. In addition, the swingable member 41 is provided with a protruding portion 41a that contacts an inclined surface 45a of the rotatable member 45 described later.

[0260] The pushing member 46 is composed of a torsion coil spring, and two arm portions consisting of a fixed arm 46a and a movable arm 46b are respectively provided at the end portions of the cylindrical portion 46c. Fig.25 As shown in parts (a) and (b), the fixed arm 46a is fixed to a fixed portion 40a11 provided on a wall 40a1 of the toner accommodating portion 22, the cylindrical portion 46c is supported by a supporting portion 41c provided on the swingable member 41, and the movable arm 46b is engaged by the engaging portion 41b.

[0261] Thus, the direction in which the urging force of the urging member 46 is generated is set to the approximate rotation direction of the swingable member 41 and the feed shaft 43. Fig.26 As shown, the plate-like member 42 is arranged so as to extend along the bottom 40a2 of the frame 40a of the toner accommodating portion 22 arranged on the lower side with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0262] <Plate-like member>

[0263] Next, we will use Fig.24 , Fig.26 and Fig.28 The structure of the plate-like member 42 is described below. Fig.24 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plate-like member 42 for feeding toner is provided on the bottom 40a2 of the toner containing portion 22 so as to be movable. Fig.28 The first position shown in part (a) and Fig.28 The plate-like member 42 is provided with a baffle portion 42a as a movable member at the front end portion of the plate-like member 42 on the communication opening 25 side. Fig.26 As shown, the plate-like member 42 is composed of a member having a thickness t of 1 mm, and a part of the plate-like member 42 and a feed shaft 43 connected to the swingable member 41 are swingably connected.

[0264] Furthermore, an arrangement is adopted such that the plate member 42 passes between the feed shaft 43 and the bottom 40a2 of the toner containing portion 22 so that the lower surface of the plate member 42 extends along the bottom 40a2 of the toner containing portion 22. Incidentally, polystyrene (PS) is used as the material of the plate member 42 of this embodiment.

[0265] <Rotatable Member and Swingable Member>

[0266] Next, we will use Fig.25 and Fig. 27 The configurations of the rotatable member 45 and the swingable member 41 are described. Fig. 27 Parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the feeding portion 31 for driving the plate-like member 42 of the present embodiment. Fig.25 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, the rotatable member 45 includes a gear portion 45b for receiving a driving force via the gear portion 27a of the pump drive gear 27. In addition, the rotatable member 45 includes an inclined surface 45a, which is provided on a side surface 45b1 of the gear portion 45b and on which the height of the gear portion 45b relative to the rotation axis direction continuously changes. The rotatable member 45 is composed of a stepped gear. Fig. 27 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 4 , the swingable member 41 is provided with a protruding portion 41 a at a position where the swingable member 41 contacts the inclined surface 45 a when the rotatable member 45 rotates.

[0267] <Operation of Pump Portion and Phase of Swingable Member>

[0268] Next, we will use Fig. 27 The operation of the pump portion 21 and the phase of the swingable member 41 are described. A configuration is adopted in which when the pump drive gear 27 rotates 180°, the reciprocating member 28 and the corrugated member 26 reciprocate once and the rotatable member 45 rotates once. Fig. 27 The state shown in part (a) is rotated 90° to Fig. 27 In the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the bellows-shaped member 26 performs a contraction operation in the contraction direction, so that the swingable member 41 is Fig. 27 Specifically, when the state of the feeding portion 31 changes from Fig. 27 The state shown in part (a) changes to Fig. 27 In the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the protruding portion 41 a provided on the swingable member 41 contacts the inclined surface 45 a of the rotatable member 45 , so that the swingable member 41 rotates in the direction of arrow D5 a .

[0269] Then, when the pump driving gear 27 is further rotated by 90°, the state of the pump driving gear 27 changes from Fig. 27 The state shown in part (b) changes to Fig. 27 At this time, a configuration is adopted in which the bellows-shaped member 26 performs an expansion operation in the expansion direction, and the swingable member 41 is moved in the expansion direction by the urging force of the urging member 46. Fig. 27Specifically, when the state of the feeding portion 31 changes from Fig. 27 The state shown in part (b) changes to Fig. 27 In the state shown in part (a), the protruding portion 41 a of the swingable member 41 is separated from the inclined surface 45 a of the rotatable member 45 , so that the swingable member 41 rotates in the arrow D5 b direction by the urging force of the urging member 46 .

[0270] <Handling of Plate-Shaped Member>

[0271] Next, we will use Fig.28 The operation of the plate-like member 42 during drive input is described. Fig.28 Parts (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views for explaining the movement of the plate-like member 42 of this embodiment. Fig.28 The state shown in part (a) changes to Fig.28 In the state shown in part (b) of the embodiment, as the feed shaft 43 engaged with the swingable member 41 rotates in the direction of arrow D5a, the plate-like member 42 connected to the feed shaft 43 moves in the direction of arrow D1a as the toner feeding direction. Furthermore, when the plate-like member 42 moves in the direction of arrow D1a, the shutter portion 42a provided at the front end portion of the plate-like member 42 operates so that the communication opening 25 provided in the bottom portion 40a and the toner accommodating portion 22 are not communicated with each other.

[0272] Furthermore, the plate-like member 42 is pushed by the pushing force of the pushing member 46, whereby the feed shaft 43 engaged with the swingable member 41 is moved as shown in FIG. Fig.28 As shown in part (b), the plate-like member 42 rotates in the direction of arrow D5a, so that the plate-like member 42 moves in the direction of arrow D1b and its state returns to Fig.28 When the plate-like member 42 moves in the direction of arrow D1b, the shutter portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42 operates so that the communication opening 25 and the toner accommodating portion 22 communicate with each other.

[0273] That is, the baffle portion 42a can be moved to the position corresponding to the volume change cycle of the pump portion 21. Fig.28 The baffle portion 42a can be moved to the first position shown in part (b) of the embodiment, in which at least a portion of the communication opening 25 is shielded. Fig.28 The second position shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 is a position in which the shielding area of ​​the communication opening 25 becomes smaller than the shielding area of ​​the first position.

[0274] Furthermore, when the pump portion 21 is driven so that its volume becomes smaller, the pump portion 21 is driven so that the baffle portion 42a moves from Fig.28 The second position shown in part (a) is moved to Fig.28 In addition, when the pump portion 21 is driven so that its volume becomes larger, the pump portion 21 is driven so that the baffle portion 42a moves from Fig.28 The first position shown in part (b) is moved to Fig.28 The second position is shown in part (a).

[0275] <Restriction section>

[0276] Next, we will use Fig.24 and Fig.28 The structure of the restricting portion 47 is described below. Fig.24 As shown, the cover portion 40d of the toner accommodating portion 22 is provided with a restricting portion 47 hanging down toward the communication opening 25. The restricting portion 47 restricts movement of the plate-like member 42 in the thickness direction of the plate-like member 42.

[0277] like Fig.28 As shown in parts (a) and (b), when the plate-like member 42 moves in the direction of arrow D1a, the limiting portion 47 is provided at a position opposite to the communication opening 25 while sandwiching the plate-like member 42. The limiting portion 47 limits the floating of the baffle portion 42a due to the atmospheric pressure generated by the contraction operation of the pump portion 21.

[0278] In this embodiment, if Fig.28 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the minimum gap M between the limiting portion 47 and the bottom 40a2 of the toner containing portion 22 is configured to be 1.2 mm, so that the plate-like member 42 having a thickness t of 1 mm is configured to be able to smoothly reciprocate between the limiting portion 47 and the bottom 40a2. In addition, in the present embodiment, the limiting portion 47 is provided integrally with the cover portion 40d of the toner containing portion 22, but its configuration is not limited to this configuration, and the limiting portion 47 may also be provided on a portion of the frame 40a. With the above configuration, the plate-like member 42 is configured to be able to reciprocate in the toner containing portion 22 in the directions of arrows D1a and D1b.

[0279] <Feeding Section Operation>

[0280] Next, we will use Figure 27 to Figure 29 The operation of the feeding section 31 is described. Fig.29 1 is a view for illustrating the operation of the pump portion 21, the operation of the swingable member 41, and the phase of the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42 in this embodiment. First, the initial state of the feed portion 31 is Fig. 27 Part (a) and Fig.28At this time, the state is a state in which the corrugated member 26 is expanded to the maximum extent, and the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42 establishes communication between the communication opening 25 provided in the bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22 and the toner accommodating portion 22.

[0281] When the pump driving gear 27 is rotated 90° by a driving force from a driving source (e.g., a motor not shown) provided in the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C, the state of the feeding portion 31 changes from Fig. 27 The cross-sectional view shown in part (a) becomes Fig.28 At this time, the bellows member 26 performs a contraction operation by the operation of the reciprocating member 28 engaged with the cam portion 27 b of the pump driving gear 27 .

[0282] The cam portion 27b includes a groove portion which is continuously arranged along the rotation axis direction of the pump driving gear 27. In addition, the protruding portion 28c provided on the arm portion 28a of the reciprocating member 28 slides along the cam portion 27c, so that the corrugated member 26 fixed at one end portion thereof to the fixed portion 28b of the reciprocating member 28 performs a contraction operation.

[0283] In addition, the rotatable member 45 rotates as the pump driving gear 27 rotates, so that the swingable member 41 moves along the Fig. 27 The swingable member 41 rotates in the direction of arrow D5a of the portion (b). By the rotation of the swingable member 41, the feed shaft 43 engaged with the swingable member 41 rotates, so that the position of the plate-like member 42 changes from Fig.28 The state shown in part (a) changes to Fig.28 The state shown in part (b).

[0284] That is, by the rotation of the gear portion 45b engaged with the recording material driving gear 27, the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 contacts and slides with the inclined surface 45a of the rotatable member 45, so that the swingable member 41 rotates in the arrow D5a direction as the first rotation direction. Then, the shutter portion 42a moves in the arrow D1a direction as the first direction.

[0285] <Conversion section>

[0286] like Fig.24As shown, as a part of the feed portion 31, a conversion portion 2 is provided, which is used to convert the swing of the swingable member 41 into the movement of the baffle portion 42a. The conversion portion 2d includes a triangular protrusion 42b provided at the upper surface of the plate-like member 42 and a recessed portion 43b provided at the free end portion of the arm portion 43a, and the arm portion is provided to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the feed shaft 43 in the radial direction. The protrusion 42b of the plate-like member 42 is engaged in the recessed portion 43b of the arm portion 43a of the feed shaft 43. In addition, as shown in Fig.28 As shown in parts (a) and (b), as the feed shaft 43 rotates, the plate-like member 42 moves in the directions of arrows D1a and D1b while maintaining a state in which the recessed portion 43b of the arm portion 43a of the feed shaft 43 and the protruding portion 42b of the plate-like member 42 are engaged with each other.

[0287] Furthermore, when the pump driving gear 27 is further rotated by 90° by a driving force from a driving source (e.g., an unillustrated motor) provided in the apparatus main assembly C1, the feeding portion 31 is rotated from Fig. 27 The state shown in part (b) returns to Fig. 27 At this time, by the operation of the reciprocating member 28 engaged with the cam portion 27 b of the pump driving gear 27 , the bellows-shaped member 26 performs an expansion operation.

[0288] In addition, the rotatable member 45 rotates as the pump driving gear 27 rotates, so that the swingable member 41 moves along the Fig. 27 The feed shaft 43 engaged with the swingable member 41 rotates by the rotation of the swingable member 41, so that the position of the plate-like member 42 changes from Fig.28 The position shown in part (b) returns to Fig.28 The location of part (a).

[0289] That is, the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 passes through the highest position of the inclined surface 45a of the rotatable member 45. Then, by the urging force of the urging member 46, the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 falls on the side surface 45b1 of the gear portion 45b. At this time, the swingable member 41 rotates in the arrow D5b direction as the second rotation direction. Then, the baffle portion 42a moves in the arrow D1b direction as the second direction. Here, the arrow D5b direction is the direction opposite to the arrow D5a direction, and the arrow D1b direction is the direction opposite to the arrow D1a direction.

[0290] Fig.29 The relationship between the expansion / contraction operation of the pump portion 21, the rotation operation of the swingable member 41, and the phase of the baffle portion 42a as the plate-like member 42 moves is shown. Fig.29 The reciprocating operation of the reciprocating member 28 and the rotating operation of the rotatable member 45 during one rotation of the pump drive gear 27 are shown. Fig.29 The expansion / contraction operation of the pump portion 21 and the rotation operation of the swingable member 41 are shown, so that the state thereof changes from Fig. 27 Part (a) and Fig.28 The state shown in part (a) changes to Fig. 27 Part (b) and Fig.28 The state shown in part (b) and further returns to Fig. 27 Part (a) and Fig.28 The state shown in part (a).

[0291] <Feeding Toner by Plate-Like Member>

[0292] Next, we will use Fig.28 The toner feeding action produced by the reciprocating operation of the plate-like member 42 is described. By a driving force from a driving source (e.g., a motor not shown) provided in the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C, Fig. 27 The pump driving gear 27 shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 is rotated, and the swingable member 41 is rotated via the rotatable member 45. Fig.28 The plate-like member 42 rotates in the direction of the arrow D5a shown in the part (a). Fig.28 The position of part (a) moves in the direction of arrow D1a and reaches Fig.28 At this time, acceleration is applied to the plate-like member 42 in the direction along the arrow D1a direction. The maximum value (value) of the acceleration at this time is defined as a1. At this time, at least a portion of the toner on the plate-like member 42 moves synchronously with the plate-like member 42 without sliding on the plate-like member 42.

[0293] Thereafter, the plate-like member 42 is Fig.28 The position shown in part (b) moves in the direction of arrow D1b and returns to Fig.28 That is, the plate-like member 42 is accelerated in the direction of arrow D1b by the urging force of the urging member 46 . The maximum value of the acceleration at this time is defined as a2 . At this time, the toner on the plate-like member 42 slides on the plate-like member 42 .

[0294] When the plate-like member 42 is Fig.28 The second position shown in part (a) is moved to Fig.28The maximum acceleration a2 when the plate-like member 42 is in the first position shown in part (b) is greater than the maximum acceleration a1 when the plate-like member 42 moves from the first position to the second position. Here, the static friction coefficient between the plate-like member 42 and the toner is μ0, and the product of the static friction coefficient μ0 and the gravitational acceleration g is μ0×g. Then, the sliding condition in which the toner on the plate-like member 42 slides on the plate-like member 42 is the time when the plate-like member 42 moves with an acceleration of μ0×g or more in a state in which the toner is placed on the plate-like member 42 located on a horizontal surface.

[0295] In the present embodiment, the acceleration is set so that a1 < μ0×g < a2 holds. For this reason, when the plate-like member 42 moves in the arrow D1a direction, the toner does not move in the arrow D1a direction relative to the plate-like member 42 on the plate-like member 42 arranged on the horizontal surface by the maximum acceleration a1 less than μ0×g. Furthermore, when the plate-like member 42 moves in the arrow D1b direction, the toner moves in the air D1b direction relative to the plate-like member 42 on the plate-like member 42 by the maximum acceleration a2 greater than μ0×g.

[0296] Therefore, the plate-like member 42 repeats reciprocating motion between the arrow D1a direction and the arrow D1b direction, so that the toner on the plate-like member 42 is transported in the arrow D1a direction. Incidentally, the above-mentioned static friction coefficient μ0 between the plate-like member 42 and the toner is calculated from μ0 = tanθ, where the angle formed between the horizontal surface and the plate-like member 42 when the toner slides downward when the toner is placed on the plate-like member 42 and the plate-like member 42 is inclined is set to θ.

[0297] <Function of the baffle>

[0298] Next, we will use Figures 27 to 30 The function of the baffle portion will be described by providing the baffle portion 42 a on the plate-like member 42 . Fig.30 Part (a) of FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion 21 and the baffle portion 42 a provided on the plate-like member 42 . Fig.30 Part (b) is Fig.30 2 is an enlarged view of the H portion of the portion (a). As described above, each of the rotatable member 45 and the swingable member 41 rotates in conjunction with the expansion / contraction operation of the pump portion 21, so that the plate-like member 42 performs reciprocating motion in the arrow D1a and D1b directions in the toner accommodating portion 22 via the feed shaft 43 connected to the swingable member 41.

[0299] like Fig. 27 Part (b) Fig.28 Part (b) and Fig.29As shown, when the bellows-shaped member 26 performs the contraction operation, the plate-shaped member 42 moves in the direction of arrow D1a. Then, the shutter portion 42a provided on the plate-shaped member 42 operates so that the communication opening 25 and the toner accommodating portion 22 do not communicate with each other.

[0300] At this time, as the bellows-shaped member 26 contracts, air passes through Fig.30 The air flows into the first feed path area 24a shown in the figure, and is conveyed to the third feed path area 24c which is a toner supply path. The air conveyed to the third feed path area 24c flows toward the communication opening 25 communicating with the third feed path area 24c, and flows from the third feed path area 24c through the second feed path area 24b, and is discharged toward the discharge opening 23. At this time, at least a part of the communication opening 25 is closed by the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42, and therefore, the air and the toner are suppressed from flowing back into the toner containing portion 22.

[0301] Next, if Fig. 27 Part (a), Fig.28 Part (a) and Fig.29 As shown, when the corrugated member 26 performs the expansion operation, the plate-like member 42 moves in the direction of the arrow D1a, so that the toner flows from the toner containing portion 22 through the communication opening 25 and is supplied to the third feeding path area 24c. At this time, by the feeding principle of the plate-like member 42, the toner on the plate-like member 42 slides on the plate-like member 42, so that the toner above the communication opening 25 passes through the communication opening 25 and falls by its own weight and is supplied to the third feeding path area 24c. In addition, by the expansion operation of the corrugated member 26, Fig.30 The interior of the third feeding path region 24 c shown in the portion (a) becomes negative pressure, so that an effect is also produced in which the toner in the toner accommodating portion 22 is sucked into the third feeding path region 24 c through the communication opening 25 .

[0302] <Effect of the baffle section>

[0303] By the above-mentioned action of the shutter portion 42a, the toner is stably supplied to the third feeding path region 42c through the communication opening 25, and the backflow of air and toner to the toner containing portion 22 is suppressed. Fig.30 The second feeding path region 24 b shown in the portion (a) of FIG. 2 is formed and the amount of air discharged to the discharge opening 23 is increased, so that the toner feeding performance can be improved.

[0304] <Function of the restriction section>

[0305] Next, we will use Figures 27 to 30 The function of the limiting section 47 is described below. Fig.28 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , when the plate-like member 42 moves in the direction of arrow D1a and the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42 closes the communication opening 25, as shown in FIG. Fig. 27 As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the bellows member 26 performs a contraction operation. In this way, the air sent out from the bellows member 26 passes through Fig.30 The first feed path area 24a shown in part (a) of the present invention is conveyed to the third feed path area 24c. Fig.28 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , as described above, by the action of the shutter portion 42 a provided on the plate-like member 42 closing the communication opening 25 , it is possible to suppress the backflow of air and toner into the toner containing portion 22 .

[0306] Here, in the case where the amount of toner in the toner containing portion 22 is large, the air pressure of the air that tends to flow from the third feed path region 24c to the inside of the toner containing portion 22 can be suppressed by the weight of the toner and the weight of the plate-shaped member 42. Thus, the backflow of air and toner into the toner containing portion 22 can be suppressed.

[0307] However, when the amount of toner in the toner containing portion 22 becomes small, in some cases, the weight of the toner and the weight of the plate-shaped member 42 cannot withstand the air pressure of the air that tends to flow from the third feed path area 24c to the inside of the toner containing portion 22. At this time, the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-shaped member 42 tends to flow from the bottom 40a2 of the toner containing portion 22 toward the inside of the toner containing portion 22. Fig.28 The portion (b) shows the direction in which the restriction portion 47 floats upward.

[0308] At this time, the upward floating of the shutter portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42 from the bottom portion 40a2 is restricted by the restriction portion 47. Thus, the shutter portion 42a does not completely open the communication opening 25, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the air pressure of the air that tends to flow from the third feeding path region 24c to the inside of the toner accommodating portion 22. Thus, it is possible to suppress the backflow of the air and the toner into the toner accommodating portion 22.

[0309] <Effect of Restriction Part>

[0310] By the above-mentioned action of the restricting portion 47, the upward floating of the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42 from the bottom portion 40a2 is suppressed, so that the air pressure of the air that tends to flow from the third feed path region 24c to the inside of the toner accommodating portion 22 can be suppressed. Thus, the backflow of air and toner into the toner accommodating portion 22 can be suppressed, and therefore, the toner can be stably supplied to the third feed path region 24c from the communication opening 25. In addition, the backflow of air and toner into the toner accommodating portion 22 is further suppressed, so that the amount of air that passes through the second feed path region 24b and is discharged to the discharge opening 23 is further increased, and therefore the toner feeding performance can be further improved.

[0311] Here, in the present embodiment, the number of revolutions of the pump driving gear 27 is 120 rpm, the reciprocating frequency of the corrugated member 26 and the reciprocating member 28 is 4 Hz, and the number of revolutions of the rotatable member is 240 rpm. In addition, by the sliding movement of the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 on the inclined surface 45a, the swing frequency of the swingable member 41 is 4 Hz, and the rotation angle of the swingable member 41 is 25°. In addition, the moving distance of the front end portion 42a1 of the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42 in the direction of the arrow D1a is about 7 mm.

[0312] Furthermore, when the swingable member 41 is rotated 25° by the rotation of the rotatable member 45, the urging force received by the engaging portion 41b of the swingable member 41 in the direction of the arrow D5a from the urging member 46 is 9.8 N (1000 gf), and the initial toner weight of the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 22 is 500 g. Incidentally, these various conditions are not limited thereto, and may be appropriately selected according to the kind or characteristics of the toner, the shape, material, and arrangement of the corresponding members, and the like.

[0313] In addition, in the present embodiment, polystyrene (PS) is used as the material of the plate-like member 42, but it is not limited thereto. As the material of the plate-like member 42, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) may be used. In addition, as the material of the plate-like member 42, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ABS resin, polycarbonate (PC), and polyacetal (POM) may be used. Even these common plastic materials may be used as the material of the plate-like member 42.

[0314] <First Modified Embodiment>

[0315] Next, we will use Fig.31 The configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the first modified embodiment of the present embodiment are described. Fig.31: is a sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the first modified embodiment of the present embodiment. Fig.31 The second feed path region 24b of the toner cartridge B shown is provided with the discharge opening 23 at the end portion of the tubular straight portion 24b1 connected to the third feed path region 24c. Therefore, the second feed path region 24b extending from the third feed path region 24c to the discharge opening 23 can be arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0316] In this modified embodiment, Fig.31 As shown, in the second feed path region 24b which is a portion located on the discharge opening 23 side relative to the boundary G3, the boundary G3 as one end is arranged at the same height (level) as the discharge opening 23 as the other end in the vertical direction. Here, the boundary G3 is an end of the feed path portion 24 on the side where the toner containing portion 22 communicates with the feed path portion 24. At this time, the discharge opening 23 is provided with a not-shown baffle member outside the toner cartridge B, and the toner contained in the toner cartridge B is prevented from leaking to the outside by the baffle member.

[0317] <Second Modified Example>

[0318] Next, we will use Fig.32 The configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the second modified embodiment of the present embodiment are described. Fig.32 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the second modified embodiment of the present embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig.32 Part (b) is Fig.32 (a) An enlarged view of section H.

[0319] Fig.32 Part (c) is a schematic diagram showing an external form 25c1 when the cross section 25c of the communication opening 25 is projected in the direction of air flow when the pump portion 21 is compressed, and similarly shows an external form G31 when the boundary G3 is projected in the direction. Fig.32 Part (d) is a schematic diagram showing an external form 25c1 when the cross section 25c of the communication opening 25 is projected in the direction of air flow when the pump portion 21 is compressed, and similarly shows an external form G21 when the boundary G2 is projected in the direction. Fig.32 Part (e) of FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram in which three external forms consisting of the external form 25 c 1 , the external form G31 , and the external form G21 are overlapped with each other.

[0320] In reference Fig. 22In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 are equal to each other. In this modified embodiment, Fig.32 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , an example is adopted in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 are different from each other. Fig.32 As shown in part (e), Fig.32 The area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 and the outer form G31 overlap is larger than the area indicated by the hatching of the portion (e). Fig.32 The hatching of portion (e) indicates an area K1 (K1<K2) of a region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form 25c1.

[0321] The boundary G2 is a portion of the feed path portion located on the pump portion 21 side at the communication portion of the communication opening 25. The boundary G3 is a portion of the feed path portion 24 located on the discharge opening 23 side at the communication portion of the communication opening 25. With respect to the external form G21 when the cross section of the boundary G2 is projected in the direction in which the air flows when the pump portion 21 is compressed, an area K2 where the external form G21 overlaps with an external form G31 when the cross section of the boundary G3 is projected in the direction in which the air flows when the pump portion 21 is compressed is larger than an area where the external form G21 overlaps with the external form 25c1. Thus, when the pump portion 21 is compressed, the air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a tends to flow to the second feed path region 24b in large quantities.

[0322] <Second Comparative Example>

[0323] Next, we will use Fig.33 The configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the second comparative example are described. Fig.33 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the present comparative example as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig.33 Part (b) is Fig.33 (a) An enlarged view of section H. Fig.33 Part (c) is a schematic diagram showing an external form 25c1 when the cross section 25c of the communication opening 25 is projected in the direction of air flow when the pump portion 21 is compressed, and similarly shows an external form G31 when the boundary G3 is projected in the direction. Fig.33 Part (d) of FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25 c 1 and the external form G21 when the boundary G2 is projected in the direction in which the air flows when the pump portion 21 is compressed. Fig.33 Part (e) of FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram in which three outer forms consisting of the outer forms 25c1, G31, and G21 are overlapped with each other.

[0324] In this comparison example, Fig.33 As shown in part (b), the difference between the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 is much larger than Fig.32 The example of the difference of the above-mentioned second modified embodiment shown in part (b) is as follows. Fig.33 As shown in part (e), Fig.33 The area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 and the outer form G31 overlap indicated by the hatching of part (e) is smaller than that indicated by Fig.33 The hatching of part (e) indicates an area K1 (K1>K2) where the outer form G21 overlaps the outer form 25c1. Thus, when the pump portion 21 is compressed, a large amount of air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a flows to the second feed path region 24b.

[0325] In order to prevent this, the area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form G31 is set to be larger than the area K1 of the region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form 25c1. Thus, the air flowing from the first feed path region 24a flows more easily toward the second feed path region 24b than toward the communication opening 25, so that the feeding amount of the toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be stabilized. For this reason, as Fig. 22 As shown, it is desirable to increase the area K2 where the outer form G31 and the outer form G21 overlap each other.

[0326] <Effect of the Third Feed Path Area>

[0327] As described above, the third feed path area 24c is provided below the toner containing portion 22. For this reason, the toner in the toner containing portion 22 can be fed into the third feed path area 24c by utilizing the gravity of the toner. In addition, the third feed path area 24c is arranged at the lowest position of the feed path portion 24 in the vertical direction. For this reason, as described above, the toner supplied into the third feed path area 24c from the inside of the toner containing portion 22 by gravity can be prevented from entering the first feed path area 24a and the second feed path area 24b more than necessary. Thus, stabilization of the feed amount of the toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be achieved.

[0328] In addition, if Fig. 22 Part (e) and Fig.32As shown in part (e), it is set such that the area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form G31 is larger than the area K1 of the region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form 25c1 (K1 < K2). Thus, through the expansion / contraction operation of the pump part 21, the toner present in the third feed path region 24c can be transferred to the second feed path region 24b instead of being blown back to the communication opening 25. Thus, the stability of the feed amount of the toner fed in the feed path part 24 can be achieved.

[0329] <Toner feeding from the toner cartridge to the processing cartridge>

[0330] Next, Figure 1 、 Fig.17 and Fig.18 will be used to describe the toner feeding operation from the toner cartridge B to the processing cartridge A. First, by using Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the toner feeding operation in the toner cartridge B will be described. As Fig.18 shows, the toner cartridge B is provided with a feeding part 31.

[0331] The feeding part 31 includes a plate-like member 42 provided on the bottom of the toner containing part 22 so as to be able to reciprocate in the directions of the arrows D1a and D1b of Fig.18 . The toner accommodated in the toner containing part 22 is placed on the plate-like member 42. The plate-like member 42 reciprocates in the directions of the arrows D1a and D1a of Fig.18 . At this time, the maximum acceleration a2 of the plate-like member 42 in the direction of the arrow D1b of Fig.18 is made larger than the maximum acceleration a1 of the feeding plate 31a in the direction of the arrow D1a of Fig.18 . Thus, the toner on the feeding plate 31a is fed in the direction of the arrow D1a of Fig.18 .

[0332] The toner fed in the direction of the arrow D1a of Fig.18 is guided by the inclined surface 22a provided at the inner surface of the toner containing part 22 and is collected at the communication opening 25. As Fig.17 shows, since the communication opening 25 faces the lower part of the toner containing part 22, the toner transferred to the communication opening 25 passes through the communication opening 25 by gravity and is transferred to the feed path part 24. The toner transported to the feed path part 24 is transferred to the discharge opening 23 by the air flow generated when the compression pump part 21 is compressed.

[0333] As Figure 1As shown, in a state where the toner cartridge B and the process cartridge A are mounted in the image forming apparatus C, the discharge opening 23 of the feed path portion 24 and one end portion of the main component path portion 1 provided on the apparatus main component C1 side of the image forming apparatus C are communicated with each other. Furthermore, the other end portion of the main component path portion 1 and the receiving portion 18 of the toner accommodating portion 17 of the process cartridge A are communicated with each other.

[0334] The toner sent out from the discharge opening 23 of the toner cartridge B passes through the main component path portion 1 provided in the image forming apparatus C, and is fed to the toner accommodating portion 17 through the receiving portion 18 of the process cartridge A. As described above, the toner is fed from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A. In this embodiment, the toner can be discharged upward from the toner cartridge B arranged below the process cartridge A. In addition, the toner can be discharged to a distant place. According to this embodiment, the air generated by the contraction operation of the pump portion can be prevented from flowing back into the developer accommodating portion.

[0335] [Sixth embodiment]

[0336] Next, we will use Figure 34 to Figure 37 The construction of the developer supply device and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention in the sixth embodiment is described. Incidentally, by adding the same symbol or adding the same component name even when the symbol is different, the components (parts) constructed similarly to those in the above-mentioned fifth embodiment will be omitted from the description, and similar effects can be obtained. In this embodiment, the following construction is adopted, in which the time for the baffle portion 42a on the plate-like member 42 provided in the toner accommodating portion 22 to close the communication opening 25 is made longer than the time used in the fifth embodiment. Incidentally, the image forming process and the construction of the process box A and the toner box B are similar to the image forming process and the construction in the above-mentioned fifth embodiment, and therefore, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0337] <Rotatable Member>

[0338] Will use Fig.34 The configuration of the rotatable member 55 which is a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment is described. Fig.34 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the driving portion 20 for driving the plate-like member 42 of the present embodiment. Fig.34 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the driving portion 20 for driving the plate-like member 42 of the present embodiment. Fig.34 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the feeding portion 51 for feeding toner in the present embodiment includes a plate-like member 42 on which the toner in the toner accommodating portion 22 is placed and moved, and a driving portion 20 for driving the plate-like member 42 .

[0339] The rotatable member 55 provided in the driving portion 20 includes a gear portion 55b which rotates by receiving a driving force engaged with the gear portion 27a of the pump driving gear 27. At a side surface 55b1 of the gear portion 55b, there are provided an inclined surface 55a which is continuously displaced in height relative to the rotation axis direction of the gear portion 55b and a flat surface 55c which is continuous with the highest position of the inclined surface 55a and which is continuous in the rotation axis direction of the gear portion 55b at a certain height. The rotatable member 55 is constituted by a stepped gear.

[0340] <Swingable Member>

[0341] like Fig.34 As shown in part (b) of the present invention, the swingable member 41 is provided with a protruding portion 41a, which contacts and slides on the inclined surface 55a and the flat surface 55c when the rotatable member 55 rotates. The urging member 46 composed of a torsion coil spring urges the swingable member 41 in a direction in which the protruding portion 41a pressure contacts the inclined surface 55a and the flat surface 55c.

[0342] <Feeding Section Operation>

[0343] Next, we will use Figure 35 to Figure 37 The operation of the feeding section 51 is described. Fig.35 Parts (a) to (c) of FIG. 1 are views for illustrating the operation of the driving portion 20 for driving the plate-like member 42 of the present embodiment. Fig.36 Parts (a) to (c) of FIG. 1 are cross-sectional views for illustrating the movement of the plate-like member 42 of the present embodiment. Fig.37 4 is a view for illustrating the operation of the pump portion 21, the operation of the swingable member 41, and the phase of the shutter portion 42a.

[0344] like Fig.35 As shown in part (a), the state in which the corrugated member 26 is most contracted is the initial state of the feed portion 51. In the initial state, as shown in FIG. Fig.36 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42 does not cover the communication opening 25, and a state is formed in which the communication opening 25 provided in the bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22 and the interior of the toner accommodating portion 22 communicate with each other. Thereafter, when the pump driving gear 27 is rotated 90° by a driving force from a driving source (e.g., an unillustrated motor) provided in the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C, the state of the feeding portion 51 changes from Fig.35 The cross-sectional view shown in part (a) becomes Fig.35 The state shown in part (b).

[0345] At this time, the bellows member 26 performs an expansion operation by the operation of the reciprocating member 28 engaged with the cam portion 27b of the pump driving gear 27. In addition, by the rotation of the gear portion 55b engaged with the pump driving gear 27, the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 contacts the inclined surface 55a and slides thereon, so that the swingable member 41 is moved as a Fig.35 The plate-shaped member 42 is rotated in the direction of the arrow D5a in the first direction shown in part (b). By the rotation of the swingable member 41, the feed shaft 43 engaged with the swingable member 41 rotates, so that the position of the plate-shaped member 42 changes from Fig.36 The position shown in part (a) is changed to Fig.36 That is, the baffle portion 42a moves in the direction of the arrow D1a as the first direction.

[0346] Furthermore, when the pump driving gear 27 is further rotated by 45° by a driving force from an unillustrated driving source provided in the apparatus main assembly C1, the feeding portion 51 is rotated from Fig.35 The state shown in part (b) is transformed to Fig.35 At this time, the bellows member 26 performs a contraction operation by the operation of the reciprocating member 28 whose protruding portion 28 c is engaged with the cam portion 27 b of the pump driving gear 27 .

[0347] In addition, the rotatable member 55 rotates as the pump drive gear 27 rotates, but as shown in FIG. Fig.35 As shown in part (c), the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 operates the flat surface 55c of the rotatable member 55. At this time, the swingable member 41 is set to Fig.35 The plate-like member 42 connected to the feed shaft 43 engaged with the swingable member 41 is at a position where the plate-like member 42 is at rest at a position where the plate-like member 42 is rotated the most in the direction of arrow D5a of the portion (c). Fig.36 The position where the toner moves most in the direction of arrow D1a as shown in part (c) of FIG.

[0348] That is, when the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 passes through the highest position of the inclined surface 55a of the rotatable member 55, the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 contacts the flat surface 55c of the rotatable member 55 and slides thereon, so that the state in which the baffle portion 42a moves in the direction of the arrow D1a as the first direction is maintained. For this reason, even when the rotatable member 55 rotates, during the period in which the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 contacts the flat surface 55c of the rotatable member 55, the plate-like member 42a takes Fig.36 The position shown in part (c).

[0349] Furthermore, when the pump driving gear 27 is further rotated by 45° by a driving force from an unillustrated driving source provided in the apparatus main assembly C1, the feeding portion 51 is rotated from Fig.35 The state shown in part (b) returns to Fig.35 At this time, the bellows member 26 performs a contraction operation by the operation of the reciprocating member 28 whose protruding portion 28 c is engaged with the cam portion 27 b of the pump driving gear 27 .

[0350] Furthermore, the rotatable member 55 rotates with the rotation of the pump driving gear 27, and the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 separates from the flat surface 55c of the rotatable member 55, so that the swingable member 41 moves along the pump driving gear 27 by the urging force of the urging member 46. Fig.35 The swingable member 41 rotates in the direction of arrow D5b shown in part (c). By the rotation of the swingable member 41, the feed shaft 43 engaged with the swingable member 41 rotates, so that the position of the plate-like member 42 changes from Fig.36 The position shown in part (b) returns to Fig.36 The location of part (a).

[0351] That is, the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 passes through the end portion 55c1 of the flat surface 55c of the rotatable member 55. Then, the protruding portion 41a of the swingable member 41 falls on the side surface 55b1 of the gear portion 55b by the urging force of the urging member 46. At this time, the swingable member 41 rotates in the arrow D5b direction as the second rotation direction, so that the shutter portion 42a moves in the arrow D1b direction as the second direction.

[0352] The relationship between the operation of the pump portion 31, the operation of the swingable member 41 and the phase of the shutter portion 42a is as follows: Fig.37 As shown. Fig.37 , the operation of the reciprocating member 28 and the operation of the rotatable member 55 during one rotation of the pump drive gear 27, the operation of the pump portion 21 in each of the states of (a) → (b) → (c) → (a), and the operation of the swingable member 41 are shown.

[0353] <Function of the baffle>

[0354] Next, we will use Fig.30 and Figure 35 to Figure 37 The function of the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate member 42 in this embodiment is described. The rotatable member 55 and the swingable member 41 rotate in conjunction with the operation of the pump portion 21 so that the plate member 42 performs reciprocating motion via the feed shaft 43 connected to the swingable member 41.

[0355] like Fig.35Part (c), Fig.36 Part (c) and Fig.37 As shown, when the bellows 26 performs the contraction operation, the plate member 42 stops at the position where the plate member 42 moves the most in the direction of arrow D1a. Then, the shutter portion 42a provided on the plate member 42 prevents the communication opening 25 and the interior of the toner accommodating portion 22 from communicating with each other.

[0356] At this time, as the corrugated member 26 contracts in the contraction direction, Fig.30 The air that flows into the first feed path area 24a shown in part (a) of the drawing and is conveyed to the third feed path area 24c as the toner supply path is conveyed to the communication opening 25 that communicates with the third feed path area 24c. In addition, the air passes through the second feed path area 24b from the third feed path area 24c and is discharged toward the discharge opening 23. At this time, the communication opening 25 is closed by the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42. For this reason, the backflow of air and toner into the toner containing portion 22 is suppressed.

[0357] Next, if Fig.35 Part (a), Fig.36 Part (a) and Fig.37 As shown, when the corrugated member 26 performs the expansion operation, the plate-like member 42 moves in the direction of the arrow D1a from the position where the plate-like member 42 moves the most in the direction of the arrow D1b. At this time, the baffle portion 42a provided on the plate-like member 42 makes the communication opening 25 and the inside of the toner containing portion 22 communicate with each other. Thus, the toner passes through the communication opening 25 from the inside of the toner containing portion 22 and is supplied to the third feeding path area 24c. At this time, by the above-mentioned feeding principle of the plate-like member 42, the toner on the plate-like member 42 slides on the plate-like member 42, so that the toner above the communication opening 25 passes through the communication opening 25 and is supplied to the third feeding path area 24c by falling by its own weight.

[0358] Furthermore, by the expansion operation of the bellows member 26 in the expansion direction, Fig.30 The inside of the third feed path region 24c shown in part (a) becomes negative pressure, so that the toner in the toner accommodating portion 22 is also sucked into the third feed path region 24c through the communication opening 25. At this time, the plate-like member 42 is pulled from Fig.36 The position shown in part (a) moves toward the direction of arrow D1a. Fig.36 For this reason, the shutter portion 42 a provided on the plate-like member 42 operates to close the communication opening 25 .

[0359] For this reason, in the present embodiment, the amount of toner sucked into the third feeding path area 24c by the expansion operation of the corrugated member 26 in the expansion direction is reduced compared to the fifth embodiment, but a necessary amount of toner can be supplied, and therefore, there is basically no problem. With such a configuration, the time during which the shutter portion 42a of the plate-like member 42 provided in the toner containing portion 22 closes the communication opening 25 during the contraction of the corrugated member 26 in the contraction direction can be lengthened.

[0360] <Effect of the baffle section>

[0361] By the above-mentioned action of the baffle portion 42a, the toner is stably supplied to the third feed path area 42c through the communication opening 25. In addition, the backflow of air and toner into the toner containing portion 22 is further suppressed. Thus, the amount of air passing through the second feed path area 24b and discharged to the discharge opening 23 is further increased. Thus, the toner feeding performance can be further improved. Other configurations are similar to those in the fifth embodiment, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0362] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the air generated by the contracting operation of the pump portion from flowing back to the developer accommodating portion.

[0363] [Seventh embodiment]

[0364] In JP-A 2010-256894 Fig.16 In the toner cartridge B100 shown, toner is fed from the toner containing portion 117 toward the discharge opening 123 by the expansion of the pump portion 121. However, in the case where the amount of toner fed is excessive, toner clogging may occur in the toner feeding path.

[0365] The seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment described below show a configuration in which clogging of the developer fed from the developer accommodating portion toward the feed path portion in the feed path portion can be further suppressed.

[0366] First, we will use Figure 1 as well as Figure 38 to Figure 51 The construction of the seventh embodiment of the developer supply device and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described.

[0367] <Imaging equipment>

[0368] Will use Figure 1 The configurations of the image forming apparatus C and the process cartridge A are described. Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging device C of the present embodiment. Incidentally, in the following description, in some cases, description will be made using a coordinate system, wherein Figure 1 The up and down (vertical direction) is the Y-axis direction, Figure 1The horizontal direction is the X-axis direction, and Figure 1 The depth direction is the Z-axis direction. Figure 1 The image forming apparatus C shown is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material S such as paper by using an electrophotographic (image forming) process. Figure 1 At a central portion of the image forming apparatus C shown, a process cartridge A detachably mountable to an apparatus main assembly 1C of the image forming apparatus C is provided.

[0369] <Processing cartridge>

[0370] Will use Figure 1 The configuration of the process cartridge A is described. Here, the process cartridge A is a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing member and various process devices that can act on the photosensitive drum 11. Here, as the process device, for example, there is a charging roller as a charging device for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Furthermore, as the process device, there is a developing device 3 for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 into a toner image by supplying a toner as a developer to the electrostatic latent image. Furthermore, as the process device, there is a cleaning blade 14 as a cleaning device for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after transfer.

[0371] The process box A of this embodiment is Figure 1 A charging roller 12 is provided at the periphery of the photosensitive drum 11 which rotates in the clockwise direction, and a cleaning blade 14 having elasticity is included as a cleaning device. In addition, the developing device 3 includes: a developing roller 13 which is provided opposite to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11; a developing blade 15; and a toner containing portion 17 for containing toner. The toner containing portion 17 is provided with a receiving portion 18 for receiving the toner supplied from the toner box B provided below the process box A via the maximum acceleration (side) path portion 1.

[0372] <Toner Cartridge>

[0373] Will use Figure 1 and Fig.38 The configuration of the toner cartridge B as a developer supply device used in the image forming apparatus C is described. Fig.38 : is a sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 provided in the toner cartridge B of the present embodiment. Figure 1 and Fig.38 The toner cartridge B shown is arranged so as to be detachably mountable to the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C.

[0374] like Figure 1As shown, the toner cartridge B includes a toner accommodating portion 22 as a developer accommodating portion for accommodating toner (developer) therein. Further, the toner cartridge B includes a variable volume pump portion 21 for generating an air flow by volume change. Further, the toner cartridge B includes a discharge opening 23 for allowing the toner to be discharged from the toner accommodating portion 22 of the toner cartridge B to the outside. Further, the toner cartridge B includes a connecting opening (boundary G1) connected to the pump portion 21 at one end, and includes a feed path portion 24 ( Fig.38 The toner cartridge B supplies toner to the toner containing portion 17 of the process cartridge A via the main assembly path portion 1 provided in the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C.

[0375] like Figure 2 As shown, the toner accommodating portion 22 is provided with a communication opening 25 as a first communication opening. The toner accommodating portion 22 is connected to an intermediate portion between one end portion (boundary G1) and the other end portion (discharge opening 23) of the feed path portion 24 via the communication opening 25. The volume change amount of the pump portion 21 is set to be larger than the total volume from the boundary G1 (connection opening) of the feed path portion 24 to the discharge opening 23.

[0376] Figure 1 The process cartridge A and the toner cartridge B shown are mounted in the apparatus main assembly C1 of the image forming apparatus C, and are used for image formation. At the lower portion of the image forming apparatus C, there is a feed cassette 6 in which recording materials S such as sheets of paper are accommodated. The recording materials S accommodated in the feed cassette 6 are fed and separated one by one by a separation device not shown, and the separated recording materials S are fed. Thereafter, the leading end portion of the recording material S abuts against the nip portion of the registration roller 7, thereby correcting the oblique movement of the recording material S.

[0377] In synchronization with the feeding operation of the recording material S from the feed box 6, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 uniformly charged by the charging roller 12 is selectively exposed according to image information, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. On the other hand, the toner contained in the toner containing portion 17 is supplied to the developing roller 13, and the toner is carried on the surface of the developing roller 13 in a thin layer state by the developing blade 15. By applying a developing bias to the developing roller 13, the toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image.

[0378] In agreement with the timing at which the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 reaches the transfer nip N formed by the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 9, the recording material S is fed to the transfer nip N by the registration roller 7. By applying a transfer bias to the transfer roller 9, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred onto the recording material S in the transfer nip N.

[0379] The recording material S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 10, and is heated and pressed by a heating unit 10a and a pressing roller 10b provided in the fixing device 10, so that the toner image is fixed on the recording material S. The recording material S on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed to a discharge roller 16, and is discharged to a discharge portion 4 provided at an upper portion of the image forming apparatus C.

[0380] Fig.39 1 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment as viewed from above when the toner cartridge B is cut in the horizontal direction. Fig.38 When following Fig.39 When the toner cartridge B is cut vertically, the L2-L2 (line) Fig.39 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment as seen from the right side of FIG. Fig.39 When following Fig.38 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment when the toner cartridge B is cut in the horizontal direction along line L1 - L1 (line).

[0381] like Fig.39 As shown in FIG. 1 , the toner containing portion 22 contains toner (developer) therein. The feeding portion 31 feeds the toner at the inner portion of the toner containing portion 22. The feeding portion 31 includes a feeding member 42 arranged on the lower side of the toner, the feeding member being composed of a plate-like member that reciprocates in the directions of arrows D1a and D1b. Fig.39 The feeding member 42 is reciprocated in the directions of arrows D1a and D1b, and the toner on the feeding member 42 is fed.

[0382] The feeding member 42 moves at a maximum acceleration A1 in the arrow D1a direction where the feeding member 42 approaches the communication opening 25. In addition, the feeding member 42 moves at a maximum acceleration a2 in the arrow D1b direction opposite to the toner feeding direction where the feeding member moves away from the communication opening 25. Here, the maximum acceleration a1 is set to be smaller than the maximum acceleration a2. Thus, the toner on the feeding member 42 is fed in the arrow D1a direction where the toner approaches the communication opening 25. Thus, the toner on the feeding member 42 is fed in the arrow D1a direction and is supplied from the communication opening 25 to the feeding path portion 24 by its own weight.

[0383] Fig.39 The bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22 is shown on one end side with respect to the longitudinal direction ( Fig.39 A communication opening 25 is provided on the side of the arrow D1a direction, which is an opening opening downward and connected to the feed path portion 24. Figure 3 As shown, the communication opening 25 is formed by a rectangle.

[0384] <Pump section>

[0385] Next, we will use Fig.40 and Fig.41 The configuration of the pump portion 21 will be described. Fig.40 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the driving portion 20 of the pump portion 21 in the present embodiment. Fig.40 Part (b) is a side view showing a state in which the pump portion 21 in the present embodiment is expanded. Fig.40 Part (c) is a side view showing a state where the pump portion 21 in the present embodiment is contracted. Fig.41 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view before assembling the pump portion 21 in this embodiment. Fig.41 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view after the pump portion 21 in this embodiment is assembled.

[0386] <Driver section>

[0387] like Fig.40 As shown in parts (a) to (c) of FIG. 1 , the pump portion 21 changes its volume by being driven by the drive portion 20. The drive portion is composed of a pump drive gear 27 and a reciprocating member 28. The pump portion 21 is driven by the drive portion 20 so that the volume change amount of the pump portion 21 is greater than the total volume from the boundary G1 (connection opening) to the discharge opening 23. The pump portion 21 is driven by the pump drive gear 27 and the reciprocating member 28 as shown in FIG. Fig.40 As shown in part (b), it expands in an upward direction, and as shown in Fig.40 The pump driving gear 27 includes a gear portion 27a and a cam portion 27b, and receives a driving force input from the imaging device C to move the pump driving gear 27 in a downward direction. Fig.40 Parts (b) and (c) are rotated in the direction of arrow D3.

[0388] The pump drive gear 27 is configured in a cylindrical shape and is rotatably supported by a support member 29 configured such that the outer peripheral surface is a circumferential surface. A gear portion 27a is formed over the entire length of the lower end portion of the pump drive gear 27 relative to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface. At the outer peripheral surface of the pump drive gear 27 and the upper portion of the gear portion 27a, a cam portion 27b is formed over the entire length of the pump drive gear 27 relative to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface, the cam portion including a cam portion causing the pump drive gear 27 to rotate in the axial direction ( Fig.40 The groove portion that continuously moves back and forth in the upper and lower directions (a) to (c).

[0389] The pump drives the gear 27 to Fig.40 The reciprocating member 28 engaged with the cam portion 27b rotates in the direction of arrow D3 of the portions (b) and (c). Fig.40 The reciprocating member 28 reciprocates in the up-and-down directions of parts (b) and (c). The reciprocating member 28 engages with an engaging portion 26b provided at an upper end portion of the corrugated member 26 constituting a portion of the pump portion 21. The reciprocating member 28 is constituted by including a pair of arm portions 28a and a fixing portion 28b, each fixing portion 28b being connected to one end portion of each of the pair of arm portions 28a, and at the other end portion of each of the arm portions 28a, a protruding portion 28c protruding toward the inside of each of the arm portions 28a is provided. The protruding portion 28c of the reciprocating member 28 is slidably inserted into a groove portion of the cam portion 27b of the pump drive gear 27.

[0390] like Fig.40 As shown in part (a) of the pump portion 21, the pump portion 21 is composed of a portion of a corrugated member 26, and when cut in the horizontal direction, the cross section of the corrugated member is circular and open at the lower portion. Fig.41 As shown, the corrugated member 26 includes a corrugated portion 26a and an engaging portion 26b provided at an upper end portion of the corrugated portion 26a. In addition, the corrugated member 26 is constituted by including a fixing portion 26c, which includes a cylindrical female threaded portion opened at a lower end portion of the corrugated portion 26a. The fixing portion 26c is threadedly fastened to a cylindrical male threaded portion 29a, which is opened at an upper end portion of the support member 29. The engaging portion 26b is installed in a fixing portion 28b of the reciprocating member 28.

[0391] like Fig.41 As shown in part (a), the fixing portion 26c has a spiral shape, and a female thread portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. In addition, the fixing portion 26c is Fig.41The portion (a) of the support member 29 is rotated in the direction of arrow D4 and is threadedly fastened and fixed to the male thread portion 29 a of the support member 29 .

[0392] The pump driving gear 27 is driven along the gear portion 27a by a driving force inputted from a driving portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus C. Fig.40 Then, the cam portion 27b rotates integrally with the pump drive gear 27, so that the reciprocating member 28 is moved in the direction of the arrow D3 of the portions (b) and (c) of the cam portion 27b via the protruding portion 28c engaging with the groove portion of the cam portion 27b. Fig.40 Thus, the pump portion 21 is locked to the fixing portion 28b of the reciprocating member via the engaging portion 26b at the upper end portion. Fig.40 The toner is supplied from the toner containing portion 22 to the feeding path portion 24 by using the negative pressure through the expansion operation of the pump portion 21 .

[0393] like Fig.41 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawings, inside the support member 29, a first feed path area 24a is provided as a part of the feed path portion 24. Here, the pump portion 21 is a part of the corrugated portion 26a. On the other hand, the fixed portion 26c that does not cause a volume change is included in the feed path portion 24, not in the pump portion 21. Therefore, the boundary between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is the boundary G1 between the corrugated portion 26a and the fixed portion 26c of the corrugated member 26.

[0394] like Fig.38 As shown, the boundary G1 which is the connection opening between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is arranged above the portion where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22. In addition, the direction in which the pump portion 21 is connected to the feed path portion is the downward direction, and the portion in which the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22 is arranged below the toner accommodating portion 22.

[0395] Here, as Fig.38 When the boundary G1 shown is located therebetween, the volume of the pump portion 21 is set larger than the volume of the feed path portion 24 ( Fig.38 In addition, if Figure 1 and Fig.38 As shown, the volume of the pump portion 21 is set to be larger than the sum of the volume of the feed path portion 24 and the volume of the main component path portion 1. In this embodiment, the volume of the pump portion 21 is 10 cc, and the sum of the volume of the feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1 is 3 cc.

[0396] Furthermore, the volume of the sum of the volumes of the feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1 is smaller than the volume change amount of the pump portion 21. Thus, even in a combination of a long feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1, or in a combination of a curved feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1, toner feeding can be facilitated by the expansion / contraction operation of the pump portion 21.

[0397] Furthermore, the boundary G1 between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is disposed at a position higher than the communication opening 25 disposed at the boundary between the toner containing portion 22 and the feed path portion 24 with respect to the vertical direction. Fig.38 When the pump portion 21 and the toner containing portion 22 are shown, Fig.38 The range of the middle pump portion 21 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is a range 21a, and similarly, Fig.38 The range of the toner containing portion 22 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) is range 22a. At this time, range 21a and range 22a are set to be located within the overlapping range in the vertical direction. That is, when viewed from the horizontal direction, the pump portion 21 is arranged at a position overlapping with the toner containing portion 22 in the vertical direction.

[0398] The pump portion 21 repeats expansion / contraction operations. The toner supplied into the feed path portion 24 is fed into the feed path portion 24 by the air flow in the arrow D2 direction generated during the compression process of the pump portion 21, and is supplied into the main component path portion 1 provided in the apparatus main component C1 of the image forming apparatus C through the discharge opening 23. In addition, the toner is supplied into the toner accommodating portion 17 through the receiving portion 18 provided in the toner accommodating portion 17 of the process cartridge A, with the other end portion of the main component path portion communicating with the receiving portion. Figure 1 The main component path portion 1 shown is composed of a hollow tube shape.

[0399] <Effect of the pump section>

[0400] The volume of the pump portion 21 is set to a volume greater than the sum of the volume of the feed path portion 24 and the volume of the main component path portion 1. Thus, the toner conveyed to the feed path portion 24 through the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 by the suction / contraction operation of the pump portion 21 can be fed from the feed path portion 24 to the outside of the discharge opening 23. In addition, the toner is fed to the receiving portion 18 provided in the toner accommodating portion 17 through the main component path portion 1, so that the toner can be supplied to the toner accommodating portion 17. In the present embodiment, the volume of the pump portion 21 is about 10 cc, and the volume of the sum of the volumes of the feed path portion 24 and the main component path portion 1 is about 3 cc. Thus, the volume of the pump portion 21 is set to be twice or more the volume of the feed path portion 24.

[0401] Incidentally, the relationship between the volume of the pump portion 21 and the volume of the sum of the volumes of the feed path portion 24 and the main assembly path portion is not limited thereto, but may be appropriately set according to the kind of toner fed or the height or distance to which the toner is fed. The volume of the pump portion 21 is set to be twice or more the volume of the feed path portion 24, whereby the toner can be stably discharged by the expansion / contraction operation without leaving the toner in the feed path portion 24.

[0402] In addition, if Fig.38 As shown in FIG. 1 , the (toner) discharge direction of the pump portion 21 is arranged downward, thereby making it difficult for toner to enter the pump portion 21 during the process of the pump portion 21 sucking air. Fig.38 In the vertical direction shown, the boundary G1 between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 is set at a position higher than the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22. Thus, it is possible to suppress the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 22 from entering the pump portion 21 via the feed path portion 24 during transportation of the toner cartridge B or the like. Fig.38 When the pump portion 21 is observed in the horizontal direction of Fig.38 The vertical direction of the toner cartridge B is arranged at a position overlapping with the toner accommodating portion 22. Thus, the toner cartridge B can be reduced in size in the vertical direction.

[0403] <Feed path section>

[0404] Next, we will use Fig.38 and Fig.42 The configuration of the feed path portion 24 will be described. Fig.42 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the present embodiment. Fig.42 Part (b) is Fig.42 (a) An enlarged view of section H.

[0405] Depend on Fig.38 The range of the feed path portion 24 indicated by the shaded portion is the range from the boundary G1 between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 to the discharge opening 23 in the arrow D2 direction, which is the direction of the flow of air generated during the compression process of the pump portion 21. The feed path portion 24 communicates with the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 in the middle portion thereof.

[0406] like Fig.42 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 , the feed path portion 24 includes a first feed path region 24a connected to the pump portion 21 and a second feed path region 24b connected to the discharge opening 23. In addition, the feed path portion 24 includes a third feed path region 24c connected to the first feed path region 24a, the second feed path region 24b, and the communication opening of the toner containing portion 22. Fig.42 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the first feed path region 24 a and the third feed path region 24 c are divided by a boundary G2 , and the second feed path region 24 b and the third feed path region 24 c are divided by a boundary G3 .

[0407] The boundary G2 is a cross section of the feed path portion 24 including an end portion 25a of the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 contacting the feed path portion 24 on the pump portion 21 side. The boundary G3 is a cross section of the feed path portion 24 including an end portion 25b of the communication opening 25 of the toner accommodating portion 22 contacting the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side.

[0408] The first feed path region 24a is a region of the feed path portion 24 from the boundary G1 to the boundary G2 on the pump portion 21 side. Fig.42 The second feed path region 24b is a region of the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side from the boundary G3 to the discharge opening 23, as shown in FIG. Fig.42 The second feeding path region 24 b is a portion located on the discharge opening 23 side (discharge opening side) with respect to a boundary G3 where the feeding path portion communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22 .

[0409] In the second feed path region 24b, a boundary G3 as one end portion on the side where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner containing portion 22 is arranged at a position lower in the vertical direction than the discharge opening 23 as the other end portion. The third feed path region 24c is Fig.42 The feed path portion 24 shown in parts (a) and (b) is a region from the boundary G2 to the boundary G3 excluding the first feed path region 24 a and the second feed path region 24 b .

[0410] <First Feed Path Area>

[0411] Will use Fig.42 The configuration of the first feed path region 24 a is described. Fig.42 The first feed path region 24a shown in part (a) includes a funnel-shaped portion 24a1 connected to the pump portion 21, a tubular curved portion 24a2 connected to the funnel-shaped portion 24a2, and a tubular straight portion 24a3 connected to the curved portion 24a2. These portions are smoothly connected to each other. In the case of considering the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the opposite end portions of the first feed path region 24a, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the boundary G1 is G1a and the cross-sectional area of ​​the boundary G2 is G2a, the following relationship is satisfied:

[0412] G1a > G2a

[0413] Fig.42 The first feed path region 24a shown in the portion (a) of FIG. 2 is a portion located on the pump portion 21 side (pump portion side) relative to the portion where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22. In the first feed path region 24a, the cross-sectional area G1a of the boundary G1 (connection opening) is larger than the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2, which is the portion where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22. Further, in the first feed path region 24, the boundary G2, which is one end portion on the side where the feed path portion 24 communicates with the toner accommodating portion 22, is arranged at the lowest position in the vertical direction.

[0414] <Effect of the First Feed Path Area>

[0415] As described above, the first feed path area 24a can freely arrange the position of the pump portion 21 by including the curved portion 24a2. In addition, by including the curved portion 24a2, the boundary G1 as the connection opening of the pump portion 21 can be arranged downward in the vertical direction. Thus, it is possible to make it difficult for the toner to enter the pump portion 21.

[0416] Furthermore, the relationship between the cross-sectional areas of the opposite end portions of the first feeding path region 24a is made to satisfy G1a>G2a, so that the flow velocity of the airflow generated in the pump portion 21 can be made faster in the first feeding path region 24a. Thus, by the suction / contraction operation of the pump portion 21, the toner can be sent to a higher place or a farther place.

[0417] In addition, in the first feeding path area 24a, the boundary G2 side is set at the lowest position in the vertical direction. As a result, it becomes difficult for the toner contained in the toner containing portion 22 to enter the area from the curved portion 24a2 to the funnel-shaped portion 24a1 of the first feeding path area 24, and thus a stable toner feeding amount can be achieved.

[0418] <Second Feed Path Area>

[0419] Next, we will use Fig.42 The configuration of the second feed path region 24b will be described. Fig.42 The second feed path region 24b shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 is configured to include a tubular straight portion 24b1 connected to the third feed path region 24c, a tubular curved portion 24b2 connected to the straight portion 24b1, and a tubular straight portion 24b3 connected to the curved portion 24b2. The respective portions are smoothly connected to each other.

[0420] Incidentally, the inner diameter of each of the straight portions 24b1 and 24b3 and the curved portion 24b2 is 4 mm. In addition, the second feed path region 24b extends upward from the curved portion 24b2 to the straight portion 24b3 in the vertical direction, and the discharge opening 23 provided at the end portion of the straight portion 24b3 is arranged at a position higher than the third feed path region 24c in the vertical direction.

[0421] In addition, if Fig.42 As shown in part (a) of , the second feed path area 24b is a portion located on the discharge opening 23 side (discharge opening side) relative to the portion of the feed path portion 24 communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22. Further, in the second feed path area 24b, the boundary G3 is arranged at the lowest position relative to the vertical direction. Further, the second feed path area 24b feeds the air sent from the pump portion 21 and the toner supplied from the toner accommodating portion 22. For this reason, it is desirable that a sudden change in the cross-sectional area of, for example, a stepped portion in the air flow direction is small.

[0422] <Effect of the Second Feed Path Area>

[0423] As described above, the second feed path region 24b includes the curved portion 24b2, so that the position of the discharge opening 23 can be freely arranged. In addition, in the second feed path region 24b, the boundary G3 side is set at the lowest position in the vertical direction. Thus, it becomes difficult for the toner in the toner containing portion 22 to enter the region from the curved portion 24b2 to the straight portion 24b3 of the second feed path region 24b, and therefore, a stable toner feeding amount can be achieved.

[0424] <Third Feed Path Area>

[0425] Next, we will use Fig.38 , Fig.42 and Fig.43 The configuration of the third feed path region 24c will be described. Fig.43 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the present embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig.43 Part (b) is Fig.43 (a) An enlarged view of section H. Fig.43 Part (c) is a schematic diagram showing an external form 25c1 when a cross section 25c of the communication opening 25 on the feed path portion 24 side is projected in the direction of air flow when the pump portion 21 is compressed, and shows an external form G31 when the boundary G3 is projected in this direction.

[0426] Fig.43 Part (d) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G21 when the boundary G2 is projected in the direction of the air flow when the pump part 21 is compressed. The arrow D2 direction is the direction of the air flow when the pump part 21 is compressed. Fig.43 Part (e) of FIG. 5 shows a superimposed view of these outer forms consisting of the outer form 24c1, the outer form G31 and the outer form G21.

[0427] The third feed path area 24c is a portion where the toner in the toner containing portion 22 is received in the feed path portion 24 through the communication opening 25. The third feed path area 24c is arranged below the toner containing portion 22 in the vertical direction and is located at the lowest portion of the feed path portion 24. The volume of the third feed path area 24c may be a volume consistent with the amount of toner to be fed, but Fig.42 In the vicinity of the boundary G2 and the boundary G3 shown in part (b), it is desirable that a sudden change in the cross section such as a step-shaped portion is small.

[0428] exist Fig.43 In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown where the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 between the first feed path region 24a and the third feed path region 24c and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 between the second feed path region 24b and the third feed path region 24c are equal to each other.

[0429] like Fig.43As shown in part (e) of FIG. 2 , when the cross section 25c of the communication opening 52 on the feed path portion 24 side is projected in the arrow D2 direction, the area of ​​the outer form 25c1 becomes substantially 0. On the other hand, the area of ​​the outer form G21 when the boundary G2 is projected in the arrow D2 direction and the area of ​​the outer form G31 when the boundary G3 is projected in the arrow D2 direction are substantially equal to each other.

[0430] For this reason, Fig.43 An area K2 of a region where the outer form G21 and the outer form G31 overlap indicated by hatching of the portion (e) is larger than an area K1 (=0) of a region where the outer form G21 and the outer form 25c1 overlap (K1<K2).

[0431] That is, when the pump portion 21 is compressed, the air flows in the direction of Fig.43 The external form G21 and the external form 25c1 shown in the portion (e) of FIG. 2 are compared with each other. Here, the external form G21 is an external form in which the cross section of the boundary G2, which is the position of the feed path portion 24 on the pump portion 21 side at the portion communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22, is projected in the arrow D2 direction. In addition, the external form 25c1 is an external form in which the cross section 25c of the portion of the feed path portion 24 on the toner accommodating portion 22 side (developer accommodating portion side) at the portion communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22 is projected in the arrow D2 direction. At this time, with respect to the external form G21, when the cross section of the boundary G3 is a projection of the portion of the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side at the portion communicating with the toner accommodating portion 22 in the arrow D2 direction, the area K2 where the opening G21 overlaps with the external form G31 is larger than the external form 25c1.

[0432] Thus, air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a when the pump portion 21 is compressed does not flow toward the communication opening 25 but tends to flow toward the second feed path region 24b in one direction. Thus, the amount of toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be stabilized.

[0433] According to the present embodiment, the pump portion 21 and the discharge opening 23 are communicated with each other through the feed path portion 24. Furthermore, then, the volume of the feed path portion 24 is set to be smaller than the volume change amount of the pump portion 21. Thus, the toner can be fed more easily even when a long feed path portion 24 or a curved feed path portion 24 is adopted, and the degree of freedom of the distance and direction to the toner supply destination is also improved.

[0434] <Opposing area forming part>

[0435] Next, we will use Fig.44The configuration of the opposing region forming portion 40 d 1 provided in the toner accommodating portion 22 is described. Fig.44 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the opposing region forming portion 40d1 provided in the toner accommodating portion 22 of the present embodiment. Fig.44 As shown, the toner accommodating portion 22 is constituted by including a frame 40 a , a cover member 40 d , a feeding member 42 , and a feeding shaft 43 .

[0436] like Fig.44 As shown, the opposing region forming portion 40d1 is formed by a protruding portion extending downward from the lower surface of the cover member 40d toward the communication opening 25. The opposing region forming portion 40d1 is a protruding portion protruding toward the inside from the inner wall surface of the toner containing portion 22. In addition, the opposing region forming portion 40d1 is constituted by a portion of the inner wall surface of the toner containing portion 22.

[0437] The opposing region forming portion 40d1 is provided at a position on the side of the frame 40a opposite to the side plate 40a1 with the communication opening 25 as a boundary. The opposing region forming portion 40d1 includes an opposing surface 40d2 opposing to the communication opening 25. The opposing region forming portion 40d1 forms an opposing region R1 of the inner space of the toner containing portion 22, the opposing region opposing to the communication opening 25, and surrounds the communication opening 25 by separating the opposing region R1 from another region. The volume of the opposing region is smaller than that of the other region.

[0438] The opposing region forming portion 40d1 is arranged on the upstream side of the communication opening 25 in the toner feeding direction indicated by the arrow D1a direction. The opposing region forming portion 40d1 restricts the amount of toner (the amount of developer) moving from the toner containing portion 22 toward the feeding path portion 24.

[0439] By forming the opposing region R1 opposing the communication opening 25, the amount of toner supplied from the communication opening 25 to the feed path portion 24 can be kept stable and not easily become excessive when the pump portion 21 performs an expansion operation. Thus, toner clogging in the feed path portion 24 can be suppressed.

[0440] The opposing region R1 and another region are communicated with each other via the second communication opening 39. The communication opening 39 is formed between the opposing surface 40d2 of the opposing region forming portion 40d1 and the bottom 40a2 of the toner containing portion 22 (or the upper surface of the feeding member 42). The bottom 40a2 of the toner containing portion 22 is constituted by a part of the frame 40a. In the present embodiment, the gap M between the opposing surface 40d2 of the opposing region forming portion 40d1 and the bottom 40a2 of the toner containing portion 22 is configured to be 10 mm, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0441] The first plane E1 in which the communication opening 25 is formed and the second plane E2 in which the second communication opening 39 is formed intersect approximately at right angles. Thus, the flow of toner is deflected, thereby preventing excessive toner from flowing into the communication opening 25, so that toner can be supplied to the feeding path portion 24 more stably.

[0442] Furthermore, the second communication opening 39 is smaller than the communication opening 25. Thus, during the expansion operation (intake of air) of the pump portion 21, advantageously, the amount of toner sucked into the feed path portion 24 is effectively suppressed.

[0443] <Feeding member>

[0444] Next, we will use Fig.44 The structure of the feeding member 42 is described below. Fig.44 As shown, the feeding member 42 is a plate-like member for feeding toner.

[0445] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the feeding member 42 is constituted by a plate-like member having a thickness t of 1 mm. Furthermore, a V-shaped recessed portion provided at a free end portion of an arm portion 43a protruding from a feed shaft 43 connected to an unillustrated drive source in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the feed shaft 43 and a V-shaped protruding portion 42a protruding from an upper surface portion of the feeding member 42 are swingably connected to each other. Incidentally, the driving of the feeding member 42 is not limited to this configuration.

[0446] Furthermore, an arrangement is adopted such that the feeding member 42 passes between the feeding shaft 43 and the bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22 so that the lower surface 42b of the feeding member 42 extends along the bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22. The feeding member 42 is configured so that the front end portion 42c of the feeding member 42 can enter the communication opening 39 formed between the opposing surface 40d2 of the opposing region forming portion 40d1 and the bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22 in the direction of arrow D1a.

[0447] <Feed path section>

[0448] Fig.45 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24. Fig.45 As shown, the toner cartridge B includes a toner accommodating portion 22 on which toner is accommodated, a pump portion 21 for generating an air flow by volume change, and a discharge opening 23 through which toner is discharged. Fig.45The feed path portion 24 connecting the pump portion 21 and the discharge opening 23 is shown by hatching, and includes a communication opening 25 at a middle portion of the feed path portion 24 through which the feed path portion 24 is connected to the toner accommodating portion 22 .

[0449] <Suppression of Toner Supply Amount by Opposing Area Formation Part>

[0450] Next, we will use Fig.44 and Fig.45 The limiting effect of the area forming portion 40d1 on the toner supply amount will be described below. Fig.44 As shown, the toner fed by the feeding member 42 toward the arrow D1a direction is partially scraped off from the feeding member 42 by the opposing region forming portion 40d1 provided on the cover member 40d. For this reason, the toner on the feeding member 42 passes through the communication opening 39 formed between the opposing region forming portion 40d1 and the feeding member 42, and moves toward the communication opening 25. Therefore, the amount of the toner moving toward the communication opening 25 is restricted by the opposing region forming portion 40d1, so that the toner is supplied to the third feeding path region 24c of the feeding path portion through the communication opening 25 by gravity.

[0451] In addition, if Fig.45 As shown, by the expansion operation of the pump portion 21 in the direction of the arrow D6, the air flows in the direction of the arrow D22 of the air flow generated during the expansion of the pump portion 21. By the negative pressure generated at this time, the air is sucked from the discharge opening 23 through the second feed path area 24b of the feed path portion 24, and is sucked from the communication opening 25 through the third feed path area 24c of the feed path portion 24.

[0452] At this time, the toner is supplied together with the air from the toner containing portion 22 through the communication opening 25 to the third feed path area 24c of the feed path portion 24. Here, the space near the communication opening 25 of the toner containing portion 22 is configured so that the portion 40d1 formed by the opposing area is narrowed. For this reason, the amount of toner supplied to the first feed path area 24a of the feed path portion 24 together with the air flowing toward the arrow D22 direction by the expansion operation of the pump portion 21 is limited.

[0453] <Effects of relative area forming part>

[0454] The amount of toner supplied to the feed path portion 24 through the communication opening 25 is limited by the opposing region forming portion 40d1. Thus, clogging of the toner in the first feed path region 24a, the second feed path region 24b, and the third feed path region 24c of the feed path portion 24 due to an excessive amount of toner supplied from the toner containing portion 22 can be prevented.

[0455] It is intended that the supply of toner from the toner containing portion 22 to the feed path portion 24 via the communication opening 25 is achieved by the self-weight of the feeding member 42 and the toner. Therefore, the toner sucked into the feed path portion 24 by the expansion operation of the pump portion 21 is not originally intended. When the amount of toner sucked by the expansion operation of the pump portion 21 is large, the amount of toner fed by the contraction operation of the pump portion 21 becomes excessive, so that toner clogging occurs in the feed path portion 24. For this reason, in the expansion operation (inhalation of air) of the pump portion 21, the amount of toner sucked into the feed path portion 24 from the toner containing portion 22 via the communication opening 25 can be suppressed by the opposing area forming portion 40d1.

[0456] <First Modified Embodiment>

[0457] Next, we will use Fig.46 The configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the first modified embodiment of the present embodiment are described. Fig.46 : is a sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the first modified embodiment of the seventh embodiment. Fig.46 The second feed path region 24b of the toner cartridge B shown is provided with the discharge opening 23 at the end portion of the tubular straight portion 24b1 connected to the third feed path region 24c. Therefore, the second feed path region 24b extending from the third feed path region 24c to the discharge opening 23 can be arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0458] In this modified embodiment, Fig.46 As shown, in the second feed path region 24b which is a portion located on the discharge opening 23 side relative to the boundary G3, the boundary G3 as one end is arranged at the same height (level) as the discharge opening 23 as the other end in the vertical direction. Here, the boundary G3 is one end on the side of the feed path portion 24 where the toner containing portion 22 communicates with the feed path portion 24.

[0459] At this time, the discharge opening 23 is provided with a not-shown shutter member outside the toner cartridge B, and the toner accommodated in the toner cartridge B is prevented from leaking to the outside by the shutter member.

[0460] <Second Modified Example>

[0461] Next, we will use Fig.47 The configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the second modified embodiment of the present embodiment are described. Fig.47 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the second modified embodiment of the present embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig.47 Part (b) is Fig.47 (a) An enlarged view of section H. Fig.47 Part (c) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G31. Fig.47 Part (d) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G21. Fig.47 Part (e) of FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram in which three external forms consisting of the external form 25 c 1 , the external form G31 , and the external form G21 are overlapped with each other.

[0462] In reference Fig.42 In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 are equal to each other. In this modified embodiment, Fig.47 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , an example is adopted in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 are different from each other. Fig.47 As shown in part (e), Fig.47 The area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 and the outer form G31 overlap is larger than the area indicated by the hatching of the portion (e). Fig.47 The hatching of portion (e) indicates an area K1 (K1<K2) of a region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form 25c1.

[0463] The boundary G2 is a portion of the feed path portion on the pump portion 21 side at the communication portion of the communication opening 25. The boundary G3 is a portion of the feed path portion 24 on the discharge opening 23 side at the communication portion of the communication opening 25. With respect to the external form G21 when the cross section of the boundary G2 is projected in the direction in which the air flows when the pump portion 21 is compressed, an area K2 where the external form G21 overlaps with an external form G31 when the cross section of the boundary G3 is projected in the direction in which the air flows when the pump portion 21 is compressed is larger than an area where the external form G21 overlaps with the external form 25c1. Thus, the air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a when the pump portion 21 is compressed is likely to flow to the second feed path region 24b in large quantities.

[0464] <Second Comparative Example>

[0465] Next, we will use Fig.48 The configurations of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the second comparative example are described. Fig.48 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 in the present comparative example as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig.48 Part (b) is Fig.48 (a) An enlarged view of section H. Fig.48Part (c) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G31. Fig.48 Part (d) is a schematic diagram showing the external form 25c1 and the external form G21. Fig.48 Part (e) of FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram in which three outer forms consisting of the outer forms 25c1, G31, and G21 are overlapped with each other.

[0466] In this comparison example, Fig.48 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , an example of a case where the difference between the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 is much greater than Fig.47 The difference in the above-mentioned second modified embodiment is shown in part (b).

[0467] like Fig.48 As shown in part (e), Fig.48 The area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 and the outer form G31 overlap indicated by the hatching of part (e) is smaller than that indicated by Fig.48 The hatching of part (e) indicates an area K1 (K1>K2) where the outer form G21 overlaps the outer form 25c1. Thus, when the pump portion 21 is compressed, a large amount of air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a flows to the second feed path region 24b.

[0468] In order to prevent this, setting is made so that the area K2 of the region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form G31 is larger than the area K1 of the region where the outer form G21 overlaps with the outer form 25c1. As a result, the air flowing out from the first feed path region 24a flows more easily toward the second feed path region 24b than toward the communication opening 25, so that the feeding amount of the toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be stabilized. For this reason, as Fig.43 As shown, it is desirable to increase the area K2 where the outer form G31 and the outer form G21 overlap each other.

[0469] <Effect of the Third Feed Path Area>

[0470] As described above, the third feed path area 24c is provided below the toner containing portion 22. For this reason, the toner in the toner containing portion 22 can be fed into the third feed path area 24c by utilizing the gravity of the toner. In addition, the third feed path area 24c is arranged at the lowest position of the feed path portion 24 in the vertical direction. For this reason, as described above, the toner supplied into the third feed path area 24c from the inside of the toner containing portion 22 by gravity can be prevented from entering the first feed path area 24a and the second feed path area 24b more than necessary. Thus, stabilization of the feed amount of the toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be achieved.

[0471] In addition, if Fig.43 Part (e) and Fig.47 As shown in part (e), the area K2 of the region where the external form G21 and the external form G31 overlap is set to be larger than the area K1 of the region where the external form G21 and the external form 25c1 overlap (K1<K2).

[0472] Thus, by the expansion / contraction operation of the pump portion 21, the toner present in the third feed path region 24c can be conveyed to the second feed path region 24b instead of being blown back to the communication opening 25. Thus, stabilization of the feed amount of the toner fed in the feed path portion 24 can be achieved.

[0473] <Toner Feeding from Toner Cartridge to Process Cartridge>

[0474] Next, we will use Figure 1 , Fig.38 and Fig.39 The toner feeding operation from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A is described. First, by using Fig.38 and Fig.39 , the toner feeding operation in the toner cartridge B will be described. Fig.39 As shown, the toner cartridge B is provided with a feeding portion 31.

[0475] The feeding section 31 includes a feeding member 42 provided on the bottom of the toner containing section 22 so as to be able to feed the toner along the Fig.39 The toner contained in the toner containing portion 22 is placed on the feeding member 42. The feeding member 42 is moved back and forth in the direction of arrows D1a and D1b. Fig.39 The feeding member 42 moves back and forth in the directions of arrows D1a and D1b. Fig.39 The maximum acceleration a2 in the direction of arrow D1b is greater than the maximum acceleration a2 of the feed member 42 in the direction of arrow D1b. Fig.39 The toner on the feeding member 42 moves along the direction of the arrow D1a. Fig.39 The machine is fed in the direction of arrow D1a.

[0476] along Fig.39 The toner fed in the direction of arrow D1a is guided by the inclined surface 22a provided at the inner surface of the toner containing portion 22, and is collected to the communication opening 25. Fig.38 As shown, since the communication opening 25 faces the lower side of the toner containing portion 22, the toner conveyed to the communication opening 25 passes through the communication opening 25 by gravity and is conveyed to the feed path portion 24. The toner conveyed to the feed path portion 24 is conveyed to the discharge opening 23 by the air flow generated when the pump portion 21 is compressed.

[0477] like Figure 1 As shown, in a state where the toner cartridge B and the process cartridge A are mounted in the image forming apparatus C, the discharge opening 23 of the feed path portion 24 communicates with one end portion of the main component path portion 1 provided on the apparatus main component C1 side of the image forming apparatus C. Furthermore, the other end portion of the main component path portion 1 and the receiving portion 18 of the toner accommodating portion 17 of the process cartridge A communicate with each other.

[0478] The toner sent out from the discharge opening 23 of the toner cartridge B passes through the main assembly path portion 1 provided in the image forming apparatus C, and is fed to the toner accommodating portion 17 through the receiving portion 18 of the process cartridge A. As described above, the toner is fed from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A. In the present embodiment, the toner can be discharged upward from the toner cartridge B arranged below the process cartridge A. In addition, the toner can be discharged to a distant place.

[0479] <Third to Fifth Modified Embodiments>

[0480] In this embodiment, if Fig.44 As shown, an example in which the opposing region forming portion 40d1 is suspended from the lower surface of the cover member 40d toward the communication opening 25 is described, but it is not limited to this shape.

[0481] Figures 49 to 51 The third to fifth modified embodiments are shown in which the shapes of the opposing region forming portions 141d1, 141d2, and 141d3 are different from each other. Fig.49 : is a sectional view showing the configuration of the opposing region forming portion 141d1 provided in the toner accommodating portion 22 of the third modified embodiment of the present embodiment. Fig.50 141d2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the opposing region forming portion 141d2 provided in the toner accommodating portion 22 of the fourth embodiment of the present embodiment. Fig.51 141 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the opposing region forming portion 141d3 provided in the toner accommodating portion 22 of the fifth modified embodiment of the present embodiment.

[0482] exist Fig.49 In the third modified embodiment shown, there is provided a relative region forming portion 141d1 composed of a vertical member hanging down from the lower surface of the cover member 142d along the side plate 40a1 of the frame 40a to the bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22. The relative region forming portion 141d1 is composed of a width that substantially covers the upper space of the communication opening 25, and a lower end portion 141d1a on the side opposite to the toner accommodating portion 22 contacts the bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22 with the communication opening 25 as a boundary.

[0483] exist Fig.50 In the fourth modified embodiment shown, there is provided a vertical member 142d3 which is suspended from the lower surface of the cover member 142d along the side plate 40a1 of the frame 40a to the bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22. Furthermore, at the middle portion of the vertical member 142d3, there is provided a facing region forming portion 142d1 which is perpendicular to the vertical member 142d3, extends toward the toner accommodating portion 22, and includes a facing surface 142d2 which is the lower surface of the lateral member which substantially covers the upper space of the communication opening 25.

[0484] exist Fig.51 In the fifth modified embodiment shown, there is provided a vertical member 143d3 which is suspended from the lower surface of the cover member 142d along the side plate 40a1 of the frame 40a to the bottom 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22. Further, at the middle portion of the vertical member 143d3, there is provided a facing area forming portion 143d1 which extends toward the toner accommodating portion 22 and includes a facing surface 143d2 in which the bottom of the triangular portion substantially covers the upper space of the communication opening 25.

[0485] Even in the case where the opposing region forming portions 141d1, 142d1, and 143d1 are constituted by the shapes in the third to fifth modified embodiments, these opposing region forming portions are also applicable to these modified embodiments, respectively.

[0486] In the present embodiment, the materials of the respective cover members 40d, 141d to 143d and the feed member 42 can be appropriately constituted by using a general-purpose plastic material. As such a plastic material, polystyrene (PS), polyethylene, terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), etc. are applicable. As other plastic materials, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc. are applicable. As another plastic material, ABS resin, polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM), etc. are applicable.

[0487] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a case is described in which the opposing region forming portions 40d1 and 141d1 to 143d1 are integrally formed with the cover members 40d and 141d to 143d, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, even in the case where the respective opposing region forming portions 40d1 and 141d1 to 143d1 are configured as members separated from the respective cover members 40d and 141d-143d, this configuration is applicable. Furthermore, the opposing region forming portion for limiting the toner feeding amount by substantially covering the upper space of the communication opening 25 may also be provided on the frame 40a side.

[0488] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which toner feeding is performed by reciprocating movement of the feeding member 42 of the toner containing portion 22 of the toner cartridge B in the directions of the arrows D1a and D1b in the toner containing portion 22 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, even a configuration in which toner feeding is performed by using a known rotating stirring member in which a sheet member is mounted on a rotating shaft is suitable.

[0489] [Eighth Embodiment]

[0490] Next, we will use Fig.52 and Fig.53 The configuration of the developer supply device and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention in the eighth embodiment is described. Incidentally, components (parts) constructed similarly to those in the seventh embodiment described above are described by adding the same symbols or adding the same component names even when the symbols are different. Fig.52 140d1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pump portion 221, the feed path portion 24, and the opposing region forming portion 140d1 provided in the toner accommodating portion 22 in the present embodiment. Fig.53 140 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the opposing region forming portion 140 d 1 and the stirring member 110 provided in the toner accommodating portion 22 of the present embodiment.

[0491] In this embodiment, if Fig.52 As shown, the pump portion 221 is provided with an exhaust valve 221k. The exhaust (inlet) valve 221k allows air to flow from the outside into the pump portion 221 (into the pump portion) during the expansion operation of the pump portion 221. Further, in the feed path portion 24, between the boundary G1 (connection opening) between the pump portion 21 and the feed path portion 24 and the communication opening 25, a toner inflow suppressing member 221g as a suppressing member is provided.

[0492] During the expansion operation of the pump portion 221, the toner inflow suppressing member 221g allows air to pass through and suppresses the toner from passing through. Thus, the pump portion 221 and the toner accommodating portion 22 are prevented from being clogged with toner of the feeding path portion 24. Incidentally, the image forming process of the image forming apparatus C and the configurations of the process cartridge A and the toner cartridge B are similar to those in the seventh embodiment described above, and therefore, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0493] <Pump section and feed path section>

[0494] Will use Fig.52 The configurations of the pump portion 221 and the feed path portion 24 as the characteristic configurations of the present embodiment will be described. Fig.52As shown, the pump portion 221 is provided with an exhaust valve 221k. Furthermore, the straight portion 24a3 of the first feed path region 24a of the feed path portion 24 is provided with a toner inflow suppressing member 221g.

[0495] like Fig.52 As shown, when the pump part 221 performs an expansion operation in the direction of arrow D6, the exhaust valve 221k can allow air to flow from the exhaust valve 221k in the direction of arrow D7. In addition, the following air valve is used so that when the pump part 221 performs an expansion operation in the direction of arrow D6, air does not flow out from the exhaust valve 221k in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow D5.

[0496] Furthermore, the toner inflow suppressing member 221 g provided at the straight portion 24 a 3 of the first feed path region 24 a of the feed path portion 24 uses a filter member through which air passes and which can seal the toner.

[0497] <Toner Accommodating Section>

[0498] Next, we will use Fig.53 The configuration of the toner containing portion 22 of this embodiment will be described. Fig.53 As shown, the opposing region forming portion 140d1 integrally formed with the cover member 140d is provided at a position substantially opposing the third feed path portion 24c of the feed path portion 24 in the upper space of the communication opening 25. Further, the opposing region forming portion 140d1 is arranged on the upstream side of the communication opening 25 in the arrow D1a direction.

[0499] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the gap M1 between the opposing region forming portion 140d1 and the bottom portion 40a2 of the toner accommodating portion 22 is configured to be 15 mm, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0500] Furthermore, a stirring member 110 that rotates about the rotation center P is provided above the communication opening 25 . The stirring member 110 breaks up the toner fed from the toner accommodating portion 22 toward the feed path portion 24 .

[0501] <Prevention of Toner Inflow into Pump Portion by Exhaust Valve and Toner Inflow Suppression Member>

[0502] Next, we will use Fig.52 The action of preventing the toner from flowing into the pump portion 221 by the exhaust valve 221 k and the toner inflow suppressing member 221 g is described.

[0503] like Fig.52As shown, by the expansion operation of the pump portion 221 in the direction of arrow D6, air flows from the outside into the pump portion 221 through the exhaust valve 221k in the direction of arrow D5. Therefore, air does not flow from the second feed path area 24b or the third feed path area 24c of the feed path portion 24 to the first feed path area 24a.

[0504] On the other hand, the air generated by the pump portion 221 flows in the direction of the arrow D2 by the compression operation of the pump portion 201 in the direction of the arrow D7. Then, the air passes through the first feed path area 24a, the third feed path area 24c, and the second feed path area 24b of the feed path portion 24, and is discharged through the discharge opening 23 together with the toner supplied from the toner containing portion 22.

[0505] At this time, the toner inflow suppressing member 221g provided at the straight portion 24a3 of the first feed path region 24a enables air to flow from the first feed path region 24a to the third feed path region 24c and the second feed path region 24b in the direction of arrow D2. On the other hand, the toner inflow suppressing member 221g prevents toner from flowing into the first feed path region 24a.

[0506] <Toner Supply by Opposing Area Forming Portion and Stirring Member>

[0507] Next, we will use Fig.53 The toner supplying action by the rotation of the opposing area forming portion 140d1 and the stirring member 110 is described. Fig.53 As shown, the toner fed in the direction of arrow D1a by the feeding member 42 is partially scraped off from the feeding member 42 by the opposing region forming portion 141d1 provided on the cover member 140d.

[0508] For this reason, the toner amount fed toward the communication opening 25 by the toner on the feeding member 42 is restricted by the opposing region forming portion 140 d 1 , so that the toner is supplied to the third feeding path region 24 c of the feeding path portion 24 through the communication opening 25 by gravity.

[0509] In this embodiment, if Fig.52 As shown, during the expansion operation of the pump portion 221 in the direction of arrow D6, due to the action of the exhaust valve 221k, air does not flow in the direction from the third feed path area 24c toward the pump portion 221. Therefore, a force for sucking the toner from the communication opening 25 toward the third feed path area 24c is not generated.

[0510] For this reason, Fig.53As shown, the toner fed toward the communication opening 25 by the feeding member 42 is broken up by the rotation of the stirring member 110 , and thus the toner easily falls from the communication opening 25 into the third feeding path region 24 c of the feeding path portion 24 by gravity.

[0511] <Toner Backflow Prevention Effect>

[0512] The amount of toner fed to the feed path portion 24 through the communication opening 25 can be limited by the toner inflow suppressing member 221g and the opposing area forming portion 140d1. Thus, the toner can be prevented from flowing into the pump portion 221. Thus, the pump portion 221 and the feed path portion 24 can be prevented from being clogged by the toner. Other configurations are similar to those in the above-described embodiments, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0513] [Industrial Applicability]

[0514] The developer supply device and the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be used in the industry of manufacturing image forming apparatuses in which the electrophotographic technology is applied.

[0515] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, but various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are attached to disclose the scope of the present invention.

[0516] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-168100 filed on September 17, 2019, Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-168101 filed on September 17, 2019, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-168102 filed on September 17, 2019, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: Photosensitive drum; a developing roller configured to supply a developer to the photosensitive drum and to carry the developer; a first developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate the developer supplied to the developing roller; a developer supply device including a pump portion having a variable volume, a feed path portion including a connection opening connected to the pump portion at one end and a discharge opening at the other end, and a second developer accommodating portion connected between the one end and the other end of the feed path portion and for accommodating the developer, the second developer accommodating portion being configured to be mountable in and detachable from a main assembly of the image forming apparatus and being arranged below the first developer accommodating portion; a driving portion configured to drive the pump portion to change a volume of the pump portion; and a main assembly path portion as a path through which the developer is fed from the discharge opening to the first developer accommodating portion, wherein the pump portion is driven by the drive portion so that a volume change amount of the pump portion is larger than a total volume from a connection opening to a discharge opening of the feed path portion, wherein the developer is fed from the discharge opening to the main assembly path portion by air discharged from a pump portion of the developer supply device, and Here, the developer reaches the first developer accommodating portion along with the air exhausted from the pump portion through the main assembly path portion.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein In a portion of the feed path portion located on the pump portion side relative to a portion where the feed path portion communicates with the second developer accommodating portion, a cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting opening is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the portion where the feed path portion communicates with the second developer accommodating portion.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In a portion of the feed path portion which is located on the discharge opening side relative to a portion where the feed path portion is connected to the second developer accommodating portion, one end portion of the feed path portion which is located on the side where the second developer accommodating portion is connected to the feed path portion is arranged at the same height as or at a lower position than the discharge opening which is the other end portion of the feed path portion.

4. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In a portion of the feed path portion located on the discharge opening side relative to a portion of the feed path portion connected with the second developer accommodating portion, an end portion of the feed path portion located on a side where the developer accommodating portion is connected with the feed path portion is arranged at the lowest position relative to the vertical direction.

5. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In a portion of the feed path portion that is located on the pump portion side relative to a portion where the feed path portion is connected to the second developer accommodating portion, an end portion of the feed path portion that is located on a side where the second developer accommodating portion is connected to the feed path portion is arranged at the lowest position relative to the vertical direction.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: an external form of the feeding path portion obtained by projecting a cross section of a portion on the pump portion side of the portion where the developer is located, in the air flow direction when the pump portion is compressed, Regarding the external form of the feed path portion obtained by projecting a cross-section of a portion of the second developer accommodating portion connected to the feed path portion located on the pump portion side, an area in which the aforementioned external form overlaps with an external form of the feed path portion obtained by projecting a cross-section of a portion of the second developer accommodating portion connected to the feed path portion located on the discharge opening side is greater than an area in which the aforementioned external form overlaps with an external form of the feed path portion obtained by projecting a cross-section of a portion of the second developer accommodating portion connected to the feed path portion located on the second developer accommodating portion side.

7. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The connecting opening is arranged above a portion of the feed path portion at which the feed path portion communicates with the second developer accommodating portion, and wherein a direction in which the pump portion is connected to the feed path portion is a downward direction, and wherein the portion of the feed path portion at which the feed path portion communicates with the second developer accommodating portion is arranged below the second developer accommodating portion.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The developer supply device is mountable to and detachable from a cartridge used in the image forming apparatus.

Images